[F24 - PP/JL] Unexpected Visitor

[Snow 0]

A couple guilds?

"Oh, well..." Snow comment to Calrex and turned her eyes away. "It... fits nicely."

'Fits nicely?!' Are you stupid?! Ugh, god you are an idiot Alyssa...

The hue of her cheeks deepened a few shades. Thankfully, Assassin broke the awkwardness in the air as she grabbed a plate of food. Hearing that Ariel was here distracted the girl from her failures. Her attention returned to Kimba and Assassin as they enjoyed some of her cooking.

"Really? Well, I'm glad she's alright and you too, Assassin." Snow couldn't help but notice the irony of her nickname. The girl was so wary of her username and its connotations before. Yet, by adopting the shorter nickname, it phonetically sounded like "death-chan" or "little death" in Japanese. Snow wasn't sure which one would bring more unease to a stranger.  

"It's good to see you making friends. I'm glad you're doing well." Snow looked back to Calrex and steeled herself in the wake of the heat rising in her cheeks. "Why don't you sit down and have some appetizers before you train? Can't focus on an empty stomach." 

As she spoke, she hoped Ariel would also sneak her way to the dining hall. Snow hadn't seen her in forever and wherever Kimba bolted off to, Ariel usually followed.

@Calrex, @Ariel - The Crowned Lion, @Assassin

[Calrex 0]

"Sin-chan, I guess going from how Snow is addressing you it's sort for Assassin, gotcha."

"Rather odd username for someone to be picking at her age, but I guess with the scars that might not be something unknown. Still, to think she's probably been through so much before even getting into his game. It reminds me a lot of what Teayre's gone through."

Hearing Snow's comment on his attire he felt a bead of sweat form on the side of his head, "I...appreciate that. I'm sure if any of the others saw me in this they'd likely make a couple of...actually maybe more than a couple...friendly jabs, because I swear this thing's got some kind of extra shading effect or something. I'll probably have a small bite before heading to the dojo."

With that he went over to the assortment of food, making a small plate before finding and taking a seat, adjusting the white cloak that draped over his shoulders so it covered a bit more of his torso, "I do appreciate that this is basically held to my body like it had magnets. Probably would be a bit too much to have it be constantly flying off."

@Snow @Assassin

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Eliciting no response from Shield, the blonde simply shrugged and went to put her shoes back on. With her fan now folded in her hand, she went roaming around some more with the vague objective of reuniting with Sin and Kimba. Knowing her familiar, she though it a little odd that there wasn't any kind of disturbance yet... or thought that maybe she was too far away from the two to hear anything. She tried to follow the directions the guildmaster told earlier and with the extra help from her nose she would arrive at the kitchen. 

"Dare ga omae?" she involuntarily asked with disbelief, as she saw a man revealing his half-naked torso. She moved next to Assassin and affectionately tried to cover her eyes with her hands from behind. "I hope we're not interrupting anything." she asked with a sly smile while eyeing Calrex and the other girl in the room.

---

TL Note: (jap.)"Dare ga omae?" - "Who're you?"

Edited June 2, 2020 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Assassin 0]

Assassin's vision went dark for a moment after Ariel covered her eyes. She moved the woman's hand out of the way and turned around to see her. "Hey Nee-chan! I found Kimba some food." The girl pointed over to Ariel's familiar, who was indulging herself in some of Snow's food. Speaking of Snow. "Oh hey, this is tank-lady!" The girl pointed over to Snow with a smile. "She protected me from a mean wasp when I was a lower level! Tank-lady, this is Nee-chan!"

The girl's introduction of the two hardly meant anything without actual names, but those were too hard to remember. Once she introduced them, she went back to eating her food. She didn't have much to say to Calrex, though she did keep an eye on him. He was looking at her with that kind of look when people first learn her username. Hopefully he wouldn't base his opinion of her on that.

[Shield 0]

It seemed impossible to keep smugness away from Ariel's features. No matter what, she seemed determined to find something to be amused about. Though he was relieved that Ariel had not seemed to take offense at his refusal, Shield still had other concerns, one of which she hit directly on the head. As she walked, Shield kept pace, hovering a few feet behind her left shoulder as to keep her properly in view.

