Esther

People say that heartbreak is painful, that it shakes someone to the core. Esther had never been truly in love with anyone, nor had she ever really experienced loss. she hadn't had any friends die, or abandon her. Her family was a close, well functioning unit, even with the divorce - it was a civil one. So Esther never quite understood that pain until now. Until she saw the red message flash before her eyes. 

A total loss duel.

The world around her grew silent, and it was as though she could hear her heart shattering. It's piecing falling into the void that had settled itself deep in her stomach, into her core. Esther wasn't sure how to cope with the sudden tight pain in her chest. She keeled over, clutching at her heart. Was she having a heart attack? Was this what pain and despair felt like? Is this how she made Lycan feel? Just as Esther thought her tears had stopped, they started again, as she blinked them away. This is how I made Lycan feel....? 

"I...if that's what will really help you." Esther rose a shivering hand to hit accept. Patrons began to quickly flee the tavern, others were glued tight to where they stood, in utter bewilderment at the girl's stupidity. At how she clearly had a death wish. Esther held her arms out wide, as wide as she could in the middle of the stairs. "I may be naive. I may be stupid. You can call me a liar...you can insult me however you want..." she shook her head, clutching tighter at her chest. "I-if this feeling...if this is how I made you feel...."

'I- I trust you Lye..." Her form shivered, shaking from fear - denouncing the words that she spoke. She was clearly frightened, petrified that she'd die here, and now. Still...she wouldn't have done so, if she didn't have faith. "If you want p-p-proof. I'm standing right here...Do what you want." She tried to offer him a smile, but it was only seconds before it faltered into a quivering lip.

Esther didn't want to die here.

She didn't want to loose another friend.

She didn't want Lycan to be in any more pain.
 

Addel carefuly helped Esther up, his touch bought her such comfort and warmth. Even as she was sitting , she couldn't help but turn her body into his. Resting her head on his shoulder. Parts of her screamed that this was wrong, but she couldn't deny the amazing feeling of peace being in Addel's arms bought. When was the last time she felt this warm? When was the last time Esther felt this at peace? The Lilac haired woman could feel Addel gently running his hand through her hair, and Esther practically melted into him, not wanting the moment to end she reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Addel..."

"Yes Esther?"

"W...when did this happen?"

Addel's actions froze, and Esther gave a murmur of discontent till he started again. Esther kept her eyes closed. Head firmly between the gap of his neck and shoulder. Addel was silent for a moment, before speaking up. "You don't remember? That's alright. You will soon. Here." He shifted,standing. "Let's get going."

Esther nodded, carefully standing with Addel. "R-right...my head hurts..."

She glanced around. The floor was a mess, it looked like there were signs of a struggle. There were Ermines peeking their heads out from the logs, and feed scattered across the floor. "F...feed..." Esther bent down, not hearing Addel's grunt of annoyance, as she picked up some of the familiar feed. "I think....I was trying to tame one of these guys...."

 

Esther felt Lycan kick at her, trying to shoo her off, but she persisted. The pain limiters firmly in place, his violent action nothing more than a light slap on her wrist, or in this instance, kick to the head. "Y-you know Mari and I aren't like that...we're friends L-lye.." Esther coughed, choking on her own heaving body. Why was she trying so hard? It was clear he didn't want anything to do with her. Still....still something didn't seem right. Esther struggled to push herself up again, her eyes meeting with his- emerald shaking,crying irises stared up at hateful filled crimson eyes. Then, her vision blurred. Blocked by a large boot as Lycan bought his shoe over her head.

"o-owww..." Esther groaned. His foot violently pressed her face into the jagged corner of the stairs. He asked if she got the message, "Please...stop this..." She begged, her voice barely audible. STOMP Another hard hit to her face, and the girl groaned. Lycan...this isn't....you right.... Esther could see the boot coming down a third time, and her body curled up into a ball, hands wrapping around her head. This time, there was no boot, no sudden pain. Esther tried to lift her head, but it hurt, thumping with the vertigo of constantly being struck. 

"A promise with a liar..." The words left his lips in a struggle. "Is a lie in itself."

