Mari

"When we made this guild, we made four pillars for a reason. We all knew that people would step back for a time, so I expected this. Not everyone at once, mind you, but it was there because we knew that there is an ebb and flow to these things. We have good leaders now, and we will rebuild. We've already begun." "It's good that the guild's built back up. That new leaders were found." Mari closed her eyes. "In truth..." She started quietly. "I'm relieved. I don't think I could be a leader right now. I struggled back then. I kept having so much pressure thrown on me." It was hard to admit t

"Of course." As Baldur shifted to face toward her Mari sighed. A soft exhale as she slung herself back against the polished wood. Using her arms folded beneath her head as a makeshift pillow. He probably had so many questions... Maybe he'd even ask them in due time, but right now - he was giving her the floor...allowing herself to collect her thoughts. Mari didn't know where to start...maybe the beginning? That seemed about right. "Shield. Beat. Oikawa." Mari started. "They went missing." Mari paused. "You know what Oikawa did?" Mari would shift her gaze to the sunlight, filtered thr

HOME The last word sent with a sense of urgency and desperation. Where once stood a shabby cottage barely fit for one, now stood a larger home - made primarily out of various cut stone and mortar. Two stories loomed over a frozen lake. Nestled in the forests of the 4th floor. Hidden by a steep and looming mountainside the house would be near impossible to find if you were not specifically looking for it. And yet, here, in the middle of nowhere - in a freezing tundra - was home. A cherished home of brick and mortar glowing amid seas of white. Glass windows frosted to pro

."It's Ume-zing" Mari snorted at his pun. "Yer still a dork. It's nice to see that hasn't changed." Mari picked up her own small glass as he offered a warm hearted cheers before she emptied it, then in a fashion that was similar to Baldur - she refilled her own glass again. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, and made time for some girls day out. Connection is important to us in here." "Yeh..." Mari said softly. "Sometimes. I suppose it is." Mari had lost so many of her connections. Lost faith in so many people. Why was it that all those closest to her just up and left? It was hard

It was nice...there was no discussions of frontlines, no dwelling about tiny prison cells that had no sun. In that peaceful moment there was no such thing as a war effort. Of mobs and death. No monument of life. Just three friends enjoying each others company. Taking solace in the fact that after so many years they had finally been reunited. A quiet reprieve..in what would now forever be known as the strawberry yolo onsen. -End- Mari | [Word Count: 4499/10 = 449.9] * [True Tier: 9] * [Group Factor: 1] = 4049 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 607 col Macradon | [Word Count: 4499/10

"You have always been so hard on yourself, it's good to hear that you've made some connections that are truly yours rather than just your pasts'" Hoo boy, that hit the nail on the head more than he knew. Mari offered Baldur a cheeky grin. "Yeh. You could say something like that." She wouldn't go into further detail. Not now. "I was though...I think it drove me a little mad. Did...Shield ever tell you that conversation he and I had?" Mari paused, then continued - not waiting for her friend to respond. "How I didn't want to be here anymore." Words that were heavy, but spoken in a light tone

'FWEEET' A very loud discordant A-Flat pierced her ears, sharp and unapologetic as Baldur faltered. Mari couldn't help but laugh at the harsh sound. His surprise. "Oh! Good to see you Mari." Baldur stood up from where he sat and gave her a friendly bow of welcome. He was always so earnest and formal that way. The woman tilted her head ever so slightly to the side, a small soft and warm smile upon her lips. This. This was why things were hard. When she began to doubt, when she was questioning her position in the guild. Where she stood with him...with the front-lines, in a simple gestu

It had been almost a month since she was released from prison. In that time she had told herself she’d meet up with Baldur and have a long discussion numerous times. And yet each and every time she had been distracted. Getting drunk with Arcanthus and Katoka…that dark shinsengumi from the laughing coffin… Mari snorted in amusement. Somehow…both he an Baldur were similar. Two sides of the same coin. It was a shame really…they’d never meet, and if they did it would likely not end well. The dark shinsengumi’s words echoed in Mari’s mind. Tell those you love to stop seeking salva

