Open Lake Horatio Contemplative Waters (Open for 1)

[Seto Kurama]

Now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure what advice Alonso had given since he had arrived after the fact, but he was nonetheless pleased, regardless If had had shown it or not. With this, at least he showed he was trying, which was a bit more than what he had remembered prior. That meant nothing however, compared to the camaraderie he felt between himself and Alonso. While it was true the two had little, If anything in common as warriors, he couldn't ignore the fact that the two were more like as individuals than he had initially thought. He was trilled to meet to another like himself, even If he knew deep down, It wouldn't stop him from eventually meeting his maker alone. He didn't know what to do with these feelings, as he knew his mission and what It demanded of him. For now however, having Alonso's best interest at heart, he suppressed those emotions, not wanting to make things difficult for himself or for Alonso.

Still having difficulties in suppressing those thoughts, he was mostly quiet on the follow up as Alonso and Nyancy made further mention of their possible plans. While Alonso was firm in what he wanted to do, wanting to reveal more of the fog of war that was plaguing the land, Nyancy was far more separated on the matter, not sure what path to follow. Her usual, never ending pacing was indication of that, as well as her sudden outbursts, but he didn't mind. While he could certainly see how It was annoying to others, he had no such issue's. It allowed him to see inwards, which he much rather preferred than to the later. When she finished however with a shrug, with his arms folded tight, he peeled his head just high enough. From the top edges of his crimson eyes, he gave her a glare.

Do what you feel is right. There is no right answer....but if there is, only you can make it.

After he shook his head at his own response, he briefly closed his eyes before he loosened up. When he flashed his eyes open a second later, a gentle smile came over him at Nyancy's suggestion.

While it wasn't my intention to unwind today, well besides for taking that nap anyway, I suppose It couldn't hurt to relax a little more. I could use a good soak.....but I'll leave the fishing to the professionals. I've never had much skill in fishing, in this world or the other.....unless you wanna count me electrifying the waters!

Making himself jest, he wiped a tear from his eye before he looked towards Alonso for an answer, curious as to what it would be. While he waited, the lake reminded him of a memory that he had thought was lost. He quivered at the thought, and deep down, he really hoped something like that wouldn't occur again. What would be the chances he run into someone like Vivian again? Or the fact they would try to seduce him of all people. He doubt his book could save him this time...

@Alonso Thorlion
@Nyancy​

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

The conversation had been rather serious before, even after some levity was dragged in between Seto and Alonso. Shrugging as well, he looked from Nyancy to Seto and said, "Wouldn't mind a swim myself. Took forever getting out here and there's no point in exhausting myself by pushing forward. Hell I don't think I've ever really relaxed in Terrasphere before except once after the Azog fight when some of us headed towards some hot springs."

He also wanted to jump in the lake before his veteran player companion decided to actually electrocute the fish.

"That being said, I'm heading in." Having access to an inventory system meant all of his stuff was safe, and it was not like he was wearing anything important such as armor. Turning on his heel, the giant Felis crouched down to face the lake, then pushed himself forward and dove in. He had the courtesy to not cause such a ruckus that his friends were going to get wet in the process.

After a few moments of the man gliding through the water, he came up and shook his head. Cyan hair was flattened, a shiver rushing up his spine as he adjusted to the water's temperature. Maybe once he logged off he will find a local pool and relax in real life. Turning around the man faced where the other two were, broad chest parting the water around him. "Well come on, don't mind me," he called out.

@Nyancy
@Seto Kurama

 

[Nyancy]

Nyancy looked at Seto.

Ya know, yah not the fahst person I've met that suggested electrahcutin' the watah tah catch fish. That just a lightin' magic usah thing.

Nyancy laughed.

I'll tell ya what I told the otha pahson, ain't much sport if ya just light up the like with electricity ya know. There's an aht to fishin', but ya knew that.

Winking, Nyancy looked to the water.

I wasn't really plannin' on swimmin' tahday, but Mr. Alonso ova thea is makin' it look too good tah pass up. I think I may take a dip myself. Aftah that maybe do some fishin.

Walking towards the water, Nyancy called back partly to Seto and partly to herself.

This woyld is nice sometimes ain't it?

Reaching the water's edge, Nyancy slowly treaded in.

Bit cold but it's whateva, not too bad.

Soon, the small Felish was treading water in the lake. Calling out to Alonso, Nyancy asked a question.

So yah said ya wanted to exploah the woyld a bit. Ya gonna join them explorahs in tha explorah guild? Or is this just ya wantin' tah see things foah yaself.

@Alonso Thorlion @Seto Kurama

 

[Seto Kurama]

Taking him up on his suggestion, Seto made a firm nod before Alonso further mentioned he hadn't relaxed once since the party that had occurred after Azog's death. Hearing that, he initially became awestruck before his eyes quickly rolled after that. He had forgotten about that event but after it's mere mention,
It all came back to him, much to his distain. If It hadn't been for his wife being there with him, who knows what might have happened, since it was essentially just party full of horny teenager's. At that thought, and in an attempt to remove it from his mind, he shook his head in a low key fashion. By the time he came back to it, he found himself baring witness to Alonso's massive, well built, rugged body entering the lake. Impressed by what he saw, including that finely sculpted behind of his, he couldn't help but make a smug as he began caressing his chin and slowly nodding his head in approval. Even though he wasn't into men himself, he could certainly understand the temptation for those that were.

