Private ✪ Finweald A Sweet Respite

[Luthien]

 

ᗪOᑌGᕼ ᖇE ᗰI
Mostly Sunny, Noon

"Can’t believe the nerve of this man…" A huffed grumble left her lips as the blonde exited the latest building, striking out the name from a list she’d been handed today by Beleg. "Too bad I can’t add any of this to a résumé, USPS would hire me in a heartbeat otherwise."

With the last of the letters and small parcels finally delivered Lúthien was free to remove the leather bag crossed over her chest, a few waves of her fingers in the air quickly causing the item to disappear into the existential void that was her UI inventory. It’s not like she minded it, after all the ranger had bought the bag because it was cute and her style to begin with, but she always enjoyed walking freely and unencumbered within the game… at least in safe areas like Astorea’s capital.

Her ears caught wind of some relaxing tunes coming from one of the nearby establishments, the influence of the Starcalled easy to see in every nook and corner of their founded country. Crimson eyes drifted to the large sign that advertised the name of the bakery, earning a soft chortle of amusement, before the elf changed the direction of her footsteps.

The soft chime of a bell announced her arrival just as the scent of freshly baked breads and sweets flooded her nostrils. Her stomach quietly grumbled in response, reminding the girl she’d been playing for at least a couple of hours by now. Might as well grab a bite to eat~ Not like anything here would break her pockets, but she’d be sure to pass the bill onto her superior regardless—just to annoy the older whistle.

She couldn’t help the impressed hum that escaped her lips as the blonde looked over the varied selection in the bakery. Already a few had found their way into the tray she held; some meant to be consumed here, and others to be carried back for others or to enjoy later.

"Oh this one looks good," Her hand reached for a solitary item in one of the baskets, perhaps a popular item considering it was the only one on the verge of being sold out, before her fingers unexpectedly bumped against the hand of another. "Aah sorry, didn’t see you there!"

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

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Rina stretched her arms high above her head. The relief flooding from her appendages washed through her as she enjoyed a little bit of downtime. With the holidays just around the corner she knew there would be a sense of relief in her schedule for a few days. Thus, actually getting to enjoy the game was high on her list of priorities for the time being. Walking down the street she shuffled through her little pouch for the extra gold that she'd stashed away before her little shopping spree for supplies the night before. She was wanting to try developing some actual survival skills on her own and that started with having to upgrade from her trusty rusty beginner blade, as heartbreaking as the choice was to make.

Now, Rina moved down one of the many streets of Astorea's capital. The city of the starfallen was very easily one of her favorite locations to check out in game. There was just so much to see and do that it was hard to resist checking everything out. Though today she had a particular destination in mind.

Rina rounded the corner and entered the bakery through the back door. The music in this place was always so gentle and inviting. There was a vibe about it that just drew Rina in, especially since Dough Re Mi had become one of her more frequent haunts when she wasn't out exploring in the wilderness or making messes of interactions with people in the city. It could easily be said that she enjoyed this space for the cozy atmosphere, small crowd, and delicious snacks.

With her tray in hand she wandered around the space checking out all of the fresh selections for the day. Her mind was focused on one treat in particular though, their cream buns. Light, fluffy, and full of a sweet whipped custard...oh just thinking about it made her mouth water. Her eyes lit up as she noticed one of the last of the selection sitting in the bottom of the container. Though as she was reaching for it her fingertips brushed that of another girl.

A blonde elf looked at her with vibrant scarlet eyes. Rina's own expression must have matched the girl as she looked at her in surprise. She honestly hadn't seen the young woman come into the space, so this was...an unexpected encounter? The blonde was the first to speak though and to utter an apology towards her.

"Oh no! This is totally my bad. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention closely enough. I was too focused on the tempting treats."

She noticed the variety of snacks on the girl's tray. It was clear that she was here either for a shopping spree or to sample new treats in a place she's never been. Considering the bakery was a frequent stop for Rina? She guessed that it was the second option.

"It's the last one, but please take it. Their cream bread is something they're popular for and honestly it's delicious. They also have a hazelnut and chocolate version that's absolutely amazing. I highly recommend it as well."

Rina smiled before reaching into a seperate container and picking up a darker colored loaf and placing it on her tray.

