[The character Vorvolaka was inspired by the song entitled "Vorvolaka" by Die so Fluid.]

“So,” the Wavemaster said as she set her wand down onto the ground while looking out into the canals of Mac Anu, “how do you plan on handling the situation?”
 
Adrya stared out into the water as well, thinking about the question at hand.  Cocking her head to the side she thought about her options, but all of the answers didn’t hold much.  In fact, they all either seemed like the easy way out or a cheap way to play the game.  She could take the low road and fight Vega, hoping to kill her off each time she showed herself in front of Adrya, but that was an illegal action and knowing Adrya’s luck she would be caught almost instantly.  In fact, the very inner thought of it could run a large risk for the girl, with her luck of course.
 
The other route she could take would be logging in as a completely new character all together, or just not long on, but much like what Elmona had said prior to this meeting, that would mean that Vega won the battle.  If there was a strong aspect of Adrya, it was her hard head and selfishness.  The last thing she would want to do was give Vega the satisfaction of having her quit the game or her current character she had been working hard on.  Vega would gain no such think from Adrya, she would be sure of that.  If push came to shove, Adrya would go to the extreme of not fighting with the Long Arm at all, therefore allowing for the girl to kill her again and again, and hopefully Vega would become bored with her and move on.  She would much rather have that happen then allow for the girl to force her out of the game.
 
The two Wavemasters sat together on the edge of the canal silently.  Elmona waited for Adrya’s response, and Adrya continued to think.  Finally she spoke.
 
“I don’t know where to go with this,”  Adrya stated as she looked over to the older player, “Either way its going to be work.  I will not have a worry-free time here on the game.  I know that Vega will come after me, much like she did you, and I’ll have to deal with it at the time of it taking place.  I’m very surprised I haven’t received any threatening messages from her yet.”

“Sorry for the negative response, but don't get comfortable just yet. If she is anything like I remember, you'll be hearing from her very soon. This conversation sparks and interesting thought; how did you escape from Vega in the first place? She is three levels higher than you, and therefore should be able to kill you easily.” Elmona mused, looking to Adrya through the corner of her eye. Adrya gave a small grin.

“Funny,” she replied, “I was dodging her crazed swings of her spear with all I had. She was blinded by emotion apparently, and her spear lodged itself in the stone wall. I then knocked her over the head with my wand. It knocked her out and I ran.” Adrya laughed to herself at the memory. At this point in time it was funny, but at that moment it was terrifying. She would like to stay out of another situation like that.

“I'm sure that will cause the bomb to explode...” Elmona said flatly. Adrya stopped laughing.

“Just be careful. There are a lot of people who enjoy causing harm to others. In Vega's case, she gains satisfaction with doing wrong by others when she feels they did wrong by her. She doesn't know when to stop. In fact, I'm rather sure that if she were to find out who I was, she would begin her tormenting all over again.”

“With out a doubt.” Adrya agreed.
Silence took a hold of their meeting once more as they sat together. It wasn't a negative silence, however, but more of a relaxing, calming silence. Closing her eyes Adrya listened to the sound of the flowing waters but was quickly interrupted from her trance as she heard a small squeak from Elmona. Looking over to the girl, Adrya raised her eye brows questioningly. Elmona waved her hand in the air softly as she said: “My friend sent me a flash mail. Hold on.” Elmona went silent for a moment while reading. Adrya waited, her eyes focused on the other Wavemaster.

“Vorvolaka,” she said as she came back to consciousness. Looking over to Adrya, a small smile crept along the older Wavemaster's face. “She invited me out into a field.”

“Oh, all right.” Adrya said, slightly disappointed that her time with her new friend had be interrupted. As she stood to leave, Elmona gently and quietly cleared her throat, all though it was enough to obtain Adrya's attention.

“I told her that you were with me, and that I wanted you to come along. In all honesty, she was a little apprehensive of the idea, but she agreed. Would you like to come? I promise it wont be a sham this time.”

