Nari-Lanreth

Nari wondered if they were coming close to the pad that would take them to the garden. She’d already found a few minor materials – but she craved, needed more. Nemo was still talking, and she was wondering if she tried to run him through with her blade, whether it would do anything or not. Shrugging – deciding it really wasn’t worth it – she was forced to listen to his prattle, able to cut him off every few times, without any real way of shutting him up entirely. “As I was saying before, I’ve really grown the-“ “I don’t care.” “-there’s new animals, new plants and flowers! Oh y

Nari sidestepped along the path as she spotted the shiny metallic bars gleaming from the side of the road. Quickly snatching them up, she glanced around once more – just in case there was anything else to be found, before rushing after Nemo. The man had made good distance on her in the brief moments that she had taken to step off the path, and she found herself running to catch up. “I have so much to show you in the garden. It’s grown since last you visited! I think you’re going to love it.” His chipper voice rang out against the otherwise silent air, giving Nari a shiver down her spine.

“I’m glad that you decided to return. It’s been rather lonely without someone around…and I always enjoy having company!” The man smiled, the entire thing setting off alarm bells in Nari’s head – yet…there was nothing of a threat in his manner, or his words. The entire thing had been…oddly normal. It didn’t make her feel any sort of pity for the NPC, but it definitely left Nari confused as to…well, everything now. Nemo made it a dozen steps before Nari realised they were moving again. Releasing the grip on her weapon, and allowing the tension to fall from her body, she reluctantly picked

Nari fell in beside Bismuth as they walked towards the edge of town, smiling at the man slightly before her expression darkened. Raising her voice a little, so that anyone nearby could hear, she spoke words tinged with a slight amount of acrimony tied into them. “Don’t worry Bismuth, so long as we stick together, you and I can handle this. I won’t disappear on you suddenly.” Her eyes seemed to bore into the gates ahead of them as she spoke, not blinking. Just as suddenly she turned her attention to Bismuth again, smiling slightly in what could only be described as a complete change in beh

Nemo made small talk as they made their way out into the bog area, attempting to pull Nari into that same sense of safety and friendship that he had originally tried with her when they first met – perhaps that was all that his programming allowed him to do. Regardless, Nari ignored most of his attempts, giving half-worded answers, or remaining silent in most cases. Her eyes continued to scan the ground as they walked, looking for anything of value that could be found. She didn’t really expect much along the edges of the bog, but she figured it was always worth a try – plus, it would help her g

Nari stepped off the teleporter pad, and the first thing she noticed was the smell. Horrid, as of natural decay wafted through the air. Around her she saw what appeared to be settlement stilted above the swamp waters of marshlands – which explained the smell. Gingerly she stepped down off the teleporter pad, walking across to the edge of a nearby boardwalk, staring down into the green murk that was considered water. ‘Nemo sure does have an affection for the more…disgusting and depressing of places.’ The rumour had reached her ears again, about Nemo making another appearance – this time on

Thread Summary Nari-Lanreth | 4,794 EXP | 500 EXP [Quest] + 4,294 [Thread Progression] | 400 col | Hephaestus’ Hammer | Crafting Tool | Meticulous: +1 CD when crafting in one’s workshop.

It took Nari a few moments to realise what the deity had just informed her. She was correct. He had actually said the words. She felt the breath she had been holding suddenly release, a smile coming to her face as she stared at the chair. It was exceptionally ugly, and yet… somehow beautiful, once you realised what had gone into it. She glanced at the deity, the smile still on her face. ‘This is someone I can understand, someone who pours their entire being into what they do – not because they wish to be the best, but because that is what they truly love.’ She bowed her head at Hephaestus

Nari eyed the being as she considered her options. If she was wrong, there was a good chance that she would miss out on whatever the reward may have been for completing this adventure – but… if she was right, well. There was only one way to find out. Tucking a strand of fallen hair behind her ear, she sighed in preparation for what she was about to do. It was a gamble, an absolute risk, but she knew that it was the best course of action that she could possibly see – at least right now. “This piece is nothing but imperfections – it contains no piece that a true smithing master would consid

Nari gave a slight wave as Koga appeared on the teleporter, glancing about as if uncomfortable in the area – likely similar to how she herself felt here. She cocked her head at his question, a look of surprise and mischief at his lack of knowledge – it made her happy knowing something he didn’t. “He’s a Gardener who… well, come on you’ll find out soon enough.” Her voice carried a hint of playfulness to it, as she turned and began leading Koga away from the centre of this area, heading for the wilds beyond. “Oh, and if he seems friendly… don’t trust him. He’s an ass hole.” Passing the

The final room was far different from what Nari had expected. Where the previous five had the pieces on display in wide open areas, beams of light directed down on them to bring their mastery to life, this room was tiny – barely able to fit herself and the being, alongside the piece that sat in its centre. No light shined down from above to illuminate it, and as Nari stared, she became more and more confused. ‘This is… a chair.’ Well, technically it was a throne. A throne made of numerous weapons and – was that a piece of plate armour for a back rest? The entire thing was… well, not what

As she studied the fork more and more, she suddenly realised why the being would be upset with this piece – although it appeared on every single surface to be perfect, there was one major flaw with the entire piece. “It’s not metallic. What is it? Ceramic…? Stone…? No… it’s something else…” She shifted around the piece, trying to figure out exactly what it was made of. The lack of reflection it was giving off was what had originally made her stop, but as she ran her gaze over it again and again she suddenly felt an urge. Reaching up gingerly she gave the piece a light prod, jumping b

Without any further words towards the piece that was just destroyed, the being moved to the next room – Nari following, wondering at the loss. If offered, she would’ve gladly accepted the piece as a gift. It definitely would’ve been more than welcomed in her own vanity collection. The next room was slightly different than those previous. Rather than on display in the centre of the room, this piece hung on a wall directly across from the archway she had entered through. As she glanced at it – ‘military fork, twin-tined, short shaft for better management in close quarters combat’ – she wond

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