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

A girl that looked not much older than herself stared back with the same deer on headlights expression that Lúthien wore, before the eternity that was only a handful of seconds was finally interrupted as the blonde spoke up first. The ranger’s apology was quickly mirrored back by one of their own, before a faint chuckle barely managed to escape through her lips at the amusement development.

"Can’t blame you for that, their selection of sweet and savory really makes it hard for me to only pick one or two things." She’d never been good at denying her impulsive nature either, that fact clearly evident by the amount of items that had already found their way into her tray. "Heard the rumors about their treats, but this is the first time I’ve had some downtime to come check it out."

Brows furrowed just a bit as the stranger suggested she should take the last custard filled bun, a pensive look overtaking her features for a moment as she considered the offer. "Mmm... oh, I know!" Her face lights up as an idea crosses her mind, the excitement swimming within that crimson gaze almost palpable as she looks to the other.

"How about we share it?" This way neither would have to go without, and it’s not like the company of another is unwelcomed by the ranger. "That way we can both enjoy it, but I’ll have space leftover for the hazelnut and chocolate version too~"

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

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Rina let out a giggle at the realization that this new companion of her had the same focus in mind, getting all the treats that her stomach could handle. It was quite nice to have someone with a similar appreciation for the yummy carby goodness to relate with. Though she had made a few friends since joining the game, this encounter was something that seemed, special?

A sliver of red caught Rina's eye as a thin string tied to her wrist seemed to point to the girl in question before disappearing. For a brief moment there was an expression of confusion, though she quickly brushed it away. It must have been one of the skills she selected when crafting her character, that or a subtle flaw only she could see.

"So this is your first time here? Wonderful! I'm sure you're going to adore this place."

Rina grinned and picked up a long thin pastry from the table in front of her. This selection was a lovely light bread made with a raspberry jam filling. Though she didn't usually favor raspberry as a fruit, the jam was simply lovely. She looked at the blonde when she mentioned sharing the pastry that they had both been seeking to try. The excitement on her face saying everything that Rina could possibly hope to convey.

"Yes! I would absolutely love to."

She picked up another small treat, this one a cake roll with a lemon icing inside. Looking at the rather diverse selection on her tray, many of them pointing to the side of sweet, Rina was quite pleased with herself. It wasn't too much for her to handle, but was also enough to share if she needed to.

"Shall we find a spot close to a window to try our snacks?"

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

It was hard to put her feelings into words, but something about this girl just instantly clicked! with the elf—almost as if their paths crossing had been predestined by the Moirai themselves.

"Mhmm~!" Delight colored her voice as Lúthien nodded in agreement. "Already loving the vibes here, and everything on display looks amazing! I’m sure this won’t be the last time I’ll visit."

The custard filled cream bun had soon found a place in her tray, along with one of the hazelnut chocolate varieties that her newfound pastry buddy had pointed out—balancing out her otherwise savory spread. She hadn't needed to think twice before grabbing one of the egg salad sandwiches in display, with a crispy pork curry bread joining it moments after… the little kimchi twist added to their filling was impossible for the elf to ignore.

"Street viewing while reviewing yummy snacks?" The smile on the other was contagious, or perhaps the ranger’s natural attunement to the emotions of those around her boosted Lúthien’s own happiness as a result. "Count me in~"

Her drink of choice had been a lemon black tea with some honey in it for balance, refreshing enough to counter the carb overload they were about to share soon enough. The shop’s current foot traffic was light enough that various table options were available, and it wasn’t hard for them to find a nice spot by the window.

"I should probably introduce myself before we start trading," A light chuckle accompanied her words as the elf realized she still didn’t know the name of the person sitting across from her. "I’m Lúthien, nice to meet ya~"

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

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Rina loved the amosphere that just exuded from her new companion? friend? No! Partner in crime. Yes, that was the vibe that just seemed to resonate between the pair of young women. They could match each other's energy so well, it was almost spooky. Though Rina couldn't hide her smile.

"I know exactly what you mean. I fell in love with this place because of how relaxing it is. Honestly, this is one of my favorite hang out spots in the entire game so far."

Quickly Rina had placed the sum needed for the buns and drinks on the counter while Luthien was selecting her drink. The NPC looked at Rina with a smile before sliding the gold back towards the elf. Then, a black tea with lemon and a chai tea with milk and honey were set on the trays.

There were a few perks to enjoy with being a regular in the space.

