Oikawa

Name: Loki's Horns
Profession: Blacksmith
Rank: 9
ID: 148798
Roll: 12
Item Type: Heavy Armor
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +9 Mitigation | +18 Thorns
Description: A menacing pair of golden horns curled high and back. A plate of thick metal holds the horns upon the head and covers the forehead from blows the horns would otherwise catch. It is said the helmet was worn by a god of mischief and trickery. Tales speak toward those who tried to stop the god and only brought themselves pain and misfortune.
Post Link: Link

Name: Terminus Est
Profession: Blacksmith
Rank: 9
ID: 148800
Roll: 11
Item Type: Two-Handed Straight Sword
Tier: 3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +3 Accuracy
Description: An executioner’s sword with a name that means “this is the end”. Inside the blade’s spine runs a channel filled with a mysterious substance that is said to be heavier than iron, but flows like water. The liquid shifts toward the hands when raised, and to the tip when it falls, making the weapon light to raise, but weighty to descend.
Post Link: Link

5/14/2020: +78 EXP

-3 T1 Materials | -6 T3 Materials (2 T3 Materials Salvaged)

Items:

THREAD REWARDS

SP: 2 Each (1 Page + 1 Quarantine Bonus)

COL: 200 Each (+400 1 Page)

'...With bated breath' was a phrase Oikawa had always heard but never quite understood until now. What was mere seconds of interaction, felt like several minutes of suspense. Her chest had risen, but not yet fallen. And for once he could say with surety, that she had awaited his response 'with bated breath'. And in what felt like milliseconds, it came to a head. Her gaze broke away from his own. The unsure tone in her voice comfortably lacing the words from beneath her breath.

Oikawa was perplexed. Not hurt, but confused yet understanding of her choice of words. So really not even confused. Distrust is a hard habit to break and no doubt between her past and now, a lot of distrust has piled up along the way, even if it wasn't of his own accord. Oikawa let the moment drift. He had zero reason to make a fuss of her stance. If he was in her shoes, he no doubt had been the same way. And the confession doesn't help. The thought of it almost made him regret telling her so soon. She needed time to heal and be at peace, and here he was adding fuel to the flame. But alas, what's done is done. All that mattered now was making her comfortable and feeling loved, friendship-wise, one day at a time.

Her palms ran the edge of the bed. The darkened sheets barely sinking beneath her touch. Her gaze shifted about the room. No doubt taking in how absurdly large it was for one person. Her lips drawn into an appreciative grin as she thanked him. "It is truly the least I could."

"I'll, see you in the morning - right?"

"I'll be here," he reassured her. Ensuring that nothing was out of the ordinary, Oikawa turned to leave. Looking back briefly, he wished her a goodnight and closed the door behind him. For a moment he paused. For a moment he wondered if what he had done was right. There was no guideline for being a good friend. He wondered if he had crossed the line. Would she even find the 'want' to sleep if she felt uneasy about staying. His mind always diverted to worse case. A trait he always hated as it caused him to overthink. But to what degree is it overthinking if it's true?

He expelled a sigh. His steps creaked against the floorboards with each step as he made his way back to the hallway in front of the forge. The room was just barely in sight, but not enough to be his sole focus. Though a peculiar sight caught his eye. In a wadded tuft of fur, King snuggled up to the door and laid down. A grin fixated itself upon him. Like father, like son he mused. The cub was just doing what came natural to them both, protecting and caring for those closest to them.

King's ears soon perked up. Oikawa glanced over to the cub. Maybe Mari had called his name and he hadn't heard it. Rising from his seat, Oikawa quietly made his way back down the hall. Whatever had caused King to take guard at the door had subsided. His hand graced the knob, the door slowly swinging open to reveal the ginger fast asleep on the floor. Typical Mari, he thought. Even with a bed as comfortable as his own, she still sought out the floor out of habit.

Plucking the black sheets from the bed, he gently laid it over her small frame. The rising and falling of her chest evidence that she had in fact fallen asleep. King wiggled past him as he snuck back into the hallway. The cub curling up alongside the girl and settling in for the remainder of the night. Oikawa nodded to the cub as if to say, 'she's in your hands now', and closed the door.

