PP-F2: 'Gathering Confidence and Materials'

[Esther 0]

Esther yawned, she had risen with the sun, always being early to rise, even if she were late to fall. She had spent the night with Rin, and was in relatively good spirits. She had randomly bumped into the meek and mild girl the day before - and it had lead to a series of events which resulted in the two becoming fast friends. Despite Rin's embarrassment with the proximity of Esther and her subtle touches, the other girl seemed to warm up to her. Esther was thankful for that, and she really enjoyed Rin's company.

Now Esther wanted to check up on Mari, and had sent the woman a PM, requesting her to join them for a material hunt. With the promise that she'd give at least three of her materials to Mari for the effort. To her surprise, Mari had replied almost instantaneously, stating she'd be there within the hour, and to meet her just outside the safe zone. That gave Esther and Rin plenty of time to casually make sure they were ready before heading out of town.

Esther arched her back lifting her arms high over her head till she felt a satisfying 'pop' she was waiting out front of the inn for Rin. 

 

 

@Rin

[Rin 0]

Rin laid there sleepily, her eyes still clamped shut still form the previous night as they were up quite late making the crowns for Esther's children that she was looking over. As she lied there in bed she groaned her mornings that once were awoken with a vibrant energy started off considerably slower today. She wasn't use to staying up quite so late, but she seemed to have just lost track of time while she slept over at Estehr's place. It wouldn't be to long after though that Rin began to rise from beneath the covers now eyes still drooping and her memory groggily pondering what to do this morning. For all intents and purposes she had no reason to think it wasn't like every other morning in her shop where she woke up from the back room and headed out straight to crafting. Unfortunately today wasn't one of those days. As she stirred from her slumber she peeled off the covers gently drooping down to the floor like a worm. She then slithered up the wall till she was standing straight head against the wall of Esther's room.

As she turned around though she realized finally that this wasn't her shop and blinked what must have been a dozen times to make sure she was actually awake and not dreaming. After the long dazed blinking contest she stopped and reaching to her head feeling she wasn't in her costume. 

"Right - I did fall asleep over here didn't I. Sorry about imposing upon you like that."

She shuffled her feet nervously as she now began to look around as she wanted to at least wash her face this morning before she ventured out into the world.

@Esther

[Esther 0]

Esther turned to look at Rin as she heard the shuffle of sheets. "Morning sunshine~" Esther chimed. She headed over to the bed and jumped onto the end of it, facing Rin. "Good news  RinRin~" Esther cried happily, filled with much more energy than her counterpart. "Mari messaged me, she said she'd meet us just outside the safe zone, and escort us to the forest to hunt for materials. Isn't that neat?" 

Esther paused, watching as Rin groggily moved about the room. Esther guessed that the girl wasn't as much of a morning person as she was. Then again, it was difficult to find someone as energetic as she was in the mornings. "Yeh, you slept. Don't worry. You didn't snore or say anything embarassing in your sleep~ You were just a cute lil' ball of warmth." Esther commented with a smile. 

Rin glanced around awkwardly, and being a woman herself, Esther could take a guess at what she wanted. "Washroom is that way." Esther said as she pointed toward the door to the left. "I guess we don't exactly need to shower, but they included them anyway, I am not complaining, they feel great! Have one if you want - we got time, and I don't mind waiting."

[Rin 0]

As Esther spoke she only grew more flustered from the thought that she was apparently adorable while she slept, a squeak as if deflating in confidence escaped her lips. Rin was overwhelmed by her nervous tremors once more as Esther managed to force her into the most adorable blush that any mortal could muster. It wasn't a display she wished to exhibit particularly with how close the other girl enjoyed forcing them into. Her mouth began to move with an apparent stutter as she tried to project any audio with her flabbergasted state. Esther was quite the energetic ball of sunshine that overcast Rin's once depressing aura after Alex's death as she didn't have enough time between the embarrassment she was tossed into what seemed to be every second of her day while with the rosy hair  girl. After what was almost a minute of silence she finally managed out a semi-confident sentence.

"Mari venturing sounds great. Can't wait to meet materials -"

Her mind desperately scrambling to fit a coherent sentence only to grow more awkward as she realized that a few of those thoughts seemingly crossed into one another. She shook her head and closed her eyes before now realizing what she needed to say.

"Sorry I really need to wash up after j-just give me a few minutes."

