[ F01-OP ] | The State of Things| (complete)

[inkylore 0]

 

Spoiler

1nkyL0re | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG:4 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 0 | EVS: 0 |
Battle ready- | potions x3 |  - |  - |  - |  - |

 

Equipped
Cleaver | tier 1 vanity dagger |
Void iron | tier 1 rare heavy armor| 2/2
Thorn|1/2|9+ DMG
Mitigation| 6+ MIT

 

Skills
Dagger|R1|+3 dmg
-[x4] ST-I (4 EN) | A single-target sword art.
-[x3] AOE-I (1 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A skill that strikes multiple targets at once.
-[x4] TECH-A (5 EN) | STUN | A single-target skill that stuns an enemy.

 

the evening was... jeez, sunny perhaps. the weather didn't seem very diverse. nicely cloudy and sunny during the day, freshly brisk with the dimming of moonlight during the dark hours. how long had it been a few months maybe since the trapping of the game. kurt never saw it coming. he spend hours craticing his avatar to look close to himself as the game would allow and then just as he entered the game it all went down the drain. the event of the red figure was in full sing a mob that called themselves "kyuba". and the so called endearing gift that erased all of Kurt's hard work. applaud at first, he got over it in a few days. and despite the fear of despair everyone was feeling at the time, he wasn't syncing with what they were feeling, perhaps it was because  he spawned in the middle of the speech, or perhaps because it was part of a story line narrative...

eventally though he did get the gist of the situation, a generic death game, loose all your health and you die. for real. though he felt oddly calm hearing the news perhaps even a bit excited, that this game provided a painless way to go out. forget about being trapped he found his plan "B" and yet inspite of it he had no reason to initiate it. he figured if he was trapped in the game, that he could wait for someone else to finish it. similar to when the united states was going to shit, he just let the activist deal with it no need to go to dc with a picked sign himself yea? 

 

 

it was easier said then done lets be honest. patients wasn't his worst quality but aa guy can only eat, sleep and walk for so long before the scenary got a bit stale. edged for new scenary he eventally did go beyound the town of beginning but it was only to walk he never bothered talking to any npc's beyound needing food or a place to crash. and he almost never ran or even saw any players. the entire time spent in the game seemed to be spent exploring the first floor and now that he had done that it seemed he would inevitable end up doing what he insisted he would let others due for him...

 

the sun was starting to set now soon iit would be night fall, due to his autism he was most active during the night... he was feeling a daze and boredom struke him even now. " hmmm... how long are we going to be stuck here, i wounder how far they've gotten... if they take much longer, i might have to do something's as if, I'll probably try it to day. that packagge gave me soome armor and a cleaver though i just like them for the aesthetic. was originally going to try the story line but... i have no idea what im supposedd to do or where to start" .

 

at the time of his awakening he was laying in a field of the town of beginnings. alot of the problems he faced wasn't as present in his current body. his body weight didn't reflect his athletics and his muscles weren't constantly being pulled in the most painful way and pain its self seemed to be reduced to a tingle. these were convent conditions in trying to play the game or do anything more daring then what he was willing to attempt... he had always had his armor on and his cleaver was never more then a click away are at least at arms reach... 

 

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WORD Count: 609

Edited June 15, 2023 by inkylore

[Morningstar 0]

His reflection in the store window seemed foreign. He adjusted his cloak slightly to no avail. What was once forest green was now sunset red and while it may have objectively suited him, he still felt as if he were looking at a stranger.

Perhaps it was the hair, though. It was longer than he was comfortable with; he had never grown it longer than his ears before. Now, it reached below his jaw easily. The gentle breeze kicked it up into his face, momentarily obstructing his vision.

His eyes were just as they had been before. They were his mother's—at least, that's what people liked to tell him. Radiant amber irises that held on to a bit of the weariness he had collected over the years. Over the weeks, really. He let loose the breath he had been holding onto and carried on from the shop window. The blade he kept so dear to him rattled gently beneath his cloak, its golden metal peeking out from time to time. 

Morningstar found himself back in the Town of Beginnings frequently. It was a place that, for him, held memories. He had lost count of the time he had spent in the game but he would never lose the memories. They were forever. He passed a familiar coffee shop and pictured himself surrounded by friends on the patio. Many of them were gone now.

