Mari

Crafting Evals: 8/11/2025
POST LINK

256818, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:6, LD: 4) + 256822, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:6, LD: 20) + 256822-1, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:6, LD: 20) + 256822-2, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:6, LD: 20) = Perfect Tierless Meal 256838 | OVERHEALTH | (converted to feast below)

256825, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 20)+ 256825-1, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 20) =  Perfect Tierless Meal 256829 | OVERHEALTH | (converted to feast below)

256826, Perfect TTierless Meal, (CD:11, LD: 10)  Perfect Tierless Meal 256826 |  OVERHEALTH | (converted to feast below)
256826-1, Perfect TTierless Meal, (CD:11, LD: 10)  Perfect Tierless Meal 256826-1 | OVERHEALTH | (converted to feast below)


256827, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 10) + 256825-2, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 20) =  Perfect Tierless Meal 256830  | OVERHEALTH | 


Eval'd for Fusion
256827-1, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 10)
256823, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:5, LD: 2)   


FUSING MEALS TO FEASTS

Perfect Tierless Meal 256838 | OVERHEALTH | + Perfect Tierless Meal 256829 | OVERHEALTH |  = OVERHEALTH FEAST 256831 | 0/6

 Perfect Tierless Meal 256826 | OVERHEALTH | + Perfect Tierless Meal 256826-1 | OVERHEALTH | =  OVERHEALTH FEAST 256832 | 0/6

                      

Using: Custom Ambition Tool | Chefs Knife | 251570
Rank 7 - High Mentor  Cook: | Enchancements   776/1279 --> 829/1279
Rank 9 Alchemist - 10 Crafts Available!

RESPITE CRAFTING: 08/11/2025

Perfect Tierless Dessert 253318 | Cheesecake Brownie | Ambition III

Materials Used to Craft: 7 + 4 = 11 
Experience Gained 53

256818, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:6, LD: 4) + 256822, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:6, LD: 20) + 256822-1, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:6, LD: 20) + 256822-2, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:6, LD: 20) = Perfect Tierless Meal 256838 | OVERHEALTH | (converted to feast below)

256825, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 20)+ 256825-1, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 20) =  Perfect Tierless Meal 256829 | OVERHEALTH | (converted to feast below)

256826, Perfect TTierless Meal, (CD:11, LD: 10)  Perfect Tierless Meal 256826 |  OVERHEALTH | (converted to feast below)
256826-1, Perfect TTierless Meal, (CD:11, LD: 10)  Perfect Tierless Meal 256826-1 | OVERHEALTH | (converted to feast below)


256827, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 10) + 256825-2, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 20) =  Perfect Tierless Meal 256830  | OVERHEALTH | 


Eval'd for Fusion
256827-1, Rare TTierless Meal, (CD:8, LD: 10)
256823, Uncommon TTierless Meal, (CD:5, LD: 2)   


FUSING MEALS TO FEASTS

Perfect Tierless Meal 256838 | OVERHEALTH | + Perfect Tierless Meal 256829 | OVERHEALTH |  = OVERHEALTH FEAST 256831 | 0/6

 Perfect Tierless Meal 256826 | OVERHEALTH | + Perfect Tierless Meal 256826-1 | OVERHEALTH | =  OVERHEALTH FEAST 256832 | 0/6

                      

Aeva made herself at home by the fire, and Mari headed straight toward the open-plan kitchen. Boiling a kettle and preparing hot drinks for the two of them as she listened.

It started with us….

“If…only it were that easy…that simple.” Mari said quietly. Unsure if the other woman would hear. Aeva had such an innocent and pure outlook on everything, Mari couldn’t tell if she was frustrated with her, or if she found it refreshing. A glance over her shoulder at the silvery haired woman, who was rubbing her hands together and inching closer to the fire. She even carefully manoeuvred the little fox around. Was Mari ever like that? Did she ever have such high hopes? No…not even before Aincrad. It was a shame - this place would take that away from her.

But… Why hadn’t it already?

Mari opened her messenger, something wasn’t quite adding up.

Mari → Raidou: Who is Aeva? Should I be concerned she’s in my house right now?

 There must have been a reason Raidou hadn’t given her his name. Was this someone Mari had to look out for? Is this someone that would be another statistic? Another name on the wall? Mari disliked the idea of having to take a life in her own home but…

Though I take it you like this floor pretty well-”

“It’s…” Did Mari like this floor? “I used to like this floor.” Mari said as she started to mix hot chocolate into the water; then pulled the heated milk off the stove, pouring it into the cups. She finished it off with a small ‘tink, tink’ spoon against ceramic, before bringing them over to the fireplace. Mari carefully placed one by Aeva on the floor, close enough for her to reach over and grab, but far enough she wouldn’t accidentally knock it over.

Bet you don’t get confused when you make your shopping trips at all.

Mari had just placed her own glass on the small side table by one of the large chairs that faced the fire, but something in her froze. “Shopping trips?”

Mari thought it was odd…how she didn’t react at all to the cursor. “You….” Mari felt herself tense. Something was very, very off. Despite her demure demeanour. Then, was the final nail in the proverbial coffin.

Though, why do you choose to live out here and not in the local town?

A flash of blue, and her halberd sat firmly gripped in her hand, a turn of her foot and the weapon was placed between the two women - not fully raised, but the tip of steel hung low, ready to strike. The handle worn, used. Just how many times did Mari need to do this?

“I thought it was odd.” Mari’s tone had gone cold. Stupid. It was stupid for her to invite someone into her home. Stupid to think someone was so innocent.

“Why wouldn’t you know I can’t step into towns? I find that hard to believe. Your innocent act worked on me for a minute…” Cold blue eyes shifted away from Aeva. Mari sounded a little hurt, she had wanted so badly for it to be real she had let her guard down…again.

“You have one chance, and one chance only to tell me who you really are. What do you want from me? You just so happen to bump into me, this close to my home? Are you a plant? Who are you working for?”

