Private Western Brisshal Reuniting With An Old Friend

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki looked at the small hamlet that was before her. It certainly was inconspicuous, and she never would have found it if she hadn't come across some traders who were happy to give her some directions. It was far removed from the larger settlements, the inhabitants largely kept to themselves, and it didn't produce any famous or infamous products. There was little to nothing that differentiated from other hamlets that were scattered throughout Astorea and Falderen, little settlements of people who had decided to live peaceful lives away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.

That was, except for a particular inhabitant of this hamlet, and the person that Mizuki was looking for. She wasn't exactly a celebrity, but she was known in the outside world. Someone who was quite skilled when it came to medicine and treatment of obscure illnesses, even if her methods were considered unorthodox. She was also known for being rather lascivious at times, especially when it came to beautiful females.

Mizuki hadn't seen Kaede for over four years, and their meeting during the expedition into the Tangleweaves had been too short to be considered anything more than an acknowledgement of each other's existence. She was still saddled with the guilt of knowing that while she was on Earth, unable to access Terrasphere, Kaede was stuck inside of Terrasphere, unable to return to Earth. And unlike some Travelers, who seemed to have adapted to being UI-locked surprisingly well, Kaede had made it clear from the start that she hated it.

The huntress followed the road into the hamlet, her mismatched eyes looking at each of the buildings she passed by until she found the one that matched the given descriptions. Walking up to the door she knocked on it, hoping that Kaede was home at the time. She could wait around for a while, but she wanted to check up on her old friend, and possibly apologize for being unable to help when her friend needed it the most.

@Kaede Hoshi

 

[Darkness]

Ivywood

160 / 160

[ 100/100 ] SP

"One moment, Just getting the last few things back on the shelf..."

The familiar voice replying from the other side of the half doors before a loud thud and skittering would provoke a grown and the footsteps to move away from the area to open a side door allowing the massive hound to bolt out to use the restroom while the elf would sigh and close the door to go back to setting up the clinic with the added mess to deal with. Left hand casting magic to turn time back in the area to set the items back while right hand opened the top half of the front door to see who was here.

"Miz... Mizuki?"

Kaede's tone was a bit shaken, sure she had been seeing a lot of old players as of recent, but it was still enough to shock her at times. Adjusting her clothing slightly, though it was not so much like the old Kaede who would make it easier to take off, but rather to cover more skin to hide the scars better as she adjusted her posture. While the air was slightly the same as Kaede used to have it did not look like the same woman. Once slightly dark hair had turned, and revealing cloths replaced by clothing that only left her head revealed.

Then there was of course the change in the air around Kaede, the overwhelming sense dread, and stench of death and dark magic lingered even out of the seals and hexes to try and control it. Moving to stand aside so Mizuki could see inside the shop to the few items Kaede had for sale at the time. Mostly simply home remedies and first aid supplies as everything else was being sent out later in the week to more major clinics in the region.

"So what are you in the little town of Ivywood for? The discounts of a borderline stable clinic?"

Rolls

Nothing

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki's ears twitched as she heard a familiar voice, even if it was one she hadn't heard for a long time. A part of her tried to recall if she heard anything from Kaede during the expedition into the Tangleweaves, but if she'd done so it had been drowned out by the sound of people fighting and dying. The huntress followed Kaede's movements inside the clinic with her ears, her head turning sharply as suddenly a large hound burst out of a side door, clearly in need of some fresh air. Mizuki vaguely remembered that Kaede had a pet, but it had been much smaller four years ago.

But those thoughts all fell away when Kaede opened the upper half of the door and the two old friends found themselves face to face. Mizuki's nose wrinkled as she was met with a complicated cocktail of smells, one of which was making her swallow a sudden increase in saliva production. For a predator, the smell of death was a signal that food was ready.

...Hello again, Kaede. It's been... a lot longer than I had hoped.

She wasn't as stunned as the other woman was, although the changes that Kaede had undergone in the years that they hadn't been able to see each other were startling. Before the shutdown, Kaede had been cheerful, outgoing, and even eager to show off what she had to offer to any potential lover. Her more conservative attire told a story of how life in Terrasphere had changed her, and it made more guilt flow through Mizuki.

