[SP | F02] Bravery is Just a Face | <<Let There be Light>>

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus was surprised at how much she had acclimated to living in the game after two weeks. Food still had a peculiar taste, but it was no longer so strong that it drove her to avoid it. Rather than viewing the NPCs as fixtures, she began to treat them like people. She would chat with shopkeepers after she’d made her purchases, and when she saw a familiar NPC, she loved to ask how they had been. She had met a few players while out running errands, and started to recognize them as well. She hadn’t worked up the courage to approach them. She never felt like she’d learned how to strike up conversation with people her age. Maybe she had been sick the day they taught “basic conversation skills” in school.

As she recognized players, she also saw many of the same young ones in the town of beginnings. She didn’t think she could ever get used to that. Tearing children away from their families to participate in a game they’re too young to win. Kayaba, you’re a monster. 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl. 19 | HP: 380/380 | EN: 56/56 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 | BLD: 24

 

Skills

• <<Straight Swords>> Rank 5
  • Combat Focus: Focus
  • Combat Focus: Precision
• <<Light Armor>> Rank 4
• <<Searching>> Rank 3
  • Mod: Night Vision
• <<Hiding>> Rank 3
• Combat Mastery: DMG 1

Equipment

• Wormwood (T2 Perfect Longsword | BLD: 2 DMG: 1)
• Custom Breastplate (T1 Perfect Light Armor | MIT: 2 EVA: 1)
• Vow of Return (Trinket | ACC 3)

Consumables

• (3) Starter Healing Potion

 

•  

 

Edited August 18 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

It was a blessing that many of the children did not see it that way. In the bright lights and fantasy theme, this was just an extended vacation in a strange world. Acanthus saw one child practicing his swordplay against a tree in Boufa Park and smiled.

“HiiiiiYA!” The child brandished his sword in a vain attempt to menace the tree. Acanthus chuckled at the sight. He lunged in wildly, swinging the sword in chaotic motions. Every time, they bounced off the tree with the familiar pop up [Immortal Object].

It’s a good thing we’re in a safe zone. His sword is bigger than him—it’s only a matter of time before he hits himself.

As if on cue, the boy yelped as a particularly vicious ricochet from the tree caused the sword to bounce out of his hands. The tip of the blade barreled downward toward his foot. Rather than impaling him, the sword bounced off the familiar invisible shield, prompting a familiar notification. [You cannot damage a player in a safe zone.]

A flash of silver—

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus shook her head. The boy was now sitting on the ground, clutching his foot. Despite the lack of damage, the boy did not see it that way—he was on the verge of tears. It’s time to intervene then.

Quickly, she approached the boy. “A brave warrior, wounded in a fearsome skirmish! What’s your name?” He sniffled, and looked up at Acanthus. “I’m Gre– I mean, I’m Braveheart the Bold!” He wiped a tear as it was forming.

She offered a theatrical bow. “Greetings, Braveheart the Bold! My name is Acanthus. It appears you are in need of some assistance.” Slowly, Braveheart stood up. “N– No, I’m ok!” He winced at the phantom pain. Poor boy. He’s probably just rattled from the buzz you feel when the object bounces off of you in a safe zone. She felt sorry for him. She thought of some ways that she might be able to help out. One idea came to mind.

[Acanthus 0]

“Please, allow me to help,” Acanthus asked him softly. He relented, and held his foot out. From her bag, Acanthus pulled one of her failed recording crystals. The song itself recorded perfectly onto the crystal, but she had failed to impart any healing properties onto it. It wouldn’t heal him at all, but she suspected all the boy needed was to believe.

As she cracked the crystal, its melodies poured forth in a dazzling array of instruments and harmonies. The boy looked around in wonder as the light embraced him. It was just a show, but it had its intended effect.

“Wow! That was amazing! And my foot is healed!” With a deadly seriousness, he told Acanthus, “Thank you for your service. Time to finish the dragon for good!” Acanthus smiled, and watched the young boy finish his self-made quest.

[Acanthus 0]

Once Braveheart had finished his mighty battle, he came back and sat next to Acanthus. “You must a frontliner. That magic was so cool!”

