Complete Eastern Brisshal Full Course Tour

[Toko]

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"Well that was... something alright." The lepus stretched her arms as she stepped outside of the tavern, allowing her muscles to relax after being brought here against her will in the beginning. Red eyes turned to look up at her companion, another player that shared her chosen in-game species, before looking down at the map that one of the knights had given her on the way out.

"Guess it wasn't that bad though, and we did get some maps..." Honestly, she wasn't sure if she had ever held a physical map in her hands before... it wasn't really needed in the real world when apps like Google Maps, HyperDia and others could direct you to where you needed to go with ease. "... can't believe the UI doesn't have an integrated one in its system though."

Could a game that forgot a map feature on the UI really be as deadly as the Lion Arms, and some of the other players inside the tavern, had made it sound? Still seemed like a somewhat farfetched idea that dying too many times in a VR game could kill you in the real world... or even trap you in the game world for, well, forever it seemed like?

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

His previous suggestion taken by his snowy headed companion, Ru found himself at a loss as they stood outside the tavern. Eyeing the map hesitantly, he'd stare for a moment, only to rotate it ninety degrees, and then twice more for good measure. Truth be told, the lepus knew for a fact that he'd never used a map before. It was a bit unsettling to say the least, knowing that his survival as a whole depended on whether he could use such an outdated relic of the past.

"Something… was putting that nicely. The maps are good though… I think?"

Hesitancy clear, he continued to rotate the map, trying to orient it to match nearby identifiable landmarks. A nod of agreement was made as his face scowled at the lack of any semblance regarding a GPS device. "There should at least be a marker on the map to tell us where we are… right? And a little arrow to show which way we're facing?..." A sign of defeat sounded from Ru's lips as he looked around in defeat. It appeared the man had already resorted to plan C, skipping B altogether; asking for directions.

"Umm… excuse me!" He'd approach a close passerby. "Could you show us where we are on this map? Please?" Though a bit embarrassing, he'd present the map while looking curiously. After conversing with the person for a short moment, he'd nod while thanking them profusely with a polite bow. Scurrying back to his companion, he'd give the universal signal that everything had gone okay – a thumbs up. "Okay, okay! We are here!" He'd point ceremoniously to an intersection while nodding with confidence. "They said the best way to tell is by the temple over there. It's tall enough to see from almost anywhere and on the main road… I think?" Scratching his head for a moment, he'd look around curiously, eyes twinkling with a daze of confusion at being dropped into a foreign world.

"But where do we want to go first? Usually a quest tells us… but I think we turned it down already?…" The closest semblance of instruction they had received after declining Lion's Arm was to reach the location indicated on the map for an introduction to the other organizations. They had some time to kill though considering when the next gathering was.

@Toko

 

[Toko]

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There was a shared look between the two, a silent message that neither of them knew how the fuck to read a map in the first place, and as that realization dawned on her mind Toko couldn't help a sputtering chuckle. "First thing I'm doing when I log off is googling how to use a map." Before any semblance of a proposition could be made on how to read the thing, or where they were in the fist place, the taller lepus was already on the move with a reliable solution. Toko watched from a couple of steps back, not wanting to intrude, before her ears perked up as she spotted the other player returning to where she stood.

"A temple...? Oh, you're right. Wow, that is kind of big, huh?"

A quest...? Oh, right, this was a game after all—a fact that was pretty easy to forget as the world around them simply absorbed the players entirely. With how realistic everything was one could be forgiven for maybe thinking they'd been hit by a truck and isekai'ed tot he TerraSphere world. "Hmmm, I'm not sure... oh, there is a really nice bakery down this way though!" She had found the place on her first day while walking around with Solaria, though considering the late hour that Toko had begun playing she had to log out shortly after.

"I think it's down this way if we're using the map... tabun."

With her map already dematerialized and stored away the lepus finger pointed instead to the surface of the one her companion held, trailing a path from their supposed location down to a northeast—or was that southwest?—location that seemed to be only a few blocks away.

"Their bread smells really good, and the tea they brew is also delicious."

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

A belly full of laughter sounded from Ru as they had a moment of realization from their shared ignorance. "Yes, yes. We'll ask the internet, the same way I asked it whether this was a good game to play; completely, totally, one-hundred percent reliable, right?" Taking a moment to catch his breath, the lepus looked curiously at the spot indicated on the map. Giving a small round of applause, he'd nod enthusiastically at her recommendation.

