Eatos

Eatos frowned at Stryder, before she looked away and walked towards one of the cliff edges, taking a seat. She closed her eyes, so he'd noticed when they were rescuing her familiar. It was true, she'd seen something she had been struggling to push away. Something that she couldn't ever forget, and honestly, it had been forever since she'd thought about. But there was never an escape from the demons that lay within her own mind. But how did he know?

"Listen Stryder..I'll be fine if you're worried about me. The past few weeks, i've just had some bad dreams. It's nothing important, just, keeping me up" That was a lie to a degree. In the past week, she'd spent about an hour a night asleep. That was being generous. She was tired and whenever she closed her eyes, she could see the image. The knife in her hand, the person....! Her eyes shot open and her breathing picked up, even her heartbeat did. She hated it, this was the one thing that could make her lose her calm. Dammit! "...That other girl, what's her name..Embers. She told you something was wrong with me didn't she?"

Of course it was. Embers was violent, that much was clear. It wouldn't surprise her if she had the same sin as that ginger. Murder. 

To go easy on Pinball would be to be rude to his request. He had asked for a fight, and it was her duty to to her best....So why was her hands SHAKING?! She glanced down and her Katana was shifting, only slightly. But it was there. She knew why, and was fighting off the images inside her own head. She just had to ignore them, and keep doing what she was doing. Pin deserved nothing but her best. She stood a deep breath and the shaking from her blade vanished. She opened her eyes and glared at Pinball with calm amber eyes. 

"You asked for a duel. It would be rude if i didn't do my best" She spun her Katana around in her hand, before taking aim. The stun she'd applied to Pinball meant he'd been unable to fight back,  meaning it was very unlikely he could dodge her next attack. She got in close and made two quick swings with her blade, and the blow landed right in the sweep spot. Pinballs stomach. With him being stunned, there was no escape. Laning her blow, the girl took a lazy step backwards. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as an image coated in red flash. The girl visibly flinched despite Pin just recovering from her stun. 

'Dammit! Now is not the time...calm, calm. I'm in SAO, not in that alley....' 

Stats

Eatos: 380/380 HP | 32/38 EN | 9 MIT | 7 DMG | 3 EVA | 3 ACC

{STUNNED} Pinball: HP: 318/340 HP | EN: 34 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 |  DMG: 6 |

Fae refused to see the downside to things. For that alone, she was impressed. She had lost that ability long ago, and while it was endearing to witness, she always knew that it would hurt Fae in the long run. But, she said nothing. It was not on her to destroy Fae's innocence. This game had done that plenty on its own, she didn't need to speed up the process by any degree of the imagination. She followed Fae over the bridge, with Angel exploring nearby, keeping Fae close. It seemed the overly protective dog was somewhat away that Fae needed looking after, and kept near the pinknette, licking her hands occasionally. 

"The rivers, back home, were never like this...Half the time they were frozen over" She said calmly as she sat on the edge of the bridge and watched Fae. IT wasn't like a normal parent, where she was beaming watching. Rather, she was just happy in the knowledge that Fae was safe and heathly. She blinked twice quickly, pushing an image out of her mind as soon as it entered. She could let her nightmares consume her later, at least for now...brave face and a smile. 

Eatos listened to Steel and the other girl chat about quests, but managed to keep her mouth shut. She could offer them help, kind of wanted too also. Despite her suit, she did have healing capacities which may prove useful. But, they were just strangers and probably wouldn’t want an outsider like her to get in the way.

However, at that time, Tsu appeared. Eatos hadn't been expecting to run into the girl, even more after what happened with pinball. She smiled weakly, and frowned at the request. The girl, wanted to join the guild? She hadn't expected that request, but, well, there was no reason to say no. "That's ok Tsu. I made a mistake as well. You're more than welcome to join the guild" Opening her menu, she sent the girl an invite to the Guardians of the New Dawn. "Maybe, after this event, i can take you to meet the other heads of the guild, if you're interested that is..." 

