[PP-F08] Unexpected Reunions <<Monkey King>>

[Freyd 0]

"It sounds like you were fortunate to make it out at all.  How badly was Sewallus hurt?"

The two men sat on the outskirts of Florenthia, each bracing against a different bough as the white-haired NPC retold a familiar tale about his encounter with the notorious Monkey King.  The beast prowled the deeper woods not far from town, occasionally unleashing its spectacular temper on unsuspecting wanderers and locals alike.  For all the times Freyd had slain the creature, he'd yet to find a reason for its rage.  It just was.  And that didn't sit right.  

"It bruised him up rather badly.  Fortunately, he's crazy enough to stroll around in full plate, even in this climate.  It probably saved his life."

"He strolls around because he's Florenthia's only peacekeeper." Freyd's words, spoken softly and with unexpected understanding, caught Remington off guard.  "In the face of constant fracas between the elves and treants, one can hardly blame him, even if your refuge tries to claim neutrality."  

"Maybe, Daedhrog.  But he needs help, and someone to save him from himself."

Blue eyes shifting sideways at mention of his nickname among the locals, he hadn't expected his white-haired counterpart to know it, let alone call him out with it.  Remington was an odd fellow, come from placed unknown to study the floor's fauna.  Some suspected he was Ladonian, but there wasn't enough lilt to his accent to be sure.  He certainly wasn't elven.

"I don't have much time left... before the raid."  A paltry excuse, belying why he'd come to this refuge in the first place.  It was one of few places in Aincrad that actually felt truly peaceful and harmonious, at least to him, and when the local simians weren't mutating into yet another tyrannical monkey-monarch needing a hero or four to sweep in and knock it back down a peg. "It's also not why I came here."

"But you'll help anyway, won't you?"  The man's tone suggested a different question was being asked than it seemed, as if rhetorical.  "Because you always help, Daedhrog, when people need you to."

"How and why is a quest giver NPC giving me therapy advice?  And why am I listening to him?"  Pointed, but delivered in jest, the Whisper seemed unusually appreciative, as if he'd been starting to come to the same realization himself.

***

@Xena

Note: CS (Shades of the Gemini) and CSA (Beckon the Void) are in use.  If any other player objects to these, please state in first post and it will be considered inactive.

Freyd consumes and shares:

Gungir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - takes 1 portion [filled]
Draft of Keen Edge | Tierless | Perfect Potion | Damage 3 | 235938

Freyd gives to Xena:

Draft of Keen Edge | Tierless | Perfect Potion | Damage 3 | 235939

Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 160/160 | DMG: 24 | MIT:152 | ACC:7 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | LD:5

Spoiler

Name: Freyd,
Kuro bara no kishi
True Tier: 18
Level: 33
Paragon Level: 141
HP: 1280/1280
EN: 160/160

Stats:
Damage: 21+3
Mitigation: 152
Accuracy: 4+2+1
Evasion: 2
Battle Healing: 70
Loot Die: 4
Stealth Rating: -5
VAMP-D: 70
FLN: 16
HLY: 16

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Samael's Pride | T4 Katana | FLN II | HLY II 
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Negare Omnia | T4 HA | MIT III | VD I
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Night Shades | T3 Trinket | ACC III | EVA I

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - AOE Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - Grappling Familiar

Custom Skill:
  - Shades of the Gemini (CS)
  - Beckon the Void (CSA)

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R5
  - Charge
  - Energist
  - Extended Mod Limit
  - Extended Weight Limit
  - Fighting Spirit
  - Heavy Armor R5
  - Howl
  - Katana R5
  - Quick Change
  - Searching R4

Extra Skills:
  - Disguise
  - Survival
  - Parry
  - Forgotten King's Authority

Inactive Extra Skills:
  - Meditation
  - Lady Luck
  - Photosynthesize
  - Brawler
  - Assault Mode
  - Frozen Hide
  - Hiding R3

Addons:
  - Focus
  - Focused Howl
  - Iron Skin
  - Precision
  - Reveal
  - Stamina

Mods:
  - Detect
  - Emergency Recovery
  - Impetus
  - Justified Riposte
  - Night Vision
  - Tracking

