Private Ilmea's Lament Fish Upon a Starcalled

[Ayna Nietzsche]

ILMEA'S LAMENT
Off the coast of Lyrwick

Spoiler: Theme

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Your fish is my command!

It took Ayna some time, but she was able to cobble together a fishing boat of her own with help from her real-life skills in engineering and of course some input from a Magiatech savant named Tetsunosuke she met a while back. While it wasn't that big of a tutoring session, she was able to pick his brain for a bit and managed to squeeze out some ideas to help her with the design of her own. Of course, since Ayna had no real skill when it came to Magitech, she could only do so much. She was pretty much proficient in constructing ships and boats in this world, however, so that helped. In the end, what she came up with was more than she expected to have, and she loved it like it was her own child.

"We're all set out here, Cap'n. You and your guest should have a fine time snappin' and swingin'! Just lemme know when yer done havin' yer fun. I'mma just rest here and get some shut-eye, if that's all right with you?"

Ayna rolled her eyes at her second mate, nodding and tapping him on the shoulder as she walked past him, out of the bridge, so he can have his rest and she can have her fun. The Lander was a nice kid, and he was loyal, having a penchant for the discreetness that allowed the Beastfolk to have some leeway when it came to her abilities. He was definitely a great find, the best part of her fishing crew, and Ayna wouldn't know where she would be, if she would have this much fun fishing, without the kid. Out on the deck, near the stern, she found her supposed guest, already with a line out. She'd seen the man fish aboard the Imperial Petunia, and he wasn't that bad, but this was the Mizar, and it wasn't exactly as great or grand as the former.

"You know, when I invited you to get on my boat and fish with me, I didn't actually think you'd say yes. What are you really here for, Chrys?"

@Chrys

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Fishing feels the same as I remember, but where are those who share the memory?

"Can I simply not be here to fish with a good friend?"

Chrys shot a simple grin at @Ayna Nietzsche. The experience on the Imperial Petunia had reminded him of peaceful times before he became too engrossed in his work all over the other world, defending clients with debatable innocence. When he was a child, C. S. Jackson would often visit his grandfather who would take him to fish. But that experience was, like his grandfather, long gone, only firefly-like memories that frequently came to him but were mostly dimmed. When he heard about Ayna and her humble boat, he realized it would not be so bad as to try and relive those wonderful moments.

"Come, Ayna. Fish with me. It's such a beautiful day. No need to waste it on suspicions."

To be fair to the purple-haired Beastfolk, however, Chrys has never been quite the trustworthy guy. It was already his nature, nurtured into him by his years of working with some of the most unsavory folks in the other world. His attempts to change that in this one were genuine, but he still needed a long ways to go. Once things become a habit, they are not so easily forgotten or discarded. He had high hopes his friends would be of great use to him on that matter.

"How is Lyrwick, by the way? I was thinking of mining in that place. Do you think that would be problematic?"

Spoiler: Chrys' Outfit

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Fishing!

Crossing her arms, Ayna squinted at the strange man before heaving a sigh, accepting defeat. He was right: It was a beautiful day to fish, and she shouldn't waste it on him and his always suspicious motives. Uncrossing her arms, Ayna nonchalantly walked closer to him and began prepping her fishing rod. In the real world, she didn't have much time for fishing, even though it was one of her favorite pastimes, an inheritance from her own grandfather. She had been planning to change that for a while now, the whole not having time for fishing thing, but for now, this will just have to do.

"Heh. You always know what to say."

When he steered the conversation toward Lyrwick, Ayna couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at him. She wondered if he was talking about bloodstones specifically and recalled the first time they'd met. Ayna also remembered her own experiences underneath the region, specifically within its mines, and shuddered at the thought. At least she made good friends down there, though. For the most part, anyway.

"Lyrwick? Mining? You're not talking about bloodstones, are you? I don't know, man: Lyrwick's pretty known for mining, but bloodstones are very dangerous. I would never recommend it."

She tried to shift her attention to fishing but her line remained ignored by the Meliodashi swimming close by.

@Chrys

▣ Attire: Regular outfit (it's not a special summer episode anymore)
▣ Roll Result: 1d100 (8) = 8
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 0

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Catch of the Day

MECHANICS

• Narratively, our characters are fishing using a fishing apparatus and may use their masteries or expertise to increase their chance of catching. Mechanically, however, it's all luck and no skill, just plain RNG!
• All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel via ?r 1d100 # Fishing | CharacterName | 1208
• A new "Catch of the Day" may be posted after a while.

