Fit for a King

Rig was amazed at the size and beauty of the stonework here in Falderen. The city is a massive parade of columns, roofs, walls, tapestries, ramparts, towers, and every other piece of architecture that you can dream of. Rig loved all of it. He was particulary attached to the stonework. He felt attuned to the earth. The stone gave off a pleasant earthy aroma...until he got further into the city that is, then it just stank of big city. He wandered further along just staring at each shop and home he passed, hearing the hustle and bustle of everyday city folk. The smells fluctuated between pleasant, sour, and somewhere in between. It was a complete sensory overload.

Rig came to the big city looking for multiple things but for now he just wanted to meet some new friends. He didn't want to go to the slums (that might attract the wrong kind of attention.) But he didnt want to run into some of the higher society (again, might attract the wrong kind of attention.) He was looking somewhere that was both accessible to common workers but also desired by upper-crust. That was when he came across a row of massive steps that traversed upward to a building that was adorned with large pillars. Many people were going in and out between the pillars like ants at an ant hill. Rig read the glamorous words that crowned the top of the building.

"Stockbon Public Library & Study."

He whistled with amazement. This place was perfect. He could even see some chairs and tables that resided the upper steps surrounding the building. Library-goers could read scrolls and manuscripts either in peace or discuss with their friends outside of the buidling. He could hear conversations of travels, mystery, philosophy, and scholastic endeavours.

This is perfect indeed.

He sat down at one covered table that was close enough to the main entrance. That way he had a clear view of anyone coming and going. The sun was in the descent towards twilight and was casting long shadows down the steps and into the courtyard. The perfect time for a friendly chat. He accessed his palm menu and brought out two mugs and a light ale. Nothing to intoxicating and nothing to pricey. He then leaned back and watched the people pass by.

He wanted to meet someone who obviously wasn't an NPC. Someone who had the look of a warrior who he could befriend. Someone that would have his back as much as he had theirs. Thats when he noticed the perfect candidate coming up the steps towards the library. He poured a quick swig for himself and the empty chair, then with a big smile he held up a mug in the direction of the newcomer.

"G'day! If its not too much to ask, would you be willing to sit a spell with an old bushman such as myself? I have been in the need of charming company for sometime and I promise to make it worth your while."

@Eldhi

 

Ah, Stokbon, the shining example of civilization in the Kingdom of Falderen and arguably, in the whole world of Terrapshere as well. The sprawling metropolis was a center of government, trade, and learning. One just couldn't explore everything in a single day or even more, there was always something new to see here. It was a wonder why new Player Characters didn't start off in the city but Brisshal instead. However, if one saw the sea of people clamoring through the streets, one would get a clear answer, Stokbon was crowded as it was, it didn't need more reasons to add up to the population.

The white-haired Paladin and faithful of Tyl once again found herself traversing through the cobbled alleys, the light clinks of her armor as she moved were drowned by the shoutings of street hawkers trying to outdo one another. She wasn't interested in their wares, no, she was here to learn! Immerse herself further in the lore of the game through in-universe perspective. How? The good ol' library of course! She should be close by now.

Looking up at the set of stairs, she joined the flow of people heading into the entrance. Even before she entered the main doors, she was immediately greeted by... someone, it wasn't hard to miss him really. A tall and buffed boisterous fellow with blazing red hair and matching eyes, he was holding a... mug of ale in one hand, holding it out to... "Who, me?" herself it seemed. After a confirmation, Eldhi mulled about the prospect. Sure she wanted to read some books but... wow, this particular fellow grabbed her attention, with his size and disposition, he was quickly becoming her center of attention.

Thinking this was a quest opportunity or a game feature or... or definitely something exciting, Eldhi walked over to the much taller man, so much he was at her eye level even though he was sitting down. The moment she sat down on the chair across the table, she truly felt how small she was compared to him, "I am not sure if this is the tavern." Eldhi chuckled in jest, she assumed the other mug was for her. Yes, she wanted the ale, she had tasted it before and nope! In Terrasphere, she wasn't bound by any silly drinking age requirement.

