Piera

Chewing on the inside of her cheek in serious consideration to Jomei's counter arguments to them joining, Piera was quiet. If she joined a guild...she would undoubtedly feel obligated to go out more, interact with her guild members, make potions to help them out since she couldn't fight with most of them on the frontlines. It would be good encouragement. The carrot being spending time with friends and the stick being the guilt of abandoning something she had formally committed to. Friends were one thing, but joining a guild she considered a serious commitment. But there was still something else to consider, "Would...would the other members be okay with me joining though? I don't want it to seem like you're being unfair by letting someone in just because you're friends with them." The last thing she wanted was to ruin the reputation of the guild he'd created and grown himself.

Head tilting in curiosity as Jomei stated that Telrenya hadn't moved in right away, the brunette stayed quiet, hearing out his story. The more he told, the deeper Piera's frown became. And when her friend stated that this mysterious player knew what happened to herself and Lee and was possibly involved in it, she paled and became deathly still. That information wasn't even the most shocking though. Another PKer had the Dual Wielding skill. Even though Zelrius himself had the orange cursor, she still trusted him a hell of a lot more than this guy. Especially given what her friend was telling her now.

Her fists tightened around grass, knuckles trembling slightly as she realized that she could've lost one of her only friends left then. Yet when he stated that this terrifying sadist's target hadn't been him but his girlfriend, the alchemist's heart seized in concern for her friend's own heart, even though realistically she knew that he wouldn't be able to relate the retelling so calmly if anything dire had happened to her. Still the truth was pretty bad. Blinking in shock and confusion she echoed, "Beat....box..?" Her brain tried to play catch up with what Jomei was saying, her expression slightly scrunched as she tried to make sense of it.

"Wait...this Death Adder guy killed Beatbox? Oh god, Teion..." No, no she was alive! Still a mildly panicked expression came over the brunette as she quickly swiped open her menu, selecting her friends list and letting out an audible sigh of relief when she saw that Teion's name was there just like always. She was alive. Rubbing her forehead, Piera said, "I don't blame you for keeping an eye on her. God her own brother... I-I can't even... I'm so sorry Nick." It wasn't like it was his brother, but perhaps Beatbox might've been a brother in law. Either way, she knew that a loved one's pain was your pain.

Snorting lightly at Lee's mild disappointment that Shield did in fact wield a shield she commented, "You're the only one who would do that." Glancing back at said man, she noticed that he seemed to be standing a little stiffly, but his agreement that such an event wasn't really his cup of tea made sense of that. When he mentioned that he went where Beat went, her expression brightened with interest as green eyes slid to the other man whom she rightly assumed was Beat. He looked a little younger than herself and Lee, but probably not by much. She had suspected that Shield might've been closer to Beat than originally let on and it seems that it was leaning in that direction. But moreover she wondered if the older man had been a bit more forthcoming about his past to the other man. Focusing on the here and now though, her smile widened as the two tanks shook hands. She was fairly sure that they'd get along and was glad to finally get them to meet. "It's good to see you too Shield." Glowing under her golden mask at the high praise from the frontliner, her attention then turned to the pink suited man at his side.

"I'd forgotten that you'd said you were married Shield. It's good to finally meet you Beat, he speaks highly of you as well." Winking at her fellow brunette, thinking that she was helping him out. Perhaps he didn't sing glowing praise of his partner, but what little he had said had been more or less kind and respectful. Reaching a hand out in an offer to shake, the alchemist noted the guild name drop and it sounded rather familiar, though she couldn't rightly remember any other members at the moment. Smile becoming just a tad strained with green eyes turning sad behind her mask at the Paladin's question, Piera replied a little more quietly, "At the Monument of Life. I had just found out about a friend's death. Shield happened to be there and...he helped me cope. And shed a bit more light on the circumstances of Lowenthal's murder."

Mouth now set in a hard tense line, the older woman intoned seriously with a little venom leaking in, "If you ever meet a player named Ariel, don't trust her even as far as you might be able to throw her. Unless it's off the edge of Aincrad." Gripping Lee's arm, she met his eye and calmed down a little, taking a breath with closed eyes and then giving a somewhat tired smile. "Sorry, today isn't a day for such serious conversation. Regardless, you've got yourself a good man Beat. Seems like you guys might give us a run for our money. Assuming you entered the contest as well?" Piera looked expectantly between them.

@Lee, @Shield, @Beat

Piera was mildly surprised at the sudden friend request from the girl they had only just met but shrugged it off. Why not, after all? Accepting the request, she had her earlier quandary remedied. Minako was her name. Shaking her head and causing her earrings to swing slightly, the golden masked woman tsked at Lee's comment. "We see you, dummy. We have eyes." Said eyes twinkled with amusement and affection, her grip on his arm tightening slightly in a loving squeeze. Though at his odd wording of entering the contest, the alchemist couldn't help but roll her eyes slightly. "Yes, 'maybe'. You don't know the competition like I do. We're not as young as we used to be hun." The woman sighed.

It seemed she quickly found an interesting possible 'date' and just as Piera was about to wish the girl good luck, it seemed another swooped in for the 'kill', much to the younger girl's displeasure. The alchemist couldn't help but laugh under her breath at her reaction. Ah to be young~ Nodding along with Lee's vocal support she added, "We gotcha covered." Giving a sly wink to Lee, knowing he'd get the reference.

Over the din of background music and conversation, a true chorus of voices sang out one of the most ridiculous songs she'd ever heard, causing the healer's head to swivel in the direction it was coming from. She couldn't see where exactly it was coming from, but she certainly heard it! Shaking her head with amusement, the brunette wondered if that was Shield or if it was just using the term shield. Hard to tell but funny nonetheless. It was hard to picture the man using such fanfare though, so perhaps not.

After approaching Jomei and Telrenya, the brunette only answered his jab with sticking her tongue out at him, the childish reply somewhat ruining her otherwise chic appearance. "Yer just jealous of our mansion." Though her slight snootiness morphed into a smile, having fun joking with the Irishman after so long apart. It was a good sign that the blonde on his arm laughed along with the joke. She did have a nice curtsy and in answer to her introduction, Piera drew her free right hand up to her chest, her eyes closing in a demure pose as she bowed her torso forward in lieu of a curtsy considering the nature of her dress' skirt.

