[PP - F01] Cast the fear aside, onwards! <<The First Few Lessons>> /!\|2 years ago|/!\

[Faerie 0]

Sword now in hand, Fae felt a lot more confident. She had more experience out in the field than most people of her level, she had been surprised earlier and that was the o lyreason the boar landed such a good hit, now she was ready. "Don't worry about me, I'm stronger than I look. Besides," Fae tapped the belts on her left thigh that held her vials of reddish liquid, each being a healing potion that could negate just about anything she took short of death "These little guys will keep me out of trouble." Fae watched as the boar that had hit her turned, its tusks aimed menacingly as it snorted beginning its second charge.

Fae locked eyes with the boar brandishing her sword just as menacing as the tusks she was faced against. Waiting until the last second Fae spun out of the way of the charge her sword an extension of her arm as it sliced across the beast an explosion of data following close suit. The other three boars were coming in in a close pack charging just the same as they always did. Fae planned to dodge the second boar like she had the first, trying to spin out of the way at the last moment Fae misjudged her timing giving the boar enough time to alter its course back towards her.

Realizing her mistake as it happened Fae immediately brought her blade up the flat facing the boar diverting most of the power of its charge damage still leaking through the parry. She wasn't so lucky though when the third boar took this moment to graze her side. Fae watched her health bar drop below fifty percent as she leapt away from the group, putting enough distance between them and herself as she could. "Okay, maybe I was a bit overzealous, but they're still only boars. Just stop them before they kill me" Fae looked back towards Nari winking before returning her gaze to what was important hoping that the dark humor helped hide the ever so slight panic that she felt.

Spoiler

Combat

Faerie | Lv. 2 | HP: 15/40 (-17) | EN: 6/22 (+1 -9)| DMG: 7

Basic Boar 1 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 2 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 3 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 4 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8

Round 2

ID210482 | BD: 10 | <<AOE-1 vs. Basic Boar 1>> | Major Critical Hit! 9*4 = 36 DMG | Target Destroyed!
ID210483 | BD: 2 | <<AOE-1 vs. Basic Boar 2>> | Miss! | MD: 9 | Minor Critical Hit! 9 DMG
ID210484 | BD: 4 | <<AOE-1 vs. Basic Boar 3>> | Miss! | MD: 1 | Critical Miss!
ID210485 | BD: 3 | <<AOE-1 vs. Basic Boar 4>> | Critical Miss! | MD: 7 | Hit! 8 DMG

 

Word Count: 349

 

Edited December 31, 2022 by Faerie

[Avoryn 0]

As I was searching for more materials in the plains, I kept a tight eye on my allies' health bar, especially Fae's.

I was worried, but expected her to handle a few boars on her own, and that's why I stuck to foraging. Rounding around bushes, I spotted a few tufts of grass that looked particularly, let's say, "alchemistic". I bent over and fell face-first into the bushes, prickling my skin on multiple occasions while waddling my way towards my prize.
And for once, my eyes didn't deceive me.

Gather materials for Zackeriah the Alchemist: 1/5

Spoiler

LD: 12+3 = 15 | Success!
Roll ID: 210550

Stocking the material in my inventory, a bit of pride in me, I took a look at my companions' status. And then, dread overcame my body.
I saw Fae's bar changing colour, turning yellow. I could not really hear what was being said, but as I popped my head back out of the bush, I saw that she was clutching her side, her gaze focused on the opponents.

A multitude of thoughts happened all at once. Ranging from she'll be fine to several deaths, right before my eyes. The more I lingered on the thought, the more terrified I became. Up until my knees gave up underneath me. I landed softly on the grass, backpedalling lightly as fear built inside me, my hands slipping on the grass.

I had to make a choice, here and there. Risk my life and try to prevent the loss of others, or run away and abandon, yet again, people to their fate. I was not built to endure, I had no equipment, and I knew I had no way of really defending myself.

As I turned around, making ready to bolt away, a crystalline sound echoed from below me. I stopped my motion and lowered my gaze. At my belt were the three potions I had started with and readied just in case. The flasks had just rung when colliding against each others. 
It was true that I had no weapon, no armour. But I still had consumables at hand. And fucking guts. I muttered to myself. I spun around, towards the ongoing fight. There was this sinking feeling overwhelming me, one that I had felt many times before back in my fencing days. The kind of stress that helps you sharpen your senses just before a skirmish.
The time was ripe to show what I had learnt all these years. Not my skills, but what I was made of. Fuck the masks, fuck my pride, I'm not about to let people die before my eyes, just because I'm afraid that they'll think of me as a monster.

