[PP-F01] Fields Between Us

[Scar 0]

The message was very brief, almost like a casual one, it was just enough to stir one's interest, but was too vague to be taken seriously.

Scar --> Alinta: I heard a rumor about something unusual in the grasslands near Tolbana. Thought you might want to take a look.

Obviously, there was no rumor. No hiding, no rare monsters. It was just an excuse, a pretext to get her out here. To get her to meet him. He didn't need a quest to spend time with her, but the world of Aincrad was full of pretexts, little pushes, and excuses that sounded plausible.

Jack stood at the edge of the gently rolling plains, near the trail that led out from Tolbana toward the quieter stretches of the floor. The sun was dipping low behind distant hills, painting the sky in molten oranges and soft golds. A warm breeze danced across the grass, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers and the earthy tang of the nearby forests. Fireflies flickered faintly in the tall grass, their soft glow blinking like tiny stars scattered across the landscape. The plains themselves stretched wide and free, dotted with low hills and meandering streams, inviting wanderers to lose themselves in the view.

He shifted his weight slightly, leaning against a sturdy tree, brushing his fingers along the rough bark. The scimitar at his hip rested lazily, more a habit than a readiness for combat, here, there was nothing to fight. Absolutely none, perhaps apart from the nervousness in his chest. He had spent too long in this game watching players come and go, friends vanish into quests or deaths, and yet now he waited here, not for glory or danger, but for the possibility of a shared moment.

He ran a hand through his hair, smirking faintly as he imagined her arriving. Alinta. She was always so speedy and accurate in her observations, so incisive and skeptical, but when she was caught off guard, she was very lovable. Averted eyes looking incredulously at the rumor as she probably thought and her suspicious gaze turning dagger-like, but later when she realized there was no danger, slowly letting go of the tension. Smiling a little more, the rare, natural smile which he had become quite fond of seeing without fail.

Jack's eyes roamed over the plains, the setting sun making the skin of his face warm. He watched a flock of birds take flight over the hills, the way their shadows danced across the swaying grass. He could hear the faint calls of distant wildlife: a boar in the far reaches of the plains, the soft chirp of an unseen bird, the whisper of wind over the uneven ground. The further world was quiet here, almost to a point of being a bit too much, and he seldom let himself see it that way.

"Let's see if she takes the bait," he whispered with a smile on his face. He was not impatient though, he was capable of waiting. There was time. Time for the slow walk, the easy talk, the soft laughter that might be exchanged between them if she came of her own accord. He imagined sharing the sunset, walking together along the grassy hills, perhaps even pointing out far-off landmarks she had never seen before was how he pictured it.

Jack was tightening the strap of his jacket and took another look at the sunset, the sun was just about to go down. There was nobody on the plains making them look tranquil and perfect, they weren't affected by the players running quests or fighting over loot. Here, the world seemed endless, yet very personal, just like a lovely sunny afternoon had been painted out on a canvas. He smirked again, imagining her rolling her eyes at his pretense of a rumor, and yet coming anyway. He could already feel it: the way the conversation would flow, the comfortable silences, the way the golden light might catch her hair just so.

And so he waited. Not for adventure. Not for combat. Not even for treasure. He waited for Alinta. For the rare, simple thing he had come to value above all else: her company. The sun down further, shadows stretched long across the plains, and Jack, with a faint smile of contentment, leaned back against the tree.

* * *

Spoiler

Scar | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 4

WC: 721

@Alinta

Edited 4 hours ago by Scar

[Alinta 0]

Alinta was sitting in the small room, naught but a bed, dresser, mirror, and an adjoined bathroom/shower combo. All basic needs covered, nothing more. Nothing less. She was sitting on her windowsill, people watching. Something she usually did often in the evenings. Too scared to go out and enjoy the festivities of what little nightlife the Town of Beginnings offered. Too shy to approach a friendly face. It'd be nice...if she could reach out to a few more people but there were only two on her friendlist. Oscar, and Scar.  

The last time she had seen Scar she had dragged him across a desert, engulfed him in a sandstorm and subjected him to terrible temperatures. So Alinta hadn't reached out to him since. 

"Hmmm?" A tilt of her head when a message popped up in the corner of her vision. The woman would open it, and she couldn't help but laugh. Speak of the devil. Sinners Mask indeed.

Scar --> Alinta: I heard a rumor about something unusual in the grasslands near Tolbana. Thought you might want to take a look.
Alinta--> Scar: What? Outside the safe zone?