Adrya thought for a moment, considering the offer that was placed in front of her. It would be nice to go out with people who were friendlier and than Vega; it would be a nice change of pace. Smiling, she nodded in agreement of the offer. Elmona returned the smile as she stood from her seat on the floor, her hand lightly wrapped around the body of her wand. They began to walk back towards the main streets together, the crowds of Mac Anu proving to be no issue for the two. It was like they moved easily through the current of people, the river-like life force to the Root Town. Adrya continued to look out the corner of her eye towards Elmona, her thoughts fading in and out of one another. Elmona was so calm and collected; Adrya wondered how old she really was. She never lead on to anything about her personal life, therefore leaving a lot to mystery. The most Adrya knew about her was the hassle Elmona went through with Vega.

“Elmona,” she said quietly, almost reluctant to ask, “how old are you?”

“Why does it matter?”

“Just curious, I suppose. If it helps anything, I'm sixteen.”

Elmona smirked to herself for a moment before stating “Forty.”

“What?” Adrya cried, her voice ringing with shock! How could someone so old be into the game. “You're not really that old, are you?”

“Now if I were, how would you feel? Is it really so shocking to learn that people these days playing video games are no longer teenagers and young adults?”

“So you're not forty?” Adrya asked for clarification.

“No,” Elmona stated.

They were silent again for a moment before Elmona continued the conversation.

“I'm twenty. That's the truth.” Elmona looked down to the younger Wavemistress, her soft smile accompanied by gently lit eyes. Adrya smiled.

“So there isn't too bad of a gap there in age, I suppose.” Adrya said as she ran a hand through her messy hair. Elmona said nothing as they approached the Chaos Gate. They stopped, and Elmona looked forward with a blank stare. She must be looking for something... Adrya thought to herself. Right on cue, Elmona looked down to her companion and said “Sorry, I had to find the keywords. I forgot them. Are you ready?”

“What level field is it?” Adrya asked.

“Level six, I believe. Vorvolaka is a level seven Heavy Blade. She'll get us through. I don't think we'll be hitting the dungeon; we will probably just run around the field for a bit. She has a kid, so...”

Adrya nodded slowly as she retreated into her own thoughts. I hope I don't slow them down. I'm a bit weaker than they. However, with Elmona being level six and Vorva..laka..being a level seven it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Her eyes blurred for a moment before the entire area went black, and when colored and light returned to her, she noticed that she was in a brightly lit field, the grass green and lush and the sky a rich blue. The sun shone down on them brightly, its heat emitting like a hot summer day.

“There she is.” Elmon'a voice cut in. Adrya looked over to see a pale girl clad in black coming towards them. Her heart sank for a moment, praying this wasn't a sick joke brought about by Elmona. Thankfully, however, it was someone far from Vega. The girl was taller, her long black hair pulled back into a pony tail. Her attire was simple yet affective – a black tank top with tight black pants, small belts lining the round of her leg and tall boots. Her eyes were dark and her skin pale, the only color being the markings of The World across her cheeks and down her neck. Her sword sat strapped across her back, it looking deceivingly light to carry.

“This your new friend, Elle?” Vorvolaka asked, her head cocking to the side slightly. Adrya could feel her feet slowly drag her back behind Elmona, but she stopped herself just before being completely hidden.

Dear God, she isn't going to eat you... She thought to herself.

“Hn, interesting.” Vorvolaka said, turning her nose upwards disapprovingly. Elmona sighed.

“Give it a rest, Vee. She is fine. She's run into a little bit of trouble lately, so give her a break.” Elmona said, nudging Adrya forward. Vorvolaka grinned.

“Ah, met some players that were less then friendly, eh?” The Heavy Blade asked, placing her hands smugly on her hips. Adrya nodded slowly.

“Vega.” Elmona stated flatly. It must have been a topic they had discussed multiple times.

“Ah, the crazy bitch. Well, don't worry little one, she won't come around here. I'll slice her in half. I don't do well with immaturity.”

“Good, I don't like it either.” Adrya finally said, her voice a bit sturdier than expected. Vorvolaka nodded and then looked to Elmona. The two friends exchanged looks before they both stared down at the newbie, as if they were expecting her to say something. Adrya shrugged, confused with a blank mind. What were they thinking? What did they want? Were they going to abandon her? Were they planning a prank? Adrya could feel the worry swelling up within her. It wasn't until she felt a soft hand place itself on her shoulder. The source was Elmona.

