Lily bit at her knuckle to suppress a giggle as her cheeks flushed, quickly closing out her messages after trying to send one Gorre's way, hoping he'd receive it. She'd seen him not long ago, yet she couldn't help feeling this way all the same. Especially since this time, she was the one inviting him out. Her lips would stay pulled into a smile, feet kicking slightly beneath her desk as she tried to contain her excitement in seeing him again. It was a welcome alternative to the anxiety she was feeling being hyper aware of the fact that she was home alone at the moment. Without wasting anymore time, Lily straightened out her shirt and fixed her posture- She knew he couldn't see what she looked like outside of The World, but she still felt compelled.

[ GATE IN ]

The chime of the gate echoed only briefly within the small cave. Looking around, Mouse's heart slowly settled a bit. The blue light bouncing off the walls from the gate made it seem the cave itself was blue. It brought on a calming feeling, at least for her. There was even a sitting area carved into the wall all the way around in a giant curve. Perhaps she could sit here and wait on Gorre, or..

The light that spilled in from outside was too much to resist. However, stepping outside of the mouth of the cave was as far as she was willing to go without him. "Oh wow!" Her eyes were wide as she stared in awe at all the plant life. Vines embraced the stone work, and moss claimed the grout between the stone on the path as well as along the stairs and most everything else. It was, perhaps, one of her favorite types of environments both in The World and outside of it. One in which nature has reclaimed what was built over it after it was no longer in use. This place was special in that the people who used this path seemed to live in harmony with the nature that had come to conquer it.

The sprites were supposedly dropped off somewhere near the entrance of this area after being found in Dol Dona, but not visible from where Mouse was standing. She knew Gorre wouldn't be long, so she was in no hurry to look for them without him. For now, she leaned against the wall at the mouth of the cave with her back turned to the Chaos Gate. Even if she couldn't quite feel the warmth of the sunshine spilling down from between the trees, it was nice to imagine.

Closing her eyes, she let her mind wander as she waited for Gorre to arrive. Even thinking of him tugged what had fallen into a neutral expression back into a soft smile.

Further ahead on the path, sitting on the stairs that lead upward are four sprites that will look towards anyone expectantly should they come into view:


Earth Sprite - Skittish Personality
The Earth sprite is looking around with a concerned expression, she paces shortly on the same step. Behind her, wherever she moves, a small trail of flowers is formed.


Ice Sprite - Gloomy Personality
The Ice Sprite is sniffling and sighing as he slumps onto the stairs. It's clear he's not feeling very well.


Fire Sprite - Serious Personality
The Fire Sprite seems to be having a discussion with the Wind Sprite, her flame arms seem to be holding onto the Wind Sprite's cloud ones.


Wind Sprite - Shy Personality
The Wind Sprite seems to bashfully avoid eye contact with the Fire Sprite, but does not pull away from her.

---------------------------

Anger Gauge: ✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧ HP: 100% SP: 100%

The sound of the gate pulled Mouse from her thoughts, already she could feel heat on her cheeks and her smile growing without seeking any sort of consent from her mind first..! One hand rose to her chin, fingers concealing her lips as she lowered her head for just a moment. Taking a deep breath, she hummed within her mind to each beat her heart made until it settled to a reasonable pace. Exhaling, Lily reminded herself that she was the one who asked after him, also! This wasn't some sort of intimate date, they were going to work together to bring some sprites back home! J-Just like with the Moonlight Sculptor Quest! No blushing! No swooning! No-

Even though she had heard him gate in and was actively waiting on him, when he emerged from the cave her eyes widened all the same. It wasn't really a look of surprise, she'd been expecting him of course. Perhaps it was more along the lines of captivated. The work she had done in settling her heart unwound as it picked up pace again. So too did the color in her cheeks and a warm, welcoming smile for him as he announced himself. "G-Gorre! No! Of course not, I only arrived not long ago. You're just on time.." When he strode to her, she held her arms out, bouncing slightly on her heels until his arms engulfed her and she was satisfied within his embrace.

