Fandom A Game Called Life (Accepting)

[Clockwork Syringe]

As the giant left the battlefield taking the berserkers with him, Orlando couldn't help but feel accomplished in that he successfully led the battle with minimal casualties due to carelessness. On the subject of returning to train, he may take the giant up on his offer to return as he himself had much to learn from a hero such as Rok.


Returning to the party at hand, he quickly scanned the battlefield for anybody that needed help. His eyes soon found Kala on the ground panting, groaning, and wheezing from the battle clutching anguish. Orlando walked over to her and spoke, "Need some help from down there or are you just admiring the night sky?" He reached out a hand to help her.


@Lana Valentine @xEmoBunnehx @revior

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

Kala let out a long wheezing sigh and cracked a very small smile under her mask as she looked up at Orlando. "Oh you know.. a little of both." She answered him with a bit of sarcasm playing in her other wise dull voice. "The sight from down here is just perfect~ Minus the overbearing pain coursing through my body." She said with the tiniest bit of laughter at the end as well as the look in her eyes seeming a bit more playful than normal. For now..Kala would celebrate the victory happy that few had died, even more so that for now they were okay. She was still quite unhappy about Anguish, but she'd get him fixed up and make him a lot stronger; or so she hoped she could.


@Clockwork Syringe

 

[Freyu Valentine]

Roku had watched the end of the battle and shook her arms free as she observed the giant of a man leaving. She coughed into her sleeve and went to the others looking them both over surprisingly none the worse for wear. "I'm glad you're both okay," She said with a smile before flicking her hood upon her head.


She thought about telling them about the feelings she had felt as she lowered her head somewhat, "Hey guys, did he seem familiar to you?" She asked her voice wavering as she struggled with the thought that lingered in her brain.


@Clockwork Syringe


@xEmoBunnehx


@revior

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

"The giant?" Orlando inquired, "Nothing really, I mean he is a hero from these parts, but that's all I know about him. What did you think about him?" He turned to Kala, "No good just sitting on the ground, we need to get back to Aparches soon. I think everyone was hurt in some way or form and we should definitely see to fixing that. By the way, nice job out there, both of you, we couldn't have done it without you.


@Lana Valentine @xEmoBunnehx @revior

 

[Freyu Valentine]

Roku rubbed her shoulder shaking her head before beginning to scratch her arm as if she felt like something was crawling inside of her, "No it wasn't that, I felt like I knew him, I don't know how or why but, my brain keeps just," Roku looked at the ground as she furiously dug into her arm trying to bring actual physical pain to the mental pain she was feeling. "I remember him somehow and I can't understand why or how," she said tears actually forming at the edges of her eyes.


Roku did however after a few moments of this plea stop herself. "We should head back, when the morning dawns, we shall be different, all of us," she said with a quiet yet confident certainty behind her tear streaked self.


@Clockwork Syringe


@xEmoBunnehx


@revior

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

Kala nodded in agreement with Orlando. "He seemed pretty normal to me. Just a hero." She replied nonchalantly. As for Orlando's comment about getting up..well that might not e so easy for her. "It's not really by choice that I'm down here.." She groaned, making an attempt at moving her right arm to push herself up, but her body only responded with shooting pains and more agony. She pushed though this pain the best she possibly could though it made her bite down hard on her lower lip as to not scream and wail from the suffering of pain. Landing on earth apparently hurt a lot more than she'd thought.


For what seemed like the longest moment it took to get herself standing, Kala didn't hear Roku's comment about the titian. Though when Kala was finally up on both feet, she took a second to swallow the bile that had arisen due to extreme pain. Once that was down she took her mask off and took in a deep breath. "Damn.." She muttered, not daring to look at Anguish as she placed the sword on her back.


@Clockwork Syringe @Lana Valentine @revior

 

[revior]

"Well, looks like you've all enjoyed yourself quite a bit."


Joshua, whom had remained in the background for the whole time, had apparently decided it was high time he butts in, like a young child craving attention.


"But I hope we all learned a valuable lesson today about trusting dudes in shadowy cloaks."


