___

Kosan began to become extremely nervous over whatever the favor was, which kind of concerned Red, "It's fine, go ahead and say it." He took a short moment to recollect himself, though it obviously wasn't too much an improvement, before bringing the suggestion at hand. Her eyes widened as he said the words, but she would lose her own embarrassment as she processed the question without much concern, "The Valentine's Day festival? They have that here? I haven't been to one in forever!" Her friends and her had gone all the time when she was younger to celebrate her bi... Is it really that close to Valentine's Day...? That means... Her face grew a little pale as she realized just what it had meant, but she smiled and tried not to show it, "Y-yes, I would... love t-to go."

The NPC spent no time at all running into the kitchen and exiting with all the food on a tray, but not before pouring and bringing out their drinks. She took a long sip on the green tea, it wasn't the best kind of tea, but she enjoyed a little variety every now and then. Chasing it down amongst a few bites of the French toast and some of the hash browns, her tummy would become far more pleased with her decision. It slowly died down in its angry words as it got what it asked for, but the newfound silence was interrupted by Kosan,"Oh... Y-you have?" She swallowed hard, she hadn't expected him to come up with something so quickly, "Yes... I-I mean... Well... Wh-what is it?"

[7844] 6 - 7 - 8 - 9

[___] 14/15

[Luci] 7/7

[boar] 2/8

Red couldn't believe how confident the girl was in her abilities, this wasn't just a game, this was a situation of life and death. Every decision mattered here in the virtual world and taking on unnecessary danger was ridiculous, especially since she had gotten the first hand experience herself. However, before she had the chance to say anything, Luci had run off again after another boar and was calling for Red to cut it off, which she would do. She ran in front of its path and as rammed into her, she got a few jabs in, bringing the vast majority of its health down before it ran in another direction, "Go on and finish it Luci, the sooner we get out of here, the better." She wasn't comfortable with how carefree Luci came off as, it made her feel a little uneasy about what would happen if something unexpected started.

[7843] 1 - 19 - 15 - 1

[___] 15/15

[Luci] 7/7

[boar] 8/8 ... Ran off.

Red pulled her rapier from the fading remains of the boar, only to find that Luci had encountered one of her own, "No kidding, there's a lot of them here." She followed suit after Luci, running towards the boar, but she wasn't quick enough to catch it before it scampered off. She wasn't too sure if Luci had ventured out on her own before, but it wasn't something that was completely safe. Red recalled back on when she was coming out here for the first few times, albeit by herself, and she came within a single health point of death. It was a scary thing, "Just be careful, I know that this might be a good place to train, but don't get too reckless... They're stronger than they look." It didn't help her case that she struck the first one down in a single hit, but they were lethally dangerous.

[7842] 10 - 9 - 18 - 5

[___] 15/15

[Luci] 7/7

[boar] 0/8 ... +2 materials, +40 Col

Red just about slammed into her as the young player came to a halt, "I-I uh..." She wasn't sure how to answer the question because kids got lost easily and she looked like a kid, but she knew more than Red did already, "I don't think so?" Once again being tugged, she was hauled over to a shop that she hadn't seen before, this isn't where the quest started for me... Within a few seconds, the girl had rushed out, latched onto Red's wrist, and pulled her throughout and eventually out of the town itself, "Whoa, where are we going?" They continued on for a while, though she would find that their location was a beautiful lake towards the center of a meadow, "It's pretty, I haven't seen it before." She looked around, nothing else compared to it, but she did catch something steadily approaching the two. She unsheathed her rapier and dashed towards it, "Luci, stay back."

It was amazing how this girl was so knowledgable about the game and even the fact that Red was new to not only the game, but to the genre as well, "Uh, yes... Actually, how did you know?" Obviously, she wasn't very good at gathering information, but she did try. It was a tad difficult for her to speak with people that she wasn't quite familiar with, though she certainly did try to get any help that she could get. Whether it was part of a quest or just directions to somewhere, anything helped her. Red was being pulled around corner to corner, losing track of where she was heading thanks to the alleyways, but she wasn't too sure she was still heading in the right direction, "Hey, are you sure this is the way?"

