Mari

---------------------- 2 Hours Prior ---------------------- "W-what did you DO to me!?" Screamed the brunette as she stared at her arm, now covered in flames. "I Uh...Yeh I told you not to attack me because of my Flame Aura- are you okay?" Mari asked, glancing over at her adversaries HP - it had just dipped into the yellow. Mari had not attacked her, not once - but the other player, who called herself a Maverick Hunter hadn't given up. Even after Mari thought she was safe, the brunette had sprung out of seemingly nowhere to attack again. "I don't really have any health potions on me but I gotta teleporta-" "OH like you give a damn!" She spat as she aimed the red, bladed pole-arm at Mari. "I know who you are! You think you can just lull me into a false sense of security? IF you were really trying to redeem yourself wouldn't you just let me kill you." Mari winced then shook her head. "N-no. That...would have been the case a few months ago, but - a wise person told me that If I were to die here - that it'd only spit in the faces of those lives lost." She rubbed her arm, she had thought she was used to the hate and vitterol by now - but every time she was met with something like this. It still hurt. Still - all she had to do was close her eyes and think of the words Baldur told her - or her friendship with Macradon. At least one person would be sad to see her go. "Oh yeh? Then why haven't you even bothered to take the Redemption quest yet?" She sneered. Mari shook her head slowly. "Because I don't deserve it right now - tell me, if you saw me with a green crystal - wandering around a town - would that make you feel any better? Wouldn't it be better if I truly, really truly earned it - rather than just taking the quest out of convenience?" The hunter's grip on her weapon loosened, and Mari could see it reflected in her green eyes - the question caught her off guard. She opened her mouth as if she were going to say something, but then it clamped shut and instead she charged at Mari... ---------------------- Present ---------------------- "Dammit..." Mari said as she covered her eyes with her hands. How could she have been so lax? So stupid. She had been too complacent lately, hadn't she? Mari sighed as she finally managed to shake the young Polearm who was chasing her down - "Phew..." She couldn't remember the last time she had been hunted like that - sure...she had been attacked recently on the first floor by that mob of players, and hell even Hidden had shanked her. But that girl? She was relentless and if Mari hadn't shaken her she would have feared for her life. Mari pressed her back to a tree and slid down it till her butt touched the cold, wet snow. She inhalled slowly then exhaled as she sprawled her legs out in front of her. "Just give me a moment of peace, goddamn." @Oikawa

"Uh...Mac..." Mari said as she looked at the notification that had popped up in front of her. "I think I just leveled up from all that fishing - that's put me at err...level 62, and look." Mari waved Macradon forward so he could see the progress bar, sitting at a neat 90% full. "I didn't realize stuff like this helped you level up, if I had known that I'd have gotten the fishing skill ages ago." Mari began affixing her lure to the end of her line, strengthening it. "Did you know I used to go fishing here and there? It was a nice sorta family outing - we'd take trips out on the boats. Laugh at the tourists who paid top dollar for their 'Dolphin Cruises' when the dolphins, they'd follow our fishing boats - because they know they'd get food from it. I've been able to pat them so many times. Those suckers never woulda been able to get that close." Mari snorted at the memory as she cast out her line. "And yeh... for the record - I'm...really happy to have met you too Macradon. I don't think I'd have gotten nearly as far without your companionship. It's helped me feel human again. Makes me feel like things are possible again. And hey, maybe it'll convince me to message a certain someone one day." Mari said with a wink as she reeled in her line, plucking a few eggs from it. @Macradon ID:139711 CD:5 LD:5 ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 2 Eggies 1 x T3 Material

Mari was fiddling with the chest but stopped to try and stifle a laugh, instead she snorted and slapped the top of the chest. "Ahaha, yeh. Careful you're gonna grow an extra set of teeth and everythin." She said as she wagged a finger in his direction. Mari listened quietly to his dilemma. "Mmm...who is this MIA person? Why not just kick them out? Is there some sort of inactivity issue? I know in the past when I had my guild they could be booted from it due to inactivity." She was still fiddling with the chest. "Yeh...I remember where your shop is..." She had to stop when he mentioend Bahr. Bahr...he probably still hated her. "Hey..." Mari said quietly. "Do... you ever worry that being friends with me will put a strain on your other friendships? Cause... I really worry about that - I keep thinking about how Bahr reacted to me, then to you helping me. I don't..." She ran a hand over the chest. "I don't want to - get in the way." Click The chest opened. It wasn't really a bad haul, some materials, a weapon, and consumables. Mari placed each of them away. Before looking up at Macradon. "Y-You're right - I don't want to venture to safe zones when I'm orange. It's...sorta unfair to the people there. Right? I mean you saw how Bahr acted. Imagine others, who aren't strong enough to hold their own. Imagine the fear I'd bring, just from walking into a town like that." Mari shook her head. "I...I'm sorry Mac, I couldn't do that to those people." @Macradon OPENING CHEST ID:139998 LD: 13 (Floor * 100) Col, (5) materials, rare weapon, (2) rare consumables TREASURE CHEST ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 30 Eggies 12 x T3 Material 2,100 Col 1 x T3 Rare Weapon [139998] 2 x Rare Consumable [13998],[13998-1]

