Private - A Toast

It was hard to believe, even a week after the event, that the girls had been part of the task team that had ultimately defeated the World Boss Titanius. The battle had been hard and arduous, even if Milah and Lycia had joined towards the end of it, and ultimately a large handful of player heroes had allowed themselves to become sacrifices in order to allow NPCs to safely make it out of the belly of the beast.

Milah found it hard to hide the disgust on her face whenever a non-NPC stepped through the open portal and away to safety, how could any of the players even think of doing such a thing when they ll knew they could just safely re-spawn and continue their adventures with nothing but a minor inconvenient hiccup on the way? Granted the girls hadn't had too may interactions with NPCs, but the few they had felt just as realistic as IRL people with their own wants, aspirations and needs.

Only a selfish person could have walked through that portal, damning an NPC to take the fall instead and forever ripping them away from TerraSphere and those they might hold dear.

What Milah hadn't expected though was the letter the twins received simultaneously into their inbox system. By now she was more adept with the UI and game controls, recognizing the soft but familiar chime that indicated a new notification. It was an invitation, from an Adaes Ngoss that neither girl recognized by name, but seemed to be one of the many NPCs that had escaped Titanius' stomach.

A gathering, huh? That's kinda nice.

The Felis hadn't expected anything for their sacrifice, aside from he new loot they had earned of course from the event, and so the letter had been a pleasant surprise to receive. The next two days were filled with their own ideas and thoughts as Amelia and Francine talked about the much awaited gathering through their RL responsibilities.

Finally the much awaited for afternoon had arrived, the twins login into the game earlier than the scheduled time--after all, if @Lycia was to be believed, princesses could absolutely not be late!--and soon enough they stood at the entrance of the large white house marked in their map. Already there were loud and cheerful noises coming from inside--Milah was certain her sister would be absolutely thrilled about it all--and no soon her knuckles struck the door a few times a large man was ushering the girls inside with a smile to join other players and NPCs alike.

They would not take no for an answer, and as such today would be a day for feasting and celebrating before later going to the priest for... whatever it was that they had to go to the priest to?

 

Dull, mind-numbing normalcy followed the epic clash between the players and the man-eating beast. The facade of Shangri La withered as she was forced to face grueling back-to-back work shifts. Grinding to pay the bills was certainly better than the teeth grinder she had been forcibly dragged into, a feeling which still triggered when seeing food processors, but could be just as taxing. Mentally, Sunny was drained and longed to see how her virtual paradise was holding up after the ravenous dissonance sought to disrupt the peace.

However, outside of Terrasphere, Sunny had responsibilities. She couldn't let a game interfere with her needs in reality. That being said, it was hard to stop her mind from wandering off to the raid on the world boss, especially when the circumstances of her "death" still hounded her. A silent regret grasped at her heart made worse by the fact that she hadn't a single soul to express it to. Not that she wanted to admit her stumble.

But the longer it festered, the longer it remained unresolved, the harder it was to shove it into the back of her mind. When she was finally able to log into Terrasphere, nearly a week or so after the event, the message that fast across her screen only made it feel all the more guilty. A character by the name of Adaes Ngoss had written to her.

A sense of adoration could be felt in his words and a request was made that she, along with the rest that stayed behind, attended a small gathering. In that moment she felt like a fraud. Would they still view her as a hero if they knew how utterly scared she had been leading up to her death? That, despite knowing she would be revived, she nearly took the cowards path? Before accepting her death she had been looking for another way to escape. Yes, she had helped someone escape to the portal but moments later the urge to survive nearly caused her to shove them out of the way.

Her actions were unworthy of anything they were planning. Maybe this party was a way to appease for her moments of doubt.

Didn't the letter say it was only going to be a small gathering? Shangri La looked at the large white house, unsure if she should enter. Conflicting thoughts battled in her head as she checked the letter again. Well, this was the right address. A greedy, selfish part of her knew she needed to make amends not for them but for herself. Like a defeated puppy, she walked in with her head hung low.

Instead a joyous jubilee was full swing despite the sun being high in the sky. Faces from the battle jumped out at Shangri La and, for a moment, she began to relax. They made it. Even better was the fact that they appeared to be surrounded by family. Young kids were running around as merry lovers danced to music.

She was about to try to sneak through without being noticed when a man's booming voice interrupted the party. A portly man, soon introducing him as the Adaes Ngoss whom sent the letter, impressively managed to silence the rambunctious crowd. Before Shangri La had a chance to breathe, much less speak her worries, she was ushered to a seat at the table along with the rest of the players.

Shangri La didn't get much of a chance to glance at the fellow players who had been invited before being mobbed by small children. The loud, noisy children pulled at her hair and asked thoughts of questions about the battle. They were so freaking.. adorable! Elderly sister and maternal instincts kicked in as she cooed at the children.

