Esther

"You want to hide...the side that hides you...huh?" Esther asked, as though she was trying to make sense of it. "hah... you're an odd one Rin." Esther said with a laugh, "I like that about you. So don't go changing on me, yeh?" She turned her attention toward Rin. "So just keep doing what-wait what's wrong?" It seemed that again, Rin was shaking. It worried Esther, the girl seemed so easily rattled - and she was going to go head to head with Mari. Esther wished that she messaged Mari before, and asked her to be a little more civil than usual. Just for Rin's sake. Still. If push came to shove, Esther would protect Rin. Regardless of who it was from.

"Here..." Esther reached out,gently wiping the tears away from Rin's eyes with her thumb. "Ignore people like that. They only do it to get a reaction. If you don't give them one, they'll grow bored and quickly leave." Esther tugged lightly on Rin's hand, leading her out of the city, and out of the safe zone. "Mari told us to meet her on that boulder over there." Esther said, pointing toward an empty boulder surrounded by a few stray daffodils. 

"Guess we beat her here, huh?"
 

Esther awoke from her slumber. Still on the second floor, still curled up behind the wooden crate. She groaned. Her joints cracked, her back ached, and her head felt like it had been beaten with a sledgehammer - which wasn't too far from the truth. She had been kicked multiple times in the back of the skull by Lycan's boot. Esther still felt horrible. Utterly abhorrent. Still crushed, her mind in a downward self hating spiral. She blamed herself for the ordeal. How could she not? Lycan had literally beaten it into her - Esther lifted her hand up to her face and winced. It was tender, bruised. The pain limiters masked most the pain, but still - she couldn't deny the faint twinge she felt when she touched her bruised face.

Esther carefully pushed herself up. The sun was shining, what time is it? She thought shielding her eyes with her arm as she looked up at the sky. By the suns position, Esther could guess that it was either late morning, or early afternoon - but the two were all too similar. "Darnit..." Esther muttered, noticing the bruise around her wrist. 

Esther frowned. She decided to make her way back down to the first floor; there she should be able to find a place to clean herself up, not that she felt she deserved it. Esther trudged along the 2nd floor, to the teleportation pad, and disappeared. Being whisked off to the 1st floor.

Now on the first floor, Esther continued to very slowly walk forward. She stopped. Feeling sick. "Ugh...." Esther made her way hastily to the nearest, shadowed Alley and allowed herself to slump down against the wall there. "What's the point..." she muttered. Staring at her dirtied hands. Her hair was also a mess,  tangled and unkempt. Tired eyes stared down at the ground. Esther felt utterly broken and defeated.

Esther nodded as Rin explained that she became easily flustered. "You shouldn't feel bad, you needed someone to talk to." Esther offered Rin a reassuring smile, "I'm glad I could be that person Rin. It means a lot. You're a good friend." Esther meant what she said, sure she had only known Rin for two days...ok... a day and a half, but Esther felt a fast and strong connection to the other girl.One she was glad to experience. She just wished that Rin felt more confident. It certainly had nothing to do with her looks, she was stunning - Esther wondered what other incidents Rin had gotten herself into. "Mmmm..."

The two were walking through the town, hand in hand - Rin's head nestled delicately on Esther's shoulder. The scene, of course, garnered some attention from onlookers - one rowdy player calling out. "Hey, nice one - do you come as a pair?"

Esther glared in the players direction, he averted his gaze and wandered off, muttering obscenities under his breath. 

Esther returned Rin's squeeze with one of her own, reassuring the other lady. "Hey, if you're nervous..." Esther said in a contemplative tone. "Why not just wear an outfit, or a hood, or something to help you deal with those things?" Esther unknowingly suggested the very thing Rin already did. 

"R-Right, but only if you promise to help me if he decides to try and ah..." she glanced away - "You know....again." She didn't want to say it, she didn't want to say that Lycan attempted to kill her - it hurt her too much, it rested in the pit of her stomach and made her feel sick. Arc suddenly added that the two should finish up colleting materials first.