She had only just managed to lift her head to him, but she was forced back, tumbling down the stairs with great force. Esther forced herself to her feet - knees trembling. "N-no..." She gasped, taking the stairs one step at a time. "Y-you -cough- said it yourself...I'm...s-s-stubborn..." she gasped, one eye half closed from the impact of his boot. Her face was bruised. Tears still streamed down her face. Yet...she still hadn't given up. She still hadn't retreated into her own ball away from him. Not this time I promised myself I wouldn't this time

Another step. "L-lycan."

Another step, "I -c-ca-*cough*

Then another step, and another, till she finally fell forward. hands reaching out to grasp the material of his shoulders. "I c-can't believe...this is you...please..."

Please

Esthers thoughts were clouded, she could hear a faint talking, and a scramble. If she were to open her eyes, she'd see Dekkar quickly giving a very reluctant Addel an antidote. Leaving Esther as the only one to be under it's effects. She groaned, feeling the warmth of another person seeping into her trembling form. What was I....doing again? Her eyes fluttered open. Hazed, as though a glassy sheet was pulled over her normally brilliant irises. They looked up at Addel, who was leaning over her, tenderly stroking her cheeks.

"A...Addel?"

The name felt funny as she spoke it, somewhere, in the back of her mind, she felt like it was almost sinful to say his name with such familiarity, such warmth. Still. It sounded so right saying it. Esther slowly opened and closed her eyes. Feeling groggy, she repeated his name. "Addel..." she weakly lifted her arms, trying to catch hold of his own cheeks, but they faltered, falling heavily back down to her sides.

"W-what...happened?"

She felt so warm, his presence was so comforting. She exhaled slowly, pressing her head into Addel's lap. 

 

"You were poisoned, Esther. By Lycan." Addel said with a devious grin. It had worked. The innocent girl was like putty in his hands. All he had to do now, was slowly mould her into what he wanted, and what he needed. 

"W-what....Lycan wouldn't..." Esther paused. He and her had a big fight didn't they? She weakly bought up her friends list. Lycan was missing from it. Esther recalled being hurt, she recalled Lycan screaming at her, and her begging for him to stop...but to stop what?
 

Addel gestured for Dekkar to come closer, "Got what  I need ready?" Dekkar gave a nod, fishing another small potion out of his front pocket, wordlessly. Addel gave Dekkar a nod, and uncorked the Comforting Potion with his teeth. He spat the cork out to the side, "You're probably wondering, Esther - what I plan to do with this. You're wondering how it's going to work." Addel leaned forward, pressing his forward to Esther's. Esther visibly twitched,and tried to push him away, lifting her arms up, but they were still, ever so slightly, too heavy. "In just a few more minutes that potion that Dekkar gave you will wear off, but I want you to come with me Esther. I told you - you'd come with me, of your own accord." His grin grew, "I just may have failed to mention a potion or two will be involved." 

Addel lifted his head, just enough to pour the potion into his mouth. He swallowed half, then pressed his lips tightly to Esther's, forcing the sickly sweet concoction into her throat. Esther choked, and droplets of the potion drizzled down her chin and neck. She gave a sound of protest before her eyes glazed, and she swallowed. The bitter cold of the air around her seemed far off, and the tingling sensation in her limbs began to dissolve.

Esther's eyes rolled into the back of her head, she could feel herself slipping away. If only she hadn't been so foolish, if only she hadn't had been so trusting...if only she was kinder, this would never have happened. Her eyes fluttered close, and the last few tears rolled down her cheek, the last of Esther trailing down her skin to fall into the pale, white snow.

The way Addel said that she would come willingly...it didn't sit right with Esther, she didn't trust his words. They were said with such a dark, malicious intent. "Liar..." Esther mumbled.

Addel lowered the potion down to Esther's field of vision. "I'll make you drink this. This one, is actually not one of ours - cute kid on the 3rd floor made it. Want to see its effects?" He asked, opening up the information display.

Comforting Potion
When two people drink this, they find immense comfort in one another 

Addel placed a finger under her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "Sweet, isn't it Esther. Almost sounds like something you'd make right?"  Esther glanced away, he was right. It sounded exactly like something she would make. She wasn't sure why he was holding it, or how he was planning on using it against her. He didn't seem like the type of person to just place himself under the influence of a potion.

