Piera

At Teion's violent and adorable protestation to her accusation about stalking, Piera simply continued to grin, resting her chin in the palm of her hand as her elbow leaned on the table. Obviously fully enjoying her friend's reactions and getting her to show a bit more emotion. She remembered doing much of the same when they gamed together, making all sorts of weird jokes and comments to get provoke a reaction from the woman, hearing her laugh over her headset.

She couldn't help but give a lopsided smile at his very straightforward answer to her dodgy question. "Such faith in me. Warms the heart." She joked lightly before glancing down at her hands and replying, "Yes, I followed you. And it was for a reason. A good one."  ...She didn't state the reason though, still not feeling as if now was the best time. He seemed perhaps more...not agitated, that wasn't the word... Malcontented perhaps? Than before she had approached him. She felt like he was purposefully not even glancing at her.

Eyebrows rising as she saw Teion's cheeks begin to flush, Piera's smile turned into an open mouthed grin as the purple haired woman admitted to going out with 'someone'. "OOooOOOoooOOOooo~! Scandalous~" The alchemist gushed in her best 'Ashley' voice from a childhood cartoon, 'Recess'.

Linking her fingers together as she leaned forward over the table, she asked, "So wait, what's with the 'might have'? Are you not sure? Or are they not sure?" Then she gasped as she asked with mock seriousness, "You haven't become a stalker have you Tei Tei? Going out with them and they don't even know it? For shame..."

Chuckling, she hoped to at least get another smile out of the reserved girl before she gently pried, "So do I get to know this elusive 'someone's name? It's okay if it's a secret." A warmth was buoying inside of Piera, feeling good to tease someone like this. It had certainly been a while.

Friendly smile dimming upon seeing the man visibly tense merely at her appearance, Piera was rapidly thinking that following him had been a bad idea. What was she, a loan shark? Considering how to best extract herself without making the man any more self conscious, the alchemist paused as he added the potion she had offered to his drink. All of the potion. Eyebrows raising slightly, her mouth opened to warn against such an action, but again his blank yet still somehow tense expression stopped her. He rather looked like he could use it she supposed. Oh well, at least she had the hangover cure on her should he want it.

Nodding in acceptance as he motioned for her to sit, the brunette got comfortable in the chair opposite him, her legs crossing and her fingers linking as she rested her hands on the table, thumbs pushing together and moving forwards and backwards. Noticing his lack of reaction upon drinking the new mixture, she took it that it wasn't bad. Or perhaps it was? Who knew with that poker face.

Ears feeling slightly warm at his suddenly posed and pointed question, Piera straightened and let out a weak chuckle, her fingers running distractedly through her bangs as she asked, "Depends. You want the truth or the less stalker-y answer?"

At the returning squeeze to her hug, Piera felt a little better about her friend. Still concerned, but relieved that she was able to make him understand that she was here for him. That she wouldn't just let him slip through the cracks. Nodding in understanding and gritting her teeth to try and fight back tears (because of course she was) at the Irishman's reassuring words, the brunette was thankful that her face was hidden in his chest right now, giving her a chance to compose herself. Pulling away as he said he was 'ready', the alchemist glanced up at him in mild confusion before he explained and her expression became solemn. "Of course. I tried to do it alone...but I was glad somebody was there." Linking elbows with her friend, she led the way around the side of the cathedral until they stopped at the bottom of the steps, ignoring the prying eyes of the players that had been speculating his possible suicide. The two former guildmates and current friends climbed the steps, the alchemist pushing the door open gently, letting light flood into the otherwise dim room. The giant stone slab spanned the back of the room and was somewhat intimidating she knew. Glancing up at Jomei, the healer then separated their arms and walked forward, not forcing him to join her as she approached the Monument of Life. If new names had been crossed out, she didn't notice. That in itself was sad. How many players had died that nobody even knew about? Nobody mourned or noticed... Green eyes flicked over the crossed out names, knowing too many to be comfortable with. And even worse, seeing the names of someone she knew being the cause for someone else's death. And there was Lowenthal's name along with the other L's. Piera glanced over at Jomei to gauge his reaction.

