[F01-SP] Romancing the Stone

[Rencesvals 0]

"It feels like ages ago."  Already bundled under the cart's tarp, she stared wistfully at the slowly emerging stars in the patches of sky visible overhead.  Tree coverage was thicker and taller here, blocking more of the view, but there were few lights to obscure the full grandeur of the night.  Climbing in as best he could while avoiding stepping on her, Ren thumped into bed at her side.

"It was," he said, half joking and pensive.  "Who really knows how long we've actually been in here?  There's no true way to be certain.  In the end, it may only matter if we ever manage to make it back."  Toil's toll was already claiming his grip on consciousness and the system would not let him fight it off much longer.  "And for whatever it's worth, Kano, I'm glad you came."

"That I snuck into your cart to keep you from doing something reckless all on your own?"

"That, and also that you came into the game at all.  I know you weren't as keen as some of the others.  That has to bite, especially after what followed.  But I can't imaging facing this world all by myself.  So... thanks..."  If she replied, he never heard it, his lids closing of their own accord.  Something warm and slender brushed against his hand in his final moment of consciousness.  It felt good to fall asleep with a sense of peace for a change.

***

ID 212931 | Gathering LD 17+6=23 | CD 12+1=13 | Find 3 material + 1,500 col
(R4 Forager; +8 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+126 Forager EXP
36 Materials
13,500 col

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

Their morning was spent working kinks out of backs and scrounging more edibles to stave off starvation.  Verdy did most of that while Ren re-organized the wagon and took care of Biscuit.  She's found a nice and cozy patch of hay and took an extra bit of coaxing to get up and ready.  Filled and prepped, they carried on their merry way to the next available resource cluster.  It turned out to be an old quarry face with exposed chunks of obsidian and other volcanic deposits.  All were oddly out of context on a floor that otherwise lacked any evidence of such activity, but Ren was quickly coming to terms that some things in this game just didn't make any real world sense.  

"Don't look a gift rock in the face?"  Verdy just groaned and told him to do better or keep his comments to his inner voice.  

"Be careful with geologists," he replied.  "They all have their faults."  Face meeting palm was her only response.

***

ID 212932 | Gathering LD 8+6=14 | CD 6+1=7 | Find 2 material
(R4 Forager; +8 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+134 Forager EXP
38 Materials
13,500 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

"How much of this stuff do you actually need?  At this rate, the wagon won't have room for us to sleep another night, and we still need to make our way back."

Brushing sweat from his brow, Ren looked overhead to confirm the position of the scorching sun.  They'd been at this site for hours, having gathered quite the decent haul from the available nodes. 

"Spawn rates around here must still be high from when the game first opened.  Players would have blitzed this area repeatedly and in high numbers.  They've all likely moved on to better fields on higher level floors.  Still, you're not wrong.  This should keep the shop going for a while."

"Have you found a location?"  Verdy seemed genuinely curious, yet also hesitant at the thought of losing his company.  

"Tomoika, up on twenty-one.  It's a subterranean level, but the mineral wealth there is close and high quality.  I just came here to gather some bare essentials to get me started."

"That sounds... far."  He caught her gazing at the ground with disapproval.

"It's just a portal jump away, Verdy," A hand on shoulder and softened eyes to draw her own to gaze at his.  "We can see each other at a moment's notice, anytime."

***

ID 212933 | Gathering LD 14+6=20 | CD 11+1=12 | Find 3 material + 1,500 col
(R4 Forager; +8 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+142 Forager EXP
41 Materials
15,000 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

"Yeah?"  She had refused to stray from the first floor ever since her sister died.

"Town to town.  Safe zone to safe zone.  Nothing can happen.  I've done it many times, including going up to scout a location  My trip to seventeen was probably more dangerous."

"You've been to seventeen," she asked, both agog and incredulous.  "What... what was it like?"

"Very Greek, actually." There may have been variations, but the invitation from Demeter hadn't left much time for sightseeing.  "We can go together at some point and check it out.  I think you'd like it.  There are plenty of forest levels as well, so I'm told."  Blue eyes lit up like sparklers at the mention of more flora.  "If I can work myself up as a tank, it will be much easier to escort you and others out into the wilds.  This world isn't all bad, Verdy.  We just need to let ourselves see that."

