PP-F1 Blooming Rose

[Ebony 0]

Ebony looked up at the bright blue sky above. She knew that this was just a virtual world and that it wasn't real, but she couldn't help smiling at the beauty of it all. She hadn't yet ventured out of the starting city, but that would change soon. She had made the decision to go out and help clear the game. After spending so long searching for her friends she understood that it was a lost cause. There was always the possibility that they weren't even in the game. There was nothing else to do but to clear the game, and get over her shyness while she did.

 

She strode down the street, her head held high and her dagger at her side. Despite being shy and generally unconfident among strangers, she tried to look as though she was confident. She had heard somewhere that looking confident can make you feel more confident. It didn't seem to work, but she'd gotten into the habit all the same. Her plan for the day was to head to the market to find a better weapon. She didn't have any col at the moment, but she wanted to know how much she needed before going out to hunt mobs, that way she would know when she was finished. Her shoes clacked on the cobblestone street as she approached the market area.

[Zelrius 0]

Zelrius's own black dress shoes clicked along the same cobblestone street and toward the pillar that stood in the center of the town. The Town of Beginnings was a rather ironic name. It was that thought that went through the blonde boy's mind every time he mucked about in the same "Town". The town part was the ironic part, This town was one of the largest cities in the game and even dwarfed Modern day real life cities with the population and size. Nonetheless, Zelrius stood looking up at the pillar, his Hydra skull on his head covering most of his blonde hair and face. The boy's cloak draped over his left side of his body, revealing on his right hip an all white with golden lining sheath that held the Absolved Blade. Around his neck and above the similarly golden bowtie that adorned his Black and money-yellow lined tuxedo, hung two necklace-like objects. One was a shield-shaped pendant that held the Azure Brigade's symbol embossed, the mark for his rank as Commandant of that guild. The other was birthday gift, much like the tuxedo he was wearing, though this one was carved into the shape of the Azure Brigade's symbol itself with the markings on it being that of prosperity and the name of the aforementioned Guild.

For a second, Zelrius rested his left hand on that same hip, slightly raising the bright blue and golden laced cloak that rest on that side of his body. His arrogant smile was concealed under the Hydra Skull that rested on his head, yet, The boy still had an overbearing air of confidence and egotism about him and this was seen from the way he walked and rarely looked about. The young Commandant turned around from the Pillar to on look toward the forward coming people who generally filled this city and annoyed the hell out of him.

[Ebony 0]

Ebony exited the shop having found the information she was looking for and more determined than ever to make an impression on the people of this game. She would break her shyness by becoming famous! She would start by being a bit more social. She made herself a promise that once a week she would go up to the handsomest or scariest person in the area and just say hi. That was it. It was a simple resolution, but one she was determined to keep. There was no point in waiting, might as well get it over with. She glanced over the crowd, her gaze flitting over everyone until it came to rest upon someone who was possibly the scariest person she had ever seen. Really the only scary thing about him was the skull on his head.

 

She shakily walked towards him, noting the two necklaces. He looked to be a high level player, probably a front-liner or something. She got in front of him and weakly raised a hand, turning pale. "H-hi." She muttered, stuttering a little. She stared down at the ground, her black hair hanging down in front of her face, serving as a veil of sorts, a way to hide from her fears. And it wasn't the monsters that scared her but the people.

[Zelrius 0]

The boy had turned once more to notice a girl standing there speaking to him. For moment, His dark blue eyes only scanned her as he had spoke silently to himself within his own thoughts. It would seem that didn't work... This thought being directed to the fact that he had planned to wear the Hydra Skull in town to avoid being bothered. He wasn't here to be social, the boy was merely here waiting for the next Floor Boss battle to begin, as he had done so far in between every boss fight since his first on the Fourth Floor. The boy sighed, and it was unlike him to be entirely rude, especially to people he hadn't met. Lifting his right hand up, the one free from the constraints of the cloak, Zelrius lifted the Hydra Skull helmet from his head and let it fade into blue data in his inventory. Doing so had revealed an egotistical curve of his lips, which didn't match at all with the furrow of his brows indicating thought and the heavy weighted mind that was held behind his mind.

The boy spoke up, in his ever so Aristocrat-esque speech pattern, the kind he used to talk to most, if not, everyone. "Greetings and Salutations, Mademoiselle." He didn't say anything afterwards for a moment, really not wanting to talk to her. With another sigh, he decided to carrying on, trying his best not to completely blow her off. "I suppose there is a reason you came forth and talked to me of all people in this city. Do tell that reason, and if it is not too much trouble, your name as well, Lady." He had responded and called everyone Sir, Lady, or Madame upon first meeting them. It was that person's job to keep that title if they so wanted.