"It's good to finally meet you too Telrenya." There wasn't a need to introduce herself since Jomei had already done that for them. Piera didn't bother correcting the guild leader about Lee being a founder. He wasn't entirely wrong to be honest. Though Lee never officially joined the guild, he helped out and participated in things.

When Jomei drew himself up to full height with a crossing of his arms, Piera did much the same, except kept her arm tightly around Lee's, giving her friend a cool and confident smile. "May the best couple win~" She said in a foreboding manner before chuckling as well. Ducking her head slightly in admission to the ginger's call out about wanting to meet his lady love, the alchemist stated, "You're not wrong. Though I hope we can meet up again and get to know each other a bit. It's a tad loud and crowded to do that properly right now." As if on cue, she heard another song start up, causing Jomei start to sway slightly and try to catch Tel's eye. Taking the hint, she tapped a finger on Lee's arm. "I think we'll go and scope out some more of the competition and give you guys a bit more alone time. Maybe we can catch a dance later." Though considering she wanted to dance with Telrenya, she wondered if Jomei would dance with Lee. It was a rather cute image at least even if it didn't happen.

Gently leading her partner away from the other couple, Piera sighed lightly and murmured to him, "I hope they work out. Guy seems to be a magnet for heartbreak." Speaking of heartbreak, it was then that she saw a fellow brunette over at the punch bowl. "Ohey, that's Shield. The guy that helped me with the um... essence of...tankliness? Or steel something."

Walking arm in arm with Lee in the direction of the tank, she noted that he was slamming the punch back with a quickness. "Whoa, who spiked the punch?" Piera asked herself. He seemed to look rather flustered prompting her concern to follow him after he left the punch and go back to a man in a nearly completely pink suit and a woman. She wondered which he came with.

Approaching the trio with a smile, Piera caught his eye and said in an easy going tone, "Shield, it's good to see you again. I admit I'm somewhat surprised to see you here though. Doesn't seem like your kind of scene." Then realizing that she was being a bit rude, Piera introduced. "Ah, um, Shield this is my fiance, Lee. Lee, this is Shield. And yes he does wield a Shield." Ahhh she would never get tired of saying that. Nodding in greeting to the other four, the alchemist greeted, "Hello. Sorry if we're interrupting anything. I'm Piera."

@Minako, @Lee, @Jomei, @Telrenya, @Shield, @Beat, @Illiure

Piera glanced up at the hand hovering over her head with an amused yet bewildered expression beneath her mask as Lee noticed she had approached. "Emphasis on 'fashionably' I hope." As he mentioned the flowers on the girl's dress, or yukata rather, the brunette peered at it with interest. "You're right. Mm...what were those called... Peonies?...no...hm."

At the girl's comment about Lee either being taken or gay, a sharp laugh burst from the alchemist before she covered her mouth, her bare shoulders shaking. With an easy going smile revealed as she pulled her hand away, her other arm linking with her fiance's, the older woman stated, "He really, really is. I'm a lucky woman." Grinning, Piera then reached up on the tips of her toes briefly to give him a kiss just below his mask, mostly on his cheek.  Eyebrows raising in faint surprise as the girl asked the couple for help in finding 'a cute boy', Piera glanced at Lee to make sure he was okay with it before nodding with a smile. "Sure, don't see why not. I'm sure there are plenty of singles trying to do the very same. Stick with us hun. Oh! By the way," She held out her hand to shake before stating, "I didn't introduce myself. My name is Piera."

She was about to ask for the girl's name since she had missed it the first time, but then the NPC she had been speaking to earlier approached, "Do you still wish to enter the contest?"
"Oh! That's right, yes, yes I would and here is my partner, Lee. We would both like to enter together." Piera squeezed her fiancee's arm in excitement. "We might have a chance. Maybe."

[ Piera has entered the Best Couple Contest with Lee ]

It was then that she saw a familiar 'face' in the form of unmistakable ginger hair. "Jomei!" The brunette called out with a grin, drawing Lee's attention to their friend. "I'm glad we caught you here. Place is packed. Hmm, and who is this beautiful blonde on your arm there? Are you here by force miss? Blink once if you need help." Piera stared expectantly at the woman she was already fairly sure was Telrenya going by the Irishman's previous description.

Then hearing a knocking sound reverberating through the crowded ballroom over the noise of conversation, the spearwoman's head turned in curiosity before a man formally introduced a very young girl, princess style. Truly it was just like they were at a formal fantasy ball. Which they sort of were. Smiling at the cuteness of it, Piera clapped lightly. It wasn't long after that before apparently there was some sort of performance that was starting, signing and music going on to lighten the mood and get people dancing or at the very least just stop standing awkwardly. Not quite her cup of tea though, so the healer refrained from dancing just yet. She wanted to speak with Jomei's lady love more in any case.

@Lee, @Minako, @Jomei, @Telrenya

Nodding in approval as her friend admitted that she had a point, her mild satisfaction quickly vanished with a thoughtful frown at his statement that the vast majority of guilds stating that they were for helping other players rarely actually did so. It seems he had really thought about this. But hearing Jomei go on about his own guild and it's members was rather endearing. He seemed so impassioned. But his offer for herself and Lee to join caught her off guard, so much so that for a moment she just stared at him. "Wait, seriously?" Blinking with an awkward smile, Piera admitted, "I mean, I am beyond flattered Jomei but... I mean...well, you know our levels..." Her ears were flushed with embarrassment. After all, the woman was three times less than his level and Lee was only half hers. "I wouldn't really be of much help." Already discounting Lee from the equation as she knew his answer already without even having to ask. "Except maybe potions and crystals I guess." She admitted with a thoughtful shrug, attempting to gauge the Irishman's reaction.

Sitting attentively as the ginger described how they met and when, the alchemist had a grin that as he went on, became a little less wide. But she just listened quietly until he finished, soaking up all of the information. Her expression finally changed upon the statement that apparently his lady love was the sister of Beatbox. "I know him. Somewhat. Met him once. A friend of mine is dating him." As he wrapped up his summary, the brunette couldn't help but snigger slightly. "Oh so you just trapped her in a cave, kissed her and never let her out. The End! Happily ever after~ Haha."

The older woman had some vague concerns that this Telrenya girl didn't have as much of an emotional connection to Jomei as he did her, but tried to reserve judgement at the very least til she met her in person. She was probably being just a little overprotective of the man she practically considered her brother, not just because of their closeness but due to how many times he'd gotten his heart broken. Poor guy deserved a break and she wasn't about to ruin anything for him, just crossed her fingers. "That seems a big leap though. from kissing to moving in?" She refrained from saying more though, leaving the question open ended.