But he was not and so he carried on.

As the sun began to set, the streets began to quiet down. The everyday foot traffic dispersed, with players retreating to inns and houses for rest. By the time he had realized it, he was alone. Alone, aside from the voice of the man mumbling to himself in the distance. Morningstar considered approaching but without overhearing what the player had said, he was skeptical of the idea. His openness to strangers was not quite what it had once been.

And yet he did so anyway. There was hesitation in his first step forward but once he was moving he felt the nervousness flee from his body. He announced himself before he got too close, hoping to avoid scaring the man to death.

"Evening."

Spoiler

Morningstar | Lv. 28 | HP: 560/560 | EN: 89/89 | DMG: 20 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | 2 BLD | 1 PAR

Gear:

• Meteor | Perfect Two-Handed Straight Sword
  +2 BLD
  +1 PAR
• In Noctem | Perfect Light Armor
  +36 MIT
  +1 EVA
• Lexa's Light | Perfect Trinket
  +3 ACC

Skills:

• Straight Sword | Rank 5 | Precision | Stamina | Ferocity
  +9 DMG
  +1 ACC
  -2 ENG per attack
• Light Armor | Rank 5 | Meticulous
  +30 MIT
  -2 Stealth
  +1 DMG
• Searching | Rank 5 | Night Vision | Detect
  +5 LD
  +5 Stealth Detection
• Survival | Rank 1
  +10% to healing effects
  +Immunity to environmental effects
• Charge | Rank 1
  +5 DMG (when activated)
  -1 ACC (when activated)
  +2*tier ENG cost to activate
• Energist | Rank 1
  +15 ENG

Combat Mastery:

• Damage
  +9 DMG

Combat Shift:

• TECH Specialist
  +4 to multipliers
  +3 to ENG cost

@inkylore

Edited June 16, 2023 by Morningstar

[inkylore 0]

kurt rose to his feet though it took a while. "i suppose do you need something" depending on the situation morningstar might have caught kurt at a good or bad time. since he was finally about to give up the "wait" approach and actually try to play the game for once. but there was probably another thing to note. kurts armor was absolutely ridiculous for a level 1 player. the armor called " void iron" was heavy armor that covered and encompassed his entire body even the helment its self didn't leave a inkling of accaracy as to what he might have looked like. it was black, spiky in certain places and most of all it was edgy. donned with 2 scarf-like capes and even more the skull designed Shoulder plates probably didn't deter from that fact. the cleaver also had a uncanny way of matching up despite technically being a dagger of vanity quality it all basically looked like high level gear.

 

 

although a sword probably would have match the armor better. now then this Morningstar fellow, he looked like quite the honor symbol himself, a nobalmen, a choosen hero, maybe a king. this was the first floor though so what was the deal there. was it a event or perhaps were they a player visiting. as long as kurt had been in the game he hadn't actually familiarized himself with the mechanics. he still can't tell the diffrence from a npc to a player unless they have a really wacky name to make it obvious. the two had similar heights though in terms of over all size kurt was clearly bigger and heavier when it came to wieght class. then again being fatter then someone else wasn't really a good bragging right, being proud of your insecurities was just weird,
______________________________________________________________________________

@Morningstar
301

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar shrugged, unfazed by the less than friendly response. "Nothing in particular."

Despite them being similar heights, he felt like he was staring up at a giant. It had less to do with physical size and more the dramatically intense suit of armor the stranger had chosen to sport. Under different circumstances, Morningstar may have mistaken him for an endgame boss. Admittedly, he liked the man's style. He looked out of place in the Town of Beginnings but in a dungeon, he'd be terrifying.

He almost moved on, ending the interaction, but curiosity got the best of him. "Cool armor," Morningstar said, arms crossed.

With plans of a tenth floor expedition on the horizon, he needed some extra muscle. The thought of the steel giant joining his team crossed his mind, although it was hard to tell from sight alone how experienced, skilled, or even willing the man would be. The blonde tried subtly peering through the dark holes in the helmet, hoping to get a glimpse of who was hidden inside, but that proved to be impossible. The added mystery strengthened Morningstar's curiosity. He had learned not to question what people were doing on the first floor, no matter the level. People had their reasons and sometimes they had no reasons at all. Besides, he was the latter; who was he to judge.

