Nari-Lanreth

Maybe that’s still plausible. If nothing else, the death game makes you appreciate every second a bit more…if you’re not wandering around in fear and horror at the thought of immediate execution. Nari felt herself frown. Another thought had come across her mind, and she wasn’t entirely sure how to take it as she glanced down at Mio suddenly. Is it really any more dangerous than our own world? Sure, we lived in relative safety and didn’t have to consistently fight for survive…with weapons. There was definitely fighting for survival though… Nari frowned further. She’d never been uncomfortab

Maybe they were right about something. Even a broken clock… She grinned to herself at the comparison, before remembering that it was a rude statement in the way she had thought it. Still, she couldn’t quite find it in herself to apologise for the attitude, especially seeing as it had been self-contained and not heard by anyone else. Turning her thoughts, she glanced across the lake into the woodlands beyond. The expanse stretched further than Nari could really see, and she found herself wondering at the way in which it covered and shifted. Browns and greens, mixed with various spots of co

The wind had picked up at some point, and as Nari watched the bobbing fishing line, she began to understand why people enjoyed the activity. There was a level of calmness, of peace and tranquility behind it. Perhaps not the same as pure meditation, or martial arts, but a calmness that seemed to settle over her and the land around her. The lapping of waves dulled any real thoughts, and the way in which the breeze combed through the tree line left her feeling oddly relaxed; more relaxed than she had felt in some time. Is this why everyone says to get out and fish? She thought back to many o

The line gave another jerk, and as Nari pulled in another fish – this one dark in scales, compared to the lighter scaled one she’d obtained earlier – she considered how long she would have to be sitting here. She knew that these quests always took time, though somehow she thought that the act of finding a specific fish would take even longer. Good thing I don’t have any major plans today, then. Onora will be a bit peeved though, so I’ll have to make it up to her somehow… She considered all the ways in which she could make amends, deciding that taking her newfound skills and applying them to ma

Nari let the line sit for a while, her thoughts drifting after she became bored with the entire event of fishing itself – a factor that occurred rather quickly. Her mind shifted to thoughts of the future between herself and Onora, the shop and where she was going in the next foreseeable time. She knew that she would be getting back into the main aspects of being more alive, more engaged, more…something. Whether that led her back to the frontlines and the push for freedom or not, Nari wasn’t entirely sure. ’Think we’ll make it back there, Mio?’ The small fox like creature had curled up at

The first floor was as it ever was; a mixture of busy streets, open fields and rushing non-player characters alongside players who were there for various reasons. Nari shifted through foliage as she came across the small hut, the marker leading her directly to its doorway and beyond. She knocked on the open door’s frame, calling out as she came to a stop. ’Hello? Anthony?’ A brunette covered head appeared in her view, peeking out from behind the house and waving slightly as a warm smile spread across his face. ’Over here! Anthony Gill, at your service! How can I help you out?’ Nari t

The day was already half over before she even had the chance to relax and consider her purpose beyond the crafting that needed to be done to keep up with the demand. Nari was happy that her shop was managing, but as she glanced at the long list of quests outstanding, she couldn’t help but wonder if they would need to hire some sort of assistant to run the location. ’Maybe more resource gathering would be good…though I do need some specifics for my equipment…’ Her eyes stopped on the quest that would assure she obtained what she needed, though a part of her recoiled at the thought of it. ’

Nari rolled to the side, turning away from the sunlight streaming into her room. She wanted nothing more than to return to the slumber that she had just been yanked from rudely, and although she could feel Onora shaking her again, she fought with all her effort to resist the call of the day. It was only once the voice called out that she forced her eyes open and her mind to a measure of awareness. ’If you don’t get up, I’m going to eat all your food.’ Onora’s voice and face seemed to shift into focus slowly, the words echoing in her ear as Nari tried to break free from the comfort of slu