I narrowed my eyes, breathed in one big gulp of air, clutched one of my potions in my hand and started sprinting towards the animals, past Nari and slid into the field, resolved to see the end of this battle.

— Hey! You four-legged bacon! Come get a piece of me!

 

Spoiler

Word count: 491

 

Edited December 24, 2022 by Avoryn

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari's posture changed slightly, a minor straightening in her stance that bespoke the reaction that she was having towards the scene before her. Fae's health had already dropped significantly, and although the girl hadn't called for help, Nari was one step away from rushing in regardless. The only thing holding her back was the fact that she knew what it was likely to have another come to your rescue, especially when you didn't need it. It's not over quite yet...if she can just get the upper hand, and avoid any major retaliation...she should be okay.

Her hesitation gave leave to another, though. Her eyes shifted as the form of Avoryn rushed outwards, arms waving in an attempt to call the boar's attention to herself. The entire situation had gone from serious, to hilarious in the pace of a few steps, and Nari found herself giggling in response. "You two look like you've got this...although, I feel like...err...maybe you could use this..."

Nari drew from her inventory an item that she had recently collected as part of a quest, tossing the piece over towards Avoryn with a smile. The piece stretched out and unfurled as it seemed to sail through the air, before landing at the girl's feet in a small pile. She'd forgotten about the piece up until this exact moment, and figure it could at least provide some sort of assistance, if not an entirely beneficial one.

---

Throwing Tealeaf Whip{1} [T1 Whip | DMG I] to @Avoryn

[Faerie 0]

Fae had put ample distance between herself and the boars, but that distance wasn't going to giver her much of a chance to do anything, the four legged beasts would be able to cover the distance she had made in seconds, and she wouldn't be able to slip one of the vials on her thigh out and drink it before they made their way to her. Keeping her eyes forward Fae watched as the boars dug their hooves into the ground snorting as they did, clearly preparing for another charge to run through Fae.

Before anyone was able to make any moves however, a green blur appeared in between the two sides. Avoryn had stepped between the boars and Fae calling out to them in order to pull their attention away from her. The distraction was the perfect blessing as Fae brought her offhand to her thigh and slipped one of the vials out of its belt quickly downing it and watching as her health is brought back up to full. "Thank you Avoryn. That was the perfect distraction, though without a weapon I wouldn't recommend that you stay here long." Fae passed by the green haired woman quickly this time making sure that she was in front of her "I would hate to see you get hurt on my behalf." not even a few seconds later Fae heard their higher level companion call out to Avoryn throwing something through the air that landed by her feet. It seemed to be some sort of weapon which would definitely help. "You should grab that, though focus more on not getting hit, that armor won't do you much good until you've worn it for longer." The pair would now be able to fight the boars together and it would make the fight a lot easier.

Spoiler

Combat

Faerie | Lv. 2 | HP: 40/40 (+50) | EN: 7/22 (+1)| DMG: 7

Basic Boar 1 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 2 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 3 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 4 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8

Round 3

Fae Uses Starter Healing Potion | Heals 50 HP

ID210741 | Used Consumable | <<Basic Boar 2 attacks Faerie>> | MD: 3 | Miss!
ID210742 | Used Consumable | <<Basic Boar 3 attacks Faerie>> | MD: 3 | Miss!
ID210743 | Used Consumable | <<Basic Boar 4 attacks Faerie>> | MD: 2 | Miss!

Spoiler

Word Counter: 303

 

 

Edited December 31, 2022 by Faerie

[Avoryn 0]

The boars heard me as they were preparing their next charge, shifting ever so slightly their attention before focusing again on their initial opponent. Thankfully, this helped Fae to dive out of the way and proceed a potion from her thigh to her lips and top up her health bar.

I sighed in relief, preparing myself to dodge incoming blows from now on.
I heard Fae's warning, one that I knew all too well. Don't. Get. Hit. This was obvious to anyone, the less you get hit, the more your HP stays green. But in my case, seeing that I was practically naked and any injury I would suffer could be dramatic in an instant. 
But I also had a potion in hand, ready to down it as soon as I get in a pinch.