Inactive Mods:
  - Untraceable

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable 1/thread) x7
  - Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+10% HP) x7
  - Meathook (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Ordsea Crystal-B (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Ordsea Crystal-B (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Rhino's Horn (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Teleport Crystals x1
  - The Bonded Word. | T4 Demonic Trinket - ACC III, REC I x1
  - Veritas | T4 Katana) | AA, PVO I, VO I, Taunt x1

Housing Buffs:
  - Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
  - Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
  - Basic Kitchen: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.
  - Storage Closet: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
  - Living Room: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
  - Attic (Bedroom): +1 Expertise to declared utility skill. Cannot boost a skill without ranks, or increase a skill past its maximum rank. Cannot boost a skill the user has not learned yet. Ranks obtained using this buff will make the mods of that rank available for purchase. Mods obtained this way are unusable if this buff is removed until the skill is returned to the appropriate rank by way of SP purchase.
  - Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
  - Guest Room: Players can have one «Amenity» in a «Guest Room» and the «Amenity» cannot be recovered. Players are allowed to change which «Amenity» is in the «Guest Room». Multiple instances of the same «Amenity» do not stack. This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.
  - Extended Workshop: +2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
  - Ornate Fishing Pond: +2 Fishing EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to fishing attempts.
  - Dining Hall: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed. Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.
  - Mega Slime Farm: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.

Guild Hall Buffs:
  - Trading Hall: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters and Rank 4 merchants/performers receive +1 crafting/identification attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters and Rank 5 merchants/performers receive +2 crafting/identification attempts per day.
  - Treasury: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild Totem:
  - Tanos

Crafting Profession:
 - Appraising[3478exp] R5
Gathering Profession:
 - Fishing[576exp] R5

 

Edited December 11 by Freyd

[Xena 0]

Jumping from tree too tree was rather difficult these days, her agility seemed to be getting worse in her lack of activity. Well, thats what doing quests was for. As her gauntlet dug into a tree gently she slid down its base reaching the ground gently before walking towards Florenthia, the quest giver should be here. Walking through the entrance she didn't particularly pay mind to anyone or anything, her hood up covering her more decerning details, opening her menu and checking her map she'd make her way directly towards the NPC, Remington was his name, oddly enough he was already talking to another player, she didn't entirely focus on who it was until she got close however, her approach quiet she finally spoke up once she entered about 10 feet away, it was then when she realized just who the fuck the NPC was talking too.

"Hey I wanted to- Wait... Freyd?"

Her voice was meek, as she spoke that name, what the fuck was Freyd doing here. Was he doing the quest? Wasn't he like 30x the level needed for this quest too begin with. As those thoughts ran through her head she thought to pull her hood down, the fur hood revealing her more then obvious appearance, still wearing those darned tiger ears and all.
***
Xena accepts Draft of Keen Edge

Xena ate the offered: Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - Takes 1 portion (filled)

Xena | HP: 480/480 | EN: 66/66 | DMG: 16 | MIT:32 | ACC:5 | EVA:1 | BH:10 | REC: 4 | BLD: 24 | LD:1

Spoiler

Name: Xena True Tier: 3 Level: 24 Paragon Level: 0 HP: 480/480 EN: 66/66 Stats: Damage: 16 Mitigation: 32 Accuracy: 5 Evasion: 1 Battle Healing: 10 Loot Die: 1 Stealth Rating: 5 REC: 4 BLD: 24 Equipped Gear: Weapon/Armor/Trinket: - Beasts Claws | Tier 2 | BLD 1 | DMG 2 | Armor/Trinket: - Beasts Cloak | Tier 2 | REC 2 | MIT 1 | Shield/Armor/Trinket: - Glasses | Tier 1 | ACC 3 | Combat Mastery: - Combat Mastery: Damage R1 Combat Shift: - Familiar Skill: - Custom Skill: - Skills: - Battle Healing R2 - Claws R5 - Cloth Armor R5 Extra Skills: - Hiding R5 Inactive Extra Skills: Addons: - Nimble Mods: - Athletics - Untraceable - Vanish Inactive Mods: Battle Ready Inventory: - Starter Healing Potions (50 HP) x3 - T1 Uncommon Health Potions x6 Housing Buffs: Guild Hall Buffs: Scents of the Wild Totem: Wedding Ring: Crafting Profession: - Performer[158exp] R2 Gathering Profession:

 

Edited December 12 by Xena

[Freyd 0]

Brows crossed and confused in partial recognition of a voice calling out his name.  Familiar, but buried in the detritus of time, it took him a moment to connect the ancient dots, until he saw the ears.  The face followed as confirmation.