 

"M..my kind....?" Esther asked, confused at his words. Her eyes stung, as more tears burst forth. Lycan called her a coward, a liar, he insisted that she wanted a 'bad boy' and that she wanted abuse. Esther didn't understand any of it. Was this to do with the leash and collar? Was it because of her own naive and foolish actions? Was Esther really that bad of a person? She didn't want to take up a weapon...was he frustrated by that choice? "I..I'm sorry..." She mumbled, wiping her tears away with the back of a shaking hand.

"Please...Lycan...don't..." Esthers vision blurred as she watched Lycan storm away from her. The notification that he had unfriended her popped up on her screen. Not again...please Lycan...not again... She shook her head, scrambling to her feet. "LYCAN!" Her voice echoed around the silent room, all eyes on the angry man, and the foolish girl who refused to give up. Her voice was wracked with sobs, and she faltered, tripping as she tried to chase him. He got to the foot of the stairs before she grabbed hold of his sleeve.

"Lycan..please..." She pleaded, "This isn't you right...." She gave his sleeve a slight tug. "Please...please tell me this is just some sort of joke, Lye.. please...I don't..." Her head lowered, and her grip loosened for just a moment before it tightened again. She took a few deep breaths, attempting to find resolve. If this were the first time she had encountered verbal abuse from him, she had no doubt that she would be curled up in a ball, but now...the only thing that kept her going was the adreneline coursing through her veins, and the thought of his awkward smile, that had somehow been sapped away by a brutal snarl.

Esther looked back up at Lycan, a mix of heartache and determination in her watery eyes. "I can't accept this Lycan! I can't! Don't do this to me...you promised."
 

Esther's eyes widened in fear as Addel spoke of his plans so non-nonchalantly, as though the cruel, horrendous acts were commonplace for him. Please, someone help Esther forced her eyes shut, the tingling in her feet had shifted up to her legs. Soon...Soon she'd be able to move again, she just had to keep him talking a little longer. "I'm not....your Kitten Addel. Whatever you do to me...it won't stop others like me." she muttered, thoughts travelling back to Rin and her sweet, innocent smile. Her warm touch, her soft eyes. "You can't squash hope. It's an ideal. It's immortal."

Her words made Addel grin in amusement. "So defiant, even now. We could kill you Esther, yet you don't give up. You don't back down. You're so incredibly stubborn. That's so interesting." He mused, twirling the vial in his hand. 

"Addel, time." Dekkar warned, his eyes on Esther. Addel waved Dekkar off, "Yes, Yes. Don't worry. I said she'd come willingly."

Esther didn't want to believe Addel, the way he spoke about Lycan. It wasn't true. It couldn't be true. And yet...it seemed to make some sense...Lycan was the one who approached her when they first met. Did he just use her from the start? Just for some Col or Materials? It didn't make sense...did it? Esther thought about his angry outbursts, how he accused her of being Pker bait, of being a cheat and a liar - was he just pushing his own guilt on her? 

Esther didn't want to believe it. Her body shook slightly, as she forced her eyes shut. Tears pooled at the corner, and a few streaked down her face. Addel was quick to wipe them away. "Shh, it's fine- you have every right to feel betrayed. He used you, he broke his promise to you."

Addel let her go at this point, and Esther, having no way to control her bodies movements, fell directly into his lap. Addel didn't seem to mind, his eyes busy on his HUD, he pulled out a small vial from his inventory. "I'm going to be honest with you, Esther. I will use you to gain what I want. My friend Dekkar here, is a mastermind at manipulation, at breaking the mind. He excels at making people snap. He's interested in you too, Esther. You're a rarity in this world. A pure shining beacon of hope amidst the drivel of despiar, we want to know what makes you tick." As he spoke, he gently caressed Esther's cheek. 

"But I can assure you, I won't treat you the way Lycan has. Before long, I'll have you trailing behind me, like the good little kitten you are."

Esther flinched away from his other hand as it slammed down on the arm of the couch, her grip tightened on the hand that she held. Spittle flew from his mouth, landing on her cheek, the girl visibly shivered. "Lycan..." Her voicebroke, she hiccuped, still trying to comfort him. Her thumb and forefinger tenderly rubbing up and down the top of his hand. Even as he said she was the problem. Esther shrank, her shoulders sunk and the feeling in the pit of her stomach grew. Her hair toppled forward over her shoulders. She audibly sniffed. Still refusing to let go. Wanting to grasp onto the teen, to grasp onto whatever warmth he had held. "Lye..." Her voice was barely a whisper above shaken breaths. 

