[OP-F2] Lakeside Fun <Open to All>

[Lycan 0]

Lycan liked to see his fellow players in such positive spirits. Many of them took to the water, the males of all were most reluctant. Even the words of Domarus seemed hesitant. Apparently, people decided they specifically needed swimwear to jump into a lake. Clearly they hadn't been camping in the real world before...

Lycan watched as Esther turned her familiar affections toward the redhead. He felt his eyes narrow and a curiosity rise in the back of his mind. Who was he to her? The swordsman knew Esther to be a kind hearted and spirited soul, but he body language spoke to more familiarity than acquaintances. The two had shared some form of bonding moments. Was he a friend?

The platinum crested youth focused on Domarus's thin, red eyes and narrow lips. His features were chiseled and angled and posture was loose but not quite relaxed. Lycan saw his focus wasn't entirely aimed at one person, no. Domarus watched. Domarus was an observer. Did he have an agenda? He wasn't just here for fun, that much seemed clear.

Lycan took a deep breath after Domarus implied he would join after they decided to jump in. 

"Welp, no time like the present." Lycan produced his interface and swiped to the equipment menu. He selected his Blood Wolves' Coat and hit unequip. The maroon and navy longcoat vanished from his body in a haze of blue. He selected his V-neck undershirt and followed suit with the rest of his gear until only his boxers and Alpha's Maw necklace remained. The teen made sure to put Harbinger in his battle-ready slots just in case. With a wave of his hand he dismissed the menus and stretched his arms out wide.

Lycan wasn't by any means an athlete. He wasn't a body builder, nor was he some health conscious dietitian. While he was none of those things, his body still held emphasis on the biceps, pectorals, calves, gluts, and the faintest semblance of abdominal muscles. Most notable, was the unique mark that marred his forearm - not a scar, but a tattoo. Cardinal didn't translate these types of markings from the real world to the game. His Mark of the Beast was given to him on his first day of SAO. Lycan still remembered the man's haunting eyes and the unusual pain. Since then, the teen hadn't felt a pain like that in SAO.

"What about you Domarus? Gonna strip, or take your chances with all that?" The teen grinned and gestured to the redhead's ensemble. Lycan shrugged with a shallow chuckle and looked to Esther. 

"I'd say ladies first, but after cleaning this place out, I'm ready for a dive now."

With a childish grin, the teen broke into a sprint. His bare feet sloshed into the waterlogged sand and before he hit the water's edge, Lycan launched airborne.

"Banzai!" he cried as he hugged his knees to his chest.

KER-PLOOSH!!!

Like a baldur cast into the still waters, Lycan slammed into the lake and disappeared under the surface. Water splashed every which way, catching the occasional bystander with collateral wetness. Seconds later, his white  head of hair emerged with a gasp.

"Come on!" he shouted to Esther and Domarus, or anyone who he had caught the attention of. "Water's great!"

[Rin 0]

Rin looked up to the rest of the group, they all seemed to be enjoying one another's presence between Itzal's sudden collapse and the general comfort of pleasant conversing that was going between the majority of them. A deep sigh now rippled into the water as she had sunk down to her neck line as curled up onto her tippy-toes to keep herself just above the water level. The girls dark brown hair now floating out in all directions as she now began to back pedal through the water her face fixed upright toward the sky. The whisked clouds taking on a cirrus formation as they now were a patchy powdered white with splotches of sky blue patterned randomly about through the texture. At least she thought it was random, as her eyes fixed upon them she began to recognize the pattern that branched out, it was a gorgeous fractal like form as the clouds streamed out like the webbing of a spider.

As she floated out into the middle of the lake she began to take deep breathes now finding the serenity of the forest lake quite soothing upon her anxious soul. Her nerves that once would have caused endless ripples to emanate from her body were quelled. Her body sliding along the surface thanks to her natural buoyancy. Since she took lesson as a life guard she realized her natural ability to keep afloat without paddling to prove quite beneficial while out in any large body of water. As she bobbed along her toes and chest would bulge from the glistening wet surface of the lake as she began to close her eyes feeling particularly at peace.

