Haine

Haine lounged on her garden patio, legs crossed and propped against the table. Slumped against the chair, she reached for a glass of lukewarm water with lemon and downed it. The refreshing liquid trickled down, providing her with much needed hydration to wake her up. The fluffy cub sunbathed on top of the patio table beside her, gnawing on her foot. He nipped a bit too hard.

"Ow! Teeth!" She chastised the familiar, flicking his nose. He sneezed and groaned in protest. A message on her HUD diverted her attention to the screen. A message from her friend? Her attention piqued. She skimmed the message and hit reply.

Quote

Sure! See ya in a sec <3
Haine

The woman slipped on a more casual attire today, with no intent to combat after all that had gone down the day before with Skalaugh. Frankly, she needed a breather, and what better time than to check with her friend? She threw on a flowy lavender tunic and black leggings, paired with her typical worn down combat boots. She combed her frizzy locks and bunched it into a presentable ponytail.

Presentable, she left for their rendezvous point.

Surely enough, her favorite blonde was spotted by the fountain. The woman approached her and settled onto the railing beside her. "Girl, what a crazy day we had yesterday." Haine placed a palm over her chest in dramatic display. The cub tilted his head at the flaming fox, tentative at first. He then recognized it as the same one he'd played with this week. Eager, he padded up to her and jumped, paw resting over her back.

Haine watched the two at combat and applauded their efforts in her head. The silver head seemed more like the tactician between the two, calm and collected while he drove combat for the two. The brunette bounced about, reminiscent of a rabbit with his amount of stamina. He kept the fight lively with his little quips. In a way, it reminded her of a certain someone from what felt like a distant memory ago. He smiled softly and propped her chin on her palm. Fingers twirled the soft glades beneath her, plucking a few strands from the soil while idle.

She hummed a soft tune and kept a close watch on the battle, while her mind wandered to other things, such as her agenda for the rest of the day. There was no rest as of late, in preparation for the front lines. The mere thought of it churned her gut in a way that made her nauseous. She could find enough confidence in herself to play the part, but if Raidou entrusted her as part of the lineup, she would not disappoint him nor the rest of her guild.

Haine wasn’t pleased with his answer. A curious part of her pushed on. “But… why?” She tapped a finger to her chin. “If you don’t want the crunchy part, I’ll take it from ya. Juuust offering.” She poked fun at him as per usual. She’d noticed her proximity and moved back to give him his personal space. She returned to her cone, eating it like a normal person would. 

She took heed of the cub devouring the orange lozenge, rolling into his back like a feline overtaken by catnip. “Yeesh, what else is in that?” She chuckled in amusement at the animal. “Hey, that would make a pretty sick training treat. Maybe I can actually get him to obey me with that stuff. Send me some more when you can, yeah?” She continued on, in thought. “You can make a pretty penny selling training treats too.” She bit a chunk out of her ice cream, cringing at the cold feeling traveling up her nerves.

"No prob." She returned the nod to Val and smiled reassuringly. The man seemed to put in his all on the field, she was certain the team could pull through. Perhaps a chance had only thrown them off course, but they seemed to pick up momentum once more. Hael's wiry temper was placated at the slightest in light of Haine's appearance. She plopped down on the glades, crossing her legs and propping her elbows on her knees. The boars were far enough in range to leave her be. 

She stayed on the sidelines, attentive to the combat before her. Val moved with concentrated precision, paired with Hael's sporadic energy with his dagger. He used no sword art. The realization caused Haine to quirk a brow. She was interrupted by the older man's voice. "Ah, yes, I've brought plenty of spares. Hold." She pulled up her menu and sent a copy to Val.

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SENT TO VALENTINE: Immolation Potion

The fish flopped over, deadweight on the deck. Before it was gone, she seized a shiny scale off its back. She held it up in the air, the sun's rays reflecting off the shiny token. She approached her love and placed the scale in his palm. "A souvenir for you." She leaned onto her tip toes and planted a kiss on his jaw. The prospect of a date left the woman giddy. She accepted the chaste kiss and pulled back. "I really like it here, the weather's beautiful. Let's have a picnic by the pier and swim later. Like that one time, remember?" She bopped his nose and trailed off on the boardwalk. Old wood creaked beneath her soles.