Kosan mentioned something about him hating the thought of being recognized, but she failed to see how he was preventing himself from being recognized in the first place. I mean, he was dressed like some sort of assassin that you'd read in a book, plus the tattered cloak was about as instantly recognizable as Red's hooded cape. Maybe he didn't think of it like that, hoping that the dark color scheme and torn rags would make him look less suspicous... it wasn't working. After following suit downstairs, she'd find that the Inn's cafe was pretty nice, considering that it wasn't a standalone. Kosan went ahead and ordered his, motioning for her to do the same, "I'll take some green tea and..." She thought about it for a few seconds, everything looked pretty good, "Uhm... Let's try the French Toast and Hash Brown basket." It showed a picture of a small basket filled with about six of the toasts and a handful of the fried rounds, it should be more than enough to fill her up and calm down those pesky tummy suggestions.

Red extended her arms out and plopped down on the bed, staring up on the cieling. She couldn't believe it had worked, she hadn't experienced anything like it before or, at least in her memory, she never did. Kosan took his turn behind the curtain, then would come out wearing his norm, "You know... you didn't need to change." She let out a puff of invisible smoke, imagining it wisping up into the air, slowly dispersing, "It's like you want t-to... I don't know... stand out?" Red wasn't one that should talk, considering her outfit was instantly recognizable to anyone that had seen or heard about, though that was all of six people... at most. Jeans and a t-shirt would be perfectly fine to wear, which pryed at her mind, but she dismissed it without too much thought. For now, she had something else to worry about, the miniature Avalanche that was hiding in her tummy. She could her it roaring out in a muffled tone, echoing the caves within, "I t-think that's a good idea..." Almost as if on cue, another rumble came out, short and brief in its agreement with Kosan's suggestion, "Yeah, let's g-go."

[8532] 2 - [8] - 17 - 5

___: 14/15

Ariel: 13/15

Raeyliff: 15/15

It turned out that Ariel had only been messing with her, but Red was a little more wary now. She had felt something... she wasn't entirely sure what or why, though something was wrong. While Ariel was talking about the fairy tails relating to the Lady Morgana, it seemed like she noticed too. However, Raeyliff didn't seem too bothered by whatever was out there. He occasionally kept his head on a swivel, but lacked the genuine reaction of the two girls. I'm just imagining things... Too worried about having gone on this quest... They aren't here to hurt me, they're here to help me... It sickened her for a moment to think that Raeyliff or some unannounced entity could have poisoned them or slowly started chipping away at her and Ariel's health without noticing. No, I'm getting paranoid... Just gotta watch out, it might happen again... whatever it is. She looked up, catching on to the last half of Ariel's suggestion, "Oh, yes. That'll be fine. Any time of the day, really. I don't get out much." She nearly choked on her words, that was a terrible thing to admit... ugh.

It wouldn't be long before she woke up from the rays of sunshine peeking through the window, becoming the second thing to rest its eyes on her today. Throughout the night, it remained peaceful and warm. The dream never became anything of torture and weary unrest, simply that blank canvas of a room painted with the natural, flickering colors of the neverending fire. Much to her own surprise, she was a little disappointed to find herself waking up, but knew that she had to. She had company waiting for her arrival to consciousness, though he was about to become unconscious himself from the lack of sleep he got from watching her. She sat up and stretched her arms upwards, letting out a faint yawn. She rubbed her eyes, sitting in the center of the bed, "G-good mor... morning, K-Kosan..." She was halfway between the stage of getting her mind cogs working and the stage of embarassment that she had a boy watch her sleep throughout the entirety of the night. Oh, no... It's even more embarassing now... She thought about all the things she might have said, walking she might have done, or movements she might have made without even thinking about it. It was too much to worry about, "T-think fast!" She tossed the cover at him and hopped off the bed, running around the curtain with her unadjusted night gown, quickly changing into her appropriate and usual attire. She would then step out, Red in clothing and her face, "You know... t-thank you. I don't know what I-I could do to... well... uhm, to repay you for the trouble."

