[PP - F4] Absolute Pin Meeting#1: Fresh start and hot cocoa!

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Another calm night on the 4th floor. The virtual skies showed a bright full moon and a few clouds near it, as snow was gently falling down on the ground. The streets of Snowfrost Village were void of any living presence, if one would come here at this time he or she would think that it is a ghost town. But that was certainly not the case as two.....scratch that, six pairs of footprints and pawprints could be seen left behind by a hooded traveler and his companion. The traveler's features could not be seen as he or she wore a dark hood that covered the face and long enough to reach to the feet. But the familiar didn't seem to be bothered as much by the cold as the white lion cub was happily making her way towards a local Inn, guiding the traveler there.

 

Minutes later the Inn's entrance door release a horrid squeaking noise that made the traveler twitch and go for the weapon strapped at the waist. It was already half drawn when the traveler realized that it wasn't any hostile party that made that noise but just the entrance door. realising her mistake she sunk her face even more into the cowl and continued towards the receptionist. He looked at her with suspicious eyes blankly saying: "How may I help you?" To which the traveler simply let out a snort and undid her hooded cape, revealing the person that was hiding behind it.

 

Golden hair strands were still attached to the cape as the blonde placed it on a nearby chair and directed her gaze at him. Her golden eyes meet his, then the man intimidated by her stare started looking at her figure. A athletic body summary dressed in a blue camo top with a short skirt of the same colors. She had equipped light armor shoulderpads and vambraces that were far from knew, judging by the scratches on them.

 

"D'Sole, I've rented the main hall for the evening. From your tone and attitude, I presume nobody else arrived yet, yes?" asked a proud voice, echoing through the reception area. The receptionist frowns for a moment then starts walking after simply saying..'oh yeah'. He directs her towards the Inn's main hall and opens the main door with another cracking noise, this time the blonde didn't reach so obvious as she simply peeked inside to see a large meeting hall that was well prepared. "Very well, make sure to bring here my guests when they arrive. In the meanwhile , be a good boy and fetch me some ale."  she said in a demanding tone. The receptionist frowned again and after a sigh went his way without complaining. He knew that that woman paid a fair amount of col to rent the place for some kind of meeting, not that he cared too much...he already got paid. He even overlooked the white lion cub that entered with her, as usually companions weren't allowed in that Inn.

 

Looking at him leave Ariel lets out a sigh and sits on a random chair while looking around for a bit then switching her gaze towards Kimba who went directly to the nearest fireplace and began purring. The blonde let out a chuckle then started talking, more to herself than her companion: "They should be here any moment now." She had talked with some people to meet her here and discuss about an important project...

 

  

 

[Guest Meokka]

Meokka went inside the place and looked at the invitation she received. She was greeted by an npc who escorted her to the proper room. Meokka's amethyst eyes darted around the room.  She looked over and noticed the golden haired maiden seated in the room.

 

"Excuse me. Are you the.....?" she looked at the user name and it seemed to match with the PM she received. "Sorry, I got your message. I'm not sure how to help someone who is so well equipped. "But I'll give it a go. What was it you needed?"

 

She crossed her arms. She was interested in everything around her, but she was cautious. She wondered what kind of business she was looking for. Meokka figured if it was for materials she'd go out for her. She was getting a little more courageous against mobs. Yet she doubted that's what the woman wanted. Either way she stood up straight.

[Calrex 0]

"Huh...I guess this is the place..."

 

As a man in deep-sea blue armor made his way through the streets of Snowfrost it seemed like all of the businesses had closed up for the night, both NPC and player-run. He gave a calming breath, the contrasting temperatures forming into a small bit of mist every time. As he arrived in front of the inn he looked up, inspecting before checking his messages.

 

"Well the name certainly matches..."

 

He slowly opened the door as he opened his menu, looking to see a person emerging from a hallway and returning back to the reception desk. He made sure to complete his action before approach, trading out the full-body armor for his casual combat clothing. First the helmet disappeared, revealing the blue hair underneath, with some falling forward partially covering his face before he brushed them out of the way. Second was his top, which was replaced by a blue jacket with a fur lining. Underneath was a plain white shirt with a single blue line vertically dividing the shirt in half. Third was his legs, which replaced the greaves and such with a pair of dark gray full-length pants that were tucked into a pair of brown boots. The only things that remained from before were his sword, which was strapped to the back of his hip, and his blue gauntlets which had previously looked to have been a part of the armor itself.