In the distance, Pingu and Mishka play wrestled. The bird, with her jarringly huge toy sword in comparison to her little frame, swung wildly at the bear. He taunted her, booping her soft belly and circling around her. He booped her forward from behind, watching her topple like a domino. He padded over to chew her wing.

Haine noticed the message pop up in her menu from the guild page. She clicked it and casually skimmed, noticing the red flare by the message title. SOS. Her heart began to race with worry. She read the message, which hinted at an emergency. It was coming from a newcomer, his coordinates pinned conveniently to the map thanks to the flare. A looming feeling urged her to spring up from her seat and reach for her belongings. She pulled on her garb and crushed a teleport crystal for the destination.

Blue locks flew with the wind as she entered the field, tracker pulled up with the coordinates. Hael's location just around the corner. There, revealed a duo of boars butting heads with two guild mates. She could not recall their names, but it was of little significance as she observed the boy's wired state. "What's the problem here?" she cut in, eyes trained between the two.

A messy haired brunette stepped forward with his dagger. "We came to kick boar ass, but they're kicking ours!" She gave a once-over to the pigs and tossed her hair over her shoulder. She conjured up a set of items that would prove beneficial for now or later. After this was over with, she would give them a talk.

SENT TO HAEL: Immolation Potion
SENT TO VALENTINE: Field Ration 1 (+30 MAX HP)

BROUGHT ALONG: Immolation Potion (1)

Haine was back again. Those potions in stock, whatever they were made of, proved handy multiple times in quests with comrades. Immolation, was it called? Haine would buy out whatever they had in stock. She padded up the steps to the shop, sliding through the door. She closed it shut behind her, padding up to the shelves near the back. This shop had been a frequent destination as of late, her go-to for a merchant. She scanned for bottles of viscous, fiery red liquid. Surely enough, a full stock rested neatly on the shelf. She snagged two off the shelf, along with a ration and moved to the counter. "I'm back! Can't get enough of you guys," she jested with a slight chuckle. "Runnin' with the newcomers today, so I'm here for these." She set them down on the counter.

Quote

Immolation Potion x2 – (@ 700 col)
Item Type: Potion
Effect: When used, successful non-critical attacks against you deal 10 unmitigated damage to the attacking enemy. Effect lasts for one thread.

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Field Rations x1 – (@ 350 col)
Item Type: Snacks
Effect: Grants +30 to max HP. Cannot be used in combat. Effect lasts for one thread. A player cannot benefit from more than one Field Rations at a time.

COL SENT.

"Yes, date." She whipped around and held Eruda's arms, gently. "I'll make sure he's there. I have my ways..." She trailed off, with a mysterious Cheshire grin. "After all, I am your cupid. Don't fret now." The mention of the event brought stars to her eyes. "So, I've never been to a festival like this beforee. But back home, it was magical. Delicious food, fun games, spending time with your friends and picking out a pretty outfit..." Her mind wandered to her life back home. She missed spending time with her family, dearly so. But for now, she had Firm Anima. She hoped to spend a good day with them all at the festival, her second family.

She noted Eruda's insecurities, and her concern towards the crowds. "He can be your shield, and you have us too. You deserve to experience this fun like we all are, okay?" She gave Eruda a reassuring smile. "With or without Raidou, you can come and see what it's all about. You'll love it."

Haine admired him in his element from afar. With his art activated, Kiluia harnessed a herculean strength. She silently blessed the warm weather gods for him in his short sleeved shirt, his biceps on display. Throughout all the time they'd been together, she still had those moments of ogling. It had only took the gigantic fish careening her way to snap her out of her trance. The bluenette shrieked, stumbling back on her hind. Her spear had been pointed out in defense, skewering the creature. It thrashed its way off the pole, spraying her with water. She shielded her face with her other arm and withdrew the glaive.

The wooden planks beneath them shook as the fish fell forward. She seized the opportunity to charge her weapon and strike. She vaulted off blade and landed with the sharp end embedding onto its flesh. In due time, the thing materialized into nothingness.