This seemed as beautiful a place to slip away while alone then any other and the mob spawns seemed to be long enough that she would be able to not fret the possible attacks if she should come back her on her own time. A peaceful smile spread over the girl as she also closed her eyes completely oblivious to her surroundings. It was about that time when she hear a loud splash and received a nice nose full of water thanks to Lycan's cannonball. She coughed and drifted out toward the other side of the lake as the wave helped carry her off from the crowd as she now sat beached upon the shallows of the lake. A rather disgruntled expression taking roots in her expression as she stared across at the party of people.

"This is why I hated the public pool."

Rin grumbled softly so no one would be able to hear her now laying there eyes and nose out from the water as she was lurking within among a plant that resembled Horsetails. A leering gaze now staring across the way when she suddenly felt a frog jump onto her head. The girl's face now partially hung underwater as she bubbled her nose unpleased with the frogs choices to perch.

[Mossino 0]

Alisa swam around happily in the lake, she hadn't swam in numerous years to her knowledge, and it felt great! Kind of sucked that Beatbox didn't bring any swimgear to swim with her but, oh well. She looked around at all the people that had shown up now. A few people she recognized, and some she did not recognize at all. A few were talking to Domarus, a girl, and some teen around her age it seemed. Perhaps she should go meet some of them in a few minutes. Even Rin was here but...she seemed to be uh...hiding, yep that seemed like her. Perhaps she should go attempt to cheer her up, or something along those lines.

She would swim back to the shore and get back close to Beatbox.

"So, how have you been the last few days Beatie?" she asked, looking up at him, still submerged in the water.

[Esther 0]

Esther blinked, as Domarus leaned in - quickly whispering to her - telling her to keep quiet about that night. It didn't exactly sit well with her, Esther wasn't very good at hiding things, or keeping secrets - still she'd at least try to do that for Domarus. Esther gave him an apologetic look, but it seemed he was busy - having waved to other players, and instead of sticking around her - he wandered over to them. Esther watched him. His form towered over the other players.

"I don't get it..." She mumbled, "Why invite me here personally then just....." She shook her head, it wasn't fair to just expect him to hang out with her, especially with so many people about. Instead, Esther should feel happy for Domarus, seeing him try and make new friends, especially since he said he only really had Keres and herself as friends. "Good luck Domarus." Esther whispered.

"Welp, no time like the present."

The exclaimation snapped Esther's attention back to Lycan, seeing him quickly change into swimming trunks - and a tight fitting V-neck shirt. Esther didn't realise how toned he was, although she wasn't entirely surprised, Lycan was a truly amazing fighter - so it made sense that he would be well built, right? With a loud war cry, he jumped into the water, sending a cascade of the cold liquid raining down on Esther.

The woman shielded herself. "Ack!" Goosebumps rose on her skin as water droplets slid down various parts of her exposed body. "Lyeee..." she whined, pouting as he stuck his head up out the water. He gestured for Esther to join, she gave him a look as if to challenge him, before stepping up to the waters edge. She dipped a single toe in, the water wasn't as cold as the initial shock of the splash. If it were deep enough for Lycan to practically body slam into, surely, it'd be deep enough for her to dive into.

Esther gave a confident smirk. There was a watering hole similar to this in her hometown, not to mention she loved swimming, it was one of the only physical activities she was good at. Anything else she'd stumble and fall, but there wasn't exactly any way to trip over anything underwater, was there?

Esther positioned herself, arching her body at the waters edge. She took a deep breath then dove, her form effortlessly, and soundlessly slipping into the water. She disappeared under the surface of the water - with powerful strokes, she continued her stead underwater.

Underwater.

It was quiet, peaceful. The sounds of splashing and chatter dulled. She could hear her own heartbeat above all else, slow and steady. The water was remarkably clear, and the bottom of the lake was lined with a beautiful, light green weed. As Esther swam, her fingers touched the tips of the aquarian flora, it felt like silk, and she made a mental note to  collect some later. Finally, as her lungs began to burn - she silently made her way to the surface. 

Her head broke the surface of the water, and she couldn't help but notice she was closer to Rin now, having nearly making her way to the other side. "Phew..." Esther wondered what Lycan thought, seeing her dive under the water, only to disappear completely. She couldn't help but smile at the thought of the teen mildly freaking out. 

Rin seemed to be enjoying the quiet, away from the crowds, her head submerged with a frog atop her hair. Esther poked the frog, who gave a disgrunted ribbit before jumping off. Esther wanted to tell a joke, about the frog, but none came to mind, instead - she offered a poor attempt of a water pun.