“Aw, thank you! But I’ve actually never been to the frontlines.”

“Wow.” The boy looked astounded. “If you’re that strong, then the frontliners are probably way powerful.”

“They are. I was able to fight alongside one recently.” Braveheart’s jaw dropped. “Wow! What were they like?”

“So there we were, traveling the suffocating heat of floor 5. We were after the dread Land Shark, Terra Firma…” Acanthus shared the whole tale with the boy. She told him about Freyd and the misfit cadre that had accidentally formed for the quest, and their trip across the desert. When they arrived, she played up the Land Shark's presence until she thought Braveheart might start shaking from fear. She told him how Freyd had shot down into the arena without a second thought, and nearly killed the thing in a single hit.

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus danced past how little she, Ty, and Forgotten-Embers had actually done, but the boy’s eyes were wide with wonder anyways. As she finished telling the story, she was aware that the boy was literally hanging on to her. His little hands creased her tunic in excitement, and she was worried he was excited enough to faint. She quickly changed topics.

“So are your mom and dad here? Any family?”

“Nope! Mom and Dad are back on earth. And my big brother.” If Braveheart was sad, he didn’t show. “Mom and dad said they’d be right behind me. They like games—more than me! But it was my birthday, so they said I could have the first copy. They’re getting their copies super soon!” Acanthus felt her heart drop. “So I want to get a bunch of levels and be really strong when they get here! Then I’ll get to take them on all the adventures and slay monsters with them!’”

[Acanthus 0]

They sat on the bench in silence for a few seconds, before Braveheart asked her, “Miss Acanthus? Since you’re super strong, could you help me? It’s hard to get levels without adults. I did the tutorial mission, but the boars scared me. Could you help me with the next quest?”

He really is just like Koji when he was younger. Acanthus was content to play alone, but Koji always liked having people around. It made him more confident and talkative. She remembered all the times they would play outside, fighting monsters and making up stories. But this wasn’t make believe anymore. She was no longer in control of the story and it worried her. But she could tell the boy needed this. For that to work, Braveheart needed to believe she wasn’t afraid.

Acanthis stood up and placed her fists on her hips, staring dramatically into the distance. “Say no more, Braveheart the Bold. The quest is ours for the taking!” The boy kicked and laughed, and jumped up on the park bench, mimicking her stance.

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus flipped through the info broker’s guide for some of the easier quests. She needed something she could handle comfortably by herself, but also with a young boy in tow. She eventually settled on <<Let There Be Light>>. It was a quick run to the second floor, and just outside town.

When they teleported into Urbus, Braveheart was awestruck. “I’ve never been up here before. All my friends are gonna be so jealous!” He went on to talk about the gang of boys and girls on the first floor, all their names, and anything else he could think of. Acanthus nodded and smiled along to the story until she found the quest. Or rather the quest found her.

A young mother approached Acanthus, obviously distraught.  "Pl-please," she begged, "I've been trying to find someone to help me all day. My child--" she pauses, trying to regain her composure. "She-- she was playing in one of the caverns in the mountains with her friend. I-I told her not to go but she didn't listen to me!" Choshi exclaims hysterically, fat tears pouring from her eyes as she pleads for the player(s) to help her. "Her friend came back to me just this moment a-and said that they were attacked by monsters! T-the beast is still in there with her, please, I don't know how long my Koko can last in a place like that!"

Acanthus realized that Braveheart was fully behind her, clinging. He was unsure what to make of Choshi’s hysterics. Acanthus realized she needed to set an example. Let’s dial up the dramatics again. “Choshi, you’ve done well to find me. Me and my brave companion will head there right away!” Almost on cue, Braveheart came out and stood beside her. “Yea! We’re gonna get Koko back, don’t worry a bit! We’re gonna be back before you know it!”

[Acanthus 0]

“You were very brave back there, Braveheart.” Braveheart grinned. “Well yea! You have to be brave for the villagers. You’re supposed to be.” Braveheart was currently holding Acanthus’ hand with an iron grip. They had left Urbus, and were traveling toward the cave. Out in the wilds, she had been careful to avoid any mobs. Let’s stick to the fights that are necessary.

