[PP-F01] Curiosity's Edge

[Bael 1]

Bael crouched just beyond the tree line, eyes fixed on the field where Arsine had paused. The orange cursor above her head pulsed faintly, signaling her presence even amidst the grime and debris clinging to her avatar. He watched as she slammed her fists against the dirt, cursing softly in her native tongue, and then finally drew a long, measured breath. Composure returned, but not the unguarded chaos he had seen earlier.

A smirk tugged at his lips. The woman moved differently than the other players, her focus never wavered, her movements deliberate even in frustration. Something about that drew his attention, kept him rooted in place instead of wandering the plains. He could follow her, he decided, but not too closely. There was no need to intrude. The hot spring she mentioned yesterday, he remembered, was not far from here. If she intended to cleanse herself, he could accompany her, keeping watch from a discreet distance, a silent shadow at the edge of her path.

He rose slowly, greataxe slung across his back, and moved with careful economy, every step measured to avoid disturbing the undergrowth. The plains were quiet this morning, save for the soft rustle of distant wildlife and the low hum of the game itself. He noted the scattered players still lingering at the edges of the field, orange cursors jittering nervously as they observed from afar. None were bold enough to approach, and he allowed himself a brief chuckle. Today, they were merely background noise.

Adjusting his hood, Bael tilted his head toward Arsine's path. The journey to the hot spring would take her across the low ridge and into a sheltered grove where steam would rise from the water. He considered the mimic she had mentioned, spawned in town, something for her to deal with, something to keep her hands occupied while he maintained his vigil. He wasn't here to interfere, not yet. He wanted to see how she handled herself, how she moved through the small chaos she had carved out for herself in this world.

With a silent sigh, Bael settled into the shadow of a rock just off her path, greataxe resting lightly against his shoulder. The sun glinted faintly against the black metal of the haft, catching his eye for only a moment before he returned his focus to her. The plains stretched out around them, quiet, tense, expectant. And he waited, the predator among the tall grass, curious to see how the poison girl would navigate the next part of her day.

[Arsine 0]

“Did not want such things…” She mumbled to herself, trying to wipe the slime off her body, memories of the mimic and how it felt still clear in her mind. Disgusting… She hadn’t expected a creature to spawn in the confines of the safe zone. Again, the mans words ran out in her ears, Complacent.

Right…The rules of the game could realistically change any time. Arsine knew that, it's why she was so indulgent. She had attempted to message a number of people, consorts for the evening to aid her - but when they found out she had an orange cursor - they had all told her they were not interested till she was green again.

“Bores…” She muttered. It was a shame she would not find a body to warm her bed that night, and a bigger shame she could not enjoy the comforts of a hot shower in an inn, but at least she would have the hot springs.

Arsine prided herself on being able to keep her composure, so as she leisurely walked down the path, hating the scent, hating the feeling of everything against her skin she didn’t show it. Even as a player caught sight of her, and turned to run in an opposite direction all she did was give them a small smile and a nod. Of course they’d fear her - they would glance upon the orange cursor and assume the worst.

Arsine pulled a cloth from her inventory and paused by a river that would lead down into the sheltered grove. She dipped it into the water and used it to wipe the grime from her face at least, then her arms. With little care to the environment she let the dirtied rag fall to the ground by the riverbed and continued on her path.

Arsine paused just before the hot spring, finding a small patch of Nightshade. “Serendipity, I believe…” She said to herself as she crouched down and collected the sprigs, carefully, meticulously ensuring she didn’t hurt herself, nor squish the dangerous berries. She wrapped them up in a separate piece of linen and placed it safely away before continuing on.

Every now and again she’d stop to collect another herb of some sort. After an hour she had hit the hot springs. No one was around, not that she would care if they were. The woman immediately took off her shoes, clothes, and jewellery and lowered herself into the waters. Leaning back with a sigh.

She really needed this…

No noise. No fighting, no NPCs laughing at her, just peace.

WC:428

Arsine | HP: 320/320 | EN: 50/50 | DMG: 8  | TRue Tier 2