[F01|SP] The Garden | <<Nature's Treasure: Little Eden>>

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’Perhaps…you’re both right, I think. I mean, it’s nice to be free and capable of making your own decisions, but if the world leaves nothing for you to survive in…’ Onora seemed to pause in thought again, her brow furrowing as Nari collected the items from the small chest she’d managed to drag from the waters. It was only once she’d returned the line to the water’s depths that Onora spoke again, continuing her train of thought as though linking it together. ’We’ve seen the end of civilisation, learnt about them…do you not think that they would have preferred, in many cases, to be given a small pasture of paradise to live on within – rather than facing eternal destruction and completion?’

Nari considered the thought, not entirely against it, and yet wondering how that would fit into her other ideals. She wasn’t entirely sure whether it changed anything for her or not, but she knew that it was at least a good counter argument – maybe not the strongest, for sure, but considerably better than none at all.

---

Post Action | Fishing
ID255932 | LD [9] | CD [2] | Failure [+3 EXP | 84/149]

Edited Sunday at 09:44 PM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’Exactly! It would be better to survive here, rather than die out there. At least, that’s what I believe. That’s what I strive to do…to provide every species, every being, the chance to survive. Maybe not all of them, well certainly not all of them, but at least some of them! That way they aren’t all lost to time!’ Nemo’s excitement had returned as Onora seemed to agree with him. Nari could see his jittery movements out of the corner of her eye, distracting her from the line and water for a moment.

’Certainly, one could consider it admirable as well. I get that, Nemo. Truly, I do. I’m not against it either – I just wanted to put the question out there, play devil’s advocate, if you will.’ He seemed to nod at her commentary, as if accepting the reasoning and response, before turning back to look at the fields. Nari couldn’t help but feel like he was something reminiscing about some creature or being that had escaped his grasp, causing the entire species to die off and be lost forever.

---

Post Action | Fishing
ID255933 | LD [14] | CD [12] | +1 Material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 100/149]
ID255934 | LD [10+1] = 11 | Unidentified Perfect Armour/Shield {1}, Unidentified Rare Armour/Shield {1}

Edited Sunday at 09:45 PM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

She’d worried about resentment, anger or some measure of other negative feelings growing between them after her commentary – instead, Nemo seemed to consider her words, as if hearing and thinking about them for the first time. She could see Onora beside her watching the man-drake as she worked, as if intrigued by the sudden awareness that Nemo seemed to be displaying.

’It would be…unkind to call them entirely free, then? Trapped as they are, they might be safer…but are they content? Happy? These are things I had not previously considered. Not taken into account when creating a paradise…’ His words sounded almost apologetic, filled with a measure of despair and concern that Nari assumed only an individual focused on the best possible situation for those in his care could provide. ’So be it! I shall work to ensure that those brought here are given all opportunities to make it the best they can; to be given a life where they are given choice, presented with possibilities…not encaged in a paradise that takes away all free will and dignity!’

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256030 | LD [3] | CD [1] | Failure [+3 EXP | 103/149]

Edited Wednesday at 01:30 AM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’I think that the consideration alone, is a step forward for all, Nemo.’ Onora flashed a smile from beside Nari, an expression that seemed to bring ease to all of them. She wasn’t sure how the woman did it, speaking and expressing in a way that took away the tension, but Nari was glad that she could. ’I don’t think anyone doubts your dedication, desire and perseverance towards the continued preservation of those creatures that lost…everything. I think, and I believe Nari will agree, is simply that we don’t want you to be tarnished with guilt of your actions. Continue being true to who you are, and what you want to do…and I think that will be enough. Don’t you, Nari?’

Nari nodded as she was called upon, her voice silent of anything worthwhile to add, but her motion showing her support of the idea nonetheless. Nemo seemed to beam in response, as if the words alone were enough to dissuade any concerns he may have had mere seconds ago; the happy go lucky figure they all knew well returning before them immediately and without worry.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256031 | LD [14] | CD [6] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 119/149]
ID256032 | LD [15+1] = 16 | Unidentified Perfect Weapons {2}, Unidentified Rare Weapon {1}

Edited Thursday at 06:39 PM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The fishing line returned to the water’s depths, the hook sinking out of sight as Nari stored away yet another find. Nothing overtly appealing to her – items that could be identified later on, should she desire their usage. For now, they were little more than a collection that she would maintain for a purpose she had yet to devise. Still, it was becoming easier each time she cast the line, and that was the entire purpose of today’s experience.