"Water you doing all the way out here?" Esther asked Rin, smiling.

[Domarus 0]

Domarus' ever watchful eyes darted to Lycan as he felt the feeling of being watched.  Yes, this teen was analyzing him.  He knew this look as he himself had it many times before.  He looked away before Lycan could notice and kept up the friendly appearance.  Esther had assured him with her look that she wouldn't make the mistake again and although he didn't like to enforce things on her, which was odd for him, he needed this information secret.  When Beatbox ignored his persuasive talk he shrugged and turned, only to get blasted with a wave of water from Lycan's cannonball.  When Lycan emerged Domarus grinned at him.

"You call that a cannonball?  This is a cannonball!"  With that he pushed off from his position, running up to the edge of a rock that acted as a diving board.  The speed and force of his charge and run, combined with his massive size, gave him a powerful lung into the air.  As he gathered momentum in the air he positioned his body in order to create the biggest shockwave he could.  When he fell all the force, power and momentum brought him down with such force that to all above the water it would sound like a bomb had gone off before a massive wave took them all out.  This speed and force had pushed him near the bottom of the lake and he hovered in the darkness for a little, his body stinging slightly from the cold but it wasn't nearly anything he couldn't handle.  The pressure people gained from going to deep in the water never happened in this world since the pain dampeners existed.  While underwater he went ahead and took his shirt off, which would reveal muscles that one would gain from years of physical activities and combat.  Some were gained in the game but most was before hand.  Mainly to take care of any foolish bullies at his school, or thugs who tried to get the best of him during his real life campaign.  When he resurfaced he grinned at Lycan again before noticing Esther make her way over to a player who attempted to hide from the others.  Not only did he need a break from Lycan's ever analytical gaze, but he did invite Esther and decided to join her.  He swam over to her position and stopped directly beside her, lifting the plant just enough to see the girl's eyes clearly.

"Sorry if we made a mess of your day with those waves earlier.  You doing ok?"

[Beatbox 0]

"I had been doing well the past few days Mossie, I was hoping to get some more materials and col the other day... but I realize I suck at getting those sorts of things, but in down time I have been doing the same ol' same ol' of relaxing and enjoying the scenery Aincrad has to offer. How has yours been?" as he scooted closer to the shore where Alisa was. He had gave Alisa a wide smile and continued to listen to what she had to say. Somewhere in between her talking and Beatbox's next response he poked her nose with a giggle. There wasn't much to do around here except for swimming... he wasn't a fisherman and right now he was a cook... and to be honest he didn't want to be a cook, honestly he took it because he thought at the time Aincrad needed more, however we have so many cooks and he wishes to change his profession around sometime. He had noticed Lycan and Domarus do a cannonball into the water, this sight gave Beatbox a giggle since it had been ages since he had seen people swimming let alone a cannonball into the water. This surely was a day to just relax.

[Rin 0]

Rin lurked in the reeds and algae of the the far side of the pond as she then noticed as the party seemed to be encroaching upon her little peaceful part of this watery haven. She  mewled, but only bubbles escaped from beneath the water's surface as the two now began to slide over toward her neck of the lake. It made no sense to her why people had to invade another's personal soaking when the vast body of water was before them all to play in. Esther was the first to emerge from the water not but a meter or so away from her as she  seemingly sunk down till her own nose was below the surface. She didn't take a deep breath and her lunge capacity resembled that of an infant child still learning to cry as she then gasped coughed through the water  standing back up so she was only as deep as her neck. 

The frog's peaceful perch disturbed as Esther poked it causing the small amphibian to now frantically pump it's strong back legs rappelling it through the water till it disappeared into the reeds nearly on the uninhabited side of the lake. She A rather disheartened frown now greeted Domarus and Esther as they were bot in front of her. A hand now reaching out from the water to give them both a shy wave.

"Umm hi what you two doing over here aren't you guys going to enjoy the company of everyone else here. Besides I should really start doing laps again so I don't forget."

The girls arms gently wrapping about her midriff as she looked first at the man and then at Esther. She already was flustered enough about Esther and now that they were both wearing bikini's and a guy was watching over them both she couldn't help but exhibit her embarrassment fully in rosy red cheeks. When Domarus apologized for the cannonballs that had disrupted her rather peaceful float she simply shook her head form side to side releasing a small peep of a sentence.