His words were casual in tone, spoken with an energetic voice. However, Joshua's expression turns out to be less vibrant than he would have others believe. Of course, one could not blame him, as he had taken quite some damage as well from the berserkers. His sword was apparently too heavy and his own skill too lacking, to be able to fend them off properly within letting a few hits in. At one point, he even thought he was going to die if not for the mages behind him, healing him when he requires it.


"So who's hungry, I for one, certainly am. Haven't eater since this morning and I haven't a cent on me. So what do you say, Bossman, perhaps a victory party after we returned to town?"


@Clockwork Syringe @Lana Valentine @xEmoBunnehx

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

"I for one agree that we should celebrate in fact" Orlando began, "but let's focus on getting back to town for one thing. No need to start the party before we get there, it will make it all the more enjoyable if we wait. As to your comments about shadowy cloaks, we can talk about that on the way back because I feel that something is afoot and we're only scrapping the tip of this plot." Orlando then thought to himself for a moment, could Joshua be trusted with the information that he, Kala, and Roku knew about? Only time would tell.


@Lana Valentine @revior @xEmoBunnehx

 

[Freyu Valentine]

Roku was developing a strange new habit, one she wasn't sure how it started. She had began to scratch at herself for some reason as things slowly bothered her, and right now her forearm lightly bled as she scratched at her skin. She sighed lightly following them as they would leave to the city, she was clearly distraught by these thoughts.


Was she connected to Rok? Their names after all were similar, could there be a different connection? Some reason she generally felt far more comfortable than most had within this world? Did she actually know him or someone like him? What was it? Roku kept these thoughts running through her mind her fingernails slicing into the flesh of her arm as she felt more and more distresses by these thoughts.


@Clockwork Syringe


@xEmoBunnehx


@revior


(Angsty Roku time >_0 )

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

Kala nodded in agreement then drank a small heath potion before deciding to speak. The potion was gross, but made her feel ten times better as well as subsided some of the pain. "Agreed. The grandest celebration is to be had." She commented, seemingly joking though she did agree. A celebration was something that was needed after a grand victory like this, so she followed beside Orlando. Kala's mind seemed to mull over something strange to her, that being why she went..crazy? She wasn't sure if that was the complete right word but it fit for now. While fighting Kala's mind seemed to replace her more..strategic demeanor with that of a mad woman. But why? What had caused that? And why did it feel so unusually natural to just let it happen?


Kala shook her head, catching a glance at Roku when she did so. The girl seemed anxious. So much so she was causing herself to bleed. This alarmed Kala slightly so she reached over and grabbed the girl's wrist rather hard. "I don't advise this action any further." She said her voice stern as well as was her look toward the younger girl.


@Lana Valentine @Clockwork Syringe @revior

 

[Freyu Valentine]

Roku looked at Kala and bit upon her lip staring back at her with tear filled eyes. she attempted to free her wrist from Kala's grasp though the attempt was weak almost as if she truly didn't want to struggle, "I'm sorry, I'm just" Roku hesitated thinking to herself again, "Afraid, of what might happen to you guys," The comment seemed less directed at the party and more to the very fabric of whom they were, adventurers, Roku bit her lip harder and grew even more silent. Her arm quickly healing up as time passed by.


@xEmoBunnehx


@revior


@Clockwork Syringe

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

"Listen, Roku" Orlando began after watching Kala grab Roku's wrist and speak to her, "I can handle myself well, and I bet everyone here can, but I can assume we're not above asking for help when we need it. We've all been thrust into this situation and we have to make the best of it." Orlando rested his right fist on his right side, "We should all find a hobby for ourselves outside of combat that is, though, I can't think of one for myself on the other hand. However, I have no doubt it will come to me in the future. Same goes for you if you can't find one right now. Point is, hurting yourself to escape is not the right course of action. We're all here for you Roku."


@Lana Valentine @revior @xEmoBunnehx

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

Kala nodded. "He's exactly right. Self harm is not the appropriate thing to do here. We're all friends here and we're all in this together." She agreed with another self assured nod as she gently released Roku's hand. "Though..on the topic of hobbies. I might take up forging." She said casually. The more Kala seemed to socialize with this group, the more she felt herself relaxing around them as well as wanting to be more social. If that was even possible for her. She enjoyed having friends, or at least she hoped they considered her a friend. She wasn't exactly the nicest person in the world nor did she really show much emotion..but maybe eventually she would.


