NIGHT

The woman chuckled, the blacksmith recommendations rushing to her head. "I'd shill for a couple of people I know," she clarified, "but I wouldn't want you to become the target of advertising. Still, though, it should be easy to find a good deal these days in the Town of Beginnings."

Actually... I should upgrade my gear too, she thought, with a moment's pause.

"Looks like it's starting to rain."

And it seemed so, as NIGHT broke out of her thoughts and turned her head upwards to look. Where there was once a sky of brilliant blue, peaking through the leaves, it was now replaced by hints of dark muted blues, overcasting clouds hiding the light from reaching the forest floor. She muttered a word of alarm under her breath, on instinct.

As Star pulled a hood up from his cloak, she turned to face him, shaking her head at his question. "The rain's not a bother for me. I quite like it, actually." With a grin, she placed a hand on her hip, gesturing with the other. "It's mostly the unexpectedness of a downpour that gets me each time. I enjoy the water and chill it brings, not so much the surprise."

A sudden shift came from the bag on her side. Sometimes, she forgot that her familiar came along with her everywhere she went. A small squeak came from the kitten, and NIGHT opened up the flap of the leather bag, checking to see if her cat was doing alright. "I don't suppose you're good with animals?" She shifted her belt, turning her back so that it faced Star. The furry friend peeked his head out, looking upwards as a drop of rain dampened his coat. "Sorry, Nyanko," NIGHT said with a giggle. "I thought you liked the rain too?"

The player met Star's gaze, beginning with another introduction. "That's my familiar. I found him outside one day during a storm. There's an old lady somewhere in the castle that helps players tame creatures like him, I bet she might be in the town one of these days if you want a fuzzy friend of yours."

@Morningstar

If the player hadn't noticed the shop owner, that's because they were chilling by the stairs, hidden away in their little, lovely alcove. "Hey," she called out, with a smirk and a cup of tea in her hands. NIGHT set down the drink, after taking another sip of it, shuffling over to the request forms. Taking a glance, the woman nodded, going into the backroom for a second.

Two flashes of light were visible from the door way, and the sound of sizzling fire, but nothing was out of the ordinary in the artisan's procedures. Stepping outside, she slid the items down the counter, wrapped up nicely in colorful paper packaging. "Enjoy, and good luck!"

@Nephthys

Item Name: Lucky Dice
Profession: Artisan
Rank: 6
Roll ID:  131346
Roll Result:  13 (13, +1)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +3 LD
Description: A simple dice, only each side has the number three engraved into it.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18303-f01-r6-artisan-the-evening-star-open/?do=findComment&comment=589887

Item Name: Hawk Bracelet
Profession: Artisan
Rank: 6
Roll ID:  131885
Roll Result:  12 (11, +1)
Item Type: Bracelet
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +3 ACC
Description: A simple silver chain, but the clasp seems to be shaped to look like a Hawk.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18303-f01-r6-artisan-the-evening-star-open/?do=findComment&comment=590561

As much as the adventurer wanted to commend Star for his attack, NIGHT was a little too busy looking over her blade, shaking it a little. His strike was dealing much more damage than she had anticipated. It occurred to her that, perhaps, his luck at hitting enemies was just non-comparable to her own, back when she was just starting out. With a glance, she took a rough gauge of the variant's health bar, before her gaze went back over to her sword

"I can--" NIGHT replied with a scowl, resuming form. One beat, and then two, and yet still nothing from the system. She continued holding her stance for a little more, feeling extremely foolish in her state. "-- If the system would actually wor--"

-- Ping!

She pelted forward, unseeable forces carrying her rocketing forward towards the variant. With a well-placed slash, it was enough to sunder the nepent apart, it screeching with a higher pitched squeal, unlike its kin from before. NIGHT stretched her feet out, trying to stop herself from toppling forward as she came to a stop, still feeling rather surprised from the immediate push forth. Panting, she added, "--I.. wasn't ready for that... I'm good though!"

Looks like the plant had dropped the quest item they were looking for. No other reason to stay around here, she figured. As she passed Star by, she waved at him to follow, before scanning the perimeter for any signs of the ugly bobbing enemies. Nothing around. That's good.

"You did pretty good back there," NIGHT said, when they were back at their paces. "A lot more damage than I was familiar with. How's your gear looking?" The player was tempted to pull up an examination window, but since she was already in conversation with him, it couldn't hurt just to ask.

