Reyna

As Morningstar stepped forward, the feminine hand slipped off his broad shoulder and floated where he once stood. It was startling. Not his movement, but the sudden lack of warmth that had disappeared as quickly as it was realized. Wide, blinking eyes stared down at her hand as if it was suddenly new - and in a way it was. The warmth that radiated from another player was a new experience. She never would have guessed that the system recreated those sensations. As her thoughts started to whirl his voice that brought her back to reality. Bringing the hand to her chest, she then gripped the spear in her right hand and nodded. Jogging to catch-up the duo headed out of the town. 

Striding beside him, they entered the forest of floor two. The sounds of the town started to fade in the background before altogether disappearing. In the real world, Reyna rarely would have been caught walking or exploring the forest. There was something about them that unsettled the core of her being. Perhaps her brother, Emory, had something to do with it. There was a fond memory of her family and her going to camping, and then her brother waking up in the middle of the night to play a terrifying prank on her. In retrospect, it was a memory caused a smile but part of her still thoughts about the things that go bump in the forest. 

Scanning the surrounding area her attention was brought back to Morningstar, and his now stated question. "You would be right. I don't quest much, just started actually," Reyna commented casually, while picking a flower from one of the trees and intently focusing on it. The systems recalibrated and every detail of the strange, baby pink flower was revealed. "And I d-," Reyna found that the words froze in her throat. It would have been a lie to say, "I don't know." 

A deep breath was taken, but eye contact was avoided as the next statement was heartfelt. “I, um, felt like I was wasting away. Like I was just waiting for this to be over and get back to my life in the real world," Reyna whispered, plucking one of the pink petals, "But, Morningstar, I came with you because you felt…alive? Like you're enjoying life even if we're stuck here and I want to learn how to do that." 

@Morningstar

Since the upper floors of the Iron Castle had opened up, the fields of Floor 1 had become quieter as the players that desired to get stronger left. At one point, it was not uncommon to see hordes of people battling the wild boar and other monsters that lived on the floor. As the last two years had gone by that had changed. Everyone who wanted to become stronger had. Now all that were left were the people who were had settled and crafters.

It would only be every now and then someone like her would venture out.

Some were unsure of what happened to those that left, and there was no way to know for sure unless someone knew the name of the players. If status updates about friends were desired, then a message could be sent. Another, vaguer way to check was the memorial that had sprouted up on the first floor. It contained the names of all the players in the game and if they were alive or dead. If they were dead, how they died was carved next to their names. It was unsettling how many of them said "fell off edge." She pondered on those thoughts as her feet led her to the forest across the field. It was funny how talking to the Mayor, Dorian, had changed her life.

She had been wandering around floor one near the market when she had run into an overweight man with glasses. He had stopped her, and with a blank gaze she listened as he inquired about a quest. As she was about to say no, her mouth formed the words "Sure." Which led her to the Alchemist shop and then here. She had been intending to do this quest for a while but was struggling with an internal battle. Funny how today he ran into her.

“If we go together, you’ll be okay.”

Her whole body froze. The words that had been stated bounced around in her head like a bouncy ball. It was reassuring, but her immediate thought went to the word “you’ll.” What about him? Before another thought could occur another comment with made. 

As if agreeing to go with her was not shocking enough, the next words would have been, “besides, I’m curious about you.” Instantly, the light beige cheeks turned a cherry red, and a wave of warmth overflowed. Her gaze, which had been focused on him, swiveled back to the party invite quickly.  

Taking a moment to regroup and focus Reyna made a decision. “Yeah, I think it will be fun,” with that said, a pair of fingers lightly tapped the ‘yes’ button, then she glided up to stand next to him, “I'm ready to head out when you are. Just so you know, you'll be okay too.” At that, she placed a hand on his shoulder and pulled the corners of her mouth into a gentle smile. It may not have been as reassuring as his words were to her, but she wanted to make her thoughts clear. 

Now that they were party members the player information appeared over the head of his pixelate body. Just has he said, Morningstar shined brightly in blue print. If she focused a little more, she could see that under his name was the level information – seventeen. She found herself relaxing just a little bit more; reassured by the information. 

"We'll both be okay." Reyna thought to herself. 