She noticed some shining outcroppings of rock nearby. But it should be safe to grab some materials. I’m running low. “Braveheart, can I ask you for a favor?” He looked up at her confused. “Me? What do you need me for?”

“I need to gather a few items. Can you stand lookout?” They had an open view; there were no monsters for miles. But Braveheart didn’t need to hear that.

“I– I– dunno, I mean, what happens if there IS a m–monster, and—”

Acanthus squeezed his hand tightly. “If you see any sign of trouble, run back and get me, and I’ll take care of it. I promise. I’ll make sure to stay where you can see me.” Slowly, Braveheart released his grip. “Y–yea. I’ll do it.”

“Thank you, Braveheart.” She rushed down the hill and set to gathering some of the nearby ore. Braveheart managed to wander off a few times, and Acanthus kept calling after him to make sure he didn't go too far. In the end, she didn't get any of the ore she saw. Thankfully, she spied another vein.

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials

Roll ID: 226863 | CD 11 LD 5. Failure. 98/149

 

 

Edited August 18 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

She worked as quickly as she could. Finding another vein, she worked at some of the looser bits with her pickaxe. Unfortunately, she failed to extract them effectively. The ore shattered and vanished before her eyes.

As she trudged up to the top of the hill, she saw Braveheart with his sword drawn, standing rigidly. He was looking out over the landscape.

“Braveh—” He yelled and turned around. Acanthus stepped back lightly. “How fare you against our foes? Any monsters to report?” She felt silly using all the goofy language. But it always worked on Koji. Whenever Koji pretended like he was in an old-timey fantasy game, he acted more confident.

It seemed to work on Braveheart too. He fumbled as he sheathed his sword, and then performed a lopsided salute. “The area is clear, Miss Acanthus. I took care of everything!”

“Yes you did. You did wonderfully.” Emboldened by her praise, his fist shot into the air. “Let’s go save Koko! Last one to the cave is a rotten egg!”

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials

Roll ID: 226864 | CD 7 LD 7. Failure. 101/149

 

 

Edited August 18 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Braveheart, once again, stood behind Acanthus. The entrance to the cave opened like a jagged maw, ready to swallow both of them in darkness.

“Miss Acanthus, I don’t think the girl needs saving anymore. Maybe she’ll come out here.”

Acanthus knelt down and put a hand on his shoulder. “Braveheart, you’ll have to be brave just a little bit longer. I can’t leave you at the mouth of the cave in case something comes by. I promise that if you’ll be brave for me, then I’ll be brave for you.”

Braveheart nodded. “Yea. I can be– I can be brave.” She ruffled his hair, stood up, and drew her sword. Braveheart followed her direction.

As the light of the entrance disappeared, the enormity of the situation hit her. You’ve taken a small child outside the safe zone for a dangerous quest. What happens if you get yourself killed? What happens if you get him killed?

[Acanthus 0]

She had little time to ponder. With an awful screech, a dark shape flew at them from the depths of the cave. Braveheart yelled and began swinging his sword wildly. “Braveheart! Be careful! I’ll deal with the bat. Just stay close!” The boy stood in place. Even in the darkness, she could see him trembling. Truthfully, Acanthus felt the same. Be brave for me, and I’ll be brave for you. She waited for the sound of the bat to get closer. As the screech filled her ears, she took a desperate swing at the sound.

Her first strike whooshed in the darkness, and she nearly yelped. Relax, Acanthus. You held you own against a land shark, and now you're worried about a bat?

The difference is I was the one being taken care of then. Now, I’m the one expected to take care of the child.

The bat spun around to take another pass. No time to worry. Just remember your training. She visualized the waterfall at the monastery. The inky black of the cave covered her vision, but that was fine. She only needed to hear. Concentrating on the flap of the bats wings, she waited. It was getting close. Braveheart might have been yelling. Closer, just a little closer.

With a fluid swing, she brought the blade in an arc above her head. The flapping stopped; so had the screeching. She had felled the bat with a single sword art.
 