After all, a bakery did sound rather delicious right now, even if he had just eaten several cookies. Though his gluttony had gotten behind the wheel, it wasn't as if they had to face any repercussions. At least for now. "Oooh! You seem to know the good places already! Think they can beat Mimi's cookies? Not really a fan of white chocolate..." It was a good thing the Faerin wasn't within earshot as his remark would undoubtedly cause disappointment in the short girl.

With his white haired companion taking the lead, he'd follow obediently while periodically looking around the street in wonder. After all, their destination was only a few blocks away. It would be neigh impossible to go astray, right? Or so he thought… As they continued on for several blocks, the smell of pastries only grew more and more faint. Eyes looking around skeptically, Ru pointed towards a small general store in the distance. "Want to look inside? They have gear, which we'll need considering these… starter clothes we came in. Maybe we can get directions too?" He'd pull hesitantly at the drab tunics the game had given them by default. Though not much to look at, at the minimum they provided some modesty.

@Toko

 

[Toko]

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"Yeah no, white chocolate actually makes me nauseous for some reason..." Why that happened Nao wasn't sure, but ever since the first time she'd tried white chocolate as a child she had despised it. That just wasn't chocolate... and she was proven right as she grew older and learned more about cooking, it was just the leftover cocoa butter—also known as fat—mixed with sugar and some vanilla for flavoring. "There were a few strawberry glazed ones though that had some dark chocolate chunks hidden inside, those were really good~"

That said Toko wasn't sure she could rank the bakery against Mimi from a tray of cookies alone... while the faerin certainly showed skill in sweets the bakery also had many other additional goods. Maybe one day there would be a bake off contest or something that Toko could participate in as one of the judges... that would certainly be a treat all of its own, regardless of who won in the end.

"W-Wait... did we took a wrong corner somewhere?" Considering they had been quite distracted perhaps it shouldn't have been a surprised that the pair of lepus missed their original destination entirely, even with a map on their hands, before her companion had caught sight of an interesting shop not too far from where they stood. "Sure, I haven't gone shopping for new equipment either... probably a good idea to do that now, especially if this game is as dangerous as the Lion Arms claim."

A step was taken towards the store before the woman stopped, a thought just now crossing her mind.

"Oh, I never actually introduced myself to you... gomen." A small apologetic bow was given to the taller lepus. "Hajimemashte, I'm Toko. Yoroshku onegaishimass."

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

"Ah… shopping."

The lepus paused in step, albeit very briefly before continuing along with a steady gait. He had almost forgotten a basic premise. To purchase things required money… whatever currency was accepted in this world at least. As discreetly as possible, Ru's fist clenched and opened, bringing up the user interface as he checked his inventory. His expectations were quickly let down however, as the game had started him practically broke, destitute and with hardly a coin to his name. Maybe window shopping won't hurt. It could be fun too, right? A brief glance was given towards the woman beside him. Chances were high she was in a similar position and just hadn't realized it yet.

"Oh, I never actually introduced myself to you... gomen. Hajimemashte, I'm Toko. Yoroshku onegaishimass."

His current train of thought interrupted, the lepus flushed with embarrassment upon realizing he too had skipped introductions. Bowing slightly lower in polite response, he'd nod appreciatively while offering his own name. "Ru, Ru Ning. A pleasure to meet you as well Ms. Toko." Though the system handled translations for them, allowing for seamless conversation, it was apparent that there was a language barrier. Having some understanding of English himself, he'd muse over the discrepancy. Hmm… her lips only half match what's being said. Wonder where she's from? That last bit would never be given voice however as it was considered a taboo to ask among any gaming community.

"Anyhow, shall we?"

He'd move towards the door, holding it ajar while motioning for her to proceed first. Upon entering, the duo would be met with a gush of cool air, finding themselves within a rather homely looking general store. It was quaint at best and a bit ole timey, as expected of the starter zone. A healthy assortment of adventuring goods could be found lining the walls and shelves, the basics all present. Torches, pitons, whetstones, fire starters, rations, as well as some cheap armor and weapons could all be seen, each stuffed within a tiny nook along the shelves or crammed carefully into a barrel for display.

"Ooo, there's a lot of stuff here, just like in a game! See anything you like?"

@Toko

 

[Toko]

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It seemed that, unlike the real world, honorifics in games weren't really used... understandable really considering most games had quite the variety of people from all over the world. It was a concept Nao had been slowly getting more used to, and considering her lepus companion seemed fine with just her chosen username she figured he probably wasn't from the same place in the world as she was.

"Sugoi... it really does look like they have a little bit of everything here."