She glanced around, before being asked a question by that very same girl about stores. “I…I do yeah. I own a blacksmithy down on the 4^th floor. As for the party, well…I never was one for valentines day. I have a terrible track record with dates. The last boy I went out with…was a bad decision” she’d really rather not go into detail, even more so with people she didn’t know, or trust.

She turned to face Steel, and couldn’t not laugh lightly. She knew in part of what he meant, the pride. She loved singing, considered herself pretty good at it. But had always crumbled when it came to crowds, judging her on each and every mistake even harder than she judged herself. As for the hair comment, she smirked behind her mask.

“I’ve always just, been nervous about messing up onstage. Singing is amazing, but, well…I guess I’m just worried people would judge me for my song selection or…something like that” She took aa look up at the stage. But shook her head. She couldn’t, her nerve had been eaten away just talking about singing in front of others. “As for hair, I like different hair. Mine isn’t natural, but, well…I just think it looks really pretty..”

@Steel@Reinka@Minako@Froppy

The nightmares hadn't gone away, they were plaguing her mind recently. A lack of sleep, waking up in a panic. She had told Stryder, but it hadn't done anything. She couldn't sleep, no where was safe. She had opted to leave her house, and found herself here. She wasn't sure where she was, but she couldn't not yawn. Angel was beside her, and the husky gave the girl a slight glare. Her lack of sleep had been keeping her familiar up, and the husky, much like herself, enjoyed her sleep. 

Eatos stroked the dogs head as she looked at the waterfall "I know, i'm sorry. Its just, i can't sleep..." Despite her claim, she let another yawn out. Sleep brought nothing but horrors, and there was no escape. She sighed. One mistake, two years. And now, it was back here to torment her. It was horror, nothing short. Was there no place she could escape, no where that was safe, not inside her mind. The girl frowned, why was the sky moving like it was? Was it that dark already? It may have been nighttime but...?

Eatos' mind went silent, as she was forced to embraced sleep. 

The singer seemed nice, but he it wasn't long before he was being swarmed by two other girls. One he seemed to know, the other, a pink-haired girl, seem to swoon just looking at him.  It was a little annoying, he hadn't even taken a second look at her. While in part, she knew it was pointless, it couldn't not sting her pride a little. Was she just that unattractive compared to the other girls who all wore dresses? Was that the issue, or was it something else? She wasn't sure, but wasn't all for finding out. She zoned out for a moment, going inside her own head as she tried to think was there anyone who would make her swoon? Was it even possible anymore? She shook her head, doubtful after what she did, even if someone did like her. If they learnt the truth, well, they'd hate her like all the rest. Thankfully, no one in Sword Art Online knew that which she buried within her head. 

She looked around as she watched the two other girls, looking namely for the others. Pinball had vanished completely, and Hei was getting food for Fae. And her, she was attempting to flirt with some boy to see if there was any point to it. Great use of her time. She shook her head before realizing the singer had spoken to her, and smiled softly "It...it's fine.." She said softly, looking at the other two girls. Was this, a fight for the boy? She hoped not, purely because it would be a silly fight and one she didn't really want to make an enemy off. She looked at him, it was his hair, of all things, that caught her eyes. It was, so pretty.

"The singing was, impressive. How you can just, stand in front of a crowd. Sure, i love to sing ubt. Don't you worry about people judging you...?" Her confidence, of lack there off, had always crippled her love of singing. For him to just go up in front of dozens and blurt something out, was, well, beyond her to a degree. There was no control, it was just hoping for the best. 

She looked at the other two girls, the pink haired one and the gingery one. She let out a sigh, hoping not to make much tension "A-are you two..enjoying the event?" She wasn't sure if it was right to ask, given she dislike valentines day entirely. But the girls were wearing dresses, maybe they enjoyed the event?

@Steel@Minako@Reinka

Name: Axios

Your Profession: Blacksmith

Your Rank: Rank 6

Roll ID: 93532

Roll: 11

Item Type: Two-Handed Assault Spear
Tier: 1

Quality: Rare

Enhancements: +1 Acc, +1 Paralyze

Description: Similar in shape to a Chinese Guandao, the pole arm is approximately 8 feet in length (a 6-foot pole topped with a 2-foot blade). The pole arm has a cloth wrapping near the base of the pole that can be used as a grip. Where the blade and the pole meets, there is a green sapphire embedded into the pole. The blade is ornate with a golden design engraved onto the flat of the blade depicted two crossed spears.

Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15168-floor-4-rank-6-a-heroes-infinite-arsenal/?do=findComment&comment=534876

Using Essence Of Steel Quest Item to Upgrade Weapon from Rare to Perfect. < http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/15557-upgrading-the-guild-essence-of-steel/?do=findComment&comment=539051>

Name: Axios

Your Profession: Blacksmith

Your Rank: Rank 6

Roll ID: 93532

Roll: 11

Item Type: Two-Handed Assault Spear
Tier: 1

Quality: Rare

Enhancements: +1 Acc, +1 Paralyze, +1 Bleed

Description: Similar in shape to a Chinese Guandao, the pole arm is approximately 8 feet in length (a 6-foot pole topped with a 2-foot blade). The pole arm has a cloth wrapping near the base of the pole that can be used as a grip. Where the blade and the pole meets, there is a green sapphire embedded into the pole. The blade is ornate with a golden design engraved onto the flat of the blade depicted two crossed spears.

Fae, couldn't see her parents? That was, just, so sad. She couldn't not find it borderline depressing, to forget what your parents looked like. She put on a brave face, but she just felt that Fae was living an illusion. But, if it made the younger girl happy, then, well. She would play the part of the parent, the fill-in until they returned home. She could tell Fae was hurting inside, how could she not? But there was no solution, no band-aid fix that would make everything alright again. So she would play the part needed of her, hopefully it would be enough to keep Fae sane. 

"We'll...make it work in this world" She said the words, but she didn't believe them at all. She didn't believe that it was truly possible to make a family in this world within the game. But, she could make it happen. 

Angel barked happily at being pet, wagging its tail and walking with Fae, circling around the young girl from time to time. Even chasing after Fae as the girl ran ahead. Eatos let Fae run off ahead, following while walking at the same pace. Fae seemed to, innocent. The question that ate away at the bluenette, was would this innocence be kept alive? 

Despite the slight panic that was building up within her chest, the girl forced herself to remain calm. Even with a blade in her hand, she had to remember she was within a game. No longer in the real world, no longer in that alley way. She was standing within Sword Art Online, facing a guild mate to help him become stronger. Nothing more. She looked down the katana blade, and then up at Pinball. She could take him. He had a longer weapon, so close range was her target. Once she got on the inside, mobility with Angel, she could be able to win no issues. 

"I can't promise i'll go easy Pinball. You asked me for help, you asked me for a duel" She looked up at him, her amber eyes as calm as ice "It would be rude if i gave you anything less than my absolute best" She swung her blade around before lazily holding it to her side. 

Despite the slight panic that was building up within her chest, the girl forced herself to remain calm. Even with a blade in her hand, she had to remember she was within a game. No longer in the real world, no longer in that alley way. She was standing within Sword Art Online, facing a guild mate to help him become stronger. Nothing more. She looked down the katana blade, and then up at Pinball. She could take him. He had a longer weapon, so close range was her target. Once she got on the inside, mobility with Angel, she could be able to win no issues. 

"I can't promise i'll go easy Pinball. You asked me for help, you asked me for a duel" She looked up at him, her amber eyes as calm as ice "It would be rude if i gave you anything less than my absolute best" She swung her blade around before lazily holding it to her side. 

<ID: 95649. Ld is 18, Eatos strikes first>

The first ran forwards, pulling her Katana up and taking aim. If she had learnt one thing about combat, it was this. Sword Arts were a must! So she would steal a page from Stryder and lead this fight with a stun, her sword art. Ukifune. Getting in close, she swung her Katana hard and it woudl know Pinball back and up into the air. She knew, the way the sword art worked, she would be safe from a counter-attack. At least, for now...