He thought to make a comment, as from one comrade to another of course, but Nyancy made sure to put a end to that, once he realized she was staring up at him. With a mellow smile, he shrugged.

Maybe but it still works doesn't it?

After he spoke in a half hearted matter, he found himself laughing alongside Nyancy, seemingly for the same reason. That abruptly came to a end when Nyancy gave him a wink. Oh, oh oh, two could play at that game, he thought. In return with a friendly gesture, he gave her one of his own before he allowed her to continue. Hearing her idea too, that she wanted to join Alonso and jump in, he nodded too.

Might as well right? Unless your uncomfortable with nudity? Otherwise, some grilled fished afterwards might be nice.

Despite having made a curious frown aimed towards himself, he found his attention being taken off Nyancy as Alonso called out for them to join him. Being that was his intention, he soon followed suit but stopped halfway when It was Nyancy's turn to call out towards him, remarking the world could be nice at times.
He agreed but as his mind began remembering all the times mother nature had tried to kill him, he just couldn't stop himself from being just a little sarcastic towards her.

Yeah, when the world isn't trying to murder me.

Watching Nyancy slowly tread herself into the water, he was now the last person who hadn't entered. Well it was time to change that. While Nrancy swam near Alonso to get his attention, he first proceeded to pull off his black & white striped nagagi before throwing it on the ground. Afterwards, his haneri, his black collared shirt that sat underneath his nagagi, came next. After gently pulling his sturdy arms through and placing it on the ground on top of his nagagi, his smooth, well built, slender frame was exposed. After that, It only took but a few minutes for him to remove his remaining clothes, from his white oni belt to his dark brown leather boots, eventually revealing everything in it's entirety yet despite being nude, he showed no concern and why should he? He was no pervert, he wasn't trying to show off, he was simply going to relax in the water. With no hesitation whatsoever, he slowly made his way into the lake, ignoring the cold along the way until he was just a few feet in. From there, after finding a serviceable, flat rock to lay his head on, he laid his back into the water while his head rested on the large, flat rock he had found. Unlike his two companions whom were swimming and chatting it up, he closed his eyes and relaxed, allowing the water's ice cold sensation to take over and eventually cool him down. Perhaps after he was done unwinding, he would join them but for now? nothing beat a good, cold soak.


@Alonso Thorlion
@Nyancy​

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

For a moment his mind took in the fresh environment, zoning his senses in on the natural world around him. Living in an urban landscape of metal structures and sometimes grungy air was not unnatural for him. In fact, he was quite settled in when it came to a cityscape. But the sheer contrast made him long for something else. The clean air and otherwise open realm cleared his head, the lake's water not just some chlorine filled construction. A feeling he never once thought he wanted. Some of it might be his Beastfolk nature, as even though he neared five decades of a modern, human life, his present body told so many other stories.

Maybe he should just float here and let the waters drag him to some undiscovered place. Perhaps a secret found by sheer accident upon finding a deeper connection with the world no matter what his masteries were. Over the years he discovered so much about himself, but also found how little he truly did. Was that the purpose behind his newfound traits? Was is just a personal cluelessness?

Alonso shook his head with a huff, coming out of his trance as he looked at Nyancy. Her questioning nature may have also saved the man from delving into less desired, and more dangerous, areas of self-reflection. "Ahem, well ... it's more for personal awareness. Might need a lot of time before I decide on joining any faction. With how little anyone knows about what's going on outside the borders of what we consider well known places, I figured I might as well go figure something out. That, and none of the factions really convinced me since so far it sounds like a fight for attention as it stands."

Veering his gaze around, he caught sight of Seto's entrance. Now, by no means did Seto have a frame the Felis held a preference for, but sometimes a man just pulled it off in Alonso's eyes. Before he got too into it, having some level of courtesy, the giant of a Felis pulled his gaze away. He allowed a moment of silence to go by, eventually returning his gaze on Seto once the other man rest against a rock.

Careful around the smaller Beastfolk, Alonso swam a bit towards his older friend, but still gave a hefty amount of breathing room. "Too good for us, eh," the man said, giving a more mischievous grin. "Unless you're tired from running so fast all the time. Always in a hurry over there."

@Nyancy
@Seto Kurama

 

[Nyancy]

Watching Alonso approach Seto, Nyancy thought it prudent to give them some time to talk. Besides, all the questions she had for the pair were pretty much asked and answered so she was content to float.

Hmm... I think if I was gonna choose one of them factions, I think MIT would be tha right one. Like I said, I ain't no researcha but if theyah needin someone tah be like the face ah the organization, do the talkin' and things like that, I think I could be pretty good at that type ah thing. After all, I met all them people in the fahrest and I'm good at makin' ah deal. I think that might suit me. Couse if any of them researchahs get outta line, theyah gonna get a talkin' to, maybe even ah beatin' if they messin' around a little too much.

The small Felis was content to float in the water and let her imagination go with the possibilities of everything she might become in the future.