Piera sighed in content and accomplishment as she finished the last touches on the potions she was working on. It felt good to have this feeling back. At one point she wasn't sure that she'd ever feel it again after being forced to churn out potions and crystals day in and day out with little to no detail or care. But her pride in her work managed to return. Flicking her menu open with a finger, the brunette sent @Itzal a message to let him know that the items he had ordered were finally ready to be picked up whenever he liked. With that out of the way, Piera then focused on her next batch.

After Shield had left her shop, Piera thought about what to do next. Usually she wouldn't take a break until the boss fight officially started. But for once she had completed all outstanding orders. She just needed to finish up these last two... Itzal seemed a genial player and he was still awaiting his potions. Seeing her material stores, she made a note to go out to the eleventh floor once more, perhaps with Lee again so they could talk more. For now she concentrated on the materials she had. Her mind kept wandering though as she began preparing the various items.

Thinking of those fighting right now. Many of them her customers at one point or another. The people she had seen pass through her shop. These walls had certainly seen a lot, hadn't they? And the money! She wasn't outrageously rich by Aincrad's standards, but certainly better off than she had been in reality. She kept a log of every transaction she ever did, even if they were donations.

Feeling nostalgic as she waited for the potions to cool, the healer drew up her transactions list before frowning in confusion. "Eh...?" She could've sworn that Shield had paid. When he had put in his order he had bought some items and also donated a few materials, but he hadn't paid for the order. Which was understandable, she usually had customers pay when they picked up their items. But what with the boss fight fast approaching, she had forgotten completely, likely he had too.

Cursing under her breath for her forgetfulness, she was fairly sure that she could catch up to him. Rustling her owl griffon's feathers on his head she called out, "Watch the store Jareth!" To which he chirruped in annoyance, which she took for a 'yes'. Flinging her door open, the brunette looked both ways before squinting as she thought she saw a large figure turn down the long lane going into Delilah. By the time her short legs caught up, she heard him call out The Town of Beginnings at the teleport plaza. Sighing, the alchemist figured she had already followed him this far and so ran up to the platform to teleport down to the first floor as well.

Blinking as she was suddenly transported in the middle of the Town of Beginnings, Piera glanced around before frowning in concern. Among the various players milling about, she didn't see him. Catching the attention of a small group that was mingling by the plaza, she asked, "Have you seen a tall man, brown hair and eyes, scar across his fa-" She was demonstrating where his scar was before the player simply pointed in a direction before going back to their conversation. Rude, but effective, she supposed as she rushed off in the given direction.

She paused at an intersection before catching sight of what she was pretty sure was Shield as he turned left down a corner. She just kept missing him! But eventually she began to have a suspicion as to where he was going. Sure enough, she arrived panting, hands on her knees as she caught her breath in front of the little inn she and Lee had stayed at for so many months at the beginning of the game. This was where she had taken Shield after they had met at the Monument of Life. Perhaps he liked it enough to revisit? Though it wasn't much. Quiet though. Her hand hesitated on the handle of the door. Was he trying to get some privacy? Well it was a public area...if he had gone into a room she'd leave it alone. But she had already come this far.

With a sigh, Piera entered the inn, glancing around the dimly lit tavern before her eyes landed on the man she was looking for. Seeing his grimace, her concern about bothering him grew, but then she heard his mutter. Not able to muffle her chuckle, the healer walked towards his table. "Not close. Not close at all, I can assure you." She commented with a kind smile. "No point in suffering if you can't get any of the benefits. It's a good thing your friendly neighborhood alchemist was nearby." With a swipe of her finger, Piera entered her inventory and a glass bottle of clear liquid appeared in her hands before she set it down in front of the scowling tank. "I like to pour it in things personally rather than drink it straight and if you find the right drink, it's almost like the real thing."