The sunset faded into dark blue and streetlights began to glow, catching Morningstar's attention for a moment. Then, he faced the man once more.

"Interested in a drink?"

@inkylore

[inkylore 0]

the conversation was oddly subtle but as it went on Kurt couldn't but find himself becoming more and more skeptical. a pour answer followed by a dry compliment. compliments, encouragement, words of endearment. they all came off as fake and forced to Kurt even when they were genuine in nature,
the lad must have wanted something, something he was convinced Kurt could provide or at least that was his analysis at the time. in all of it the only thing that probably saved it was the offer of a drink. since Kurt doesn't normally turn down free food unless he's really skeptical, not interested in the food offered or his stomach just isn't feeling it. either of which appears to be the case... in spite of the world be skepticism he jumped on the opportunity.

" Long as  your offering, where to?" this is what kurt said to him seemingly having a change of tune.  

______________________

@Morningstar

154

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar was glad to hear that the man was on board with his idea. It was a strange request, especially considering the time of day and lack of familiarity the two had with each other. He gestured deeper into the town. A few shopkeepers were closing up for the night but a bit further on, one store remained open and welcome to customers.

Expecting his new acquaintance to follow his lead, he began walking towards the old bar. He had not been around in some time; however, he was considered a regular there. There was something enjoyable about not having to worry about the effects of alcohol (since within the game there were none) and the company of strangers. Despite his regularity within the establishment, he found that he rarely left without meeting someone new. Players were always wandering in, whether by accident or otherwise.

"I'll warn you, the owner's a little odd. He's a good guy, though. He's a player but he essentially lives like he's an NPC," Morningstar joked.

A sign hung above the narrow entrance. It read "Dante's Bar" in jagged, vibrant letters. Morningstar could already hear the explosive atmosphere from where they stood outside. He pushed open the wooden door, slowly peeking inside. A large crowd, as usual. It was not a very big space in comparison to some of the other taverns in town; however, to him, it felt far more homely. The atmosphere was eccentric, to put it one way. Long lanterns dangled from the ceiling and along the walls were photos of many of Dante's favorite customers. Morningstar's own face was plastered on the wall directly to the left of the bar itself. He took pride in that fact. Dante noticed him almost immediately.

"Well, well. If it isn't the great Morningstar!" Dante broke through the noise.

Morningstar waved in response before returning his attention to the metal man. "If he offers you a drink, don't feel bad about telling him it sucks. It probably does."

Stepping through the crowd, they arrived at the bar. Morningstar picked out the only two open seats he could find and gestured for the man to join him. Dante was a quick bartender. He put together drinks for four other customers and then without even taking an order, slid two silver-green mixtures down the table to Morningstar and his company.

"What're these?" Morningstar asked.

"I call 'em 'Spinning Melons'. On the house, o' course. They're supposed to make you spin," Dante called back.

Skeptical, Morningstar took a sip. Nothing happened.

"Ah well," Dante shrugged.

Realizing his rudeness, Morningstar cleared his throat. "Sorry, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Morningstar—if that's too long though, Star's fine."

Spoiler

Dante, The Bartender

@inkylore

Edited June 17, 2023 by Morningstar

[inkylore 0]

at the time he hadn't known that a drink was specifically referring to alcohol. though  this wasn't exactly a problem. leading a path to this ledged place of establishment he began noticing the frequency of closed down places and began to wonder was this place even going to be open? growing in skepticism he wondered if this was going to be something akin to an assassination attempt, this player did come toward him out of the blue and all. slowly he distanced himself a bit...when they arrived, he remained skeptical waiting for the punch line of morningstar's prior warning.
" i think thats called retirement... or just giving up"

the place was packed with strangers, perhaps it was part of the setting? he definitely found it to be unusual for the this hour of the day or maybe since it was a bar it was in line with the standard stereotype in shows. the owner Dante expressed his comradery with morning star at the best Kurt could do was stand ideal till seats could be located. the area was a social nightmare with the number of people combined with there rowdiness. in time eventually Morningstar was able to find a seat and so far Kurt hadn't found the need or excuse to make conversation. the barkeep was fast with his orders but perhaps  that was not a good thing, given how Morningstar remarked the mans ability of serving drinks, and he apricated it even less being served a drink  he didn't order let alone not getting the chance too.

there was something else too, given it was alchal to core taste was probably going to be cough medicine but also... kurt probably couldn't drink this without taking off his helment, it was something that shouldn't have been a big deal, but his skepticsim toward morningstar made it so. maybe he could drink it later and take it with him.