@Seto Kurama @Alonso Thorlion

 

[Seto Kurama]

In the minutes that passed and he began enjoying himself to the fullest, his feelings of paranoia began to leave him, normally something he would be concerned about, but with the camaraderie he had with Alonso, he assured himself that there was nothing to worry about. He could say the same about Nyancy as well, even If he didn't associate much with people like her. While It wasn't out of malice, some people of that archetype often drew him to the edge, and after being in a relationship with Sola, he wanted to ensure his sanity would stay intact. Regardless, after being gone for so long, this was one of the things he missed most, just relaxing in or at the lake's edge with his old eroge novel in hand. The other world, his other life, just couldn't compare, in spite of living somewhere similar with his wife and daughter. There was just something magical about this place. Perhaps because it hadn't been tattered yet by modern hands. Whatever the reason, he make sure to enjoy to it's fullest. As time continued to fly and lake's continuous, cold sensation continued to sooth his hot body, a occasional, a gentle groan would escape him. This continued even as the nearby splashes of moving water grew closer and closer until It stopped only several feet away. Initially his paranoia came back but he was soon put at ease when his senses realized it was his old companion. Hearing Alonso in his sly, silly like tone, suggesting he was too good for them, he himself immediately made a smug himself, unable to keep a straight face as he began to chuckle.

Heh, you got me, guilty as charged, but do you blame me? Have you tried out running a bastard like Azog or the constant, crazy women that wanna kill you? It ain't easy, I'll tell you that!

He laughed again, remembering himself of his times with Kaede, Katarina and all the other women he had dealt with. He never understood how he was always around women even though he never had much interest in them in the first place.

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

Alonso let out a snort with a chuckle following soon after. "No, I haven't tried out running someone like Azog because unlike you I just take it as it comes and keep going like the stubborn fucker I am." His voice had returned to a stern tone, visage becoming stoic as he said his response. Of course, it was only a few moments after did his wild grin return. Not having to keep a dour face on was another mode of relaxation that may prove beneficial in the future. Though he may never know how people happy all the time are, well, happy all the time.

He let out another sigh and said, "As for the swarm of crazy women party, can't say I ever had the opportunity for something similar. Because if I actually was able to find a way to live your life where the hell are the men going nuts for a single bear like myself?" Alonso rolled his eyes at the end, knowing full well his dating life was ... complicated. Everyone seemed to be more concerned with looking like a model from the nearest copy machine and 'not like other guys' instead of being a mature, responsible adult.

Or was that asking for too much?

Deciding that having to raise his voice was a pain, he swam closer to the rock and rest his head against an untaken side of it. He stayed quiet for a moment longer, then spoke up, "But you probably don't want to hear me rant about my preferences. If anything I don't even know if you're a legal adult offline, because the conversation will be awkward if that was the case. Like I mentioned, I do have standards, and not just in a joking manner."

The man looked back towards Nyancy, checking on her. It may have been a rather peaceful lake, but anything was still possible and chomp down on the smallest thing available. No point in trying to make friends just to lose them to bullshit all because he was careless two seconds after.

@Nyancy
@Seto Kurama

 

[Nyancy]

Ah, now this is tha life. Still, I did a bit too mucha ah this befoah so it wouldn't be good tah slip intah old habits.

Floating back to the shallower side where she could stand. Nyancy made her way out of the water and began looking around for sticks.

Gotta find a good one fah this hea lake. I bet theas some kinda crazy fish ah monstahs ah whateva in this one.

Moving around the shore line, Nyancy found a stick she felt was worthy.

How about this one. Let's check tha pliability... yah that look's good. Got enough bend so it don't break ah nuthin. I'll use this one tahday.

Having picked her stick, Nyancy prepped it getting rid of extra limbs and trying to get it as balanced as possible. When she deemed it ready she attached some string and hook, then cast into the water.

Well, let's see what I can catch tahday.

Nyancy waved at the other two men to let them know she was doing fine.

@Alonso Thorlion @Seto Kurama

 

[Seto Kurama]

Calming down after his initial outburst, he chose to carry on relaxing,
closing his eyes yet again in the process, allowing the small ripples in the water to grant him the continued cold, soothing sensation of his body nearly floating. It was a pleasant feeling he could never tire of, and Alonso's presence alone wouldn't subtract from that feeling, so when he followed up with a snort and some chuckling of his own, Seto made a amicable smile aimed towards him. Only when he reached the end, did he make another chuckle, clearly amused by his companion's response.

Heh...Fair enough.

Continuing with his amicable smile, he turned to his relaxation within the lake, not saying another word. It had been four years and yet, Alonso was still the same. He suppose some people would just never change, or maybe that just wasn't accurate, given the situation and nature of this place. Maybe only individuals like himself and Lucia were capable of change, If only due to the fact they were once lost souls. It took a far more serious Alonso to speak up this time to gain his attention but after he did, Seto still found himself in a half heartedly, joking mood.

Ehh, you just haven't been looking in the right places.

It took a few moments afterwards but once he compared to what he had said compared to the tone Alonso had used to respond, that was the moment he realized he had read the situation wrong or in fact, wasn't paying enough attention. At this realization, his eyes flashed open, leaving him to the horror that was the sun's gaze. Not wanting to be at the sun's mercy, he inadvertently closed his eyes before taking the proper time to allow his eyes to recover. Once his eye sight recovered, he tilted his head in Alonso's direction, showing clear signs he was sympatric.

You were serious weren't you?

After giving him a good stare to show his intentions, his eyes momentarily drifted in the opposite direction before they returned at the same time Alonso chose to lay down besides him. Hearing him speak, he felt bad for him, even after he forgot that he had told him about his wife. Once Alonso finished however, he became silent himself, taking a minute or two to collect his thoughts before he choose to respond. Returning his head to where it laid from before, he shifted his attention towards the nearby tree line in the distance as he spoke.