@Morningstar

Quote

ID: 132012 | BD: 7 (4, +3)
<<Straight>> vs Nepent Variant.
11 * 2 = 22 DMG | 22 - 5 = 17 DMG

Nepent Variant | HP: -11/15 (-17) | DMG: 10 | MIT: 5

NIGHT | HP: 440/440 | EN: 34/44 (+1, -2) | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 | EVA: 3

Loot:
ID: 132013 | LD: 18
<Nepent's Ovule> obtained.

NIGHT caught the briefest hint of a smile, as Star kicked up the leaves around them. While she didn't know what was going on in his thoughts, she could certainly appreciate the understanding he had for her motives. That was all she could ask for, she imagined, feeling a great sense of relief.

His next question was of great intrigue to her, either because she wasn't much of a planner, or because she wasn't too fussed about the actions of the other players at the top. NIGHT wondered with a hum, casually looking around the forest, a half-hearted search with the distraction on her mind. "To be honest," she began when she'd found her voice. "I don't really have anything planned for now. I'm just going along with what adventures the system has laid out for us, and that's enough for me."

"The frontlines... I'm assuming that's what you're referring to with the boss fights, right?" Was she even familiar with anyone that powerful? No, she doubted it. There were a few names that came to mind when she imagined someone of a higher skill level than her... but none so overwhelmingly strong that she could imagine them facing creatures akin to gods straight on. Maybe her perception on the floor bosses needed changing...

A rustling, and a hint of red caught her eye amongst the darkness. NIGHT decided to get her answer off her chest, before she forgot it. "I wouldn't mind joining them, if I were strong enough to. But as I am right now, I've got no hard opinions on the matter. I'd rather be enjoying myself in the moment, you know?"

She pulled her blade from her sheathe as the creature waddled out with a cackle, vines swaying to and fro. The adventurer took a stance, expecting to lunge towards the beast in a rush, but standing there for half a beat too long made her step out of her auto-piloted trance, examining her blade. "What? Dammit, give me a moment."

Thankfully, it didn't seem like their enemy was bent on attacking them right off the bat, lending them a moment to take action.

@Morningstar

Quote

ID: 132009 | BD: 5 (2, +3)
NIGHT missed!

Nepent Variant | HP: 15/15 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 5

NIGHT | HP: 440/440 | EN: 35/44 (+1, -2) | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 | EVA: 3

"Right."

Closing the gap between the nepent and herself, she took a wide swing at the creature, tearing its form in half. Easy enough. The plant shrieked and chattered as it faded away, with NIGHT ignoring its dying howls to look for the variant as well.

She also owed Star her own reasons for adventuring, didn't she? "Now that that's taken care of," she began, placing her blade's weight on her shoulders again, "How should I put this? Um..."

It took her a moment's pause to construct her response, but she finally spoke. "For the past two years, I ended up staying holed up in the Town of Beginnings." NIGHT raised her face, to look up towards the canopy, trying to see the sky through the leaves. "It's pretty basic. But... I hated the living conditions in the town. It's so... monotonous. It feels pretty selfish to admit that in hindsight, but that's what I feel." The woman sighed, before placing a lock of hair behind her ear. "One night I ended up stowing away from my inn room, finally having enough of the cramped quarters and the moldy spaces... That's how it started."

Her gaze returned to the forest, watching the darkness for any signs of the blooming nepent. "It's not very deep, but it's the truth."

@Morningstar

Quote

ID: 132006 | BD: 6 (3, +3)
Basic Attack vs Nepent #4. (-11 DMG)

Nepent #4 | HP: -4/7 | DMG: 3

NIGHT | HP: 440/440 | EN: 36/44 (+1, -1) | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 | EVA: 3

[15/12/19]

She changed her prices. It was probably for the better, seeing as how she felt more reliable in churning out quality crafts, and having a better pool of materials to work with now. Humming a little tune, she wiped away at Athena's Lens further, eager to have it clean at all times, just to show that she cared for the tool. On her desk sat a variety of crafts, and a scatter of materials to the side, the last remnants of blue light starting to fade away. All in all, she would count today as a success, when she had at least one perfect on the table.