Still standing to the side of his table, the brunette then shifted her weight awkwardly before asking, "Is it alright if I sit with you? Or am I interrupting?" She didn't want to just demand her money up front after all. At least smooth things over with small talk. Or perhaps see if today wasn't the best day to collect debts if his expression was anything to go by.

Name: Tier 2 MIT potion
Your Profession: Alchemist

Your Rank: 7

ID:  84168

Roll: 13

Item Type: Potion
Tier: 2

Quality: Perfect

Enhancements: Damage Mitigation

Description: A square vial filled with dark grey sticky liquid that smells of dirt and tastes like tree bark. After consumption, gives player plus 54 damage mitigation for a single thread.

Post Link:  http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/8534-f3-pieras-potent-potions-pk-accessible/?do=findComment&comment=516807

Name: Tier 2 DMG potion

Your Profession: Alchemist

Your Rank: 7

ID:  84169

Roll: 12

Item Type: Potion
Tier: 2

Quality: Perfect

Enhancements: Damage

Description: A round glass vial filled with cloudy white liquid with the odor of fresh milk and the taste of a protein shake. After consumption, gives player plus six damage for a single thread.

Post Link:  http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/8534-f3-pieras-potent-potions-pk-accessible/?do=findComment&comment=516807

ID: 84167
CD: 9+1=10 (Rare Item)
EXP: 5
Material Salvaged

ID: 84168
CD: 12+1=13 (Perfect Item)
EXP: 8
-1 Tier 2 Mat

ID: 84169
CD: 11+1=12 (Perfect Item)
EXP: 2
-1 Tier 1 Mat

ID: 84170
CD: 2+1=3 (Bad Item)
LD: 6+1=7
EXP: 1
-1 Tier 1 Mat

ID: 84171
CD: 5+1=6 (Good Item)
EXP: 2
-1 Tier 1 Mat

ID: 84172
CD: 4+1=5 (Good Item)
EXP: 2
-1 Tier 1 Mat

ID: 84173
CD: 4+1=5 (Good Item)
EXP: 1
-1 Tier 1 Mat

ID: 84174
CD: 3+1=4 (Good Item)
EXP: 2
-1 Tier 1 Mat

Piera cursed under her breath as she saw Noct's weapon being flung to the side just before he was thrown to the ground and bit. "No! Get! The F***! Off! Him!" The brunette yelled at the arachnid, each word being punctuated with a kick that sadly did absolutely nothing since she didn't have the Martial Arts skill and wasn't wielding her weapon. At the very least though, that particular spider seemed annoyed at the players' efforts and backed away, flailing its two front legs in a show of strength. Like they weren't completely kicking their @sses already. Hands gripping Nocturn's shoulder and elbow, Piera helped haul him to his feet, now shoulder to shoulder with him. Her breathing was still rapid, but she was starting to focus more. "Need spears." She stated succinctly, green eyes darting to the separate places where their weapons were lying in the misty dirt.

The trio of spiders continued their attacks on Nocturn. But he deftly managed to either avoid or push back them. Well. All but the last one. That particular one he avoided the attack by using the arachnid's forward momentum to send it upwards and backwards... Right into her. Squealing in shock and terror, Piera flailed, dropping her weapon in her desperate attempts to get away from the spider that was also flailing to try and get itself upright. Instead of taking the opportunity to try and attack the prone creature, the alchemist clenched her Healing Heart necklace, a soft green glow emanating from it as well as around Nocturn as he was suddenly brought up to full health thanks to her First Aid skill.

Piera curled her legs inward on herself as she saw one of the spiders skitter forwards, closing her eyes tight with a whimper. Then she heard contact and felt the earth in front of her jostle. Opening her eyes a crack, they then went wide when she saw her companion knocked prone on the ground in front of the spiders. "Noct!" The woman cried out in concern, expression wracked with fear of both the spiders and for her friend. Gasping as he managed to force the arachnid off of him, Piera's hands shook as she tried awkwardly to get to her feet. Her eyes closed once more as she shook her head. What was she doing hiding behind him? She was higher leveled! Had better armor! Why did she have to be such a coward... No. She-She just needed to collect herself. "I'm sorry. I'm so so so sorry Nocturn." The brunette whispered as she hid behind the raven haired young man.

