{PP-F1} Earning a Living by Preforming [Complete]

[Zahra 0]

In the middle of Starter City--surrounded by a crowd of onlookers--was a beautiful women with ringlets of honey brown hair. Her eyes were closed, concentrating on the delicate movement of her fingers as the controlled the alluring sounds that exited the slim metal instrument. The melody itself was one that was cheerful, up-lifting and overall a happy tune. Something that everyone needed during this hard time. 

 

Standing inside the crowd of people, completely mesmerized by the sound, was none other than the raven haired women Zahra. She had been wandering around Starter City people watching when the sound of a flute had caught her attention. Having nothing better to do than investigate she found herself here, within the crowd of people enjoying the performance. 

 

'Being a performer wouldn't be a bad job...'

 

At least it would be better than having no job at all. Making a decision right then Zahra took a seat on a nearby bench and continued to observe. After the mysterious women was done she would approach her and ask how to get into a performer profession.  It was a full proof plan. 

[Zahra 0]

As the minutes passed people came and went. Finally, after what felt like hours of waiting, the strange women stopped playing and a void of silence filled the air. The people who had been currently standing around the women began to clap and cheer before slowly dispersing back throughout the area. 

 

The women on the other hand opened up her HUD and proceeded to send the flute back to her inventory. Now was a better time than any. Zahra stood from the bench and began to make her way between people in an attempt to try and get to the women before she left. Combing her way through the combed the women and Zahra happened to make eye contact. Her eyes were a brilliant green that shined with warmth and friendliness. The women seemed to have noticed Zahra trying to come her way so she waited patiently in the spot she way standing. By the time Zahra made it over to her she was smiling. 

 

"Hello," She greeted in a ringing voice, "How can I help you?"

 

"Actually, I was wondering if you could tell me how to become a performer." 

 

With a laugh that sounded like wind chimes the women then nodded her head, happy to be of assistance. She then went on to explain that the first thing necessary to becoming a performer was to have an instrument . After acquiring said instrument  a player must practice it, and then visit the old wise wolf that lurking on floor one. After that, well...she didn't say. Thanking the women for her help Zahra then headed off into town to purchase a instrument--since singing was out of the question. 

[Zahra 0]

After the conversation ended bother women ended up going separate ways. The unusual women left toward the exit of Starter City while Zahra wandered further into town. With each shop that Zahra passed she glanced inside the windows to find out what type of items they had. 

 

Finally, after meandering for a couple minutes, she passed a shop labeled "Michelle's Antiques." Just from glancing inside the window one could tell that it had some interesting items. Deciding to try it she opened the door--producing a small 'ring'--and entered the little shop. Hearing the door open a young female with a friendly smile wandered out from behind one of the shelves in the store. 

 

"Greetings, welcome to Michelle's Antiques. Can I help you find something?"

 

"Actually yeah," Zahra started, glancing around the store, "I was wondering if you could tell me if you had any instruments?" 

 

The girls eyes lit up. Clasping her hands in front of her chest the young women nodded eagerly. Motioning Zahra toward the see through glass counter the girl then disappeared behind the back. 

[Zahra 0]

Seconds later the girl reappeared behind the counter. Humming, the girl then skipped over the worn, oak cabinet that was located behind the counter. It was the first time Zahra had noticed it. Without hesitation the girl then placed the key inside the lock and then turned. A small 'click' sounded as the cabinet door slight swung open. Placing the key in her apron pocket the girl then opened up both door to revel what was inside. It was instruments. Beautifully crafted ones with tons of character embedded in or on them as designs or paintings. Out of all things Zahra had not been expecting that. Spinning around on her heel the girl then smiled at her. 

 

"Do you see one you like?" 

 

There were so many that Zahra didn't even know where to begin. A violin that rest in the middle of the cabinet with what appeared to be Celtic designs engraved into the sides. To the left and to the right were two different types of flutes. One was wooden and had Native American designed sculpted on it, while the other was made of a gold metal a peacock jewel on the end. There was even a lap harp and lute. Even with all that though, it was the small white pendant ocarina that caught her attention. Nodding, she asked the girl if she could see that one. 

[Zahra 0]

For just a moment, the shopkeepers jaw went slack before it shaped back up into a perfect smile. No words were said as the girl reached into the cabinet and delicately picked up the ocarina. As if it would break at any kind of pressure the shopkeeper placed it on the counter and then backed off.

 

Using her instincts, Zahra picked up the ocarina with the same amount of muted action as the shopkeeper had. Turning it over in her hands she admired the work that had been inscribed on the tiny instrument. It was finely crafted. Someone had obviously put a lot of time and effort into the creation--and it was just the thing Zahra was searching for. Placing the pendant ocarina on the glass counter once more she smiled sweetly at the girl. 

