The Northern Wind and The Sun [Closed/Mentor]

[Scoria]

Scoria let out a quiet huff as he wiped some of the sweat off of his brow, taking the moment to get a drink of water and stop his practice for the day. Despite his somewhat lean appearance and his endless glaring, being a druid meant that he was unfortunately lacking in the strength department. Even worse, his racial traits made it so that he got no bonuses whatsoever, although he knew that he'd prefer to be human over something else. At any rate, the druid dried off his hands and stretched his limbs for a bit before leaving the small clearing in the trees, taking a bit of time to wander around the forest. Most of the creatures basically understood that he was going to give them a really hard time and he had somehow built a reputation among the animals as well. Good. Everyone knew he was an asshole. Except the monsters, those guys just attacked him anyway, but eh. Mostly they avoided him unless they had an aggressive nature, so he could take a bit of time every so often to take a relaxed stroll through the forest without having to worry about keeping in shape or developing some new alchemy thing or whatever it was he bothered himself with these days.

Anyway, as with most things that started off well, this day was going to get strange and stranger. He could feel it in the wind or something poetic and stupid like that, but he didn't really care. His eyes glazed over as he continued to walk and just relax, but eventually even that had to come to a rest. He walked across the Greatwood until he found himself at one of the steep cliff faces that the area sported. It was a good lookout spot for one and it was fairly relaxed as well, because no one got too close. After all, the chances of falling were high if you weren't careful. Good thing Scoria didn't care. He simply sat himself down and glared at the horizon, trying to decide what kind of day today would be. He didn't really have any big plans or anything so far but... well, they'd see. Anyway, it seemed like someone (like I don't know maybe Mab ) would show up eventually. Maybe. Maybe not.

[Mab]

Mab had been wandering about. Her wandering around was almost compulsive. She just could not stay still in one place. Could this have anything to do with having ADHD, it was very likely; though this was an unconfirmed vile rumour which Mab would deny violently. Mab was just restless. Being in this big world and having the freedom to do whatever she pleased just was too much for her every now and then. It led to her wandering aimlessly as at times she found it difficult to set goals for herself.  The druid loved hiking in these parts and her pathfinder’s sensor allowed her to avoid most monsters if she wanted to. Mab was on her own so most times she avoided larger numbers of enemies. Also none of these enemies would aggro unless she did something stupid like attack them. Mab was just not of a level where monsters found her interesting enough.

It was a good day, and while wearing her lime green brand spiffing new armor and her brand new staff Mab felt much better. Especially after she broke her old one. Mab had bought a new hat and she had brought it along for this leisurely wilderness hike. On her head sat a red top hat with bunny ears on the side. As usual her clothing choice was rather unique and for some painful to the eyes. Weather this was predetermined or just carelessness remained a mystery to all but Mab. Just as she was about believe that she would not encounter a single soul Mab walked into a clearing. Next to a steep cliff. The sight was something to behold and maybe because of this Mab had missed the fact that someone was already enjoying this spectacular sight.

“Uwaaah! Pretty!”

The girl uttered baffled by the beautiful vision that this vantage point had. Staring in awe the girl let her mind wander. Trying to take in all the scenery, or making a mental picture was not an easy feat for this particular druid. Mostly because she was distracted quite easily. In this case it did not matter because there was just so much to look out for. Only when she let her eyes wander around did she notice something off. “Trees, vales, sky, person sitting there, birds..... wait....” her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed something wrong with her train of thought. At this time she focussed her attention to the discrepancy of her view.

“Hello!”

 Mab said sounding upbeat; to the person looking vaguely familiar. Mab was unsure if they had met before. The half-alv did not want to show that because that might be considered rude. Well and Mab was not one to be considered as rude. It is quite possible she inadvertently came across as abrasive at times but Mab up till this day remained blissfully unaware. She took the time to take a good look at the person sitting there. His face was rather stern looking, feral almost. Not that this particularly bothered Mab it was something she noticed. Without invite she sat herself down a little away from the druid.