 

With that he walked over to the receptionist, "Hello, I'm with the D'Sole party."

 

"Ah, of course..."

 

With that the receptionist briefly went over and quickly poured a pint of ale, to the man's confusion, before directing him in the direction of the main hall. With that he walked over and proceeded in that direction. As he opened the door he saw two figures there, one of them of course being Ariel. The other he didn't  recognize, but he quietly shut the door behind him nonetheless. "Hey Ariel, you messaged me about meeting here?"

 

With that he looked over at the other player, "Nice to meet you. I'm Calrex."

[Azrael 0]

Anna walked to the designated place a little bit confused. The PM was addressed to her, and yet she had little idea as to what was going on. It seemed that she had been summoned to the floor by someone named Ariel. Had she ever met an Ariel? She had no flipping clue. It didn’t sound familiar, so she wondered what sort of business a person like this might have with her.

 

She arrived at the place and walked inside, “Hi, Ummm..  I’m here for the….†She couldn’t finish her sentence because the rather rude host interrupted her and quickly told her to follow behind. She was lead to a room with several other people in it. There was a tall man, a blond woman, a tiger cub, and…

 

“Meo?†Zaz said as she tilted her head to the side. “What are you doing here?†She asked as she approached the girl and gave her a hug. She pulled back quickly reading the atmosphere in the room which was a little strange.

 

“Are you Ariel†She asked the blond woman. “Do we know each other? I find it a little odd to be summoned to place like this by someone I’ve never met.†She said rather bluntly. 

[Teayre 0]

As Teayre rushed out of her shop Beleram on her shoulder she saw Azazel entering the inn, looking around Teayre shrugs fingering her katana hilt again she sighs. Pushing open the doors to the reception Teayre walks in her red coat stopped billowing from the wind, as she unbuttoned the top of her coat she relaxed as it revealed her favourite red dress with the black long gloves and socks. The door to her right was ajar slightly and Teayre caught drift of some familiar voices coming from within. Walking over to the gruff man who was on the reception Teayre looked at him and he pointed to the door to the right. Nodding she looks at him, “I’d like a glass of your finest rosé please and bring a lot of beer in… If that voice belongs to who I think it does you’ll need a keg or two.â€

 

As she pushed open the door around a long table there were four people, a blonde sat at the head of the table looking much sterner than when they had last met, the brunette was yelling at the blond as Teayre walked up behind her placing a hand on her shoulder. Looking over at Meokka Teayre nodded as her eyes fell on the last person she blushed. “C-Callie… W-What are you doing here?†Instead of greeting him Teayre heads over to Kimba and offers the lion a hand before she begins to play with him. Beleram screeched and perched on the back of the seat next to Calrex.

 

Standing up the little red head brushes herself down walking round to Ariel she swipes her menu open before placing a bag on the table in front of the blonde.

 

“You’re order for you, Sorry it took a little bit longer than expected I finished it just before I came to this meeting. There’s a special bit to them as well that I didn’t expect, so hopefully that’ll be okay you’ll see when you open the bag. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to ask someone some questions.â€

 

Teayre stomped round to Calrex, placing hands on her hips she looks down at him her eyes wide, nostrils flaring. Holding this position for a few moments dragging it out Teayre smiles embracing the boy. “It’s good to see you Cal, I’ve missed you.†Sliding into the seat next to him Teayre takes his hand as she looks up at Ariel.

 

“So now what is this proposition you wanted to talk to us about, I know you asked for a couple of people and I recommended these two I’d like details Ariel, I know you won’t give them till we’re all here.â€

 

Teayre gave Ariel Custom Chess Pieces.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

After a sigh, Ariel looked again at the large clock above the entrance. 'Any time n...'. Her bored thought process was disturbed by the creaking resulted from the room door being opened. Her eyes went to the newcomer, a unfamiliar girl with blue hair and wielding a huge spear behind her. 'This must be Azazel or Meokka since I'm pretty sure I haven't seen her before. I should've asked T-chan more details about them.'  she thought as she watched as the bluenette closed in on her and started asking her a certain question, stopping midway and continuing with some random self-pity talk. Ariel simply waved her hand at the girl while saying: "Nonsense, If I would've thought you were worthless I wouldn't PMed you from the beginning. Please take a seat I will explain it all in due time, after the rest will come. Just have a bit of patience." She stood up and motioned the girl to sit as the took creaked open once again.