***

ID 212934 | Gathering LD 6+6=12 | CD 11+1=12 | Find 3 material + 1,500 col
(R4 Forager; +8 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+150 Forager EXP
44 Materials
16,500 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

"You still haven't quite told me what all of this is for," she added, pointing at the load of stone and ore shifting heavily behind them as they resumed their wagon ride.

"It's for weapons, tools and armor.  To make effective gear to keep you, our friends and anyone else I can alive out there, and to make a difference."  She was giving him that look again, that said she was proud of him in a surprised, motherly way.

"When did you grow up?"  He knocked his knee into hers, elbows not being close enough to ribs at the moment.  

"In the aftermath, and when I started seeing how many other people around here also needed someone to get or keep them on their feet."  Memories of @Illisandra, @Enyaand @Dimoscame flooding back.  "There's a plan in motion.  This," he jerked his thumb over his shoulder, "is just the next step."

***

ID 212935 | Gathering LD 10+6=16 | CD 4+1=5 | Find 2 material
(R4 Forager; +8 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+158 Forager EXP
46 Materials
16,500 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

Traveling back through the Horunkan woods in silence, both driver and passenger sat content to listen and absorb the lush landscapes and scenery.  Birds circled overhead or sang from a subset of pre-recorded chirps while woodland critters migrated in predictable patterns along preset courses within designate bounds.  It was a beautiful illusion, but worth the occasional moment to appreciate its finer points.  Verdy's head started to loll about once they cleared the tree line.  Open air, exertion or fitful sleep was catching up with her.  Just because ren had rested soundly, didn't mean she had.  As the road turned to the right, her head slumped to the left and landed on his shoulder.  He just smiled and kept on driving.  Even Biscuit was in a better mood today.  

Gauging their haul and the pace of his progress, it seemed likely he could stretch this out a long while.  If another invite came from Olympus, it might also further shave down the time required to make everything come together.  Ren made a mental note to reach out to the other friends he'd recently made and ask them what needs he might provide for them.  Brick by brick, he would build a wall between them and the perils of this world, and stand guard upon its battlements for as long as might be required to keep them safe.

***

ID 212936 | Gathering LD 1+6=7 | CD 3+1=4 | Find 0 material
(R4 Forager; +3 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+161 Forager EXP
46 Materials
16,500 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

A jolt as the cart passed through the massive limestone gates to the First City was enough to bring Verdy back to her senses.  Recognition of the hanging pennants, along with other familiar sights, smells and sounds soon brought her mind back into focus.  

"Are we back already?  How long was I out?"

"Three days," Ren replied, without skipping a beat.  Verdy's dozy eyes snapped open with momentary panic until she caught the curl at the edge of his lips.  An arm with strength like a limp noodle pressed against his should in some pathetic form of rebuke that did nothing, save provoke his laughter.  "Okay, maybe just a few hours."

"Ass," she accused, still trying to wipe the sleep from her eyes along with the contending with bright rays of late afternoon sun.  "Who knows whatever lewd and inappropriate behaviour you might have performed while I was innocently sleeping beside you."

"I can provide you with a list if--."  A swift swat with the back of her hand abruptly ended the retort.

***

ID 212937 | Gathering LD 11+6=17 | CD 9+1=10 | Find 3 material + 1,500 col
(R4 Forager; +8 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+169 Forager EXP
49 Materials
18,000 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

It took a short while longer to navigate the main boulevard to the narrower lane whereupon the familiar and colourful façade of the Happy Daze.  Verdy's paint job had been deliberately loud, as if the merely looking at the building was meant to slap you silly.  The interior was even more intense, but Ren expected to spare himself that psychedelic experience today.

"The Biscuit Express will soon be coming to a stop.  Please be sure to close and secure your tray tables and collect all of your belongings prior to disembarking.  We thank you for riding with us today and wish you a quiet and disinteresting experience for the rest of your day."  Very was grinning as madly as he was as he spoke the words, azure eyes twinkling over shared mischief as they met his golden orbs.  

"You asked me why I chose blue, but never told me why you chose this appearance for yourself."

"White is the hair colour of mystery and mysticism in anime.  Golden eyes are often associated with supernatural power or associated with animal spirits.  I was hoping that both might grant me some wisdom."

***

ID 212938 | Gathering LD 10+6=16 | CD 1+1=2 | Find 1 material
(R4 Forager; +5 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+174 Forager EXP
50 Materials
18,000 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

Verdy's gaze seemed to be gauging his response with hesitation.

