[PP - F22] Cloud Watching and Cookie Sharing

[KnightessCiela 0]

The morning light filtered through the shop's wide windows, illuminating the cozy interior of Fondante's Inferno. Another day at the shop, she didn't know it yet but today came with a special request. Ciela sang quietly to herself as she worked, her apron already dusted with flour and sugar. A notification popped up. A message? She waved her finger over it. Astra? Oh! The corner of Ciela's lips curled into a smile. A surprise picnic? For Bliss? How sweet. Ciela quickly sent a message back, "On it, come by around noon." Ciela's mind buzzed with ideas, her hands itching to get started. She wasted no time, diving into the preparations with her usual enthusiasm. She double-checked the list she made, saying a bunch of checks as she finished each item.

Spoiler

Turkey and ham sandwiches with provolone (cut into triangles)
Charcuterie board (different cheeses and meats, with a toasted baguette cut into small bite sized slices)
Fresh veggie medley with ranch dip (Carrots, broccoli, cucumber, and celery)
Chocolate dipped strawberries
Macarons
Variety of Cookies (Chocolate chip, Snickerdoodle, Sugar)
Mini cupcakes (Celestial Swirl (without the extra boost))
Fresh grapes
Fresh watermelon
2 loaves of fresh baked bread with a variety of spreads and honey (butter (herb, regular, and cinnamon), peanut butter, nutella, jam, and brie cheese)
Sparkling water with fruit slices
Pink Lemonade
Chilled Rose

Once everything was baked, assembled, and wrapped, Ciela stepped back to admire the spread that was now scattered across the counters and tables of her shop. That should be everything, she said in her head, scanning the items one last time. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction, though a small hint of doubt crept in. "I hope I made enough food." 

She pulled a sturdy wicker basket from her inventory. Wait, will all of this fit?? With the assistance of the system, she turned that wicker basket into a modern day version of Mary Poppins' never-ending bag. The system allowed her to layer the treats delicately, tucking more fragile items where needed. "Wait!" she stated, grabbing some cloth napkins and putting them in the basket which made the basket more secure.

Finally, she looped a large blanket through the handle, its vibrant checkered pattern hinting at the perfect picnic setting. "There," she said, dusting herself off. "If it's not enough, I can always make more. It's not like it took very long."

She stood back and smiled, satisfied with her work. Astra was sure to impress Bliss with this spread, and Ciela was thrilled to be a part of it, even if it was behind the scenes. Bliss deserves something special, she thought, a smile gracing her lips. With one last glance at the basket, she sent a message to Astra, "Hi dear! It's all ready. Come pick it up whenever you're ready."

As she waited for Astra to arrive, she started to tidy up the shop, her heart light and her mind wandering to the joy Bliss would surely feel when she saw the thoughtful gesture. As Astra arrived, she handed off the picnic basket, "There's a beautiful picnic spot over off to the north side of the lake. Wulfrin and I go there quite frequently. Feel free to borrow it from us today." She smiled at him warmly, then leaned in and whispered. "Good luck. You've got this."

* * *

Spoiler

Stats:

KnightessCiela | HP: 525/525 | EN: 66/66 | DMG: 11 | MIT:121 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | THORNS:27 | REGEN: 23 | REC: 3

Spoiler

"Name: KnightessCiela
True Tier: 3
Level: 24
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 525/525
EN: 66/66

Stats:
Damage: 11
Mitigation: 121
Accuracy: 2
Stealth Rating: -5
TAUNT REGEN: 23
REC: 3

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Defender's Longsword | T3 Perfect Straight Sword | ACC II | DMG I
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Frightening Rosethorn | T3 Perfect Heavy Armor | Taunt | Thorns II
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Rejuvenating Kite Shield | T3 Perfect Shield | Recovery | Regen II

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Mitigation R3

Combat Shift:
  - 

Familiar Skill:
  - Protector Familiar

Custom Skill:
  - 

Skills:
  - Heavy Armor R5
  - Howl
  - Straight Sword R5

Extra Skills:
  - Block R3
  - Forgotten King's Authority
  - Survival
  - Frozen Hide

Inactive Extra Skills:

Addons:
  - Focused Howl
  - Iron Skin

Mods:

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Nepent's Ovule x3
  - T1 Rare Health Potion: Heals 10% MAX HP x5
  - T1 Uncommon Health Potions: Heals 5% of MAX HP x1
  - T1 Uncommon Overhealth Potion: Adds 5% of MAX HP to users x1
  - Teleport Crystal x1

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:
 - Cooking[519exp] R6
Gathering Profession:
 - Forager[66exp] R2"                                                                                                                            

 

 

[Astra 0]

When Astra had woken up at the inn he had been staying at in the Town of Beginnings, something was different. There was this feeling in his stomach that he just couldn't shake. Was he hungry? Usually, but that wasn't it. A morning cup of tea didn't do the trick either. It wasn't necessarily a bad feeling though, it was actually quite the opposite. He was nervous, but he was excited. He had butterflies in his stomach. Today he was going to be surprising Bliss, the girl he had met recently at the beach party, with a picnic on Floor 22. 

Jeeze, why am I so nervous about this? I'm sure things will be okay. I've got this. He dressed himself in a recently purchased casual outfit from a tailor within the town. His top was black, with a high turtleneck-like collar, adorned with three gold buttons. Over that was a white vest of sorts, with three black buttons on the top. Is this too many buttons? Do I look like a goof? Ah man. The guy at the store he purchased it from really hyped him up about it, so he did feel good wearing it. Admittedly though, he did want to look his best and impress a little bit. The black top and pants contrasted well with the white vest and his white hair, and the person at the shop said that it made him look noble, and brought out his eyes. Looking at himself in the mirror, Astra took a deep breath, and gave himself a small thumbs up. 

When Astra told Ciela about his plans to surprise Bliss with a picnic, naturally the kind knightess-baker offered her help. Astra really appreciated all she had done for him, and this was something he was especially thankful for. He knew how to setup a picnic, but anything with Ciela's touch would be that much more special. Around noon he made his way to Floor 22, his favorite floor, and over to Ciela's shop. "Hey Ciela," he said with a smile and a wave. "Thanks again for your help with this, I pretty much owe you my life with all you've done for me" he chuckled. 

Ciela passed him the wicker basket and blanket that they'd be using for the picnic, and Astra opened it up to take a peek inside. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the amount of food and drink that Ciela managed to stuff into this thing, and he could tell how much care was put into every treat. "Oh wow, Ciela...This is amazing. Thanks so much! She's going to love this." His smile widened, and he felt warm with appreciation. 

Ciela provided him with the location of a perfect picnic spot, and wished him luck with a warm "Good luck. You've got this." Making his way to the door, Astra gave Ciela a smile and a thumbs up. "Thanks Ciela, fingers crossed!" With that he left the shop and stood outside of Fondante's Inferno, waiting for Bliss to arrive. This would be a good day, he just had a feeling. He really hoped she liked picnics. 

***

Spoiler

Astra | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 5 | MIT:0| ACC: 1 |

 

[Bliss 0]

Bliss was always an early riser. The house was unusually quiet that morning, the kind of stillness that made her feel like the world was just hers for a little while. Dressed in her cozy jammies, she was snuggled up in the reading nook, sipping tea and reading a book when suddenly a soft ping broke the silence. Oh a message! From Astra! He wants to meet up at Fondante's Inferno? Okay! Thankfully Ciela's shop wasn't far from her home. She smiled softly at the screen, excited to see her friend. She hurriedly set her tea down and headed back to her room to get ready.

Spoiler

What should've been a quick process turned into a full-on battle with herself in front of the mirror. Bliss kept trying to style her hair, putting it up, taking it down, pulling it back, and letting it fall again. Over and over. Nothing felt right. A small pit of nervousness formed in her stomach as she looked at her reflection.

Why am I so nervous? She twirled her hair in her fingers. She'd only hung out with Astra a handful of times at this point, each time he always had this calm, warm energy about him that was both reassuring and intimidating? No, no. Not intimidating. Nice? Maybe too nice. Her palm collided with her forehead as she shook her head and let out a sigh. Stop overthinking!

Finally, she threw her hands up in exasperation. "Fuck it," she muttered under her breath. She hastily threw on a black tank top, a pair of jean shorts, and her favorite red jacket. Deciding to let her hair fall naturally and finally leave the house. She was halfway out when a flash of inspiration struck.