"Huh?" He...wanted to meet up with her? The woman pushed herself off the windowsill and set about getting ready. Brushing her hair and throwing it up in a ponytail, out of her face, and out of her way. She had already began to throw on extra accessories, subconsciously...wanting to look nice for him. An extra pin in her hair, dangling earrings, and a headband. But...wait... Tolbana? She could go there...but a sense of unease sat in the pit of her stomach. Alinta didn't like leaving the safe zones alone. Half ready, she sent another message to Scar.

Alinta --> Scar: It's almost night time is it even safe? I still don't have anything. But If you give me 20 minutes I can be there. I'll pay for an escort service to get me there or something. Do I need to dress a certain way? 

Alinta didn't wait for him to reply, she wanted to dress up, so she did. Long flowing dress with gold accents that would match her accessories. Even in a game, she wanted to be well dressed. Too much pride in her appearance. She may not be able to fight yet but she could at least look good...wait. What if he told her to dress down? Another message his way.

Alinta--> Scar: Forget I asked that. It's fine. You're fine.
Alinta--> Scar: I mean, I'm fine.

Alinta--> Scar: I'll see you soon.

Flustered the woman headed out the door, making a straight beeline toward the teleport plaza. Ignoring a catcall or two. Arriving in Tolbana didn't set Alinta at ease, it only stirred the feeling in her stomach. Was this too much? Should she just switch to her basic attire? It wasn't like this was a date or anything. Long and steady steps lead her toward the outskirts of Tolbana. A nervous look on her face as she chewed on her thumbnail. 

The woman couldn't help but pause at the threshold of the city. One step between the safe zone and the field. Uncertain... was this...going to be okay?
 

Alinta --> Scar: How...far out of Tolbana are you? It's getting dark. Is this a quest or something? Does it have to be night time?

Hesitation...He...wouldn't lead her astray. Right? 

"You good, miss?"

"Huh?" Alinta looked up to see a man clad in some kind of hard leather armor. A little rough around the edges, real woodsman type. "I...yes, no. I mean. Do you offer escort services?"

The man raised a bushy black eyebrow, his eyes trailing up and down what she was wearing. "I'm going to need clarification on that one, miss. If you askin' No I'm not interested." He'd hold up a hand as if to let her down gently. "Not sayin' you aren't a looker or anything. Just. Not really my thing." He'd offer her a tip of his head. "Wishin' you a good evenin' miss. Be safe." And he gave her a tilt of his had before scurrying back into town. Seemingly flustered. The hell? She just wanted an escort till she ran into Scar.

"Dammit..." Alinta sighed, opening up a message to Scar again.

Alinta --> Scar: I tried to ask someone about escort services but they weren't interested. I'll start on the path out the city but please try to find me soon...I don't do well outside safe zones alone.

 

And with that, the woman took a deep breath and a big step over that invisible line. Through the invisible barrier. Nothing felt any different. The air was cool but not cold, and the scent of fresh grass hung in the air. Cautious steps lead the woman away from the town. Away from her comfort zone. Scar was worth it.

ALINTA OMBRE | HP: 560/560 | EN: 74/74 | DMG: 1 | LD:2 | True Tier 2

 

WC:523
@Scar

Edited 3 hours ago by Alinta

[Scar 0]

Without a doubt, Jack understood that Alinta was moving a little bit farther than she normally would. The message came in so quickly, one after another, that they showed her indecision and discomfort, and he could not refrain from feeling a sudden desire to protect her. With such a motive Jack was the last person to abandon her out there, even for a moment. He had invited her out under the guise of a rumor, a pretext for this low-key date, but seeing her nervousness reminded him how much she valued safety. He didn't want her to feel abandoned out here, not even for a moment.

Without wasting a second, he adjusted his shirt and jacket, making sure he looked presentable for the meeting. No matter how urgent it felt to reach her, he couldn't arrive looking disheveled. Hair brushed back, jacket clean, boots tied tightly, comfortable but neat, he set off.

Entering Tolbana, he scanned the familiar streets, the warm glow from the fountain square casting long shadows across the cobblestone. He checked the usual exits toward the outskirts, and still no sign of her. His brow tightened. "Damn it.. I should've just waited in town for her," he said, scolding himself and kicking the ground. She had asked about an escort service, and the thought hit him, Maybe someone in town had seen her leave. Looking for assistance beyond the walls. He began asking around, casually but urgently.

"I'm looking for a woman.. Porcelain skin, long crimson hair, moving towards the outskirts," he explained, careful to emphasize features that made her unmistakable. A few people shook their heads, uncertain. Then, finally, a vendor nodded. "I think I saw someone like that heading out past the northern edge," they said. Relief washed over him. "Thanks," he muttered, voice low but sincere. Without hesitation, he broke into a run.

