[PP - F19] To melt away the cold {Tricolor_Mina, Raidou, Morgenstern}

[tricolor_mina 0]

<<Riker's edge, Floor 19>>

on the very edge of <<Mikiakus>> lies a tavern, kept by a small guild that treated each other like family. The building was well cared for, and unlike most of the settlement, it wasn't run down or broken apart, instead appearing like it belonged in a completely different part of Aincrad. That bar, was Rikers edge. Players visited on occasion, often to deliver information in exchange for a home-cooked meal made by its keepers. The guild that ran it was known simply as the Arbiters Hand, a guild that solely consisted of about 30 members. The guild was ruled specifically by a total of eight players, the original founders of the Guild. The Enforcers, and the Deck, each of them working hard to ensure the safety of their number.

The leader of them all was a woman named Rosa, a woman that cared deeply for each and every single member of her guild. She lived and breathed information, treating it as though it was worth more than gold. Her name was barely known, though she knew many in her own right. Her guild wasn't well known because of how well she tried to keep it hidden from all those she didn't trust. A password was typically required in order to enter the building, either given by her, the enforcers, or the remainder of the "Deck"... and her dear friend, Violet. Speaking of Violet...

Violet was carefully stacking up an entire deck of cards on the bar, and was about halfway through with it. Her day had been relatively peaceful so far, and had been chatting idly with Glenn, who was perched on a chair next to her. "You're getting pretty good at this, Violet. Still not as good as Shireen though, unfortunately." He commented, whistling at the size of the card house. "You still have her beat in balancing them on their edges though. so there is that." Violet snorted, an amused look on her face. "only one of you that can beat me in that is Rosa and you know it." she said dryly, rolling her eyes at Glenn. "Oi Violet! You got the Rabbits I asked for?" Violet swore when she jolted slightly, accidentally knocking the house down. "Fucking A- ROSA!!"

A tall woman with long black hair had leaned over the counter, a shit-eating grin on her face. "Aw, lil baby upset I ruined her castle? You can build it later, I need some help with some things. Didn't you say you invited someone over?" she said wryly, her grin widening slightly. "I can't serve an average meal for a guest, and you know it. I wouldn't have asked for Ragout Rabbit otherwise." Violet Jumped, a panicked look on her face. "Shiiiit, ok. Here take them, I'm gonna go wait outside for him. I didn't tell him the password just yet." She sent the aforementioned rabbits over to Rosa, before scrambling out the door. Rosa laughed faintly at her friend. She was oh so dense sometimes.

Spoiler

Stats + Equipment

Stats

• Level 29
• 610 HP
• 91 EN
• 17 DMG 
• 30 MIT 
• 1 Slot Blight
• 1 Slot Burn
• 4 ACC
• 0 EVA

Equipment

 Armor - N/A

 Accessory -  Mask of rose (Perfect T2 Jewelry (3 slots Acc))

 Weapon - Jack's Burned Lament (T2 Perfect weapon(Blight/Burn/Cursed)

Active Skills

• Weapon skill: Rapier - R5 (Weapon shift - AoE specialist)
• Energist
• Charge
• Light Armor R5 

Extra Skills

• First Aid R5

Mods

• Meticulous
• Resolve

House Buffs

• Relaxed (Morning Rose Manor (Morg's house))

@Raidou

Edited November 5, 2021 by tricolor_mina

[Raidou 1]

The simple crunch of nigh dead grass underfoot, and notably his robe, was nowhere to be seen. What was left was a rather plain-looking individual, completely non-distinct from any other player. It was as if he was always there, absent of any features that would make him stand out. Beneath his clothes, a black thing still latched to his skin. "A curious place, not quite along the beaten path." He let thoughts fall away, if only for a moment, as he sought out his invitee. "Mina." He pays her a simple nod, offering something he'd procured from another floor. A tightly wrapped package, inside a slab of beef from some animal that wasn't immediately apparent. "At least I can do is provide something." He'd offer, but there was something off in his delivery.

Sizing up the tavern, a pair of lenses completely absent from his face. A pair of amber eyes, akin to that of flame, scan it up and down. "What a quaint little building, I wonder how well they fair out here. The owner seems to be doing well for themselves." The words came off plainly, but were muddied by some intention. Perhaps it was the rumble in his stomach that made him act as such, he'd skipped a meal as to not seem rude. The slight taste of chalk in his mouth still lingered. "Should we head in?"