---Stats---

Eatos: 380/380 HP | 34/38 EN | 9 MIT | 7 DMG | 3 EVA | 3 ACC

Pinball: 

Lvl: 17 | HP: 333 | EN: 34 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 |  DMG: 6 |

The arrival of Fae, in quite a unique fasion, well, Eatos hadn’t expected that so many members of her guild would arrive at this event. She knew it was Hei with Fae, she could recognise him even through the mask. She couldn’t not smile, after all, it was nice to see him giving this little piece of a dream to little Fae. Princess of the New Dawn. She smiled, at least someones childhood wasn’t being completely ruined by this game.

But, well, she had managed to ruin someone elses night as Pinball ran off and Tsu followed. She looked at Saphira with a guilty look, whopps? “I didn’t realize, that would end as badly as it did…” She let out a deep breath. Gods today was just falling apart? Little did she know the siniging was coming next, and, well, it was something. She wasn’t sure why a Player was singing given it would probably be an NPC to do it, but…Well, it was an event non-the-less. She smiled behind her wolf-mask up at the singer. He had courage, if nothing else.

Fae’s arrival forced, yet another, smile out of Eatos. The calling of her ‘mommy’ still left her somewhat taken aback, but she hugged the younger girl “I didn’t plan to come until the last minute so..But it’s nice to see you Fae” she said standing up. She even went and gave Hei a brief hug, thanking him under her breath for bringing Fae and giving her the grand entrance she wanted.

At the offer of a drink, Eatos nodded her head “I’ll come with you Hei, I’ve been sitting too long. I could use a little walk” she followed him, unaware he was intending to talk to the person who went up on stage. She frowned at the interactions, but stayed silent behind Hei as he talked to Steel. Fidgetting with her blue-hair, curling it around her index finger continually.

“T-that…was a good performance” she said softly to Steel, unaware of his name “The fact you, well, looked a little nervious yet performed, is impressive” She took a proper look at him now she was standing facing him. Much like her, he wore a suit but unlike her, his mask had a little bit of flare with its colors, while hers was just a plain black wolf mask. 

@Hei@Steel

Eatos kept her amber eyes on Pinball and the girl who was his date. She let out a sigh, somehow if anyone in the guild knew it was her. They’d probably just mock her for being such a worrier. After all, it was some small fancy event. Social suicide wouldn’t occur here, just embarrassment for Pinball. She was still getting to know her guild mates, but as co-founder. She found herself taking responsibility for them, the same way that Stryder did in combat.

Eatos, too focused on Pin, missed herself being spotted and spun her head to look at the voice. It sounded familiar, and those eyes! It took many moments before Eatos realized it was Saphira she was looking at. She hardly recognised the other girl, she looked, well, sorta regal in the dress she was wearing. Very different to the girl who was cuddling a plushy on the 4^th floor that’s for certain.

“You look lovely Saphira. As for why I’m here, well. Pinball is over there and I just came to, make sure he was right. Social events aren’t his strongest suit so I figured I’d poke my head around…” It was only 50% on the truth, but the other girl didn’t need to know Eatos was secretly hoping she’d find someone who made her heart beat faster than usual. “I know it’s probably me just being silly, but I wasn’t doing anything so I figured…why not?”

In the time she’d looked away from Pin, he’d spotted her. In part, it shouldn’t have surprised her. It was the same suit she’d worn at the christmass event. Mostly because it was what she liked, and her only non-combat piece of clothing. So when Pinball and his date, Tsu, came up to them, well, she hadn’t been prepared for an encounter. She smiled warmly behind her mask.

“It’s a pleasure Tsu. I wasn’t aware Pinball managed to find himself a girl…” She wasn’t trying to push them together, but she had absolutely no idea of their relationship. Was it friends, was it more? The sweets the girl brought implied quite a bit, but her words did the opposite. “Either way it is, I’m just happy he’s finally being social outside of the guild…”

@Pinball@Saphira@Froppy

Rhaegal was pleased with his hit onto the human hatchling, but that's when he came under assault from the second group and let out yet another roar. This group was annoying and the first did damage. Penetrating his scales! He turned to strike back, only to come under fire from the other two. The red one didn't do much, and the black haired one left a scar that bleed! Enraged by its situation, the drake struck out at the closest target. The red girl! It threw itself forwrads, teeth bared, and thrashed around with its claws. The girl let out a groaned noise and the Drake felt relieved it had returned some of the damage the filthy humans had done upon it!

