Nari-Lanreth

Nari wasn’t sure how much time had passed since she left the sofa and her frustrated outburst had come to an end. She realised, suddenly that NIGHT was likely still sitting on the sofa – likely having heard everything that just occurred. Her eyes shifted over the fox ornament on the wall – now roughly bent out of shape and slightly worse for wear, a majority of her strikes having missed entirely as she lashed out blindly at it. She wasn’t sure if that was luck, or a reminder… Forcing herself up from her position on the floor, Nari stumbled to the door of the forge. The entire night had en

Once everyone had arrived, Nari unsettled herself from her resting place, giving a smile and bod towards Koga and Bismuth – the man seemed tired, but here, and Nari was surprisingly happy to see them both. Giving a quick chitter to recall Yuki, Nari strode towards the Blacksmith shop, calling back over her shoulder as she went. “No worries, life can sometimes be rough on us. What matters is that you did make it. I’d be worried if you didn’t…” A quick, friendly smile thrown back towards Bismuth before she disappeared into the smithy. A man – similar in appearance to the alchemist, hammered

Nari waited patiently just a few steps away from the teleport pad. She had messaged Koga a little while ago, inviting him along in the hopes that he had the same vendetta against Nemo that she herself had. Although… as she thought about it, he didn’t really seem the type. Shrugging to herself, she glanced around at the town around her – it was… far different from where she called home up on floor twenty seven. It was far different from the floor where she had originally came across Nemo, as well – this had more the feel of some nightmarish plague ridden lands than an actual settlement.

Nari gave a slight smile as her first ever patron walked in, the familiar face a welcome in the shops interior. Flatting the front of her purple dress, she’ll smile again at Bismuth, nodding as he explained his need. “No problem at all! I should be able to have that ready for you shortly! I’ll send you a ping once you can come pick it up, okay?” Once she had finished the business of niceties, she retreated to the forge itself, determined to make the best possible weapon for her companion that she could.

The look of surprise slipped from Nari’s face, a cold, dead, angry appearance growing on it. The words took but a moment to be spoken, but in them was a trace of venom, an anger that almost seemed controlled – yet ready to burst. In her eyes was a similar anger, one which spoke of a pure, unbridled hatred. “I wouldn’t know. I wasn’t there in her last moments to ask her.” The tone was hollow, as if spoke from afar, but the emotion was undeniable. Pushing the girl’s hands off her shoulders, Nari stood – the fox in her lamp and the teacup it had been enjoying falling to the floor. Witho

Nari smiled at the woman – likely an unexpected result of having been told such a strong version of truth. Her words came out as a hushed whisper, no anger, no sadness, simply a statement of fact. Her eyes locked with NIGHT’s as she spoke, trying to bring her point across regardless of the woman’s clear fury. “I do not search for an end to everything, if that is what you think. My purpose isn’t to waltz into the final battle and come out as little more than a myth – if given the chance to return to the real world, I will fight for it. But…” Her smile faltered here, as she felt the emotion

There was little more said, and the being led Nari to the next room. She had completed three of the six tests, and they were slowly getting harder as she went on. She began to wonder what the final three would be – if she would be able to even find their flaws. She was impressed with her progress so far, but there was still more to come. This room contained a pair of greaves, settled upon a table for display. Engraved into their metallic roundness was the imagery of a wolf being struck by a lightning bolt – the significance of which was beyond Nari’s understanding. She felt herself glanci

Nari could barely get in a nod of agreement before the being had begun moving to the next room. Another archway, another passage of minimal steps, and another room. In its centre stood a chain mail coif – settled upon a bust that was likely of someone important. Nari felt her brow furrow – now this was a piece she had limited knowledge of, this would certainly be more challenging. She glanced at the being, hoping that it didn’t notice her hesitation as she saw the piece before her. Wandering over to it, she began her circle, trying to view it from all sides without touching it directly.

