[PP-F1] Becoming Friends, with Zandra

[Yunalesca 0]

Resting on the outskirts of beginner city, within the wooded area, was none other than Yuna. The brunette had not slept well the night before and decided to try and catch up on some Z's in a quieter place that was still located within the safe zone. That quieter place happened to be on one of the higher tree branches. Players who wandered back this far probably wouldn't have noticed the nearly asleep player, unless there skill level was higher, but not many higher leveled players hung out in beginner city. Sure, a couple came to visit, but a majority of them ended up staying on the higher levels. They normally had no reason to venture down so low. Adjusting once more the brunette place her hands behind her head and settled once more. It was a pleasant day and the perfect time to take a small nap. Before Yuna even knew it her breath evened out as she drifted off into a dreamless sleep. 

[Zandra 0]

Zandra had been out the night before with a couple of friends, hunting at thirteen. She was happy when they decide to call it a day. That was one of best feelings she have ever felt. When crawling in the bed, digging oneself under the warm with only the pillow resting head beeing visible. It havent took many moments until her eyes closed and she fell asleep. So today she had decided to take the day off. But she was started to get kinda tired of her own shop. Unless when Jomei was here. Thou that didnt happened very often since they usually met up somewhere, mostly the floor plaza of the floor they was gonna spend the day on. Today thou he was busy, was gonna do something with a friend.

Zandra have tried to contact some other friends, but they was all busy. So she decided to spend the day where it was a long time since she was. Town of the beginnings. When she was back in the starting city she stepped out of the warp gate."Long time no see, isnt it?" She said, asking the city. Of ciurse there was no answer. So she decided to go for a walk. It was quite some time she traveled these streets. After half an hour she decided to take a break. Not because she was tired, because she wasnt in a hurry. She saw a tree a dozen meters ahead. She walked to it and leaned on it, gliding down to sitting position. There she sat, looking at all the players that walked by.

[Yunalesca 0]

Since childhood Yuna had always been a light sleeper, quite the opposite of her brother could probably sleep through freaking a tornado. It was thanks to that habit that the sound of feet against the ground brought her out of the dozing state and back to the virtual world. Blinking, chocolate eyes glanced down at the ground to find another female with stunning midnight hair sitting and relaxing at the bottom of the tree. While she appeared to be watching the players going by she had failed to notice the one reclined in the upper branches tree. Remaining in the laid out position Yuna too turned and watched. 

"People watching has got to be one of my favorite hobbies," Yuna commented quietly, as to not scare the girl or ruin the peace and quiet of the moment. The brunette clearly remembered those days when she got to take the shelter dogs for a walk at the local park. During that time, she would also observe the different people using the park.  Each person had been different in their own unique ways. The virtual world was not much different. Everyone had their uniqueness that made it all the more fascinating to observe. 

[Zandra 0]

A female player with a sky-blue full-plate armour and a huge greatsword on her back walked by, glancing at Zandra and rolled her eyes, that just sat down, leaning her back to the tree and just took it easy. Zandra guessed that girl thougth she was a slacker. Spending time sitting in town of beginning when you could train or get equipment. Zandra stared at the female until she got out of sight."Yeah, sometimes that can be fun and relaxing." She said. A second later she realised the voice came from above her. She tilted her head backwards to see the person that was the owner of the voice. Up in the top of the tree was a girl."Hey there, is the sight better from up there?" She said and rose into standing position. This warm day she weared her town clothing. A simple very dark brown T-shirt and a red skirt with suspenders. She also had a pair of brown leather boots that reached up to her knees.

[Yunalesca 0]

Due to her presence being hidden Yuna was spared from the disdain filled glances of the rather serious players, but that didn't mean she missed seeing them. 'That was rather rude,' Yuna thought to herself as chocolate orbs watched the player walk away. This time, the brunette actually sat up and gazed down to find that the other female was now standing and looking up into the branches, inquiring about the view. "Hey there yourself," Yuna greeted with a warm smile tugging at her lips, "and I would say so. You can see further and get a much clearer view of the city from up here." It was really was a rather beautiful city. Sometimes Yuna forgot that things weren't real. That was the effect this place was having on her, and more than likely everyone else's, minds. "Care to join me?" Yuna inquired while scooting over to make room. 

