[PP-F4] A new meeting (Ariel)--Completed--

[Zandra 0]

Zandra was visiting floor four to look for a good place to have her shop because she plan to get a shop, instead of her current cart. That would give her much more space and she would get rid off all those anoying noice she had to live with due to beeing right in the corner of a marketplace. In the outer area of the town she saw a small two floor building. About twentyfive square meters with a small balcony on the top floor.''This seems good.''and now what? She didnt wanted to move just yet. It would be good to see if there was any other alchemists on this floor, if there was any rivals she had to look out for and have a 'price-war' with. She walked towards the center where it probably would be more habitated then in the outer area. She several different proffessions, including alchemists. It seemed it would be difficult to get into the fight, but she had to do her best.

Edited September 29, 2015 by Zandra Zvift

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Somewhere in Snowfrost Village a certain pair of companions made their way through the snowy roads. The first of them wore a light blue cloak that had embroiled on the back a bluebird, the official banner/logo of The Guardians of Aincrad guild. On right shoulder side of the cloak there was a smaller white logo depicting a crowned lion head, also a famous logo of Aincrad's highest ranking tailor shop. A pair of black army-like boots were making the familiar sound of crumbling snow as beside them stood the second half of this traveling pair. This one left 4 distinct paw prints behind as it lightly danced over the snow. 

They were heading towards the outer skirts of the village, their road starting from the teleportation gate in the central plaza. There, the cloak wearing figure saw a unfamiliar armor clad girl that looked around the place with a somehow puzzled expression, her instincts were telling her that she may be lost or looking for something. She slightly changed their route a bit to intercept the what probability was a tank, judging only by the outfit. Her companion followed without question as as they got close to her, the small white furred lion cub dashed towards the girl and started sniffing her and demanded to be given attention with a low growl.

On the other hand, a girly chuckle could be heard coming from the cloaked figure before she stopped in front of them and asked in a crystalline voice that slightly echoed even through the snowfall. "Are you by any chance lost? or looking for something specific? Because even if it doesn't decrease your HP, staying in the cold for too long is still a unpleasant experience. And I have a hunch that don't really want to be here more than you'd need to. Can I helped?" she asked in a normal tone, a pair of silver eyes peering at the brunette, as small strands of blonde hair could be seen escaping from the interior of her hood.

OOC: Ariel's familiar, guild banner, shop logo(in that order) ->

Edited September 14, 2015 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Zandra 0]

Zandra jumped when she suddenly heard a low growl and turned around to see a lion-looking creature sniffing at her. It looked like a lion except that it was white as snow, and had black markings on its side. Wasnt this a safe zone, there shouldnt be any mobs here, and she have never herd of any animals walking around in any city so far. Thats when she spotted a figure coming closer. The person wore a cloak with a hood so she couldnt see the face. When the person came closer she herd a female voice speaking. She asked if Zandra was lost. Did she looked that way, she was just strolling around. Before she could answer the woman continued to speak. ''Cold? No not realy. In the real world I lived in Sweden, you know vikings and IKEA. The winters there is colder then this, so Im hardened that way, also this armour protects against the cold pretty good as well.'' if someone got closer they could see a thin layer of mist surronding the armour, and partialy a very faint shine of blue could be seen.''I was just looking for any alchemists, have found a place here where I will move my shop to and wanted to see how big the competition was on this floor.'' she glimosed at the lion.''My name is Zandra by the way, nice to meet you.''she stretched forth her hand.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

For some reason she half expected a more...reserved approach from the blue clad tank. But she greeted her relatively friendly, taking the girl by surprise when she even revealed some IRL info about her. Thing that most players treat it like a taboo. She showed a light smile under the hood and reached with her right hand to remove it, letting her blonde hair to flow down to her shoulders, elegantly brushing behind her ear any stray strands. Her silvery eyes blended in perfectly with the snow as she showed a welcoming facial expression

"I don't know much about the vikings and IKEA but I went there a couple of times because...... of my work. Luckily just one time in winter, still it was a cold fight.. to say the least but the people were relatively friendly." Releasing a light chuckle as she realized that she too unwillingly revealed RL info about her, she continued with a smile as she takes a good luck at the armor. she could notice a faint blue glow coming from it, similar to the one of her weapon but different as well. "It looks like a good armor indeed. Have to praise the blacksmith for the job he put into the details. She the returned to her initial stance and looked into the girls eyes while extending her bare right hand from under the cape, unwillingly making the logo on her right shoulder come into Zandra's main field of vision as they shook hands.