Nari couldn’t understand the girl’s sudden change in behaviour. The name meant little to her – she would always know him as the Gardener, no matter what name anyone else called him. She took a moment thinking over what answer she could possibly give – the words had a meaning to her that she understood a core level, but…explaining them was an entirely different situation. “He…told me that…that there was purpose in protecting those whom could not protect themselves. That we shouldn’t search for one to walk the path with, but instead understand that we may be forsaken to walk the path ourse

This piece took Nari a few moments longer to find what she was looking for. As she poured over the piece, she could see the being out of the corner of her eye, a stoic look upon its face as it waited for her to finish – surprisingly patient for one who was being told all the problems with the piece. ‘Perhaps, after eons of creating perfect, you like finding imperfections?’ “Yet another exquisite piece. I will admit this one was more troubling to find than the last – as I’m sure you expected to be the case.” The being gave a nod at her words, confirming what they both knew already, but rem

A few moments of silence passed as the being seemed to consider her words. Nari waited, curious as to if she had beaten it at its own game, or if there was something she was missing. She had studied the entire thing thoroughly, and the blade’s edges were the only piece she had picked up on… “You have done well. Few before you had spotted that imperfection.” Was that a smile on its face? “That is the first test, shall we proceed to the next?” It moved across to the right side of the room, where another archway led through a short tunnel and into a similar area. In the centre of this

Nari cocked her head at NIGHT’s words. She knew well the quest that the girl was referencing, and…as she thought about it, she could see the misunderstandings. But… “No, the Gardener is not that fuckwit Nemo.” There was an anger in her voice, a reminder of what Nemo had done to her…she remembered the way he had begged her to stay, how he had said he just wanted a friend. She knew she should feel bad for him, but she had attempted friendship in the beginning, and he had turned upon her – trying to destroy her. “No, the Gardener is a player – I saw the cursor. And the garden itself was not

Nari stepped forward – turning to see the being’s reaction to her coming so close to the piece on display. The being – for Nari could not imagine this being a man – seemed to be unperturbed by her close inspection, unmoving as it watched her eye the piece. Careful not to touch it, but getting as close as she could to properly inspect it, her eyes roamed over the piece. The shaft had been well designed, crafted of what appeared to be redwood imbedded with a metallic threading to strengthen it – something she would remember to do with her pieces going forward. Her eyes shifted up to the blade, t

Nari hesitated as NIGHT beckoned her to join her on the sofa – a sofa that she had never actual sat on before, most of her time spent either in the bedroom, or the forge. Truth be told…Nari suddenly realised that most of the estate itself hadn’t been truly used up until now. She slowly sat, her tea in her hand as she thought about the question out of the girl’s mouth. “The…Gardener. I…don’t know much of what to tell you. I met the man while I was lost on one of the lower floors, a forest. It was happenstance that I came across him, and when I asked for directions, he provided me a map. Th

The being seemed to wait for some sort of response from Nari, who in turned remained silent waiting for further instruction on what it was that was expected from her. She was determined to wait out the system here, regardless of how long that would take – which hopefully wouldn’t be forever, she had things to do, and places to be. Eventually, her patience won out, as the deity continued his monologue, a tinge of - was that concern? - to his voice. “The challenge is rather simple. I have six pieces that I have crafted, and you will review. If you can find the flaws in each, the imperfectio

Nari closed the door behind her, locking it as she always did before flowing past and down the hallway. She wasn’t sure if NIGHT would follow her, but she made her way to the…well, it was called a kitchen – but was little more than a kitchenette in her mind. Pulling out a few cups, she poured some water for her guest, before starting the kettle for herself. Splaying her hands on the counter, she felt herself sigh heavily. She wasn’t quite sure what her plan was now. Maybe a tour of the place? ‘Eve…what have I done?’ She heard the kettle scream as the water came to a boil, and poured

Nari felt herself pause as she took in the situation, not staring at the individual, but her eyes continuing to roam the forge – but keeping the metallic being in the corner of her sight at all times. Her curiosity was definitely peaked, but she didn’t want to be the one to initiate the conversation here. Plus, there was more than enough to take in while she waited – the forge was immense, and her professional eyes swept over everything as she tried to memorise the different setups, tools, and other implements that she spotted throughout. Her admiration came to an end as a voice echoed th

