Oscar

Crafting on 9/11/25

Finalized Crafts:

"Babe it ain't about safety," Oscar said. If there was anyone he didn't need to worry about, it was Lessa. Anyone from the Frontlines, really. But the two of them had different orbits. Just two different lives. So in the rare occasions they intersected, it was worth dropping everything to just hang out. He raised his hand as they walked, rattling off all of the reasons and rattling off reasons each time he did.

"First off, we haven't hung out in forever. I'm really pretty offended by it. Secondly, I gotta pay the stripper-" He paused there, realizing she didn't have any context. He didn't provide her any. Instead, he quickly gobbled down a whole bunch of consumables. "Thirdly, I'm running a Guild now. And we need money. Bad." It seemed like every time he thought there would be some pressure off his wallet, he wound up making some dumb decision or the other. Plus there was the amusement park.

"So I get to hang out with you, the stripper gets paid, and the Guild gets funds. Win, win, mother fuckin wi- Oh hey there," Oscar said as his attention shifted to the new player milling around the tree. He offered the woman a wave and a smile. 

"Keepers of Nature?" He tilted his head to the side, questioning why the woman was present in such a far-flung, out-of-the-way area. The quest was about the only reason someone would want to come out here. "Why don't you two party up? I can't help, but this one's a breeze with two people."

Oscar skipped the introductions. He wouldn't ask for names that weren't volunteered. Besides, what mattered was a smooth quest.

"Or don't, I'm not your dad," Oscar said with a shrug. It took a great amount of restraint to not continue with saying 'but I can be your daddy.' The stranger was his type, but so was anyone with a pulse. He really hoped that Lessa appreciated that. "I'm just here for the spiders and moral support."

Mostly the spiders. It had been quite some time since he had engaged in legendary battle with his mortal enemies. 

Crafting 8/11/25

Finalized Crafts:

Thread Summary

Oscar | [Word Count: 4498/5 = 899.6] * [True Tier: 12] * [Group Factor: 1] + 2400 = 13195 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 1619 col
Abellio | [Word Count: 4498/5 = 899.6] * [True Tier: 5] * [Group Factor: 1] + 2400 = 6898 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 674 col
Lysette | [Word Count: 4498/5 = 899.6] * [True Tier: 5] * [Group Factor: 1] + 2400 = 6898EXP, Laurel Wreath: 674 col
Warren | [Word Count: 4498/5 = 899.6] * [True Tier: 4] * [Group Factor: 1] + 2400 = 5998 EXP
Sinnamon | [Word Count: 4498/5 = 899.6] * [True Tier: 2] * [Group Factor: 1] + 7400 = 9199 EXP
Vitalis | [Word Count: 4498/5 = 899.6] * [True Tier: 2] * [Group Factor: 1] + 7400 = 9199 EXP

Sinnamon Recieves 56967 Col
10 Tokens (1 per person, 4 Treasurer Bonus)               

Each Participant Recieves: 1 Shore's Treasure      

11 minutes ago, Mari said:

Familiar Obtainment Thread: HERE
Familiar Name: Malcanthet
Familiar Description: An unassuming cute amber coloured slime hat accents ones excitement and turns it into strength. When it opens its eyes, they blaze a brilliant golden colour as though its insides are on fire. Obtained on the 29th floor this symbiote can attempt to meld with its user, wrapping itself around a body to strengthen an attack or blow. Unbothered by most anything, although it doesn't seem to like the cold. Can be used as a garbage disposal as it eats anything and everything. (Except Marshmallows)

 

Familiar Image: 

yer

Approved, Welcome to SAO-RPG!