@Raidou Vanity

“I hardly think it’s against your will. You followed me down here.” A small smirk as she began to wipe down her bunsen burner with a damp cloth. “I ain’t got the time to be making up flashcards. You wanted this knowledge, I’m going out on a limb and giving you bits of information to work from. Something I wouldn’t normally do”

Mari had to keep reminding herself she was dealing with a kid, an adult by legal standards, sure - but he was still fresh faced, barely out of High School. “It…really is a hassle, still.” Mari lifted her eyes to stare into his blue eyes, wide with curiosity. “You have an odd fascination with them. With us. I know you’ll grow bored of my warnings, but if you have more questions. I’ll do my best to answer them.” Mari would, because perhaps if she kept hammering in the grave reality of being marked as a PKer, he’d lose interest. Hell - maybe even giving him a small taste of it…trapping an NPC and having him strike them down to gain the temporary debuff - but that was in and of itself too dangerous for Mari’s liking.

"...so, what's the catch?"

“None.” Came Mari’s response as she turned and leaned her back against her alchemy workbench. “Although that is a very good attitude to have.” His suspicion didn’t bother Mari. It came as a welcomed surprise, maybe he did have some wits about him after all.

“It’s rare that I can share my knowledge in this sort of thing, that someone takes an interest in it - rather than tell me to steer clear from it.” Mari admitted with a shrug. “And I’ve told you how to make one thing. I’d hardly call that me handing out secrets.”

Mari opened up her HUD, and navigated to the area that showed off how much Col she had. “As you can see - “ She gestured to it with a wave. “I really don’t need the col.” She had millions. Needed millions to keep up with costs of fireproofing everything she owned, so Mari was always sure to have a steady supply of it.

“It’s not my fault people in this game limit themselves to keeping within the system, anyone with an ounce of imagination or knowledge could do the same. I know of people who have done the same.”

Mari closed her menu, and crossed her arms. “You don’t have to take it, leave, go back to the city and live your life appraising items. I don’t care. Frankly, I have nothing to gain, but equally, nothing to lose.”

Mari picking up : 

Mari (25/25) (0 Delivered / 25 Available) (Order Complete)

Despairing Ostinato (Instant Catalyst | 251321, 248773, 248771, 248766, 249629, 249624, 249621, 249715, 249709, 250890, 256302, 256303, 256304, 256305, 256306, 256307, 256308, 256309, 256310, 256311, 256312, 256313, 256314, 256315, 252170)

“Surprise me?” Mari asked, and she turned to the girl - who still hadn’t given her name. Mari could….could ask for her name - but she was waiting for the other to give it on her own accord. “I doubt it. Most are predictable - you give them an inch and they take a mile. Show them mercy and they quite literally stab you in the back. I don’t expect help, Your attitude is….sweet but -” 

A pause, that was just it..her attitude - it wasn’t normal. It was borderline naive, as though she had barely spoken to a single person. Although… if she had stayed in the cities till now it’d make sense. Most of the people in the starter cities on the lower floors were helpful - and if she knew or had at the very least spoken to Raidou… then it’d make sense her perspective was warped. This woman ain’t suited for this…

Mari’s eyes shifted down to the shivering white fox in her hand. Her voice was quiet, reflective. “I didn’t have help when I needed it. Most end up that way. You learn to do things on your own, you’d best learn that too - and to be careful..” Mari turned and placed the fox pup into the womans arms, then wiped her hand on the front of her shirt. There was no use in lecturing the poor woman. Mari could say more, but why ruin what little innocence the woman had?

The two broke the treeline - and Mari’s home came into view. A quaint cottage made of stone that sat on the edge of a large frozen lake. Despite the surroundings, and Mari’s less than kind demeanor - the house felt welcoming. A warm and cozy reprieve amongst the winter wonderland of the floor.

“He didn’t give you a name?” Mari asked, feigning curiosity. “Mmm… Not entirely odd. Knowing someones name means you can track them. Maybe he was just being careful. I mean…” Mari shook the snow off her boots as they stepped onto the small wooden porch. Key in door and head over her shoulder. “You haven’t even given me your name yet either.” A small jab at the woman.

The two women were hit with a wave of warmth upon entering the home, the first room was the living room. Sitting adjacent to the dining room with nothing but a low hanging ceiling to split the two spaces. The living room is filled with a large fireplace to the right, and two chairs that sit right by it. Ready to warm a weary traveler. The fireplace was lit, and it looked like someone had been there recently.

Mari picked up a small written note on a table - it was from her husband. Business. Mari knew what that meant, she scrunched it up and threw it into the fireplace. “Get comfortable, but try anything and you’d wish I left you outside.”

Mari watched as V and Lancaster flirted, how she would pull the cigarette from his mouth and draw on it, pausing - staring him down. It was…more intimate than Mari was expecting, and it mirrored an action Lancaster had done upon their first meeting. This will be the longest I’ll ever have…

The memory of a cigarette placed between her lips, and a kiss upon her forehead. As the two grew closer Mari stepped to the side, managing a lean on a nearby table. She had to remind herself that she wanted this. Wanted Lancaster to get closer to other people, the same way she was able to.

A lit stick passed back to her husband, and he breathed deep - pausing - his eyes kept to V like a moth to an alluring flame. Mari would not, could not blame him for staring, Mari herself had stolen a few glances throughout the night. V simply had that magnetism to her, still - in a fit of what one could only call childish jealousy, or sheer possessiveness Mari grabbed the cigarette back from Lancaster, put it in her own mouth and gave him a challenging look as she inhaled. The first time she had ever actually willingly inhaled the smoke - it burned her chest and her throat. Her eyes watered. She pulled the cigarette away and exhaled with a cough.

 "A bit too much to drink, bella donna." 

“...Sfine…” Mari mumbled, straightening herself. “See.” She held out her arms, doing her best to stand straight, but there was a slight sway to her stance. “You’d drink lotsh too if you were tortured.” Said so openly, and plainly - senses muddled by intoxication ,words far too grim for an evening such as this, but Mari hadn’t realized. Barely aware of her own faux paux.

Mari’s gaze shifted to Lancaster, he seemed so at home here, comfortable even. She couldn’t help but smile. Knowing his past, knowing he would no doubt frequent places like this.

Mari tore her eyes away, searching for a chair - there was one on the other side of the table, she found her way to it, and dragged it so it was a little closer to V and Lancaster before sitting in it, hearing him talk about passions and kindling toward V. He was having fun.