[Ebony 0]

Ebony was about to turn around and leave, but then the other player responded, taking his helmet off and allowing it to disappear back into his inventory. His face did not look like what she would have expected. She had expected a grizzled lumberjack like face with a permanent scowl, and maybe even a giant scar. He had a boyish face overall and looked like a very thoughtful guy. He greeted her, calling her mademoiselle. Was he French or something? She waited for a couple more awkward moments until he spoke up again.

"I suppose there is a reason you came forth and talked to me of all people in this city. Do tell that reason, and if it is not too much trouble, your name as well, Lady."

He had a very strange way of speaking. It seemed overly proper and even a bit strained. She couldn't quite tell if he was making fun of her by calling her 'lady' and all he was doing was making her even more nervous. He seemed a bit hostile, or maybe annoyed was a better word? Almost like he wanted her to go away, even though he was starting a conversation. Maybe he had some sort of code of honor or something. She thought all of this in the space of twenty seconds or so, not realizing that she hadn't answered him until her train of thought had reached its destination. "Y-you looked intimidating, so I had to talk to you." That wasn't a full explanation, but she thought that explaining fully would take too long, plus she thought it would sound dumb. "I-i'm Ebony." She said, stuttering again.

Edited October 20, 2015 by Ebony

[Zelrius 0]

The boy laughed at her statement.  "Intimidating? I suppose that's one word for it." Another laugh. For a moment, Zelrius only looked at her, unsure of her complete motives to talking to him or even being on the first floor. It was clear that there was more of a reason to her talking to him, but it was even more clear that she was nervous. A Trend I see in this game all too often. He thought to himself in light of the others he had met with a similar disposition. People like Starrine or... The boy thought for a second and searched for the name of the man that he knew well. It would appear that was one of the many names that faded into obscurity with time. How unfortunate. My forgetfulness of those who I've met here begins it would seem. Zelrius was snapped out his trance and his attention drifted once more to Ebony, or so she introduced herself. He realized now that it was he who had gone on too long without saying a word. Rather than apologize, Zelrius continued as if not a moment had passed.

"Nonetheless, Tis a pleasure, Lady Ebony. I am Zelrius, Commandant of the Azure Brigade, and Champion of the Clash of Blades Tournament." There were of course several more titles, but in recent days, Zelrius' arrogance had merely become a facade, and as such, he had cut back on the amount of titles and glory he introduced himself with significantly. Even those two alone felt like too much, yet he was proud of those two achievements most of all, so he kept them in his introductions.  

 

Edited November 3, 2015 by Zelrius

[Ebony 0]

Ebony didn't think there was any other way to describe him. Intimidating was the first and only word that came to mind when she looked at him. There was a long silence, one that she felt was extremely welcome. She enjoyed silence, and this wasn't an awkward silence, one that almost seemed to saturate the air with thought if that was possible. She took this short time to collect herself, to take a few deep breaths and slow her heartbeat down. She spread her shoulders a little, taking on a slightly more confident posture.  She allowed herself a small smile as he introduced himself. She didn't think he was making fun of her by calling her Lady Ebony, in fact, maybe he was doing the opposite. She was gradually growing used to the way he spoke, and it no longer seemed as foreign to her. She was impressed by the titles, and didn't think he was arrogant because of using them in an introduction. Titles were informative, letting people who didn't know the owner who exactly they were dealing with. Plus, if he was bragging, she wasn't going to hold that against him. Bragging was fun, and who was she to get annoyed by it. If she could brag she would.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too Zelrius." She said back, giving a little curtsy. "Sadly i'm just Ebony. I don't have any impressive titles like you do. Someday I will though." She replied, smiling genuinely. She wasn't entirely sure what sort of impressive titles a healer build could have, but she was sure that someday she would either come up with one, or someone would do it for her.

Edited November 3, 2015 by Ebony

[Zelrius 0]

(OOC My last post for now, Have work. Will be on later tonight.)

"I am told quite often that it is a pleasure to meet me." He said, not so much to her but more to himself in thought. Maybe they're just being polite, or maybe they really meant it. Waving that thought away Zelrius directed his attention back to Ebony. He was taken aback by the thoughts of when he first started. No one had titles then, with exception of Shark, whom was leading the Frontlines at the time. His thoughts bounced around often, and as such he spent a moment thinking about Shark, his former commander and current friend. Where was he now? "Maybe someday. I wasn't born with these titles, I earned them. Prehaps you may do the same. Though I am going to guess you're not as high as a level as the Frontliners. No offense, merely an observation. If I am wrong, feel free to correct me." At this particular moment, Zelrius was attempting not to be rude, but his abrasive personality was that of something he was too used to. For too long Zelrius had belittled and made fun of Low levels. And it was of recently he realized that it was to no end, and helped no one. "So, if you don't mind me asking, Which of the Three builds do you plan on going for? DPS, Tank, Support? Or Maybe, like most others, you're not interested in the frontlines and rather those of us that already have higher levels do it for you?"