Had she been holding her breath until this moment since logging on? It sure felt that way as she wrapped her own arms around him as well, her cheek nestling against his chest lovingly. "It's not strange. A lot can change in a short period of time!" She assured him as she tilted her head upwards to meet his gaze. So close... Ah! Lily! Staring! Staring! "O-oh! But! I've been doing well! I got everything done I needed to today, lots of cleaning, general chores.. Things like that. I met a few new people within The World, reconnected with some, as well.. I'll tell you more on our stroll." Beaming up at him, one of her arms released its hold so that she could reach up and move any hair in his face while admiring his features.

"W-what about you..!? How have you been keeping, hmm?" She asked, fingers gently combing through his hair before softly settling against his chest as she continued gazing up at him. The light spilling down from the canopy above made him look almost magical, or perhaps he always looked this way to her.

---------------------------

Anger Gauge: ✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧ HP: 100% SP: 100%



Earth Sprite - Skittish Personality
Hopping off the step she was pacing around on, the Earth sprite is slowly making her way towards the next set of stairs leading down. A trail of flowers gives away her position easily.


Ice Sprite - Gloomy Personality
Lots of sniffles and coughing coming from this guy as he rolls around uncomfortably on his step, watching as the Earth Sprite makes a break for it.


Fire Sprite - Serious Personality
Looking up from her conversation with the Wind Sprite, the Fire Sprite separates from their little meeting and looks out towards where the Earth Sprite is heading.


Wind Sprite - Shy Personality
The Wind Sprite brings her arms back in as the Fire Sprite ends their conversation, she seems uninterested in the situation and is looking up longingly towards the sky.

As he spoke, her eyes remained on his one. She was just as entranced within his gaze as he was with her own. Hearing about what he got up to when they were not together had to be one of the best highlights of her day. Mouse couldn't help but giggle at his comment about chores and cleaning being dull, but necessary. That certainly was the truth. Thinking about it, she couldn't imagine Gorre needing to do such things- Well, he took care of his clothes each time they were ruined, she knew that much.

"Another AI, hmm?" Curiosity hummed in her tone as his face drew nearer. She also found herself bracing lightly against him as she tried to stand as tall as she could to meet him half way. Gracious as always, he closed the distance for her and soon their lips met. Like two magnets. Warmth enveloped her, even as their lips parted. "I.." She did not put the space back between them even a little bit, her eyes had to slowly drag themselves away from his lips to find his gaze once more. "I'm s-so very glad to hear it.." The warm fog that had flooded her brain caused her to start leaning up towards him again for another kiss-

The sound of movement was quiet, but obvious at the same time. And then it occurred to her. "A-Ah! The sprites-!" Even in her nervousness about letting the quest slip her mind, she found it difficult to pull away from him. "I want to hear more about the people you've met and places you've been lately," Stopping to give him one more brief peck, Mouse finally stood flat on her feet and gently pulled away from his grasp. Though, she wouldn't stray far. Instead, she held her hand out. There was slight concern in her eyes, but her smile was still warm as she waited for him to take her hand and accompany her. "Y-you'll have to tell me everything, but for now let's attend to the little friends waiting on us, hmm?"

Mouse has sent Gorre a party invite.

Whenever Gorre was ready to press forward, it wouldn't take long for the two of them to come into view of the sprites. The three sprites sitting on the stairs would look up towards the two expectantly. "Aww! Gorre, look!" Mouse's face lit up again as she peered down at the creatures. "So cute a-" Just as she was about to compliment them, the Ice Sprite took a few struggled deep breaths before releasing a powerful sneeze directly at the runechemist. Mouse felt her heart drop a bit when she noticed the Freeze status pop up. An unwanted and foreign feeling of irritation burned in her mind, but she did not let it taint her features. "Bless you! G-goodness.."

Wait, wasn't there supposed to be four?

---------------------------

Anger Gauge: ✦✦✧✧✧✧✧✧ HP: 100% SP: 100%



Earth Sprite - Skittish Personality
The trail of flowers is still apparent. At the end of the trail, the Earth Sprite has noticed Mouse and Gorre and is trying to make a break for it down the stairs. Realizing that the path below is flooded / inaccessible, she stands at the bottom of the stairs looking around.