Mari inwardly flinched, she probably sounded cold, right? That's nice Who just says 'That's nice' to someone who is sincerely trying to reach out to you? Mari picked at her nails as she chewed her bottom lip. "I mean..." She turned back to him, trying to find the right way to tell him. "I appreciate it. It's nice hearing that."She hoped that those words would have sufficed for now. Her demeanor perked up when he mentioned Baldur. "Ah. Actually." Mari pushed her cup out of the way as she leaned forward on the surface of the Kotatsu. "I keep in contact with Baldur, if you'd like - I can ask his permission if it's okay to set something up between you two, if you're worried- I'll come along." She gave Oikawa a faint smile as she picked up his now empty cup, eyes focused on the wave pattern. "He...." Her tone shifted, it was warm, reminiscent, as though she were talking about a long time friend or childhood sweetheart. "I owe him a great deal - he's really amazing. So I doubt you'd need me there, he is a man who believes in redemption." Mari set the cup down next to the other - to the side and out of the way. "You shouldn't take that Redemption quest. Not right now." Mari said perhaps a little too plainly. "If you took it now; then have you truly earned it? Did you truly repent? I think...others would respect you more if your current actions lead to that more naturally. They'd be more accepting, at least - that's what I think. I know many dislike the quest- because its too easy to just take it and wash away the colours of our cursors. But even those people can't deny irrefutable facts. They may never understand, but you have someone who does. At least a little" Mari said as she pointed to herself. "The 21st floor is quite high up, I'll have to keep that in mind though; I'll need to make the long trek up there when its time to do the boss fight. A halfway house would be nice." Mari noted that Oikawa was almost falling asleep, she'd have let him if he had - unsure if he even had a decent nights rest - he looked like he'd been wandering around the wilderness for weeks. He asked if she was tired and Mari rose her shoulders in a shrug. "Honestly, I always am." It was hard, constantly fighting her own inner demons, presenting herself in a friendly manner... shouldering everything, and doing her best to keep her problems from her newfound friends, lest she loose them. Oikawa shifted, and Mari was expecting him to get up, instead he leaned over, wrapping taught dark arms loosely around Mari's shoulders. "Wha-bah-g?" Sounds of confusion escaped her muffled mouth as he squeezed. Tendrils of onyx hair tickled her nose and she wrinkled it. When...when was the last time someone had hugged her? Willingly hugged her? Oikawa smelt like fire. More so...like the burning embers of a fire, of wood and earth. A smell that tickled her nostrils. She lowered her forehead to rest onto his shoulder. "It's...a nice smell...." She whispered. The last time someone hugged her... That probably would have been Alkor; back when he had tried to comfort her, course - he hadn't felt anything then - and she knew that her touch unnerved him. Mari drew a sharp breath trying to hold it together in that moment. This wasn't like back then, this wasn't the same thing. Mari didn't know how to respond, she rose a hesitant hand to gently pat him once on his shoulder before he let go. Offering to repay her at some point. A part of her missed the warmth as it left her upper body, but she was also relieved. She hadn't known what to do with something like that. Mari slowly stood, her legs feeling heavy and dull. "Y-you're more than welcome here any time." She said to him. Mari knew he was fixing to leave. SHe shifted her gaze to her own fireplace, currently out - already it reminded her of him. She wondered if he spent lots of time by his own warm fire. "Stay safe, Oikawa." Mari said as she drew her eyes back to him. Her hands absently tugging on her hair. @Oikawa