"I had intended to eventually," Shield said, referring to Ariel's question regarding the girl she had called Sin. "And don't worry, despite my initial visceral reaction to her scars, I know you did not inflict them." His footfalls were heavy in comparison to the svelte woman who walked ahead of him. "I will hear your account of the situation with her if you are willing to share it, but I will also need to hear her input on it to verify what I can."

He had heard the sing-song call of his name, but the redhead who belonged to the voice had been gone before he had a chance to look. He pulled open his menu, sending a brief message apologizing for the unexpected visit and promising Mari that they could make their way out for ramen as soon as he was reasonably sure that Ariel would not pose a threat to anyone in the guild grounds.

As they rounded the corner into the kitchen, they found themselves faced with a very full room. Shield nodded a brief greeting to those present coming in part way through Sin's explanation of how Ariel had encountered her.

Well, that answers some questions. Though one good deed is not a guarantee of character.

Still, despite his intent to maintain his guard, his stance subconsciously softened the slightest bit. Still, he was interested for the moment in keeping the child talking on the issue. "Is there more to that story?" he asked from his spot by the door. His dark brown eyes searched Sin, watching her mannerisms for signs of harm.

[Mari 1]

Mari was seated on the floor, back against the wooden wall. The fiery dress lay around her like a glimmering golden pool. "f**king stupid." Mari muttered to herself. She could hear the sounds of voices and merriment not too far off - and figured that's where everyone was currently congregating. Mari found what she was looking for, and replaced her gala dress with her regular clothing. "Good move Mari. Great way to make amends." She muttered to herself.

Why was Ariel there?  Maybe Shield was trying to work on public relations with the guild. That was good. Still.... Mari sighed as she glanced up at the ceiling, cerulean eyes traveling along the bare wooden beams. It was kinda nice to sit here and listen to the sounds of civilisation. Mari forgot how much she missed it. The sounds of people, of living. For so long she was used to silence, and whilst she had come to find a calm within that it was oddly pleasant to hear the sounds of talking around her. But...Her presence within the guild really was an issue, wasn't it?

Mari wished Beat or Oikawa were around.

[Baldur 0]

Baldur heard the sounds of conversation and moment from his rooms at the center of the estate and the Temple grounds. The only 2 story buildings were his personal collection of rooms at the main house, and the dojo. The rest of the buildings sprawled along the plot of land, woven into the nature of the almost floating island. Each section wrapped by the natural beauty, well tended gardens, or the lush fishing ponds filled with koi. The serenity of this place was more than he had ever expected. The life the guild bright to it took away from the peace and quiet, but brought a vibrance that he would never want to replace.

The smell of cooking food and the hiss of hot water for tea summoned him to the kitchen before his time working on the dojo or the rest of the house. He slid one of the shoji walls open and was surprised by what he saw. Ariel sat there with a girl he had never met or seen before. Cal was there, half dressed for a workout, and Shield watching over Snow cook for Limbs and Roc.

Baldur thought for a moment about just sliding the panel shut again, but the host in him would let him. He was I'll prepared for guests. But the gaijin samurai never let anyone see him unprepared.

"Ohayo, everyone " Baldur gave them all a broad, welcoming smile that touched his oceanic blue eyes.

"I wasn't expecting you Ariel. To what do I owe the pleasant surprise?"

His eyes flickered once to the girl, and once to Shield standing guard over the room, though he seemed at ease.

"Welcome to my home, and the guild hall of Jacob's Ladder."

He turned and smiled to Snow as he took a seat in the room.

"May I have some green tea as well, Snow-chan."

@Ariel - The Crowned Lion @Snow @Calrex 

Edited June 21, 2020 by Baldur

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

A few moments later she read the name tag and recognized his features, she let out a chuckle on Calrex' expense before greeting him. "Long time no see. Cal-kun." she added with a smile before directing her attention at their local chef. Her gaze then trailed at her furred familiar that was happily stuffing herself and reveling in the attention she's gotten so far. "Tank-lady... a pleasure to finally meet you, Sin-chan has been mentioning you ever since I meet her. I got curious as to what kind of person you were." she put a hand on Assassin's head and lightly ruffled her hair then looked at Snow from top to bottom. As she finished her examination, she extended her right hand slightly and offert a curt bow: "Kayla Ariel D'sole, again, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. And thank you for looking after this spoiler one."  she slightly tilted the fan in her 'free' hand towards her oblivious familiar.

