Lost But Not Yet Found [Endrin]

[RoseThorn]

without your love, my life

RoseThorn was upset. She'd wandered out of London, heckled by some group of guys who she'd told that she wasn't some escort, and now she had no idea how she was supposed to get back. She had never played a Massive Multi-player Online Game before, so she had no idea what exactly she was supposed to be doing. She had to make a leap that she was supposed to defeat enemies, and when she'd puffed herself up and moved to attack a Frenric Rabbit, it had spazzed out and jumped at her and started scratching. She'd ended up screaming and flailing, and then, after it had roughed her up a little, it had shot off into the brush, never to be seen again. Her clothes were a mess, and she was feeling quite thoroughly defeated by almost everything she came across. She wasn't meant to be in this world. She was meant to be back in the real world, writing and drawing and sculpting things and working on getting through college, not... not fighting in some game. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes and she found herself sinking down, legs curled up underneath her. It all just... became too much all at once and she started crying softly. She wanted to go home, back to the life she knew, where things weren't big and scary and where she wasn't feeling so helpless and weak. After a little bit of tears, she calmed down to just a soft sniffling, wiping at her eyes, her chest sometimes shaking with a few quick breaths that she couldn't quite control. She felt rather entirely sheepish that she had just cried over something as silly as being lost, and she tried to take deep breaths and calm down. One hand came up to try to push the soft pink locks behind her ear, and she got up, hands automatically moving to brush off her clothes from the dirt and muck that was on them when she paused, turning bright red. That rabbit had ripped up her clothes and made them even worse! A soft whimper left her lips as she pictured the needle and thread she had back in some inn room, at a city that she didn't even know how to find again. She could feel the tears starting to gather again before she huffed, wiping at her eyes once more. She could do this, and she could do it without crying. She took a deep breath and then let it out again, lips pressed together in a firm line. Instead she decided to focus on other things, just to distract herself from how much she felt like crawling under a rock and never coming out. She would just focus on the fact that her health wasn't amazing right now, and with that thought in mind, she hummed softly, feeling the flowers around her and waved her arm in the air, creating a soft pink mist whose scent was lost in all of that around her, but it still managed to heal up most of her health problems. Her hands tightened on her staff, and she closed her eyes, breathing in and then letting it out in a whoosh as she glanced around her. She could do this without getting attacked by anything else. She could totally do this. It was just a matter of thinking positive. She would get back to London and she would fix these stupid clothes and that was final!

70% 45% Words;; 582 Tags;; Endrin Notes;; She's barely keeping back the tears right now, and it probably wouldn't take much to push her back to that. In other news, I am most amused by the fact that she was beaten this badly by a rabbit. Lyrics;; "Carnival of Rust" by Poets of the Fall Template by Kuroya

ain't nothin' but this carnival of rust!

[Endrin]

He had been on his way back to town from his latest delve into the wilderness. Still not daring to venture too far out, but eager to learn the immediate area around London he felt like he was getting a good grasp on what surrounded the city. It was especially important for him to learn this as he was not from England but rather America. He had rolled on this server because he wanted to play with the old English Architecture. He never imagined he would have to manage without maps and the internet as references. To make matters worse it would seem in this world he could not make an actual map. He did not have the skills for it, so so he was dependent on his memory. Thus the countless treks into the various low level areas of the Windsor Greatwood and the Savill Flower Garden outside the city.

A smile touched his lips anytime he was in the flower garden. It now had fond memories for him, if nothing else because it was the location that he finally decided who he wanted to be in this game. No, who he wanted to be in this world. A man of honor, someone who could be relied upon and who could and would keep people safe. Someone unafraid to take action when it was needed, and who was not content to let life pass him by.

A rabbit shot passed him like it was running from something, his hand moved to the hilt of his blade as he thought about attacking it, but it was gone. Hunting it would take too much time for the effort and it was just a rabbit. Hardly the most aggressive monster in these woods. Continuing forward toward the town for another minute and a half he spotted someone a small ways off on the ground. It appeared they were curled up and crying? Even before he had decided on a persona for this world he would have been drawn to help this woman, whoever she was. Alone in the wilderness crying, clearly there was something wrong. And so it was with haste he made his way to the woman, reaching her as her spell concluded.

It was only then that he noticed the state of her attire. The skimpy outfit that had been ripped in combat from some beast or another. He averted his gaze to try and keep his thoughts clean. His first instinct was to run his eyes up and down her body and grin stupidly at the free peek he may be afforded. He needed to fight those urges as it was unbecoming of who he wanted to be in this world. He did not want to slip back into his old habits and squander this chance before it barely had a chance to begin.

"Are you in need of assistance?"

He asked as he moved his gaze to her. Making sure with great effort that his eyes remained fixed on her own face. Fighting tooth and nail against the temptation to have his eyes flicker down to examine the state of her clothing in much more detail. To aid against this temptation his hands moved up to the strings that held his cloak on to undo it and hold it out for her. For her own modesty and so his eyeballs didn't feel like they would explode from the effort of not looking when it would just be so easy too take a peek or two.