7 minutes ago, ERROR said:

Familiar Obtainment Thread: HERE
Familiar Name: Badb
Familiar Description: A small black crow with glowing yellow eyes, mostly unassuming but seems to carry with it the insanity of floor 29. The thing doesn't seem to adhere to the boundaries or logic that most would have to. It can go straight through solid objects, turn into smoke and seems unbothered by the elements. Other then the fact it seems to ignore the laws of space time, its just a bird that can bring ERROR a mallet.
Familiar Image: 

approved

It was frustrating how easily Lysette had cut to the core of it. But it was no small wonder. Lysette said she lived it. Sin could only imagine what that had been like. Well, no. She didn’t need to imagine. Because Lysette was right. Sin was the one who put herself out there. Neck and ass on the line. For her friends, strangers, family. Didn’t matter. Whoever Sin had deemed important enough for it. She let out a heavy sigh, shoulders slumping forward.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“Of course I am,” Lysette chirped. “You guys mean the world to me. I don’t know what I’d be doing right now without all of you. And, y’know. I just want everyone to be okay, you know?”

Sin did.

“And I’m sure you do well enough on your own. You don’t need us or the Guild or anything. You’re really strong and I’m really jealous. But I’m really glad you’re here. But just. Be here.”

A silent chuckle escaped his lips as Lysette made sure that she finished her moment with her man. Oscar made a mental note. He might be the Guild Master and the Party Leader, but when it came to Abellio, he only had as much authority as Lysette allowed. He took off after Abellio, the two of them weaving through the sand. A double-helix trajectory as they closed the distance between the crab.

Abellio leaped up, so did Oscar. His friend struck first, Oscar was hot on his heels. Their blades struck at the same point. Right between the eyes in quick succession. Cracks spiderwebbed across the crab’s shell as its health reached zero. It shattered, their remaining momentum sending them forward through the air and landing lightly in the space that the crab once occupied. Oscar huffed out a contented sigh, sheathing his weapon as he reached over to give Abellio a high five.

“Well that went so much more smoothly than the last time,” Oscar said. “Hell of a stun, Sin. Inspired.”

Oscar merely shook his head at Sin’s joke. Whatever they had it never went past the physical. He also threw himself into the fight, his surroundings a blur as he closed in on his target. He timed his attack so that it would strike at the crab’s front legs the very second after Warren’s attack landed. Moving with impossible speed, he struck both legs in rapid succession and then retreated back to a safe distance. Warren landed on the sand next to him, having been blown back by his own explosion.

Their quarry did nothing, stunning into immobility by Sinnamon. She sauntered away from the creature, covering her mouth in an exaggerated gesture as she yawned. Oscar turned his attention to Lysette and Abellio. There was a warm smile on his face, even if his eyes were steely and stern.

“I know we’ve been here before, but let’s stay focused, yeah?”

Oscar had never been a Guild Master before. It had always just struck him as a whole bunch of responsibility that he just didn’t want. But, with his surrogate family growing it really did seem like the right time. Responsibility be damned, he realized that his friends needed something to work towards. Something to build. Some mark on Aincrad to call their own. And he couldn’t deny them that. Even if it meant adding yet another responsibility on top of his already-full dance card. He paid the fees, named the guild, and sent the invite out to everyone.

All that remained was getting their Guild Rank up. And to do that, they needed to get their Quest on. Together.

The obvious solution was Sand’s Claw. The Quest was uniquely rewarding - even on subsequent attempts. Waiting on Floor 24, he got all of their consumables - potions and food and sundries that he had left over. They’d done this quest once before. It went off relatively smoothly. So Oscar didn’t have any concerns that this would be a repeat of that.

Besides, Abellio and Lysette had been gifted a hell of an upgrade a while back. Divine Rancor and Sanctity’s Ruin - transformed and transferred to fit their builds. He was excited to see the both of them in action with their new weapons. But more than that, he was excited to see how they had both grown. Oscar had been there for every step of the journey. Every second of their climb. From Level 1, green newbies to whatever they were now.

And he came to the conclusion that that was what he wanted his Guild to be about. Uplifting. Helping. Be it through scouting or item acquisition or just having a strong sword at your back when you risk your neck. It need not be limited to just his new family. There was an entire world of Players stuck within the game - many of whom could use a helping hand.

And, you know, there was just something about the job of Guild Master that the ladies just ate up.