" I see, like the DEVIL" he remarked


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345

@Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

He took another sip of his beverage, still deciding whether he liked it or not. It was difficult to pinpoint what type of melon was used in it which was strange, considering they were often distinct in taste. He took the straw between two fingers and stirred it around the slushy, aquamarine drink. The armored man still wore his helmet and Morningstar had taken notice. He was a cautious fellow and that was understandable in a world as dangerous as Aincrad. Even so, they were safe so long as they were within the city.

He smiled at the connection the man had made. "Yeah, like the devil."

Morningstar didn't tell him that Star was his real surname for the same reason he refrained from telling people who he had been before the game. If they did not already know, then why change their perception of him? He enjoyed the anonymity of being forgotten above anything else. It was an easier way to live.

Dante looked as though he would return to the pair, likely to ask how they found the drinks and what else they would like to order.

"What about you? What should I call you?" Morningstar asked.

@inkylore

[inkylore 0]

" ink is fine no one really bothers with the 2nd half and a quarter of it anyway. i must say you choose a odd time to invite a stranger for a drink though"

his real name was pretty long at least in its entirtyy and anyone who learned it never dared miss the chance to say the whole thing each and every time. it gets annoying after a while. inspite of Morningstars fears about those learning the true origin behind his name with kurt there was no chance of that happening, he wasn't into celebrities and they lived in 2 entirely diffrent countries so he had nothin to fear not really.

kurt noticed morningstar was using a straw and woundered if maybe... yes perhaps so. the metal guntlets lightly grazing the helments mouth piece were 2 holes narrowly shaped like a inverted cross 2 of them it seemed... although perhaps with the way the helment is made he could sneak it under his helment as well

" where'd you get the straw" 

__________________________________

@Morningstar

171
 

Edited June 17, 2023 by inkylore

[Morningstar 0]

Ink was not the name he had expected to hear leave the man's mouth. He was full of surprises, it seemed. Morningstar thought about the oddity that was his invitation. He didn't feel like it was the time of day that was unusual (even if alcohol did not work within the game, he was not one to hang around bars during the day), but rather the fact that they were strangers to each other. He couldn't say what made him invite the man, aside from pure curiosity.

"What can I say—spontaneity is the key to a fruitful life," Morningstar replied.

He was not sure if the quote had come from his mind or from a fortune cookie but nonetheless, it sounded poetic. Ink's question regarding Morningstar's straw made the blonde raise a brow. Dante had forgotten to slip a straw into the metal man's drink. It was unlike him. Despite the bartender's weird personality, he really was skilled at his job. When the old man wandered back over to the pair, Morningstar asked for a second straw.

"Ah, yes! Apologies, good sir," Dante said, placing one gently into Ink's glass. 

The bartender turned for a moment, pouring himself something to drink. He announced to the pair to order whatever they liked when they were ready. Dante was a social person by nature and often chatted with customers while they wound down. He was good company, which Morningstar thought could be difficult to find at times.

"I overheard your introductions," Dante sipped between sentences, "Welcome to my bar, Ink. It's good to see new faces around here. What brings you to the Town of Beginnings?"

@inkylore

[inkylore 0]

' wounder what online quote he got that from... haven't heard that one before '   ink thought to himself. perhaps it was of little consequence.
but in little case it looked like morningstar really only called ink out for a drink. as players they can see the health bar and and there names but unless there partied up they can't see the exact details of it such as there level, probably for the best honestly, wouldn't want to deminish inks selfesteem by being reminded how low level he is at this point...

" ah think you, dante" in normal restaurants ink wouldn't normally address characters by name though in this case the guy was just a player still kind of old to be playing a game ain't he? ink took a sip the liquid in the glass quickly descended by a quarter amount. do they serve anything other then drinks? i guess it wouldn't be much of a bar  if they just served a drink with no nutritional value. he was going to ask for a menu but then something else came up...the where abouts of ink being in the town of beginning...

there was a strange pause "what brings me here? what do you mean... i never left. i've been here since that red blob descended from the sky to deliver the announcing world breaking event"

 

____________________________________________________
224
@Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Another pause followed Ink's reply. Morningstar did not intend for it to be so awkward; he simply expected the man to be leagues above him in terms of levels.