Rin mewled weakly as she slowly shuffled past the bed her bangs draping across her eyes once more like curtains to prevent her from seeing just how flustered she was. As she escaped to the bathroom she quickly closed the door and sat in the tub curled up in the fetal position attempting to regain some of her dignity and composure before turning the water on to a lukewarm setting as she  sat there in her clothes as the water level began to raise. She didn't waste any time as she merely sat within the four walls the door partially cracked as she nibbled her bottom lip.

[Esther 0]

Rin started to mumble, and Esther wasn't 100% sure why, the two had managed to converse fairly normally last night. Did she not get enough sleep? Did she feel ill? tired? Her face was slightly flushed. "Rinrin?" Esther asked, backing off the bed - her voice filled with mild concern. "You look a little flushed, are you sure you're ok? If you're not up for adventuring today you are always welcome to join another day. I'm sure Mari won't mind if we call a rain check."

Rin shook her head, apologising and stating she just needed to wash up. Esther nodded, the sentence didn't do much to alleviate her concerns. Esther sat on the end of the bed, watching the slightly ajar door. She shuffled, and started to fidget, still worried about her friend. Soon, Esther heard running water, but Rin was being awfully quiet. "Rin?" Esther called out. A part of her wanted to go in and check on her, but that was an invasion of privacy even Esther wasn't going to cross.

If she doesn't respond in a few minutes I'll knock, then if she's still silent, I'll go on in and check on her.

 

[Rin 0]

Rin shuddered while her clothes began to soak within the tub, every second the apparel grew heavier upon her body till she finally felt  that she had enough. The more Esther requested for Erin the more quiet she grew. Something made her uneasy now as she listened to Esther's calm and soothing voice, was she just naturally like this or was it some strange attempt to flirt with her. The death of her previous boyfriend still weighed upon her mind as she wasn't certain how to move on from such grief, yet here she was enjoying life again. It felt wrong to have sleep overs and goof about doing nothing all day when all the other front liners were hard at work searching and fighting through the bosses floor by floor. As she looked down toward her own body and her soggy clothes she winced realizing she should have at least changed out of them. 

Rin's hand reached up and began to tap through the menu as she put on a bathing suit instead as she didn't feel comfortable enough to enjoy a normal private bath. Leaning back she then began to recall the words that only sounded like mumbling from the other room as she was lost in deep thought. Esther was here and she had sounded a bit concerned maybe it was time to actually talk back. She looked toward the cracked door.

"I-I'm fine with the adventure still I just am thinking."

[Esther 0]

Esther got up, fully intending to knock on the bathroom door, finally - Rin called out, her voice barely audible over the hum of the shower. "Thinking?" Esther asked, her hand just inches from the door. She breathed a sigh of relief, turning to lean her back on the wall next to the door. She allowed herself to slide down to the floor. Giving a sigh of relief. "Jeez...Rin, you had me worried you know?" Esther shook her head. Feeling a little silly for having worried so much about the girl. "I guess...It was stupid for me to worry. Its just...you seemed really out of sorts, then wandered into the bathroom and didn't come out - there was such a silence. It was ahh..." 

Esther paused, biting her lip. She bought her knees up to her chest, and wrapped her arms around her legs. She rested her chin atop her knees. "I don't do too good with silence, Rin - it makes me feel uneasy. It's partly why I talk so much. When you didn't reply, I just started worrying. I panicked. I shouldn't have though. So ah, I'm sorry. Take your time, we still got a good while before we have to meet Mari."

[Rin 0]

Rin blushed and nodded, fully knowing that Esther didn't see it as if just to reassure herself in some uneasiness that everything really was ok. She supposed despite some similarities they were both entirely different entities. Esther was incarnate of the social longing to always be among friends and conversations while Rin the exact opposite generally consoling herself in the solitude of her own company. Rin now stepped out one last time after she had some time to relax and unequipped her bathing suit for a short period of time before redressing this time in her own exploration gear. Her usual leather armor that was designed for evasion, and awkwardly sexiness. As well as her own collar that was her own good luck charm to herself for when she went out material hunting.

As she stood there looking at herself in the mirror she creaked open the door peeking out to see Esther all curled up at the side. It appeared that of the two would have to learn to cope with discomfort while together, Rin decided it was probably best if it was her. Esther was so energetic and lively that Rin couldn't help but fell a cascade of emotions overflowing from herself when Esther talked and touched her. The girl knelt down and embraced Esther now planting both their chins on one another's shoulders gave her a gentle squeeze. 

"Come now don't worry it doesn't suit you. Beside Mari is waiting for us."