The cloak was nothing special though, no stats, and purely cosmetic in design. Mostly it was just to keep him dry and warm in the rain which constantly plagued the land. Still it would serve to at least offer her some covering while he talked and ascertained what had happened. Was she lost? Had she been attacked and robbed? Had something even worse happened? Or did he just need to mind his own business and shove it? All of those questions needed to be answered, but first was the issue of her modesty, as her safety would be assured as much as he could protect it while he was around her. No matter her answer.

Should she take the offered covering he would let out a small sigh of relief as he felt less forced to stare at her face to avoid eyeing her in a manner that would not be proper to a man of his presumed station. Which actually made it easier to look at her in the eyes, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he awaited her answer. And despite the fact that he may not look like much with his basic iron weapon and armor it was well enough maintained. He kept it clean every night, and there were no obvious signs of critical battle damage that would hamper it's already low protective qualities. Gear not withstanding he would do what he could to help this woman should she ask it, providing it was not to harm others. For he was a knight and it was his duty to help those in need wherever they may be.

(860 words/claimed)

[RoseThorn]

without your love, my life

RoseThorn was wiping her eyes, slowly calming down from her bout of crying, when she heard the sound of a voice. Startled, she let out a small scream, her hands coming up to her chest and her eyes innocently wide. "Gah!" she yelped, like a small animal with its tail having been stepped on - it was a sign of her ignorance, she supposed, that her staff left her fingers and hit the ground, crushing a small bit of flowers and grass beneath its wooden length. She hadn't ever had to defend herself before, so if the person had been hostile towards her, she would have been slaughtered in an instant. Instead, the man asked if... if she was in need of assistance? She blinked, a little confused, and her arms shifted slightly, pulling away from where they'd been up to try to protect herself. "E-eh?" she stuttered before her cheeks colored. "Oh... yeah, that'd be helpful," she replied softly, feeling rather bashful over the fact that she was so helpless but deciding there wasn't really anything she could do about it. The other looked strong enough to handle himself, and although she wasn't quite used to the role of the girl who was protected by the men around her, she decided that it was one she could play well enough, especially considering her rather lacking amount of protective skills in her arsenal. She wouldn't have really been able to defend herself from a falling leaf, never mind an actual enemy. The offer of a cloak was something that drew her back, but it took only a moment for her mind to make the leap of understanding, and immediately she felt the heat of a rosy red blush scurry its way across her cheeks and down her neck to her collarbone. Her hands shoot back up again, her arms trying to cover herself from view, and she finally ended up reaching forward to grab the cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders and holding it closed. Surprisingly though, the moment her hand closed around the fabric, she found a sense of relief shooting through her, and her whole body relaxed slightly. She had absolutely no idea how much she had been holding in tension from her outfit until she was covered up again, and that was something that made her blink before she smiled at him, shyly. "Thank you," she murmured, her tone fervent with gratitude. "I just... thank you." She could feel the words forming in her throat - 'Thank you for helping me, No one has ever done something like that for me before, You're the first kind person I've met in this place - but when she tried to put voice to them, they stuck in her throat like glue. Instead, she rubbed her free hand up and down her arm, sheepish, until she remembered that she was without her staff, so she bent down to pick it up, hand curling around the wood delicately as she lifted it. "I'm not really familiar with... well... anything, really, and I need to go back to London, and just..." She sighed, feeling her cheeks heat again as she looked away, unable to meet his eyes. "I'm not even supposed to be here, wherever here is, and I don't know what's going on or how everything works..." She could feel the urge to cry starting to glaze over her throat, but she pushed it back, instead shaking her head, pink curls bouncing from where she had managed to tie them back. "Anyway, it's not like it's your problem. If you could just take me back to London, I'd be more than grateful for your help."

71% 50% Words;; 614 Tags;; Endrin Notes;; Apparently I am feeling poetic today. Can't complain though, I'm doing a post o/ Lyrics;; "Carnival of Rust" by Poets of the Fall Template by Kuroya

ain't nothin' but this carnival of rust!

[Endrin]

He hadn't meant to startle her though he supposed that it couldn't be helped. He did just kind of come out of the woods and she looked like she was freaking out, if only slightly. Still he probably should have made his approach a little more apparent. It was his bad, he'd keep it in mind for the future. Perhaps calling out with a hand in the air from a distance. This way his hand was away from his weapon and they wouldn't mistake it for a battle cry perhaps? Though if they did that would be awkward. He didn't really want spells being thrown at him. That just would be messy, and it would make explaining that whatever they thought was going on was a misunderstanding more difficult.

But she seemed to collect herself, at least somewhat. Confirming that yes she did indeed need some help. And judging from how she was acting he was wagering that she needed a fair bit of help. She seemed to be absolutely terrified and out of her element. Not that he could blame her, all things considered. It had to be a hard adjustment for people that actually had a lot going for them in the real world. Not everyone would be happy being stuck in a world like this. A pang of guilt stabbed in his chest for feeling at peace with where he was at. With finding a purpose here, and actually enjoying it. He felt more himself here than he ever had back in the real world.