Eyes raising up from her lightly purring familiar, Piera blinked with glassy eyes as Teion stood, bangs falling over her eyes. Before she could ask anything, the violette was drawing her into a hug and upon hearing her friend's choked voice, the tears began to spill over even though her expression stayed the same for a moment before crumpling and then smiling sadly, hugging the other woman back with trembling hands. "Me too. Me too." She understood what couldn't be properly conveyed in words or even a neat sentence.

Sniffling as Teion pulled away, the brunette pushed up her glasses to wipe away the moisture, letting out a wet chuckle at the curse. "Hey, I don't mean to put you on the spot Tei. Trust me, the hug spoke volumes." Even though her eyes were watery, a genuinely happy smile shined on the freckled woman's face. Reaching to take the blacksmith's hand, Piera's thumb rubbed over her knuckles. "Don't apologize. I'm just as guilty." She gave an extra squeeze of her hand to assure her friend of that truth.

Though at Teion's suggestion the alchemist could only bark out a laugh. "I'm pretty sure that'd have the opposite effect if the friends are us. At least together. We're almost mild mannered apart, but together?" The brunette gave a coy wink at the girl before finishing, "Unstoppable. ...And possibly terrorizing. But hey, more fun that way, right?"

Breathing in deeply with a softer smile now, green eyes glanced down before meeting blue as she stated, "It really is great to talk with you again." Realizing finally that they were still holding hands, Piera pulled hers away with a breathy chuckle. "Goodness, look at me. Can't help but try to steal you away from whoever you're with. Good thing your new guy...'s...aren't around."

Still in their manor on floor three, Piera took a steadying breath as she smoothed down the fluid material of her dress, turning slightly as she took in the sight of herself in the full length mirror that she was standing in front of. She'd spent time perusing the wares of various tailors before deciding on one in particular. She hadn't bothered with custom made clothes much ever since Lowenthal's passing. He usually made everything the guild needed, light armor or otherwise. She still had many of his collections. But she wanted something new, different and special for tonight. The black material had a faint sheen of blue to it, which she was fairly confident wouldn't clash with Lee's red suit, but compliment and make it stand out and shine all the more. Black and red and blue and gold....yes that fit in her head nicely. Hopefully it would in person.

Even with the golden flowered mask, the alchemist had the utmost confidence that her love would be able to recognize her. Choosing a new hairstyle for her avatar was easy enough as long as it didn't change the length or color and she had bought a makeup pack when she had gone shopping for her dress, shoes, earrings and mask. Physically (at least avatar deep) she was ready....mentally/emotionally however....

Taking another deep breath, it was exhaled in the form of a soft chuckle as her familiar bumped his head against her leg in search of attention. Picking up the cat sized barn owl griffon, the brunette was glad that familiars couldn't shed...or at least Jareth didn't. "You be a good boy while we're gone, okay? We'll be back later tonight." Hugging him as a source of comfort for just a moment, Piera set him down before turning back to the mirror and meeting her own jade colored eyes with confidence. She looked almost nothing like herself. And it was rather empowering to be honest. For once, she looked sleek, chic, sexy and maybe even a little dangerous. Puckering her lips, the woman blew a kiss at the mirror with a wink, smiling wickedly before turning heel and making her way out of her home.

The alchemist saw many other masked players as she made her way through Taft to the large hall where the festivities were being held. There were a few stalls for food and games spread outside, couples already acting adorably towards each other. But Lee had said that they'd meet inside. Slipping between various other players, her heels clacked on the hard floor, green eyes scanning the crowd until she was suddenly approached by a cheery androgynous NPC. "Would you like to enter the couple's contest?"

Blinking in vague surprise, Piera froze for a moment before replying awkwardly, "Er, um, maybe?"
Before she could say more the bubbly person encouraged, "It's a contest to see who is this year's best couple! Won by popular vote I'm afraid, but I'm sure you and your significant are the best anyway!"
Chuckling a little at his niceness, the brunette nodded, "Alright then, that sounds fun." 
Clapping their hands, the NPC declared, "Great! I'll just need you and your partner to be present and both declare that you'd like to enter."

"Ah, makes sense. I just need to find him real quick..." The older woman resumed her search for Lee before her gaze settled on the back of a man with not only red suit jacket but also red suit pants. But just as she started to walk towards him, Piera caught sight of another woman or perhaps just a girl approach him in a friendly manner. It was rather cute to be honest. And it was nice to see him getting approached and appreciated by others and not just herself. But no feelings of protectiveness or jealousy cropped up just yet. Perhaps it would be best for her to approach though, lest the girl get her hopes up in nabbing a date. Finally walking up behind the black masked man, the brunette casually stood to his left with a smile, not interrupting but simply waiting to be noticed.
@Minako  @Lee

Even though this wasn't the first time he'd said how he felt about her, Piera still felt a warmth inside of her and perhaps a sting of moisture behind her eyes at hearing it again. That she could always count on him and that distance or time didn't mean that things had changed between them. Tapping the toes of her boots together bashfully as she listened to her friend explain why Lee and herself were still considered a 'power couple'. Shrugging slightly, the brunette felt mildly embarrassed but also rather happy that others could tell this about them. "We'd already been together for five years before SAO started. Just made us stronger. But...thank you. Heh." A proud little smile made her expression glow.

Seeing the powerful man being so bashful was rather funny, not to mention cute, but she could understand where he was coming from. It really sounds like he cared about his guild and put a lot of care and effort into it. ...Though to be completely honest her expression wavered ever so slightly into something indescribable upon hearing the name of said guild but she refrained from commenting. But a frown pulled at her mouth upon hearing the guilt he'd felt when he closed their old guild. "Jomei... You didn't just 'let it die'. I mean...I wasn't there at the time but I'm also sure that didn't help. Lowe, you and I were supposed to all help with the guild equally and we weren't there for you. Either way, it wasn't your fault. Lowe went and joined another guild anyways. And you seem to be thriving having a guild of your own too."

Though she couldn't help a friendly eye-roll as he described the goal of his guild. "Dude every guild is 'to help people'. I think there's only a handful of guilds that aren't and they're either just searching for rares or PKers." She was only picking fun at him a little though, parroting a complaint that Lee always had about guilds. To be honest though it's not like it was a bad ideal for a guild to have, just perhaps a bit vague.

