Remeet And Greet

Cyrus welcomes Mikage and Sassaral and prepares for a dungeon run.

Cyrus
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

Another day in Alne. Another day in the Hostess of Fertility. It's the early morning, and breakfast time. Honestly, Cyrus doesn't come here for the _food_ as much as just _something to fill his stomach_. He always brings in his own apples, though he doesn't risk peeling them to eat them. He's had some bad luck with food preparations so far. He just sits at his table, porridge in front of him, which he takes a bite out of - then a bite of an apple - then back to the porridge. It's certainly one way to handle the situation he's found himself in.

He's waiting today. He's invited over two people on his Friends List. The gatherer, Sassaral, as well as the Were Fang known as Mikage - which he's partied with before. He wanted to check in on the latter especially, what with having gone on an adventure recently. And he could use the sunny 'presence' of Sassaral in this room to just... cheer things up. She's infectuous.
Sassaral
Alne - Hostess of Fertility


    Infectious? Perhaps a bit... Sassaral's online presence is indeed a sunny one, rarely fettered because she just doesn't put herself into situations that could risk such fettering! Her life here is a peaceful, somewhat static one... and she's ok with that. But then she went and made a new Friend and when summoned, the little wolf makes haste to return to the ingame 'watering hole' to attend this meeting. ALWAYS with her basketful of herbs, Sassaral comes waltzing in with periwinkle-colored skirts frothing around a bushy red tail, ears cocked and moving of their own volition to case out the room. It doesn't take long for her to see her fellow Cait Sith and Sassy smiles, padding forth to announce herself.

    "Hello Cyrus," She calls out, tail swaying lazily and copiously behind her body. "How's the fare? Extra cracker'y?" Sassy asks in her sunny little way, setting her basket down alongside a chair much as she had done at their first meeting.
Mikage
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

Though Mikage had returned from the trip to Ezzo, she had yet to come to pick up her wayward pet. It seems that Cyrus has been given the role of defacto caretaker while she was gone. Of course, that meant feeding the lynx and dealing with his almost kitten-like antics. It is a long journey, so the Were Fang must have been waylaid somewhere between the port and Alne.

So, with night giving way to morning, the bedraggled looking druid finally drags herself into the inn. Mikage has the look of someone who has slept rough, though she doesn't seem too put out by it. There is bits of dirt on her clothing and armor, likely from the long journey and camping somewhere for the night. Some measure of exhaustion is visible in her eyes, though not enough to be an actual lingering status effect.

Almost immediately upon her arrival, the lynx goes running towards her, doing circles around her legs. "Yes yes, it's good to see you, too. Look, I brought you something." The girl swipes the air, opening a menu, and then materializes a rat, which is dropped for her pet. Surely, the Landers aren't going to be the happiest about it, but the lynx grabs the treat, bats at it a few times, and then begins to chow down on it.

"I assume he wasn't too much trouble?" She looks over towards the Snow Leopard, then to the Cait Sith, giving the later a curious look as she approaches.
Cyrus
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"You know, I /wish/ it was /extra/ cracker-y. But no, it's just as crackery as the last time I tasted it." Cyrus remarks as Sassaral steps inside, lifting his head up. Sassaral may notice, coming closer, that there's a big /cat/ on top of the... bigger cat? However one must interpret the situation, it is no doubt that there is a status effect on the Snow Leopard Cait Sith right now that reads 'Cat Gravity'. The most dire of Status Effects.

He's wearing similar gear to last time, though it looks a little less 'low level' - with some of the metal rings looking like they are fixed and less sloppily attached. "Good morning, miss Sassaral." He then adds, motioning for her to sit if she'd like, and even throwing her an apple as she does so.

Then, a loud 'OOPH' as the big cat on his legs suddenly jumps off. "Ah, that must mean its master is nearby." He notes, and looks up towards the door. The bedraggled druid making her way in. "You look a bit worse for wear. But I suppose that is a good thing." He notes. "Apple?" He asks, only to suddenly be welcomed by...