The flyers were strewn about, placed hither and tither, without a care in the world. All the beloved couples were celebrating the fast approaching holiday and, with even more urgency, the Valentine's Day Festival. Many people were excited for this year's grand celebration, hoping that it was better than the last. Perhaps it would even be better than those held offline, considering that players had the time to get to know each other while they've been trapped here together. If one so happened to come across one of the many flyers or just started a conversation with the average joe, they'd probably find out what all was waiting for their arrival. A nice variety of rides and attractions with some good eats, nothing too out of this world, but nothing short of fun and exciting in its own right.

((The Valentine's Festival shall last from February 4 to February 17th in the real world, that allows you two weeks to RP to your heart's desire. In game though, this festival is held on February 14th, which is Valentine's Day, of course. Even PKers are permitted, considering that it is out of the safe zone, but no PKing. This is a time for love not war and, by posting in this thread, you agree to no PKing. That means anyone participating has the chance to happen across each other, don't be bashful! This is a day of love and joy, share it with those you hold close and even those you've yet to meet. Everyone deserves a hug, some love, and perhaps a smooch for that special one in your life. Besides, perhaps you'll win a special prize at the end. (; ))

Anonamor (Anonymous Love) Tent

Amidst all the thrills rests a small tent, big enough for only one person to enter. To participate, the player must step inside the tent, which will cause the door to close behind them. The player participating may not communicate with those outside the tent until they are finished. While inside, the player will find a single Valentine's Day card. It's a solid pale white on the outside with a big red heart on the front, while the inside is a solid crimson red. Players are to write a secret, anonymous letter to the one that they love or, if they have nobody that they are in love with, a friendly Happy Valentine's Day letter with a message.

((NOTE: Do NOT post your letter here or the person that you're sending it to. Send the letter AND the name of the character that it is to be delivered to MY INBOX (PM). Letters will be anonymously posted for players to read and enjoy at the end of the event, plus might just make someone's day... or even better.))

= = = = =

"Cold Heart" Skating Rink

A skating rink, shaped like a heart in particular, chills out as players glide across its flat top surface. Unfortunately for those not too careful or good at skating, be warned that an open crack goes through the middle and you might fall in! If you land a CD of 1, then... splash! You'll take 1 HP in damage for each post spent in the water so make sure you have someone accompanying you! If you land a CD of 2 to 3, then you'll find yourself simply slipping and falling on the ice. If you survive the rink and leave it still just as broken hearted, you'll find a "Slippery Slopes" card in your inventory.

= = = = =

Cupid's Arrow Stall

On a pink stall lies a single bow, simple in design and light in weight, and three cupid's arrows. The player's participating must notch the arrow, then aim and fire at a heart shaped balloon thirty feet away. The player only gets one game, but each game consists of three chances. If you miss all three, you're out of luck! However, if you strike a CD of 12, then you win the "Shot Through the Heart" card.

= = = = =

Ferris Wheel of Life

A simple ferris wheel, tall enough to allow you to see the often underrated, beautiful scenery of Aincrad slowly rotates. As each minute ticks by, the ferris wheel will slow to a halt, allowing players to enter and exit as they desire. The entire ride itself takes approximately three to four posts from when you enter before it makes its way back to the bottom, but when you exit (if you do), you'll be given the "Take Me to the Top" card.