I'll be sure to tell you all about the battle after dinner, but only good little girls and boys that behave during dinner will get to hear my stories. If I hear that you were causing troubles for your parents..

The idea of missing out on story time was terrible for most of the children who quickly ran off to their previously exasperated parents. They shot Shangri La an appreciative "thank you" look as Andraes began to continue. Some time during the invasion of the children she had received a drink. Mimicking the others, she raised her glass in a silent toast.

The master of the house's somber toast caused Shangri La's heart to twist into knots. His speech was a grim reminder that to these people this world was not virtual: it was very much real. Those who died would never open their eyes again. Before her own death, a meaningless death, she had been worried about the process yet so many gave up their lives without a second thought.

When the conversation turned to the players, the "brave heroes, Shangri La wanted to hide in her seat. When she heard that they had pooled all of their funds to cure them of their death affiliations she wanted to run. How was she to tell them that she was naught but a fraud? The longer it went on, thought, the worse the situation became.

Through the loud noise she tried to usher over Adraes Ngoss [ @Raid Master ],

P-Please, sir. I do not deserve these things. In the final moments I was terrified.. I nearly took the portal because of my cowardice. I'm not the brave hero you paint me to be. Despite having multiple lives I still selfishly feared about my survival..

She was worried about what her fellow players might think. Having been too consumed by her fear, she did not know whether or not they experienced the same desperation as she did. In the end she had accepted her fate, like these players did, but she was worried they would now shun her for her indecision.

 

It had been a crazy last couple of weeks for Alric. In the span of about a month he had gone on a mission to retake northern Astorea from the Bandit King, was promoted into a baron thanks to the work he had done for Duke Rutledge’s duchy, fought a ghost pirate, and helped save the entire world from being eaten by an ancient Eldritch horror. It should have gone without saying that the man was mentally and physically wiped once it was all over. Having been one of the few players to survive the battle to the end, he was faced with a choice he wouldn't hesitate to make again. For him this was after all just a game; he'd be able to stop playing if things went too far. The NPCs didn't have that luxury. This was their world and the monsters that threatened it were real. With that in mind, leaving one of them behind would have been like an actual death sentence.

Thankfully the Wight Knight's sacrifice hadn't gone unnoticed. Now that Titanius had been dealt with it seemed things would be slowing down considerably around the known world and the NPCs who were protected that day were kind enough to throw a party in honor of the players. It was just the sort of event he needed right about now, so of course once the letter was in his possession he made the trek to Finweald.

---

This was awesome! After hearing Adaes Ngoss speak Alric was convinced he was the luckiest player in the game. Twice he had died and both times his soul sickness was cured due to the kindness of those he worked so hard to save. On top of that they were calling him a hero! It felt like a dream. If it was one, he wasn't interested in waking up any time soon. The only thing putting a damper on the mood was the woman (@Shangri La) in the seat beside him. After overhearing her pessimistic views of the path they shared, he joined the conversation.

Hey, Debbie Downer, don't just brush off what these people are trying to do for you now. We all would have gone through the portal if we could have, cause I don't think anyone wanted to die. The fact of the matter is even though might have been scared you stayed behind anyway, and because of that someone else gets to be here with us today. Never forget that. If what you did wasn't brave then I don't know what is.

 

Shangri La wasn't sure what had come over her. In real life, she was a steadfast rock that turned her head to others thoughts and opinions. Worrying about what other people thought about her was not her nature. But in Terrasphere it was different. In a dream-like reality where she allowed her caged imagination to be free and run rampant, she discovered aspects of her she would have rather stayed locked in the abscess of her mind.

When @Alric Stalwart spoke to her she, at first, could only look down at her drink. She hadn't meant to be a Debbie Downer. The thoughts that had been eating her away for more than a week had to be expressed. These pessimistic, unrealistic manifestations of what happened that day which continued to gnaw away at a weakness she never even knew she had.

She struggled to find the words to respond, to argue that she wasn't like him. Her mouth immediately sealed itself shut when Adaes acknowledged her presence. Shangri La tensed, expecting the worst that never came. His words, along with the player's, helped finally silence the dreadful static inside her head.

You're right.. both of you. Thank you.

Her words were barely audible as she nodded to herself. A newfound resolve began to form albeit not yet noticeable to the girl. The time for dwelling was over. While Shangri La still disagreed with the use of the term martyr as some was calling her (after all, that was reserved for those who truly gave their lives) she would not let her mood ruin the party any longer. They were here to celebrate the heroes of the way: that included the ones who gave their lives. That was something Shangri La could drink to.

She could especially drink when it came to a contest.