"Oh...!" Esther turned back toward him, clearly his talk had helped her. "Right, here..." She gestured for him to follow, and lead him to the outskirts of a forest.

ID: 68354  LD: 14 + 4

With a great deal of effort, Esther had managed to pull off a strip of leathery bark. "Ugh..." She wiped her brow, handing it to him. "I should really get Domarus to make me some crafting tools...then material gathering would be easier." She said, dusting off her hands, glancing to the next strip of bark. "How many materials did you want to go for? We should only need a few - just to ensure that when you craft something, even if you fail, you have the ability to try again."  She turned to Arc - and offered him a slight smile. Thankful that she had the distraction of gathering today. Even more so that she was able to vent a little, and work on a plan to help Lycan.

"Well...." Addel began, with a smirk. "Look at you being an affectionate kitten. He reached out to brush his fingers against Esther's cheek but she recoiled. "Oh. Shame." Addel pulled Esther forward, his grip tightening around her wrist. "Just as I thought you were warming up to me, you go and be a skittish kitten." He deftly pulled out a vial, "It's a good thing we have ways of dealing with skittish kittens, no?" Esther recognised it - it was a paralysis potion. She stopped moving and lowered her head. 

"S-Sorry."

"Mmm? What was that? Are you apologising? who are you apologising too, pet?"

Esther bit her tongue, furious at Addel. Still, she had to do what he said, else he'd paralyse her and tie her up again - then she'd be back to square one  with the punishments, if she played nice with him - then she wouldn't be hurt as bad later.  "S-Sorry....Master." The way she had said it, it was dripping with annoyance, with frustration, but even so - Addel was satisfied with her answer. 

"A pet who listens is rewarded." Addel mused, letting go of her wrist and choosing to pat her on the head instead.  "I have to admit. You look quite ravishing." He murmured. His eyes dancing over her form. The silken material left very little to the imagination. "Here I thought we weren't going to dress you till you were ready to parade around."

Esther grimaced, remembering Lycan's hurtful words, she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself - covering herself up.

When Esther woke, she found herself in different attire - she wore a long, revealing silken gown adorned with gold embellishments. Addel, much to her surprise - had fallen asleep next to her - his hand draped loosely around her waist. Even evil must rest sometime Esther thought to herself. She blinked. This was her chance, another message.

To: Domarus
Subject:
i H opE to see you soon, but i;l L be busy for a long while. P lease take care.

Esther sent it. Then turned to her captor. Staring down at Addel, his eyes closed, his chest slowly heaving up and down. He looked almost innocent. Esther furrowed her brow, she felt wrong for gaining such feeling of comfort from him, but a part of her also knew that it was the potions that she had been forced. Still...The lilac haired girl reached out to brush his golden locks out of his face. Just as she had done so, a hand reached out and grabbed her wrist. His blue eyes stared up at her in shock. As though he didn't intend to fall asleep. 

 

After another gruelling session with Dekkar - Esther was left alone. 10 minutes...she had 10 minutes before her next session. Esther forced her eyes shut. She knew she couldn't hold out forever, even now - she didn't entirely feel like herself. She struggled, tugging on the chains till her arms were loose enough to open up her HUD in front of her. She didn't have much time, it was difficult to think straight. She had to do something...message someone, anyone.


To: Arc
Subject:
imha ppy ive found my friends from the real world, my boyfriend too. please look after Lye.
Don't com efind me. I'll visit soon.

With that, she sent the message. As soon as the closed her HUD, the steel door to her dark room opened, and in stepped Addel. "Hello, pet." Esther's eyes twitched, and her chest tightened. His steps toward her were painfully slow, his leather shoes echoing. "Let me help you with that." His words were gentle, as he got rid of her chains, allowing her form to weakly fall into him. "Isn't that better pet?' Addel shifted, so he was sitting comfortably on the floor, Esther still in his lap. "I'm glad, we've gotten to the point where you don't run, I'd hate to paralyse you." His words were masked as a compliment, but in actuality, they were driving home the point that he was winning - that Esther didn't have the energy to try and run when she was released. His hands gently glided through Esther's hair. "Do you like that?"  Esther didn't respond, her eyes were heavy. The only time she was allowed sleep was when Addel was around. She could feel her eyelids fluttering, heavy with fatigue.