"I know you, Sakata.  You were always a good man, and still are.  Don't ever doubt that."  Leaning over, Verdy kissed him on the cheek before suddenly jumping off the wagon and vanishing inside.  Ren hadn't even had a moment to decently blush.  Biscuit snorted at the outcome, glancing back at him with dull cow eyes that seemed far keener than anyone had ever considered possible.  

"I love you too, Kano," he thought, unable to say it out loud in case she heard him.  Even Ren's semi-obliviousness could not ignore the signs of growing rapprochement between them since Tamaki's death.  They'd found solace in each other's presence and the familiarity it carried.  Was there more to it than friendship?  He honestly wasn't sure, from either perspective.  Verdy could be, in any given moment, motherly, sisterly, friendly or... something else?  He'd never truly considered the implications, at least not consciously.

***

ID 212939 | Gathering LD 1+6=7 | CD 2+1=3 | Find 0 material
(R4 Forager; +3 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+177 Forager EXP
50 Materials
18,000 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

Snapping the reigns to pull away from the Daze and hoping to glean some space to think, it seemed appropriate to solicit some advice.

"What do you think, Biscuit?  Could there be something there?"

The oxen farted long and loud in response, dropping a load on the cobblestone as she went.

"I... I'm really not sure how to take that."  Assuming that she meant anything more by it than simple relief, Biscuit wasn't saying - not that she could.  Maybe that was the point?  Make of it what you will.  It's all the same shit.

"Heh.  Yeah.  Maybe."  Guiding her gradually back to the central plaza, he'd have to absorb and store all of these materials in his inventory before returning to Tomoika and getting back to work.  "It's been a slice.  We should do this again sometime."  It took another hour or so to do so and return Biscuit to her stall, taking a bit of extra time to brush and clean her fur in recognition of her efforts.

***
ID 212940 | Gathering LD 15+6=21 | CD 12+1=13 | Find 3 material + 1,500 col
(R4 Forager; +8 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+185 Forager EXP
53 Materials
19,500 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

Darkness broken by lanternlight greeted him the moment Ren stepped through the portal to arrive in the streets of Tomoika.  Were it not for the steam-powered clocks and ability to verify the time though player UIs, you could easily loose track of yourself in this underdark.  A few customers were loitering outside the shop when he arrived, waiting to place orders.  A bit of banter and assuaging their patience soon had them all heartily filling their scripts and setting deadlines for delivery.  Ren knew he'd be busy, yet looked forward to it.  This was what he'd wanted and signed up for.

The familiar rhythm of hammer and bellows soon followed, ringing out into the dark.  He'd gone full circle, ending up right where he started only with greater resolve and confidence than when he'd started.  Maybe that was really the point?  Verdy's way with people had made this all possible.  Now, he needed to learn from her lesson and reach out to the rest.

***

ID 212941 | Gathering LD 9+6=15 | CD 4+1=5 | Find 2 material
(R4 Forager; +8 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+194 Forager EXP
53 Materials
19,500 col
 

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Rencesvals 0]

Austerlitz cursed when the UI popped up with a message notification.  He should have suppressed the interface during such a sensitive mission and had forgotten to do so.  Hopefully it hadn't drawn anyone's attention and wouldn't get him killed.  Something scraped in the darkness to his left: metal against stone.  They had found him.  Launching himself from his hiding nook, he caught one of the assailants by the neck, shattering his form instantly.  Cries of surprise, anger and anguish came up all around.  He was far from alone.  Barking dogs signaled that they likely had his scent and that this was going to get messy.  His remaining allies were few and scattered.  None would be able to help, unless...

Back in Tomoika, a bluish message screen remained open and awaiting a response, its flashing cursor unmoving and ticking away the terminally slow passage of time, until...

Need your help on the outskirts of Flora.  Come alone, and hurry.  ~Aus.

***
ID 212942 | Gathering LD 7+6=13 | CD 10+1=11 | Find 3 material + 1,500 col
(R4 Forager; +8 EXP) - LD 11+; CD 5-7: 1 additional mat; CD 8+ 2 additional mats & 1,500 col

Total:
+202 Forager EXP
56 Materials
21,000 col

Thread Summary:

568 EXP (Word Count [5685/10*1*1])
21,400 col (1 page [400] + Foraging [21,000])
Materials: 56 (Foraging [56])

+202 Forager EXP

Edited July 8, 2023 by Rencesvals