Spoiler

Consumed: Antidote +3

Raidou, The Red Wanderer
Level: 31
Paragon Level: 68
HP: 880/880
EN: 106/106

Stats:
Damage: 24
Mitigation: 44
Evasion: 2
Accuracy: 1
Battle Healing: 48
Loot Dice: 12
AA
QUAL: 2
REC: 8

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Auric Sunlight - Finality of Faith [T4/Demonic/2HSS] +3 Damage, AA
Armor: Planned Motions - Emissary [T1/Demonic/Cloth] Loot Dice 3, Evasion 1
Misc: Ebony Lenses - Future [T4/Demonic/Trinket] Quality 2, Recovery 2

Custom Skill:
The Nomad Who Wanders

Skills:
Straight Sword R5
Cloth Armor R5
Fighting Spirit
Howl
Searching R5
Battle Healing R5

Active Mods:
Detect
Athletics
Vengeful Riposte
Tracking
Justified Riposte

Inactive Mods:

Addons:
Nimble
Focused Howl
Ferocity
Precision
Stamina

Active Extra Skills:
Parry
Survival
Concentration
Forgotten King’s Authority

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:
Iron Will (Tierless/Unique/Salve) Bloodclot x1
Terra Firma Scale x1
Darkness Salve x3
Teleport Crystal x1
Inert Pillar Fragment [Vanity/Broken Glowstone] x1

Housing Buffs:
Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat
Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)
Hard Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
Delicious: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
Advanced Training: +10% Exp to a thread. Limit one use per month [0/1]
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
Decor []: This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.

Guild Hall Buffs:
Lucrative: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters receive +1 crafting attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters receive +2 crafting attempts per day.
Col Deposit: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild:
Kumatetsu Statue: +1 Base Damage for a thread

[tricolor_mina 0]

Violet smiled faintly when she saw Raidou arrive at Rikers Edge. "Hey! Hope you had a safe journey here, this place isn't the safest area in Aincrad, y'know." She said brightly, waving at the young man. "Good to see you again!" She ended up having to choke back laughter when she saw him hold up a slab of meat, some sort of beef from the looks of it. At his comment that he'd felt the need to bring something with him, she held up her hands, shaking her head. "You didn't have to do that Raidou, I help keep this place stocked with food and stuff. Rosa will probably find a way to use it, regardless though." she replied, gesturing at the door.

when he commented on how well the owner must do, Violet smiled weakly. "She won't tell me her level, but she's definitely on par with a few of the scarier frontliners, and she can out duel a player named <<Hidden>>. I'd wager that she's got more than enough col to keep this place up and running, y'know?" she replied, shrugging her shoulders. "And we probably should head in, shouldn't we...?" Violet opened the door to the tavern, gesturing for Raidou to follow her in. Glenn was still relaxing in his seat, the dark-haired man turning to see who she had brought in with her. Meanwhile, Rosa was nowhere to be seen, having disappeared into the back room to go cook.

The bar was alot more lively than usual, having much more than the usual amount of people there. There were of course the Guild members that lived here, residing on the upper and lower floors of the building. Then there were the regulars, people who often came here to get a bite to eat and some alcohol to drink, and trade info with one of the Deck. Then there were the people who were visiting for the first time, who were completely new to this place. The place had a warm, cozy feeling to it, despite the cold and dark vibes that were gotten from outside. It was like stepping into a house party in a way.

@Raidou

NPC Appearance

Spoiler

Rosa

Spoiler

Glenn

Spoiler

 

 

[Raidou 1]

"I wasn't concerned." Raidou admitted, peering at the building still with an earnest inspection. "Fair enough, but fair is fair." passing the carcass to the girl, to usher to the cook of the place. "After you." he offers a hand toward the door. Watching carefully as Mina would offer a passphrase to enter the establishment before he ushered in himself. A ripe sea of faces, the obvious background conversation producing an ambient white noise. A soft nod to Glenn, who seemed rather disappointed by what Violet had dragged in tow. To him he just looked like some regular schmo off the street.

It was a variable house of cards, even more so with the rowdy exchanges between them. The wanderer seeks out a chair all his own, sliding into it. A rounded table some 20 or so feet from where one of the Enforcers were threatening to beat a customer upside the head with a tankard. Silent, as he falls into the seat. What would emanate from his was an unnatural aura of calm. It would seem he was at place within these crowds, although his composure seemed too fitting. No sense of nervousness, nothing. If one wasn't seeking him out, it would have been easy to lose him completely.

[tricolor_mina 0]

Violet sighed when she saw the scene that one of the patrons had been causing, causing Fengor to smack them over the head with a tankard. A hush suddenly fell over the room when a person in a Jester costume walked over, talking to the pair in a hushed voice. The pair seemed to come to an agreement rather quickly, and the player that was now soaked in alcohol booked it out the door, a scowl on their face. The jester bowed to the table, before skipping away, prompting the room to go back to its dull roar. Violet calmly shoved the animal carcass in her inventory, sending it straight to Rosa, who was still inside of the kitchen. A message from her indicated confusion on how she even managed to get ahold of Reindeer meat.

"... Raidou, where the hell did you find that thing..? More importantly, how???" she spluttered, staring incredulously at the guy. "Reindeer don't even spawn til Christmas-time!?" At that moment, Glenn walked over, an interested look on his face. "Mon ami, you always find the most interesting of people when you go out." he commented dryly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Rosa's still in the middle of making the food, since you handed off the materials late, so go ahead and make yourselves comfy, it'll probably be a hot minute."