He resumed his perch shortly after. His eyes began to fall. Exhaustion washed over him like a sudden wave. His eyes quickly fell to the heavy comfort of warmth enveloping his frame. And though his mind remained active, it couldn't override his body's need for sleep. Dawn was on the horizon anyhow, so he hoped she had found comfort enough to at least let her eyes rest. Even if only for a little while.

@Mari

"That's good to hear," he responded. "Well minus the Batto' part of course."

Mari then turned him as she finished her sidebar with Macradon. She teased the brunette, flaring her cheeks in a mock pout. A chuckle arose from him nonetheless as she explained her ideal spear. Being a two-handed spear user himself, Oikawa was just as fascinated as she in her decision. "Double Fallen and Bleed will be almost up there with Zel's old build of Fallen/Holy. Though I can imagine we'll never get that lucky with drops again," he mused. Mari mulled over whether she was regretful or not regarding some traded Easter items, but stopped and gave him one of her more genuine smiles.

"For the record, Oikawa...I'm glad we're in the same guild."

Returning her softened smile, Oikawa nodded in agreement. "Same here Snowflower. So let's get you that spear then!"

Accepting the invite Macradon had sent out, Oikawa looked over the scroll they were to enter. The dungeon itself didn't sound overly difficult. Tedious however was a different point, and Oikawa had no doubt that the encounter would be one to remember. Confirming his preparedness, he watched as as the snow whit cloak that covered him dissolved into flames before returning in a crimson fashion. Spiked tips lining the circumference of his neck as <Akuma's Vain> draped his shoulders. In his right hand materialized <Lightning Strike>. A sleek streamlined spear with Absolute accuracy ensuring that he could nearly never miss unless evasion was to take effect. And last to appear was a peculiar eye of Egyptian fashion, hanging from his neck. The <Eye of Horus> granting him further accuracy and a little bit of recovery for his energy expenditure.

Glancing about, Oikawa reasoned that everyone else seemed to be in order. Rolling his head from side-to-side, Oikawa flexed his fingers and arms before stepping alongside the rest of the group.

"Lead the way Mac."

@Macradon @Calrex @Mari

5/13/2020: +68 EXP

-9 T3 Materials (2 T3 Materials Salvaged)

Oikawa brought a hand to his chin. It would seem as if Fate itself was beginning to weave a tale for us, he mused. The idea of all of us suddenly becoming active again and deciding with near assured-ness that creating a guild is the right move plays into a narrative that already feels written. It is almost scary to think how well that came together in the small amount of time we have begun to resurface. And even more so given the amount of that are veterans in a sense. This is eerily peculiar but I've already bought in and I want to see how it plays out, he thought.

His thoughts were lost only to himself as Crozeph recounted the events leading up to now. Much like himself, Crozeph had managed to seek out the one and only Mari and in what appeared to be a strange twist of events, they found solace in each other. Oikawa nodded. "Fate has a funny way of intertwining you back into so many lives Mari. Not that this is a bad thing, just an observation if you will." Turning to the noirette as he led them to the dungeon entrance, Oikawa gave himself one last glance-over before proceeding.

"But to fill-in your question Cro, yes we are both in the same guild. Though Mari isn't the 'leader' per say. She is one of the four Pillars however. A Beacon of hope, light, and reassurance to those that choose to join us," he explained with a grin in her direction.

As the main door slid to grinding halt, it revealed a sizable staircase leading to the depths below. Crozeph mentioned claustrophobia, but chose to indulge the dungeon anyway. Oikawa thought him brave. From what he knew, that was a scary commitment to say the least. Opting to bring up the rear, he gestured for Mari to follow behind Crozeph.

"After you Snowflower."

@Mari @Crozeph

Though there was zero input on his suggestion to recruit Galilea, he took it as a good sign. He reasoned if anyone would have had an issue with they would have spoken up in regards to her. The conversation shifted between each of them once more. Shield acknowledge he wasn't as well versed in their capabilities but was happy where this landed them in the long run. As he explained the costs of guild creation and offered Mari the chance to 'buy-in' as well, Oikawa polished off the tea in his hands before reaching for another custard-filled bun and indulging in it.