 

"Well?"

 

"I would love to purchase it." 

 

Nodding numbly, but still giddily smiling, the shopkeeper opened the HUD to offer the trade. Judging by the shopkeepers reactions Zahra wasn't sure if she made the right choice. This instrument inspired her. It made her want to play music that brought people up from their darkest thoughts and engaged them in this new life. The shopkeeper on the other hand was acting as if it was something important to her though; effectively tearing away at Zahra confidence and causing her to wonder. 

 

"Are you sure about this?" Zahra's whispered softly. At the moment her hand was hovering over the accept button. The girl's response would judge if she got this ocarina or not. 

 

Seeing her muscle tense slightly at the question Zahra was about to pull her hand away. When suddenly, the shopkeeper clasped her hands behind her back and full-hardheartedly grinned. "I'm sure." Not even second later the Egyptian women accepted the offer. She now had her own instrument. Step one to becoming a preformer. 

[Zahra 0]

"Thank you." Zahra clearly stated, bowing slightly to show respect.

 

The girl's facial expression softened, "No, thank you for your business. Come back and see me when you become a performer."

 

This time it was Zahra's turn to be shocked as her obsidian eyes widen just a fraction, and she immediately straighten. The shopkeeper didn't elaborate. She just stood behind the glass counter with knowing smile decorating her features. "You can count on it." And then Zahra turned and exited the shop. The last thing she could have sworn she heard the shopkeeper say was "Take good care of it." 

 

Back on the humming streets of starter city she then proceeded with the next step that the women told her; to practice. Not really keen on doing that in the middle of the city Zahra decided that maybe the outskirts would be less crowded. With that in mind she headed off toward her the general direction of her destination. The closer to the wall she got the less people she began to see--which was perfect. Now, to find a spot to settle down in and get to work. 

[Zahra 0]

The place that Zahra had found was nestled right near the cities wall. It was quiet and in the last couple minutes one person had passed by, which meant that she wouldn't be able to embarrass herself by messing up in front of people.

 

Leaning against the cold wall she then let gravity take over and slide until she was sitting on the ground. It was there that she pulled up her HUD and selected the ocarina. In a flurry of blue pixel the instrument appeared. Gently gripping the instrument Zahra began to turn in over in her hands to inspect it. For such a tiny instrument it was well made. The design was flawless and only accented the ocarina's beauty.

 

It had exactly four holes. After figuring out how to hold the instrument Zahra then placed her mouth on the mouth piece and gently blew. No noise came out. The next time she tired she blew slightly harder. She continued this process until it made a noise. For a while, she just practiced getting the right amount of air through in order to make noise. Zahra even pulled out her journal and started to make notes. She was determined to get this right. 

[Zahra 0]

After getting the sound down, Zahra then started to move her fingers into different patterns. As she continued to remove and replace fingers the pitch of the instrument would vary. The more fingers the lower the noise, the less the higher. For just a while she practiced those notes over and over. Time passed and the sun rose higher into the sky. By the time it was mid-day she was already on practicing a song. 

 

"Twinkle, Twinkle little star..." Zahra sang. 

 

After singing that line she tried to match the notes through her voice. Once the first line of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star had been found she moved on to the next one. After finding the second line she then went back and played the first line and then added the second part one--for more practice. Eventually, she would get through the whole song and she would be learning the notes that needed to be learned to make more complicated songs. 

[Zahra 0]

 

Finally, after about an hour Zahra could play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the small instrument to the point where it sounded natural. Grinning at her success she placed the instrument to the side and then started to take more notes in the note book. For what could be seen, there was tiny drawings of ocarinas with finger placements and a note beside each picture. Right as she was about make a note about pitches, a low rumbling distracted her.

 

It was her stomach reminding her that she had not eaten since breakfast that morning. There were times when the would happen. For instance, during exam time when she was so focused on studying that forgot to eat for the entire day. Luckily a good friend had come to check on her, bringing a pizza since she knew Zahra so well. Putting the quil down the women opened her HUD and selected the bread item. After in materialized in her hand she took a bite and happily leaned against the wall. 

 

Sometimes a small break was needed. 

[Zahra 0]

By the time Zahra was done eating twilight had begun to set in. 

 

Figuring that was enough for one day she righted herself, stretched and then started back into town to stay at one of the cheaper Inns. There was one Inn in particular she enjoyed and that was the Bramblewood Inn. The rooms were forest themed and very cozy to stay in. Walking back through the streets of Starter City one would be surprised at the difference between the day time and the night time. There were barely an people out now. The only lights that lit the darkened street were those of bars or street lamps. 

