Nari-Lanreth

’Whaaattt? I thought I was the most virtuous person within this whole world…’ She giggled as the sentence fizzled out, unable to maintain the composure she had wanted when delivering the line. Onora laughed beside her, clearly as amused by the idea as Nari was in the moment. Neither carried any malice or ill intent, and yet Nari could see Nemo looking on with wonder, worry and clear confusion as to what was going on. Not that the man-drake would ask anything about their private conversation; he kept to himself for the most part, if he wasn’t directly approached. ’Seriously though, what ar

’You’ve…done really well here, haven’t you?’ Onora’s eyes glanced across the collection of fish that Nari had been piling; the thrilling tale of the success that had been building each moment they’d continued to spend within the garden. What wasn’t visible were they additional pieces of various armours, weapons and other trinkets that had been fished up alongside the actual fish themselves – a variety of things that could be sold, identified or otherwise used for whatever purpose was required. ’Patience is a virtue, you know.’ Nari’s response wasn’t meant to be snippy or sarcastic by any

’I know what you mean…’ The words were a mere whisper as Onora eventually answered. A hand suddenly touched her own, reaching across the open space and gingerly laying itself atop hers, a measure of comfort and awkwardness in the movement. Nari didn’t look down, her eyes locked upon the water before her as she felt the heat rising further in her cheeks. The contact alone would have been enough to send her into a fit of speechlessness, but the words that came alongside the motion left Nari stunned and unable to move as she struggled to right herself. ’I…’ The hand began to withdraw, as if

’I…sometimes find myself wondering if this isn’t how…you know, our lives will be…until they’re done. What if…what if we never make it back to the real world?’ She’d started out hesitant, uncertain and pausing frequently, but as the real question arose, she found herself rushing through it fast enough that she was sure the words had blended together towards the end. The sudden glance from Onora, the look that spoke more than any word could, was enough to have Nari continuing her thoughts aloud. ’What if it takes too long to escape. To clear all the floors, and be free of this world. What if we’

’I’ve considered it a lot…lately.’ Onora’s words and voice was slow, slower than she usually spoke, even when they topic wasn’t desirable at all. There was a severe hesitation in her voice, one which Nari didn’t recognise – a feat that left her more stunned than the words themselves. She found herself remaining silent as she waited to hear what more would come, the words floating on the air in a clear discontinued manner for a time, until Onora spoke again. ’I think…I think it does. Feel like…everything is becoming normal…in a way…I still know this is a game, a fake world…but is it any less re

’I’m going to eat so well tonight, aren’t I?’ Onora glared at the joke, though Nari could see the grin tugging at the edges of her mouth. She knew better than to press her luck though, instead deciding to turn to another topic that wouldn’t end up with her own health being in peril. ’Does it…ever feel like things here are getting too normal?’ This time the grin disappeared entirely, Onora glancing towards the sky as if in thought. It was a conversation that they’d touched upon once or twice before; one which they both found to be overtly uncomfortable and better to avoid as much as they c

’An assortment of things.’ Onora settled down beside her, pulling out item after item as she explained them to Nari. The knightess paid half attention as she continued fishing in the riverbed, another catch pulled in and another chest opened to a successful haul. She figured that soon enough the entire activity would become second nature – no more difficult than attending to the grasses in search of a flower. Onora’s voice carried over the snap of the rod and line as she pointed towards each item, going into details that Nari knew she wouldn’t remember the second that they had moved onto the n

’How can you sit so long?’ Onora waved a hand towards Nari’s perched position as she approached, a collection of items within the basket at her side. Nari could see a collection of vegetables and mushrooms that were entirely unfamiliar to her eyes – their purpose questionable, though she thought she could figure out a few of them. Still, she hoped that either Onora or Nemo had been well versed enough in determining what was edible, and what would better serve as a toxin provided to someone you truly hated. ’It’s really easy if you give up focusing on your own comfort and bodily awareness.