"A pleasure, my name is Ariel." she hesitated in continuing but did so with a bit of embarrassment  "known as The Crowned Lion..... I am one of the 'residents' of this floor. I've been making it my 'home away from home' since I set my own shop here. But have no fear I'm not your direct competition. And as for other alchemists, I would say that there resides only 1 more alchemist. A new shop opened relatively recent but I haven't had the time to visit it yet."

[Zandra 0]

When the claked woman pulled back her hood Zandra saw it was hiding long blonde hair and silvery eyes. The newly met person told her she had been in Sweden because of work, thou she made a pause before saying because of my work. Zandra didnt thougth about it since the woman told about her experience there.''The creater of this armour is Oikawa. This was actually the first gear I bougth since I arrived in this death game. It felt so different with it on, could stand up much longer during my few battles compared to before.'' Ariel ansered her handshake when telling her her name, and her title. 'The crowned lion'. ''Nice to meet you Ariel. The crowned lion you say, shouldnt it be the crowned mermaid.'' what are you saying Zandra? Going here and humiliate one that is clearly superior to you? ''Nah, I was just kidding. You said your not my direct competition, I guess that means you have a proffession but not an alchemist, is it okay that I ask you what you are specialised in?''

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Hearing the name of Aincrad's currently best blacksmith, Ariel couldn't help but let out a soft genuine happy laugh before continuing. "Ah that makes sense, Of course its Oikawa's work. Can't expect nothing less than perfect from my friend." That explained the familiarity of the armor, it was made by the same man that made her own rapier. But his skills gotten more refined since he made her weapon, a long time ago. "Well that explains it then" she affirmed.

As Zandra finished her speech, in the next second she put her hand back under the cloak and grabbed the hilt of the rapier. 'I hope she doesn't take it the wrong way' she thought as she began releasing her weapon from its black leather sheath. Once it was fully drawn she brandished it in front of them. The rapier had a abyssal black blade, dark enough to swallow the light like a black hole. But interesting enough, in the same time, it released a faint blue glow. Its hilt was coated in black leather grip as the guard was decorated with a rose thorn theme that intimidated any who weren't accustomed with the sight of it. Overall it was a weapon made to intimidate, player and mobs alike. Then she spoke in the before used friendly tone. "This too was made by The Faint, a long while ago. Even if more of a rough sketch compared to your more recent and more refined armor. But it does the job so I can't really complain. But its good that you went to him I recommend him for weapons as well." She then returned the tip of her rapier to the sheath and let it freely slid into place, ending its descent with a simple 'click'.

"Mermaid..." she continued with the same happy tone. "Well I can't say that I didn't hear that before but my name actually had Hebrew origins, the word "Ariel" 's actual meaning is 'Lion of God' and as my parents blessed me with a full name that can be translated in a somehow corny way...." she hesitated before taking a deep breath and continued.. again a bit embarrassed "My full name can be interpreted as, 'The Crowned Lion by the Sun God'" she took a pause to check her reaction then continued.. a bit flustered.

"My parents have a thing for names and their meaning"..... after a few second she continued, answering her last question with a firm tone.

"No problem at all, I am a Tailor." She then points towards the crowned lion's logo as she continues. This is my shop's trademark, almost every item I make has this logo, in one form or another. Actually we were heading towards there, care to join us for a cup of hot cocoa? Even if I don't mind the cold, I at least know one of the present party that would like to lay in front of the fireplace." she said, ending with a grin as she pointed towards her familiar, who was brushing against their feet to get warm.