[Esther 0]

Some time had passed after Esther's admission, about how she didn't do well with long silences, or shifts in a persons actions. It worried her, she saw similar things with her friends back home, friends who suffered from anxiety and depression - things that seemed so far off from what Esther experienced. Esther never really went through those things, so when things around her started changing she'd sometimes over analyse things, and worry far too much. 

More moments passed...

Then, the door creaked, opening only slightly. Rin finally stepped out and Esther lifted her head to greet the other girl. "Oh! Are you ready to-" Esther drew in a sharp breath, not expecting the sudden influx of warmth from Rin. Her hair was slightly damp, and tickled Esther's nose, but her body was ever so warm, pressed tightly up against Esther's form. "W-what...?" Esther hesitated before placing a hand on the mid of Rin's back, between her shoulder blades. "Rin?"

Esther couldn't help but laugh slightly as Rin said that worrying didn't suit Esther, "Rin, worrying is one of the things I do best! But you're right." Esther slowly stood, offering to help Rin stand too, "We shouldn't keep Mari waiting, although if we're lucky - we'll get there first!"

[Rin 0]

Rin slowly rose to her feet as Esther assisted her in that endeavor, it seemed like she couldn't help but assist others even when they weren't in need any longer. It was rather comforting to know that she had managed to make a friend out of this girl. This sensation of longing, a place where you could feel at ease as well as safe even though she still knew little information about the girl other then she was trapped here and had a rather nice attitude. A hand gently glided down toward her back as the two hands began to interlace their fingers. Their was still something uneasy though wrenching in her gut if that was at all possible in this game. She thought pain was practically removed, perhaps other emotions and experiences still existed. Unless it was just her mind.

Rin now combed her fingers through her hair till the dark bangs were again draping over her eyes.

"Well where exactly were we heading off to and what type of outfit would you think is appropriate to meet Mari in?"

She preferred good impressions, a feat that was often impossible for her and the nervous habits that she would teeter through.

[Esther 0]

Now that Rin was to her feet, Esther took a step back, letting the other girl go. Rin bought her hand up to her fringe, shuffling it till it covered her eyes. Esther sighed. It was a shame. Her eyes really were beautiful. Like big innocent pools of wonder. Still, if she wanted to cover them. Esther wouldn't tell her otherwise. "We're just heading outside the safe zone. There, Mari will meet us. Then she'll probably lead us someplace where there are all sorts of materials." 

Esther grinned, "Not just for Alchemists, but for Artisans too, and with both of our combined searching skills, we'll have amazing amounts of materials in no time!"

Esther paused, as Rin asked what kind of outfit she should meet Mari in. "Mmm? Oh gosh, I really don't think much about stuff like that." Esther blinked, looking Rin up and down. "I think you look cute just the way you are. Mari doesn't seem like the type to judge people on what they wear." Esther turned on her heel, padding across the room toward the door. She had her hand down on the handle. She was ready to go, and she hoped Rin was too. 

Turning over her shoulder toward Rin, Esther asked, "Are you sure you're ok?" She wanted to double check that the other player was completely fine with this. That Rin had no negative feelings or thoughts. Esther liked Rin, a lot. And she wanted nothing more than to help her, and enjoy the other girls company in innocent simplicity.

[Rin 0]

As she shuffled her hair she heard the rather shallow sigh that was accompanied by a disappointed look as she now peeked through her own hair, she sorta wondered if their was actually something upsetting her. They both seemed to be more  stuck on the issues that the other had oppose to their own. As she thought about the reasons she would suddenly sound rather exasperated, if not for just that split second. Rin now glanced over and felt weird asking if she had done anything to lose her approval. This dance was one that could have gone on for the majority of their travel to find Mari but she knew that was to long a time to wait. 

"I umm am sorry but your sigh sounded rather saddened, if you don't mind me asking I'm actually more worried about you then myself. Are you ok with me joining you and Mari on this material hunt or did I do something?"

She now stood nervously before Esther all her thoughts and emotions bare for the naked eye to impose upon as she briefly combed the hair out of her eyes realizing it was impairing her visions ever so slightly. That nagging feeling that the problem was always something with her rather then another was the most common cause of her sudden disappearance.

"Again I don't mean to be imposing or asking stupid questions just felt a little off. Anyway I am not going to back down now, this is a step in the right direction for me I think."