"No problem."

 

[Esther 0]

Rin seemed to shrink back, and Esther couldn't blame her. Not only did Esther come and intrude, but so did Domarus. Esther was hoping for a few quiet moments with Rin, before leaving the timid girl in peace, but her plans were quickly quashed with the arrival of Domarus. He stood, towering over the two girls, Esther positioned herself between Domarus and Rin. Domarus had a very imposing presence - especially standing there, toned form glistening in the sun, crimson eyes dancing over the two girls. It wasn't entirely his fault, he couldn't help it, and he didn't know Rin - and how timid she was. Esther turned to Rin. 

"Eheh...to be honest, I sorta arrived here by swimming underwater - I wasn't exactly aiming to bump into you." She tilted her head to the side, seeing Rin try to hide under the water, only to choke and cough, standing tall again. Instinctively, Esther stepped forward, forgetting that personal space was a thing, even more so when wet, exposed bodies were involved. She gently pressed her hand to the mid of Rin's back, rubbing it. Knowing that patting a coughing persons back only ever made things worse. "Doin' ok hun?" Esther asked. The lilac haired girl leaned closer, pressing her body against Rin's arm so she could murmur something into the girls ear, just loud enough for Rin to hear, she'd explain to Domarus later.

"I'm Sorry RinRin. I'll talk to you later yeh? For now I'll just lead Domarus away."

Esther pulled away from Rin, and turned to glance at Domarus up and down. "Well, look at you Domarus. Didn't anyone teach you to not impose on private conversations?" Esther teased, she reached forward, pressing her palms against the mid of his chest, urging him away from  Rin. She felt very protective of Rin, and as much as she liked Domarus, she didn't think that he'd be the type of person Rin would be comfortable hanging out with right now.

"I think it's time for a punishment game, Domarus~" Esther added in a teasing tone, her eyes flashing up to meet his as she continued to urge him away from the brunette.

[Lycan 0]

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The teen let a chuckle escape his lips when his dive managed to get Esther and a few others a little wet. Her upset whine made it all that much better. Then, with more finnesse than he ever witnessed from the girl, Esther took a running leap to the lake. She flew with lilac wisps behind her and he watched her practiced execution of a flawless dive. Lycan watched the Olympics back on the surface world, and he recalled one of the determining factors of a high score being the smallest splash. Esther, despite her feminine assets, slipped beneath the surface like needle and vanished from sight.

Shortly after, her redheaded friend roared at the teen. Lycan grinned at Domarus's challenge and subsequent cannonball of his much larger build. He winced as a cascade of water and wave washed over his head. Plopping back to the surface, Lycan shook his hair and sputtered for air.

"Nice one!" Lycan complimented, but his words were heard by neither Esther nor Domarus. 

The teen looked around, waiting for the two to emerge. When they did, their heads were off in the distance. Lycan could only make out their vibrant lilac and crimson hair, completely missing the hidden brunette in the reeds.

"Oh..." he muttered. "Well then..."

'Clearly more than friends... Alright then... Guess she's into those kinds of guys?'

As Lycan paddled in the middle of the lake, he spotted one of the isolated soaking pools. He looked back to Esther and Domarus in time to see her face him and push him off into another location. The youth's nose curled and lip flared at the sight. Lycan knew she wasn't the best judge of character, but today was for fun. Guess she was seeking that in a different way. Lycan shook his head and huffed.

"Whatever..." he muttered.

Then, with a freestyle stroke, he made his way to one of the lagoons. With boulders framing a near full circle, Lycan pulled himself underneath a fallen log and into the small pool. It reminded him of the hot tubs from back home except without the bubbles and with far more fish. Compared to the lake, the shallow waters were warmer, likely heated from sunlight on the dark, smooth stones at the bottom. Lycan crooked himself in a corner against the hot boulders. His skin touched it and he pulled away for a moment in shock.

"Jesus those are hot."

Then he rested his body against it, letting the heat work into his bones and muscles. He let out a long drawn breath and felt his lips curl into a smile.

"Yeah..." he muttered. "This is the spot..."

Gaze pointed toward the slowly listing clouds, the teen closed his eyes and let the warm waters do their work.