She had given a polite nod to Ru as he opened the door, quickly skipping inside so as not to keep him waiting long, before Toko's eyes looked around the small but very well stocked space inside. A pair of leather arm bracers had caught her attention just as Ru spoke, the lepus about to pick them up when she noticed a tag near them.

"Oh, I guess this must be their price... aaah!" The thought had completely skipped her mind, with how realistic everything was inside the game it was easy to forget that it was just that... of course any IRL money that Nao had wouldn't be available, or even valid, within it! "Eeetooo, okane okaneee... nai."

Her right hand did a fist before opening to bring up her palm UI, but after scrolling through it a bit Toko came to the same realization Ru had earlier—she was flat broke. "... you think the factions will give us some stipend once we join them?" Hopefully that was the case, with the new knowledge imparted upon them by the Lion Arms Toko would feel more at ease venturing out into the wilds after upgrading her equipment a little bit.

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

"Ahah… You too huh?..."

An amused grim formed across both Ru and the shopkeeper's face upon hearing her outburst. It was as he had predicted, and apparently not a rare occurrence given the owner's joint, well humored laughter. Seeing her hesitancy while retreating from the bracers, he'd step forth while shaking his head. Picking the pair up, he'd offer them to Toko, insisting she at least try them on.

"Oiii, it's ok if we try stuff on, right owner?"

Though the act of trying on gear was a bit redundant since they'd size automatically to fit the wearer, it wasn't quite the same as physically trying and seeing it on your person. A deep sense of satisfaction came from checking things out in a mirror. Besides, the game didn't have a preview function, at least not to his knowledge. Not one to leave her alone in the awkward experience, he'd quickly select a nearby leather helmet while waving it at the shop keeper.

"Umm… these should adjust too, right? But where do our ears go?..."

It was an important question, one that stumped the gaunt looking man as he stared skeptically at the lack of holes. Would they produce gaps for them? Or simply squish them underneath like older games did in the past? The latter didn't sound very comfortable. Shrugging once, he'd give it a try, plopping the helmet unceremoniously on top of his head. Thankfully it had worked as Ru hoped for, his ears magically fitting into perfectly formed slits and protruding through to the other side.

"What do you think? You next!"

@Toko

 

[Toko]

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"Haiii..."

The affirmation was low and sad, the lepus pouting upon realizing the state of her finances. Sure the game was generous enough to give them some starting gold, enough to afford a couple of nights at an inn and to get some food, but it was peanuts compared to what they would need to actually upgrade their starting gear. However that didn't seem to stop her lepus friend, the male quickly grabbing the bracers and placing them in Toko's arms before going on to pick a leather helmet for himself as he addressed the shopkeeper.

"Hontoo dess ka?" Wide eyes looked at the shop keeper, the beastfolk tore between the excitement of trying something on (even if she couldn't afford it right now) but also not wanting to inconvenience the shop keeper when it was clear they wouldn't be bringing much business to the store right now. Only when they gave a nod, already waving their companion off as Ru went to try on the helmet, did Toko feel more at ease about the whole thing as she gave an appreciative bow to the shop keeper. "Arigatoo gozaimass!"

There was a short moment where Ru's ears were gone, a sight that was just a bit amusing as Toko stifled a chuckle, before they finally reappeared as they popped through the sudden holes that appeared on the helmet—making them a perfect fit for the man. "Uwaaah, they really thought of even the smallest details in this game, huh?" It didn't took long before the bracers were strapped onto her arms, at first dangling in place since they were a size or two too big for Toko, before eventually reducing to a snuggly yet comfortable fit as the lepus admired them on a nearby mirror.

"Mmmm, yeah I think these are good... I'll come back to get these once I actually make some gold."

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

"Ooo, very heroic! Such style, much wow."

A short round of applause was made as the gaunt lepus took a step back to admire the view. Though certainly nothing fancy, it didn't hurt bolster each other's confidence at such an early stage of the game. Head nodding with approval, he'd angle both left and right, while checking out the fit of the helmet. The shop keeper chimed in as well with small exclamations of how dashing the pair looked, his efforts quickly rewarded by Toko's promise to return once she could afford something.

"And that's why they let us try stuff on for free. It's a good business model, yeah?"

Though a bit reluctant to part with the helmet, he'd set it back on the shelf while setting his gaze elsewhere. Beside the two sat several mannequins with armor placed, ranging from light to heavy sets. Meandering over to take a closer gander, he'd motion to Toko, asking for her opinion on the matter. After all, their equipment typically would determine their development path for the future.

