Nocturn

Noct cleared his throat. "There's this woman that I work for. She gives me odd jobs that need doing. Mostly, fetch quests." Noct said, dancing around the fact that it was stealing things that he was doing. Noct moved closer to the boar. He readied his spear and prepared to attack. Noct's spear shone, but was off point, and merely reflected off of the boar's skin. He cursed at himself as the boar turned to him it's tusks gouging his leg. Finally pulling himself free from the pig he readied himself again. "But yeah, it's nothing to serious, not like a quest or anything. But they sometimes take a bit too long." Noct said, nursing his wound with his off hand.

ID: 87216
BD: 4 (miss)
MD: 7

Noct
HP: 57/60
EN: 7/8

Telrenya
HP: 
EN:

Boar x2
HP: 10/10
 

Noct hefted his heavy spear in his hand, the damn thing nearly knocking him off balance. "Alright, on your signal we'll go in. Alright?" Noct said, waiting for her signal. Last thing he wanted to do was hop into a fight, without letting his team know that he was ready. He looked over at Telrenya, eyeing her loadout. Just he basic clothes and her rapier. Though, he didn't know what the stats were on her weapon, but he could guess that it was just the starter weapon. Perhaps she planned to be a skill junkie. Focusing more on support, and crafts then actual combat. That was fine. In truth, Aincrad needed more players like that around. Only a handful of shops bustled, each person with their favorite or go to. Noct turned his attention back to the boars in front of them, before whispering over to Telrenya. "Hey, I've got this thing coming up soon. You wanna, I dunno. Tag along?" He asked, still looking at the boars.

Noct slid over the materials over the counter, happy with the purchase. It took a bit longer then what he had anticipated. Weren't all master blacksmiths like, gods at their trade? He expected it done within the moment. But he stood at the counter for what seemed like, several minutes. He tapped his foot in an awkward way, expecting the blacksmith to appear any second. After a few moments, Macradon reappeared holding the spear. Noct happily took the spear, and held it in his hands. The dark shaft of the spear was wide, and heavy. It at least weighed twice as much as his current one. The spear would blend in nicely to his work attire. He thanked the blacksmith, before taking his weapon with him.

Noct held back his distaste in Able's choice of words, when 'flirting' with Telrenya. Any idiot could pull the 'oh your eyes are so beautiful' comment. Telrenya voiced her concerns aloud, then turned to Noct trying to explain herself. She obviously didn't want to be associated as Able's prize, or date, or whatever it was being called. "Several things wrong with that idea Able. First, we don't know how strong the next floors are. I myself, haven't gone beyond the safe zones of floor three. It's very possible that we could bite off more than we can chew." Noct said, debating Able's plan to go grind further up. "I'm with Telrenya's plan of exploring the first floor further. Knowledge of an area is a decent strategy but," Noct said, trailing off. "Why not just get the information from another player? There are a ton of high leveled players on the first few floors. Some frontliners even make their shops on the first floor. You could ask them for their mapinfo, and get a ton of floors info as well." Noct asked, giving out a suggestion. But if it were so easy, why hadn't he done it yet. He guessed he was just preoccupied with trying to get the crafting system understood. On top of balancing his night job with his daytime social outings. All of which was difficult for him, to say the least. From going to no outings, and no friends. To a few adventure's and a smattering of friends, was exhausting. "But I'd be able to tag along Telrenya, give you some backup if you need it. If you'll have me, that is." Noct said, moving some hair from his face.

Noct shook the man's hand, more so out of politeness then any need to connect with the man. Noct was a bit, perturbed but by what he couldn't tell. Perhaps it was the flirting that Able did to Telrenya. Able mentioned that all the mobs in the area had been farmed clean, and now that they were waiting on them to respawn before they come back. "Easiest way to tell they're coming back is to wait for the farmers to come back." Noct said. If they are farming the place clean, then they probably know the spawn rates better than anyone else. And they're probably in a different area currently farming some more." Noct suggested, thinking about the situation to clear his mind. He ran a hand through his hair, then following to adjusting his glasses. "Well, Telreyna." Noct turned, adjusting his attention. "What brings you out here?" He asked.