Rat.

Cyrus /visibly/ grimaces at the sight of that rat. He's glad that gift wasn't for him.

"He was... okay." He remarks. "He decided to go hunting last night, allowing me to actually get up and go to sleep." He notes.
Sassaral
Alne - Hostess of Fertility


    Indeed she sees and her gait slows, momentarily infused with an air of worry at the sight of the lynx. Is this a dangerous beast!? But then it looks as if Cyrus is... taking care of the creature? She is just about to plop her arse into the chair but freezes, and this is when Mikage arrives and shows herself toward the table. She has never before bore witness to this woman and her golden eyes widen with astonishment. "Oh..!"

    Her tail twitches as Mikage moves to greet her companion and understanding dawns upon Sassy's fine features, "Oh! Were you lynx-sitting?" She asks of Cyrus but her big eyes are latched onto Mikage, with much of the same intrigue that Cyrus had dealt with prior. "Hello milady." She offers politely to Mikage as she reunites with her partner, sitting proper and smoothing her skirts gently. To look at Sassy is to see a fine-boned wolf Cait Sith without an //ounce// of harm to her bearing. She wears the garb of a gatherer and pacifist.

    Watching the lynx merrily accept Mommy's 'gift', Sassy doesn't seem quite so put off by the sight as she catches the offered apple... she's a bit amused, turning back to Cyrus and asking when polite to do so, "Are you both Friends, obviously?" Asked kindly, always in the vein of intrigue.
Mikage
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"It was a long journey." Mikage replies, a soft smile on her features as she watches the lynx sculk off into the corner to deal with his food. "The boat landed mid-afternoon. By the time we got everyone off the ships, it was close to nightfall. I ended up having to sleep in a tree along the road" The woman stretches her arms out over her head, giving a soft groan and then lets them fall back to her sides. "The gnolls spawned close to the road, so it was better to just stay up there for the night and continue at daybreak."

As Sassaral gives her greeting, Miki raises a hand to her forehead and offers a soft of relaxed salute, then continues forward, grabbing a chair to sit down in. "I think friends might be a stretch." She smirks, blue eyes briefly glancing over towards Cyrus. Despite being indoors, the girl leaves her hood up, likely hiding her Were Fang tattoo. The Landers tend to be made a little uncomfortable by those with monster blood in their veins.

"But Rama has taken a fancy to him, so I suppose he can't be all bad." Rolling her shoulders, the girl unslings her sword, hanging it on the back of the chair for now. Her attire resembles that of a druid, with leathers, furs, and natural accompaniments, but the sword suggests some cross-leveling somewhere. "Could have used a healer on the ship, though. Fought for about an hour or so with some creatures they call 'the Wake'. Some sort of fishmen. Nasty things."
Cyrus
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"I think the Lynx was sitting on me." He answers Sassaral at the claim of him 'lynx-sitting', allowing a smile to show on his expression. The regal catte bites into his apple and takes anothing chomp. Not one of those asshole-apple-bites you see in the movies though. Just a normal bite of an apple, trying to get something flavorful into him.

"Well, glad you got away from the gnolls safely." He remarks, before chuckling. "She's on my Friends List." He then explains to Sassaral, showing a sheeping grin. "I promise I am not bad." He then adds, before that smile falters a bit.

"An hour long battle? That sounds... extremely stressful. Please, sit." He motions for Mikage to join them. "This is Sassaral, the gatherer I was telling you about on the New World Alliance Chimlink." He remarks. "Sassaral, this is Mikage. A Guardian player." The male continues to explain, while his big fluffy tail sways from one side to the other, his rounded ears constantly flicking between the two of them, picking up their sounds and motions.
Sassaral
Alne - Hostess of Fertility