Edited January 1, 2016 by Yunalesca

[Zandra 0]

Zandra raised an eyebrow when the brunette invited her up to the higher parts of the tree.''Well, if there is anhy place for me up there I'd be glad to share the experience of people watching with someone that enjoys it as well.'' Back in the real world she had been training gymnastics for years. So getting up in the tree was no problem. She havent got the strength and agility that she had back then, that would make the game unbalanced. But the thinking was still there. A few seconds later she sat on a branch half a meter from the girl. She streatched out her hand.''I'm Zandra Zvift, but you can call me just Zandra, a pleasure to meey ya'.'' she said and gave the girl a friendly smile. This girl seemed nice so Zandra wanted to get to learn her better, maybe a new friend was sitting on the branch opposite her.

[Yunalesca 0]

Glad that the girl had accepted the offer Yuna watched as she agilely climbed the tree. Just from watching, the brunette would guess that there was either a history of tree climbing or some type of activity that required skill. When the girl finally settled on a branch she extended a hand and introduced herself. "Nica to meet ya, Zandra," Yuna grinned while reaching out to meet the handshake, "Names Yunalesca, or Yuna, whichever is to your fancy." Releasing her hold Yuna placed the hand back down beside her to steady herself. Alan and she had use to climb trees when they were younger. Luckily, she had always been the 0ne with more balance. He liked to joke it was due to the fact that she was female, even if they both knew that wasn't the reason. 

"What do you think of the view, much better right?" Yuna inquired, leaning back and taking a deep breath of the fresh air. The girl seemed friendly and it sparked a flame of hope that they would possibly become friends. 

[Zandra 0]

So the name that belonged to this girl was Yunalesca.''Yunalesca? Thats a beutiful name. But its quite much easier to say Yuna so I stick with that.'' when she said Yuna she realised something.''Oh, Yuna is like a real name back in the real world right? Zandra is too, but with an 'S'. You are one of few Ive met that have what to say, like a real name as username. Probably not their real name, but a name that exist in the world we once was in.''

Zandra looked down at the street below them. The view was realy much better from here.''Yeah it is, I totaly forgot that becauseof the good company got me on other thougths.''Thou all she had said was to introduce herself.''It kinda feels a little comical thou, two grown up womens sitting in a tree watching people that walks pass on the street below.'' she said and giggled.

[Yunalesca 0]

Laughing a little at the comment, the brunette nodded her head in agreement. "It definitely is, but as you guessed, it's not my real one. It's not even close." In fact, it had been her brother who had come up the username, not her. He wanted something elegant that could be made into a short nickname. Yunalesca was the perfect fit. But now that Zandra had pointed it out, not a lot of people had real names. That was interesting. "I'm not going to lie, I probably would have spelled it with an S if you had not mentioned something." It would have made it hard to find her if they ended up befriending on another. 

"You flatter me," Yuna stated light-heartedly while placing her hand over her heart, "But I must concur with that statement. The company is rather pleasant." Even though they had just met it felt like they had been friends for a while. It was a warm feeling that Yuna could get use to. "When you put it like that, it kinda does sound comical. We're probably the only two grown women who climb trees, but they don't know what they're missing." It was true. There was something about being above the world and watching it from above. 'At some level, this must be what the creator of SAO feeling like..," Yuna thought, watching another player go by. "So Zandra, what brings you this far out of the city, anything special? I ask because not many people come out this way." 

[Zandra 0]

It made her happy when it seemed her feelings about the other woman was answered back the same.''Who knows, maybe one day you gonna tell me your real name or maybe I will tell you mine. You seem like a nice girl to me, but I would like to be with you before revealing that information about myself.'' well, that was pretty obvious, there was close to none that let out their real name at the first meeting.''About my spelling, it actually comes from digital MMO's. I loved to name my characters Sandra. But of course often it was taken. So then I tried with changing s to an z. Often it worked, but when it didnt, I just added zvift as a last name-ish. Still I havent found anywhere where Zandra Zvift have been taken, yet.'' she realised she had carried away by the backstory of her name a little to far.''How did you came up with yours?''

Yuna seemed to agree that this was comical and didnt seemed to be offended by her statement.''Yeap, they realy missing something great.'' Zandra agreed with the brunette. Then she asked what she was doing here.''Well, Im having the day of from my alchemical work, tried to contact any of my friends but they was all busy today. So I guess I would visit the town of beginning. I loved to just stroll around thru Aincrad. I would guess Im the one of those that have explored the most of Aincrad. I even le...'' she suddenly stopped right in her sentence. She was on way to tell Yuna something that she thougth was kinda personal. Not ready to tell when they have just talked for five miuntes.''Well, I just strolled around.''