I didn't come here for your clinic, no, although I'm glad to hear that it's stable. (She shook her head for emphasis.) I came here because I wanted to see you. I hope you're not too busy.

She couldn't smell anyone else in the clinic, but she couldn't exactly demand that Kaede make time for her. The last thing the sorceress needed was for Mizuki to be thoughtless and selfish.

Can I come in?

@Kaede Hoshi

 

[Darkness]

Ivywood

160 / 160

[ 100/100 ] SP

"Oh um... it's a bit of a mess in here I'll step out."

Moving to close the upper door again as she carefully made her way around the maze like mess she made for the clinic front, then the maze that was where she had been living out of as to avoid going back to the manor as the side door would open again and Kaede would come out adjusting her outfit once more. This time in more full view Kaede left only her head uncovered by fabric. Be it the dark dress, or black boots and gloves, or the bandages around her neck.

She had her own reasons for them, but for the most part was her fighting with her taboo magic had gotten worse and more in favor of her losing and the scars got worse so she was more keen to hide and cover them up. But as she stood before Mizuki she tried her best to stop tugging the cloths and smile at the woman she had not seen in four years because of the game lock. Part of her was happy to see old faces, but the other only felt it as a bad omen for them to be drawn back to this hell-esc eden.

"Guessing the old rumors gave away it was likely me? ha-ha... I tried to do it less to let them fade but, can't teach an old dog new tricks... I did go sober though, and have stayed such for a while..."

Kaede rambled a bit more before shutting herself up. Mizuki likely was not here to hear every little detail or fact about Kaede's time locked in the game. That and if she was, there was almost no real way Kaede would explain what happen during the first two years of getting locked away without people she trusted to help her out. Leaning against the side of the clinic as she spun the sign from 'closed' to 'on break' while she decided to speak with Mizuki.

Rolls

Nothing

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki nodded as Kaede suggested that she'd step outside instead of letting the caenis in. If her clinic really was a mess that did make more sense. Once the half door was closed Mizuki would plant a hand on her hip, her ears swivelled towards the clinic as she listened to the sounds of her old friend making her way to the other exit. Once the side door opened for a second time Mizuki walked up to it, taking the opportunity to give Kaede a full-body look-over. Her lower body was the same as her upper body, with every part of her body covered up. Mizuki was starting to suspect that if possible Kaede would have covered her face as well.

Your antics certainly helped, but I also just remembered enough about you that I found some people who'd been to your clinic and knew I was talking about you. (She smiled back at Kaede.) I didn't expect to hear that you've been doing it less tough.

Her smile faltered as she thought about what Kaede had been through. The experience must have been traumatising, but for it to cause Kaede to cut down on the flirting? She'd have expected to hear tales about how every lovely wench from every tavern from the coast to the western fringe of Astorea had been taken by the beautiful sorceress at least once. The fact that Kaede had calmed down instead and even stopped drinking worried Mizuki.

Well, I hope that you've been doing well, sober or not. (She raised a hand to rub the back of her neck.) I... how have you been? It's been four years. Have you... gotten used to things?

Ugh, that sounded so wrong. Getting used to losing your life and being stuck in a different world, punished for not being told that a game which was supposed to be fun would instead separate you from friends and family. The luna wolf shook her head, looking rather awkward as she tried to figure out what to say. She'd decided to come here to talk to Kaede, but she wasn't entirely sure what to say now that her dear friend was standing in front of her.

@Kaede Hoshi

 

[Darkness]

Ivywood

160 / 160

"Used to everything but working showers and lack of many soap options. other then that used to most everything else as well as one could be."

Kaede smiled a little, sure it stung getting asked that but she chose to think of it more like moving from a modern city to something like an Amish settlement but with magic and monsters and things. A small laugh trying to imagine just how well an Amish group of players would be along building an entire city with the help of magic and their own knowledge of things. Trying to stop herself from letting her mind roam as she coughed to stop her little laugh.

"How about you? Also as for the less of what I was known for... some things happened that caused me to be... less flirty or I should say perverted... still a flirt just not as much taking people to bedrooms or rather undress because lets be honest... I did never really care the when and where most times ha-ha..."