“You all right, Adrya?” She asked. Adrya nodded.

“Okay,” Vorvolaka said as she waved her hands in the air, motioning for the other two girls to move forward, “lets get going. I don't have long to be on here. My daughter will be home from her class in about an hour and a half.”

“All right, then let's move. The quicker we get out there, the quicker we can gain some experience. That will be nice for Adrya.” Elmona said as she stepped forward, slowly walking deeper into the field. Adrya watched as Vorvolaka slowly followed, and soon, Adrya followed as well.

Lighten up, Adrya! Get to know her!

As Adrya ran up to Vovolaka, she looked up to the girl and asked: “So you have a kid? How old?”

Vorvolaka looked down to the Wavemistress through the corner of her eye, a small smile curling her lips. “Seven.” She replied.

“That's cute! What class is she getting home from? School?”

“Yeah, she goes to a performing arts school, so she focuses on dance. That is her last class for the day.” The Heavy Blade replied, her wall deteriorating slowly.

“Oh wow! I wish I could have gone to a school like that!” Adrya pouted at her own situation at home. She loved the arts, but she hated the school's program for it. She wanted to go to a school where it focused only on her passion, but her mother wouldn't budge when it came to giving in. She was a brick wall.

“So, where did you get a name like..Volvo...Vorva..um...?”

“Its Vorvolaka. Here, pronounce it this way. Vor-volkah. I got it from this old song I really like from an older band. A Vorvolaka is a greek, undead creature, similar to that of a vampire. In order to kill them, you are to destroy their bodies. I just really liked the title of the song and the concept behind the old myth. I'm in to that sort of thing. The occult and supernatural, you know?”

Adrya had never heard of such a creature, but on the other hand, she didn't investigate into the occult that often. That wasn't really her thing. Maybe she could look into things a bit deeper, just to know of course.

“Hey guys, we have a portal straight ahead.” Elmona cut in, point her wand in the direction. Vorvolaka smiled, smacking Adrya's back enthusiastically as she said “Well little one, you ready? Let's go swing some blades and cast some spells!”

The Heavy Blade then took off, running towards the portal. Elmona chuckled softly as she followed her friend.

Adrya stood back from the battle, wand in hand and ready to do any healing to party might need. She watched Elmona cast her spells, and Vorvolaka with her sword, and it made her want to become strong as well. Sure, she was level four, but she still felt very behind. Maybe it was the starter weapons and armor she had on from the beginning. She would need to go shopping once she returned to the Root Town.

Vorvolaka swung brutally towards the giant moth while Elmona battled a floating sword and shield. The World had some of the strangest creatures. Adrya would cast her spells from time to time, but they seemed to get in the way more than anything. Elmona could clearly cast stronger spells than she, therefore eliminating the monsters with ease. The battle soon came to an end and Vorvolaka walked over to the younger Wavemistress.

“You're a level four, Adrya. Why aren't you out fighting?” She asked, an eyebrow cocked upwards. Adrya looked to her dark eyes and shrugged sheepishly. Elmona came to her side as well.

“Are you feeling okay, Adrya? You've been acting a bit strangely since we got to the field.” Elmona asked with her head cocked to the side.

“No, I'm fine! I just don't want to get into the way, you know?” She said quietly.

“Well, how do you expect to catch up to use if you just stand to the side. Fight a little, will ya?” Vorvolaka said as she grabbed onto Adrya's arm and began to drag her forward. Immediately a flash back to Vega triggered. Vega would pull her along like that too. However, Vega would never urge the girl to fight. She would always tell Adrya to stay to the side and cast when she said so. Vega...

“Vega probably didn't let her fight much,” Elmona stated softly, hitting the nail right on the top of the head, “she did the same thing to me. Took all the glory and used the mage. Its all right Adrya, we mages are a well respected class in the world.”

Vorvolaka snickered.