 

Edited November 3, 2015 by Zelrius

[Ebony 0]

Ebony listened as he said that people often said it was a pleasure to meet him. She tilted her head slightly to the side. The comment didn't seem wholly directed at her, or even arrogant, more like a thoughtful statement. She didn't think it would be right for her to say anything, so she ignored the comment. "Of course not. No one starts with titles in this game." She said, agreeing with him. "While i'm not a high level, I have the determination to be one in the near future." She paused, thinking of a good way to phrase her thoughts. "Im not content to just sit around and let someone else take care of me. I'm going for the healer build, because I think that's what the frontliners need most." She looked him straight in the eyes, the light of determination shining in her eyes. She wasn't going to let anyone control her future without her having a say in it, meaning that even if she was a coward, and wanted to let the high levels take care of it, she couldn't. Her personal beliefs forbid it.

Edited November 3, 2015 by Ebony

[Zelrius 0]

He nodded, smiliing. "Aye, though I hate to tell people to go a Role they may not want to be: You're right. The Front-liners definitely need more Support classes. We have Tanks of the likes of Tristan and Ssendom, of which can show even me up in a fight as their mitigation is plenty high enough. Our DPS is way over-rated, with most people not even being able to draw their weapons before the Forsaken Crusader was killed by the aforementioned Ssendom. To put simply: I had taken out a little over half the Boss' HP in a single swipe, and then the other DPS builds either missed or chipped away at it. Useless really. Glad to see a Support build around nonetheless." He stopped, than remembered his little deal he extended to all supports. "In any case: If you plan on really going support, I fund you completely and even have a full Build list in terms of items and skills that may get you along on your way. By fund, I mean any items you want crafted or made, I can pay for and get to you." Only Shizuka and Maiyuri had accepted that so far, but that was only because they were the only two supports around at the moment, neither of which have been to Any boss fights. Persephone was there, but she had left now and not be seen since. "So, Lady Ebony, what do you have planned in terms of Guilds? That is, if you don't mind me asking."

[Ebony 0]

Ebony couldn't quite tell if he was saying they needed support classes or not. His phrasing confused her a bit, but judging by his offer to fund her he believed they needed more of them. She smiled. She really had gotten the wrong idea about his personality when she'd first seen him. He seemed to be a genuinely kind and generous person, despite his intimidating armor and way of speaking. "That list would be extremely helpful. Thank you for the offer of help, i'll accept it gladly." It would certainly be helpful to have some extra funds to get equipment with. Nothing came for free though, and she understood that by agreeing she would be expected to grow stronger quickly until she could join the front liners. That was good though, it would give her even more motivation.

In terms of skills, she would definitely need help with that. She didn't know much about the skill tree, her plan had just been to rank up her first aid skill, but she wasn't sure what to do after that. Zelrius asked her what her plans were in terms of guilds, and she didn't even pause to think about it. "If Im comfortable with the people in a guild, and they can help me grow stronger I'll join. Until then ill stick with being a solo player. I have friends I can party with until then."

[Zelrius 0]

"Well, I personally suggest Rushing your First aid skill then. Match that along with Equipment that can raise your chances of healing more often. Search and Detect is good as it will increase your chances of finding loot, and oddly enough, of healing people. As for a weapon, Your call entirely, Though I suggest something with Paralysis and increased Accuracy. That way with an attack from you, We can keep bosses and other enemies in constant stun lock. If you don't mind me asking, what is your Sword Skill? By that I mean, what kind of weapon are you or do you plan on using?" The boy's brows were furrowed in deep thought during this enitre conversation. Making builds was something he had loved doing and helping other people get strong enough to fight on the frontlines only pushed that along further. He stopped, frowning a bit. "I apologize if that was a little much," He attempted to steer the conversation away and toward the guild side of things. "Well, I'd offer you a spot in Azure, but there are some... complications with that."