Before long Mari had not only gifted the guild forty thousand col, but had produced a guild image for the meeting. Oikawa was surprised. Not because she could do art and the icon looked amazing, but that everyone had already begin to contribute in more ways than just forking over materials and col. He had contributed next to nothing discussion wise nor anything of relevance guild wise. But now wasn't the time to site and mope on that sentiment. Instead, he made a mental note to make sure he worked harder when it came to guild action, recruitment, and maintaining their image.

His thoughts were snapped away from him as Baldur managed to bring the meeting to a close of sorts. Offering a toast of sorts, Oikawa refilled his own cup with yet another sip and offered his words. "I too am in favor of the icon. Amazing work Mari," he explained as he tilted his cup in her direction. "And stop selling yourself short. You're a Pillar of Light now," he said with a grin. Shifting his focus to the group as a whole, he raised his glass alongside Baldur.

"To Jacob's Ladder!"

Stats:

"Oh hey, I'll also be grabbing the 2H spear weapon soon - that's why I wanted to get this done quickly. Just think of all the Col we will be able to gain from that!" 

"I suppose being tardy, is halting that process no?" chimed the brunette as he waltzed in behind the ginger girl. Giving his nod to Calrex, Oikawa approached Macradon with his hand outstretched. "It's been a while since we last spoke Macradon. Glad to see you are still doing well." Oikawa shifted his gaze to the party tab of his menu and initiated an invite to those in attendance. Dismissing the menu, he would retrieve a few items from his inventory as Mari informed Macradon about her latest plans. Downing a Damage Potion and crushing a Mitigation Crystal, he would then turn to Calrex.

"How does it feel being guildmates again? It seems like it has been years since the days of Spectrum. I can imagine Teayre has thoughts on you coming back to us since her retreat. How is she holding up?" It had been a long while since he had last seen the Crimson Maiden. He often wondered what caused her to take up residence in her shop never to come back. He half believed it was the various incidents around the time of Zel's death but he wasn't right to just assume. Taking one last item from his inventory, Oikawa flipped the Pirate's Treasure in his hand and activated the prosperity effect in invoked.

Feeling as satisfied he can be with where he was stats-wise. Oikawa gestured to Mari and Macradon as they wrapped up their conversation. "I want to thank you guys for the invite. I look forward to the riches ahead. Lead the way when you all are ready."

@Calrex @Macradon @Mari

The floor creaked softly beneath their weighted steps. The smell of the furnace managing to linger in the air far deeper into the house than Oikawa preferred. King walked alongside him. Forming figure-eights in-between his gait as he nearly stumbled over the snow leopard cub. The stifling chuckle from the girl behind him offered little redemption for how embarrassing it looked. Letting a light laugh echo out himself, he nudged the cub to walk to his side rather than through his legs.

As they reached the neared the room, he felt a soft tug at his wrist.

"Oikawa..." 

Turning around, he faced Mari. The dim light of the candles lining the hallway highlighting her cerulean eyes in the flickering light. Her freckles seemed almost non-existent, though he actually liked them on her. She was hesitant, but slowly the question she held shook loose.

"You promise you won't hate me after this, right?"

"I didn't hate you then, even when we were at odds. I don't hate you now and I never will." He was curious as to why she asked, but thought better of asking her outright. He figured if there was more to it, she would address it when she was comfortable with it.

The door to the bedroom was slightly opened. Pushing it open completely, he gestured to the room. "For you miss," he said simply.

@Mari

Oikawa winced at the word 'superhero'. It felt disingenuous. Something that didn't belong in the same sentence as himself. He was no 'hero' nor was he super. He wasn't a protagonist in some epic story. No, he was a coward and a murderer. A person who turned his back on his friends and took the life of a person he was close enough to call family. A hero? he was anything but. Yet, Mari said Crozeph idolized him as despite his cursor and shortcomings. Oikawa didn't deserve to be looked up to. Not the way he was now.

He let his thoughts drift. The sleeping beauty coming to at the motherly touch of Mari's hands and the soothing tone of her voice. The scene was almost enchanting and a stark contrast the his thoughts that only briefly existed moments ago. As Crozeph adjusted to the awaken state he found himself in, he greeted them and thanked Mari personally.