[Esther 0]

"Eh?" Esther blinked when Rin bought up her sigh. Esther didn't realise she had done so. She stood there, a confused look on her face as she replayed the last few minutes in her head. "Oh...OH!" A look of realisation fell across Esther's soft features, "Oh Rin." Esther said with a soft laugh. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't laugh...it's just..." She shook her head, pointing to Rin's fringe. "I was just thinking that it's such a shame to see you wilfully cover such beautiful eyes. I wasn't going to say anything though - because it seems like compliments get you a little flustered." Esther laughed again, "I guess the cats out the bag for that part though, huh?" 

Esther left the door and turned back to Rin. "I'm an honest girl Rin, many would say I am too honest. I assure you." Esther reached out, and brushed the rest of the brown locks out of the girls face. "If I had any issue with you, you'd know. I'm a nice person, but I also don't tolerate being around people I don't like. And you, Rin? I think you're a delight, and - with some shoving and probing, I am sure that Mari will find you one too. So - shall we?" Esther asked, holding her hand out to Rin.

[Rin 0]

Esther hit it right on the nail, she was awful with compliments, already her cheek were burning with a shameful passion that was instilled in them by the girl before her. Esther was the most honest person she had met, which only caused further friction in Rin's own heart as she was so desperately concealing her vigilante cat explorer whom she hoped one day wouldn't be anything like her. In the outfit she had no fear of people knowing her or sense of embarrassment as all emotions were covered by her mask. The only exceptions being her nerves still. A few nights out people met with her and noticed the nervous fidget she hadn't mustered the strength to meet them again in fear of being found out. Rin nodded and glanced down to her feet as she now was prepared to respond to the comments of Esther.

"I know that I get flustered a lot, but that is mainly because I just don't know how to deal with the incidents that I find myself in. Like when I blabbed about how Alex my boyfriend died while in search of the boss. I guess it was eating away at my soul till I finally couldn't take it any longer. I needed someone to talk to someone ... like you I guess."

Rin now managed that same hesitant laugh as she said that maybe with some shoves she would manage to work herself out of that comfort zone. She reached over and squeezed Esther's hand still nervous while in her presence. Rin's head now tilting and leaning on Esther's shoulder as they walked to the border of the city where they probably would find Mari.

[Esther 0]

Esther nodded as Rin explained that she became easily flustered. "You shouldn't feel bad, you needed someone to talk to." Esther offered Rin a reassuring smile, "I'm glad I could be that person Rin. It means a lot. You're a good friend." Esther meant what she said, sure she had only known Rin for two days...ok... a day and a half, but Esther felt a fast and strong connection to the other girl.One she was glad to experience. She just wished that Rin felt more confident. It certainly had nothing to do with her looks, she was stunning - Esther wondered what other incidents Rin had gotten herself into. "Mmmm..."

The two were walking through the town, hand in hand - Rin's head nestled delicately on Esther's shoulder. The scene, of course, garnered some attention from onlookers - one rowdy player calling out. "Hey, nice one - do you come as a pair?"

Esther glared in the players direction, he averted his gaze and wandered off, muttering obscenities under his breath. 

Esther returned Rin's squeeze with one of her own, reassuring the other lady. "Hey, if you're nervous..." Esther said in a contemplative tone. "Why not just wear an outfit, or a hood, or something to help you deal with those things?" Esther unknowingly suggested the very thing Rin already did. 

[Rin 0]

As they strolled along Rin now managed to examine the beauty in this virtual world once more around them, it always amazed her how she let the wonders escape her on this journey.  Rin wasn't prepared though when someone called out to the two girls, a teasing remark that almost insinuated the two being a couple. Overtaken by her tremors Rin now lit up, it was as if someone shot of red fireworks in her cheeks as she now whimpered  this time taking deep breath. She was use to bullying for the most part, but she was also use to Alex swooping in to save the day by telling them off. It was then she realized that she knew her dependency was her own unraveling she couldn't take any sort of joke, criticism or bullying. All she could do was shake her head no as if desperately attempting to tell the player that his snide gesture wasn't at all true, as it wasn't as far as her knowledge.

Her own self-conscious now questioning what she was doing with Esther. It wasn't like that they were girl friends why the heck did he have to go and say such awkward things, could she not simply hold desperately to her friends hands without insinuating something. Her breath now grew erratic as she desperately fought off the urge to hyperventilate, her own hand releasing as she was became ready for her escape from the public eye once more. It was in that moment though that she then felt Esther's warmth squeeze down as if urging her to stay strong. Her eyes watering and shaking her head as she heard her advice.