Ice Sprite - Gloomy Personality
The Ice Sprite sniffles after his big sneeze and crawls towards Mouse with a sad expression.


Fire Sprite - Serious Personality
Briefly irritated by the sneezing incident, the Fire Sprite now sits in wait for what's to come next. Occasionally, she will glance towards the stairs where the Earth Sprite disappeared.


Wind Sprite - Shy Personality
The Wind Sprite is startled by the sneeze, but is now looking towards Gorre and Mouse curiously.

Being guided to the small Fire Sprite by Gorre slowly widened Mouse's smile, the uncertainty that had threatened to reach her features faded away for the moment. Though- The pain in her head would remain until she could satiate it as her power intended. "Thank you so much," she responded sweetly to Gorre's efforts as she released his hand for the moment and kneeled down slightly in front of the fire sprite. The sprite looked up to meet Mouse's gaze with little expression. She seemed to understand what Gorre had said and rose her little fire arms up towards the runechemist, but not too close so as not to burn her.

"We are the ones who are supposed to be helping you! I-I appreciate it all the same." The Fire Sprite nodded her head, turning to glare towards the Ice Sprite as he slithered up with his typical sad expression and snotty nose. Reaching forward, he tugged at Mouse's sleeve. "I-It's fine! You're not feeling very well, huh? Poor thing.." It wasn't hard for her to move her arm and rid the sleeve of his little hand to give him a gentle pat on the head instead. This seemed to comfort him for now. "I wish I had medicine or something to give you, I'm sure once we get you all back home you'll be tended to. Please hang in there for now!"

Meanwhile, the Earth Sprite looked up towards Gorre from her place on the bottom of the stairs. She looked back towards the direction she was trying to go as if to contemplate. He was right, there was no way she would be able to go this way on her own. For now, she sighed and walked back towards the steps to slowly carry herself back up them. There would be more opportunities yet, she was sure of it! Eventually, she made her way back up to him and peered upwards at his face. She stood near him for a moment longer before running back to her place beside the Ice Sprite. Mouse sighed with relief. "Good job, love. It seems everyone is present and accounted for. Shall we?"

If Gorre reached for her hand again, Mouse would gladly take his. For the moment, she didn't initiate it due to the freezing status effect. Though, shifting her gaze from the sprites to look back towards him, she tried to stop her smile from growing any more. It was simply that she already knew he wouldn't mind, but she wanted to be a source of warmth for him! Not chilly. "That was a good idea, her fire helped me a lot. I'm still moving a little slowly, but I feel like it will wear off sooner than normal. We will both have to keep it in mind in case it happens again- Which is likely.." Her voice trailed off as she motioned towards the Ice Sprite sniffling on the step and looking up at the both of them with droopy eyes. Mouse couldn't help but pout, too! He was so pitiful!

Whenever Gorre and the sprites were ready to press onward, Mouse would begin the trek up the stairs while staying close to her partner. She had so much to talk to him about, and things she.. Didn't necessarily want to bring up. Looking up towards him as they walked, her eyes scanned his features. She was unsure how he would respond to her having met with Cernunnos again. Quickly looking forward, she bit her lip and decided to save it for later. "It seems a lot of things are going on within The World right now. I had a very good, but troubling talk with Ornery and Noblesse recently. I told them about what happened with Cernunnos because I trust them. A-and they shared quite a bit of information with me, as well.."

She looked down towards the sprites briefly. The little creatures simply toddled along after the two of them, her eyes rested specifically on the Earth Sprite who averted her gaze. An amused grin replaced Mouse's neutral features before she focused on the conversation once more. "Anyway, part of it is regarding the Morrigu Barrow incident. Burgundy mentioned you were there, I'm grateful you left when you did. Do you know about what happened?" Her head tilted, eyes looking up at him curiously.

---------------------------

Anger Gauge: ✦✦✧✧✧✧✧✧ HP: 100% SP: 100%


Earth Sprite - Skittish Personality
For now, the Earth Sprite is following along- but she keeps looking around for somewhere to go whenever she thinks Gorre and Mouse are not looking.


