An amused but exhausted look washed over the man’s face as he’d humor the lynx and her antics. Reaching into his pocket, he’d quickly retrieve a bit of smoked salmon from his stash. Feeding it directly to the feline with his palm, a happy chuckle sounded from his throat as he’d reach down to pick Asti up. “Upsy daisy!” Holding the creature to rest against his shoulder, he’d begin to stroke its back with the other hand while turning back to the owner. “She’s getting big you know? I can feel the salmon going straight to her gut.” A fake grunt was made as he’d pretend the additional weight was unbearable. The man was clearly joking however considering the grin plastered upon his face. His eyes briefly catching on Nalani’s swooshing tail, they’d quickly divert lest he be caught staring too much. Upon hearing the woman’s question, his gaze would return to focus while shifting an eyebrow curiously. Though they hadn’t run into each other frequently, they had been in a raid squad the entire time. Even now, they still were. The status of his health bar shouldn’t be a thing of question… right? Though puzzled as to why she was asking anyway, the man would internally shrug and humor her. “You kidding me? I’m pretty sure my health bar is one of the highest here! Hahah… Not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing. As for the mana bar… no comments on that. Let’s just say it’s a good thing that wurm died when it did. Ole Jack’s running on empty at the moment.” The kitten having had its fun, he’d notice the pawing at his back. Nodding once to set the creature down, he’d pat its head one final time before letting it scurry back to the familiarity of Nalani’s legs. “I guess it really does like you more than me.” He’d joke half-heartedly while shuffling awkwardly in place. Desperately scraping for a new subject of conversation, he’d inquire about her adventurers during the event. “How’d things go on the west wing? I heard a few snippets from Astor but we had to be brief. Was kinda busy not drowning, ya know?” It was a white lie. Astor had kept him fully informed the entire time. What she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt though… @Nalani Rosa
Nalani giggled as she watched the man carry the big lynx. Even after he had just gone through waves and waves of different kinds of enemies, he still made the effort to play around with Asti, which was in a way... Very admirable. Attractive, even? She didn't know, it was just something about watching a hot guy play with animals that made her heart skip a tiny beat. It was obvious her companion was thrilled for extra love and attention, but was happy to be let down when she was. Cats don't enjoy being carried all the time, anyways. At the mention of his health bar, Nalani both blushed slightly in embarrassment and furrowed her eyebrows at him at the same, giving him a look that was half playful and half unimpressed, "I meant besides the health bar, you dummy." Yes, the health and mana showed how they were doing, but Nalani had been worried for his personal wellbeing, despite how his health was. Sometimes she forgot that this wasn't actually real life, and they were playfing a video game. However, she moved on from the topic, just glad in general he was okay. She'd reach down to give Asti some attention while Jack spoke again, earning another furrowed eyebrow look, but this one slightly bothered, as if the events of the West Wing were the last thing she wanted to talk about, "It was pretty bad, there was a lot of death, blood, fighting... But you probably had the same. I don't think I was really bothered much until the poison gas explosion, and I don't remember what happened after that, I had to make sure Asti didn't breathe in the gas," Her Lynx wouldn't know better, and she'd rather not let her die, even if she was able to revive her, "Thankfully some of the supports got barriers up, and once they did and we finished up that area, we hurried out with the rest. If we had been in there any longer, though... It probably wouldn't have been pretty." That was for sure. But enough of that, Nalani didn't want to talk about the ongoings of the event anymore. It was over, that was all, "Do you know what Astor plans to do with the castle for Yulan? And how are we going to fix it, you think? I mean... There's a lot of damage done." She said with a frown, glancing down as Asti began to explore around curiously, watching her with a careful eye. You never know what she could come across. @Jack Anders
The battle was over. Finally people were done killing each other. Wendy kept herself logged in for the entire thing. She was getting a bit better at it. The girl was just happy now that it was over. She wandered around the castle looking at the rubble, flooded paths, leftover bodies from the gassed area....gee whiz. The girl sat down with a plop and at her bow still in her hands. It was pretty weak now that she thought about it. Magi Heart needed a bow that could fix all of this. Keep wars from happening. Keep people from dying. She needed to get better. Maybe she was not pushing herself enough, or maybe she really was not magical girl material. That would suck... really. Wendy took out a arrow and fired it. It hit the wall and bounced off. Bouncing off, that's pretty much what most of Magi Heart's attacks did. She needed to draw more power from her pure heart. Or maybe.... yeah. She was lacking a good team. Magical girls usually draw power from others too. Without a group to form friendship and love with, she would never be like her heroines. She shot another arrow. Thinking about the guilds that she knew off. The three she mostly knew about were all kinda... too much for her. None really used her motto or had any real mahou shoujo style to it. If only there was another magical girl out there. Maybe they could pair up and become a team like in the original Pretty Cure series! Or not... Magi fired another arrow and frowned. Who wanted to be a magical girl other than her really? It was just something little girl's wanted. Her parents wanted her to grow up even though she had high grades. No one really admired her yet here either. She was a good girl and wanted to do good things, So why was this so hard? Maybe she should take a break for a while. She shot one more arrow. Her 7th so far. Putting her bow away she stood up and stretched. In her head she still felt the fear and terror of her death. She never wanted to experience that again. But she also did not want anyone else to experience it either. Her eyes fell on some of the dead NPC around her. These NPC.... they could not come back to life. That was so sad. Too sad. This world needed a hero. Love and justice was definitely not in everyone's hearts. Magi's eyes watered as she thought about all of this. But she wiped them away. She needed to stop being so lame and become the greatest magical girl there ever was! What that meant? Shooting things.... many many times until it stuck. She would be useful. She had to be!
