Snow

Snow smiled and laughed softly at Galilea's teasing words. Although a small guild and their leader disheveled, Snow felt comfortable around them. It reminded her of the best days with the Knights. So far, all of the members she met were very kind and supportive.

"It's a good group of people." Snow replied. Then, Galilea triggered something. The once thought impenetrable doors of the church cracked and groaned open. Moss and bits of dead wood loosed themselves from the door as it crept wide. The statue that once stood silent guardian now turned to welcoming doorman. For a brief moment, the blonde found her mouth agape. 

"Wow... I had no idea you could go in. I live just a few hours away from here. Yeah, let's check it out!" Snow nodded and mounted the steps with excitement. She slipped just past Galilea to get first peak at the interior. Wooden pews filled the expansive interior. Despite the overgrowth on the outside, the inside seemed largely uninterrupted. Aside from the few cracked marble panels in the floor and shattered "skylights" from years of neglect, it seemed untouched. Thankfully, the high, arched ceiling hid away any long standing spider webs. 

"It's a lot nicer inside that I thought. What'd you do to get it open anyway?" Snow asked as she walked further inside. She spun and looked around, head turned toward the muted murals on the ceiling. Several figures stood out in red robes like that of the Game Masters. Monsters, armored heroes, and rays of light were a common theme among the figures.

@Galilea

Afraid...

Snow's gaze fell to her feet with the weight of her heart. The pain in Mari's words were rooted deep in the past. She could hear it. The truth, however, did not contradict. Yes, Snow was afraid. She didn't know Mari like she knew Opal. At first, the redhead seemed genuine and kind. One small gesture and a laugh shattered that perception. Yet, under all the uncertainty, a part of Snow wanted to show Mari open arms. Everyone deserved that, right?

"No, it's just--" Snow turned to see Mari's back. Her gaze fell to the ground again.

"You think I'm naive and stupid don't you...?" Snow whimpered. She remembered the day so clearly. Snow welled up her courage, offered to be someone who cared, and was subsequently laughed at. The moment still flushed her cheeks with embarrassment. Even though she meant those words, how could she face someone who openly mocked the ideal? Then again, Snow barely knew Mari. She opened herself to a stranger and one that may have taken a life on purpose. 

"I am afraid." Each of the three words left her lips softly, tenderly. The admission of guilt hung heavy on each and every one. For such a long time, that fear kept her in the Town of Beginnings. Meanwhile, everyone else fought, died, and experienced trauma at the hands of an unseen psychopath. In a way, Snow felt she may as well have an orange marker of her own above her head. Although a statement of affirmation to Mari's question, Snow's rebuttal covered a broader scope.

Snow was afraid Mari. She was also afraid of dying. Of letting Daire down. Of never seeing her mom or dad again. Of facing them after all this if she got out. Or telling Daire's parents what happened before they were told their daughter was killed by this place.

"I've been afraid since the first day." Soft tones continued, unsure if Mari could even hear or cared to listen. "I'm embarrassed. I'm not good at anything. I don't know you or what you've been through. I just wanted to be a friend, but I couldn't face you after how stupid I was last time."

Snow rubbed her arm where Mari last touched her. The memory and the deep rooted terror replayed in her head. Had she wanted, Mari could have killed her then. She didn't. Mari could have killed her just now. She didn't. 

@Mari

Metal rang out against the stones of the streets with each of Snow's hurried steps. Through each alley she wove. Players and NPCs alike closed shutters, doors, and urged children indoors. Through windows, the blonde felt worried eyes burning holes into her back. The pressure of Yggdra's words bore down her her back with every step until the valkyrie emerged to the fields outside the Town of Beginnings.

Hundreds of players gathered in a messy assembly of varied emotions. Worry, bravery, courage, fear, and arrogance stood most common above the rest. Snow, herself, felt out of place. Her ties to the other players of this world only began whereas small groups and strong bonds surrounded the others. The girl sheepishly stripped the spear from her back and ventured deeper into the collection of faces.

"Tank-lady! What's everyone doing here?" Something familiar in the sea of uncertainty called out to her. A real weight on her back shattered her perceived metaphorical burden.

"A-assassin?! What are you doing here?!" A deep worry gripped Snow's chest. "There is supposed to be a big fight today!"

Now, the reality of the stakes came to the forefront of her mind. The lives of those she cared about would be put at risk. This time, she had the power to do something. The well of doubt within her drained and dried as the embers of her determination caught blaze. Snow's back straightened, shoulders squared, and her spear firmly planted its butt into the soft, rich soil of the plains.