Glenn turned to Raidou, holding his hand out for the other man to shake. "Nice to meet you, mon ami. I'm Glenn, one of the lovely members of the 'Deck', so to speak." he said brightly, a faint smile on his face. "Its nice to meet someone who's frontliner-quality other than the boss lady." While his words seemed to be unassuming, and his demeanor playful and nice, Glenn was still rather dangerous. Despite being the Medical pillar of the "Deck", Heart, he was by far the most dangerous out of the four, the only one that was near the boss in strength. He preferred healing people to beating their faces in, though.

@Raidou

[Raidou 1]

A simple nod, as he took the man's hand. There was a share of consciousness for but a brief instant, as his familiar moved in the space between his clothes. "It sure suits you. What do you do around here? Don't strike me as a bouncer." Raidou spoke before his attentions shift to Mina, releasing the man's hand. "I have my methods, that was held by an acquaintance of mine who had absolutely no idea how to use it. From what you presented me prior as her work, I assumed she may fare better." A soft expression, hands forming a small temple in front of him. Removing a small tan book his pocket, one inscribed with a title 'Dastardly Affairs & History Behind them' It was a rather plain, but it had held the man's interest as of late. He'd not be a bother and would need no keeper if Mina had other affairs to attend to.

Scanning the room, the rather swaying cacophony of sound being quickly shattered down into strings. Company aside, the wanderer didn't seem out of place in the slightest. He'd wait patiently to make due on the promise he'd made, a man of his word in all fronts. This wouldn't be the first time he'd been watched from a distance, and certainly wouldn't be his last. He'd left his identity behind entirely, for the sake of a simple evening without any delay.

[tricolor_mina 0]

Violet grabbed Raidou by the back of his shirt as he made to walk off, book in hand. "Uh, uh. You're coming with me, I've gotta introduce you to Rosa, and she's in the back cooking right now." she said dryly, shaking her head at the younger man. "'Sides, I know Glenn doesn't bite, nor do any of the other members of the Deck... unless you act like that idiot from earlier that was fucking with one of their enforcers. Theen there's a small chance you're gonna get told to leave by one of the aforementioned deck members." Glenn nodded curtly, a frown on his face.

"We don't play around when it comes to customer safety, the boss and I beat that into everyone's heads." he said dryly. "Anyone who's being rowdy, whoever is on rotation is generally told via message from one of the enforcers to go and politely ask them to leave, as you saw before. The boss doesn't like to see people get hurt for stupid reasons. If they don't leave, we make them. and bar them from the tavern." He shrugged at raidou's question as to what he did for the guild. "I'm the Medic of the group, and I work with our guildmembers and train them in fluid combat patterns, and how to juggle crystals with ease."

Rosa suddenly poked her head out of the kitchen door, her head turned in Mina's direction. "Go take a seat already, I'll be bringing it out in a minute!" she shouted, before gesturing at Glenn with an annoyed look on her face. "Quit sittin' on your hands and get your ass over here and help me out here! I have to do this manually since inventory swapping ruins part of the flavor!" Glenn let out a frustrated sigh, shaking his head. "Duty calls I guess, I'll be back in a little bit." As glenn wandered off to the kitchen to help rosa out, Violet pulled on Raidou's arm, nodding in the direction of the bar. "I think you'll enjoy what she made, Raidou~"

[Raidou 1]

Raidou pauses, as Violet collects a handful of his collar on a turtleneck. A single hand with a clear of his throat. He wasn't intending on wandering away, which made the action a bit strange. "As you shouldn't. it is very easy for problems to arise if you don't handle them when they show. A healer is a commendable choice, not one that is frequently made." A sudden beck and call breaks the exchange of words short, as a woman with a temper that matched the burner quickly required assistance.

A wiggle of an arm under his own, Mina seemed rather elated to introduce the guy to her own. He'd not deny her the opportunity, and whatever qualms he had with such touching seemed placed away. In most instances, he'd be feeling some twist in his stomach. But not here, as it had been stored. Without an effort, the nomad follows tow and takes a seat at the bar of his own two feet. A patron but an addition, not one of the suit. Leaning down toward the boy, he murmurs something.

"Don't I recognize you from somewhere?"

An aloof twist of his neck, staring over his right shoulder. "I don't believe we've met. You must be mistaken." Raidou remarks back with no simple change in his tone, with a red-hot burning in his eyes to remind the guy that he hadn't. Civility would be protected, and it was best not to squander the efforts of such a gracious host. 

[tricolor_mina 0]

Rosa took note of the guy outside with violet, frowning slightly as he was being talked to by one of the patrons. She snapped out a quick message, telling them to bug off of the guest, not wanting someone to scare the guy off. He was rather unassuming just by first glance, too. Mousy brown hair, and sharp golden eyes under a simple pair of glasses. Other than his eyes, he was really quite plain looking. She shrugged, before picking up a rather massive pot of stew in her arms, before nodding at the door for Glenn to follow her out. The other man was carrying several large trays of various foods. Rice, mashed potatoes, Salads, Roasts of various mobs, and just about anything else that you could imagine.