Eatos knew her job in this entire raid was simple. Healing. It was the purpose of her build, and the entire reason she was here despite the Katana she held in her hand. But despite it all, she watched at the guild started off it's attack with success. Until the drake struck back and hit Fae! Eatos was stunned, of all players, it hit Fae! Despite the anger, her heart remained a constant calm pace. The girl abandoned her position and went up to Fae, kneeling down and using her First Aid skill. It didn't heal by a ton, but it was something. She didn't see the outside stand between the drake and the young girl, and took a deep breath as Fae's hp did't fall too badly. "Gotta be careful Fae, these raids won't be easy" she said calmly to the young girl as the looked at Stryder and gave a single nod. Stryder could have 1 shot this drake, but instead, they had agreed to let the guild fight to see if people could go the distance. This would teach them who would survive in the future raids. 

First Aid Used on Fae. Healed by 12 <12% of 100> at the cost of 1 <5% of 12, 0.6>

--- Stats ---

Rhaegal, the Emerald Hatchling: 4/125 HP | 25 MIT |50 DMG |Special Ability: LD 17+ -> reduce EVA to 0 | Affected by Bleed <Applied by Saphira>

Party 1:
Fae: 69/100 | 1/10 Energy | 9 MIT | Hate: 3
Pinball: 180/180 | 16/18 Energy | 1 ACC | Hate: 2
Crozeph: 320/320 | 32/32 Energy | 16 MIT | Hate: 0

Party 2:
Hei: 420/420 HP | 39/42 Energy | ACC +3 | MIT: 27 | DMG +3 | Hate: 2
Saphira:  80/80 HP | 6/8 Energy | MIT: 27 | EVA: 1 | Hate: 3
Embers: 216/240 | 2/24 Energy | 27 MIT | Hate: 3

Party 3:
Eatos: HP: 340/340 ENG: 33/34.  5 DMG | 3 EVA | 2 REC | 1 THRN | 9 MIT | Hate:
@Thorsten: 120/120 | 12/12 Energy | Hate:
@Stryder: ???

The lack of sleep had made the 'hike' harder than it should have. Twice she'd tripped over a stone, only to have Angel catch her before she hit the ground. For all the times she called her familiar overally protective, she knew how to look after her foolish owner. After all, if she were smart, she wouldn't let a single nightmare reoccurring break her so fundamentally. The lack of sleep had done little to improve her mood, and so Stryders smart-crack was not met by a smile, but a simple sigh from the amber-eyed girl.

"What is it Stryder? We could have just met at a teleporter or something, instead you had me hike my way up here. What's happened? The guild seems fine if that's what you're concerned about" Eatos couldn't understand why else he'd call her, here, of all places. It was ages away from anywhere and a pain to get too. Her lack of sleep had killed what kindness she had, and the hike hadn't put her in a smiley mood either.

Angel tilted her head upon seeing Silver for a second time. The Husky stood between Stryder and Eatos, a curious look in the dogs blue eyes, but a slight growl. Angel trusted Stryder not to hurt her master, but the wolf at his side was something else entirely. 

From the side of the hall, Eatos watched beneight her mask. In part, she wasn't entirely surprised no one had even tried to approach her. She was wearing a suit, so possible people might mistake her for a guy with long hair. Also didn't help she was simply standing off to the side, so people probably would just ignore her. But, it didn't bother her too badly. While partof her was curious if she could find a partner, she doubted she was able to fall in love. Her heartbeat often remained a constant, even around boys, so was it love? 

Her amber eyes watched the arrival of Pinball, the guild member she'd come to keep an eye on. He wasn't all that socially, so just being here to ensure she could step in was half of her purpose for being at this event. The girl in the frog mask walked up to him, although Eatos didn't know her name. 

