Winik

Winik took the mat from her gingerly, trying to calm his nerves.  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath and envisioning what he could do.  Mentally, he shrugged on his chef's coat and took up his knife. He lit the fires on the stove, stoked the oven and poured himself a drink.  Winik needed to succeed, he had to get stronger and the quest would further his goal.  He opened his eyes, taking a long look at the bundle of herbs grasped in his hand.  To his left, he noticed a tray of implements ready to be used.  A small knife glistened in the light, catching his attention.  With shaking hands, he took it up and held the herbs against the table, fingers held in the cook claw.  He tried to mince the herbs, but they just withered under the blade, earning one of Winik's famous culinary curses. "Should have gone for the chiffonade, not the mince.  What was I thinking?"

Winik stuck his tongue out at Raeze, turning back to his mortar and pestle.  "I'm a chef, princess. Not some old crone in the woods," he grumbled, scraping his pestle against the mortar.  He took a handful of berries off of the table and dropped them in, thinking that treating it like a desert would help him out.  Boy, he couldn't have been more wrong if he had decided to sing it a little song.  Flames erupted from the mortar, causing him to scream and grab his hair in frustration.  He picked up his mortar and chucked it out the open shop door, earning him a stern look from the Alchemist. Winik crossed his arms, grumbling about poison apples and stupid dwarves for some reason. He couldn't look Raeze in the eyes, he had been what he would have called impressive in the mat grinding but now he's having nothing but troubles.

@Raeze

WInik leaned against his palms, his elbows resting on the bar. "At home it was just me and my mom, dad left when I was really young.  Left a family and a business behind, if you can believe it." He sighed heavily, straightening on his stool so he could grab his flagon.  A long swallow later and he was able to continue. "9 is a little young for this game, it was aimed for a more mature audience after all.  I knew there were some kids who got trapped in here too, they had tricked their parents to allow them to get a copy." He kept his gaze aimed on the back wall of the bar.  There were plenty of people trapped without their families here, he was just one of many. She was too, after all.  Only, she was younger than most.  Could she carve a way for herself in this world, or was she one to need to be cared for at the church?

Winik pushed his empty plate away from himself, gesturing for a new order to come in with a refill on his drink. He cut a piece off of his sausage and broke the yolk of his eggs with the tines of his fork.  He swiped the meat through the yolks before greedily devouring the bite.  A long drink from his flagon gave him time to formulate his thoughts.  Placing it against the bar with a light thump, he turned his attention back to the girl. "I'm Winik.  You seem a little young for this game, don't you think?" His words held no venom, just honest curiosity getting to him.  He dug into his plate, piling bite after bite of breakfast foods, washing them down with long drinks from his flagon. He chewed thoughtfully before spouting off another question. "Do you have family or anything of the like in here with you, or are you on your own?"

Winik started, moving his finger away from the rattling jar slowly.  "Yeah, whatever helps us move along on this quest.  I just have to put things in this bowl thing and smash it, right?"

Winik dropped some leaves that the mats in his inventory took shape of, and began hammering at it with the white flat thing next to it.  He kept grinding the pestle, different from what he had in his kitchen, against the bowl, his tongue held firmly between his teeth as he worked.  The sound of grinding was replaced with sudden flare and boom, smoke flying into Winik's face.  He stood there, dumbfounded, his face covered in ash. "Did I do it?"

"No, lad.  You didn't, but you do look rather fit to be an apprentice of an Alchemist now," Zakariah chuckled, his programming causing him to poke fun at Winik.

Winik scowled, scrubbing his arm against his face to take off the soot.  He leaned back, crossing his arms across his chest and pouting, unaware that the end of his ponytail was still smoldering.

Winik picked Raeze off the ground, doing his best at holding back the laughter bubbling in his chest.  He wasn't doing a very good job to say the least.  As he wiped the mirth from his eyes with an index finger, he made his way in front of her and used a sword from his inventory to hack through the undergrowth.  "Maybe this way you won't trip on some harmless foliage, princess," he called back over his shoulder, a smile plastered across his face.  His words never came out the way they were meant to, it seems.  He was a genuine person, but his airheaded personality made it hard for him to get his words out in a fashion that was considered proper.  His smile faded as he contemplated his words and actions today, what he's been saying and doing to Raeze.  His mood seemed to dim as he realized that what he was doing could be considered mean spirited and vowed to change his ways.  He couldn't afford to lose her again, could he?  His heart twinged at the thought and he steeled his gaze as he blazed a safe path for her to walk.