Rosa kicked open the door, before whistling loudly enough to be heard over the dull roar of the patrons. "Alright everyone, I've got it all ready. Those who ordered the house special, come up here and get your meal!" she called, a wide smile on her face. "Anyone else go pay a visit to Glenn, and he'll get you sorted out over by the other counter!" Rosa waved over to Violet and Raidou, nodding slightly. "The catcher and the Newcomers always get first dibs on this stuff, especially given how rare the meat is. I'll meet up with both of you in a bit after I serve this, mi Familia eats this stuff up like nobody's business!"

Violet grabbed a bowl of the stew, along with a plate of Rice and mashed potatoes. "Raidou, once you've got yours, follow me over this way." Violet said cheerfully, gesturing over at a door on the opposite side of the Bar. "It's a little too loud out here for my tastes, so I usually go in here when I bring over guests." The side room was furnished neatly with a pair of soft Black-Velvet couches bordering an elegantly carved Mahogany and Teak coffee table on the right, and a Dining-room setup off to the left. A fireplace was in front of the couch setup, crackling away merrily. on the wall was a banner that read: "The Board Room".

[Raidou 1]

Milling about after the high pitched squeal that peeled from Rosa's lips, the boy cut through without much issue. There was both a mix of tradition to some, ire to others. You could really tell who was who in the crowd. All the ones that were not part of her standard fare seemed perturbed having to wait in turn. Even payment didn't render them in a line, an interesting show from a host. Where patrons eat second to family. What the wanderer sets his eyes on, most he'd only just visioned but never partook. This was clearly something more western in nature, a far cry from the realm he was from. A meticulous and careful glancing of what he'd choose. Something close to what he was familiar, a step into the unknown, wasn't quite his forté.

A serving of rice, a few selected pieces of cubed meat. To his inventory, a single pair of black almost plastic chopsticks, unsure of what utensils would be provided, so he cordoned his own. Best not be a bother. Into a room, the writhing chatter quickly subsides once the door shuts. Small little lounge, various wood coloring and intricate carving. Something showing taste, more than likely not awarded to the standard. He takes to the floor, a small coffee table seeming more suitable to his customs. Three separate dishes, his food divided between them. A small thermos, slid into place as if he was building a blueprint atop this platform. Closing his eyes with a show of respect.

"Thank you for the meal."

[tricolor_mina 0]

there was a slight patter of feet as violet walked over, carrying her meal with both hands. For once, she had removed the cloak and high-necked longsleeved shirt that she usually wore, instead wearing a casual long-sleeved T-shirt, and high-waisted jeans. her hair had been brushed partially over her face, hiding her right eye from view. Thin, pale red scars peeked out from underneath her hair, mixing with darker, patchier marks that colaesced underneath her hair, and centering from her right eye. Similar scars streched out from underneath her shirt, crossing over her neck, and over part of her chest. She sat down in front of raidou, crossing her feet underneath her body. Unlike her friend, she had a rolled up set of silverware sitting next to her. A small mug of Bright red wine sitting next to it. She clasped her hands together, a cheerful smile on her face. "Thanks for the Meal!" she chirped, before chowing down on it. "God I love it when she cooks Ragout Rabbit! It reminds me of the stuff she made for me back home~" Violet said softly, looking at the dish with a soft smile on her face.

"I miss being able to enjoy stuff like this in the real world, where its even tastier and twice as filling. It's motivation to try and get home quicker!" She took a sip from the wine, humming to herself. "What do you think of it, Raidou-Kun?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "Do you like it? I worked really hard to gather up all the materials for it, and its something we serve here at least once a week."

Play me

Rosa gestured behind her, at the door. "Guard that with your life, got it?" she said calmly, looking at the lock on the door, before turning to a rather diminutive jester. "And keep your skills active, I want you to monitor us as we talk. Glenn, you're with me." Both of them Bowed respectfully, nodding at her request. The Jester's eyes were glowing a vivid pink, the tracking skill active. Glenn calmly took a plate of food, a feigned version of his normal relaxed smile plastered across his face. Rosa calmly pushed open the door, walking over to where Violet and Raidou were seated, sitting next to Violet, setting her food on the table as she did so. Glenn, on the other hand, took a seat next to Raidou. A pair of whispered thanks escaped their throats, and the next few moments were filled with silence.

then, without warning, Violet quietly slumped over, fast asleep at the table, prompting a faint smile from Rosa, who leaned forward on the table, her eyes flashing slightly as she watched Raidou. "It's nice to meet you, Raidou." she said calmly, continuing to enjoy her meal. For someone violet had been so convinced was friendly, and someone that was careful for others, Raidou hadn't even bothered to check if either their meals or their drinks had been laced with any paralytic venom or sleeping poison. "I'll have to apologize to Violet later, but I wanted to speak with you in private. Its not every day I meet someone who pays as much attention to detail as you do." Glenn was still quietly eating, the same smile from earlier still on his face.