Mari managed a laugh as she leaned back on the chair - a hand outstretched toward V, the first dance of his night offered to the other woman. Mari tilted her head, unsure if she should feel jealous that the woman was taking that moment from Mari, or proud - that she managed to take that moment from both Mari and Lancaster, it was a little conflicting.

Mari waved the two off, “D-don’t mind me.” She slurred. “I jushht …need a minute. You two dansh. Pleashh.”

NON COMBAT Mari | HP: 1160/1160 | EN: 148/148 | DMG: 21 | MIT:143 | ACC:4 | AA  | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:64 | BRN: 56 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:5  | True Tier 15 

ph

PH

Post Action | [x15] AOE-I (11 - 2 [Stamina] + 2 [Shift] + (2 * 4 Targets = 8) = 19 EN+1 Well Rested= -19 EN)
ID:256530| 1 + 5 =6  | Hit vs. Ant SCout Dealing 390 Damage
ID:256531 | 10 + 5 = 15 | Hit vs. Ant Scout Dealing 390 Damage
ID: 256532 | 3+ 5 =8  | Hit vs. Ant Scout Dealing 390 Damage
ID:256533| 5+ 5 = 10 | Hit vs. Ant Scout Dealing 390 Damage

Ant Scout #25-28| 0/372 HP | DAM: 124
Ant Scout #25-28| 0/372 HP | DAM: 124
Ant Scout #25-28| 0/372 HP | DAM: 124
Ant Scout #25-28| 0/372 HP | DAM: 124

Squabble up In effect!
40,000 Col
12 materials
Perfect Trinket T4 ID: 256530, 256531, 256532, 256533

Mari | HP: 680/680 | EN: 81/100-19=62| DMG: 26 | MIT:143 | ACC:4+1 (AA) | AA  | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:37 | BRN: 56 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:5 | True Tier 15



Mari Loot Total:
240,000 Col
84 materials
Perfect Trinket T4 [28]   ID: [256075], [256076] [256077], [256078] ,[256079] ,[256080] ,[256081],[256082], [256083] , [256084] , [256085] , [256086], [256087] [256088], [256089] , [256090], [256091] ,[256092], [256093], [256094], [256526], [256527], [256528], [256526] [256530], [256531] , [256532] , [256533]

"Oh, now see these-" Mari pointed toward the scouts with the tip of her Halberd, these ones were very similar to the first lot, except their abdomens twisted upwards, walking on four legs, their other two like long twitching arms. "they're evolving. After a few waves they'll even have helmets and hold sticks. Honestly, its kinda predictable after a while."  And, as they drew closer Mari simply ran her blade through them with a single lazy swing. 

"This gets tiring, but I feel like it needs to be done sometimes."

Post Action | [x15] AOE-I (11 - 2 [Stamina] + 2 [Shift] + (2 * 4 Targets = 8) = 19 EN+1 Well Rested= -19 EN)
ID:256526|9 + 5 =14  | Hit vs. Ant SCout Dealing 390 Damage
ID:256527 | 9+ 5 = 14 | Hit vs. Ant Scout Dealing 390 Damage
ID: 256528 | 2+ 5 =7  | Hit vs. Ant Scout Dealing 390 Damage
ID:256529| 1+ 5 = 6 | Hit vs. Ant Scout Dealing 390 Damage

Ant Scout #21-24| 0/372 HP | DAM: 124
Ant Scout #21-24| 0/372 HP | DAM: 124
Ant Scout #21-24| 0/372 HP | DAM: 124
Ant Scout #21-24| 0/372 HP | DAM: 124

Squabble up In effect!
40,000 Col
12 materials
Perfect Trinket T4 ID: 256526,256527 256528 256529

Mari | HP: 680/680 | EN: 100/100-19=81 | DMG: 26 | MIT:143 | ACC:4+1 (AA) | AA  | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:37 | BRN: 56 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:5 | True Tier 15



Mari Loot Total:
240,000 Col
72 materials
Perfect Trinket T4 [20]   ID: [256075], [256076] [256077], [256078] ,[256079] ,[256080] ,[256081],[256082], [256083] , [256084] , [256085] , [256086], [256087] [256088], [256089] , [256090], [256091] ,[256092], [256093], [256094], [256526], [256527], [256528], [256526]

The cold never ending

A sentence that unnerved Mari, it made her cling to him tighter. A promise, through body, then through words. “Never again. I’ll ensure you will never feel such a thing again.”

He held her close, and Mari soaked up that warmth with her fingers, sprawling them up and under his jacket, removing it. “You have no need to quit. Although…” A pause, unsure if they would leave. “If we ever find ourselves in the real world again, perhaps you cut back - I’d be lost without you with me.”

"Jonathan..."
 

The name spoken with absolute disgust. How he had abandoned his family, and it were true. For even their daughter had made her way into Aincrad. No doubt a way to keep her busy and out of his hair. “Family…”  Mari whispered quietly. “I did kill my daughter. So maybe I do not deserve one.” Mari said, her hand finding his and squeezing it tightly, finding that comfort she so sorely needed. “Remember how I said Jonathan rigged the case, his Lawyer was the one who threw her in front of my strike. Uriel, his name was - he kept following me, taunting me and teasing me - trying to drive me insane.”  A soft snort and a shake of her head.

“...I guess… in a way he got what he wanted, but-” Mari shifted. Resting in the crook of Lancasters neck. “That’s why I want him dead. No. I want him to suffer, then to die. I want all his luxuries stripped from him. His millions - I want him to live in poverty like I did. I want him to have that sliver of hope - only to have it ripped from him and I want to see the look on his face when his life is taken in that moment.” A pause, Mari hadn’t realized she had been trembling. A heaving stilted breath. “Does that make me wrong? Bad?”

She was silent at that moment, she could feel Lancasters chest puff out, and before he could reply Mari stopped him, a small kiss on his lips. “It may. But I am fine with that, as long as I have you.”

And, then Lancaster told her of his time in Aincrad. Mari laughed as he wriggled his fingers. “Yes, yes. Neither one of us are much of the gamer type.” She’d return his gesture, sticking her tongue out at him as she mocked his hand movements in a light hearted manner.

Mari would shoot him with a fingergun, repeating “Pezzo da Novanta, bang.”