 

Raising her head, the blonde sees the receptionist enter the room with something in his hand. Her gaze instantly went to the ale mug, as he placed it on the table in front of her. The man's face showed a discontented expression towards the blonde while blankly stating: "Your drink miss." Ariel simply nods without even looking him in the eyes, next grabbing the mug and proceeding to drinking half of its content in a single go. The Npc showed a surprised expression for a moment, then with a snort makes himself disappeared from the room. Passing by Calrex, that just finished greeting the two girls. 

 

She notices the male blunette and puts the mug on the table while letting out a satisfied sigh before continuing: "Good to see you again Cal-kun. Yes I did. Please take a seat and I'll explain it all when everybody gets here." She took notice that he was wearing his 'casual' outfit instead of the blue clad full body armor.

 

As they finished their casual greetings a voice echoed from the direction of the front entrance, apparently pressing the bluenette as the newcomer rushed towards her and hugged the person she addressed as 'Meo'... Ariel would make a educated guess and think that Meo is just a short and friendly way to the girl that was currently being hugged, Meokka.

Ariel made a small..faked cough and as the brunette newcomer released Meokka from her embrace, Ariel patiently listened to her...questioning. Once she would stop talking the blonde would direct her unusual silver eyes into hers and say in somehow cheerful and polite tone that had a tinge of seriousness in it: "YES I am and NO we haven not, I will explain the reason why I summoned you here once all expected parties are here, there is only one mo...".

 

The door creaked open once again shortly after the brunette's arrival, making Ariel stop mid-sentence. A familiar red headed girl walked into the room and gently tried to calm down the aggravated brunette that by now, Ariel could assume was Azazel..the second person the blonde had talked to but never meet in person. Looking at Teayre make her round of greetings with her winged familiar, Beleram that started playing with Kimba who was ignored by most of them until now.

 

The blonde showed a smile as Teayre placed a bag in front of Ariel, making its content known to her. She knew exactly what was in it and would use them later. For now she placed the bag on her seat as she stood up, motioning teayre to take a seat and clapped her hands once, stating in her normal cheerful tone looking at the redheaded: " I'd say 'Long time no see!' but that isn't entirely true.....Anyway," she clears her throat while putting semi serious expression, glaring at each one present:

 

"As you know I send you all PM's summoning here to talk about a business proposition. There was actually another one that was supposed to join us but he couldn't make it. That is partially true, I do have a proposition but its isn't exactly business related" the blonde takes a moment so that her next words would sink in better now that she has their attention. "I'd like you all to start a new guild with me! Present here are 3 ex-members of the Azure Brigade, one of the most powerful guilds in SAO. For some reason our previous guild leaders decided to kick out all the members except themselves and ran into hiding." She stops to analyze their reactions and facial expressions before continuing: "All that are here have been friends of mine or had come highly recommended by them, so I want to trust my friends Cal-kun and T-chan and extend this invitation to them and you as well. I intend to found a guild that will fill the power gap left behind by the Azure Brigade and I need help from all of you to do it." She stopped her speech there to listen to their questions and reaction. 'So far so good' she told herself, 'lets hope I can manage to do this without meeting much resistance'

[Guest Meokka]

SHe was surprised to be embraced at the moment. Considering the business proposition she wasn't sure if this was going to hurt her image, or inflate it. Either way Tearye gained her friendship and she couldn't help but smile a bit at the woman. She gave her a light hug. Then the blonde cleared her throat. So it hurt her image.

 

"My apologies ma'am we haven't seen each other today or chatted." She hoped that meant she could fill in the blanks.

 

It meant they were close and often worried about each other. This being a death game it was natural for this sort of behavior. Though she wondered if that was the full extent of it. Having a friend was still slightly beyond comprehension in many ways for Meokka. Presently she was the one in need of people to help her. She hoped this would change soon.

She placed her hands behind her back and when offered a drink she politely declined and watched as the blonde fervently explained what was going on.

 

 For some reason our previous guild leaders decided to kick out all the members except themselves and ran into hiding.

 

That made Meokka tilt her head slightly. What did that en tale actually? She wondered if they had any of them in their friends list to see if they were still alive. As morbid as that thought was. She knew it wouldn't be right to question it at this moment in time. Later on when she gained more knowledge and trust would she bother to ask more personal questions.

She looked over to Meokka and Azazel. This idea seemed pretty good. She raised her hand wishing to speak.