[Raze 0]

It was his first time being on another floor, it was almost exciting in a sense, like learning something amazing about the world as a child. This floor was dominated by the forest, with more than a few flat-topped mountains interspersed throughout. Raze found this floor both relaxing and disconcerting after his recent fight with Lupa's children on floor 1. He didn't particularly wish to feel the sensation of being ripped to pieces by wolves again anytime soon. He broke into a light jog through the forest, jumping over the occasional log, ducking under low-branched trees, taking in the natural beauty the forests of floor 2 had to offer to him. He had been exploring, perhaps something he should refrain from until he becomes higher in level, but he couldn't actually help himself: he was interested to discover more about this area. But now he was headed back to Urbus, the main city on this floor, with the intent to maybe have a nice drink at a bar. Unfortunately it was revealed to him that, I'm lost. Again. But this time I'm not taking my chances with anything I run across. The sound of a large splashing of water caught his attention. Was that.. a monster of some sort? Becoming more intrigued, despite his earlier claims, he broke through the treeline.

A lake emerged into his view, a massive expanse of water, with multiple isolated hot-spring type lagoons. He noted the scenery taking in its glory and then noticing the 'monsters' of the lake. Several players enjoying themselves in the water or around the sands participating in some sort of festivity in the presence of the lake. Just when I find a nice place to relax, there just so happens to be people here. I am not prepared to deal with this many other, real, players. Something caught his eye, A young man, with a similar hair color and age to Raze, appeared to be sleeping in one of the separated lagoons. Without thinking first of the social consequences of approaching a sleeping player, Raze silently moved from the trees to the lake that this young man inhabited, thinking I don't really enjoy talking to people but I feel like I should at least let this guy know that it is dangerous to sleep in public. He could be killed.

Raze got closer, in his starting gear(starter iron breastplate and starter two handed iron sword on his back), arriving at the lagoons edge, he looked over at this boy, towering over his prone form and said in a calm voice,

"Hey, you. You really shouldn't be sleeping out here. It isn't safe."

Raze thought over what he said, analyzing each part. I don't think I miscommunicated,  he thought to himself and decided that his wording was satisfactory. He continued to stare into this young man's face, not really knowing what he should do, while he waited for an answer.

[Galilea 0]

Crystal pools mimicked the lapping waves of the lake as Galilea stared down below. I light cloth shielding her rather exposed frame as she stepped from blanket of trees. She noted the two boys lounging near the almost enclosed pool of water and recognized one of them. Though his name escaped her, she couldn't help but feel like she knew him from somewhere. Suddenly she stopped, realizing that she had nearly drifted all the way to the pair in her apparent train of thought.

No backing out now I suppose.

"Hey," mumbled the blonde as she fidgeted with the thin cloth covering her from the eyes of the two boys. Her eyes wandered from the the submerged boy to the one still clad in starting gear. Her brow undoubtedly raised, but she meant nothing by it as she was only confused as to why one would come to a lake party not dressed for the lake. Shrugging the thought off, she spoke once more.

"Mind if I join you guys?"

[Domarus 0]

Domarus watched as the shy girl spoke and knew that he should choose actions and words with caution as this girl appeared extremely shy.  However before he could say anything Esther spoke back and she seemed to know exactly how to respond to the girl.  Which told Domarus that the two of them were already aquatinted.  If that were the case then perhaps she could assist him in-  He watched Esther lean in against the girl, and whisper something to the girl.  When she finished she turned to Domarus with a teasing face and began to push him away from the area talking about how he shouldn't get involved in private conversations.  He grinned at Esther.

"In a public party it's hard to tell if something is private or not.  Sorry for disturbing you ladies."  When Esther pushed him away and mentioned punishment game Domarus allowed a mixed look of surprise, confusion and mild humor.  Domarus was never the target for punishment unless it was by some stupid bully or thug in the real world, but he knew she was talking in a playful manner and didn't mean anything like that.  He laughed lightly and turned around.

"Oh?  That so?  Well catch me if you can then!"  He laughed as he prepared to shoot off but hesitated when he noticed that Lycan was missing.  His eyes narrowed for a split second as he scanned for the white haired teen.  He despised not knowing where others were and now the player was not anywhere to be seen.  The player who suspected him.  He looked in every hiding spot, every shaded area, seeking the player in case he might be spying on him but his eyes relaxed when he saw the player over by the hot waters.  So he jumped from swimming to relaxing in the water eh?  Perhaps his performance was too much for the teenager.  He then noticed a player with gear still on and another girl emerge from behind the two.  All this happened in a matter of seconds but when he was done observing he dived forward, wondering exactly what Esther intended.  Either way he thought a game of tag would be enjoyable and seeing as how he wasn't a master swimmer he should be able to swim ahead of her, but not so far as to make it seem impossible.