She fell quiet when Lancaster told her ‘The Big Cheese’ personally invited him. Raidou… a way to curb people. It made sense. “Do you…miss it?” Mari asked, “Did you…even have any friends there?” Mari reached forward and ran a hand over his cheek. “I wish you had others to fall back on.” She picked up his hand and kissed the top of it.

“My time in Aincrad, you know most of it - my love. After my daughter, I lost it. Threw myself into potions and chemicals and concoctions. I found it therapeutic, I found a sick kind of joy in watching others struggle just as I had… then guilt ate at me and I hid away. Only to be dragged back up again by people like Oscar, and Baldur….Oikawa…”
 

The last name fell from her lips slowly, she missed him. “Another confession - Mi Amore. One you already know, most likely. Oikawa confessed to me. You know?” A tilt of her head, a sigh. “Admissions of love, only to disappear, poof gone. An asshole, no? Too bad for him, for I am now entirely yours.”

A shift as Mari moved to further cement herself into his lap. A pause of the conversation to indulge in everything that was him. Arms snaked around his, nails digging into his shoulders as she would let her passions rise and take over. Unyielding in her desires, wanting to show the man just how much he meant to her. Words could wait, the tour would wait. Mari was hungry.  

Mari’s hand trailed down V’s back. Her lips drew close, but not quite touching to her neck. “I admit..I-” A small stumble, a struggle with her drunken motor skills. “I’m glad…I have shomeone like you to dance with.”

Then, came Lancaster - not quite as she expected. Rose in his lapel, and hair slicked back- the heavy scent of whiskey permeating from him. Mari snorted as she covered her mouth. Trying not to laugh. This was the all consuming tyrant. This was the man people feared. This absolute dork who looked like he just bathed in a glass of whiskey, who had ripped a rose from its place and shoved it messily into the front of his jacket. “Me?” Mari asked, as she turned to face him, possessively pulling V toward her. “Cant you shee I’m Busy.” 

Ignoring that, and instead taking to a knee Lancaster spoke with his hands, Italian accent thick as he started muttering to the girls, Mari doing her best to translate to V, with soft whispers in her ear. “He Shayin he wishes to be a painter, a Schulkptor - for we ar worksh of art, but he but a Shilly trumpet player.”

His hands would first lift V’s foot, as though he were delicately cradling a piece of art, then shift to Mari’s, lingering. Mari couldn’t help but press her foot forward, an attempt to almost step on him. Smiling brightly, greatly amuse at his antics.

“Aww, the mans heart ish alight…” Mari cooed, leaning down to pull him up by his collar. He stumbled forward and she chanced a graze of her lips against his ear before letting him go.

Lancaster gave V a glass of alcohol, then set the one he held alight. Talking about how his passions would ignite. "Oh?" Mari rested her head on V's shoulder. "You offer her a drink? W-wheresh mine?" It was very clear Mari shouldn't be drinking any more. "You tryin to Shteal her froim me?" Mari was leaning heavily on V.

“What do you think, my muse?” She asked V, playing along with Lancasters schtick. “Do you think he desherves your time??” A turn to Lancaster. Eyes widening in drunken delight.

“Do you thin- hic- think he can Share hishh passhhions? Can he handle the two of Ushh?”


@Jevi @Lancaster

Despite the heavy topic of discussion, Mari couldn’t help but feel wells of pride roll through her as she felt his breath hitch and pause at the entrance - how his eyes lingered on various pieces of marble, the paintings, a grand staircase. Far too extravagant and gaudy for her tastes, but for him…it felt perfect. A chuckle and a grin set her a little more at ease as he carried her to an adjacent room. A study.

“Apple of your eye….” Mari mused, and as Lancaster came to sit by her she slid over him, straddling him, resting firmly in his lap. Hands running over his shoulders, resting on his chest. “Always possessive of you, my sweet, cherished Vincent.”

She grew silent as he talked about his past. Mari was a little surprised how far off the mark she had been. Growing up with nothing…she could relate. “Fell in with…” Mari repeated quietly. She wished she could say she would, could provide him with everything and more - but out there…she couldn’t.

Lancaster sighed and Mari caught it with her kiss, not allowing him to falter. Lancaster returned, wrapping his arms around her waist and breaking away, shifting her off his lap and moving toward the fireplace. He lit it, and stood, watching.  The dancing light of the flames licking at his somber expression.

“You mentioned that accident before…” Mari said quietly, leaning over the couch, watching him. “You were abandoned, left alone…and felt nothing but cold the first few months in Aincrad.” A connection Mari hadn’t seen before. Why he hated the 4th floor, why he adored the warmth and fire.

Lancaster moved back to the couch, lifting her legs then sitting back down, placing them in his lap, absently he began to remove her shoes, moving to massage her feet. Then pausing to reach over and take her hands in his, pulling her up to a seated position beside him. “You…give me far too much credit, Vincent.” 

He asked about her, and it was Mari’s turn. Something she had been dreading.

“Outside…I am not much to note. I grew up in a rural town in the middle of nowhere in Australia. Mother and Father, were fine, I guess. Nothing fancy. My father died when I was young.” Mari pointed to the cigarette that Lancaster was lifting to his lips. “Lung Cancer, too much smoke.” A soft snort. A slight change in conversation

“I have a confession.”

She snapped her own fingers, lighting Lancasters cigarette for him.

“The day I met you, you offered me a cigarette. I denied you, saying I used to when stressed, but not anymore. Truthfully, I used to hate the smell. I tolerated it for you. Because the moment I met you, there was something about you - it left me breathless, left me wanting more. You, Vincenzo - were so addicting. 

A tilt of her head, and a press of her lips to his neck, enjoying the way she could feel goosebumps form on his skin, hear and feel him swallow. The shift of his weight as his fingers pressed tighter into her skin.

“I married a man named Jonathan. Business entrepreneur, I got pregnant, an accident and he grew angry and cold. I was in no short terms. Forced into a marriage, then - once Evelyn was born a messy divorce. He had paid of people to fake legal documents. Made me look like a drug addict, and an unfit mother. Left me with nothing.”

Mari grew quiet, the next part, she hadn’t admitted to anyone.

“I lived on the streets for a year whilst studying. Working. Any job I could that would pay me under the table. The one thing Jonathan was good for at least…was to pre-pay all my studies at the University. Language, Chemical Science…I loved it. I felt like that was all I had. Eventually, I ended up in Japan.”