= = = = =

Heart-A-Whirl Ride

Be warned, those that naturally can't deal with motion sickness shouldn't ride this ride! This is one of the more silly rides, a total of eight heart shaped cart that slowly rotates around a platform. Upon sitting down inside, you'll find a wheel in the center that you can tug on and begin spinning your cart around. Don't spin too fast, if you land a CD of 1 while riding, you'll find your most recent meal upon your or your date's lap! Players can enter and exit as they desire so long as they slow the cart down before doing so, though they'll find they've obtained the "Lovesick" cards as they leave.

= = = = =

Heart-A-Stack Booth

A few pegs are lined up here and there, contained by a counter that circles around all four sides. The owner of the booth tosses you a few similar items, "Hey, take a chance! You might find yourself getting lucky in more than one way today!" Looking down, you'll find three heart shaped rings in your hand, on the ground, or upon the counter depending on you ability to catch, "Catch one on the peg and you'll win a prize!" You have three chances, land a CD of 12 and you'll find yourself the proud owner of the "Put a Ring On It" card.

= = = = =

Kissing Booths

A few stalls with no attendants waits patiently for both customer and owners alike to arrive, but it appears as if the fate of what is to come is star-crossed. Fortunately, players can save the day and may run a stall on their own accord, remaining there as long as they like. However, be warned that players running the stall must kiss whoever approaches the stall! If you kiss more than two people, either by running the stall or showing up as a participant, you'll gain the "Three Strikes" card.

= = = = =

Other Minigame Booths

Spread out throughout the festival is a variety of other games. The first is Tongue Twister, where the player pick up a cherry with their teeth and tie the stem around in a knot without their hands. All participants, successful or not, will receive the "Caught in a Knot" card. Right around the corner lies the Hug-A-Ton Bell, where players must hug a stuffed bear as hard as they can. The ranks are Broken Hearted, Cold Hearted, Star-Crossed, Tender Hearted, Heavy Hearted, and Shining Soul. All participants can proudly walk away with the "Bear Hug" card. Other minigames are spread about that do not offer cards, but you are more than welcome to participate ((more will be added at a later date)).

Upon falling into the slumber with open arms, she would find herself arriving in the same old darkness. With darkness comes light, but this felt eerily similar to the second nap in the cave. The white walls flickered with a red a few times, but it wouldn't be from bloody paint. She would turn to find the source of it was the young companion starting a fire, whom looked at her without saying anything. She walked over, sat across from him and gazed into the fire. Over time, the heat would rise to an uncomfortable degree and he would calm the flames, giving her just the right warmth. In the real world, it was triggered by the repositioning of the covers, but here, all she could give was a blink of appreciation. Words didn't mean anything here. Actions didn't either. However, it was suffice to say the expression was clear. She would remain in her deep conscious slumber besides the fire until early in the morning, blissfully unaware of the struggle that Kosan was dealing with.

Trading posts, he seemed just as unsure about this as Red did, but didn't have to stress out about it as much as Red had been. He made sure she understood that he didn't mind watching her sleep, though it was bothering her how she had originally worded it. Perhaps watching over her or being mindful of her, it made her a little more red thinking about someone actively watching her while she was asleep. Do I sleep talk? Sleep walk? Obviously I do something... Otherwise, he wouldn't have waken me up the first time... It bugged her, but she wouldn't say anything about it as Kosan took his turn behind the counter, "I-in your dreams, silly." He'd come out wearing casual clothes, not pajamas or any particular sleeping clothes, as he took a seat at the chair, "Uhm..." She pulled the covers up to her chin, both frightened and relieved at the same time, "T-thank you..." She turned over and pulled the covers up above her head, almost as if she was out of sight and mind, "Good night." It would take her a good twenty minutes or so before she became comfortable enough to fall into a deep sleep, but it wouldn't last with the covers fully enclosing her heat. Was Kosan willing to take the risk?

