[FL1-PP] Curious Beginnings <TFFL P1>

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria found herself giggling silently to herself in resposne to the other two, their own considerations on the topic far from what she had expected in some ways. She fell quiet for a period of time, her hands busy shuffling through the nearby ground as she considered everything they'd said, and not said, and what that meant for their own personalities. She knew that each individual always approached a problem differently, and that there would also be a different reaction to the world around them - it was one of the nice things about meeting people, seeing their perspectives and differences. Nymoria found herself lost in the thoughts for a time, eventually pulling herself back out as she visibly shook.

Still no luck, Adelyte? The name was spelt awkwardly on her hands, and likely came through awkwardly slow in the translation software, as she tried to form it. A frown appeared on her face as she moved her fingers, forcing them into the symbols that were clearly unfamiliar to her otherwise capable movements. She grinned suddenly, her fingers moving again in a more fluid motion as she continued with what was clearly meant to be a jest of some sort. Maybe it's a sign that you haven't been paying attention to the fantasy stories you've been reading? How many individuals were just dropped into their stories with everything that they needed, all ready to go? Didn't they have to work to get what they needed, or wanted? Make sacrifices? Maybe this is your sacrifice. The sacrifice of finding the material for the grumpy alchemist who owes the mayor money!

ID233567 | LD: 20 | CD: 5 | Results: Success [1 material; +8 EXP | 37/49 EXP]

[Wulfrin 0]

"Zachariah isn't that bad..." Wulfrin responded to Nymoria's signing as he watched his bobber dance on the river's waves. "In fact I'd probably argue he is the nicest of the NPCs in this questline."

Of course luck was probably the bane of every player that took on this quest. He had seen multiple new players go through the same cycle of grief, it was borderline madness. Every player was at the mercy of Cardinal's random number generator. The best any player could do was skew the odd in their favor a bit. Unfortunately there were some places where even those hard earned boosts can't assist. Wulfrin was staring at one of those times. Fishing and the other professions couldn't be modified save a few specialized items. Items Wulfrin had yet to go and collect. He'd recieved the letter from a saytr when he earned his second rank in both his craft and gathering professions, the quests just sat unfinished in his log.

"This run definitely holds the record though," Wulfrin continued as his attention began to shift from the river with no bites on his line. "This is the longest fishing trip I've had."
* * *

Spoiler

Fishing Attempt | Rank 3
Success CD 6+ | Chest LD 10+ | +2 LD When Opening Chest | +2 EXP per attempt

ID: 233596 | CD: 11 | LD: 4

Results:

+5 Fishing Exp

Total Materials This Thread: 5
Total Fishing Exp This Thread: 81 exp
Items Collected This Thread:
Unidentified T3 Rare Consumables [223137c] [223137d]
Unidentified T3 Rare Weapons [223096c] [223137a] [223137b]
Unidentified T3 Perfect Weapons [222870a] [222970b] [223096a] [223096b]
Unidentified T3 Perfect Armor/Shield [222870c] [222870d]
T3 Random Dungeon Map [222870e]

 

Edited September 26 by Wulfrin

[Adelyte 0]

Adelyte would turn to look at Nymoria, just staring at her silently, blinking with wide eyes. It was an expected response, and she wasn't wrong.. but sounded a lot more poetic. ".. that was deep, bro." Adelyte finally said with a small, breathy laugh of her own afterwards. "You're not wrong, those books would be boooring without some kind of build up. So don't mind me, I'm just complaining." With a shrug of her shoulders, she would push herself up to a standing position, before placing her hands on her hips. "I'm just impatient. Luckily I only need one more." 

"Well I'm glad someone is benefitting from my misfortune. That is, if you are even catching much more than I've been finding." Her gaze would look over her shoulder in Wulfrin's direction, the floating bobber showing no signs of interested fish. A quick flash of a mocking tongue, and she would turn once more to bring about her inventories. A few taps later, and one of the crescent shaped pastries that she had purchased earlier materialized into her hand. She would take a bite before looking to the others, "I think I have a few more.. if either of you would like one." 