Mari rolled her hand, “One of those….teach english to kids and free room and board type deals…my way into Aincrad - much different to yours. I simply was on a product testing machine before my flight - and …” A pause. “Now I’m here.”

There was a lot she glossed over, but, she could say the same for Lancaster, a brief telling of her past before delving into her time in Aincrad.

“Vincent, how did you end up joining the Laughing Coffin?” A question that would lead into his past within the confines of the game.

He’d tell his, and she’d tell hers. To be sure.

“One moment…”

A flash of light, and a change of clothes. Mari wore a silk negligee, deep in crimson - matching his eyes. A wry smile and another kiss to the underside of his chin.

“I adore you, no matter what your past is. I want you, in your entirety, for as long as you have me.”

Mari visibly bristled, body tensing almost like a cat - as Sin took away her much needed catharsis in the form of straight alcohol. Everyone around her was relaxed, and having fun but Mari was struggling to fit into the vibe. The other woman commented on wanting to join and Mari turned her attention away to catch the other shot Warren slid back to her, downing it instantly. It didn't help that Oscar said Mari didn't have the 'juice' not even together. Mari had wanted to hold her tongue, to be a little more proper and at least respect her friends wishes, of not sharing his sexual dalliances, but - this was a matter of her pride. "Last I recall, you seemed pretty worn out." She shot back at Oscar, tired blue eyes almost challenging him. 

"Perhaps it best you weren't called - " Mari tapped the table for yet another shot. Her sixth, at this Warren gave her a look but obliged. Mari knew she'd be cut off soon. Best drink what she could and let it all hit her at once. "What I did today..." They all wanted to play this game, fine. Mari placed emphasis on the word, her eyes shifting from Sin back to Oscar. "It was far too rough. And I'm afraid I couldn't...share the experience."

Whilst people were mulling over their cards Mari messaged Lancaster again;

Mari --> Lancaster: Its turned to strip poker...would you join? its at XX YY ZZ
Lancaster --> Mari: Too far, I am afraid.
Lancaster --> Mari: Cheat. Make sure you make the final hand after they strip naked to have them go through a town wearing a hat. Good times.
Lancater --> Mari: Then later, I want my own show.

Mari could practically hear the laughter from her husband from here. He set her at ease, he was fine. One day...Mari would get him to venture out, to make his own connections outside the LC; but for now - 

Hands dealt, cards played, and fate had graced Warren as the winner - it seemed the entire table had picked up on what was supposed to be happening. Today was no longer about Mari, about Redemption or even about penance - it was about Abellio and Lysette - and for Mari...that was a relief.

Mari picked up her hands, no cards needed to be swapped. Was she...staring at this right? Was this - a Royal flush? Mari elbowed Lysette first, then Sin,  allowing them the chance to look over her cards - then she sighed. "I might have to...fold again...what about you all?"

I just wanted to give it a chance

A desperate plea from a trembling woman whose innocence seemed so misplaced, a simple desire to help a pitiful creature. Just wanting to give something, anything a chance at life. Mari drew in a breath, she understood. Mari felt it was grossly misplaced…but she understood. A small exhale as her eyes softened, a hand reaching out to place on top of the foxes head, offering it a pat. “Not everything deserves that chance though.” Heavy words spoken from experience of a world that that burned the woman one too many times.

Something was off about her, how she didn't seem at all phased by Mari’s orange marker, how she didn’t seem to understand the dangers of wandering around outside a safe zone. Not knowing what a familiar was.  “This…your first time outside the city or something?” Mari asked. A curiosity in her tone, it was odd. Even if this had been her first time out adventuring, she should know these basic things.

Then, the next words…Red healer.

Raidou.

For whatever reason, this woman knew Raidou. Raidou had in some capacity helped her, and yet withheld his name from her. Mari didn’t know the reason why. Outwardly, she showed little to no reaction to the mention of her friend.

“My house is the only one nearby. Does this Red Healer have a name? Can you message them?”

Mari picked up the tiny shivering fox by the loose skin of its neck. It yelped and squirmed in her grasp. Careful not to use ‘him’ to keep that connection hidden till a time where it would be relevant. Mari didn’t trust this woman. Even so… she was inviting her to her home.

Absolute worst case scenario it’d be another mark on the wall, another stain on her ever blackened soul.

“C’mon then. You can follow me to my home, or you can use a teleport crystal to return to the city.” A gamble, Mari would offer help to the woman, only for the mention of Raidou.

And partly because she felt if she didn’t - the other would drop dead before the morning. Luckily Lancaster wasn’t home. Busy with guild work, and since it was on the higher floors, he’d be resting in his own home. The choice would be hers. Mari began to lead the other out the forest, not even knowing her name - and yet leading her straight to one of the few bastions of safety Mari had. Not even pausing to see if she followed.

“You look totally lost. Honestly…why don’t you use a crystal? Is it because of this?”

Mari lifted the fox up, it had stopped squirming now, accepting its fate - to be carried around by a ging haired woman.

She shivered, from fear…from the cold. Maybe from Mari’s presence herself. None were surprising for her. What was - was how the woman scrambled out from the safe confines of the plush blanket, falling forward into the snow to clutch at something. “What the-”

Then, Mari realized what was happening. The wolf pack wasn’t just hunting the other woman. They had been tracking their prey. “Its just a-” Mari caught herself, biting her tongue. Mari didn’t really care about the creatures or NPCs of Aincard. They weren’t real. “It’s not real.” Mari said quietly. A terrible attempt to alleviate the girls trembling concerns.

Why would it matter if the little white fox lived or died?

“You were protecting it though? Using your own life?” Again, there was that tone, condescending, without meaning to be. Mari wasn’t sure how to tackle this situation. She just wanted to get home before the storm rolled in. When was the last time Mari met someone who was willing to risk their lives for a digital thing, not even a human, but a tiny trembling arctic fox.

“It’ll die in the oncoming storm.”

The woman flinched.

Damn

Mari groaned, hand slapping her face and dragging down. “You’re not gonna just leave it are you?” She grumbled under her breath. “Right. Fine.” Mari bent down, pulling a health potion from her pocket and jamming it into the tiny foxes mouth. It wasn’t cautious, nor graceful. Unlike her actions with the woman, Mari was almost a little rough with the fox. It coughed and spluttered, tiny body heaving as it struggled to drink the contents. But -its health bar stayed steady.