The silver haired teen fiercely grabbed one of her hands, standing, lifting Esther to her feet. Her body dangled. The tip of her toes only just managing to touch the floor.Her head remained downcast. Droplets of tears landed on the plush carpet. -plink- -plink -plink- Even with his harsh grip. Esther twisted her hand to try and hold onto his. Lycan was hurting, he was hurting and it was her fault. Esther wanted to quell the rage that stirred inside him, she hoped that her small actions somehow- reached through to him, reached the Lycan she knew, the Lycan she adored.

Esther's body shook, and the tears continued to fall, silently streaking down her face as he uttered cruel, hurtful words. "I...I'll pay you..." She whimpered. If he wanted Col...materials...anything...she'd do it. If he was concerned about reimbursement she'd do it. "I c-cant....act..." she pleaded. He mentioned that she had stripped down, but Esther had little, to no recollection of that. "I...I'm sorry...-hic- I don't...remember...." Lycan shook, and Esther's body limply swayed side to side.

"HEY! STOP WHAT THE HELL DO YUO THINK YOU'RE DOING?" One of the customers cried out, ready to intervene, but a cool, calm, and maliciously smiling red haired waiter shushed the man. Bringing a single finger to his thin lips, he lifted up his sleeve, showing a tattoo, and the man who was ready to intervene, quickly shyed away.

"I don't remember..." Esther pleaded. "I-I didn't....I didn't know..." 

Esther wasn't sure what hurt more, his actions, his anger, or his words. She didn't realise she was playing him. She didn't realise her actions up until this point were teasing, or beguiling. Esther didn't know how much the kiss had hurt him. She didn't realise she was playing games with his heart. Weakly...Esther rose a shaking hand to grasp Lycan's hand that held her so tightly and viciously above the ground. She gave it a tight squeeze - finally lifting her head to face him. "I'm so sorry.." She said, squeezing his hand. Tears streamed down her face, emerald eyes awash in bitter heartbreak. Lycan admitted he liked her, and that she was too dense, or too smart to care. Esther had no words. She gulped back tears, and her head fell back down. I'm horrible

There was faint tinge of pain in her wrist and Lycan's hand was flung from her, Esther fell to the ground in a heap. She hadn't bothered to brace herself. "Lye..." She shivered, trying to push herself up. "H-how..." She flinched as he called her a tease, as he said she only cared about herself. "How do I fix it?" She asked, looking up at him.

Esther frowned, she wasn't able to twist away from Addel's grip, despite the tingling feeling in her feet. Dekkar was right. The potion was slowly wearing off. She chanced wriggling her toes in her shoes. Success If Esther kept Addel talking, she'd be able to side-track him, just long enough to escape, to write a message to Mari or Domarus....There was a very small chance Arc would help, if she paid him the right price. If Esther could, she would have lowered her head at the thought of the other name...Lycan Lycan wouldn't bother coming, would he? Especially at the mention of Addel. 

"If you're so interested in me, why'd you involve Lycan in all this?" Esther muttered, her speech was stuttered, tongue still heavy from the effects of the potion, her tone was questioning. Pleading with him.

Addel shook his head in response. "Esther. Lycan was involved in the beginning. Why do you think he managed to just 'make' an antidote so easily? Why do you think he grew so flustered? It's because of you you were beginning to get to him. He felt that he couldn't do his job. So, against my wishes - he took it out on you. Don't worry, he's not part of our guild. He barely knows us, but the call of Col is a strong one. Not one that you seem to care about, it seems."

Addel slapped his knee, offering Esther a fake laugh. "Didn't think you had any bite in you, Phoebe." Emphasis was placed on her name, her real name. As though using it held some sort of power over her. Addel used the back of his hand to stroke Esther's cheek. His voice softened. "Fact of the matter is, I've been watching you for a reason. You interest me. From the moment your bright form strolled down that dark ally, to the moment you somehow managed to tame the wildcard, famed Pker Mari. I want to know how you do all this with nothing more than a sweet. Innocent. Smile."