Taking a swig just like her previous foray in the "Observing King" tavern, the white-haired knight took a few sips, "So, what do you want to talk about?" Oh, silly her, they didn't even know each other yet, "Who are you by the way? I'm Eldhi. Paladin and Faithful of Tyl." The girl huffed proudly.

@Eurig Rig Cadigan

 

The young, light-haired girl seemed amused by the prospect that someone would want to talk to her. Did no one talk anymore these days? Rig was saddened by her disbelief at first...then joy filled him again when chuckeled and took a swig of his ale! He grinned from ear to ear as she affirmed that she would join his company. Her almost snow white hair reflected the orange twilight of the setting sun as she announced her name and title. He already enjoyed her spirit and company.

"It is absolutely grand to meet you Eldhi, Fathful of Tyl! Come sit, sit! I have hungered for stong words and thoughts...as well as someone who can handle strong drink.!" His laughter boomed across the courtyard which attracted the gaze of some other citizens who looked like they missed out on a good joke. He waited for her to sit down and then topped off her mug once again with ale.

"I," He started by beating a large fist to his chest, "I am Eurig Cadigan! Vanguard of the Red Earth. Though I prefer to go by Rig." He smiled broadly again as she continued to listen and sip ale. He then sat down in his chair which began to creak and groan under his prodigous weight.

"I must admit that I am impressed by your willingness to talk to a complete stranger in such a manner. Many seem to be too busy for intelligent conversations. But you!" He made grand gestures with his hands in her direction, "You seem to have wisdom beyond your years."

"Enough of my rambling! So tell me," He continued, "you are a paladin, yes? You must have seen some grand adventures, despite your age? Tell me your tales!"
@Eldhi

 

After playing Terrasphere for some time, Eldhi came to the realization that a player's in-game character might or might not look similar as their real self. Like herself for example, Ellie modeled Eldhi Arc based on what she viewed was an ideal heroine of a chivalrous story, her older self with cool armor and weapons plus the tanner complexion she had always wanted, something impossible in real life due to her albinism. In Terrasphere, she was a Knight of Justice, she fully intended to make herself into a knight worthy of the Round Table.

That said, she wondered if her new redheaded companion was in the same situation, might he be younger and smaller than his online avatar? There was that possibility, heck, he might be exactly similar. If so, woah... someone this big exist? Her real-life self could literally sit on his shoulder! However, she was sensible enough to not prod around, especially since they barely knew each other.

The way he announced her title and himself, such bold declaration, heedless to what the world might think, his voice carried not even a trace of hesitation. "An honor, Sir Eurig Cadigan, Vanguard of the Red Earth!" Eldhi put one arm diagonally across her torso then bowed in a chivalrous manner, "Acknowledged, I shall refer to you by 'Rig', please call me 'Eldhi' in return." Aaaah~ yes, living the life of a knight, thank you Terrasphere!

"Oho~ then I must praise your audacity to invite random strangers to join you for a drink, in front of a library no doubt." Her vocabularies were getting better and better the more she immersed herself in the game, while she struggled to speak some of the medieval-esque words, quite a number of them came naturally to her now. "You flatter me, Sir, I am but an aspiring knight, yearning to be a true Crusader of Justice someday!"

"Hm!" With an intrigued nod, Eldhi recalled some of her past adventures, not much, but there were tales she could share, "I participated in an escort mission to safely deliver a convoy of food and resources to Ironforge. Along the way, we were attacked by Knolls and a literal giant! In the end, we triumphed!" She raised her fist into the air, "While I took part in the Investigation and Pre-Boss events that would ultimately lead to the epic fight with Azog, the Prince of Fire. Alas, the matters of the... 'other' world made me unable to see it to the end." Those dreaded studies and exams! Grrrr...! Even when home-schooled, she couldn't escape them.

"Mhm~ those are my tales, what about you, Rig?" Eldhi inquired as she took a few sips of the ale. Drinking age law, eat your heart out!

@Eurig Rig Cadigan

 

Rig listened to Eldhi's tales with wide-eyed wonder that would rival any school boy. He laughed especially hard at the part about a LITERAL giant. All his life he has been singled out as the largest around, it would be a novelty to see an actual giant in this realm. He also nodded with sincere admiration at her abilities in both the investigation and combat with a world boss. That means she was both intelligent and strong.