The first thing he saw was her wandering along the edge of the woods on the grasslands and looking very precautions, every step she took seemed to be a test of the ground. He slowed briefly, straightening his jacket and brushing a hand through his hair, ensuring he looked calm and presentable. Then he dashed again, closing the distance quickly. 

As he reached her, he tapped her shoulder lightly, gentle but deliberate, the same small gesture he had used the last time they had been together. She turned, startled, and he allowed himself a small grin. "Hey," he said, voice warm and steady. "Thought I'd make sure you weren't wandering alone."

He positioned himself just enough to guide her turn subtly, presenting a playful, lighthearted moment without intruding. "There you are," he said, a teasing lilt in his tone. "Couldn't let you go any further without me."

Jack took a moment to glance around at the plains stretching into the distance. The air carried the scent of fresh grass and the faint tang of evening dew. He felt the quiet tension in her posture, the cautiousness in her steps, and he wanted to reassure her simply by being there.

"You're fine," he said, voice gentle but firm. "I've got you. No need for anyone else to escort you."

He held out a hand, palm up, not pressing, just offering a choice. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the plains. Jack took a slow, deliberate breath. This wasn't about rumors or quests. This wasn't about monsters or danger. It was about being present, being steady, and letting her know she could rely on him tonight.

"Ready?" he asked softly, tilting his head, letting his tone be light and teasing. "Let's check out this rumor together."

He didn't rush her. He didn't force the pace. He simply stayed close, a calm presence beside her, letting her set the rhythm. Tonight, the adventure wasn't about what lay beyond the safe zone. It was about the quiet, low-key moments they could share, walking side by side across the plains.

* * *

WC: 659

[Alinta 0]

Alinta jumped when she felt something brush against her shoulder, a quick step forward and a turn on her heel - but...She exhaled seeing Scar behind her. Did she somehow manage to pass him? "Scar!" The exclamation came out in almost a squeal as she saw him, her face brightened. It was so nice to see him again. Having him message her was one thing, but seeing him here in the flesh...another. "You messaged me!" Alinta said as she clasped her hands together. "I mean...after last time. I wasn't sure...but - Oh! It's good to see you again. What have you been up to?" She stepped closer to him, picking up a single leaf from his shoulder and allowing it to fall to the floor between them. Her eyes scanned his features. The slight rise and fall of his shoulders suggested he had ran. Was he late? But he invited her? His hair was brushed back and clothes looked freshly ironed. "You look good." Alinta said, reaching out to smooth a single crease in his jacket. "You didn't dress up for me, did you?" A tease. Hoping it would distract him from the fact she had done that very same thing for him.

 "I've got you. No need for anyone else to escort you."

"Honestly...." Alinta huffed as she crossed her arms. "All I did was ask the man if he was interested in escort services. You should have seen the look he gave me! said no and practically ran away with his tail between his legs." Her lips pursed into a pout as Scar started laughing. "What?" Alinta asked. "He seemed like he was capable, I don't see whats so....oh....." It slowly dawned on the woman. She had asked a stranger if he was interested in escort services...she was lingering at the entrance to Tolbana...and she was dressed in fine silks and sheer cloths. "I...Oh FUCK." Alinta swore as she slapped her hands to her cheeks. "I fucking- he thought I was offering MY services!?" Alinta stammered. Scar was laughing louder now. "I'm not- I wouldn't! I meant for him to bring me to You! Scar!" She said his name with a whine and a groan, feeling completely embarrassed. A part of her wanted to leave right then and there, but there was something absolutely endearing about his laugh. She grumbled. "You're lucky I like that sound." She grumbled, stepping toward him and grabbing his hand. She offered it a tight squeeze.

"So..." Her eyes shifted past him, toward the forest. The suns light filtered through dappled leaves. There was a sweet scent that lingered in the air, but Alinta wasn't sure if it was a nearby patch of flowers, or if it was Scar. The woman would rest her chin on his shoulder in thought. Was there actually any rumour? Or was he using it as an excuse to see her? "Awfully convenient...to have the rumour in what seems like a safe area. During twilight hours, almost romantic." Alinta would shrug, stepping in close to Scar.

"Too bad we're just chasing a rumour. So, lead the way. Scar of the Northern Desert."

Rumour or not...Alinta was just happy to be here. She hadn't really realized how ostracized she had been, how lonely, not till she had met him. Funny...the main reason she had approached him at the ball was because he was by the food, nothing more, nothing less. But an undeniable magnetism and hushed whispers between the two that night lead her to wanting more. Addicting...he wasn't wrong about that.

WC: 591
@Scar