It wasn't a lie Mari was taking a break from fishing; chewing on a pizza roll absently, it was the last one she had - and she had been saving it for some sort of hunting adventure... so why not now? Besides, with Cordelia and Oscar, Mari was sure she wouldn't be short of food any time soon. Her time with Shield had been overall, pleasant. It was nice to be able to talk to someone closer to her own age - who matched her wit and who was just as fine with the small silences that Mari cherished. Ding "Huh..." Mari sat up from her leisurely position against a large rock. Dusting the pastry flakes off her hands. Who could possibly be..."Oh..It wasn't a lie!?." There was no doubt that Shield would have laughed if he saw the look that had fallen over her face. To: Mari From: Baldur Sure, I'm just grabbing a quick bite to eat. I'll be there soon. Mari coughed. Beating her chest a couple times to dislodge the dry, flaky pastry from her throat. "S-So uhh... Baldur's coming." Mari said as she shifted her gaze to Shield. He gave her a wry grin, rising his shoulder in a shrug. "Hang on, hang on..." Mari said as she hastily wrote a reply. It'd probably help if she told him their location. Neither one of them had moved all that much since they met. It was a well lit spot, safe from spawns, and provided each of them copious amounts of chocolate eggs. To: Baldur From: Mari I'm with Shield by the waterfall on the 21st Floor. Take your time. "There." Mari said with a sense of finality. "I suppose we should get back to it, those dungeon maps won't pay for themselves. Right?" She offered Shield a grin as she strolled over to him and gave him a hearty slap on his back. "How about a competition, see who fishes up the most eggs in this run? What should the winner get? Or better yet, what punishment does the looser get?" Competition, friendly competition - that'd be a good way to calm her nerves. Pizza Roll LD III Consumed +3 LD @Shield @Baldur (Just setting up when ready ~)

Wasn't a joke? Wasn't a joke!? Mari scoffed, she gently shook her head. "You' be surprised..." She said quietly. He ex-husband had done just that, Alkor had too. Each for varying different reasons. Still, when Mari looked at herself in the mirror - she saw everything that did not encapsulate beauty. An idle finger reached out to trace the rim of her cup again. "You're sweet to insist that - but I still don't see it." Her words soft spoken and pained. "One would never accept nor desire one as tarnished as me." Mari drew in a deep breath, trying her best to push out the cruel and scathing words that had been shouted at her, whispered at her - repeated to her by Life - words said with the intent to harm and break her. A slow exhale and for now, they were suppressed. Now was not the time. Gentle eyes rose to meet the beaming face of Oikawa and she did her best to match his smile with one of her own. "It is, isn't it? And yet people still do." People still feared her. Perhaps, they never would stop. Mari was doing her best to be patient and kind with Oikawa, his dark skin and hair shadowed by the brightness of his eyes. Emotional, bright and unrelenting amber eyes. Oikawa mentioned names Mari remembered, like Kiru and Tristan, and others she did not like Manta. "Do those people matter to you?" Mari asked. "If so, in time - seek them out - I know...I would like to talk to those I've affected with my actions. It may not end well, but I feel they deserve the closure...but, if seeing those people would bring you nothing but pain. I don't think it bad to wish to avoid them. Forge new bonds with people." Were her words good? Mari wasn't sure. She gave a small groan as her head fell into her hands. "I'm Sorry Oikawa, I'm really not good with words. I'm terrible at explaining things. So if I sound corny or inane at times that's why." Another grumble from her lips as she lifted her face once more, brushing all her hair away from her face. Her hands sat there, in her hair as she watched how relaxed he had became. At least there was that, being able to take comfort, and take a moments reprise - especially for someone marked as a PKer - it meant more than anyone with a green cursor could ever possibly understand. "You're always safe here, from persecution, judgement, and Pk hunters, maybe not so safe from my ramblings though." She added with a wry half grin. "I'm trying to listen to my own advice, but I gotta tell you a secret. I'm kinda a big ol' hypocrite." Oikawa, a man who towered over her - who had slain someone who had in Mari's mind, loathed her so much to wish her death - a man who was troubled and pained, who carried a weight heavier than the world in the palm of his hands - was resting, among the folds of the heated Kotatsu table. Lithe limbs laid back - relaxed. He offered he a simple and gentle smile that radiated the comfort that he must have felt in that moment. 'I believe in you as well' He said. Not many people said that. Mari coughed as she let her hair go, turning away from him. "T-That's nice." It was all she could say. Mari should have thanked him, should have offered him more words of support. But nothing came. @Oikawa

Cordelia, Please find attached the following; Crafters Respite [139968] Damage +3 139573 Antidote +2 139569 Regards, Mari @Cordelia

Name: Damage Potion Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#134119 CD: 6 Tier: 1 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage Potion Description: A potion in a thin vial with a cork. A small label with a sword is on it Post Link ----- NB: This roll yielded an extra item so this is the extra item :) Name: Damage Potion Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#134119 CD: 6 Tier: 1 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage Potion Description: A potion in a thin vial with a cork. A small label with a sword is on it Post Link ----- Name: Damage Mitigation Potion II Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#134120 CD: 10 Tier: 2 Quality: Rare Enhancements: Prevent 20 damage from successful attacks against you. Effect lasts for one thread. Description: A potion in a thin vial with a cork. A small label with a shield is on it. Post Link --- Name: Damage Potion Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#134121 CD: 7 Tier: 2 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage. Description: A potion in a thin vial with a cork. A small label with a sword is on it. Post Link ----- NB: The LD roll yeilded 2 extra items so this and the next one will be duplicate Name: Damage Potion Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#134121 CD: 7 Tier: 2 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage. Description: A potion in a thin vial with a cork. A small label with a sword is on it. Post Link ------ Name: Damage Potion Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#134121 CD: 7 Tier: 2 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage. Description: A potion in a thin vial with a cork. A small label with a sword is on it. Post Link ---- Name: Damage Mitigation Potion || Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#134124 CD: 11 Tier: 2 Quality: Rare Enhancements: Prevent 20 damage from successful attacks against you. Effect lasts for one thread. Description: A potion in a thin vial with a cork. A small label with a sword is on it. Post Link