“Unless it's your familiar, you can’t take it back into town with you. So this is an act of futility. Really.” Mari pointed beyond the treeline, the sun was quickly setting, and snow was already falling around them. “Soon, the winds will pick up, storms comin’. It won’t survive. You won’t either if you don’t have Survival, or shelter.”

Mari stood, dusting off her hands. Hopefully that would put some sense into the other woman, make her leave the fox behind and travel back to the safety of Snowfrost.

 

The two landed in a messy heap, with Alinta sprawled on top of Scar. Her weapon safely put away, the binds of her string no longer digging into his flesh, but his health had still trickled down, almost a quarter gone - her own, not much better. She groaned as she picked herself up. Her arm still hurts. “H-Help!” Her cries frantic, echoed loud and shrill above the hustle and bustle of the city center. “P-Please…someone!?” The few players that had seen her shuffled away. “Hello Don’t just-” Her head whipped back and forth, desperate, erratic. Wanting to gain someones attention. But no one seemed to care, it was as though this was a common occurrence. A headache was forming, and it was painful to bear, thoughts twisting and turning and churning - why? Why didn’t anyone care that someone was hurt?

A groan and movement beneath her diverted her attention. “S-Scar?” Alintas hands trembled as they danced over his face. His eyes were still glazed, unfocused. “Oh Scar…what happened to you?” A huff of effort as she tried to pull him into her lap, arms under his, her head landing into the top of his, inhaling deeply the scent of his shampoo. Of Lavender. 

“Miss? You two good?”

Finally…Finally someone had stopped. A tall burly man wearing green metal heavy armour and sporting a bowl cut, an obnoxiously purple colour. He seemed friendly enough but the cadence and tone of his voice, somehow…seemed to annoy her. “I…I don’t know - what happened but he’s struggling and…and…and…”

“Lets see…” He kneeled down and took a single glance at Scar. “Residual paralysis from a fight. I’d get him to an inn so he can sleep it off.” With a quick heft he had managed to pick up Scar. “C’mon. I’ll take you to one.”

“T-Thank you!” Alinta stammered, still shaken by everything that happened. She quickly followed behind the taller man. “I - I’m not sure what happened, there was this forest- and this girl, and then this PKer with a mask and-”

“A PKer?” The concern is evident in the strangers tone. He glanced over an overly broad shoulder at Alinta. “You aren’t involved in any trouble are you?”

Alinta caught the falter in his step, if she had said yes, he’d not help… She quickly shook her head. “No. No. Just someone who…wanted to you know…” She was terrible at lying. “Take our loot, and - I mean he did because…you know…I uhm…life…is…uhm…” She started to stammer, her lie unravelling.

Thankfully the man didn’t seem to catch on, thinking her reaction was naught more than fear. “Alright. I hear ya. Thats typical on the higher floors. Lets just get this boy to a bed.”

The man lead Alinta to an inn, and was even kind enough to pay for the room. He set Scar down in the bed, and lingered in the doorway.

“Names Piros, by the way. So is he your-”

“Yes. He’s my boyfriend.” Alinta already knew where this was headed, she heard it a thousand times before, and would hear it a thousand times in the future. “I appreciate your help. If you want me to pay you back I-”

A laugh as he waved her off dismissively. “No need Miss.” He gave her a wink and a thumbs up. “That’s what heroes are for! I will leave you be! Piros the third! Out!”

The door shut with a soft click and Alinta fell to her knees, then to her hands. Trembling. She had been trying her best to hold it together, but now… now… Her tears bubbled up with heaving hiccups. The woman began to cry, heavily. Drenching her face, her lips, the floor. Her body shook.

I hurt him…
    I hurt him…
          I just wanted to protect him and I hurt him.

“S…Scar…” She sobbed with a hiccup that devolved into coughs. That was terrifying. An actual Pker…and they had been so close to her… so wild and untamed and angry.

He let them go…but why?

WC: 667
@Scar

“I…appreciate that…” Mari said as Oscar extended the invite to Lancaster, and Mari considered it. Really truly considered it. “I am not sure he’d want to come. I want him to make more connections after…” Mari lifted her hand and rolled it. She wasn’t going to outright say why in front of Oscars guests.

Still…

Still…

Mari opened up her HUD; and messaged Lancaster

Mari→ Lancaster: Im still with Oscar. Being roped into playing Poker with his friends. Did you want to join? I
Lancaster → Mari: Not for me Mia Amore. Is your friend. Take the night. I will be here.

Just as she thought. He wasn’t up for the company, maybe Mari could have convinced him if it were just her and Oscar, but…if it were just those three - who knows where the night could have ended up. Perhaps. It was safer that Lancaster stayed home. Mari snorted at the thought, pushing it down and away for later, or for never.

“He won’t be coming.”

Bowls of literal spice laden death were moved aside as Warren started setting up the cards, and Mari was suddenly feeling very exposed when the two women flanked her. Last Mari thought, Lysette didn’t seem too keen on her, so Mari was surprised to have her sit so close, enough that their thighs touched. Sin too. Mari didn’t know her, but the other woman already had her hand on Mari’s thigh. A sly grin on her face.

The hell did I get myself into…

Sin lifted her hand off Mari’s leg, offering a way to make it interesting. Eye candy? Mari immediately caught onto what was being proposed. Strip poker? “B-But I- My body isn’t exactly-”

Mari glanced over at Oscar, begging him for help with her gaze. He seemed to try and divert the attention, and Mari exhaled a small sigh of relief. Right. The Couple. They surely wouldn’t agree to something like this.

“Nope!- Eye Candy!”

Sin reached forward, pushing strands of hair out of Mari’s face. “Honey, from what I see, your body is just fine. Better than.”

“Drink first. Now. PLease. Need.” Mari moaned as she picked up her cards, already seeing what could only be described as the worst luck hand. A King of hearts, no pairs, no flush, no straight. Just a 9, a 5 and a two. The hell was she supposed to do with this?

“Three drinks. Now.”