"Long time no see Cro," Oikawa chimed. Though the exchange wasn't nearly as peppy as he would've liked on his end, Crozeph seemed unbothered as he instinctively passed the brunette a piece of bread and sectioned the other half for Mari. Oikawa chuckled. Simple gestures like this only seemed more commonplace as he rejoined old company. The days of caring for one another seemed almost lost to time as players adjusted to life in this game. "Thank you," he managed to mumble out between bites of the bread.

"So what managed to bring you back to the world of the living Crozeph? It has been ages since our last meeting and I can't imagine that discovering this dungeon was the only reason to draw you out?"

@Mari @Crozeph

"That's oft how it goes," chimed the brunette. "But I hope you find it."

Oikawa was unsure what troubles Seul had, but he was reminded that everyone had there demons and dealt with them differently. He hoped Seul would find his purpose before losing complete faith in himself. He knew that dreaded feeling and wouldn't want to wish that upon anyone.

The pair split further. Each searching around for materials. While it seemed like Seul had found luck, Oikawa was still emptied handed and not contributing at all. It would seem the trend would continue as he flipped another rock to no avail. I wonder if the material gathering difficulty was increased for this quest? I should really invest in Gatherer again...he mused before snapping back to Seul who seemed to question what he meant earlier.

"The goals huh? Simply put, redemption. Clearing the game, helping those in need, and eventually working towards removing this," he explained gesturing to the orange crystal above him. "It isn't much, but I owe Zelrius at least that much."

Loot:

@Seul

Name: Freya's Spite
Profession: Blacksmith
Rank: 9
ID: 146987
Roll: 12
Item Type: Heavy Armor (Body)
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +18 Mitigation | +9 Thorns
Description: This armor is said to have been worn by Freya the Valkyrie when called upon to the battlefield. It's freedom of movement often seemed misleading, but allowed the warrior full movement of her devastating blows. It is said that her wrath is felt upon any enemy that dare strike it. Heavy armor crafted from dense, but light ore. Though fitting to the form, it offers more than adequate protection.
Post Link: Link

5/7/2020: +77 EXP

-2 T3 Materials | -8 T1 Materials (1 T1 Materials Salvaged)

Items:

*Ping*

The notification icon suddenly popped into view. Looking up from the spear he had been working on, Oikawa set down his hammer and examined the message. Ahh it is time then? Rising up, the brunette made his way to the door. He realized he probably should have responded to her message first but he had already began to make his way to the sixth floor.

As the familiar outlines of the jungle floor settled into view, Oikawa couldn't help but look on in sadness. This floor had a few memories. Some of which he weren't proud of. Some of which were cherished. Unfortunately, a few of them went hand-in-hand. He soon found the inside of his cheek, chewing it becoming a habit he had obtained as of late. His mind was a little scattered. His thoughts swirling between the memories he held of Azide and the wonder of how Crozeph had been since their last meeting. Then there was the moment with Mari. Though they hadn't addressed his confession, they remained kosher and friendly. Hopefully that would remain as he still valued her friendship more than anything.

Vegetation had long made its mark on the ruins. The deprecated buildings enveloped in snaking roots and vines at every possible turn. The broken cobbled steps winded about into what seemed like a labyrinth of untold mystery. "So this is where the dungeon lied?" The question was aloud and towards no one but himself. It had been far too long since his last dungeon raid and he figured one on this floor would be the perfect warm-up for testing his prowess.

Snaking in-between a few crumbling columns, Oikawa managed to locate the other two players that had invited him out. The shade of the tree they found themselves under nearly making them invisible until he approached. Lightening his pace, he waved to Mari. The dark-haired man next her was snoozing away. He couldn't remember if Crozeph had always been this laid back but he did remember he was a man of few words.

Stopping just short of them, Oikawa checked his inventory to ensure everything was in order one last time before donning his vanity cape. The white garb falling just short of his calves as it materialized into view. Gesturing to Crozeph, Oikawa mouthed to Mari,

"Shall we wake him?"