"Yes Macradon, its second puberty, it comes at around the age of 30." Mari said matter-of-factly as she cast out her line. "It's taboo to talk about which is why its not taught in schools - its an unspoken rule. Kinda how you're meant to wipe from front to back, no one really tells you - you just know." She laughed softly as he lamented about the reality of fast food trees. Mari was tempted to egg him on, since this was Aincrad and if dragons were a thing, if dark elves - giant wolves and having three headed dogs as pets were possible, then why not say, a hot dog tree? But - if it did happen Mari may just have to burn the abomination of a tree. "You have been saying there have been a lot of issues with your guild right? That its all but non existent?" She asked. "If that were the case then yeh, may as well leave it. No point in holding onto something that doesn't require a reason to exist. Especially if you can get the same benefits as your estate, yanno, the one you've never invited me to." Mari quipped. SHe felt a hard yank on her line and so she pulled back - an awkward game of tug-of-war ensued. Mari almost falling to the floor as she struggled to maintain her grip on the rod, before finally her prize was slung up and out of the water. "OOMph..." Mari fell backward, with the treasure chest landing in her lap. "Well...talking about getting things off my chest..." She jested as she slapped the wet surface of the wooden chest. "And sure, let's do that quest- just me and you? Got anyone else in mind?" @Macradon ID: 139975 CD:12 LD:16 TREASURE CHEST 8 EGGIES ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 30 Eggies 7 x T3 Material 

Name: Crafters Respite Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#139968 CD:12 LD:20 Tier: 3 Quality: Perfect Enhancements: Resets your daily crafting attempts. Cannot use more than one Crafter’s Respite within 24 hours. Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link Name: Crafters Respite Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#139968-1 CD:12 LD:20 Tier: 3 Quality: perfect Enhancements: Resets your daily crafting attempts. Cannot use more than one Crafter’s Respite within 24 hours. Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link Name: Crafters Respite Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID#139968-2 CD:12 LD:20 Tier: 3 Quality: Perfect Enhancements: + Resets your daily crafting attempts. Cannot use more than one Crafter’s Respite within 24 hours. Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link Name: Damage Potion I Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID# 139969 | CD:9 LD:17 Tier: 3 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link Name: Damage Potion I Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID# 139969 -1 | CD:9 LD:17 Tier: 3 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link Name: Damage Potion I Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID# 139971 | CD:9 LD:17 Tier: 3 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link Name: Damage Potion I Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID# 139971-1 | CD:9 LD:17 Tier: 3 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link Name: Damage Potion II Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID# 139973 | CD:11 LD:1 Tier: 3 Quality: Rare Enhancements: +2 Damage Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link Name: Damage Potion I Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID# 139974 | CD: 9 LD:17 Tier: 3 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link Name: Damage Potion I Your Profession: Alchemist Your Rank: 6 Item Type: Consumable Roll Id: ID# 139974 -1 | CD: 9 LD:17 Tier: 3 Quality: Uncommon Enhancements: +1 Damage Description: An orange potion in a thin vial with a cork on it Post Link

Rank 6: Mentor Alchemist | CRAFT T1-T6 EQUIPMENT | Exp: 593/639 EXP | (7 Crafts per day) ALCHEMIC CONTAGION On your way to the starter town on the 10th floor you notice a glow, a faint yellow glow. As you near it, you find that it is a large tent; with a flap open that sits just outside the safe zone. Since the floor is in near perpetual darkness you don't notice the stains on the outside of the tent, the blood and dirt - as though the thing was dragged through a warzone before being hastily set up. You smell an array of odd scents; flowery herbs, burnt charcoal and others you can't quite put your finger on. As you enter the tent you squint to see, the light source seems to have come from jars, filled with fireflies that are threaded along the low ceiling. The inside of the tents floor is covered in various mismatched rugs and pillows, it looks comfortable. On the left side of the tent is an old, mahogany table filled with various vials and bottles, with faded labels on them. On the right side; is a locked glass display case that has a variety of crystals, also labelled. The back of the tent has a small table, that serves as a sort of 'counter' behind it sits a very dark looking orange haired woman; whose blue eyes glimmer faintly in the waltzing lights above. Behind her you notice what looks like a scientific set up - there are test tubes, vials, bottles, and a few Bunsen burners, sitting underneath various liquids that are bubbling away. You go to turn away, thinking, perhaps it'd be best to visit a different alchemist - but an unnerving, calm voice interrupts you. "Can I help you?" ORDER FORM PRICES idc -STOCK - Antidote +2 139571 Antidote +2 139571-1 Antidote +2 139571-2 Antidote+2 139574 Antidote+2 139574-1 Antidote+2 139574-2 Antidote +2 139575 Damage +1 139572 Damage +3 139573-1