'So that's his date? I find it surprising he can talk to a girl he's interested in. Still, as long as he doesn't make a complete mess of this. I can just stand back here and watch' she said to herself as she moved her eyes around the hall. The masks made it a lot harder to identity anyone she knew. She didn't recognize Saphire, another member of her guild entering, due to the mask. Still, with a gaze set to ensure Pin didn't commit social suicide, the girl sat down in one of the chairs and let out a deep breath. Far from what she'd wanted to do this evening, that's for sure. The whole valentines event, in her opinion, had always been a waste of time for her. What's the point of this day, if you couldn't tell if you loved someone or not?

The girl was a somewhat surprised Pinball was willing to come to the fourth floor. But then again, he wasn't the most 'normal' of people so perhaps his eagerness had gotten the better of him? Without much other than a greeting, he sent Eatos the half-life duel request. The girls amber eyes watched him carefully, before shrugging. She knew that he was, well, far from the most 'normal' socially. Perhaps he was uncomfortable with small talk and opted to simply get things done? That would make some level of sense. 

"There is no need to say sorry for being yourself" The girl said as she equipped her Armour and necklace. Both would be important in battle, even more so given she knew Pinball had a unique weapon. He had asked for help, she wouldn't back away and be rude. She accessed her inventory and pulled out her weapon. A long, shiny Katana. She looked at the handle of the blade, and let out a sigh. In a way, the nightmares that came from holding a weapon had made SAO a prison. But, well, she just had to deal with it. 

She pressed the accept button as she checked her side. Angel was standing right there, growling at Pinball. The familiar knew it was battle time, it was obvious to assume that she would be aggressive, even as a Mitigation Familiar. She closed her eyes and pushed away the image that had plagued her mind. Pinball deserved the best fight she could give, she just had to ensure she remained calm at all points. 

Fae, couldn't remember her parents real names? Sadness flashed over Eatos' face. She couldn't imagine a world where she forgot them, nor her brother for that matter. Eatos didn't realize being called 'Mummy', mostly to help Fae. It felt so alien to be called that, even more given that fact she was young AND had no interest in ever becoming a parent in the real world. "You'll see 'em again Fae. I promise you that. You'll see your parents again and play with them" It must be rough for Fae, to be thrown in this world with such speed. If she could send her back, she'd do it in a heartbeat. There were only a few people who deserved the same fate as Fae, and the girl was not one of them.

Eatos returned the hug for as long as Fae needed, after all, Fae needed it. She nodded her head, finding the whole 'holding hands' part unfamiliar and a little uncomfortable, but going along with it. Angel let out an odd noise, almost the dog version of a scoff. Another glare from Eatos silenced the Husky, before following up behind the pair, sniffing around and occasionally barking at wildlife she spotted.

"We'll take a good look around. Although, i might be able to help" The girl accessed her inventory, looking for an item that would help Fae's searching. She had it made when she was looking for her own Angel, maybe it would help?...If she could find it!

"Fetch!" The blacksmith threw the stick, and the large Husky shot off like a rocket to grab it. The familiar had been pestering her to go outside for a while now, so the girl had caved and now they were playing fetch at the Frostbike Lake on the 4th floor. Eatos found herself here so often, it was so common for the blacksmith now-a-ways. As she threw the stick, the message notication popped up and she read it. Pinball...She was a little caught by surprise. He stuck to himself, why was he contacting her, of all players? For a duel? She wasn't up there with combat stats, having put a LOT into healing. 

The girl sent a quick reply, before whistling for Angel to come back to her and beginning to talk to the towns teleporter. She didn't know where he wanted her to go, but if he wanted to practice. Well, she'd be more than happy to give him what he wanted.

Stats:

So this was the valentines event? As a former romantic, perhaps this ball would have been a dream come true years ago. Not the case anymore for Eatos, who entered to the event by herself. She had no date for this event, rather, she came for two reasons. One was for her guild, she knew one of the guild members would end up here and she came simply to keep an eye open for them. Taking over as 'mother' of the guild wasn't a position she wanted, but, well, nothing could be helped now. The second reason was a lot more personal. 

It's said, when you're in love, your heart beats insanely fast and you feel it in your bones. During her time in the real world, that had never been the case. Was it just the bad relationship she entered, or her? Maybe today would prove some answer. She stood off to the side, wearing an outfit that was a little different to the other girls at this event. They all wore pretty dressed. Eatos, well, came in her formal outfit, a suit. The mask she had picked up was nothing too special, after all, she didn't care much for masks. It was a simple 'wolf' mask. 

