Kyra

"A rumor?" Kyra echoed, interest coloring her tone and flashing in her amethyst eyes. "I've read a number of theories on the various message boards. I may not venture out much, but I enjoy the unknown, and the stories of the Players who explore these rumors." Though she didn't quite cross into "kid in a candy shop" territory - Kyra was far too proper for that - she did shift eagerly from one foot to the other. "If you'll have me, I'd be interested in finishing whatever it was that you and Lessa started." The woman paused long enough to survey her surroundings, a faint line tracing her brow as she slipped into thought.

"The sixth floor," she mused finally. "Would this be the one about the Diseased Hunters? Or is this the lights in the ruins?" With a small wave of her hand, she amended, "It really doesn't matter too much, as I'm fascinated by both." Kyra's gaze swept over Alkor's form, and the sleek sword that hung from his hip. Faintly aware of how ill-prepared she was, she motioned once more - this time, back the way she'd come. "I would understand if you'd rather not, but if you're the least bit curious, I say we see this through."

Even as a small smile crossed Kyra’s pink lips, she regarded the man more closely. His shrug screamed nonchalance, but something in tone suggested that single statement held significance. Was this a man who gave up easily when it came to understanding others? Or had Lessa given him ample reason to throw in the metaphorical towel? Curiosity tugged at the edge of her consciousness, even as her conscience told her to leave it alone. Just as a doctor couldn’t diagnose every injured man on the street, neither could Kyra psychoanalyze every stranger she came across. Besides, this Player’s mind was his own, and it didn’t need any prodding without his explicit consent.

“I promise you,” she answered finally, “the message is my only reason for being here. This isn’t an elaborate scheme to get us alone, though Lessa’s behavior does certainly give that impression.” The faint traces of humor left Kyra’s expression as she added, “However, it wasn’t my intention to interrupt any business between you two. Is there anything that I can help with, in Lessa’s absence? Avoiding combat would probably be for the best, as I have nothing to contribute there. Aside from that, I would be happy to help.”

At the sight of the heavily armored woman, Kyra felt a weight of her own lift from her chest. Lifting a hand in silent greeting, the woman closed the distance between them in short, crisp strides. The heels of her knee-high boots clipped smartly across the wooden bridge, further announcing her presence as she neared the pair. When she slowed to a stop, she clasped her hands delicately, and offered Lessa a small smile. "Thank you, Lessa, for agreeing to meet with me." Her words flowed like rich honey, sweet and warm, and without break or hesitation. If she had any qualms with standing outside the safe zone in boots, a skirt, a button-up blouse, and a long jacket, she gave no indication. Instead, her lavender eyes held nothing but polite interest as she regarded Alkor. "I apologize for the intrusion," she continued, "but this particular situation calls for some urgency."

"Right, yeah," Lessa nodded, then motioned to the middle of the bridge that Kyra had just crossed. "Let's talk over here. Alkor, you don't mind?"

Without waiting, they moved away from the man, speaking in hushed tones for a few minutes before returning. Though they weren't gone long, the conversation had clearly taken a toll on Lessa; her cheeks held even less color, and the black bags beneath her eyes were even more pronounced. Her blonde bangs stuck out at odd angles, the consequence of constantly running her hands through her hair. "I'm sorry, but I have to go." Lessa's gaze, and her mind, were clearly elsewhere, even as she spoke the words. "Kyra, why don't you stay with Alkor."

The snowy-haired woman blinked slowly, then tilted her head to the side as she considered the suggestion. "I'm not entirely sure that would be appropriate," she answered finally, but Lessa had already strode away.

"Please," the Guardian called over her shoulder. "It would mean a lot to me." And then she was gone.

A moment of silence passed, broken only when Kyra finally turned to her new companion. "I can't say I understand what Lessa meant by that."

If the woman's odd antics weren't amusing enough, her question coaxed a grin from Kyra. Reaching up to shift her long silver hair from her face, she studied Quip for a moment. "Perhaps you're thinking of a psychiatrist," she countered gently. "They have the medical degree, and have a much easier time prescribing medications. Psychologists, on the other hand, deal primarily with the emotional and behavioral aspects of mental health. While we're certainly able to diagnose patients, and make recommendations, it is rare that we will hand out drugs." Did she have to quote Quip directly? No, but she found it difficult to resist.

Shifting, she examined the grass at her feet. While she wasn't about to dig with her partymate's enthusiasm, she could still complete the quest easily enough. Even as she searched, she found her gaze flitting back and forth between the dirt and Koga. Quip's question interested her as well. What was his story?