(✦✦) Meliodashi

Meliodashi is a rare fish with beautiful golden scales that can be smelted and formed into real gold. The Meliodashi's favorite type of food is gold and other precious metal.

They are commonly found near ships that had sunk to the bottom of the sea, which tend to carry gold and other precious metal on board. These fishes use their sharp golden teeth to tear through hulls and treasure chests to get to their food.

When the Meliodashi population experiences starvation, they will cannibalize other schools.

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51-100

• Flat roll, no modifier

Spoiler: Fishing Template

Just add the thing

Post here

▣ Attire: Describe or link to a reference picture of what your character is wearing here (optional).
▣ Roll Result: 0
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 0

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Fishing feels the same as I remember, but where are those who share the memory?

"No, not bloodstones. Not now."

He watched @Ayna Nietzsche with a smile as she joined her, relishing this more peaceful version of her. Their first meeting was less peaceful, and more violent, and she ended up beating him to an inch of his life. She had grown into a more formidable warrior in his eyes, too fast and at times too furious to rein in. A livewire personified, lightning untamed. But his reverie was interrupted when his line started to move, signaling to him that he had caught something!

"Oh, looks like I caught something!"

He struggled for a bit as the Meliodashi put up a fight, but with narrowed eyes and fortitude that was way above most of his peers, Chrys ended up pulling the feisty fish in and out of the water, his golden scales glistening in the sun, not unlike his own when he walks into battle. Chrys took a moment or two to observe and gawk at the majesty of the creature, admiring its beauty and its strength. Then he gently lowered it to the basket and threw his line again. It would be just the first of many.

"Seems to me like the perfect activity for me, outside of adventures, because, well, you know, I wield the strength of the earth in wars. Might as well do something with that outside of one, don't you agree?"

Mining was the closest thing to his element he could think of to do when he was chilling. Not unlike Ayna and her fishing, even though she was lightning and not water. But one strike from her bolt could pretty much net her all the fish she'd ever want, so it was a close call. What activity would be perfect in theme for someone who is living tempest anyway?

▣ Attire: Uncle Chrys go fishing haiyaaa!
▣ Roll Result: 65
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 1

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Fishing!

Ayna pondered his response, which came out to her quite thought-up and reasonable. Chrys had never struck her as someone impulsive. At least not in this world, in this game. Truthfully, they didn't know each other out there, back in the real world, outside of this game. Ayna, who herself was determined to be a better version of herself here, free from the shackles and chains of corporate and routine work, knew that the people you meet here may not always be the same people they are out there. It's just a fact of life.

"Hmm. I suppose that sounds...logical."

Finally, something found itself caught by her line. Ayna didn't struggle as much, having learned from the landers she met in Dunnstads, fisherfolk, who taught her the basics, the way of the fisherman, and she used their teaching in full view here, masterfully controlling her line, lording over her caught prey like a fishing savant. When all was said and done, she easily whipped her rod, bringing the brilliant Meliodashi out of the waters and into the ship, straight into a basket. The Mizar was complete with a freezing compartment, as well as most other modern fishing boat amenities, but she preferred her fish fresh. Just in case she'd cook them in a bit.

"But do you already have a crew? One-man mining crews never end well in Lyrwick."

Ayna had learned the necessity of having people with you during her own visits down into the mining tunnels of Lyrwick, each experience never really something she'd want to do again. Maybe Chrys was built differently, she didn't know. What she knew was that she'd never go back down there again, in all of them. Some things are just meant to be buried deep underground never to see the light of day ever again. Bloodstones especially.

@Chrys

▣ Attire: Regular outfit (it's not a special summer episode anymore)
▣ Roll Result: 1d100 (57) = 57
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 1 (2 total)

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Fishing feels the same as I remember, but where are those who share the memory?

Just when he was about to settle into a long and relaxing sitting position to await his next catch, his next catch could not wait, instead surprising him and his line by tugging so forcefully at it. Chrys was mostly caught off-guard by how quick he had managed to secure another Meliodashi, though he didn't struggle with pulling the fish out of the water and into the boat. Was he secretly a master fisher? Was his bait of the master quality? Or was it his choice of lure or perhaps even the area he had thrown his line out into? I'm just lucking out today, more likely.

"I do. Two landers I trust with my life. Do you think I should get more men?"

He turned his attention back to @Ayna Nietzsche once he was done with his catch, which did not take that long. Chrys had invested heavily in his physical attributes in this game, this world, and it was on full display today. But his mind was more invested on his plans in Lyrwick. Who else could give him better advice than a friend who spent her early days in the region? Perhaps a lander but that could be easily done later.