@Morningstar

The streets were littered with all kinds of players. Despite that the indigo-hair women barely paid any attention to them. After two years of primarily interacting with strictly NPCs it was normal to ignore others. If Kaya, Asano, or Kuwahara had made it into the game the story may have been different - but Reyna had never been gladder that her friends were impulsive with their money. They loved games, but this was no longer just a game. Exhaling, which was a function that wasn't even needed, helped her calm down. Get her mind focused before exiting the safety of the town. Standing at the gate, the player pulled down the menu with a flick of her two fingers. Seeing the avatar with a basic kimono and wooden clogs made her pause. There was some money left, maybe getting a set of armor would be good. Deciding that now was not the time, the spear icon was dragged over and equipped to the avatar. 

The blue pixels materialized in front of her. Reaching out smooth, pixelated fingers grasped the hilt of the polearm. Instantly, comfort bloomed within her. The first real interaction she had in SAO. The first friend she made. Smiling to herself she brought to the spear to her side and started into the field. 

Noticing that his hands were being occupied, Reyna nodded in understanding. Realizing that he may not have seen the nod she smiled, “It’s no worries. You have a lot going on right now.” It was a light joke to break some of the tension that was starting to build up within. In all honesty, she was nervous about being a level one and dragging him down. Did Morningstar know?

The more she thought about it the more she hesitated; her fingers hovered hesitantly over the accept button of the quest window. “I’m definitely not busy,” Reyna grinned, but the grin then faltered slightly, “but I think if she should be fearing for anyone’s life, it would be mine. I am just a level one after all.”

Anxiously, the indigo-haired women turned to face Morningstar and waited to see his reaction. As she waited, part of her attention shifted to the female NPC, now known as Choshi, as she stated that it would be worth their effort to go on this quest. Nerves getting the better of her, the eye contact she was making suddenly dropped and landed on the necklace. It was beautiful. Realizing that she was staring once again her gaze shifted back to his face. 

Since the beginning of SAO Reyna had only interacted with NPC’s. It was lonely, but some part of her thought that she didn’t deserve to have a connection with people. She chose to remain on the first floor while others risked their lives to win. It was what she deserved – but now, but now what did she deserve?

@Morningstar

The First Few Lessons - Lesson I
https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20455-f01/

In the beginning, players raged and screamed to the heavens hoping that someone - anyone - would save them from their virtual prison. Two years had past since that fateful day, and several thousands of lives had been lost to the game Sword Art: Online. Since then, players fell into at least four different categories. The first of those categories being those who hoped and waited for rescue from outside the virtual world. The next were those that organized. They were essentially a virtual version of the Army, and the primarily controlled the first floor. Then there was those that created Guilds and utilized resource more efficiently. Finally, there were the solo players. Those who choose to adventure alone for their own reasons.

For approximately two years, Reyna had fallen into the first category. She hoped, dared she say prayed, that someone on the outside would figure out how to save everyone.  There had to be someone trying anyway, but as her col ran out and time continued to pass hope of rescue from the outside became a foreign concept.  It wasn't long before she found herself drifting along -  living life like she was in daze. Spending col for inns and food. There were many days she spent staring at herself in the mirror trying to remember what life was like in the real world. Trying to remember who Reyna even was, and then like a snap bracelet it all clicked. This was her life now - and this is not how she wanted to live. It was time to start living again. It was that thought that brought her out of the cheap inn and to the to buy a weapon from Nari on the 27th floor. Despite all these thoughts and feeling Reyna could not bring herself to that the one of the very first quest of the game. It just so happened today that he found her. 

"You there! Stop, please!" A man approaches you with long, purposeful strides. "Pardon me, but I am in need of some assistance, and you appear quite capable." Giving the NPC your attention, he heaves a quick sigh, adjusting the monocle over his right eye. "My name is Dorian, and I am the mayor of this town. As part of those mayoral duties, I issued a small loan to a member of the community a few months ago. Well, the time to collect had come around and I-" Flustered, Dorian systematically runs his fingers over his perfect mustache. "You see, I've forgotten who it was I loaned the money to. Terribly embarrassing, I know, but I am a very busy man, and I cannot keep track of everything that happens. I'm sure you understand." With a wave of his hand, Dorian continues, "Should you be willing to track down the loan recipient for me, and collect the col, I would be eternally grateful. Just, maybe don't let anyone else know I forgot who the loan went to?"

Shocked by the approach all Reyna could do was nod. Dorian then nodded. "Excellent, I knew I could count on you! You might start with Zackariah, the alchemist. He's often doing projects for the town, so it may have been him that borrowed the money."