’No one doubts you at all, Nemo. That’s all that matters…’ Her words were soft, so soft that she wasn’t entirely sure either of the others had heard her. She didn’t look around to confirm it, knowing that the lack of assurance would be better than finding out that she had stated something embarrassing. Instead, she focused on the task at hand – bringing line to water, before reeling inwards and returning. A repetitive process that took all of her attention, for the time at least.

---

Post Action | Fishing
ID256033 | LD [19] | CD [2] | Failure [+3 EXP | 122/149]

Edited Wednesday at 01:39 AM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Silence fell between the trio for a time, the sound of her snapping line hitting water or being cast outwards the only sounds beyond the winds, and the atypical creature in the distance. Not that Nari was bothered by it at all – more oft than not, Onora and herself had settled into their living room to relax in the silence that settled over the house as the night fell upon them in earnest. It was a past time that both had come to enjoy, a time when no words or communication was needed, and the presence of the other could simply be enjoyed.

Nemo seemed content with it as well, as if reading in their behaviours and expressions exactly what they needed in the moment – and adjusting himself to meet it. His gaze moved over the garden, a small smile breaching the otherwise neutral expression that otherwise made up his features. Nari could see him from the corner of her eye, softly picking at a nearby brush – not harming it, nor picking away the living leaves that provided it everything it needed, but rather brushing through it and feeling the imperfections, pulling the things that would cause harm if left behind.

---

Post Action | Fishing
ID256034 | LD [3] | CD [1] | Failure [+3 EXP | 125/149]

Edited Wednesday at 01:43 AM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’It’s always so peaceful.’ Onora spoke suddenly, causing Nari to turn and glance in her direction. The blonde was looking out across the plains, the leather piece in her hands discarded and forgotten for the time. Her eyes were distant, as if both seeing the garden, and something far beyond it. ’The world seems so distant here, as if nothing but a forgotten memory; or a nightmare that has been left for the waking world…’

Nari couldn’t agree more with the idea of the world being a nightmare, though she was certain they disagreed on the reasons for such a comment. ’It’s a break from the chaos that is life, and the dangers that are ever present…a place where one can disappear and find…not quite salvation, but certainly a tranquility that borders upon it, in some way.’

She could see Onora smiling at her words – not quite as elegant as the blonde’s own would have been, but a commonality in ideology that still held true when spoken aloud. There was no mind reading between the two of them, just a simple understanding of how they viewed the world, and how their thoughts could come forth when partially stated.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256035 | LD [14] | CD [9] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 141/149]
ID256035 | LD [14+1] = 15 | Unidentified Perfect Weapons {2}, Unidentified Rare Weapon {1}

Edited Thursday at 06:39 PM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’A world where one can be without worry, and can make a home for themselves?’ Nemo’s question was prodding, as if looking for some sort of justification, or confirmation. Nari and Onora both nodded, though they didn’t say anything in response. The man-drake seemed to understand, however, and turned his gaze back to the creatures in the distance. ’Indeed…if only the remainder of the worlds were anything like this. That would make it…well, it would make this place unnecessary, for starters.’

Nari wanted to argue, had even opened her mouth to voice an opinion in contrast to his commentary, before closing it once more. He was right, of course, if the world beyond – any of them – were anything like this garden, there would be no need for it at all. Odd to think that it’s better off this way; a place of respite and tranquility would be normality and less…appealing? Enjoyable?...if it were contained within the entirety of the world.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256037 | LD [17] | CD [7] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 157/299] | Rank 3 Fisher Obtained
ID256038 | LD [11+2] = 13 | Unidentified Perfect Armour/Shield {1}, Unidentified Rare Armour/Shield {1}