Oooh. I just had a better outfit idea. In a flurry of motion, she rushed back upstairs, tearing through her closet. Finally emerging in a light green sundress that hugged her just right. The soft fabric swayed as she spun to check herself in the mirror. "Much cuter," she said to her reflection.

Spoiler

When Bliss arrived at Fondante's Inferno, her nerves kicked in full force. Astra was already there, casually standing by the entrance. He was wearing a casual outfit, but somehow he made it look effortlessly perfect. She became self conscious almost immediately after seeing him. Man, oh man. Am I too overdressed? She glanced down at her self. The gentle breeze played with the hem of her dress and her hair, carrying it softly around her face. The sunlight caught her blue eyes just so, making them almost sparkle. If only she could feel as confident as she looked.

"S-So, A-Astra," she said, unable to hide her stammer as she approached. "What's up?" She smiled, trying her best to hide the bundle of nerves threatening to bubble over.

Spoiler

* * *

Spoiler

Stats:
Bliss | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 3 | MIT:18 | ACC:1 | REC: 1 

Spoiler

"Name: Bliss
True Tier: 1
Level: 1
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 20/20
EN: 20/20

Stats:
Damage: 3
Mitigation: 18
Accuracy: 1
REC: 1

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Mechanic's Tool Set | T1 Perfect Thrown Weapon |  ACC I | DMG II
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Variable Half-Plate | T1 Perfect Light Armor | MIT II | REC I
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - 

Combat Mastery:
  - 

Combat Shift:
  - 

Familiar Skill:
  - 

Custom Skill:
  - 

Skills:
  - Light Armor R1

Extra Skills:

Inactive Extra Skills:

Addons:

Mods:

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:

Gathering Profession:
"

 

 

Edited November 20 by Bliss

[Astra 0]

Astra's eyes lit up as Bliss started to approach him, while he was standing outside of Fondante's Inferno. He immediately felt like he had lost his voice and couldn't speak, and his heart skipped a beat before beating to a much faster rhythm. What is this feeling? Why am I feeling like this? Bliss is a beautiful person, and just her presence alone could fill a room full of people with awe. Astra was one of those people, and he just couldn't help it. Just play it cool, find the right words. Play it cool, find the right words.

The closer Bliss got Astra tried to move towards her as well, but it felt like he was wearing cement galoshes. Or elephant shoes. Something heavy. Okay, so maybe moving wasn't an option right now. Instead he raised his free hand and held it up, palm open, in a wave. A warm smile spread across his face, and his blue eyes met hers. In his other arm was the basket and gingham blanket that Ciela so kindly provided to him for their picnic. That is, if Bliss even wanted to go on a picnic. 

"H-hey Bliss! You look great, that dress is really lovely." The words almost stumbled out of his mouth, but on the plus side he didn't actually lose his voice and was able to speak to her. Was complimenting her dress a weird thing to do? Was he coming off too strong already? In his head a cacophony of noise and sounds played, as if a marching band was playing a hectic tune. On top of that, it was as if someone was shouting all of his thoughts and doubts through a megaphone at the top of their lungs. He was anxious for sure, but he also knew that the more time he spent around her the more at ease he'd feel. It seemingly happened every time he saw her. 

"Thanks for coming. Do you like picnics? I was thinking we could do something nice here, eat some food, have some drinks, talk. There's a nice spot nearby the lake that we could go to, if you'd like." He motioned to the picnic basket held in his left arm. "There's a lot of food here, and we've got a blanket too. So if you're down, we could relax for a bit!" Astra motioned to the lake sitting at the edge of the treeline, where firs and pines sat quietly swaying in the breeze. One thing was for sure, as he spoke to Bliss, that soft smile never left his face. He really wanted to get to know her better, to spend some more time with her. What better way to do that than a scenic picnic on the most serene floor that Aincrad has offered so far? Plus, it would just be the two of them, which means no outside actors providing noise. 

"What do you think?" He looked her in her eyes that seemingly had a sparkle, and asked.  

[Bliss 0]

Astra's warm smile felt like a balm to Bliss's nerves, though the fluttering in her chest refused to subside. She still felt very overdressed, her green sundress still swishing gently in the breeze, reminding her that she'd overthought the outfit way too many times. When Astra complimented her dress, a soft blush bloomed across her cheeks, and she couldn't help but fidget under his gaze. "T-Thank you, A-Astra! You look v-very h-handsome," she stammered, her voice laced with sincerity despite her nervousness. As soon as the words left her mouth, a small wave of panic followed. God, you're so dumb. Why are you like this? She mentally facepalmed, caught between the two voices in her head, one encouraging her, and the other telling her not to try.

