center][h1]River and Alisea[/h1][/center]

[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8v8xMAV.jpg?1[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/v45jtPZ.jpg?1[/img][/center]
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[hider=Day at the bakery]
[Color=82ca9d]“Do I! I'm always up for some pastries. Red bean buns, Taro! Tiramisu.”[/color] River’s eyes glazed over at the thought of the sweet confectionery delights.

A few moments later another message arrived for River with a soft ‘ping.’  [color=ec008c][i]“Wonderful!  Meet me at the plaza in 8 minutes!”[/i][/color]

River quickly got up and ran out the door. Fighting was fun and all but food was even better, especially if they're sweets. Once he reached the plaza he wandered around looking for a place that was easily seen and had seating. He chose the mana fountain. 

The area was busy; adventurers hustled about from one end to the other, gathering in parties, calling out items they hoped to sell, and generally making it difficult to spot any one face in the crowd--especially a face he had seen so few times.  Fortunately, the face spotted him.

[color=ec008c]“River!”[/color]  The cloaked figure of the magess appeared out of the crowd, taking confident strides toward him.  Her hood was down, letting her long, brown hair tumble down her back.  The cloak covered most of her, but with each step her long skirt would come out, then retreat back into the overcoat.  A pair of sturdy boots stuck out the bottom.  Covered as her body was, her exposed face--those clear, blue eyes in particular--was more than enough to grab a man’s attention.  Especially when she called his name like that.

[color=ec008c]“Did you have to wait long?”[/color] she asked as she drew up next to him.

[Color=82ca9d]“Not too long no. I was gonna send Pepper to scout for you so that it's easier to find me but you seemed to do okay yourself.”[/color] The trainer sat there with his hands folded onto his lap atop a book with a blank cover. His blue cloak shrouded most of his top and his skirts’ pants swayed as he kicked his feet back and forth on the fountain. [Color=82ca9d]“So what's this about pastries you were saying?”[/color] his eyes beaming as a smile spread across his face.

[color=ec008c]“Come with me; showing you will be faster.”[/color]  Alisea extended her hand, parting the cloak and revealing a long-sleeved, blue blouse as nondescript as the cloak covering it.

[color=ec008c]“So, mister trainer, have you had a lot of practice in combat yet?”[/color] she asked lightly, filling their walk with conversation as she lead the way toward a different street.

River placed his hands behind his head as they walked. Relaxing and allowing the day’s breeze and warm sun to hit him as he followed Alisea. [Color=82ca9d]" I suppose you could say so. I had a very...dark beginning to this game [i]because[/i] I'm a trainer and so I spent the first few days outside the city walls grinding away at the monsters that spawn around here.”[/color] he looked up reminiscing about his time before he met Xenos, the twins and the guild, his ginger hair glowing in the light as his bespeckled face tried to shake off the tears. [Color=82ca9d]"Aside from that I've tried my hand at the first dungeon but didn't beat the final boss as you guys have. That's about it really.”[/color]

A sparkle filled Alisea’s eyes as she glanced at him.  [color=ec008c]“Oh?  With that much time, you must be good at monster flipping.  Maybe you can help Dubstepp learn some tricks.”[/color]

Confusion began to fill his face in place of his previous disposition. [Color=82ca9d]" Monster...Flipping? I don't follow what you mean.”[/color] his gaze now turned to face her as they walked. Pepper gently gliding down atop his head and curling up.

Alisea pursed her lips.  [color=ec008c]“Mmm.  How many monsters have you tamed since the game began?  Can you count them?”[/color]

[Color=82ca9d]" Not including Pots here, just the one I caught with Shiba. We did it for the Council’s quest to bring a live White Wolf to them. I figured the easiest way was to tame one and bring it to them then release it. Why?”[/color]

Alisea turned forward again.  She did a remarkable job of keeping her face passive, but a small sigh did escape her lips.  [color=ec008c] “Because… Well, again, it will probably be easier to show you than to tell.  But that will be for another time; welcome to Josef’s Bakery!”[/color] Alisea announced, spinning around and extending her arm toward the building to River’s right.  It had a plain front, but the sweet smell wafting from the partially-open door was mesmerizing.