Noct made his way through the crowd, his menu open. His inventory nearly bustled with items, not originally his. He had gone back to the same group of extortionists and 'found' items that belonged to other people. Items of importance, symbols of faith, and other personal belongings. he didn't care that he was being used for someone else's fame or fortune. He was being paid, and it was the right thing to do. Noct leapt up,m grabbing a window's ledge, and hoisting himself up making his way to the roof. Even if it was breaking and entering, theft, even sleep motivation to get the items. Noct leapt from one rooftop to another, his pursuers underneath him trying to keep up. Noct smiled, he enjoyed his little game of cat and mouse. To an extent. Several times now they had been close to recognizing him in public. He would need a mask soon, or an accomplice at least. His inventory pinged, and he opened the menu standing tall among the buildings. A public announcement of sorts. A player complaining that people aren't working together in a time of crisis. Noct ran a hand through his hair. Of course humanity wouldn't. When push came to shove, the strongest survived, while the weak died. It was gruesome, he knew, but it was just how everything is. But still, perhaps this distraction could prove useful. Noct looked down at the men struggling to get to him. He gave them a wave, a sly smile, and a parting word. "Cya." He mused, as he leapt off of the building opening his menu as he fell. He switched from his black Demon's Jacket to his starter item as well as reequipping his glasses. He didn't need them, other than to make out road signs or things about 20 feet out, but they helped disguise him. He followed the ping in his menu, finding the point of origin. Seeing no one around, Noct looked around. He half expected some politician, or someone shouting over the crowd trying to force their opinion on the masses. Not many people were around the spot, save a single man sitting on a bench nearby. Noct approached, and asked a question. "Hey, you send out the announcement? About teamwork and stuff?" The raven haired player asked.

Pointy end goes into the other guy

Nuff said

Noct stepped from behind the tree. "Figure he's asleep?" He asked the familiar face. Telrenya, the blonde woman whom he helped become a tailor not that long ago. "Nice to see you again." Noct said to her, his Demon's Jacket, fluttering slightly in the wind. He looked at the man who was apparently sleeping beneath the tree. "Hey, you awake?" Noct asked, fairly certain that he was awake. Or, how in the world could someone sleep like that. And for why he was there in the first place, he was trying to meet up with one of his contacts that day. He had met her earlier today, and dropped of the item that they wanted. She hired for another project of hers, and he of course agreed to do it, only after hearing out the details. Another item, another payday. He felt bad, he was doing her jobs because it was for the good of the community. Stealing back from those who stole. He smiled, it was a bit more Robin Hood then he had anticipated. Noct reached out with a foot, tapping the man. "Hey, say something already." He said, his hands inside his pockets.

Noct flinched at the mention of the price. Crap, he totally forgot about how he'd pay for it. He didn't have enough materials to pay for the item, and craft today. He mulled it over in his mind. He would probably find some materials when exporing today, so he could probably pass on crafting today as well. Noct nodded and sent the materials over. "Yeah, I can pay the material cost. I'm still trying to save up some more col for my own shop." Noct said, making something up to hide his own poverty. He had no idea what he'd use col for, perhaps he'd save up and buy a player home. But why would he when he already had a shop to sleep in? He'd have to put more thought into it.

@Macradon

Noct went into work, and began banging two rocks together for what seemed like hours. He didn't want to make anything worth his time, he didn't want to make anything useful for anyone else, let alone anything that resembled anything. Smashing the two rocks together brought him a sudden joy, something inside of him lit up like sparks from two stones being smashed together. Which brought him to what he was doing. Smashing two rocks together. He smashed, and he smashed, and he smashed, but to no avail. nothing came out of the rock smashing then sadness and no items. Perhaps item creation, wasn't random as he originally thought.

Noct followed Telrenya outside of the city. Closest to the city were boars, and and a smattering of wolves prowling about. There were also Nepents in the forest further out, as well as other mediocre beasts and wildlife. When they exited Noct took a quick peek around to make sure that they were alone, and opened his menu. He equipped his new jacket that he got from the fourth floor. The 'Demon's Jacket' fluttered to life around him, and flapped in a slight breeze it made. He wanted to keep it a secret from as many people as possible, after all it was what he wore when he was doing wetwork for other people. He sighed, but enjoyed wearing it. He removed his glasses, and placed them on an inside pockets of his jacket. He ran a red hand through his hair, and equipped his spear. "Alright, we'll take them one at a time, so we can conserve energy." Noct said, looking at the new player. He had been in fights before, all of them dragging on for long times to the point where he would be low on energy. "I'm a higher level, so let me take some of the agro when we get started. So that way they'll only go after me. So only attack if I get a few hits in, and if you see an opening. Otherwise, watch your surroundings and stay safe." Noct said, trying to explain to Telrenya what was about to happen.