"You mean, you're level one?" Morningstar asked.

He cleared his throat, realizing his rudeness. Dante seemed shocked by the fact too, despite being level one himself. Everything he learned about Ink just seemed so... odd. He had hoped to invite the man along with him on an adventure of sorts but now he was worried about the consequences that would arise if he did so.

"Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course. It's just that your armor makes you look like you just came down from Floor Seventy," Morningstar chuckled.

Perhaps there was still time for the man to leave the confines of the Town of Beginnings if he so pleased. Morningstar had never officially mentored anyone, nor did he think he was the most qualified to do it. Even so, he had a sword, he had experience, and he had a need for comradery. What more did he require, really?"

"What's made you stick around here, if I may ask?"

@inkylore

[inkylore 0]

questions unanswered, ink left it only to Morningstar's assumption and did nothing to reassure if he was on the ball or not. what could he say no, something about how only the brave and foolish pursue dreams and desires while the cowardice and wise stay at a distance to reap the reward? maybe a lie about something that sounded related to this ordeal but really wasn't? perhaps anything better then saying he didn't care, that would be boring for sure. ink continued sipping up the rest of the drink, vibrating the straw with a soft groan, before ultimately changing the subject

" ... Morningstar, the front lines"

"... how fare along are they... "

"... how many levels have they cleared in these 6 months or so give or take"

the game said to have 100 levels at least, but with so many players trying to complete it he wondered how much head wayy they had been making since he had been down here... 2/3 maybe, half? even a mere quarter would be a decent milestone wouldn't it? in knowin that he suspected he could get a estimate oof how long it might take to clear without his involvement.
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195

@Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar's smile faded, his expression more serious now. He was not a front liner. When it came to strength, they were in a league of their own. He was nowhere near it and yet he knew that even they were struggling at the top. The more floors that were cleared, the more difficult the enemies became and the fewer allies remained. It was hard to say what their numbers were looking like now. He had met many of them some time ago but his relationships with them were surface-level at best. He often wondered if he could be of use to them or if he would be a liability.

"Twenty-seven," Morningstar said, finishing off his melted drink, "twenty-seven floors have been cleared since the game began."

The numbers were not favorable. The longer the game went on, the harder it became for him to keep track of time, and yet, he knew that they should have been further along by now. However, with numbers dwindling, how could they be?

"Stay hopeful, if you can, and help out whenever it's possible. Don't feel like you need to be on the front lines. We need people down here just as much as we need people at the top."

Morningstar looked around. There were a lot of people who lived within the walls and some of them were no different than Ink or Dante. They had lives worth living and they did their best to adapt to the digital world they were given.

"This town's here for a reason," Morningstar finished and then gestured to Dante, "Just a water, please."

@inkylore

[inkylore 0]

ink sat back in the seat for a bit... " got any fast-food type items? wings, fries, burgers stuff like that" they didn't really get a menu but those are some standard items almost any restaurant with or without variety might have. he liked to balance it with liquid and solid foods as he did with sweat and salty one's. but what are they getting all sentimental for all he wanted to know was the progress. perhaps he came off a little serous then  he intended. what a headache. and he can't exactly come out and ask them to stop sounding so sapping about it, they may rapermend him if they think he doesn't care...

there was a exceedingly long pause, what was he supposed too say now. feeling more irritable then usual. " Morningstar, what are you going to do after this" ink needed to stir the conversation else where as this was starting to sound depressing as well as sappy and last time he checked this wasn't soap opera. as for ink he knew what he was going to do, spend the night playing catch up and if he was lucky reach just short of the front line to see for himself what they were like... he just had to hope no one would try to invite themselves to this opportunity. 

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221
@Morningstar

Edited June 18, 2023 by inkylore

[Morningstar 0]

"We've got it all—wings, fries, and burgers, I mean. What can I get ya?" Dante asked.

Morningstar caved into his cravings and ordered a serving of fries. Dante was not known for his food but it did the trick. His water came first, of course, and he sipped it conservatively. It would probably be the last drink he ordered.