Dekkar cleared his throat, "Yo Addel, I don't know how long that potion's gonna last. Shouldn't we get back to the base soon?"

Addel held up a reassuring hand toward Dekkar, his blue eyes still focused on Esther. "We won't need it. I'm sure Esther will join us willingly." He brushed tendrils of lilac hair away from her eyes. "Isn't that right Esther? You'll come with me, and Dekkar, because you're curious. You're a very curious kitten, are you not?"

Esther flinched when Lycan snapped back at her. Something was definitely wrong. Her hand instinctively went up to fiddle with the collar she normally wore around her neck, but since it was currently safely hidden away in her inventory, she was met with bare skin. Esther lowered her head, fingers absently at the nape of her neck as the waiter came and set aside some scones and coffee. "Of course I can't...." Esther mumbled finally, watching him pour the cups of coffee. "Not without your help Lye."

Esther reached out to pour in a copious amount of cream, followed by questionable amounts of sugar. She wasn't kidding when she said she liked sweet things. Esther in turn clinked her own silver spoon against her coffee cup. She felt a lump in the pit of her stomach. She just wanted to make things right with Lycan. Esther bit her lower lip, seeing her reflection in the soft, light brown coffee. She took a deep breath and took a long sip. guzzling half the cup. It warmed her insides, even so- Esther still found her breathing staggered. 

Esther crawled over to Lycan's chair, choosing to lean her back against it whilst she listened to him rattle on about the safeguard potion. "Lye...." He went on about temperature controls, how she should start on a high heat, then lower it to a simmer. "Lye." Her voice grew more persistent, desperate. He continued, talking about different ways to cut the ingredients and how larger portions could yield a completely different potion. Esther sighed, placing her coffee cup on the floor next to her. She twisted her body, placing two small hands over his, leaning over the arm of the chair.

"LYCAN." She rose her voice, a faint glimmer of tears dotting the corner of her eyes. "Please, LISTEN to me. Stop side-stepping the question. What's bothering you?"

Esthers smile faded as Lycan took little interest in what she had to show him. What was I thinking? He doesn't care She forced a laugh. "Aha...I suppose such a thing isn't all too important for someone who must be at least 10 levels higher than me. His congratulatory comment felt flat, and insincere. He barely looked at her as he gestured toward the seat in front of him. "Ah..." She slid off the arm and onto the floor. Choosing instead to sit close to the fire. Esther gathered her hair and let it fall to her back with a heavy 'slick' noise. Still damp from their accidental romp in the river.

"Yeh." Esther commented, her green eyes dancing over Lycan's' form. "I love sweets..." She seemed distracted, concerned. Why was he acting this way? "Lye..." Her voice was filled with concern, worry. It was clear that Esther was attempting to reach out to him, to mend any sort of bridges that had been inadvertently burned. "The recipie can wait...something is bothering you, right? You're acting different. I'm worried about you..."

She shifted her green eyes away from his, toward the crackling fire. "It seems every since I kissed you- you've sort of....." She tilted her head, trying to find the right words. "Sort of....pushed me away? No....being bothered? No... ugh..." She pulled her eyes away from the fire, and instead set them at her hands, which lay in her lap. "Maybe I'm over-analysing things again. Just something doesn't feel right, and I want to fix it."

Now that Rin was to her feet, Esther took a step back, letting the other girl go. Rin bought her hand up to her fringe, shuffling it till it covered her eyes. Esther sighed. It was a shame. Her eyes really were beautiful. Like big innocent pools of wonder. Still, if she wanted to cover them. Esther wouldn't tell her otherwise. "We're just heading outside the safe zone. There, Mari will meet us. Then she'll probably lead us someplace where there are all sorts of materials." 

Esther grinned, "Not just for Alchemists, but for Artisans too, and with both of our combined searching skills, we'll have amazing amounts of materials in no time!"

Esther paused, as Rin asked what kind of outfit she should meet Mari in. "Mmm? Oh gosh, I really don't think much about stuff like that." Esther blinked, looking Rin up and down. "I think you look cute just the way you are. Mari doesn't seem like the type to judge people on what they wear." Esther turned on her heel, padding across the room toward the door. She had her hand down on the handle. She was ready to go, and she hoped Rin was too. 

