Complete - Call for Help

Despite having always been unusually tall Comet never learned the art of gracefulness. She quickly learned how in real life that awkwardness often seemed cute to others but in-game would be an issue when it comes to performance. With little coordination she struggled to learn to use her bow and with ever-so trembling hands said bow couldn't be aimed without trouble. A battle or two, some exploration, and a load of target practice made up most of her lonesome days in-game. Comet spoke often but not many gave her equal attention thus the newbie turned to a bit of solo adventures until she found people to go out and face the same challenges with. Much like when she turned into Violet Palfrey; as Comet she started the habit of hopping "friends".

Searching for a place to play her own specialized version of darts before the sun set, Comet distracted herself with the environment surrounding her. The pink-haired woman paused in confusion when she felt the ground below shift. However, she wouldn't be confused for long, the ground broke beneath her and the deep hole had her stuck at the bottom. With a Realistic pain setting she felt a sting when landing on her rump but fortunately not a I-broke-my-tailbone kind of pain. If not for the slippery, muddy texture of the pit perhaps she'd be able to crawl out with such height to her frame. It seemed a trap for animals to be caught and left defenseless though Comet was positive a lot of players crossed the area she'd been in. This positivity motivated her to call out for help in being lifted from the shameful position so that any nearby players would come to her aid. It sure beat giving up now, logging out, only to return to the same mess of being both coated in and surrounded by mud and dry leaves that landed in her disheveled hair.

"Hello? I could use some help down here!"

@Zelrius

 

Zelrius also glanced back to Dormont not a mile or two behind him. It was a big city, though ruined through war, and if even players couldn't build it back up to a shapely matter in time, the man doubted that the Kingdom could extend very far into either direction. He knew the woods to the north were of the dangerous breed; so much so that he hadn't heard much from that area at all. Not so much as a tale from the locals in Brisshal. And to the south, was the great Kingdom of Falderen. Though Great was debatable; it was quite expansive for a kingdom, but it also had very little centralization or control. He was reminded of places like Pormont, where the towns and farms were sparse and they had scarce population to begin with. So, he guessed, he didn't know how big Astorea was. Or how small, for that matter. There were Marquis and Barons, that much he knew, remembering back to when he had met Alonso not too long ago. Or not met, but had ran into. Still, so it had to have some land and titles to give, right? Right, His own mind confirmed, as it often did, though he doubted his own thoughts. With a shake of his head he looked back to the forest, wondering how far they stretched, deciding to head into the unforgiving trees, a goal of exploration in mind.

He had spent more than a great deal of time in Brisshal. The NPC farmers seemed to have gotten used to the Golden Haired man around and wandering about. At first, he had helped them with their tasks in search for chips to cash in. Though he was sorely disappointed when the farmers rarely paid, and when they did, it was more trouble to use whatever it is they paid in than it was worth. So, he just got into the habit of driving off Goblins, being a farm hand, and helping people in general for free around the place; instead opting for fame rather than wealth in this instance. However, he was left with a bad taste in his mouth, having spent all that time and having little that is tangible to show for it. So, he came to Astorea, in search for someone of importance, and within a short time of having been at Dormont found it. The Princess Jeanne, and after a brief conversation, she gave him two things; A Handkerchief, and with it, a goal. The goal, in her own words; to make a name for himself and seek her back out to offer his services.

So now Zelrius burned with determination, wanting money a little less, that would come later. No, now he wanted skill and glory. So, he'd need to take it one step at a time, heading to explore and find out as much about the world as he can, looking for exploits, ways to get an upper hand, to get his name known. The start of that was here in the forests of Astorea, looking for more exciting monsters than the boars and goblins in Brisshal. He was hoping for things stronger, that could take a few hits from either of his sabres, an effort to grind both his slashing and dual wielding skill. Though as of now, the man didn't find a whole lot other than markings that people often came out this way. Traps, tracks and droppings. Signs that Dormont was using this for possible hunting grounds. It made sense, the city was being rebuilt and probably needed every little bit of food it could get. The man was reminded of the small yladian with the cart, selling baked goods by the dozens, even though they were of good quality. The thoughts of her were quickly dismissed though, shuddering at how awkward he had been in her presence. Zelrius made a note to maybe catch up with her one day and maybe apologize to her one day. Though that was unlikely, he probably wouldn't see her again, and elves always made the man uncomfortable.