"I hope you don't mind me treating you this time. I've built up a bit of credit with the shop, so I figured this would be a good time to use it. I should've asked you first though."

She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly with a grin as she picked up her tray and took it over to one of the tables that overlooked the street. She sat down and looked at the delicious selection of treats on her tray. Her mouth was already watering with excitement. Though she paid attention as her companion finally gave her a name.

Luthien? A very pretty name.

"A pleasure to meet you! I'm Wisp. I'm still super new to the game, so this place is kinda my special spot right now."

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

Her plan had been to cover for the both of them, but the opportunity was quickly missed when Lúthien had stopped for just a moment to think about what drink would pair the best with the treats. The side glance shot by the elf was the universal ”Really???” look, though the smile that lined her lips showed Lúthien wasn’t upset at the audacity of her newfound friend.

"That’s alright," No use arguing now that the tab had been settled after all. "Just means I’ll have to find a way to pay it back double next time~"

Already the ranger had a few ideas in mind, though she’d reserve them to herself for the time being.

"Damn, how often do you come here to build up credit with them?" Though not unheard of within the game, or IRL really, it wasn’t exactly common either—something usually reserved for either big spenders or customers that the shopkeeper truly felt comfortable and at ease with. "They must really like you~"

Not like it was hard to see why, they’d only just met but already Lúthien was enjoying her company greatly. She nodded as a name was given in return, before Wisp confirmed what her eyes had already been suspecting—she was still fairly new to this game.

"The pleasure’s all mine, Wisp." While she meant the words, her smile didn’t quite seem to reach her eyes this time around. Lúthien couldn’t help but wonder just how much of the game’s true nature her newfound friend was aware of, but bringing that up right now—when they’d been about to enjoy a good time over sweets—felt like an absolute bummer.

"Whatcha like about it so far?" Instead she chose to try and circumvent the topic for the time being, making a mental note to properly address it later once their bellies were full and content. "For me the food is a biiig plus~"

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

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She let out a laugh at Luth's comment. She would pay her back double? Well, Rina was one to let a fair exchange happen, buuuut...that was also a challenge. She would love to see her try.

"I look forward to it."

She grinned widely at the question which followed the blonde's statement though. How often did she come here? Well, it couldn't be said that it was an every single day kind of visit, but it was an almost every single day thing. She really really liked the baked goods here. It sort of came with the fact that she often ended up skipping meals due to the time constraints of her daily life. Twins, two jobs, and handling her personal issues...well the lack of time was there. So, in the late nights or wee hours of the morning when she could log in and come to enjoy a little cup of tea and a tasty treat...well she enjoyed it.

"Well...I wouldn't call it an addiction, but its very much become a part of my daily routine almost? This place is kind of like...my safe space."

She watched the expressions Luth made. There was a genuineness behind her words, but she noticed that the smile she wore didn't always seem like it met with the emotion she was really trying to convey. Though, she didn't say anything. Everyone had their reasons for holding back their feelings on things. Perhaps there was something she just couldn't convey?

Though as their conversation shifted to focus on the game she had to pause. There were many things about the game that drew her in, but based on the way the elf spoke she wondered just how much she had experienced. Sure, she treated this game like a light hearted adventure most days, but Rina was aware of the rumors tied to TS. Though at the time of starting she wasn't exactly certain just how true they were...she still wasn't even now.

"I like the exploration aspect and discovering new things. The people are so unique, both NPC and other players. The food is definitely amazing too~ but there is something about the sensory experience that just feels so intense. It's hard to describe but it's so captivating."

She smiled softly as she pondered what she would like to do in the future. She certainly found herself more at home in the spaces with nature than anything as of late.

"It would be cool to join an adventuring guild or something I think. What about you? You've been playing this game for a while right?"

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

She didn’t miss that twinkle in the eyes or the light curve at the end of her lips as Wisp uttered her words, a challenge thinly veiled in acceptance, and Lúthien absolutely loved those.

"Mmm, I can see why… the atmosphere here is very relaxing." She didn’t comment further on the previous matter, after all surprises were surprising because they caught others by—well, for a lack of a better word—surprise. "I’ll have to add them into my rotation if their treats are as good as they smell and look."

It was surprising that this place had managed to escape her radar for so long, perhaps built during the reconstruction efforts in the capital? Lúthien was certain it hadn’t been in this corner before, though the elf couldn’t exactly remember what might’ve stood here before the heavy damage plenty of buildings had sustained… Thoughts that she quickly pushed back into the recesses of her mind, unnecessary to mull over right now—not when she was having such a good time.