[Opal 0]

The cries of mobs were ripped from their voices as their HP display was once green, now turning into an unsightly yellow, finally dipping into the dangerous red and then all together their bodies vanished. A quick flick of her sword and the mobs were done and gone. She had been hearing noises all day long in the area, not that she was training in such a low level field, but more for the curiousness as to what was going on around here. She had happened on Floor Two by chance that day, attempting to persuade Purge and Purify to leave some other players alone. There was better fish to fry than the lowbies that were scattered about on this floor. However something of a heated argument did come up.

"All I am saying is that this floor is not a challenge for the both of you. If you want someone to kill go to the higher floors where there is a capable challenge." Opal had suggested once she had cleared the mob and her eyes moved to the two orange crystaled players. 

"What the hell is wrong with you these days, Opal-sama. You were like a such a Boss and now you are catering to these little children. There was a fire in your eyes when we had met you, so much lust for blood and now you've turned into a weak willed and shriveled up old--"

Opal was not going to berated by this player, her sword arm flicked and the tip of the Masamune was pointed towards the throat of the player, her violet eyes narrowed, "Go ahead...say it. You wanna see that blood lust so much, then I'll end you right now Purge," her voice grew a darker tone as her blade was about to sweep.

"Easy, easy now. Hahaha, no need to hurt my brother here, Opal-sama. We'll skedaddle...but really, what has happened to you? Ever since that night with the Frontliner, you have been acting a little weird towards all of us. Not that I care or anything, but you could prove to be dangerous down the line."

The woman shot her eyes towards the twin, "There is no reliance within this alliance. That is one of our laws. I will not hesitate to demolish you both should you both press this matter further." 

With a hand up in the air, "Come on, Purge. Let's go the higher floors like the Lady requests. We'll be seeing you around, Opal..." a wave followed by the two brothers disappearing. The woman let out a small sigh of relief and heard more noises coming from behind her. Opal's eyes widened and she immediately activated her stealth skill so she would not be seen by anyone. With her body turned and looking towards the place of the disturbance, she noticed a small little party had gathered in the vicinity. She had received a ping earlier that day from some player about a Lakeside Party around here; "It's just a coincidence that I happened to be here..." she said to herself. There was quite a few low leveled players. 

"I'll just sweep the mobs close by so they won't have to worry about any intrusions..." the woman swept the snow hair from off her shoulder, a saddened look, "Not like they would notice anyways." 

--

Notes: Stealthed: LD 22+ to find

Edited September 21, 2016 by Opal

[Lycan 0]

The serenity of the soaking pool did not last. Before long, Lycan opened his eyes to the face of a stranger looming over him. He held up a hand to block out the sun from overhead and get a better look at the kid. Wait, was that a reflection? Short white hair, sharp eyes.

"What's that now?" Lycan replied, his bearings skewed. He widened his eyes and blinked a few times to rid the horrible feeling of deja vus. Finally, Raze's words sank in. "Oh, yeah. No, I'm not sleepin'. Just enjoying a quiet soak. Besides..."

Lycan, now content he wasn't dreaming, settled into the pool a bit more until his chin touched the water's surface.

"I spent most of the morning clearing out the area. We should be good for a couple hours."

The warm waters and sun-heated stones felt like heaven on his skin. The teen almost wished he were made of butter, because he certainly felt like he could melt right now.

"You should strip down and hop in. When was the last time you got to enjoy the lake like the real world?" Lycan asked, his eyes again shut.

Another voice added to the mix and Lycan opened a single, amber eye. His eyes pinned on a slender blonde who seemed quite uncomfortable in her bathing attire. With a grin and slight chuckle, the teen gestured to the more than ample space of the soaking pool.

"Jump right in," he commented. "Feels amazing..."

Before he shut his eyes again, another shadow loomed overhead. This time, without words, a female in a frilled top and bottom slid into the water to the left of Lycan. She made a quiet seething sound as she lowered into the warmer waters. With brunette locks thrown up in a high ponytail and blue eyes, she turned to Lycan with a smile.

