Mangrale

Camp Castaway

@LiegeLord
"Okay, I'll try asking after we're finished. Honestly, I don't think they should mind unless they have something else planned after the canoeing. I mean, they didn't seem to mind us using our powers up until now," Cecilia said in a hopeful manner. She didn't feel up to bothering the counselors right now, as they were trying to get the event underway. "I'm unsure what what we'll have time for until we have to go to turn in for the day, but if they say yes, I wouldn't mind you watching me practice," she said happily.

Camp Castaway

@LiegeLord
Cecilia knew Neric would be there with them, but at the time, thought asking him to wish them luck made sense. "He did? Well in that case, thanks James," Cecilia gladly said to the Void's partner. "I guess I should get in the habit of thanking both of you, so I'd make less mistakes like this," she mentioned pleasantly as she stood up. Cecilia chuckled along with James, glad to see Neric say he enjoyed it in his unique way. "It's alright James, but you really don't have to do that," she responded, not keen on leaving James alone just to have Neric accompany her. "I should probably practice using my power... No time like the present, you know?" She didn't sound very resolved and wouldn't really persist if James and Neric insisted. Still, practice was something she'd end up doing eventually.

Camp Castaway

@LiegeLord@KatherinWinter
"Oh, right. I know how to swim," Cecilia called to the counelors just loud enough so they can hear her while raising her hand as well, the other hand continuing to pet Neric a little longer. She was a little embarrassed at being caught not paying attention, but was naturally still enjoying her moment with the Void. "(eager sigh) I guess it's about time to go, Neric. Thank you for this. You're so sweet," she said gratefully, admiring him. "Wish us luck, alright?" With that, she looked up at James warmly and nodded, letting him know she was ready.

The 20th Floor ~ Sword Art Online

Sorry it took me a while. Things always seem to get in the way. :p

The 20th Floor ~ Sword Art Online

Varen

@Noodles
Varen had no qualms in spectating as Akemi dispatched the last tank, somewhat satisfied that he managed a get a hit in at least. "That's the idea," he answered in his usual unserious manner, his spear casually over his shoulder. The coast seemed clear in both senses of the word for the time being, so he decided to down a potion, replenishing a large portion of his health. Additional combat wasn't very likely, but there was little point in having his HP so low.

However, while he was healing himself, Athel charged at Willow, the spear-wielder unable to intercept. But as he saw Isamu move in, it occured to him that he probably didn't have to.

"Cut it out," Isamu followed ahead and blocked that oncoming strike with his sword, "We will get more info from her alive than dead, Varen could vouch for that."

"If you say so, then it's fine by me," Varen said, very much carefree again. He was willing to corroborate with or do whatever it took to get Willow off the beach alive. After all the trouble of not killing her, he wasn't just going to let her get killed now, and certainly not by anyone other than himself.

It was after Willow's caution, which Varen wasn't really paying attention to, that the Warchief appeared. "Just when you think it's over..." Varen noted with a big smile on his face. He readied his spear, personally believing that they could eventually overpower the dual-wielder. Sure, there was a chance that a few of them would die, but there was a fair chance he'd make it at least.

"Retreat," Akemi, being the rational one, issued that order, as she continued, "And if the hostage turns back or even slow us down, eliminate her without question."

"Awww, damn it..." Varen muttered to himself, glaring at the oncoming Warchief. Any offensive would be doomed to failure unless everyone is on the same page. But with Akemi's order, he couldn't expect backup if he didn't turn back. Besides, it wasn't like the guy's reinforcements would be very far behind. He let out a rough sigh, ultimately turning to retreat with the others. "... Whatever you say, fearless leader."

Camp Castaway

@LiegeLord
Cecilia uttered a low gasp, as she felt Neric climb onto her lap. "Aww, Neric...!" she quietly exclaimed, delighted and surprised, looking back at James, notably astounded. When their eye contact broke off and he drew his attention to the fire, she gazed affectionately at Neric, softly caressing him with both hands. All the while, through her hands and lap, she could just about feel the reverberations from his purring. She felt like asking Neric something, perhaps something about how many people he felt this comfortable around in his life. But she didn't. Now didn't feel like the time for reminiscing and even if she did ask, there was a chance of digging up old wounds. Plus, she didn't want to worry about the past right now. Cecilia relaxed, smiling fondly between the boy and his void.

Camp Castaway

@LiegeLord
Soldiers?... she thought, now even more curious about Neric's past, to the point of not minding how little he thought of their chances of staying afloat. However, she wasn't feeling nosy enough to inquire further, especially where military-related matters were concerned. She observed the dark being for a moment, wondering what he was thinking. If she didn't know any better, she'd almost say he was plotting something. It was then that she heard him say he intended to let the two of them alone in the canoe. "Oh, w-well... if you really don't mind following alongside the entire way. Just know that if you ever want to rest, you're always welcome to ride on our canoe," she conceded, ultimately wanting Neric to decide what he'll do.

Camp Castaway

@LiegeLord
"Right, okay then, if you're sure you wouldn't want to be on the canoe with us," Cecilia said. She knew the actual paddling would be done by James and herself, but thought Neric would be on the boat with them at least. "Hmm, I've been on a few passenger boats and ferries. I've also swum in a some public pools, but nothing like a lake before," she answered pleasantly, petting the back of his neck and head since his head was down. "How about you Neric? I take it you're a pretty good swimmer yourself, huh?" she asked in turn.

Camp Castaway

@LiegeLord
Cecilia noticed Neric once his tail brushed against her also, seeing the dark shrouded cat resting in between her and James, who chuckled and began petting him with a quick glance at her. She was caught off guard, but enjoyed seeing Neric nonetheless, smiling at James and joining in by lightly scratching the Void's neck and chin. "Right, I could never forget about Neric. Thanks you two," she said gently to the two of them, glad that Neric didn't seem to be treating her differently because of the incident and that he had appeared to be at least with them and not secluding himself like she noticed during lunch. "You ready for a little canoeing Neric?" she playfully asked, still in a gentle tone.

Camp Castaway

@LiegeLord
"I think so too," she agreed as she noticed him moving away from her slightly. She meant what she said, even though she didn't want to rely on James so much that she'd be helpless without him. Still, she hoped James wouldn't think she was weird for telling him so. She wondered if now might not have really been the time to say it and that was why he gave her space. He didn't seem that put off however. At the time, she meant it in a more friendly end of the spectrum. But as she took a moment to think about it more, she smiled shyly towards the fire pit. She supposed there was more to it than that, more than she was ready to say currently. Right now though, she just hoped to not embarrass herself while canoeing. To that end, she considered that it might be best to be positioned behind James for the activity, lest she possibly end up accidentally paddling water at him if he was behind her.