"I-I already do, I w-want to hide that side though."

[Esther 0]

"You want to hide...the side that hides you...huh?" Esther asked, as though she was trying to make sense of it. "hah... you're an odd one Rin." Esther said with a laugh, "I like that about you. So don't go changing on me, yeh?" She turned her attention toward Rin. "So just keep doing what-wait what's wrong?" It seemed that again, Rin was shaking. It worried Esther, the girl seemed so easily rattled - and she was going to go head to head with Mari. Esther wished that she messaged Mari before, and asked her to be a little more civil than usual. Just for Rin's sake. Still. If push came to shove, Esther would protect Rin. Regardless of who it was from.

"Here..." Esther reached out,gently wiping the tears away from Rin's eyes with her thumb. "Ignore people like that. They only do it to get a reaction. If you don't give them one, they'll grow bored and quickly leave." Esther tugged lightly on Rin's hand, leading her out of the city, and out of the safe zone. "Mari told us to meet her on that boulder over there." Esther said, pointing toward an empty boulder surrounded by a few stray daffodils. 

"Guess we beat her here, huh?"
 

[Rin 0]

Rin listened and winced uncomfortably hearing that summary of her own words made it sound quite incoherent then how it did in her own mind. She sighed and nodded as she realized just how helpless her communication skills were. If it weren't for this game she would have been out their in the real world probably taking a class in communication to help assist this little problem. In here though everything one was to do was through experience. She merely sniffled before nodding an audible, Uh huh, would inform that she was starting to get over the cruel words of the other players. It was common sense really, bullies get satisfaction from seeing that they got to you she just had issues of controlling those brain synapse that controlled the water works that reflexively ran whenever someone said something about her. Rin bit her bottom lip and then tried to put on her happiest smile.

"I'm fine now thanks for just being about to talk Esther."

Rin honestly spoke as she felt for once that all her quirks an awkwardness were no longer something to fear but something to embrace and learn from. She now looked through the leaves and branches as her tears were wiped a way. Deep down there was something missing in her heart, she knew how to love but since that void was created she realized that it would only take time for that void to fill. 

[Esther 0]

Esther glanced around, sighing. There was still no sign of Mari, and this was their designated meeting place. At least now, they were away from the hustle and bustle of town. No more prying eyes, no more adolescent snot nosed brats to holler out lewd comments toward Esther and Rin. It was just a relaxing day under the morning sun. "Ahh.... I wonder if Mari fell asleep again...I keep forgetting that not everyone is a morning person like me."  Esther laughed, giving herself a slight knock on her head. "Note to self for next time Esther."  

Esther shifted, pulling herself up onto the boulder. She let her legs dangle freely over the edge, noticing her feet just touched the tips of the flowers - Esther chose to dequip her boots - allowing herself to go barefoot. The lilac haired woman smiled, giving a happy sigh as she wriggled her toes. Kicking her legs back and forth so that the tops of the flowers tickled the bottom of her feet.

"It's beautiful isn't it Rin?" Esther commented. "Times like this, you wonder how this can be a game. Everything feels so real. The warmth of another person, the feeling of the sun against your bare skin - the tickle of the grass...it's so hard to imagine...that somewhere, we're all just lying in beds."

[Rin 0]

Every word resonated in Rin's soul as she listened to just how marvelous Esther saw the world, deep down she knew that this wasn't real and that almost fictional sensation of being lost in her own thoughts before now peeking down to her own boots. It wasn't a fashion sense for her, it served it's function to help shield her feet from the mud merely due to a habit. In this realm germs and the like didn't matter. Rin peered down toward Esther's bare feet, her toes now gripping into the ground as they normally would when faced with the comforting sensation of cool ground beneath them. She smiled and then removed her own shoes sending them off into one's and zero's that made it up, her own feet now making an impression into the soft ground. A soothing sigh of rang out as she now decided that it was as good a place as any to relax.

Rin hunched over herself eyes staring down into the yellow daffodils as she now knelt down to sniff one. She smiled and peeked back over to see Esther happily dancing the soles of her feet across the grass and flowers she wasn't certain if it was her own mind adding in the giddy laughter of enjoyment or the smile that was worn by her. 

"Everything is beautiful here, it's like the man who created it wanted us to enjoy the marvels even with this imprisonment. But I don't think it is as hard as you may think. In our dreams we are able to imagine such marvelous sensations all the time why would this be anything different then one of those?"