Shrieking in glee as the Irishman blushed deeper red than his own hair as she teased and tickled him, a happy blush of her own dusting her freckled cheeks. It was just too easy and fun. But at his critique on her accent, the Californian pouted. "I'm trying! I usually just try to do a spin on your accent or my dad's but it's been a while since I heard his and yours is weird! Your weeaboo accent is melding into it." The alchemist nodded sagely, poking fun at the fact that he'd lived in Japan in recent years before SAO.

"Hey, cozy is better than extravagant sometimes. Or most of the time heh." Piera chuckled slightly under her breath with a glance back at her home. "Lee found this place and fell in love with it. I'd be happy with a cottage. Wouldn't have to be big as long as it has all the essentials. The Manor has some pretty sweet perks though." Shrugging, the brunette then brightened with interest as Jomei stated that he thought she and his girlfriend would get along before beginning to gush slightly and then cutting himself in embarrassment. "Nonono, do go on~!" Piera encouraged him with wide grin. "How'd you guys meet, hm? Or should I save adorable stories like that for when I have you both in the same room?"

Hearing the waver in her friend's voice and just glancing and seeing his expression clued Piera into what he was thinking about. Or at least one of two things: one, possible guilt for the length of their imprisonment before he and Lowe were able to rescue them or two, (more likely) guilt over the player killer that he had killed during the rescue. Both things she had already said numerous times weren't his fault and/or he shouldn't feel guilty over. Goodness knows she knew personally how hard it was to control one's emotions though and so instead of preaching to him once more, the brunette simply reached a hand over and rested it over his knee, squeezing in what she hoped was a reassuring manner with an understanding smile accompanying it. Said smile widened a little as he reassured her that even without their trusty Fool, he could help keep them safe. "We know. I just hate to rely on you. I mean you're nearly three times my level now, any quest that I wouldn't die on would be boring as hell for you and plus I'm sure you're busy with your guild and stuff." Shrugging, the alchemist then snorted as he made a comment about them being Aincrad's 'power couple'. 

"'Power couple'?" She echoed, humor tinting her tone. "How exactly do you figure that? We're all couple and no power! You didn't miss the whole 'you're three times my level' part, right? And Lee's is lower than mine..." Piera sighed with a shake of her head, trying to push those thoughts out of her mind as her eyes focused on the frolicking familiars. Jareth was now scooping out more fish for he and his playdate to snack on.

Eyebrows rose in faint surprise as her friend stated that he was the one to start the guild that he was currently in. Eyes squinting as her cheeks rose in a smile, Piera nodded in agreement. "I always knew you'd be a good leader. Just needed to make your own way." The Velvet Room wasn't the best testing grounds for the Irishman who had been trying to simply fill in the empty shoes of the Fool. Rolling her eyes lightly at the joke about not burning it to the ground yet, Piera then chuffed lightly about his leveling, "Yeah I can see that, jeez. I bet you could bench press Lee and I, one in each hand, in full armor." She had no idea how bench pressing actually worked, but she was fairly sure Jomei was now strong enough to manage it in any case.

Piera was much more interested in the second, or rather third piece of information, green eyes alight behind her spectacles as she asked with interest, "Oh reeeaaally~?" Taking a moment to take in the adorable sight of the ginger blushing, eyes down but still unable to stop that goofy and obviously happy smile of his. "Oohhh my gosh Nick you're too cute!" The older woman went to lightly pinch and tickle his sides, grinning all the while before pulling back. "I'm so happy for you! Telrenya, hm?" She tested out the name on her tongue thoughtfully before commenting, "You sure move fast. You're not taking advantage of her, hmm?"

Putting on a breathy falsetto voice she acted out, "Ohhh Jomei thank you from saving me from miscellaneous monster number five, if only I had a place to stay~." Then just as quickly adopting her friend's Irish accent rather poorly, "Never fear m'lady, you shall be safe and sound in my mansion, come! Awwaaaaaayyyy!" Though the accent was nearly gone by the end, partly due to the fact that she was collapsing in giggles considering what a ridiculous and unrealistic portrayal of her friend she was putting on.

Attempting to collect herself as Jareth came over to check on her pathetic wheezing and watery eyes, Piera's chuckles finally began to fade as she stated genuinely, "Seriously dude, it's good to hear you have an actual house now! And not that sad little....gah I don't even think it really qualified as a cot in your shop. Taft's a really nice town too. I hope we can visit one day an meet yer lady friend."

Green eyes stared into the glass of her iced tea, stirring idly as she considered if she should censor or gloss over anything. But Teion had been honest with her...shouldn't she pay her back the same respect? Even though it felt like scratching an old scab, Piera opened her mouth to tell her part. "About...frick I think it's been a little over two years now. I don't know if you ever heard of a guild called the Velvet Room before, but a friend of mine started it. Lowenthal. Well and his best friend, Jomei. They invited Lee and I to join but Lee's too...iunno, 'lone wolf-y' to accept. I think he thinks not being in a guild is his guild, heh. Anyway, we got a little bigger over the months and we were holding a Halloween party two years ago. The party isn't really the important part but anyway, Lee and I were on our way home after everything wrapped up and someone called out to us. They were dressed up so we couldn't see who they were, but..." The bespectacled woman gave a wry smile, "We didn't think we needed to worry about anything. So stupid..."

"As soon as we were focused on him, we were hit from behind and Paralyzed. Used teleport crystals to warp us to the fourth floor. Fuckers had a whole abandoned fortress to themselves. They made us give over all our equipment but we'd left everything at home. Were just wearing our costumes. Turns out they ran an entire operation." She explained matter-of-factly, as if she were removed from the past she was talking about.

"Not like a kidnap and extort kind of thing, no. They only captured crafters. Had dozens of others already. They started kidnapping pairs recently I found out, so they could threaten them with their friend's or lover's life. There were a lot that simply didn't care if they threatened their own lives anymore." The alchemist shrugged, taking a long draught of cool liquid as she moved on. "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Finally she began to show a little bit of emotion as he grip on the glass tightened. "You see Lee and I were in a party. We always are actually. So we can always see each other's stats and health. And know that they're okay." Her voice broke a little at the last word before licking her lips and continuing, "They brought his health down into the red repeatedly until I was completely complacent. And so I crafted...day in and day out. The perfect little potion making slave. For....about five months according to Jomei. Didn't even know what was going on during that time. Least not until I saw my guild symbol disappear from next to my health bar when Lowe disbanded the guild. Nobody was allowed to open up their menus y'see. Couldn't have anyone try and call for help. Pretty much thought that was it. I mean if my guild couldn't find me...who else would even notice or care?" 