[Zandra 0]

The blonde in front of her draw her rapier, Zandra took a step backwards and instinctualy her hand flew to her hip where it gripped around a hilt, she plased herself in battle position ready to defend herself. She was no match for this woman and her lion, but she would defend herself either way. They was close to the edge of the safe zone, she wasnt sure if they had passed it or not. But it seemed her itentions wasnt to take her life. She blushed and looked away when she understood she just wanted to show another of Oikawas creations. It was made for a long time ago but you could see some things Ariel's rapier and Zandra's armour have in common. When Ariel put back her rapier Zandra relaxed and leaved her battle-position, brushing some black hair that blokced her sight behind her ear.''So your a tailor, that feels good, so I didnt had to compete with you. I guess I should pay the alchemist a visit one day as well.'' she took a quick look at the lion, it did look like he didnt wanted to be here in the snow anymore, probably irritated at Zandra that keeped them standing her.''A cup of hot cocoa sounds wonderful. Then I guess I should invite you to the same when Ive moved my shop here and have everything in place.'' she smiled at Ariel and followed her when she started to walk towards her shop.

 

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Seeing the girl enter a defensive position at the sight of her weapon made Ariel thought that she had some pretty good instincts. 'Worth homing then for the front lines, even.' She showed a light smile as Zandra adverted her gaze afterwards. She reminded the blonde of herself the first time she meet her guild master. The overwhelming pressure Ariel sensed when she stood in the presence of the pink clad knight was enough to have her on the edge by pure instinct. The giant pink claymore with rose motif didn't helped much in that respect.  

In any case, the girl said she would come along, so not wasting any time, Ariel turned towards her initial way and motioned Zandra to follow saying: "I'll definitely give you a visit once you're settled up. C'mon its very close, at the entrance of those woods"  She than pointed towards the nearby area outside of town as she continued. "Initially it was inside this village but we had to relocate so that even Pkers could become potential costumers." 

The trip towards the shop was a short one as it was only a couple of minutes away from the exit. The first thing players usually notice when approaching the shop, is the sign at the entrance that says in golden letters "The Lion's Den" and a the shop's logo of a lion head with a crown in its right. (pic) The shop itself is a log cabin with a chimney sticking towards the skies. One would think that is actually a blacksmith's shop than a tailor's. There is a thick coating of snow on the rooftop, making the while building look like a mountain cabin.

[Zandra 0]

Ariels shop looked almost like those typical wooden-houses in movies. The thick layer of snow on the roof gave it a welcoming feeling. Something that you probably didnt see in movies was the big sign saying 'the lions den' with golden letters, and beside a crownned lion head. Was that how Ariels pet would look like when it grow up? The living must see. ''That is an impressive logo, mine is only a plain black text saying 'Zandras lab'. Nothing fany at all. Probably should think about something now when I change from cart to house.'' she smiled towards the blonde woman.''Sorry for not beeing very well informed, are you a good tailor? It surely look so when looking at your sign, and I  get the feeling youre definitely isnt a newbie. No offence.'' she continued with a friendly voice, hoping she wouldnt think she didnt thougth Zandra looked down on her or something like that.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Walking up to the entrance, Ariel used her HUD to unlock the cabin and pushed the door open. As he did so a gentle ringing of bells coming from the ceiling above the entrance, announced their entry to no one in particular. The shop had a section near the windows, where all the items for sale are displayed, this part could be seen from the outside as well. But it was completely empty. A small oak table with a couple of chairs ware standing before her counter. On the walls behind the counter there are pinned two posters, one is with and signed by Aaphi, the lead singer of the 'The Morning Howl'. While the other one is with and signed by Kuromado, the lead guitarist of 'Ni Kurumado', those are a couple of rock bands popular in Japan IRL, that Ariel liked. Ariel also placed her first custom made rapier 'Thornless Rose' in front of the counter so that it could be visible by all who enter. This was her first weapon made by a NPC blacksmith which she received as a reward from a quest she did in her 'noob period', when everybody was barely cooping with the fact that they were stuck in this virtual prison. The blade was a almost identical match with the one she showed Zandra earlier, only the grade of the weapons were different as the later, named 'Thorny Nightmare II' was more powerful.

The blonde offered the tank a seat as she spoke, heading towards the fireplace to the left. "Let me set up the fire so that we can warm up a bit." and with practices moves she skillfully lid the fire that started cracking and emanating a pleasant light that slowly filled the room. "Much better!" she said as she set up the necessary items to make hot cocoa and proceeded to brewing the beverage herself. 

