Private - Candle on the Water

She loved the snow. Really, that was all there was to it. Even in Terrasphere, Magdalyn found immense pleasure in simply watching it fall, tiny shards of light and sparkle, drifting lazily through the frigid air. Despite the chill, she was cozy in the tavern, tucked in the corner by the hearth. Even the flames themselves seemed to recognize the slow pace of the early morning, crackling low and pleasant, rather than roaring as they often did. The room was empty, save for herself, the barkeep, and a single patron at the bar. The two men spoke in hushed tones, leaning across the bar to keep their discussion private. That was fine by her, considering she preferred the quiet.

Just as Magdalyn had always been a fan of winter, she had also been a morning person. There was something liberating about being present for the sun's ascent, and she enjoyed having a few hours to herself before life's demands came crashing back. Even in Terra, a place she had hoped to make friends and be social, she wanted her few hours of "me time." That particular morning, she took them in the corner of the tranquil tavern, her bare hands wrapped around a steaming mug, watching the snow fall through the frosted window.

That peace was shattered with such sudden force that Magdalyn flinched, nearly sending her hot cider sloshing over the rim.

"It's been a week!" The man at the bar announced, apparently no longer able to control his mounting temper. "A few days, I might understand, given the storm. But a week?"

The barkeep, a middle-aged man with a pleasant face and round belly, glanced timidly toward Magdalyn. Then, his own voice still low, whispered something she could not make out.

His companion, it seemed, did not take the hint. "Sailors depend on them," he insisted. "Good men, who just want to get home safely. If they cannot keep the light lit, why are they even there? Is that not their single responsibility? An entire family, for gods' sake, so any of them could light the damn thing."

This time, when the man fell silent, he noticed the barkeep's eyes remained on the far corner of the room. He swiveled atop his bar stool, heavy boots thudding dully on the worn wooden floor as he finally found his feet. Tall, was all Magdalyn could think, as his steely gaze bore into her.

"Do you have a problem?" he demanded, obviously still riding the hot waves of anger, oblivious to proper manners.

No, but you appear to have one, Magdalyn mused. But instead, she simply shook her head. "No, Sir. I apologize for staring. I just saw noticed that you were distressed, and I was curious if I might be able to help."

He glared for a full twenty seconds longer, and the woman worried she might have said the wrong thing. What a pitiful death this would be - slaughtered in a tavern at six in the morning, wearing nothing but her comfy vanity sweats. Then, finally, "there's a lighthouse about a day's ride from here. Ships cannot navigate the channel without it, especially in this weather. And it hasn't been lit in a full week now."

Magdalyn frowned. "No one has gone up there to check?"

The man shook his head, then scratched absently at his thick beard. "Can't spare the men. This is a working town, you know. But if you went up there, took a look around, we might have a better idea of what to do about all of this."

@Comet

 

Skin as smooth and white as milk - temperature comparable to the snow falling outside, only to create the squelching sound of wet leather - shivered with unease towards current conditions. For such a scantily clad woman the gentle breeze managed to sneak beneath her attire and pierce through to bite the bone. Without much meat to spare with the lithe body of a model, and without proper clothing for the approaching weather, Comet regretted a futile attempt to hunt down and study Grass Knolls of the Pormont region. Instead she'd been caught in a steady downpour that soon turned into heaps of snow piled, in small bits and pieces, onto her long pink locks and thick eyelashes. No childish urge to stick out the tongue or scoop up snow for the non-existent taste had the chance to make way for her heart (as per usual during the Christmas-y season). Right now self-preservation happened to be in mind; greed's hands tightly grasping at a mind focused on finding a source of warmth as soon as possible.