@Lana Valentine @Clockwork Syringe @revior

 

[Freyu Valentine]

Roku lightly nodded her head looking at them with a sad smile. "Okay, I just feel afraid right now that's all." She said quietly as she only rubbed her arm just as it began to heal itself up. "I'm sorry for worrying everyone," She bowed her head politely before looking at the sky quietly.


She thought of a hobby for herself to work on and lightly poked her stomach just as it rumbled with hunger, "Cooking, that may be mine." She said with a faint yet genuine smile.


@xEmoBunnehx


@Clockwork Syringe

 

[Exanis]

As Alexander's consciousness was slowly fading away, he had vaguely heard Sun speak to him. He couldn't bring himself to truly care as his life essence slowly spilled out. Yet suddenly, he was jolted back to the world of the living as some liquid was forced down his throat He heard Sun speak to them, stating something of setting up a way for them to get around, and that they should speak with the other adventurers about it. He couldn't help but not care. He had barely succeeded, and there was no feeling of accomplishment for what he had done. He lamented on how it was now twice in a row that he had barely survived against a superior foe. He needed to get stronger, and if what Sun stated about him being called a hero, and what he talked about with the 'others', then he could only assume that all those black cloaked figures were of around the same strength, or at least all of them capable of wiping any of the adventurers out without a problem. He vaguely noticed the other adventurers rushing to him, and helping him up. As he leaned on them, he slowly opened his eyes and gazed at everyone, noting that they were oddly looking to him as if for instruction. Slowly, as the haze covering his mind faded, he realized that they were waiting for his instructions. He didn't know why, but what he did know was that at a time like this, where the people of the land feared and most likely hated them, and had warriors strong enough to easily and consistently kill the adventurers, possibly kill them enough for their ability of rebirth to disappear, they needed to stand together, and rely on one another. Taking a breath and grasping his scythe that was held out to him, he leaned on it and straightened up, his strength returning with each passing second. One last sweeping glance showed that everyone had now gathered in front of him in various positions, awaiting his words.


"I don't know why you all have decided to listen to me, for I did nothing to deserve it. Yet, I shall take this mantle for as long as you deem fit, for one simple reason. We are WEAK!" As he says this a burning passion seems to ignite in his eyes and he stands straighter and stronger than before. "We are WEAK, and today we have been SHOWN how truly weak we are! What good is the power of rebirth if we are simply killed as soon as we return? How long does such a power even last? One life? Two? Three? It may very well not be an endless cycle! YET LOOK AT SUN ZHAO! HE! A DENIZEN COULD HAVE EASILY WIPED US ALL OUT WITHIN SECONDS! And he doesn't have our gift and our curse of rebirth! He has his one life, and look at where he has gotten with it! Do you each remember those cloaked figures? They are all denizens, AND THEY CAN ALL DESTROY US WITHOUT A BLINK OF AN EYE! And I cannot say we do not deserve this! What had we done, you ask? We committed a slaughter for no reason! Everyday Denizens, that were used to see how truly bloodthirsty and treacherous we were, and we killed them without a second thought! I KILLED PEOPLE I CONSIDERED MY FRIENDS! FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN BECAUSE I CAN! I had a hand in the start of all this, and I mean beyond the slaughter of innocents! I was the one to start the fight with GleamFang, and some of you may have heard otherwise, but I assure you it is the truth! I know that someone else would have eventually gone and fought him, but it changes not the fact that it was I who instigated the changes that we have all seen! I am sure those who were with me in the carriage that was attacked remembered me calling out orders then too! I pushed for us to fight back, and LOOK WHERE WE ARE NOW! At the bottom of a crater, bloodied, beaten, and without honor! AND I CANNOT SAY WE DO NOT DESERVE THIS! We have lost the trust of the people that viewed us as holy figures! We have been painted as demons! AND WE DESERVE IT ALL! We have lost friends, yet they will return through rebirth! The Denizens have no such reassurance! We mistake the value of a life due to the numerous ones given to us, and that will be a problem unless we face it now! So hear me! We must UNITE! Not only with other adventurers, but with the Denizens! We cannot survive without them, but they can without us! Today has proven that! I shall take the first steps to our road to recovery! We need a united front! A paradigm! Something that we can all answer to! Something that will not infringe upon our desires and our safety, but ensure them! We need a faction! An organization! And with all of your help, I know that we can make such a thing a reality! So I ask you! WILL YOU HELP ME FIX THE WRONGS WE HAVE COMMITTED?" His response was cries of agreement and encouragement from the whole crowd, who seemed to be taking many of his words to heart. "I am glad, and I thank you for your agreement. I know there are those out there, and here even that don't necessarily agree, but I plead that you put aside your negativity for the greater good of all the people, Denizens and Adventurers alike. I shall tell you now, I hold a grudge against one adventurer that has slandered my accomplishments and stained my honor. Yet, I am willing to set aside everything of the past for our future. That is something that I was made to understand by one of our fallen."