"Hmm… cloth, leather or metal? Which do you prefer?"

He'd pause for a minute to decide, before picking up one of each set and waving to the shop keep.

"Excuse me! Is there somewhere we can try these on?"

After being pointed towards a set of curtains further into the store, he'd nod with thanks while motioning back to the ruby eyed lepus, urging her to select a few for herself. His eyes spoke with anticipation before disappearing into a booth, only to reappear donning a long set of blue robes reminiscent of a classic fantasy style wizard.


@Toko

 

[Toko]

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"True... I didn't think of it that way."

Trying things out wasn't something she personally did considering her shop was an online one, hard for any customers to really try the ceramic cups and objects she was selling through it, but now that Nao thought about it the ojiisan in their local shop often encouraged visitors to pick up the pieces and inspect them even if they weren't going to buy them afterwards. Seemed like it was a pretty universal, and successful, marketing strategy.

"Definitely leather, at least for me. Metal looks too stiffling to properly move in it, and cloth... well, I think I'd prefer something a bit more protective after that tavern talk we got."

Ru wasted no time in picking out a set for himself, the lepus chuckling softly before following suit as she used the time her companion took getting dressed to pick out some leather articles of her own. "Kakkoii! Absolutely stunning, Ru-nii!" Soft claps were given as the lepus showered the male with compliments, and she had to admit the blue shades did look pretty good on the lithe lepus.

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

"Hmm... feels kind of like wearing a dress. A bit more stifling versus a lab coat too..."

The lepus pulled daintily at his current threads while carefully extending his limbs to test for mobility. Though light and airy, the issue was that perhaps it felt a bit too light. After all, Toko brought up a rather strong argument. In a world like this... perhaps it was warranted to wear a bit more protection? He'd nod his head in agreement at her assessment, blushing with appreciation despite trying to maintain a stoic face.

"Okay, okay. Your turn. What'd you decide on?"

Taking a curious gander at her selected garb, he'd begin browsing the same section while waiting for her to exit from behind the curtains. Leather was a rather reasonable approach. Considering how it was healthy mix between mobility and protection, perhaps he'd be better off with that? A pale hand rapped against the leather cuirass infront of him, his face forming a frown. It seemed rather... stiff, and didn't look very comfortable to wear. The shop keeper immediately noticed his conundrum and with keen eyes, swooped over; providing an alternative solution to his plight.

Oh ho? What's this?... Can this even be considered armor?... It's a bit... exposed?

The lepus decided to contemplate his life decisions while struggling internally over the chest piece. It wasn't as if he had to make a purchase right this second anyway. As for now, he'd wait patiently for Toko to reappear in her outfit of choice.

@Toko

 

[Toko]

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"Oh, you mean like a fancy dress…?” She could understand how it would be stifling then, Nao herself had never been fond of dresses who’s fabric wasn’t airy and flow-y. "… is it the scratchy kind of fabric?”

There was a pat of mocked pity and support that was given to the taller lepus’ shoulder, before Toko scurried into the curtained room to try out her own pick. It was certainly a bit more extra than she would normally go for, especially with the fur and other tidbits, but might as well try on unusual things now while they had the chance… if anything it would help the aspiring fighter to narrow her options for when she did have some gold on hand.

"O-Okay, be honest… how do I look?”

After some grunting and struggling Toko had finally managed to put the piece on properly, gingerly stepping out of the dressing room even as a faint blush colored the lepus’ cheeks as she became somewhat self-conscious.

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

"Hmm, I don't know if I'd call it scratchy. Maybe a bit heavy compared to how it looks? I mean, it is supposed to be armor..."

Watching as his white haired companion scurried behind the curtains, he'd wait expectantly while continuing to peruse the various display pieces. Despite her struggles, it wasn't long before she finally reappeared. The armor had shrank to fit her rather well, resulting in a well put together appearance despite her struggles in donning the garb.

"Ooo, very form fitting. You look like a bonafide adventurer now! Fur seems a little tacky, but maybe that's just our world's standards. Is it hot inside?"

A thumb was raised in approval as he'd grin at the sight before him. Though the armor seemed rather comfortable due to the padding from the fur, it looked more like a winter outfit than anything else. Did the game have climate control built in for equipment? Most likely not, but just the prospect of such a feature left him hopeful. Swooping behind another pair of curtains to try on another piece, the lepus' voice called out from within.

"I think you're right about needing something sturdier. The shop keep recommended this but..."