“The Gardener. I came across him on one of the lower floors, and we…well, he led me to his garden, where we spent some time just…talking. He set me on my path – and well, his guidance has given me insight into what is worth saving, and what isn’t.” Nari shook herself suddenly, the smile returning to her face, and the memories clearly tossed aside – if only for the moment. “I’m sorry, I’ve been horrible company this evening. I hope that I can make that up to you.” Stepping back, Nari bowed slightly towards the girl before straightening and continuing down the road, calling out behind her.

Nari tilted her head back, looking into the sky. She knew that NIGHT was trying to bring some reality around to her. The words sounded…familiar. She gazed up into the ever-night sky, thinking back… “You sound just like him…he said something similar. About being on the path alone, and the choices we need to make to bring us there.” Her words were distant, as if she was still lost in thought. “I get that. Our time here is…limited. And it could end at any second, and we can’t let ourselves get distracted from the goal – to escape. But…how long have we been here? How far have we gotten? Somet

Nari felt herself pause as she took in the situation, not staring at the individual, but her eyes continuing to roam the forge – but keeping the metallic being in the corner of her sight at all times. Her curiosity was definitely peaked, but she didn’t want to be the one to initiate the conversation here. Plus, there was more than enough to take in while she waited – the forge was immense, and her professional eyes swept over everything as she tried to memorise the different setups, tools, and other implements that she spotted throughout. Nari continued for a few steps before actually rea

Nari wandered over to pay the bills – damned be what NIGHT thought. In the seclusion from the girl, she felt herself shudder – things had not been going well. Her…over enthusiasm was getting the best of her. She needed to find a way to balance herself, to act properly. ‘What would eve say? Centre yourself, find the momentum, and hum.’ Drumming her fingers on the counter – Nari wondered how she was going to just…end this. She’d promised to take NIGHT back to show her the estate – which had seemed innocent enough to begin with, but…well, now she was wondering. She’d been far too playful alr

Nari felt herself pulled from her thoughts as NIGHT asked a question she hadn’t had to answer before – where had the funds come from? Nari thought back to the weird individual whom had provided her the gift…she’d never actually gotten his name… “Uhm…another player gifted the funs…said it was inspiration or something…? I never really thought about it until you asked…” Her features scrunched together as she realised the fool-hardiness of such actions. She should’ve asked more – what if there were strings attached that she hadn’t previously considered? ‘Oh well, we’ll sink that bridge when w

The look on the girls face was all Nari needed to see to know that the implications had sunk in. But, she’d already agreed, and Nari could tell there was no going back now for her. Content to let the silence stretch, Nari worked away at her food, a nervous tick catching her eventually and forcing her hand to reach up and play with a tuft of hanging hair. The violet colour stood out stark against her lighten skin colour, as her fingers twirled it around, before letting it flow free – and then twirling it again. “I… think you’ll like the place. I hope you will.” Nari said after the silence

Nari cocked her head to the left, staring at the girl with a goofy grin again. She wondered if the girl even knew what she had insinuated… “Other ways to enjoy the moment? I… can think of a few.” The words almost poured out as a purr, an odd tone in her voice and a glint of absolute mischief in her eyes. “If you have nothing planned, did you want to come back to my place for a bit? It’s not too far from here… I can show you around.” Nari suddenly realised what she had just insinuated herself – and for a moment, she wondered if she should clarify. She hadn’t meant for the mischievous

Nari blinked, watching as NIGHT released the end of the spoon and picked up another one, before stealing some of the fries. Nari’s face shifted from her devilish smile, to a look of disappointment, the end of the spoon in her mouth dropping as the smile disappeared from her face. Pulling it out of her mouth, she placed it on the plate beneath her, before speaking up, a tinge of what could only be considered childish despondency in her words. “I wasn’t playing… well, I was. But… not the point. You know, sometimes people do silly things to make you laugh – or… to enjoy the moment.” She