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Post count: 516

Tags: Scoria

[Scoria]

Unfortunately, not even the colorblind could ignore Mab's ensemble of clothing. It was a fashion crisis that, at the very least, caught Scoria's attention. Yes. Good work, blindly obnoxious outfit, you have done your job well. Who was this brat, freaking Naruto? Ohohoho my orange jumpsuit is so stealth- He was getting off track. The loud noises she made and the cry of enjoyment at the sight also happened to be a dead giveaway, but those were marginal in comparison to how flashy she looked. Scoria threw one sidelong glance at her as she was admiring the scene before shrugging to himself and looking back on the view. If she pushed him off the edge, that would kind of suck, but there was the Call of Home skill to get him out of that situation. The drop was far enough that he'd be able to manage it. Luckily or unluckily, she did not shove him off the cliff.

Oh, she had gone ahead and greeted him too. Hello to you as well, Mab. "Druid of the North, greetings." Scoria did remember meeting this girl at least once before, thanks to her rather unique self-proclaimed nickname at the time. They had gone on an adventure to help Tobin with something, but how that had turned out... Well, whatever. It wasn't too important at the moment. Seemed like she was up and about, especially considering how early it was... Oh wait, it was going to be noon time soon. He had lost track of time while training and wandering, it seemed, and somehow the sun had ascended fairly high into the sky. Scoria let out a quiet sigh and leaned back a bit further on his hands, enjoying the scenery for a while before breaking the ice. "Stereotypically enjoying nature, Druid?" Oh man, Scoria was so good at breaking the ice. Wow. Just... amazing.

[Mab]

Looking over the Cliffside the druid felt a sense of awe. The height was dazzling and anyone with a fear of heights would probably feel very uncomfortable right now. Mab had not such an issue so instead the girl enjoyed the spectacular views trying to figure out where she had met him before. Mabs mind was usually not this evasive her memory usually worked just fine. Was it a memory she was subconsciously repressing? Could it be possible the previous meeting was so bad the girl did not want to remember? Impossible the druid decided. After hearing Scorcia make his unusual introduction Mab remembered where she had met the druid before. He was the guy with the doggy. Well wolf summon but; details, smetails. They had been members of the same party that left on a grand adventure to help a dwarf capture his Gerald. Now that she remembered where she met him before his name also popped back into mind.

“Scoria, mister sunshine and happiness.”

Or that was what she had dubbed the somewhat dark and gloomy man. Before she realised she actually spoke aloud she put her hand in front of her mouth to hide her smile. Mab really tried to make her eyes look slightly apologetic, but only slightly. Otherwise it would not be real. Mab did feel she said a little too much. But not in such a way that she really owed an apology. The man she remembered was quite a piece of work himself. “Ooh I am not yet the great druid of the north.... It requires more training!” The girl said decisively. So in fact druid of the north for now was a correct statement. She nodded at that. Mab would work hard to become a useful member of the strange community she was mostly part of. Though in all honesty she could not really feel a member of the Londinium community. Just a side show. It did not make her sad, she just had trouble fitting in.

Before the druid could answer Scoria’s question some reflection was needed. This because Mab was unsure if it was stereotypical. Even if it was, Mad would probably not care. Mab had always enjoyed the outside, being stuck in the city bored her quite easily. The fact that she chose to be a druid did that mean she had to like nature because of it? Mab could not really answer. Maybe it was more correct to assume it was the other way around. Because Mab enjoyed nature she chose a class that most suited her needs. “If it is there to enjoy, why not enjoy it?” Mab responded to Scoria’s question. “Though I guess my wander lust drove me out here today.” Mab added honestly. Mab would have wandered just about anywhere. Dessert, underground dungeons, abandoned castles, mountain areas anywhere would have been fine for this girl. As long as she was walking, or hiking, or running if it got too dangerous all was fine with the world.