A chest deep chuckle rolled forth from Piera's mouth at Lee's fake snarkyness, always loving antagonizing him. It also didn't help that her critical strike was lifting her spirits. It wasn't often that she got to look cool for him after all. Grinning somewhat bashfully at his praise (it was definitely praise for him), the alchemist then saluted when he told her to keep at it. "Yes, sir~." His Howl didn't cause her to wince this time, getting more used to it as she focused on the elementals that immediately went into a frenzy after the skill took effect. A raspberry like sound burst from her lips at the third creature's attempt to hit (or possibly avoid) Lee's thorn laden shield, running straight into the snow covered ground. Either way it was hilarious. Sides contracting from held in laughter, the brunette charged forward, trying to hit the first ice monster, but she caught sight of the third one floating upwards, absolutely covered in snow and she burst out laughing, completely missing her stab as she held her weapon with one hand, the other arm holding her ribs. "Ohhh! Ohhh god it's so pitiful!"

@Hirru It's sooo LOOOONG @_@;

Finished listening to the play Hamilton today and listened to it all over again. Definitely worth it and though sad in some parts, still made me smile.

After Shield had left her shop, Piera thought about what to do next. Usually she wouldn't take a break until the boss fight officially started. But for once she had completed all outstanding orders. She just needed to finish up these last two... Itzal seemed a genial player and he was still awaiting his potions. Seeing her material stores, she made a note to go out to the eleventh floor once more, perhaps with Lee again so they could talk more. For now she concentrated on the materials she had. Her mind kept wandering though as she began preparing the various items.

Thinking of those fighting right now. Many of them her customers at one point or another. The people she had seen pass through her shop. These walls had certainly seen a lot, hadn't they? And the money! She wasn't outrageously rich by Aincrad's standards, but certainly better off than she had been in reality. She kept a log of every transaction she ever did, even if they were donations.

Feeling nostalgic as she waited for the potions to cool, the healer drew up her transactions list before frowning in confusion. "Eh...?" She could've sworn that Shield had paid. When he had put in his order he had bought some items and also donated a few materials, but he hadn't paid for the order. Which was understandable, she usually had customers pay when they picked up their items. But what with the boss fight fast approaching, she had forgotten completely, likely he had too.

Cursing under her breath for her forgetfulness, she was fairly sure that she could catch up to him. Rustling her owl griffon's feathers on his head she called out, "Watch the store Jareth!" To which he chirruped in annoyance, which she took for a 'yes'.

Gasping as she heard a voice, the brunette's head whipped around before relaxing slightly upon seeing a familiar dark form coming up to her. "G-G-God I f-f-freaking hate spider webs." The woman stuttered, her teeth chattering from nerves as she tried to use Nocturn's leverage to pry at least her arm free. Then she could finally reach her weapon, sliding her spear free and slashing at the sticky fibers to free herself. It took a few hacks, but with his help, she eventually dropped to the ground on a knee. Looking up, the alchemist paled dramatically as she stared at something behind Nocturn. "Y'know what I'm more terrified of than spiderwebs Noct?" The two spiders as large as dogs clicked their fangs together as she whispered in a strained voice, "Spiders."  Quickly getting to her feet, Piera readied her trident, trying to suck it up and be brave just to kill these things and move on. But immediately when she lunged forward, one of them splayed their front legs high and she squeaked, jumping back at least three feet in fright and causing all three of the arachnids to miss her thankfully. "Sh-Sh!t..."

