Nymoria 0 Posted July 30 Author #21 Share Posted July 30 Musei seemed to take a few seconds to celebrate, the weasel running in a few circles in a way that reminded Nymoria of the single time she had mistakenly given him far too much sugarised treats to eat. Once he had settled slightly, she gave him a small scratch beneath his chin; an action that she knew he had come to enjoy as a measure of connection between the two of them. She was proud of the success that he had had, and how quickly he had managed it - a sign that he was more than capable of hunting things down, so long as he knew what to look for, and had some general description of it. So I just need to make sure to thoroughly describe, or show to him, what I'm looking for. It's good to know, and a good reminder that he's not the only one learning from all of this. It came as a bit of a surprise to her, to realise that the training was as much for her, as it was for Musei. Thinking on it, she knew that it shouldn't be too shocking, but somehow it had escaped her mind that she too would have to learn from this quest. Like every other quest, I'm learning something new...why would it be surprisingly that it's not just Musei who has to be taught? We're meant to be a team, anyways...and teams learn and grow together, right? She was fairly certain that's how it worked, or at least she saw no reason to argue that idea at the moment. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted July 30 Author #22 Share Posted July 30 She'd considered sending him off on another hunt, but a quick glance at the clock displayed in her HUD had changed her mind. She didn't often adhere to timing policies around when to eat, at least not in this world, but she found as she saw the late evening hour displayed in front of her that it would be best to have something to snack on at least. She had no desire to rise and head for any sort of restaurant, and instead found herself bringing up her menu and scrolling through it, even as she signed at the weasel with her right hand. Should we have something to eat? I don't have anything overly fancy, but I think it's time we celebrate a tiny bit for all the success we've been having, don't you? The weasel gave an enthusiastic thump of it's tail at her suggestion, before climbing up onto her lap and staring at the menu she scrolled through. Nymoria had no idea if the creature could read the words displayed or not, but his lack of reaction at each one told her that even if he could, he was waiting to see what she would produce. She pulled out what little she had that looked appetizing, knowing that a couple of the small cakes were Musei's favourites, placing them on the ground in front of them. She gave a small wave of her hand, signalling for the weasel to take what he liked, before grabbing one of the small pieces of bread that resembled an egg bread style that she'd once had during her visit of Tokyo. The taste was different, in many ways, but somehow it felt familiar to her, although she couldn't quite place why. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted July 30 Author #23 Share Posted July 30 They ate quietly for a time, each content to sit without a single sound or movement of communication between them. Nymoria found herself considering a great number of things, each thought taking her down a path that she decided best to avoid in the end. As much as she wanted to plan for the future, a small dark corner of her mind kept drawing her in towards the worst possible outcomes. Today there's to be none of that. I just want to enjoy the success we've had, together. Musei deserves that much at least...a bit of happiness, true happiness, will make this go so much better for the both of us. Musei shifted in his position on her lap, looking up in a way that made her wonder if he hadn't felt some of her negativity seeping out. As if to reassure the weasel, she smiled down at him and shook her head. Quickly, her right hand moved in an explanation that gave little away, but was meant to dissuade any concern. It's nothing. Just had some thoughts about the future. Wasn't really sure where to go with them. Decided to just not think, and instead focus on how good you're doing today. Whether he believed her or not, she wasn't sure. He seemed to eye her for a second before turning back to his piece of cake, chewing on it in a slow, deliberate manner that somehow seemed out of place for a weasel, and yet perfectly in tune with who Musei was. She studied him for a few seconds before turning back to her own bread, wondering at what could possibly have made her companion the way he was. She knew she'd never actually have an answer, but it was still interesting to picture all the possible events that may have occurred before they met, and she found herself smiling as her imagination took on a lighter tone for once. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted July 30 Author #24 Share Posted July 30 Before long the minimal amount of food that she had placed out was gone, and Nymoria found herself sighing as she realised she still felt slightly hungry. I guess I'll just have to stop and pick something else up, along the way home. Maybe that new bakery that opened up recently... The idea was appealing, and she found herself dreaming about the various sandwiches that they would likely have for sale. She was snapped out of her reverie by the sudden feel of claws upon her hand. Looking down, she saw Musei staring up at her, a questioning look upon his face. For a moment, she wondered if he was asking for more food, and almost told him about her idea. Instead, however, she saw his nose turning back and forth around the area, and slowly it dawned on her that he was pointing towards the coins and figurine that he had found. I think we've done a lot, already. Don't you? And you've done amazingly, Musei. I don't want to overwork it all, considering how great you are at finding stuff. She paused in her signing, considering another possible request he may have had, which she didn't realise until just now. Slowly, deliberately moving her fingers in a way that would draw out each movement and associated meaning, she brought her query to life for the weasel. Did you want to keep any of them? As mementos, or memories of today? Something to look at, in the future, to remind yourself that you're able to do this? She hadn't realised it until just now, but maybe the weasel had confidence issues, just as Nymoria herself had. It seemed unlikely; Musei was a program designed to be a companion to her and to help her in her time trying to fight through Aincrad. But he's extremely realistic. Wouldn't it be realistic if he had some...things, like me? Wouldn't that make us bond better, and become friends easier? It's...well, it's not impossible. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted July 30 Author #25 Share Posted July 30 Musei seemed to pause in consideration for a time, before slinking away and into the nearby brush. Nymoria had almost risen to follow him, worried that she'd somehow upset him, when she realised that it was the same brush he had disappeared into originally. Curiosity taking over, she'd settled back into her position, determined to wait and see what the weasel was doing. Rustling was the only sign she had that he was still within the brush, and it was only as he was reappearing that she remembered he had hidden the item he'd originally found somewhere within it. She made no movements as the weasel dragged out a circular item, silver and blue in colouring, with a singular hole through it's centre as if it was designed to be placed upon a cord or string. The piece reminded her, in size at least of the various yen that she was used to using in the real world. Eyeing it over carefully, she let her fingers move as she asked Musei what he wanted from it. Did you want to keep this? You can, if you want to, Musei. I've no issues with it at all - it was the first thing you found when we started this training, and I think it would be a good piece to help you remember how far you've come. The weasel gave another small tap of it's tail on the ground, confirming her suspicions as soon as he had reappeared with the coin-like object. Nodding, more to herself than to Musei, she gave another grin towards the weasel. Alright, then it's yourself to keep. You earned it, with everything you did here. I think it's safe to say you worked hard enough to find everything, and should get some sort of reward from it, right? The sudden appearance of the quest completion notice surprised her, and she found herself jumping on the spot from her seated position. Swiping away the notice, she looked down at Musei again, smiling even more broadly than before. Should we go get something to eat, in truth now? ID223739 | CD: 3 | Training Familiar | Results: Success [3/3] | CD requirement lowered by additional 2; 3+ required on further posts. Thread Summary Word Count: 7,097 EXP: 7,097 / 10 x 2 x 1 = 1,418 [Thread Progression] + 300 [Quest] = 1,718 EXP Col: 400 [Thread Progression] Familiar Skill [Hunting Familiar] Unlocked! Link to post Share on other sites
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