▣ Attire: Uncle Chrys go fishing haiyaaa!
▣ Roll Result: 96
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 1 (Chrys: 2; Overall: 3)

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Fishing!

"That depends."

Ayna furrowed her brow as another Meliodashi struggled against her and her line. If she was a new fisher, she'd probably lose her cool and grow even more frustrated at the fight. But even though her face was wearing a scowl, Ayna actually enjoyed this war between predator and prey. She didn't underestimate any catch either, as she knew full well that these creatures deserved as much respect as she did. Offering them anything else would be an embarrassment not just to them but to her and the craft.

"Are you comfortable with just those two guys?"

She turned to Chrys as soon as she won the battle with the golden fish, more uncertain at his grasp of his own situation than anything else. Was he really that bored outside of adventuring? She couldn't blame him, though: She had found herself doing other things that she could be doing in the real world when not adventuring. This place just had that charm, even more than their world. Plus, it helped that fishing as a warrior with lightning magic was less boring than fishing as an overworked engineer.

@Chrys

▣ Attire: Regular outfit (it's not a special summer episode anymore)
▣ Roll Result: 1d100 (71) = 71
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 1 (Ayna: 2; Overall: 4)

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Fishing feels the same as I remember, but where are those who share the memory?

When another Meliodashi found itself tugging on his line, Chrys easily reeled it in and onto the boat. There was not much of a struggle on his end, all of it mostly on the fish's end, as he used his considerable Fortitude and strength to overpower his catch. Do not worry, my golden scaled friend: Your sacrifice will not be for naught. We will honor your kind as we always do. He mused about the fish's life, its death, but ultimately craved for its delicious, cooked flesh.

"Hmm."

Chrys paused for a bit as he contemplated @Ayna Nietzsche's puzzling question. It was a simple query, but the answer was much harder to find than he expected. On the surface, a basic yes would have sufficed: He was indeed comfortable with the two men, having already stated he trusted them with his life. But underneath all that simplicity, a more formidable concern rose. It wasn't just about him: It was about his team.

"I do, but I am not certain if they feel the same way about me. Or each other, for that matter."

They did seem to get along well, Gio and Ishmael, but most of the time, the familiarity he could recall was of them outside the mines. They also helped at the Wicked's Rest Tavern and Funeral Parlor prior to joining his more physical venture with the Golden God Mining Co., his most recent attempt to regain his recently lost fortune. He wondered then if they could survive the claustrophobic dangers of the mines, with their friendship and their sanity in tact.

"Perhaps I should consult with them, no?"

Chrys heaved a sigh as he sought Ayna's counsel. He already assumed her answer, and it seemed to him a dreary affair. But isn't anything involving money a dreary affair? He could only blame himself and his terrible luck, though he was still glad and considered himself fortunate for having others he could go to for help and guidance.

▣ Attire: Uncle Chrys go fishing haiyaaa!
▣ Roll Result: 1d100 (83) = 83
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 1 (Chrys: 3; Overall: 5)

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Fishing!

"You should."

This time, Ayna used her deft hands to handle the struggling Meliodashi that found itself caught in her line. It tried its best to wriggle and break free, but the purple-haired Beastfolk didn't give it much leeway, a chance. Using her speed and sleight of hand, Ayna maneuvered the golden-scaled fish's own momentum to send it aboard the ship and in the shared basket. She then turned to Chrys with a shrug, her expression much more serious and solemn than before. As someone who spent her earlier days in Lyrwick, she spoke based on her own experience.

"Look, Chrys, it's just not about your guys. Mining in Lyrwick can be very dangerous. You've heard of the Bloodstar Cradle, right? The reason why there's a bit of a controlling pseudo-military presence in there?"

Ayna didn't like discussing things like that. They seemed more serious than she'd like, and she was just in here to play a game, to "calm down and chill," as her brothers and coworkers would often remind her. The whole political thing, the class struggles in that place, the heavy military-esque presence of the Brotherhood? None of those were her jam, especially after Kamala's first death during the events of Red Fever. If need be, she'd rise again and help take down whatever monstrosity came for this world next, but for now, during her downtime? She'd rather just fish.

"You wouldn't just be dealing with cave-ins and gas leaks or whatever. You might also deal with worse illnesses and effects. Are you and your guys prepared for those?"

She had first-hand experience with said "worse illnesses and effects." Tagging along with Ru Ning and Tristaria, she was made well-acquainted with the dangers of the mines, and what happens to people who get too unlucky. The things she saw in there, all that red and black, made her decide that she wouldn't be going back any time soon. Chrys and his friends might have a different experience, sure, but he sought her out for her own, and this was hers. Now it was up to him to decide what action he takes next.

