Hymn of Elys

Chapter Twelve

As soon as she loaded into the game she took in a full breath of fresh air. The crowded street smelled of freshly baked goods, drying laundry, and fresh cut flowers; the smells of a bustling city. With her eyes closed, she could almost forget she was inside of a fictional world.

"Alice." The masculine voice startled her from her thoughts, bringing her back to the present.

Her eyes opened and fell upon her friend. His clothing was extravagant, in hues of gold and black. Pieces of leather covered his chest and thighs, giving him some protection. Among the others in the crowd, he stood out as a seasoned adventurer.

Just as she had expected of him.

What did surprise her was the long rifle in the holster along his back. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she pointed at the colored metal. "Is that-...?" Her voice trailed off, hesitant to confirm the object.

Eathan glanced back, an eyebrow raised in confusion as he tried to figure out what Alice meant. Within seconds, he realized that she was staring at his weapon of choice. "Oh, this? It's a semi-automatic rifle." Her brows knitted together in confusion as she thought back upon their friendship. As long as she had known him, he had never expressed an interest in guns.

"Huh," she chuckled as he patted the butt of the gun, "I just didn't know you were into firearms."

He laughed at the expression on Alice's face. Winking, he patted the butt of the gun. "Don't worry, it's only used for protecting fair women." He stuck his hands into his pockets, shrugging his shoulders in the same movement. "I'm not really in real life, but hey-" He grinned, looking around at the busy street around them. "The point of playing games is to try stuff you never have before, right?"

She thought that over for a moment. As for herself, she played to get away fro her troubles, and to hone her craft. However, she could see the appeal of being a whole other person.

It was a different type of escape, she realized.

In an attempt to get past the awkward topic, Alice scrunched up her nose, "I see. Does it get any action?" She tried not to laugh at the comment. However, she couldn't stop the small un-ladylike snort that left her as she found the humor in her own off-color joke.

He made a strangled sound, trying unsuccessfully to look angry at her comment. "I'll have you know, I can be popular with the ladies!"

At that, they both burst out laughing. Strangers in the street turned to look at them, a mix of disapproval and amusement coloring their features.

After a moment, she finally calmed down, holding a hand to her chest as she tried to catch her breath. Alice's cheeks had turned a rosy pink with her merriment, and she found herself hoping that everyday would be like this.

Her gaze wandered around the area, and she tried not to look like a tourist. The day before, it hadn't been this busy. IT had been close to midnight in the game, so all of the non-player characters must have been home. When the streets were teeming with people, the game seemed to have such energy and lfie!

A few feet away, she could hear Julia calling out to citizens and adventurers as they passed by. "Oh warrior! Come here, warrior!" Alice chuckled when the last one she called out to snubbed her and ignored her calls. The NPC growled with annoyance, and stomped her feet, acting like a child. It was still a marvel to Alice that in-game characters could have such personality.

Another lone passerby soon drew her attention, and her frustration was soon forgotten as Julia tried her best to draw in the next stranger. "Hey! Adventurer-"