Walking behind his new ally Noct noticed a shop in the main streets of the market part of town. "Uhm, hold up a second. I'm gonna stop in real quick. I'll be quick, promise." Noct said, stepping inside the shop. The door chimed, alarming the owner of his presence. There were a plethora of weapons on display, as well as suits of armor. Smaller weapons and armor were locked behind display cases, where larger unstealable objects were out on open display. Noct walked up to the front counter, and addressed the shopkeeper. "Hey, this spear's gone a bit rusty." Noct said, nudging to the spear on his back. "I need something with a bit more, umpf. Y'know?" He said, sending the shopkeep some details.

Noct looked up from his spot as his name was called. He stood up, his arms still around his side warming him from the cold that raged outside. Noct looked at the jacket as Aereth provided it. He held the thick fabric in his hands, letting it's tails float gently to the ground. His hand swiped over the article of clothing, bringing up it's menu. The item faded from his hands, reappearing on his person. Noct looked at himself in the mirror, something seemed, off about it. He looked himself over, and brought a red gloved hand to his face to remove his glasses. His vision blurred slightly, but he could still see it. That's what helped him, and now he knew what he was going to do. "This is perfect. Thank you." He said, turning to the tailor. "Here's the payment." He said, sending the materials to Aereth's way.

Noct slid his hands into his pockets, keeping the pace with Telrenya. Noct nodded as she confirmed that he was indeed, an artisan and that he would make trinkets, odds and ends that sort of thing. "I'll eagerly await that day." Noct said, in response to her saying that she'd stop by as soon as he made his shop public. He wondered what it would be like, running a store. He supposed he'd have his NPC friend take care of everything, if he knew how. More dense crowds, and a few minutes of walking brought the pair a tailor shop. The shop was well known, but only stocked cosmetic items, that players could design via specified slots of clothing. Highly customizable, though still not as infinite as player crafting. Only real reason people crowded the place was to either get the quest to become a tailor, or as a center for directions. Noct reached over, and opened the door for the female player, not exactly sure of why. It was just something men were supposed to do for women, was open doors and treat them with respect. At least, that's what he thought. Noct stood a bit off to the side, as to let Telrenya talk to her NPC in private. He spent a good time looking as party masks, and hooded jackets. Or at least something to help him with future jobs. Noct turned to see Telrunya give him a nod, and he followed. "Gotta kill some mobs for skins then hmm?" Noct affermated. "Well Let's get this show on the road." Noct said, eager to get started.

Noct was a little taken aback from how eager she was at his offer. His surprise was quickly swayed with joy. "Alright, let's get this mission started." He said, following the woman. The men in the crowd were far to busy questioning people to notice him take his leave. Good. The more distracted they were with trying to find him, made it easier for his escape. A wide smile appeared on his face, as he turned back around, he adjusted his glasses as he caught up with Telrenya.

"Oh, there are many. Many who would abuse trust, many who still from the innocent, and many who lie just to see their way." Noct said whole heartedly. And, he wasn't wrong. Though, did he fit that description? He did just steal an item from people he didn't know, for someone else he didn't know all that way. He rubbed the back of his neck. "But yeah, unfortunately. They disguise themselves fairly well too. Never know who someone really is, until you see their heart. Y'know?" Noct said. 'Jeez that was corny.' He thought to himself. "And as for my profession, I'm an aspiring artisan. Trying to make some decent items to go with the rest of my build first. Then, kinda see what I can do for other people." Noct said to his new companion.

Noct spoke. "Telrenya." He repeated the name, committing it his memory. "It's a lovely name." He said before rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, guess I'll be-" He was going to say goodbye, and let this be the end of his awkward moment. But he looked behind him, and saw several men whom he reconized. "Uhm, actually. Would you mind if I leant you a hand? I mean, safety in numbers am I right?" He said, trying to hide his nervousness. It was bad enough that he was already on the run, and running late to his drop off. He'll, his contact must've been gone already. He'll have to drop it off the next time she came round. "I mean, I'm not doing anything important. And I'm a bit skilled when it comes to fighting. I can keep you safe from bandits and other nerdowells." Noct said, giving a smile.