 

A couple minutes later she wandered into the Bramblewood Inn and got a room. Going up the stairs she turned to the left and found room 205. Once the door was open she saw that this time she had gotten the room that had been decorated with dark browns, whites and blues. This also happened to be on of her favorite rooms due to the fact that it was also decorated with owls. In the real world owls were the creatures that she always enjoyed. 

 

Pulling up the HUD Zahra selected the back tank top and matching shorts for her bed attire. Settling down Zahra curled up, pulled up the covers up over her head and then selected the journal and quill to write about her day and a tentative plan for the following day. Before she knew it her eyelids were shutting and she fell into a dreamless sleep. 

[Zahra 0]

Excited about the prospect of becoming a performer Zahra had set out early the very next day. 

 

By the mid-morning she had already made her way through Starter City and toward the surrounding area. Stopping at the entrance, pulling up the HUD and equipping the spear she started out. Other players already inhabited the field area. What Zahra was not after was boar, but after wolf. Not just any wolf either--but the Old Wise Wolf. After finding it she wasn't quite sure what to do for the women in Starter City didn't mention anything after finding it. Although she prepared for the worse. For all she knew this women had just sent her out to take on some field boss. 

 

Taking the route where wolves were most common Zahra started her search. It wasn't long until she ran into one wolf aimless wandering. Whistling to get it's attention, the wolf whirled around and faced her. It was light gray with a dark gray undertone. It appear exactly like a wolf in the real world, only slightly bigger. Pulling back it's lip to bare teeth it let out a ferocious rumble from it's throat. Then it charged.

 

{ID# 4939} {Battle (5+1) 6} {Craft 7} {Loot 9} { MOD 8} Zahra

 

At the same time Zahra charged as well. They made contact as the same time. Zahra's spear scraped across the wolf's shoulder, while it's teeth gazed her arm. As soon as Zahra passed the wolf she used the momentum to pivot around; facing her target once more. On the other hand the wolf landed and then slowly turned around. 

 

Zahra 12/13

Wolf 8/9

[Zahra 0]

{ID# 5081} {Battle (1+9) 10} {Craft 4} {Loot 2} { MOD 3} Zahra

 

The wolf was to the first to make a move after there stand off. It ran at her, teeth bared and red orbs focused on her honey golden ones. Just in time Zahra put the spear up and white teeth locked around the wooden shaft. It growled, but did not relent. Worried that it might try and break the only weapon she had Zahra had to think fast. Letting go of one end she slid the wooden shaft through the wolves teeth moving at the same time. Once the shaft was out, and she was out if harms way she rammed the blunt end in the side of the wolf with enough forced to move it about an inch {DAMAGE 3}

 

Zahra 12/13

Wolf 5/9

[Zahra 0]

{ID# 5588} {Battle (1+9) 10} {Craft 5} {Loot  7} {MOD 2} Zahra

 

The wolf stumbled, but did not fall. In what appeared to be a desperate attempt the wolf retracted it's gums and went for Zahra's left shoulder. It was the sun that glistening off the white teeth that cued her to the attack. The blunt end of the spear knocked into the wolf's temple. This time it stumbled, dazed and stepped further away from the women. This was her chance. Using the distance between then Zahra swung the pointed of the spear around, cutting deeply across the torso of the wolf {DAMAGE 3}. A pain fulled howl was released as soon as the pixels started to leak out and disappear. 

 

Zahra 12/13

Wolf 5/9

[Zahra 0]

{ID# 5900}  {Battle (1+8) 9}  {Craft 7} {Loot 6}  {MOD 10}  Zahra

 

The wolf had obviously had enough. Using the force of Zahra's hit it redirected itself and this time tackled Zahra onto the ground, teeth sinking in entirely too close to her throat {3 Damage}. The spear tumbled a couple feet away. Eyes wide Zahra watched as her HP bar began to diminished by the second. If it got down too low she would be in danger--especially without potions. That fear began to take over as the fight or flight response kicked it. Her body moved of it's own accord. Bringing a knee up she jostled the wolf in the stomach, it teeth released. With a shove that took all her strength the wolf then rolled off of her. In that moment she crawled over to the spear and then rammed it down into the wolf's paw {2 Damage}. Taking deep breaths, she watched as the MOD struggled to release itself. 

 

Zahra 9/13

Wolf 3/9

[Zahra 0]

{ID# 6102} {Battle (1+3) 4} {Craft 10} {Loot 3} {Mod 6} Zahra

 

Growling, and struggling with it's current situation, the wolf wasn't paying attention to her. At least, it didn't appear to be. Gulping Zahra took a deep breath and stood. She needed to get that spear back, and fast. There was no other way to do it other than to just grab it--and that was exactly what she did. Unfortunately, right as the grabbed the shaft of the spear the wolf's claws raked down her leg {DAMAGE 1}. The shock and surprise of the sudden attack allowed Zahra to accidentally pull the spear out of the ground, as well as the paw. The wolf automatically pounced. Zahra tried to take advantage of the situation, but failed and just managed to roll out of the way. 