"It's ok pet. You rest." 

Esther wanted to kick, to scream, to bite that smirk off his face and spit it back out at him, but she was so tired....so tired, and cold - her body ached from pain, and Addel's presence still bought her comfort. The potion he had fed her back on the 4th floor either didn't expire, or was still in effect. Esther groaned, feeling sleep quickly overtaking her. why? why is he so comfortable?

"So do something about it"

Arcs words were spoken with such simplicity. Esther was afraid, she was afraid of seeing those hate filled eyes again, she was afraid of Lycan striking her down. Esther was afraid that the children would miss her if she were to die - and that she wouldn't be able to see her father or mother any more. Then, as if knowing exactly what was running through her mind - Arc told her that if she was afraid, he'd ensure that she wouldn't falter or run away. He'd be there to help guide her. Esther slowly sat herself up, straightening her back. She carefully let go of her waist, and wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. Arc was right. There was something odd about it, and Esther was just going to give up and let Lycan go on his merry way.

His next words through her completely off kelter. Love? That's what this feeling was? No...that didn't make sense, she didn't love Lycan. She barely knew him. Was it in the platonic sense? As one would love a friend? That seemed more viable. Arc explained her pain in words that she never could. His words were cold, an admission to pains in his past that made Esther curious - but she wouldn't question them, not now. That wasn't important now. 

Esther slowly stood on shaky legs. " I just...want to be his friend again..." Esther admitted, turning to face Arc. "I want to see him smile, too."

2 days later
Floor 2: Black Adder Guild Hall


It had been two days since Esther had unwittingly followed Addel and Dekkar down to the second floor. Time was of little relevance to Esther. She was in a dark room, arms chained above her, her head groggy from the constant influx of potions. She couldn't remember how she had gotten here, she struggled to remember a lot of things. When was the last time she was allowed to have sleep? Esther groaned.

"Ah, conscious again?" Dekkar approached her, lifting her face up to meet his. "Quite the fighter aren't you? Most people would have cracked by now, you have spunk kid. Still...You're showing signs of wear and tear, another week of this, and we won't even need potions with you." He popped the lid off a vial of green liquid. Esther recoiled. "Nasty one ain't it? removing pain limiters. Who was it that designed his again? Oh that's right...Mari." Dekkar grinned, pouring the potion down Esther's throat, clamping her mouth shut till every last drop was swallowed. "There. that wasn't too bad now was it, now - who are you?"

Esther didn't answer.

THWAK

"Who are you?"

"E-Esther."

THWAK Dekkar bought the back of hand across her face again, ignoring the cry of pain that the chained girl emitted. They had been doing this for the last two days, non stop. Using the carrot and stick device. Dekkar being the stick, and Addel, being the carrot. Despair, Pain, Hope, soothing comfort. Carefully administering the two to Esther in controlled bursts. Dekkar had to hand it to Addel. He was going all out with this girl.

Her existence was being strictly watched, her waking hours - her sleeping hours, every moment Esther was going through psychological harassment. Putting her into a state of complete and utter Obedience. 

"You're Addel's pet." Dekkar stated, holding Esthers head toward him. "Addel owns you. He owns your mind, he owns your body, he owns your friends and your materials. Esther, no loner exists. It's just a mere title. Nothing more."

Her wrist was caught before she could lay a hand on him, before the air from her gesture could even  breeze his way. Esther's eyes widened - had she...was she just about to hit Arc? Her eyes flashed him an apologetic look, she opened her mouth to say something, to backtrack on her actions, they were wrong - but she didn't get the chance to. Esther winced as his grip tightened. Arc hissed words at her, reflecting his harsh reality - Esther could relate to one of his statements. Every attempt of getting along with someone...dying in flames. She stared at him with sad, empathetic green eyes - almost visualising the flames surrounding his form.