That is what led her to be standing in the middle of the potion lined shop the purple locked player watched as a gentle darted quickly over to her before going back to whatever was being down behind the counter. “Oh, hello, are you here to order something? I’m sorry, but I am currently swamped with orders, and I’m running out of supplies.” Light then started to shine into the man's dark eyes, a lightbulb going off to signify a brilliant idea. “Would you gather a few materials for me? Flowers, herbs, rare woods, whatever you can find outside the city walls. I promise I’ll help you fill your order as soon as you return. In fact, I would be willing to show you how to do it yourself.”

Without thinking the words “second floor” made it past nude lips. Seconds later the blue light surrounded her and started to break down her very form. The first time the woman had attempted to teleport she had nearly had a panic attack. Although nothing was felt the thought of a body breaking down into tiny pixels only to be reformed on another plane terrified her. Now, it just seemed like normal. Funny was two years does to the mind.

Materializing on the second floor, a wooden sandal touched the pavement of Urbus. Normally other players were wandering about the floor; however, this time most of them seemed to be stopped and watching something. Following their confused gaze’s lilac orbs landed on a strange scene - a male player cradling a woman as she desperately cried into his chest. At first, she thought the woman was a player but upon closer inspection she recognized the NPC coloring. Trailing back down to the woman’s face she made eye contact. It was a mistake.

“You there,” She cried desperately while hanging onto the man, “Please! You must help him retrieve my little girl. I fear for his life if he goes alone!” Blinking in a confused fashion, Reyna shrunk back as the eyes of the observers turned to her. Then a sigh was released. Striding up to the collapsed woman and come to stand slightly adjunct to the male player, the dark purple haired players eyes softened. A hand was placed on the NPC’s auburn hair before it started to softly stoke the locks; attempting to calm the woman.

“I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ll certainly come along,” Reyna cooed to the woman reassuringly, continuing to softly stroke the NPC’s hair. Then a warm gaze was turned toward the man as her attention shifted, “I’m Reyna by the way. Nice to meet you.”  

@Morningstar

If one was preceptive enough, they would have noticed that that the woman’s mouth had dropped open in shock for just a split second before becoming decorated with a wide grin. Without further hesitation, the accept button was selected. Warmth flooded through her at the thought of having a real player want to be her friend. After all, this was Reyna’s first real friend that was not an NPC. “Thanks, Nari,” Renya beamed, while going through and equipping the ice spear, “I’ll definitely take you up on the offer sometime.”

This just felt right. The weight of the spear felt good and solid. With a small but bright smile, Reyna waved goodbye to her new friend and set off into the world. Hopefully, the two young women’s paths would cross again.

@Nari-Lanreth

Following the direction that was being indicated amethyst orbs landed on the spear that was gestured it. The blacksmith was right. It was a simple spear, but it would be prefect for learning how to work the mechanics of the game with. Grinning, Reyna turned her attention back to the blacksmith. 

"That is perfect. I'll take it."

After stating that two finger's glided down in front of her pulling open the menu button and requesting the exchange. It was exciting, purchasing her first weapon to go into the world with. It has taken some time to settle on a spear, but after seeing it in person there was a gut feeling that this was the right choice. "Oh, I completely forget, I'm Reyna by the way." 

@Nari-Lanreth

The owner of the shop appeared seemingly out of nowhere; well, it was that or at some point Reyna had stopped paying attention at some point. More than likely, it was the latter. As the other player beamed, welcomed her, and then inquired about how she could assist Reyna took that second to take in the appearance of the other girl. The first thing that she noticed was the dark, purple hair the flowed freely around the girl. Just like her. Feeling a sense of companionship from the similarity the player found herself relaxing.

"No worries about the wait," Reyna smiled reassuringly, "And I was hoping to purchase a weapon - a spear. Nothing custom made, at least yet. I have a lot to learn before I do that but thank you for the offer." Unlike most of the individuals that littered this floor, Reyna was in a very basic lilac themed kimono and simple traditional clogs. Nothing special. The fact that she was dressed so simply pointed out that she was a lower level. 