A hallow laugh as she slightly bashed on her own antics of the past. The look in her eyes was mostly that of sadness recalling what she no longer felt was allowed to have. She did not deserve the happiness she once had, or the care and love from those she cared and loved if they knew what her time locked in the game had resulted in. The air growing stale and reaking fo death as she forgot to keep a lid on her magic and quickly moved a hand behind her back to make another curse seal for it to remove the smell with a sigh.

"Sorry if one of the other reasons you came out this way to see me was for that sort of thing... Any flirting I do now is just that... maybe a little playing but nothing serious anymore..."

Rolls

Nothing

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki nodded as Kaede explained that she had... well, gotten as used to the situation as you could expect from someone who didn't have a choice. It was clear that Kaede wasn't as cheerful as she used to be, which the luna wolf attributed to the obvious cause. The small laugh did surprise her, but she decided not to question it.

I see. I can imagine how those things would be difficult to replicate without extensive infrastructure. (She looked around at the hamlet that Kaede had settled in.) I'm guessing an alchemist could do something about the soap, but it'd get expensive. As for me... (She frowned and folded her arms, trying to find a good answer to the question.) Things have been fine.

A very vague answer, but Mizuki didn't immediately know how to explain in more detail. She didn't want to be insensitive by complaining about not being able to access Terrasphere when Kaede was trapped in here, most likely forever since her body on Earth had already been processed. Even the most optimistic futurists wouldn't go so far as to suggest science in its current state could overcome that hurdle.

It was certainly true that Kaede had never paid too much attention to the when and the where when it came to having some fun. Mizuki chuckled as she recalled her friend's passionate behaviour, without any shame or hesitation. Not everyone appreciated it, but the luna wolf had always respected Kaede's vitality and adventurous spirit.

I'll say. Spending time with you was never boring. (She fell silent as she observed the sorrowful look in Kaede's eyes.) I did miss those days the last four years.

At the suggestion that she might have come here for that kind of fun the luna wolf blinked, then shook her head. She hadn't known what state she'd find Kaede in, but her goal was to check up with an old friend.

That wasn't my intention, no. I wanted to see how you were doing and... (She bit her lower lip before pressing on.) I want to apologise for not having been here for so long. It was outside of my control, but I still failed to help a dear friend.

@Kaede Hoshi

 

[Darkness]

Ivywood

160 / 160

Kaede would move to pull Mizuki in holding the girl closer and for old time sake allowing her hand to 'politely' glide down to the base of the wolf's tail to gently pet it to show Kaede did not hold anything against her before moving away and giving a small smile as she tried to look less like the world had beaten her for the sake of her friend only to sigh and shift to show she was barely holding things together while walking to head back inside waving for Mizuki to follow if she wished to.

"You are fine... if anyone here needs to say sorry is me for what all happen during those four years... Lets just say dual personality and trauma make a bad pairing... and apparently I had dark magic... well every taboo magic is more like it..."

Kaede held a hand to her chest as she moved a bit ahead of Mizuki, moving things out of the way to make a clear path in the mess left behind from Totetsu who somehow managed to sneak back inside without Kaede knowing as the hound laid happily on her bed beside the couch Kaede had been using as her own bed for a while now. And while the place was a mess the biggist issue was likely the missing roof that was rotted away at the edges as Kaede sat on the couch not bothering to move any of her cloths aside from her spot but giving Mizuki a clear spot beside her.

"Don't worry about the thoughts of stepping on eggshells with me. Worst case I don't like how the conversation is going I can just find a gag or force you to make out with me until the topic is not on your mind.~ One good thing about dark magic is the hexes and curses can be used in several ways~"

A playful hum as Kaede licked her lips thinking how fun it would be to go a round or two with Mizuki to see if the girl had any new tricks up her sleeve like Kaede did but decided against it in the moment. She made it clear she was not here for such things so she was not going to force it to avoid talking about the past as it would likely be asked about at some point and she could not keep avoiding the topic forever.

Rolls

Nothing

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki hadn't expected Kaede to initiate a hug, but the luna wolf didn't reject the invitation either. Her arms slipped around the sorceress to embrace her in a manner that Mizuki hoped was comforting. She wasn't the best at reading people, but she could at least tell that Kaede's life wasn't as pleasant and easy-going as it used to be.

