Zahra

Ever so slightly Zahra tried to shift. It was harder than expected though. Something warm and solid was locked around her and refused to let go. Golden orbs open and blinked repeatedly before being able to focus. What she found herself staring at was the tanned skin of Rolland's chest. Instantaneously her body heat rose. Glancing up she found the Rolland was peacefully asleep, just like she had been moments ago. Bringing her gaze back in front of her she found that he hands rested against his defined chest. At some point there legs had become intertwined causing her to press against him; fitting like a puzzle piece. Once more her gaze was brought back to his face. Carefully, Zahra moved one hand off of his chest and moved a piece of hair that had fallen out of place. In the process, her hand brushed against his cheek light as a feather. She didn't want to wake up, yet she couldn't help herself. Freeing herself slightly, Zahra shifted so that she gently brush her lips against his cheek. He had done it twice to her and it was her turn to do it to him. 

Much to Zahra bewilderment the newly dubbed Nightshade stood, strips off most of his clothes and then headed into the water himself. All the while keeping his distance. Before he ducked down under the water the brunette could have swore she seen tear fall down his features, but he disappeared too quickly for her to tell. While he was under Zahra let out a soft sigh. The way he winced and placed a hand on his head had not gone unnoticed. Either right then he had gotten a headache or he was remembering something. Zahra was going to go with the latter. She had witnessed people in the game who had lost friends and loved one. They had reacted several different ways. The main ones that had been noticed had been the ones who become nothingness or the ones who lose it. It was possible that Nightshade fell into one of those categories or even both. There is no way Zahra would ask him though. For one, that would be considered rude and two it was not her business. If he was willing to open up at some point, great, and if not then so be it. 

Suddenly the water rippled and he reemerged; this time a grin and splash were sent her way. The splash fell short but caused her to smile anyways. "What did I do?" Zahra muttered, thinking about all the activities her sister and her hand done, "Took care of my younger sister while my mother worked. We would run around and play tag or watch the stars at night. So many things. We were always together." Images of her sister and her lying in the sleeping bag talking or reading. Them seeing who could steal more cookies until they were caught. That little girl was her life. "You're going to know everything about me before we go our sperate ways and I'm going to know nothing about you," Zahra commented jokingly, sending another splash at him. This time making sure it hit him. 

"It's only been a couple hours and you already know me so well," Zahra grinned, taking a seat on the ground and laying the spear across her lap. Once it settled she then leaned back on her hands and looked up. "Frist you tell me what you were going to before we were rudely interrupted, and then you can ask me anything you want about my life in the real world, does that sound fair?" Zahra questioned raising her eyebrows and sending a glance over toward Marisa. Really either way was fine with her, but she really really wanted to know how that sentence from earlier was going to be finished. 

The warmth poured over her as soon as the sun touched her skin. That wasn't even the best part. Rolland had pulled her close and then kept his arm securely around her shoulders. After that, it was easy to get comfortable. Zahra adjusted herself so that her ear was resting right above Rolland's heart as the other hand came to rest on his chest. Thump. Thump. Thump. The sound of his heart was rhythmic. That combined with the warmth of the sunshine and swimming had begun to make her eyelids feel heavier. Zahra tried to fight it because she didn't want to fall asleep while spending time with Rolland. She didn't want to miss a thing. Her body was putting up a good fight though. Seconds later a yawn escaped. Nestling as close as possible to Rolland Zahra sigh contently. There was a brief thought about how it would be like this every night; him by her side and her feeling safe and secure. That thought caused her to smile lightly. I'll rest my eyes for just a second...a second..Her breathing evened out as muscles began to relax into the submission of sleep. Before Zahra even knew it she began to drift off into a dreamless sleep. 

The strangers friendly smile was responded in kind. He even earned a small laugh at the mention of him almost falling into the crack on the ice skating rink. Zahra had not gotten to go the Valentine's Day event, but there were rumors flying left and right about what had occurred there. It sounded like it had been a wonderful experience. Maybe next year. That smile suddenly turned into a slight frown when the stranger wouldn't reveal his name. From the way the phrase was worded it sounded as if was to protect her. But why would he want to do that? He just met her. "Fine, fine," Zahra murmured, mimicking his nonchalant shrug from earlier, "But what should I call you then..."  Tapping her chin in thought names bounced through her mind. Hercules? Cadmus? Senuhet? None those seemed to fit him.

Looks like it was back to Stranger until something to be figured out. 