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Word count: 502 

[Scoria]

Sunshine and happiness, huh? Yeah, that sounded about right to the druid. He was aaaaaaaaaallll about sunshine and rainbows. He scoffed under his breath, eyes scanning the horizon in a lazy, yet unyielding stare. It wouldn't be right if his glare ever ceased to be plastered on his face and even in the face of the wonderful view in front of him, his eyebrows remained creased downward. He took a moment to glance over at Mab and give her a proper once over instead of the casual nonchalance he had shown the last time they had met. She was fairly tall, huh? For such a childish face and expression, she certainly had the height to back up her bouncy demeanor. Maybe all that energy went into turning her into a beanpole? Scoria might have debated whether or not her genetics had a part to play in this, but considering this was a game... Well, there wasn't any meaning to it. People were as tall as their avatars were. He didn't really care what she nicknamed him as at this point, considering what he had been called before, so something as obviously contrary and sarcastic as that was almost expected. If he were to be perfectly honest, he would have figured Tobin would have done it first.

He nodded quietly at the acknowledgment of his actual name, however, and listened to the rest of what she had to say. Not yet the great druid of the north? Like last time, he tried to imagine her using ice and mowing down opponents like some sort of avalanche, but it was just too difficult to think of. This girl of all people wasn't going to end up like that. He doubted that she thought of herself like that either, so it was worth an inquiry. He hadn't met very many druids, much less ones that actually aspired to something, so perhaps putting aside Suiren... Speaking in a rather dry tone, he deadpanned his response. "Oh, is that so." He didn't get a chance to say much, considering how deliberately and methodically he spoke sometimes, and it seemed Mab had more to say. A poetic comment on the beauty of nature, certainly, but also an admission of her own restlessness. Still, people who could enjoy the little things in life earned just the smallest bit of Scoria's grudging acknowledgment. Music and food were staples of healthy living, or something like that. Still, he really did want to know and even if his earlier inability to do anything other than subtly mock had clouded the air, he could just ask again. "What kind of druid do you want to be?" There were a great many different ways to be a 'druid' and Scoria wasn't exactly the most normal druid in the book either, but he was curious. Healer? Dps? Support? Did she have some plan as a druid that was outside the scope of basic game terminology...? Too many questions, too few answers.

[Mab]

Mab turned her head sideways at his rather dry remark. “Hmm.” She confirmed while nodding her head. “It would be rather arrogant of me to call myself with any sort of nickname at this time.” She answered honestly. “I just got started.” Mab was not insane enough to believe she could just claim a name and not have the abilities to back that up. That would just be silly. She would make an ass out of herself and she had no intention of doing such. Well except maybe for her sense of clothing style. However there was some sense in the madness. In nature often times creatures feared others with bright colors as they were often times the most deadly, or at least appeared to be.

Mab was not really taken by surprise when Scoria asked “what kind of druid do you want to be?” The question had been asked before. “Give me some time to collect my thoughts before I answer that question...” Mab responded as she needed a little bit of time to think about it before she could give a sensible answer. Taking her time Mab gave the question serious thought. Scoria did not give the impression that he would tolerate any sort of half assed answer. Mab had thought about it before but her thoughts had not really surfaced to a clear cut plan. What the druid did know was she wanted to dedicate herself to healing, however she did not wish to become some distressing damsel that needed to stand on the sidelines when push came to shove. Mab wanted the abilities to not only defend herself but help out others too. Mab took a deep breath before she started answering Scoria’s question. She looked straight at him when she started to answer his quite difficult question. 

“Healing will be a big part of how I progress as a Druid in this game. That does not mean I don’t want the abilities that help out in a fight. So I will probably also pick skills that support a group; or that can suppress enemies” Feeling that this had not really answered the question completely she continued. “That is just part of it. The subclasses allow for many interesting options too. It is very difficult to plan far ahead. I mostly know the general direction I want to take. But that’s as far as it goes, nothing is set in stone. Who can really tell what will happen in the future.” Mab had answered truthfully but she was feeling frustrated because she could not really answer the question completely. Mab broke eye contact for some time to stare into the distance. Not really sure what she should add to this. Mab not minding the silence for some time just let it drag on. Maybe if she understood what he was thinking her answer could be cleared up over time. “What kind of druid are you?” Mab asked trying to find out more about the solemn druid. He did not seem like a bad person at all to Mab, just distant. Not sure what to make of him his answer might just clarify a few things for her.