The familiar, almost nostalgic sound of sliding panels captured the blonde's attention, as she turned towards the source. Finally, the master of the estate made his appearance and Ariel felt somehow relieved. It would've been rude to visit someone's home without greeting them, especially since she dropped in announced. She opened her arms, letting the sleeves of her kimono drop down and a bowed once more, this time more formally. "Ohayo-gozaimasu, Baldur-dono." she returned the greeting, reverting to her initial posture and resting one hand inside the other's sleeve.

"Sorry to drop by unannounced like this but when I heard from a black bird..." she made a momentary pause to smile, knowing he'll know who she was talking about " how it sung this place's praises, I just had to come visit and see it for myself. So here I... we are; Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Shield here has offered to escort and show us around the estate grounds." she added with a grin, eyeing the man behind her as soon as she brought him in the spotlight. She then also took a seat seiza-style on the tatami flooring: "Can I have a cup too, please?" she asked politely, looking in Snow's direction with a warm smile. 

Edited June 21, 2020 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Assassin 0]

"Is there more to that story?" The deep voice asked from the door as it opened. Assassin assumed that he was talking to someone else, until she saw that he was looking directly at her. "O-Oh.." She started. His eyes were scanning her for some reason, she could see it. "Um... Well, there isn't much to it really. I got myself in danger and then tank-lady helped protecting me, then a wolf bit my leg. I think if she wasn't there, I wouldn't have been able to beat it." She looked over to snow for a moment with a smile. "I don't think I ever said thank you. So... Thank you!"

Ariel's hand place lightly on her head, the Assassin looked up at her. "Klaya Areil D'soel? That's a difficult name to remember. Nee-chan is so much easier." Every once in awhile, she would look over to Shield. His eyes were analyzing her every move and she could see it. Every time she looked over to him, her focus snapped back to her food. With the constant thought of being watched, Assassin felt nothing but tense. From then on, she wouldn't take a single bite of the food she had in front of her.

Edited June 21, 2020 by Zajcica

[Calrex 0]

The bluenette was in the middle of working on a yakitori skewer as Ariel made her way into the kitchen, previously confused and moving over to cover Assassin's eyes. Quickly finishing off the remaining pieces until only the bamboo skewer beneath remained he gave an amused smile and a small laugh, resting his head against his hand, "See? I knew it was gonna happen eventually. 久しぶりAriel, good to see you're well."

Shield and Baldur entered into the room soon afterwards, Calrex giving a nod as each entered, "Surprisingly none of them have made a comment. If anyone I was at least expecting Baldur to mention something. I must still be half-awake or something..."

Continuing to eat what was on his plate, the Ultramarine Knight adjusted the white cloak that rested over his shoulders to help it rest evenly, mostly covering his upper torso save the occasional times the front would open slightly with the movement of his arms. Picking up another skewer he gave a few breaths to cool it before taking a bite.

"Wonder if anyone else is going to come into the kitchen. It already seems like this place is going to become more and more clustered. Maybe now that everyones here I could probably go to the dojo and get my training in before heading out again."

[Snow 0]

"S-shading effects. S-sure! That must be it!" 

Just give up on living Alyssa. It's over. 

The blonde nervously laughed because she didn't know what else to do. The aura of embarrassment still hung above her while Calrex grabbed his plate of food and sat. Yet almost as if predestined to exacerbate her failure at social interactions, Kimba's owner entered the room and covered Assassin's eyes. Snow both opened her mouth to greet Ariel and raised a brow until her words shot through the air and pierced Snow's skull.

I-Interrupting?!

As though the joints of her eyes were rusted, they creaked over to Calrex and the color of her fair skin flushed ruby red. Heat and pressure built up in her head. She shot her attention back to Ariel and Assassin.

"N-no! I mean, he's just!" Snow stammered. Her hands gestured to the spread of food and, consequently, Calrex at the other end of the table. "Food! Have some food?"