Craft Attempt 1 ID#139968 | CD:12 LD:20 Crafters Respite Perfect Item 3 slots 2 Additional Items Craft Attempt 2 ID# 139969 | CD:9 LD:17 Damage 1 Uncommon 1 Additional Item Craft Attempt 3 ID#139970 | CD:4 LD:10 Salvage - Loose materials Craft Attempt 4 ID# 139971 | CD:9 LD:17 Damage 1 Uncommon 1 slot 1 Additional Item Craft Attempt 5 ID# 139972 | CD:2 LD:11 FAIL Craft Attempt 6 ID# 139973 | CD:11 LD:1 Damage II Rare Item 2 SLots Craft Attempt 7 ID# 139974 | CD: 9 LD:17 Damage I Uncommon 1 slot 1 Additional Item 7 T3 materials sent to banker

Mari let go of his hand and offered him a wry smile. "Yanno I should be somewhat flattered." She mused. "You're close to Baldur, you'd want what was best for him - or at the very least, not want anything untoward to happen to him." She paused. "Unless that untoward thing is in the form of a terribly spicy treat." She added. Her tone shifted back to a more thoughtful tone. "What I'm trying to say is - I guess It's kinda nice to have that approval from someone so close to him, even if I suspect that 'approval' is partly just to watch me squirm." Mari didn't quite expect such behavior from him, but looks could be deceiving. Mari was flustered and frustrated, but if she truly wanted him to stop she'd tell him - and Mari assumed he'd be the kinda person to respect those wishes. "This is just friends catching up though, right?" Mari asked as she found a small place on the ground to sit, not too far from Shield. Mari threw out her line. Almost immediately she had to pull back in it hard. It felt like it had snagged on a rock or something. "Wh-ahh.." She struggled to reel in the line, with a final jerk she pulled out a large batch of eggs. Mari laughed as she leaned toward Shield, jiggling the line in his face. "Don't count me out just me just yet, Icarus~" She jested. @Shield @Baldur ID: 139941 CD: 3 LD: 20+3 8 eggies ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 10 x eggies 3 x T3 materials

Mari sighed as she fixed the lure on the end of her line, and let it go, allowing it to swing out freely. "Yeh, when you said your average was six bloody eggs - I figured you had some sort of bonus - If you're opening my chests too though -I'd appreciate the mats from them at the very least - I know how pricey gold keys can be so I won't' coerce any Col out of you." Mari fluttered her lashes. "Because I'm a nice person." She joked. Mari threw out her line, letting it plop into the water several feet away. She glanced to the side, watching him open the chest - it looked like a poor haul from his reaction. "Heh, yeh apparently that's how they are - what do they call them? Loot box mechanics? Gotta weed through several crappy ones before that one good one." Mari pulled up her line to reveal just two eggs hanging from the side. She grimaced, this was already turning out to be poor. She shouldn't have been so quick to try and compete against him. "Are you implying, that no matter what - I must eat a bowl of that god awful spice ramen?" Mari lamented. Course, she actually didn't mind spicy food herself - its part of why she had chosen such a thing in case it backfired like it was now. "That's not entirely fair." She wasn't sure how she felt with Shield involving Baldur, Mari was doing her best to just keep things from spiraling. The displeasure was clear on her facial features. "Mmmm....but what if he says-" Nope. Shield wasn't having any of that. Mari pursed her lips, cheeks red as she realized he had bested her before she even got the chance to fight back. She stared back out at the lake, crossing one arm over her chest in thought. So if she won, she'd get some free identifications; since he hadn't denied that - but she'd be stuck eating noodles with him and Baldur, not entirely bad. If she lost - he wanted to set up some awkward date. "I unno." Mari began. "My acceptance of this is only if the third party is willing. I don't like the idea of coercing someone unwitting into some strange hair brained scheme. So." Mari turned to him, repeating the conditions. "If I win - all three of us enjoy some spicy hot ramen, and I get three free identifications from you. If you win - I'll even throw in some potions for you - and I'm off to...a uh...D-Dinner...I guess?" Her confidence faltered at the last part, but her hand was already extended and she had already clasped his hand - which swallowed her own. @Shield ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ ID: 139938 CD: 6 LD: 1+3=4 2 eggies 3 materials -2 x Eggies - 3 x T3 Materials