Turning over her shoulder toward Rin, Esther asked, "Are you sure you're ok?" She wanted to double check that the other player was completely fine with this. That Rin had no negative feelings or thoughts. Esther liked Rin, a lot. And she wanted nothing more than to help her, and enjoy the other girls company in innocent simplicity.

Esther shrugged when Oikawa said that Mari wasn't one to open up. In a sense he was right, she wasn't, but Esther felt that Mari was partially justified in her closed off nature. Esther couldn't blame her for it. "She opened up to me, and all I did was ask. Err...." Esther glanced away, reaching up to pull her hair back up and out her face. "More so, I just insisted. Honestly, though." Esther turned her eyes back toward Mari. "I don't think it's that she doesn't want anyone to know, its just that she's given up trying..." Esther sighed. Recalling what both Mari and Lowenthal told her.

"See, not too long ago - she did start opening up to someone, a really nice guy named Lowenthal. Thing is, just as she was beginning to grow more comfortable around him, just as she was beginning to trust him - he pulls a weapon out on her. Insists on a full loss duel. Wanting her to hand over her err..." Esther paused, trying to recall the name of the items. "Something about uniques? Demonics? I don't know...but he put those items at a higher value than her life, than their friendship." Esther's voice lowered, and she wrapped her arms around herself. "Lowe... I met him, and despite Mari warning me away from him - we even went on a quest together. I bought it up with him....and he deeply regrets it. To be honest...I feel useless, I see so many people hurting, so many people living with regrets. I just want to help them."

Esther slowly shook her head, "You all say the same thing whats the point but you don't even try first." Esther turned her green eyes back toward Oikawa, "So, if the least I can do - is be the one who does try for everyone, then maybe - that's a start...maybe that's just the small push someone needs."

Esther watched as the battle continued. It must be hard for Jonathan, it was bad enough that it appeared that the darkness of the cave gave him a debuff during battle, but the bats....the bats were just flying around in circles above his head. It barely gave him a chance to attack, and when he was able to attack - his openings were sparse, with only seconds to strike  back. Still, he was performing extremely well under the circumstances. Esther knew that she wouldn't be able to do the same. She knew that if she had encountered them, especially in her current state. She'd have to run away. Esther couldn't help but feel a little useless, just sitting there watching the battle take place. She wondered if there were any sort of potions or crystals she could make in the future that would help with battles - she remembered something like that....but wasn't 100% sure. 

Esther noticed that the bats health were just under half way gone, it wouldn't take too much longer....

Hopefully...
 

Some time had passed after Esther's admission, about how she didn't do well with long silences, or shifts in a persons actions. It worried her, she saw similar things with her friends back home, friends who suffered from anxiety and depression - things that seemed so far off from what Esther experienced. Esther never really went through those things, so when things around her started changing she'd sometimes over analyse things, and worry far too much. 

More moments passed...

Then, the door creaked, opening only slightly. Rin finally stepped out and Esther lifted her head to greet the other girl. "Oh! Are you ready to-" Esther drew in a sharp breath, not expecting the sudden influx of warmth from Rin. Her hair was slightly damp, and tickled Esther's nose, but her body was ever so warm, pressed tightly up against Esther's form. "W-what...?" Esther hesitated before placing a hand on the mid of Rin's back, between her shoulder blades. "Rin?"

Esther couldn't help but laugh slightly as Rin said that worrying didn't suit Esther, "Rin, worrying is one of the things I do best! But you're right." Esther slowly stood, offering to help Rin stand too, "We shouldn't keep Mari waiting, although if we're lucky - we'll get there first!"

Esther wasn't expecting a message from Arc of all people. As far as she knew, he had been avoiding her- she swore she had seen him on occasion, but he had turned the other way. So for him to reach out to her something seemed....off. Still, Esther wasn't one to turn down someone requesting help. He said he wanted help gathering materials for a profession quest. "Mmm, I'm becoming quite the pro at this I guess." Esther mused to herself, this was the third time she'd be taking the quest. The second, was for Domarus. Now, this time, she'd be helping Arc.