His strength now returned over the course of his speech, he turned towards the direction he knew Aparaches was in. "Let us return to Aparaches. There I shall talk to not only our fellow adventurers, but the Denizens that we have wronged. I shall see if the kind people that had taken us in are willing to help us to fix our mistakes. I cannot consider Aparaches my home after what I had done to the people there, nor can I truly look anyone there in the eye and not feel guilty for what I have done, yet I will try. I will try to fix our past, so that our future isn't one of bloodshed and misery." Gazing up at the sky as he started the trek back he called out once more to those that had soon started following after him.


"Because no one truly wins in war..."

 

[Ninth]

(And the minor skip I can provide!)


'And so, with the completion of their trials the Adventurers held a sense of victory within their hearts. Setting forth into the night, carrying those that were injured, warm in heart and rejuvenated in spirit. The adventurers all sought celebration, cheerful in their journey back from their battlegrounds, traveling back to that place which they once could call 'home'. Aparches' walls glowed brightly that night, the adventurers who had fallen in battle lining them well with torches, cheering out as they saw their comrades returning. The first world event within this realm has been concluded in triumph. Even hours into the night, liveliness would prove to continue, only the Denizens winding down to return to their homes.


In comparison to Prodosia they were still quite friendly, however their watchful eyes were still too obvious. But, perhaps this was to be expected. No, what was expected was perhaps complete devastation, seeing as many family members were slain by these adventurers. But, those within this town seemed accepting that it was those individual's choices to partake in such a scene. After all, not even the guardsmen stepped in on this night to ruin the adventurers' time of celebration.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

As Orlando, Roku, Kala, and Joshua arrived back at Aparches, Orlando turned to the group at hand and spoke. "So we were successful in surviving against the giant, that means we should celebrate, and I know just the place not too far from here. Not many people frequent it so if it's privacy you're after then by all means its the best place to go. Unless you'd rather be in a larger crowd, I can go with either option.


@Lana Valentine @revior @xEmoBunnehx

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

As they'd arrived back in Aparches, Kala looked to the night sky for a brief second; enjoying the view from where she was. After that brief second she looked to Orlando and heard what he ha to say about their celebration. Kala of course was for the more private venue, as she was not really a crowds try of person. "I'd say private. That way it's only our party celebrating and not random people jumping in on our party." She said in her normal tone as she flicked her hood up and awaited the other's opinions on the matter.


@Clockwork Syringe @Lana Valentine @revior

 

[revior]

"Ha ha ha, indeed, random people who just randomly inserts themselves in someone else's party are just the worst are they not."


Somewhere along the trip back, Joshua was able regain some his usual cheer, though in exchange, the concept of irony seems to be lost on him.


"At any rate, we're still not done with the talk about the shadowy cloak people, so privacy would be much appreciated."


Since Joshua was unable to bring himself interrupt while they were sorting out the eye-patched girl's issues, the whole thing was left unmentioned until this time.


"And Bossman..."


Joshua turned the leader of the party, eyes expressing seriousness and some form of resolve that is rare from the boy, only to swiftly look away as the resolve broke apart almost as soon as it forms.


"Never mind, it's not important."