@Chrys

▣ Attire: Regular outfit (it's not a special summer episode anymore)
▣ Roll Result: 1d100 (86) = 86
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 1 (Ayna: 3; Overall: 6)

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Fishing feels the same as I remember, but where are those who share the memory?

Hmm. Chrys' demeanor turned much more serious as he contemplated the threats @Ayna Nietzsche had reminded him of. He had already taken them into account before everything else, sure, but if the so-called Lightning of Lyrwick were speaking of them with grave concerns, then perhaps, he believed, he might need to reconsider and rethink these consequences. Both Gio and Ishmael did express their own preparations for the dangers that may come to them, but were they truly prepared to lose themselves, even if just part of themselves, to their greed and folly? As if on cue, the Meliodashi gave him silence and respite, as he thought more about his plans.

"I have. They have. But perhaps we should give more time to thinking this through. Unlike them, I could just respawn should I meet my untimely demise."

That's the biggest difference between these landers and themselves, the supposed travelers: One of these people can simply shrug off death, though only at a limited pace. Chrys was not privy as to the full extent of the matter, the blessing or the curse, but he was privy to Kamala's death and resurrection as well as to the whispers of her people at her fields. He had done his own research, though it was only on the surface level, and came to the conclusion that there was still more to be truly learned. Was he all right with gambling with the lives of his lander friends? Or can he simply bolster his contingencies to make sure no one is harmed in their crusade for more resources?

"Are you talking about the Ynglar Brotherhood? Have you been acquainted with them? Their agents? Could they prove useful in my endeavors?"

Chrys had not met any of them yet. At least no one useful. If Ayna had contacts with the Brotherhood, having spent days on end in the region, his luck and his fate might finally come together for a much better result than what they were now. He would be willing to work under them as well, if it meant they'd offer him quite the benefits when it came to his mining endeavor. If not, then he will simply just have to consider more options. Find them, if need be.

▣ Attire: Uncle Chrys go fishing haiyaaa!
▣ Roll Result: 1d100 (28) = 28
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 0 (Chrys: 3; Overall: 6)

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Fishing!

Ayna simply heaved a deep sigh at Chrys' first sentiment. Respawn, hm? She remembered how much she punished him for something that wasn't even his fault. The Death of Kamala Graham wasn't a choice only he made. Kamala made her choice, and so did Ayna.

It was not right that she made him her scapegoat just because she couldn't deal with the loss, and for what? For a misguided belief that it was her final death when Kamala simply stopped playing the game for days until her eventual return. What a joke she was. The Meliodashi seemed to agree, as they avoided her line, giving her time to dwell on her folly before remembering he had asked her about the Brotherhood.

"Not that well. I've only met one or two of their lowest-rank grunts."

She remembered getting into fights with some of them before befriending others. They weren't as disciplined as people thought, though to be fair, initiates or new recruits still had a long way to go to fully embody an organization's true soul. The ones she had met didn't even seem like they'd survive their superiors for more than a few months, hell even just weeks. If she could beat them when she was just starting out, they could have been easily wiped out by the horrors hidden underneath Lyrwick. Like those bodies in that mine.

"...not even sure if those guys are still alive."

Ayna paused, a rarity in her career, but quickly regained her senses and shook those dark, dreary thoughts away. She didn't want to linger further in her past with Lyrwick. She had left that place now and was well acclimated to her new life on the seas, near the coast of Dunnstads. Those idiots would just have to fend for themselves now. As they should have from the get-go.

"But, yeah, getting in their good graces could be pretty useful."

Most of what Ayna had heard about the Brotherhood wasn't enough to truly craft an accurate portrait of them. The grunts she had met were untrustworthy, prone to exaggerate small details to make themselves look good. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Still, they were helpful when they could be. Perhaps the Brotherhood in itself was helpful, less terrifying, if given a chance.

But that's @Chrys' problem now, not hers.

▣ Attire: Regular outfit (it's not a special summer episode anymore)
▣ Roll Result: 1d100 (9) = 9
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 0 (Ayna: 3; Overall: 6)

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Time to take a dip.

Chrys grew silent at the moment, realizing there was much more for him to consider. Perhaps in the next few days, he can arrange and organize all the remaining things just as easily, but for now, he needed the time to just think and relax. Gods know he can be quite the pain in the neck to deal with when it tasks. He himself has suffered his own wrath every now and again.

"I see."