Did she look okay? No. Probably not. She never did, even when she was all dolled up at the gala. She never did. But did she at least look acceptable? A quick, cursory glance downward as she smoothed out her clothes. At least they weren't dirty. They looked clean, and she smelt clean - that's about as much as Mari could ask for. Besides, she had never preened herself any other time when meeting Baldur - so why should this be any different. Friends. They were just friends, and it wasn't like Mari was planning on admitting anything today - she sincerely just wanted to hang out with him and ask him advice on frontline builds - see what it was missing beyond her general understanding of tanks + healers. Hanging out with Shield had its moments too - she had mostly enjoyed the time. Even with the terse introduction. "Hmmm..." Mari feigned thought as she cast out her line. "It's not like you have to open all the chests. You could always nudge it back in with those big ol' boots of yours." Mari gave her line a tug. "Counterpoint. I know opening my own would yield less - but how about we all open our own chests?" Poor Baldur, Mari was already counting him in on the competition - despite him knowing nothing of it. "Lets see..." Mari felt a tug on her line and slowly began to reel it in, albeit on purpose. "What. Would. Shield. Dislike...Hmm, you pin me as the pragmatic type, so you wouldn't agree to something that would net you too much of a loss. I also worry that if I pick something too outlandish you'd match it with equal fervor." She continued to reel up her rod - and finding nothing she sighed. It seems like she might loose already. She best not make the punishment too harsh. "Okay. I win - I want 3 free consumable identifications. Also- just because you've made me suffer a bit, I'll take you to ramen. My treat but you'll be eating a broth that's made with oh I don't know 90% spice and chilli." Even if he enjoyed the spice- he'd still be sweating and uncomfortable. @Shield ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ ID: 139966 CD:1 LD: 13+3

REWARDS Mari and Shield both receive 4 SP - 3 thread +1 Bonus Shield: Eggs: 140 Col: 12,400 + 600 thread =13,000 Materials: 45 Perfect Weapons: [139268a] [139268b] [139771a] [139771b] Rare Weapons: [139578a] Mari -137 Eggie Weggies -52 T3 Materials 1,400 Col + 600 thread = 2000 Perfect Consumables: [139268c] [139771c] Rare Consumables [139518a] [139518b] [139578b] [139578c]

Mari threw out her line again. "Yeh, that's the thing - colouring eggs? Never did that growing up." She shrugged. "I dunno why, I don't think anyone I knew did. We just ate a crap tonne of chocolate. Eurgh. Too sweet." Mari muttered as she stuck out her tongue. Speaking of eggs; her rod was tugged, hard - Mari quickly gave it a jerk and began to reel in her prize. A long string of eggs. Great. Yup. Fantastic. "Nooooo." Mari said as she slapped her hands to her face. "I know that book off by heart thanks to Evelyn....I will not eat them with a mouse I will not eat them in a house.." Mari shook her head, trying to shake the terrible rhymes from her memory, despite that, she wore a broken smile. Right...She'd do anything to read that book, a thousand times over for her daughter again. Mari forced her eyes shut behind her hands - she couldn't, wouldn't allow herself to get sentimental and cry here. 'Hey Mari' Mari slowly lowered her hands, brows furrowed into a suspicious look. "What." Came her deadpan reply. Shield stiffled a laugh as he pointed at his HUD - telling here where Baldur was. "That's...what - what?" Mari quickly sat herself down on the floor and turned her back on him. "Nope. YOu're lying. I don't believe you, you're just trying to push my buttons again. Gods, I picked the worst person to open up to." Mari said as she opened up her inventory to pull out a small Pizza roll. She wouldn't listen to him. It was a lie. @Shield ID:139876 CD: 6 LD: 16 8 Eggies 1 Material ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ -137 Eggie Weggies -52 T3 Materials 1,400 Col

Mari huffed as she picked up her rod. "It's just a single egg." She mumbled, her face still red. At this point she knew he was just riling her up on purpose. "As long as I get what I need to - we'll be just peachy. But if I find out I'm a single egg off of my goal you gotta..." She paused. What could she possibly ask of him? "You gotta identify all my sh*t for free! For an entire month!" She retorted as she pointed the rod at him. Realistically there was no real way she could make him do such a thing, but it made her feel better, marginally. Mari swung the rod back over her shoulder then cast the line out. "Yeh...Bilbies." Mari said with a roll of her eyes. "I'm sure passionate about native fauna." Mari knew Shield was giving her an out; and she was taking it. "I just get flustered. I know I shouldn't. I've spent so long hiding myself and my emotions away. Now I don't have that burden anymore - it's like a bloody damn. Sh*t keeps gushing out and I feel like it'd be easier if I reigned myself in more." Mari gave a sharp tug to snag her catch then began to reel her line in. "Apology accepted though." Mari grabbed hold of the line and pulled up a string of pastel eggs, yellow shells dotted with spots of pastel purple. "We never really coloured eggs. Is this really what they're all supposed to look like?" Mari asked. @Shield ID:139861 CD:6 LD:15 6 Eggies 1 material ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ -129 Eggie Weggies -51 T3 Materials 1,400 Col