@Mari @Crozeph

Her gaze lingered along his own. Longer than it had ever had before. The flames licked at the edges of hers, highlighting the contrast of her blue irises against the heat of the orange fire. Her words slipped out. Softened with un-surety as she shifted her sights to that of the door. It was hard to say if she wanted to leave. Actually it wasn't. Out of discomfort grew the comforting thought of leaving to make things easier for him. She was still thinking about him despite what he said. Stubbornness was trait they seemed to share in that regard. However, her next words surprised him.

"Okay. I'll stay."

Quietly the words hung. Disbelief was what he felt, but neutrality in his usual grin is what he showed. To say he was expecting her to still make an exit was an understatement but he was glad that he seemed to have finally got through to her in some capacity. He could see the gears were still turning in her head. No doubt the confession and his concerns running rampant through her thoughts. Perhaps he could have picked a better time to reveal his feelings but he was never one to really hide his feelings in that regard.

His grin revealed relief at her decision and he hoped that her question wasn't determining factor on if she would change her mind or not. Gesturing back to the chair, he answered. "As I mentioned earlier, I would more than likely stay here for the night. I have some crafting things to handle anyhow. The bed is for you." He still had no plans of implying anything more. He was content with just knowing she'd be somewhat squared away until morning. He wanted her to rest. She needed it more than she let on and even if she didn't think she'd find herself dozing off, Oikawa reasoned that when your body was exhausted enough, it would do the work for you. He would be more surprised if she truly found a way to get no sleep but he kept that to himself.

"I'll show you the room if you're ready." Petting the cub, he beckoned for the cub to follow. "This way."

@Mari

Plucking a few of the custard-filled buns from the plate, Oikawa indulged in them and his tea a little more as the meeting continued. Placing the cup down, Oikawa glanced to Shield as he spoke once more. He seemed more inclined to think that the brunette would serve better as a bodyguard of sorts. Protecting the lower members as they traversed to and from the guild hall and serving as an assistant to Baldur's teachings. While he wasn't opposed to the idea as a whole, he seemed to have been relegated to something that served to kill two birds with one stone. His image and perception as an orange player and his ability to help guide the lower-leveled players. It was actually better suited than he cared to admit, but the idea of it wasn't quite what he had in mind.

Oikawa could only assume Baldur knew how he felt as he spoke out before Oikawa had a chance to address it. Nodding his thanks to the samurai, Oikawa echoed his sentiments. "Baldur knows more about me than I do myself sometimes. But I'm in line with both of your assessments. I can easily serve as and do both. Guiding the players safely is a priority in itself, but being able to guide and mentor them in what I excel in will also bring the fulfillment I want for myself." The guild would still come first but he could only imagine everyone wanted to enjoy the role they played. He was no different.

As the conversation shifted back to voting and recruitment, Oikawa was in agreement with Shield's ideas as well as Baldur's clarification. Until they had more members they would need to use majority vote amongst themselves and Oikawa was fine with that. Mari then brought up the recruitment of Crozeph and Shye. He was familiar with Crozeph of course and figured the wayward crow would be a fine addition to the group. "I'm not sure what happened between you two," he explained gesturing to Mari and the mention of Crozeph, "but you know where I stand in regards to him. I think he'd make a great addition so long as everything between you is squared away. As for Shye, I'be never met her but it seems she and my recruit will get along fine enough. Which brings me to Galilea. Calrex is familiar with her and she quested with Titan and I a few days back. I motion to bring her to the guild as she is a budding support player as well."

He took another bite of the Anpan and wiped his face before continuing. "It's fairly unanimous that we all agree for both the guild and the frontlines as a whole, Macradon would be a great addition to our cause even if not in complete official capacity. If we can pursue him, I think we should. No questions asked."

The conversation began to settle. He wasn't sure what more they had left to discuss as Shield had handled a majority of the guild hall details beforehand. Sipping the last of his tea, Oikawa was surprised to hear Mari ask aloud what he was thinking.

"What else did we need to discuss?" He raised his brow in curiosity. He had nothing left to add for now. "I've pretty much addressed my points and said my piece about Galilea. The floor is open."

"Works for me." 