ID: 171580 / BD: 4+4-1=7 [ HIT ] / 19*15 = 260 DMG

Party:

Haine | HP: 1240/1290 | EN: 126/126 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 BLD:36 | PHASE | KEEN

Kiluia | HP: 1040/1090 | EN: 92/106 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 2 | BLD:36 | REC:1 | KEEN:1

Enemy:

«Mōretsuna» | HP: 0/500 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 |EVA: 1

"I commissioned a bracelet with colorful charms on it. I wanted to give her something nice." A soft smile graced Haine's lips. Without a doubt, she had been spoiling Asmura. The woman had to keep herself in check. Sometimes she could go overboard with the love, the last thing she wanted was to scare off the other. But the bracelet? She ought to appreciate it.

The group approached the edge of the shore side, among a broken ocean dock. She squinted ahead to see a massive ripple in the waves. It could only signify one thing. She exchanged a knowing look with the silver haired man and manifested her fishing pole. She plopped onto the dock, prepping her fishing pole. Line ready, she casted it into the body of water. Moments of idleness passed, until unceremoniously, a massive strength gave way ahead. She squeaked, her body jerking forward from the sudden tug. "Kil, hold me back!" She called over her shoulder and strained with the lure. After much effort, a massive, titanic-sized creature was plucked from the sea.

Party:

Haine | HP: 1290/1290 | EN: 126/126 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 BLD:36 | PHASE | KEEN

Kiluia | HP: 1040/1090 | EN: 106/106 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 2 | BLD:36 | REC:1 | KEEN:1

Enemy:

«Mōretsuna» | HP: 500 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 |EVA: 1

She let Kiluia lead the way, quest marker secured on his map. Shorter legs quickened pace to match his footsteps. "After all of this, we need to stop by Kasumi's. I have a present for Asmura waiting to be claimed. An enchanted charm bracelet, I hope she'll like it." Haine tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Among the path down the settlement, she noticed the jarring differences among the scenery. One half of the land imbued the essence of a tropical beach, while the other seemed more like a forest scape. If the information on her quest book was accurate, the coast was where they ought to stick. She stepped onto the sand, feeling the loose gravel swish beneath her.

"Ah, go left, maybe?" She scratched her head. "We're getting warm." The familiars were ecstatic to be on the sandy shore. Paws and fins frolicked on the sand, beak and snout shoveling dirt. Mishka rolled onto his back and panted. The heat was not his favorite, but a day at the beach was a fair exchange.

Haine dug into her ice cream and hummed blissfully. A second glance at Raidou and she gaped, watching the horror ahead. He'd produced a bowl for the cone and a spoon to go with it. "Y-You. Why are you doing this to a cone?!" She watched him dig into the flipped cone. "The cone's the best part, yanno? The crunchy biscuit at the end." She shook her head and moved to spoon a chunk out of the top, only to remember the absence of the tool, shredded beneath the cub's paws. She sighed and scooped some off with her finger, Mishka gnawing at it.

"Yeah, so Halibut. It's gonna be a breeze. We'll need to visit the ol' man for the fishing pole. I call dibs on the fishing part." The corners of her eyes crinkled as she smiled. The cub sniffed the air, noting the smell of sickly sweet, orangey pheromone. Moist snout booped Raidou's hand, picking the lozenge off from his palm. He gave the brunette a nudge of gratitude and and chewed the candy. It was the sweetest thing he'd ever had, dare he say better than the finest fish.

The prospect of a picnic on a scenic floor or a rowboat on a lake made her ecstatic. It gave her incentive to power through today's work. At the end of the day, there would be something to look forward to. The woman nodded. "Why not both?" She propped a hand on her hip. "You row. I'll feed you. Picnic on the lake it is!" Teleport crystal crushed, they entered the new floor.

She'd seldom been around these parts. Now that she was, it was a wonder why she didn't visit as often. With all duties aside, the island seemed like a paradise getaway at a first glance. The humidity was getting to her, but it was a fair trade off. She glanced up at the sky, puffy clouds drifting across the expanse. Overhead lied a volcano, overlooking the islands surrounding it. She hoped it would stay dormant. "When we're rolling in gold, let's get a beach house." She linked her arms with his and hugged his forearm. A glowing look in her eyes signalized she was buttering him up to the idea.