"well I could get the food. Tell me, what do you prefer the taste of? Birch bark or leaves?" Mari clasped her hands together. "Ohh I could make us a giant plate of snow I bet that'd taste terrific!" She reached out to lightly bap him on the shoulder. "I'd get the food too, but I mean..." Mari pointed up at her orange cursor. "Since I haven't done the redemption quest yet- that's sorta hard for me to do. Tea is easier - its herbs. Herbs grow everywhere outside. Food? Not so much. Last I checked there aren't Yakitori or taco trees." Paperwork.... "Mmmm... well, do you need help with that sorta thing?" Mari offered. "I probably can't do much else, but you know I'm here for you if you need. Right. I used to teach English back in the real world so paperwork is something I'm used to." Mari chose to sit down beside him, feeling that she didn't want to stand the entire time. This fishing thing was kinda relaxing. Nowhere near as profitable as hunting mobs, but they weren't after col. "I think I'm all but prepared for the boss raid. I maxed out my familiar skill and my battle healing skill. So I feel like, well, I'm all set really." @Macradon ID: 139851 CD:1 NO EGGIES ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 22 Eggies 7 x T3 Material 

"Right!" Mari said as she clapped her hands together, rubbing them almost deviously. "Let me just message him - I'll just make it at my place. He know where that is. Oh gosh...having you both there at the same time that'll be uh - interesting. I don't have a lot of space but it should be fine. You'll love it, I have this Kotatsu and it's so incredibly warm." To: @Oikawa From: Mari Subject: Tea I told Macradon we met. He wants to meet up. My place sound good? -Mari Mari sent off her usual short and precise message to Oikawa then gave Macradon a thumbs up. "There, message sent - all we gotta do is play the waiting game. I'll be providing the tea and the home so you should provide the food. Get us something really nice to eat." Mari said with a wink. "Thank you." It was clear there was no choice in the matter. Macradon was doomed to bring the food. "So - I feel like I've been talking a whole lot about myself and what I've been doing. What about you?" Mari asked Macradon as she drew in her line. Frowning when she got a pittance of eggs. "Aw c'mon. I'm aiming for around 400 so I got a good 300 to go." @Macradon ID: 139840 CD: 3 LD:1 2 eggies ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 22 Eggies 7 x T3 Material 

"Because I had just come back from isolation." Mari said as she recalled the day they met. "When I went into isolation it was because I had been hunted. No one wanted me around, so coming out I thought it was the same thing. But- well - look at us now. We're know Aincrads most wanted strawberry bandits." Sometimes, Mari wondered how differently things may have gone if she didn't try to open up to Macradon back then - if she didn't allow him to talk, or acted like she had in the past. A cold and bitter demeanor where nothing but threats and hostility spewed forth from her mouth. ...She may very well not be here today. "You were pretty stupid." Mari said. "But every day I count myself lucky that you were - are. Because if you hadn't been, I'd not be here today. But - that's why I wanna help Hidden - she seems to be how I was back then, before I went into that scary solitude, if I can stop someone else making the same mistakes I have. I want to. Aereth seems to want my help for something later - but hasn't told me what yet." Mari cast out her line and almost instantly it twanged, she quickly reeled it back in and started to pocket her loot, good- soon she'd able to afford the Bunny Stamp; that was the main item she wanted. The rest would come in due time. Mari wiped her hand on her clothing as she lifted it up to open the HUD. "Okay, I'll let him know. And hey - hush - I haven't bought any other rooms yet - once you see it you'll be thinking 'oh wow what a quiant home! This isn't something I Should be insulting at all!" @Macradon ID: 139829 CD:9 LD:14 6 eggs 3 materials ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 20 Eggies 7 x T3 Material 