He dismissed thoughts of the elf, getting anxious just thinking about that race of people. Instead he walked along the dried and golden leaves for a bit in silence. Well, until there was a large rustling and then a voice. At first, it was of his mind that it was just an animal falling into a trap, but Zelrius reminded himself that Animals don't yell for help. He hurried over, a hand gripping his belt-line to keep the scabbards on his hips from jingling too much. Slowing down, Zelrius peaked around the hole to see nothing but pink hair, leaves and mud. "Hey, hold-hold-" He couldn't get the words out, insecurity bubbling up slowly. "Hold on," He finally managed quickly, thinking for a moment. He had no tools to help, so the man was forced to lay in the mud and reach a hand down into the hole, extending it as far to her as he could. To be quite honest, Zel wasn't sure how well this would work, but it was the only thing he could come up with at the moment.

 

The sound of footsteps gave reason for Comet to perk up and for her pulse to pick up. In only a few moments someone arrived to help her out of such an unusual situation; because, to be fair, Comet hadn't heard many - if any at all - stories of a player falling into a trap made for animals. The more thought put into the situation, the more idiotic she felt. As someone who aimed to be both stealthy and an able hunter throughout the game this mistake definitely wasn't apart of the right path to start on. Her dull eyes glazed over: an odd mix of anger and gratefulness. Anger because she's better than a god-forsaken animal. Gratefulness because someone cared enough to come to her aid. Embarrassing cries for someone, anyone, out there would haunt her for a long, long time. Hopefully the two would never encounter each other again after the day ended so the experience could be less shameful and more educational. When back in Dormont Comet would feel safe again. Not from herself but from the possibility of being heckled. A nagging bout of insecurity gave her the assumption that even a hero could be cruel. This judgement filled her mind along with millions of other assembled outcomes. The life of a skeptic provided a breeding ground for uneasy feelings.

Stuttering words were dismissed because a lack of confidence within the other wouldn't hinder her excitement to get out of the hell hole and back onto the actual, flat land above. Wiping her dirtied hand onto one of the few clean spots of her attire, Comet furrowed her brows and eyes softened in apology for bringing another into such a messy situation. She nodded, trusting the stranger when he told her to hold on. The leaves and mud most likely appalled the other but he chose to save her. Hopefully, he hadn't decided on any ulterior motives before arriving. Catching a quick glimpse of the blonde Comet somewhat fled from her worries. He appeared to be one of those types that went wherever trouble arose, from what she caught. Edging closer to where he'd been provided an easier reach for the both of them.

Reaching out and grasping the hand had been easy with her lanky body. Comet complimented herself for being light and quite easy to lift up as a result. Having long limbs didn't hurt either. For once an ounce of positive could reach her heart but not for long as the wet squelch caused by her foot colliding with the sides of the hole led to a reminder of what was going on. The other hand took hold of the blonde's forearm. "I'll put my other foot up and try to climb while you lift me as far as you can. We'll see what happens." the suggestion had been quick and straight to the point. Slippery mud made for a semi-difficult climb but nothing Comet could do or at least wasn't determined to try and attempt. "You ready?" Whether or not he agreed to the plan she would begin to pull herself up and scale the hole's "wall".

 

Zelrius had no idea why even he cared to help. It wasn't like he was going to help her and expect monetary compensation or of the like; For one it was rude, and for two, he didn't much care for anything the woman had to offer. The man supposed that the only reason that compelled him to help was his inability to stifle putting himself in someone else's shoes. Sure, shed be out eventually regardless of whether or not someone helped her. The man could have just easily ignored it, or maybe not even heard when she fell down, letting the pink haired woman sit down in the hole as her meters ticked away and then she eventually succumbed to whatever ailments came with having depleted resources. But, he couldn't bare with that thought, not knowing exactly what those ailments were, or how much suffering they caused, especially not to another person. In truth, he hated how compassionate he was of others' struggles. Zelrius often times would have much rather ignored helping others in order to achieve his own goals, and this was one such time.

Yet, here he was, arm outstretched, trying his best to help her get out of her situation. It seemed to be no use immediately; the mud being too soft and malleable to get a firm step or grip onto. He was already beginning to get frustrated, teeth clenched in anticipation for what to do. He thought for a moment, but was quickly pulled out of that train of thought to listen to her own plan. Atleast, he had hoped that what she was about to say was indeed a plan. It was, and then he had an idea, "I like that thinking, give me a second, yo." As he said those words, he retracted his hand, placing both on the ground infront of him and then changing from laying down in the mud to now a semi-crouched position, leaning forward. The reasoning for this was so that he had more force with his lifting, rather than trying to do it with the strength of his arm alone.