Piera continued running after her familiar, or at least in the direction that she was fairly sure that he had flown. "Goddamnit Jareth I swear to god you are not getting so much as a crumb of a treat for a week if you don't come back right now!" The threat didn't immediately work however. Somehow even though it was midday, it seemed so dark due to the dense foliage and-SPIDERWEBS! She had run headlong into one, crashing through and stumbling into a thicker one that held and stuck to her, causing the alchemist to immediately begin shrieking bloody murder. "EEEEEEEEEEEAAAAH! H-H-H-lp HELP P-P-PLEASE!" She called out, hoping Nocturn or truly anyone would hear her as she pulled and tugged at the webbing before going stock still as she heard an odd noise. Like clicking or...skittering. A shudder wracking her entire frame, the brunette's struggles turned into desperate thrashing, unable to reach the spear at her back from her current angle.

She had to admit, as long as she didn't look down, just looking at the sky, clouds scattered about as the sun's dying light hit them....it was relaxing. Calming even. Green eyes glancing over to Jomei's form as he explained that he had been afraid of heights when he was younger, the alchemist was quiet as he spoke. She saw him glancing down and barely suppressed a shudder herself and she hadn't even looked. Her heart constricted as he stood, but relaxed when he stepped off of the ledge onto safe and solid ground. "I never really understood that logic. But I'm glad you're not afraid anymore, regardless."

Offering a relieved and slightly tired smile, Piera looked up at the Irishman as he reassured her that though he was depressed, he wasn't suicidal. Holding up a hand to him to be helped to her feet, the brunette replied, "As one of the people depending on you, I'm glad you realize that. And you're not alone. No matter what happens." Squeezing the hand that had helped her up and helped her through so much, Piera smiled fondly at her friend before pulling him into a quick hug. "I'm so sorry Jomei. That that happened to you. That you found out like that. That...everything. I'm just sorry."

Smiling softly at the purple haired woman's agreement that being a water mage would be fun, Piera stared at her blank expression, wondering if she was making her awkward or if socialization was just harder for her. She was much the same sometimes, but today was a better day than most. She remembered Teion as a very straight forward sort of person, if a bit stoic. Perhaps she shouldn't have jumped into the hard questions so early. Who knew what she'd been through. Considering deflecting her question for something lighter, the alchemist opened her mouth but then a question was asked of the pair, causing her to blink, looking up at the woman who asked. It was an actual player opposed to an NPC and Piera smiled in polite greeting. Considering Teion's order, the brunette was quiet for a moment before she asked, "Apple juice, or whatever the Aincrad equivalent is, if you have it please." Watching the blonde leave, her focus then turned back to the blacksmith, noticing her expression dim slightly now that they were alone again. But she did finally answer.

Face open but blank, Piera listened, filling in the blanks. "Psh, we all could complain. The ones that are alive have the most right to complain I think. They've seen the most. The dead have it easy." The left corner of her mouth twitched as she thought of what one of said dead people would say about that. Shaking her head, brown locks fell over her shoulder as she leaned her elbows and arms on the table. Lips twisting in a lopsided smile that was very nearly a smirk, Piera nodded, "I know just how you feel. Nice to see ya but sucks at the same time, right? Could be worse. Could've met by seeing your name crossed out on the Monument of Life. Good to see that you're surviving. Hell, thriving even if your shop is anything to go by." Her smile slowly grew into a grin as she spoke until Teion turned the tides and asked her a question in turn.

Smile becoming tight, a jerky nod was given as the healer replied, "Holding up 'okay'. It could be worse. And I don't even mean being dead. Uhh, you remember Lee? My boyfriend. You'd sometimes hear him on voice chat with me. Anyway, we logged in together. I don't know what I would've done if I was doing this without him. Probably either be dead or stuck on the first floor for all eternity, heh. But he's been there to kick my butt in gear, lighten me up." Shrugging, she then asked with a curious and sly smile, "Sooo, what about you? Anyone helpin' kick or otherwise touch yer butt? ...In a good way." She tacked on as an afterthought, suddenly concerned that perhaps she had crossed a line.