Quote

ATP Member Bonus: +5 LD on Salvage, +2 XP/Craft
Athena's Lens: +1 CD
Ambition: +1 XP/Craft
Loot Die: +3 LD

ID: 131991 | CD: 6 (5, +1) | Success! (Uncommon)
ID: 131992 | CD: 2 (1, +1) | Fail
ID: 131993 | CD: 6 (5, +1) | Success! (Uncommon)
ID: 131994 | CD: 11 (10, +1) | Success! (Rare)
ID: 131995 | CD: 5 (4, +1) | LD: 11 (3, +8) | Salvage (Success) 
ID: 131996 | CD: 12 (11, +1) | Success! (Perfect)
ID: 131997 | CD: 10 (9, +1) | Success! (Rare)

Result: +48 (27, +14 +7) XP, -6 TI Materials  [T1E1] Uncommon Crafted Trinket (2), [T1E2] Rare Crafted Trinket (2), [T1E3] Perfect Crafted Trinket (1)

The fall was sudden -- as NIGHT continued running circles around the nepent, she finally saw Ceres drop to the floor, a bright red blur in the scenery of greens. She could hear the woman's groans even from far away-- and it sounded like she was in more pain than even NIGHT herself had ever felt.

Taking another shot at dismantling the creature with her blade, she placed her faith in the system, careful to arc her blade in the oddest way possible for this movement in particular to begin. A bright light was her only signal -- but it was enough. In an instant, her blade cleaved through the plant's form, tearing down the various vines that waved about distractively, the final blow plunging the sword through the nepent's center, shattering it for good.

A distinct shriek and the bone-chilling chattering of teeth was its death call, and NIGHT dropped all combat pretense with the sheathe of her greatsword, rushing over to Ceres' side. "Hey! Hey--"

"-- That was a nasty fall," she commented, kneeling down by the woman's side. Now it was her turn to be forward, but for good reason, with the woman struggling to get up. NIGHT hooked Ceres' arm over her shoulder, across her back, doing her best to aid her in standing once more. As best as she could manage, she replied, trying to reassure her friend. "I-I'm here. You doing okay? No... bruises? Cuts? ... Injuries?"

@Ceres

Quote

ID: 131956 | BD: 9
<<Scooped>> vs Nepent Variant.
11 + 1 = 12 DMG | 12 * 3 = 36 DMG
Nepent Variant has been defeated!

Nepent Variant | HP: -21/15 (-36) | DMG: 10

NIGHT | HP: 440/440 | EN: 32/44 (+1, -3) | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 | EVA: 3

Loot:
ID: 131957 | LD: 19
<Nepent Ovule's> obtained.

The player watched as her acquaintance catch herself in her forward actions, thinking hard and trying to recall where she'd messed up at, and had her attraction been suppressed, she would've found it hilarious. The jumping between links quickly turned into genuine care, as NIGHT lowered her head, and Ceres responded with a soft, sweet voice.

Ceres was nice.

Incredibly so. Patient, kind and understanding, and perhaps if it was anyone else she had told this to, she would've faced some amount of backlash from her companion. NIGHT sunk deep into relief when realized this. With her hands, she tried patting her cheeks down, in an attempt to soothe the warmth from them, before she could look up again. When that time came, she lifted her gaze at her companion's requests, and finally -- finally managed to meet the woman's eyes with her own.

She knew Ceres didn't mean any harm, or had any intention of leading her thoughts astray. NIGHT quickly understood and registered, that every action from before was a result of a cruel amount of obliviousness. People had their quirks, and NIGHT was resolute in wanting to accept them, especially for who they were, if it didn't hurt anybody.

The adventurer nodded back to her friend, wearing a small, genuine smile, and with the gentlest of voices, she returned a heartfelt "Thank you."

Yeah, well, the forest had other plans? Some rude plant in the god forsaken distance was chattering away like a loud, rude maniac, pulling the two away from their heart-to-heart conversation. NIGHT's face still stayed a smile, immersing herself in the joy of being accepted, right up until the blooming variant creature showed up, knocking down everyone's expectations for the events up ahead. Her smile drooped to a deadpanned frown, half sulking in its nature.

As it continued to cackle further, Ceres pulled out her dagger -- oh right NIGHT forgot she had that -- and rushed headfirst into the creature. Expecting the blow to land, the woman hung back, pulling out her blade much more carefully this time, awaiting the results of her strike.

Things did not go as planned. Her attack had failed, leaving no traces of damage on the enemy itself. As its tail wrapped around Ceres, it brought her high into the air, waving the player around rhythmically, enjoying its incredibly disgusting dance.

"PUT ME DOWN YOU ASSHAT!"

Okay! Time for her to step in. NIGHT had hoped to finish off the variant with a single sword art, just like with the pack from before, but even with a prepared blow, the variant's dances were a little to chaotic to even tell what she would be striking at. While she winded up a hit with her blade, her sword hit nothing but air, leaving Ceres still waving in the air, and NIGHT herself feeling incredibly sheepish, and frankly dissatisfied with the turn of events.

Careful not to step or trip on any of the other waving vines, she continued to dance around the nepent in hops, calling out to her friend. "S-sorry! Gimmie a moment..."