"You stay close to me..." Her cerulean gaze caught glimpse of Ariel. Again, the two seemed to travel together. "Stay close to me or Ariel. I don't want you getting too hurt."

The winds crept up and pulled the blonde's attention to a darkening horizon. Snow worked her shoulders to help Assassin off her back and on her feet. Clouds rolled in like the prophetic Wild Hunt in the Elder Eddas and Sagas. Within seconds, a breeze became a hurricane gale. Snow raised her arm to protect her eyes from sticks and small stones that took flight. Thunder and lightning cracked, boomed, and roared across the sky.

It's coming...

The air stilled. Hairs all over her body stood on end in the eerie silence. Blinding light slammed into the ground. The concussive blast of raw energy beating away rock and earth forced the girl back several steps, nearly rooting her on her rear. Ears rining, eyes burning, Snow turned to see the shapes of three massive enemies begin to emerge. Towering, menacing, and... 

... the fu--?!

Oddly misshapen faces warped atop muscular human bodies stood before a crowd of bewildered players. Faint screams of a few rang out. The cowards broke for the safety of the city walls immediately. As they scrambled arm over foot past her, mumbling of "Boartusai", "Gob-Gob", and "Anything but them" fluttered into Snow's ears. She, on the other hand, looked upon them in disbelief.

Is this what the front lines fight? How can anyone take this seriously...?

The thoughts inside her head seemed ripe for the picking. The strangely disfigured man with a green head and pointed ears twisted its face into a menacing roar. Its arms tensed together and curled inward. Abs, traps, pecks, triceps, biceps, and the whole slew of its muscles rippled. The moment it struck a pose, a blast of pressure emanated from it and the green bar in the corner of Snow's peripherals dropped into the yellow. The seer weight of whatever it did tried to force her to a knee, but she clung to Sif's Needle for much needed support.

"Oh god," she muttered. Fear of imminent death fluttered in her chest.

In sequence, the other monstrosity with the face of an infant boar opened its maw in a pitched song. The tones threatened to tear Snow's eardrums. As she winced, the empty portion of her health bar filled with a muted red. The yellow turned green, and the symbol "HP" appeared beside her currently active buffs in red.

"This is bad." Snow's breathing became erratic. She forced herself to a firm stance and took several panicked breaths. A small sense of calm helped to compose the girl.

Okay, okay. You're not alone. There's plenty of people here, Alyssa. Do your part. You have to do your part.

"I'm going in," she said for @Assassin to hear. "I'm going to do my part."

If the small girl replied, Snow failed to hear her. The blonde's senses narrowed in the heat of the moment. Instincts told her to flee, but her courage and memories of Daire kept her grip firm and stride strong. She rushed past players who still recovered from the attacks. A blaze of blue steel, wisps of blonde, and flutter of white fabric like an armored angel. As she close the gap, several others had already taken action. The blur of orange caught her attention as though the spirit of her late friend had joined her. As Snow grew close, she recognized the blur as @Mari.

Snow wasn't alone.

She felt more strength well up inside. Knowing her friends were here stripped away some of the alienation. She watched as Mari's bizarre dagger-spear plunged into the large swine hybrid. That would also be her first target. Snow sped into the fray. The pull of cardinal thrummed loudly as Sif's Needle charged with blue light. The valkyrie leapt into the air and let the system assist carry her into the fight. Just as Mari pulled away from her final blow, an arc of blue cut across the monster's chest. Red polygons poured forth like blood. 

The pull of Cardinal carried her lithe frame further still as the spear lacerated the bulging quads of Gob-Gob's legs. Again, a mist of red spattered into the air from the wound carved by her weapon, but the second arc of her attack had yet to complete. Snow's body twisted like a rag being rung. Her body shot across and up to the steps leading to a mighty golden throne. There, the blade of Sif's Needle bit and dragged across eight small mounds of abdominal muscle.

The hue of blue faded from her weapon. Her body fell and legs buckled as she tried to catch herself on the descent. Her body slammed into what felt like a boulder and she winced at the impact. Numbness set in but as she opened her eyes, the head of a fish looked down upon her. A rush of panic set in. Snow's eyes scrambled about, and she quickly learned that her grandiose attack landed her in the lap of <<Rain Minion 12>>. 

This was NOT the place to be right now...

The other...? Snow repeated as she looked to the rippling cup of hot tea. She turned to Xin and then down to her own chest. The other?!