She swooped the cub into her arms and and bounded down the stairs with him. The cub turned around to face her, moist snout covered in lavender. She cringed and wiped it off. "Sorry to cut your fun, bud. Duty calls." The cub whimpered in protest and ducked his head onto her chest. She scratched his neck and sighed. Just round the corridor, she noted Pingu fumbling with a scarf. She pointed at the table at a bright checkered fabric and shot a doe-eyed look at Kiluia.

"Ready to roll?" She scrolled through her inventory and pulled out a pastry to munch on. Corners of her eyes crinkled as she smiled. "This is delicious," she hummed and tore a piece from her strudel and offered it to him. "Here, eat up. You need the energy." She swiped through her HUD and searched for her battle garb. She equipped it and swept her hair into a bun.

The tense look on his face served as confirmation of her suspicions. His expressions contorted with the slightest hint of discomfort at the topic. His words had proven his drive, and she as well had felt the same, shaken up by recent events. Her other half could read her like an open book, and even then, she held these secrets. She was trying to be more transparent with the other after an ugly quarrel or two in the past, and it was a struggle, torn between her optimistic front and the secretive, aloof side of her. She inhaled deeply. "Very well. If you're going to grind, you'll need someone to make it less of a drag, hmm?" She nodded in confirmation, a nod to their endeavors months ago. The two were a solid tagteam out on the field. Remembering them back then, shortly after Kiluia's return, brought forth a sense of nostalgia.

She planted a kiss on his lips and pulled back. "We can leave now, if you'd like. I'll let Asmura know we're leaving." She slid off the couch and padded to the girl's room. She popped her head in, to see that the soft cub was laying beside her. Pastels and paint scattered a sheet on the floor as the raven haired girl worked hard at a masterpiece. The cub booped his nose into a patch of color, sneezing flecks of lavender. The sight was enough to warm her heart. She peeked from the doorway and whistled Mishka over. She left the room, not long after announcing their agenda for the day.

Asmura would have a surprise to look forward to at the end of the day, a trinket Haine had commissioned for pickup this evening.

A gentle scratch on her head felt nice. She laced their fingertips together and squeezed lightly. "I see." She turned to face the man and searched his expression. "But don't push yourself too hard now. I understand that you're tense after Skalaugh." She thought to the mess that was the initial stage. The foe was mighty enough to chip away so much of her health. By a sheer turn of luck, the beast was unable to exemplify its true strength. But if it did? She feared the outcomes. And that was only a taste of what it's like to be a frontliner. Those brave souls risked their life out there, the threat of death a constant variable.

She brushed stray locks of silver from his periphery and tucked them back. "I'll go. But let's keep it steady, yeah? Don't work yourself sick." A soft, reassuring smile painted her lips. "Focus on the good, too." She waved her ring about, her cheesy smile breaking into a toothy grin.

Haine was sprawled on the couch, hand raised in the air as she marveled at the beautiful stone. The proposal was fresh on her mind, only a few days ago. She was in a state of constant bliss, giddy to spend most waking moments beside Kiluia. All that she could, with how hectic her schedule was. They could relish in each other's company for a moment before guild duties called for them. She had yet to visit the guild. When she would, she would tote the gem on her finger and see who else caught on. She liked the element of surprise.

But that day would come later.

For now, it would have to wait. She reached for a pillow and squeezed it, listening to the other speak. It was of their next quest, but her head wasn't so in the game then. She scooted aside to make room for him and curled her bottom lip out in a pout. "Bleeh. Why now?" She moved forward and flopped her head on his shoulder.

Haine bubbled at all the rewards strewn about. Ah, there was nothing as sweet as profit. She helped her love collect the loot off the ground and stowed a portion of it away for  safe keeping. She cracked her knuckles. This was only the beginning, as hard as they'd worked so far. The sun rose high in the afternoon sky, evidence that the day was only young. She only intended to leave these grounds once night came. "Good job, love." She planted a chaste kiss on his cheek and slung her glaive over her shoulder. She moved forth. She was sick of golems, hopefully they'd cleared this valley of them already. "We're making good time, let's go team."