"Xena?"  Genuine surprise paired well with the easing of his features in welcoming recognition.  "You're... here?"  He was going to say 'alive', but that might have been too crass.  Part of him wondered where that consideration came from.  Maybe he had changed after all?  Old Freyd would have run with it, without hesitation.  Xena would know that, and might even have expected it.  Him, here, clad in black samurai-style full plate with a katana strapped to his back?  It was understandably all out of bounds for their past and familiarity.

"What brings you to Florenthia?  Following a lead?  Juicy gossip?"  Tilting his head while his eyes narrowed.  "Planning on taking on a certain monkey menace?"

A tall, heavily armored elf approached them, nodding a greeting to Remington before turning to face the two players.

"There's no trouble here, I trust?"

"None at all, Sewallus.  Just a pair of old acquaintances catching up.  Meet Xena."

[Xena 0]

Looking over the man the girl was questioning oh so many things at the time, namely what was Freyd doing here, why did he suddenly become a Samurai. Was he always a Samurai, wasn't that one of his friends gimicks. Eventually the girl would snap out of it hearing his question. "All of the above actually." She'd state without missing a beat trying to keep a cool head. Though as someone new approached she'd eye the Elf up and down as he asked Freyd a question, too who he'd comment towards the NPC introducing her. She'd give a small wave with her gauntleted hand. More of a two fingered salute if anything. Xena then turned back too Freyd. "Jeez you know everyone, huh?" She'd comment crossing her arms. Her fingers lightly digging into her upper arms, namely the deltoid area. "Anyway what brings you here, rather far from the front lines..." She'd mutter, knowing all too well where Freyd's been, she hears about him every now and again, and of course she does her best to keep tabs on her friends. She'd then try to soften the topic by commenting about his attire. "I like you're new armor, very swanky."

[Freyd 0]

"Tanking for the frontlines," he added, by way of explaining his new getup.  "Tried it in my usual pajamas last time around and wasn't sure it was worth tempting fate a second time.  This seemed like a better insurance policy."  Black gauntlets of some strange metal tapped his breastplate, both surfaces seeming to shift with the light and making it harder for sight, tooth or claw alike to find significant purchase.  Freyd had always been a bit of a slippery character.  This just made it a bit more overt.  

"As to my visit, I was really just making the rounds.  There's a festival in Ellesmera - the Eyvinsung.  Elora and I were just there.  I needed a bit of time to myself afterwards.  It helps me clear my head before the big show.  And no, I don't know everyone, but Sewallus and I are well-acquainted."

Turning momentarily to the NPC, Freyd's eyes took in the damage to his armor.  Deep clawed rents and the piercing marks of massive fangs marring its elaborate filigree.  

"I take it the Monkey King is causing trouble again?"

"Always."  Sewallus wasn't the chatty type, often reminding him of Marv.

"What do you say, Xena.  Should we help out, for old time's sake?  If you were heading that way anyway, we might as well team up.  You can fill me in on what's new in the broker's world, assuming you still run in those circles?"

[Xena 0]

The Cat Girl snickered at the thought of Front Lining in pajamas, she would be embarrassed personally. "I take it you got more then one boo boo during that?" She'd comment while watching his armor shift color spectrums. intriguing to say the least, perhaps she could get a cloak of invisibility at some point, wouldn't that be useful. Hearing on about how he was making the rounds after visiting a festival the girl smirked. "Festival huh? Glad you still know when too take time for yourself, I can't imagine the amount of stress put on you doing what you do." She'd look at Freyd with a exagerated face of disbelief when he said he didn't know everyone, as he turned towards the NPC. She'd turn as well, yeesh that armor leaves alot to be desired, it'd likely take a few days to be repaired frankly. Though what did she know, she wasn't a blacksmith. Glancing towards Freyd as he commented she shrugged. "Sure, though I imagine you'd have little too no need of my help on a floor like this." Commenting he'd then ask if she was still in the broker circles. "Tell ya the truth theres not much juicy gossip you wouldn't know about I imagine, supposedly Floor 28 is close too being completed, along with that I hear some new field bosses are spawning in the 20-25 floors, though theres little evidence and I'm far too weak to go look myself."