Snow's deviation of context quickly corrected as the invitation window snapped into the middle of her vision. Xin's name appeared followed shortly by Basuke. The blonde accepted both despite the feeling she now had a secret competition with the other blonde in the room. Cleared of notifications, Snow lifted the cup of tea to her lips. With a soft sip, the beverage rushed over her taste buds. Mellow tones mixed with earthy notes and hints of floral. The slight bitterness of antioxidants lingered at the back of her tongue -- a sign of a fresh, hearty tea. Snow's lips parted and a hot breath of satisfaction escaped as a pleased sigh.

"Very good."

Snow turned to Basuke.

"I serve sushi and eastern fare. Sometimes I mix in a few flavors from home. Usually slow cooked meats and the like," she replied. "You should try my Uzene Roll. It's like a mix of both!"

Snow watched as the owner plopped down with her gift and prepared chopsticks for attack.

"You're welcome!" Snow smiled. "Itadakimasu!"

@Xin, @Basuke, @GetComfy

Snow held a reservation about Assassin's reply. Hesitation was her tactic for covering up the truth. So, Snow knew her companion buried honesty beneath an illusion of purpose. Yet, the blonde did not want to pry. Snow pressed her lips into a thin line before art attentions returned to the cave.

"Alright then, let's go save the little girl." Snow didn't look back as she delved into the darkness. The cave's walls quickly muted into a sea of black and grey. The light at her back only carried to the first turn and beyond that, the echoes of the outside let her vision see faint outlines. Small patches of moss above seemed to eminate a faint glow as to prevent players from navigating a pitch black sea. It allowed Snow to keep her heading, but not illuminate the occational bump along the cave floor.

Her greave caught and she let slip a stifled yelp. Her hand caught a jagged stone along the cave wall and spared her a face to face encounter with the damp ground. Although, something in the immediate vicinity chirped back. In the pitch ahead, a red prism appeared.

Damn it! 

Snow struggled to keep herself upright. As she finally found her footing, it felt as though the darkness itself lashed out at her. Something caught her shoulder and a red gash brightened up the cave's wall. Two large wings beat overhead and vanished deeper into the cave out of sight. Snow fetched Sif's Needle from her back and rooted her stance.

"We're not alone," she barked, eyes scanning for the next attack. "God, I hope these things didn't get the little girl..."

@Assassin

"Snow, I'm scared." The little girl, under ten years of age, buried her face into the white fabric ruffles between her faulds' plates. Her hands gripped tightly to the metal that covered Snow's hip and abdomen.

"Are you going to be okay?" A young teenage girl in average starting gear asked.

"I hope so," replied Snow with a waver of uncertainty in her tone. Her armored hand tussled the little girl's hair. "It's okay. I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

The teen folded her arms over her chest and bit her lip at Snow's reply. "I don't think it's a good idea, Snow. You haven't been out there that long. You have never participated in something like this."

The valkyrie knelt down beside the little girl and she held her out by the shoulders. Tears welled in the child's eyes as they met Snow's blue gaze.

"I have strong friends now, Terraria." Snow's thumb helped to blot away the tears as they ran down the child's cheeks. "And you just need to keep inside with Terraria, okay Lippi?"

Lippi nodded as she rubbed at her eyes. Snow turned her toward the unimpressed Terraria and gave a gentle push of encouragement. The girl ran and clung to the other girl's leg.

"That's not a good reason. You barely know these people. How can you count on them to keep you alive?" Terraria chided. Her hand covered Lippi's ears to prevent scarring her further. Snow rose and tried to scrunch her expression into something more serious or confident. The display failed to win any rewards for authenticity.

"These people are the same as the one's fighting on the higher floors. They just won't stand by and let other players just die. I'm not scared anymore. This is what I have to do. For us, for me, and for those who aren't with us anymore." As she spoke, the fire of determination grew on each following word. The final statement alone stole the wind from Terraria's sails and filled the room with a morose silence. Snow placed her hand on the girl's shoulder.

"I'll be fine," came words filled with genuine sincerity. "Just keep the young ones inside."

Snow's brow furrowed and her attention scattered to the reaches of the poorly furnished halfway home.

"Have you seen Isaac?"

"No," Terraria replied with a shake of her head. "When you told Emma you were going, he ran off. You know how much he looks up to you. I don't think he wants you to go either. Probably doesn't want you to see him upset."

Snow frowned.

"Well, if you do see him, tell him I'm sorry. I promise to make it up to him when this is over. I'll bring him a souvenir." 

Terraria scowled.

"Okay okay, how about when this is over, I'll bring down some sushi from my restaurant and we'll have another big feast with everyone like we used to. Okay?" 

Terraria's scowl did not faulter, but her reply betrayed her stern expression.

"Okay, but do you promise?"

"I promise, Terraria." Snow looked down to Lippi with a smile. "You too Lippi, I'll bring some mochi, okay?"