[Raidou 1]

A small twist of a pair of chopsticks in his hand, another cube of meat still clutched in between, before it's offered to his mouth with a simple flourish. "The same to you, Rosa, I must say I am impressed and humbled to be wrong." His eyes scan the room, a pair of glasses just picking up the soft glow of a burning flame. "There are no healers to the ruthless, Glenn, your motives speak leagues for the Deck." His vision shifts to Mina, still slumbering with the softest of escaping breath. "She really is so enthusiastic, so pardon my concern. That enthusiasm may have led her to abuse, I needed to trust you."

His eyes avert to the blueprint written upon the table, collecting the thermos and with a flash of light a set of teacups, the same. That same bittersweet mixture finds its way into a cup, a billowing sway of steam raising out to portray its heat. "I was hoping she'd be spared the same. I suppose most of Riker's edge is finding sleep about now." A single extension of his hand, a soft index to pull the strand of hair from Violets eyes. "We have probably about an hour or so to speak uninterrupted, as long as there is someone still conscious manning the door?" Despite the affair, there was a sense of serenity in his tone and one of gentleness that would not join well with his past. Intentions and actions so broken on a reflection that it would be hard to see them stem from the same source.

"How about we share some tea, I brought quite a bit, but you will need your own sugar."

[tricolor_mina 0]

Rosa flashed a feral smile at Raidou, wagging a finger in front of her face. "You trust me, sure, but you haven't earned mine just yet." she said dryly, her eyes glowing much brighter, denoting the activation of her tracking skill. "And while violet is pretty excitable, she is usually a good judge of character. She wouldn't have invited you here otherwise, to where her close friends reside. But, thats why Glenn and I are here. Oh, and I drugged violet myself. Just a few drops of sleeping toxin and she went out like a light. I certainly hope you didn't expect me to serve some sort of tainted meat to my lovely patrons, did you, moccioso?" Rosa casually placed a dagger on the table, an amused look on her face. "I want you to take a look at the enhancements on this, Raidou. I think you'll find this interesting" Phase, Blight, Burn, and Bleed. The black metal of the blade was edged with white gold, and the hilt had several red gemstones embedded along the edge. The blade was also coated in toxic venom that Glenn himself had crafted. After Raidou got a good look at the enhancements, Rosa would withdraw the weapon from where she'd lain it on the table. "I like to be prepared. Lil' miss hidden found that out the hard way when she thought a band of barely trained rogues were going to take down a squad of trained warriors."

"Violet is such a sweet girl, someone the boss cares for alot, y'know?" Glenn commented, turning to face Raidou with a sweet smile on his face. "I'd watch her carefully, you know? If something happens to her on your watch, then we would have a problem, no?" Glenn was outraged on the inside, his deep red eyes glittering with barely concealed annoyance despite his kindly appearance. A hint of venom had dripped into his voice, despite his efforts to quash the feeling. People often assumed that those that were in charge of medical were just some kind of dopey medic that healed you right up and cared for your every want or need. However, they were also the strongest, as their actions often meant life or death for their patients. His father had taught him well in that regard. "Other than that, we're only here to discuss what the boss wants, and then we're going to continue on with our day as though this didn't happen." "Easy there, Glenn. This is supposed to be friendly." "Friendly... yeah, right." Glenn simply ignored Rosa's warning for him to calm down, instead turning back to his meal.

[Raidou 1]

"Needed to." Raidou corrected the idea, as there was still some room on that front. A match in intensity, the strongest tank in Aincrad with a strange muddy mixture of purple on his eyes. The backdrop in its soft orange glow doing well to accent the light from the pair's eyes. A simple glance to the dagger as he looked past a risen cup of tea, as it would appear his show of good faith was unnoticed. No matter, it spoke a bit to their intentions. "Not an appraiser myself, but I know a few." Pressed to his lips, an unsweetened sip as he kept that fury contained.

"As do I, This world is full of people who would exploit each other. I was hesitant at first to accept Violet's offer. Strange that I've never heard her referred as such until now. It means that you are close enough to her to know her true name. You'll find no secrets behind mine." The clatter of a platter, as the cup returns to the table. "I didn't want my fears to be true, that Violet was being used. I am glad that I was surprised." Another trickle of green liquid, more steam and a strange tension on the air. "Hidden, is misguided. Her hands are forced toward her goals without direction, which is what she so desperately needs."

The red wanderer's gaze twists to Glenn, there was a mental exchange in that silence. Conversation without words, through glares alone. "If you think that I would do anything to harm my friend, you are sorely mistaken. I care not of longevity or of lineage. I don't need a veiled threat to do what is right. It seems that you've misunderstood my stance, but how could I blame you. After all, I am a rogue element, one the likes of this tavern has ever seen or knows nothing about. I've never seen either of you nor your 'suit' within the grasp of war zones. Have you seen the bloodshed? The pain that it brings? I have, and it sticks with you like a curse. A million monsters, all wearing the clothes of sheep. Now I would ask of you."

Another tension filled pool of tea, a pause. "Are you demons wearing skin, or does Violet find sanctuary here?"