@Ceres

Quote

ID: 131953 | BD: 5 (2, +3)
NIGHT missed! 

Nepent Variant | HP: 15 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 5

NIGHT | HP: 440/440 | EN: 34/44 (+1, -2) | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 | EVA: 3

A pained, sheepish smile was all she could flash back at Ceres, after taking in her reaction when she culled the lot of nepents. She certainly wasn't expecting this type of response in light of taking out the enemies, and it only served to push her a bit further into her shell anyway. As the woman stepped forward, beginning to brush off the dirt from NIGHT's armor (she really did swoon there, preferring to keep clean), she covered her mouth, barely managing to keep still and hide her smiles. "You're not useless. Promise."

"And yes, it... was a sword art," she added, retreating a little, when Ceres caught onto how nervous she was. It was difficult to keep her composure -- she knew that by now! And yet, it was all the more difficult to admit after the woman had been so nice to her. "I-I'm okay," was all she managed to say, before she took in a deep breath, counted the seconds, and then exhaled. "Um, how should I put this..."

"It's really better to tell you now than never... Um..." NIGHT found herself holding her forehead in her hand, lost trying to find a response. "Don't take this offensively...? A-Ah..."

If Ceres could even hear her, she was certain the woman would be extremely curious, let alone confused. With another chilling breath, she sighed. There was no easy way of getting out of this situation, was there? Bracing herself once more, she lifted her head up to meet her companion's gaze once more--

-- No, that was too much; diverting her sights, she forced herself to mutter out the words, "I'm-- just gay."

Silence from her, as she waited to gauge the woman's response. Then NIGHT found it in herself to continue, as though a restraint had been lifted off of her thoughts. "--A-and you're being incredibly forward--! W-which would be absolutely fine in every other scenario, I'm sure, I'm not saying that it isn't, haha-- A-and it's just a me thing-- N-not you!" Now she was swinging her hands, palms open, trying to be as honest as possible. "Y-You're-- doing great! I'm absolutely sure! I really mean it! Ha-H-haha!"

"A-and-- um-- I. I-didn't think this would be a problem-- r-really! A-and... Ah..."

The woman found it necessary, within herself, to bow her head, trying to hold herself together as her eyes were cast to the ground.

"--I'm s-sorry. I-if you feel uncomfortable... about it."

it's really not your fault. p-promise..

@Ceres

Quote

NIGHT | HP: 440/440 | EN: 35/44 (+1) | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 | EVA: 3

As the compliments kept coming, it was all NIGHT could do to avert her gaze, maybe tune out the praise a little... Why was she like this? Ceres and herself, both of them socially inept, one clueless in her advancements, and the other a complete useless lesbian. The woman did her best to keep her cool, but then forgot to breathe after Ceres pointed out her anxiety.

Shoot--

"I-I'm okay! Really!" NIGHT rushed to clarify, taking in a large breath in the midst of her panicking. "It's-- It's not you, I-I'm sure-- I'm..."

A small moment of realization hit her, as she understood what she had to reveal about herself just to clear the air. She could feel her blood turn cold, after a long morning of being warm. The player steeled herself in a pause, trying to gather the courage to say it. "I-I'm just...--"

The crackle of the forest broke up her cool and Ceres' musing, as Nepents came rushing forward onto the path ahead of them, wriggling their horrid, horrid vines. NIGHT's face turned stiff once again, her head still clouded. With her hands still trembling from the panic from earlier, she quickly released them from her companion's grip, wanting to hide her state of mind, but more importantly to prepare to defend herself.

Why did they have lips? They were upside down? The sudden shift in topic was a bit much for the woman to handle all at once, that she could only suppress her fears and find familiarity in her sword's hilt instead, gripping the metal tightly with her fingers.

Put the trust in your blade, NIGHT, it's easy enough to do...

Before she was able to pull out her sword, though, she noticed Ceres had a dagger drawn, ready to defend herself. It did nothing to assuage her worries, truthfully speaking; in fact, the adventurer felt her flight instincts kicking in hard big time. They amplified further, when her hands lost touch of her weapon, being pushed aside by her team mate to the ground, to safety when a Nepent lashed out at where they were with a vine. The force was great -- the woman had probably put all her effort into protecting her, which NIGHT would've appreciated... had she not felt the butterflies in her stomach earlier.

Sure, Ceres was cute. And it felt like total bliss just being pinned down like this. Her vision blurred but for a moment, and she shot her companion a wry smile, trying to pull out her best 'I'm alright' look.