[Freyd 0]

"Actually, I think I got off lucky by managing to avoid any nasty hits.  Wushen was a giant elemental dragon who had a lot of effects to counter, but I was working with a good team. All I had to do was dance around like an idiot to keep it from smashing me - and we all know how good I am at being an idiot."  It was tough to tell how much of that was self-deprecating humor, but Freyd bore the comment with a smile.  Sewallus, meanwhile, who simply fell into line with a nod as Freyd started walking for the village gates, kept his thoughts to himself.  Xena was more than good enough at reading people to realize that he didn't quite believe the Whisper's tales - or at least every detail.  Odds were, as an NPC, terms like 'raid' were above his capacity to process anyway.

"I can't say that I'm still much good at relaxing, but I'll get there someday.  We all need hobbies, right?  My hobby should be learning how to get a hobby."

"I thought your hobby was denying yourself a hobby," the elf retorted with a quiet smile, earning a sideways glance for his rare hint of snark.

"There have definitely been new field boss sightings, but I think they're on twenty-five and up.  Haven't really had time to look into them, but it'll happen eventually.  I like to make sure I've slain them each at least once to be able to track them again more easily in the future.  As to the raid, it's fair to call it imminent.  I'll be heading there as soon as we wrap up here."

Florenthia had little in the way of a standing militia or defenses.  Sewallus was basically it, so precautions were required to be put in place whenever he left the village.  Pausing for a few moments while arrangements were made, Freyd turned to Xena while their escort was busy to take a measure of his old friend.

"Are you sure everything's okay?  Feels like we never got to the heart of what was nagging at you, way back when.  I'm still here.  If you ever want to talk, my cowl is open."  Gesturing to the trademark cloth draped around his neck, it was hard to imagine him without it, even if he wore it far less often than before.

[Xena 0]

Listening too the man her hands in her hoods pockets as they walked, she snickered again with Freyd's comment of dancing like a idiot, he could even dance she pondered. "Wasn't aware you COULD dance, you certainly never offered me too." She'd say with a smile as he continued on commenting about now having a hobby only for Sewallus to straight up shoot Freyd in the arm with their comment. Too which Xena couldn't help but chuckle. "Damn nice one." She'd comment in Sewallus's direction as Freyd again continued. She'd take her hands out of her pockets, swinging her arms behind her her fingers interlocked with eachother which made her cloak pop up and down as she walked. Seeming rather happy too hear Freyd confirm the Raid Boss sightings though he'd then comment about the Raid being imminent, which made her face grow solemn. "Will you guy's be alright? You're going in with a plan right?... Then again I imagine if you guy's didn't start having plans a long time ago you wouldn't of made it nearly this far..." Eventually they stopped upon reaching an area, Xena still having her arms behind her back as Freyd turned, asking her something that made her seemingly wince. Though without missing a beat she'd respond. "I appreciate it, but it's fine nothings wrong." Giving a smile after saying such. She really did appreciate it, but her issues weren't nearly important enough to trouble Freyd with, especially not with a 'Imminent' raid coming in the next few hours. She didn't wanna risk distracting Freyd in such important times.

[Freyd 0]

"No, I'm not much of a dancer at all."  His voice seemed distant when he replied, eyes briming with reflected starlight from the distant festival, where those abilities had just been thoroughly tested.  Xena couldn't have known, and he took no offense at the question.  Given his reputation for speed and grace as a fighter, it was common for people to assume the same, but it had never been the case.  "I'd have embarrassed myself if I'd ever offered, or, worse, embarrassed you."

"We're fortunate to have the moonlight," Sewallus offered, pointing toward the broad silver disk slowly making its ascent.  "I'd normally avoid such an outing in the dead of night, but Silvana offers us her blessings.  We should not insult the goddess by refusing her gifts."  Without waiting any longer, he walked by the two players to lead them along well-used and familiar paths toward their inevitable confrontation.

"Oh, we always have a plan," Freyd lied, convincingly.  In his experience, the pre-raid meetings were largely a waste of time, amounting to family gatherings where politics were explicitly discussed and old grudges rekindled to meaningless effect.  The Frontlines' entire strategy was to walk in blind, or make haphazard guesses without any basis in evidence, then get distracted with wild assumptions that spiraled out of control until everyone just got tired and went home.  Cliques stuck with their own, the usual suspects clustering with their groupies rather than making any concerted effort to benefit the whole.  It was a depressing affair, and the latest meeting had been his to run. 