"Bonza!" He shouted praise in his natural accent, "Your tales far surpass mine, young crusader. I have but started the first legs of my journey. I have only battled a small band of gnolls and then fought the greatest battle since the dawn of man...the search of wealth!"

At this he guffawed loudly at his own joke. He then clinked his mug against hers and continued, "Drink up, drink up! It is mighty grand to have a worthy companion to converse with!" He was actually starting to wonder if the girl was old enough to be drinking? Would the affects of alcohol be as severe on the body in a full-dive game? Surely not. He shrugged the thoughts away and stamped down his uncertainty. He wasn't about to ruin this conversation with RL concerns. He was in a fantasy world and was going to keep it that way.

As she continued to drink, he stared at her quizzicaly. She truly seemed to be enjoying herself. Not just in the fact that she was drinking with a stranger outside of a library. No, it was deeper than that. She found sincere joy being in this game. Just as he did. She loved fulfilling her goal of becoming a crusader of justice. Of seeing a world full of color and wonder. Rig found someone that had the same views as himself. That this was more than just a mere game.

"So tell me, mighty shiela," Rig asked with some flare, "you are desiring the rank of knighthood? What is it that sent you on that hold endevour? That is a lofty goal indeed and I sense another great story behind it...if it isn't too personal of course." He said quickly, not wanting to pry too much.
@Eldhi

 

"Fascinating!" Eldhi couldn't help but get swept into Rig's rambunctious mood as she made a toast, mimicking all the films she saw, with the larger fellow, "All great warriors have humble beginnings, Rig, no one was born a legend." The white-haired Paladin nodded twice as if agreeing to herself, "I may have started earlier but glory awaits all those who strive to achieve it!" She pumped a fist into the air, "Please don't belittle yourself, Sir Rig. With each monster you vanquish, the world is a safer place and thus, you have done the people a great service."

The search of wealth, did he mean money? Hmm... Eldhi was more privy to fame and honor herself perhaps since in real life, her family already had more than enough in terms of monetary wealth. As an albino who was stuck inside her home most of the time, she wanted to make a name for herself, to go out there and explore! Be as famous as King Arthur, Sir Gawain, Sir Lancelot, and all the Knights of the Round Tables. "I think to see your name marked in the pages of history is of greater satisfaction than simply gathering worldly posessession, Sir Rig." The Paladin replied.

From her experiences playing the game, she met all kinds of players, there were people who treat Terrasphere as no more than a video game, as if they were playing an ordinary one through computers or consoles. Then they were people like Rig and herself, players who fully immersed themselves in the lore of the game, properly Role-playing as the game intended to be. It wasn't a big assumption to say that Rig would also say this was how Terrasphere should properly be played.

"Hmm, yes?" Eldhi finished a mug of ale, wiping her lips, a light blush coloring her tanned cheeks. Her body felt warmth from the drink, a good warmth. "That is correct, mhm, I wish to be a Knight worthy of Tyl, God of Justice and Righteousness!" The moment Rig asked her about her motivation, her red eyes practically sparkled, the redhead better be prepared for an endless exposition now, "Nay, I say divulge with pleasure! I wish to be like the most honorable and most chivalrious, King Arthur and the Round Table Knights! Legends told of their bravery and courage, defender of the weak, protector of the people!"

Huffing proudly, Eldhi flashed a grin at Rig, "Perhaps, you too have a hero you wish to become?"

 

Rig could feel the gentle warmth of the alcohol as it ran down his throat. It was nice to once again to be sitting with someone he could converse with and drink the night away...even if it was in a virtual world. Oddly enough he seemed to find more satisfaction drinking the night away here than in RL. He almost always felt guilty when he would party and converse at home. Thoughts would always come in his head like "Should you really be doing this now? You have work in the morning." Or, "Can I afford to party right now? I have bills to pay and school to do." Here in Terra he felt almost felt guilty if he DIDN'T drink and relax along with the adventure and combat. This world was designed to be enjoyed. Perhaps even more so than the real one.