But when she felt the woman's arms tremble beside her, from what sounded like a whip, adrenaline for the fight rushed through her body once more. She brought herself to push her own body up from the ground, as Ceres rolled off her, blade still in her hand. That was when NIGHT figured it was time for her to tackle the other enemies instead, if not send all of them back to their maker.

If it wasn't to hold onto her promise earlier... it should at least make up for her deafening silence in the current moment, or her awkwardness for whole time Ceres had interacted with her.

As the Nepents lashed out at her position with their leafed vines, she weaved and dodged past them, even leaping over one that had idly been sitting by, almost intentionally set there trying to trip the player up. She pulled out her blade, the sword pushing up dirt from the brandish, and with two sweeping strokes, she formed a cross of light, sending it forward to sunder the nepents.

It was as though she was cutting through paper, with the way they began to fall. The one Ceres had intended to maim seemed to take the brunt of the damage, followed by the one that, by her guess, struck at the woman? Her grip faltered as she forgot her own strength, holding her own breath when she watched as their health diminished. One by one they faded into a scatter of particles.

If anything, she was just happy to see the newbie come out of this only barely scathed. NIGHT took a deep breath, shakily returning her sword to its sheathe, trying to steady her physical form before waving over to Ceres. "You alright over there? S-sorry about that..."

@Ceres

Quote

ID: 131933 | BD: 10
<<Blast>> vs Nepent #1.
11 + 2 = 13 DMG | 13 * 2 = 26 DMG
Nepent #1 has been defeated!

ID: 131934 | BD: 9
<<Blast>> vs Nepent #2.
11 + 1 = 12 DMG | 12 * 2 = 24 DMG
Nepent #2 has been defeated!

ID: 131935 | BD: 7
<<Blast>> vs Nepent #3.
11 * 2 = 22 DMG
Nepent #3 has been defeated!

ID: 131936 | BD: 7
<<Blast>> vs Nepent #4.
11 * 2 = 22 DMG
Nepent #4 has been defeated!

Nepent #1 | HP: -23/7 (-26) | DMG: 3
Nepent #2 | HP: -17/7 (-24) | DMG: 3
Nepent #3 | HP: -15/7 (-22) | DMG: 3
Nepent #4 | HP: -15/7 (-22) | DMG: 3

NIGHT | HP: 440/440 | EN: 34/44 (-10) | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 | EVA: 3

"You'd be surprised, though. People-watching is an activity, after all." NIGHT hesitated for a moment. "Back before I stepped out of the Town of Beginnings, we used to people watch all the time. I mean, I was never good at it," she admitted, a hand rubbing her neck. "I'd get lost in my own thoughts before I was able to keep an eye on anything... Waiting, watching and wondering used to be the name of the game." Those days were over for her by now, but she wondered if there'd ever be a time she'd slow down just to do it again -- staring into a crowd, thinking about the future.

When Ceres seemed to take interest in the higher floors, NIGHT felt herself beaming. Maybe it had only been fresh on her mind due to how recent the trip was. Still, she was entirely satisfied to have appealed to her companion---

--Did she say date?

The player hid her face behind her hand once again, trying to hide the plastic grin stuck on her face. "S-sure! I-I mean, when I went there the other time, i-t told me to go alone, buht--" NIGHT cleared her throat. "-- I wouldn't mind taking a walk there, when I get stronger too." She shot Ceres a smile, much more toned-down from the one she couldn't control earlier. "It... should be safe, though. If you ever get a message about a quest from them. The system knows what to do."

She slowed down when her party member began to think, fidgeting with her earrings. A hand still over her mouth, she tried making minimal eye contact once again, finding it a little easier this time. So decorative... Girls really are too pretty.

It didn't shock her when Ceres revealed her intentions to be an information broker. In fact, NIGHT was further intrigued by this. "That's super cool," she started, lowering her hand. "Information brokers really feel like the backbone--"

Her thoughts were cut short once again, as she felt her nose be pressed by the woman beside her, feeling very vulnerable as she couldn't hide her blushing cheeks from her companion. It almost felt like she was being teased the whole time Ceres tilted her head and smiled. Was she for real? Intentional, or to be this oblivious about her own actions?

"Sure," NIGHT said curtly, finally managing to stammer out an answer after what felt like forever. Her face felt stiff, as she squeezed out another reply. "Thank you."

And with that, she was pulled along by the hand, burning as red as Ceres' hair when she followed behind. "Y-yeah, lead the way!"