@Raeze

Winik gestured to the barkeep, allowing a plate of food to materialize in front of him.  He slid over the plate of eggs and sausage, all lying in a pool of grease, to the girl.  Another gesture and a plate of the same food appeared in front of him.  He took a long drink from his flagon before taking a fork in hand.  He laid into the plate, using the edge of his fork to cut the sausage links and slice through the egg yolk.  He shoveled it into his mouth, drinking from his flagon on occasion.  A sideways look out of his eye showed him the girl hadn't touched her food yet and he spoke out of the corner of his mouth, "I heard your stomach, now eat your food.  You're not going to find much better in a place like this, at least it's something you'd find irl." 

@Fae

Winik swung his arms, gaining momentum to sit up and braced his elbows against his knees.  He saw a glimmer in the water and his hand flashed through the air.  Water splashed into the air, catching the light in a mesmerizing display of colors.  He brought his hand up to his eyes, examining what he had found.  A wide grin spread across his face as he held it towards Raeze."That makes five for me," he bragged jovially, letting the flower, for that was what it was, disappear into his inventory. "Hopefully you'll find your last one and we can get back to the old man and finish this quest out, princess.  Wouldn't want you to fall behind the pack." He dusted his hands off, pushing himself to his feet where he fiddled with his menu.  He unequipped his armor and stretched his arms over his head.  Arching his back, he tried his best to alleviate the little discomfort that was there before he dropped his arms.  He held out a hand, offering to help up his long time friend.

Winik tipped his flagon back, draining the last of the contents before setting it back down against the bar.  He leaned heavily on one hand, turning his head to take in the player sitting next to him. "Just enjoying the flavors, that's all.  What brought you into a little dumpy establishment like this one?" he questioned, taking in her appearance as he gestured with one hand.  He wasn't wearing his questing gear, so he looked just like every other low leveled player, her included.  He could tell she was new around here, most people hadn't found this place.  It didn't cost a lot of col to get a meal and drink here, and the flavors weren't all that bad. "You just decided to venture around the Town of Beginnings? Or were you just trying to find someplace new?" He yawned widely, gesturing with his hand to get himself another drink.  A new flagon appeared and he wrapped his fingers around the handle, keeping an eye on the player.

@Fae

"I recommend good gear, especially if you're low leveled.  It can make up for the difference in levels on the lower floors.  I had someone a while back gift me a sword with a damage buff on it.  It was a big help, it came with some mats and col too so I was able to get myself some decent armor and a shield.  I've changed though, switching to the two handed assault spear so now they just sit in my inventory." Winik spoke animatedly, gesturing with his hands after he clicked the party accept button.  He took note of the health bar in the top corner of his HUD, promising himself to monitor as closely as needed.  He clapped a hand on his compatriot's shoulder, moving to get him to follow him out of the gates and into the fields beyond.  "You're doing this for Earning a Living, right? Mat gathering can be a little tough if RNGesus is being particularly hateful, but the crafts you can make later on may save your life one day."

Winik stared at her, the wind winding its way through the grass around him and his hair.  He lifted his hand, taking the ponytail in question into his grasp.  "It's not as weird as you think, you really do get used to the changes in game after awhile.  I wanted something different, as you did too obviously," gesturing to her purple hair. "We're in a fantasy game, I wanted to live the life here.  The battles, the quests, the loot, all of it.  I wanted to get the most out of it while I'm here. Once I get back, I don't think mom will let me out of her site ever again.  Plus, there's me taking over the store.  This whole situation has probably weakened mom's poor heart.  Who knows how much work I'm going to have to pick up now." He turned his head to stare at the shifting leaves, winding his arms behind his head and entwining them. "Promise me you'll come visit me at the store sometimes, okay?  I'll miss your smile if you don't, princess."

@Raeze

Winik was strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Town of Beginnings, head down and lost in thought.  He had just finished giving paying his respects at the Monument of Life.  So many people had lost their lives in this game and he was poignant in the fact that he wasn't going to be one of them.  Not him, nor anyone in his party.  He sighed heavily, making his way into a tavern to try to get himself a drink to soothe his nerves.  He made his way to the bar, sitting heavily on a stool and raising his hand in signal for a drink.  A flurry of pixels later and a flagon was sitting on the bar in front of him.  Winik grabbed the handle and took a long drink, knowing damn well that he couldn't actually get drunk in this game.  But flavor was flavor and that was something he could appreciate.

@Fae

Winik was grinding on the lower levels when he got a notification about the order he had placed with Eatos. With a smile and a whoop, he rushed back into the safety of the town limits and to the teleport gate.  A flash of light later and he was on his way.