Through reddened cheeks and puffy eyes, a smile broke through and the girl smiled with a nod.

"Good."

Snow's attention was gripped by an extended pinky from Terraria, an age old tradition and childhood memory of sealing a promise. The little girl at her side followed suit and two little fingers waited for reply. Snow took a deep breath and in silence, she hooked her smallest finger of each hand with theirs.

"Alright," Snow broke the silence. "It's almost time. I'll see you two soon."

"Be safe," Terraria demanded. Lippi nodded.

"I will. You too." Snow turned and left her old room of the halfway home in the residential quarter of the Town of Beginnings. A tall matronly figure intercepted her at the door to the city's streets.

"You shouldn't make promises you know you can't keep, Snow." Yggdra folded her arms and glared down the blonde with cold, narrowed eyes. Snow felt a pang of guilt and judgement which quickly receded to a newfound sense of purpose.

"I know, but I will come back, Yggdra. Just keep an eye on them."

"You had better, Alyssa, or I will never forgive you for hurting those children." The full figured woman kept her threatening gaze fixed on Snow as she opened the door. Hearing her real name forced Snow's stomach into her feet. Yggdra watched over them and became the housemother for all those who feared the outside. Over the time they spent together, some shared their real names out of familiarity and refusal to accept this new reality over the old one. Yet, Yggdra only used real names when she truly became upset.

Snow gulped and nodded.

"Now go. Get out of here before you fill them with more false hope." The words stung. Yggdra lost her husband in the first few days while he tried to teach her the ropes of the new game. Since then, she looked down on players that took to the fields. She believed all of them saw this as some kind of game despite the contrary. She saw it as unnecessary risk and believed someone on the outside would liberate all those trapped in Kayaba's prison. It was a common belief in the halfway homes, but one to which Snow no longer clung.

Snow left the home with mixed feelings. The streets of the Town of Beginnings lacked the usual traffic. Players either gathered for the event, made way to the town's edge to see if they could catch a glimpse of the action, or hunkered down in fear something might happen in town. Snow's heavy greaves rattled against the smooth cobble stones as she departed. Her heart hung heavy on those who worried for her safe return, but her determination carried her feet onward. Even with the lingering tension of fear deep in her lungs, Snow wanted to protect whoever she could. She wanted to fight. She wanted to survive.

I will come back....

The request to meet came suddenly and out of the blue. Ariel-- a name young Snow didn't think she'd see again. The PM appeared while she was just finishing up some dishes at her home in the third floor. So new to adventuring, she never expected to be contacted through the messaging system. In the halfway homes, she rarely used the menus. Some of the other non-combatants feared the menus alone, no less the monsters outside the safe zone. Regardless, Snow sent a quick acknowledgement and finished up her chores.

She had been to the twenty first floor before once with a man named Shield. Knowing how over leveled it was compared to her, Snow wiped her wet hands off on her apron and started selecting the appropriate gear for the higher levels. The blues and whites of her heavy armor swapped out her comfortable tee and jean shorts. Her sneakers became heavy greaves and her high pony tail spilled waves of blonde over a winged circlet. As a cherry to the top, a long golden spear materialized on her back. She flicked her wrist and the array of semi-transparent windows slide away into obscurity.

"Well then! Let's go see an old friend!" She stated aloud for the stone and mortar walls to hear.

She journeyed to Flora and up the steps to the central gate. With a few keywords, the bright floral spring of the third floor changed to the musty, damp darkness of the twenty first. The aural glow of mushrooms and clustered crystals provided adequate light. It reminded her of the streets of Shibuya Center at night. It didn't take long for Snow to find the sore thumb of bright white fur in a sea of muted shadows.

"Kimba?!" Snow shouted and broke into a light jog. "Ariel! How have you been! I haven't seen either of you in forever!"

Snow held the back of her hand low for Kimba. It was how she greeted the lioness the first time they met as a friendly, non-threatening introduction. If the large cat accepted, Snow prepared herself to run her hands through the soft, white fur right behind the ear. All critters loved a good scritch behind the ear.

@Ariel - The Crowned Lion

A couple guilds?

"Oh, well..." Snow comment to Calrex and turned her eyes away. "It... fits nicely."

'Fits nicely?!' Are you stupid?! Ugh, god you are an idiot Alyssa...

The hue of her cheeks deepened a few shades. Thankfully, Assassin broke the awkwardness in the air as she grabbed a plate of food. Hearing that Ariel was here distracted the girl from her failures. Her attention returned to Kimba and Assassin as they enjoyed some of her cooking.