The mercenary loosened his grip and forcably tossed Esther to the side. She landed in the pile of cotton. Diminishing any chance they had at collecting more materials from the small patch. "That's...not..." Esther shook her head. "I don't want you to hurt Lycan. This is...this is all my fault." Arc used her real name, and part of her knew that meant he was deadly serious - as he was someone so insistent on using their in game titles. Arc stated how he wasn't going to vent his anger on anyone unless they deserved it. Then what was this? What was Esther experiencing now?

Arc continued to berate her with his words. If it were any other scenario, his words would have reached her.Sadly, this was not that moment, Esther wasn't the type to respond well to 'tough love' or harsh words. She tried facing the issue, she had tried - dragging herself up the stairs - beaten and bruised just to understand why Lycan had did what he did. She got her answer, she was by no means satisfied by it, but she didn't know what else to do. "My answer..." Again...Lycan's hate filled eyes, how he clutched at her chest, tip of his blade ready to impale her, Esther gasped, her heart still hurt. "H-heart...attack?" She quietly questioned herself. The feeling subsided and she was able to breath again.

"I'm not strong." Esther admitted. "I try but I just...." She looked up at him. Her tears flowing freely now. "I miss him Tobias..." She whispered. The tight feeling in her chest appearing again. She wrapped her arms around herself. "I miss him." 

ID:68350  LD: 8 + 4 =12 FAIL

Arc told a joke about how if he didn't reset them, he'd just be true to his character - and finally - Esther managed to smile for real. "Hah...I don't know about that, you have your moments." She said softly. Sifting through the small pile of cotton plants. He then started to question her words. How she had no right to tell him not to give up. At first, Esther was confused - she looked up form her work, giving him a bewildered expression. "What do you....?" She trailed off as Arc continued, saying how she couldn't be taken seriously because she had one brush with death.

It's not that simple She thought to herself. Arc spoke about a brush with death like it was nothing...like death in itself wasn't exactly anything to worry about. Esther turned to grab another material, and despite being initially successful, she ended up crushing it in her hand. "What would you know?" She muttered. "All you do is drink." Her comment was harsh, but she felt that same strange tug at her heart as she recalled the events with Lycan. Seeing his amber eyes, filled with such malice - feeling the spittle from his venomous words upon her face, how he had rammed his boot into the side of her head. It hurt her chest. Esther reached for her heart. Clutching it. Was this another heart attack? Was that possible? Was her body convulsing in the real world and this just the after effects?

Arc spat at the ground and Esther shifted. standing. Her eyes avoiding his. The hell did he know?  "Play victim?" Lycan had said those same words. "Is that what I am doing?" Esther asked, voice trembling, wavering between heartache and anger. "I get beaten down, trodden on - and almost killed by someone I care greatly for - and not even a day later, I'm struggling with dealing with the entire ordeal - and you think I'm playing the victim?" Esther shook her head, She should have known that this wouldn't work. That Arc didn't like her. "The HELL do you know!" She said again, bringing her hand down to slap him across the face.

"Eh?" Esther blinked when Rin bought up her sigh. Esther didn't realise she had done so. She stood there, a confused look on her face as she replayed the last few minutes in her head. "Oh...OH!" A look of realisation fell across Esther's soft features, "Oh Rin." Esther said with a soft laugh. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't laugh...it's just..." She shook her head, pointing to Rin's fringe. "I was just thinking that it's such a shame to see you wilfully cover such beautiful eyes. I wasn't going to say anything though - because it seems like compliments get you a little flustered." Esther laughed again, "I guess the cats out the bag for that part though, huh?" 

Esther left the door and turned back to Rin. "I'm an honest girl Rin, many would say I am too honest. I assure you." Esther reached out, and brushed the rest of the brown locks out of the girls face. "If I had any issue with you, you'd know. I'm a nice person, but I also don't tolerate being around people I don't like. And you, Rin? I think you're a delight, and - with some shoving and probing, I am sure that Mari will find you one too. So - shall we?" Esther asked, holding her hand out to Rin.