Dammed, damned emotions.

The mystery began to unravel. Still ignorant of her story, but the miasma began to clear. He now possessed the what and the why, but not the how. His curiosity could wait. Attention enraptured - enthralled - by the weeping woman held in his arms. Perhaps it had been a mistake, he thought. Charm had been wielded irresponsibly, temptation beckoning without forethought. Objectively, it had been. The goal was never to make someone cry. Only to feel. And the ironic tragedy was that by feeling, he had demolished that dam that walled off her emotion. The waters burst forth, sweeping and drowning. It was no small wonder she was in such a state.

But there was no going back now. All he could do was ride the deluge with her. With any luck, he might be able to ferry her to dry land.

“Irony is -” Oscar said, gingerly grasping her by the wrist. He brought her hand to his face, his lips gracing each digit with the softest of feathered kisses. “Feeling should never be denied.”

Repression was the silent killer. How can one understand what it means to feel if they deny their emotions? How could such a thing be considered holy? Oscar knew too well the evils repression propagated. How people lost themselves without an outlet. How the tension and the pressure and the hate transformed someone into something entirely inhuman. He wore the scars from such decisions. A boy, swallowing it all, made a decision in haste and in hate. Three bullets - each one the nearest of misses. All because he was forced to stifle and deny the very essence of himself.

“Who says you have to stop?”

The words of a fool. He should be trying to let her down slowly. Shepherd her to dry land, allow her the freedom to learn herself. Oscar did not want that responsibility. And yet - what was meant to be a tryst for the evening seemed to be developing into something more. As he gazed into her eyes, all of the words and all of the phrases that he would have used - should have used - in such a situation left him. He shouldn’t get himself involved anymore than he already had. But the mystery was too alluring. Her voice was too sweet. Her eyes too deep. Oscar was drowning. So close to the sun, praying his wax wings did not fail him. Everything told him to dive low, back to the cool ocean breeze. At least to collect himself. But she just had to speak again.

Kiss me.

And he obliged, with zero hesitation. He lunged forward, taking her face between both hands. The Magician’s Pleasure - The Blackbook’s Authority - carried them away from the party. Whisked through space. Muted sounds graced their ears, more felt than heard. Bass thumped beneath them as he pressed her into that downy mattress. Lights low, door closed - a private room. The decor - the walls and the furniture - a haze. Focus narrowed, fixation bringing shadows to his periphery. He bore down upon her, hand sinking into the downy surface as his body engulfed her frame.

Hips met, lips touched. Passion unleashed. Heat building. She burned him. Seared herself onto his skin - onto his lips. He should go. Flee. Hide. Leave her to struggle through her fall.

But he didn’t. He was too cruel to do so. It would have been a mercy. 

Here, now, mercy was the thing that Oscar lacked.

His fingers tangled in her hair, his kisses wild and sinful. His lips graced her jaw, her neck, down to her collarbone. Eyes fixed, unflinching, almost unblinking. His pulse quickened - breath heavy and hot against her skin. They were on a collision course for something beautiful - future complications. Future emotions. Future connection. This would not end at sunrise. He would, full of selfish desire, draw her into his world. The blood and death, war unending. Would it bother her, when she was confronted by it? Would she hate him for making her feel? For all the things he wanted to do to her? All while knowing full well the depths of his own monstrosity?

“Tell me what to do,” Oscar invited, his words muffled against her skin. He took the liberty to leave his mark, a ring of fangs sinking into her flesh.

He didn’t care anymore. Sense and logic had died at the hands of want.