[Ebony 0]

Ebony furrowed her eyebrows as she thought about what Zelrius had suggested. She enjoyed strategizing, but had been planning to go for a more simple build. She already had some heavy armor and a shield ordered, both enhanced with mitigation. She supposed that she had been planning on becoming a bit of a tank and support. Since healers couldn't usually heal themselves she had thought that it might be best to minimize the damage she would be taking. She supposed that she'd have to figure out exactly what she wanted to do soon. She grinned at him thinking that he might be overloading her with information. "It's not too much. Ill have to think about what you said in terms of equipment. I was going for a high mitigation value, but I might need to revise that. In terms of weapons, I use a dagger. I was planning on ignoring evasion and pairing it with a shield."

She didn't react much when he mentioned Azure Brigade. She'd heard of them, but didn't know much other than that they were a guild for the strongest of players. "I can see how there would be complications with that. Also, I wouldn't accept if you offered because I don't know any of the other people in it." She explained.

[Zelrius 0]

"I personally rely on Evasion. Thought it is not a 100% thing, I find it easier to occasionally dodge all the damage rather than constantly only block some of it. But that is entirely your choice. If you're going for Tank-Support Hybrid, talk to Tristan if you ever get the chance. He is our Twinfire Tank after all." Zelrius re-equipped his Hydra Skull on his head and glanced around a little. His dark blue eyes jumping from one thing to the next quickly before resettling on her. The boy had no idea what he was looking for, simply just glancing around trying to find something to do to kill more time in the event this lady got bored and left. "Aye, even if you wanted to be, You'd have to be a much higher level than you are now. And you'd have to know the other Commandants regardless of your own views. We work on a council system, as such, everything is voted upon. I myself cannot make any decision without atleast two other votes following that lead. Sounds like a waste of time, I know. But the other Four Commandants are all intelligent people and help move things along very quickly and efficiently." His thoughts drifted to the Commandant Rebekah. She seemed to be slowly fading away from Azure and back to her old Guild Leader Azide. Zelrius' eyes narrowed and brows furrowed once more in his thoughts of spite. Both Oikawa and Rebekah were in Square one before Azure. How dare he just disappear and then come back and take some of my only friends from me. 

"Dagger? I believe that one has some of the strongest Sword Arts. Speaking of strength," He yawned, his voice and yawn muffled by the Hydra Skull "I mean no offense, But I am getting quite bored Dead Lady. I am off to a nearby Higher Leveled cave out in the distance. You're free to come along if you'd like, If not, I understand and will go my own way."

[Ebony 0]

Ebony watched as Zelrius re-equipped his Hydra Skull. She wondered why he felt like he needed to wear it around in a safe zone, and came to the conclusion that he didn't actually want to be talked to. She mentally recorded the name Tristan as someone to look out for when he mentioned them. She hadn't planned on being a hybrid, she just thought that if she was healing people she would be left open and should try to reduce as much damage as she could.

The way it sounded to her was that Azure Brigade had four co-leaders. She understood why they would want to vote on issues, even though that would take up more time. They wouldn't want one commander saying one thing and the other saying another. That could lead to rifts in the guild, causing it to break apart. She didn't say anything more, sensing that that part of the conversation was, for the most part, over. It appeared that he was getting bored with their conversation entirely, yawning and saying that he was going to head out to a high level cave. He invited her along, and she had to think for a little while. A high level cave would be extremely dangerous for someone as low a level as her. Odds were that the mobs would be attacking Zelrius though, as she would be playing the support roll and not gathering any of the hate. Still, the monsters he was likely to be fighting could probably easily one shot her. She had no plans to die. The smart thing to do would be to politely decline and wish him luck, but she found herself saying the opposite. "I'm not a very high level, but if I can help out in any way I'd like to. Lead the way." She said, her words perpendicular to her actual thoughts. What was she thinking? She was going to get herself killed.

[Zelrius 0]

"Very well then," He stopped for a moment and went through his menu rather quickly, sending Ebony a party invite. 

With that, the boy turned around and spoke once more, "We are off. Tell me: What are your plans for the future?" At this point, Zelrius was only thinking about how long the walk was all the way to the cave he had in mind, and as such was trying to make small talk along with find a little about Ebony out. "When it comes to supports, Commandant Ssedom and I have already got that build figured out, If you want, I can pitch the needed items and equipment your way, from there you can decide to reject or accept any of the listed objects. Once we've figured out what exactly it is that you want, I would be more than happy to order those items for you and get them to you in due time. You're free to reject my offer entirely, and I won't be the least bit offended." His voice had remained clear and in it's aristocratic tone throughout that entire ordeal, and had since he had first begun talking to her. His over-bearing confidence seemed to seethe even through his Hydra Skull and Cloak. "Another thing," He spoke up once more, his voice muffled by the hydra skull, "When we get to the cave, stand back. Just wait until I throw an attack their way, then the hate system with throw them on to me. When that happens, be ready to heal." He said, unsure of whether or not the girl had First Aid or not. Taking risks like that is what makes my day just bearable, hardly. 