ID:68347  LD:19+4= 23

"You did good." Esther commented, trying to reconcile Arc. "At least it didn't explode in your face, when I was teaching Domarus the same thing - he had that happen." Esther softly smiled at the memory. At least Domarus was someone that thus far, hadn't brushed her off. Esther inched closer to Arc. "Here...once you've tried harvesting the material, even if you are unsuccessful - you should always click this option here."  She pointed to a menu option that said 'reset yield.   "This will reset the harvest for the next person. Makes you less of a jerk."

Esther turned to Arc as he stood, stating that neither of them had much luck. "It takes time. You can't just give up after one failed attempt. Here..."  Esther tried again, and effortlessly plucked the cotton from its stalk, handing it to Arc. "Just keep trying."

Esther flinched at his jokes. Arc had no way of knowing the entirety of what Lycan spat at her, at how he had insisted that Esther was using her charms, her looks to gain what she wanted. Her eyes fell back down to the small patch of cotton, her voice small. "Lycan helped."  She forced a laugh, it sounded insincere, "He said I tricked him into doing it for free - I guess...you could say I inadvertently bribed my way into the profession. I don't remember it...some guy named Addel gave me this potion - and Lycan said it made me strip down." She shook her head, continuing with the forced fake laughter. It was almost painful to watch, Esther was right. She couldn't act. She was terrible at it. "Maybe I accidentally flashed him and he let me off - won't be making that mistake again." Esther firmly shook her head. "Not ever."  
 

Jonathan seemed to really struggle fighting the two bats. Esther bit her lip. Maybe it would've been better to pay Arc to help...maybe she could still message him to come help the two, but that wouldn't be fair to Jonathan, would it? The blonde haired teen was trying so very hard - with every swing of his weapon, beads of sweat would fly off his face. "He's trying so hard..." Esther mused, and here she was, making herself comfortable in the cave. She guessed that after today, Jonathan wouldn't exactly want too much to do with her, their interactions had been minimal at best. With him so focused on fighting. Even before the fight, Jonathan didn't seem like he wanted to talk much.

She guessed he really was just using her to help finish the quest as well. Without her, there was a high chance that the kid would have run off - leaving him to go hunting for the NPC again,and chancing running into more bats, this way - this way she was able to keep tabs on the young boy, and ensure that he wouldn't escape.

ID: 68344  LD: 5 + 5 = 9 Fail Esther breathed a sigh of relief when Arc said he wasn't planning on hurting Lycan. Esther was convinced Lycan hated her, even with Arcs reasoning. She had been given her answers. The topic made her heart sink. They were nearing the town exit now, and Esther quickened her pace, hoping that the prospect of material hunting would distract Arc from what he had just told her. "It's over." She said with a sense of finality. "I'm not going to push this matter. It nearly got me killed. Lycan hates me. That's all there is too it." She lifted her shoulders in a shrug, veering left as they exited the town. "Not everyone has to like me. I respect that, perhaps moreso now, than before. Here."

She stopped in front of a patch of cotton, Esther knelt down - thankful she had something to distract herself. It was a little strange, seeing their roles reversed like this. Arc, being more open to talking, and she - being quiet and reserved. "This can be finicky..." Esther said, still a little distracted, she tried to pick one up, and the wind quickly blew it away. "I guess, point proven, eh?" She looked up at Arc with a half smile. 

Esther turned away from Arc when he chastised her, "Right." She only did it in the first place because Lycan asked, in hindsight. She probably never should have. She knew that, she had been doing so well. "Hey. Arc." She lifted her head slightly, back still turned to him. Her query sounded more calm than she was before. "Please, don't hurt him. I know...he hates me, but I think he could use a friend." She turned to glance over her shoulder at him. "He mentioned you. I know you don't do 'friends' so maybe just acquaintences, or someone to fight with. Just- don't hurt him." It would normally be odd, to have someone ask someone else not to hurt their attacker, but Esther - despite the turmoil Lycan put her through. Didn't want to see anything ill befall him.  She wondered if Arc would call her mad, or crazy. Not that it mattered what he thought of her.

"Let's go."