Piera hadn't yet been to the twentieth floor though she was just one level lower than it, she doubted that she was anywhere close enough to survive battling its mobs. Which was why she was sprinting through the sunny floor with haste, trying her hardest not to aggro anything. She had noticed about an hour ago that the scheduled time released for the boss fight was getting closer...very much closer actually. And Macradon still had yet to pick up his items! She was sure she had messaged him about it, but perhaps he had forgotten? Or didn't see it....or something had happened... He wasn't on her friend's list so she couldn't see his current status. But if she just went to the meeting place before the boss room, she could just give the items to him herself! ...Or pass them out to whoever needed them if he wasn't there. They were already payed for after all. But she hoped it didn't come to that.

When the armored woman arrived at the doors of the boss room, there weren't quite as many players milling about as she would have thought and supposed that there might be more time left than she had thought. Catching her breath, she saw many familiar faces, though some less than others. Green eyes scanned over the players, raising a hand in greeting upon seeing Takao and nodding at Shield. Finally she saw the white haired man she was looking for and marched up to him with a mildly aggravated expression. "Oy. Forget something?" She asked pointedly with raised eyebrow before sending a trade request.

[Piera Traded @Macradon 3 Perfect Tier 2 Damage Potions & 3 Perfect Tier 2 Damage Mitigation Potions]

"Can't go into battle without those." The brunette sighed before seeing Anemone standing next to him and smiled slightly. "Good luck in your fight. Keep everyone healed as best you can." Remembering that the woman had said that she was a healer like herself. Obviously immensely better though... Maybe one day she'd be joining them as a comrade rather than an errand girl. Backing away from Macradon, she waved with a bob of her head. "Put my potions to good use." Glancing around at the rest of the players as she continued to back away, Piera felt something swell inside of her and she suddenly raised both hands and called out loudly for the group to hear, "GO FRONTLINERS!" With burning red ears, she then turned tail, her purple cape flapping behind her as she ran all the way back to the safe zone.

[Piera Exits the Thread]

Giving the man's hand a firm shake, she heard out his request. Eyes narrowing in thought, wracking her brain trying to remember if she had that kind of potion...most of her tier two materials went into the best of her crafts, but Macradon had been fairly generous and she had bought some from Lee... Realizing that she was simply staring off into space and hadn't answered him, Piera explained, "Sorry, trying to remember what I have. Sometimes my crafts all just kinda blur together." Swiping open her menu, green eyes flicked over the contents of her inventory before brightening. "Aha! You're quite in luck."

[Piera Traded 3 Rare Tier 2 Damage Potions to Sey]

Smiling as she sent the trade off, the alchemist said, "I won't miss those much anyway. Most of the frontliners are pretty much Perfect items or nothing. And I promise you that your Ice Dream will go to a good cause." Starting to back away, the brunette raised a hand in a wave as she said, "I'll be sure to come back and actually buy something from you sometime. Drop by my shop on the third floor if you ever need anything." With that, Piera took her leave.

Name: Blackfyre's Vengeance

Your Profession: Alchemist

Your Rank: 7

ID: 83591

Roll: 11

Item Type: Potion
Tier: 2

Quality: Rare

Enhancements: Damage

Description: An oblong shaped glass vial filled with molten gold liquid with occasional black swirls in it when turned or tipped. The concoction smells of freshly ironed linens and tastes fairly sour, like a bitter fruit unique to Aincrad. After consumption, gives the user plus four to their damage for one thread.

Post Link:  http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/8534-f3-pieras-potent-potions-pk-accessible/?do=findComment&comment=516108

Name: Lowenthal's Revenge

Your Profession: Alchemist

Your Rank: 7

ID: 83785

Roll: 10

Item Type: Potion
Tier: 2

Quality: Rare

Enhancements: Damage

Description: An oblong shaped glass vial filled with cloudy yellow liquid that smells of sunscreen but tastes of perfectly mixed lemonade. After consumption, gives the user plus four to their damage for one thread.