"Yeah.  They're a good bunch.  We'll have everything well in hand."  No one needed to hear the truth.  What they needed was belief and hope that their vanguard had everything well in hand.  And he'd tell any number of bold-faced lies required to keep people thinking it was all fine.  What choice did they really have?

Along the same vein, Freyd chose not to push her when she said that she was also fine.  Xena lived on edge, but he'd learned long ago not to press her about it.  She'd talk if and when she wanted to, and no sooner.  

"It will be waiting for us in the clearing up ahead," Sewallus chimed in, drawing his blade.  Freyd wished he could convince the NPC to stay out of the fight, but the old elf was too stubborn to listen.  Better to just end this quickly and safely with everyone still intact.

[Xena 0]

As Xena looked onto the Horizon, her scarlet eyes reflecting moonlight, she listened too Freyd with every bit of interest possible, her ears wide and open. She was always good at absorbing information though retaining it was its own issue. She'd usually write in her Journal any interesting information she learned, though doing so directly in front of Freyd would be rude in her eyes and most definitely a invasion of privacy towards Freyd she imagined. She had the ability to respect people enough not to sell what they'd say in their private meetings. "Oh? Would it be a bit much to ask what you're plan this time is? Or is it a Frontliners Trade Secret." She'd chuckle as he spoke about how his friends were a good bunch. Most people around this world were nice, even if being on edge around the unknown was typical. It's sad too think that she takes advantage of some people daily based on that line of thought, taking a breath of the cold winter air, the moonlight floating past. As the elf mentioned it was time to move on she'd give a 2 fingered salute to them as he walked off. Eventually once he was out of ear shot. "Can he handle himself?... I know he's a NPC and alot of them can respawn but... I'd still feel bad y'know?" She'd comment rubbing under her nose with her index finger. Regardless of Freyd's response the girl would pull her hood up completely, it now covering her face in shadow as she moved forward towards the battle grounds, preparing to vanish at a moments notice, though she didn't quite have her build set up perfectly yet, it's likely getting hit by this Monkey King NPC would hurt quite a bit.

[Freyd 0]

"Loose lips sink ships.  Isn't that the phrase?  Not that I have any concerns about you spilling what few strategies we have to others, but it seems like information best left to those intending to use it, at least until the battle it done."  The sad truth was, Freyd couldn't actually know what Xena would do with the information and past raids were replete with occasions where players had killed other players.  It was all long before his time, but not worth the risk of repeating.  Something about her subtle prods for information was sitting well with his professional duties in service to his guild, though without any actual evidence to support what were little more than awkward suspicions.  Hopefully, that's all they are.

"Handle himself?  Oh, Sewallus?  I haven't lost him yet, but he's damned good at being squishy.  I'll send Persi in after he makes his big intro spiel.  Hopefully we can stun the Monkey King and keep it from acting at all.  If she misses, I'll need to you try the same.  Otherwise, we'll have little choice other than to burn through his health bars as quickly as possible."

The armored elf marched into the clearing, slamming his sword against his shield to make the loudest possible racket imaginable.

Subtle.

Something large rumbled through the underbrush at the tree line at far side of the clearing, bowling over a pair of massive oaks to burst out into the open.  The immense and raging gorilla barely cleared the last leaves before something dark zipped from beneath Freyd's clothing like a missile, smashing the mega-monkey full in the chest.  Eyes bulging from their sockets, the mob crumbled like a sack of potatoes only to find Freyd's katana cutting down as a follow up.  Instantly, its health dropped by ninety percent, presenting Xena with a perfect opportunity for the kill.

"Now!  Finish him before he recovers!"

***

Spoiler

Sewallus uses Florenthian Howl to generate 5 hate.