"Don't mind if I do!" she chimed. Lycan looked about for a moment in confusion.

'Where the heck are these people coming from all of a sudden?' He shook his laugh with a low chuckle and settled against the boulder.

"Feels good, don't it?" he asked to those that joined him. 

[Itzal 0]

ID#  68261  LD:  2+8=10 not found... yet

It had been some time sitting on the shore with Mina and he felt it time to get over the coldness of the lake.  He gestured to the water.  "I'm uh, I'm going to try that again...  On my own accord this time."  Itzal stood up and handed Mina's jacket back.  He felt freezing cold with the wind blowing on him but he knew that the best way to get rid of the cold was to be active.  So without hesitating he ran up to the edge of the rock and leaped into a forward dive, shooting down toward the central area of the lake.  When he resurfaced he waved at Mina, his teeth chattering just a bit.  That's when he saw Alisa and Beatbox.  He nodded to Mina to meet him up there and began to swim swiftly towards the two.  When he reached them he grinned, still shivering slightly but not nearly as he was when he started.  "Hey guys?  What's up?  Glad to see you, uh here."  He kind of paused for a nano second upon seeing Alisa in her bikini but he was forcing himself to ignore it.  He needed to get over this after all.

Edited September 21, 2016 by Itzal

[Baldur 0]

Baldur stumbled into the clearing of the lakeside, feeling more ragged than he actually looked. He had just gotten out of a whirlwind of grinding and dungeons, his health bar had only just gotten to full by the time he reached the safe zone and teleported down to the second floor. At least here, nothing could even hurt him. But the battle weary gaijin samurai fell to his knees and then sat down on the shore of the lake and just leaned back in the sand and look up at the sky and the bottom of the third floor as clouds still managed to list lazily between him and the next floor.

The water was peaceful, and there was a large number of people around, many of whom he recognized, but for now, he just needed to relax. He let the scabbarded blade slip from his fingers as he stretched out spread eagle on the ground as a powerful yawn and stretch took hold of him. He was still fully geared as he lay there, looking rediculous in his haori, orange colored armor, and obi that Ariel had made for him.

"Now this... this is what I've forgotten... this... this is nice..." Baldur let out another yawn as he just let himself be for a moment, the sounds of everyone washing over him. Normally he would be noting who was where, who was orange, what sort of monsters were in the area, did he need to keep his gear equipped just in case? What social factions were at work here.

For now, he let himself forget about all of that. He didn't know who was here, and for the first time in a while, he didn't care. He just wanted to relax and enjoy a break. Hopefully once he got his head sorted out, he could socialize. But for now, he settled for unequipping his battle gear, and replacing it with his jewlery and compass. The bonus to S&D would help him ferret out any danger before it became real, and it was all small and unobtrusive.

"Didn't realize I needed a vacation so bad."

[Calrex 0]

"Looks like there some kind of party happening over there."

Across the lake, near one of the streams that led into it, was Calrex as he gave a small yawn. He was still clothed in his casual combat gear, but instead of fighting a monster, he was sitting on a rock, with his fishing line in the water, "Probably really foolish of me to try and catch anything. I haven't fished in months, and am still a rank 2 fisherman. The best I'll catch is a..."

Feeling a tug on his line the bluenette quickly reeled it in, only to see that once again he had gotten a soggy boot. Tossing is behind him he gave a small sigh, getting to his feet, "Maybe line fishing isn't my forte..."

Swiping on his menu he returned the fishing line back to his inventory as he drew the Grand Blade II, flipping it into a reverse grip, "Spear fishing is another way of catching them. I wonder if this might work."

Running towards the water he gave a quick leap, diving below the surface before opening his eyes. Of course, it was mostly murky depths below, but he did manage to see what appeared to be the massive size of a fish. Getting close to it he quickly plunged his sword into the side. All seemed to pause for a second, before suddenly the fish moved, making a beeline for the surface.

Breaching only moments after he went below Calrex looked to see he had certainly nabbed a monster fish...but it was still alive, "Now I see why people still prefer fishing. This is gonna be rough."

The fish gave a quick flick to the side, simultaneously detaching Calrex and his sword from its side, hurling the Ultramarine Knight back towards the shore. Quickly flipping to right his positioning he slid to a stop, planting his sword into the ground to stop himself from going too far.