 

Zahra 8/13

Wolf 3/9

[Zahra 0]

{ID# 6189} {Battle (1+1) 2} {Craft 8} {Loot 12} {Mod 9} Zahra

 

The wolf didn't just stop at the pounce though. It turned around and then went right for her once more. This time it's teeth sunk into her upper arm. Zahra was lucky that the game didn't transfer the feeling of pain because that most certainly would have been crippling. With a new determination the wolf the ripped it's teeth out of her arm and backed away {DAMAGE 2}. If this had been real life there would have been jagged rips exposing bloody flesh. This time Zahra had not even been able to get a hit in before the wolf backed off. Watching her HP fall even more she wondered when this fight would be over. Plus, this was probably wasn't the only wolf she had to fight either. Especially if she had to fight the Old Wise Wolf. 

 

Zahra 6/15 LEVELED UP!

Wolf 3/9

[Zahra 0]

Zahra

{ID# 6311}

{Battle (1+4) 5}

{Craft 5}

{Loot 14}

{MOD 1} 

 

This time, the wolf was the fist to try and make a move. It slowly started to circle around her as she were it's pray. Each step that the wolf took Zahra matched, her eyes trained on the beast. Holding the spear point down with one hand locked around the top and the bottom she took a deep breath and waited. Then it happened. It's back muscle twitched before it lunged at her. Seeing the warning sign Zahra was able to pivot out of the way. The wolf was right next to her now. Without so much as a thought she pinned the pointed end of the spear in the ground and then used it as a brace to send a side kick into the wolves rib area. It crouched a little, getting the air knocked out of it's lungs {DAMAGE 1}. This was almost over, then she could get on with the rest of her quest to become a performer. 

 

Zahra 6/15 

Wolf 2/9

[Zahra 0]

 

[iD# 6354] [battle 10} [Craft 7] [Loot 9] [Mod 8} Zahra

 

It took just a brief second for the wolf to get it's breath back, and once it did it attack ferociously. It's front claws raking down her torso while it teeth sunk into her shoulder [DAMAGE 2]. It was not going to let go this time. On pure instinct Zahra took her spear and rammed it into the stomach of the white wolf. After that things seemed to happen in slow motion. The body instantly stopped moving and released her. As it started to drop lifelessly to the ground blue pixels began to float up from it. Within second the body was gone and all was still. Placing the pointed end on the ground she then heaved a sigh of relief and leaned against the weapon. "Well, that was fun." Zahra sarcastically muttered to the empty area. Righting herself once more she started off further into the woods. The Old Wise Wolf had to be here somewhere. It was already the middle of the day, so she decided to take a break before continuing on. Sitting down and leaning against one of the tree she equipped a piece of bread and began to eat. 

 

Zahra 4/15 

Wolf 0/9

NO LOOT~

[Zahra 0]

It was such a beautiful day out with the sun shining and the wind lightly blowing that Zahra ended up staying there longer than truly intended. Several minutes--about thirty to be exact--the female finally decided to move. Standing, she once more started to make her way threw the dense trees. Then something happened. A hollowed, long-winded howl filled the wood. It's sound summoned chills across olive skin as it echoed around her. It lasted for probably about a good minute before other howls joined in. Something told Zahra that the first howl was the one that she had been searching for. Another howl rang out. This time she able to tell where it was coming from and wandered in that direction. It wasn't long before she came across a large cave. Only little slivers if light peeked threw openings, not allowing much visibility. Taking a breath and holding the spear at ready, Zahra entered the cave. 

[Zahra 0]

The further into the cave, the darker it got. Zahra didn't stop though. With determination coursing through her veins--or pixels--she continued deeper into the cavern. It took several minutes, but the blackette finally made it to what appeared to be a center chamber, a wide open space with a large rock formation jutting out from the center. Then there was movement on the center rock. Coming to the edge was a larger than normal snow white wolf. The display nave over it's head read, "Old Wise Wolf." This was it. Bringing up the spear Zahra prepared for an attack, but one never came. Instead, the wolf seemed to be waiting for something. More confused than anything she put down the spear and stared back, wondering what needed to be done. It didn't appear to be a battle. Then what? Suddenly, the ocarina that hung loosely around her neck began to glow. Dropping the spear Zahra immediately wrapped her hands around the instrument. As soon as she did as strange feeling began to over whelm her. Closing golden orbs, the blackette the placed the tiny instrument to her lips and began to play. Within second the wolves howl pierced the air, sounding in harmony with her song.