Post Action | AoE-I (x15, 11 EN, +2 shift, +2/hit): 15 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 12 EN.  
Free Action [skill] | Grappling Familiar (CD 0/5)
Free Action [item] | Rhino Horn (1/combat)

ID #238923 | BD: 7+7=14 (hit, Fallen +16, Rhino +3).  DMG (15*43=645-60=585) vs. Monkey King.  F-Stun applied. | CD 10 | ST-B/BtV Unlocked

Sewallus | HP: 400/400 | DMG: 75 (100 on crit) | MIT: 50 | EVA: -1
Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 148/160 (160-12) | DMG: 24 | MIT:152 | ACC:7 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (-1) | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | LD:5 | GRAP 1/5
Xena | HP: 480/480 | EN: 66/66 | DMG: 16 | MIT:32 | ACC:5 | EVA:1 | BH:10 | REC: 4 | BLD: 24 | LD:1

(5,2,0) Monkey King | HP: 65/650 (650-585) | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 2 | F-STUNNED

If a Tree Falls | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the Monkey King will pick up a large tree and throw it at the party.  This replaces the Monkey King's normal attack, automatically dealing 120 unmitigatable damage and inflicting stun to each target.

 

Edited December 17 by Freyd

[Xena 0]

Xena gave a small shrug too Freyd's comments. He had no reason to let her know, certainly not for free, and she was fine with that. Listening to Freyd on how the NPC behaves she sighed somewhat annoyed, if only they were allowed to be so bold with little care of death. Following behind she prepared her claw skills. That was... until the shield banging, covering her ears it was loud given her proximity, fucking hell she had half the mind to smack the NPC over the head, but it seemed to of been effective in bringing out their quary hearing the rustling Xena looked to the side only to find the fight was pretty much over, watching as Freyds ghastly panther hit the creature in its chest causing its eyes to pop out in a cartoon fashion, before Freyd delivered a hearty strike. Rushing forward with what speed she could muster she'd lunge onto the Monkey her claws being formed into a triangle as she activated her skill piercing into the Monkeys head before pulling out and jumping back in a graceful backflip. As the Monkey started to glow blue before shattering into those blue crystals all creatures return too. "Well shit." She'd say coming too a stand. "I really wasn't needed huh?" She'd chuckle as she looked at her claws flicking them back and forth small blue crystals coming off of them. After all of 5 seconds the player menu would open revealing the prizes they had claimed, 1000 EXP, a potion... and a new Skill, how interesting. Tech-D huh, did she miss a letter she wondered looking through her other skills, sure enough there was no C. "Guess I missed a letter..." She muttered too herself looking over too Freyd. "Nice Job!" She'd state rather simply giving a thumbs up and a smile visible from under her hood by the moon light coming through the opening.


***

Post Action	Free Action [Skill]	Free Action [Item]
ST-1 [Rank 5] (x12, 12 EN)	Null	Null

ID: 238935 | BD:4+5 = 9 (Hit) DMG:(16x12=192-60=132) vs Monkey King.

Sewallus | HP: 400/400 | DMG: 75 (100 on crit) | MIT: 50 | EVA: -1
Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 148/160 (160-12) | DMG: 24 | MIT:152 | ACC:7 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (-1) | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | LD:5 | GRAP 1/5
Xena | HP: 480/480 | EN: 54/66 | DMG: 16 | MIT:32 | ACC:5 | EVA:1 | BH:10 | REC: 4 | BLD: 24 | LD:1
 

6,1,4) Monkey King | HP: -67/650 (650-585) | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 2 | Dead

• If a Tree Falls | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the Monkey King will pick up a large tree and throw it at the party.  This replaces the Monkey King's normal attack, automatically dealing 120 unmitigatable damage and inflicting stun to each target.

[Freyd 0]

Shaking his head to ward off her quick dismissal at the accomplishment fading to dust before them, Freyd wouldn't have it.

"Let yourself enjoy the win, Xena.  You earned this.  Yeah.  it was quick, because this boss needs to go down quick or he can cause some serious mayhem.  And, while I believe you could have taken him down alone, you might have come back to town with some fairly serious wounds.  My point is: things are always easier in a group, no matter who you are."

Knowing that she'd long been a loner, he had no expectations of breaking her solitary habits overnight.  Baby steps.  Positive reinforcement.  Demonstrable benefit and value.  These seemed more likely to appeal to a broker's mindset.  

"And that sword art you just unlocked is one of the best in the game, especially for a TECH shift.  You can deal some serious harm with it, and be a real asset to a bigger team by using it.  I just got a lucky hit, and so we got off light this time around.  Dunno about you, but I'm absolutely fine with that."

Still recovering from having watched his nemesis blown to bits before his eyes, and before he could even act, Sewallus was late to join the conversation.

"You're right, Daedhrog.  At least in so much as I understand your meaning.  It's wise to seek strong allies when bound for battle.  I've learned that the hard way, more times than I can count."