"Ready as I will ever be, I suppose," He gave a response to her final question, before moving forward with his thoughts.

Reaching back down with his open palm, he waited for her to grab it again, which seemed to already be in her mindset as she then began to pull in an attempt to lift herself up. He paid no mind to that, now grasping her arm with his free one as soon as he could, and then slowly standing up, trying his best not to lose his balance or slip into the hole himself. It was a bit tough, the man having 0 stats in his wellness, and not really being overly strong to begin with, atleast the woman was light, as far as people go anyway. For a moment, he was safe, the heels of his shoes dug into the mud and made a little rut for himself. But, Zelrius knew he had to be careful, the mud could give way at any moment, and doom them both. Not a position he'd want to be in to be quite honest.

If that happened, the man was more than willing to log out right there in the hole. Not really caring for much, instead more than willing to allow his character to do whatever it is the bodies do after someone logs out. Atleast, until it died and then he could relog back at the morgue. All things considered, not a bad thing, afterall; Zelrius liked the morgue, he found the woman who worked the thing cute, and wouldn't mind a small chat with her before she revived him. Though, he'd never admit this to anyone, feeling guilty for thinking highly of an npc like that, for one, and for two, it seemed like a betrayal to a certain woman he already knew. Or well Used to know.

 

Awkward shuffling ensued before Comet felt herself being lifted. He liked her thinking, not surprising but still flattering. Her plans were thought up on the spot but in that short amount of time she's often able to perfect said plans due to having such a quickly-paced thought process. Her lips curled up in happiness, the sky seemed bluer; being covered in mud no longer felt gross and dry and depressing. Comet would get out of here and then ensure she put as much time and devotion into her hunting mastery as possible to avoid another situation akin to her current one. Feeling as if the stranger knew what he was doing and had accepted her plan allowed her to put a little bit of trust into him; but, not one part of her felt as if she owed him anything but utmost gratitude and perhaps a pat on the back. Oftentimes she wasn't easily convinced to give up skepticism but when a stranger offers to save you, you tend to accept their hand rather than recoil in distrust. Especially when you're covered in scum.

The brown of the mud held high contrast to Comet's pale skin, she sighed at this realization the moment she fell down into the hole because that meant time for another spray-tan. While character creating Comet kept to her true self rather than change her appearance for the pleasure of others as much as she did to keep up with modelling and parental watch. The perfect daughter conforms to society ideals. Period.Violet Palfrey entered Terrasphere in the little time the character she had taken over awaited a rescue. As soon as footsteps were heard she disappeared and Comet returned to her rightful place. Violet let this happen, she's tired and doesn't belong in the same place that Comet does. She belongs under her parents' noses and under the judgement of her peers and under a heavy crown of silver: these things hold her down so she won't run away. Comet, on the other hand, belongs to the freedom of exploration and battle and perfecting her unique skills while befriending groups of friends who lack a sense of judgement. They, too, are here for the freedom that they seem to lack elsewhere.

These thoughts in mere seconds could consume Comet. They didn't, not yet. Not until she found the mirror and saw herself as the monster hiding within. With a shake of the head she continued her attempt to make way against the unstable mud while tightening her hold on the blonde as if he were her lifeline. He might as well be, she thought, referring to the humiliation that awaiting death could nearly rival. Of course she exaggerated this but the fact that it's a considered action is enough in its self. Leaves rustled and fell from her tangled locks of pink hair. Each time the mud prevented her from going further and the man clearly couldn't lift her all the way up without toppling over. And topple over he did. It was her fault, really. Pulling too hard and the texture of the mud meaning a difficult escape made even more difficult with the fact that neither of them had much of a base of a plan rather than what instantly came to mind. Back on her rump, Comet had little time to gaze up with shocked, blue eyes before a body fell and collided with hers. Immediately her arms moved to shove the other off of her.