"I think that's OK for a cart but once you settle in, you should find a logo. It help you keep up morale and offers a sense of completion when you see your items used by others." she then let out a short chuckle at the words 'good tailor'. Finishing her work, she sat across her at the table (assuming she sat down) and handed her a cup of hot cocoa with some marshmallows in it. Then after taking a sip herself she answered: "Good... well you can say that. From my knowledge I'm the only rank 7 Tailor in Aincrad, the highest rank at the moment. A High Mentor Tailor if you like names rather than numbers." then with a sad tinge in her voice she continues. I even had a apprentice that I instilled with my knowledge in the arts of tailoring. Haven't heard from him for a while now, I hope that he's OK. Used to have more items and costumers but fighting on the front lines kind of made people stop coming to my shop." 

[Zandra 0]

Zandra entered the shop a few seconds after Ariel. When she came inside she was met by a breeze of cozy, fireplace warmed air. Even if she liked the cold, this was realy something else. She would probably have something similar in her shop.''Yeah, Ive thougth about some different ideas but havent decided which one yet. And all of them needs a little more work to be worthy to show for the public.''she sat down when she saw the woman started to brew some hot cocoa. By instinct she tok a few steps towards her to comment her brewing how she could make it more efficient. But before she opened her mouth she realised that they wasnt in a hurry. And it would be rude to make such a comment while someone is doing something for you. So she stopped and took a step to the side to lean towards the wall.''It smells great, the smell of hot cocoa make it feel so homly.'' she paused while she started talk about her proffession''Oh my!'' she stared at the blonde.''rank seven, that is like, crazy hard to reach. Im was kind of proud yesterday when I hitted rank five. You are clearly my superior.''she made a quick bow.''Then I would like to ask you for a favour.''then she saw Ariel held forth a cup towards her.''Oh, thank you. She took the cup and sat down beside her. The taste was delicious.''This tastes realy good. There is just one thing I dont understand, this is nothing against you, but why do people have marchmallows in the hot choclate? Back in Sweden, I never, and I mean never, drank it with marchmallows. I only eat.. ehm... ate marchmallows from a stick after grill them over a campfire.''she took another sip and looked at Ariel, wondering if she had any idea why.

Edited September 15, 2015 by Zandra Zvift

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

While the girls started talking, Kimba entered the shop and went to her usual place on a rug in front of the fireplace. She then curled, looking like a snowy bagel then with a final look towards them and a low growl she went to sleeping. lightly purring in the background while letting imaginary Zs escape her mind. She would usually be alert when a stranger was nearby Ariel but seeing how the blonde treated the girl in a familiar way she decided to do the same and do as she pleased. 

Meanwhile Ariel listened to the girl talk about superiority and stuff. she dismissively waved her hand: "No No No, I'm not your superior, If I was a alchemist that would be a different story. The term 'elder' would be more fitting but don't go around calling me that, I'll be seriously depressed." she said with a smile. Then continued keeping the same tone."If you want to be polite the term 'senpai' would be a more appropriate term. Also bowing is a No-No as well I've been through that before, find it quite irritating." She took another sip of the cocoa and continued listening to the girl while with a couple of elegant gestures she summoned her HUD. Next she removed the cloak she wore, revealing a summer-like outfit that consisted of navy colored camo patterned short skirt and a sleeveless revealing top. She had a pair of steel-like shoulder pads and vambraces which she removed as well, remaining only in the navy colored vanity items and army-like black boots.

"Much better!" she exclaimed as she began doing light stretches with her arm and turning her waist from right to left. Her movements came to a halt as soon as Zandra posed her question. A burst of laughter escaped her lips the next instant, trying to cover it up with her hands, the blonde couldn't stop until she laughed to her heart's fill.

"That's a pretty interesting question you got there, lets see. From my point of view is just a thing I saw people do in movies so I decided that is how cocoa should be served. Never questioned myself why, just went with the flow of it. And it tastes good so I have co complain. I guess that's how we do it in Japan.. Imitate cheap American actions and think its cool." .... After she calmed downed a bit she looked at the girl, she had the same welcoming smile but a tinge of seriousness tinged her voice: "I haven't laughed like this in a long time, now I can go fight that floor boss without regret."