"I see, I see…" She nodded softly as Wisp shared the things she’d come to enjoy so far through her adventures, before the human nailed the best perk of the game right on the head. "¡¿Verdad que sí?!"

A part of her didn’t miss how Wisp referred to the natives of the game as NPCs, a mistake she’d made in the past herself, but the excitement she felt caused her to overlook it for the time being. "It was such a shock at first, everything here feels so real that it’s quite easy to forget this isn’t our reality." She’d lost track of how many times she’d spent logged into this game far longer than the time limits the elf had initially placed on herself, and that was without counting the moments where logging out hadn’t been a feasible option…

Thankfully, those had been few and far in between enough that Lúthien could probably count them in one hand and still have fingers to spare.

"Mhmm, I started playing about… mmm, a year and a half or so now?" That’s something she’d never quite stopped to think about until now, time really had flown without the blonde realizing it. "Joined the Explorers League shortly after I started~"

A hand reached for the leather string around her neck, pulling the violet whistle into view for Wisp. "Different factions use different ways to visually track the ranks of their members, in our case we craft ours from specific materials we have to gather as part of it."

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

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Rina snacked on her raspberry bread happily as she listened to Luthien. Her exclaimation in another language catching her ear. Spanish? She tilted her head in confusion for a moment. That wasn't a language that came naturally, but perhaps she could learn it? She smiled softly. It was nice to see that sparkle in her new friend's eye. Though the chewiness of the bread in her mouth made it difficult for her to respond.

Though she noticed the way that Luth spoke about the world. Mentioning that it was their reality. Though, she wondered about that statement. Her gaze slowly drifting over to the woman who was working behind the counter. Perhaps, Luth had a point? This game may not have been the reality she knew, but for the people...er NPCs? in this world....this was their reality. Perhaps she should be more respectful of that?

She swallowed her bread and took a sip of her chai tea.

"I see what you mean. This world is beautiful and there's no place like it honestly."

Her gaze widened at the realization of how much more experience the elf had in this game. For real? A year and a half was a long time to dedicate to a place like this. Knowing that it was possible to have that much passion for a game, well it made Rina excited. She barely had a few weeks of experience, but it felt like a completely different lifetime. So to know that other people could have such impressive experiences too....it was exciting.

"Sounds like you're really loving this place. I'm glad to know that its going to be an impressive experience then."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement though as Luth mentioned the Explorer's League. It was something she knew nothing about in the game. But, the group seemed like something that would be right up her alley for exploration. She wanted to know more, but she didn't want to pressure the blonde. Though as her gaze fell on the whistle she smiled. That seemed so cool and yet so fun. Though the other necklace around her neck also made her curious.

"That's such a pretty item! Oh and a moon? That's such a pretty choker too. Where did you get that from?"

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

The occasional pause here and there allowed the blonde to start partaking in her own treats when she wasn’t speaking, a delighted hum echoing from her shortly after biting into the curry and kimchi mix bread. The crispy outside texture perfectly complemented the savory and spicy filling, with a light tanginess that helped curb any heaviness from the mix.

Yup, she’d definitely be making more stops at Dough Re Mi on the way home after a long day of dealing with issues and the newer recruits in the League.

"They’re not the only faction around of course," She could see the way Wisp’s eyes lit up as the blonde spoke more about the explorers, the look on her face perfectly matching what Lúthien assumed had been her own upon hearing about the League for the first time. "There’s also the Lions Pride, who help keep the city streets safe for players and landers alike, and the Adventurers Guild. "

A sip from her black lemon tea kept her mouth hydrated before she continued to explain. "They’re kinda the jack of all trades around these parts, or at least I think so, taking up odd jobs and complicated requests offered by the landers." She knew many from the Guild, some of those being her friends too, and always enjoyed the stories Toko shared with Yugam and her whenever they managed to visit the lepus back in Honeyhome.

"Lastly you have MIT, the Magical Institute of Theory." An eccentric bunch if anyone asked Lúthien, though she still believed they had the best interests of the players at heart. "If you like to research things, and don’t mind frying up some of your neurons in the process, then they’re definitely a perfect choice."