In all seriousness....I don't even know. I just...always found myself in situations like that. It doesn't even make sense really, since I've always had little interest in romance, especially back than....but from what I've learned, both in this world, and the other, one only finds true companionship when there not looking for it. I know that sounds stupid....but it rings true for me. When I was young, I found myself in an arranged marriage with a woman who was raised near perfectly yet...I wasn't happy. Despite her best attempts, even growing to feel unconditional love for me, being young and stupid, I ended up running away and joining the army, much to our parent's dismay....and especially hers. While she's never said anything....I know I broke her heart in more ways I cannot ever help to fix.

Closing his eyes briefly, he made a heavy exhale before he opened his eyes and continued.

After I came back from the war, and made a name for myself, I eventually met the woman whom I thought was my soul mate....but in some sick, twist of fate, as to punish me for what I did in the war and what I did towards Michiko, the woman I was engaged to was taken from me, and in one of the most horrible ways possible.

Tilting his head in the opposite direction, he went initially silent as he starred off at the shore, seeing Nyancy at the same time. After a initial few moments, he eventually returned in place from before.

Of course I tried moving on but nothing really worked, and it ain't like I could ever truly be left alone, despite my best attempts. I guess due to my past status, women were too tempted to just leave me alone and heal, leaving poor ol Michiko to defend me. Guess I'm kinda pathetic ain't I? Having my original fiancé fight my battles for me.

After showing himself some pity & remorse, his voice suddenly perked up a bit.

After I arrived in Terrasphere however, that was when I met my wife, the only person who believed in me, who never lost faith, even as I became something of a monster. Regardless of what that witch did to me, my wife accepted me for me, even the parts no one would. To feel unconditional love from someone who truly understands you, It's not something I can describe yet....I doubt I could have found it If I went out looking for it.

He tilted his head in Alonso's direction, sharing heart felt smile.

So hang in there, If someone as despicable as the "Black Duke" was able to find love, than so can you, even If it won't come easy.

He shifted his attention back at the sky.

Sorry, didn't mean to give you a lecture there but if you ever feel the need, your always more than welcome to ask. I may not be like Lucia but I don't mind helping out those whom have suffered like me. No one should be alone If they can help it.

Laying there with his arms now crossed behind his head, He couldn't help but be surprised with himself. Yes, he meant every word of it and yes, he did want to help others like himself, but he couldn't remember the last time he had been opened like to somebody who wasn't Michiko or his wife. While he felt some sort of obligation to his fellow men, perhaps a part of him saw Alonso as a kindred spirit of sorts but by how much or why, he wasn't certain yet.

@Alonso Thorlion
@Nyancy​

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

The Felis shrugged and said, "I was mostly giving you shit mostly. Don't worry." He took in the next set of words with a heavier heart, beginning to frown as his mind began to unscramble the message. In all of his time, from when his wife died, to his daughters growing up and heading to college, to even the static passage of time until the game's return, Alonso had kept to himself. It made him feel like an idiot.

How much of an idiot? Well, to the point where he figured himself undeserving of the skills and career he picked up that required an actual semblance of intellect and patience.

"First off now I just feel fuckin' stupid," Alonso said, raising a hand and face palming. He slid his palm over his face, water dripping from his beard. It sucked having to hop between groups comprised of both younger folks and older people like himself. Safety was always a present concern with that. There was some new lingo and quirks he picked up along the way to make the transition smooth, but he was still a nerd through and through no matter how muscular or strong either of his bodies were.

In the end it was only fair he put work into this heart to heart. He thought over his words once more, then spoke up, "Really though, think I needed the lecture. Still, I have tried one of those dating apps a couple times, but I keep getting people way too young for me or present themselves in ways that make me ignore them. Not even worth a response from me." He adjusted himself, shoulders bumping into his side of the rock as he did.

The man sighed and glanced at the lake again. Something he can look back on one day and remember he was not one hundred percent alone, even if he never returned to Lake Horatio. Alonso shut his eyes for a moment to relax. "I did have a wife at one point. This was a couple decades ago when I met Miranda, and I wasn't really thinking much on my own preferences. Kind of dumb that I let some coworkers and friends persuade me into dating her, but at the time I ... actually did enjoy her company. Even had two daughters during our time together."

His visage tensed, knowing full well he was about to get to the more difficult point. "But then at one point I started feeling different. Didn't have the attraction to my wife that I once did, or any women for that matter." He grit his teeth, growling a bit before shaking his head. "I knew she'd understand if I just talked to her, but damnit I let myself get distant. We argued, then argued some more. At one point we yelled at each other so much Miranda went for a drive and ... well, you can probably figure what happens with people driving on rainy days." Alonso turned his head away, splashing some more water on his face to hide some of the tears.

All of those feelings were still legitimate. Denying that he once loved his ex-wife would have been one of the worst lies he could ever make. "But after that it was just me and my daughters. Honestly hated myself for years, and still do. Now my kids are dealing with college and their own lives, so at this point it's just me," the giant Felis said, his voice having a shakiness to it.

Once again he checked on Nyancy. His eyes watched the hook soar into the water, trying to think of ways to use it as a distraction.

@Nyancy
@Seto Kurama

 

[Seto Kurama]

Having found himself somewhat depressed after that heavy bit of conversation, having been reminded by his self on his own failures in the past, he ended up inadvertently turning inwards while his eyes continued following the numerous clouds overneath them, as If to keep up some appearance. Was he really no better than that monster? Or was he always a monster and he just didn't want to admit it? One that would always inadvertently ruin whatever life hew drew close to? From his comrades that had given their lives up for him, to the few women that had truly cared for him, everyone that cared for him were now dead or their lives had been ruined. Though he didn't want to admit it, he was sure Miho's time would come, he just hoped she wouldn't pay the ultimate price. A few minutes of silence passed before he had the courage to speak. Turning his head in Alonso's direction, he made a bitter sweet smile as he tried to change the atmosphere, If only ever so slightly.