Ice Sprite - Gloomy Personality
The Ice Sprite's head is hanging upward as his body scoots him along. He seems tired already.


Fire Sprite - Serious Personality
She's been following closely to Mouse, but looking back to check on the Wind Sprite.


Wind Sprite - Shy Personality
Her expression is far away as she obediently follows the party, she doesn't seem to be paying much attention.

Her thumb stroked the top of his as she listened carefully while they walked together. She knew about what had transpired, but not quite in the detail in which Gorre spoke it. It was always good to hear multiple perspectives for the same event for this reason. "Yes. Two people of interest I learned more about during our talk were this 'Sid' and 'Dr. Xiang'.. I'm looking forward to hearing what you know, too." Mouse was relieved Gorre knew something about Sid, but frowned slightly all the same. Both of the names tasted bitter in her mouth. Even if Ornery and Noblesse were alright and seemed confident in handling the separate situations they were dealing with.. It didn't sit well with her. "But, before that.."

So as to remain calm and not let the unwelcome force of negativity in her body shepherd her thoughts down a dark path, Mouse tilted her head upward to trace the pattern of the light shining between the leaves. Sighing softly, she spoke once more. "After your departure, only Burgundy and that Leyfalia person remained with Whatchamacallit. Shortly after, someone I'm acquainted with named Nova was teleported in. He came from the place in which Cernunnos typically resides, and behind him came Cernunnos himself." She used her free hand to help her talk, "To back track, I'm not sure how exactly Nova ended up in Cernunnos' realm. He claims to have been snooping around a Lost Ground and was accidentally gated there instead of back to a root town. Cernunnos must have attacked him as he.. Wasn't well. He's a Harvest Cleric, so even when he tried to tend to his wounds it was of no use."



Looking back ahead as they progressed slowly, Mouse shook her head. "Cernunnos was looking for Whatchamacallit, but he got away. So, he took it out on the field and tried to take it out on the people who remained. Thanks to Anu, everyone involved was fine. More or less. But the field was destroyed and Cernunnos is the reason why.. Hey-!" As she was finishing her thought, Mouse took her turn glancing back over the sprites and pointed at the Earth Sprite, causing her to freeze in her tracks instead of branching away from the group. Again. "Remember what Gorre said, please stay near us. We will keep you safe." Though the little sprite was irritated, she complied.

"Due to rumors of the field's destruction.. Noblesse and others who work with him were asked to investigate it." There was obvious allusion to there being more in the story, but Mouse wanted to give Gorre time to not only process what she said, but offer any input he had. As the remaining Freeze wore off, Mouse offered a small stroke to the back of the Fire Sprite in thanks. It was accepted, but the sprite was quick to hang back and walk alongside the Wind Sprite again now that she was no longer needed.

There are occasional rustling sounds in the trees above. Nothing can be seen for now.

---------------------------

Anger Gauge: ✦✦✧✧✧✧✧✧ HP: 100% SP: 100%


Earth Sprite - Skittish Personality
After her attempt at wandering off was thwarted, she's following along obediently.


Ice Sprite - Gloomy Personality
A series of sniffles, the Ice Sprite is taking a few deep breaths as if he's getting ready to sneeze again..!


Fire Sprite - Serious Personality
She's fallen back in line and is 'holding hands' with the Wind Sprite as they follow behind the group. The rustling in the trees causes her to look up occasionally.


Wind Sprite - Shy Personality
Her expression remains the same, but she walks hand in hand with the Fire Sprite now.

A laugh combined with a breath of her relief passed her lips when he expressed relief that Burgundy and the others were alright. "Yes, well- She gave him a little piece of her mind, too. I know that Nova posted a message on this place- the BBS. I've talked to you about messages I've read from there before. He talked about the whole ordeal and was looking for someone to help fix the damage he endured. Anyway, I saw him during a quest after the whole thing and he seemed fine, no permanent rend anymore. He seemed to have deleted the message himself, so I didn't inquire further." She could only hope his involvement ended there, but telling Gorre about it, at least that meant there was one other person aware.