It didn't take long to don this particular piece. He quickly reappeared in what looked like a half top, leather chest wrap. Perhaps it would be more accurate to describe this as a leather croptop? (As depicted in bio.) His trimmed abdomen and sinewy arms exposed, Ru poked out rather skeptically while looking down to inspect his own body. Ah right, I set the slider for scars rather high, didn't I? Hopefully it's not too scary.

"Can this really be considered armor?..."

@Toko

 

[Toko]

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That was a good point, even if the robe looked light it had to provide some form of protection. "You think all of the lighter armor will feel weird like that?" Maybe that one was just magically enchanted for protection or something, hence the weird weight to its cloth?

"I dunno... seems a bit over the top?" The flush on her cheeks deepened just a bit more, before a chuckle escaped the lepus at Ru's last question. "It is extremely warm... probably good for a colder climate, but I wouldn't use it long around these parts."

She was thankful the shop had two changing rooms, and while Ru had stepped in to change in one of them Toko took the spare one to return back to her original clothing. She stepped out just a few moments after Ru was done changing, having seen the piece the shop keeper had recommended to her lepus companion beforehand. "I guess so long as it covers the lungs and heart it can still be considered armor—" The words suddenly died as she noticed the scars on Ru's exposed skin, Toko almost dropping the furred armor she'd changed out of before snapping out of her stupor.

'They're probably just character creation scars... right?' Thinking hard back to the time Nao had spent creating her own avatar she loosely remembered such a customizable option available, it just hadn't really caught her attention so Toko had been allowed to live scar free for the time being at least.

"...It certainly looks like it wouldn't impair mobility though, and it doesn't look as heavy as other full leather armor either."

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

After carefully rotating his arms around to test for motion, Ru nodded with satisfaction after checking his user interface. It appeared as though the armor bonuses were being applied correctly despite its barely adequate coverage. Was this the male equivalent of a rumored armored bikini? It was a question he'd prefer to leave unanswered if possible.

"So we have an idea for defensive equipment… but what about weapons? It's so strange we didn't start with any, not even a club. Were we supposed to punch things to death?"

Darting back behind the curtains quickly to change and return the garb, the gaunt lepus continued took around curiously at the goods on display. His hands passed carefully over several daggers, seeming to prefer lighter weapons over heavier ones before shaking his head and frowning. As cool as forged metal was, none of these seemed very arcane in nature. Was he supposed to cast magic with a sword? It was certainly an aesthetic others appreciated, but for Ru, not so much.

"Oiii! Boss, where do you keep the stuff for wizards? I want to conjure food and teleport!"

Perhaps his usage of magic was a bit too mundane, but it was practical at least.

"Anything suit your fancy?"

@Toko

 

[Toko]

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"Ahahahaaa, funny thing about that….” The armor she had tried on was now out back in its proper place, the Lepus being careful to leave it exactly as she has found it before laughing softly at Ru’s words. "Punching, and kicking, is my method of combat… Martial Arts can pack quite the hit, especially with these.”

A nod was given downwards to her animalistic rabbit feet, the claws that growled from her toes particularly sharp and thick looking. Due to that she hadn’t even thought about purchasing weapons, or the lack of weapons in her possessions, since the moment Toko had stepped out of the character creation screen.

"You’re looking for a focus… right?” The fighter barely remembered reading about such a term, though Nao wasn’t sure if it had been in the game’s guide or her own internet search back in the real world. Still the idea seemed sound enough, and considering she too had some magical capabilities perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad thing to look at. "Maybe a jewelry store would have them? I think all magical content I saw online usually had gems somewhere on them… whether it was a staff, earrings or even a ring?”

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

"Ah… I had forgotten about those."

A look of amusement blossomed as a glance was spared down towards her trotters.

"Though I wouldn't recommend it against the elements, or something caustic. Perhaps we should add some boots to your wish list? Open toed of course."

It was strange seeing such animalistic traits on another member of the same race. He had opted for a more human appearance, forgoing most racial features save for long protruding ears and some light, well placed fur. To each their own, he supposed. Though that did beg the question. To what extreme one could resemble their animal counterpart? Hopefully the answer wasn't too dramatic, as it'd be difficult to discern friend from foe.

"Yeah, a focus… but maybe something less flashy? Embedded jewels sound extravagant. Is that a requirement?"

Jewels weren't just extravagant. They were prohibitively expensive. Though the price range did fluctuate heavily depending on the material and quality, just the thought of stomaching such an expense left the lepus in distress. Was there balding in this game? If so, he'd have to be mindful of avoiding undue anxiety. After receiving a negative response from the store owner, it appeared that the two would have to look elsewhere to sate their curiosity.