She couldn't tell if Kosan had the same thoughts about the Inn's name, but he seemed to approve of the location itself. Kosan let her enter first to which she responded with a silent "Thank you," before proceeding in. He made his way to the counter afterwards, making the full purchase for the best room that they had available. She'd continue to follow along with him, dismissing the inappropriate comment a player in the lobby had made. Entering the room, they'd find it wad rather nice, but only had one bed. Fortunately, that didn't concern Red too greatly since Kosan had already accepted her favor, "Yes, just give me a moment." She pulled up her inventory menu as she was rounding the curtains, but she stopped just before she had walked fully behind it, "Don't you dare, either." It was a half joking, half serious remark and hopefully it wouldn't come across the wrong way. Fully hidden, she changed into a crimson nightgown. She appeared from behind it and walked up to the bed, taking a seat upon the opposite edge, "S-so... How are we... Uhm... You know... Going to d-do this?" It sent a shiver up her spine thinking that he might be laying on the bed while she was sleeping, that would be no good. Perhaps sitting on the bed, no, the edge or maybe the chair... Oh, why is this sooo difficult... and frustrating... and embarrassing... Snap out of it, geez...

She had nothing less than the most gratifying look of relief wash over her as Kosan answered the question, hesitating nearly as rough as she had. Granted, it was dropped on him by way of surprise, which meant Red had likely been far too nervous in comparison because she had been thinking about it for some time now. He didn't make fun of her, prod as to why, or do anything to discomfort her into backing out, which meant to her that he actually did care. He suggested that they continue on as he began to walk towards the town, with her picking up the pace until she was walking beside him. She was still a little embarrassed by the question and the thoughts surrounding it, but she maintained a smile until they got to town. She pointed over to the nearest inn, a small one with a cheesy name, "That one looks fine, I don't know about the ones on this floor." It was literally called the Sleep Inn, a catchy name, but also an incredibly cheesy one, much like her own Pins and Needles tailor shop. Perhaps this place was more fitting for her than she imagined, "Hopefully it doesn't cost too much."

She was glad to see that he was willing to split it up into two rooms instead of one, but that still didn't completely cover what Red was so concerned about. He stopped alongside her, absolutely serious about whatever favor that she had in mind. She nodded her head, she was alright, it's just that it was one of those questions that seemed so very unnatural for her (or anyone for that matter) to ask. It bothered her and pricked at her sides, but she knew that she had to ask because of what happened before. Obviously, he was somebody of importance, considering he had found such a way to manipulate her daily nightmare into one of warmth and peace, but she wasn't ready for anything special yet, if she ever would be. She removed her hands from behind her and covered her face, she knew she must be red from all the embarassment, but it seemed a little easier to ask him without having to look at him, "I-I just wanted... well, you don't have to, b-but... If you could, i-it would be... uhm nice..." She shook her head in her hands, this was way too embarassing, but she had to get it over with. She took a deep breath and let out a sigh of frustration, "C-could you w-watch me s... you know... s-sleep..."

Red couldn't help it, but she giggled at the thought of sharing a bed. Back before she was adopted, she had her crushes and typical gossip groups existed, the orphanage wasn't some happiness deprived institution with a bunch of young prisoners. She knew that Kosan was either more innocent than his age permitted or he was far more daring than Red gave him credi- Well, daring or idiotic... He did go into that blizzard after all. Yeah, one of the two, that was for sure. Once her giggling subsided, she turned to face him, still smiling from the comment, "I don't quite believe I'm... ready for being that close to someone... You know, with... t-the touching." She scratched the back of her head, he likely meant no harm by it, though it was still hard for her to imagine giving hugs out to people, let alone sleeping in the same bed as someone else. She slowed up and came to a halt, looking at him with a serious, yet embarrassed expression. She fumbled her fingers behind her back, trying to thinking of the proper way to say it, "I-I... Uhm, I wish to ask a uhm.. a f-favor of you though..." Red gripped her hands together, squeezing tightly, behind her back. Why is it so difficult to ask... It's not weird... Well, not too weird. Is it?