As they walked, his voice was like a calming melody for her, if only the topic were a bit lighter. She was nearly content to leave it at his suggestion that they'd only found wreckage left by Cernunnos. If nothing else, but to not add further troubles to his mind. However, she could not conceal anything from him. Biting her lip, Mouse scanned the trees briefly for the source of the sound before ultimately looking towards him with an expression that was harder to read than usual. "They did, uh.. Yeah. About that Dr. Xiang person- That's who they found. And he," Mouse shook her head, feeling her heartrate picking up.

As much as she would like to say it only slightly upset her, quite frankly, it pissed her off. "He tried to hurt Noblesse! He hurt this boy named Ingine and another man who was investigating! Noblesse told me all about it- I mean, they are fine now, sure-! But.." Quickly, she peered back at the sprites, who were all staring wide eyed at the two as they followed along. Were they listening to the story or just surprised by her tone? Either way, she sighed and did her best to settle down. "S-sorry. He appeared to them as a black silhouette. He stopped them from being able to gate out of the area and was trying to.. Upload some kind of consciousness..? Ingine tried to leave and that was a mistake. Apparently, outside of The World, he collapsed. Him and Noblesse were both at work in the same room at the time, that's how Noblesse knew."

She became more aware of the rustling in the trees, and could even see shadows hopping along through the gaps of light that shown through the leaves. There was definitely some type of creatures meandering above, Mouse only hoped they would leave the party alone for the moment. "This third coworker was the one Dr. Xiang was trying to upload some kind of consciousness into, all the while talking to Noblesse about 'Hoerwick's ai program.' I'm not sure what exactly he was trying to do, but he was saying the program was impossible to replicate normally.. But that life can be reborn..? This other coworker lives somewhere far away from us in our world, but I believe he also fell unconscious, if I'm remembering Noblesse's story correctly."

Mouse could just imagine the fear Noblesse must have felt in the moment. He'd arrived there with two others and soon was all by himself trying to figure out what to do. "Basically, Noblesse was alone with Dr. Xiang because his two collegues were incapacitated. To try and save them, he used a power they have that sends people to something like a 'jail.' For people who break rules, usually. And then, outside of The World, he pulled an alarm. Here, we pull this alarm if there is a fire within the building. It's loud and can be heard throughout the building no matter where one is, typically." Clearing her throat, she went on. "A-anyway, Noblesse blacked out for a moment, but when he came to- his plan had actually worked! They were all teleported to the jail and were able to get away from Dr. Xiang!"

As if she'd forgotten the story had a decent ending, considering, she sighed with relief. "Noblesse was so smart and quick to think of something like that in such an intense situation.. He was able to stop whatever Dr. Xiang was doing. Ornery shared incomplete theories saying.. Maybe he was trying to 'digitize' the consciousness of Noblesse's coworker or maybe even upload another in place of his, but he's not really sure and neither am I." She looked up at Gorre, curious how he would take this information. "He seems dangerous so if you or I ever run into him, w-we need to be careful. Okay?" Looking forward again, she fell silent to listen. Not just to his response, but to the sounds around them.


Fortune's Moss Raven lvl 28

Looking carefully through the trees above, birds crafted from a mix of bone and wood covered in moss can be seen gliding and hopping over the leaves. They do not seem to have noticed the traveling party below for the time being.

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Anger Gauge: ✦✦✧✧✧✧✧✧ HP: 100% SP: 100%


Earth Sprite - Skittish Personality
Looking fearfully up at the birds through the leaves in the trees, but is remaining with the party and staying silent.


Ice Sprite - Gloomy Personality
Rearing back, he releases another powerful sneeze. Gorre is the unfortunate target for the Freeze status this time.


Fire Sprite - Serious Personality
She jumps as the Ice Sprite sneezes again before glaring at him, annoyed.


Wind Sprite - Shy Personality
Sighing, she watches the bird monsters fly overhead longingly.