Post Link:  http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/8534-f3-pieras-potent-potions-pk-accessible/?do=findComment&comment=516322

Name: Ssendom's Bloodrage

Your Profession: Alchemist

Your Rank: 6

ID:  83788

Roll: 10

Item Type: Potion
Tier: 1

Quality: Rare

Enhancements: Damage

Description: A tall rectangular glass vial filled with dark red liquid that has the tang of an energy drink combined with the bite of iron. After consumption, gives the user plus four to their damage for one thread.

Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/8534-f3-pieras-potent-potions-pk-accessible/?do=findComment&comment=516322

Piera nodded with a faintly impressed expression at Nocturn's knowledge about their destination. She should've known better than to think his low level meant anything considering how long they had all been in the game. "Smart lad." She commented before blinking at his optimism and confidence in her. Looking away from the younger man's genuinely warm smile, the brunette tugged at the fringe of her bangs in mild bashfulness. "I'll be sure to alert Cthulhu then." Attempting to hide her red ears with sarcasm.

The path was relatively peaceful, though the going got rougher the further in they got, less path and more slightly wider gaps between the foliage than normal. Meeting Nocturn's eyes as they both heard an odd noise simultaneously, she mimicked his slightly quicker movements of lowering herself into a crouch, her spear appearing in her hands. It seemed that they had caught up to their quarry. The dark elf was cursing to himself and Piera couldn't help but shake her head in amusement, very nearly taking pity on the NPC. Nodding back at Noct as he stood up straight to walk towards the man, who immediately heard his footsteps. Rolling her eyes at the younger man's cool speech, she supposed he couldn't resist the opportunity and couldn't fault him for it. The dark elf refused the easy way out, attacking the dark haired player. But he didn't even stand a chance.

Piera's jaw dropped, standing as she saw the NPC's death animation before staring at Nocturn in mild shock. As he suggested they head back, she began to chuckle, her hand on her forehead before dropping it and nodding with an amused smile. "Yeah. Good job Noct." And to think, she had been worried about him. Just goes to show her... Snapping her spear back into place on her back, the alchemist turned and frowned as she realized, "Hm, no more quest marker. Guess they figure we can get back to town. Let's go."

Squinting through the fog (was it getting thicker?), she picked the direction that she was fairly sure they had just come from and began to walk. Just a moment later, Jareth let out an alarmed cry, flapping his wings and hitting her in the face a few times before taking off. "Wh-Wha-! Jareth!" She called out in alarm. "Aht! Come!" Her orders were ignored and she lost sight of the owl griffon in the fog even as she took off running after him, the fog swallowing her form.

Ever since Jomei's escape from their shared captors, Piera had made sure to keep in contact with him. Perhaps to an annoying level, at least she worried about that. But she needed that reassurance that he was alive and around now. That he was okay....relatively at least. So every day she had sent him a message at least twice a day. Once to greet him whenever she woke and another sometime later in the day. Sometimes when she saw something she thought he'd like to know about, or remembered something that she wanted to tell him or just saying goodnight. Most of it was useless chatter, nothing with emotion or heaviness. Light talk. Effortless... But now she was starting to wonder if enough was enough. They needed to talk.

Her concern ramped up when he hadn't messaged back this morning, but she tried to let it slide until it started to get around sunset and she sent another...to no reply. She immediately headed for his shop, but there wasn't any answer or indication that anyone was there. Where else? Lowenthal's beach house? No he wouldn't be able to enter... He wouldn't go back to wherever he had been living with Zandra. Neither of them knew where Lowenthal had actually died. So... A hunch began to dawn on the alchemist and she teleported to the first floor. This was where she had gone when she tried to come to grips with their friend's death and where she discovered the truth. Perhaps he had as well... Running up the cathedral steps, Piera panted as she opened the door, flooding dying light into the room that held the Monument of Life. ...But it was empty save for the giant slab of stone. Biting her lip and biting back a curse, the healer's right hand flew to her forehead, glancing around the front of the cathedral and feeling lost and helpless. What if he was doing something drastic? What if he just wanted some space and she was crowding him? What if..?!