Edited Thursday at 06:39 PM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The line snapped again in her hand, and whatever thoughts may have plagued her mind were broken away as Nari returned her attention to the task of fishing. A task that was becoming much, much easier as she remained seated and at work. She’d already collected far more than she had expected – though she would have been more content and excited if she’d managed to obtain the rare and required gleaming scales that could be peeled from the rainbow trout. In time and with patience, I’m sure I’ll get there…just like the shards I find when foraging for things. Though those are…less likely to appear compared to other alternatives…

Her eyes hovered over the water, eyeing the movement beneath. She was slightly shocked to see how many fish there were still in the depths of the riverbed, considering how many she’d already pulled from the area. Not that she was complaining – the more there was, the more she could catch and use later on. Though, I’ve no idea how long Onora is going to want to hang out here… She shrugged the thought away, figuring the blonde would mention if she desired to leave behind the garden and return homewards.

---

Post Action | Fishing
ID256154 | LD [15] | CD [10] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 173/299]
ID256155 | LD [2+2] = 4 | Unidentified Rare Armour/Shield {2}, Unidentified Rare Trinket {1}

Edited Thursday at 06:44 PM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’What are we going to have for dinner tonight?’ Onora glanced at the pile of fish that Nari had captured during her few moments of fishing, the question as much curious as it was rhetorical – Nari could pick up that much from the words and tone. She gave a small shrug, considering a sarcastic reply before remembering that it wasn’t necessary or even called for in this instance.

’I’m open to any ideas you might have. You’re the better cook than I am, anyways…so I’ll leave the decision and oversight to you – just let me know what needs to be done, yeah?’ It was a typical response that she gave now. She could help with the cooking, but she was by no means the expert at the activity, and found herself falling into an almost sous chef styled position when it came to meal preparation. Not that Onora had complained yet – though Nari sometimes wondered if she was being a nuisance by providing no insight or consideration towards their meals. Thoughtful as she was being in the moment, she added to her statement after a few seconds. ’Fried fish of some sort may be a fun idea though?’

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256156 | LD [2] | CD [2] | Failure [+3 EXP | 176/299]

Edited Thursday at 06:43 PM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari watched as the pair sauntered off, Nemo chattering away in sudden excitement at the question and interest casually thrown towards him. Onora seemed to listen with a distracted intent, her eyes continuously scanning the areas around her to make sure nothing approached that would be unwanted or dangerous. A habit that Nari was maintaining as well, both in her own vicinity and the path that Onora was taking away from her. A small measure of concern at the growing distance had welled up within Nari, and she found herself shifting on her spot in agitation.

Calm yourself, you’re going to look a fool. Everyone’s fine for now – Onora knows to avoid danger as much as she can, and you can sprint that distance more than fast enough…so relax. She forced the energy out of herself as best as she could, knowing that it wouldn’t fully go away – nor did she entirely want it to dissipate entirely. That nervous energy ensured to her that if she needed to sprint across the fields to save Onora, she’d be able to do just that without having to prepare or force herself to do anything.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256158 | LD [20] | CD [8] | +1 Material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 194/299]
ID256159 | LD [5+2] = 7 | Unidentified Rare Weapons {2}, Unidentified Rare Consumables {2}

Edited Thursday at 07:24 PM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

This is going surprisingly well, all things considered. Nari pulled back as another fish soared onto the riverbank, landing beside the small collection that was quickly growing. The assortment of goods and pieces she was going to walk away with at the end of the day made her smile – successful, certainly, even if it had been frustrating to begin with. She could almost see the line of progress she’d made just over the past couple of hours, the line being sent out and pulled back in. Each time her successful casts becoming more and more of a normality. Much better than foraging had ever gone, I think.

Nari thought back to all the difficulties she still had when it came to foraging. The prizes certainly could be considered greater in some senses, but she’d come to realise that the cost of spending time scourging around in the dirt paid off far less frequently than what she’d already managed to pull in with the line and hook. Now if I can just use these somehow in the other professions, I’d be set…I would still have to forage and look around for things like shards once in a while, but… She grinned as the possibilities scrolled through her mind, each one slightly better than the previous in one shape or form.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256160 | LD [1] | CD [2] | Failure [+3 EXP | 197/299]

Edited Thursday at 07:29 PM by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

First, though, she would need to collect as much as she possibly could. She’d already gained a steady stream of materials and other goods that would be useful later on, but she knew she was far from being complete in her task for the day. If for no other reason that there were clearly still more fish in the riverbed, and the sun wasn’t anywhere near the zenith where it would begin to set.