Kill me. Just... Just end it all.

Snow sighed as if a kettle letting off steam. Her red cheeks buried into the nest of her arms atop the table's edge. Assassin's cheerful voice reached her in the darkness of her self hatred and Snow learned she knew Ariel. Thankfully, Assassin's more carefree personality didn't further insinuate Snow and Calrex had been "up to something". Baldur, owner of the island and guild respected guild member, spoke next as Snow hid from the world. Her head popped up, still reddish from her compounded embarassment.

"Tea, yes. Right away." she quipped.

As though given an excuse to disappear, Snow nearly bolted for kitchen. Out of sight, she nearly collapsed. Her hands braced on the sink and she took a few breaths to calm herself.

It was just a joke. Just a joke. Just a joke... WHY IS HE TOPLESS?!

"Tea," she muttered back in reality. Snow sifted through Baldur's pantry and found a rather used ceramic container full of loose leaf green tea. She remembered seeing a nice set of china and kettle and after navigating a few menus, tea was prepared. She emerged from the kitchen somewhat a renewed woman. Ariel called her "Tank-Lady" which Snow didn't mind, but it sounded odd coming from someone other than Assassin. She poured Baldur a cup of tea as delicately as she could and set the cup in front of him. She took extra precautions to keep her kimono's sleeve from taking an accidental dip. Ariel's request did not fall on deaf ears and likewise, Snow poured a second little ceramic cup and gently brought it in front of Ariel. Snow half-bowed, still feeling sheepish and out of place, then took her seat back at the end of the table.

Gah... I am just making a fool of myself today. I hope they at least enjoy the food and forget about me.

Snow's head hung. She heard Assassin pipe up about their first encounter in the conversation. She looked up and offered a defeated smile but a genuine one.

"Absolutely, Assassin. I was glad to help."

@Assassin, @Baldur, @Ariel - The Crowned Lion, @Calrex

Edited June 27, 2020 by Snow

[Baldur 0]

Baldur smiled to @Snow as she poured his and Ariel's tea, the warmth rising from the cup and curling in the warm, salty air of the floor. Baldur loved the smell of the ocean and while they were quite high above it, that smell lingered everywhere on the breeze.

"Thank you Snow, you did that beautifully."

He took the cup and raised it to his lips. He didn't have to worry about burning his tongue because, well, he didn't really have one in here, and the tea was always best when hot.

"Thank you, Ariel. You are always welcome in my home, though maybe letting us know so people can finish getting dressed before we entertain company. It seems we have many sleepy heads in the guild." Baldur's blue eyes danced with merriment as he teased @Calrex and the absent black bird.

"I am glad to see you back wandering the world and making old connections again as well. I was so happy when I found Crozeph again... we'll have to get him and Oikawa to come join us sometime so we can reminisce about the old days."

He set the teacup down gently and gave her a knowing smile.

"But come on, what's the real reason you came by here this morning?" He could by that Ariel wanted to come by and see his house, just not that this alone would induce her to come by his house unannounced.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

The guest listened carefully to the extra tidbit of information Assassin provided, smiling at her conclusion. She enjoyed their cook's reaction to her tease, one of the remaining 'sins' she wasn't able to purge herself of during her hermitage. She accepted the cup of tea from @Snow with a small bow helped herself with a sip. The hot liquid alongside @Baldur's words warmed her body and heart, a small strained appearing as he diplomatically told her to 'call before' next time she plans on visiting. Setting the cup down in front of her she looked around, studying the interior and remembering the overall architectural design of the place. "I'd love that. Bring the old band together, eh? you'd be joining us too right, @Calrex? I wonder what T-chan would say if she saw you in that attire, surrounded by beautiful women." she teased eyeing Snow and...thinking that it was probably Mari that she briefly saw just a few minutes ago. As she replied with a smile, thinking that she should try to reach out to Oikawa and Teayre sometime in the future.