[tricolor_mina 0]

Rosa's eyes narrowed slightly as she took a deep drink from her glass, her hand nearly breaking the glass as she held it. Glenn had let out a barely repressed snarl, looking like he wanted to leave the room after hearing Raidou's accusation. His own glass hadn't been as lucky as Rosa's, and had actually shattered it entirely, the polygons flying around everywhere. Rosa held up her free hand, still drinking from the cup. Glenn seemed to get the message, but that didn't make him any less angry. "What kind of bullshit is this." he hissed, glaring at Raidou, his friendly demeanor disappearing completely, and the faint french accent to his voice completely dropping from his voice. "Rosa and I knew her in the real world, you really think either of us would harm someone who is literal Family to us?!"

"Akane. I said cool your heels." she said calmly, her expression still relatively calm. "Violet, or Mina as she probably introduced herself to you as, Is safe here. I would have multiple players after my ass, Glenn and Morgenstern included, if I let someone hurt or kill her. And my husband would haunt my ass for the rest of my days, too. Not that he doesn't already, though, I know he haunts her too." She set her empty cup on the table, and breathed a sigh of frustration. "You having the balls to even so much as Assume that we are a danger to her is impressive. And I applaud the fact that you're saying that to someone who has a tie to her, forged in the blood of family. Especially considering that they're sitting right next to you."

Glenn's face darkened even more at the mention of familial bonds. "Don't you dare tell her, either. She wouldn't want me around to begin with, I didn't visit her at all, after all." he spat, a bitter tone to his voice. "She's happier without the extra fucking reminder, and I'm happier being on the sidelines so I can watch her grow, even if It hurts me to do it. But the fact that YOU have the balls to roll up here, and ask us if we're planning on killing people for no fucking reason, thats what's pissing me off. You know who we are, sure, but do you know the people behind the characters? Our prior relationships?"

[Raidou 1]

A slight tussle of his glasses, ignoring the man's fervor near feet from him. As it turned out, Raidou did not scare, and to some that was unsettling. "For a moment, if you will, see this from my perspective. I had not a single idea there was a familial bond between any of you, and this girl." A single gesture toward Mina who was still conked out completely. "Finds me in a field, and despite her earnest intentions showed some serious hardship. Naturally I would assume the source close by. I could feel it as if the blade was being dragged across my own skin." Back to that cup he held as another shattered in Glenn's grasp, keeping his own rising temper locked away in a cage that was screaming and tearing away at the walls. It even becomes noticeable in a faint bit of red film.

"If you were in that situation, what would you assume? Time and time again, I have seen others suffer. I grew tired of it, and I aim to rectify it by any means necessary. Could you say the same? I would sooner bury myself in an early grave then accept that another is supposed to suffer such...torture. The first step in solving a problem is discerning the source. I am glad that you are not it, saves me quite a bit of trouble." A wave of hatred lingered, every ability imagined inducing hatred making a sickening feeling in the room like a weight. "So do not misjudge my intention with the thought that I am attempting to take her away from you, I came simply to provide safety. Whatever is ailing her is really twisting her apart." All the while, the words came slow and ruthlessly clear at a reduced tempo, almost surgical and sharp like a razor. Another drink of that tea before it bottoms out, and pours a fair bit more. "So instead of sitting arguing over who wants to protect Violet, why don't we all consider that perhaps we all do?"

The red wanderer was a creature of habit, one of consistency and very careful insertion into a problem. He had his doubts about coming here, and it was due to Mina's own portrayal that he even considered the notion. But it was in his image that was self-fulfilling prophecy, he was the ill omen in red even without his robe. How could such a thing have an inch of compassion, deliberately altering everything to produce the best outcome. Was it kindness to force safety on others, even if they did not wish it?

[Morgenstern 1]

Stats

Spoiler

Morgenstern | HP: 820/820 | EN: 94/94 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 122 | ACC: 1 | BH: 45 | BLD IMMUNE | BRN IMMUNE | FL. THRN: 8 | PARA IMMUNE | P.V.O | THRNS: 72

Morgenstern, The Last Ascendant
Level: 31
Paragon Level: 38
HP: 820/820
EN: 94/94

Stats:
Damage: 21
Mitigation: 122
Accuracy: 1
Battle Healing: 45
BLD IMMUNE
BRN IMMUNE
FL. THRN: 8
PARA IMMUNE
P.V.O
THRNS: 72

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Raikiri T4 Katana | DMG III, Para. Venom
Armor: Hallowed Raikage | Thorns II, Flame Thorns, Cursed
Misc: Orgoth's Defiance | Fireproof, Para Immune, Blood Clot

Custom Skill:


Skills:
Katana R5
Heavy Armor R5
Battle Healing R5
Howl


Active Mods:
Emergency Recovery
Impetus

Inactive Mods:


Addons:
Focus
Iron Skin
Precision
Focused Howl

Active Extra Skills:
Survival
Meditation
First Aid R5

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:
ITEM x1

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

Reminder that Jon is green but I haven't actually closed that thread yet oops. 