She kicked a rock out of her path, and the skittery cub went chasing after it. He frolicked about, happy until another golem showed face. The hair on the cub's back prickled as he snarled. "Tell em boy!" The bluenette encouraged. "Give em' a battle cry." She pat the cub, who unleashed a mighty screech. Pingu attempted to cover her ears with her fins.

She jumped at the sound of something just behind her and whipped around. The voice belonged to none other than Freyd, who was poking fun at her. "Hey! This side of town is uncharted territory." She laughed it off and trailed behind him. The other would be her guide now. The rendezvous point turned out to be a quaint, cozy coffee shop. Beside her ankle, the fluffy cub trotted faithfully. The bluenette stepped inside, a wave of warmth enveloping her like a cozy blanket. Much needed reprieve from the cold.

Two heads of vibrant hair turned towards the two. Haine gushed, instantaneously. Elora, with her vibrant green hair and soft, feathery features, she was half tempted to squish her cheeks. Then beside her stood Katoka, with bouncy blonde locks and blue eyes. She seemed shortest among them all, though not by much. As Freyd approached the girls, she noted his height in comparison to hers. It was all but comical.  She approached them and clasped her hands together.

"It's been like weeks. Been hectic, couldn't catch you all." She pulled an empty chair from the neighboring table and settled down. She nodded in acknowledgement to both and faced Elora. "I remember. Freyd told me a lot about your adventures." She faced Katoka and chuckled. "I've gotta hear about this dance battle from the legends themselves!"

It was easy to slip back in momentum with the repetition. The set of tasks were simple. Scour these valleys, secure a golem, then strike. The rock golems were tiring her. She hoped to switch it up sometime. A path diverged beyond the valley, leading away from from the area. Golden eyes piqued with interest. She gathered herself and pulled back into combat. Distraction was easy during the grind. In fact, distraction was what kept her sane and going. She could prospect over things ahead while she went through these chores.

A thin film of sweat rest atop her brow. She wiped it with haste. Man, was the heat getting to her today. She bunched her long, tangled locks into a bun and secured it with the ribbon around her wrist. Hopefully it would temper the weather about.

With her hair gathered, she reached for her glaive. She focused on the clanky golem and charged her blade. The other half of this thing? Smashed to oblivion.

Company arrived just as soon as it left. Haine let out an exasperated sigh. The grind was monotonous, it was a routine she was well accustomed to. The prospect of wealth was her sole motive and drive. For all that Firm Anima had given to her, she felt it was only fair to give back. Soon enough, she would take things a step further and consider putting her musical abilities to use. Seeing Shiina hard at work was an inspiration, but for now? She could only reap the materials needed for her fellow guild members to craft away. All the profit would go into the guild, and in turn, aid the ranks so they might rise.

Her duty was solely to be of use.

Invigorated, the bluenette pointed the spear at the gargantuan rock golem. The size was of little concern, as she knew her power in comparison to it. She narrowed her eyes and focused her aim.

It was about high time the woman gave her comrade's shop a perusal. A small building located behind a monastery was a peaceful place to set up shop. Greenery surrounded her and the weather was just about tranquil. It was a far cry from the gloominess that was his home. She would not step foot there without someone else to protect her from the undead. Rotting, skeletal foes were not her strong suit. Her agenda wandered to her next battle. A dungeon had opened up, the talk of every town now. If she were to venture there, she would have to come prepared. That meant expanding her inventory, crunching for a moment to gain a bit of SP. Raidou would rally together their group anytime now.

The bluenette stepped into the shop and perused the wares. So many knick knacks were tempting her, but she had her sights set on what she came to buy. Hopefully it would be found here. She wandered about the back until she found a backpack sitting on the shelf. Dimensional, as it read, it would serve to expand her battle ready aid. She picked it off the shelf, along with the crystal next to it and laid it down on the counter. "Good afternoon! Tell Freyd he has a lovely shop. This'll be all." She shot the woman by the counter a soft smile. Her aura was a tad bit intimidating. She had that sort of... intense, bushy eyebrow thing going on.