Again, Alisea led the way in.  [color=ec008c]“With the Festival of the Sun tomorrow, Baker Josef started making seasonal cakes.  Sun-shaped cookies, cakes with sun-dried fruit, cakes with fresh, sun-grown fruit; and this,”[/color] Alisea ended with a flourish.  [color=ec008c]“The honey-suns.  Regardless of the cutesy name, they smell absolutely to die for.”[/color]  The confection in question was a bright, sun-shaped bun, the crispy, brown exterior glistening with a honey glaze.  Alisea drew in a deep breath, then let it out with a happy sigh.  [color=ec008c]“It truly is amazing what they can do without sugar, yes?”[/color]

The sigh didn't escape Rivers notice, but he wasn't about to pry into the matter. He began to wonder if she truly understood what it took to tame a creature, not just in combat but also the literal skills required to do so, as well as their cost. River lifted one of his hands from behind his head and began to pet Pepper as he thought how he believed she was more than enough for him.

Once they made it to the bakery, all previous thoughts melted away. The sweet aromas floating in the air, luring him into a dream like state. Once inside his eyes danced around the shop staring at every item and taking it all in. [I][Color=82ca9d]" Ok I can’t spend all my renn here because I need it for the festival...but oooooh this all looks so good!”[/color][/i] His thoughts were cut cut short as Alisea began to introduce him to the new seasonal pastries that the shop had created for the sun festival. Each pastry sounded more delicious than the previous and then finally leading up toward the Honey-Suns. The name was amazing, perfect even, the pun, the adorableness, the nostalgia of home. He had to have one.

Having noticed that she asked him a question River just nodded in agreement. He was too entranced by all the options to be able to fully devote his attention toward all that Alisea was saying to him. [Color=82ca9d]" I can't wait to try them! They all look so good!”[/color]

Alisea shared a smile with River, a light giggle slipping out.  Certainly everything smelled heavenly, and no doubt it would taste it, as well.  Tragically, each had a price tag to match those heights.  Even so, Alisea didn’t hesitate to turn over 3 coppers for a pair of honey-suns.  She watched River expectantly, curious what he would pick.

Unable to help himself River went up towards the counter and shyly motioned at three different pastries. He asked the keep if he could have a cake with sun-dried fruit, a cake with fresh sun-grown fruit and then to top it all off one Honey-Sun. Each pastry was wrapped in a thin, translucent paper and placed into a single box then handed to River. His mouth almost drooling at the anticipation of eating these newly acquired delectable sweets.

[color=ec008c]“Come; I know a place we can sit and enjoy.”[/color]  Alisea led River out of the shop and into the alleys behind it.  Two turns and a short stretch later, she stopped and hopped atop a barrel lined against the back of a building.  Several more stood beside it, along with a few large, wooden crates.

Now seated on her perch, Alisea’s cloak had fallen open revealing--if such a word can even be applied to such a modest discovery--her blue blouse and long skirt that reached clear to her boots even while seated.  She placed her box happily on her lap and opened the lid, reaching in to retrieve her first prize.  She took one small bite and an enormous smile filled her face.  A small moan of approval escaped her.  [color=ec008c]“So, can you tell me about yourself?  And Pots too, of course, beyond those days of grinding in the forest.”[/color]

River followed behind Alisea as he eyes the box that was tempting him to open it before arrival. Once there he elected to sit on the floor with his legs crossed and back against the crate next to hers. River watched as Alisea took a bite from her pastry and moaned with happiness. His decision would be tough on which to start with first. Pots had moved down towards his shoulder so that she may be fed as well, expecting a treat as was the usual. River had plucked off one of the fresh fruits and began to move it towards Peppers mouth when Alisea asked him a question. His hand steadied just far enough away that Pots couldn't quite reach it but close enough to taunt. River sat there contemplating the question wondering what she was looking for and what exactly there was to tell.