Ruins...what they had won was ruins at this point. The war really had destroyed a large chunk of the castle. It might have only been a few days of gameplay but with people as powerful as the players that the three main guilds brought, it was more than enough time to bring most of the structure down. Astor seemed pleased with this though, perhaps this would give him a chance to rebuild it in the manner that he sees fit, whatever that may truly be was beyond Noah’s knowledge. For the most part Astor seemed like a capable leader, he was powerful and commanded the guild with respect not fear, which was always a plus. Noah looked down at the golden haired man that was his leader and a few other members of Yulan Dragon that had gathered in the rubble of a throne room. Noah had found a stairwell leading to a balcony of sorts that overlooked the room allowing him to remain alone for the moment and give him a chance to soak this all up. Noah’s body was covered in small cuts and bruises. He had not taken too much damage from the bloodsucking worm, unlike some that had lost their lives. That creature...why was it hidden under the castle like that? Surely something that frightening is not a native to these forests...Did the Kingdom place it there and if so why… Something like that would have turned on the Kingdom’s soldiers just as easily as it had attacked us…” He leaned over the railing pondering this and keeping a watchful eye over the cluster of players before him. He did not spy the leader of the Coven guild, which made him a bit uneasy. While he had not met the Dark Lady himself, something about her essence just made him a bit uneasy to say the least. The real question of this event is what the hell was next in this crazy game. No way would the Kingdom be okay with a guild just taking a chunk of their land over. What they fought here over the past few days was a group of soldiers that were caught surprised by an army of elves and betrayed from within by their once heroes. What laid waiting back in the heart of the kingdom was a well oiled machine of warriors ready to take back their land. Not to mention whatever horde of the unholy was chasing the elves out from their homelands. Noah speculated that this would open up at least two more events in the near future and possible an expansion or new territory. For now though Noah would stick with his guild and his leader. He opened up his palm menu and typed out a quick message to @Astor Balthas “Yo, congrats leader. Let me know when the rebuilding starts, I’ll be sticking around the area for the time being farming gold from some monsters in the forest and resting up here at the castle.” He let out a small sigh and continued leaning over the rail staring off into space watching his guildmates celebrating.
People seemed to be crowding around at this point, which marked as good a time as any for the Admiral to shove off and set sail. Slipping off of Astor's lap, she nodded to Jack and Roland in greeting before walking up to @Aeiou and ruffling his hair like a loyal pup. "Good work to you too, lo-fi." It wasn't the best nickname in the world, but it seemed to fit the little guy perfectly. His voice was definitely not high quality, or high fidelity, and reminded her of that ancient Microsoft Sam program her grandfather would toy with to get on her nerves in hospital visits. Her attention was stolen away suddenly as she spotted, back amidst the carnage of their recent victory, something out of place. Plenty seemed out of place... It was a menagerie of figures belonging to different classes, different guilds, different hopes and dreams. What stood out most of all among them was the child that was trying not to cry, firing arrows and looking horribly lonely and depressed. She ruffled Aeiou's hair again absent mindedly and then stepped away, approaching the girl to investigate what she was up to. Firing. Over and over again, at the wall... Foooooor why? Normally she would suspect anybody with that avatar to be an obese pervert, and never give them the time of day. Normally. But those tears seemed genuine as any fragile heart, and kneeling besides @Magi Heart, she patted the girl on the shoulder to get her attention and say some words of comfort. "Hey there, kiddo! Don't feel sad. This day didn't turn out that sad. Just listen to what I've saaaa-id... And then you won't feel so sad!"