"And I go swimming because it's something to do," as if to emphasize her point Zahra splashed water in his direction. None of it reached him due to the distance. "I don't have to worry about fighting or staying alive. I can just float and not have a worry in the world. Well, that is until someone stumbles upon me by chance and decides to have a conversation." A pointed look was sent in the direction, all in the name of playfulness, "but I don't really mind. It's nice to have company." 

In a burst of pixels the wolf was gone. Silently, Zahra exhaled and then smiled, "I'm doing okay, but what about yourself?" With that statement, golden orbs roamed over the blonde before settling on the HP bar resting over her head. It was only about half way full, maybe a little more. Worry coursed through Zahra's veins. "How we take a small break? That way you can get your HP back and then we continue on." It was only reasonable solution. They could use a potion, but the brunette was fresh out and she had not idea if Marisa had any. Maybe I should have stopped by a shop on the way here...

ID# 10901

~Rolled a 15 on Loot Die

(50 Col rewarded)

Wolf 1: Dead

Wolf 2: Dead

Marisa: 8/15

Zahra: 15/15

It's precious! Go for it! 

How long have you been having these feelings for me? 

If any more possible the decorated her skin got slightly darker. Memories from not too long ago, when the had first met popped into mind; them talking at the fountain on that faithful night, them traveling to the next town to get dinner, and then finally falling asleep on his back on the way back to beginner city. When had it started to happen? It was hard to pinpoint the exact time. "It's hard to tell," Zahra smiled shyly, happily, "I would have to say the symptoms of having feelings for you started the night I met you." At first, they had been dismissed, brushed aside as if they had been an ant crawling across her shoe. "I was reluctant to address them because I was...unsure." Scared. It was a new experience. One that had never been tackled before.

That unsureness still lingered, but it was steadily growing weaker and weaker the closer Rolland and her became. They would be there for each other. As if propelled by that thought Zahra wrapped her arms back around his neck and then buried her face in the crook of his neck. Taking a deep breath, she let the scent of him wash over her and carry anything and everything away with it. It was just them, and wherever this road lead they would be there together. Under her, she could feel the muscles of him, the firm yet softness of them. "But you give me strength, something to hold onto." Zahra murmured into his skin.  I need you. Love you. 

A question. The one question that had been lingering in the back of her mind had taken form on Rolland's lips. Did she like him? Although by now there was not denying the answer to that very question. Of course she did. There was no one else who caused her cheeks to glow with redness, made her breath slip away or caused the butterflies in her stomach to take flight. The rest of his words just seemed to tumble out after that, and Zahra found herself hanging on to every one of them. He wanted to keep this feeling, whatever this feeling may be. Zahra had not arguments with him. This was something special. Something that she was unwilling to let go of either.

The chaste kiss on her cheek seemingly brought life into her once more. Her breath, which had been momentarily forgotten swelled into her lungs and aided in the retaining of conscience thought. The corners of her mouth uplifted into a smile; happiness shining in the golden orbs. As if to further emphasize his point his guided on of her hand to rest over his heart. It beat, strong and flourishing with life. Zahra found herself nodded slighting, affirming that she did indeed feel it. They were a matching set. Her's seemed to find his and before she knew it they were beating in time. Zahra found his eyes once more. They soften, as did the smile on her features. "Rolland, I want that more than anything." I want to be with you for as long as I can.  

Rolland was smooth as always. Not even seconds after taking a step in the water he had his hands around her waist and pulled her closer to him; so close that she could feel the heat radiating from his body. Instinct kicked in and Zahra almost immediately locked her arms around his neck. Anywhere else would have been awkward, right? At least that is what she was telling herself. By this point, her stomach did a little flip-flop motion as to their close proximity. Color crept up her neck and onto her face as a "thump, thump" drummed in her ears. Why on earth did he have to be so alluring? So much so, that she wanted to avert her gaze but found herself locked there. The lighting what just right too. Zahra didn't know what she looked by, but Rolland looked otherworldly. It took everything in her not play with the locks of hair that shined so brightly. "Of course I'm having fun," Zahra whispered, almost breathless, "I always do when I'm with you." That was the truth too. Zahra couldn't remember the last time she felt like this. As if on cue Rolland's face started to turn red and his heartbeat could be felt through the vein on his neck. Wait, what? 

A cheeky grin makes it way onto her features when the stranger--yes, stranger--mentions Egypt. It's always the first place people guess when a dessert was mentioned. Of course, it was correct, but still; there were other desserts in the world. "You would be correct," Zahra stated, smiling slightly as a fond memory resurfaces, "I spent my summers and breaks with my mother in Egpyt, while going to school in Japan where my father resides." There wasn't a day that went by where she didn't think about her family. Zahra knows that although she thinks she has it rough, other people have had it worse than her. This stranger more than likely fell in that category; meaning she wasn't going to press anything, even if the curiosity was there. 