"That said, if you’re ever interested about the League…" Another sip of her drink was followed by a playful wink, a mischievous tone now coating her words as she spoke. "I can definitely be your guide~"

Another bite was given to the curry bread before she settled the item down, now halfway through, before nodding to Wisp that she could have the rest if she wished to try it out. Her hands reached for the egg salad sandwich next, but before the blonde could sink her teeth into it she caught off-guard at the compliments her choker received.

"Oh, t-thanks!" Her fingers softly brushed the metallic frame that held the blessed moonstone fondly, a light blush spreading on her cheeks. "It was a Wintersday present from my boyfriend."

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

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Rina couldn't supress her excitement. Her face lit up like a christmas light as Luth continued explaining the different organizations. The adventurers' guild was certainly something that drew her attention, though Lion's Pride, the League and even MIT sounded so fascinating as well. There were so many areas she could explore and educate herself on?

She couldn't help the giddiness in her actions as she excitedly slid the uneaten half of her raspberry twist towards Luth as a silent offer to try the treat. Her heart was pounding as she considered what her options could potentially be. Though the offer to explore the league with the elf made her almost want to jump over the moon. She really did feel like a little kid a christmas.

"Dude! That would be so amazing~ I would love to do that with you Luthien. Thank you for the offer."

She happily stole a chunk of the curry bread to sample. Her taste buds danced with the savory and spiciness of the delicious treat. It was honestly so impressive how good it tasted. Dough Re Mi had clearly done it again!

"Landers? Is that the proper title for the people who live here?"

She asked curiously before picking up her second treat of choice. A lemon custard filled bread with a soft glaze on top. It smelled so sweet and citrusy. She couldn't wait to take a bite. Though as she watched Luth talk about the lovely necklace she couldn't help but smile.

A gift from her boyfriend.

"He sounds like a very special guy. He's clearly got great taste for accessories. I'd love to hear more about him if you ever wanna chat. I'm weird cuz I do love girl talk."

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

It was hard to deny the happiness she felt upon seeing Wisp so invested in the things Lúthien had to share about the factions, harder still to keep her lips from smiling even as she bit down into the offered raspberry twist. Sweet without being too much, a perfect balance once again. While she wasn’t exactly fond of this particular fruit, the blonde had to admit it tasted quite delicious when made into a jam—and this still held true inside the game.

"Of course, it’s the very least I can do." Another wink before she finished off the sweet pastry, taking another sip of her lemon tea to cleanse her palette before continuing. "No pressure or strings attached either, I’d be just as happy to guide you towards someone in the other factions if you prefer them instead."

Finally she got to bite into the sandwich she’d been eyeing all this time, the crustless bread texture fluffy and light—it almost felt as if she was biting into a cloud. "Mmmph!" A muffled cry echoed as she savored it, if heaven had a flavor she hoped it was this one.

"Damn, this has to be one of the best egg salad sammiches I’ve had in a whiiileee...!" A hand rose to cover her mouth as she spoke out of politeness, barely able to contain her praise until she’d properly swallowed. "This settles it, I’m coming here often from now on."

Another bite and eventually she’d reached the halfway point for it too, settling it down and silently offering it for Wisp to try—such a heavenly delight deserved, no, demanded to be shared with others after all.

"Mhmm yeah, the term ‘landers’ refers to the people of the land." Another sip of her glass. "They refer to us as ‘starcalled’ due to the way a shooting star shines bright in the sky before a new player logs in, though some in Astorea have begun to adapt some of our terms into their vocab with time."

Oftentimes it was those that had a lot of daily interactions with players such as herself, mostly within the territory of Astorea, and Lúthien had found it quite fascinating to see it happen. It hadn’t taken long before the term of NPCs had phased out completely from her mind, their interactions too intricate and organic to be compared to the scripted dialogue of all the games she’d played in the past.

"Nah, you’re not weird at all." She was quick to defend Wisp from her own words, even if the light blush on her cheeks remained. "Girl talk often leads to some of the best conversations I’ve ever had." It was certainly something she enjoyed, even if Lúthien hadn’t had as much of a chance to partake in it before she’d began diving into Terrasphere.

"He really is~" The smile that lined her lips as she spoke of Yugam was perhaps the most genuine one that she’d shown Wisp so far. "We actually met each other IRL first while attending the 2033 Mega Summerfest in New York."