She only really recognised a few. Namely, Hestia. She couldn't help herself and listen in from where she was standing, and she heard the name she expected too. Pinball. So he was coming to the event. She let out a sigh. He wasn't the most social within the guild, often keeping to himself. That was, in part, the reason she was here. Eatos glanced at the ground near her, but unlike normal, there was no Husky being overally protective of her. She'd left her familiar at the store, opting to give Angel a rest. Plus, the Husky would probably destroy half the hall given how active she liked to be. 

Eatos saw the flinched out of Fae, and it was like a hot knife. Part of her wanted nothing more than to give Fae the comfort she deserved. Hell, that the girl needed given her situation. But se knew that she simply lacked the qualities that made a good parent. She was distant, a day dreamer and, well...all that the good things entail. But, if it was just ingame, perhaps...

Eatos held the smaller girls hand, but nothing moved within her chest. It was still just the static constant heartbeat she'd always had. Part of her assumed she should be elated that she was a caring figure, but it just wasn't within her. But, it didn't mean that she wouldn't take care of Fae. The girl was 9 years old, there was a limit to even what her ice-cold self could and couldn't do.

Eatos hugged Fae back, and realized, in that moment, she had no idea what this girls real name was. Angel barked once behind the girls, looking slightly impatient, but a single glare from Eatos made the Husky go silent as she let the younger girl hug for as long as she needed. This wasn't a hug for herself, this was for Fae, to know she cared. 

"We'll get through this alive Fae. All of us will, i promise you that much"

Eatos' eyes shot open, panic and fear dominated them. Yet another nightmare. She checked the in-game clock and swore silently. She'd barely been asleep an hour. Sleep aluded her of late, and it came bearing horrible gifts. An event she should have never been able to forget, the one that affected her for years. She saw that, in her time asleep in her shop on the fourth floor, she had received a message. From Stryder. Of course she had. Because what she needed now was a talk about the guild, when she'd barely been sleeping the past few days. 

She sent a curt 'I'll meet you there in an hour' before sitting up fully and taking a deep breath. She just needed to mentally reset and put on a brave face. Only one person alive knew what plagued her mind, Silver, or known as Thorsten by the guild. She could just survive today, then maybe, talk to him about the nightmares. About him, about how that boy continued to haunt her. 

Nearly an hour later. Eatos, with Angel trailing behind her, began the hike up to the top of the mountain. She knew 'Breaking the Unbreakable' quest was up here, but she had no interest in doing the quest itself. Her Katana was enough, if it was seemingly what was making those nightmares worse. She looked around for Stryder upon reaching the top. His 'home' was nearby, surely he woudl beat her here. 

Eatos followed after Fae, with Angel barely a step behind her. This had been much more of an emotional rollercoaster than she had expected. But, in a way, it was nice. However, the turn of events caught Eatos VERY much by surprise. Namely when she asked her to be her mother. The look of shock passed on her face. Becomes, Faes 'effect' mother? That implied a LOT to Eatos. Namely, herself and Silver. Thorsten. She liked him, relied on him heavily. But, love him? Did she even need to love Silver to becomes Faes 'Mother'? Hell, did she even want that?! Never in her life had she really thought about becoming a parent, she'd always just had a pet and figured that's all she wanted. Could she even act as a parent for Fae?

"You're welcome to stay at mine whenever you want. As for being your mother..." The girl couldn't not hesitate. She didn't have the 'maternal' qualities that make up a good parent. She'd never cared for having an active parent, her own mother being away for work. "I can't promise i'll be a good mother. But, i'll keep my eye open for you. I promise that to you Fae, i'll take care of you while i can..." 

An image flashed before her eyes, and it sent shivers up her spine. It was an image she hated, and yet, lived within her. She silent cursed herself as she blinked, trying to put on a smile for Fae.  