— Don't worry about me Fae, I'm just here to help distract a bit. I won't steal your spotlight. Also, I would hate to see you get hurt because I didn't intervene.

One loud snap broke the stillness of the battle, reaching for me. I looked over my shoulder and saw that Nari had sent me a weapon, some sort of whip.
I deftly reached for it, wondering how to use this kind of weapon, as I had settled for heavy axes and not a dextrous weapon as this one.

Equipping Tealeaf Whip | Tier 1 Whip | DMG +1

I unfurled it, striking left and right to test it, a booming crack echoing with each movement.

— That's a weapon... Or tool... I was not expecting to wield one day. I'll definitely hand it back after that fight. I'm not interested. Be it for fighting or... Other... Stuff. I swallowed my saliva, focusing myself back on the battle. Alright, Fae-Fae, let's do this!

Quote

Word count: 295

 

Edited December 29, 2022 by Avoryn

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari leaned back against the wall, watching as Fae downed a healing potion and Avoryn picked up the whip. It had just been something that she had in her inventory - an item from a quest, if she remembered correctly - but the green-haired woman somehow seemed uncomfortable with it. "Sorry, didn't really have anything else that would work. Err...yeah, sure, I mean, I don't use it much myself, so if you keep it no big deal. I don't think I'll ever use something like a whip."

She glanced over at the boars, taking in the fact that Fae had already put one down. The others seemed riled up, ready to continue the fight and press against the two combatants. Somehow, Avoryn joining the fray had made Nari less comfortable - Fae had come with a weapon, and a stance that bespoke their ability to use it. Avoryn, however, seemed...almost at a loss. You're reading too much into it...just...watch and wait. You may be surprised.

Arms crossed, Nari decided to do just that. For the moment, she wasn't needed - at least, not until things got a lot more chaotic. "Whatever you do, don't stand directly in front of them - gives them a good charging target! Try and stay slightly off to the left or right, that way they have to angle and turn, something you can see coming and...well, maybe jump out of the way of...maybe."

[Faerie 0]

Fae just smiled at her green haired companion, it was beyond sweet that she was willing to hop into the middle of the combat with nothing in hand. Now holding a whip in her hand Avoryn had some form of weapon to fight alongside Fae with, even if it wasn't the best weapon on the planet. "Thanks Avoryn, I appreciate your help!" Fae tossed the empty vial that she was holding and turned back to face her opponents holding the sword towards them as she prepared herself for another attack. Fae waited until right before one of the boars was about to charge before she launched herself forward pausing for a single moment to let her sword art activate before slashing three times in quick succession hoping to land a solid hit on all of the boars that were left. 

Another one of the porcine creatures exploded into a shower of sparks after her blade pierced its hide falling short of the other boars. Fae didn't have a moment to waste as another boar came charging at Fae. Bringing her blade level with the creature Fae tried to activate another sword art, finding the task to be impossible completely throwing off the strike that she made and giving one of the boars the perfect opportunity to slash its tusk along her side. "Don't let yourself run out of energy Ryn. It will make this a lot more difficult." Fae looked back at her combat partner before jumping back to bring herself in line with her.

Spoiler

Combat

Faerie | Lv. 2 | HP: 32/40 (-8)| EN: 1/22 (+1,-7)| DMG: 7

Basic Boar 1 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 2 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 3 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 4 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8

Round 3

ID211501 | BD: 5 | <<AOE-1 Vs. Boar 2>> | Miss! | MD: 7 | Hit! 8 DMG
ID211502 | BD: 8 | <<AOE-1 Vs. Boar 2>> | Hit! 7*4 = 28 DMG| Target Destroyed!
ID211503 | BD: 3 | <<AOE-1 Vs. Boar 3>> | Miss! | MD: 2 | Miss!

Spoiler

Word Count: 255

 

 

Edited January 7, 2023 by Faerie

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari was content to sit back and watch for the moment, confirming every once in a while that the other two were safe and sound during their conflict. It wasn't the fastest fight, as one should expect when dealing with lower levels, but it was favourably one sided for the players. She gave a small smile to herself, thinking back to when she had first started fighting boars, and how difficult it had been. A small part of her missed those days, where things had been truly challenging and dangerous, but another part knew it was nothing more than a false memory; a desire for what once was. 