Noct noticed the man's smile, and returned one of his own. Noct racked his brain for a moment thinking more of what he heard about the man in front of him. He knew he was American, and that SAO was only just released in Japan. So, what was he doing in Japan? Noct was about to ask, but before he could Hei switched clothing. Black robes with a red eye. Ominous to say the least. But the reason as to why he did so was quite apparent as Noct turned his head. Looking up he could see a woman with  blonde hair, making her way towards them. Hei introduced himself with the tact of someone who read to many mangas, which to his surprise didn't visually upset the woman. But, her words that followed confirmed that she had been. Noct stood up, brushing the grass from his backside. "I'm Nocturn. A pleasure to meet you Madame Kaiser." Noct said, trying to be respectful. He had heard about the Celestials from passing word from other players. He even had thoughts about joining, and the last thing he wanted was shakey relations with one of thier members.

(Please excuse the phone post, it tried to correct Hei to Get ALOT.)

@Hei

Noct picked up a smooth stone from beside him, and tempted flicking it against the lake's sheen surface. He rolled the stone in betwixt his fingers, mulling over the thought. He set the stone down, deciding against it. After all, there were people in the lake and people fishing in it as well. Last thing he wanted to do was cause an issue between him and someone else. He had heard the man coming, as he made no attempt to hide himself, and Noct looked up at him. He introduced himself as 'Hei', and that he was some sort of video game journalist. Noct mulled the name around in his mind for a second. "I know you. I've read your reviews in some chat rooms before." Noct said, recognizing the man's name. But Noct though about how he would recognize a journalist, when all they did was write things? Perhaps he had a magazine with his face on the in cover, like a book? "And as for your question. I heard about this lake earlier today, and thought it would be a good idea to relax some. I've been doing, odd jobs as of late and those can get tiring quickly." noct said, remembering the last time he went out on a mission with Piera.

Noct's head bounced off of the ground as the two fell. His head ringing from the impact, Noct opened his eyes, only to have them covered by blonde hair. He let out a groan, as he tried to move. His hand was gripping something, and at first he thought it was his contraband. But, hadn't he placed that in his inventory? He clenched his hand, feeling the object. It was soft, and slightly squishy like a water balloon. His eyes opened wide as he realized what it was. His red face was hidden as he moved in tandem with the stranger, flipping himself to face away from her. "S-Sorry!" He said, at the same time as her. Noct adjusted his glasses, feeling just how warm his face was. He let out an awkward cough and stood up. He took a deep breath and face the woman. "Sorry, about that." He apologized again, offering her a fingerless gloved hand to help her up.

Now that he could see the woman more clearly, he could make out more details. She was taller than him, but by how much he couldn't tell. At least she looked like someone around his age. Unlike other players he met like Piera, and Lee. The woman before him looked almost, regal like a princess in some anime or storybook. She was beautiful, but in a way where Noct felt comfortable around her. He didn't have the urge to instantly start flirting with her like most presumably did. Whether she took his hand or not, Noct would introduce himself. "I'm Noct. Sorry for, tackling you to the ground." He said, apologizing again.

Noct contained a chuckle as Piera tromped her way through the woods. It was a relief to see that she was fine, by all regards. Even Jareth had returned to the fold, by landing unexpectedly upon Piera's shoulder. Noct reached up, peeling webbing from Piera's hair, tossing it to the side. They both had been hit by the webbing, his weapon covered in most of it. It mattered not though, they were almost done now. The fog thinned as they reached the forest's edge, light breaking through the foliage. "There we are, sunlight." Noct said, letting out another sigh.  Worst of it was done for. No more tracking a dark elf, no more spiders and best of all. No. More. SPIDERS. He raised his arms, stretching as he yawned. Too much adventure in one day it seemed. He was exhausted. The quest was Piera's to turn in, he would follow her and keep her company as he tried to stay awake and make his way back to wherever he was going to sleep for the rest of the day. "Despite the spiders, I enjoyed my time with you Piera. Hopefully we could do something in the future." Noct said. "Less spidery, of course." He added with a smile.

Noct slid around the corner of the building, his heart pounding in his chest. His back pressed against the brick wall of the building. His breathing was heavy, and sweat rolled down his face. Noct swallowed his saliva, trying to slow his breathing. The item he had stolen was clutched to his chest, tightly bound in his hands. He peeked around the corner, seeing if he had thrown off his pursuers. Three men dashed into the crowd, scanning. "Spread out, find him!" One yelled as they scattered. Noct took the chance and bolted again, Noct tried to dodge the people in the growing crowd. "There he is!" Noct heard from behind him. Dammit! He cursed to himself, as he bolted in a different direction, deeper into the crowd. Noct rolled over a table it's items falling off of their place. Noct saw an opening, a railing. He lept over it, and saw that the drop was a bit further than he had expected. He rolled on his feet, onto one knee. He stepped backwards, placing himself underneath the railing he leapt off of.