"Really? Well, I'm glad she's alright and you too, Assassin." Snow couldn't help but notice the irony of her nickname. The girl was so wary of her username and its connotations before. Yet, by adopting the shorter nickname, it phonetically sounded like "death-chan" or "little death" in Japanese. Snow wasn't sure which one would bring more unease to a stranger.  

"It's good to see you making friends. I'm glad you're doing well." Snow looked back to Calrex and steeled herself in the wake of the heat rising in her cheeks. "Why don't you sit down and have some appetizers before you train? Can't focus on an empty stomach." 

As she spoke, she hoped Ariel would also sneak her way to the dining hall. Snow hadn't seen her in forever and wherever Kimba bolted off to, Ariel usually followed.

@Calrex, @Ariel - The Crowned Lion, @Assassin

Quote

Initial Application: (HERE)
Room(s) Being Added: Basic Kitchen
Room(s) Being Upgraded: N/A
Room(s) Being Re-Assigned:
Total Cost: 10,000 Col

Clouds of breath escaped her blued lips as she ran from Mari's house. The thick blankets of snow slowed each weighted step of her armor.

Damn it. I should have put on something else. Damn it, Alyssa!

In the stilled quiet of the eternal winter wonderland, Snow heard the hush of another trudging through the powder. The blonde glanced over her shoulder and surely enough, an orange marker hung over the visage of Mari. Snow knew her escape plan was doomed to fail and no distance of a head start could stop Mari from catching up to her. The girl slowed her steps to a halt and she pressed her hand into the bark of a barren tree for support.

"S-Snow?" she heard.

She listened to Mari's questions from behind her, reluctant to face her one on one. What would she say?

"I..." Snow shook her head. She struggled to explain herself. Was it fear? Guilt? A longing desire for friendship?

Her head hung.

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "After everything that happened, I didn't have it in me to face you yet. But... I wanted to make sure you still knew that... that someone cared..."

Snow still kept her head forward, avoiding the gaze of judgement she worried Mari would cast. The young blonde was caught, what would happen next? She thought of Mari's grip on her arm when she tried to leave last time and felt a chill in her spine. She remembered the cairn, and the lilting tones of Mari's instrument. Her pain. Her loneliness. Sadness swept in to numb the fear. What would Mari do with her?

Snow nodded to Assassin. She turned to the NPC woman and bowed slightly. The young lancer followed her small companion quietly as they made way to the objective point. The journey remained oddly silent as Assassin led the way. It wasn't long before the bright sun became shadowed by dense canopy. The surrounding scenery changed from open plains to forest and brush. As they neared the cave at the end of their journey, Snow felt the need to ask.

"Are you okay Assassin? You're awfully quiet." The sweet honey of concern dripped off her words. She worried about her companion.

"Is there something on your mind? Is it about the little girl? We'll find her no problem. Stick close and we'll be done in no time." 

They finally arrived at the mouth of the cave. Only the pitch of black could be seen in its depth. Cold, damp aromas leaked from the entrance and the slow breeze howled slightly within. To think of a little lost girl stuck in that darkness... How awful...

@Assassin

A sense of normalcy washed over her. Being with strangers in a cafe and striking up conversation became such a foreign concept in the death game. Yet, the blonde now sat in the company of new faces as conversation blossomed. She felt warm and happy. Perhaps thanks to the welcoming and comfortable cafe?

"I do love it here," Snow replied to Xin with a smile. "It's always so full of life. It's hard to be upset or sad when the sun is always warm and the flowers always bloom. Winter gets a little bit of snow, but the little sprouts and blossoms quickly find their way through."

Snow did that awkward thing where she leaned into the counter to get a better look at Basuke past Xin. 

"No, I don't know him," she clarified. "I also own a bar that is pretty new. I'm trying to get my name out there by bringing free samples to other establishments. Maybe I'll get some customers if my food is good enough! You guys should come check it out. I built it on the fourth floor. I have a nice little private meeting room with a kotatsu table."

Snow turned her attention to the small opening to the kitchen. The owner busily worked away trying to fill the orders for his sudden rush of clientele.

"When he's done, maybe we could break into the box and you could all try some together. That is, if he's okay with that. I'm sure he'd like a short break after he's done -- looked so comfy before we all entered." Snow giggled a little bit. He must enjoy relaxing in this shop frequently. Who wouldn't? Lovely piano, mellow aromas, soft lighting... Not to mention all the pillows. It was like nap central.