"Nicely done, you've got this!" She called out in support as they continued to trade blows with the boars. She shifted in her spot, keeping an eye out on both the fight, as well as the area around them. The last thing she needed was to see any other dangers suddenly appear on the field, when there was already a pair of boars to deal with. She didn't need to be distracted with bigger threats, should they need her to jump in and help. "You're almost there, another good strike or two and you've got these two done and over with!"

[Faerie 0]

Fae smiled at the encouragement coming from the side of the field where Nari stood. So far the purple haired woman had done exactly what she had promised she would, acting as a protector for the two low leveled players as they foraged for the materials required for what was essentially the first quest most people ever did. Nari hadn't stepped in to help the pair as they fought, but her presence alone had been a comfort, knowing that if anything did go wrong she would be able to step in and save them. 

Comfort though, was not always the best emotion to feel on the battlefield. Falling complacent, even when you had a safety net wasn't a good idea. This proved to be true for Fae as in a moment of distraction she swung wide, with her sword meeting air rather than the resistance of the boar that she had expected Fae didn't have any time to bring it back up before the boar charged her, squarely ramming its head into her stomach and sending her skidding backward a few feet. "I'm beginning to think," Fae spoke through gasps of air as she tried to replace what had been pushed out by the boar "that maybe, I was a little overconfident.". The boar shook its head and snorted as Fae started to feel as though she could breath properly, clearly the  attack had not only stunned her and they were both beginning to shake off the feeling.

Spoiler

Combat

Faerie | Lv. 2 | HP: 24/40 (-8)| EN: 0/22 (+1,-2)| DMG: 7

Basic Boar 1 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 2 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 3 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 4 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8

Round 4

ID223731 | BD: 3 | <<Basic Attack Vs. Boar 2>> | Miss! | MD: 9 | Critical Hit! 9 DMG
ID223733 | MD: 1 | Critical Miss! 

 

Spoiler

Word Count: 248

 

Edited July 30 by Faerie

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

She'd winced outwardly before she could stop herself as the boar slammed into Fae's form, a small portion of the player's health bar shrivelling away beneath the assault. Without thought, she'd pushed off from the terrain she'd been leaning against, managing only to stop herself from stepping forwards towards the other player. Glancing over the party in front of her, she confirmed that Fae wasn't in the greatest of positions, with Avoryn having fallen off to the side as the boars turned their full attention on the lone remaining player.

"If you need me to step in, just let me know...Just, be careful, yeah?" Nari shifted on her feet again, a look of concern crossing her face as she glanced at the various combatants before her. She knew that she could - likely - wipe away both boars with a single stroke of her scythe, but this was meant to be Fae's quest and moment, and she didn't want to take away from that. "Just...don't push yourself too far. If things look really bad, I'm stepping in no matter what you say though. Got it?"

She figured that the reminder wasn't necessary, and yet she said it aloud anyways. It was always better to reiterate expectations before hand, rather than having people get upset after she had done something; that much she had learnt during her time in Aincrad. Besides, I'd rather have them being upset with me, and alive, than added to a list of names...

[Faerie 0]

It was oddly comforting having someone that she had only met hours ago care so much about Fae's well being. After everyone had been gathered in the Town of beginnings by the Game Master, and been told what this game truly was and the horrors that would come to follow, a large portion of the population had adopted a fend for themselves attitude, only caring about the welfare of themselves and those close to them. But this, for all intents and purposes, complete stranger stood to the side, watching like some sort of guardian making sure that even in the worst of moments Fae would come out of this safe. The thoughts brought color to Fae's cheeks as she shook her head, now wasn't the time to get sentimental or moony.

Two boars were still left and they were practically ignoring the other person in the fight in favor of Fae. It became harder and harder to dodge the attacks of both animals as they seemed to begin attacking more in tandem, staggering their charges and attacks in such a way that their was never a moment of downtime for Fae to go on the Offensive. At this rate the odds were beginning to look worse and worse for Fae as the boars kept pressing their advantage, the difference in health between the boars and Fae was growing wider and wider as the attacks grew harder and harder to block and dodge. And then it happened. Fae's foot caught on a rock hidden by the grass as she attempted to leap out of the way of another charge. The fall made the first boar's attack go wide, but the second one was left with the perfect opportunity. Scrambling in the grass beside her Fae clawed into the dirt looking for her fallen sword, just inches from where her hand could reach. Glancing back at the boar as it snorted Fae could see the bloodlust in its eyes, could see the pure intent to kill. Fae watched, all thoughts of comfort and safety fleeing her mind, as the boar dug its hoof into the ground and snorted preparing for the final charge, and in this moment she knew that she would die.