He listened as Eldhi praised him for his small feats that he has accomplished so far. He blushed partly because of the ale and partly because he was unaccustomed to her old-style of honor and praise. He brushed aside the compliments with a hand and said, "Really, Miss Eldhi, it's not much to go on about. Just living as man should live. With honor bound duty, and the power to vanquish any obstacle!"

She then continued in response to his comment about his search for wealth. She mentioned that fame and notoriety were worth more than mere coin or jewel. He chuckled loudly and apologized for interrupting. He let her continue and was listening intently while thinking about how he would respond.

"Ahhhh the Round Table Knights. Surely, the greatest example of justice and honor. It is a great thing to admire such admirable figures. Do you ever worry though that you might be setting your sights a little...low?" Rig took another slow sip of his ale as he watched her intently over the rim of his mug.

"You mention that you wish to be a hero similar to Arthur's knights, but don't you see that they are nothing more than servants? Mere figureheads that are moved to and fro by the whims of the people? No. I believe heroes and kings should be made of stronger things than just in service to their admirers."

"In answer to your question, I admire to be like Alexander the Great. The greatest conquerer that the world has ever known. He did not wish to be a servant to his people, no, he was the KING of his people. Someone that everyone in the world saw and wished to be. You mention that your name marked in history is greater than meager worldly possesion. My dear Eldhi, I fear that notoriety is a worldly possesion. In fact everything can be possesed. A king and hero should seek to obtain all this world has to offer: wealth, fame, love, death. He or she must be willing to seek after and obtain everthing that can be offered. They must be the greatest example of success to their subjects so their subjects will be willing to follow them everywhere...even to the ends of worlds after they have conquered all!"

At this Rig grinned warmly at his guest and hiccuped slightly. He stretched his arms out wide and flexed his broad shoulders and rippling arms. "That who is I am going to be. The greatest Conquerer of this world! It is my purpose and dream!"
@Eldhi

 

"Oh?" For the first time since their spirited discussions, Eldhi felt challenged by her companion's rhetorical question. While she fully approved about the Round Table Knights being the finest examples of chivalry and honor, she didn't quite catch what exactly did he mean by setting her sights too low? To be a great a knight such as Sir Gawain was too low? She found it hard to believe. Quirking an eyebrow, the blushing - due to the alcohol - knight became curious as she listened to Rig's own perspective on the matter.

So, he believed King Arthur and the Round Table Knights were actually just serfs of the people, living their lives instead of pursuing their own. She disagreed, the greatest joy in life was found when one's life could mean something more to others than just oneself. It was a selfish notion just to think about 'me, myself, and I', a hallmark of young children who couldn't live for anything but their own selfish desires.

"Hmm..." Eldhi twirled her mug a bit, observing how Rig was utterly confident that Alexander the Great was the best conqueror. True, the Macedonian King was a great general and genius tactician, he had never lost a single war, falling due to debauchery instead of in the battlefield. Which was precisely why she wouldn't want to be like him. He was a conqueror, a warmonger.

"I must say otherwise, SIr Rig." The white-haired girl gave him a return grin, boldly challenging him to an intellectual debate, she'd open his eyes to the truth, "He was a conqueror, a warmonger, not a true leader. A true leader would lead his people to greater heights, he would strive for peace and prosperity, not spreading death and destruction in his every wake." She paused, letting her words sink in, let Rig see that in his power-hungry quest for fame, Alexander slew an untold number of lives.

"Alexander might have brought short-lived glory to his people but what about those he killed and massacred? What about their families? Would the wives and children of those killed by his soldiers see him as a hero? Nay, he was a monster and a villain. In the end, he fell to his vices, nothing more than a human." The girl put one hand to her chest, "I wish for my life to be meaningful, to my family, to the people. It will do you well to let go some of that greed and let in compassion into your heart, Sir Rig."

 

Rig chuckled lightly and shook his head. He was truly enjoying his company. Here they were sitting in a world of illusion and fantasy talking about the philosophies of past leaders. He was going to remember this evening for years.