 

Spoiler

 

Begin Combat!

• Acanthus | Lvl. 19 | HP: 380/380 | EN: 56/56 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 | BLD: 24
• Cave Bat | HP 75/75 DMG 35

Post Action: ST-I->Cave Bat

Roll ID 226865 | BD 3 + 3 - 0 (Darkness negated by night vision) = 6. Hit!

10 * 12 = 120 DMG.

• Acanthus | Lvl. 19 | HP: 380/380 | EN: 44/56 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 | BLD: 24
• Cave Bat | HP -45/75 DMG 35

Combat Ends.

 

 

Edited August 18 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The bat tumbled to the ground and vanished in a puff of blue shards. Braveheart yelled, “Miss Acanthus! That was amazing! They way you like, swooshed your sword, and then the bat went *scree* and then I hopped in–” Braveheart continued the tale of their battle as Acanthus surveyed the cave. She could see a little better now. Her eyes had adjusted, and there were some biolumiescent plants around the cave.

She saw a path forward in the cave. Once Braveheart had worn him out telling the story, Acanthus urged him onward. Still excited, the glimpse of the continuing cave dampened his enthusiasm. But she noticed when he didn’t immediately come back and hide. “You really are doing a wonderful job, Braveheart.” He basked in the compliment, and then said to Acanthus. After a moment, he said, “my name is Gregory. Dad says not to share IRL stuff with strangers, but you’re not a stranger anymore, Miss Acanthus.”

“Haru. It’s nice to meet you Gregory… the bold.” With another compliment, his resolve strengthened even further. “I’m ready,” he said with firm resolution. “Let’s find Koko.”

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Searching for Koko

Roll ID 226866 | LD 16. Success! Koko found.

 

 

Edited August 18 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The cave proved more difficult to navigate than she anticipated. Keeping track of Braveheart complicated matters as well. The two stuck close together. It would be a terrible twist to rescue the NPC, only to leave the boy behind on accident. It felt darkly humorous.

“Miss Acanthus! I think I found something!” He ran over to a small pool of water surrounded by stalagmites. “Braveheart, be careful!” He reached down and picked something up. It was a shoe. Small and pink, it looked like it belonged to a little girl.

“Koko’s gotta be nearby.” Sure enough, the item had a quest icon. They were on the right track.

In the next chamber, Acanthus heard something. She and Braveheart froze at the same time. “L–l–let’s go check that uh–out.” He staunchly led, keeping as close to Acanthus as he could. “You’re doing great, Braveheart. We have to be brave for each other, and for Koko when we find her. She may be scared.” Braveheart nodded.

She will be, because I certainly am.

As they approached the noise, a small voiced echoed in the distance. “Mommy?” Braveheart jumped. “It’s her. Koko.” He turned to shout towards her voice. “Koko! We’re here to save you!” The small patter of feet told Acanthus that the girl was approaching quickly. Unfortunately, all the noise had attracted something else. Great, leathery wings flapped in the distance, growing closer.

“Oh man. Another bat!” Braveheart’s voice rose in pitch. “What do we do, Acanthus?!” 

“Remember, Braveheart, I need you to be strong for me and Koko.” Braveheart appeared on the verge of tears, but he nodded. He drew his sword. “I–I’m g–g–gonna go protect Koko! I’ll make sure that gross bat doesn’t get anywhere near her!” His voice was trembling. Acanthus fought to keep her voice steady as well. She was less worried about the bat, and more worried that she now had two young children in her care. The fear of death paled in comparison to the idea that she might have to tell Gregory’s parents how their child died.

“Braveheart, you’re doing wonderful. Stay where you are and defend Koko. I’ll make sure the bat stays away.”

The bat was nearly on top of them. Even in the darkness, she could make out the monstrous shape. Braveheart was being brave for her. She had to be brave for him too.

With a single swipe, the bat crumbled. She hadn't realized how much power she'd gained over the last few weeks.

Spoiler

 

Begin Combat!

• Acanthus | Lvl. 19 | HP: 380/380 | EN: 46/56 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 | BLD: 24
• Cave Bat | HP 75/75 DMG 35

Post Action: ST-I->Cave Bat

Roll ID 226867 | BD 4 + 3 = 7. Hit!