He smiled as she took the cloak, wrapping it around her body. Her voice thanking him with quiet words. It was actually kind of cute. He inclined his head at her thanks, bringing his right arm up over his heart as he did so.

"Think nothing of it. It is my pleasure to come to the aid of someone in need."

She continued on about how she was not familiar with anything. She was lost, that much was clear. And not just when it came to finding London. The Apocalypse had clearly sent her world spiraling out of control and now she was stuck here. His heart went out for her, everything that she had been taken from her in an instant as she was thrust into a strange world that was completely unknown to her. To all of them.

He reached out slowly, and if she did not flinch or pull away he would place a gauntlet clad hand on her now covered shoulder. his eyes still staring into hers with a gentle firmness. A firm resolve buried deep in his eyes, this was his calling.

"This is new to us all, we are all just as lost as you are. Even when we do not seem to be. We all feel fear and uncertainty. It is nothing to be ashamed of or to run from. Courage is not the lack of fear, but finding the strength to continue to stand with your head held up high despite your fear. Finding the resolve to move forward when all you want to do is cower and hide."

He hoped to inspire her at least a little, but he did not know if his words would find mark on her. The idea of being inspiring was never one he had for himself in the real world, but he had a plethora of fictional characters to draw inspiration from. And stories had been used throughout all of human history to teach and shape people. He was simply carrying on with the tradition of their species.

"I vow that I shall bring you back to London and no harm will befall you while I am your guardian. And you are free to accompany me as long as you wish as we discover this world. My service is yours as long as you require it. I Endrin hereby pledge myself to protect you."

(657 words)

[RoseThorn]

without your love, my life

The incline of his head, along with the press of a hand over his heart, confused her. She didn't quite know what he was trying to do, but it seemed rather formal, so she blushed and dipped slightly in a curtsy, or at least, she thought it was a curtsy, she had no idea what everything was back from medieval times, but it was the thought that counted, right? She found herself clutching the cloak tighter to herself, arm pressing across her chest. She was just going on and on about how she was lost and scared and helpless, and then, there was suddenly the touch of cold metal on her shoulder. It would have startled her had it not seemed comforting, and she lifted her head to look at him, listening to the words that came out of his mouth and slowly finding encouragement in them. There was truth in what he said, strength in his ideas, and that was something that provided her a surprising amount of comfort. She slowly found herself starting to smile, taking hope in the words he had offered to her, and it was something that helped her to lift her head high. Everyone was struggling with this just as much as she was. And even if she was new to the game, she was going to have people around her struggling just as much. There was always going to be uncertainty, but as long as she kept her chin up, things would get better. She blinked at his vow and then giggled; most people would have done so mockingly, but not RoseThorn. No, she had giggled because should found it so odd to be the object of someone's protection, and the manner he had done it in was just something that had amused her, reminding her of the princes in the fairy tales her Uncle Barbary used to read to her back when she was younger at the plantation. "Thank you, kind sir," she replied, bowing to him and smiling up at him. "I'm RoseThorn, by the way. And thanks... it's rather nice to have met someone so kind on here." She blushed and looked away. "Not a whole lot of people would have offered me a cloak, let alone agreed to take me back to London." She then perked up slightly at a thought that occurred to her. "I know! How about when we get back to London, I can take you back to the inn and cook you something? It's probably not going to be anything special, but I'm sure it tastes better than most of the food that's around, right?" She hoped that would be an acceptable method of returning the favor, she would just feel so bad if he helped her without her returning the favor for him. She’d not cooked very much since she became trapped in this world, wherever this world was, but although the food was rather bland compared to some of the recipes she’d had back home, they were still a sight better than what she had sampled that had been made by the People of the Land. She just hoped that Endrin would feel the same way about it as well.

72% 55% Words;; 537 Tags;; Endrin Notes;; Shhhhh we're just going to pretend this didn't take me nearly as long as it did >.>' Lyrics;; "Carnival of Rust" by Poets of the Fall Template by Kuroya

ain't nothin' but this carnival of rust!

[Endrin]

The effect that his words seemed to have on her sent his heart soaring, reaffirming that what he was doing was the correct course of action. Say what you will but there was no denying that he was helping this woman by being the way he was. By putting his own hardships aside to go out of his ways for others he was inspiring her. He could see it in the way she carried herself. Life was returning to her, and he did not mean her hit points.

"Think nothing of it Lady Rosethorn. It is my pleasure to assist one in need such as yourself, as any person of character would be inclined to do."

Was that too harsh on everyone else? He didn't know how knightly that was to say. He was kind of taking a shot at everyone else who wouldn't help her. But then again who wouldn't help someone who was lost out in the wilderness in a strange world while crying? Were people so jaded that the simplest of gestures of kindness were so unexpected? Was this world so heartless? If that was truly the case then things looked bleak for this version of London and those who inhabited it. But he refused to believe that things would just continue to slide into debauchery and malice. He had already met many kind hearted people, he may not have experienced the hardships that this woman had, but he had seen the good in the hearts of the people who called this city home.