Feeling his gaze on her, Zahra turned to face him and placed her hands on her hips, as if asking "What?". That was the first time she fully facing him since the stare down earlier. Now that he wasn't seen as a threat it allowed her to actually study him. The first thing that caught the golden orbs attention was the marks that decorated his cheeks. Probably put there when originally making a character and could not take them off now that SAO had become a death game. Speaking of character, she should probably get of his so he's not just the stranger. "By the way, I'm Zahra." Hopefully, that would give him a hint. 

Things were getting desperate. That much was obvious as Marisa HP bar began to fall lower and lower. Zahra had felt a surge of guilt for not being able to effectively assist in any manner. That guilt was quickly dismissed as determination took its place. She would not let anything happen to her friend. Nothing. The wolf was released from Marisa grasp and she backed away in order for Zahra to try and hit it. This time, please. Taking a breath, the brunette then charged forward, spear pointed toward the shoulder of the wolf. This time the tip hit its mark. Pushing on the shaft Zahra forced the point of the spear further into the shoulder of the beast. It would keep it at bay while Marisa decides what move to make. 

ID# 10511

BD 4 (+1 metal gaunlet)

Wolf 1: 5/10

Wolf 2: Dead

Marisa: 8/15

Zahra: 15/15

And yet Zahra still did not move. 

Instead she stood, mesmerized by the rippling of clear blue water. If SAO had not been a death game it would have been a dream. A wonderful, beautiful dream. It wasn't all bad though. Along the way Zahra had met friends and even someone she cared about. Talking about the person she cared about; Rolland surfaced once more. Hand extended and a smile on his features Rolland said, "Come one Zaza, take my hand." And she did. There was not hesitation in the movement, no doubt, just a swift action that linked them together. Right that it was decided that no matter where they were, what they were doing or what was happening she would always take his hand anytime it extended. Always. 

This morning?! How on earth had he had time to find it this morning? Thinking over the details for a second Zahra came to the conclusion that it must have been when she was still in dreamland. After Rolland had found this place he had come back to get her. That had been the extent of her thoughts when something warm grabbed her hand. Eyes darting down Zahra found both Rolland's hand and hers linked, and then her started to lead her. It didn't even take a second for her pulse to speed up, beating like a drum not only in her chest but in her hand as well. Mentally cursed the girl did her best to distract her thoughts from the tingling sensation running across her skin. 

Five minutes later the duo had made it to the swimming area. There was a large pool of water surrounded by rock structures. It was really quite amazing. Coming to stand next to Rolland, Zahra listened as he explained the set up to her; nodding in the appropriate places. He had stated that they were safe here, and she believed him. Getting lead over to the water she watched as her partner tested the water temperature Nice and warm. Grinning, Rolland made a comment about having to probably throw her in. Then he was gone. I'd like to see him try and throw me in...Shaking her head to get the thought out of her mind.

At the mention of a Levithan type creature, Zahra perked up. The Levithan was mentioned in the Old Testament a couple times. The only reason she knew was due to the fact to a class that had been taken called "Literature of the Old World," so of course they read the Old Testament. Then, a knowing grin slid onto her features when Rolland asked why she giggling. Those images of Rolland carrying her around would be her own little secret. He didn't ask again. Instead, her partner dove into the water and started to their destination--wherever that may be. During their travels Zahra paid particular attention to where they were going; that way, if the ever came back, she could follow instead of hitching a ride. A vast distance away a shadow lingered out of the outskirts of the ocean. 

Within minutes, they had arrived at a cave. At this point, Rolland had mentioned that he could carry her or that walking was an option. There was no question as to which one was going to be chosen. Seems Rolland knew the answer though because right as she was about to say, "Walk" he bent down to let her off. Sliding off bare feet were gingerly placed on the caves ground. It was cool to the touch sending a shiver up her spine, nevertheless she continued until both feet were grounded. Was it just her, or did Rolland's pulse speed up just a minute before letting her off? Probably just her. "How did you even find a place like this..." Zahra wondered out loud, going slightly ahead and tendering running a hand along the cave's walls. 

The waves tumbled relentlessly onto the sandy shore; corroding it each and every time. Both of them stood in the remains of those waves as they extended up and over their feet before retreating back into the depths. The deep, blue water was cool; a refreshing contrast to the heat that bared down from the sun. It was a perfect day to spend at the beach. 