He heaved a sigh, leaning back, as he began pulling in his line. He wasn't feeling like fishing anymore, with so many new thoughts swimming in his head. Both Gio and Ishmael would be needed for a group consultation. Alas, only Chrys was around, so perhaps he can do that some other day.

"Well, it seems that I will have to do some more thinking with the boys."

Rising back to his feet as he put his rod away, he turned to @Ayna Nietzsche with a warm grin.

"In the meantime, while the meliodashi seem to have grown too wise for us, care to go for a quick swim? It has been a while."

He didn't wait for her response. Instead, he began taking off his clothes, leaving only his bottom, before turning toward the sea and diving right in like a cannonball, just cradling, holding, his knees, pressing them close to his chest, as he dropped himself into the water like he was a, well, cannonball. Resurfacing quickly for some air, his warm grin persisted as he savored the refreshing feel of the cold water against his skin. Ah, reminds me of so many summers ago before all the lawyering.

▣ Attire: Uncle Chrys go fishing haiyaaa!
▣ Roll Result: N/A
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 0 (Chrys: 3; Overall: 6)

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Dipping!

Ayna nodded as she turned her attention toward her line still dangling into the sea. Her experiences in Lyrwick weren't all that great, but they weren't all bad either. If she could help him better prepare himself and his miners for the inevitable dangers of that place, especially underneath the earth, it would make up for all her missteps in the region. Because she was deep in thought, she was caught surprised and very unprepared when @Chrys suddenly dropped himself into the water, barely able to catch glimpses of him undressing. Instinctively, she pulled out her line and rose to her feet, annoyed.

"Chrys, wait! You'll scare all the meliodashi away!"

It was no secret that her priority for the day was fishing. Even with Chrys' unexpected arrival, his interruption more precisely, she soldiered on, wanting to spend the rest of the day just resting and relaxing with the creatures of the sea. To say that she was infuriated when he doubled down on his disrespectful actions regarding her wishes would be an understatement. It does look pretty fun, though. She spent a moment or two debating with herself before ultimately surrendering to his folly.

"Ugh, you're such an idiot."

Ayna began to undress, though she didn't take much of her clothes off, only saving the ones she didn't want wet from saltwater. Before she was even done, she jumped after her friend, her ears twitching in excitement as she threw her shirt backward into the boat. The moment she pierced the waves with her body, she shuddered at how cold it was. Then the familiar warmth blanketed her, and as she resurfaced, she shook her head, opened her eyes, and grinned from ear to ear. It had been a while since she did anything like this with someone else in this game.

"But I guess even a broken clock is right twice a day!"

Ayna chuckled as she delighted in the water, savoring the feeling of both the salt and the sea, the rays of sunlight adding more to her delight. Then she began splashing Chrys, playfully trying to drown him, get him under the water. Or is it really just her being playful? It has been a while since she allowed herself to become a kid again. The last time she did anything like this was decades of summers ago, more or less.

▣ Attire: Regular outfit (it's not a special summer episode anymore)
▣ Roll Result: N/A
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 0 (Ayna: 3; Overall: 6)

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

Float like an otter.

Chrys smiled when Ayna followed suit, stripping down to her water-ready clothing. He tried to swim a little farther away from where she crashed into the water, but her splashing still caught him, especially the intentional attempts. Letting out a chuckle himself, Chrys felt a little relieved that they could still do something like this together, especially considering everything that they have been through, were going through. He needed this himself, maybe even as much as she did. He would be juggling two businesses soon, and this juvenile delight was a great way to transition into that much busier next chapter of his life in this game.

When they both cooled down, he started to float on his back, eyes toward the sky. There were a lot of things running in his head, cluttered thoughts that would soon need to be organized, but for now, a brief moment in the sun, the sea, and with one of his closest and most cherished friends in-game was all that he needed and wanted. Things would soon be less peaceful, and he may not have any more time for such enjoyment. Instead of mourning that reality, however, he chose to just savor his present, feeling the water as he closed his eyes, and becoming one with the waves that began to cradle him to and fro. This was not a bad idea, paying Ayna a visit.

"Thank you for indulging me, dear friend. Times like this will soon be rare for me, so I greatly appreciate your candor. I will repay you some day. Somehow."

When his fortunes turn into gold once more, Chrys would surely not run out of ways to repay her and those who supported him now. He had no doubts it would happen. One way or another, he will make his plans come true.

▣ Attire: Uncle Chrys go fishing haiyaaa!
▣ Roll Result: N/A
▣ Meliodashi Caught: 0 (Chrys: 3; Overall: 6)