[Xena 0]

Xena seemed to take Freyd's praise on the chin, with a shrug. "Fine, then you owe me a drink for being such a BIG help right?" She'd say in a sarcastic joking tone, she was infact asking Freyd out since she wanted to hang out but then she remembered the raid. "Eh... Maybe some other time." She'd shrug stretching her menu opening back up too look at the skill in deeper detail with Freyd's comments, removing enemies defense did seem insanely useful though with such a stunning Energy cost she'd only be able to use it 5 or 6 times right now. Then the NPC decided to speak up after escaping his shock of his worst enemy getting atomized. "Wait Daedhrog? What kinda title is that?" She'd snicker not exactly trying to insult either of them she just found it funny, it did seem she took the advice too heart, though who really did she know to do missions with considering she's a Solo with no guild and almost no friends. She certainly wasn't about to bug Freyd into carrying her through missions, she respected his time and believed she'd learn nothing just being carried.

[Freyd 0]

"An affectionate nickname, graciously granted by the elves for services rendered."  Freyd offered Sewallus a small, courteous bow, as if out of some unspoken bond or respect.  The NPC returned it, offering no alternative explanation, and seeming content to consent by his silence.  "And I'll gladly join you for a drink, after the raid.  Call it a raincheck.  Too many people are waiting and counting on me to be late due to a social call.  But, please, make sure you don't become a stranger.  Aincrad isn't especially kind to solo players.  I would know."

Their elven escort, taking his cue from the personal exchange, had already started making his way back to Florenthia along the same path that brought them here in the first place.  High overhead, the silver lady smiled at seeing her woods protected and threats kept at bay.  

"Where will you go from here?  Maybe we could set a time and place to meet again before we split up again?  I'd ask you to message me, but everyone says that and then never does.  Maybe if we met by Marv, in the Town of Beginnings, in a week's time.  Do you remember the place?"

[Xena 0]

Xena would snicker at the duo bowing too eachother, she meant no disrespect, she found it cute personally. "I'll take your word for it then." She'd state as she listened to Freyd deny her 'invitation' of sorts, stating he'd need a raincheck, which she absolutely figured, who was she too demand him to hang out with her anyway. "Well... don't die, yknow?" She'd state after he spoke that it could be after the raid, her voice actually quivered a bit saying so though she did try to keep her look strong. "If you do... I'll come getcha when I do." She says trying to make a joke forcing a smirk. "Honestly, was probably gonna head on too my home in Krycim, I'd say we should meet there but... the Ladies aren't exactly... y'know..." She'd rub the back of her head thinking. "We could meet by Marv yeah, I vaguely remember it's location."

[Freyd 0]

Hesitating at her reaction, Freyd waited a breath to let Sewallus get farther ahead and out of earshot.

"Look," he began, "I'm not sure what's going on, but if you don't want to talk in front of the NPC, I can understand.  What I'm not clear on is why an old friend is talking to me like she's trying to glean information for the next potluck at Brokers'R'Us, while telling me nothing about where she's been the last few years."  His smile inferred that he wasn't offended, just curious.  "I know it's just your way, but it risks putting people on their back foot and ready to walk away.  What you really seem to want is someone to have an honest conversation with, without negotiation or leverage required."

Tilting his head, Freyd sought to gauge her reaction and see how far off the mark his guess might be. 

"You're still alone, Xena, so far as I can tell.  And that can take its toll.  I know.  I spent a lot of time in self-inflicted solitary.  That price is paid over a thousand installments, but it can hollow you out without you ever knowing it."  Features softening from their usual edge, he did the same as he was asking of her and extended an olive branch.

"Look.  I can spare a bit of time now, because it's you, and you matter.  Why don't we find a corner in Florenthia and chat, about anything you want.  Or not.  We can just stare at each other for thirty minutes if you prefer."  The corners of his eyes and lips smiled in unison.  "For old time's sake?"