The creature shuddered and Kosan finished it off in a rapid succession of hits, eventually causing it to crumble into pieces. As the shards fell to the ground, they would disappear from the game until the existence of Avalanche was no more. Kosan walked up to Red and extended his hand for a shake, claiming that he would've rather given a hug in place of it, but a handshake didn't quite seem too appropriate. She walked up and patted him on the head, "We both did good, but if I become stronger than you that means you're slacking." She removed her hand and started walking back towards town as he ran his fingers through his now slightly messy hair, "I have a nap to finish and you have a room to pay for." He shouldn't be hoping for anything more, she genuinely wanted a nap and he had promised such beforehand.

[8054] 7 - 7 - 11 - 10

[___] 15/15

[Kosan] 33/33

[Avalanche] 7/50

Red plucked her right leg out of the snow, it was pretty deep inside the mush, "I'm alright, Kosan! Finish him off!" She was hoping that he would take the attention off of her because she was nothing more than a sitting duck at this point. Kosan followed up with his attack, using his critical opportunity to completely slice off the left arm of Avalanche. She had just freed her other leg and had began to run around while Avalanche was distracted. Wow... that was a really clean hit. I wonder if rapier's have the ability to do that too. Of course, she had no intentions of copying him again after that last mistake. She ran around the right side of Avalanche and got behind him, striking it square in its Achilles heel. She was out of sight and our of mind, she hoped.

[8055] 1 Mob

Will edit in post later...

[8045] 7 - [2] - 14 - 4

___: 14/15

Ariel: 14/15

Raeyliff: 15/15

Ariel didn't believe that it was an illusion and Red didn't really have much belief in it either, she just didn't want to come off as the weirdo seeing and thinking things that weren't there. She made note of a desert mob, "I haven't heard of that one before, anything special about it?" However, whether she answered or not, she would keep the conversation alive by asking about Raeyliff's axe, "She's right, it does look pretty weighty." It turned out to be true, him claiming that it hurt his hands if he carried it for too long, "Oh, perhaps you should cone by my sho-" She stuttered, suddenly remembering she wasn't the only tailor, "One of our shops, we could make your some gloves, right?" She was hoping that Ariel wouldn't mind the slip, but Red would be fine with whoever made them. She didn't have to worry about the weight of her weapon since it was small, even her shield was, but that axe did look heavy.

[7935] 1 - 8 - 20 - 2

[___] 15/15

[Kosan] 33/33

[Avalanche] 22/50

She watched as Kosan ran along the arm and attacked it directly on the head, surprised to see he was so quick. He kept trying to tell her that he wasn't strong and she wasn't sure if he was legitimately trying to tell the truth or not, but this made him look like the fibber of the day. After he had landed his attack and lept back down near Red, she countered his statement, "Not too bad yourself, show off." She would wait for Avalanche to strike again with the same sweep, but as she tried to leap atop the ice giant's arm in an attempt to see if Kosan was making this easier than it looked, she'd slip and slide off of it, landing in the snow. Yup, he was lying about his ability... Now I look like the idiot...

[7936] 4 Mob

Will edit in post later.

[7859] 10 - 9 - 11 - 1

[___] 15/15

[Kosan] 33/33

[Avalanche] 32/50

She was doing pretty well so far and she fully and whole heartedly intended to break this thing into pieces. She was at a slight disadvantage strength wise against Kosan because he had some better skills, but she wasn't lacking in the willpower. She kept up into the air, cleanly avoiding the arm that swept below, trying to clear out everything in its path. Kosan should be able to avoid it too so she didn't mind him, any lost focus could put her in danger, especially since she had the aggro of the beast. She landed on her feet and struck six times while she was close enough to inflict damage, ending up landing a critical on the frozen titan. She called out to Kosan, "Strike him, now! I've got his attention!" He was stronger and a critical counter from him would not only do massive damage, but paralyze the beast.

[7821] 2

Avalanche roll, will edit with more details shortly.