She didn't give him the option to wait, she needed to move forward, she couldn't keep dwelling on this. Yes, her hands were shaking, and her breathing staggered - yes she'd struggle initially to find the materials they needed, but it was better than standing here, stagnant. 

Complete

All particpants
+1 SP + 200 Col

He seemed sceptical, even surprised at her sudden outburst. Claiming that he wouldn't kill her. He asked her what the hell was going on, if someone tried. Esther felt embarrassed, she didn't mean to break down like that. Especially in front of Arc of all people - if you were to look in the dictionary under 'stiotic ass' his face would be under it. Even so - Arc...someone Esther had assumed as incapable of any sort of affection, had pressed her tight to his chest. She could hear his slow, steady heartbeat. Esther tried to focus on that to help ground herself. "N-not exactly try...it really...was all my fault."  Esther shifted, pressing her forehead  against his chest as she explained the recent events. How Lycan snapped and thought she was Pker bait, how he crushed the last item she had to remind her of Evelyn, of how he asked for a kiss, and she accepted - only to have it blow up in her face. Esther's grip on his arms tightened, and her voice quietened, as she further explained how Lycan had booted her in the face, and insisted on a total loss duel, how he had struck her. All the while, she was insisting that it was her fault, and that Lycan - despite everything. Wasn't a bad person, and that it was her fault for not reading situations better.

After finally, getting it all off her chest- Esther stepped away, steadying herself with a few shaky breaths. She glanced away, "So you see- I must be pretty unforgivable. Hah." Esther shook her head, "I'm sorry, that was too much wasn't it. You got a profession you need....right?" She offered him a weak smile to reassure him that she was ok. Even though she was far, far from ok.

That was it...wasn't it?

Esther had done this to herself.

She was too busy, too wrapped up in her own happiness, in her own carefree attitude that she didn't see how it was adversely affecting those around her. She didn't see how much she had hurt Lycan. She wasn't sure if he was always that cruel and hateful, or if her actions made him snap. It certainly sounded like it was all her fault. Was this because she was too trusting? Was it because she was too intimate with him? It was only a kiss...but it seemed that's what spiralled everything out of control.

No...

even before that...he had crushed Evelyn's cup, he had towered over her, accusing her,calling her a liar. "I'm so sorry..." Esther whispered into herself.

A  muffled scream echoed in the distance, but it did little to shift Esther from her small, curled up ball of fear and self depreciation.

Irrepearable damage had been done that night, and the girl who was the self proclaimed beacon of light to those who needed it most, had her own so unceremoniously snuffed out. 

Arc, for once, sounded almost worried about her. Esther glanced up at him, and attempted to offer him a reassuring smile. "I don't? Eheh..." She knew he was partly right. She wasn't exactly in the best mind frame, but it was the middle of the day - mob spawns were rare, and on a floor this low - most that did spawn were quickly wiped out by lower levelled people attempting to train their way to the frontlines. "Give me a moment, then we'll be ready to go. If you feel I'm still unable to perform, then I'll relinquish the data I have free of charge for a friend of course." She was slowly trying to sound more chipper, calling him a friend again, something she knew bothered him, but it was also a very Esther like thing to do, she placed emphasis on doing him this favor for free. "You know-" 

As Arc grabbed her by her shoulders Esther's eyes grew wide, her voice caught in her throat - and a flashback to Lycan's own amber eyes flashed before her. The feeling of steel against her throat, the threats of death, his boot pummelling her head into the ground. Esther's body visibly shook and she lost balance in her legs, she threw her arms out defensively in front of her. "D-don't kill me please!" Her head lowered and if it weren't for Arc holding onto her shoulders - she would have completely collapsed onto her knees. "I'm sorry..." 

Esther felt a pang of guilt when Arc, taking a swig from his trademark flask, pointed out that she didn't want to be here. In a sense, he wasn't wrong. Esther was tired, she didn't really want to be around Arc right now, a part of her was afraid. She was afraid of Arc, and his demeanour. She was worried that he could snap, just as easily as Lycan had. Still, it was no reason to treat him the way she just had. Esther sighed. "No. It's not exactly that. Honestly. It may do me some good to do some work. I just..." It felt like it all happened just hours ago. Esther turned to look at Arc. 