A small smile twitched at her lips though as she met Teion's eyes and tried feebly to joke, "And then I died, The End...heh..." Knowing it was in poor taste, Piera continued as she poked at Jareth's paws, the owl griffon beginning to doze from all the talking.

"Obviously we survived. The very guild members I thought abandoned us were the ones to rescue us. Not sure exactly how they found us and never got a chance to ask. But Lowenthal extracted me and Jomei got out Lee and we never looked back."  Leaning back in the chair with a shrug, "After that it's kind of a mess. Lee and I were pretty messed up emotionally. And I was having a hard time trying to go back to my profession. Kept having flashbacks, felt wrong. Another friend, Mack, tried to get me to go out and be more social but didn't really work out. Was just awkward. Wasn't ready yet."

Her mouth opened again to speak about Jomei's troubles but that wasn't her story to tell and not relevant truly so skipped ahead. "Vented to another friend of mine." She internally debated whether to name said friend or not before her mouth saved her the trouble, "Opal. Vented to her and we had a long talk for a while. Last I saw of her. Apparently she and another player, Oikawa killed Ssendom and Zelrius right before a floor boss raid. Not sure if anyone's seen them since. Dom and Zel were my best customers. Shop kinda dried up after that. Pretty much just stuck to ourselves me an Lee. Lee and I, I mean." The older woman corrected herself grammatically with a shrug.

"We had a lot of issues to work on. And yet we didn't. Just hid away. Depression makes it really easy to just ignore things. Shut everything out. I'd seen that Lowenthal wasn't on my friend's list anymore but my mind just...glossed over it. Things finally came to a head and Lee and I just blew up at each other. Our first big fight in six years. Made me realize I needed to make a change. Take in reality. Went to the Monument of Life. Finally took time to mourn. That's where I met Shield. He's a good guy. Beatbox came in later. Apparently he knew of Lowenthal. Learned how Lowenthal died there too. PKed by Ariel. B!tch tried to play it off as suicide apparently. Nobody called her on it. Even when the truth was revealed, nothing was done. Either everyone didn't want to start trouble, weren't strong enough or just didn't want to take away another strong player away from the front lines."

Her head shook, tears making the green of her eyes shine brighter at the injustice of it all before a sudden laugh burst from her. "You wana talk soap opera, the woman who killed him was the fiance or wife of his protege, Hikoru. Who apparently hadn't suspected a thing." Head continuing to shake back and forth like a bobble head before she sniffled and took off her glasses to wipe her eyes under the guise of rubbing her entire face.

"Anyways, wasn't long after that that I got a message from Jomei calling for help. He'd been captured by the same b@stards that'd got Lee and I but managed to escape. Had to break the news to him about Lowenthal's death. Then Jomei's girlfriend shows up and says she's with the b!tch that killed him! Just...ugh.." Fingerpads rubbed her forehead as Piera's elbows supported her weight over the table.

"Reconnected with Lee and made up. Let Jomei crash in our newly acquired Manor, made a new friend, went on a few quests, reconnected with an old friend~" Her foot nudged Teion's as the brunette gave her companion a genuine but slightly haggard smile. "And here we are."

Then laughing again she stated, "And that wasn't even my life story! Just the last two years, hehe.....ahhh..." Piera ran her left hand along Jareth's back repetitively.

Piera smiled around her mouthful of pancakes and nodded, sliding the extra fork over to the violette since Jareth certainly didn't need it. He was picking up tiny bits of syrup soaked pancake with his beak easily, swallowing them whole. The alchemist similarly tucked in as she patiently awaited Teion to find where to begin. When she mentioned a former coworker, Piera paused a moment, eyes squinting slightly as she thought back before then nodding in sudden remembrance as her friend described him further. "Oh snap. Guess the game drew in a lot more people than we realized."

Nodding along as she listened, the brunette attempted to suppress a snort as Teion called her past boyfriend Beatbox stubborn. She'd only met him but twice but she had definitely gotten that impression. When the blacksmith reached the part about how she learned of his death though, Piera's eyebrows raised faintly in surprise. "Shield?" She echoed softly before smiling sadly. "I'm glad. I probably don't know Shield as well as you." At least in some respects... "But I know he's a great person. And who better to lean on than a tank, right?" Offering her friend a kind smile at the gentle tease. "Don't be ashamed about needing a little help for a while. Everyone has low points."

Taking another bite of pancake, Piera began to smile as Teion said that things were okay after that low point but of course there was a 'but'. There always seemed to be. And it seemed that the 'but' was also a 'butt', her optimistic smile quickly turning into a frown. This Aereth sounded a whole lot f%#&ed up himself and just dragging Teion down with him. And she was dating him?! Upon that revelation a long silent pause stretched until her friend mentioned 'other guy', at which the brunette barely managed to keep from cursing aloud. Though these accounts were bringing a slight smile to her lips. She was liking this 'Ryo' guy a whole lot more, though that might change once she met him. I mean he was going after a clearly taken girl, but maybe he knew she wasn't that into this 'Aereth'.

Wiping a bead of syrup clinging to Jareth's beak, she took another bite with raised eyebrows and began to piece things together. The whole 'spending more time in a tavern' thing, as well as the fact that it had been for two weeks, was throwing up all sorts of red flags and sirens and what have you for Piera, having been there before. Taking a moment to try and consider what next to say or how to approach the situation delicately, Teion lightened the mood considerably, huffing about how her life was a Korean drama. Snorting and chortling, the alchemist tried covering her mouth before giving up and just laughing whole heartedly and commenting, "I like how it's specifically Korean drama. Not just any drama."

Shaking her head in disagreement with what Teion was saying next, Piera retorted, "Hey, at least you got strong enough to even get to the front lines. I don't think Lee and I ever will. Don't be so hard on yourself. You gotta take care of yourself before you can push forward, right? It'd be dangerous otherwise. For you and for your teammates. But most importantly.... For your heart~" She slapped on an extra sweet tone, making a heart shape with her hands as she blew a kiss to her friend and laughing. "And maybe other lower areas too hahaha."