With Seul on board, Oikawa reasoned the quest would begin to move a lot smoother. Accepting the party invite, he looked over the quest requirements once again. Judging from their cumulative quest inventory, neither of them had been successful in locating the materials for the name tag yet. "Perhaps we should move further along. I don't think we'll find any worthwhile materials in this area." However, Seul was already ahead of him on that note as he began to trudge up the sanded mountains.

Still searching, Seul called out to the brunette. Questioning where he had been since the last time they had met up. Oikawa scanned the ground for materials, while he pondered the best way to approach the question. He thought about fully explaining but thought better of it. Opting for the condensed version, he turned to him and answered.

"Honestly, I've been trying to sort myself out. Ever since the incident...I haven't been the same," he admitted. "But I'm working towards new goals. Hence why I am out here. I don't care for the phoenix feather, but I need the skill points and col for my plans."

"What about you? What have you been up to in my absence?"

Loot:

@Seul

Oikawa rubbed his chin. The recruit was more similar to himself than he originally thought. He too had really only met Shield during the Easter event. They had known of each other from previous frontline outings, but they didn't become friends until the event. He and Mari had a much trickier past, but their similarities had brought them together as friends during this time. Though he could say it was definitely his intrusion that led to where they were now. He chuckled at the thought. His attention returned to Galilea as she mentioned how she had been cornered to join. Though, he had never really heard it from her on why she said yes. Her process was interesting but he wasn't one to judge her reasoning. As she plowed through another boar pup, Oikawa continued his talk with Titan.

"A tank hmm. Surprising enough since DPS seems to be all the rage these days," he responded. "As for her and I, well honestly I felt like I owed it to those who wanted to learn but didn't quite have a path on what they wanted to do yet and I guess you could say I took a liking to her despite our personality differences. I have the power and knowledge of sorts if you will to help make a change. Why not give back to those who need it more than me?"

@Titan

5/3/2020: +65 EXP

-2 T3 Materials | -9 T1 Materials (1 T1 Materials Salvaged)

Baldur's quip was more calm than he expected. "I needed to see what all the fuss was," he interjected. "But our dinner is on me," he teased before Shield took the floor in full capacity. Un-amused, Shield began. Oikawa listened intently as he touched on addressing the guild's ability to form alliance with ATP. Zandra seemed to be the ringleader of the guild and as such both Mari and Shield had reached out to her to see what they could agree to as two, hopefully, large scale guilds. As he transitioned to more of the guild itself, Oikawa began to glance over the sketches he had made in preparation for the meeting.

He had no qualms with what had been said thus far. He was all for the design aspect of the guild and the structures as they were dictated. He wasn't one for the more 'tedious' ideas of creating a guild. He functioned better in the training or combat side of the house. His expertise in duels made his reputation nigh-untouchable in that department. AT least back then.

He simply nodded, acknowledging Shield's and Mari's words thus far. Despite her initial reaction to his earlier antics, Mari was fairly calm and collected while delivering her ideas. Oikawa once again in agreement with what had been said. He wasn't a leader, but he was a face that a lot of players, old and new, seemed to recognize. Whether that was in their favor or not was to be determined. "I agree with Shield being labeled Guild Leader in official capacity and to address it while we're on the topic, there's four of us. If we chose to vote on and idea; either we'd need a valued fifth or give Shield deciding vote power in the end. That aside, I don't mind being a just a Pillar."

Mari's next few words caught him off guard. Had she just, no. He wasn't sure why she addressed that part out loud, but decided to embrace it anyway. "While it's true I want to seek Redemption and would love the help. I have much more to do and prove before I feel comfortable doing that."

"You should seek it out too," he responded. "You deserve it more than I do right now." At least that is what he thought.

His lips soon found the tea. The milky liquid coursing through him and warming him up and as he sipped, Baldur leaned over and added his thoughts. Oikawa was put a little more at ease. It seemed Baldur and Shield were quite aware how the pair of PKers felt about their cursors affecting the overall guild image. He then proceeded to highlight each of their roles and positive aspects. Something that wasn't done enough back in the real world, but here he appreciated the care and thought.