@Winnie

Transferring to @Sinnamon

T4 Unidentified Weapon - IDs: 255953, 255954, 255955, 255956, 255957, 255958, 255959, 255960, 255961, 255962, 255963, 255964, 255965, 255966, 255967, 255968, 255969, 255970, 255971, 255972, 255973, 255974, 255975, 255976, 255977, 255978, 255979, 255981, 255989, 255990, 255991, 255992, 255993, 255994, 255995, 255996, 255997, 255998, 255999, 256000, 256466, 256467, 256468, 256469, 256470, 256471, 256472, 256473, 256474, 256475, 256476, 256477, 256478, 256479, 256480, 256481              

On 11/2/2025 at 10:30 AM, 3ulogy said:

Link to Appraisals for 11/2

Equinox | T4 Demonic Greatbow | 255892 | Envenom-O | Static | Frostbite | Blight
This bow was carved on the night of the winter solstice after a year-long ritual to prepare the wood. It is imbued with the power of the four seasons.

-----

We're also doing boring identifications. (Insert Tim Robinson "I'm doing something" gif)

Rejuvenating Mantle | T4 Perfect Cloth Armor | 237214a | MIT 1 | Rec 2
A simple set of armor from the Library. Please return all items by the listed due date.

Dangerous Mantle | T4 Perfect Cloth Armor | 243791a | MIT 1 | Risky 2
A simple set of armor from the Library. Please return all items by the listed due date.

Nimble Mantle | T4 Perfect Cloth Armor | 243799c | EVA 3
A simple set of armor from the Library. Please return all items by the listed due date.

 

Rejuvenating Breastplate | T4 Perfect Light Armor | 243799d | MIT 1 | Rec 2
A simple set of armor from the Library. Please return all items by the listed due date.

Nimble Breastplate | T4 Perfect Light Armor | 243816a | MIT 1 | EVA 2
A simple set of armor from the Library. Please return all items by the listed due date.

Relentless Breastplate | T4 Perfect Light Armor | 243821c | MIT 1 | L. Momentum 2
A simple set of armor from the Library. Please return all items by the listed due date.

 

Sturdy Plate Mail | T4 Perfect Heavy Armor | 243821d | MIT 3
A simple set of armor from the Library. Please return all items by the listed due date.

Biting Plate Mail | T4 Perfect Heavy Armor | 243831a | MIT 1 | Thorn 2
A simple set of armor from the Library. Please return all items by the listed due date.

Relentless Plate Mail | T4 Perfect Heavy Armor | 243840c | MIT 1 | H. Momentum 2
A simple set of armor from the Library. Please return all items by the listed due date.

 

Col Calculations

10 Identifications. 20,000 * 10 = 200,000. No junks.

200,000 col sent to banker.

22 hours ago, 3ulogy said:

 

Link to Appraisals for 11/4

 

Total Mystic Essence gained. 15 Mystic Essence Gained. [256620a] [256620b] [256621] [256619] [256618a] [256618b] | (Spending) [256617a] [256617b] [256616a] [256616b] [256614a] [256614b] [256613a] [256613b] [256612]

Identifying Perfect Shield. Spending 6 mystic essence. [256620a] [256620b] [256621] [256619] [256618a] [256618b]

Amaranth, Unyielding | T4 Perfect Shield | 256256 | MIT I | Holy Blessing II
A shield unique in its unlimited durability. Each blow sustained fills the air with fire and flowers.

Upgrading Perfect Shield. Spending 1 Demonic Shard to add a slot of Mitigation.

Amaranth, Unyielding | T4 Demonic Shield | 256256 | MIT II | Holy Blessing II
A shield unique in its unlimited durability. Each blow sustained fills the air with fire and flowers.

Col Calculations

10 Identifications. 20,000 * 10 = 200,000
Selling Rare Armors. 9 * 1400 = 12,600 col gained.

200,000 - 12,600 = 187,400 col spent. Sent to banker.