@Ceres

NIGHT's eyes widened as Ceres made her observation. "Yeah, actually," she uttered, a bit sheepish. "You hit the nail on the head." Was she just an easy-to-read person after all? … Maybe, but that's not so bad, right…? Glancing over at her companion, she watched as her lips turned up in a smile. It was good knowing that they seemed to be enjoying themselves. NIGHT felt her shoulders relax over that, just a little.

She listened in as Ceres revealed her perspective too, of the relations between gods and humans, Greek and Roman. Her speech felt of warm, genuine interest. NIGHT herself wasn't too fussed with myths of old, but she found herself recounting the legends from memory, as the woman spoke each name. Familiar. "It's nice," she finally added, finding space in the conversation. "Ceres, I mean. I think it's cute that you found something you were interested in and strung it into your character. There's a brilliance in that, I imagine."

It also reminded her of Athena, and of Floor 17. "You know, there's a place I think you just might like," she spoke, finally able to make out the trees on the horizon. "The gods you speak of; they have representations of themselves in the game, if you find yourself interested in craftsmanship. On one of the higher floors of Aincrad...?" NIGHT paused, trying to find the words to follow that up with, but as she was lost in thought, Ceres managed some musing, and surprised her with a revelation.

"Eh?"

She hadn't invested any points into skills yet? "It's no problem!" The woman responded out loud, in complete surprise. Her tone was eager, but behind that was a genuine curiosity. "Promise. At my level, I should be more than capable of taking out those nepents." NIGHT patted her chest with a fist, attempting to reassure her acquaintance. "But, uh, just wondering, is there a particular reason why? Are you saving your skills for something?"

@Ceres

"I- Y-yeah yeah, I'm alright," NIGHT clarified, a little too quickly. She was never good at dealing with interactions like these. Showered with flattery, and furthermore, from a cute girl? Incredibly improbable. Why was she like this? "Sorry... it's nothing. Just... me things."

It took her a moment to clear up her head, covering her mouth with a hand and accepting the party request with the other. "It's really okay," she managed to mutter out, "Everyone's gotta start their adventures from somewhere. Better to get some experience in now than later." It's what she reasoned, as she turned to start walking, trying to avoid Ceres' gaze. At the moment, it was hard for her to even keep eye contact with the woman.

"B-but yeah-- Thank you for the compliments. NIGHT's a name I didn't think I'd be able to take, but it was my handle online for a good while." She paused, not knowing if she should continue talking. "My Nerve Gear wasn't exactly calibrated to accept Japanese characters... This was the closest thing I got to it."

Small talk, small talk. NIGHT wasn't familiar with the practice, but knowing the two were new at this, she tried approaching the subject anyway. With a glance (it was all she could manage) she asked, "What about you then? Where'd you get the name Ceres from?"

@Ceres

hold up hold up hold up-- what just happened...?

The new player, Ceres, had ended up seeming rather distant in her answers. That was fine and all, the adventurer was becoming rather forward with her greetings these days, and some delays or eccentricities were to be expected. But what the woman did next -- to push NIGHT's hair out the way -- was completely unprecedented. If she hadn't already started blushing, the compliments that proceeded afterwards about her diligence would've further reddened her face. NIGHT would've stammered out something, if she had anything further to say, but stayed silent, listening, trying to process Ceres' directness instead.

-- Oh, it turned out she really was looking to act on the quest after all. Thank goodness her instincts were right, otherwise she'd be more flustered and further into a predicament than she would be. "I-It's alright," NIGHT managed to say, "There's always a first for everything. It's not my first time doing this quest exactly..."

How should I put this... Umm...

"...I'm really here to look out for newer adventurers. At the earlier levels, most players would be a little lost," she mentioned, scratching her cheek, "and that's normal. So I'm here to help, if that makes sense." NIGHT looked over Ceres' appearance, trying not to think too hard while searching for a weapon on her person. "If you don't mind me joining you on your venture, I don't mind taking care of the nepents for you. They're a little... distressing in appearance, I think."

@Ceres

NIGHT nodded, listening in. Star turned out to be another player who'd lost someone close to them, and she wished she was able to say she could relate. But she knew she was fortunate, the lucky one out of the masses. "I'm... sorry to hear that," she replied, eyes turned to the ground and a hand wringing the back of her neck. "But I bet she'd be proud of you for picking up the mantle again. And thanks for telling me the truth... I really appreciate it."

She'd half a mind to reveal her own interests, as well. It seemed to be fair game, as far as she was concerned, especially since she asked about his. But as she raised her head once again, a half-hearted search for the nepents, her companion pointed them out to her instead, in the opposite direction. Conversation could be delayed to later. And so she drew her blade, wincing as she noticed the height difference between her and the creatures again. "Ready."