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

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Rina giggled as she watched Luthien's delight once she was finally able to snack on her delicious egg sandwich. It seemed like the two of them had similar tastes given the girl's reaction was nearly the exact same as her own the first time she tried it.

"Oh no, please enjoy the rest. I actually had one with my coffee this morning."

She grinned as she listened to Luth explain the terms used within the game.

"Wow. I had no idea there was such distinct terminology used in game. We're actually called Starcalled? That's honestly so impressive. This place really is more alive than I could ever hope to describe. So then, does that mean the rumors about TS being like...its own world is really true? "

Another giggle left her mouth as she watched her friend flush once the topic of her boyfriend came up. She happily sipped her drink and enjoyed listening to her explain how they met. It was so sweet to know they developed a their relationship during a shared passion. She'd heard about the Mega Summerfest, but hadn't ever been herself. The time nor the money were there for her to indulge in such pleasures at this point in her life.

"Sounds like one amazing adventure in New York. So you've been together a little bit then? I grew up on the East Coast, so visiting the city isn't as exciting as it used to be. My mom lives in the Bronx now though with my brother. I'm on the west coast with my kiddos."

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

Wisp didn’t need to decline it twice, the blonde was more than happy to finish off the egg sandwich as soon as her friend had suggested it the first time. "I love making these at home, the filling is so convenient to snack on, but I don’t find them often in the shops." And the few times she did, IRL or in-game, the ratios were usually off on the ingredients. Dough Re Mi had managed to land them perfectly though, and freshly baked bread really was superior to the store bought pre-sliced loaves.

The delight she’d felt diminished however as their conversation strayed closer to topics the blonde had hoped to avoid, at least while they enjoyed their meal. However, seeing how interested Wisp was in the place, perhaps it wasn’t a surprise they’d reached this point sooner rather than later—the white-haired player sitting across from her reminded Lúthien of herself when she’d first started out.

Still she chose to remain silent for the time being, hoping to enjoy just a little more time with her newfound twin flame before the truth of this game might cause them to drift apart. "It really was amazing, best solo trip I’d ever planned." Her smile was back as she thought about those memories and, while she was sure the Summerfest would’ve been wonderful regardless, meeting Ari on the first day had made it an unforgettable week.

"I’d never been to New York before, so it was quite memorable and different from what I’m used to." A soft chuckle escaped before she bit down into the hazelnut chocolate cream donut, leaving the custard one that had brought them together for last. "I grew up in the tropics where the sun is out to get ya before moving in with my grandparents in Michigan when I was sixteen."

She’d perked up at Wisp’s mention of a brother, but it was the sudden revelation of the children waiting back home that caused her shoulders to stiffen ever so slightly. Better now than never… She wouldn’t hold it against the new player if Wisp decided to never play this game again after Lúthien revealed the true dangers that lurked within it, but she’d miss her presence all the same.

"I dunno how true some of the rumors about the world here might be, but there’s no denying this is too unique to be just another game." Unless the developers working on this were omniscient and omnipotent—something the blonde doubted with every fiber of her being—there was no way a bunch of underground devs trying to bypass the laws put in place by the VRSA could ever code such a flawless thing.

"That said there is one rumor that’s been proven true," She took a sip of her own drink, hoping the freshness of the lemon could clear away the bitter taste in the back of her mouth at having to deliver these news to someone new… but it was best that Wisp knew it early, before it was far too late for her to turn back. "Death is very real in this game."

Her once vibrant voice had become somber as she spoke, hoping to stress the seriousness of this conversation to the other. "The pain limiter will keep most of the agony at bay if you ever end up in a situation with no escape, and for the first two deaths you’ll respawn at the nearest temple you visited—pretty standard for most MMOs, right?" She’d been warned plenty of times by veterans to not turn off her own pain limiter when she’d started playing… though that didn’t mean she’d listened.

"Things change entirely if you’re unlucky enough to die a third time." Even the treat she’d been enjoying until then had been placed back on her tray, hands resting on the table even as her fingers fidgeted with a napkin between them. "You’ll still revive… but you won’t have access to the UI anymore. You’ll be locked within Arcia, this world…"

It was a future she wouldn’t wish on anyone that might have ties back in the real world, and it was clear Wisp had plenty. She was vibrant and curious, and Lúthien had little doubt in her mind that she was a doting mother to the kiddos waiting for her back home. ".. Perhaps forever."