Winik made his way into the shop, looking around anxiously.  He was practically bouncing with excitement when he made his way to the counter. "My order's ready for pickup, right?" After being given the affirmative and the trade was completed, he stood in the shop with the spear clasped in each hand.  He twirled it around himself experimentally, getting a feel for it.  He grinned from ear to ear, bowing to the player blacksmith. "Thank you very much for this, I'll probably be back for some more excellent work from you." With that said, he turned and raced out of the shop, ready to try his new toy out on some helpless mobs. 

"A wildflower, you say? I'm sorry but I've never heard of that," Winik answered sheepishly.  He let a smile spread across his face as he held his hand out to shake. "I'm Winik, by the way." He was wearing his simple short sleeve blue shirt and plain brown cloth pants, opting to leave his armor in his inventory for the moment.  "But I'd be willing to help you search in the fields outside the city limits.  We've all got to stick together in this death game, yeah? Players need to help other players, otherwise we're more stuck here than on the first day.  I'm level 6, so I can help keep your back covered while we search.  I couldn't help but notice you seem a little low leveled, but so am I.  I've just got some gear to help me out is all." Winik tilted his head to the side, closing his eyes as he smiled before opening them and looking into Shepherd's.

@Shepherd

Winik waded his way out of the water, pulling himself on the bank to sit alongside Raeze. "You know I was just trying to have fun with you, right?  I've missed you princess. I was going out of my mind with worry, it made me sick." Winik spoke softly, digging through the mud absentmindedly next to his thigh.  He pulled free a root, letting it disappear in a flurry of pixels before taking a deep breath. "I don't want you to get mad at me, I don't know what I would do. I just found you again, after all."  He groaned to himself, knotting his hands in his hair and falling heavily backward.  He laid there, his arms outstretched as he stared at the sky through the trees. "I'm not good at words, you know this.  So I'll put it simply, I'm sorry. We've been through so much since we got here and I just wanted to get back what we had irl." He rolled his head to the side, staring at her and taking in the view.  He wasn't the most perceptive, but he always remembered her wearing her gloves.

Name: Fortuitous Hard Biscuit

Your Profession: Cook

Your Rank: Rank 2

ID: 86949

Roll: 12

Item Type: Snack
Tier: 1

Quality: Perfect

Enhancements: +3 Loot Die

Description: A hard biscuit, the additive of Ula Fish Bone gives it a salty flavor that fills the senses and increases Luck.

Post Link: 

Winik stomped down the stairs from his room, his nose buried in the manual he had bought off of an info broker.  "If you add Ula Fish Bone with a variety of other mixtures it effects the flavor engine's salt receptors, eh? Might as well try it out."  He threw on his chef's coat and swiped his mortar and pestle off of a counter top.  He set up shop at his prep station and placed a few Ula Fish Bones in the mortar.  Taking sprigs of holly herbs from a higher floor, he began grinding them down with the pestle. He really put his shoulder behind it, grinding it into a fine powder.  On the last turn, the flavor recreation engine decided that what he was doing was not going to work.  Flames spewed from the mortar, singeing his hair and sending him sprawling. "DAMN IT!!!!," he screamed at the top of his lungs, scrambling to his feet.  He threw more bones into the pestle and laid into them, not adding anything this time around.  Once they were a fine powder, he added it to some flour, bird eggs, and water. He threw the mixture into a pan and into the oven it went.  Onc the timer went off, he was the new proud owner of a Perfect quality snack.

Winik nodded at Stryder, walking into the shop with a small amount of trepidation. The sound of the door opening drew the attention of the smith, busy working at his anvil, and his wife.  "I see you've come back, young one.  Were you successful in your venture, or did you fail to acquire what was asked of you?" The words were spoken gruffly, but not heavy with spite.  It was the voice of a weary soul, who had long seen adventurers come and go like the rain in a storm.  His eyes bore into Winik, who had to swallow the lump in his throat before he could think of answering. "Yes, sir.  I've brought the Dragon Bone from the Dark Elf." Winik kept his voice steady, avoiding dropping his gaze.  He felt the smith deserved as much of his respect as he could put forth.  "Very well.  It will take some time, but I'll have your armor soon enough." 

The smith turned away from Winik, reaching into his forge before hammering on his anvil.  Not long after a window appeared before Winik, detailing the spoils of his quest.  Winik gave the smith a nod goodbye, turning and exiting the store as he came.  He smiled at Stryder, shooting him a thumbs up. "Thanks for all your help here, I couldn't have done it without you.  Safe travels, friend.  May we meet again on the front lines."  Winik waved farewell as he headed towards the teleport gate at the center of town.  He needed to get home, to finally begin his journey.