He looked uninterested, his attention no doubt more focused on getting smashed than on his present company. He wouldn't care to hear what she had gone through. He wouldn't care about whatever troubles she had. He told her just that once before. "You're right, I don't want to hear it." Her eyes wavered, and it looked as though she was about to cry. Esther bit her lower lip. Shutting her eyes. "You don't want to hear it." She said, defeated. 

Turning her attention back to the map, Esther began talking, "If we weave to the left, toward the forest - there is a patch of cotton we can harvest. If you want - we can go ahead and split, there are no doubt boars nearby..." she started talking about boars, and what materials they dropped, the liklihood of them dropping any, and then her own skill in gathering. It was clear Esther had thrown herself into the gathering skill, beginning to learn the ins and outs of it all. She continued to talk, and her voice was laced with the burden of the events with Lycan, every so often her voice would break, or waver - but she continued. "If I focus on non combat, and you engage in combat, we may better our chances by around 35%" 

Esther watched as Arc stammered. She was mildly suspicious of his behaviour. This wasn't the way Arc normally acted, and with her recent ordeal with Lycan, Esther struggled to converse normally with others. Esther shifted her weight to the side, grabbing one arm with the other, patiently waiting as Arc stammered through an introduction. "Unsure?" She tilted her head to the side, shutting her eyes in thought. "Hmm. Mari said Thom was a Tailor. Why not take that on?" Normally, Esther would have been much more delicate about the subject around the man, but she saw little point in continually tip-toeing around someone who didn't like her in the first place. For all she knew, he'd draw his blade on her too. "'Sides...I don't really see you in a kitchen, baking." She mused. It was her attempt at a joke, but it lacked the lighthearted tone she normally held, it lacked the earnest laughter as she found the simplest amusement in her own tomfoolery. 

Arc glanced away, he insisted that he could have done this on his own, or asked someone else. Esther frowned, "Then why didn't you?" She mumbled quietly. If she had waited, she would have gotten her answer - Arc cleared his throat and Esther watched him. Emerald eyes questioning his actions. Was this...an apology? It was something the woman wasn't expecting. Esther wanted to reach out, to hug him and tell him it was all ok, that he was being silly - that he shouldn't have to apologise for going through the grieving process. Her hand twitched, as she fought a battle within herself, because she couldn't do those things. Those things weren't right. Those things about herself...are what caused Lycan to snap. To try and kill her.

"It's fine." Esther said flatly. "I was selfish. I was only thinking about myself. You don't need to apologise for going through a natural grieving process." She turned her back on him, opening up her HUD - flicking through the screens till she found a map, she started trying to figure out the best location for material harvesting. If he did go for a tailor - mob hunting would have been best, but she wasn't exactly suited for battle. Cotton? That'd work. 

"We don't have to talk about anything Arc. Really. It's ok." She turned her attention back to him, waving him over to look at her screen. "Here. These are the best locations for non combat materials."

The night was silent, dark and cold. There wasn't any sounds, aside from a sob that emitted from the cresftallen girl every so often. It was so late, that even the roughians and hoodlums had turned in for the night. Leaving Esther utterly alone. "Stupid....stupid....stupid..." She hit her head against the wall with every time she said it. She was stupid for trusting Lycan. Stupid for letting him get close. Stupid for thinking he wouldn't go and kill her. He was such a strong combatant...Esther held him in such high regard...and where did that leave her?

If Lycan were to go and do this....who is to say that others wouldn't follow suit? What if Mari was lying about everything? What if Domarus was manipulating her too?

There were so many scenarios running through Esther's head, she was exhausted. Once she felt she couldn't hit her head against the wall any more she slumped forward. Eyes heavy. The ordeal of today had completely drained her. She knew it was bad to start falling asleep out in the open, but what did it matter? What did it matter if a stranger was going to kill her?