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Word count 530 

[Scoria]

While that wasn't exactly what he had meant, it was at least good to see that Mab was not completely full of herself. A little consideration and moderation went a long way, despite what people might have thought. The gleaming malice that seemed to dance in his crimson orbs latched onto Mab as she took the time to collect her thoughts and respond. She had some good sense too, despite her clearly bubbly and bright personality. It was possible that Scoria might actually end up able to tolerate extended periods of time in her presence. He turned his eyes back to the horizon as he waited, patiently letting get gather her thoughts. It might have been a common question, but it was by no means an easy one. Eventually, finally, she answered.

It wasn't as though he had been expecting a super cereal answer. It was a somewhat sudden question, certainly, but Mab's answer was more than sufficient. "A healer... Have you looked at the Adventurer skills?" He was, of course, referencing the Heal spell that any adventurer could take. Sometimes, people got so wrapped up in their class, they failed to look outward. Mab had a good head on her shoulders from his perspective, however, and he wasn't expecting her plans all the way up to level 90. He had just wanted to know if she had a clear goal or purpose and, at least for now, she did. As far as comrades in arms went, he could have done worse. Then she asked it, the worst of all questions. What kind of Druid was he...?

His expression darkened as the gleam in his eyes went from severe to violent in one go. What kind of Druid was he? His teeth ground together slightly as he frowned, turning to glare unkindly at his temporary companion. "The villainous kind. They call me the Ice Bitch and with my skills, I terrorize the townsfolk. I don't heal and I don't support, and the people I target will end up miserable. That's the kind of Druid I am." And yet... Scoria huffed and picked himself up. And yet, perhaps he and Mab could go on an adventure. Where to...? Perhaps for the trolling of Landers or perhaps to go fight something. "If you're interested, shall we go on an adventure?" From the gleam in his eyes, it was more like she was joining an evil organization than going on an adventure, but hey.

[Mab]

To be honest the amount of available skills was a tad overwhelming. That did not mean Mab had ignored them. In truth Mab had indeed looked at the various adventurer skills. The ones more aimed towards fighting she had ignored for now. But there were a fair number amongst those skills she would not mind having. The thing she disliked about the heal skill was that just about anyone could pick the skill. If possible Mab wanted the skills that where unique and useful at the same time. That was not a full truth because she had thought about a fair number of skills to be useful to her. The few that stood out most where the heal skill and the tongues of nature skill. In a bout of feeling selfish she wanted the tongues of nature skill first. Mab was not someone who would give her all just for others. She needed to enjoy herself too. The Tongues of Nature skill sounded way to amusing to let go. Especially because of the chance things could go horribly wrong. It added a sense of excitement to the game, and well Mab was curious what the different monsters would be saying if she could understand them.

“I have looked at the adventurers skill... I am thinking I want the tongue of nature skill soon, to help with my path finder class.”

Mab ansered truthfully; having already planned her next few skills ahead. After the short silence Mab noticed a difference in the druid’s posture. The girl was surprised to see that the question she returned to him seemed to upset Scoria. His gaze had turned quite hostile, no violent in seconds. Mab however did not believe that this hostility was particularly aimed at her, even though she was the only one there. She suppressed a smile. When he started explaining. What she heard was mostly that he was a terribly good fighter instead of a healer. He seemed to care less what others thought of it. Mab had no issue with that at all. But to call someone an ice bitch.... wasn’t that just a tad rude? Nope Mab decided to never use that term, even if she got to understand why others did. Mab could respect and understand choices others made. The way she thought about Scoria is that he seemed self reliant and independent. Qualities she could understand and support.

An adventure sounded exiting. Mab was curious enough to accept such within a heartbeat. “Sure an adventure sounds like fun!” Mab said sounding unfazed by the dark mood Scoria seemed to exude. “What did you have in mind?” The girl continued, her curiosity sparkling through. It seemed quite easy to disctract the girl, adventure seemed to set this girl afire. Her eyes burning with anticipation she looked at the druid eagerly awaiting his decision. Mab was not an easy follower, but when someone showed an obvious greater experience she was quite an obedient student. Unable to hide her excitement she waited for teach to make a decision.