Well....there isn't anything necessarily wrong with dating someone whom is younger than yourself. My wife for instance is nearly ten years younger than me. In fact, she had just came of age when I met her. Despite that however, she was mature for her age, a old soul even.

Removing his arms from behind the back of his head and looking towards the surface of the water, he began to make some faint chuckles.

Though as a redhead, she does have quite the temper!

He continued on for a few more moments before he finally calmed down. Remembering what Alonso had told him about his now deceased wife though, caused him to go pale for a second. What were the chances he meet someone else whom he had lost in a similar way. Remembering this revelation, a small tear formed at the edge of his eye as he gave a momentary rest to his eyes. Trying his best to put on a strong face, he tilted his head over his shoulder, aimed towards Alonso whom was still laying besides him.

I understand that pain....more than you know.....because I allowed my drive to succeed get the best of me, I ended up letting Satoya, my soul mate, to die in a high speed pile up.

Letting a subtle groan escape him, he hesitated for a moment before he carried on.

Suffice to say....there wasn't much left...

He turned silent once more, not sure what to say next. Afterwards, he just laid there, not sure what to say. He hadn't imagined he would find a kindred spirit here of all places, and especially not someone he had already knew from before. Thought It was nice, he found himself amazed. First It was Lucia of all people, and now Alonso, just how many veteran players from the old days would he stumble across and form a connection with? When he finally started to feel better, his mind began remembering what Alonso had told him, that after he had a "change", his relationship went downhill from there. After remembering the tears, he wanted to help but he wasn't sure how. He never had much interaction with those of the opposite orientation, especially those in need of advice, due to his traditional upbringing. Regardless, he felt enough of a bond that he had to do something, If only to soothe the pain he knew all too well. Resisting his better judgement on the matter, he pulled himself up until he found himself up against the large rock they were sharing. With his lower body still submerged in the waters and his arms now sitting on his risen knee caps, he turned his head to the large man besides him, boasting a wholeheartedly expression.

I know it isn't my place to say, so you have to forgive me, If only for my ignorance but.....have you tried forming a strong plutonic relation with a woman you found a connection with?....Since Miranda's death? Or before....the change? I don't know if my experience can be helpful in this situation but from what I've learned, you can't force yourself to love someone, even for the noblest of reasons.....and I can only imagine that by forcing yourself to be with someone for so long, It might have push you away from a specific aspect such as gender or romance in it's entirely. Of course, I'm no doctor, or yourself. Maybe your "change" is genuine and that's all there is to it. Only you can really know Alonso.....although, when the ugly truth is revealed, you may not want to face it, let alone admit It was true. I'm no exception to that. Though I want to be better than the "Black Duke", I feel I'm no better in the other world, even though It's never my intention. It's seems whomever I get close to, either dies or I ruin their life in some fashion. Even now I worry about it. Will I somehow destroy yours or Lucia's life? Or will I do it to others? It's easy to say life has it out for us...

Sighing hard, he looked down at the water, watching a tadpole swim past him. He knew what he said could be seen as invasive of one's privacy or even judgmental to some extent but he did have Alonso's best interest at heart. If he could another lost soul like himself, If only by a tiny bit, It was worth it. While he had little care for the youngsters who took everything for granted, It was the opposites for the adults for so many reasons he couldn't name them all. After another minute had passed, tilting his head over his shoulder, he looked towards the shore. Upon seeing Nyancy trying her luck, presumably to catch some lunch or dinner, he made a half hearted smile aimed towards her as he finally returned one of her waves with one of his own.

@Alonso Thorlion
@Nyancy​

 

[Nyancy]

Suddenly, Nyancy found herself being tugged forward from on her line.

"Uh oh, looks like we gotta live one ova hea. Some kinda monstah fish ah somethin'. A real fightah! Just the kind that I always look fowahd tah doin battle with. Well, let's see what ya got fish!"

Gripping her fishing pole firmly, Nyancy slowly began pull backwards gently, but with sternly. Breakign the line was always an issue, pull to hard and your line snaps and the fish gets away. Be too soft and a strong fish was liable to carry your rod off into the watery deapths, sometimes with you still attached to the rod.

"I'm gonna have tah finesse this a bit to make suah I get this guy on land."

It was like Nyancy was controlling the waves as she rhythmically pulled and loosened, pulled and loosened, each action bringing the fish close and close to the shore. Finally, she had done it. Nyancy had caught a large trout. Holding the fish up over her head, Nyancy let out cry of victory then rushed to her two campions.

"Well wouldya look at that. Mastah fishaman Nyancy caught a good one tahday."

Thinking for a moment, Nyancy handed the fish over to Alonso and Seto.

"Hea ya go, it's a gift, as thanks fah all the tips. Wea even stevens now ah whateva."

Looking to the sun, Nyancy nodded.

"Welp, I think it's about time for this Nyancy to be headin' home. Got a lotta woahk tah do trainin' and all. Next time I see the two of yas, I'll be eve strongah, count on it!"

With that, Nyancy took her leave, waving behind her as she left.