"Hey there, kiddo! Don't feel sad. This day didn't turn out that sad. Just listen to what I've saaaa-id... And then you won't feel so sad!" Magi Heart would see that her state had attracted attention from someone. Oh boy.... she must really have been looking upset. Well she was but she was not really sure if someone else could fix this problem. She felt like it was something she was stuck with by herself. Would a adult really understand? Her parents didn't. Magi would look at the older woman with eyes that showed a deep hurt that needed to be resolved. However Magi did not let it make her break down in front of others. She just remained quiet and found it incredibly difficult to speak. Why speak? What was there to say? Wendy was not sure yet. Also... this lady was kinda scary looking with all that armor and those huge clubs on her back. She did talk funny though. Magi could feel this was a good person through the rough exterior. "...." Magi nodded and made a small smile so that the lady would see that she was okay. Magi Heart was okay... for now. It was just a lot harder to be what she wanted to be and the game was a bit of a wake up call for a few things. She wasn't sure exactly how to translate it all. Nor how to truly be the very best magical girl she could be. Maybe she was playing the wrong game, but something about Terrasphere had sucked her in and would not let go... especially after her encounter with death. She was so driven but lacked something she had before. Wendy was feeling like something was going to prevent her from her dream. The real world was slowly doing that already. It's not like she was that silly. To think that real world magical girl heroes were possible. Wendy just wanted to save the world and have the happy ending... she just was not sure how to do that exactly. The girl made a quick bow like she remembered seeing in so many anime and otaku media. She then ran off to log off for the night. That lady was very nice though. Maybe she would hang out with her for practice sometimes.... who knows?
An awkward laugh sounded from the man as he’d listen to her playful objection to his query. Though a bit confused as to what things besides the health bar consisted of, he’d shrug and play it off rather than appearing clueless. “Besides the health bar? I mean my hunger and thirst meters are a tad on the low side but nothing pressing… I guess I could use a drink right now.” Pausing a moment to reach into his inventory, the man produced a small metal flask. Quickly unscrewing the top with a single practiced motion, he’d slosh the container about while gauging its fullness before taking a brief swig of the contents inside. His eyes narrowed upon his various needs meters, he’d nod with satisfaction while letting out a pleasant “ahh.” As if remembering something, he’d stop to look at the woman once more. Hand extended with the flask, he’d offer her a sip as well. “Want a sip? It’s nothing too strong, promise.” The man briefly winked with his left eye while joking about over sedating others, Was it in bad taste? Perhaps. It wasn’t as if such substances existed in this world yet anyway. That seemed more like an alchemy thing but Roland and Dempsey had yet to ever mention such toxins to him. Though perhaps his counterpart was a bit thirsty, Jack would remain equally clueless and none the wiser. Besides, it wasn’t as if a bit of alcohol would slate her craving. Or would it?... As for her questions regarding the castle, the man could only helplessly shrug while at a loss. “Haha! He wasn’t even expecting one prior to last night. We’ll probably need the assistance of some domestic players and what not. The Elves should be available to pitch in as well since it’s their home too. We’ll see. I’m not in a rush to figure out the logistics five minutes after slaying an elder wurm. What about you? How are you uhh… doing? You know. In the non-health bar sense.” He’d laugh dryly at his own words. Perhaps she could shed light on what was meant earlier? @Nalani Rosa
Having been victorious with the others; alongside his pet dire wolf, he'd do his victory pose. Dabbing just as he was taught by alpha he'd consider and make it his victory salute. So, this much known he'd soon escape the depths of the battle and attend the event with all the others who partook. As the odd elf soon made it towards the male upon the throne he'd dab @Astor Balthas "Congratulations on your victory and conquest. I've seen what [YULAN] is capable of, I'm quite impressed. However, I do not plan to give up living in the Adecus Forest. Whatever you plan to do, I hope you keep in mind those of us who aided you in battle as well as those of us who have held up home where we may. I'm not the most popular guy in these lands. But I do hold some skill and way with some of the NPC villages through out this forest region. If you are up for it, I'd be willing to join [YULAN] if you'd have me as an ambassador of sorts.I might not be one to live in civil places but my connections and knowledge of travel might prove useful when you