[Color=82ca9d]"Well, I'm not sure there's much to say. If you're asking about life outside of the game I'm sure there's quite a bit I could tell but Pots doesn't exist outside of here so I assume you mean in game. If that's the case then I suppose there's this, me and Pots share a special bond. I'm not quite sure how to explain it but I don't feel the need to tame another creature because she's my number one gal. Sure she's small now but as I grow she will too and between you and me…”[/color] River stood up and propped himself onto the crate so that he was closer to her and whispered [color=82ca9d]”She’s a dragon.[/color] his voice went back to its  normal tone as Pepper jumped forward snatching the fruit from his hand. [Color=82ca9d]" So needless to say when she grows she will be an even bigger force to be reckoned with. As for me, well I decided I want to win this game. Not just for myself but for those who can't, those who are being forced into parties or guilds because they can heal and are being threatened. I want to help those who don't have a voice...and I need to go back home. I have so many animals counting on me…”[/color]

[color=ec008c] “That… sounds wonderful,”[/color] Alisea remarked before biting into her bun once more.  It was hard to tell behind the pleased face she made over the bun’s taste, but River could sense something of how she was mulling over what he had said.

River stared at his fresh-fruit cake for a moment longer before finally picking it up and taking a bite. The fruits were so sweet and juicy it was unbelievable. The cake was a soft spongy bread that allowed for the fruits juices to perfectly blend into it and coat the entire mouth in an eruption of pure, fresh, flavor. River sat there for a moment with a smile plastered onto his face before picking off a piece of cake and fruit and feeding them to Pepper simultaneously so that she too could taste the experience he did. Silence clung in the air for a second, but it was enough to feel like eternity. [Color=82ca9d]" Enough about me, what about you? Tell me about yourself.”[/color]

[color=ec008c]“My story is hardly as interesting as a dragon.  I found a few… friends to stand with me.  We conquered a dungeon, we shared meals, we bought clothes.  Oh, but you know hardly a thing about me since we never fought together!  My class is mage, and ice is my strongest attribute.  As any good magician, though, I have a bag full of tricks.  I prefer not having a weapon, so if I must engage I do so unarmed.  My role is more that of a supporter--pressing damage and status debuffs to keep Aster and the other frontline fighters safe.  And from now on, helping you and Pots, too!”[/color] she added with a smile.

[Color=82ca9d]"A bag of tricks? I haven't heard of that item yet. Is it a rare drop from the dungeon boss?”[/color]  He continued to eat his cake as he thought [color=82ca9d]”Well I wouldn't consider myself a frontline fighter, though in a group setting I'm not quite sure what I'd be...even with Shiba I used my switch tactics to make sure neither of us gathered too much enmity from the monsters. I have healing spells and am optimized to be able to heal without taking a toll on my mana, actually I gain mana but that's neither here nor there. Aside from that I have a support spell to strengthen my allies which I use on Pots typically but can easily use on myself or others. Pots deals aoe damage as well as aoe healing, and to top it all off I'm proficient with a whip so I can fight if need be.”[/color]

Alisea chuckled kindly at his pun.  [color=ec008c]“You already have Essence Gain, then?”[/color] she pressed, a deep interest in her words.  [color=ec008c]“I am a mage, remember?  You can use the actual names for spells; I know what they all do,”[/color] she added.

[Color=82ca9d]" Oh, true.  I hadn't thought of that. Yeah, I have Essence Drain as well as a Wand of Affinity so I gain back mana as opposed to losing it because my spell cost ends up being less than my payback. Honestly it makes healing that much easier.”[/color]

[color=ec008c]“And how many of the training upgrades have you learned?”[/color]  Despite the great enjoyment she had displayed eating it earlier, the half-eaten bun in her hands was being ignored.  Her attention focused solely on River.