A light caught by attentive eyes sent Comet rushing to enter the closest tavern. Hardly if ever traveling to or in Pormont, attention far more on Astorea or Dunnstads, Comet pouted in defeat without an imagined map to quickly obtain information on the location of this particular building. Thus she'd been lost for quite in the cold before stumbling upon her newfound savior. Inside the tavern a pretty, familiar face stood beneath a strange, taller man. Settling on a darker spot in the corner, arms crossed, she waited with admirable patience despite being a shivering mess who craved a cup of warm liquid-anything. @Magdalyn certainly wasn't seeking a quarrel and fortunately the intimidating man turned out not to desire such a thing, either. This realization turned into a sigh of relief. Once the two ended the short-lived encounter Comet approached Mags and waved; forced, sudden politeness coating her gestures as she'd been eavesdropping and didn't want to seem too rude. "Nice to see you, Mags. We always end up meeting somehow," she put a hand up to her mouth to cover up a pleased grin. It was a bit embarrassing to show such joy for meeting up with a friend, though the tone lacing Comet's voice gave her feelings away. "I heard about the lighthouse. You should have someone to go with... if you were planning to," for a moment the young woman paused before moving her hand back down to reveal her blue-flushed, slightly curled lips. "Although you don't look dressed for the part I wouldn't want you to have some kind of fun adventure without me. We're a good team."

 

She was lost in thought, her mind already traveling ahead to the lighthouse. What sort of surprise did the game have in store for her, and how could she possibly know what to expect? Regardless, the unknowns only piqued her interest further. Besides, Magdalyn had never been one to turn her back on someone in need, even when that person was constructed entirely of data. And she did have a certain fondness for lighthouses.

As such, she had completely missed the newcomer's entrance. It was only when the woman spoke, her familiar voice cutting through Mags' musings, that the blue-haired player turned to her. At the sight of Comet, her cheeks flushed, her long, lanky frame bundled against the cold, Magdalyn grinned.

"Well hi there," came her return greeting. "It's great to see you too, Comet." Though others might have been offended by the eavesdropping, Mags gave no indication that she felt that way. Rather, she was simply excited to see the girl after weeks of being apart.

Pausing to glance toward the NPC, Mags explained, "She's a friend of mine." The man's shoulders rose and fell beneath his heavy coat, a shrug that indicated he did not particularly care one way or another. But Magdalyn felt it only proper to include him in the discussion. Then, smiling devilishly, she added, "And she'll be escorting me out to check on that lighthouse of yours."

At Comet's mention of her attire, her own cheeks warmed a bit. "Hey," she countered, "these are super warm. They don't call 'em sweats for nothing." But she was already moving away from the bar, putting some distance between herself and the NPCs before she queued up her inventory. "So," she began, not glancing up as she scrolled through her meager supply of outfits, "do you know anything about this lighthouse?"

@Comet

 

Comet stuck to Magdalyn's side, satisfied that her teasing proved effective, but their cheeks were similar colors when realization hit that she had little to no information on Pormont. It'd been the area she hardly ever visited or scoped out in comparison to the rest of the locations that the virtual world provided. Thus the lighthouse wasn't a point of interest that the pink-haired woman could easily lead her friend to much like she did with others. Often more times than not her mind with astonishing ability aided in guiding rather than following, Comet's least favorite form of submission. An adrenaline rush always came to the young woman when any sort of position higher than others - even if this wasn't exactly noticed by anyone but herself - could be thrust into her arms or taken by greedy hands. Her friend's acceptance had been enough to calm any anxieties felt towards suddenly accepting a random "adventure" or so that's what she'd called it. However, not knowing Pormont better than the lines etched onto her palm or back of a frail hand left an unease that'd settled comfortably in her gut.

"Sweats could only look good on you, I bet, they fit well," she shrugged, blue eyes shifting elsewhere, pushing the talk of attire aside to ponder what she could possibly grab and pull from her mind that wouldn't be completely useless. "I've actually... I haven't been to Pormont. I mean I'm here now but the rain stopped me from mapping information. You can trust me to be pretty decent at scouting, though, it's sorta in my forte." she attempted to show off some sort of skill as to not disappoint herself or Mags. The words were hardly lies though so falling on them would be fairly easy for Comet who could track and hunt and think as if the complex competences were no one's business. "Where should we start and what have I gotten myself into?" pink lips pulled into a smirk, as if Comet was having fun already.