ID: 233643 | LD 1

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria gave a wide grin in response to Adelyte's sudden explanation about her impatience - not that Nymoria hadn't noticed it already. Still, she felt like she owed at least some form of apology, or commentary on the other's situation. She hadn't meant to come across as insulting in her own manner, and wanted to avoid any misunderstandings. Bowing her head slightly, she placed the side of her open hand against her forehead, chopping outwards and down as she began her apologetic comment. Excuse me, I think I came across too hard. I simply meant that you're working hard, and the end goal will be worth the effort. You are doing wonderful.

She stood up straight again just in time to see Adelyte offering some sort of pastry snack, and found herself politely declining before she'd even really considered the treat. She stared at it hungrily, after her decline, wondering if it would be too late to take it back, before realising it might come across as rude in its own way. Somewhat defeated, she turned away and smiled towards Wulfrin, finally acknowledging his own thoughts on the situation. You are right. He is the nicest of them all. Still, he could be more...polite, and welcoming. No?

She gave a half shrug, before nodding towards the waters with her head, giving a couple of quick, final motions of her hands as she spoke. Lots of fish today, at least?

----

ID233645 | LD: 14 | CD: 10 | Results: Success [2 materials; +16 EXP | 53/149 EXP]

Spoiler

Totals
4 materials

 

Edited September 26 by Nymoria

[Wulfrin 0]

"Not really," Wulfrin shrugged as he lay in the grass along the bank of the river. "Seems like the fish just ain't biting today."

Wulfrin stared up at the floor above as he waited for something to bite. He wasn't expecting to bring back a huge haul, but he would like to bring home as many as he could. At the very least they would make up some of his lost inventory from all the crafting he was doing as of late. As he began to lose himself in thought, his line went taught. He had hooked another fish.

"It's not so bad though," Wulfrin said with a sigh as he moved to reel in his catch. "I wasn't a big fisher outside of SAO, but know it has become quite the hobby. It helps pass the time away. The extra materials and items are quite the bonus as well."

* * *

Spoiler

Fishing Attempt | Rank 3
Success CD 6+ | Chest LD 10+ | +2 LD When Opening Chest | +2 EXP per attempt

ID: 233685 | CD: 8 | LD: 3

Results:

+10 Fishing Exp
+1 Material

Total Materials This Thread: 6
Total Fishing Exp This Thread: 91 exp
Items Collected This Thread:
Unidentified T3 Rare Consumables [223137c] [223137d]
Unidentified T3 Rare Weapons [223096c] [223137a] [223137b]
Unidentified T3 Perfect Weapons [222870a] [222970b] [223096a] [223096b]
Unidentified T3 Perfect Armor/Shield [222870c] [222870d]
T3 Random Dungeon Map [222870e]

 

Edited September 26 by Wulfrin

[Adelyte 0]

"Oh no no, no offense taken at all!" Her hands waved feverishly in front of her in Nym's direction, emphasizing how much she was not bothered by her comment. "I didn't even think to take it that way. I knew you were being reassuring and polite." She pointed two fingers towards Nymoria- two finger guns, to be exact - and added a cheesy grin. "And I appreciate that, so don't even worry 'bout it, kay?" 

"Honestly though. Thank you guys for actually helping me out! If I came out here alone all by myself, I probably would have just quit. And even thought I know you both enjoyed my company, hopefully I find this last one so we can-" As she went on yapping, she began to walk away from the water and towards a bed of flowers growing underneath a tree. With just that one step, she felt something underneath her foot. Looking down and shifting out of the way, she saw that she had, in fact, stepped right onto a herb-looking plant. And it was still in good enough condition to collect. 

"Awwwe hell yeah!" fists raised towards the sky full of fiery victory. "I am the best!" 

There was no need for her to double check her inventory and count the materials she had gathered. Once those last herbs entered her inventory, she was met with a notification informing her that the objective had been completed. She beamed with excitement as she dismissed the pop up and looked towards the other two. "Let me know whenever you guys want to head back, if you still wanted to collect some more." 

ID 233704 | LD 18+3 | Success 5/5
 

< OBJECTIVE COMPLETE >

<NEW OBJECTIVE>

Return to Zachariah

 

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria beamed a smile at the two other players, nodding as Wulfrin explained the relaxation that came with fishing. Nymoria herself had never tried the activity, but knew that foraging had an almost meditative like calmness, when she fell into a thoughtless form of it. She figured that it was much the same as fishing, in that instance - or, at least similar to the way that Wulfrin was attempting to describe it. It is interesting the things we do here, that we would not do in the real world.