@Xin, @Basuke, @GetComfy ((Thanks for the wait guys. ^_~ ))

New Items:

After a long day trying to grind levels, Snow relaxed in her bar and worked on some new items for her menu. Cooking helped calm her and clear her mind. The young blonde hummed to herself some of the tunes she used to listen to when drawing and painting in the real world. As she worked her sushi knife through another maki roll, the little brass bell on the door thrummed. A gentleman with messy dark hair walked in and took a seat at the bar opposite to her workspace. His arm blocked the constantly rotating conveyor belt and plates slid off in front of him. Frankly, the speed to which he ate them impressed Snow. There used to be a place in the real world where they kept a wall of pictures for patrons that ate the highest stacks of empty plates. He was well on his way to being the first to go on the wall at her establishment. Snow giggled at the idea.

 "いらっしゃいませ," Snow welcomed in the traditional Japanese manner. "Could I get you anything to drink?"

Soon after, the brass bell rang again and two others entered. She knew both of them! Xin from the cafe took a seat and picked out a few items from the belt.

"Thank you!" she replied to the praise. "I'm so glad you decided to stop by! Make yourself at home."

Assassin came in and quickly snatched a cookie off the belt and slid over some units of materials.

"Yeah!" Snow replied. "I love cooking for others. Brings happiness and hopefully helps people out! Enjoy!"

@Gaius

Snow laughed at Assassin was they walked toward the central plaza.

"Next time, we get two beds!" She stated. "And everyone has a reason to do what they do. If your reason is good enough, you can justify almost anything. But..."

She looked to her companion with a disapproving glare. "If you do bad things just to hurt people, that's a different story. And for that, you will eventually pay."

Her expression lightened up as they neared their objective.

"As long as you look back on your actions and learn from them or decide to be better next time, I think that's what matters most." As the words came out of her mouth, Snow felt a twinge of guilt. At first, she spoke as more of a metaphorical comparison to her artistic improvements. To look back and decide to improve. Then, she remembered why she picked up her spear and armor. In a way, she shared Assassin's sentiments of having a colored past that she wasn't proud of. She never broke the rules per se, but she saw her fear and lack of action as a selfish crime that cost other players their lives. Sometimes, not doing something at all can be worse than doing some terrible.

"Please, can anyone help?" cried out a frantic voice in the crowd. "My daughter! My daughter, she's missing!"

Snow's attention shot into the direction of the distress. She found it odd the other players seemed to pay no mind to the frantic cries. A woman in her mid to late thirties frantically reached out to players as they shrugged her off or ignored her completely. In the sea of markers, she couldn't tell if perhaps it was an NPC.

"Let's check that out." Snow sifted through the other players until the woman came to view. The lack of marker meant she was, in fact, an NPC. The duo found their next quest.

"Tell me, what happened?" Snow asked.

"My daughter! She went out to play with her friends! They love to go hang out around this one cave-- I-I told her it was dangerous!" The woman rambled, her focus drifting between the two of them and into her own well of panic. "The other came home, but my daughter! Please! Please, you have to find her!"

The woman grabbed onto Snow's hand. With a saddened look in her eyes, the Valkyrie turned her gaze to Assasin. She didn't speak but the gesture asked:

Well? You up for it?

@Assassin

As the blonde wrestled with her attire, it seemed as though the strings of fate themselves pulled taught. From around the doorway barreled in a wild animal. Snow's first reaction was to jump in her seat and nearly cleave her kneecaps off the edge of the table. Shock and fear dwindled. This was safe zone -- there couldn't be monsters here. Then, something stirred in the dark and dusty recesses of her mind. Her eyes narrowed, head tilted, and brow raised.

"Kimba? Is that you?" She questioned. She remembered a white lioness from her very first outings into the fields. A player with a white lion cub familiar came to mind. She remembered how protective it was at first. Then, how playful it became later.

Her memory stirred again and blue eyes shot wide in surprise when another familiar sight rounded the corner. A small girl with a baggy sweater and pink skirt. Scars marked her face. Green eyes and white hair.

"Assassin?" She asked the same time the girl questioned her. "U-uh yeah! This is my guild. I only just joined. Wait--- how do you know Kimba? What are you doing here? Does that mean--?!"

Snow looked to the doorway for a third, but no one appeared. Instead, Kimba bolted off to the other entryway. In came Calrex in clothes she would have never in a million years expected to see him in.

"C-Calrex?! What is that outfit? Do you know Kimba too?!" Snow's head spun. What was going on? So much was happening. Is that why Shield wanted everyone to meet today? Snow placed her hand on her face. She zoned out for a bit and took a few lengthy breaths. She shook her head and remembered Assassin's other question. 

"Yes, of course. I made plenty for everyone. Feel free." Snow gestured to spread on the table. Her hand went for her tea cup and lifted it with a visible tremble to her lips. 