"I am sure that your cooking is divine, and I would love to partake in whatever it was that you chose to make."

Especially if it actually tasted like food. Dear sweet God he wanted to eat food. Real food with flavor. Pizza, eggs, meat, rice, bread. He didn't even care what it was. He just was sick and tired of cardboard and water all day for every meal. With only salt or sugar for flavoring. It was depressing and surely it was one of the biggest hardships that this world was presenting it's inhabitants. Such a simple pleasure that he had taken for granted, the beauty and majesty of taste.

He moved his hand up to the air, swiping open his menu and sending the young woman both a party invitation and a friend request. The first was obvious. It allowed him to see her status and would be helpful on the off chance that they were attacked on the way to London, though he doubted that would be the case as they were not far from the city itself. But he could understand her being lost while it was dark and she was scared. The friend request was so that she could reach him if she ever needed it. He meant what he said, and his offer to help her did not expire once they were at the boarder of the city. They all needed to start making ties with each other, they couldn't see themselves as a rabble of individuals, but rather as a community.

(515 words)

[RoseThorn]

without your love, my life

RoseThorn smiled warmly at him when he said that, giggling again and leaning on her staff slightly. "Well, at least if we run into any trouble, I'll be of some use," she stated, rather proud of herself and her skills for once. She was absolutely useless fighting on her own, but with her Cure Bloom skill, she could likely make a slight difference for him. She patted the top of her staff softly, a fond little smile on her face. "This doesn't see much battle since it's not really for fighting... but if you need someone to heal you, I think I can manage that." She tilted her head to the side as she looked around, a soft smile on her face. "I'll have to remember to find this place again some other time though. It looks like it would be absolutely gorgeous to paint." The flowers moving in the breeze was something that she tried to imprint into her memory for later, when she was back alone in her room, so that she could sketch it on some stretch of canvas. Though the statement of confidence was something that had her beaming widely, mind already whirling around what she could possibly make him when she suddenly remembered when she was younger, laughing around a deep fryer while her uncle had chopped up some potatoes and showed her the old-fashioned way to make potato chips. Immediately her eyes lit up at the idea of it, knowing that there hadn't been any yet in this world, she laughed, the sound loud and happy and flowing around them. "Hey Endrin, how would you like some potato chips?" she asked, blue eyes twinkling with mirth. "My uncle used to make them all the time when I was younger, and I should be able to do it again when we get back to somewhere with a pan and the right materials." The windows in her vision surprised her, but unlike before when Endrin had arrived, the sight only prompted her hand to flutter up to her chest, grip tight enough on her staff that it came with her. She carefully shifted her grip on the cloak to the hand with her staff and then reached out, hitting the yes button for both windows, and immediately she smiled hopefully at the sight, a warm feeling settling in her chest at the fact that she had made her first friend here. London was such a strange place for her, and yet, oddly enough, it wasn’t at the same time. She still remembered the days that she had spent out in the meadows at her uncle’s house, and although it had been quiet, she’d also felt… free. There wasn’t the pressure of the real world to go through college and get a degree so that she could justify living as an artist, which was an occupation that most of the world scorned. She’d never realized that she’d hated the old world order quite so much until that very moment, when she’d accepted her first friend request, but when she did, it was something intoxicating to her, something that shot through her veins like a sudden burst of cold. It was in that same moment that she knew she wanted to draw Endrin. She could ask later, when she was back at the inn and after she’d made him their potato chips, but the idea of being able to sketch him… it was something that made her want to beam. She hadn’t quite drawn much of anything in this world yet… so it would make her happy to draw someone who meant so much to her. It would be meaningful to her, and even if he didn’t realize what it meant to her, well… she had a feeling that she’d have a hard time letting that one go.

73% 60% Words;; 640 Tags;; Endrin Notes;; Much quicker, whoot <3 Lyrics;; "Carnival of Rust" by Poets of the Fall Template by Kuroya

ain't nothin' but this carnival of rust!

[Endrin]

His chest swelled with pride as she offered to give him aid on the trip back to London should they be attacked. Offering to heal him as he fought, acknowledging that offensive combat was not her specialty. Which was perfectly fine, it was not for everyone and healers were vital to the party dynamic. Her role was one that was much needed and appreciated, and higher level parties would not get far without a healer in it.

"I greatly appreciate the aid you offer of healing. Let us hope that it will not be necessary tonight though."

He still didn't know how she would stand up in an actual fight, and it really didn't seem like the time for her to be getting into any combat. He was sure he could handle anything here that threatened them, save another player perhaps. But even then he could certainly buy her time to get out of danger while his attention grabbing skills. Anchor Howl was quite formidable to those that dared turn their backs on him.

"It is quite beautiful in the day time. I imagine on a nice warm and clear day this area would be quite popular to hang out and relax. It has a peaceful air about it all things considered. I can see myself coming here to think and relax quite often."

He said with a pleased sigh. Even in the darkness he could see it in his minds eye. And the sense of belonging he felt in this place. Maybe he'd come back here tomorrow and just relax from his leveling and enjoy the fresh air. That sounded like a nice idea. For what use was there protecting the beauty of the world if one did not pause to appreciate it from time to time?