“While our attack may not be as strong as the physical classes, we hold the strongest of magics. Wavemasters are essential to any good, strong party.” The older Wavemaster looked down to Adrya, giving her soft smile. It was reassuring and comforting to Adrya. It made her feel safe and welcome. While this was just a game, it was so life like that one's emotions could easily get tied up. Adrya really wished she knew the two accompanying her in real life, but she knew better not to ask. It was too early in the relationship, and considering what Elmona went through with Vega.

“Ha! Another portal. All right, little one, the spot light is on you! Show us what you can do!” Vorvolaka said energetically, swinging the small Wavemistress strongly by the arm. The girl flew forward, the portal dissolving as she fell towards it.

“Vee, careful! She is only a level four you know!” Elmona squeaked as she ran forward to give Adrya aid. Vorvolaka merely laughed as she too ran forward.

“Eeeep!” Adrya got to her feet and staggered back, away from the towering creature before her. A swormanoid, tall and threatening, stood over her with its sword drawn. Elmona tried to reach the girl, but her arm was snagged by a cold hand. Whipping her head around she saw Vorvolaka grinning.

“Vorovlaka, damn it, let go!”

“Calm down Elle. She'll be fine. At least let her make the first move. I won't let anything bad happen to her.” Vorvolaka said. Elmona's eyes narrowed as she reluctantly gave and in agreed to the plan. Vorvolaka gently released her arm and looked back to Adrya. Elmona did the same.

“Gan Don!” Adrya cried, and as the spell rose from the earth and wrapped itself around the creature, the Wavemistress ran back towards the girls. However, as she was retreating, her back turned away from the monster, its blade slid across her back. She gasped, all audible voice and sound retreating to the back of her throat as she tripped and fell forward, a stinging sensation running across her mid back. Elmona cried her name as she ran forward, quickly followed by Vorvolaka.

“Vak Kruz!” Elmona demanded, her voice hard like stone. The fire balls formed in the air and then hit her target - the sword wielding creature - sending it back and away from Adrya. To finish off the creature Vorvolaka swung her blade, cutting through the monster completely. It faded away, leaving the small party alone for the moment.

“See!” Elmona barked as she walked over to Adrya. “Repth.” She said as she gently placed her hands on the girl's back. Adrya's breathing slowed as she gathered her thoughts, the swipe from the monster more of a shock than what was expected. She looked up to Elmona, giving a sheepish grin. She felt silly for acting so weak. She wasn't level one any more.

“I don't know why I ran,” Adrya said as she slowly stood, “That was kind of silly of me, wasn't it?” She asked. Elmona remained silent, but Vorvolaka on the other hand...

“You shouldn't turn your back to the enemy, or else next time you may end up dead.”

“Vee, that was silly of you. I knew it! I told you that she can't take on these creatures just yet! We need to be with her!” Elmona exclaimed, her temper rising. Vorvolaka smirked – a sarcastic sort of smile – as she placed her hand on her hip. She was silently challenging the Wavemaster, and it was making Adrya feel tense. They wouldn't be fighting if she wasn't here. They would be having a good time in the game if she wasn't here. She shook her head while placing her hand on her forehead, wishing that she would just disappear.

“Elmona, you're being silly. She is playing the game. She is experiencing it the way it should be experienced! I told you I wouldn't let her die! She didn't, right?”

Elmona remained silent, her only response being a strong, harsh glare.

“Guys, its okay. I can handle this! Lets just enjoy the game, okay?” Adrya said as she walked away from the two and towards a portal. They were supposed to be mature people! Why was Elmona getting so upset? Besides, Adrya could handle the monster! She could have killed that swordmanoid easily! Her head was just out of the game for a bit. She was distracted and unfocused! She didn't need to be treated like a child...

At least Vorvolaka seemed to understand that.

However, she did appreciate Elmona's concern. It made her happy to know that someone wanted to protect her and keep her safe. But, none the less Elmona's sudden explosion of emotion was a bit strange. Vorvolaka seemed to think so as well. Luckily, because of Adrya walking away from the two, their argument came to an end and they followed her, carrying on discussion as usual. They seemed to fall back into their regular routine which was nice. Elmona seemed to have calmed down, her calm demeanor returning to to her. The tension had risen, thankfully.

“Sorry, Adrya.” Elmona said as she met up with the younger Wavemaster. Adrya shrugged and smiled.