Spoiler

Faerie | Lv. 2 | HP: 6/40 (-18)| EN: 0/22 (+1,-2)| DMG: 7

Basic Boar 1 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 2 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 3 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 4 | HP: 24/24 | DMG: 8

Round 5

ID223749 | BD: 2 | <<Basic Attack Vs. Boar 2>> | Miss! | MD: 10 | Major Critical Hit! 10 DMG
ID223751 | MD: 8 | Hit! | 8 DMG

Spoiler

[Fonmt=Germana Regular]Word Count: 371

 

 

Edited July 31 by Faerie

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The boars had moved quickly, their charge coming in against Fae like a pair of tanks slamming into the poor girl. Nari had barely seen as the girl had fallen to the ground, her feet moving as she pushed off against the rock. The scythe appeared in her hand even as she charged forwards, her entire body springing into action like a coiled toy suddenly popping from the box. Within seconds she had stepped in front of Fae, her weapon slashing outwards as she attempted to strike the beasts.

She turned back towards Fae, reaching down with a hand as she smiled gently. "You're alright now, although that was a lot closer than I am comfortable with. For now...let's maybe keep away from fighting things in large groups, yeah?"

There was no anger in her tone, or any real disappointment. If anything, one could say that she sounded relieved - relieved that she had managed to move quick enough to put down the threat to the lower levelled player. Nari didn't even want to imagine what could've happened if she hadn't been there, if she hadn't been watching and waiting. Thankfully her concentration on the fight had been enough, this time. "Maybe, for now, let's focus on just gathering the materials we need. And then we can head back and get this whole adventure done with. Maybe even grab a cup of something warm to drink, to chase away the chill of what happened here?"

---

 

Faerie | Lv. 2 | HP: 6/40 (-18)| EN: 0/22 (+1,-2)| DMG: 7
Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 39 | HP: 820/820 | EN: 104/117 | ACC: 4 | DMG: 20 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 30 | B.Healing [+44] | L.Momentum: 1 | LD: 3 | Bld: 48 | -13 EN

Basic Boar 1 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 2 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 3 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8
Basic Boar 4 | HP: 0/24 | DMG: 8

Round 6
Nari-Lanreth activates Concetration.
ID223752 | BD: 4+5=9 | <<Tech-F Vs. Boar 2>> | Hit: [20x16] = 320 damage. Boar 2 is defeated!
ID223753 | BD: 1+5=6 | <<Tech-F Vs. Boar 4>> | Hit: [20x16] = 320 damage. Boar 4 is defeated!

[Faerie 0]

Fae tried not to tremble as she grabbed Nari's hand and let them help her to her feet, feeling as though her body weighed ten times what it had before she had left for this quest. Letting out a shaky breath and brushing off her clothes Fae tried to force a smile onto her face, she wasn't dead and she had been saved there was plenty to smile about right now, but the effort seemed almost insurmountable as she looked around "Yeah, maybe I'm not so ready as I thought I was. . ." trailing off Fae couldn't help but notice that the pair was just that, only a pair. "Hey, Where's Ryn?" A wave of panic washed over her as Fae hurriedly began looking around, the only thoughts coming to mind was their third partner stuck in the same position as Fae had been, only without the guardian angel in full plate that had arrived to save Fae. The color drained even further from Fae's face as no sign of the green haired girl could be seen. That is until the sight of something green, nearly blending in with the grass caught Fae's eyes, her cloak discarded and sitting on a nearby rock.

Fae ran to the cloak fearing the worst, before her brain was finally able to catch up to her feet and she realized, if the cloak was still here than that meant that Avoryn would have had to have taken it off, it would have disappeared along with her if something unfortunate happened to her while she was wearing it. "She left behind my cloak. She has to be alright." Fae bent and picked it up, donning it again, feeling more comfortable with its weight on her shoulders as she turned back to Nari "I wonder why she left without saying anything. Anyways, I agree, let's get this quest over with and get that drink." the smile on Fae's face wasn't as forced as she made her way through the plains with her newfound companion, and this time she would stay well away from the boars.