Amusement came into Kyra's eyes, and the faintest blush warmed her cheeks. "No," she assured Quip, waving off the notion with a gentle flick of her wrist. "I assure you, there is no boyfriend involved. No relationships at all, aside from what I've established through my work." The comment, it seemed, was the perfect segue into Koga's initial question. But what was the best way to phrase her answer? More than a few people had let Kyra know that she was "wasting her time," and "aught to get a real job like a blacksmith or alchemist." Something to help the frontlines? Were you to ask her, Kyra would claim her work was among the most important in the game. But of course, no one ever asked her.

"I have a psychology background," she finally began, gaze shifting to scan the ground at her feet. Might as well search for materials while she potentially alienated these new acquaintances. "I have been offering my services to the players in the Town of Beginnings. Many children, and young people, but also adults. The game has been difficult for all of us."

It’s nice to meet you, Koga and Quip.” As she spoke, she looked to each in turn. “I am a greenhorn, yes.” When Kyra smiled, the expression was genuine, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I took my time venturing out here. I found some other things to occupy my time.” 

As a gentle breeze raked through the long grass, Kyra paused to draw in a long breath. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t felt the sun on her face, or the breeze blow, since taking her dive; Starting City had parks. But there was certainly something a little different about experiencing the world outside the walls. Something thrilling. Of course, the edge of excitement dulled as Quip told her story.

”I am so sorry to hear about your Maeve. That must have been so difficult. It sounds like this Freyd made quite an impact on your time here. Finding people like that is incredibly important.”

Had the dark-haired boy said something? Kyra would have sworn she saw his lips move, but any sound was lost to the galloping words of the Scotswoman. And while Kyra had spent considerable time in Scotland, there were many words that sailed right over her head. But she's just so charming. Kyra felt her smile widen, and she shook her head. "America, by way of Japan. But I have spent time in Russia, and their ballerinas are stunning, so I appreciate the kind words." I think.

Tossing back her snowy hair, Kyra extended a hand for the customary shake. When her new acquaintance instead used it to drag her along, the older woman gave a quick squeak of surprise. Then she loosed a throaty laugh, and jogged to keep up with the Viking warrior. If she had understood correctly, there was no need to ask about the quest - the blonde had decided they would go together. That was quite alright with her.

As the impossibly strong woman tossed a boulder aside, Kyra gave an impressed hum before scanning the ground at her feet. A hunk of jet-black rock, no larger than her thumb, glimmered from a tuft of grass. Retrieving it, and holding it up in the air, she studied the way it caught the sun. "Got one," she stated, then sent the material to her inventory. Before continuing her search, she turned to their third wheel. "It appears we skipped over the introductions. My name is Kyra. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The quest seemed easy enough. As Kyra's lilac eyes danced over the instructions for the fifth time, she chewed absently on the inside of her cheek. No combat, so no obvious threat to her safety. The material gathering appeared safe, though it would require venturing out of the safe zone. Was she ready for that? Was anyone really ready for that?

The woman blew out a small breath, then her lips drew into a thin line. This was the beginner line for a reason. Surely the developers would make sure this introductory quest held no inherent danger. If the unexpected happen, she would adjust, as she always did. Granted, it would likely be safer to venture out with someone else. But who? Was there a party finding program of some sort? Obviously, Kyra had neglected to explore far too many elements of the game during her years in the Starting City.

An explosion of sound drew her from her thoughts, and Kyra glanced over just in time to watch a tornado blast through the door of Zackariah's shop. The heavily accented words, more a thud than a lilt, lit Kyra's face with pleasure. With an uncharacteristic boldness, Kyra approached the blonde. Pausing to flash both the woman and the black haired man a quick, apologetic smile, she turned to the former. "I'm so sorry for the intrusion," she began, "but I felt compelled to ask. Would you happen to be Scottish? My parents went there often for work, and I always accompanied them. I would recognize the accent anywhere."

Current Level: 1
Current SP: 5
Link to SP Tracking: Journal. No threads.

"I don't know, actually," she corrected gently, a wry smile unfurling as something akin to sheepishness darkened her expression. "I know very little about how the game is meant to be played, nor the best way to do so." With a slight nod, Kyra thanked Alkor for holding the door. Then she tugged her glove on once more, a movement so practiced that it appeared robotic. "I have profound respect for those who fight on the frontlines. Were it not for them, there would be no hope of escaping this place. But I am limited to only reading about their efforts. My existence in Aincrad has been quite a bit... tamer." It took a few seconds before she settled on the word. "Not entirely unlike what I did at home." Another pause, and then she added thoughtfully, "Though at the same time, completely different. I suppose it's just one more layer of complexity. Nothing can be easy here, can it?"