"Ugh.." she groaned in both annoyance and regret for not thinking things through like she usually would. How dumb could she be to do that to herself and to someone else (but mostly herself)? "That-that didn't work," a more than obvious comment. Pushing tussled strands of hair back, smoothing her clothing out; Comet moved back onto her feet and placed both hands atop her hips. "I didn't mean to pull you in, too. It was an accident and you're probably mad," some level of sympathy laced her tone but not enough to mean anything, most likely. She held out a hand for the blonde still on the ground. It was the least she could do, for now. Perhaps a little compensation would be in order. In the meantime that'd be in the form of companionship. "Any other plans?"

 

Zelrius strained just a bit to pull her up. Which was odd, considering the girl wasn't even heavy, he was just being, in all manners of the word, a pussy. He gave little effort to the pull; unable to find much motivation to give it much strength other than just pulling up slightly against gravity. For a moment though, It would appear as though that was working, as eh felt her lift and then slowly raise to his level. A grin spread on his face as his arms continued to pull, and his heels dug into the mud to pull her up. Now real effort was being put in and Zelrius couldn't explain why to be exact, given he sought no reward for such things. Maybe now he'd have to demand one for his effort from her.

As the girl was being lifted up ever so slightly, The golden haired man ran out of leverage room. This meant that he'd have to lift a foot and carefully take a step back. However, instead of doing so quicky and precisely, the nobleman had done it cautiously, and carefully. Though this was his first mistake, or perhaps second, for the day. As his heel prodded the soppy ground for a new place to sit upon, the other one would take no more; the shiftable mud being unable to hold both his weight and hers against it, and so the ground gave away and Zelrius found himself sliding across a dank, wet, slip-n-slide down into a hole.

So there the man ended up, for a moment over the girl, until he rolled over groaning slightly. The groans weren't in pain so much as annoyance. He closed his eyes and then quickly rolled to the side and then up, a recent thing he had learned to do rather than gripping things to lift himself. Though the game itself made this difficult to do. Perhaps more points in Mobility were in order. He had completely declined her offering of a hand and though she was completely right, ignored her words. His chin now caught in his between his fingers as he was lost in thought, completely ignoring the girl entirely and now thinking of a way out, saying only one thing in frustration. "Be a good girl, and just stay quiet for a second." Though he was angry, it was only contempt that laced his voice, unable to make much eye contact or say much to the girl.

 

Withdrawing her hand - a clench of the fist - Comet frowned before backing away from the blonde. She hardly ever had a taste of any sort of rude behavior, especially from men. The shock rendered her both confused and angered yet a face of composure quickly readjusted the less-than-lovely curling of her lips. Once dependent, hopeful blue eyes sharpened into ready weapons. Arms crossed over her chest in expectation though she turned from the blonde to hide an impending blush of embarrassment. She despised any form of being told what to do yet had no will to stop an innate compliance birthed and nurtured by emotionally distraught parents. Somehow they were able to wrap Violet around their finger, able to bend her will at anytime, without noticing how they'd tainted a soul full of potential. "Whatever..." Comet groaned to imply a disturbance within to replace the fact that she couldn't bring herself to fight back. This act of retaliation furthered as the pink-haired woman continued with, "I could be a "good girl" if you'd step up and do something productive, hero,". A good attitude and cooperation would've had Comet acting as if she were a completely different person. However, the blonde hadn't given her the slightest chance of such a situation. Instead it felt the two were internally battling one another.

She scanned the world above with the intent to get out as soon as possible. Far away from someone who she planned to never cross paths with again. He, for all she knew, had his head far up his ass despite first coming across as a typical savior of princesses and follower of justice and helping those in need. Admittedly the appearance fit as well. Filled to the brim with embarrassment after a few moments of thought Comet distracted herself with turning cards of possibilities in her mind. The blush passed away as did the rising temperature of her pale skin turned a pale pink. With another turn, she placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder - whatever he may have been doing - and demanded with as much authority to be mustered (not much), "Lift me up again," it was an idea that she had set her mind to and pictured as a perfect plan. "Be careful, cup your hands together, and I'll try to climb again. I'm getting out of here,". And away from you, she added mentally, before smiling with a feigned sincerity. Perhaps an uplifting smile would create a more comfortable atmosphere for the other. That, and she planned to assert control indirectly as possible to ease any looming tension. Control meant things would go her way. Things going her way meant she did something right. A temporary reason to feel good about herself before falling back into the ways of radical self-doubt. "We are getting out of here, I mean."