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

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She chuckled at the enthusiasm that Luthien seemed to show for the sandwich. She made note of the fact that it was clearly one of her new friend's favorites. She would have to make her some in game one day. Once she mastered the gastronomics of it at least. Her little adventure with Hanno recently had proven useful for that learning challenge, but making a blueberry sauce vs egg salad was very different.

"I agree. It's quite delicious."

Rina couldn't hide her excited blush that crossed her cheeks as her friend started talking about her trip to New York and how she met her boyfriend. It was honestly so cute, almost like something out of a Hallmark movie. A meet cute ending with a real relationship after some sort of challenge between the two. Honestly, She could only imagine something so precious.

There was an uncomfortable pause before Luthien began speaking again after she finished her summary of the way she met her boyfriend. The tone she used was calm and even a bit heavy. It concerned the rumor around dying in the game. This was something that Rina had considered heavily before she started playing it.

What did she have to lose? Well, her time with her children. Watching them grow up. Her time with her brothers or her mom, but...she'd considered all of that. Compared to what she was forced to deal with everyday. The things that were worse than taking off her clothes for patrons, or the stress of the money she rarely had. No, it was the pain. Her life not being her own.

A bitch owned by a man that saw no value in her existence in his pursuit of power.

The loss of the only person who held her heart because of her own choices....the fact that she couldn't face that lover or hold him again...it was like she couldn't breathe.

Rina closed her eyes as she listened. She knew that Luth was saying these things with her own good in mind. It was a conversation that she needed to have, but her resolve had been made a long time ago.

"Well...if I'm honest Luthien...I'm not afraid to die here."

She smiled softly. It sort of reflected the manner she would approach her twins when they asked about their father. Why wasn't Daddy with them? They knew he existed, but not his face or his voice. They probably never would, but they had their Nonno...and that was the person they would always have if Rina disappeared from their world someday.

"My life isn't my own in our reality. I'm in a situation where I'm being protected from something I have no control over. But, if that other person every gets ahold of me...well let's just say I'm aware that everyday is a blessing....I don't think being stuck here would be so bad...I've arranged everything for my twins so that they're going to be safe and loved no matter what."

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

Her gaze never wavered from Wisp’s features as the elf spoke, heightened senses keeping track of every minuscule twitch or shift from her facial muscles to the news that Lúthien delivered. There wasn’t a hint of hesitation as Wisp responded back, even as the white-haired human gave Lúthien a soft smile.

"Can’t say I’m glad to hear any of that," There was a warmth to Wisp’s voice that the ranger faintly recognized, a manner of speaking that she hadn’t experienced in years now… but it was impossible to outright forget, not when it had been so dear to the blonde. A long exhale finally fluttered out her nostrils from a breath Lúthien hadn’t realized she’d been holding onto, before she offered Wisp a soft smile of her own."But it’s clear you’ve thought and planned for the possibility, that alone is comforting."

Everyone had their own problems and struggles in life that they needed to figure out, or sometimes simply escape from. Lúthien wasn’t a stranger to that, though she couldn’t help the way her brows furrowed in concern as she pondered Wisp’s words. The things they hinted at were certainly not light or trivial, but even if she’d been a breath away from her back in Michigan the ranger wasn’t sure there might be anything she could do for her newfound friend.

Life truly was the cruelest of mistresses.

"Dunno how much help I can be, buuut if you ever need someone to vent out to I’ve been told my ears are pretty good~" A light hearted joke along with the only aid Lúthien could think to offer, but one she hoped Wisp considered if the need ever came for it. "Until then I can teach you all I know so far, but please promise me one thing in return."

Her head rested against her left palm, propped up by the elbow atop the table, as her right hand extended halfway through the table towards Wisp—pinky held out in the universal sign of a vow. "I won’t ask you to not die, that’d be absurd of me to demand and impossible to prevent if you plan to keep playing long tem… so promise me instead you won’t be too reckless and waste one of your lives out there."

A lesson she’d learned the hard way, but it hadn’t stopped the blonde from login into the game for more. "And if you’re in a position where there’s no escape be sure to drag as many of them down with you as you go, ‘kay?"

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

.
.

Rina couldn't hide her smile as she realized that Luth would accept her reasoning for the choices she made. Honestly, she was glad that someone was worried about her playing this kind of game. She had only known the girl for a short time, but she could feel a bond with her that if the cards were played correctly....could lead to a very long and fulfilling friendship.