Mari snorted. “Oscar…. You and I both know I’m not exactly a kind person. But - I appreciate the compliment.” She would offer him a smile that would fade completely when Oscars eyes lowered, Cordelia…hadn’t been messaging him either.

Mari chewed the inside of her cheek. Not on the monument…not replying. She could be trapped somewhere, much like Mari was, a place that didn’t allow messages to reach her, or for her to contact the outside world… what if someone in the Laughing Coffin had taken her? What if Atan had? So many possibilities and none of them were good. Mari felt ill, she had to figure it out. What was going on … an inclination, an answer, hell even just a slight silver of hope. “In months…” Mari whispered, she pushed herself off the stool, and rounded the bar, standing beside Oscar Mari reached out to clasp his hands in her own small trembling ones.

“Everything.” Mari said. “I’ll do anything and everything…”

But…Mari was doubting her own words, and instead of reassurance, there was a silence between the two. Cordelia had worked her way deep into each of their hearts - and her presence was so sorely missed.

“POKER NIGHT!”

The door to the kitchen swung open and Mari tensed, scrambling to get back over to the other side of the bar, lest anyone get the wrong (or once upon a time right) idea. “The hell?” Mari asked, seeing Abellio bright eyed and bushy tailed burst through the door, and Lysette on his arm. Mari recalled a bet about a kiss and flashed Oscar a look.

Then, another came in, Mari recognized him as Warren, despite them sharing very few words. He was the one who liked to smoke a lot. He wore a visor that reminded Mari of an old man going golfing. They all seemed to still seeing Mari there.

“Mari! Are you coming to poker night?”

“P-Poker night?” Mari blinked, looking down at herself. Still wearing nothing more than a white shirt and thin stockings. Nothing more. “I…don’t think-”

“Fuck Oscar. Is everyone you know hot as fuck?”

This was all happening far too quickly for Mari. The knowledge that Cordelia hadn’t been talking to Oscar either… the pain that came with that, the sudden appearance of several of Oscars associates…Abellio’s absolute enthusiasm to have her join their game. The compliments from the tall well dressed woman that made Mari feel even more underdressed, if that were possible.

“I…” Mari lifted a hand to her head. She was exhausted. She had just failed redemption. She had an emotional time. Draining, physically…mentally…

“I don’t think I should.”

“Hear that!” Abellio cried out. “She’s staying!”

Mari realized, there was no way out of this.

“I’ll…need several drinks. And to let Lan know I won’t be home this evening.”

"Busy..." Mari repeated, not masking the skeptism in her tone. She knew he was busy. That was the problem. But she didn't push it. Because Mari was more or less doing something similar. Busy...busy with reigning in Laughing Coffin members, busy with her preparation for Redemption. Busy with busting her ass ensuring her guild had enough col and materials to last the next several floors. Cooking, cleaning, ensuring her house was a welcoming home for her husband. A shake of her head and a warm and worn smile. "Busy...yeh...same, Oscar...same..." Her smile widened when he gave her a hint to what he was working on. Something like the beach party, but bigger? "Colour me impressed. I'm looking forward to it." She tapped the side of her bowl with her spoon. "Although...if you are serving food, tone down on the spice, most of us have as you say...weak bloodlines, yeh?" Mari said with a laugh. "Again...I am here if you need help. Okay?"

Mari leaned forward, elbow on table as she placed her head into the palm of her hand, watching Oscar with a sort of warm adoration. It was rare for someone to worm their way under her skin in the way her did. In more ways than one. Which he had done. Many times. Mari genuinely enjoyed his friendship, and his company. Actively sought him out, wanting to update him on all manner of things. That... just wasn't something Mari did. But with Oscar? It was different. "Your Skill comes in handy yanno?" Mari commented, "I think..I've helped four people who have wanted to step out of the starter cities. Set them up with the funds and the gear...being a PKer...everything comes at a premium cost. Hell, getting someone to come grab some food from your restaurant sometimes costs me ten thousand or so. I hadn't gotten the chance to thank you properly for it. So thanks."

Oscar talked about how he and his motley crew were working together in tandem, and something in that tugged at Mari's heartstrings. She still felt so disconnected from everything, everyone. Her eyes shifted away from his. Her shoulders slumped and that soft smile she wore faded just slightly. That must be nice. She wished she had that with her guild. With a group of friends. But Mari didn't even have a group of friends. She had...a friend. She had Oscar. (And whatever the fuck Raidou was) Most of her friends were gone. Disappeared. Even...

"Oscar..." Mari said quietly. "Do... you know where Cordellia is? She hasn't....answered any of my messages since I was released from prison." 

Spoken quietly, initially not wanting to bring her up, but his words... he wouldn't keep his mouth shut. So neither would she. Mari rose her eyes to meet his gaze. Concern, fear. A worry that she'd hurt quite literally her only remaining friend in Aincrad, just for the mere mention of wondering where another was.  "Sorry." Guilt and regret bubbled up in Mari. "I'm sure she's fine. It's fine." Mari tried to wave off her inquiry. Wave away the pain that kept bubbling up in her chest.

Redemption...

Penance...

Normalcy..

Why were those things so hard?

Mari felt an irrevocable warmth as his calloused hands slid up her legs, her thigh, pulling her up and into him. Carrying her bridal style. His Italian a little too fast for even her to understand, but she could take a guess it was something along the lines of 'you didn't have to do this' or 'how did you move this?' His joy, his utter disbelief filled Mari with an immense sense of pride and joy. "Am yours...Always..." Mari whispered as she pressed her forehead into the nape of his neck, coiling her arms around his shoulders. Mari didn't really know too much about Vincent outside of the game, but...

"Vincent..." A soft mutter, a whisper of comfort came from her lips as they pressed against his neck. A pause to breathe in deep of his cologne, the sickly scent of acetone and gas and chemicals, mixed together in a dizzying array that was him. "I don't know much of you outside this place." She began as Lancaster began to carry her across the expansive courtyard. Normally she'd argue against it, but the woman was beyond exhausted. "Vincenzo Lionetti...changed his name to Vincent due to a dislike of his name..." A pause, another inhale. "A man who adores fine things, expensive tastes, very expensive tastes...refined table manners...owns an original and expensive Harley...and yet...who became trapped here due to a job gone wrong..."

Maybe Mari was rambling, maybe she shouldn't be admitting she had been dwelling on all this, but she'd be amiss if she had to lie to her husband. 