"Erugh.." ESther was forced forward. Lycan grabbing the thin clothing she wore, curling it into his fist he lifted her up and over his head. Esther gripped his hand tightly, trying to pull it away from her chest. He was actually going to kill her...he wasn't joking...he wasn't holding back...she was going to die, she was going to die on the stairs and she wasn't able to say goodbye to anyone...she won't be able to see her friends, or her mother or father ever again... 

Esther cursed herself for being so stupid. For thinking, for hoping that Lycan - the Lycan she knew was in the raging ball of anger, but he wasn't. This was Lycan. So who...who was the person she knew before? Who was the silver haired youth who laughed at her jokes and helped her gather materials? Where did the teen with flushed cheeks go, the one who would scratch the back of his head and offer her an apology accompanied by a pat on the head? 

Esther forced her eyes shut, not wanting to look at the malevolence in his gaze. "Where's my Lycan...." She asked, voice cracking. Whatever Lycan had planned, whatever he wanted to do, he had won. Esther wasn't going to try any more. Her grip loosened on his, as she heard his threat to end her life. His very real, very promising threat. "Okay..." She finally fully released her grip, and her arms dangled at her sides. "For what its worth...I'm sorry."

She could feel the pointed tip of a blade at her neck, then suddenly, she fell. Collapsed on the steps. The woman groaned. As she opened her eyes she saw 'battle forfeit' across her screen. Confused Esther glanced up to see a man standing between her and Lycan. He muttered some words to Lycan before turning to her.

Esther reached out and clasped the redheaded mans hand. "T-Thanks..." She looked up past him at Lycan, and flinched at the look he was giving her. "He really hates me huh..."

"That's his loss." The red haired attended said, using this thumb to wipe away the tears that continued to stream down her face. "I'll hold him off for now. You need to leave. I'll find you in a moment. I apologize for not stepping in sooner." 

Esther listened to his words, but her eyes, wide in fear were locked with Lycan's. "R-Right..." she finally tore her eyes away from him. Sniffling she tried to tidy herself up as she pushed past the onlookers at the tavern. She burst through the doors to the world outside, and was immedietly hit with a cold chill. Esther shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. Glancing to the left and right. It was dark...dark....Esther didn't do well at night, alone...she hiccuped and wandered just two streets down before kneeling behind a wooden crate in an Alley just off of the road. She burried her head in her knees. Reaching up to clasp lilac hair into shaking fists. "H-he hates me..." She whispered.

That was two people now...Arc....and Lycan...two people she thought she was on friendly terms with, but had only hurt her in the end. Why do I keep doing this to myself Esther shivered, curling herself up into a tighter ball. Wishing for the world to just disappear. The pain in her chest was unbearable, Lycan's strike caused no physical pain. At least, she didn't think so - she couldn't be sure. It certainly felt like she had been stabbed in the chest.

Esther wept.

ID68330: LD:14 + 4 = 18 SUCCESS!

Esther picked up some of the fallen feed, and held her hand out to one of the curious Ermines. It sniffed at her hand - inching ever closer. slowly....slowly...slowly...till finally, it nibbled at her hand - and she was successful. Esther vagually remembered wanting to have on with a skill, but why was that again? She shook her head, it was difficult to think, her thoughts kept trailing back to how comforting Addel's presence was. 

A name input screen appeared, and Esther wrote the name 'Fidget' without giving it much thought, it was the first name that came to mind, aside from Addel, and she couldn't exactly name her familiar that now, could she?

 Meanwhile, both Dekkar and Addel watched. Dekkar made a comment about how the potion didn't seem as strong when they first tested it - the unwitting victim couldn't stand to be away from Addel, yet here Esther was - distracted by familiars. Still, her eyes were glazed and it was clear she was under the effect of the potion.

Esther slowly stood, the snowy white Ermine looped around her neck. "I did it...." She said, approaching Addel and slipping her hand into his, instantly - she was filled with an undeniable warmth. One she didn't want to let go. Esther squeezed tighter. Addel cackled in response. Leading Esther away. "Well, I am true to my word, Esther - you're going to be a delight when we're done with you."