10 * 12 = 120 DMG.

• Acanthus | Lvl. 19 | HP: 380/380 | EN: 34/56 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 | BLD: 24
• Cave Bat | HP -45/75 DMG 35

Combat Ends.

 

 

Edited August 18 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

With a final thrust of her blade, the bat stopped moving. Koko and Braveheart both ran up to her breathlessly.

“Miss Haru—I mean, Miss Acanthus! You’re so cool! You took both of those bats out with a single swoosh! Are you sure you’re not a frontliner?”

Acanthus laughed a little. “I mean, I have a ways to go. But I didn’t realize how many levels I had gained in all this time.”

“We have to go on quests every week! We’ll be fighting real dragons in no time!” Acanthus nodded. “But for now, Braveheart, let’s focus on getting Miss Koko back to her mom. Can you make sure she stays safe?” Braveheart proudly stepped up to Koko’s side. “Miss Acanthus, I can get the next bat all by myself!” He puffed himself up, but looked at Acanthus out of the side of his eyes. “But maybe it’d be nice to have you around, just in case.”

[Acanthus 0]

Finding their way out of the cave was much easier. The trio followed the tunnels as the light bloomed in front of them. Before long, they had made their way to the cave entrance. Braveheart and Koko ran outside and laughed joyfully. “Look at us!” Braveheart said. “I’m gonna run all the way back to town! I want to complete this quest fast!”

“You will do no such thing,” Acanthus said sternly. “A warrior knows that patience is a virtue, and we can’t go running off when poor Koko her is likely tired and hungry.” What she wanted to say was that she was tired and hungry, but she thought better of it.

Braveheart deflated a little bit, but he relented. “You’re right, Miss Acanthus. We have to learn to be extra careful or—”

Acanthus shushed him quickly. “Did you hear something?” Fear creeped into her voice. She tried to keep it out, but she couldn't control it—something was wrong. Sensing the same, Braveheart fell quiet.

A soft, guttural growl carried through the trees. All three of them froze.

[Acanthus 0]

A creeping sense of dread overcame Acanthus as the brush began to rustle. The quest only mentioned bats. We’ve killed the bats. What’s going on?

Braveheart, to his credit, stood tall by Acanthus’s side. His oversized sword was drawn, pointed at the bush. Acanthus could hear him shaking in his armor. A massive black bear trundled out from the bushes. It hadn’t noticed them yet.

“Miss Acanthus, is this part of the quest?” She shook her head. “Braveheart, you know how sometimes you read stories and unexpected things happen to the hero? This is one of those times.” Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Braveheart pale ever so slightly.

“It hasn’t noticed us yet. I think if we walk away facing it, we may be able to get away.” Braveheart whispered loudly, “Can’t you just kill this one in one hit like the bats?”

She checked the bear’s stats. Her heart sunk; it was level 20. It must have spawned based on my level. And Braveheart wasn’t anywhere near that. Just one hit, and he was gone. Just like that.

Edited August 18 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

All three of them backed away slowly. We’re going to make it. We’re almost outside its vision.

With an inquisitive sniff, the bear surveyed the trees. It locked eyes with Acanthus, and roared.

“GO!” Acanthus yelled. Braveheart and Koko dashed off, and the bear’s head began to track its fleeting prey. “I’m over here, you stupid bear! Come and deal with me first!”

But the kids proved too tantalizing of targets. The bear broke into a run, chasing after Braveheart and Koko. “No! Stop!!” Feeling her sword start to burn hot as she ran, she let a sword art fly, targeting the bear. A solid slash on its hind leg made it howl, but it had locked in to the easy meal.

“Koko!!” She had tripped in the clearing ahead. Rather than continuing to run, Braveheart stood between her and the charging bear. “Braveheart! RUN!” But he held his ground. Quaking from head to toe, he raised his sword against the charging bear. The bear had twice the boy’s reach—with a single swipe, he sent Braveheart flying into a tree. The boy landed and groaned. He was still alive for now.
 