 

"I was wondering were the base of operations would be, and if there are living quarters there."

 

She had so many questions but she wanted to express her interest in the idea, and give others a turn to ask their own questions if they wanted.

[Calrex 0]

As Teayre embraced him he felt a smile creep across his face as he returned it, tightening his grip as if he wouldn't let go, "Hey Teayre, I've missed you too, but I'm happy to see you again."

 

"A guild to fill the power gap the Brigade left behind...those are some big shoes to fill Ariel..."

 

After Meokka spoke Calrex gave a nod at her concerns before voicing his own, "I know you consider us powerful Ariel, but the Brigade was made up of players like Zelrius and Keith, who were leagues ahead of where we are now. Are you sure with all of us here we're strong enough to fill that gap?"

 

He rested his arms on the table as he began to think, "The brigade was on some level the elite of the elite. I know that she invited me and Teayre before, but that was just as regular level brigadiers. I mean, we have gotten stronger from before, but still nowhere close to what power they once had."

 

As he leaned back, looking over as Teayre as he smiled before looking down, thinking again, "And I have to be honest with myself. Am I up for becoming a part of a guild again? There's a lot of things that is entailed with becoming a member, but even more so to actually found one..."

 

He looked over again, "I wonder what Teayre's thinking about this idea. I'm willing to go wherever she is, as long as I can keep her safe..."

[Teayre 0]

Looking up at Ariel Teayre snorted at the blonde, “A new guild after the last one you invited us to kicked everyone out? I know you don’t know the reason or you would tell us, but why I should trust you again after that happened you saw how much it took me to accept in the first place. I joined one to help Calrex protect me. Damnit Ariel, I don’t want to go through the pain of being betrayed again! I’ve got a few friends now, and despite that happening I know it’s not your fault, but how do I know you won’t do the same? HOW?!†Her words had venom to them her eyes narrowed as she clenched her fist on the table so tightly on the table.

 

Taking a few deep breaths Teayre unclenched her fist, standing up she walked around to the fire place placing a hand on Kimba stroking her as she whispered, the anger gone from her voice, “Trying to fill the void Azure Brigade left behind, huh that’ll be tough. It’ll also be fun. Damnit Ariel. DAMNIT!â€

 

Standing up she looks at the blonde. “Tell me what do you want the guild to do, what’s our aim to fill the power gap yes. Are we going to the front lines taking care of pkers what? You know right off the bat my main priority in this game is making sure he gets out alive, so give me reasons give me facts." Sitting down back in her chair with a huff Teayre crosses her arms staring at the blonde.

[Azrael 0]

Anna looked to the blond running the show. Apparently they’d never met. “So then what the hell do you want form me?†She asked again. The question went unanswered as the woman had told her to grab a seat, and that was that. About that time little Red strolled in the place and it seemed that Anna’s new favorite hunting companion knew the woman in charge. That’s when the pieces clicked. “It must’ve been Tea’s doing then…†she mused.

The woman began to talk of forming a guild, and she wanted those seated before her to be involved. The man on her left began to ask questions of things she knew nothing about, nor cared to know. And Teayre was angry about having lost her previous guild. For her the answer was simple: a guild could afford to give her certain privileges and protection she wouldn’t receive otherwise.

 

“I’ll do it…†Anna said.

 

Done.

 

She didn’t need any other explanations or conversations.

 

It was just that easy especially if Meokka and Teayre were involved. They were young, and her friends and Anna had to do all she could to protect them. This was the best way that she could. With that out of the way, she was now free to indulge in beer. Lots and lots of beer.

 

"Where's that barkeep? I need a drink!" She slammed her fist on the table before her.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

The first to react was the bluenette, she seemed to be part a rare breed, here in SAO. One that would didn't lack manners as she addressed Ariel in a respectful manner. The blonde had mixed feelings about that, first she felt happy for some reason, showing a faint smile. Then she put on a worried expression ' "M'am"? Do I seem that old to her?... she's probably my age or so....' she thought, shaking her head twice in the next instant, as to chase away that thought. Next the blonde looked into Meo's eyes and said: "Well guild halls aren't currently implemented neither are personal quarters. For guild meeting, we will have to rent a room large enough to fit in all the members. Like I did with this place, we can meet here or vary the meeting places, I don't really care."