Star charged forward when their enemies were close, slipping and missing his mark. That was alright, she had those days too. Instead, as the man scrambled to his feet, NIGHT took the time to create a cross of light with two strokes, her blade glowing white as Cardinal aided her in her movements. With one more slash, the blast crashed into three of the creatures, decimating their forms into blue shards of light, penance onto one of the nepents for their strike against her comrade. At least with that sword art, she'd be able to stay a distance away from their ghastly forms.

She heaved her blade onto her shoulder, prepared to dodge an attack if it was to come her way. "Too bad I didn't get that one," she quipped. "It's on you."

@Morningstar

Quote

ID: 131899 | BD: 10 (7, +3)
<<Blast>> vs Nepent #1.
11 * 2 = 22 DMG
Nepent #1 has been defeated!

ID: 131900 | BD: 9 (6, +3)
<<Blast>> vs Nepent #2.
11 * 2 = 22 DMG
Nepent #2 has been defeated!

ID: 131901 | BD: 13 (10, +3)
<<Blast>> vs Nepent #3.
11 + 2 = 13 DMG | 13 * 2 = 26 DMG
Nepent #3 has been defeated!

ID: 131902 | BD: 4 (1, +3)
NIGHT missed!

Nepent #1 | HP: -15/7 (-22) | DMG: 3
Nepent #2 | HP: -15/7 (-22) | DMG: 3
Nepent #3 | HP: -19/7 (-26) | DMG: 3
Nepent #4 | HP: 7/7 | DMG: 3

NIGHT | HP: 440/440 | EN: 36/44 (-8) | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 | EVA: 3

A new tier beckons new equipment. Macradon's equipment hadn't failed her yet in combat, so the adventurer had figured it would be safe to return for another batch of metal wares. This time, she had some weaponry in mind, but was stuck over two designs that she was willing to test out.

Filling up the request forms at the front of the store yet again, she walked over to the counter to hand them over. "Thank you," she managed to utter this time, in no rush to vanish anywhere else. "I hope this isn't too complex of a task." With that, she took a step back, trying to stay out the way as she watched the blacksmith at work.

@Macradon

NIGHT has no idea how you're gonna use this, but here you go!

@Yukiro

To say that NIGHT was hauling a lot of baggage would be not only precise, but insightful, at this point. From her latest expedition, she went straight to Pandora's when she had the chance, a handful of curiosities to be verified. It's what she opened with first, "Identify these, please, when you get the chance."

Then she lugged two large hempen sacks onto the counter, just a little away from the items she'd laid out earlier. She nearly lost the request she'd recited in her head earlier, but managed to squeak out a, "And junk sell.. uh.. these... um... sorry..." before ducking out the store, shamefully waiting outside until the merchant was done.

[14/12/19]

There was something she took solace in. It was how likely she was able to create an item that actually stood up. NIGHT dwelled in appreciating this, as she pieced together the last item, setting it aside with the others she'd made that day. Today must've been the best performance she'd seen from herself so far, and she was more than proud of that.

Closing her notebook, she'd place two pieces into the wooden bowl she had set up earlier, and then left the other three spread out on her desk, closer to the wall. Then, it was time for clean up again.

Quote

ATP Member Bonus: +5 LD on Salvage, +2 XP/Craft
Athena's Lens: +1 CD
Ambition: +1 XP/Craft
Loot Die: +3 LD

ID: 131885 | CD: 12 (11, +1) | Success! (Perfect)
ID: 131886 | CD: 4 (3, +1) | LD: 25 (17, +8) | Salvage (Success)
ID: 131887 | CD: 5 (4, +1) | LD: 26 (18, +8) | Salvage (Success)
ID: 131888 | CD: 12 (11, +1) | Success! (Perfect)
ID: 131889 | CD: 9 (8, +1) | Success! (Uncommon)
ID: 131890 | CD: 12 (11, +1) | Success! (Perfect)
ID: 131891 | CD: 11 (10, +1) | Success! (Rare)

Result: +57 (36, +14 +7) XP, -5 TI Materials, [T1E1] Uncommon Crafted Trinket (1), [T1E2] Rare Crafted Trinket (1), [T1E3] Perfect Crafted Trinket (3)

Another day, another run. With the bright azure skies up above, and puffy white clouds partially in the way, the day seemed to prove itself a nice, blissful treat. It was definitely one that NIGHT certainly needed once in a while.