@Clockwork Syringe @Lana Valentine @xEmoBunnehx

 

[Exanis]

Alexander and his group eventually arrived a Aparaches, noting that the other group had arrived and that they seemed to be quite happy with how they've done, as opposed to how Alexander's group was quite serious and somber. As they entered the town, Alexander took note of what seemed to be Orlando and his group off to the side. Sighing and remembering what Sun had told them, Alexander stopped and turned back to his group, them having stopped as soon as he did. "Alright, we've made it back. I know everyone is in a serious mood, but lighten up! Fill your hearts with hope and determination! Enjoy the night, not for the loss of lives and destruction, but for the steps that we have collectively decided to take to fix our mistakes! It is a part of life to learn from the past to ensure the future isn't grim! So go on! Have fun, but remember to apologize to the kind people who we have wronged. I know it was their friends and families chose to do what they did, but it was also our choice to kill instead of talk or subdue. Have fun, get something warm to eat, regroup with your fallen friends, sleep, relax! While doing so, remember to spread the word of what Sun had said, as well as what I am going to be doing. More likely than not I shall speak to everyone that is willing to listen later tonight, so anyone you can convince to come to the town square would be great! Now off you go, I still have more work to do, and you need rest!" With that said, all the adventurers seemed to lighten up and smile to each other, dispersing to go unwind after the long day they've had. Sighing after the last one had left, Alexander looked around one last time and head towards the town hall.


Entering he made his way to the town head's office, knocking on the door and receiving an affirmative to come in. The man inside seemed surprised, and slightly worried to see him. Alexander held up his hands in a gesture of peace and sat down in front of the man. "I come here in peace. I just wished to say how sorry I am for the actions of us adventurers, actions that I shamefully must admit that I egged on. I've stated this to my fellow adventurers, that those who attacked us did so willingly, but it was also our decision to kill instead of talk or subdue. And we were wrong to do so. We hold so little understanding to the value of lives at times do to our nature, and the nature of monsters that we constantly face. Yet, you truly do understand what the worth of a life is, and I admire you greatly for it. I had forcibly been shown the truth of what I had to do to fix this error while facing of your heroes, Sun Zhao. He could have easily decimated all of us, yet he simply played around with us. It was then I had realized that you truly don't NEED us adventurers, but it is us that need you." He stands up and bows at the waist. "So I ask for your support in my endeavor to unite the adventurers and the denizens so such a tragedy need not occur again. All I wish is for you to call everyone to the town square later tonight so that I may speak to everyone. I know that you have every right to deny me such a request, but I beg of you. Please. Please. Please." He bows even deeper. "Allow me to attempt to right my wrongs before it is simply too late." Standing up straight, he turns and leaves, knowing that his answer would come later tonight, with either a meeting being called or not. He begins to head towards the temple, to see if Ashelynn was there, and if not, if anyone knew where she was.


@Clockwork Syringe @Lana Valentine @xEmoBunnehx @revior @Kel Vas

 

[revior]

From far off, Joshua spotted the approach of the second group. It wasn't exactly difficult as they are banded together tighter than a hive of bees and made quite a ruckus once in town. At their head, leads the library girl's gloomy friend that is now not so gloomy, but instead brimming with spirit and great resolve. Indeed it was a refreshing sight. But his words, his words brought forth a bitter note with Joshua. Yes, as with the cloaked man, in tingled a rebellious spirit from within. And to that spirit, the man's words felt presumptuous.


Then man made it sound as if most if not all of the faults lies with the Adventurers, as if that just because they were slightly stronger, a bit more powerful, that they are capable, responsible of making the final decision in every single event that transpires. What arrogance, Joshua thought. As unique as Adventurers may be, they are not the center of the world, this world. Regardless what anybody else believed, when they were attacked, no one knew if talking and subduing was even an option, let alone a choice. No one understood what the Denizens were thinking and just did their best to protect themselves, what's so wrong with that. The Adventurers were attacked and in turn, defended themselves, it wasn't, as far as Joshua sees it, unprovoked or undeserving. Who wouldn't if boulder were thrown at them.


One thing though, Joshua can see through, or at least believe that he saw it. From the man's word, he felt and inkling of guilt. He understands as well, after all, Joshua was enjoying it, he enjoyed the slaughter and he felt guilty once he looked back upon it. However, this and that are a different issue, one should not let guilt blind their judgement.