When she offered to make potato chips his eyes lit up noticeably. Potato chips sounded divine! If felt like years since he had been able to eat them, even if it had only been a few days since he had the chance. He hadn't even thought about having potato chips in this world. But there was no way that he was going to turn something like that down! He was legitimately excited. And man the flavor! He was salivating just thinking about the salty flavor on his tongue, the satisfying crunch. Being able to lick the oil off of his fingers. He would have to take care or he may not leave any for her to enjoy with him.

"That sounds exquisite. Such a simple pleasure I had dared not dream to experience again. If you can create that then I dare say you are a woman of talent."

He was making himself hungry just thinking about it. And cooking levels aside he didn't even know how to make chips. He had never done it in his life. He assumed you fried thin potato slices, but for how long and what temperature was beyond him. Nevermind anything to due with the oil itself or seasoning them. Once the friend requests were accepted he smiled a white toothy smile at her as he offered her his shield arm, his shield stowed on his back and his sword on his hip. Should they get attacked he would have to release her, but in the mean time he thought a nice leisurely stroll like this would put her at ease.

"If I may be so bold."

He did not want to offend of to have her think he was moving to fast or being presumptuous though. But she still was a pretty girl, and he could think of worse ways to end his evening outing than coming back into town with a beautiful woman on his arm.

(622 words)

[RoseThorn]

without your love, my life

RoseThorn dipped her head, the pink curls shifting over her shoulder to pool down slightly over the edges of the delicate shoulders. She rather hoped that they wouldn't have to deal with any enemies, especially since she wasn't sure how strong her staff would be in a fight. Not that she didn't trust Endrin to defend her, she did, what she didn't trust was herself. She had never been moving with someone else in a group, so the fact that she was now responsible for improving her own health as well as someone else's was something that had her on edge. She contemplated casting another Cure Bloom on herself just to top herself up before discarding the idea almost immediately, figuring that it was more important to keep the skill easy to activate in case something happened. A soft smile lit up her face and she nodded. "Yeah..." she agreed before she blushed, one hand fiddling with the tie to her cloak, the other firmly grasping her wooden staff. "I used to be an artist back in the real world. I was pretty good of it... Managed to get into an art school over here in England too. Then all this happened, and well... I don't know then." She bent down, hand sliding down the worn wood, and inhaled the scent of a flower, a smile on her face as she turned back to Endrin. "I always was trying to write a graphic novel. It was something I wanted to do more than anything, but I could never think of a story." She chuckled, shrugging. "Guess I'm in one now, but that's okay. It's more interesting than my old life was anyway." She giggled softly at the way he seemed to light up at the prospect of potato chips, and she nodded. "Yeah, I should be able to. They might not be as good as Uncle's or anything bought in a store, but like he always used to say, beggers can't be choosers." She blinked at the offer of the arm before she smiled softly, letting go of the cloak that she had clutched at since she first got it, instead draping her arm over his, a blush on her cheeks. "Oddly formal, escorting a lady," she mumbled, trying to look anywhere but in his general direction. "But... it rather suits you. And it's nice." It was strange... Endrin just really set her at ease and made her feel safe, or at least like she could talk with him honestly. Maybe that was why she felt the urge to draw him, or was it the fact that she wanted to capture his likeness in paper that led her to trusting him? She wouldn't have been able to put her finger on it if she tried. She just knew that he was someone safe for her, a friend, and that was what mattered. And if anyone came along and tried to ruin that for her, she would smack them with her staff herself. She liked Endrin, and he seemed far nicer than the majority of the people that she had met so far in London, so why shouldn’t she want to preserve that friendship if she could?

74% 65% Words;; 536 Tags;; Endrin Notes;; She's so talkative with Endrin. Not that I'm complaining. Easier to post if she wants to talk with him >.>' Lyrics;; "Carnival of Rust" by Poets of the Fall Template by Kuroya

ain't nothin' but this carnival of rust!

[Endrin]

He was pleased that she took his arm in hers and they strode through the field of flowers. Their path illuminated by the moon overheard. If it were any other circumstance it would probably be the ending of a very nice date. Not the first meeting of two people caught between worlds. But still the experience was not an unpleasant one, not by a long shot. His head cocked slightly to the side to watch her as she spoke of her life outside of the game. A small pang of shame washing over him as she talked about how she was in art school here in England. She sounded excited about it, she probably loved it. And there he was squandering his college years, unable to decide on what he wanted to do.

"Well I'm sure are quite talented to get in to art school over here. Not that I would know. I'm not terribly artistic I'm afraid." He said with a small laugh, there were not a lot of stuff he was good at. He was imaginative he supposed. And he was generally a good talker. But that was about it. He couldn't think of a lot of things that he was really good at back in the old world. "There isn't much to say about me before the apocalypse. I was just an ordinary guy living in ordinary times."