[Ebony 0]

Her plan had already been to stand back and let him gather some hate first, but she didn't mention it as she didn't want to be rude. "I really appreciate all of the help your offering. Im sure that you wont have any trouble with the mobs though. I'll probably be more of a spectator, and as such ill stay out of the way unless you need help." She doubted that any mobs on the first floor could faze him, even the ones in a supposedly high level cave. She swiped through her inventory and equipped her necklace, a simple blue crystal attached to a thin silver chain. It was the only piece of equipment she had, but it was extremely important, even if it wasn't a great quality. She unsheathed her dagger, still using her starting weapon. It was a simple steel stilleto dagger, with a plain brown leather wrapped handle. She patted her pocket, making sure that her medicine patches were readily available. They were the tool she used for healing. She really didn't mind the arrogant tone his voice seemed to take every so often, certain that it was some sort of facade. Some people hid behind arrogance, some behind masks, and some behind other people. She felt like Zelrius hid behind a show of arrogance and a mask.

[Zelrius 0]

(OOC Sorry for short post, I tried to write longer and couldn't)

The boy had drawn both blades at his sides as the pair walked out of the town and into the surrounding plains that Floor 1 held as it's signature mark of Floors. The boy actually felt kind of bad for what he suggested after she had said what she did. "Eh, being a spectator is boring, and I understand boredom. With that in mind, I am more than willing to help you with a quest or go do something rather than have you just stand around, if you have anything in mind." The boy genuinely felt sorry bad for even offering what he did. Normally it wouldn't phase him, but as of late the golden haired boy learned a bit more sympathy toward those around him. He turned to her raising any eyebrow, awaiting her answer. The cave wasn't far off, but at the same time, the last thing Zelrius wanted to do was bore this low-level to death with him just grinding mobs all day. 

[Ebony 0]

(OOC: No problem, I understand completely. Also, depending on whether or not you want to continue this after we reach 21 posts, would you mind if I used my current equipment and skills? We've been at this thread for a while and I have leveled up 8 times since and gotten some more equipment)

Ebony glanced over at Zelrius, taking note of how he held two swords. She didn't think much of it though, and went back to looking around. She wasn't all that experienced in the game, or the available skills, so she just glossed over it. It was pretty obvious that there would be a dual blade skill somewhere, after all, there was in every action game she could think of. "I'm used to grinding. And as a support player I need to be prepared to sit back and let other people take the lead. Im not much good with damage or taking hits, only my healing. So no matter who I partner with i'll end up being mostly a spectator. I'm fine with accompanying you even if all I do is stand around. Who knows, you might take a bunch of damage and need healing." She had no doubt in her mind that a high level player like him had crystals and potions on him for healing, but those could be expensive, so having someone who could heal you for free would likely be welcome. Of course, free was a relative term. By healing people she would gain their trust and respect, allowing her to grow her web of connections and to get the fame and money she wanted.

[Zelrius 0]

(Yea, I am fine with using our current Stats, Since I leveled up 8 times too and got 5 ranks into Dual Wielding xD. If you want to milk as much SP as possible, We can continue this in another thread and get Double SP.)

Zelrius nodded, and though it wasn't visible under his mask, he smiled at her want to carry on with grinding anyhow. "Aye, grinding is a boring process, and you have my full respect for having the patience to play the support role. As you said, It is always likely I will take some hits, and as such it would be nice to have a Support player around. God knows we need more of those in Azure..." The last bit was said more quietly, as if to himself. His thoughts drifted to the newcomers in the guild as of late. Takao, Shizuka and Manta Gaul. Two of which were DPS players, which the Brigade had plenty of. The other one, Shizuka, was a support player of which, Zelrius didn't think much of. She was an average low level who one way or another got three Commandant votes outside of Zelrius's own. How this was done, the Golden haired boy had no clue. The boy grinned, and pulled out a pile of Crystals and a potion.. "As such, here are these." He held out his hand for her to grab the three potions, One being a Safegaurd Potion, A damage crystal, and an antidote Crystal for status ailments. Going through his inventory, Zelrius pulled out two maroon colored crystals, using one on himself and hand the other off to Ebony as well. "Bloodrage Crystal," He explained in two simple words. "Increases the Damage of the person you use it on. Very helpful for DPS users. Keep it, you may need it one day." With that, the cave was slowly coming into view. "We're almost there, anything you'd like to mention or say before we get started grinding?"