Eatos was glad that Fae felt safe with the guild around, with her around. Being selfish, it was a way to redeem herself in her own eyes. After all she had done, to ensure a young child was safe meant to much to her. She was right, the front lines. For the players who had the courage, it was all about saving them all. But for players like Fae, a child, that was never an option. No one in their right mind would let her go. Hell, Eatos would refuse it. Fae was 9 years old, she didn't deserve this....

"We'll get you home Fae" she said softly as she hugged the young girl "I promise, we'll get you home alive. Everyone in the guild, we'll all survive" She wasn't sure if there was anything right to say. Fae was staying with Silver, who had 'adopted' her. There had been a time where Eatos had considered taking care of Fae herself, but with Silver taking that job. The implications that would follow...

"You're welcome to stay with me anytime Fae. Silv-Thorsten and i, we're close friends from the real world. So if you ever want to stay with me, i'll message him" She was, in part shocked. She didn't realize Fae depending on the guild, on her, nearly this much. Would she, if she knew the truth? Probably not. Fae had gone through enough in this game, and she trusted the guild. The last thing she needed to learn was the reality of who she was. 

Eatos barely noticed the river, the 'green' water keeping Angel plenty entertained as the pair of girls walked their way through the forest area. Eatos wasn't a huge fan of green forests, much prefering to see snow on, well, everything. Like back home when she felt most safe. But, she could appricate how people like Fae could enjoy the view like this. It sung of being gentle and peaceful. 

Thorsten. Eatos' eyes flashes somewhat upon hearing the online name of Silver. She knew him back in the real world, and he was a rock for her. She smiled slightly. It was nice to know that, even here, Silver was finding a place to be. Living with Fae, adopted her. While Eatos would need a brief talk to her friend, she was certain he had nothing but kindness in his adoption of Fae. Hearing the other girl beam about the guild she had a hand in starting, well, it was impossible not to beam with pride. Ever with all in her mind, she could still smile.

"We are yeah. I'm just happy that people feel safe within the guild. That's why i made it, why i joined with Stryder. Not all of us will end up fighting on the front lines. Some of us, just want to live..."

Fae had already come up with a name for her Familiar? Trixie. Was that the name of a friend, a family member? The name of a familiar could say a lot about a person, who they were. Sometimes you could read too much into it, for example. Stryder had just saved 'Silver Aurora', his wolfess, from harm. The name seemed random, yet maybe there was something in his past that made it important. It was impossible to know. As for her, and Angel. Well, back in the real world, she had a Husky who she called Gluttony, as the Seven Deadly Sins because the pup LOVED to eat. In Sword Art Online, the Husky didn't seem sinful. Rather, a chance for redemption for her. Angel was a ray of light for her, an angel. 

Eatos shook her head, she had been so deep inside her head she'd missed Fae talking and only caught the back of her sentence asking about what she'd been doing lately. The smiled weakly and let out a sigh. "It's been slow lately, but i've been enjoying myself. I've been focusing on just, enjoying myself" She smiled softly at Fae, in part hating herself, for every single word that came out of her mouth was an utter lie. For the past weeks, sleep had evaded her and when it did come, it came bearing horrid gifts she had to accept. 

She brushed her hair over her shoulders and put on a brave face. Her issues were nothing for Fae to concern herself with. She was the co-leader of the guild and had to be there for its members. 

Angel barked and rubbed his head into Fae. The dog circled around a few times before sliding back to the blacksmiths side, the loyal pet. The girl hugged Fae back, and smiled slightly. This girl was in such a dark world, yet always seemed to have that smile on her face. How, she had no idea. But, she would try and keep Fae smiling. Keep her ignorance as alive as possible. Eatos smiled hearing Fae wanted to find herself a familiar. It pleased her, she was getting herself more than just a familiar, but hopefully, a friend to keep her safe and company. 

"Well, i'm more than happy to join you to help you find a familiar. I know, at least for myself, Angel is just so important to me. Hopefully your familiar becomes important to you" She said calmly. Fae was struggling with the word, but she said nothing and simply nodded her head. Following after the young girl. She had no reason to be rude after all. Fae, well, fae was important for reasons that the girl didn't even realize. At least, in Eatos' eyes that was the case.