start establishing trade and communication with other villages and nations." he'd say as he also looked back to the elves, "Although I may only be a half breed, these elves might listen to me and having an elf on your side during negotiations might make it a bit easier as well. But the choice is yours. I'll leave you with my name and if you feel the need for another member feel free to message me and we can set up another more formal meeting to discuss a possible joining." with a faint smile the male would dab once more giving the male a victory salute and be on his way; dabbing at various individuals attending as if to salute. As h was entirely unaware of the silliness of the matter, "Victory onto you..." he'd say each time as he finally finished up his dabbing before running into @Gwyn ap Herne "Long time no see, old friend. You look, as beautiful and talented as ever. Ever find your lady friend?" He said trying to word it as best he could, regardless he'd dab once more to her, "Anyways, this isn't really my kind of crowd; I wish you the best of luck. We'll have to catch up again some time." he'd say before once more disappearing out of the castle. His wolf pup not much further behind him as the duo made their way home back into the forest; leaving behind the mess that was the rubble-like castle. [Exiting thread]
Did he not understand what she was getting at? She meant him, Jack. Or, at least... The player behind the handsome character. She blinked a bit at him before smiling gently, watching as he proceeded to pull some kind of liquid from his bag to go along with his remark about his needs bars. She didn't quite mean that either, but it was fine. Instead, she watched him skillfully take a swish from the flask, setting her hands on her hips and cocking her head to the side as he offered it towards her. At first, she was inclined to degree, but when she thought over it, her cheeks lit up a slight pink colour. His lips had been on that. What was she supposed to do, waterfall? Take a quick sip and imagine that it was nothing? Wasn't that, what you would say... An indirect kiss? Oh my gosh, what are you, Faye... A giddy high school girl? Who was being offered a sip from the water bottle of her sexy senior?... Ugh. Ignoring the embarrassing thoughts in her head, she nodding a little with a grateful smile and took it from him, "Yah sure, I'd like some~" She trusted he wouldn't do anything to harm her, and besides, he'd drank from it first. She also needed to cover over her flustered emotions with something to do, so she took a small sniff, and then carefully tossed some back, a small burning immediately hit her throat and she removed the flash from her mouth, coughing as she wiped her lips with the sleeve of her silly maid dress, face turning even more red from embarrassment, So not cool. She played it off as she handed the flask back over, nodding at his words and blinking back the stinging as she pursed her lips gently. She could hardly even focus on what he was saying about the castle, but she had honestly forgot the Elves had helped out as well. It was true, without their bombs they wouldn't be in this situation, so they should get some part of the castle. At his next question, however, she furrowed her eyebrows and shrugged. "I mean, I guess I'm okay. Sometimes I have to remind myself I'm not actually getting hurt nor killing people, and it's just a game. It just feels so real at times... I don't know, it's what you sign up for, right?" She paused for a moment as Asti trotted back over, sniffing at them curiously, before giggling softly, "I'm just glad there wasn't anymore spiders, I can't seem to look at them since I died during the last world boss fight... Freaky, huh? How the system can make you so afraid of something?" 'Freaky' indeed. @Jack Anders
Silence was the girl's answer to the Admiral's presence, her sniffling abating slightly but the sadness and solitude remaining like impenetrable bulwarks that she hid behind. Whatever was bothering the girl, whatever troubled her, she gave no indication beyond the sadness of her eyes and the air that hung heavy about her shoulders, as if weighing down her very spirit. Magi stared at the Admiral for a moment before bowing awkwardly, stiff like some sort of figure out of a terrible anime, and then ran quickly off into the night. The older woman merely watched her retreating back, knowing there was noting she could do to cheer up somebody who didn't want the help. Particularly when the kid might start screaming in a crowded room full of heavily armed people that would jump to all the wrong conclusions. The Admiral had, after all, been a man to some of these people just a week or so beforehand. Enough of them already probably imagined her quite the pervert without trying to kidnap a little girl in broad daylight. Sighing, she stood up and examined the wall that Magi had been shooting at, wondering if there had been any real purpose to her antics. The wall seemed unharmed, barely even chipped or scratched, and there was no clear