Spoiler

Equipped Item

Fairy's Dance: [Cloth Armor; T1 Perfect] This cloth armor is kept light to make movement as easy as possible, almost as if the wearer were a fairy dancing through the air. The armor consists of a pair of tight, but not constricting white pants, a pastel purple shirt tucked into the pants somewhat loose for ease of movement. The selling point however is the half cloak, a mixture of pastel pink and blue this cloak has a hood and covers all of her body stopping at her mid stomach. The most important part of the cloak however are two pieces of cloth trailing from the shoulders and stopping at the lower back, when one moves in the cloak the cloth flutters giving the look of fairy wings.
Enhancement: Loot Die [3 Slots] | Effect: Gain +(1 per slot) to the LD

Spoiler

Word Count: 348

 

 

Edited July 31 by Faerie

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari felt the same moment of fear at the mention of Avoryn's disappearance, but the spotting and retrieval of the cloak that Fae had leant to the other player alleviated any further concerns. She gave a slight nod as Fae continued talking, her mind drifting slightly at the thought of what could have occurred if Nari hadn't been there to watch over the two. The good news is, you were here, this time. You can't be there every time, for every single person...you can only do what you can.

She snapped back to attention at the mention of the continuation and completion of the quest. Normally, she would've been enthused to complete the quest, but everything about this day had been going oddly, and Nari wasn't entirely sure what else could happen. Still, she knew that they were close to it's completion, and that it would be an entire waste to simply throw everything away now. You're almost done, and Fae has you here so you should be safe. There shouldn't be anything on this floor that you can't handle. Throwing on a smile and giving a wave of her hand, Nari gave a partial bow towards the other player in jest as she spoke aloud. "Well then, on your leave, let's get this over and done with shall we? I'll be happy to be back behind the safety of the town's walls, I think...and I think you would be as well?"

She left the question hanging as she waited for Fae to lead onwards. They still needed to finish up and head back, and although only a small amount of time had passed, Nari felt like she had been out in the field the entirety of the day. There was no denying that she would be happy to return to the walls of civilisation and find some comfort and relaxation within.

[Faerie 0]

Fae's smile grew even easier at the lighthearted way that her companion spoke, nodding as she turned back towards the rolling fields that spanned out from the Town of Beginnings. It wasn't particularly hard to avoid combat in the areas so close to the first settlement and Fae blushed at the confidence that she had originally shown when she dove head first into the boars earlier, it had been a mistake and Nari had had to jump in to save her. "Maybe this time I'll just focus on gathering the herbs for Zackariah." 

Fae deftly made her way through the grass keeping an eye out for the telltale gleam that faintly came from harvest-able materials quickly gathering some and placing them into her pack. "So, what's next for you after this? I mean I can't imagine you spend all your time saving newbies like me on the lower floors, what with how much higher level you are." Fae felt awkward as she tried to make small talk with her newfound companion, they had spent hours together at this point, but it felt like they had not actually spoken for more than a few moments, most of the time spent in combat or acting as a lookout for the level players, and that feeling had only grown as Fae seemed to have been left completely alone with them.

Spoiler

Gathering Attempt:

ID223752 | LD: 19 + 3 = 22 | Success! | +1 Material

Spoiler

Word Count: 227

 

 

Edited August 2 by Faerie

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari cocked her head to the side, considering the girl's question. She hadn't really planned for anything in particular, but she found her lips curling into a smile at the assumptions. "Well, I wouldn't say I make a habit of it, but it's definitely not the first time. I think...that one of the unspoken rules of gaining levels in this world, is that you need to be prepared to help out those lower levelled than yourself. In fact, it's fairly common for higher levelled players - especially those on the frontlines - to return to the lower floors and help out."

She gave a soft shrug, as if uncertain of how else to explain it. It seemed like whenever the push for a new floor had lulled slightly, the forefront would return to the start, looking for new players who were up and coming and needed some assistance getting started. Nari had help during her early days, and she knew that those she had helped since then had gone on to do the same thing - at least, some of them had. "I also didn't really have anything planned, yet...at least not for today...there's a bit of a lull in the push for the next floor, so it's safe to say that my...services...aren't really needed anywhere else right now. Besides, it's relaxing to come back and hang out with the new players. Reminds me of my own early days, if that sounds weird."