[EXIT THREAD]

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

As touchy of a subject as preferences and gender were, he knew that Seto meant no harm in trying to help. Having something of a suggestion that was genuine and not attempting to dissuade him towards something he did not want at all proved to be calming. Maybe this was how true camaraderie felt. In the real world, though Alonso acknowledged their existence, he was distant from both friends and now ex-coworkers no matter how much he enjoyed spending time with them. Taking the first steps were hard.

Perhaps his purpose in returning to Terrasphere was learning these lessons, no matter how close he was getting towards his elderly years. There were people who stated that learning never ends, and even if formal learning was difficult as someone grew older, the Felis knew remaining ignorant was just going to keep him in the same place he has been. That reasonable side of him was such a pain in the ass to deal with sometimes, but it gave him the correct kick in the ass.

Alonso turned his head towards Seto, and replied, "No. I couldn't feel anything towards other women overall, even before we started arguing. Maybe as friends of course, but nothing beyond that." He shifted again to get comfortable. "But, ah, there is something to be said about how genuine my feelings were at that point in my life, and even now."

He grew silent for a moment, before giving a smirk as his huge chest rumbled with a chuckle. "Goddamnit you probably don't want to listen to this, but I'm the kind of idiot that ah ... saves images of men I like. In ways that aren't meant for the workplace. The fuck is wrong with me I'm not a teenager anymore," he said, shaking his head and slapping his palm over his face. He sighed before continuing, "As for you? Maybe take a bit of your own advice and try to understand yourself. Honestly? Once we both log out it might be better for us to find therapists or somethin'. Like you said, you're not a doctor, and I'm sure as hell not one myself either despite the beard and glasses in real life."

Nyancy had soon rushed over with a large looking fish, some kind of trout. The Felis blinked as he stared at the fist, "What the hell is in this lake? Surprised it didn't try to jump out and eat ya." He took the fish in his hands, watching it give one last flap of its tail before dying. A bit too morbid for his tastes, but such was life. Alonso looked back at the smaller Felis, giving a wave, "See ya around maybe. Don't go fighting anything like a world boss on your own or I'll kill ya!" Shaking his head, the man chuckled a bit again.

But now there was the trout in his hands. He looked at it up and down, holding it up in a vertical position. "So, uh, we got a nice ... aquatic animal now," he said, confused as to the gift. Sure, he was grateful, but it was the sudden nature of it that was the most bizarre. "Don't suppose you know how to cook this thing? Could use a meal right about now considering," Alonso said, looking back to Seto.

@Seto Kurama

 

[Seto Kurama]

The Pantone Demon

After he had given his fellow comrade all the advice he could muster, he just....sat there and listened, trying his best to help out someone like himself. He never thought of himself as a therapist of course but it had a certain appeal to it, even though he wasn't sure If he had the tolerance level to deal with the younger crowd, specifically those...of the more energetic bunch. Nonetheless, much to his relief, he found himself with a reasonable response instead of one he most likely would have received from a younger player had he tried to help them. What Alonso said however, wrung another question in his mind but he chose to bury it. He be out of his mind If he thought he any right to judge. When he heard about his "kink" however, about wanting to keep some NSFW photo's, presumably on his phone or though some other method, he simply chuckled.

Heh, there's nothing wrong with that, It just means your still sexually interested in romance or the physical side of things. If it makes you feel any better, I've acquired a thing for nurses and maids so my wife keeps a outfit of each at home for "recreational" purposes.

After he finished with a sly smile, he found himself returning to return as he watched Alonso face palm himself before sighing. At his request though, of taking his own advice and go find a therapist, he found himself shrugging before giving him a more serious smile.

You may be right....but I'm not really sure I can be fixed....If I'm being honest.

Looking up at the sky, part of his eyes became covered by his long, dark blue bangs.

War changes people....and once you take a life, knowing there never coming back, or that they had a family of their own who will mourn them, who will hate you, you realize things will never be the same. If war taught me anything.....Is that life cheap, that It can be taken away in a instant. As a close friend once told me, If you ever forget you are a soldier on the frontlines....you will die. It's a inevitable truth all soldiers must accept. You either adapt and excel or you die, it's simple as that, but once you return, once your no longer fighting, life never the same, and no one, not even yourself, will look at you the same way again.....

Removing the wet bangs from his eyes, he tilted his attention back on Alonso, still retaining a straight face somehow, even after he revealed a truth he rarely told anybody.

You throw all that shit on top of what I've already accumulated, and you find yourself with a trauma you can't really fix. Well.....mostly. Even though my wife too young to understand or has gotten through anything remotely fucked up as that, the love she has for me goes a long way on the days when I need it most.

After all that, he made a faint chuckle afterwards, as If to soften the atmosphere. Luckily for the both of them however, It took a few moments before Nyancy crashed their little party of sorts, and with a large fish to boot! Making a similar response to Alonso, he found himself looking at the fish, than Alonso than the fish again, with a puzzled face. Seriously? Something THAT big was in the lake? And little ol Nyancy managed to catch it? Did...did he miss something? Fortunately, as Nyancy decided to take her leave, he found himself returned to reality. He smiled and waved Alonside Alonso as she left until his voice caught his attention. Tilting his head in his direction again than at the fish, the big man asked If he knew how to cook the thing. At a response like that, he rose a brow as he caressed the side of his left cheek with one of his fingers.