Seeing that knowing smile, she gave him one of her own as she replied: "Recently, I felt like I had a shadow looming over my thoughts and wanted a change of scenery, maybe hoped to have a few words with you in private about then." she stopped herself and looked around at the many friendly faces. "But that can wait for another time, I rather enjoy the company I'm with right now and would like to keep it a little more. It's been too long since I've been around this many people..." she admitted with a smile, knowing that him and whoever was aware of what happened during the previous labyrinth scouting would understand. She decided to leave it as a hint since she didn't knew if Baldur had revealed any of the information to the rest: it wasn't her place to do so.

I was told the house and guild founded after the lab. scouting so I'll add that little tease there.

Edited June 29, 2020 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Mari 1]

Pale freckled legs  were bought toward Mari as she hugged her legs tight to her chest. She hated this feeling. It felt like she was drowning. She found a sweet relief from it all as she pressed her forehead into her knees. Mari exhaled, picturing all the bad thoughts and energy leaving her in a thick miasma of of bloodied ochre. It sounded silly, and it was, but sometimes. It helped. Mari held her breath in that moment. Hearing the distant sounds of footsteps and doors opening and closing. Laughter. She should go there. She should join them.

But do I belong there? 

Mari knew she was being petty, stupid, childish. But parts of her couldn't help herself, she wished she didn't feel this way. It just hurt, knowing all this time she had been trying her best- but no matter what her best was just never good enough.  What would she tell one of the children she taught, if she saw them like this? She'd probably try telling them that the only way they can overcome this is by reaching out, slowly. No one would approach her like this. Hell. Few did even on her good days.

Mari sucked in a breath, as though she hadn't breathed in hours - as though her life depended on it, despite the fact she was never sure if one even needed to breathe in the game. Slowly, carefully, Mari unwound herself from her cocoon and pushed herself up off the floor. Head tilted toward the floor Mari made her way to the noises of merriment. Her fingers danced across the divots and bumps along the wooden walls till they gave way to the soft texture of the shoji doors beneath her fingertips. What would Oikawa say if he were here? He'd probably ruffle her hair and tell her 'You're being stupid Snowflower'  Shield? He'd probably give her a stern lecture on the ethics of friendship and magic. What would Beat say? He'd probably tell her she was overthinking things too. Too far into her own head. 

Mari arrived at her destination; the smells of food wafting through the air. Ah. So they were in the kitchen? Mari paused at the crack in the door; seeing everyone there - smiling. Getting along. She felt like the outlier, peeking in on a happy family. Mari leaned against the doorframe for a moment, taking in the scene before she inevitably ruined it. A cautious look on her features as she tugged on her hair. There were people there she knew, people she didn't. And Snow.

Poor sweet Snow... 

Would Mari's presence annoy her? Maybe it'd be better if she just turned and left.

[Calrex 0]

The bluenette gave a laugh at @Baldur's passing comment, finishing off another skewer of chicken, mushroom, onion, and bell pepper, "I mean you did offer a room. If you see me here, it's usually for a power nap before I'm out and about again, heh."

Taking a sip of his drink Calrex watched as the rest of the liquid vanished into his avatar's mouth, a small bit of steam escaping his lips with a sigh. With his plate clean of food he got to his feet, heading over to the sink to wash his dish. The act itself, even in the game, was fairly mundane, nothing really to note. In fact he wasn't surprised that the game didn't simply this so much that you could deposit the dishes into the sink and hit a button on the menu.

Looking over as @Ariel - The Crowned Lion made her quip he gave another laugh, "If we're being honest I'd have a sneaking suspicion she'd rip so many new ones in me I might as well be compared to Swiss cheese. Less seriously, I would say that'd be not too different from being back in Absolute Pin, at least when it was first formed...and with an upper layer of clothing. In any case, I'm going to head to the dojo, so I'll catch you guys around. Feel free to holler if you need me."

With that he departed from the kitchen, sliding open the door, looking in surprise for a moment as the form of @Mari came into his vision, right in front of the doorframe, "Oh, hey Mari. There's a lot of food set out, so go to town."

Weaving around the young woman the Ultramarine Knight set off down the hallway leading to the dojo, hands in his pants pockets, "Shouldn't be too long. It'll be mostly Quick Change drills, and some training with each weapon array. If I've got the energy maybe I'll pull out the old Grand Blade and swing it around a little, just to make sure I don't forgot my real old techniques. Outside of that there's nothing else I really need to work on."