indication that she had been aiming for one part of it or another to practice aim. It had been the equivalent of a child throwing a ball against a wall in a depression, not really caring if it bounced back to them or not, for the action was a function of desperation in purpose. There was nothing that could be done about it now of course, so she put it from her mind and forced herself to focus on more positive things. They had won. They had WON! A smile spread across her face as her eyes sought out @Aeiou again, or @Gwyn ap Herne. They were perhaps the greatest friends she had made. Roland used to be counted among them, but recent contention with the man placed him more closely to the "friendly companion" category than "dearly beloved" that close friendship had. But he was almost as stubborn as she was... almost. So perhaps once their heads cooled, they could revisit their issues in a less stressed time and environment. Spotting Gwyn speaking with... an elf? Or... man? He appeared to be something between the two, and as she approached she caught the tail end of their conversation. He seemed to have met her before and asked about a lady friend, which caused the Admiral to raise an eyebrow curiously. Did Gwyn have a special someone in her life? As the man walked off she finished walking up, glancing at the wolf and elf who retreated into the daylight outside. "Be honest... you were flirting him up so you could play with his dog, weren't you?" she teased the huntress with a coy laugh edging her voice, reaching out to ruffle Gwyn's hair as if she herself were a pupper in need of petting. Perhaps they weren't quite THAT close yet, but she was not one to shy away from testing boundaries, and there were plenty of healers in the area if she decided suddenly to put an arrow in the Admiral's ass. But she was going to ere on the side of optimism that Gwyn wouldn't take offense or feel the need to kick her ass in front of everybody. Gesturing to the giant hole the Elder Vampire Wurm had burst out of, she popped her neck and grabbed a torch off of a nearby wall sconce. "Care to... crawl down, and see what's beneath? Might be stragglers, or treasure. Plus I belong to the group that owns this place so... I should make sure it's secure. I could use some help?" Now, if only Aeiou were around to join them as healer.
The fight had been shorter than she wanted, as dangerous as it all was. The healers had gone around afterwards and healed what they could of others, but Gwyn had been quick to drift away from the celebrations. Her eyes had been solely meant for the mark that had once been the castle's slumbering boss. The Ancient Vampire Wurm had fallen with a twisting, writhing mass of spewing blood and horrific screeching. It had fought hard, but simply could not keep pace with their onslaught. They had been ready for a war where the beast had only just risen from sleep. She wondered, half in grief and half in curiosity, what it would have been like to face off against in its true glory. Or perhaps that was all it had had to offer? The huntress moved like a ghost through the rubble and the gore, looking over the massive beast's corpse and that of its progeny. They were an impressive sight even in death. Heavy plating armored them and powerful teeth crowned massive maws. The wurms were obviously made for subterranean burrowing. She had searched for eyes on the things, but wasn't surprised in the least to find none. She spotted smoother ridges that dipped inward in softer divots where eyes might have been long ago in their evolutionary chain. Or she was making shit up and the game didn't take such things into account. It would be another disappointment, but not everything could be all good and well. As the cheers and calls rose up behind her she carefully made her way to the base of the beast where it still lay half in the burrow it had created to escape its sleeping confines below. There was enough clearance to pick her way down, gaze kept sharp in the event more of the young ones were still alive. If she did happen to find one, Gwyn figured she would at least get the chance to see if activating the beast taming prompt actually worked or not on the damn things. Probably not. They were still interesting to inspect and the grooves they cut into the walls made dizzying patterns that descended into the dark. For a long moment she stood in the dark. Her breathing was kept quiet, ready on her toes in case of an attack, and with an aura of quiet reverence about her. Nothing came of it. She backed away slowly, as if daring an enemy or epiphany to lunge from the shadows, but all was as still as the grave the castle above had become for so many. To dig your grave and share it with a creature such as their mark? An honor, surely. She hungered to know what other great powers roamed the lands, the skies, the seas, and beyond in the strange world of their virtual world. Only time and travel would tell. For now the lonely crush of such a damned place and the shadows were too much of a risk to go poking about after alone. She