I figure at least half the day to go, until we need to consider packing it in. That is if Onora doesn’t get bored, or have something else that needs to be done, and wants to head out early. Nari glanced in the direction of the blonde again, confirming once again that there was no danger headed towards her. A nervous tick that she wasn’t sure she would ever overcome – nor was she entirely sure she wanted to overcome it, if she was being truthful. Too much pain, too much trauma, in that history to simply give into habits that had developed directly from…all of it.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256180 | LD [16] | CD [12] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 213/299]
ID256181 | LD [4+2] = 6 | Unidentified Rare Weapons {2}, Unidentified Rare Consumables {2}

Edited 18 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Idle thoughts crossed her mind for a while as Nari flowed through the movement of casting and reeling the line in her hand. Once in a while she would pull up another fish, a small treasure chest that would open to reveal pieces that could prove useful – or at least valuable in their sale – or absolutely nothing at all, before returning to the task of releasing line and hook to water’s depths. Emptiness passed through her mind that was anything but empty – thoughts that fleeted by, barely registered before passing on to whatever came next. She couldn’t remember most of what flashed internally, nor did she attempt to focus upon any of it. For the time being, she found herself fully relaxed, immersed in her artform as she was.

So this is why they always say fishing is perfect for calming you down. She figured that the activity could be anything of a similar, repetitive nature, but as she continued to work towards catch and gain, she slowly began to see the dawning reason behind its popularity. It wouldn’t have been a first choice – surely, there were similar benefits she could complete with her kata practices – but she had to admit that it provided a more relaxed environment, one which would not leave her physically worn out at its completion.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256182 | LD [3] | CD [11] | +1 material [+8 EXP | 221/299]

Edited 18 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’How can you sit so long?’ Onora waved a hand towards Nari’s perched position as she approached, a collection of items within the basket at her side. Nari could see a collection of vegetables and mushrooms that were entirely unfamiliar to her eyes – their purpose questionable, though she thought she could figure out a few of them. Still, she hoped that either Onora or Nemo had been well versed enough in determining what was edible, and what would better serve as a toxin provided to someone you truly hated.

’It’s really easy if you give up focusing on your own comfort and bodily awareness. I’m fairly certain my legs fell asleep an hour ago, and I’ve been too terrified of the repercussions of moving them to figure it out for certain.’ She grinned at her own words, knowing Onora would see the humour in a similar way to how Nari saw it. The sigh and headshake she received in response was more than proof enough that the joke had landed, even if it appeared exasperated in nature. ’What did you find?’

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256183 | LD [16] | CD [11] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 237/299]
ID256184 | LD [13+2] = 15 | Unidentified Perfect Weapons {2}, Unidentified Rare Weapon {1}

Edited 17 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’An assortment of things.’ Onora settled down beside her, pulling out item after item as she explained them to Nari. The knightess paid half attention as she continued fishing in the riverbed, another catch pulled in and another chest opened to a successful haul. She figured that soon enough the entire activity would become second nature – no more difficult than attending to the grasses in search of a flower. Onora’s voice carried over the snap of the rod and line as she pointed towards each item, going into details that Nari knew she wouldn’t remember the second that they had moved onto the next item. Onora was likely aware of that fact as well, but was just content with Nari pretending to take interest – an action that Onora had once taught her, truth be told. ’This is a dark mushroom which Nemo stated goes well with meats, balancing out the umami flavour in a dish. This here’s a collection of spinach like vegetables – lower in flavour, but providing a nice crunch to a meal if you don’t over blanch them when preparing them. Then there’s this, which is similar to tomatoes…’

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256185 | LD [12] | CD [7] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 253/299]
ID256186 | LD [19+2] = 21 | Unidentified Perfect Weapons {2}, Unidentified Perfect Armour/Shield {2}, Random Dungeon Map

Edited 17 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’I’m going to eat so well tonight, aren’t I?’ Onora glared at the joke, though Nari could see the grin tugging at the edges of her mouth. She knew better than to press her luck though, instead deciding to turn to another topic that wouldn’t end up with her own health being in peril. ’Does it…ever feel like things here are getting too normal?’