    Ears perk daintily at mention of a 'healer' being needed. A... healer? Sassaral low-key feels that degree of longing.... it's embedded into the very code of her character build. To //heal//. Suddenly golden eyes are taking Mikage in, top-to-bottom, sussing out injuries. Again: she is not bothered in the //least// re: Rama having himself a rat sammich. Interesting that! So gentle and mild but //not// squeamish! But then Mikage returns her greeting and Sassaral offers a sweet smile, "A... stretch?" Asked with a //very// canid tilting of her head. Mikage keeps her hood up and Sassaral is //not// insensitive enough to ask why. Other Adventurers have their //reasons//. "Are you alright, Mikage?" She tests the Guardian's name, "In need to healing, or just some manner of belly sustenance?" Sassy asks, her smile widening. She has a sweet, bell-like voice. Would she ever yell, even?

    Her swaying tail mirrors Cyrus's as she chomps into the previously offered apple... //also// not in an assholery way, more of a delicate nip. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mikage. I hope I do not make your Rama uncomfortable."
Mikage
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"It was. Though we had Adventurers on each of the boats, so the casualties were kept to a minimum. I can't imagine what it would have been like if we hadn't sent some player support." While some Landers seemed capable enough, they certainly didn't seem to have the skill levels that most players had in combat. "Ezzo is even worse than we'd thought, up close. Giant glitched monsters, a landscape that is clearly gone haywire."

Shaking her head, the Guardian sighs to herself, then lifts her eyes to regard Sassaral. "I'm fine." There is a brief pause, a glance at Cyrus, then she adds, "Really. This is mostly just travel dirt. I probably need to hit up a bath house sooner or later." Or else risk ending up with the 'filthy' status effect. Though she still seems to be a fair bit away from that. "It's nice to meet you."

As she relaxes a bit into the chair, Miki slips into a yawn that comes from lack of sleep. "There are still Adventurers and Landers back in Ezzo. We were only able to get out around a thousand or so." Something about her mannerisms shifts, "Rough estimates? I would guess we probably have close to a quarter-million Landers and Adventurers that still need to be evacuated. Food is probably going to be the hardest concern, with boats being difficult to move in and out." She groans. "It's a mess."
Cyrus
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"You really are not a city-girl." Cyrus remarks to Sassaral, as he observes her sweetly glancing at Rama having that rat-sandwich. The regal male then leans back, one arm over the edge of the chair, leaning it back, holding his cane. He taps it against the ground, just so he can 'do something'. Keeping his mind occupied. His body busy. The way he keeps moving suggests that while he tends to be here sitting around, he's actually having trouble with sitting still. Not in an ADHD kind of way. But rather, the energy of someone who normally is physically active. A baseball player, perhaps?

The male glances away from the dainty one of the bunch and turns to Mikage. "It's going to take a lot of effort in order to get everyone out of there." He expresses. "Food is indeed going to continue to be a problem. Though I hear the Fourland Dukedom has created some contracts in order to alieviate that stress. I think they're just looking at the fact that they're going to be able to sell a lot more food - which means higher earnings for them on the long run."

The male then lets out a bit of a sound.

He takes an apple from his cart and puts it in front of Mikage. "Get some sugar into you to help with the sleepiness." He suggests to her. "Glad to see you are okay though. I suppose I didn't need to be too worried. You're a very capable Adventurer."
Sassaral
Alne - Hostess of Fertility


    She listens quietly, noting the plight of the world beyond her own small scope. Sassaral tilts her head, now, in the other direction! She takes the 'I'm fine' in stride and nods gently, one ear twitching. "I'm glad.. you look ready for a proper bath and a solid cycle of rest." The Cait Sith woman smiles softly, "It is nice to meet you, too. " Sassy saysin earnest, //always// curious about the types of classes and jobs that the world turns out... especially now.

    No risk of 'filthy' status here, for Sassaral -- despite her love of the land and of (gratefully) reaping it's boons -- looks to be as neat as a pin. Fresh-faced and tidy.