"Seriously though, if you're having doubts, you're having them for a reason, right? Think of it this way though. Say Ryo never confessed or kissed you, or maybe you never even met him. Would you still want to continue your relationship with Aereth? Just because it's happening at the same time doesn't make it wrong. Think about what you want, and if you can't figure that out, then just try going step by step on what you do know. What's your opinion on Aereth? Do you see you guys still together in the future? Do you want a future with him? It's okay if it was just a fling or just not that serious of a relationship. But you gotta stay true to yourself." The older woman nodded sagely, feeling very wise and yet also very old.

Taking a chance, Piera reached over the table to put a hand over Teion's. "Seriously, you don't have to bottle all of this up." Offering her friend a crooked smile she asked, "Doesn't it feel so much better to be open and vent?"

Lifting up her iced tea, Piera chuckled and replied, "You're welcome too. Not like it's getting much other use. Though we have actual guest rooms that are more comfy." Nodding thanks tot he waitress that set down Teion's drink and the plate of pancakes, butter melting atop the fluffy circles of deliciousness as she began pouring syrup over them. Jareth began perking up as the smell reached him, his feathered ears rotating forward as he inched closer, his neck extending. "Hold on, hold on." The alchemist consoled as she began cutting up a bit of the pancakes into bite sized pieces so her familiar could scarf down. "You're welcome to some if you'd like. This is way too much for just me an him." If she just focused on simple motions and what was right in front of her it was easier to deal.

And so when Teion offered her platitudes about Adachi, she smiled sadly and nodded, petting her familiar idly as she waited to see the other woman's response about what she said. It somewhat surprised her to hear that she was trying to forget about it, until the brunette remembered that the couple hadn't even been dating long likely. It still didn't make it that much better, but perhaps her deep seated fear for her friend was a bit over-scaled. Letting out a breath of air, "There always seems to be a lot of $h!t to deal with in SAO. C'est la vie."

Stabbing a chunk of pancake, the woman shoved it into her mouth with a sigh, chewing and savoring the sweet treat. At the question posed, Piera raised an eyebrow and the other soon followed before somberly considering and swallowing. After a tense moment of weighing the pros and cons before quietly replying with a shrug, "....I will if you will." 

Lifting up two open hands as a show of peace, Piera smiled with a shake of her head and replied, "I totally get it, I was in the same boat in the end, didn't even stick around for the end. And I'm glad you liked the costume. Maybe you can use it at some other event. Or privately, I won't judge." She teased her friend with a wink, feeling a faint spark of their old teasing. At least until she remembered the entire reason why she wanted to check up on her friend in the first place. How long should she beat around the bush? Should she not force her? She felt like she was much better at this in the past.

Trying to cover up her own social incompetence, the alchemist ate some more of her soup, Jareth drinking up some occasionally. Pursing her lips as Teion referred to what she was going through as a 'slump', she tried to push it aside for a sentimental smile as she nodded in agreement to the statement that they should do stuff like this more often. "We should. Gah I feel like an old white lady just saying that. But seriously, we should."

An actual genuine smile began to grow at the violette's friendly jab. "Hah, but I feel like Batman~ I should show you around sometime. I'll bet you won't want to leave. But that would defeat the point, huh?" Setting down the spoon in her hand, Piera let out a long sigh, watching as other players filed out after finishing their own meal, leaving just themselves and NPCs. "In the spirit of...friendship and honesty there's a reason I've been so cloistered away." Pursing her lips before licking them, the brunette decided to not completely disclose everything that had happened. But the relevant things at least.

Jareth lounged on the table to her left as she clasped her hands, eyes lowered as she gathered her courage to start, "A ... A very close friend of mine that I'd made in SAO was murdered a while back. It, uh, was actually before we met here (in Aincrad I mean...of course) but I hadn't really processed it yet. His name was Lowenthal... Was actually my guild leader for a while before he went to the KoB, but that's not the point." She realized she was rambling and had thus far managed not to get emotional.

"Th-The point is...I learned recently from a friend that-" She swallowed once more before charging on and finishing, "that Beatbox had died." Piera's eyes finally flicked up to meet her friend's with understanding and empathy swimming in them. "I'm so sorry Teion."

Piera was doing her very best to think about absolutely nothing. Just feel...exist... But the more she tried the harder her thoughts pressed in. Little inconsistencies that she had long since gotten used to cropping up all the more present than before. Like that even as her diaphragm rose and fell, she didn't need to breathe. Sure if she went underwater, after a time without coming up for air, she'd drown...but if she suddenly decided to stop breathing, it wouldn't matter in the least. But it was programmed into her brain, so she kept doing it. In and out in and out, players filing in and out.

The silence was deafening. She wished there was music or chatter, anything to stop her from thinking. Letting out a breathy and humorless chuckle she realized that the only way she'd stop thinking is to die. Yet if that was the case, why could she still so often hear the voices of the dead in her head. Would you chide me for being so pitiful Adachi? She wondered before he responded immediately in her mind, That would be more than a bit the pot calling the kettle black. She disagreed but how could she disagree with herself?

Circular thoughts spun in her head until she was suddenly snapped out of it upon feeling Jareth suddenly use her stomach as a stepping stone to launch himself into the air, probably to try and catch more bugs. "Yer leavin' me too huh Jare?" Okay maybe that was finally too much self pitying for even her. Before she could even lift up her arm from her eyes and try to think of something else, anything else, to do; Piera heard a familiar Irish brogue right next to her.

Flinging her arm off of her face, the alchemist sat up with a bolt, green eyes wide behind the frames of her glasses. Sure enough, there he was in the pixelated flesh. Then Jomei's comment finally sank in and a deep blush spread across her face as she was caught pretty much empty handed in her pitiful messaged lie. But he was smiling, so he didn't seem mad...at least there was that. Pursing her lips in consternation, she tried to save face plucking a blade of grass. "Valuable material gathering right here...heh..." Her own smile seemed rather forced and it even felt wrong as she tried to do it.

Throwing the grass away from herself, Piera linked her hands behind her neck in a rather self conscious position. "...Sorry Nick. It's been a while." Even she winced slightly at the overly used platitude before genuinely finishing, "Think I forgot how to 'people'." Meanwhile as the two old friends conversed, their familiars careened through the air not too far away, Jareth re-familiarizing himself with Adere's scent and movements before challenging the owl to a race, flying low and fast over the pond, talons barely touching the water's surface.