 

She next listened to Teayre and Calrex's concerns, the blonde was pleased to hear that they asked all the right question. She turned to face the now standing redhead and spoke with a mischievous smile as she picks up the bag she was handed earlier: "I know how you feel, I felt so the same way after the Guardians got disbanded. And even if they didn't give us a proper reasoning for their decision I don't hold it against them. They were pretty inactive even before I, Baldur and Taiga....."(that is how Ariel calls Tyger), then the blonde stops, suddenly remembering that 2 of her best friends went missing as well. She had a pained expression for a second but gritted her teeth and continued explaining: "But I don't plan to be like that, only randomly assist in boss fights!!!" She takes the bag and drops its content on the table, arranging the chess pieces in a spearhead formation with the Squares(a new piece that Ariel had it be made) in front, then the Pawns, Bishops Rooks and Knights. There was a only one King and Queen piece, which she hold in her hands.

 

"This is my plan! Our guild, named Absolute Pin, will be a front line oriented guild but instead of accepting only the elites, like Azure Brigade and so many others. We will train our own, mold players with potential into becoming elite players that will help us clear this dammed castle.!!! Squares will represent new recruits, Pawns will be the veteran squares that proved themselves and are worthi for 'promotion'. Bishops will represent our recruiters, they will seek out and integrate players with potential, skill and wits. The Knights will be our avanguard, the leaders of offensive force as the Rooks will lead the defensive of our guild and provide backup to the knights. The King piece belongs to the guild leader, and the Queen piece will be his right hand and a council member."

 

She stops mid sentence and reveals a faint smile as she then continued: "Yes we will have a council ruling system like the Brigade instead of one ruler. They will make decisions in the name of the guild but the King piece will have the right to veto a decision if it desires so. The council will be formed at the moment from the following pieces: Queen, Knights and Rooks. I will be keeping the King and Queen pieces and as for the rest I thought about this. "

 

She picks a Knight and Rook piece from the table, then walks to Calrex and says: "For you Cal-kun, I have the Rook Piece since you're so adamant in protecting Teayre. I'm planning on using that part of you and extend it towards the whole guild!" then she hands him the Rook and turns towards Teayre: "As for you T-chan, ever since I meet you guys in that desert...you struck me as a natural combat leader with lots of potential, that doesn't fear of taking the lead. I plan on directing that potential and will of yours to serve the guild's purposes, our purposes. I know it's too much of me to ask this of you two, again. But this time we will not listen to others giving us orders, we will be the ones in charge, issuing them for the sake of our guild! That is why I think it will work. That is what will get us all out alive of this 'death game'." she paused there to hear Azazel's response.

 

To the blonde's surprise she accepted instantly, without much comment. The blonde wondered what drives her....to give such an answer so quickly, to such an important request. Was she oblivious to what that meant, did she trust teare that much?...what drove her. Ariel frowned to that thought and returned to the pieces on the table, she'd pick up the remaining Knight and Rook and list 6 specific pieces: 2 Squares, 2 Pawns and 2 Bishops. Then after taking another sip of her ale mug, the blonde cleared her throat and addressed the remaining two: Meokka and Azazel.

 

"As for you two, I leave you with a choice since I don't really know you. You can pick from one of these 3 pieces, choose carefully one that matches your personality and skill power. In time, when our guild rises in ranks. I promise I will add you two to the council as well."

[Calrex 0]

"I see..."

 

As Ariel approached and handed him the Rook piece he accepted it, looking at it before he set it in front of him. He rested his head in his hands as he looked at the piece, "Absolute Pin...looks like it's going to be a chess themed guild. But Ariel is right, I do want to keep Teayre safe no matter what..."

 

"I'm in... if this the goal that you have in mind Ariel, you have my support..."

 

He looked over at Teayre as he waited for her answer, "I know that we were just recently kicked out of the Azure Brigade, but I feel like I'm still not strong enough to protect her on my own. Maybe for now...I'll give this another try..."

 

He gave a small sigh as he leaned back in the chair. "The Rook supporting the Knight, heh, that sounds about right..."

[Guest Meokka]

Meokka eyed the pieces she took off the table. One day she'd become important to this woman. She then looked to the piece. Meokka went for a square but then paused. She didn't mind being a board piece that everyone could stand up on. The the point of chess was to fight for the board. She didn't want that. She wanted to be fighting for the board as well. She looked at the pawn pieces. Her pops played this game before he passed away. A pawn could do many things, even turn into a stronger piece later. That is what she wanted. Her fingertips graced over the smooth piece. Then she paused. This was what she wanted right? One would be a fool to try to solo this death game. Teayre and Azazel were here. They had a better chance of survival. Her eyes traveled down to the pawn.