As it turns out they had to swim to the place they were going to go swimming. Ironic. Rolland, being the gentlemen that he is, suggested that Zahra climb on his back once more. Now she has to try and ignore the warmth of his skin against hers; as if she wasn't blushing already. "Dangerous?" Zahra questioned, tributing the thumping within her chest to the sudden news "As in what kind of danger?" Even as the words left her lips Zahra slid on and tenderly wrapped tanned arms around his neck. Her mind automatically went to something like sea monsters. If this game had monsters on the land then why not the sea? That speculation was quickly dismissed when Zahra realized that this was the third time Rolland had carried her. This was become habit fast. Images of him carrying her all over the world of Aincrad fumbled about her mind. It was quite a funny site. Before she knew it a slight giggle found it's way out her lips.

Rolland was right. They couldn't actually do anything until they changed. Turning away from the white-haired male Zahra found herself searching for a place to get changed. One would think that they would have something at the beach, but as it turns out there wasn't a changing station in sight. Just as she began to wonder how on earth she was going to get changed her partner intertwined their hands as he lead her to a secluded place. That place happened to be behind a tree line that decorated the outer edge of the beach. Knowing what was coming next, she nodded her head and stepped into the shadows. Since Rolland, or at the moment her own personal bodyguard, was standing watch Zahra quickly pulled up the HUD and de-equipped the armor. Scrolling down the black and gold two-piece suit was quickly found and equipped. Right blow was the cover-up that had been purchased for this exact reason. 

After getting finished Zahra found stepped out of the trees Just then, the wind rolled in bringing the scent of the sea with it. There, with the wind streaking through his hair, was Rolland standing guard. Coming up to stand by his side, the view was quietly taken in. It had been so long since her family and her had been to the beach. While those memories were wonderful it was time to add new ones. "What should we do first?!" 

His mouth opened, but the words that came out were not an explanation to the question; just a dismissal. It was clearly a lie. That much was obvious by the air that surrounded his person and the way he was avoiding even glancing in her direction. Pressing her lips together and closing her eyes, Zahra found herself rationalizing the action. He has just met her. There was no way that he would disclose such personal information about himself. Yes, there were some people who opened up to strangers, but this player was not one of them. And if that was the case then it was not up for debate. Sinking into the water, the silence once more feel over them. 

Only this time, it didn't last long. He had shot a question back at her as to her presence on this floor. A verbal answer was not automatically given. Instead, her shoulders dropped as if a sudden weight came upon them. Golden orbs watched as the ripples fanned out and then disappeared. "This floor is...special," Zahra hesitated, searching for the right word to plug in. "Or to be better worded its familiar territory. I spent a majority of my life living in a desert back in the real world." Then there was a slight pause. The dryness of the air and wind blowing grains of sand around was home. Or at least reminded her of it. "Ah, sorry, that was depressing of me, wasn't it?" Zahra offered the male a rueful grin.

Using methods that would only be possible within the world of Sword Art Online Zahra weaved in between and around other players. It was welcomed use of the skills other than fighting. Threading through two players, and with a final spin, the women found herself facing the teleport gate. Rolland nowhere in sight. Looks like she had won this little game of hers. Rolland then appeared out of the crowd a matter of seconds after. As it turned out it was a close race. Beaming, both with pride and excitement, Zahra waited for the male to come over. Once he had he had congratulated her on the win and questioned whether or not she had made a comment earlier. To which Zahra responded with a knowing smile. He didn't seem to think any more on the topic as he walked up to the teleport gate and warped in, saying that he would see her on the other side. Then he was gone. Shaking her head at his playful antics the female then touched the gate and stated, "To floor three we go." 

Her vision was filled with blue as the gate went to work. In a matter of second, the blue faded into what would be the third floor. Now, Zahra had been to the third floor before, just not this section of it. Seagulls glided gracefully overhead, a light sea-faring wind blew in off the ocean and then wave rolled on top each other in a lazy fashion. It was absolutely gorgeous. Stepping off the platform Zahra found Rolland waiting underneath a draping tree, watching the gate. "Rolland, this is absolutely amazing," Zahra stated, wonder lacing through her voice, "What should we do first? We could go swimming or build sand castles..." Zahra was so excited she didn't even know where to start. 

Suddenly, Rolland was once again grabbing her arm lightly and leading her off. There was a split moment where golden orbs widened in surprise before closing to compliment the smile that cascaded over her features. Before Zahra was even able to comprehend it Rolland had become a source of light in her life. He knew exactly what to do and say in order to bring her back. Right then it was decided that no matter what happened, today was a day of fun and relaxation. As soon as that decision was made she felt lighter. Grinning Zahra sped up so that Rolland and her were now walking evenly. "Hey Rolland, thank you," Zahra whispered just so he could barely hear it. With that said the black-haired women then slipped out of his grip and jogged a couple paces ahead of him. "I'll race you to the teleport gate!" and then she gone through the crowd; acting as if nothing just happened. The whole time the smile didn't leave her features. 