Well this is surely a strange day. I'm sure it can't get any weirder. I haven't seen Ariel in forever. And why is she with Assassin?! And when did Calrex wear that kind of clothes?!

Snows cheeks became visibly rosy.

Snow smiled and shook her hand.

"Snow, likewise!" She stated in her soft accent. She took a seat besides Xin and gestured to the shop owner as he busily worked.

"I'll take whatever the house is brewing! Thank you!" she called back to him. House tea was always a good test of their tried and true blends. It also defined the character of the place. Would it be standard fare, like a hearty green tea or breakfast blend? Or would it be something more exotic and spicy? Maybe a mellow herbal mix with notes of flowers or berries? Snow prepared herself for a relaxing hot cup of whatever-it-was.

"It looked so quiet on the outside, how quick it picked up!" She commented, eyes forward but with no particular recipient in mind. She politely folded her hands in front of her atop the counter as she patiently waited. Then, tilted her head and turned to Xin. Her peripherals caught the louder gentleman just beyond her.

"So what has the two of you out and about today?" She asked the other two patrons.

"No- no more..." Snow whined. The butt of her spear dug into the soft sand as the blonde stopped beside the tip of a stone not yet buried by feet of sand. She trudged to the boulder and took a seat only to immediately bounce right back up. Her hand shot to her rear and rubbed at the small patch of red damage from the sun's constant heating of the stone surface.

"Oh for the love of--" Snow opened her inventory menu and summoned a water flask from her beginner's inventory. She popped the cork and poured a small stream on her potential resting spot. Like water on a hot pan, it hissed and steamed. How hot was it here?! She kept going until the water finally saturated into the surface and let it evaporate dry. Finally, she took her seat. Still warm, it was tolerable for her to finally rest. 

With the back of his hand, the rugged looking smith removed the sweat from his brow and turned to the newcomer.

"Hey there, miss, something I can help you find?" he asked.

The woman looked to her partner and then also turned to Snow. The two smiled and seemed very welcoming.

"O-oh, sorry to interrupt." Snow offered a slight bend of sincerity. "I heard I could ask you for some help crafting equipment?"

The smith set down his hammer on a nearby table and worked his dirty hands onto a cloth handing from his apron pocket. Likewise, the woman set down her tanning spade in a wooden pail beside the rack. They stepped out together and he put his arm around the woman.

"I believe we can help you with that. The name is Griswold, and this is my wife, Hanna." He greeted with a smile to his wife.

"Nice to meet you." Hanna extended her slender hand.

"Likewise, I'm Snow." The young blonde shook Hanna's hand. They were surprisingly smooth and dainty for a blacksmith's wife.

"Ahh..." 

Snow let down her blonde locks as she slouched in her seat. She held it slightly off the back of her neck so she could cool off after a lengthy cooking session. Steam from the rice pots filled both the kitchen and adjacent dining hall of the estate. An array of rolls, grilled meats, steamed veggies, and baked treats lay spread across a long table easily made to seat upwards of eight or more. Snow only recently became a member of the guild, but she felt as though it became her second home. The change from quiet cottage to guild hall provided a refreshing alternative to the silence of single life. 

She opened her cerulean eyes to the wooden banisters of the high ceiling. She had to hand it to Baldur, Breiðablik was a beautiful place and to share it with the guild was a blessing. Snow sat up and reached for the hot cup of green tea she poured herself before collapsing in her chair. Her pursed lips blew the wafts of steam away in an attempt not to scald herself on the first sip.

Perfect... Nothing like some tea after some hard work. The others should be coming around any minute...

She set the ornate and delicate ceramic back on its matching saucer. The sleeves of her kimono slipped over the edge of her hands as she pulled back, and she adjusted them again for the umpteenth time. One adjustment lead to many. Since the first time wearing it during the spring festival, she either lost weight or the kimono somehow became more loose. She tightened her sash and retrieved the ribbon from the table to retie her hair. A little delicate finger work and she gathered her long locks into the same loose bun.

I'll have to look for a tailor to trim this up next time I'm in town.

Snow's Attire:

Snow's train of thought drifted from Galilea to the object in her hand. She raised a brow and turned her attention to the large statue that barred entry to the church.

Can you enter the church? The handbook said it couldn't be entered... I wonder what's inside?

"Yeah, I spoke to a nice gentleman that helped me out with some of the basics. I didn't even know you could heal in this game. Silly, huh?" Snow let slip a nervous laugh. She also pointed to the area around her shoulders.

"And look!" Her finger moved from shoulder to shoulder. She wasn't exactly sure which side her health bar appeared to others. She just wanted to show off the matching guild icon. "I also made up my mind on a guild!"