By the end of the day, the difference between Adventurer and Denizens are clear, and the fact is, most Adventurers are stronger than your average Denizens. To submit and assume all of the faults, especially after being shown a stronger force opposing them, would that not make it seem that the Adventurers submit to power, to force? Should we not set an example that we do not need to fear those that are apparently stronger than us, that we are more than just brute force? Should we not show that we need not submit to simple strength? Should we not show that even though there are difference in strength between Adventurers and Denizens, we can still be equal? Must we instead show that we submit to power and bow down before its might? Joshua do not think so.


"I'd advice against picking a side, Bossman, at least not so hastily."


However, regardless of what he believes, the leader is still the Bossman. He can only hope that he's not as impulsive as the other.


@Clockwork Syringe @Lana Valentine @xEmoBunnehx

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

"Private it is, follow me then guys," Orlando stated. "Also if you're referring to Denziens vs Adventurers Joshua, I believe we each have our own faults and strengths, nobody is clean and we're all dirty in a sense." Orlando led the group to a small pub which was a lesser known, but still well regarded establishment in Aparches though people went for the pubs in closer proximity to the gate after a long day. As he entered the pub the barkeeper noticed as well as a few denizens who simply looked their way and simply nodded. Orlando held up 4 fingers at the barkeeper to signify that 4 people would be quietly celebrating. Orlando walked over to a table in the corner with his friends and simply sat down awaiting the server that would without doubt come to grab their drink preferences.


@Lana Valentine @revior @xEmoBunnehx

 

[KhalZhavvorsa]

Kala followed in pursuit of Orlando holding back a comment she had waiting for the boy whom she now knew as Joshua. As they got in the pub Kala took a quick look around before joining Orlando at the table. "How quaint." She said to no one in particular as she looked around once more, this time taking in the whole scene. Most people in the pub gave them all glace but said nothing at all, making Kala wonder just how interesting the rest of the towns would be since they were all known for the single sin of slaughter. Not that she really cared for her on rep, but everyone else seemed like they didn't deserve the looks and glaces of hate, rage, disgust and so on. "I suggest we got off the topic of sides and get to something happier. This is a celebration after all."


@Clockwork Syringe @revior @Lana Valentine

 

[revior]

"True that Boss, true that. But I'm afraid that will matter less as time moves on, leaving behind only scars of the injuries inflicted. And one way or another, the consequences will come, and when the time comes, we will have to choose how to deal with it and where we stand in regards to it. Questions will be asked, questions such as: Do we submit and hope everything will be fine? Or do we remain steadfast against the accusation? Or perhaps, we simply live free as we have, unswayed by the waves of the world? I'm just hoping that you don't rush your decision due to some romantic speeches."


After he is done explaining himself, Joshua lets out a heavy sigh, as if letting go of the weight his words bore, and sat down at the table with his party, unfeeling of the glances in the surrounding.


"You're right, Fruitcake, I guess I'll drop it for tonight. Let's order us some food. I'll warn you though, I meant it when I said I haven't a single coin on me, so I'll have to pay you guys back another day. That's cool right, Boss?"


@Clockwork Syringe @xEmoBunnehx @Lana Valentine

 

[Ninth]

Silence, within darkness. This reoccurring theme was perhaps the sole bringer of peace, as well her greatest malice. If the world fell to darkness, and silence proved to prevail, then nothing would distract her from what she desired. But, if that is what was unleashed upon the world, knowledge would cease to go, constricted by the very thing that would allow her to learn so much. The discrepancy between was an annoyance, both cooperatively incapable of being construed. Though these thoughts were biased, supported by her own desires due to the fact that she could not view the world with clarity.


Weightlessness was a dominant attribute within this darkness, Ashelynn's body seemingly drifting through the space as it pleased, ignoring her own will. All she could truly manage was to tuck her body into itself, forming a shape much like an egg. Arms embracing the fragility that was her legs as they pressed against her figure. To her, it was simply a void. However, beyond her, which she could no longer see was a space of white, where pixels floated eagerly around her. No matter the pictures they formed, her eyes would never meet their imagery. The only verification that this place held meaning, was the stinging pain residing within her chest, the reason she chose to form a physical shell as she clung to only herself. Something was lost, something besides that which was already apparent.