 

Spoiler

 

Begin Combat!

• Acanthus | Lvl. 19 | HP: 380/380 | EN: 56/56 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 | BLD: 24
• Territorial Bear | HP 228/228 DMG 114
  • You Don't Have to Outrun the Bear | If the Territorial Bear misses Acanthus, it will hit Braveheart instead on CD9+.  If the bear hits Braveheart twice, he dies (and Acanthus adds more to her trauma pile).

Post Action: ST-I->Territorial Bear

Roll ID 226876 | BD 5 + 3 = 8. Hit! 12 * 10 = 120.

Territorial Bear strikes back! | MD 1 CD 11. The bear misses Acanthus, but lands a blow on Braveheart. (1/2).

 

 

Edited August 18 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The bear closed in on Braveheart. He stirred and made it slowly to his feet. His face looked grim, but determined. “I’ll… save you Koko. I promise.” Shakily, he brought his sword back up.

Everything began happening in slow motion. The bear reared up again, raising one claw to finish off Braveheart. Braveheart the Bold stood, ready to weather the blow. And Acanthus tore across the meadow. Everything seemed silent: her footsteps, the bear’s hungry roars, and Koko’s crying all were hundreds of miles away. No. No no no no. The bear’s claw was crashing down, right to where Braveheart would be. Braveheart’s eyes followed the claw carefully. His mouth was moving, but Acanthus couldn’t hear. Her sword began to tingle. She was there, she was almost there—

Braveheart fell to the side as the claw ripped through the space he had been moments before. The tree behind him exploded, showering Braveheart in chunks of bark. His sword had fallen away from his grasp, and he wasn’t getting up in time. The bear landed on its front paws, and moved in to grab Braveheart by the neck.

In a flash of iron, sword and steel, Acanthus crashed into the bear at a full sprint. Despite its size advantage, the two tumbled for a few meters. The bear landed on its side and roared weakly; meanwhile, Acanthus had rolled with the momentum, and stood even as she skidded across the meadow. Brandishing Wormwood one last time, she released her channeled sword art directly into the bear’s chest.

Whimpering one last time, the bear shattered into a digital mist.
 

 

Spoiler

 

• Acanthus | Lvl. 19 | HP: 380/380 | EN: 43/56 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3 | BLD: 24
• Territorial Bear | HP 108/228 DMG 114
  • You Don't Have to Outrun the Bear | If the Territorial Bear misses Acanthus, it will hit Braveheart instead on CD9+.  If the bear hits Braveheart twice, he dies (and Acanthus adds more to her trauma pile).

Post Action: ST-I->Territorial Bear

Roll ID 226878 | BD 5 + 3 = 8. Hit! 12 * 10 = 120.

Territorial Bear strikes back! | MD 1 CD 5.

Territorial Bear | HP -12/228 DMG 114

Loot Die 226893 | CD 4 LD 12 (9 + 3) (Didn't realize it was a separate roll -_-)

• Col 684 (Base) + 456 (CD bonus) + (2) materials (LD bonus) = 1,140 col
• (1) Rare Trinket

 

 

 

Edited August 18 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Choshi stood with Koko in her arms. Choshi now cried tears of joy. Braveheart handled the entire exchange himself; despite his brush with death, he was calm and collected as he finished the quest. Still, once they were away from Choshi and Koko, Braveheart gripped Acanthus’ hand. She gave a gentle squeeze in response.

When they teleported to the Town of Beginnings, she looked down at Braveheart. He had been crying silently. He finally looked up at her.

“I had to be really brave for you. Is it ok to not be brave anymore?”

“Oh, Gregory.” She scooped him up into her arms. He began to cry loudly. “Braveheart, you did such a wonderful job protecting Koko. I’m so proud of you.” They walked back to Boufa park and sat on the bench where they’d first met.

Braveheart sniffled. “I had a lot of fun. It was really scary, but I had a lot of fun.” He fidgeted with his sword thinking. “Can you tell my friends that I was brave? Don’t tell them that I cried.”

Acanthus smiled. “You absolutely were brave. Why don’t we go tell them all about our adventure?”