River purses his lips as he thought, not noticing as Pots slowly climbed down his arm and began to nibble on the cake as he spoke. [Color=82ca9d]" For Trainer Class I have all my level one spells as well as ‘Make Monster Permanent’ and ‘Increase Monster Cap 1’ as for my body...um that is my body spells, I have ‘Strengthen’, ‘Healing Beam’, ‘Attuned to Ones Body’, and ‘Essence Gain’. I also have a few actions as well.”[/color]

[color=ec008c]“Mm.”[/color]  Alisea turned back to her bun for a bite, then glanced over at River once more.  [color=ec008c]“I have an idea for training, but it will work better if you increase your cap for summoned monsters.”[/color]

[Color=82ca9d]"Well what’d’ya have in mind?”[/color] his emerald green eyes staring back at her glistening the way gems do when held up to the sun. [Color=82ca9d]" I know Dubstep is a Trainer as well so if you need multiple monsters that's one way to go too.”[/color]

Alisea smiled--a small smile, really for herself more than for River.  [color=ec008c]“No need to bother him; this training is for you.  One monster is enough, but it does mean Pots will have to spend some time resting in her totem.”[/color]  A look of apology crossed her face, just briefly.  [color=ec008c]“But!  No need to worry about that now.  This would be after the festival, at the earliest.  It might have to wait until after we clear that dungeon, but… Well, I hope we might try it before then.”[/color]

River gave it some thought, the idea that Pots may need to rest inside her totem at some point. It never truly occurred to him since she rested with him when he did. [Color=82ca9d]" I suppose so… I'm just not too keen on the idea of using someone else aside from her you know? She’s She’s my partner, though I suppose if I increase my summoning cap then I should be able to keep her and another monster out at the same time.”[/color]

Alisea’s eyebrows arched up.  [color=ec008c]“‘Someone’ else?”[/color] she echoed, the hint of a tease in her voice.

The tease went right over Rivers head as he sat confused on what she’d meant to imply. [Color=82ca9d]"Yeah, like another creature, you know?”[/color]

Alisea blinked twice, watching his earnest expression.  Finally her customary smile returned and she resumed eating her dessert.  [color=ec008c]“I believe I do,”[/color] she answered, her eyes closed.

[Color=82ca9d]"Although, if there really are an expansive number of worlds in this game...I really hope there's one in which I can tame a dinosaur. How cool would it be to ride in on a T-Rex or have a pack of velociraptors at your side with a dragon swooping above?”[/color]

Alisea gave an involuntary snort.  [color=ec008c]“Sorry, sorry!”[/color] she apologized quickly.  [color=ec008c]“I mean no offense; that just sounded like something my little brother would have said.”[/color]

River leaned back letting out a childish laugh. [Color=82ca9d]" I suppose that most boys would think that way huh? Still, the chance of a lifetime to get as close to these creatures as possible...it’s something you just can’t turn down.”[/color]

The magess finished the last bite of her bun, giving one final hum of approval, then placed the box with her second bun in her inventory.  As her fingers raced through the menu, she remarked, [color=ec008c]“Then we should hope such a floor exists.  We probably need a lot more practice before we try battling dinosaurs, though.  After the festival, okay?”[/color]  She hopped off her barrel and brushed off the back of her cloak, preparing to leave.

River followed suit packing the items up as he watched her prepare to leave, just barely missing Pots being able to snag another bite as she bit into the air. [Color=82ca9d]"Here’s hoping. Though I agree I will definitely need some more practice before I take on one of time’s most fearsome predators.”[/color]

[color=ec008c]“You will be hearing from me.  Have fun tomorrow at the festival!  Ah, but… do keep your equipment ready, just in case.  Events can be dangerous in worlds like this.”[/color]  Her piece said, the magess began to walk away.

[/hider]