was still injured after all. The ranger hadn't exactly bothered to stop and shake down a support for help, too busy skimming over the remains of the beasts. Gwyn pulled herself one handful at a time back out of the depths beneath the castle and made her way to the current gathering littering the bones of the castle. Yulan's new castle. A King Astor on the throne. None of that sat quite right with her, an innate distaste at the idea of such pompous attitude and an assumed right to lead. This wasn't their world. They lived here in handfuls of minutes, one foot in and the other out the door back home in their bedrooms, dens, computer rooms, offices. She passed by a growing collection of food and drink brought into the castle for the recovery efforts and asked around until the largest bottle of mead in the supply was held tight in her grip. She needed a drink. As soon as she saw @Morohtar approach she uncorked the bottle and gulped down a massive swig. She hated being right. The not-elven man did his fucking victory dab and it was the odd melancholy of the political and moral turmoil alone that kept her from commenting on it beyond a more sedate response. "Well met again, Moro-" She cut off as he brought up some unknown 'lady friend' and she stammered as he finished his spiel and about-faced away. The large wolf following at his heels was a new sight she'd normally gladly investigate, but once again she was caught unawares and entirely off-kilter. The odd roleplayer vanished and another familiar voice took the place of his. She jumped slightly as the woman spoke and glared at her, "Flirt? With hi- gross. Him." She shuddered with a disgusted expression at the thought of, well, men in general. They could be perfectly useful and nice, she guessed, but they weren't her cup of tea. "Morohtar's a friend. Possibly. I'm still debating. It's a little weird. We tried to kill each other, then there were some bandits. A manticore..." She gestured vaguely with her free hand, but let the sentence fall away. The heavy hand on her head, ruffling through her hair, was even less expected. Gwyn watched @The Admiral warily, tense as if waiting for a prank or teasing word to accompany the gesture. When she didn't follow it up, the huntress relaxed and finally registered her question. "I was going to look a bit ago, but I don't have any light. Or alcohol. After all this shit I definitely needed the alcohol," she murmured half to the other woman and half to the bottle in her hand. Gwyn nursed another swallow from it before holding it out as an offer to The Admiral to share. "I think I can risk it though with you around, yeah? With all that armor you'll draw anything dangerous to you and leave me in the clear." She smirked, but it felt a little hollow on her face. She was trying, though, she really was. It had been a long while.
The battle was over and the war was won. The adventurers were tired. The player and NPC both. It was a peaceful night compared to how it was just a little while ago. Not only was this a victory for those who fault for the Yladian forces but also it was the birth of something unheard of so far in Terrasphere. At least this region of it anyway. The first ever player based kingdom was possible! A place in this world ruled by someone from beyond. Any players fantasy for sure! And who as the man sitting on the throne with his hand to his cheek? The first king of this to be nation? @Astor Balthas that's who. The same man who led the strongest guild in the region as well. Trinity was so curious to meet him personally. She only had his data to go by. Nothing else. So with the pause in action and having picked up his messages in the mainframe. Trinity decided to visit the man on his throne. She was curious how he thought of it, what he wanted to do, what Doritos tasted like! Lot's of things! So why not take this lull as a opportunity? The door to the chamber he was in would open and the mascot would poke her head in and look around then, seeing him she would wave and come into the room. It was a war so he may think she was here to spy or something. No way! She had no sides! This was a wonderful adventure no matter who won or lost! It would have to probably be told tough... "Heya Astor! Your majesty! All hail the Dragon Lord! Hmmm... nope nope! That's already copyrighted I think? Welp anyway! I want to personally thank you for such a great battle Astor! You guys really put it to the Falderen folks! So great! I love how you all are having so much fun with the game! So what's the plan big guy? Rule the land with a iron fist? Bring peace to all you survey?? Oh and... I am really curious what Doritos brand tortilla chips taste like. All these little kids run around in the game and talk about doing the dew as well. What does that mean? How do you do... the dew? That's kind of gross!" Trinity laughed as she made small talk with a guy who just got over a massive war. She plopped down on a step that led up to the throne and stared at him with that wonderful mascot smile as if expecting answers.