Quote

Dimensional Backpack – (@ 5,500 col)
 Item Type: Unique Item
Effect: Adds +1 to Battle Ready inventory. This item does not take up a Battle Ready inventory slot. A player may only have one Dimensional Backpack at any time.

 

Teleportation Crystal – (@ 880 col)
Item Type: Crystal
Effect: Use a post action to activate a teleport crystal. Teleports the player to the town or designated teleportation area they specify.

COL SENT.

In light of the announcement of a dungeon, the woman's interest piqued. She was to travel with Raidou and her other guild mates. Questions went unanswered and more time passed on, and frankly the firecracker grew impatient. She wouldn't be so stupid as to rush in with reckless abandon, but she could scout at the very least, get a peek of what was to come. Anticipation bubbled within as she crushed her teleport crystal.

Upon arrival, the gloomy floor had undergone a complete transformation. It was a far cry from what she'd seen before, a mythological paradise, still with the gloominess she came to dread. The woman held her cub close for comfort as she slipped through the unknown. She trailed the River Styx, up to the location marked on her map.

A union of umami caused her mouth to water.

It was over for her.

She trailed off the path towards the smell. Before her stood a taco wagon and a small gathering in front of it. Man, was it her lucky day. She could go for a light snack. She approached, only to find a few familiar faces standing around. She recognized the raven haired woman as the one who aided in the fight with Skalaugh, that disaster of a mess. Nearby was a mop of bright, cotton candy blue, she had a feeling she knew who it was before glancing at his face. The one manning the taco truck was another comrade. She recognized him as the one who saved her too. 

She clasped her hands together and looked amongst the group. "Wow, what are the odds? I take it you're all here for the thing." She glanced over the tabletop, at a tray of steaming Mexican cuisine. "Oooh. How much for those?"

"Which number are we even on...-"

Haine squinted at her quest map like an old woman whose vision failed her. It was then that a message pinged through from a fellow comrade that she found clarification. "Oh yeah, we're that far along with this?" She stabbed the cinnamon roll on her lap and held it up to her lips. She inhaled deeply, the aroma of cinnamon and and warmth enveloping her. She closed her eyes and sighed in content. Warm and comforting with a mug of piping hot coffee, just how she preferred regardless of the weather. Food was food, she could break a sweat in ninety degree weather, so long as she came prepared. A fan across the room blew cool air to temper the heat outside and from the coffee she drank.

Oh well, she took a gander and crushed her teleport crystal for the wintry settlement. The cold air was much appreciated after the drink she downed. She waited for the other's message of confirmation and wandered about. She was lost as could be. 

Quote

To: Freyd

From: Haine

Where's this rendezvous at? I'm ready to roll.

She looked back to the other, expecting him to step up and strike. Upon the look of disappointment and on his face and the facepalm, she tilted her head. "What?" She shrugged her shoulders. It was when he eyed the dragon that she got his indirect comment. She gaped silently in realization. "Ehehe..." She cringed and looked aside, scratching her blue locks. "All in good fun? Now you get a shot." She gestured at the dragon in dismissal.

"Yes chief!" She saluted, shaking off the little setback. Tip of her blade glowed a cerulean tinge as she held it back. She vaulted off her glaive and flew into the air. The enemy, however, was swift on its talons. The hatchling shrieked, flying out of range. "Uh-oh." Haine yelped and lost grip of her weapon, in haste to buffer the fall. Forearms shielded her face as she crashed into the soil. "G...G-Damn you're fast!" She lifted her face off the dirt and spat out the mud.

ID: 169924

BD: 2-1+4=5 [ M I S S ]

Party:

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1228/1270 (-42) | EN:123/139 (-14) | DMG:19 | MIT:79 | EVA:2 | ACC:4 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | BH:63

Haine | HP: 1272/1330 | EN: 117/130 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BLD:36

Enemy:

[H:1,0] Ghirodah – The Opal Hatchling | HP: 27/215 | MIT: 40 | DMG: 70 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | Thorns 14