Looking to his right he saw that the throw had somehow sent him right next to the group of partiers, seeing a couple of people he recognized. However, his attention was brought back to the fish, that was starting to come on shore.

Glancing back over he gave a quick wave, "How we doing?"

Then he rushed towards the fish.

[Itzal 0]

ID#  68264  LD:  14+8=22- Found you @Opal

Itzal had just greeted his two friends when he noticed something.  He peered into the darkness of the forest and spotted movement going through the trees.  Lycan assured him that he had cleared the mobs so the only logical explanation would be that there was a player.  However Itzal couldn't think of why a player was wandering the outskirts instead of joining them.  He had two posabilities:  The first was that the player was either as shy or even more shy than Rin, a player he knew, or they were sneaking around with a mischievous intent.  Either way he thought it best to check it out.  If worst came to worst he was certain the other players would rush to his aid.  "Uh, give me a sec will you guys?"  Itzal pulled himself out of the water and walked pass Mina, asking her to wait for him with his friends.  He walked over and grabbed the trench coat that completed the outfit.  The cloak was now dry and the insulated part warmed him up quickly.  He scaled a nearby tree and began leaping from branch to branch over to where he saw the movement and as he did he made sure Ascendants Rosario, a icy blue sword Mina had recently crafted, was in his battle ready section just in case he needed it.  He finally spotted the player who seemed to be a woman with silver hair.  He caught up with her and stopped a little ways in front of her.  "Hey there!" he called to the player in a friendly and inviting voice with a smile on his face.

Edited September 21, 2016 by Itzal

[Zandra 0]

OOC: Lost my previous post some days ago so doing another try now :)

Zandra watched at the everchanging ocean outside her and Jomeis beachhouse. The huge waves that rides the water towards the beach. Getting closer and closer until it splashes down and makes the sand wet several meters from the shoreline. The sight was kind of hypnotising to Zandra and she stared at nothing. She stood like that for almost an hour before a pling woke her out of her trance. She had got a mail in her inbox. After a few swipes in the air she had opened it and red thru it. When done she stretched her arms and putted the hands on her head. Just two days earlier, she had been holding a beach party on a field nearby. It turned out to be much later then she had planned. She still was a little tired from the festing. And now she was invited to another one, fourteen floors down. What would she do? It would actually be rude not to come. But would it realy be better to attend like a zombie? But after all, she couldnt stand here watching the horison all day. After a quick visit inside her home she went down to floor two.

She exits the warp gate and moves to the location where the party was beeing held. Since beeing on second floor, she didnt had her armour equiped, you cant party for real in an armour after all, and instead had her town clothing. A red skirt with suspenders, a darkbrown t-shirt, tall leatherboots and a red hood with a scarf attached to it. She herd it before she saw it. When she saw it she got taken by surprise how lively it was. "Oh. They realy seems to have fun." She said to no one. She spotted some familiar faces and some unfamiliar ones. Didnt knew what to do, she walked closer to the event to see if there was someone to talk to, pushing down her hood and let her long dark hair fall down on her back.

Edited September 21, 2016 by Zandra

[Opal 0]

Opal's violet eyes peered at the player as he came crashing down to the ground from above. She was not scared by this mere act, perhaps he was just hanging around like she was. However, the Masamune was held tight in her hand, if there was one thing she had learned from the Twins, that looks could be deceiving. Sweeping a hand over the violet strands of hair that decorated her otherwise flawless snow tendrils, the woman shifted and looked at the player and nodded in greeting, "Ugh, hi?" his smile was innocent enough, perhaps. Though she was not one to let her guard down. However the act of being able to spot her out among the darkness gave her a few thoughts this player had some skill in detecting players. 

"Wouldn't you rather be enjoying this time with your friends instead of a shifty character such as myself? I am not one you wish to provoke.But I can see that sometimes curiousity sometimes gets the best of people. But really, you shouldn't be seen with my kind of people. They might get the wrong idea," the woman shifted her body slightly, her snake scale gloves pointed to the tattoo that was jutting out beside her belly. It was the Laughing Coffin tattoo, either the player knew this name well and would eventually gander as to who she was, or did not know of the infamous Player Killer Guild that was making quite the name for itself in recent times.