 

After a day of being lazy and simply taking a walk around, the blonde finally decided to see where Mina had run off to. He had found this cute little dessert shop on the eleventh floor and brought Mina some blueberry cake. Jon and Mina spent a lot of time together, but he let her do her own thing when she wanted. He knew where she ran off to, he just hoped that she wasn't drowning herself in alcohol for a buzz that would never come. When they managed to escape Aincrad, he was worried she'd have grown a crippling addiction for the taste. Pushing open to the familiar door of Riker's Edge, he would become surprised to not find everyone sitting out at the bar. He heard louder voices coming from within and moved in that direction. The wood creaked underneath his heavy footfalls as he made his way forward. 

The blonde adorned jeans, a white T-Shirt, and a white and yellow trimmed jacket. He'd been pretty casual with everything after his relationship with Mina. He approached the door to find a figure standing there. What was her name? It was hard to remember with them all wearing their getups half of the time. "Guarding entrances still? That's all I ever seem to see you guys do." Jonathan stepped forward, but Shireen remained in front of the door. "I can't allow anyone in. Not as long as I live." Rolling his eyes, Jon simply walked forward and scooted the girl out of the way with his hip. "Looks like I just saved your life. Bam not dead huh? See ya later Shi- Diamond." 

Opening the door, he felt the tension rush over him like a wave. What was going on in here? A quick scan, he would find that Rosa had some red-coated client. Maybe the transaction wasn't going well. Sniffing the air, Jon quickly complained, "Did you cook Ragout Rabbit again and not tell me? Rude." He stepped between the players and found the sleeping Mina. Cocking his head to the side, his voice became a touch more serious as he directed a question at Rosa. "I thought her random passing out and nightmares were gone now." 

Picking up Mina in a cradle carry. He whispered to the others, "Couldn't have even taken her somewhere else why you conducted business?" He began to head back the way he came after kidnapping the girl. He pushed open the door to find Diamond still standing there frozen in place from his walk in. "Mine." He said in regards to Violet. He called back to Rosa as he stood in the doorway. "By the way, just letting you know that I had a fearsome battle to get in this door. I spared her in the end though!~" A light chuckle from the man as he moved to leave to another room. 

[tricolor_mina 0]

Akane opened his mouth to respond, when Rosa's glass shattered violently in her hand, to the point of causing herself physical damage. The bright red pixels painted across her hands, leaving deep red marks across her hands, which were shaking with rage. As he looked up, he realized with mute shock that Rosa's eyes had become dark with pure fury at Raidou's comment about what had Violet so torn up. About why they were such close friends, even without being friends in game. It was Taboo to bring it up unless Violet was out of the room, or in private where they both could sit there crying together... those days were by far the worst ones.

The door suddenly opened, Rosa's head snapping up, watching the newcomer like a hawk. It was only Morgenstern, The boy that Violet had set her eyes on. The one that was actually able to make her happy these days. He snarked to Rosa about not inviting him over for Ragout night, something that was lost on her ears thanks to the state she was in, before leaning down and picking Violet up. Akane let out a soft sigh of relief, thanking the boy silently for taking Violet away from the room. As Jon exited the room, he heard a shaky sigh come from Rosa, the woman's rage-filled tremors slowing slightly. He looked over at her, a look of confusion on his face.

"The Rubacuori just saved your ass, Glenn. Get out of the room." she said softly, smiling faintly despite the amount of barely concealed rage in her voice. "Rosa, please think this through, I-" "I. Said. Get. OUT." Glenn shakily stood up, before bailing out of the room, not wanting any part of whatever was going to happen in a few moments. He hurriedly followed Morg to wherever he had decided to go with Violet. When he caught up, his face was tense, and filled with anxiety and fear, and his breathing was uneven and shaky.

Rosa calmly laid a hand on the table, drumming it with one of her hands, watching Raidou with darkened Rage. She let out a soft chuckle, before finally responding. "My husband." she began, looking up at the wanderer with darkened eyes. "My husband was killed right in front of that girl, he died right in her arms, his blood coating her face and body. I've never asked her about what else happened that day, I just know that she wakes up screaming and crying, and asking why it was him instead of her." Rosa took out another glass, this one made out of metal instead of simple glass like the one she had been holding earlier. This one, however, had deep, finger-shaped grooves on it, that matched her hand perfectly.

"You make assumptions, wanderer. Warranted assumptions, but assumptions nevertheless. " She said carefully, pulling out another bottle. "I don't think I can remember the last time someone's ever accused me of something like that, which is impressive on your part. So let me make something VERY clear to you." For a split second, it was as though her eyes had flashed a deep red color, a predatory light coming from them. "If I die, Violet and that boy out there will know, they will know it was you, and you'll fail that poor girl in more ways than one. I know you want her safe, but your idea of 'Kindness' is going to make her miserable. Is it kindness to force someone to be happy? To make them play pretend and smile as though they believe that nothing is wrong, to pretend to play the role of the fool?" She poured herself a drink, shaking her head as she did so, her eyes returning to normal.