Idle thoughts crossed her mind for a while as Nari flowed through the movement of casting and reeling the line in her hand. Once in a while she would pull up another fish, a small treasure chest that would open to reveal pieces that could prove useful – or at least valuable in their sale – or absolutely nothing at all, before returning to the task of releasing line and hook to water’s depths. Emptiness passed through her mind that was anything but empty – thoughts that fleeted by, barely registered before passing on to whatever came next. She couldn’t remember most of what flashed internally,

First, though, she would need to collect as much as she possibly could. She’d already gained a steady stream of materials and other goods that would be useful later on, but she knew she was far from being complete in her task for the day. If for no other reason that there were clearly still more fish in the riverbed, and the sun wasn’t anywhere near the zenith where it would begin to set. I figure at least half the day to go, until we need to consider packing it in. That is if Onora doesn’t get bored, or have something else that needs to be done, and wants to head out early. Nari glanced

This is going surprisingly well, all things considered. Nari pulled back as another fish soared onto the riverbank, landing beside the small collection that was quickly growing. The assortment of goods and pieces she was going to walk away with at the end of the day made her smile – successful, certainly, even if it had been frustrating to begin with. She could almost see the line of progress she’d made just over the past couple of hours, the line being sent out and pulled back in. Each time her successful casts becoming more and more of a normality. Much better than foraging had ever gone, I

Nari watched as the pair sauntered off, Nemo chattering away in sudden excitement at the question and interest casually thrown towards him. Onora seemed to listen with a distracted intent, her eyes continuously scanning the areas around her to make sure nothing approached that would be unwanted or dangerous. A habit that Nari was maintaining as well, both in her own vicinity and the path that Onora was taking away from her. A small measure of concern at the growing distance had welled up within Nari, and she found herself shifting on her spot in agitation. Calm yourself, you’re going to l

’What are we going to have for dinner tonight?’ Onora glanced at the pile of fish that Nari had captured during her few moments of fishing, the question as much curious as it was rhetorical – Nari could pick up that much from the words and tone. She gave a small shrug, considering a sarcastic reply before remembering that it wasn’t necessary or even called for in this instance. ’I’m open to any ideas you might have. You’re the better cook than I am, anyways…so I’ll leave the decision and oversight to you – just let me know what needs to be done, yeah?’ It was a typical response that she g

The line snapped again in her hand, and whatever thoughts may have plagued her mind were broken away as Nari returned her attention to the task of fishing. A task that was becoming much, much easier as she remained seated and at work. She’d already collected far more than she had expected – though she would have been more content and excited if she’d managed to obtain the rare and required gleaming scales that could be peeled from the rainbow trout. In time and with patience, I’m sure I’ll get there…just like the shards I find when foraging for things. Though those are…less likely to appear co

Nari’s gaze had shifted to Reytac as they’d explained their stance, her eyes cold and distance – not angry, not judging, but rather listening with a detachment from emotion that could almost be considered hollow or chilling. She kept awareness of the area around her, but a clear part of her was listening to what the man had to say. As he’d finished, she’d opened her mouth as if to reply, as if to say something in counter argument. She could consider, could explain the ways in which Aincrad would break an individual; how it would tear one’s soul apart, leaving little more than a husk of what ha

Nari had been listening offhandedly to the other two as the conversation flowed, but as her direct input was suddenly called upon, she found her head cocking to the left again – a clear indication of thought and consideration, as much as attentiveness to the matter at hand. She waved a hand towards their guide, the man beside her waving slightly in response at the attention pulled to him as she spoke. ’Nemo’s leading us to his garden. A place that is…as wonderful, as it is dangerous. It’s a special area in Aincrad. One where you can focus on collecting various materials and goods; everyt

’A world where one can be without worry, and can make a home for themselves?’ Nemo’s question was prodding, as if looking for some sort of justification, or confirmation. Nari and Onora both nodded, though they didn’t say anything in response. The man-drake seemed to understand, however, and turned his gaze back to the creatures in the distance. ’Indeed…if only the remainder of the worlds were anything like this. That would make it…well, it would make this place unnecessary, for starters.’ Nari wanted to argue, had even opened her mouth to voice an opinion in contrast to his commentary, b