Minutes pass as Noct stayed there under the railing, waiting. Noct peeked up over the railing, seeing if he had lost his pursuers completely. Not seeing them he eyes the item in his hands, and added it to his inventory. The things he did to help people. No one said anything about stealing items in the middle of a gang hideout. Noct climbed from his spot, making his way back to the market district. Now all he had to do was discreetly get the item back to the woman who hired him.  He made his way quickly through the crowd, but people kept bumping into him shoving him from side to side. Noct forced himself from the crowd, only to run headlong into someone else. His feet tangled with theirs, and they both toppled over. Noct turned his body, taking the fall so that the other would be unharmed. "Gah, I'm sorry." He said, quickly apologizing.

Noct teleported back from the fourth floor. It's cold wind and freezing temperature preventing him from exploring it further. perhaps more exploring would grant him the jacket he was wanting. He opened his menu and looked at his crafting ability. It held all of the information he needed, including the evasion stat he wanted to boost so desperately. But it would take him such a long time to get to that level. He sighed, and closed his menu. The sounds of the crowd washed over him. 'Look at that guy, he's pretty cute.' 'Think we should we picnic at the lake tomorrow?' No way I'm paying that much!' Hundreds of voices all bustling together in a community. But it was somewhat hot out, perhaps that lake he heard about wasn't a bad idea. He checked his map, looking for the body of water on his map and made a heading.

The lake glistened in the horizon as noct approached his destination. The sun's rays reflected off the lake, and only a few others were around the lake. A few swimming, others trying to fish, and some just loitering around. A few hung around the lake's exterior, gathering materials it seemed. Noct took the time and walked over to the lake's edge, and sitting down. He wanted to do something, but what he didn't know. He would relax in the water, but he had no swimsuit. He'd fish, but he didn't have the skill, or the profession to make it worthwhile. He'd go material gathering but he didn't want to impose to the players already searching.

Noct held out a hand to the terrified player. "Hey, we need to get out of these woods or else more spiders might show up." He said looking around for more of the arachnids. He didn't share the same fear of spiders that Piera had, but he understood that she was scared nonetheless. Either way, they needed to be out of the woods. They had a job to complete after all. "C'mon. Mission aint over yet." Noct said as he helped Piera to her feet and began to lead her out of the woods. "You holding up alright?" He asked, concerned about her mental security.

Another day, another chance to make some items. Making the two items only took a couple of hours, and Noct had plenty of those to spare thanks to his previous adventures with both Lee and Piera. And he had a knack for making items, so today should be easier at least. Yakushina walked up, and peered over Noct's shoulder as he worked. The first item noct made, was terrible. Not even resembling an item in the slightest. "You should slow down. You can't rush perfection." The silver haired NPC said, before trailing off to clean the store. Noct rubbed the back of his head, and went at it again, creating only trash it seemed. Frustrated he tossed the material at the back of the desk. To his surprise the desk accepted the item as a material again, giving him a chance later on. He shoved his hands into his pockets and stepped into his shop's lobby. "Nothing going Master? It's to be expected. After all, you have only just started. You'll get better with time." Yakashina said, lifting Noct's spirits slightly.

Noct teleported to the fourth floor, nearly regretting his decision immediately. His arms clutched to one another as a breeze carried air from the nearby mountains, chilling him to his core. Perhaps, coming to the fourth floor was a mistake. His starting armor and clothing was thin, and flimsy and allowed the wind to cut into him like a knife. Perhaps, an upgrade was needed before he could explore this floor fully. Questioning thought chattering teeth, Noct learned the location of a tailor shop near the Frostbite Lake. Noct made his way there, and eagerly opened the door throwing himself inside. "Gah! Warm." He said happily, letting the heat roll over him. As he defrosted, he perused the store, looking for what he wanted, and what he needed in one go. Seeing nothing in store that met those requirements he looked over to the shopkeeper. "Hey,uhm I'm sorry. But, is there anyway you can make something custom for me?" Noct asked, his teeth still chittering slightly from the cold. "I'd like something, that would help me move better then this starter armor. I guess, black would be fine." Noct said, thinking of science and how dark colours absorb heat.