 

“We’ll start in the barn,” she replied, allowing a grin to split her flushed face. If the woman had her way, that would be where all things started. It was her favorite place in the world, she reflected as she walked there. The snow was really piling up, and it took some effort for her to even swing the inn’s door open. The wet, heavy blanket of white made pleasant creaking noises as she compacted it beneath her boots. The wind was cold as it swirled fine crystals of ice around her feet, but not unbearable. And besides, everything seemed just a little more beautiful in the deep-freeze of winter.

She continued to speak, glancing over her shoulder at the pink-haired woman who trailed close behind. “I’ve got Altivo with me. I’ve ridden double with him before, and it went okay. I think going by horse will be a lot easier, especially in this weather.” She slowed, pausing in thought, before adding, “Unless you don’t want to ride. We can always walk, too.”

Magdalyn often forgot that not everyone shared her passion for horses. On the contrary, there were some who despised them, or were simply terrified of their size and power. She, on the other hand, held only respect and admiration for the creatures. While she knew they were as unpredictable as a storm, and often just as dangerous, she put her faith and trust in the horses she rode. More often than not, her mount returned the favor.

Even before Comet answered, Mags slipped through the barn’s large, swinging doors. The warmth was the first thing that met her, a heat from the massive bodies that occupied the handful of stalls, and reprieve from the wind. The next thing, the best thing, was the smell. Dust, hay, leather, sweat, all mingled together in an aroma that could only be described as home. Magdalyn breathed deeply, filling her lungs with the same desperation as a smoker with her first cigarette of the day. The smile that curled her lips, and softened her eyes, showed the same relief that smoker would have felt. Yes, this was absolutely her favorite place.

“So,” she began, turning to face her friend. “By foot, or by horse?”

 

The thought of riding would usually cause Comet to scrunch her nose up in disgust. Animals weren't necessarily her things seeing as a restrictive husband forbid them, and throughout a wealthy upbringing she never had to actually care for them. Cats and dogs and adorable bunny rabbits were trinkets to carry in miniature bags or to show off or to earn the title of responsibility from one's parents. Farm animals living in a smelly barn? Though the idea turned Violet off, Comet decided to be more open minded to the method of transportation. Mags was most important after all. If her friend loved horse they couldn't be so bad, right? That, and they'd have a chance to truly connect. Playing pretend - even if that meant slightly lying about preference - came easy to the pink-haired woman of devious descent who had many trick up her sleeve.

With a hand to her nose, pretending to be sniffling due to the heavy conditions of cold weather, Comet smiled as Mags admired the barn and it's... whatever she saw. "Horse, of course," she nodded eagerly as is excited to get the chance to ride one. Really, she wanted to be close to Mags and convinced herself that as Comet in Terrasphere more risks needed to be taken. Plus, pleasing her friend would bring a lot of satisfaction to bring warmth for the rest of a snowy night. "If you'll help me up that is. I'm more of a damsel in distress type, yknow, riding in the back to look pretty and all that." nervously chucking she edged towards the animals and Mags, slightly reluctant to place a hand on the big creature despite her towering height giving the advantage, all the while radiating excitement rather than anxiousness. Confidence rather than self-doubt.

 

For some reason, the concept of Comet being a damsel in distress drew a grin from the other woman. Magdalyn shook her head, sending her wind-tangled blue hair slipping over one shoulder. “Honestly,” she began, moving to gather Altivo’s tack from its place in the corner, “I have a hard time picturing you as a damsel in distress.” The first time Mags had met Comet, they had been grouped together in a special mission. Stealth and strategy had been required of them, and the rosy-haired woman had had each in abundance. Though Comet had been somewhat stand-offish at the time, Mags had still been awe-struck by the woman’s presence. At the time, Magdalyn had been only been a new player herself, and something about the way that Comet had handled herself had inspired her, motivated her to do better, and be better. Could Magdalyn imagine the girl dolled up like a princess, being rescued from a tall tower, only to be perched, side-saddle, on some knight’s noble steed? No, not easily. And the visual was quite funny.