Maybe he was being too modest, but he thought even that was being generous with himself. He wasn't rich or famous, he wasn't super talented. Hell, he wasn't even crazy good looking or anything. He was just kind of there, a normal guy you would see out and about hanging out with friends. Playing games and checking out girls. It was a simple life, but it had been his.

"Hey that's the spirit." He said squeezing her arm a bit with his. "You get to be the heroine of your own story now. I think that's incredibly exciting, don't you?"

He shook his head slightly as she talked about her chips not being as good as store bought or her uncles. It's like she didn't realize that being able to make anything with taste would be amazing in this world. It was a gift, and she should be happy that she happened to have it. Both in the game and outside of the game. He was lacking it in both senses himself.

"I'm sure they will be amazing. You should relax and give yourself a bit of credit. But I suppose I will have the honor of being able to taste and judge for myself." He said quite pleased with that situation. "I am pleased to hear you say it suits me. And I must say having you on my arm feels like the most natural thing in the world. Wouldn't you agree Lady Rosethorn?"

He asked, with the smallest hint of a smile touching his lips, his eyes looking down at her as she avoided looking at him. Curious to see what reaction she would have to his words, if any. Though a lack of reaction at all would surprise him with how she had been thus far. He was expecting her to become a bit more flustered and maybe clutch on to him tighter. However he would have to see. She might let go and decide to make her own way to London.

Not that he was planning on pressing anything. Far from that, but he still enjoyed some harmless flirting with the fairer sex. And what boy hadn't wished to be a valiant knight at some point in their life? Rescuing the princess and defeating evil everywhere they went? He was just trying to play the role, and to enjoy the script as he wrote it.

(630 words)

[RoseThorn]

without your love, my life

Most people probably would have been upset about the rather romantic subtext of the situation right now, but not RoseThorn. The moon shining down overhead was nothing but sheer coincidence, and the fact that she had a kind man whose arm she was holding was something she was quite lucky to have, even though he was actually little more than just a friend. Though when he complimented her, she blushed, the heat flaming over her cheeks and shoulders, and it was all she could do not to instinctively try to hide her face. "I wasn't anything special, not like Uncle was," she mumbled. "I could show you when we get back to the inn though?" She then gently shoved his shoulder, something with barely any force in it. "What, someone as nice as you are being just an ordinary guy? Now I find that hard to believe." She giggled softly when he squeezed her arm. "Y'know, that was... sort of why I ended up here in the first place," she admitted. "The girl on my roommate's screen looked really heroic, and so I'd went over, and well... the rest is history, I suppose." A gust of wind blew over the crest of a hill, making her shiver slightly and huddle into the cloak that she was borrowing in an attempt to warm herself. Her clothes really were too sheer for the weather here in London, though she paused as a thought occurred to her. If she was cold and making use of Endrin's cloak, then he might be a little cold as a result, though she had a feeling that he'd never admit to it. Instead, she decided to wait until the next gust came around the hill before she shivered again and pressed herself a little closer to his side with the thought of sharing body heat. She giggled again at the reassurance. "When we get back to the real world, I'll have to bring you back home and let you taste some of the real deal for yourself," she replied, a smile on her lips before she blinked and then turned bright red. "E-eh? W-well I..." she trailed off, a dark crimson coloring her cheeks as she looked in the opposite direction, rather embarrassed about everything. She was used to being that mousey girl in the back of the room that no one wanted to flirt with, not this... this beautiful girl that most males seemed to have an interest in. The thought was still mind-boggling for her, which was why she would probably react in the exact same way for the rest of her days, the notion of being the quiet girl left alone so firmly engrained into her very soul that the concept of being anything but that was absolutely foreign to her. That didn't mean that she was going to run away though. Endrin still left her with a safe feeling, and she merely pressed herself closer into his side, as if to retreat to that safety in spite of the fact that he had been the one to start the embarrassment in the first place. She yawned slightly, resting her head against his shoulder, the pink curls spilling over the side of his armor. It wasn't so much that she was tired, far from it, or that Endrin was boring; the area was just so peaceful that she felt as if the unease she'd been dealing with for the past several days was slowly leaving her body, and since she hadn't slept so well the past few nights, her body was just reminding her that she was tired. She wouldn't go to sleep until she started working on that sketch of her friend though, or until after she'd made some potato chips for him. After all, he'd seemed so excited for her to make him something to eat, and she was more than happy to. She knew that if he asked, she would happily make him more food whenever he wanted to come visit and share his company with her, but she wanted to let him have a taste before he left. After all, what sort of hostess would she be if she just let her rescuer leave without thanking him in some way?

75% 70% Words;; 710 Tags;; Endrin Notes;; SUPPORT LEVEL C WAS UNLOCKED. NEXT POST SHOULD FINISH THIS OUT THOUGH SINCE WE CAN DO GUILD THREAD AND BACK AT THE INN THREAD AT THE SAME TIME IF YOU WANT. Or Endrin can politely agree to escort the lady home and have his potato chips at a later time, aka, after when the guild thread happens. Either one works for me. o/ Lyrics;; "Carnival of Rust" by Poets of the Fall Template by Kuroya

ain't nothin' but this carnival of rust!