[Yunalesca 0]

Attentively Yuna listened as Zandra explained the origins of her username, occasionally nodding to indicate that the other female was being heard. "One day," Yuna agreed with a chuckle, "It's understandable that Zandra Zvift wouldn't be taken. It is very unique. From my understanding, most people don't normally put a last name type of thing, but I actually really like it." Plus Zandra's just happen to have a nice ring to it. "As for mine, well, my brother came up with it. He wanted something elegant sounding that could shortened into a nickname. I still don't know how he came up with Yunalesca, but he did and before I knew that had become my username." At the mention of her brother Yuna's eyes softened and the bright grin dimmed ever so slightly. Despite the ache that was present, the brunette was grateful that he wasn't stuck within this virtual world as well.  That would have been a disaster.

The sudden cut off in the middle of Zandra statement was noticeable, but Yuna didn't mention anything. As Zandra had just said moments ago they had just met and some barriers being present were to be expected. "You're an alchemist? That's amazing. What's like like to have a profession?" Yuna inquired, her natural curiosity bubbling up and over, "I've thought about getting one, but I'm not really sure what to pick or even if I really want one. Decisions are not really my thing." 

[Zandra 0]

She nooded in agreement."Yes they dont. But its a realy easy way to get the username you want. Also most people just call you by your first name anyway. Im glad you like it." She said snd gave her a friendly smile. So her brother came up with hers."Well, I cant aggree more that he succeded. Yunalesca sounds realy noble, and as you said, elegant. Also, it realy fits your appearence." So she got it from her brother, they probably had a good relationship for each other. She got a sad expression on her face."So you have a brother? Im realy jealous on you. Me didnt had any siblings at all. It wouldnt have been wrong with an onii-san."

So, now the alchemy subject appeared again. She didnt liked it. Since she wasnt the girl tohat liked to brag. When it came to alchemy she couldnt stop herself."Well actually Im not any alchemist. Im not only the highest ranked in Aincrad, Im also should be able to reach second highest rank in less then two weeks. Thou it puts a pretty hard preasure on me and Im getting stressed. Thats why I must have days like this." Then Yuna mentioned she didnt knew what proffession to pick."Well, just a warning, if you do it for the money, it isnt realy worth it. Especially if you choose someone like alchemist or cook. Since none is buying from us if we keep same prices as the equipment crafters." She thougth back at the start before she realised that. Back then no one visited her shop."But still I realy love it. So you should just puck one you want. When I picked alchemist, there was only one or two others, but now they poping up everywhere." She let out a sigh.

[Yunalesca 0]

Upon hearing that Zandra had wanted a brother Yuna couldn't help but let out a light laugh. That was what people who didn't have siblings aways said. It was one of those things that sounded like it would be amazing, and definitely could be, but also not all it's cut out to be. Some of the worse fights that had happened were between Alan and herself. He had even punched her once. Although, and as much as she hated to admit it, that had been a fair reaction. "Unfortunately," Yuna joked, attempting to bring a lightness back to the conversation, "He also happens to be the oldest twin out of the two of us. Boasting about that little fact is one of his favorite things to do, even to this day. He's act like a teenage boy." Leaning back slightly Yuna glanced up through the branches to see the brightened sky. " But I'm glad he's not here too. I don't know what I would do if he was." Yuna admitted softly to the other female.   

As soon as the subject of alchemy was brought up Zandra lit up like a kid on Christmas Day. From the glow in her eyes and wide smile, it was plainly obvious that she was in love with what she was doing here in SAO. Yuna could have listened to her talk about it all day just from the enthusiasm it was spoken with. "Congratulations! That is quite the impressive feat you got going on there." Yuna stated sincerely, "I can definitely see why you need days off." Yuna couldn't imagine the amount of work that Zandra had put in raising her Alchemy skill, but it reflected part of her character that she did. To say the brunette was impressed was an understatement. "Thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind as I choose. Who knows what will happen. One day at a time, as I like to say." 

[Zandra 0]

Zandra pushed herself up so she instead of sitting on the branch, now she was standing, following Yunas eyes looking thru the top of the tree.''It is quite amazing, this virtual reality. That it even is possible with the tecnology of today. When I first started MMO'ing I actually dreamt about beeing sucked into the game from time to time.'' she let out a deep sigh.''Since in the games I was someone, someone important. Back in the real I just...'' she stopped, just staring at the sun that was traveling the sky. She hsaked her ehad, like getting rid of a thougth.''But thats the past.'' she said to herself, almost whispering. Then she turned ehr head towards Yuna. She smiled warmly at her when she sat down again.''You know, Im happy your brother isnt here too, but Im very happy that you are here, and I got the chance to meet you, watching people from a tree.''