    Cyrus's remark turns her head back to him, ears cocking. "Not a city girl...?" A little laugh, "N-no, I guess I'm not. Not at all." And to further that point she chomps down the apple core, seeds and all. Waste not want not! She chews softly, watching the rapport of her fellow Adventurers.
Mikage
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"Honestly, it's a good time for the Landers to step up. I forsee a lot of grateful Adventurers who might be willing to call one of the other kingdoms home, if given the chance." Adventuers were a sort of commodity, if one looked at it from a Lander perspective. They were able to fight monsters, clear out resource points, protect cities, and otherwise allow for the growth of the various states within ETO. Those who had the most Adventurers on their side could wield quite a bit of power within the world.

As the apple is set in front of her, Miki doesn't argue the point. She accepts it, crunching down on it with a groan of pleasure at the taste. "Two days of hard-tack makes fresh fruit taste all the better." If regular food was bad, ship-board food was probably worse. "Mmm." She takes a deep breath and lets it out, the air blowing some white hair across her forehead. "Not as capable as I'd like to be. Guess I got used to depending on my guild. Without them, I feel like I'm missing a whole part of my kit that has nothing to do with being leveled down."

"Not a city girl, but not the look of a front line fighter, either." She seems to appraise the Cait Sith. Then, looking at Cyrus, she asks, "So, you seemed interested in doing some leveling?"
Cyrus
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"Didn't used to be much of a city-slicker myself." Cyrus notes, "Used to live out in the small-towns." Something he'd brought up to Sassaral before. "But I don't think I ever got used to some of the wilder things out there, you know?" The youth takes another bite, nodding lazily as the girls talk.

His attention drift s towards Mikage again. A smile then, as Mikage's expression changes the moment she takes that bite. That groan is music to his ears. "I tried to make sure I gather fresh fruit every day for the sake of food." He explains to Mikage, a statement he lets linger as she talks about her guild.

"Hrrm... yeah, I know that feeling. The guild thing that is. I used to be part of Silver Sword actually." He explains. "But, these days I'm hanging with Grandeur." He motions his hand. Quite the shift, from raid player to economical player.

"Ah. Yes. I wanted to level a bit, and drag miss Sassaral with us." He explains. "She's nice, and if she wants to gather higher level stuff, she may want some levels on her. That - and I honestly am not sure what this world holds for us now. And staying at level one is... frightening to me."

He looks to Sassaral. "You still okay with that?"
Sassaral
Alne - Hostess of Fertility


    The little wolf doesn't miss a trick, her basket of roughage set neatly beside her ankles. To look into the basket is to see //greenery// with an array of berries: some yellow, others a sort of hot-orange color. Spoils! DEfinitely not grounds for EXP but they bring Sassaral pleasure.. even just to collect them.

    "These will make for a fine stew... if I blend the ingredients //just// right you will actually taste stew.." Sassaral rambles gently, perhaps a bit nervous. She feels so small and plain in the presence of these illustrious two. She is silent and amused-looking as Mikage gives herself over to the joys of an apple... she almost seems as happy as the lynx with it's own fare!

    However, as the NPC barmaid brings forth Sassaral's choice of fare... some sort of greenery that //tastes// like greenery with questionable sides. As guilds are spoken of, Sassaral looks between the pair; ears cock in one's direction at the speaking of words. But then the comment of being 'nice' earns a blush, "T-thanks.. I mean, I would love to get a bit stronger... I can't be wallowing at level one with the world around me getting stronger. But I mean.... I'm //fine// with it if it's not a burden..?" Asked gently, her foot nudging the basket nervously.
Mikage
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"In the real world, I've never really left the city." Mikage laughs, the sound light and almost musical in nature. It's got that tone of someone who seems to be a free spirit, or at least doens't seem too dragged down by their current circumstances. "Out here, it's different. I chose Guardian so I could explore solo if I had do. Though, it was always easier with friends." Her expression shifts sightly, "I keep trying to be happy that they aren't here, but it sucks, too."