 

"Once a person places their hand on a piece. They can not change their decision. That's a common rule in all formats of play." 

 

She picked up the piece and let it go into her inventory. That piece would be her reminder. To get stronger. She nodded to the leader of the guild. 

 

"I humble accept m'lady." she smiled softly at everyone in the room.

 

"I hope I can be of use to everyone here. The name is Meokka. It's a pleasure to meet you all." She saluted the room.

 

She figured she take the time to at least introduce herself.

[Azrael 0]

As the blond woman finished talking, the door opened and the barkeep carried in a small barrel of beer. “Oh that’s for me!†Zaz said as she waved the man over. Her set it down upon the table and left several mugs. “No… just one,†she said as she shoved the other mugs back to the man. “This is mine. I don’t know what they’re drinking.†Azazel smiled.

 

She poured herself a beer as she watch Meo choose her piece. The girl thought about things carefully and then picked up a pawn. She frowned. Her young friend was no pawn for the whims of the blond who stood front and center. Somehow, Anna felt alarmed at this notion and internally panicked. She wasn’t a piece to be moved about; no one told her what to do. But it was a bit too late for all that. Now that Meo and Tea had their pieces; they couldn’t just back out, and there was no way in hell Anna was going to leave them to the devices of the unknown woman before her. Plus she still needed this guild to fulfill her own needs and desires. But she was going to keep to eyes on the woman Ariel, and not let her guard down no matter what, not until she knew for absolute certain the woman was not a threat, and perhaps not even then.

 

Downing another beer, Anna decided that it was her turn. She got up from her seat and walked over to the pieces. She already knew where she ought to be: as close to center as she could get. She picked up the bishop piece and walked back to her seat, pouring another drink. Anna would be bishop; she could decide the merit of other players and allow them to join their ranks provided that the woman found them worthy. She akin this to the evaluations she would perform upon her students to determine who would get letters of recommendation and who would not. It was a position of power, one that would give her opportunity to shape things as she saw fit; what kind of guild they would become. 

[Teayre 0]

Teayre watches as Calrex takes his piece, Meokka takes a pawn and then as Azazel takes a bishop. Looking up at Ariel Teayre drums her fingers on the table, “Callie-kun… Meo… Zaz…†They had all accepted so readily, so easily could she do the same? Looking up at Beleram and then over at Kimba Teayre sighs. The man who had just brought the keg in brought in a bottle of a very sweet rosé and a single glass pushing the glass away Teayre grabbed the bottle taking a long swig. Placing the bottle back down the red head eyes up Ariel again.

 

“You’ve stated who will handle the fighting strategies but who will handle the business side of things preparing us all for raids and such. Will the bishops cover this to or will that be down to Calrex and I.†Sending a side long glance at Calrex Teayre feels herself blushing. “Azazel, Meokka, but most of all Ariel. I’ll take the knight piece, but remember my heart comes before the guild. I wouldn’t be where I am without him if I had to sacrifice all of you for him understand I would without a moment’s hesitation.†Teayre paused for a bit before smiling, “That is if of course could only save one of you.â€

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

As Calrex accepted the piece Ariel nodded to his words while looking him dead in the eyes, slowly saying: "Thank you". Next came Meokka that settled with a mere Pawn piece, not a high ranking one but neither at the bottom. The blonde could respect that decision and completed her statement: "Yes, after one picks his or her piece they can only get promoted by the the council or the king piece. But I will take action outside council ruling only in extreme cases since I'm also a part of the council. For the time being I will rely more on the Queen Piece in terms of internal guild affairs, the King piece will be reserved for times when the guild leader is needed...like a meeting of all participant guildmasters before a boss fight."

 

She paused as she saw the same receptionist being ordered around by the brunette. It seemed that she had affinity towards drinking, probably a habit from RL. That didn't bothered the blonde as she was aware that players can't get drunk in SAO so even if she wasn't looking like she ignored them, Ariel liked to think that she at least catched parts of their conversation as she was downing mug after mug of beer. 'let's hope that when the time comes she can prove her worth. I may have to test that myself.'  she thought, making a mental note to meet the woman in private sometime.