"Do you think he's going to jump?"

The brunette's heart jumped up to her throat at the murmured question, head snapping towards the pair of players that were talking before rushing up to them. "Where?" She demanded insistently. The one who had asked the terrible question flustered but his companion simply posted with a solemn look at the back of the cathedral. Taking off at a sprint, Piera slowed as she saw a familiar green cape flapping in the wind that was rustling ginger hair. Trying to compose herself, the alchemist rubbed her face and tried to shake off the urge to cry (why did she always cry at everything?) before taking a steadying long deep breath and letting it slowly out.

She took a single step towards the edge before grimacing. Why did it have to be here? She couldn't do this sober. Quickly accessing her inventory, a vial appeared in her hand and Piera took a sip of the 100 Proof Potion, swallowing before slipping it in her pocket for now. Slowly approaching the Irishman, Piera sat down next to him, her feet dangling over the edge along with his. Looking out at the clouds but specifically not looking down, she commented with an easy going sigh that was more casual than she felt internally, "You sure know how to pick 'em..."

Quiet for a moment as they stared together out at the sky, the healer stated, "I always had a fear of heights. I once reasoned that if I could climb to someplace high enough that should I jump, I would definitely die....then I was ready to end my life. Never did. Obviously."

Finally the woman turned her head, green eyes meeting green eyes as she asked pointedly, "Are you afraid of heights?"

It was hard for Piera to focus lately. A lot had happened in the last few days. Jomei's escape had brought about many things. The least of which was the revelation for many about the truth concerning Lowenthal's death. It also didn't help that even putting aside all of that drama, she felt intensely guilty for not questioning her friend's disappearance. Lowenthal was like a brother to him, how could she think that he wouldn't have said something to her when it happened or raised some sort of fuss? No, she had just been content to hide in her shop with Lee and pretend like the rest of the world didn't exist. To think that he had been captured by the same b@st@rds that did the same to herself as well as Lee... And he felt guilty for 'allowing' it to happen... The alchemist was intensely concerned for her friend's mental state considering all that had happened. But she also didn't want to hover...

So here she was, trying to keep herself busy and her mind occupied. The former was far easier than the latter though sadly. Organizing some of her older items that hadn't sold yet, the brunette dusted the vials off before holding one up to the light, glad that potions couldn't expire. Shaking her head she decided that this wasn't nearly as engaging as she needed it to be and instead put them away and took out eight various materials. She began washing, skinning, cutting and grinding the assortment of materials after pouring in the base solution into her cauldron and lighting a fire under it, waiting for it to boil.

She was so absorbed in her task that she didn't hear her door opening until the bell on her counter was rang to get her attention. Looking up from her work, Piera froze upon seeing who it was. As she met the new Master of Shadows' eyes, she could swear she felt the edge of a blade against her throat once more. But then he asked about potions and she began to breathe again. Blinking, the woman stumbled verbally as she glanced from the simmering cauldron to the teenager, "Hikoru... Um, I don't have any currently, but let me see if I can whip some up? It shouldn't take long..." Lips pursed as she began to add the materials to the now boiling solution, she used her enhanced crafting ladle to stir. "I assume you're wanting perfect tier two potions? Or would rare do?"

Eyes shifting away as Hikoru stated that he'd rather not pay as he was trying to save up, though for what he didn't mention. Chewing on the inside of her cheek for a moment, Piera compromised, "I can give you a discount. Five hundred col or one material for each item. Just so I can break even and craft something else or buy another material." It was a way better deal than she had offered up on the player's board and on the small sign out in front of her shop. She could've just let him have that original sale price, but he was a friend and protege of Lowenthal's, not to mention going through a rough time losing his mentor and fiance in one fell swoop. The fact that she was still slightly wary and on edge around him because of his hasty actions towards her didn't hurt either.