Since I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say don't want me "zapping" it, I guess we'll have to do it the old fashion way. You made a campfire as a kid right? Though....considering it's massive ass size, yeah....we might have to make a small bonfire to cook it...Remind me again how the hell she caught this? Cause this thing would have eaten her for sure If it had gotten the chance.

@Alonso Thorlion

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

Looking over at his friend for a moment, the man blinked, then looked away. "So ah, about the whole campfire thing." Drumming his fingers across his thigh, which was under the water, the feline giant forced himself to bring out the truth. The terribly honest truth. "See, even though both here and in the real world I work out quite often ... I am literally a nerd who went to college for the computer sciences. As a kid? Stayed at home ... not camping. Or learning how to camp. At all."

The man nodded slowly, lips tight as he recalled his lack of any real social interaction as a child, saying, "You know, I think I know why I'm shit at talking with other people and communicating properly outside of gaming related scenarios." Well this was an embarrassing development. Standing up, he made a slight dive into the water and glided towards land, pushing himself out of the lake. Once again Alonso wiped water from his visage, flicking his fingers towards the grass to dry them off a little.

"Don't think she told us how she grabbed this thing," he said, holding up the huge fish. The man observed the trout, even holding it up to eye level to examine it. It looked rather freaky and off-putting to the point where he was sure he was going to have nightmares. Why the hell did fish adapt to look like they stared into the soul once dead? Rolling his eyes, he continued, "You know what, let's see how zapping it works unless you're the one that knows how to set-up a campfire. Unless it comes from a store that makes it easier on non-campers like myself."

Blinking, Alonso tilted his head, confused. "How the fuck did I manage to survive here in the game?"

@Seto Kurama

 

[Seto Kurama]

The Pantone Demon

Finding himself taken back by his friend's inexperience, he ended up raising one of his brows, not so much out of annoyance or skepticism but out of pure shock. He tried keeping a sympathetic expression out of the ordeal but to say It was difficult was a understatement. Most people he had met, him included, were no master outdoorsmen by any means but even he knew the basic's, If only to survive. If he hadn't, he couldn't tell you how many times he would have perished. After all, he had spent much of his early days traveling the roads, doing the odd jobs for the numerous villages that littered the area. He spent more time sleeping near a campfire than he would have liked to admit but that was part of the charm of being a wandering mercenary or well, that's what most would tell you. Nothing worse than waking up to a bear or a orc about to kill you. After his momentary shock wore off, he shared a laugh before making a comment of his own.

Well, I'm much more of a gearhead in the other world so don't feel bad. Computers and cars go hand in hand nowadays anyway.

Watching him nod, he made a nod himself as Alonso found the revelation he was never looking for. As a comrade and friend, he couldn't be happier for him. He was by no means, a social butterfly in either dimension but even he knew appreciated the social activity he got, ranging from his wife and best friends, to his students and those whom volunteered at the shrine he decided to take over. Of course he couldn't quite say the same for Seto here but that's because he was dealing with a notorious reputation, a reputation that would take awhile to change.

After he learned of said revelation, he found himself turning away as Alonso dove into the water with the fish Nyancy had given them. Feeling the pain, he tried his best to remove the caught water from his eyes with the both of his index fingers. By the time he was able to see again, Alonso was always on land with the fish in hand, citing how curious he was too on how Nyancy had caught it. He laughed again however when Alonso made it even more abundantly clear he had no idea what he was doing. He didn't think he would actually ask him to cook it via "zapping" but that was fine. He had no issue in teaching a fellow comrade how to survive. It would be a good as time as ever. Tilting his head in Alonso's direction, he nodded his head in disapproval.

Naw, we can't have that. If I did it that way, I'd probably smolder the thing. Instead, I got a much better idea, especially since you thank me later. Since your already back on land, start by grabbing some thick branches. Were gonna make ourselves a log cabin fire.

Afterwards, as If that was his cue to leave, he regrettably pulled himself out of the water and made his way to shore, revealing the entirety of his smooth, depilated like body in the process, not that It mattered much to him. While he was hardly sexually active at the moment or someone who thrived on the more carnal aspects of life, he held no insecurities about his body or allowing others to see it. He was no "nudist", he just didn't care. Once he was on land, he began dying himself off with a small but focused gust of wind from the tip of his fingers. As he teared towards the ground, his long, pantone colored hair shot up into the sky. It only took a few seconds but once he found his bangs dried, he gave Alonso another gaze from his eyes.

It's about time someone teaches you to make a basic fire anyway. No one wants to go cold after all.

After a small chuckle, for a few minutes afterwards, he continued drying his body off using his wind as a hair dryer of sorts. When he finished finally, he quickly got dressed and joined in on the searching. If they were going to build a log cabin fire, they would need sturdy branches and lots of it If they had any chance of a long, durable fire. Unfortunately, despite searching for several minutes within the outskirts of the tree line, he was only able to find two suitable branches? What? Jesh, he couldn't tell If he was rusty at this or he was just having bad luck.

[ 2/20 ]
Total Progress

Rolls

Roll Result
1d20 (2) = 2
searching

@Alonso Thorlion
Note: You don't have to roll or anything If you don't want to. I just threw it in there for fun. Feel free to "auto" gather as much wood as you want.

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

Though some bit of impatience was there, his friend made a good point that zapping the fish meant any chance at food was reduced to zero. Both of them can always just jump back into the lake and grab something with their bare hands, but the trout was still a gift. Ruining such a thing was in poor taste. In fact, this whole escapade was going to be a learning activity. "Branches? Shouldn't be too hard. If need be I can just tear off parts of the trees here," the Felis said. Perhaps it was a bit cruel, but he was more connected with the soul of living things than raw nature.