Approved

On 11/4/2025 at 9:10 PM, Reytac said:

Evaluations for Crafts 11/04

oh -8 mats

 

approved

Thread Summary

Oscar | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 11] * [Group Factor: 1] = 121,307 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 18196 col
Mari | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 15] * [Group Factor: 1] = 165418 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 24812 col
Artoria | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 6] * [Group Factor: 1] = 66,167 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 9925 col
Acanthus | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 10] * [Group Factor: 1] = 110279 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 16541 col
Edict | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 2] * [Group Factor: 1] = 22,056 EXP
Shikari | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 3] * [Group Factor: 1] = 33083 EXP
Demian | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 3] * [Group Factor: 1] - 33% = 22165 EXP
Sinnamon | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] = 11,027 EXP
Hirru | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 11] * [Group Factor: 1] = 121,307 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 18196 col
Plum | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] = 11,027 EXP
Iris | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 3] * [Group Factor: 1] = 33083 EXP
Jomei | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 13] * [Group Factor: 1] = 143362 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 21504 col
Telrenya | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 6] * [Group Factor: 1] = 66167 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 9925 col
Lessa | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 12] * [Group Factor: 1] = 132335 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 19850 col
Astra | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 3] * [Group Factor: 1] = 33083 EXP
Simmone | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 11] * [Group Factor: 1] = 121307 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 18196 col
Morningstar | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 11] * [Group Factor: 1] = 121307 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 18196 col
Lysette | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 4] * [Group Factor: 1] = 44111 EXP
Azhoda | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 4] * [Group Factor: 1] = 44111 EXP
Jevi | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 5] * [Group Factor: 1] = 55139 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 8270 col
Cascade | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] = 11,027 EXP
Vanta | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] = 11,027 EXP
Winnie | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] = 11,027 EXP
Abellio | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 4] * [Group Factor: 1] = 44111 EXP      
Sibyl | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] - 33% = 7388 EXP
Bliss | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 2] * [Group Factor: 1] = 22056 EXP
Pollux | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 4] * [Group Factor: 1 ] - 66% = 14997 EXP
Lancaster | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 6] * [Group Factor: 1] = 66167EXP, Laurel Wreath: 19850 col
Ceres | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 4] * [Group Factor: 1] = 44111 EXP
Arbalest | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] - 33% = 7388 EXP
Scar | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] = 11028 EXP
Alinta | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 5] * [Group Factor: 1] = 55139 EXP, Laurel Wreath: 16541 col
Arsine | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] = 11028 EXP
Luke | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] - 66% = 3749 EXP
Vitalis | [Word Count: 110279/10 = 11,027.9] * [True Tier: 1] * [Group Factor: 1] = 11028 EXP        

Jacob's Ladder Guild Members:

One token awarded to: Mari, Hirru, Jomei, Reytac, Lessa

Hirru (Treasurer) receives an additional 3 tokens.

Tracker's Alliance Guild Members:

One token awarded to: Oscar, Acanthus, Sinnamon, Astra, Morningstar, Lysette, Cascade, Winnie, Abellio, Bliss, Pollux

Bistro (Treasurer) recieves an additional 4 tokens.

Please transfer all tokens (current balance & rewards) to Bistro.

 Rain.

On every Floor.

All at once.

Scraps of black paper, trimmed in gold filigree, etched in blood-red. Words written in with a sweeping hand, large swirls, cut deep into the dark cardstock. Invitations cascading down from on high, blocking out the sun for just a moment like darkened storm clouds.

Quote

You are cordially invited to a Masquerade Ball.
Tonight.
The Blackbook.

Orange Players may seek Ascalon outside of town for admittance.

 The stunt worked. Players from all over filed into the building. The only price of admission? To accept a mask - black or white - at the door. Tables lined the walls, set with fine wine, champagne, and hors d'oeuvres. Enough to keep the night going, but not loud. Elegant, not overstated. The shadows were long, the room lit with a soft red glow. In the center was the dance floor. Dark tile, trimmed a glowing red. Oscar stood upon his perch - a balcony placed above it all. Already his desired outcome was taking effect. Masked patrons pairing off, intimately close. Taking to corners and sofas as the soft orchestral music filled the air.

There wasn’t so much chatter as murmurs. Whispers. Sweet nothings, sinful promises.

He could not help but smile at the outcome. It had rather been the point of it all. 