@Nari-Lanreth

A pale, fisted hand floated toward the door the of the blacksmith before being pulled back swiftly toward the chest of the owner. A breath was taken while the voice in her head chided her for not making this decision sooner. You should have started adventuring a long time ago, but you're weak. A coward. Shaking off the sensation that was filling her and straightening herself, the young woman pushed open the door the blacksmith and strode in. The sound of a hammer being slammed against metal rang out into the shop. "Hello," the women called, voice echoing through the structure, "I'm hoping to buy a weapon - a spear in particular." There was no one to hear the statement and Reyna found herself wondering why she had even said it.

While waiting she thought about what had drawn her up there in the first place - the desire to join this game of death and try to win. Well, that and the group of people on floor one that had been talking about this shop being a great place to buy a weapon. So, there she stood, waiting patiently for the blacksmith to appear. 

Roleplay Log:

Skills:

Inventory:

Profile:
Username: Reyna (Rain-a)
Real name: YueLee Isomoto
Age: 25-->27
Gender: Female
Height: 5'7"

Background:

It was a thunderous, stormy night when YueLee was brought into the world; but it would be five years before she knew a family that she could call her own. The Isomoto family - which consisted of Yue, Leroy, and their son Emory - wanted another child, and took the opportunity to adopt one from the local orphanage. Yue and Leroy, now her parents, claimed that the day they adopted YueLee their family became whole. As a child, YueLee was shy and reserved. She played well with her older brother of two years and even started to feel comfortable enough to lightly poke fun at him. Eventually, she settled into life with a family and the feeling of being lost and alone drifted away. 

Then came time for schooling. Quickly, YueLee found that school to be rather boring. She has a small, but close groups of friends and preferred to socialize as opposed to learn. Her friends and her would go shopping, get their nails done, and talk about the cutest boys in school. One night during middle school Emory asked if he could have some friends over for a game night. That night, YueLee listened as the band of boys explored a fantasy world of adventure and danger. With her interest peeked, she asked her brother if she could join in next round. Of course, he told her that it was "boys only" and that "girls weren't allowed" but the desire to play grew. A few weeks later, YueLee had her own game night. She hosted and ran a game for her friends, convincing them by promising to buy them pizza for the night - after all, what kid does not love free food. As it turns out, the small group truly enjoyed themselves. They still got their nails done and went shopping, but there was now a touch of fantasy with everything that they did.  As she grew older, those tabletop games went online, which was lucky for them because after high school they all went their separate ways but continued to meet up in the virtual world. 

In her adult years, YueLee had graduated with a Degree in Art History and recently got a job as a curator at one of the local art museums. It was the same day that she got the job offer that word about Sword Art: Online came out. Her friends and her promised each other that they would meet in SAO, but YueLee was the first one to actually save up enough money to get the Nervegear. That night, a weekend, she entered SAO and never left...

Virtues

Independent: Even as a child YueLee has never been someone to take charge or attempt any sort of leadership. However, she is very much her own person and makes decisions based off her own thoughts and ideas. She is willing to listen to others input but does not rely on other people to assist with making important decisions. 
Kind-hearted: From a young age YueLee's parents demonstrated acts and thoughts of kindness to those around them. They volunteered on the weekend, and made extra food during the week for some of the shelters nearby. Through observation she learned that one is suppose to conduct themselves with grace, warmth, and respect for others. After all, everyone is human. 
Reliable: One a connection is made; one will always be there. She is the friend that is always there no matter what happens; meaning that she is the one to call at three o' clock in the morning when hung over with friends at a bar and need a ride home. Even if someone has not spoken with her in years, they can pick-up the phone and talk to her like they just saw each other the previous day. 

Flaws

Self-critical: Truly, YueLee is her very own worst critique. Internally she can be very mean to herself and nitpick every action and mistake made. There are times when she becomes defeated and overrun with thoughts of failing; despite appearing to be very calm and serene. Not very many people know how critical she is about herself, but those who do try to help with those self-defeating thoughts. 
Lonely: Since the beginning of SAO YueLee has not had many connections with other players. She instead choose to engage with NPC's as a means to cope. However, deep down she is aware that there is a part of her that desperately wants someone to be able to lean on -  even if it is just a little bit. She feels that while in SAO there is no one she trusts enough to be a piller; even though she tries to be a pillar for those around her. 
Morally ambiguous:  Deep down YueLee is a good person (at least she thinks so) but her moral code is not rigorous. She can adapt her moral code to the situation at hand and change it on a whim. While that can be a benefit, very often it makes her appear indecisive and sometimes hypocritical. There are some core values that do not changes, but how she interacts with the world around her changes based on the information and situation at hand.