As Baldur concluded, Oikawa mulled over what he could actually add to the conversation. "As Mari and Baldur know, I've been around quite a few guilds. As I've stated before, this group reminds me the most of what Square One wanted to achieve. I'm not as innovative as Baldur would have you believe but I do not mind saying what's on my mind or confronting any situation head on. And if I'm being honest, my strength lies majorly in combat. I think my talents would be best used there and helping quest the players and helping them understand the importance of our vision, team work and trust in one another. I like team-building and with Baldur's self created quest ideas of old, I'm positive we can not only pave the way towards the top, but mold exceptional players into a family that can guide the way"

He sipped more tea. He had winded off on another tangent but hopefully his intentions were clear. He was simple in that regard and he hoped his comments would be fulfilling off enough to be considered a contribution to the group.

Predicted.

The words stumbled out. Confused. Her expressions less so. Though it was to be expected. She reacted the way the brunette thought she would and as such, he was prepared for what was being attempted to be said.

"Oikawa I don't-" 

The sentence wasn't complete. But he could fill in the blanks. She didn't feel the same. Why would she? They weren't close. They hadn't spent a lot of time together. He would venture to say they enjoyed each other's company but even in that perhaps it was too much. Well at least he enjoyed her company, he shouldn't assume the same for her. After all, he was one of the people that added to her baggage. Another player that sought her out for their own reasons. He didn't reach out to her in her time of need, yet came to her in his. His thoughts lingered back to to the matter of circumstance. No, that wasn't it. He did care. The ginger-haired lass was more than just her advice. She was a beacon in the dark for others, even when she didn't shine for herself. A blessing and a curse.

His thoughts wavered. Her eyes wouldn't meet his. Instead they looked down as she began to pick at her nails.

Discomfort, he thought. "I don't know what I feel half the time. But - I do know I value you as a person."

He valued her as well. As both a friend and a person he could look to for guidance in himself. But he knew that was a nice way of saying she didn't see him that way and that was okay. His expression remained the same. His signature half-grin showing itself as she tried to let him down easy.

The feeling was even easier to uphold as she questioned whether they could 'bed' in this game. He wasn't sure himself but had heard rumors nonetheless But rather than entertain her question, more than likely rhetorical to begin with, he simply suppressed the urge to add to the awkwardness and instead rose up as she mentioned heading out.

Was I too forward? No she said it wasn't that, but it could've just as easily been that. And put me out, surely she wasn't serious. This house is massive. I could literally place another 5 master bedrooms through out it. You sleeping there wouldn't put me out, he thought.

"Mari," he said as his golden orbs found her cerulean ones. "You have been beyond kind to me. My 'confession' was truth, but it does not define or alter my friendship with you. I felt it right to tell you and get it off my chest, whether your reciprocated the feelings or not. That being said, as your friend and fellow loner, you don't need or have to sleep in a cave. If you have night terrors I understand. You've been through a lot. You've done a lot. You're tired. I'm not in the least bit bothered by possible screams. I'm here for YOU as a friend. As some one you can trust and be around when things get tough to bear on your own. If you need some one to talk it through, I'm here. If you want your space and need to cry it out, I'm out here and the room is there. I'm here for you and I care about you. So don't subject yourself to unnecessary consideration on my behalf. It is truly no bother at all for you to stay here. Even if you can't sleep, just rest."

He had said a lot and perhaps some of it went in one ear and out the other, either way he wanted to make it perfectly clear he wanted nothing more than to be her friend first and that he cared about her well-being over everything else.

"I can't stop you from going, but consider it please. It is really the least I could do to repay for what you've done for me."

@Mari

Rolling his eyes, Oikawa shrugged at Galilea's comments and followed behind the two new recruits. "From a first impression standpoint, Titan didn't seem too put off by my cursor nor was he apprehensive of me at all. Perhaps Shield had already made mention of my crystal and reassured him that I wasn't a threat. Or maybe this isn't his first time dealing with PKers..." his thoughts trailed off as the sounds of a dying boar filled the air. The fresh sound of polygons shattering against the ground gathered his attention to the duo. "Like I said, I want be helping on this quest, but it seems you guys have it pretty much handled anyway. I'll be here for support and questions still however." Glancing more so at Titan. Oikawa's eyes slightly narrowed.