Quote

Upon Entry to the thread, all Players obtain a Black <<Sinful Mask>> or a White <<Sainted Mask>>. There is no bearing here beyond cosmetic.
Players may choose to remain <<Unmasked>> or to don their mask and gain the <<Masked>> Status.
While <<Masked>>, your name and your cursor are hidden.

Stepping onto the Dance Floor while <<Masked>> applies the <<Dancing>> condition. <<Dancing>> Players are paired up at random and their partners switch every three posts. While it is perfectly acceptable to intuit who your partner is, please try to respect the theme and endeavor to maintain the necessary air of mystery.

Further events will take place throughout the evening, at random.

"If you had," Sin said, intercepting one of the shots that Warren slid over to Mari. She locked eyes with the red-head, maintaining eye contact as she downed it. She gingerly placed the glass onto the countertop and finally fanned out her cards. As she plucked three from her hand and tossed them over to Warren, she looked up at Oscar and smirked. "I'd be very offended you didn't call. You look like a hell of a lay. And I'm pretty certain we might finally make our esteemed host weak in the knees."

"Ladies," Oscar said simply. "You don't have the juice. Not even together."

Warren looked positively unbothered, dealing out the cards and taking a shot of his own. Abellio, on the other hand, was turning redder by the moment. What was so casual - or irrelevant in Warren's case - seemed to be hitting the fiery-haired man like a freight train. He caught Mari's gaze, eyes flicking towards Lysette, then to Abellio. Play along. He urged silently. Keep it going. We gotta make this happen.

Oscar didn't know if Sin was fucking around because she was Sin or if she was picking up the vibes from Lysette. Either way, she would be a big help. Sin huffed, looking at her cards with a frown.

"Showdown," Oscar said as he splayed his cards out on the table. "Two pair, who's checking me?"

A silence fell over the table. Mari folded, so she was out. But everyone else was still in play. After a moment, Warren cleared his throat.

"I got a straight," he said. "Anyone else?"

The hand ended there. Warren had taken the pot. The pot here being, of course, dictating which article of clothing one person at the table had to take off.

"Abellio," Warren said. Lysette perked up, rising slightly in her seat. "Your left sock please." And then she deflated.

Abellio did as he was told as Warren gathered the cards back up - and the aforementioned sock. One quick shuffle later and the second hand was well underway. Looking at his cards, Oscar had nothing. But he wasn't going to fold. Mostly out of pride, but more because of his wingman obligations.

"You can't just stay."

“As I please, remember?” Oscar responded. He kept his vigil, his knee bent. She could push him away, if she wanted. And he was terrified that she would. That all of this was for naught. That he would break down whatever tower she isolated herself in and not even be afforded the opportunity to help her pick up the pieces. That she would, when confronted with her storm in all its terrifying majesty, flee from his sight. In his heart of hearts, he didn’t know whether he would be able to suffer that guilt. 

"You think this is what I need? To cry like a child until I'm clean again?"

“You seem to think that crying is solely the prerogative of children. Until you’re clean? No.” He raised his opposite hand, smiling softly as he poked her - firmly - in the center of her forehead. The counselor took center stage. For a fleeting moment, the old Oscar returned. The Oscar that existed before Aincrad. Before the blood feud and before his Hounds and the crimson oceans unleashed. When he was just a man. When he could offer such humble advice without really knowing. He had so little skin in the game. But now? Perhaps the old ways were superior. “Until you feel better. Until you feel like you.”

 "I don't know how. I don't know how to be what I'm supposed to be anymore." 

“We can sail that ocean together,” Oscar said. He watched her struggle. Warring with herself for reasons beyond his comprehension. All he could be was what he was. A man. A shoulder to cry on, a strong back, a companion. Confidant, lover, it didn’t matter. What mattered was the turmoil. What mattered was that he did everything in his power to take that away.

And he knew he couldn’t. This was her struggle. Those were her demons. She would need to face them alone. Overcome them alone. But he would be here. He would stay. Oscar could not take it away. He lacked the power to subvert it - though every atom in his body thrummed with the singular desire to do so. She wept. His heart bled. He could only hope that it did not drip on her shoes.