"That's good." Mari said with a sense of relief. "She's convinced she's the most wanted and hated player in the game - told her I didn't even know who the hell she was. She's...honestly she reminds me a lot of myself. She's lost, scared - confused but puts on such an angry and bitter front. Chews out anyone who tries to approach her." Mari grinned as she elbowed Macradon. "Reminds you of when we first met, right?" Mari cast out her line. "It feels like I'm suddenly helping all these Pkers who are all hurt, and lost. Oikawa...he's..." Mari closed her eyes. "He's doing well enough - looking for guidance, and he came to me of all people. Without even meaning to I seem to be some sort of...what would you even call that?" Mari asked Macradon. "Someone others keep coming to for guidance and aid? I feel like they're not too bright, coming to me of all people but-" Mari shrugged as she reeled in her line. Inwardly happy to see the half dozen eggs stuck to the thin fishing line. "Well, want me to set something up?" Mari asked. "I'm sure Oikawa would like to see you - sides - He's been to my house, so has Baldur, I can't have anyone else there till I get my best friend there!" @Macradon ID: 139799 CD:3 LD:14 6 eggies ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 14 Eggies 4 x T3 Material 

"Naw, don't worry Mac." Mari said with a grin. "I'll be right there with you soon. Give me a month or so and I'll be level 88 easy!" Mari doubted she'd be able to do that, but it was nice to aim for something trivial like that. "That's still a good feat though Mac." Mari paused as she swung the fishing rod casually over her shoulder. "You said it yourself, right? Gaining one level where you're at, is like five where I'm at. You shouldn't diminish your own accomplishments." "Yeh, see I've never heard of them either up until recently - I..." So Hidden attacked someone he knew? Not surprising. Mari had to choose her next words carefully. "Now - don't be mad but - I kinda met Hidden recently. She seemed really torn up, lost, kinda alone." Mari took a deep breath, watching Macradon fish. "I saw her again recently and she kinda maybe just a little bit sorta stabbed me. But only because I was protecting Aereth. Some...weird sh*t's going down that they're involved in. I don't know much about it - something about some kid named Adrian and the cackle coffin guild or whatever...they seem to want my help." There was another pause. "I saw Oikawa recently too - sought me out for advice." It seemed a lot of Orange players were coming to her lately, Mari hadn't the faintest clue as to why. She was just voicing what was on her mind. @Macradon ID: 139788 CD: 1 LD:11 No eggies ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 8 Eggies 4 x T3 Material

"Pffft....I'm not complaining, because frankly - I kinda want the level ups - I'm at a place where I am comfortable. But I Guess I got a competitive streak in me." Mari said with a sheepish grin. "I was once the strongest player in Aincrad- I'd like to try and catch up a bit. Although..." She paused - reeling in her fishing line again and taking the eggs from the end of it. Quickly pocketing them. She really needed to up her haul and quickly. "I was Tier 2 when we first met, so I've gained close to 20 levels in that time. So I'm steadily getting there - my focus is still on tryin' to help out a few other people." Her eyes lowered when she said that. Her jovial tone turning serious. "Actually. I have something to ask you. Do you know of a few Pkers, one by the name of Aereth, the other by Hidden - and have you ever heard of this err, guild or group of people called ..." Mari paused - what was their name again? " Cackling Coffin? No - err...Ah!" Mari exclaimed as she turned to look at Macradon. "That's it! Laughing Coffin!" @Macradon ID: 139782 CD:10 LD:12 6 eggies 3 materials ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ 8 Eggies 4 x T3 Material

Mari appreciated his gesture, but, being terrible with words Mari simply gave him a smile as she stood. "Yanno..." Mari said as she threw her line out, shifting her feet so she had a firm stance. "Everyone always assumes I'm some sort of devious deceptive mastermind. It's kinda funny when you think about it." Mari said as she reeled her line in, just a bit, to provoke something, anything to bite. "I don't lie for two reasons, one - I don't like it - and two...gods I can barely keep up with life as is. Do ya really think I pin you as someone who can keep track of all those lies and woven tapestries of - I unno. More lies!?" Mari said with a flamboyant wave of her arm. "Yeh, he's definitely the type of person who likes to theorize and plan. Oh-" Mari felt a hard tug on her line, she pulled back hard on her fishing pole with a strong jerk and began to reel it in fast. "H-hang on...I gotta funny...but first..." She was clearly distracted. With a final yank Mari pulled up a pile of eggs from the river, they tumbled all over the riverbank. great Mari dropped her pole with a sigh as she shifted to go pick them all up before they rolled away. "Anyway as I was saying I-" "He might just actually ask you to marry him on the spot." SMASH Mari, ever the one to not be so good at controlling her emotions drew in a sharp breath, completely caught off guard by his comment, she misplaced her footing and crushed one of the chocolate eggs beneath her foot. "Argh" WIth a face red as a beetroot Mari pointed at the chocolate mess beneath her foot then at him. "L-look what you made me do!" She cried out. "What the hell Shield!" @Shield ID:139774 CD:3 LD:17 8 eggies- 1 accidental cronch ❤Mari's Eggscelent Loot ❤ -123 Eggie Weggies -50 T3 Materials 1,400 Col