Her father, her mother.. Hell, her whole family was a lot full of heavy drinkers. Like hell she was going to let them down today. Grabbing mug of ale to rival that of Adaes' she scooted over to the fellows' table,

I can't let you guys have all the fun. Sign me up.

Unlike before a mischevious, knowing look twinkled in her purple hued eyes. In the back of her mind voices still whispered insecurities but she silenced them.

I will drink to the fallen.. and to beat both of your asses.

A daring look crossed her face, challenging all those who joined the contest.

@Raid Master ​

 

Black bags and blue veins remained prominent on pale skin as Comet traveled to the edges of Adecus Forest. She'd hardly used the map along the way. Every bit of Astorea - now saved due to Titanius' defeat - felt familiar underneath her thick, leather boots. Unrest still loomed over her. Even after dealing with such darkness, assured it was gone, and witnessing defeat within the core to be absolutely sure of the situation; the pink-haired woman felt strained from the inside out. As Violet, stress had her at rest from any sort of work while looking so sickly. Her parents ordered it. As Comet, she felt more herself than ever but couldn't deny how much the game had taken out of her. So much energy exhausted on a mission incomplete until the ultimate sacrifice. Yet to her more felt sacrificed than just focus or arrows or time.

Further and further the young woman's soul cracked. More of who she happened to be on the inside poured out. It created confusion. Disgust. Comet folded in until everything became concealed. She was different now. But most likely it'd be that no one would notice since she'd always been a creation of practice and fake reactions and a lifetime of training pulled together to create the perfect barbie doll. This is what she relied on before entering the large white house. Emerald eyes settled on the beauty of her surroundings. No darkness to plague innocent people or to corrupt strong heroes. She sighed, feeling safe, and then allowed herself to enter. Immediately she noticed how little people resided inside the home. This gave breathing room, and provided comfort to the pink-haired woman who shuffled closer to a familiar face within.

Arriving in time to hear an announcement - a game she decided to partake in - she took it upon herself to grab a mug for drinking. It'd be all for fun. Harmless fun, she told herself. And though on the inside pain consumed her heart she couldn't help but join in for that would be the polite thing to do while among others. Not to mention she was able to maintain pieces of her normal self. A young woman that would enjoy drinking without the same fears that would present themselves in the real world.

"I'd prefer it if you'd beat me in the game instead of going for my ass so soon. We barely know each other." she winked playfully in @Shangri La's direction before settling in a chair. "I'm willing to try this out to see if I win." Comet's inner competitiveness concealed itself behind a mask of innocence. She wouldn't want to feel shame if the challenge was lost, after all. Though before anything began she would prompt @Alric Stalwart to join in on the entertainment.

Thrown die:

29

+0 constitution​

 

Purple eyes did not shy away from Adaes' steady gaze. She refused to back down from the hardened veteran's challenging, piercing look. While he may be older and seasoned, she had youth on her side. Although that might also be a curse. Her stomach wasn't nearly as robust and accustomed to chugging from large wooden mugs of ale.

Genetics and practice could help dictate how much she could drink before she felt buzzed or drunk but that did not mean it helped her in a contest. To be honest, her family had very few of those. In the back of her mind she wondered if it was a mistake to challenge the others, especially Adaes Ngoss, but her stubbornness refused to allow this acknowledge to be brought to the forefront of her consciousness.

As barmaids were ushered to help "properly conduct their drinking business", another woman joined in. From her appearance Shangri La assumed she was a player but, honestly, this game made it remarkably hard to differentiate between those from from "her world" and "this world". Either way, @Comet's words made her chuckle. She responded with a playful smile,

Hm, I'll think about it.

Her attention flickered between Comet, @Alric Stalwart, and Adaes Ngoss as people gathered around the table. Shit. Now she really had to win in order to back up her words. Perhaps she shouldn't have entered this match with such confidence. But then what fun would that have been?

With a hand on the hefty mug she waited and steeled herself for the head of the house's signal. "Get set.. go!"

Thrown die:

63

+0 constitution

@Raid Master ​

 

With that out of the way the party had taken on a much lighter tone as the NPC man beckoned for tall mugs to be brought out for his ensuing challenge. Alric had never been too fond of alcohol, not even in this world, but given the occasion and with his own pride on the line he was willing to make an exception this time around. The rule of the game was simple enough too; the first one to finish their drink would win. Adaes wasted no time chugging his down with Comet soon coming over to join in as well followed by the woman he spoke with earlier.

For a moment his mind flashed back to a few months prior at the Dark Harvest Faire where a similar game had been played. Although he hadn't participated himself he had heard all about it. In a way this was like a second chance to join all the fun that was had back then.

After taking a deep breath and a lingering feeling of uncertainty over whether he could actually win present, he brought the mug to his lips and began to down its contents.

Thrown die:

17

+0 constitution​