[Snow 0]

Snow kept to herself as the stronger players in the room spoke. She could feel tension in Ariel and Baldur's exchange. Some bad blood most exist between them. As Ariel mentioned Calrex being surrounded by beautiful women, Snow felt a momentary lapse of pride. The compliment held for a second before the flood of earlier implications rushed back into her cheeks and embarrassment continued. The young blond dipped her face beneath a curtain of her hands to hide herself from view.

Who is T-chan? Is he married? Why does it matter? It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter.

Ariel continued and her choice of words filled the air with enigma. Snow focused on talking herself out of a corner, and missed the exchange. Her mind instead focused on calm breezes, her little cottage back home, and absolutely anything except Calrex, this room, and shading effects. The process halted as his voice cut through her attempted meditation. His departure took another weight off her chest only to snap it right back in place with a single name.

Mari...?!

Snow's blue eyes broke from her hands and snapped to the doorway. Eye to eye, their gazes met. She saw hesitation, she saw vulnerability, and Snow did not have an immediate reaction. It felt like a lot. First, tension between Calrex and Snow compliments of Ariel, a slight feeling of responsibility toward Assassin, hidden meaning between Ariel and Baldur, and now Mari, the player killer. Memories on the fourth floor preoccupied Snow's thoughts, and she turned away in silence.

@Mari@Calrex@Baldur@Ariel - The Crowned Lion@Assassin

Edited February 10, 2021 by Snow

[Mari 1]

It was a strange feeling. It felt heavy, sinking. Painful. Like someone had ripped her heart out and thrown it hard against the floor of her stomach. perhaps that last one was a tad dramatic. Mari could say though, it felt like she was on the downward track of a large rollercoaster. 

 

"A-Ah."  Her confident stride in, her goal of trying to join the group, it all began to fizzle out, fall apart. Right. Right. Right. Of course Snow would look away. Mari took a step backward. Feeling the frame of the door against her spine. She closed her eyes. Right. No, Mari had been awkward as hell in their last encounter hadn't she? 'that won't happen again because I'm here'  That's what she'd had said, right? Fuck. That was fucking hammy as hell. No wonder Snow couldn't look at Mari.

Mari slapped her face with a small groan of embarrassment. She'd even wiped Snow's tears away. Just what kind of dumb ass impression did Mari leave on the poor woman?  

"WELL!" Mari lowered her hand and crossed her arms over her chest, her exclamation loud enough for all in the room to hear. "I see everything is, uh- In order! yeh. Good job." She clapped her hands a few times before turning on her heel to walk out, yup. this was awkward.
 

 

[Calrex 0]

Reverently opening and closing the sliding doors of the dojo Calrex entered inside as he gave a small sigh. Looking towards the head of the massive room he gave a small bow before moving to the side. "Baldur certainly has kept the place in order. Not too surprising I guess, heh."

Removing and placing the footwear that were part of his attire to the side. In addition, he slipped the upper jacket that normally covered his upper torso, folding it and setting it next to his shoes before stepping into the center of the area. Swiping in his menu for a brief moment the bluenette selected his starting weapon to practice Quick Change drills with. The deep sea blue armored arm pieces of the Grand Gauntlets III materialized over his forearms. Giving a small sigh Calrex lowered himself into a fighting stance, similar to what he would assume in order to tap into his <<Martial Arts>> Sword Arts. Throwing a varied series of punches and kicks his mind focused less on the blows he was throwing, and more on the timing of when to change. "The assisted system will take care of completing the attacks. What I need to keep in mind would be the opportunity to switch tactics...such as...now!"

As he pivoted his body in a full 360 degree motion he triggered <<Quick Change>>, his gauntlets bursting into sparkling blue lights. Extending his right arm to the side the lights began to gather into a familiar shape, that of a polearm. At the same time he slowly thrust his left arm forward towards where his spin would stop, more lights gathering and spreading outwards from his forearm. In an instant, both the Grand Skypiercer II and Grand Guard III solidified, the bluenette already in a guarded position. Giving a small sigh as he watched the cooldown begin, Calrex prepared himself to switch again.