Before she could say anything further, Adelyte began teeming with excitement, the final material found and an update to the quest visible as she completed the first portion of it. Nymoria gave a small, silent laugh, before nodding towards Wulfrin, her hands moving in signs as she directed the question towards him. I am done here whenever Wulfrin is ready. We wouldn't want to interrupt his fishing expedition too much, would we?

She hoped that the teasing tone of her question would come through. She wasn't sure how well other players were able to read the intonations of her signs, especially something like teasing or sarcasm that relied on a tone of voice over anything else. Still, she felt that the man wasn't entirely oblivious, and might actually catch what she was trying to intone with her joke. Either way, she glanced back at Adelyte, signing one more time towards the other female player. Shall we head out then? I'll follow you, oh great and wonderful party leader.

[Wulfrin 0]

Wulfrin retrieved his line, his fishing trip a less than stellar success. He dismissed the fishing rod to his inventory with the flick of a wrist as he stood and dusted himself off. All things considered, he had brought in a nice collection of items and materials. At the very least they would make some appraiser very happy. Possibly even himself if there was a unique sitting among them.

"Glad to hear you're all finished," Wulfrin said with a smile. "Do you remember the way back or should I lead us?"

He was more than willing to take a back seat at this point as the quest's completion rested solely on Adelyte's shoulders. The system literally forbade him form interfering save the occasional gentle nudge in the right direction. Regardless of the circumstances, Wulfrin was ultimately just along for the ride on this one, with the nice little tip of whatever he managed to collect while fishing.

* * *

Spoiler

Fishing Attempt | Rank 3
Success CD 6+ | Chest LD 10+ | +2 LD When Opening Chest | +2 EXP per attempt

ID: 233763 | CD: 5 | LD: 19

Results:

+5 Fishing Exp

Total Materials This Thread: 6
Total Fishing Exp This Thread: 96 exp
Items Collected This Thread:
Unidentified T3 Rare Consumables [223137c] [223137d]
Unidentified T3 Rare Weapons [223096c] [223137a] [223137b]
Unidentified T3 Perfect Weapons [222870a] [222970b] [223096a] [223096b]
Unidentified T3 Perfect Armor/Shield [222870c] [222870d]
T3 Random Dungeon Map [222870e]

 

Edited September 28 by Wulfrin

[Adelyte 0]

It seemed as though Wulfrin and Nymoria had finished up as well. Neither of them looked too happy with their success, but coming home with anything while keeping little ol' Adelyte company was enough of a prize. Especially since she liked to talk their ears off.. they didn't seem to mind that though. 

"Ooookay, lets skedaddle then. I'll lead the way. Don't worry, friends, I've got a picture perfect memory. This'll be a piece of cake!"

..Famous last words..

The entrance to the cavern was dark, and the smell of something rancid was carried on the damp, stale air that seeped from the entrance. They could hear something snoring.. or growling.. Now that she thought about it, she didn't remember passing through a cave to get to the river where they did their gathering. 

Oops..

"Hey Wulfrin?" Adelyte said in a soft, innocent voice as she poked the tips of her index fingers together. "I... think I got us lost. Do you think you can..?" her cheeks took on a pinkish hue, while her crimson eyes darted away and couldn't look at either of her companions. 

Finally passing back through the town of beginnings, Adelyte would let out an overexaggerated sigh of relief. "Ah.. finally! Sorry about that, I guess we should have taken a left at the big tree, instead of going in the complete opposite direction." She still felt a bit embarrassed by her slip up, but she played it off with some humor. At least the walk back through the town of beginnings was simple enough, even if she probably would have gotten them lost here as well. However, eventually they found themselves standing out front of Zachariah's potion shop once more. 

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria followed along quietly behind Adelyte as the player took the lead in their return. She threw the odd glance at Wulfrin as Adelyte continued to lead them on a different path from the one that they had taken to get to their original destination, a slight confused look crossing her expression as she wondered if she should say something. Eventually, she found herself pulled from her silent reverie as she knew that they would continue to head in the incorrect direction if they didn't do something. Signing subtly to Wulfrin, she tried to get the man to intervene. Hey, I think she's lost. But I don't think she wants us to know.