She took a deep drink of the alcohol she had poured herself, savoring the bitter taste and burn of the drink. She sat there silently for a few moments, allowing the liquid to calm her slightly. The bitter taste always brought her back to a certain degree. "Ah… much better. " she said softly, setting the mug down. "Bit strange to be drinking Sake out of a mug, but I'd probably break another glass if I picked one up. Let's not accuse each other of stupid things, Wanderer. I prefer to have civil chats with people, not fight them for foolish reasons that could have been avoided." Her voice was still angry, though it was decidedly less pronounced than before. Throughout all of this, her face still carried the faintest trace of a smile, despite her sheer fury.

Edited November 6, 2021 by tricolor_mina

[Raidou 1]

With the simple action of a door opening, Raidou catches a familiar face. Although never introduced personally, Jon had expedited the girl from the room. In this the wanderer was grateful, as it appeared as though this was going sideways quickly. But it was what he was more than accustomed to, after all most met him with the same resistance. The tension was so thick it was almost solid, hung in the air like a stink. What was supposed to be a simple meal and a gentle shove toward a dream ended up nothing short of a nightmare. But it was with these little exchanges, that progress could be made. No one liked hearing what had to be heard, which came in excess.

A simple sigh, an eye for an eye. "Please understand, my intention was not to accuse you. I just want what is best for Violet." Glancing at the door as it clicks shut, Glenn making his exit and most certainly finding a wall to jam his head through, out of sheer frustration. "I am sorry for your loss, there has been so much of it." To his inventory, a bottle of something surprising similar to what she was partaking and yet wasn't. This crap was made in a potion bottle, but the notable kanji of 'sake' drawn on a tag that hung from the bottle's neck. "I lost a child, a small girl not related by blood. But that doesn't do it justice. For five long years, I searched for her. I dwelled on it, was consumed by it." Finishing the last of his tea before swapping regality.

"After that time, I pulled a nigh lifeless corpse out of a cave filled with cardinal's creations. A 14 year old body, shattered in mind and riddled into a stupor. Afraid that she would never wake up, or worse. I know what it's like to want to protect someone with everything you have." A smell of ash bleeding from a tea cup, an ill-suited vessel for the mixture, but frankly he didn't care. His composure softens, as he drags the drink toward his lips and takes just a bit across an awaiting tongue. "What's worse, is while she was still in a coma, a floor boss claimed that she was dying. I lost it." He recalled Shadow, the recent Aincrad's nightmare that they were forced to face.

With his recount, there was an adamant stability in his voice. As if his emotion and the reflection were separated and locked away. "Don't mistake me, when I came here it was with a simplicity of a meal in mind. It was what Violet wanted. From my exploits I have never heard the Deck from doing anything curious and had no reason to inspect further as of yet. I did not come here with the idea of killing you or your house of cards. Thank you for your insight." Raidou twists his glass, allowing the clear mixture to swirl as he peers into the cup. "Right now, my main concern is discovering who killed your husband and removing their heads from their shoulders. If nothing else, preventing yet another problem before it becomes worse. It isn't kindness, it's prevention. It's happiness through revenge and righteous fury. Likewise, it isn't pretty, and it isn't justice. But that is the hand we've been dealt."

He removes a pair of lenses from his face, the aura given off was something almost serene. Secrets removed through force, most that he met only wished to part with them through anger. Mari was the same, Hidden the same. Raidou knew that only beneath aggressive breath would people finally let the weight bear on another. Unfortunately for Rosa, even if it wasn't her wishes. Those that murdered her husband, those that had corrupted the dreams of a small girl from a field of roses. A heart would be ripped from a chest and consumed by an ill omen in red, to prevent the problem from growing and for a much-needed retribution.

[Morgenstern 1]

An eyebrow raised as he found Glenn to follow him out. There had been shouting, something was going on. With the man in the red coat. It was a face he had seen before but he didn't know what name to place it with. Why was Rosa dealing with him? What kind of information could she give to a frontliner? Violet's quiet breathing matched the rise and fall of her chest. It was easy and even. She wasn't experiencing a nightmare. Didn't make sense as to why she was sleeping so heavily. 

Stepping into the middle of the room, he looked over his shoulder back at Glenn. "Aren't you and Mujo a thing now? Just saying, its probably bad manners to follow someone else's girl like a lost puppy." There was no resentment in Jonathan's voice. In fact, it was obviously a joking tone. Eyes closed, he flashed a smile at Heart. However, the blonde turned away and his voice took a less light-hearted tone. "Why did it seem like a fight was about to break out? Who is he?" 

Jonathan turned around, a menacing glare in his eyes. "Is he why Mina is sleeping?" A threatening tension would assault the man before him. If the red man had brought up her bad memories and caused her to faint, he wouldn't be forgiving. Turning even if Heart started answering, he moved into the first room he was well acquainted with in Riker's Edge. Setting her on the couch, he would remove his jacket and throw it on top of the girl's sleeping body. "Wouldn't be a good thing for a guest to start causing problems ey 'Angry White Mage'?