Directions. Though the bane of their existence, the pair were left in good hands. The amicable shop keep had personally seen them down the road, introducing them to a small street stall run by an elderly woman well beyond their years. Having been introduced, Ru began to peruse her wares, inspecting them slowly with the user interface. It was hard to discern their functions otherwise, not that there was much difference. Considering the entry level of their locale, very few features were added to the accessories, primarily enabling the user to cast at all.

"Ooo, this one's rather cute. That one too. Which do you prefer?"

He'd hold up what appeared to be malachite carved into the shape of a rabbit's paw, setting it back down while pointing at yet another colorful accessory, an amethyst blossom cast in silver resembling an earring. Jewels glistening in the sun, a hand rose to Toko's ear as the two were overlaid together.



@Toko

 

[Toko]

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"Oh that's true... maybe something for my knuckles too eventually."

Toko still wasn't sure what the range of monsters in the game was, but she assumed it would be sensible enough to expect something like golems or similar things considering the availability of magic. Sure, she might be able to coat her limbs in geomancy for a good solid hit—after enough practice to master doing that on an actual fight of course—but it would be impossible to keep that up constantly since magic was quite draining.

A soft shrug, accompanied by a confused face, was given in response to Ru's question about ges being mandatory or not—she was the last person around here who would know about such a thing. "I have nooo idea... but I hope the prices are based on actual utility of the item and not because it sparkles pretty." Sure, gems were pretty to look at, but Toko wasn't exactly inclined to spend a fortune on an item just because it had a little stone tacked onto it.

Goodbyes were exchanged with the shop keep after they had lead the pair to an elderly woman and her own accessory based shop, the Lepus making a mental note to be back once she had spending gold and support the shop owner with her purchases for all the kindness they had showed them. "Sometimes I forget this is a game... everyone around is so organic, it doesn't feel scripted at all." The thought was whispered just loud enough for her companion to hear it if Ru was paying attention, but it was mostly just an out loud musing than anything else.

"Uwah, kireee...!" As Ru held op two different options Toko couldn't help but gasp in delight, each was pretty beautiful in their own way—but although the malachite's color was beautiful the Lepus found herself drawn to the amethyst blossom just a little bit more. "Whoever did these definitely has good taste, the details on the blossom are amazing."

It was then something else caught Toko's attention, a bracelet made of polished carnelians and strung together—similar in nature to the prayer beads often used for Buddhism in Japan. "Ru-nii, look at this one!" It was simple and minimalist in design, but the carnelian stones certainly possessed an allure of their own, the Lepus carefully lifting it up before showing it to her companion.

"This one seems like your style... and it would even compliment the leather color of the chest wrap you were looking at earlier~"

@Ru Ning

 

[Ru Ning]

"It can be a bit unsettling though, right? If there's no real difference between them and us… then what qualities us human?"

The gaunt lepus uttered a hushed whisper in response, leaning closer to his companion to keep volume at a minimum. A warm breath tickled against her ear as he secretly mused about the denizens around them, lost deep in thought while observing the elderly woman manning the stall. Not one to remain bogged down by pointless philosophical waxing however, his attention was easily redirected by Toko's excitement.

The blossom was well crafted, each petal carefully adorned with veins. Its purple hue contrasted vibrantly against the snowy white backdrop of her ears. Pausing a moment to admire the combination of jewelry and feminine charm, he'd inhale sharply to regain bearing. A humble compliment was paid to the stall owner in hopes the recognition would be passed on.

"Certainly in good taste, my praise to both the sculptor and the artist."

A second exclamation burst forth, the target this time? Carnelian prayer beads resembling those found in their world. His golden orbs fixated upon the bracelet; a look of delight colored over Ru's face while nodding with enthusiasm. Both hands moved, clapping softly to express joy at his companion's find.

"Ooo, you're right. I'm rather fond of this!—Uwaaa, maybe in a couple months."

His joy was short lived however upon eying the price tag. Some quick mental math would convert the price into hundreds of loaves of bread. Perhaps if some corners were cut on in-game meals, the trinket would fall into his possession ever so slightly sooner. His woe was short lived however as his ears twitched slightly upon coming to a realization. Though it had been nagging in the corner of his mind for a bit now, his discomfort became apparent with the rumblings of his stomach.

"Umm... sorry. I haven't had anything all day besides cookies. Care to grab a bite?"

Some days even basic adulting was hard...​

@Toko