Nari’s eyes shifted at the new direction, giving a soft nod before stepping off once more. She’d listened to the other two as they’d chatted, biding her time and trying to figure out a good place to jump into the conversation – a place that wouldn’t come across as overtly awkward or out of place. As she turned, she glanced over at the other two, recognising the subtle ways in which they each carried themselves, and the determination that still rested within their cores. She could see the more worn away core of Acanthus, but the fight still strong within the woman. ’Don’t think that those

’It tastes…of home, memories…and heart. It is a perfect impression of you, made into the tastes of home and hearth. There is heart and soul…’ Hestia spoke between bites of the meal, the movements somehow still overtly proper and presentable even while chewing. Nari waited patiently, uncertain whether she had met the goddess’s expectations, or if she was simply being placated. Silence passed between the two for a time while Hestia seemed to continue the meal – something that Nari took to be a good sign – before she spoke once more. ’Homely…hearthy…this is the type of meal that brings one, or mo

Nari plated the pieces before Hestia atop the dining table that the goddess had returned to, the slender figure glancing warmly at them and waiting. Nari stepped back once both were set down, placing her hands behind her back and immediately falling into explanation, knowing that the goddess was likely waiting to hear how these dishes were important to her – or, at least, that’s what she’d seen on cooking shows long ago. ’Today I’ve made a pairing of macaroni and cheese, with beefs and porks alongside a plating of poutine – a traditional dish, you could say, from where I come from. It co

The final touches were almost done. Nari shifted the pan once more, ensuring that the curds were well heated through, before moving them to the dish on the side of the stovetop. She carefully spread them atop the fries that were waiting, before moving back and beginning the process of the gravy itself. Seconds ticked by, turning into longer and longer minutes. She wasn’t sure why, but Nari felt rushed in the completion of her task – as though the amount of time it took was something Hestia was considering, on top of everything. A foolish notion that Nari was certain she was only placing upon h

She shifted pace suddenly, pulling the pasta dish to the side as she’d plated the first piece, the anxiety and concern overcoming her. She didn’t discard it – deciding instead to place it upon a warming plate in order to keep it aside while she worked on her most recent idea. Tools flew once more as Nari collected the various items she’d need, locating large peelers, pots and oils that would help in a deep-frying that would follow. She could see Hestia off to the side once more, watching the progress with an interested eye, as if calculating and considering the sudden change in service a

Time passed as Nari focused on the cooking of pasta, cheeses and meats. The creation was a simplistic idea – a combination of pan fried hotdogs paired with macaroni and cheese – but it had been an absolute favourite of hers as a young child; a meal that had brought much comfort, regardless of what had happened. She focused herself on the swirling pasta waters, the way in which the cheeses needed to be maintained within their roux, ensuring that it didn’t burn to the pan. She barely noticed the form of Hestia moving along behind her, watching her movements and intense focus. ’This meal…me

I need to make something. A flurry of motion took over Nari as she realised just how long she had been standing in the kitchen doing nothing but staring at the drawers. Determination set in as she began pulling random ingredients from drawers – or, at least – they seemed random to her at first. Her eyes darted, pulling pot and pan aside, looking for the various spatulas and cooking spoons that would be required. Immediately she began to fill a pot, placing the water atop the cooking surface and igniting it to bring it to a boil. The refrigerator to the side was pulled open, various cheeses and

Nari turned to look at the kitchen once more, taking in the various cutlery, pans and pots, and assorted other items that were out and prepared for her use. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what it was Hestia was looking for her to complete. Without conscious thought, her feet had carried her to the edge of the counter, located on more modern side of the kitchen. She pulled open cabinets and drawers, looking for anything that could give her some sort of idea or incentive. A dish that speaks to my home…history and humours? Is that like a dish that I find…funny? Or is it more of a…

’Ready…? I’m not sure I’m ready, but I am willing.’ There may not have been confidence in her tone, but the rigid stance and determined expression upon her face likely more than made up for the fact that she felt a nervousness in her core that seemed to be expanding. She’d made it this far, and she knew that she would continue pushing forwards as long as she could – even if that meant completing challenges for gods that were anything but gods. ’What is to be my challenge today?’ Hestia’s eyes seemed to linger on Nari for a long time before the goddess spoke again, the tone somehow transi