In an attempt to calm herself, Bliss began twirling her hair around her fingers. It was a nervous habit that always seemed to give her away. Her thoughts spiral as she tried to fight off the embarrassment alone, when Astra's next words pulled her back to reality.

"A picnic!!" Her eyes lit up with an almost childlike joy. "I really love picnics! They were one of my favorite things to do as a kid!!" Her excitement bubbled over for a moment, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. She was so excited she almost lost her composure. In true Bliss fashion, she took a breath in and toned back the enthusiasm, she didn't wanna seem too excited. "I w-w-would love that Astra!" She said, her voice softer. "It's a-also such a n-nice day out. P-Perfect for a picnic."

The sunlight warmed her, the gentle breeze carrying the smell of the lake and flowers, not to mention the freshly baked goods. Bliss glanced up at Astra, feeling the tiniest spark of courage. He's so kind. Relax. Just enjoy this moment.

Gathering her resolve, she extended her hand toward him, her fingers trembling slightly with nervous anticipation. "I-If we're gonna have a picnic, we might as well start it off right." She smiled nervously, hoping he would take her hand.

Edited December 4 by Bliss

[Astra 0]

When Bliss called Astra handsome, he couldn't help but blush. "H-handsome? Thanks so much." His soft smile widened, and he had to look away so that she couldn't see how red his face had become. Once that seemingly wore off, and he was done riding the high of being complimented by Bliss, he turned back to her. He noticed she was twirling her hair, a quirk of hers that he picked up on when he first met her at the beach. Maybe it's something she does when she's nervous, but nonetheless Astra thought it was cute. He liked her quirks. They were all small things that made up the whole of her, a truly radiant individual. In all his time here in Aincrad he hadn't met anyone who captured his attention and took his breath away like Bliss did. What were these feelings? What did that necessarily mean? His mind ran multiple marathons within a minute while he fantasized about spending more time with her, getting to know her, being a part of her life. Astra had a tendency to get overexcited pretty quickly, and lose himself in fantasy. It took him a moment to pull himself back to the reality and the current moment. Slow down. Be normal. 

When she expressed her excitement on going on a picnic he was instantly full of relief. Especially hearing that it was something she loved to do as a kid. Tapping into things that touched upon your childhood were one of Astra's favorite things, as it brought a sense of comfort in darker times. "Perfect! I'm so glad to hear it. We've got a lot of good food, and you're right today is beautiful for it." He looked towards the azure sky, filled with sparse billowing clouds. The sun was out and beaming a cradle of warmth, and the sound of the digital birds hummed songs for the two of them. 

As Bliss extended her hand towards him, Astra could barely believe his eyes. He felt his heart pound just a little bit harder, after nearly tripping over itself in his chest. She wants to hold my hand? He wasn't sure why he was so surprised. Maybe it's because he hasn't really felt like this before, or really imagined that anyone would even want to hold his hand. The last time he held someones hand he was just a kid in a children's hospital, comforting a sick friend. This was different. This could be some sort of spark. Astra's silvery-blue eyes met her, and he embraced her hand with his own. It felt warm. He felt a rush of blood to his head, and it was as if he had grown a pair of wings could fly. "Come on, I know a spot", he said with his smile still plastered on his face. He was taking her to the spot Ciela had directed him to. 

When they arrived at the spot Astra was hesitant to let go of Bliss' hand, as he really didn't want to, but he did have to setup the picnic. He carefully let go of her hand and layed the blanket down amidst the grass and the flowers. The basket was set neatly on top on the gingham checked blanket. "Here we are! This spot is perfect. You can see everything so clearly. I bet it's even a great stargazing spot." He imagined the magic of watching the stars with Bliss, sitting together amidst the sea of the cosmos. For now, the beautiful day sky would have to do. 

"Want something to eat or drink? We have a lot. I can't take credit for it though, Ciela put this together for us." Astra tousled the back of his hair and chuckled. Of course he had to give Ciela her credit, she really went all out for him. Astra took a seat on the blanket and patted the spot next to him, beckoning Bliss to come over and take a seat. The picnic was finally ready to start.