As guilds are mentioned, Miki bites at her lower lip. "I haven't really picked a new guild yet. The Alliances seem to be splitting up the guilds along their own personal lines and I can't be sure where I fit. I never really cared for the big organizations." She takes another bite of the apple, glancing towards Sassaral's gathered greenery. "Best of luck if you can manage to make something edible."

"I don't mind helping you out. Everyone could use some support in the early levels." At this point, Rama seems to have finished his meal and comes padding over, the lynx curling next to Mikage's feet. His muzzle stained a bit red, but the lynx starts to groom himself to get rid of it. Miki just leans down and scratches at his head. "Though I'm certainly not a tank. Magic and swords, mostly. Not so much on the utility."
Cyrus
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"Will it though?" The male asks the little wolf with a small raise of his brow, at her claim that mixing it just right will make it taste like a stew. The male is still rather cynical about the whole food thing. Seems he's used to something a little more... gourmet than this. Probably the kind that goes out every night. But then, that does tend to be cheaper than cooking for oneself. Unless one is going to the combini.

"I hear you. It sucks to not have friends. Which is kind of why I am doing this thing." The male remarks, his ears tweaking for a moment as he motions with the tip of his cane towards the two ladies. "I'd say - stick with your friends. But..." He shrugs.

"Don't worry about the tanking. I can do some of that myself as well. Not as good as a dedicated tank. But if we just hit up a low level mission like one of those rattie ones, we should be fine." He explains.

He the realizes. "Hey, Sas? What's your classes?"
Sassaral
Alne - Hostess of Fertility


    Soft golden eyes observe the return of Rama to Mikage's side, and her lips quirk at their corners at the sight of the cat grooming himself. Interesting the ratio of cats here, today! Right as she considers accepting the challenge of creating //something// other than cracker-flavored meals, Sassaral looks up as she is spoken to. As her.. presence is accepted. Her face morphs into a truly sunny, radiant smile. "W-would you both..?" She must not be one who 'parties' often. She might as well behave like an NPC, herself! But here... an opportunity....

    Precisely //who// could she be in the real world? Is she //this// gentle and mild by nature? Meanwhile Sassaral is wondering //who// these two are. REally are. Do they live close? Are they friendly? She looks between Cyrus and Mikage, rubs the back of her bare neck. "Acolyte and bard..." She offers nervously. Yup, doomed. Who wants a songstress in a party!? Her tail quivers gently as she watches the pair, lifting a biscuit to her lips to nibble.
Mikage
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"Druid and Heavy blade." Mikage explains, for those who might not be aware of exactly what classes go into the Guardian role. "I guess double healer and utility wouldn't be so bad. Though it might be good to pick up at least one other front liner." The Were Fang seems thoughtful at that. Though she had added and accepted many friend invitations, most of them are people that she didn't really know well. Most were barely aquaintenances, met in passing.

"Some of us have an easier time making friends than others." Her expression is amused on the surface, but there is something sad behind it. Her own history outside of the game is unknown to most people, other than a passing rumor that someone matching her description was a known associate of Piffle corp. Then again, her octopus co-worker is far more well known for the attention he has garnerned.

"Probably something we could do once I get some proper sleep in me, at least. Someone will just have to hunt for some potential leads. I've done the rat quest, gnolls, and spiders but I don't mind lending a hand on those a second time."
Cyrus
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

Cyrus nods acknowledgingly to Mikage. "I personally never had trouble making friends back in the day. But I was pretty lucky in that regards." He notes with a broad and proud smile. He then tilts his head just a bit to the side and nods to Mikage. "Don't worry. I promise I am not a flake." He notes, before glancing to Sassaral. "And yeah, we'd gladly help." He notes.

"Hey - Acolyte Bard. Nice. That's not bad. Between you and me healing Mikage together, we should do just fine. We can all take turns on the defenses." He notes. "Best get you used to tanking a few rat bites here and there." He notes to Sassaral.