Whether having seen Nymoria's commentary, or choosing to do so herself, Adelyte eventually gave way and admitted defeat to the group, asking help in order to make their way back to the town itself. It was with a content sigh that Nymoria leaned against the outside of Zackariah's shop, shaking her head at the side trek that had occurred through the directional confusion that the other player had developed and created. 

At least we made it back safely. That should be the end of the quest, right? Nymoria signed towards Wulfrin, a slight smile on her face at the realisation that they were done escorting the player around. Not that she'd complain about hanging out with Adelyte more, but the walk back had taken a slight toll from her - the girl's ability to read and understand directions less than impressive, if Nymoria was being blunt and honest.

[Wulfrin 0]

"Yeah I agree," Wulfrin whispered back to Nym, hoping the system could translate it for her. "The good news is I'm prepared to handle whatever comes our way so there shouldn't be any danger."

The growling from the cave made Wulfrin start to second guess that sentiment. Whatever was hiding in there, he didn't want to tangle with, but he was prepared to in the off chance they pressed in. Sheepishly Adelyte asked if Wulfrin would take over getting them back.

"Sure thing," Wulfrin said with a chuckle as he led them the exact opposite way Adelyte had taken them, essentially making the trip take twice as long. Eventually though Wulfrin did get them back to the Town of Beginnings. Zackariah was busy inside his shop, Wulfrin could here the sound of his brewing apparatuses whirling away. Nym's sigh suggested she was feeling similar to Wulfrin, they were close to the quest's end and the end of a long day.

"Should be," Wulfrin answered the question as he scrolled through his inventory. He materialized a few fresh pastries from Ciela's bakery and tossed one over to Nym. "Here. Ciela made enough for me to share. They're a nice little comfort when I'm out on the road. We may not need to eat, but sometimes it's just refreshing to."

[Adelyte 0]

A tiny tickle on the tip of her nose caused Adelyte's nose to scrunch in response, a weird, passing sense of pastries being shared behind her back. Couldn't be. 

Adelyte entered Zachariah's shop with a pep in her step, "Potion seller! I come to you with ingredients to make THE best potions of all time." Strutting directly up to the wooden counter top, she would summon her inventories with a a swish of her finger. With virtual pockets as empty as hers (aside from multiple croissants) she was quick enough to find and materialize the materials onto his desk.. flopping fish included. 

"Hm? Oh yes, I did send you out to get these, didn't I? That was so long ago..." Zachariah looked over each component that Adelyte had plopped down onto his table, making sure that she had actually retrieved anything useful to him. "Hmmm.. These herbs I could probably use in a basic healing potion, yes." 

"And the fish?"

Zachariah would slide the no-longer flopping fish into a sack. "Dinner." he says through a smile.

"Alright cool cool, so now that I did that favor for you, you can do that favor for me?~"

The NPC stared at Adelyte with a blank expression for a moment. "...Wh..what?"

Adelyte returned the gaze for a moment before realizing she was at fault, "Oh, I never said why I was here, did I? Duh~" she would pat her temple with the heel of her palm. "Mr. Mayor Dorian said you've got some money for him. Something about a loan?" 

Zachariah would respond with a hearty laugh, "Leave it to Dorian to forget something so important. No, I'm afraid it wasn't me that borrowed the col. You might try Lyle, the blacksmith. I've seen him talking with the mayor frequently the past month or so, and he's just up the road. I wish you luck!"

And with that the quest was over..? So she thought. The quest objectives updated yet again, now directing her to the blacksmith Zachariah had mentioned. Exiting the potion maker's establishment, Adelyte looked over her quest menu, stopping as she reached where her two companions waited. "So... all done in there. I thought the first quest would have been completed, but I guess the next part is all under the same one now?" She would close the menu, a twisted smirk on her lips, "I understand if you'd want to part ways here. You were both a great help with keeping me company. I'd hate to keep you both from going on your day." Her silly-goose facade gave way for a moment, the sweet, vulnerable side taking center stage.