[Zandra 0]

The blonde started to laugh when she asked about the marchmallows in cocoa. She blushed and looked down so her long black hair partialy hidden her face. It actually seemed like a realy weird question. But on the same time she was happy. Every time she made someone else laugh she felt like a victory. She turned her face back towards Ariel and brushed the hair out of her face.''The boss fight. So you gonna participate in it?''she took a second look at the 'crowned lion' in front of her. She looked realy strong. Much, much stronger then tiny Zandra. She also made Zandra feel safe while under the same roof as her. Even when she just had a navy camo skirt and sleevless top on her. Thats when Zandra realised she still had her own armour equiped. She quickly opened the menu and unequipped her half-plate heavy armour. Standing in front fo the blonde, wearing a white blouse without arms, a red skirt and leather boots that reached halfway to hre knees.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

The blonde's expression changed yet again as Zandra asked the next sensible question following her statement. This wasn't a matter that could be answered so lightly as going to the front lines to fight a floor boss basically meant putting your life at stake for the good of all rather than living 'safely' at the lower floors as many choose to do. Her unusual silver eyes peered into the girl's as she answered: "Yes, I do intend to do just that. Planning on banging at the Crusader's front door and rudely letting myself in without hesitation."

Next her eyes drifted to the girl's figure as she decided to unequip her armor as well. Taking a good look at her the blonde asked with light menace in her tone: "Are you sure that is a wise choice? This place is located an area outside town, so why would you expose yourself like that to somebody you barely know?" Of course she wasn't the type to just lure people out of the safe zone and attack them but she couldn't overlook this kind of relaxed attitude outside save zones. She herself only removed her armor inside her shop or during guild meetings.

[Zandra 0]

Ariel mentioned that she shouldnt unequip her armour here, outside the safe zone. The she quickly opened up her inventory and equiped it back on. Looking from side to side, like a bunch of pk'ers would jump forth out of nowhere.''Wh-wh-why I unequi-equiped my armour?''she stopped looking from side to side and looked straigth at the blonde in front of her.''It felt like you are an honest person, and you changed to just that camo-top. And since you are so strong there wasnt anything to worry about. Im sorry if I offended you in some way.''she once again looked down on the floor. She scratched one of her feets with the other foot. She carefuully looked around, and then when she saw some tailor-tools.''Yeah right, sorry to change subject so quick but, I just remembered that I was looking for a tailor. And you realy understand that proffession, so to say. Can I ask you a favour?''she looked at the barely younger woman in front of her with a hopefull look in her eyes.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

With a light smile Ariel replied to her apparently dejected counterpart, who looked suspiciously from left to right: "You have a bad habit of apologizing, at least from my point of view. Some may see it as a weakness. But I appreciate the honesty and am flattered that you think so highly of me just after this meeting, don't worry I'm not in the custom of acting as a lure to kill/get others killed. " She took another sip of of the cocoa and listened to the girl. Peering inside the cup she noticed it was almost empty already. The thought 'since when did I developed a sweet tooth?' crossed her mind before putting the cup down and answering the girl: "Sure shoot away!" 'Understand' was a bit of a understatement but the blonde wasn't as self centered to point that out. She looked into her eyes, guessing what she was about to ask... help with a quest? treasure hunting? showing her the front lines? the blonde was willing to do all of those since this girl had somehow got on her good side and strangely enough Kimba's as well.

[Zandra 0]