"Titan. What made you want to join the guild? I'm rather curious?"

Oikawa didn't feel too suspicious of him, but he wanted to make sure he was understanding where his potential guild mates were coming from and what they wanted out of the guild. "What're your goals and ambitions?" Though he asked the questions, Oikawa remained alert. The chance another boar pup or two would come scampering around the corner was higher than one would assume.

@Titan

"I dunno about you guys, but I love it. I did build my home here after all."

Just what he expected to hear from the ginger as she invited them into her home. The layout of the house was the same as he had remembered it, though this time, the Kotatsu was closer to the door and the fireplace. Ahh the warmth, he thought. Turning to thank her, the brunette was caught off guard as Shield barged through and seated himself at the makeshift table. A chuckle escaped Oikawa, the tank of man eagerly indulging in the tea Mari had prepared for their meeting. Giving a bow instead, Oikawa seated himself opposite the door and to the right of Shield.

Reaching for the liquid seated so neatly in front of them, Oikawa cupped the mug and cooled it before taking a sip. Shield began to mention how Baldur wasn't too far behind and as if on cue the gaijin was at the door. The clavicle comment was still lost on him, but he could only assume it had to do with Baldur's clavicles. Letting him in, Mari took her place and retrieved a cup of her own.

Giving his old friend a wave, a grin of sorts crept along his face as he took his seat. "Hey Bal-sama, do you mind if I check something?" Moving before the samurai could give his answer, Oikawa placed his hands within Baldur's haori and gently rubbed at his clavicles.

"Hmm, so the rumors are true. You do have amazing clavicles," he exclaimed with a mischievous grin as he groped both sides of his chest and shoulders. Stealing a glance towards Mari and Shield, Oikawa re-adjusted Baldur's clothing and retreated back to his seat as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

"Well, shall we get started?"

Oikawa nodded and cleared his throat. "For starters, thank you for hosting. The tea is excellent, as usual. And despite the cold, your home is always warm and inviting." Glancing over those in attendance, he turned it over to Shield for commencement. "Shield, the floor is yours."

If there was one thing the brunette had come to realize about Mari, it is that taking compliments and praise had become increasingly difficult for her. What Oikawa had assumed was a simple thanks that could be received, Mari perceived it as undue praise for something she felt she needed to do. This feeling, at least in this particular instance, had her so wrapped up in explaining herself that his suggestion caught her by complete surprise. Her voice trailed off as she processed what he had said. At first disbelief, then confusion, followed by more disbelief. The expression on her face filling with a rose tint as she stammered out what sounded like a question.

Oikawa, initially still seated, rose again. He wore the usual half-cocky grin as he closed the distance between them again. King promptly taking the brunette's spot as he curled back up for a snooze. Oikawa could piece together what she was trying to imply and while he entertained the thought, this wasn't the time to chase feelings he wasn't sure were mutual especially with what he could assume about Mari's preference for Baldur.

As she finally managed to stammer out a full question, Oikawa nodded to her first question but also clarified on her following one. "While I do fancy you," his own cheeks taking on a reddish tint, "I figure taking you out a few times and getting to know you more would be more in order before asking to bed you," he explained with a more softened expression. "I assure you my intent was just to give you a nice place to sleep tonight." Pointing to the chair the cub now occupied, Oikawa continued. "I was just going to camp out here as I've done plenty of times before to give you privacy and some peace and quiet."

Shuffling back to the chair, Oikawa lifted the cub from it, seated himself, and let King nuzzle into his own lap. "That said, you don't really have much an option. As much as you love the cold, the caves on this floor offer no warmth or Kotatsu to sleep comfortably and I owe you a sleepover for my intrusion last week," he reasoned with a grin.

Oikawa didn't want to give Mari the wrong idea, even if he was interested. They barely knew each other and to say he was in love was hard to say. He did however care about her more than he let on. Maybe it was a matter of circumstance? Maybe it was the vulnerability they had around one another? Maybe he genuinely wanted more for her than he wanted to admit? His mind swirled. The thoughts would have to subside for the night however.

The only important thing was that she was safe and sound, even if it was just for tonight.

@Mari