Actually science dictated plants were living things. Some part of him pleaded to Mother Nature to not off him with a deer next time he drove near the woods.

Leaving the fish with Seto, ignoring the other man's more obvious figure, Alonso turned and headed off towards the trees. His first instinct was to look down for fallen branches. It made sense after all, despite his lack of camping experience. Bending down to pick one up, it seemed sturdy, even outmatching the width of his finger. The man considered a few other factors. He needed these to burn, and in simple terms water and fire did not mesh well together.

With his thoughts in mind, he tossed the stick to the side as it was damp. He should have figured that might be an issue given he was in proximity of a lake, filled with organisms that will no doubt enter and leave its waters. This might make branch gathering harder. With every branch he took, the man made careful observations, making sure none of them were too wet or damp. Any dry ones were immediately sent towards his left arm to stay in a collection. Though, he reached up as he walked and broke off a fresh branch just to make the process quicker.

Upon returning, the Beastfolk had a nice bundle of wood to make fire with. Setting his collection down, the branches clattered and made some noise. "Hope this is good. Made sure they were dry so it took me a moment." The man rolled his shoulders and cleared his throat. All in all his branch finding expedition proved to be a decent stroll at the very least.

Roll Result 1d20 (10) = 10 searching with Seto in thread for funsies Made a roll anyways! @Seto Kurama

 

[Seto Kurama]

The Pantone Demon

[ 23/20 ]
Total Progress
TASK COMPLETED!

Upon returning to the spot where Nyancy had been fishing, with only two large branches in hand, he immediately fell to his knee's and laid both the branches on the ground, having them run parallel with one another while still keeping the two of them a few feet away from each other. Once that was done, he laid the massive, dead trout on the ground in between the two branches before turning his head to quickly scope out the area for any swipers, regardless whether or not they were player or animal alike. After he came to the conclusion that the immediate area was safe for the time being, he immediately pulled himself off the ground and decided to join Alonso, whom he presumed, had gone into the forest nearby for some branches. As he made his way towards the nearby tree line however, he rose his voice just lout enough for Alonso to hear.

MAKE SURE THERE DEAD AND DRY! OTHERWISE THEY WONT BURN AS MUCH!

With nothing else left to say, he too made his way into the thick brush that was the forest. Luckily for him however, As If he had rotten luck before, as soon as he began setting foot into the forest, past the tree line that could be seen from the shores of the lake, he immediately began finding numerous tree branches of
various sizes, that sat littered amongst the forest ground. Within a few minutes of ignoring or throwing the ones that were too damp, too thin or even small, he eventually found himself with nearly a dozen or so large, dry branches that would work wonders for their fire. When he even arrived back at the campsite a few minutes later with all the branches in hand, he had beaten Alonso to the punch, much to his surprise. He didn't know if there was a "Lady Luck" or not but If there was, she was surely looking out for him for whatever reason. He wasn't going to complain though. Getting to work, he threw the branches he had gathered into a pile near the already two laid out ones, and proceeded to gather yet another two from his pile. Like with the originals, he laid the two new branches parallel from one another but made the tips of each branch on the ground to touch each other to make a self contained square of sorts. With the foundation now laid, he than moved on to actually building the fire they would use. One by one, he would continue to grab a branch or two from his pile, and slowly put them into place, stacking them in sets of two, with each row following a pattern. While the foundation's branches went parallel with each other in a horizontal position, the next would sit over them in a vertical position and rinse and repeat until they had no branches left. Just as he was about halfway finished, that was when Alonso suddenly appeared out from the forest's tree line and made his way over, and with nearly a dozen branches to boot. With the realization they most likely had enough branches to have the fire last a few hours, with a smile, he gestured with his hand for Alonso to sit.

Nice, this should be enough branches for a decently lit fire though, If you don't plan on heading out later, we'll have to gather more later. That said, take a load of. Even though I'm already half way finished, I'll teach ya how to make a log cabin fire. It's pretty simple, and depending on how efficient you wanna make it, you can even add more such as a teepee within the center.

Upon saying that, he removed the large trout from the center of their log cabin like fire in the process and placed it to his aside.

Rolls

Roll Result
1d20 (11) = 11
searching

@Alonso Thorlion

 

[Alonso Thorlion]

Opting to sit on the ground, he let out a grunt and folded his legs on top of one another. The man hunched over, now in a more relaxed position. "At this point I'll probably log out here once I'm done. Everywhere else for the most part is too far away to reach within a reasonable amount of time." How long had it been since he logged in today? A couple hours? Rotating his wrist and going through the motions, he gave his own status a once over. Yeah, he needed to replenish his hunger before he ended today's session.

Looking back at Seto, the Felis nodded and said, "Saying the word efficient poked at the coding part of my brain, so I'm more than interested in learning that given I go insane if something isn't efficient. Even if I want to try and be a responsible adult, I am technically on my own schedule so take all the time you need to teach me about this." Although he was unable to see in the dark, having not taken that trait, in the encroaching twilight his feline eyes gave a quick shine in the light.

Yawning, his mouth widened as he shook his head. "God I hope that's not age kicking in," he said, sighing before he continued, "Haven't exactly had a midlife crisis yet, but then I don't know what exactly is supposed to happen with that. Don't suppose you have any idea?"

@Seto Kurama