Okay Zandra, dont screw this up now 'key?''Well, as you mentioned the boss fight is approaching, and in a boss fight you can have much use of crystals and potions right? As I said earlier thats my subject. But everytime when I places my materials on the workbench, it feels like it have lost some of iys quality. Its harder to get them turn out the way I want them to compared to in the begining when I carried them in my hand and used them right away.''she looked if the blonde understood what she meant, it seemed so, so she continued.''So I would like some kind of, what shall you call it, ehm... material bag, where I can have my materials without they losing their quality. Would it be possible that you will make one for me? I could make you some crystals and potions in return.'' she looked hopefully in the blondes eyes, holding her thumbs that she would answer her favour positively.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Looking at the girl, she seemed to gather all her courage to say something important. So Ariel simply nodded to her initial question then carefully listened to her request.She actually understood, this happened to her too. Items that she harvested, usually plant types she used for dyes, without proper processing would wither away.At the end, she clapped her hands once and nodded once more. "Yes, I understand your worries. I've been having them myself and found a good storing material that slows material degradation." She then stands up and goes towards her workbench producing a brown leather bag with several compartments and some gilded ends. She then empties the content which consisted of only a couple of silk threads and closes in on Zandra. Then she puts the bag in front of her and resumes her casual cocoa sipping, emptying the cup this time..showing a displeased expression as she peers inside and shakes the cup a couple of times to make sure.

"I've found a particular hide that has the propriety to conserve materials as you like. It's the skin...better said bark of a certain mob located at the 2nd mob. Take it it's yours, I don't have any need for it...as you see my material stock is kind of low." she said with a honest face as she stole a glance at her material deposit, it had 20+ items stored in it but the girl didn't need to know that. A little white lie wouldn't hurt, she thought.

Ariel gives Zandra the following item, free of charge:

Name: Supply Bag
Item Type: Tool
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +1 Crafting Die
Description: A leather made backpack/bag with several golden ornaments to the hems. Very useful for aspiring alchemists to store their necessary materials and small tools It has a small white crowned lion logo embroidered somewhere visible, trademark of the manufacturing shop. 

 

[Zandra 0]

Zandra saw Ariel accepting her request, and she headed towards her working place, start produce it right away. Zandra stood and just watched when the blonde with skillfull hands created a bag with gold in several places. And as a finishing touch Ariels personal shop-emblem. It was a real proof of her skills in the art of tailoring. She didnt needed it since she was almost out of material, that was good to hear. Then she didnt took something from her that she needed herself. She grateful took the bag and attached it to her belt around her waist on her left side.''Thank you. So you dont want anything for it? Well, I would feel terrible to take it for free even if you dont need it.'' she opened up her inventory and browsed for a special item. When she found waht she was lookking for she took it out of the inventory and held it in her hand. She streatched out her arm towards Ariel while closing the screen. In her hand she placed a crystal. It wasnt one of those usual square ones. This one was like a short rod, about twenty centimeters and pointy in each end and thicker in the middle, about seven centimeters. But the most conspicuously was the colour and particels. It was red like a ruby and tiny pieces of the same material as the crystal was floating around it. Everything showing a faint red light.''I want you to have this. Its my own creation. It took some time to get to this quiality but at last I succeded. It gonna rais your health, but it wont last forever, so a tip is to save it for the boss fight.'' she smiled at her and hoped this would be enough for the bag.

Name: Bloodstone crystal
Item Type: Status update crystal
Enhancements: +20 Health for an entire thread
Description: A short rod, about twenty centimeters and pointy in each end and thicker in the middle, about seven centimeters thick. It is was red like a ruby and tiny pieces of the same material and colour as the crystal is floating around it.

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

With a light bow, as per Japanese tradition, Ariel accepted her return gift and took a moment to examine the item. Its crimson color reminded her of a certain redhead that was known as the Crimson Knight...for several reasons. Then she showed a bright smile as she stored the item into her inventory, in the section she'd allocated items for the incoming fight. "Okay a few more healing crystals and energy regen supplies and I'm all set." she said to no one in particular, just pointing out things to herself loudly. She the turned towards Zandra as she continued: "I appreciate the gesture and yes I will definitely use it in the boss fight. I must say that you show promise, I think you and a certain chemistry enthusiast, a friend of mine, would get along well." she said as she remembered how Azide used to come and order at her shop while throwing chemistry terms and ideas left and right. "When you set up shop, I'll make sure to come and do a little shopping!" 

She then raised from the table and brought the hot cocoa thermos she'd left behind. Then proceeded to fill her cup and offer it next to Zandra to do the same. "I've been rambling about myself for a while now, tell me something about you. Do you have a guild yet? I think it would be a loss to be just a solo player." she asked in a curios tone after sipping from her cup.