He continued to sip his ale as she commenced to inform him that he was wrong. Good! He was hoping for more than just light words passed back and forth. She informed him that his idol was a symbol of death and destruction rather than the hero that he truly was. He began to laugh his hearty laugh again when she ended by saying he should open up to compassion.

"My dear Eldhi," He began while wiping his eyes, "I admire your tenacity. You speak what is in your heart and that is good. I appreciate one who isn't afraid to share their thoughts. I also hope you do not take offense to my views on kingship, little sister. I respect kings and knighthood and their goals. I just feel that the main goal may be skewed from the proper end. As far as compassion goes, however, I must disagree with you there too. I personally feel I have a very large amount of compassion, possibly more than most people here. You yourself even admitted it was odd for me to ask a stranger to sit with me and share a drink, yes?"

At that point he lifted his glass again to the affirmative. "Now that also brings up another point, I sense you only view our great Alexander as a disciple of death, no heart in him, only a cold calculating brain...well I must disagree there as well. As stated previously, a leader must be the greatest in all examples. He was the greatest at love, charity, and compassion yet he was perfect in combat, and conquering. I do not understand why you combine the words 'peace' and 'non-violence' but it seems that way to me. Believe it or not but our great Alexander was seeking peace for the whole world. But being the leader he was he knew that that peace came at a great cost. There were many enemies and nations who rose against him to oppose his peace. He destroyed them as a means to an end but knew this had to be done. He was a King! He knew he must show that not only can he achieve all but he must sacrifice all to bring mankind that what they desire most. That is why he was the greatest, my fair knight. Because he was willing to do that which no one" (He stared at her with a smile when those words left his lips) "else was willing to do. And also if I may make a light jab...Arthur was no saint either." He finished that last sentence with a wink.
@Eldhi

 

"Mmgh..." The younger nature of her real-life self slipped a little when Rig laughed at her again, while she couldn't feel any malicious or sardonic intentions behind those loud guffaws, it still wasn't one she expected. So... he wasn't convinced, she took it? Let's see what he had to say.

"...hic." Also, now she started to feel rather tipsy, how many mugs had she drunk now? The talk with the boisterous redhead was so immersive, she just kept drinking and drinking. The blushes on her tanned cheeks were deeper now and her vision started to tunnel a bit but she must still listen to him! Hmph, she'd prove that King Arthur was better than Alexander the Great.

"Oh, no offense taken..." Eldhi mumbled, not-so-subtly expressing she was indeed rather miffed Rig didn't see things her way. Well, he certainly was... compassionate but if his goals were like Alexander's, he also killed people when conquering other lands. Being compassionate when not massacring people didn't justify the horrendous power-hungry act.

"A leader, a true leader, must live for his people. What good is a self-serving tyrant?" Eldhi replied, "Alexander needed a justification to convince himself that he wasn't serving his own greed, that he had a greater purpose other than fulfilling his ambitions." The white-haired girl hiccuped, holding one hand against her lips to stifle it as she put down the ale mug. "Other nations didn't want to bow to him so he strong-armed them into submission, it didn't need to be done for peace, he wanted war. He didn't sacrifice anything but his own men and his rivals' men, all for himself."

The Paladin turned away from Rig, pouting slightly as he made a mention at Arthur. Well... Arthur tried to make sure everyone was happy but in doing so, he did suffer a rebellion and had to fight some of his former knights. He wanted the best for everyone yet malicious individuals like that wicked sorcerer, Morgan, made use of this compassion against him. Eldhi couldn't say that Arthur was a saint for a saint must be perfect, if Arthur was perfect, then his story would end in a different note. "At least... at least... he didn't let his greed take over him, at least he led for the people instead of above them... mmmnyem..."

Near the end of her speech, Eldhi's words became rather slurred, eyelids heavy, she could really use a nap right now... "Uh... I... hoaaaahm..." The wooden table looked soft. like a nice comfy pillow, maybe she could rest her eyes a bit before heading to an inn, yes. Laying her head down, the knight breathed softly as slumber took over her. It seemed their philosophical talk would have to continue some other time.

OOC: Alright! Should be my last post, Rig! You can either make a reply then submit it for completion, or just do it right away, your call. Hope our paths cross again in the near future! Cheers.~