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post count: 508

[Scoria]

Tongue of nature, huh? That was a good one. Scoria sometimes regretted having picked up the skill himself, but... The positives outweighed the negatives on that one. As long as you managed to tune out those animals that were in heat. Wasn't this a PG-13 game? Scoria almost grimaced at the memory, but there were other things on his mind. Like telling an acceptably mature Druid that he was the Ice Bitch and basically back dafuq up. She didn't, for some unknown reason, and now the duo were going to go on an adventure. Where were they going, one might ask? Well, that much had yet to be decided.

Still, she said an adventure sounded like fun. Scoria almost kicked her off the cliff side. Hadn't she got it yet that he wasn't exactly a swell dude? Well whatever. She seemed to be content to tag along for an adventure, so where were they going... Scoria's lips flattened momentarily before he turned, eyes glimmering to Mab. "Entropic Emet. Let's go hunt a field boss." Were they actually going to? Heck no. Scoria was neither dumb nor suicidal, but he did have a few rather unpleasant adventuring surprises for Mab. They'd probably need some supplies and if Mab didn't know her way around Londinium yet, this was as good a time as any to teach her. He would have gone to town under the guise of supplies, but then it occurred to him. Gotta kill a field boss. Preparation is for losers. Turning until he found the direction he wanted to go, Scoria began moving through the forest as if he was actually serious. In all seriousness, he was going to throw her up against a rather obnoxious and strong opponent, the Crag Cow. Possibly lethal, but not a field boss. Anyway, adventure was now calling so off they went.

[Mab]

Mab was in no way, shape or form ready to fight a field boss. Or any boss for that fact. Even most monsters would kill her outright. Mab had already learned from Scoria not to expect support or healing from him. She would have to rely on herself for that. Which was alright since she could support herself with healing. Mab realised that she had no real attack skill. Just a staff she could use to whack things with. If she wanted to survive any sort of combat it would mean making sure to stay out of trouble by avoiding direct attacks. Striking only at opportune moments. She was not really afraid of dying because she would be resurrected in the church anyway. Pain was something to endure and with her amount of hit points it would be over quick if she got hit.

Mab was not one to rush into a fight without looking ahead. To feel a little safer the girl toggled her path finding skill and that made sure she had at least some warning before encountering such a beast. Feeling some dread as she thought about the up and coming encounter the girl shivered ever so slightly. Mab was not an idiot, who was she kidding, she wasn’t ready to fight a field boss. Her shoulders slumped ever so slightly when she seriously thought about it. The girl realised she was not alone and she suspected that Scoria would not just let her fight on her own. However he did seem like a bully.... so she wasn’t exactly sure that she would enjoy the help he would give her. As he clearly stated he never helped anyone and those who were targeted ended up miserable.

Walking slightly behind scoria she followed him towards their eventual destination. Staying silent and alert where there only weapons she really had. Gripping her staff tightly every now and then. In the end her need for excitement won over her trepidation. She loved seeing new things and whatever it was they were going to do, it was definitely something Mab had not done before. That alone made it fun. She did not forget to look around her. Sensing her surroundings, deciding where to place her steps to make less noise. Mab was not some chamber elephant prancing about a porcelain cupboard. She was walking in an unknown forested terrain. A place she had never been before. She wanted to remember the route Scoria took, in case she wanted to visit this place again. Mab tried to remember what she knew of the enemy. Her mind drew a blank as she had never fought such a creature before. She knew nothing of this creature, not its attack patterns, nor its range; speed; attack power, or anything of the sort. She comforted herself that it might be better that way as she would probably wet herself if she did. That would be quite embarrassing. Her face hiding none of the whirlwind of emotions she felt told the unspoken thoughts of the girl quite clearly. Mab should really never play any sort of poker game... she would end up losing it all.

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Word count: 529