With a movement that came as naturally as breathing, Magdalyn slung the bridle over the western saddle’s horn. She then propped the entire ensemble, pad included, against her hip. “But if you’d like,” she continued, casting her friend a devilish smile, “you’re welcome to ride up front.” Then she laughed. “But all you’ll be doing is blocking the wind for me.”

As if in answer, the wind howled, rattling the windows, and setting the timber beams to groaning. Mags relished in the warmth of Altivo’s stall as she slipped inside it. It was carpeted with thick, golden straw, and heat always had a way of rolling off the big, powerful horse. Magdalyn felt it as she pressed close, and began to tack the white stallion. He gave an annoyed snort, his ears lacing back to his skull, his thick tail swishing back and forth. Though Altivo was far larger, his mannerisms had always reminded Mags of a peeved cat. Better to keep Comet a few steps away, in case he falls back on his bad habit of biting.

Moving with quick efficiency, Mags finished preparing her mount, and then led him into the barn’s center aisle. “I can open the door from up here,” she explained to Comet, “so we’ll mount where it’s warm.” She did so, with the grace and precision of a dancer, before settling back in the saddle’s deep seat. Then, she extended a hand to Comet. “Just throw a leg over, and tuck yourself right against the cantle. That’s this hard part, right here.” With her other hand, she thumped her knuckles against the hard roll at the back of the saddle. “It’s easy, I promise.”

 

The comment - a bit of a compliment, even - made the pink-haired woman stand a little taller. She decided that albeit looking and seeming the part that didn't make her some helpless princess. How Mags saw her changed a once unchanging perspective. A faint blush dusted her cheeks, but she glowed with confidence from there on. Real confidence. Not that pretend demeanor practiced over and over again from a young age. Getting on a horse, she decided, wouldn't be as tough nor scary as originally thought. Especially when her friend remained as support. No more excuses as to why she should attempt traveling on an animal were made. They needed to get a move on for their adventure to begin, anyways. Not that she would mind spending more personal time alone with Mags in such an isolated place.

"Oh, thank you... I guess we're both not really like that. More of a man than any men have been their whole life," she chuckled, watching Mags move about to prepare them for the ride. She wondered how long it'd take, and what would lead them on to the next part of an expected journey. Quests never were particularly short, naturally. A lot of footwork was often put into them. "Definitely not," Comet gestured for her friend to take the front with a wave of the hands. Her intentions certainly weren't to take any sort of lead despite feeling a surge of courage moments ago. "I'll stay in the back and suffer from having your hair in my face instead. Sounds like a good deal to me." a smirk curled thick, pink lips upwards. Unfavorable conditions would effect the both of them no matter where they went. It seemed only fair to point out the cons of any spot.

How quickly Mags worked, and all the knowledge she held to do so, impressed the pink-haired woman who slightly envied what her friend could be capable of. The unique skills of others always bothered her to a small extent for the fact that being the best in everything at all times had been implanted in her brain for so long. "I appreciate it," she replied in regards to mounting in warmth rather than the almost unbearably annoying cold. Though the statement became one she was unsure of in the moment. Mounting seemed tedious and hard and embarrassing to mess up. Yet, with furrowed brows and all the strength she could muster Comet had been able to - awkwardly, with multiple grunts of frustration paired with slipping off - settle herself behind Mags after a few moments. And once in position she tightened her legs around the animal as much as possible with gripping her friend's waist as if afraid. Maybe she was, but more tension due to unfamiliarity seemed prominent versus actual fear of riding.

"Let's get a move on." she requested, swallowing thick saliva. Emerald eyes stared straight ahead past Mags' shoulders and nowhere else.

@Magdalyn