Ashlynn could feel the coldness of the floor beneath her, the void finally closing. Her eyes attempted to open, but a darkness remained as if accepting her prior wish within that desolate place. Eyes, though dull, that were once gilded, no longer held their former color. A basic rustic color rested within them, forcing all to be light incapable of penetrating the clouded gaze. Her motions to sit up felt strange, only the sensation of weight indicating the alignment of her attempt. With unshaken hands, she reached upon her eyes, covering them with palms as fingers casually brushed away the intruding hairs. Like this she remained for many moments passing, listening to others as they awoke once more from their own endeavors. None paid heed to the girl upon the floor, except for one who withheld their presence until all others were gone.


"Ashlynn", the soft, but melodic voice spoke to her. From sound alone she could note the individual stood next to her, perhaps merely a foot away in an angled stature, favoring to lean towards her. How was it that she could tell this? This voice belonged to none other than Serena, an individual whose height was slightly greater than the current speaker. Doubting the coincidence of another holding a near identical tone and manner, it was only logical to state her prior assumption. "Take my hand, and let us go to a place of comfort" Heeding these words, Ashlynn reached away from her face, hand slowly scanning the air before grasping the one offered. Without reliance on the other for support, she pushed herself to stand, quickly accommodating to the peculiarities. Before all she could determine where shapes and colors, so complete darkness was not that much further of a stretch.


Following the woman's lead, she could feel the cold air biting away at her skin that could not take shelter within the cloak still upon her. The equally cold steps proved to confirm her location as all movements slowed greatly in order to descend the stairs. Throughout the journey through the streets Serena had remained quiet, but various features proved quite informative. No wrinkles rested upon this woman's hands, nor did she hear a difficulty within the other's steps as before. If it were not for the undeniable warmth exuding from their being, as well the unmistakable gentleness within their voice before, she would have to think this was a complete stranger. Furthermore, sight was not needed to count her steps, nor recognize the stairs that led to the familiar doorway of the library.


Hours seemed to pass, Ashlynn silently sitting with the chair in which she was guided. Light breaths could be heard across the table, the presence of Serena never fading as they sat together. Even without words, it was as if a thousand meaning were transferring between the two. She knew that Serena held knowledge of the attack, as well the fact that her son was slain by the one before her. The sounds of celebration could be heard beyond the doors, but within, a serene air remained. It was within this silence that Ashelynn was given time to recall the details of her death, as well the day that had transpired. But, it was with the conclusion of her thoughts that this stagnation was finally broken. "I am leaving this place, Ashelynn." Serena's words spoke clearly, malice nor sadness coating her words. Instead, it was as if dedication, or duty itself was summoning her beyond. "But, I held hope that we could meet at least once more."


The heavy thud of a book could be heard, the table shaking with surprise by it's sudden need for bearing the weight. "From the very beginning, you have come here, every day. Not to simply take refuge, but to read these books I have spent so long collecting, as well writing notes based upon them. Never once did your handicaps hinder your path... You were an interesting specimen to say the least, one that I grew a little fond of." The table whined as the book slid across, Ashlynn instinctively reaching to silence the sound. Surprise came, as the book was the size of a journal, despite the weight. It's covered was lined with metals, and a cover that was embellished with stones, perhaps even gems. "I carry no grievance on the loss of a son, when it is the daughter I chose to adopt that carried the act." A chair could be heard, it's wooden leggings scratching at the floor as Serena came to stand and then walk away. "That book will be my parting gift, Ashe. It will serve as both you blessing, and your curse. Without sight, you can not live the path of an adventurer. But hopefully, you can still build the knowledge you desire with these stories you proved to cherish."


These last moments proved to run slowly within Ashelynn's mind, listening to the footsteps that carried Serena away. They were youthful, full of energy like the eyes she could remember. Entranced by these solemn notes, she found herself staring in the direction of the departure, caught on words at last. Until, all fell silent once more as the doors closed, and she was left alone within this place. Until we may meet again, I thank you, Serena.


With parting words said to late, her grip tightened upon the book. Pulling it's weight onto herself as she let it rest upon her lap. Within the darkness that covered her eyes, she came to open the precise gift, expecting nothing more than continued darkness. However, what greeted her was a warm light, one that carved words alone into her sight as they rested within the colorless, shapeless world. With this gift, writings could still be her salvation, "Sincerely, I do thank you.." But, salvation was not enough, when her librarium felt so empty. She needed that which Sun Zhao achieved.