Today, she found herself back at Horunka again, jogging on the outskirts of Floor 1. From her previous visits here, it really did seem like the town needed help getting the medication, though NIGHT was sure it was all part and parcel of the Aincrad's design. At least sticking around this village meant she was getting out of the workshop, not putting herself in any mortal danger, and socializing with other players. That's what she needed most right now. For her sake, if not others.

A bright red mop caught her eye. Flashy colours like those always had, even in the densest of crowds. Another unfamiliar face, but definitely a player, according to the markers above them. Making sure to catch her breath this time, she wandered over to the woman with a wave, uncertain if it would draw her attention. Even though she had her guesses, it wouldn't hurt to ask anyway, "Yo, you new here? I don't suppose you need any help with some nepents...?"

@Ceres
# sorry for the delay i ended up falling asleep before i could post x_x

Item Name: Wooden Omamori
Profession: Artisan
Rank: 6
Roll ID: 131559
Roll Result: 13 (12, +1)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Loot Die, Loot Die, Loot Die
Description: A wooden talisman, often found at Shinto shrines. Where there would be japanese characters on it to mark some good luck, there is instead an etching of Aincrad itself.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18303-f01-r6-artisan-the-evening-star-open/?do=findComment&comment=590149

Item Name: Quartz Ring (Butterfly)
Profession: Artisan
Rank: 6
Roll ID: 131562
Roll Result: 12 (11, +1)
Item Type: Jewelry
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Evasion, Evasion, Recovery
Description: Made part of a pair. This quartz ring is speckled with golden leaf bits. Where the jewelry meets the skin has an etching of a butterfly on it, marking the evasion enhancements it provides to the user.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18303-f01-r6-artisan-the-evening-star-open/?do=findComment&comment=590149

Item Name: Quartz Ring (Bee)
Profession: Artisan
Rank: 6
Roll ID: 131563
Roll Result: 13 (12, +1)
Item Type: Jewelry
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Accuracy, Accuracy, Recovery
Description: Made part of a pair. This quartz ring is speckled with golden leaf bits. Where the jewelry meets the skin has an etching of a bee on it, marking the accuracy enhancements it provides to the user.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18303-f01-r6-artisan-the-evening-star-open/?do=findComment&comment=590149

"Star, huh?" NIGHT mused, rolling the thought in her mind. "That's a good shortening of your name." That was one of the things she appreciated picking up about people, how their names were shortened for others' to call them by. She followed behind him, as they began their venture. "I have taken the quest before, yeah. Me and a friend were here once. We're looking for... uh... a small white orb from the variant specifically."

"If you spot any nepents, point them out to me, yeah?" She said back, looking around for any signs of the creatures. Cascading shadows of the clouds and trees around them caught her eyes instead, and she squinted, sifting through their details. If anything, she was hoping it wouldn't turn out like last time, where she was the one who got ambushed by the enemy. At a higher level, she imagined turning the tide of battle in her favour instead.

Turning her thoughts elsewhere, she wondered if the man would answer some of her own burning questions for new adventurers. "So, Star," she began, glancing at his weapon. "What made you pick up the blade? I don't mean to pry, of course, if you don't feel like answering."

@Morningstar

Thread Summary

Quote

[Total]
+ 4SP
+ 18,140col
+ T1 Materials (28)
+ [T1E1] Unidentified Consumable (1)
+ [T1E2] Unidentified Consumable (3)
+ [T1E2] Unidentified Trinket (4)
+ [T1E2] Unidentified Armor (3)
+ [T1E2] Unidentified Weapon (1)
+ [T1E3] Unidentified Trinket (2)
+ [T1E3] Unidentified Armor (2)
+ <Familiar Mastery: Fighter>

By the time she arrived back in Yogan, the moon was already in the middle of the sky. No doubt she'd see it back in the Town of Beginnings as well, and she trained her eyes on it as she let the light whisk her away back to the first floor.

The stranger could be here, lurking. They could ambush you, lying in wait somewhere in the middle of town.

Sweeping away her dark thoughts, she briskly paced over to her workshop, past the orange glowing lamps still lit in the night, and past the thinning crowd of people still walking around the market. Stall owners were getting the last of their goods prepared before they turned in for the night, and NIGHT tried to feel for the crown she'd attached to her waist belt earlier, but found that it wasn't there anymore. But she was all out of curses for the day. Figuring out what happened could come tomorrow.

It felt systematic. Open the door, the bell and chimes cluttering near violently this time, and set Nyanko down to wander around the shop. Instead, the two immediately headed straight to bed, tired from the day's work.

NIGHT would see the stranger in her dreams tonight, taunting her, perched from a rock as she fell, fell, fell...