Though Kyra matched Alkor stride for stride, she allowed herself to be led away from the heart of the city. Likely, she had passed their destination before, but never ventured inside. Even if the woman had not frequented many establishments, her boots had likely tread every inch of pavement in the city. Allowing her body to roam as her mind did. Some habits died hard. 

"It isn't too rough," she replied. "I know that when a person lies to me, I am not the true recipient of the deceit. They are, in fact, lying to themselves. I'm simply a conduit. Whether intentional or not, guiding that person to their truth is the first step in solving all problems." Though the air was cool, it was not the only cause for the rosiness in Kyra's cheeks. "It's all quite fascinating, and immensely rewarding."

Kyra chuckled at the man's suggestion, the sound a bit more throaty than was fitting for her soft, almost fragile appearance. "I make a point to never make things up," she countered, "unless I've made that fact very clear. While a little creativity is always welcome, I've worked with far too many who have lying down to a science." With a quick wave of her hand, she dismissed the notion. "I would hate to give them anymore encouragement."

The shopkeeper's gaze bore into her, twin lasers that might burn a hole if they set too long. Even as she appreciated the character the NPCs portrayed, she offered the fellow player a nod. "Hot chocolate would definitely serve the same purpose," she answered. Then, with a conspiratorial smile, she confessed, "I've never been much of a coffee drinker, either. But I have found it to be a decent ice breaker. It's pretty rare that I find someone else who doesn't care for it, especially in my line of work."

The smile remained as the boy spoke of loneliness, but a keen new interest sharpened her gaze. Of course, it wasn't as if Kyra had spoken with many high-level players, but none had spoken so candidly of such troubles. As curiosity and sympathy mingled, the woman delicately plucked at the fingers of her gloves. Once she had freed her finger-tips, she slowly withdrew her right hand, extended it to her new acquaintance. "Kyra," she replied. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alkor."

Once he had freed her hand, she withdrew it, and slipped it back into the silky glove. "Now, do you have a favorite place to get your hot chocolate? Even after all these years, I really haven't branched out too much. I can't speak to the best hangouts around here."

The amusement only intensified as she listened to the swordsman's reply. By the time he had finished, a small smile quirked her coral lips. "It does help," she answered, "as I had no idea where to begin to answer the question. My knowledge of weaponry is rudimentary, and only so much can be gleaned from reading beginners guides. This has been incredibly informative." Now the expression sharped into something more akin to a smirk, and she added, "Though I'm afraid 'neither of them is better than the other' is not going to satisfy a couple of disgruntled pre-teens. I'm quite certain a bet was made over this particular question, and both will be disappointed to learn I can't declare a true winner."

Before the man might misinterpret her words as a complaint, she motioned to him with a gentle wave of her hand. "I still appreciate the thorough explanation. I always enjoy learning more where my knowledge is lacking. Can I do something to thank you for your troubles?" A sideways glance at the items on the shelf caused her to speak again. "I'm afraid I can't afford this man's items, but I could spring for a cup of coffee."

Eyes widening, Kyra regarded the NPC with an expression of bemused puzzlement. Was this man selling weapons, or used cars? He was certainly pushy enough to be successful at either, if he didn't drive his clientele away first. "I appreciate that," she piped up when he paused for a breath. "But I admit, I-" And there he was, speaking again. Good lord, who programmed these merchants? Was said programmer this rude, or did they just have a sick sense of humor?

When the chestnut haired figure spoke up, she flashed him a grateful smile. "I appreciate that," she said once more, this time addressing the fellow player. "The truth is, I'm actually not here to make a purchase. I really did just have a few questions."

Kyra did not need to turn to see the shopkeep's change in demeanor; the soft tch, and the shift in his energy, told her everything she needed to know. "Apologies," she tossed over her shoulder, before focusing again on the young man. "You, however," she began, gesturing to him with a single finger, "have nothing to apologize for. Assumptions are natural, and, frankly, yours is apt. I've yet to make that choice, and today is not the day, I'm afraid. I'm here for information." As amusement came into those striking blue eyes, Kyra said, "Two of my students found themselves in a pretty lively disagreement this afternoon. One insisted the war hammer dealt more damage, while the other insisted it was the battle axe. I was curious if you might shed some light, so I can settle this dispute once and for all."

The bell atop the door jingled cheerfully, ushering in a sweep of cool air, and a woman dressed in white. The moment she entered the shop, Kyra felt as though she had stepped on-stage. Twin gazes bore into her expectantly, and despite herself, the player felt a blush creep up her pale cheeks. "Ah, hello," she managed after a moment's hesitation. With a hand sheathed in a sleek, snow-white glove, she gave a small wave. "I apologize if I'm interrupting... something." Kyra's polite smile never waved, though her glacial blue eyes tracked between the men. An NPC and a player? Based on the latter's gear, he certainly did not need the items offered by the former. Then why would he patronize such an establishment? 