Freyd stumbled slightly and Mari held him up with a jutted out elbow. She threw a gaze over her shoulder back at him. His goofy grin was all it took to calm her slight nerves over this expedition. It was funny...she really did see him as family now. Mari snorted, taking advantage of his slurred stupor to acknowledge that fact. Though she was sure he was already well aware, she had stated as much to him. But so casually? So informally? In a situation that wasn't terse, no. They hadn't really had many of those lately, so maybe it'd be nice to have one now. "Careful, bro. Not sure I have the upp

PH AOE-I -> Snapdragon 13-16 (-18 EN)

"Morningstar," It was good to have a name to the face who helped her earlier. He shifted his gaze over toward Nemo, talking fondly of the NPC. Ah he was one of those people. The kind of bleeding heart folk who treated NPCs no different to people. Mari was pretty sure she felt like that...at the very beginning but something changed long ago. He explained to Mari how the NPC would react, essentially don't fuck with the guys garden. Mari didn't really like NPCs - but it wasn't like she actively sought them out and ripped them apart or anything. And she wouldn't just go stomping around in o

Mari picked up the plain cup of tea. blowing on it she drank. It wasn't anything fancy. Just plain black tea with a splash of milk and sweetened with a touch of sugar. It's simplicity comforted the woman. Yuki would go on to talk about her relationship with Cro, how they weren't always together - but always found a home within each other. It was sweet. It was nice. Mari didn't think she'd ever have something like that - but at least others did. Mari set the cup down and began to trace its rim with her index finger. "Nothin' wrong with that Yuki." Mari said as she watched the steam dance around

PURCHASING Teleport Crystal | [800col] X3 Use a post action to activate a teleport crystal. Teleports the player to the town or designated teleportation area they specify. Dimensional Backpack | [5,000col] Adds +1 to Battle Ready inventory. This item does not take up a Battle Ready inventory slot. A player may only have one Dimensional Backpack at any time. Spyglass (x3) | [800col] Use to reduce the number of posts required to search for a dungeon, familiar or field bosses by 5 posts. Effect lasts for one thread Custom

Mari burst through his door again, with a very old looking sack. with very old looking items in them. They were practically rusted. "So..." She tilted her head to the side. "I was...cleaning out my inventory to prepare for....things. And I found all these. They're old. Ancient even. Can you just-" She paused. Realizing she was being rude. "Sorry. Can you please identify this old piece of armour? The rest you can scrap." Mari offered him a small smile. "For helping me last time, keep half the change, if there are no unique enchancements scrap it, sell it, I don't care. Do what you lik

Ariel....that's a name Mari had almost forgotten. Someone who was adamant Mari was a terrible person. Believing the rumours and lies that Zelrius had sprinked throughout Aincrad. It was a post for any who would choose to accept. Mari wasn't sure why she had bothered to accept. She had lost interest in questing, in fighting mobs recently. She just wanted to do what she wanted. Meander around. Enjoy the little things. A hot shower, a warm meal. A bed with someone beside you. Yet here she was, now rounding a hill to see familiar faces. Ariel, Freyd, Arcanthus. At least this would be bearable

"Don't ever be sorry for trying to help. That is rare these days, keep that with you.” Eruda said gently Mari couldn’t help but have her lips quirk into a genuine smile at the girls words. “I always try.” Eruda was just like Raidou in so many ways. Mari could see how the woman had easily wormed her way into his heart. Despite his absolute oblivious obstinacy. She had this quiet and unassuming presence that most would brush off, but she spoke with such passion and determination. Mari watched as Eruda stood, dusting the light snow from her form. She went into more detail about their

The warm, earthy scent of baked dough immediately filled the newly founded home, mingling with the faint sweetness of vanilla and a crackling fire as Mari pulled a dish out the oven. “Freyd! Oh- shit hang on..” Mari glanced around, quickly placing the freshly baked ciabatta loaf on the stovetop. She ripped off her oven mitts and turned to face him. She gave him a genuine and soft smile that reached her eyes, despite the tiredness they held. “I’m really happy you’re here!” Mari shifted to the kitchen table and picked up a small hot mug. She quickly walked over to him, almost tripping