A switch is performed. Marisa takes on the wolf while Zahra is stuck waiting for her turn; ever ready to jump in just in case the situation turns south for her party member. Suddenly, Marisa grabbed hold of the wolf and didn't let go. The blonde called out to her then; telling her to stab the beast before she got away. Technically, a switch. Without any hesitation, Zahra comes from the left side of Marisa with the spear raised. The spear was aimed for the wolf's upper back. Only, right as Zahra's spear was about to make contact the wolf's back arched in. The head of the spear had missed by mere centimeters. "Shoot," Zahra muttered, a frown on her features "Sorry Marisa!" 

ID# 9682

BD 3, (+1 for metal gauntlet) 

HP~

Marisa: 11/15

Zahra: 15/15

Wolf 1: 10/10

Wolf 2: Dead

It took a couple minutes, but when Rolland came out of the building he had completely missed the shy female leaning against it. Only when he turned around did he spot her leaning against the side of the building. At some point, Zahra had given up standing; leaning her back against the wall for support as she sat against it. As soon as he found her he plopped himself right down next to her; amethyst eyes shining innocently. He had asked her what was wrong. "Nothing's wrong," Zahra answered, brushing off the question with a smile. It wasn't a lie, but not the entire truth either. Of course Zahra couldn't tell Rolland that she was falling for him; that was just too...just too...embarrassing? Maybe. "Anything else we need before we hit the beach, or are we ready to go?"

 Finished Roleplays:
» {PP-F1} A Fated Meeting (Celes, Epyon)- Complete (+1SP)

» {PP-F2} Long Live the Queen, until we kill her (Celes, Epyon)- Complete (+4SP)

» {SP-F1} Earning a Living by Preforming- Complete (+1SP)

» {PP-F1} Secret Medicine in the Forest (Crusher)- Complete (+1SP)

» {PP-F1} A Meeting of New (Rolland)- Complete (+1SP)

After their little standoff, which had lead nowhere, Zahra had expected the male to go back to roaming the desert floor. Only, that didn't happen. As she resurfaced for underneath the refreshing water the young women found him sitting in the exact same spot he had been standing. Strange. It was almost as if was sticking around to make sure that something didn't go wrong. That couldn't be possible, could it? He was a player killer. The more she thought about it the more it began to dawn on her that not all player killers were really player killers. There had been instances where normal players would get orange markers from protecting themselves. Maybe he was one of those unfortunate enough to have to take a life by his blade. Now, Zahra was curious. 

As she relaxed she couldn't help but noticed the indifferent aura of the male become slightly tainted with some sort of melancholy. Running her hand through the  soaking obsidian locks the female debated on if she should ask what was bothering him. Finally, she decided. "You don't have to answer this," Zahra stated evenly, keeping a sideways profile of the male and skimming her hand across the water, "But what's bothering you?" Zahra then offered a somewhat worried sideways glance toward the player. Her mother had always told her that her heart was too tender. That there was danger in putting others before oneself. On her mother's comment, Zahra had tried to bring herself not to care so much, but the overwhelming instinct to reach out to others was stronger that initially thought. 

Once in the shop the duo went their separate ways. Zahra found her way toward the female clothing section and began to browse through the cover-ups that were available. There were more than the women had ever thought there would be;  tunics, dresses, and even cardigans lined the rack. Searching through the stacks Zahra eventually found one that she liked. It was a navy blue tunic that was made out of her sheer material. Perfect. Grabbing it the black-haired women than glanced around the store to find that Rolland was gone; meaning he was probably in the dressing room trying on whatever he had found. Humming, Zahra wandered to the dressing rooms to wait for Rolland. What she didn't expect was for him to come out--in the swim trunks he had chosen--to show her. There was a moment where the world stood still. Eyes widening, Zahra took in the sight that was Rolland. 

The realization that she was staring dawned on her second later. "Y-yo-you look great." Zahra managed to mumble, beginning to look anywhere but where Rolland was standing. "Well, ummm, I have to go pay for this. Meet me outside when you're done!" With that said the brunette darted over toward the shopkeeper, paid and then left the store. Once outside, she leaned against the wall of the shop and took a deep breath. It took several seconds but her racing pulse slowed down and the heat surrounding her left. "What do I do..." 

SHOP

- 50 COL for Cover-up