He couldn't tell if Ink's question was meant to be thought-provoking or literal. He took a second before answering, twirling the ice cubes in his glass. It was getting late, he thought, and he had not made any plans for the evening.

"Sleep, probably," he answered honestly, "what about you?"

Morningstar was not one for all-nighters. He enjoyed his mornings and besides, what was so important that it could not wait a few extra hours? It would have surprised him if Ink felt any different. He watched Dante through a window in the back as he poured a bag of thinly cut fries into a bowl, mixing them with some concoction of spices. The old man tossed them into his deep frier and then looked up, returning a wide grin.

@inkylore

[inkylore 0]

being offered a free meal by the owner was nice and ink intended to get what he could, even though it went beyound drinks, drinks he assumed Morningstar was going to pay for...though he wondered what the exchange rate of u.s. dollars to col was. ink took a moment to order the followin

• double cheese burger|2/3 lb beef| [plain] ( cheese and ketchup only)
• large serving of salted fries ( shoe string style)
• a serving of 12 piece wings| mild lemon pepper| (all flats)
• 10 potsticker dumplings ( pork filled with soy sauce) 

however even  as he was ordering this, there was a nerving tick that the owner might go back on his word. not that anyone would blame him, well ink himself might, it was alot of food espacially for one person, oh well if it was really too much ink could always retract his order or at least he hoped.
truth being he would have loved the idea of living out a perfectly fine tuned virtual life like this. where the perfect meal was just a few exp away. along with any task that would normally be deemed work grueling

"im going up and explore the other floors a little. if i fight high end enemies up there i might level up faster, ill hire some muscle heads incase things go south" this i what he told him though he actuallyy had something let risky in mind 

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237
@Morningstar

 

[Morningstar 0]

Dante seemed pleased with such a large order of food. He snapped with joy.

"Right away, good sir! I'll throw it on ol' Star's tab," He winked, rushing to the kitchen to prepare the small feast.

Morningstar shook his head and sighed. The bartender was always throwing things on "ol' Star's tab'. It was almost like a game for him but, of course, Morningstar did not complain. In return, he knew he could count on Dante during difficult times.

Ink's motivation seemed basic enough. It was respectable, leaving the Town of Beginnings after all this time. It took more than simple courage, otherwise, he would already have done it. He pondered locations he could suggest for visitation. The fourth floor was cold but if Ink liked that sort of thing, it was quite beautiful. The fifth floor was the opposite in about every single way: disgustingly hot and unaesthetic. But maybe that was what he preferred.

"When you get to a safer level, check out the Paradise Islands on the Twenty-Fourth Floor. It's one of my favorite spots for when you need a break from things," Morningstar said.

@inkylore

[inkylore 0]

" i'll try to keep that in mind" the discussion seemed like it was starting to come to a close. much more from that all there was left was too wait for the small feast. after eatting he was going to need another nape after and wait to digest said food. or at least to recieve the false feeling of digesting said food. that said that was still a lot of food... and it was probably still going to take a while... maybe he should try making more conversation with the lad... though honestly what would they even talk about. 

 

the silence was quickly setting in. there was a clear view to the back of the kitchen, a open flame. the front of the restaurant was getting quitter  the rowdiness being reduced to quite yammers with the additional graving of dishes and cutlery, perhaps a few glasses, ink was slowly starting to doze off though it was probably hard to tell at first

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162

@Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

With that, Morningstar stood up. He had not found what he thought he might in the man; however, the conversation was valuable on its own. It was interesting, talking to a man who intended on taking his first steps outside of the walls of the safe zone. It brought him back a few years, to himself. He had had plenty of help from others back then and felt obligated to pay it forward. He swished his hand horizontally, opening his menu. Finding his "Friends" section, he entered Ink's username and sent a friend request.

"If you need a hand with a quest or something, just shoot me a message. It was nice meeting you, Ink."

Dante peeked out from the kitchen window. "Calling it for the night, Star?"

"Yeah, Dante. Take it easy."

"You too, pal," he said.

Ink's meal had apparently finished and Dante was bringing out as they spoke. He carried all four dishes in his arms, balancing them like a freak. He repeated the order back to Ink as he placed them on the counter before him. Morningstar picked up his plate of fries, tossing one in his mouth. They were as good as usual.

"Enjoy the meal," Morningstar said, taking his leave.

@inkylore