Piera's jaw clenched and unclenched as she walked through Delilah village, beating herself up once again for not keeping in contact with those she cared about. No wonder she hadn't heard from Teion since her no show at that Halloween party. She had been dealing with her own personal issues. How self centered and selfish did she have to be to-?! The alchemist suddenly lashed out, kicking at a random bench she was walking past, causing several elven NPCs to startle and stare at her, their scrutiny making the woman blush in embarrassment. She couldn't right past wrongs but she could at least reach out and see if there was anything she could do at the moment. Sitting down on the abused bench, she poked at Teion's name on her friend's list and started a message.

Quote

 

TO: Teion
FROM: Piera
SUBJECT: sup girl

Insert excuses here. Small talk small talk small talk.
So I recently had the astonishing self realization (totally made all on my own, no other help needed. NO DON'T ASK ANY OF MY ONE OTHER FRIEND IF THEY DRAGGED ME OUT OF MY MANSION.) ....that I might be a bit of a hermit. I ain't as young as I used to be, guess I turned into the old lady that yells at NPCs to get off her lawn. Aha....  Knowing that, I'm not going to force you to meet with me or even respond back if you don't feel up to it. I'm just hoping you're holding up okay in Ye Olde Aincrad. I'm going to be chilling in the default inn of Delilah (floor 3 ftw) for linner. No pressure (seriously, no reverse psychology), if you show up you show up, if you don't, I'll just have linner, no biggee. Take care Tei Tei.

 

Sighing as she finished up the mess of a message, she felt that was as good as she could do. Groaning lightly, her head suddenly bent as Jareth landed atop it, causing Piera to chuckle lightly, picking him up off her head and cradling him like a baby, showering the owl griffon with kisses much to his protest. Jeez she didn't want to think about how much more depressed she'd be without her familiar. Even with Lee's support. Ya just can't beat a small furry animal.

Standing and throwing Jareth up into the air where he took flight, the woman made her way to the village inn where several NPCs were beginning to gather after their day of work, including one, maybe two other players who made their home on the floor. Nodding in a friendly manner, she ordered an iced tea and waited for a bit, trying to decide what she even wanted to eat.

It was mid afternoon and Winstad manor was mostly still and quiet. Instead of manning her shop, she was lazing in the warm grass of the gated front yard, watching Jareth flit about, attempting to catch the odd bugs buzzing over the grass and pond. Without Lee beside her she felt somber. She usually did. They still limited their being apart as much as possible but they still technically had jobs and went out to level or gather materials separately at times. Her fingers toyed with the Toya of Minos at her neck, presented in simple gold band woven into a celtic knot that mirrored the one that her father had given her in the real world so long ago. She'd been thinking more and more about life outside of Aincrad lately and only becoming more and more depressed as she did. More and more time passed by as they were stuck here. Who knows if a year in Aincrad was a year in the real world. Was it more? Less? Did it even matter considering how far away they were from the goal of the 100th floor...

Yet these thoughts still didn't spurn her to train or level to reach the frontlines, but rather held her back from even leaving the manor most days. She'd only been keeping in contact with Jomei and even that was only through very sporadic messages with little really said in them. Any time she thought about actually getting out and being social she just felt like there were invisible heavy chains holding her down. What was the point? It's not like she was of any help, other than being an alchemist. Even if any of her few friends left (alive or simply not just gone) just wanted to hang out with her, she just felt like she wouldn't be a wet blanket. She didn't know how to be Piera anymore...

So when a message suddenly showed up that wasn't from Lee, her heart sank with guilt. Running her fingers up over her bangs, the brunette scanned over the message before focusing on the subject line. Maybe that was her out? Already she was thinking of ways to deflect. He hadn't outright tried to meet with her since Halloween. Pushing away Jareth's inquisitive head nudge at her hovering hand and giving him a quick scratch, the alchemist typed a response.

Grinning widely at Lee's reply, the finely attired woman retorted in passable British/Pirate accent, "Methinks ye already have plenty of booty m'love." Demonstrating such with a wandering hand giving his backside a loving squeeze. But she supposed that he had a point. They really should see if they could find any of their friends. At the very least, she was fairly sure Teion might show up. And she knew what the other woman would be wearing too, so that would help. As Piera scanned the crowd the couple were approached by an odder pair than them. An over six foot tall penguin and..."Batman?" The alchemist said aloud in incredulous surprise. Even without the cowl, the costume was still unmistakable, although certainly odd considering where they were. This game never ceased to amaze her.

As the Dark Knight greeted them with a friendly 'ahoy', the brunette arched an eyebrow at him expectantly. But the joke that he delivered was rather...obvious. And a bit too low on the pun scale. Snorting through her nose lightly at amusement in his attempt, Piera simply nodded in agreement with her companion. "That ain't a joke mate. Now this is a joke."

Lightly knocking her boot toe into one of Lee's peg legs she asked the two men and the penguin, "Where can ye find a pirate who lost his wooden legs?" Pausing for a moment she then answered for them with a smirk, "Right where ye left 'im." She then kissed her one eyed, one armed and no legged love on the cheek to let him know that she didn't mean any harm.

It was then that a rather well toned tan woman walked up behind Batman in a familiar manner, speaking to him about him enjoying himself as the female 'Captain' surreptitiously eyed the newcomer appreciatively. Snapping back into awareness as the muscular vixen addressed them directly, complimenting their costumes and remarking that her friend was also a pirate. "A fellow lover of the sea!" Piera exclaimed in triumph just as the gigantic penguin thanked her for the information and waddled away to approach said other pirate. But then she heard him exclaim an intimately familiar name, causing her breath to hitch.

She barely even registered the joke that the penguin said, though apparently the girl at the other pirate's side found it hilarious. Her focus was on the rapidly approaching Jomei, fully decked out in pirate regalia and looking more like an admiral than a mere pirate captain. Pulling Jomei closer into a hug between herself and Lee, feeling guilt pull at her heartstrings at his question. "Jomei! Frick we missed you dude."