The hand that moved down to the base of her tail made her blink, a blush forming on her face as her tail wagged several times before she took a deep breath and calmed herself down. Apparently, Kaede still remembered that the base of the tail was a fairly sensitive spot if touched the right way. Once the hug was broken Mizuki would take a step back so she could get a better look at Kaede in her entirety, although the female elf didn't give her much time before she turned around and invited the huntress to follow her inside of the clinic.

I don't really know what happened in the last four years, but even if you did do something that requires you to apologise it wouldn't be me you'd have to apologise to.

Mizuki couldn't deny that Kaede's words filled her with concern, however: what exactly had happened that made her friend utter such ominous words? Taboo magic was... well, Mizuki didn't really believe in judging an entire branch of magic as forbidden, but at the same time, it couldn't be denied that certain branches of magic could be used for some very questionable deeds.

But first, she'd navigate her way through Kaede's clinic, following the path left behind by the clinic owner as her mismatched eyes and sharp nose took in the scenery. It truly was a mess, and the big hole in the roof made Mizuki worry about whether Kaede's clinic was truly getting by. Her gaze shifted to the large hound occupying the bed, looking Totetsu in the eyes to acknowledge the canine's presence before shifting her attention to the space Kaede had made for her. It wasn't completely clean, but as someone who was used to camping out in the forest, it was already quite the excellent seat. Sitting down next to Kaede the luna wolf raised her eyebrows as Kaede mentioned using her magic to shut her up if the conversation went in a bad direction.

That does sound like something you'd do. (She gave a light grin.) But you don't need to force it when a request would also do. (Her grin faded as she looked up at the roof.) Although apparently curses and hexes can't fix a roof.

@Kaede Hoshi

 

[Darkness]

Ivywood

160 / 160

Kaede chuckled a little before looking to the roof also. Sure she had started some repairs here and there and a few times fully fixed it but the end result was always the same. Her magic would feel like it was trapping her in a box, she would panic and discharge and either the roof, or some wall was removed. This was the best way to keep the place in tact was by keeping the roof, off in areas nothing would be seriously damaged or lost by a little rain or snow.

"Oh that's to keep me from destroying other areas when I feel like I'm getting trapped in a small space... Death number one is to thank for that... Turns out it is more then just physical feeling or visual of being in a small space but also magic or thought of them..."

Kaede gave a nervous chuckle as she moved off the couch and out under the hole in the roof to send a orb of dark magic off to calm down her mind that started to recall the feeling of small spaces. Sure it doubled as a live demonstration of why she had no roof but was not entirely her plan as she moved to sit back down. There was a lot of things she had to constantly deal with due to her deaths, and her past it all made living a mostly normal life rather hard at times. Eventually she would take the time to go to a church or wherever to get her DA's removed but now was not the time.

"Where is the fun in asking a old friend for some fun when surprising them with it?~ Besides, asking is overrated in my book.~"

Rolls

Nothing

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki frowned as Kaede explained that she needed the roof to be open to avoid panicking. Given that her friend was trapped in this world it was to be expected that she was suffering from Death Afflictions, yet at the same time...

I'm somewhat surprised you still have that affliction. (She rubbed her chin.) I think I vaguely remember hearing something about how you can get your afflictions cured at temples, so it shouldn't be impossible...

Admittedly it was only a rumour Mizuki had heard after the Titanius fight. Something about how the Landers had shown their gratitude towards the Travelers who had stayed behind in Titanius's belly to give more Landers the opportunity to escape through the portals. It was a curious rumour since Death Afflictions were strictly a Traveler issue. But it seemed that in the four years that Terrasphere had been inaccessible from Earth the Landers had also become more knowledgeable about Travelers due to those who were UI-locked, so it wasn't impossible that they knew of some way to remove Death Afflictions without requiring access to the UI.

While she pondered the rumour Kaede apparently relieved some stress by demonstrating how she'd shoot her magic through the open roof. Once the elf had returned to her seat Mizuki would pat her on the shoulder in what she hoped would come across as a comforting gesture. There really wasn't much she could do to help Kaede deal with her issues, other than at least offer a sympathetic ear.