Then, to Mikage, he throws another apple for later. "I'll do some scouting later. I know there's some missions going across the water - and something popped up needing convoys to move all these goods around." He explains. "But something lower level is probably our best bet." He adds.
Sassaral
Alne - Hostess of Fertility


    The Cait Sith listens with interest to the classifications of her newfound Friends (?) ... they're Friends, yes? Even if acquainted, it feels nice.... Sassaral is usually meeting other PCs in passing, going about her way. Never, prior to this --- well, not since the fall back to Level 1 -- did she engage others in hopes of forming a party. Sassaral's tail lifts as of it's own volition, begins to wag softly. Emotions are impossible to hide where she is concerned. "I... once had a good grasp on how to do that.." Make friends. "Life happened, and well.. here we are, right?" Sassaral's sunny expression returns once that scrim of emotional cloud passes. But she did not overlook Mikage's expressions following such a statement; this 'ease' of making friends. Sassaral -- the woman behind the Adventurer -- knows nothing of these rumors.

    "I.. don't think I will shy away from a rat bite or seven," Said with a quick laugh and a tiny blush. "In that case, your friend will eat well." Said with a smile to Mikage and a nod to Rama.

    Movement catches Sassy's eye and her ears cock, turning in Cyrus's direction before her gaze follows. "I trust you both.... I will go along with whatever you see fit." Just like that.. quick, earnest trust. "I promise not to let either of you down, but please forgive me if I'm a bit.. rusty."
Mikage
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

For now, Mikage doesn't really comment further on the prospect of friends. There is something there, though, in her expression, that suggests that friends have been few and far between for her. There is certainly some affection in the way she talked about her guildmates, but it seems like fate has left her starting over from scratch.

"You're brave if you want to depend on me as your own front liner. So long as we get out of things get too rough, though. From what Reika said, death might not be permanent, but it certainly isn't pleasant." She grabs the apple that is tossed her way, making a quick motion with her fingers that is likely a quick-command to stow it into inventory. "I wouldn't mind doing more to help those in Ezzo, but I'm keen to try out just about anything. Things have certainly changed since the last time I was this low level."

At that, she scootches her chair back, the legs scraping on the floor. "I'll leave the investigations to you then, kitty cat. In the mean time, I'm going to get a bath, and a nap." Miki smirks, glancing at Sassaral. "Oh, the last time he and I did the rat dungeon, he nearly got me killed. Apparently his training AI got leveled down along with me, so it still needs work."
Cyrus
Alne - Hostess of Fertility

"We'll keep you safe." Cyrus promises Sassaral, and then looks to Mikage again. "Oh? Well, it shouldn't be too much of a problem if we stay with low level content." He notes, and then scoots his seat back and motions towards Sassaral. "We'll leave miss Mikage to get a good night's rest and wash." He notes, stepping a bit to the side. "In the meantime, I'll walk miss Sassaral home - and then find myself some lodging as well. I'm a bit exhausted myself." He admits.
Sassaral
Alne - Hostess of Fertility


    The little wolf recognizes when a meeting is adjourned! She will pay coinage for her meager fare and the basket is already lifted, ready for transport. Mikage //does// look weary! PLease rest well.. thank you for coming here, to meet." She offers to the Were Fang woman, indeed grateful for her to change trajectory when what she surely needs is recharge time. "Fare well to you, make sure to rest while you digest your rat." Said airily.... again: not bothered at //all// by what happened to be the lynx's grisley meal! Hnnng! As the others stand and prepare to depart, Sassaral very gently pushes her chair back and stands, smoothes her skirts and pulls her basket into the crook of her elbow. Politely now she eases the chair back into the table, nodding with satisfaction.

    At Cyrus's words the woman bows her head lightly and twitches an ear, "Of course. I have taken up shelter not too terribly far from here." Must be some manner of commons or maybe a little lean-to that she has created to find shelter in. Level 1 is //hard// but she's taking it in stride. Maybe she camps?

    "Thank you... you needn't even feel obligated to walk me far. You look weary too." She observes and once everyone is set to rights, Sassaral will take her leave alongside them.