"Thank you Luthien."

The words her new friend spoke actually brought tears to her eyes that she quickly wiped away with a cloth. No one in her family knew the full extent of what she had to endure beyond her children's grandfather. That man was a rock she could lean on, but he lived 3000 miles away from her. Her own mother was also on the other side of the country. Honestly, the only reason she stayed where she was came from the fact that it was safer, the schools were better, and well....he was close.

She raised her hand and locked pinky fingers with her friend. An unbreakable promise was made with the action. Rina would hold true to this…

"I would be more than happy to learn from such an experienced player....and I'll keep that promise. I'll take out as many as I have to."

She picked up her lemony bun and took another bite. She'd remembered that a social media influencer said something sour would help calm your nerves and get your body out of panic mode. This was a good opportunity to test it. Considering how somber their conversation had become, Rina felt that maybe it would be smart to change the subject.

"So spill. What made you fall for your boyfriend?"

@Luthien

 

[Luthien]

She’d noticed the moisture pooling in Wisp’s lower eyelids as she spoke, the action enough for the familiar sting to begin at the corners of her own eyes before the blonde quietly bit the inside of her cheek to stop it. Instead she offered her new friend a comforting smile, one that soon shifted into a cheeky grin as Wisp’s pinky locked tightly with her own.

"It’s a promise then~"

Part of her hoped the white-haired woman wouldn’t go through the experience ever, even if she knew the odds were stacked against them. For now she would do whatever she could to ensure the other had as many advantages as possible. They might’ve only just met, but the elf was certain she’d keep this one around her for a long time if life allowed it.

Her attention turned back to her own cream bun, taking another mouthful and enjoying the chocolate goodness within it, before a few sips of her black lemon tea helped swallow it all down—"Phhbt!?" Although she certainly agreed with switching to lighter topics now, the blonde wasn’t quite ready for the speed in which Wisp quickly turned it back to her. A couple of coughs followed her sputtering, the tea quickly placed back down before she took a napkin to clean the small mess on her side of the table and her face.

"Gimme some warning before you shoot next time, alright?" The smile on her lips betrayed any attempt of a serious delivery with her words, the ranger leaned back on her chair as she thought about it.

"Hmmm..." An index finger tapped her bottom lip gently as Lúthien reminisced on old memories, before a soft chuckle slipped through her lips at the memory. "Well it certainly wasn’t love at first sight, in fact meeting him actually cost me an ice cream cup."

A final bite was taken from the chocolate bun before she silently nodded in its direction for Wisp to finish, another sip of her tea slowly chasing away the sweetness that clung to her tongue and palate before she continued. "Turns out the line for the place was a mile long by the time we went back to it, and they had run out of dark chocolate too, but we also had quite a few things in common, and I guess we just… clicked?"

It might have not been love at first sight exactly, but Eros definitely didn’t waste too much time before striking with that arrow of his…

@Wisp

 

[Wisp]

.
.

"A promise to keep."

She spoke softly before sliding the other half of her lemony roll towards the elf. She'd had her fill of the refreshing flavors, honestly she wanted something more savory. Her gaze fell back on the curry bread that she's only picked at previously. This time she picked it up and enjoyed the crispy and fluffy texture with a grin. So spicy and soooo good! It honestly hit the spot.

Rina couldn't bite back her laughter as she watched Luth's reaction to her request for the blonde to spill the details about her relationship. The things that drew her friend to fall for a man. Perhaps it was her own curiosity, or maybe a bit of envy? Well, no...it certainly wasn't that.

"And miss out on a reaction like that? I could never do such a thing." She giggled.

She'd felt the intense flames of loving someone so much you would burn yourself out for them. While it wasn't exactly a perfect relationship, it was a period in her life that made her the happiest. Being a wide eyed girl naive to the hardships that would follow her simply because she loved someone. From that passion came the two most important treasures in her world...in her universe even.

The silvery haired woman listened to her friend talk about their first meeting, the ice cream that she'd lost out on, and the fact that they hadn't clicked per se. It felt so simple, so real, and yet, very down to Earth. Rina couldn't help but to smile at that realization.

"I see~ it's nice to hear. I wish my love affair had been as easy as that....I mean it was easy, but...it didn't end with such a sweetness to it."

@Luthien