Well, you may have a point there. (She smirked in response to Kaede's more provocative statements.) No point in asking a friend when you already know what their answer would be. Of course, if you're taking that stance you can't complain if your friend decides to surprise you in return~

Despite everything, it looked like Kaede's old habits were still there. The huntress's tail wagged idly behind her as she saw the parts of the old Kaede shine through, even if they were mixed in with her friend's new, less energetic self.

On a different topic, I saw you during the expedition into the Tangleweaves, but we didn't really have the time to talk back then. How'd you end up involved in that mess?

@Kaede Hoshi

 

[Darkness]

Ivywood

160 / 160

Kaede scratched the back of her head some, nodding in agreement to most statements made by her friend while she was thinking over other things and then wondering how exactly to respond to the question concerning tangleweaves. She herself still not exactly sure how she ended up going along with the others when she only planned to drop off supplies and go back to her clinic but after some added thought she just shrugged and spoke her honest view on the matter.

"No idea, Just had a feeling we would need some more support casters or doctors along for the trip. As for getting the DA removed... You expect me to behave in a church long enough to have them removed?~ The only reason I got the first of three removed was because it made me afraid of woman big and small! It HAD to go... Ha-ha..."

Kaede said one thing, but in the back of her mind she wondered had she kept that DA, how her life would have turned out. She would not have been so reliant on the affection of other woman like she was, would not have fallen so hard when most her friends vanished. She also would not have done some of the things she had while unstable, or been hurt as hard or at all when she lost Harmony. The DA could have spared her so much suffering and regrets that part of her wished she could go that far back in time to stop herself.

But then there was the good that came from it all, She would not have as much to live for, would not have recovered from that unstable state had she fallen into it. She would not have as much fun as she had in recent days with the return of players and among them her friends. Sighing some as everything always seemed to come out even Steven when she thought it over more. Maybe she would attempt to get the other DAs removed at some point soon, Considering one would make returning her favor rather hard to do.

"How did you get mixed into it all? Most I recall you preferred to be wild and free, not in massive groups of people or the sort. Then again people change ALOT these last four years it seems ha-ha. Not sure if you met or recall Luna but... she ain't as shy as she used to be.~ Harveste is still a sort of cry baby... Have not come across Vina or some others but not like I'm going around searching for them either ha-ha."

Rolls

Nothing

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

It looked like there wasn't a deeper reason for Kaede joining the expedition into Tangleweaves. Given how reclusive the sorceress was these days that was a bit of a surprise, but Mizuki imagined that it might also just have been an opportunity for Kaede to break up her routine in a drastic manner.

I think everyone who came along did their part in helping us survive the expedition, so I'm certainly grateful that you decided to take part. With so many people focusing on standing on the frontline, myself included, those who are willing to take a more supportive role are invaluable. (She smiled.) But if I remember correctly it's quite a bit different from what you used to be like.

Unlike Mizuki, Kaede had changed quite a bit even before the shutdown. From Mizuki's memories, the playful human had first mixed magic with swords before she'd become almost wholly focused on magical power. From the looks of it, Kaede had stuck with focusing on magic, even if the type of magic she used seemed to have adapted a bit over the years.

She chuckled as Kaede mentioned that she'd been forced to get rid of a DA because it would conflict with her interest in females.

That's understandable, but since you've managed it once already I'm sure you can do it again. Some DAs are more bearable than others, but I'd still say it's better to get rid of all of them. (She glanced upwards at the open ceiling.) Especially ones that expose you to bad weather. What do you do if there's a storm?

How Mizuki had ended up joining the Tangleweaves expedition... Just like for Kaede there wasn't really a deeper reason behind it for the luna wolf. However, she'd wait for Kaede to finish talking about the people she'd been reunited with ever since Terrasphere had reopened before answering, nodding along with the sorceress's words.

I don't really remember meeting any of them myself, but I can imagine that four years is enough to change quite a lot about people. (She shrugged.) Although I think I'm still the same as before, it might be easier for someone else to spot a difference. I joined the expedition because I was curious about Tangleweaves and because I figured that they could use someone who's good at surviving in the wilds. I never expected us to run into a demon though... are those common nowadays?

@Kaede Hoshi