Giving another tight squeeze as she used her love to sandwich the poor Irishman she then pulled back to explain before pausing briefly to give her companion a flat look at his 'my bad' comment. Giving a roll of her eyes she stated, "We were trapped in this maze of caves or caverns or whatever on this quest. We weren't in any danger or anything, it was mainly boring. So many notifications too about every single tiniest thing....ugh! By the time we managed to clear everything and make our way back home, you were gone and we just assumed you'd moved on or needed some space."  Her expression showed very real contriteness before remembering that they were very much not alone and in public no less and so took another step back with a rueful laugh, straightening her hat as she slipped back into the accent.

"I see that ye realize that the sea is is for ye. Come to join our merry pirate band?" This was when she finally took notice of the blonde beside him and exclaimed, "And ye nabbed a beauty of a sailor too!" Whipping off her feathered captain's hat with flourish, Piera held her arm holding said hat out straight to the side, bowing her head as she did a curtsy of sorts. "Pleasure to meet ye miss. I'm Captain A-er, Piera." The bespectacled woman flushed ever so slightly at her near slip up. It had been so long with just herself and Lee, she got used to just going by her real name once more.

@Lee, @Spencer @Ryo @Jomei @Telrenya @Jevi

Piera had nearly forgotten about the upcoming holiday until a message from an NPC was sent Aincrad-wide to all players inviting them to a gathering. Admittedly...she hesitated even thinking about going, considering what happened the last time they had gone to a Halloween party. Though it had been....damn, two years now that she really thought about it. Last Halloween, they stayed safely at home in a safe zone, not having forgotten so easily considering how recently they had been rescued. But this year...she was considering it. She didn't say anything aloud though. Lee was the one to suggest it. Time to get out and see people again. She hid her anxiousness with the query of what they would go as and they debated about it for a while before deciding to take use of a few items they had acquired through various quests and drops, cobbling together pirate outfits. They had some left over and Piera immediately thought of Teion.

They never got to go out like they had planned, but Piera had found out why through messaging and word of mouth. The player that she had a crush on, whom Teion wanted to go on a double date with...was dead. Beatbox never got to testify to what Ariel had revealed to him. Piera had sunk into a deeper depression, now believing that Lowenthal would never be able to get the justice he deserved. She still tried to keep in contact with her friends...but failed more often than not. So she thought maybe finally meeting up with one of them would make up for it somehow. Mailing Teion the outfit, the alchemist also sent her a message.

Appearing shortly after Lee, Piera's eyes roamed the area where they had appeared. She hadn't visited floor ten before, but it certainly seemed to have the right atmosphere. The mansion looked very haunted. Instead of her usual purple dress or armor, she was sporting a tattered reddish brown dress complete with corset. Over it she wore a heavy, long and decorated leather coat, complete with shoulder pad tassels. Her boots weren't anything too fancy but she was most proud of her hat. It was rather glorious if she did say so herself. Big golden skull and crossbones on the front with huge fluffy white feathers coming out the back. It went rather well with her familiar who was perched atop her shoulder. Even Jareth was in costume. The snowy owl griffon having an eyepatch on. Now if only she could get him to sound like a parrot...

Watching her love interact with the odd and creepy NPC, she stepped up next.  "What a nice costume! It is great to see you here at this event. Here's your item for showing and I hope you enjoy yourself."  It..He? said. Tipping her hat, the woman replied, "Never turn down some booty." Inventorying the item, she then linked arms with her fellow pirate, her heels and his peg legs clacking on the cobblestones. "What be our first order of business first matey? Regale the crowd with chanties? Grab some grub? Find the rest of the crew?"

[+1 Candy-Guard!]

Not able to stifle a snort of amusement at Jomei's flabbergasted outburst, her left hand tried to cover her mouth as her shoulders shook. She wasn't even sure if he heard her as he seemed absolutely fixed on the vision that was her home. A content smile rested on her face, glad to see his mind on something harmless. "I guess it is pretty surprising considering our old house." Not that it was really a house, just a bedroom above their conjoined shops. Walking a bit forward so she was standing in the middle of the entryway, the woman cocked a hip, awaiting the Irishman's decision on where to start.

When he declared that they might as well start on the floor that they were on, the alchemist nodded in acquiescence, pivoting on her heel to face left, beckoning Jomei to follow her down the left hallway. It lead to a small arched wooden doorway which she introduced upon opening, "Here we have the living room." It was a comfortable and warmly lit room mainly consisting of wood. A couch, a few heavily cushioned chairs and decorative plants atop a fuzzy rug. The room was illuminated by the square stoned fireplace and hung above it was a shield.

"That was actually Lee's first shield that wasn't just the starter shield. ....Remember when Lowe gave it to him when we all first met?" Her eyes seemed faraway as she smiled sadly at the item. "You guys showed us the basics of combat....basically by beating the $h!t out of each other, heh. Can't say it wasn't informative though."

She certainly didn't believe that he was okay now, but could see that he now truly thought that he would be okay...in time. She'd try and do her best to make sure that he would. Giving a soft lopsided smile, Piera nodded in agreement with his words. "Remember them, drink to them, make fun of them, miss them. We'll do it all. All for them." Inhaling deeply, the woman held it for a moment before exhaling from her nose as she nodded once more to Jomei in agreement to both of the things he said. Awkwardly attempting to put an arm around the much taller man's shoulder, she led him out of the dome and into the sunset filled outside, walking their way to the teleport gate. "Let me show you our not so humble abode and have our wake."

Upon arriving on the third floor, Piera tugged on the hem of the ginger's cloak as he began to start off in the wrong direction. "My shop's that way still, but Lee bought a place that's on the outskirts. Mountains are real pretty out there."  They set on the path that lead out of Delilah Village, taking a while to see their destination but eventually it came into view. Pointing, Piera nodded her chin towards it and said, "There's Winstad Manor."  It was across from a fairly wide river, surrounded by lush greenery with its back against the mountain's expanse.

"Lee kinda went wild with customizing it. And we weren't really using the col for anything else. Though he found the mansion pretty intact, though it was abandoned. Not sure if the owner just decided to upgrade to higher level floor or..." The alternative option didn't need saying and the alchemist simply shrugged lamely before leading Jomei to the bridge. It didn't take them long before they were at the front door.

Opening it without ceremony, Piera called out, "Hun, I'm home! You here?" No reply was heard and she swiped open her menu before humming. "Nah, he's still out. Oh well. He'd probably give you a better tour but I shall endeavor to to do my best." Then tilting her head as she glanced sidelong at her friend, the brunette posed, "Top to bottom or bottom to top?"