’It’s always so peaceful.’ Onora spoke suddenly, causing Nari to turn and glance in her direction. The blonde was looking out across the plains, the leather piece in her hands discarded and forgotten for the time. Her eyes were distant, as if both seeing the garden, and something far beyond it. ’The world seems so distant here, as if nothing but a forgotten memory; or a nightmare that has been left for the waking world…’ Nari couldn’t agree more with the idea of the world being a nightmare, though she was certain they disagreed on the reasons for such a comment. ’It’s a break from the cha

Silence fell between the trio for a time, the sound of her snapping line hitting water or being cast outwards the only sounds beyond the winds, and the atypical creature in the distance. Not that Nari was bothered by it at all – more oft than not, Onora and herself had settled into their living room to relax in the silence that settled over the house as the night fell upon them in earnest. It was a past time that both had come to enjoy, a time when no words or communication was needed, and the presence of the other could simply be enjoyed. Nemo seemed content with it as well, as if readin

The fishing line returned to the water’s depths, the hook sinking out of sight as Nari stored away yet another find. Nothing overtly appealing to her – items that could be identified later on, should she desire their usage. For now, they were little more than a collection that she would maintain for a purpose she had yet to devise. Still, it was becoming easier each time she cast the line, and that was the entire purpose of today’s experience. ’No one doubts you at all, Nemo. That’s all that matters…’ Her words were soft, so soft that she wasn’t entirely sure either of the others had hear

’I think that the consideration alone, is a step forward for all, Nemo.’ Onora flashed a smile from beside Nari, an expression that seemed to bring ease to all of them. She wasn’t sure how the woman did it, speaking and expressing in a way that took away the tension, but Nari was glad that she could. ’I don’t think anyone doubts your dedication, desire and perseverance towards the continued preservation of those creatures that lost…everything. I think, and I believe Nari will agree, is simply that we don’t want you to be tarnished with guilt of your actions. Continue being true to who you are,

She’d worried about resentment, anger or some measure of other negative feelings growing between them after her commentary – instead, Nemo seemed to consider her words, as if hearing and thinking about them for the first time. She could see Onora beside her watching the man-drake as she worked, as if intrigued by the sudden awareness that Nemo seemed to be displaying. ’It would be…unkind to call them entirely free, then? Trapped as they are, they might be safer…but are they content? Happy? These are things I had not previously considered. Not taken into account when creating a paradise…’

Nari’s eyes narrowed slightly as she took in the newcomer, her eyes searching the face for a few seconds before they re-introduced themselves. For the first time in a long time, a natural smile seemed to flicker across Nari’s face, disappearing as something darker flashed across it, before returning to the more neutral expression she seemed to uphold lately. Polite, but unwelcoming. ’Greetings, Fae. It’s been quite some time, has it not? I barely recognised you, with how you’ve grown.’ Nari knew that it was a statement that held a different impact in this world; a world where one didn’t

Nari had fallen silent as she followed alongside the other two, her eyes casting about the area in search of any dangers, but her head tilted slightly to the left in order to better listen to the commentary from Acanthus. Too much of it sounded familiar, an experience that she might have gone through herself if she didn’t know better. As much as she may have desired to comment, to relay the concrete affirmation that all would be alright, she also knew that such words would fall on deaf ears – one would be alright, or they wouldn’t be. No amount of external pressure or support could change that

’Exactly! It would be better to survive here, rather than die out there. At least, that’s what I believe. That’s what I strive to do…to provide every species, every being, the chance to survive. Maybe not all of them, well certainly not all of them, but at least some of them! That way they aren’t all lost to time!’ Nemo’s excitement had returned as Onora seemed to agree with him. Nari could see his jittery movements out of the corner of her eye, distracting her from the line and water for a moment. ’Certainly, one could consider it admirable as well. I get that, Nemo. Truly, I do. I’m not