 

Next to speak was Teayre, who put up a very interesting concern. 'who will prep them for boss fights?' Ariel responded to her question as soon as the redheaded ended her statement. "That part will be left for the council after the guild master returns from a raid meeting with the other guild masters. that is how it's always been. but we will make proper preparations since we hear that the boss room has been discovered. Even before that, think of our guild as in continuous training and preparations for the front lines. "

 

As all of them picked up their respective pieces Ariel rounded up all that were left on the table and put them back in the bag. not before presenting each of them with 2 Square pieces while saying with a smile: "This is my first task to you guys, as bearer of the king Piece. Each of you is to recruit 2 players of your liking. I leave it up to you to evaluate them and add them in our ranks. You may do this in pairs if you please or do it alone as long as we get new blood to this now newly founded guild. " She picked up her half filled ale mug and held it up to make a toast: "here's to us. Here's for Absolute Pin's founding. May we be ever present on the front lines." yes, it wasn't her best choice of words but at least she said what she wanted to and with a proud smile the 'Lioness' gulped the remaining half of the ale mug before releasing a relieved sigh as if she took a huge weight off her shoulders.  

 

[Calrex 0]

"...remember my heart comes before the guild. I wouldn’t be where I am without him if I had to sacrifice all of you for him understand I would without a moment’s hesitation."

 

As Calrex heard Teayre's statement his face flushed in response to the bold act, "H-Hey Teayre I'm supposed to be serious in this situation. If you keep saying things like that I won't be able to focus..."

 

He gave a calming breath as he looked over at Ariel, who has given each of them two square pieces, saying that it was their first duty to recruit two members into their ranks. He looked down at the pieces as he began to mull over who he could possibly consider to give such a responsibility, "Oikawa is an option...but from what I know he's still with Square One, and from the way things seem to be going he's more like to remain a solo player should the guild ever disband. I guess another option could be Takneil, but I haven't seen any sign of him for quite some time. He's still alive last I checked, but I wonder if he's gone off the map somewhere..."

 

As he heard Ariel give a toast he snapped out of his thoughts as he gave a nod. He had not ordered a drink, so he figured that if he went and ordered one now the moment would have passed.

 

However, he did take not of Teayre taking a swig from...a bottle of rose?

 

"I remember she had it in a glass when we had dinner on the fourth floor, but when in the world did she start drinking wine out of a bottle?"

[Teayre 0]

Swigging from her bottle Teayre slams it down after she empties it, “To us!†Burping slightly she smacks a hand to her mouth blushing. “Cal you didn’t hear that right?†Taking up her square pieces Teayre rolls them over in her hands.

 

“Who to recruit? I don’t really know any lower level players, there’s Kotori… She’s lacking in combat that we’d need to test that other than that X? OH GOD NO TEAYRE! WHY DID YOU EVEN THINK THAT?†Choking for a bit at the errant thought Teayre straightens back up looking at the room. “Perhaps Ariel when we have enough members I’m thinking four to five squares plus the ones around this table we can go on a trip to a dungeon on the second floor. Nothing overly hard, but there is a field boss there that gets progressively harder as you fight it. If Oikawa and I could take it when we were weaker than we are now I’m sure it’d provide no problems as a training session.â€

[Guest Meokka]

Meokka heard Teayre say that. She knew that meant she had to get stronger quickly. She wanted to be prepared. She wanted them all to know they could in fact count on her. She turned and realized she was being offered a drink by an NPC. She declined carefully. Only to be offered one of coco instead of alchole. She felt her face blush and she took it very quickly and began drinking. She looked around at everyone hoping to get to know them all. She took note of their weapons and armor. She had so many questions she wanted to ask everyone. Maybe should could make something better for them. It was all up in the air.

[Azrael 0]

Zero Fox.

 

That’s how much Anna cared about the rest going on around her. Zaz was too busy in thought to pay attention to anything else. She felt the gaze of their guild leader upon her and Zaz watched the blond woman from her peripheral as she downed another drink. She didn’t like the feeling that she was caught in someone else’s game, but for now she would let things play out as they would. There was no way to know of the woman’s intentions without first finding out as much as she could about the woman called Ariel. Anna would need an informant, one who didn’t know that they were supplying her with valuable information.  All she had to do was find one.

 

Ariel picked up her mug and proposed a toast “Here’s to us,†She said. Anna raised her glass.  

 

“Here’s to winning…†Zaz thought as she drank down the rest of the glass.