It didn't take long to notice him, a smudge of black against a light colored building, shying away from the world around him. Esther smoothed down her hair, cracked her fingers and approached him. Remembering to keep banter to a minimum. With everything that had been happening lately, she wasn't exactly in the highest of spirits anyway. "Hey, Arc." Esther called out to him with a small wave. "Sorry I'm a lil' late. I was crafting. So - you want to do this quest? Any idea what profession you want to go for?"

Attempt #1  ID:68303  CD: 9 = Good Item
Attempt #2  ID: 68304  CD: 8 = Good Item

Esther had finally opened her shop, finally she thought to herself, as she wiped her brow. It'd taken almost two days but she had everything set up just the way she wanted it. Neat, tidy, warm and welcoming. She had a small area out back to do her crafting, away from the public eye- and a beautiful hearth. 

Esther headed over to the fireplace, leaning down to light it. It exploded with a crackle and the woman smiled, hoping that any who enter would appreciate the fire just as much as she does. "Right!" Esther said, pulling her sleeves up and heading out into the back room. 

It was time for her very first crafting attempts. 

Esther sat down at the table, and pulled out the various ingredients she had collected. She recalled Oikawa telling her that the yellow flowers weren't very good for crafting, but she had a number of them. "Hmm....now how did Mari...." She turned on the bunsen burner to low heat, and filled a beaker with 1/4 cup of water. She chopped up the flowers, and threw them in - the water quickly began to turn yellow, she stirred it. "Hmm..." She threw in another material - one she thought was a clump of amber, but the smell - "Ahh...Honey....?"  Before long, the solution cooled, and a notification popped up saying she was successful.

Esther held it up, looking at the contents. it was yellow, the same yellow as daffodils. "Aww.." She read the effects, and suddenly felt very proud of herself. "This should come in handy in the future!" She mused.

Next up...the blue flowers she had collected. Esther wanted to start small, and work her way up to the safeguard potion that Lycan suggested. If she tried mixing and matching ingredients to start off with, she'd eventually get to a point where she wouldn't need to worry about trial and error. She hoped that she could be a great Alchemist, like Mari, and like Lycan. She followed the same recipie as she did for the first potion, substituting the yellow flowers for the blue - minus the hunk of honey.

This was another success, although not quite as good as the first one.

Esther stood, feeling satisfied, she picked up the two vials and went into the front room, placing them on display in the counter.

"Not that anyone would probably buy these, but still...I'm proud."

Good Items
100 Col/ 1 Material
Items that are RP fodder. Esther specialises in potions that help calm the nerves, rid you of anxiety, cure the blues, and help aid people in feeling better about themselves.

 

 

Uncommon Items
100 Col/ 1 Material
 

 

Rare Items
200 Col/ 2 Material

Perfect Items
300 Col/ 3 Material

 

 

Alchemic Remedy is nestled in the hustle and bustle of the shopping district of the 4th floor. It's a quaint shop, simple decor, nothing over the top or overzealous. Upon entering you are greeted with a warm fire to your right, with a few large,black, cushioned armchairs sat directly in front of it; a wonderful reprise from the cold snowy weather of the 4th floor.  As you enter the shop you notice a large banner with a feriocious snake wrapped around a sword. The sword has a scale on either side of it. You're not sure what the symbol means, but it seems oddly out of place in such a gorgeous and homey shop. The store itself smells like spices, citrus, star anise, cinnamon - giving you the sense of a warm, home cooked meal.  To the left is a glass counter filled with a variety of potions. a Small sign sits on the top shelf 'Crystals TBA' For now.  The shop is cluttered with various odds and ends, as though the owner picked up things she deemed 'shiny' and kept them on display, for no other reason other than her own strange sense of interior design. Despite the clutter, the store is well kept, the floors swept and clean - and the store front free of spills, dust and grime.

There is a small door behind the counter, which leads to a crafting room, it's chained off so the general public don't accidentally wander in.

Stats

 

 

Roll	Result	Exp
1	Critical Failure	+0
2-3	Fail	+0
4-6	Bad Item	+1
7-9	Good Item	+2
10	Uncommon Item	+3
11	Rare Item	+5
12	Perfect Item	+8

 

 

ESther gave a small sigh of relief when Domarus seemed to take the hint - he apologised to both Rin and Esther before grinning at Esther. He seemed to like the idea of a punishment game, in reality Esther had no clue what she would have done as a 'punishment game' dunk his head underwater? Trip him up? steal his bathing suit? It all seemed a little juvenile for her. Domarus laughed, and goaded, stating only if she could catch him, he turned around but stopped.