Further moments had passed before Nari had gained the courage to step into the hallway beyond the entryway, making her way into a corridor that led to a singular point. She’d come to a stop at the end of the corridor, facing a kitchen and dining room that could be called anything but humble. Her eyes had passed over everything quickly, noticing how the entire design was a mix of modern – stoves, fridges, and countertops lining one side of the room – and near medieval design, with a corner of the room given to a large, fire burning hearth and cauldron. ’Welcome, Nari-Lanreth, cook of Mor

’It has been an honour to guide and attend to you on this travel to Olympus.’ The satyr turned and bowed to Nari as they approached the main gates of the gods’ house. Nari had passed little in the way of conversation back and forth following their deep commentary on the climb, though she had remained civil and polite. Her thoughts had wandered for a while, to a point where she’d found herself having to focus on some of the lesson’s Onora had taught her for rebalancing herself. ’Thank yo-‘ Nari had turned to thank the satyr, only to find herself standing alone. She wasn’t sure how long sh

Her legs burned slightly as the incline increased, a typical response to the change in her stance and stride required in order to climb the mountain’s side. Nari smiled gently at the words, uncertain whether there was any true humanity behind them, and yet feeling as though they were far too human for the artificial creation that strode beside her. She knew it was one of the many wonders of Aincrad – the way in which unreal characters that were nothing more than amalgamations of code brought together and mashed into some sort of personality, could provide the most real connections. ’That

’Thanks. It’s…thanks, I really appreciate the encouragement.’ She glanced back up the mountain, the peak coming closer and closer with each step. ’Sometimes I think I forget just how much I’m doing in this…world…and then it hits me, and it’s just…a lot.’ She wasn’t entirely sure why she was being so open and honest with the satyr. Perhaps the fact that it wasn’t a real person, that it likely wouldn’t remember or be able to repeat this conversation, made it easier to speak more freely for Nari. Or perhaps it was simply the right place, and the right time for the words to come out. Whateve

The satyr eyed Nari for a few seconds, as if trying to judge whether she was joking or not, before deciding to simply take the higher road on her response. ’I would appreciate that, and I would make sure to share it with everyone else as well! I’m sure that many among the serving staff would also appreciate it, depending on how much there is!’ Nari gave a small nod, the smile still across her face as she glanced up towards the mountain that was coming ever closer. A part of her mind was wondering again, wondering exactly what would be in store for her once she arrived at the mountain’s p

’She is indeed kind to us; all of us. It is a blessing in itself to be able to serve alongside Hestia – not as equals, never presumed, but certainly as appreciated caretakers and helpers.’ The satyr bopped along suddenly, as if some ice block had been removed from it, and it suddenly felt comfortable speaking more fully. The voice was somewhat feminine, and Nari noticed for the first time that the guide appeared to be a woman of middling age; a first that she had come across – her previous escorts all being males. ’One of the benefits of serving with Hestia is the foods…once your mortal kind h

’I’m sure you’ll find out for yourself soon enough.’ There was no malice in the voice or comment, although Nari did see the satyr eyeing her out of the corner of its eye for a few seconds, before it seemed to decide to add on to its original commentary. ’Though…she is known to be rather kind to those who visit her.’ Nari jumped on the comment, deciding that she would carry the conversation a bit – perhaps her coldness had reached the other satyr’s that lived and operated out of Olympus, and they’d taken an instant dislike to her now. ’Oh? What about to you? Is she kind to you, and your…c

Nari silently hoped the same, however kept herself from saying anything aloud. She had no reason to believe this trip would be different from any previous one she’d partaken in to get to Olympus; they’d all been pre-arranged to be uneventful and boring, so as to ensure those lower players attending the fields on such a high floor would be able to do so without worry to their lives – a kind action by Cardinal that Nari still hadn’t figured out the purpose behind. She’d never known the system to pull itself back on aggression or danger; in fact, it had usually shown its desire to inflict as much