"As for a familiar... I'm not sure yet. I don't know much about them other than I'd really just like something to keep my company in my home. Maybe something small?"

@Galilea

For a new shop, this place saw more traffic in these few moments than hers had since she opened it. A brief moment of self pity donned over the girl before she returned to the humbling reality. Her blue eyes traced to the woman that offered to help and Snow politely bowed her head.

"No thank you. It's big but not very heavy." The blonde did as instructed and set her gift on the counter. The content of several maki rolls, nigiri, katsu, and little baked goods would keep for at least the afternoon -- a sample of what she offered at her bar. Hopefully they would be worthy enough to get some word of mouth at the cafe. 

The owner went from half-dead to frazzled barista on the turn of a col. His unkempt hair and lackluster replies betrayed his sudden work ethic. Snow smiled.

I'm sure he'd still rather be sleeping, she thought.

"Well, don't let it keep too long. It's some samples from my restaurant on the fourth floor. A little welcome present for a fellow shop owner." She tried to speak over the sudden company and clink of ceramics as he worked. She took in the interior of the cafe piece by piece. Humble, minimal, and compact. Her soft gaze fell on the third of the tenants to enter and she took two takes. He seemed out of place.

The fair blonde turned to the only other female present now that her hands were free. 

"I'm well. Thanks for offering to help. Would it be rude of me to join you? Tea always tastes better with company, I find."

She lacked the words to respond at first. The young player surprised her again; this time with an amazing display of maturity. 

"Wow, that's such a mature thing to say." She searched for her words in the awe of Assassin's wisdom.

"Well not worry. I used to..." Snow trailed off. She remembered Shield's warning about her openness with the real world. Her eyes cast to the floor, then back to Assassin.

"Let's just say I'm pretty comfortable with sleeping on a table from time to time. Isn't the first time and it won't be the last." Snow smiled and laughed. Her spells of laziness and loafing around her house were something of a character virtue. Or flaw.

"And let's not worry about what things we have or haven't done since we came here. No one is perfect. We've all made tough decisions." The smile on her face wilted ever so slightly. The memories buried in her mind clawed at the surface and she struggled to keep them under.

"Well, listen. You are not a baby and you are strong. I've seen it myself. You just have to earn a few levels to match what you are capable of. If anything, that's what's really holding you back." Snow nodded and pulled down her menu. She swapped out her comfortable clothes with the Valkyrie Plate mail, helmet, greaves and lastly, her spear. She planted the butt of Sif's Needle into the floorboards and hoisted herself out of the chair. 

"Anyway, why don't we check out the town square and see if anyone needs help?"

@Assassin

The young blonde hummed to herself as she made her way along the cobblestone streets of the first floor. In her arms, she hugged a wrapped package about the size of her chest. She heard of a new cafe that just opened outside the first floor. Rumor had it, their tea selection was unique, and the shop has a humble eastern aesthetic. 

Being new to owning a restaurant, she understood the pressure. She also wanted to support new shops and get her own word out there. When she arrived, the Slow Days Cafe matched every little detail she heard. Simple and easily ready to be the next hidden gem.

The struggled with her payload as she slid open the door. The waft of pleasant incense hit her immediately. Soothing piano filled the room and the low tables surrounded with pillows and stools exuded comfort. So comfortable, in fact, that the only tenant seemed passed out on the counter.

”Excuse me?” Snow began. Her soft accent danced on each syllable. “Are you the owner?”

She shifted the package in her hands a little.

”I brought a little gift for them if they’re around...”

Snow watched from a distance. She struggled to make out too much detail but by noticing the orange of the player’s hair, she could only assume it was Mari. After they tended to a little stone idol, Snow noticed the soft glow from its center. Her brows scrunched as the familiarity searched her memory. After a short while, the image of the old shrines of Kyoto came to mind. Scattered about many of them were small stone structures which usually housed small bowls of oil or candles. She remembered learning that some were simply for decoration and lighting. Others, on the other hand, served more spiritual and religious purposes. In older traditions, loved ones would light the center or burn incense to respect and commune with ancestors or loved ones.

While Snow’s memory wrapped around the potential importance of the object, music started to play. The slow notes and rhythmic pauses strung together into a beautiful but sad melody. Snow frowned. She was now more certain it was Mari and felt ashamed for avoiding her all this time. 

Yet, now did not seem to be the best time to mend charred bridges. As the song carried on, the notes filled Snow with serenity. The timid blonde looked to her footprints in the and made her way back the way she came. The music grew more faint, and the pain in Snow’s chest grew.

@Mari