@Zelrius

 

Zelrius was a bit aggravated, sitting in the mud with his chin in his hand, clearly deep in thought and not really listening to a word she was saying for a moment. He missed the comment about hero, not really processing a word or aspect of the whole sentence, other than that she stopped talking at one point, which prompted him to respond with a fake "Right." Just as an idle response to give the illusion that he was listening. In all honesty, he cared little for anything she had to say right now, especially since, considering she didn't move a whole lot after saying that, she was clearly just trying to be snide and rude.

So thought on he did, past her comments and her own thoughts for a moment, not really sure what to do at this point. He wasn't going to message anyone, though he was sure there were probably a few contacts willing to help him. Maybe Blithe, that nice woman who had made the good food in that cave when they were north, and had fought with him against the frogs. No, she'd fuss about his character's attractiveness; something he always felt guilty of because it was obviously just that; an idealized character of himself. Something he looked far worse than in the real world. There was Blake, but he wasn't sure if that Felis even liked him particularly, or at all. In all honesty, he was sure she disliked him at the very minimum. Perhaps Magi, whose stats had proven quite useful, but she was just a girl, and god that's be embarassing to rely on a small child to come 'rescue' him. How about Vina? That sweet Vina had treated him with respect and kindness, even following their argument regarding sparing the frog. But last time he saw her was on the Island to the south, and it was unlikely she was even in the area at all.

So, that left no options for outside help. More he thought and ignored her, right past her ideas of being lifted up, just sitting in the mud, only awoken from his trance at the mention of "We're getting out of here." To which his response was "Eventually, yea." To which he looked up at her, looking like she had asked a question. He raised an eyebrow, standing and moving to the edge of the hole once more. Unknowningly taking on her plan and cupping his hands. "I have an idea, I will push you up, run and buy Rope from Dormont just a few miles southeast of here. Come back and lower it." And without any suspicion for her at all, he offered her plan back to her, despite not knowing that was her plan.

 

Smile whisked away, at the end of her rope, Comet ran both hands over her face in annoyance. She could pretend all day long if need be; that's an easy feat for someone who's been acting nearly her whole life. However hiding an annoyance ever-present in her tone of voice proved to be a difficult task. Often others mistook this certain voice as tiredness or impatience. As if the pink-haired woman's void of any emotion relating to negativity towards anyone or anything. Dropping her hands paved the way for suddenly giving up. Cooperation, friendliness, easing the tension; all attempts were futile thus she fell back as a follower in the situation. Clearly, the blonde had issues he needed to work out that lay beyond lacking politeness or any sort of social skills. "Wow. You're brilliant," she gasped and put a hand over her heart, closing the distance. "I would've never been able to think of that." thick sarcasm to lodge a hurtful knife as best she could though at this point the wound would probably go unseen and painless and altogether ignored.

Her mind wondered to why's and why me's. Anyone else would've been a better partner. Anything else would've been a better place to get stuck in. The mental exhaustion of dealing with someone who wouldn't listen nor cared to took a toll on Comet - so used to attention that a lack of it could kill. Mentioning buying rope for someone else. Greed knocked on her door. And when she answered? It knocked her upside the head. One of the villages nearby would be closer than Dormont and probably already supplied with ropes and people willing to assist the man she once saw fondly (even if only for a moment). A plan had been settled and, this time, wouldn't be hindered by - what she assumed was - arrogance. With a nod and the optimistic expression of a "good girl" she awaited the awkward moving around and lifting of her body. Going back to mud that thickly coated her skin far too easily and dried fast, with an uncomfortably wet texture, wasn't a pleasant thought. But the physical effort scaling the slippery wall overcame opposition of the mind.

Be it luck or fate she managed to bring a leg up and flip her body up over where the hole and ground meet. With tangled locks of hair sticking together by clumps of mud, stained attire, and dirtied skin once a silky moon to be envied; Comet's boots created a disgusting squelch with each step away from the trapped blonde and dreaded hole. "I'll be back... sometime! Probably." she waved goodbye, though he could not see, and sighed with relief on her way to send a message to a village she may pass while leisurely traveling as if without any worries. All that mattered now consisted of cleaning up and finding things to refill her Energy levels. Some half hour or so a dispatch team of NPC hunters eventually reach Zelrius' location. He'd be informed that Comet decided to be so kind and grab their attention regarding the old opening, no longer used, they'd failed to fill in before anyone encountered its depth.

--exit thread--