Pausing to brush back her tumble of thick hair, Kyra gestured to the door with a small nod of her head. "I only had a couple of questions, and I can easily take them elsewhere if you're busy. I don't mean to impose."

Username: Kyra
Real Name: Sofia Quist-Larkin
Age: Twenty Seven
Height: 5'9

History: Dane Quist and Leah Larkin met at Colby College. An anthropology major and a sociology major, respectively, the pair fell madly in love over study sessions and heated debates. The moment they received their degrees, the freshly-minted twenty one year-old graduates fled to tour the world together. Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, every place they could touch new soil with their own two feet. The love-birds had an endless thirst for adventure, and an endless stream of old money to fund it all. In fact, they were still exploring when their first and only child arrived, born in the tiny Russian town of Kyra. With a population of fewer than five thousand, Dane and Leah had only a midwife at their disposal. They named their daughter Sofia, after the old Russian woman. Then they whisked her away, and on to the next destination.

While her parents thrived off the travel, Sofia found it difficult to adjust. From a young age, she was forced to learn various languages, and adapt to numerous different cultures. There was no "normal" for her, as each month might bring about something entirely new. By the time she finally returned to the United States, her resume was well-rounded enough to land her a spot in Stanford's Psychology program. While there, Sofia met Rupert. The dashing business major promised her logic, stability, and none of the wanderlust her parents thrived off of. As they both completed their Masters programs at the same time, Rupert invited her to move with him to Japan, where he would manage a branch of his family's business. Sophia, who had just completed a short stint as a Navy clinical psychologist intern to pad her resume, was officially traveled-out. Sensing her hesitation to move again, he proposed, and she accepted. Together, they moved to Tokyo.

Almost immediately, Sofia's plans were put on hold to appease Rupert. Her brilliant mind was quieted, her ambitions set on a back burner, so that she could attend social gatherings. Though she quickly recognized she was becoming an accessory, a pretty thing to hang on the millionaire's arm, the concept of moving again bothered her. Instead, she found a job working at a crisis center as a counselor. Though the project was meant to be more of a hobby, she was quickly drawn in, and began to miss events Rupert planned for her. When he discovered she had been accepted to a doctoral program, he gave her an ultimatum - the work, or him. Without hesitation, she chose the work. In retaliation, Rupert admitted that he had been seeing other women for much of their time in Tokyo. Though this did not surprise her, it still stung.

With the engagement ended, Sofia moved into an apartment of her own. She threw all of her time and effort into the crisis center, and had only just begun her first semester as a doctoral student when Sword Art Online came across her desk. Many of the young people she spoke to played video games, and in an effort to better connect to them, she purchased a copy. Upon being stranded in Aincrad, her complete lack of gaming experience left her at a complete loss. Instead of getting stronger, she continued to offer her counseling services, helping players sort through the grief, the loss, and the fear.

Virtues:

1. Intelligent: Kyra possesses a razor-sharp wit, and intimidating intelligence. Her analytical mind is constantly working, thinking through possible outcomes, or the best steps to take. Rarely is she left without a plan B when trouble strikes.
2. Well-Rounded: Having spent the first eighteen years of her life traveling the world, Kyra is knowledgeable in most traditions and customs. She speaks numerous languages in addition to her familiar English: Russian, French, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese. She can also adapt well to new situations, as she was forced to do so all her life.
3. Empathetic: Though Kyra was mostly interested in the ins and outs of the human mind, she also chose psychology in an effort to help others. She is very in-tune with how others are feeling, and does an excellent job of helping them sort through these emotions. This allows her to be so successful in her work.

Flaws:

1. Soft-Spoken: Kyra is not the type to grab the spotlight, even when it is offered to her. Though she is entirely capable of holding a leadership position, she simply is not interested in commanding a group of people. Instead, she is content to observe, and contribute in different ways.
2. Inexperienced: Sword Art Online was Kyra's first and only video game. Furthermore, the first six years of her time in Aincrad were spent in safe zones, helping players who sought guidance. She has no idea what the world is like beyond the city limits.
3. Fear of Change: What Kyra wants more than anything is to settle down and find some semblance of order in her life. She's established a routine in Aincrad, one she clings to after a lifetime of travel and uncertainties. Plus, though she doesn't care to admit it, Rupert's betrayal has left a lingering mark.

Skills:

1. One Handed Straight Sword [Novice]

Inventory:

1. Support Package
   1. (3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)

Written by Shelby