“Its okay! I came out to this field with you, so I plan to fight. I was just a little distracted before, I think.”

“All right.” Elmona returned the smile, and the two looked forward to the portal that was releasing its monsters. Two moths came forth along with a swordmanoid. Adrya, along with her party members, braced themselves as the assault moved forward. Elmona stepped forward as she pointed her wand at the swordmanoid. He was the biggest threat for the two wavemasters, so taking him out was the priority. As she readied herself, she looked down to Adrya and grinned.

“All right, Elmona. Let's get a move on!” Vorvolaka said as she casually released her sword from her back harness. Twirling it lazily while in her hand, a smug smile crept along her face. Elmona nodded. Adrya readied her wand as well.

“Juk Rom!”

“Vak Kruz!”

Both spells were summoned, each of them aimed at the swordmanoid. While Adrya's hit was slightly weaker than Elmona's, both of the attacks seemed to do a considerable amount of damage. The creature roared and whined as he staggered back, his sword nearly falling from his hands. It didn't long for him to fall for good, since a slice slide across his chest and torso, courtesy of the Heavy Blade. The two moths were now the only ones left, and Vorvolaka soon took after them as well.

“Rai Rom!” Elmona called as she targeted the one Vega had left alone. While Elmona was attacking the spare moth, Adrya ran to the opposite side, where Vorvolaka was fighting.

“Juk Rom!” The girl cast, the spell hitting the moth somewhat. Vega then swung her blade once, twice, and three times before the moth fell. Its wing had managed to swipe across her shoulders, but it did very little in damage. She could last without a Repth for a while longer. Adrya's SP was running low anyways.

“I'm low on SP! I need to take a minute!” She called. Vorvolaka nodded in response as she ran over to give aid to Elmona. The moth went down quickly, once again silencing the field.

“Hang on,” Vorvolaka said as she went immobile. It took a moment before she returned. Looking to the two Wavemasters, she gave a disappointed sigh as she placed her hands on her hips.

“Its time for me to go. Mya is home now.” She said.

“Go to your daughter. Send me a Flash Mail or something next time you are on.” Elmona said. Vorvolaka nodded before looking down to Adrya.

“Well, little one, it was nice to meet you. Its a shame we couldn't have longer together, but it can't be helped. I'll be taking down your member address, so we can get together again and level a bit. Sound good?”

“Yeah, that would be great!” Adrya said with excitement in her voice. Vorvolaka smiled before waving good-bye to the two girls and gating out. The image of two Wavemasters were all that remained in that part of the field.



“How did you like Vorvolaka?” Elmona asked as they returned to their seats under the bridge and looking out into the canals. They both sat, their weapons placed beside them. Adrya looked to her friend with a soft smile before answering.

“I liked her a lot, actually. At first she seemed a little rough around the edges, but towards the end I began to feel comfortable with her.”

“Good,” Elmona said as she looked out to the water, “She is a good ally to have. Loyal until the end.”

There was a pause, silence, before Adrya began to speak.

“That was a short time in the field though. Does she usually have constricted time like that?”

“Vorvolaka has a little girl, so her free time is lacking somewhat. However, on weekends when her daughter is with her father she is on much more. She has nothing else to do without her daughter.”

“How old is Vorvolaka?” Adrya asked.

“Twenty four.” Elmona replied.

“Wow, a little young to have a seven year old, isn't she?” Adrya said. Elmona looked to her.

“In most cases, yes. By the majority of the population and their standards, most definitely. However, no judgement should be passed on those you barely know.”

“I didn't mean anything by my statement. I was more just talking outloud.” Adrya said quietly.

“Its okay, I know you meant no harm. Well, I need to log off of here. Feel free to send me a message any time. Today was fun.” There it was again, her soft smile. It was so comforting.

“I will! Same for you!” Adrya said with a grin. Elmona then faded away, disappearing within the crowd of Mac Anu. Adrya was now left to herself, and she was perfectly content with sitting and watching the water.

Adrya: +1 level, + Ebony Wand, x1 Health Drink

Very good! Lots of dialogue but, as you said, this was more of a transitional piece. =)