[Endrin]

"Well now you have your chance to be that heroic girl that you saw. You look the part, you have the abilities. Now you just need the will to use those abilities."

He said with a smile as she curled up closer to him. It was a nice feeling. Even if it didn't mean anything. To have a warm body press against you. To have someone thankful to have met you. He never did anything noteworthy offline. But here he was already making a difference and doing things he never would have done in person. He nodded again when she said that she could show him when they got back to her room. And he tried not to think about what that could mean, or have any expectations about being invited into a girls room. It was a different world, and if it went that route it would probably be best to excuse himself. Politely.

God he hoped it didn't come to that. He would be kicking himself if he took off and passed that chance up. But if he was going to keep in character he would need to. Such a dilemma would force him to decide how important his character really was. Though if he was put in that situation with her then he would also need to figure out if it was because of him, or the character. That was not a fun thought. But did it matter? In this world if he was the character then wasn't that the real him? Maybe. Maybe not. It was part of him though, he was doing those things. It was something to keep in mind though.

"Well you may find it hard to believe, but I suppose it doesn't matter. None of that matters anymore. What matters in this world is how we choose to act in it. We all have a chance to be someone new, a fresh start. We just need to decide who we want to be."

He said before she offered to feed him in the real world if they got back. He smiled again at her offer, his cheeks starting to hurt from all of the smiling he was doing.

"I think I would enjoy that. Though do not feel like you must be beholden to it should you change your mind."

As that was quite possible. He was certainly no prince charming in the real world. Nor was he a gallant knight.

"If you are tired we can eat another day? I would not wish to keep you if you need to sleep." He offered upon seeing her yawn.

(436 words)

[RoseThorn]

without your love, my life

Endrin was rather warm, RoseThorn decided as she pressed against his side. Yes, he was wearing plate mail, and the cold from it was something that she could feel, but the warmth that he was giving off at the same time was more than enough to help her keep herself with a good deal of heat, especially with the help of the cloak around her shoulders. She nodded in agreement, content to just remain there with her head on his shoulder, though she blinked at the words that he offered to her. "It does matter," she mumbled, lifting her head. "In a way... who we were shapes who we are now... so even if this wasn't exactly the path that we all intended to take, it was something that we all have to move with now, and our past still has some impact on our future, even if we may not always be aware of it." She then chuckled softly, giggling. "Why would I want to back out? I've not made any potato chips in a long time, and you want some, so I can do that." She blinked at his offer, cheeks warming a little with her embarrassment and the tips of her ears turning red. "It's okay, I can still cook," she murmured shyly. "I've just not been sleeping well lately." She fiddled with the edge of his cloak, debating, before she brightened up slightly. "I'll make more food for you if you tell me before you come over, y'know," she offered. "I don't mind cooking, and I know some recipes back from home, so... if you've got somewhere else to be tonight, you can drop me off at the town and I can make you food another day?" Then her brain caught up with her words and she turned an even brighter red, hiding her face with mortification. "Oh gosh, I'm sorry, I don't know what got into me there. I must be more tired than I thought. Maybe it's not the best idea to trust me around a knife and hot oil." She then peeked out, determination in her gaze. "That doesn't mean I won't make you those potato chips though. I'll make you some when I'm more awake to do it, and they'll taste even better since I'll try to remember how my uncle made them!" She then smiled gently at the idea, fighting off another yawn without success. "Yeah... that way I'll be able to meet you again... and who knows, maybe I'll show you some of my art too." She shrugged, leaning her head against his arm and smiling fondly. "I just know I'm glad I met you. Makes me feel a little better knowing that there's one friend I have here now..." She was probably just talking to talk, mostly out of the fact that she was so tired, but that was okay. She would ramble when she was tired, and that wasn’t something that would ever change. The only cure would be to get her back to the inn and tuck her into bed, and then she’d be out like a light.

76% 75% Words;; 521 Tags;; Endrin Notes;; I think one reply from you to close it out, Endrin, and then we can end this o/ *shot* Lyrics;; "Carnival of Rust" by Poets of the Fall Template by Kuroya

ain't nothin' but this carnival of rust!

[Endrin]

"I did not mean to imply that our pasts are unimportant, but rather it is easy to fall into the trap of lamenting what was lost. Stopping yourself from moving forward, and viewing this land as a prison from which you must somehow escape. I would argue instead that what matters most is deciding how to move forward and what kind of person you wish to be now. Second chances are rare, and ones as complete as this as rarer still."

Not that people should give up on going home. He was sure there was a way out, but he wagered there was nothing they could do. It was surely up to the people in the real world. They just needed to last long enough for them to find a way to get them all back. Preferably without devolving into some kind of mob.

He chuckled as Rose began to ramble in her tired state. Obviously fretting over the ordeal of cooking and if she was imposing on him while quickly restating that she wanted to cook for him. Amusement lit up his features, she was sweet. Really sweet.

"Lady Rose, I fear you may be sweeter than the purest nectar. And I would be a fool to turn down your kind offer."