"I-I'm sorry, I really don't know. The way he described him.. Dr. Xiang seemed more like an entity of some sort to me. Noblesse might be able to answer your questions better himself, as the one who experienced it. I think this person originally existed within my world, yes. Perhaps he still does. But he definitely is capable of doing strange things most people in my world cannot within The World. I wish I knew more, I just don't want you to be in the dark on anything. Ever. So, I relay what I can." She continued walking forward, her eyes darting upwards as she became aware of the monsters above them. Perhaps, if they kept going and didn't disturb the creatures first, they could continue their journey in peace. While it seemed unrealistic, she would simply have to rely on that for now.

She continued listening to Gorre's theory, her gaze almost relieved to find itself back on him once more. Though, when he mentioned Cernunnos, her hand squeezed his almost at the same time he squeezed hers. How she dreaded the part of the conversation that would eventually lead to him. Each time his name was mentioned, she knew it came ever closer. She definitely nodded in agreement to his conclusion that Dr. Xiang could potentially pose more a danger than Cernunnos himself, even when she could feel the pain of the marks he'd cast upon her body so long ago that were no longer apparent. The state in which she'd last seen Cernunnos was nothing compared to how Noblesse described Dr. Xiang.

Though when a new name popped up, Mouse turned to look at him fully. "Shadow..? This was the other AI you mentioned running into? Well, I'm sorry, love.. It seems it wasn't such a good meeting after all then, hmm..? Anyone associating with Dr. Xiang with the information we have currently is considered dangerous in my book, unfortunately. Thank you for telling me about him and his motives. I appreciate you, and I do hope that he was not too cruel towards you.." Her tone softened for him, he was such a kind and protective spirit- She could assume coming across someone with malicious intent like that was difficult for him. Just as she was releasing his hand to give him a few reassuring pats to the back, the sneeze from the Ice Sprite made her jump, but then gasp upon realizing the target of Freeze this time around.

"A-Ah! Oh no, Gorre..!" Quickly she accessed her inventory and withdrew a Fairy Orb, holding it out towards him. "Please, this should help..! Goodness.. Fire Sprite..!?" Looking back towards the firey little sprite, the creature blinked in surprise and ran forward towards Gorre, earning a sigh of relief from Mouse. "Everyone stay close together, you too, dear..!" Her voice rose in the direction of the Earth Sprite who, once again, was caught mid disappearing act. Obviously trying to use the sneeze as a distraction. Huffing softly, she marched back into the sprite huddle.

Having stopped the traveling party, Mouse motioned toward a spot for the Fire Sprite to huddle near Gorre before gazing up at him with a worried expression. If Gorre did not take the Fairy Orb immediately, Mouse would simply hold it in her empty hand until he did or his frozen state was done away with. "So, this Shadow person you met has a connection with Sid. I wonder why? I only recently learned more about Sid because.. Well-" How could she put this in a way that made sense when it didn't even make proper sense to her? "At one point earlier in the Moon Cave, me and Burgundy were trapped with someone else in the dungeon fighting waves of monsters and Ornery and this beastman named Wren were in the Calcified Caverns, I believe? Well, they encountered him in there.."

Her voice trailed off as leaves fell from the canopy above, three large birds landing on the path before the traveling party. For now, the monsters seem to be studying the party, occasionally opening and closing their beaks with a loud clack. Not wanting to cause conflict immediately, Mouse simply stood with Gorre protectively in front of the sprites, staring down the beasts before them.


Fortune's Moss Raven lvl 28

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Anger Gauge: ✦✦✧✧✧✧✧✧ HP: 100% SP: 100%


Earth Sprite - Skittish Personality
She's hiding in the very back, trembling in fear at the sight of the monsters.


Ice Sprite - Gloomy Personality
Apologetically gazing up at Gorre, not seeming to notice the monsters at all.


Fire Sprite - Serious Personality
She's glaring at the monsters before them, but staying close to Gorre and taking care not to burn him while attempting to warm him up.


Wind Sprite - Shy Personality
She seems interested in the monsters, but also remains huddled behind Mouse and Gorre.