So he simply held her. As she unleashed, released. In ragged sobs and violent shudders. He felt her tears stain his shirt. Each second a knife that cut him quickly to the bone. But he had been right - she had followed his direction. To weep until she felt better. The act was the coalescing of raw emotion. Discharging that which had no escape. She pulled back, staring up at him. He merely smiled. Bent low. He placed a tender kiss upon each cheekbone, tasting the salt that clung to his lips. He retreated, wiping her eyes. There was little he could say that action did not.

But there was one thing.

“I don’t have any answers for you,” Oscar admitted. “All I can do for you is be here. For you. While you discover who it is you're supposed to be.” 

Another tender kiss, this time upon her lips. "Who," he reminded her. "Never what."

Thread Summary

Oscar | [Word Count: 2611/5 = 522.2] * [True Tier: 11] * [Group Factor: 1] = 5744 EXP,
560,000 Col + Laurel Wreath: 861 col = 560,861 Col
168 Materials
T4 Unidentified Weapon - IDs: 255953, 255954, 255955, 255956, 255957, 255958, 255959, 255960, 255961, 255962, 255963, 255964, 255965, 255966, 255967, 255968, 255969, 255970, 255971, 255972, 255973, 255974, 255975, 255976, 255977, 255978, 255979, 255981, 255989, 255990, 255991, 255992, 255993, 255994, 255995, 255996, 255997, 255998, 255999, 256000, 256466, 256467, 256468, 256469, 256470, 256471, 256472, 256473, 256474, 256475, 256476, 256477, 256478, 256479, 256480, 256481                          

“Don’t you wanna stick with your party?”

“Nah, I gotta let you take me to dinner, remember? They need to be heading back anyway.”

Oscar gave Maria a soft smile. “I was joking, though.”

Maria gave him a shrug. “Yeah, but you seem like better company. And I’m really hungry.”

He laughed in response. “Well I guess I gotta fix that.” He draped his arm over her shoulder. A good way to gauge interest. As his arm hung limply, she took a half-step closer. A smile played at his lips.

“You know dinner’s a euphemism, right?”

Maria looked up at him, doing her best to pretend like she didn’t know what he was talking about? “For what,” she asked sweetly. She looked him up and down, a small smirk playing at her lips.

“Let’s get back to town. It’s the type of thing you wanna show someone rather than talk about.”

With that, Oscar bade them farewell. He could dump the last of his energy on the walk home. “Just think about it,” he said. Striding past Thomas, he gave the man a firm pat on the shoulder. It wasn’t how he wanted his day to go, but he did appreciate the entertainment. But goddamn it, he was more stressed now than when he started. This was supposed to be his time to relax and unwind. Instead, he spent his time educating a bunch of idiots.

He lashed out to his right, another quartet down.

Oscar found himself so distracted that he almost didn’t notice the presence off to his left. He looked down, locking eyes with their healer. 

“Maria, by the way,” she said with a soft smile. “Thank you. No one’s ever really stuck up for me like that.”

Oscar shook his head. “It’s really no problem. They’re idiots.”

“I mean, seriously,” Oscar huffed, rising to his full height. “A party’s only as good as their healer. But it really shouldn’t take four of you guys to take these things out.” To emphasize his point, he once more dispatched a group. “Maybe do a little research before you go out and get yourselves killed.”

“We can’t afford much, honestly,” Thomas admitted. “We’re barely breaking even with all of the consumables we burn through.”

“Fuckin’ how?”

“Well we need potions and -”

“Okay, I’m gonna stop you right there. If your healer was kitted out, you wouldn’t be wasting all your money on health potions. And-”  He gestured in her direction. “She wouldn’t look like one stiff breeze would knock her down. It saves resources in the long run. And-” Oscar turned his attention down to Carlos. “Maybe don’t let assholes run your party. Fucking loot thirst is real. Deal with that.”