A self-satisfied grin formed across the dark haired man’s face as he’d watch the woman’s expression curiously. Apparently he hadn’t been clear enough and she had thought it to be water or something with a bit less of an edge? Stifling a giggle, he’d instead raise an eyebrow skeptically while taking the flask back. “A bit too much?” He’d question her curiously with a playful tone while knowing very well her actual response. With the conversation transitioning back to more serious matters, a half frown formed. Though he was the one that had initiated the new topic of discussion, the devious man was already feeling a slight sense of loss at their strange dynamic that had previously been running between the two. That said, his disappointment wouldn’t last for long. Upon mention of the death affliction, his brow furrowed a bit while Jack transitioned to a much more serious look. “I’ve heard about those before… it’s a bit uncanny to say the least. Have you noticed anything different after logging out? Perhaps a newly developed fear externally as well? Or maybe a more intense fear if it already existed? What sorts of emotions are prompted by the game? Do they seem natural or more forced? Was this a slow build up towards this fear? Or perhaps a more immediate change?” Oh boy. It seemed as though some part of Bao had been triggered. His curiosity now sitting behind the steering wheel, he’d begin to question the Felis with persistency. @Nalani Rosa
Whatever Gwyn’s relationship with the not quite an elf had been, there seemed to be hesitation in calling him a friend. They apparently had some measure of history together, and the Admiral raised her brows in curious delight at the mention of fighting a manticore alongside the man. What an interesting story that would prove to be, in the future… But the edge to the huntress woman’s voice made it clear that, for now, the subject was probably chalked up to taboo. Instead the bardic warrior focused on the fact that Gwyn had been considering a similar adventure in exploring the caverns and catacombs of the Castle Dormont, and she chuckled genuinely at the quip about her heavy armor being good distraction so Gwyn could sneak away from any danger they might face. Gesturing towards the pit, she walked over, torch in hand, and dropped the thing down. It fell quite the distance; perhaps twelve meters, before clattering in a chamber below. Such a fall would prove quite lethal, if they did not take care, but she had already planned for such. Snatching some rope from amidst the ruins of the castle, she used her seafaring skill to tie it off against a statue for support, and winked at Gwyn as she started down. She moved slowly, carefully, keeping her eyes closed and her attention focused on feeling things out. If she thought about what she was doing too much, or looked, she would go into another panic… The journey down was paused as Trinity’s announcement carried through the stone halls. Girl had volume, to say the least. Chuckling, the Admiral shook her head and looked up at Gwyn with a smirk. “That girl ain’t all there… Do you think something’s wrong with her, that she’s so aware of being a part of a game? Does she maybe have a more useful purpose than breaking immersion? Oh uh… you might want to grab your own torch off a wall.” She pondered what Trinity’s true purpose could be as she continued to climb down, happy for the distraction so that she did not focus on the physical danger the heights put her in. Even when she was a mere three feet from the ground she clung tightly to the rope, and did not release it until she had climbed ALL the way down, boots touching stone. With a sigh she looked up to see Gwyn who, if she knew the girl, was likely to just come sliding down in a devil may care fashion. Why wasn’t she able to do that anymore? Weeks ago, she would have just gone at it without a thought or hesitation, but now her body locked up at the thought of heights. Disturbed by such thoughts, she picked up the torch and began to move around the chamber beneath, noting the strange warping of the stone where the creature had bored through. Alien patterns etched by its flesh looked like waves and ripples. The tell-tale pebbles here and there showed where the rock had been broken away as the creature dug… But where was the REST of the stone? Did the thing eat rock? Mass removed had to go somewhere else in the game, or its resource blocks would run out eventually. Its top side would collapse from the burrowing of creatures below. How did it account for this much misplaced rock? She ran a gauntlet covered hand across the stone and felt its ridges and dimples, ears tuned for any sort of movement that could mark the presence of additional worms. Turning to face Gwyn, she smiled and looked around the chamber which was too large for the single torch to lighten up. What a mansion! There were several passages that could be explored, some natural fissures in the stone, others obviously dug by creatures of varying size. “What path do you want to take,” she asked aloud, her voice echoing down the stone corridors and into a darkness beyond. @Gwyn ap Herne
Nalani was a little shocked by how intense Jack had gotten by what she had said as he suddenly started firing questions at her, but it didn't bother her- She was quite curious about it as well, actually. Although she wasn't really quite a fan of being questioned so much, she didn't really mind it coming from him. So, as she glanced away to think a bit, she too seemed to become rather more serious as she pondered over the questions. "Honestly, after I died, I didn't log in for a couple of days. I just focused on work, seeing as it was kinda scary... But I had things to do and people to see, so I logged in. I just... I can't look at spiders anymore. I wasn't a fan of them irl, but in game the fear feels that much worse," she explained, looking over at him and frowning a little as she explained her symptoms, eyebrows still furrowed, "I haven't seen one yet back at home, but I keep wondering... Will I feel as scared as I do now? Isn't that a little... Weird?" Could a game really change the way you think and react to things? Well, some could give you fears and other phobias, but actually fully change how you feel to be 100 percent afraid of something with no real reason other than a death? @Jack Anders