This time the grin disappeared entirely, Onora glancing towards the sky as if in thought. It was a conversation that they’d touched upon once or twice before; one which they both found to be overtly uncomfortable and better to avoid as much as they could – though this time Nari had backed them into a corner by bringing it to voice. She wasn’t sure if Onora was going to answer, or if it would simply be a topic that was left to drift into nothingness. Nor was she entirely certain whether she wanted an answer. Sometimes, she knew, things were better left untouched – even if they were directly questioned and spoken.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256187 | LD [4] | CD [12] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 269/299]
ID256188 | LD [14+2] = 16 | Unidentified Perfect Weapons {2}, Unidentified Rare Weapon {1}

Edited 17 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’I’ve considered it a lot…lately.’ Onora’s words and voice was slow, slower than she usually spoke, even when they topic wasn’t desirable at all. There was a severe hesitation in her voice, one which Nari didn’t recognise – a feat that left her more stunned than the words themselves. She found herself remaining silent as she waited to hear what more would come, the words floating on the air in a clear discontinued manner for a time, until Onora spoke again. ’I think…I think it does. Feel like…everything is becoming normal…in a way…I still know this is a game, a fake world…but is it any less real…? Any less…our lives now…?’

Nari knew what the blonde meant. They’d been here for years now; enough time that Nari had found herself wondering once or twice if the real world even existed – a fantastical thought passing through her mind that it was nothing more than false memories planted within her mind, like some weird science fiction novel. Still, she found herself remaining silent as she considered her own response, her own thoughts on the matter at hand.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256189 | LD [19] | CD [11] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 285/299]
ID256190 | LD [16+2] = 18 | Unidentified Perfect Weapons {2}, Unidentified Rare Weapon {1}

Edited 17 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’I…sometimes find myself wondering if this isn’t how…you know, our lives will be…until they’re done. What if…what if we never make it back to the real world?’ She’d started out hesitant, uncertain and pausing frequently, but as the real question arose, she found herself rushing through it fast enough that she was sure the words had blended together towards the end. The sudden glance from Onora, the look that spoke more than any word could, was enough to have Nari continuing her thoughts aloud. ’What if it takes too long to escape. To clear all the floors, and be free of this world. What if we’re wasting precious time by focusing on…the wrong thing? We could make a life here…in a way. Not a perfect one, and probably not a long last one, truly. But a life nonetheless. I want to escape…but I also don’t want to miss the precious moments…’

Her face flushed as she said aloud something that she hadn’t meant to share. Precious moments. They both understood, but neither had mentioned it before. Nari felt foolish now, knowing that they’d reached a point that couldn’t be returned from – an admission that couldn’t be ignored, even if it hadn’t been blunt. She remained focused on the fishing rod in her hand, refusing to look around, to see the reaction, even though she wanted more than anything to have an answer to the unspoken question.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256191 | LD [4] | CD [3] | Failure [+3 EXP | 288/299]

Edited 17 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

’I know what you mean…’ The words were a mere whisper as Onora eventually answered. A hand suddenly touched her own, reaching across the open space and gingerly laying itself atop hers, a measure of comfort and awkwardness in the movement. Nari didn’t look down, her eyes locked upon the water before her as she felt the heat rising further in her cheeks. The contact alone would have been enough to send her into a fit of speechlessness, but the words that came alongside the motion left Nari stunned and unable to move as she struggled to right herself.

’I…’ The hand began to withdraw, as if suddenly uncertain, and Nari found herself moving with a speed and deftness she didn’t realise she had, grasping the appendage and pulling it back into place. No words were spoken for a time, though the grip from Onora’s hand tightened around her own hand; an unspoken understanding passing between the two of them as they remained quiet.

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Post Action | Fishing
ID256192 | LD [10] | CD [10] | +1 material | Treasure Chest [+16 EXP | 304/499] | Rank 4 Fisher achieved
ID256193 | LD [12+3] = 15 | Unidentified Perfect Weapons {2}, Unidentified Rare Weapon {1}
 

Edited 16 hours ago by Nari-Lanreth