There was supposed to be a quest here; and Mari recognized the name of the person offering. They'd done some things together before - He appraised things for her. Not exactly a friend, but a familiar name and face. The woman walked long the beach, her feet making a 'thwak' 'thwak' sound as the soles of her sandals slapped against the sand. Mari had her weapon casually hanging over one shoulder, propped up by one hand. In the other, was a half melted purple colored ice cream. Taro, if anyone asked. If Mari was going to be here, she may as well enjoy it. She wore a large brimmed sunhat, and

The man talked to the NPC amicably, Mari did her best not to roll her eyes. NPCs.... She thought. Mari didn't think much of them, but she would do her utmost best not to judge those who found camaraderie or companionship with them. Everyone dealt with this place in different ways, and Mari supposed NPCs were the large majority within Aincrad now. "Greetings," Nemo gave a slight bow. He didn't seem to notice the cursor--or, if he did, it didn't bother him either. "Welcome to my garden. I hope you enjoy your visit," the gardener said. "yo," A nod of acknowledgement and a simple greetin

Mari felt an overwhelming sense of comfort as Raidou closed his hands around hers, squeezing them tightly. Lancaster was safe. Mari let out a shaky breath. If any of her friends had harmed him...or had taken him away from her, she knows she'd break her promise to the dark Shinsengumi. She'd snap. She'd burn the world down in pure unadulterated, unrelenting spite. There'd be no more hesitation. No forgiveness. No control. Just a grief stricken madness that would end everything including herself. The thought unnerved Mari a little...that her love for the man, perhaps her obsession even ran that

"I am not sure how much you've been told. Or what your affiliation with the guild might be." Mari shifted uncomfortably, sitting back down on the table as he gestured for her to calm down. Right…right…she had to be more calm about this. Mari closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I know some things… the three rules you laid out. That there are like…” She tilted her head. Thinking for a moment before continuing. Attempting to talk in a trembling yet controlled tone. She was much better at controlling her emotions now more than ever. “Fingers. Hands. Terminology that would make me assume

Mari let Raidou carefully take her arm, one by one as he inspected it. Mari watched with a quiet sort of resignation, knowing it was his way of caring for her. Almost as though he was saying sorry for putting her through that with his actions. He turned her arms over. Making sure she wasn’t hurt. “I’m okay.” Mari reiterated, a weak attempt to try and reassure him. She knew she could tell him a thousand times and he'd still check her over. “Whatever that thing was. It didn’t actually hurt me.” He took a step back and pressed a half stale bread roll into her hands, asking her to eat. Mari took a

Mari rubbed at her eyes, so much had happened everything was blurring together. It was a tired action. She wanted to remove the edges of weariness from them but it did little to quell the effect. The bright blue light disappeared, revealing what looked like a small square room. It felt familiar. She'd seen this exact size and shape countless times before. They were in a dungeon. The silence between them was broken by the soft fwoom of torches as they lit up the room - and provided it with touches of warmth that Mari didn't realize she needed. The light danced over a room filled with forgotten

"Enough!" With the order barked Mari began to feel an odd pain. A shattering command that echoed through her body. Every word he spoke she almost felt an allure to follow. It felt like as though someone was peeling her very skin away. Something inside her shifted. It tore at her very being, the fibers of her soul. Layer by layer- and with each layer Mari could breath a little better, the heavy weight on her heart a little lighter. But with it..a clarity as memories of the events that just transpired began to set in a mind that was entirely her own again. It caused her shoulders to lurch

₣₳₵ɆⱠɆ₴₴ ₭₦ł₲Ⱨ₮ ♫♫♫♫ "Breath." She breathed deep, a gargled and raspy breath. The pain in her chest subsided with each ragged inhale, rising and falling in an uneven rhythm as she listened to her friend…friend? Yes. Friend. His voice somehow rang out perfectly clear in her mind. "Focus on what you're doing. Control yourself, let it raise to a boil. When you feel like your about to burst..." Her hair, now long black tendrils with a molten sheen of gold dragged against the ground as the Faceless Knight took one, two, then three steps forward. With a flick they la