"mm?"

Esther took a few steps toward him to try and steel a glance at his face, his eyes darted frantically across the field of ever increasing players. Was he looking for something? Or someone? Esther guessed it may have just been Keres. "You ok there Domarus?" His tense body relaxed, and Esther could only take a guess that he had found whatever it was he was looking for. Domarus messily dove forward, pushing his vibrant head of hair underwater. "Guess so..." She mumbled, feebly wiping the water from her face, a futile attempt to be sure. Esther tried to see what Domarus was looking at, but it was hard to tell, the amount of players in the vicinity had almost trippled. She spotted Lycan lazing in a pool surrounded by...ladies? Esther gave a small snort followed by a laugh, he didn't seem like a ladies man, but - as long as he was having fun. Esther would have to join him later, she saw a player dancing on....no...fighting...no...riding a fish? She saw a few others dotted along the lakeside and within the lake itself, but nothing she thought would require Domarus' attention.

Esther shrugged it off - Domarus was long gone now, and she decided to wait for his head to pop back up out of the water before blindly giving chase and following. "Too bad for him, I'm great at swimming..." She mused to herself, "That's two things I'm better at than he. Gathering, Swimming....aheh.."

Esther wanted to get ready quickly, the prospect of being invited out to a small bite to eat and a nice hot drink both exicted and relaxed her. She wanted nothing more to do than to clear the air with Lycan. She adored hanging out with him, but it was very clear that there were some underlining issues. Lately Esther was doing her best to not be nosy, not to pry into other peoples lives or feelings, but this...this bothered her too much to let it slide. After their latest adventure, she had managed to level up, she wanted to show Lycan, she wanted to show him that soon - she wouldn't be so weak anymore.

Esther stood in front of a mirror, attempting to brush out her damp hair. "Lycan...." She mumbled, soft features twisting into a look of concern as she stared back at her reflection. She had dressed down, after her companion suggested casual clothes. She wore a lace white top with ruffles down the front, adorned with a neat, black bow. A high waisteddark brown skirt accompanied a lighter brown pair of stockings. On her feet, were plain black ballet flats. Esther set down her brush, sighing. When she wore clothes like this, it almost felt as though she was back home. 

"Don't worry Lye...I'll fix everything. Just you watch." Esther told herself in the mirror, turning to walk out her room.

Esther headed downstairs - the night air still had a mild chill to it, and her hair was still slightly damp. It didn't take long to find him, the tavern area wasn't crowded and there was only one roaring fire in the whole place. Esther headed over to the hearth, and peered over one of the leather seats. Sure enough, Lycan sat in it - leaning forward. His orange gaze transfixed on the fire. Esther tilted her head, smiling warmly. 

"Lycan." She greeted, shifting to sit on the arm of the chair. "Look." She bought up her HUD, shifting closer to him so he could see her stats. "Thanks to you, I've levelled up." She laughed softly, "At this rate, I'll be a top notch healer and hunter in no time!" 

The roaring warmth of the fire seemed to melt away her earlier troubles, right now - all she wanted was to enjoy the warmth of an open flame, and the company of Lycan.

Esther frowned, sure...Lycan hadn't treated her too kindly lately - but when he did treat her with ire, he seemed so filled with regret. There was no way there was anything Esther could do anything to him that he hadn't already done to himself. Time and time again, Lycan had helped her, he had put up with her. Surely his ire toward her now wasn't without reason. She just wanted to make things up to him. "B-better than...coward pervert stalker like you." She retorted, her brows furrowed, tears stinging the corners of them. Her comment caused Dekkar to give a 'Ha!'

"Boy, she's got you down to a T- Addel, eh?" Dekkar said with a laugh. 

Esther couldn't move her body. She was trying, she was trying the entire time with all her might, but her limps felt like lead - it was a struggle just to talk. She wanted desperately to contact someone....anyone....the first person she wanted to talk to, was Lycan - something didn't add up, and she was scared for him. Worried for him. The next...anyone else...Domarus maybe...or Mari...

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