[Xena 0]

Xena reacted with a hint of shock at Freyd's disection of her behavior, in truth while she was probing for information it wasn't for her too make any use of it, she wanted to know what he was up too and how he's been but, she isn't exactly the best at conveying such. Perhaps she came off that way which made her seeming upset at herself. "I... Yeah, I'll talk... in a corner though..." And so she and Freyd walked to a corner of Florenthia where she began talking. "Look... I'll be honest... the past year hasn't exactly... been great, let's just say Broker Debt is a thing... And certain factions will certainly collect..." She'd say still dancing around who said faction is, as if she was afraid to speak it. Rubbing the back of her head she'd comment. "But... there's been some ups... I have a store now... and like I said Krycim accepted me with open arms... their nice... but... it all feels fake you know?..." She'd comment, she enjoyed alot of the NPC's company, but she could never shake off the fact that's all they were, NPC's. When or IF they get out of here, she'll never see them again, and if she dies, it's likely they wont even remember her, she'd just get wiped from their memory. "But... I don't really like talking about these kinds of things cause... It makes me feel like less of a person and more of a liability... The more people know of what I do... And who i interact with... Puts targets on em... cause I don't leave Safe Zones much... Honestly though... Have you seen the Starter Town recently...? Theres so many people down there... players... their empty though... hollow even, you'd be troubled telling if they were NPC's or not... I'm scared... that this game might do that too me sooner or later..." She'd say moving from a crossleg sit to hugging her legs, her cloak wrapping around all but her head. "I'm still terrified... terrified of losing myself... or people i grow too care for... I know that's silly... Especially this late into the game... I should of just gotten used to it like everyone else but... I just can't... No matter how much I try... I'm even scared of losing Amber... that's why I didn't even bring her... I guess it makes me kinda selfish... doesn't it?..."

Edited December 16 by Xena

[Freyd 0]

Signaling the bartender for two of whatever seemed most appropriate for their collective mood, he received an understanding nodded response.

"A corner it is," he replied, stoically, hooking the foot of a chair with his boot and dragging it back for his companion to be seated.  Folding himself into an opposing spot, Freyd sat back and listened as Xena struggled to get her words out, seeming to shrink in on herself with every revelation.

"Brokers don't share easily, do they?  Guess I can't say that's surprising, given what I know of them.  Would it surprise you to learn that I once considered following the same path?  It was back when we first started out.  I admired how brave you were for daring their shark-infested waters.  But it's hard to swim there indefinitely without getting bit, isn't it?"  Part admission, part outreach, Freyd had long wondered at the price of entry to that exclusive club.  People treated the brokers as valuable and resourceful sources of information, but rarely regarded the fleeting and perilous nature of their game.

"If you need help with any of those factions, let me know.  I have some dealings with various brokers, but our relationships are more mutually beneficial.  Barter is far better than blackmail, in my experience, and too many try to extort every penny they can for data that can save lives."  Pausing, as if to gauge her reaction and assess a possibility, Freyd spoke more slowly and deliberately when he resumed.  The note about her new store had garnered special interest.

"If you want out, we can find a way.  But I'll probably need to know more about what's been happening than you will want to admit.  Offer still stands, and will remain open."

Their drinks arrived, the waitress veteran enough to know when not to hang around.

"Why do you think I still patrol the lower floors, hang around with Marv to help newbies, or even run people through the Sharkbait training program?  Because people paid it forward for me.  Now, I do it for others.  That includes old friends, or anyone else who might feel left behind."

Lifting his mug, he offered her a silent toast and chugged back half its contents like wishing alone might actually turn it into beer.

[Xena 0]

Sitting down in the offered chair she'd still manage to find herself hugging her legs, she was small enough that it was fairly easy, most of these seats were made for elves after all. She wasn't really making eye contact, more so just staring at the table, and eventually her drink when it arrived, listening to Freyd's response she seemed anxious about commenting further, especially at the comment of blackmail. "You can't... you really can't..." Is all she'd state after he commented finding a way out, she was stuck floating in a sea she didn't believe anyone could get her out of, and for a thalassophobe, it scared her far more then some playground pool, that's what she considered the upper broker world if anything, she continued staring into the drink, who know's what she'd of done by now if this game could replify alcoholic effects, maybe she'd of downed a dozen bottles and got herself killed in a drunken stupor, not like she even COULD drink when she started playing this game, at least not legally. "I... don't know what your program is... I didn't even know you patroled the lower floors... goes too show how bad I am at gathering information on my own..." She'd mutter a hand finally escaping her cloak to grab at the cup, seemingly missing the first attempt before collecting the handle on the second shifting it too her mouth taking a sip, she could taste a hint of cherry, along with some lighter hints of other fruit. It wasn't particularly easy too tell, though she couldn't say she disliked it.