[Faerie 0]

Fae couldn't help but smile along side her companion as they continued to walk through the grasslands, both their eyes searching, if not for the same thing. It was refreshing meeting someone who was, to put it simply, so nice. Most of the frontlines that Fae had met had a similar disposition to Nari, but it was still a breathe of fresh air to see that people were still willing to help those less fortunate in such a dire time. "Well, I'll tell you I'm definitely glad you came down to the first floor today." Smile faltering slightly as the thought of what could have happened if Nari hadn't decided to relax on this particular day. A slight shake of her head had Fae's smile back in place as she crouched down to gather another bunch of herbs, holding them in her hand as she stared. 

"You know, I have always been so inspired by you people on the front lines." Fae gripped the herbs harder before finally releasing them and putting them into her inventory. "I don't know if I can ever fight like you, but I will find a way to help. I can't just sit idly by and watch as people risk themselves to save people, to save me." looking up a blush spread across Fae's face waving her hands awkwardly "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have started talking like that." Fae spluttered out an apology as she crouched back down intently looking anywhere but at her companion hoping that it looked like she was hunting for materials.

Spoiler

Gathering Attempt:

ID224225 | LD: 15 + 3 = 18 | Success! | +1 Material

Spoiler

Word Count: 260

 

 

Edited August 5 by Faerie

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari shook her head, thinking back to her own such ideals and thoughts. She'd once been far more like Fae than the girl realised, and the idea of seeing a near mirror image of her behaviour was almost entertaining. Holding back the laughter that was fighting to rise out of her, she instead decided to simply point out the similarities, uncertain whether the other player would believe her or not regardless. "I thought the same when I first started out, in earnest. I saw the amazing players fighting on the frontlines, and I thought I would never be like them. I mean, me...I was no warrior, no amazing fighter...I was nothing more than a scared girl at the time, trying desperately to just stay alive..."

She gazed out into the fields for a few moments, letting the silence pass as she remembered those times before. How different it had all been, and how far she had come. It still hurt, deep down inside, thinking about everything she had lost. But she found that now, with a purpose, she was able to overcome it - if only a single step at a time. Turning back to Fae, she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, smiling broadly as she spoke once more, picking up her thoughts where she had left them. "...but now I fight among the best. I may not be the greatest warrior, or the fiercest during the floor bosses...but I give them what I can, and it's enough. That's all they're looking for...they don't need heroes, or stars...or even great warriors, really. They just need players willing to do what they can, to help."

[Faerie 0]

It was hard for Fae to imagine Nari as anything but strong, from her perspective, this woman was at the peak of what players could become, but it was comforting nonetheless, Fae wasn't confident that she would ever be able to fight, not like this woman before her, not like any of the other frontliners, but she had her own talents, and she would prove that she could be useful even if combat wasn't ever going to be her strong suit. "Thank you. That means a lot coming from someone in the frontlines. Someday I'll be there with you."

Out of the corner of her eye Fae caught the gleam of another material that could be harvested and quickly went to retrieve it "I think this is the last one. I guess we should head back to Zackariah and get this quest turned in. I really appreciate your help, and truly hope we run into each other again soon." Fae straightened and smiled at her companion, she hadn't expected to run into the woman, but had quickly grown to call her friend.

Spoiler

Gathering Attempt:

ID224229 | LD: 17 + 3 = 20 | Success! | +1 Material

Spoiler

Word Count: 182

 

 

Edited August 5 by Faerie

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari gave a nod, her eyes staring off into the distance as she seemed to consider something. Shaking herself from her thoughts, she turned back to Fae and began following as the girl made her way back to town, the final material they needed found within the grasses. Nari found herself grinning at the simplicity of it all, and the irony of the fact of how easy it had been to collect them now that they had turned their focus away from the fighting. Almost casually, she gave Fae a soft poke, her grin widening into a full smile.

"I guess you may not be the best fighter in the word...but you certainly have no issues finding all the materials you need, in almost no time at that." Nari's head shifted to the right slightly, a soft tilt taking over as she seemed to think of something. Her smile dropped slightly, but no sign of a frown or of anger appeared. Instead, she seemed almost excited at whatever she had just thought up. "Which...is a very useful trait, in and of itself. A lot of frontline players are looking for materials and goods, constantly...even if you're not fighting on the frontlines, supply and demand are important...and it would be useful to have someone who's entire focus is on finding goods. Saves having to grind down mobs on top of fighting to clear the levels and floors."