Mari's arms wrapped tighter around him. "I don't know if you came from a wealthy family, and left it due to how stifling and boring it was...or if you're -" A pause, and in inhale, it sounded simply ridiculous to insinuate, like something out of a written book. "Or if you belong to some...mafioso. Whatever the case is, Vincent...I wanted to give you a taste of your home."

Her voice grew quiet.

His home.

Mari would follow him to the ends of the earth, into the belly of such a family, if needs must - but she wasn't sure if the her out there would ever be suited.

"All for you. My king."

“Right, hang on…careful…” Mari was leading Lancaster, blindfolded past the confines of Athenaia. Down a small pathway, and hidden by a mountainside. “Almost there…”

Mari would pull the blindfold away from his eyes, only to cover them quickly with her own hands. “When you left the Laughing Coffin…I feel as though I took away your home, a space that was well and truly yours, and whilst my home shall always be a place for you…” She paused, finally removing her hands from his eyes allowing him to see the weeks of early rises and late nights. The reason she had been so absent, so tired, all of it coming to fruition in this single moment of time. “So it is only fair, for me to return it to you..two fold.” Mari would stand next to Lancaster, a head on his shoulder. “Mmm….maybe this is more than two fold though. It is four stories after all.” A small notification would pop up in front of Lancaster, allowing him to accept her grand gift.

This home, this space. Was entirely his.

The large estate is located just outside the city limits of Athenaia, surrounded by large walls mounted with golden spikes that gleam in the sunlight, as though they have been coated with something insidious to deter any potential trespassers. Inside is a vast courtyard with priceless marble statues dotted in its yard that leads up to a multistory home carved of the finest marble. Completely ostentatious in its design it oozes pure decadence and luxury that would make even the great rulers of the floor envious. The interior has heated floors throughout, so no matter the weather - one is always a comfortable temperature. In the entire foundation, walls, floors and ceilings of the building there are glimmering red stones stamped evenly into the stone and marble. Protection against the fiery temperament of the estate's owner. 

“Is yours. Just as I am, Mi Amore. Welcome to your home, your throne.”

Mari | HP: 1220/1220 | EN: 154/154 | DMG: 21 | MIT:143 | ACC:4 | AA  | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:67 | BRN: 56 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:5 | True Tier 16

Standard Recovery +4 EN, 

The Leech Lich gurgled, faltering from the weight of their combined attacks and with a shaky hand summoned another two skeletons. "Aww, look." Mari gushed as she swung her weapon, completely decimating them the second they pulled their skeletal feet from the ground. "It thinks its efforts make a difference." Mari snapped her fingers, two, three , then four times - each time she did flames would ripple up her hand, her arms and over her shoulders, creating a cape of flames that cascaded around her.

"Little help?" Mari asked, stepping over a skeletal corpse to steal a kiss from her husband, and with her stolen kiss, Mari stole the flames upon his own shoulders, adding them to her blaze. Mari turned to the lich and stepped toward it. Sizzling the rocky ground with each and every footstep. "It's over." A burst of flames sent the stygian warriors into ash - and as the Leech Lich towered down on her a single thrust at the apex of its chest sent it into an explosion. Its Jaw unhinging and clattering to her feet before Mari stomped on it.

A pang of....something hit Mari in the chest as she watched the last of the embers float up into the sky. Maybe it was the malaise of the floor affecting her, or maybe it was the disappointment of a battle, far too short lived. "I...can do so much here..." She quietly said. She was strong here, was able to create such insane chemical concoctions, explosions, and the like. Not only that she was able to survive them. Compared to outside...

Compared to the real world...

Compared to Amari.

Out there, she was nothing. Would he even truly want to be with her out there? "Hey...Vincent...." her voice quiet, contemplative as her back faced him. There was a pause, as though Mari was going to say something, but a slight shake of her head stopped her. Mari simply smiled as she turned to face her husband. "You ready to see my store before we move to the next quest?"

"Post Action | [x15] AOE-I (11 - 2 [Stamina] + 2 [Shift] + (2 * 4 Targets = 8) = 19 EN)
ID: 256364 | 2 + 7 = 9, CD: 12 {ST-B Unlocked} | Hit vs. Stygian Warrior Dealing 465 - 35 = 430 Damage
ID: 256365 | 10 + 7 = 17, Hit vs. STygian warrior Dealing 465 - 35 = 430 Damage
ID: 256366 | 4 + 7 = 11, Hit vs. Leech Lich Dealing 465 - 35 = 430 Damage"

Players:
Lancaster | HP: 720/720 | EN: 82/110 | DMG: 27 | MIT:76 | ACC:6 | BRN-IM | FL.AURA: 16 | FL.THORNS: 16/96 | BH:36 | BLI: 96/-20 [8-10] | BRN: 168 [8-10]
Mari | HP: 779/780 | EN: 63/110  82-19 | DMG: 31 | MIT:123 | ACC:6 | AA | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:43 | BRN: 56 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:5 | Letting     

Enemies:

STYGIAN WARRIOR | HP: 0/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1
STYGIAN WARRIOR | HP: 0/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1

[1/1] LEECH LICH | HP: 0/1300 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 55 | ACC: 2 | BRN [56/1]
This boss uses its own BD roll when attacking.

• Protected | <<The Leech Lich>> cannot be attacked until the all active <<Stygian Warriors>> are defeated or devoured by <<The Leech Lich>>. After the original 4 die, <<The Leech Lich>> is no longer protected.
• Undead | Fallen damage has no effect on <<The Leech Lich>>, but Holy damage deals +25 final damage when the enhancement procs.
• Leech | Four <<Stygian Warriors>> spawn with the boss when it is engaged in combat. <<The Leech Lich>> will consume up to two creatures per turn as a Free Action and will do so whenever it can. If it consumes the creature, it gains +25 Mitigation, +50 Base Health, +25 Damage for the rest of the battle, and restores +100 HP after the other effects have taken place. If it lands a hit on the player, <<The Leech Lich>> will heal a third of the final damage it dealt to the player (rounded up). At the start of every other turn (starting on the second turn), two more <<Stygian Warriors>> will spawn, but there will always be a maximum of four <<Stygian Warriors>> at any given time.