Quest Rewards

Stryder: +1 SP, +100 Col

Winik: +2 SP, +100 Col, +1 Dragon Bone Cuirass (Heavy Armor) [Heavy Momentum]

Winik looked over his shoulder, a mischievous grin overcoming his features.  He brushed his hands off, clapping them against each other as quietly as he could.  He tiptoed through the field, doing his best to not rustle the long grass around them as he made his way over to her.  With a quick grab and twist, he had her back over his shoulder again as he turned and raced deeper across the fields.  The duo made their way past mob after mob before breaking into the cover of the forest a small ways away from the Town of Beginnings.  He kept going until he found a stream that looked deep enough.  With a loud yell of enthusiasm, he leapt off the bank to fall into the water before.  Water geysered into the air, followed by Winik as he rubbed a hand over his face.  The other held small wriggling fish that burst into pixels and disappeared into his inventory. "Thought we could use a refresher, yeah?"

Winik smiled to himself, noticing his compatriot's slip back into his old self.  He rolled his shoulder, flicking his wrist to draw his sword back out into the open.  "I think if we follow the stream, we'll find more of those mobs." Winik mused aloud, flinching when ear splitting howls ripped through the air.  "Or they'll come to us!" Winik shouted out, trying to alert his compatriot before the mobs were upon them.  Two dire wolves tore through the brush, bursting into the clearing with fangs bared.

Winik charged the nearest Dire Wolf, not bothering to charge up a sword art. His sword flashed through the air, flashing in the dappled light filtering through the leaves.  He misjudged his free room and embedding his blade into the trunk of a nearby tree.  'Great,' he thought. 'First it was the boars and now the wolves.  I can't hit the broadside of a barn at this rate.' He clenched his teeth as he felt the color rise in his cheeks.

Winik strolled into the shop, eyes full of curiosity.  He had yet to come here, but he had heard some good things from the various players he managed to overhear in his adventures.  "Hello? Anyone here?," he called, cupping one hand around his mouth.  He notcied thw sleeping girl by the forge, earning a smile from him when he saw her wake up and come to the counter. He swiped his hand through the air, first and second fingers outstretched, and pulled up his menu.  He materialized a small pouch of 700 col and placed it on the counter. "I'm looking to get a custom weapon. Perfect tier if you can. Im content to wait, just shoot me a message when youre done." Nodding in satisfaction, he turned and left the shop, content to wait for his weapon to be made.

Winik's head dipped forward, the rusted piece of metal pelting him in the back of the head.  He spun around, clutching the back of his head with a scowl affixed firmly to his face.  "Watch what you're doing!  You could get somebody hurt. Don't worry though, I'll get you back." he promised her with a menacing smile. He turned back to the copse of trees, something telling him there was more to be found.  This time, however, he decided to look up in the branches.  He was not disappointed, as apples were catching the light filtering through the trees.  He jumped as high as he could, planting one foot firmly against the tree in attempt to get more height.  His fingers curled around one of the apple, picking it from the tree as he came back down.  "2-1, in my favor, princess."

Winik accepted the trade window, smiling at the seemingly overpowered player in front of him.  "Well, I guess you were right. Now all that's left is to go back to town, right?" Winik turned to head back the way they came, trying to orient himself in the darkened forest.  He was excited to be on his way, his compatriot having shown him what a player who has put in the time can do. "This will get me started on the path I'm wanting to take.  I can't thank you enough for this.  You can shoot me a message whenever you're looking for company, maybe I'll be higher leveled when the time comes."  Winik turned his head to call over his shoulder at Stryder as he walked, resuming looking forward to avoid any nasty spills due to carelessness on his part. His heart pounded with the idea of getting new loot, he couldn't wait.

Name: Jam Filled Fortune Roll

Your Profession: Cook

Your Rank: Rank 1

ID: 86726

Roll: 12

Item Type: Snack
Tier: 1

Quality: Perfect

Enhancements: +3 Loot Die

Description: An apple jam filled roll.  When eaten, it fills the consumer with the overwhelming feeling of being smiled upon by Fortuna, the Roman Goddess of Luck

Post Link: 

Winik came into kitchen, hopeful in his attempts for the day.  His first attempt came out great! He had taken some apples he had harvested in the forest, peeled them, cored them, put them in a pot of water and sugar on the stove and boiled that down for some time.  He then took a loaf of bread he had made previously and hollowed it out.  When that was done, he took the jam mixture he had made and filled the bread loaf.  This gave him a nice jam filled carbohydrate snack.  His second attempt of the day was bad, burning the kebab he was trying to make.  He grumbled as he stored it in his inventory, turning and leaving his restaurant to go out exploring.