He said as he gently pulled her closer. Silently wondering if she would object if he kissed her on the top of her head. His instincts were saying to go for it, and to make the move. But he was still not sure if that was the proper move for him now. Even though he had seen no immediate peril he had kind of saved her. Perhaps it was best to wait until they reached the inn? Perhaps kiss her on the back of the hand like in movies.

Yes. That was what he should do.

"I believe it is best that I leave you at your room so you may wash and dress in a more comfortable fashion. Should you still wish to reward me tonight then simply call and I shall come. And if the temptation of a soft warm bed is too much to resist than I shall hear from you again another time. However I would be a poor escort if I simply left you at the gates."

Besides they were almost there. London was already visible and they would reach it soon. But with her yawning he was starting to wonder if she would make it or if he would end up carrying her to the inn.

"Which inn are you staying at? If you do not mind me asking."

(438 Words)

[RoseThorn]

without your love, my life

RoseThorn tucked right into Endrin's side with hardly a complaint, and what little one there was seemed more akin to if a cat was picked up and moved in the middle of a nap than a legitimate protest to anything. She was walking with him, and although she seemed drowsy, she was still awake, her eyes moving to look around, and occasionally her head would turn; the most prominent sign was the gentle swing of her staff, pressing into the ground with each step, like an old man's walking stick. She vaguely recognized the outline of London when it came into sight, but rather than blush and thank him and rush off as some girls might have done, she was quite content to remain with him, enjoying the pleasure of his company. "Of course I'm still going to make you something to eat," she mumbled with a wave of her hand, shaking some of the cloak back from where it was gathering at her wrist. "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to. Just contact me when you get a spare moment and I'll happily make you something." She smiled, feeling a little sheepish that she didn't trust herself around a stove to make the potato chips, though she blinked at the question. "Uh... a little one down... off of Westminster Cove, I think." She shrugged. "I can find it once we get back to the city." When they got to the gates, she pulled away, turning to him. "Thank you, Endrin. You were a real help. And seriously, message me any time you want me to make you some food, okay?" Acting on impulse, she pushed up onto her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek before she turned and scampered off, cheeks bright red from the action. She had no idea why she'd done that... but she hoped that she would see Endrin again real soon. He had been nice to her in a way that a lot of the other guys in the city hadn’t been, and it was that idea that, as soon as she’d gotten back to the room at the inn, had her digging around through her supplies until she found a piece of charcoal and a strip of canvas, settling down at a chair and hurriedly sketching a rough outline of a meadow filled with flowers and a man with blond hair and a kind smile on his face reaching out towards the viewer. It was something that she knew she could do better on if she wasn’t half asleep, but it was more than good enough for her tastes tonight, and as soon as she finished the outline, she laid it to the side, propping it up against the wall as she then began determining what parts of her armor could still be salvaged while what else she would have to replace entirely from scratch with a proper tailor rather than her shifty mending skills. Much later in the night, the moon shone in through the window, falling upon her form in the blankets, showing a soft smile on her cheeks as her pink hair flowed over the blankets, the first peaceful night’s sleep that she’d enjoyed since she had been trapped in the Unfounded Kingdom.

77% 80% Words;; 546 Tags;; Endrin Notes;; THERE. MY PART IN THIS THREAD IS DONE. NOW WHERE'S MY COOKIE. Lyrics;; "Carnival of Rust" by Poets of the Fall Template by Kuroya

ain't nothin' but this carnival of rust!

[Endrin]

He smiled to himself when she continued to lean herself against his arm, wearily moving his staff as they continued their little stroll toward London. He was still wide awake himself, wired even. A lot of things were racing through his head about how he wanted to move forward. What kind of things he could do to make a difference and help people. And how he could go about it. He knew he couldn't do it alone, but he still didn't know a lot of people yet. Though he had met a few other players that he felt drawn too. Rose being one of them. Even if he did see her as something to protect and nurture, but there seemed to be a kind of hidden strength inside of her. He couldn't quite see what it was yet, but he could feel that she was stronger than she was letting on. Or stronger than she knew.

"Well then I eagerly await." He said cheerfully, flashing her a quick wink as they breached London and she told him where her Inn was. "Mine is in the opposite direction. Though I suppose Fate would be stepping in too heavy handed if we happened to have the same inn." He was about to respond to her words of thanks when she reached up and kissed him on the cheek. The feeling of her lips on his skin was surprising, it was warm and soft and just surprisingly real. He found himself unable to speak as she scampered off into the city. Rather he just brought a hand slowly to his cheek where her lips had brushed against him. Touching it gingerly before looking at his hand. Like he expected the feeling of the kiss to transfer over from his cheek or something.

By the time his senses seemed to return to him she was already long gone toward her inn room. Shaking his head he let a chuckle bubble forth before it turned into a wistful sigh. It was a nice end to the evening, peaceful and he had made a new friend. He couldn't think of a better way to end it. Well, maybe he could think of a couple of better ways, but it was still a good ending. And so with a smile on his face and a spring in his step Endrin began to make his way back to his own inn room for the night. He'd be sure to call on her soon.

(415 words)