Rollover starts with the letters where adventurers get the gift baskets, which is said to be a week or two after the last mission. A lot of early roleplays take place in the space between the end of the 3M mission and the start of this one, so it's maybe appropriate that our first roleplay for the mission picks up directly after the last mission's Finale.

 
Scene: Right side of the Tracks, Seaside Town
Just after the Mansion incident

*-------

Mary and Wildfall walked quietly thru the streets when suddenly Mary started laughing and said, "I remember when I first got to town. The town looked so big and I felt so alone. It was such a wonderful surprise to see you again and have someone from home around. I really love being with you, just like old times."

Wildfall's eyes were still scanning the area around them. Once they got away from the noise around the mansion and back into the quiet night streets on the Right Side, things felt a lot more normal. Still, Wildfall's heart was racing after the events. "But you're a lot bigger and tougher now, girl. That's twice you've pulled my ol' Ireacan butt outta the fire now."

Mary chuckled. "Yes, I did grow up and got a lot tougher. You need someone to look out for you or you're going to get killed, Jarlsy. I can't stand by and watch that happen."

Wildfall looked over at her, smiling. "Don't worry, girl. Your guy's a survivor. I still got a lot to teach ya, after all. Can't get my bucket kicked til I get that part done, at least."

Mary looked at Wildfall and, realizing they were holding hands again, said, "Yes, we can't let that happen, now can we? I've a lot to learn yet from my mentor and teacher."

Wildfall gave her hand a light squeeze and looked around. Only a few of the hanging lights were still lit on the street at this time of night. Not a lot of light shone out of the houses; most of them were dark with the occupants either sleeping restlessly or down the street near the mansion where the chaos ended a short time ago. "How long til we get to your place? I lost track."

"The house is not far. Just down by the tracks. Remember you couldn't understand why we lived so close to the Wrong Side of the Tracks and I told you it was so we could take care of all the people who need us? I wish you would think of it as your home too. It will be nice to sleep in a real bed for a night, right?"

Wildfall actually smiled at the thought. "Yup!"

"Good! Let's go home," said Mary.

Mary and Wildfall went thru the front door and into the foyer. The living room door was to the right and once in the living room they could see the fireplace with her father's overstuffed chair and her mother's rocking chair to the left, the couch to the right. The small tables beside the chairs and couch held small oil lamps and the windows had beautiful red velvet looking drapes hanging over them. Behind the couch by one of the windows sat a rolltop desk and chair.

Ignoring it all, the two adventurers from Ireaca made their way to the big couch, plopping down at opposite ends with each lost in their own thoughts. The battle against the Somber Six was fierce, mentally draining, physically exhaustive and rather inconclusive.

Wildfall rubbed his temple, trying to get some of the tension out. At least it felt like home here, which wasn't something Wildfall expected to happen. He'd been lucky enough to move in here after selling his house, invited by Mary's father. Wildfall almost smiled as he realized he barely even thought of those days before he met Mary anymore.

Mary couldn't get over the fear of the force field cracking when she touched it or having the shock go thru her. She was truly frightened that something was wrong with her. The time she spent behind the barrier only heightened her fear of being separated from Wildfall again. She hated not being in control of her thoughts and not being a better fighter. Being so close to dying left her more determined than ever to have Wildfall teach her better fighting skills.

Wildfall stood up, rubbing his shoulder, and turned to go to another room. Mary jumped up, staggering for balance, grabbing Wildfall and screaming and sobbing, "Jarlsy! Please don't leave me! I can't live without you." She clung to him, trembling with a level of fear she had never felt before. To say Wildfall was taken aback was an understatement.

After separating himself from her, he stared for a second, wide eyed. "Um... what? I was just gonna grab us some water, kiddo."

"Oh, right, sure, sorry I over reacted. No problem go get your water and bring me a drink. Suddenly I am feeling like taking a swim. Do they have a pool around here?" Mary stopped and looked at Wildfall, thinking to herself, What in the world am I saying? "I am fine. Mind still just playing tricks on me." Mary pulled back trying to not show any emotion but the color in her face gave way to her embarrassment; she started chuckling.

Wildfall looked her over, shrugging his eyes. "Oookay. I'll just grab that water. Maybe I should get us some ice for our heads, honey."

While Wildfall went to get the drinks and ice, Mary was deep in thought about the events that had just occurred. When he returned, she started talking to him as he laid the drinks, ice, cloth and a small plate of snacks on the table. "Jarlsy, I was so frightened in there. I was doing my best to make you proud of me and I was doing pretty well till the baron got the upper hand. When he was choking me all I could think about was that I would never see you or my parents again." Mary paused to hold back the tears. "My throat still hurts and I can still feel his grip and how it felt when it tightening. Everything started to go black and I could barely breath." As she continued, a shudder ran through her body.

Not sure what to say, Wildfall finished putting the items down and sat by her, reaching to pull her to him, whispering in her ears that it would be okay. "I know, honey. I know. But you're safe tonight. We're safe, we got home, we're not hurt too bad. Just focus on that, okay? We'll rest tonight and tomorrow, you'll feel like new. Heck kid, we'll be ready to take on the world again. All right?"

"Okay, Jarlsy, I trust you and your ability to keep us safe but I'm not sure how things can look any better. I agree that we both need a good night's sleep and can't help wondering what's going to happen next or how long we'll be together before something tries to split us up again." Mary turned her head to hide her tears.

Wildfall wasn't having any of it and wordlessly held her tight against him.

This was a short one but a powerful one and I really love the ending. I'm a lil biased since I write Wildfall, though.

Storywise, it's interesting (maybe not enjoyable per say, but good reading) to read Mary's memories and fears, especially after what happened to her. It's easy to forget about the last adventure and move on but it's much better storytelling if they leave an imprint on the character even as that character tries to move on, and that's what we get here. For what it's worth, Ichiro, our voter, also commented on liking how it ties to the last mission and how it "has a solid response to the aftermath of a bad situation."

We get a lot of MK and Wildfall in this mission and their relationship is always a big part of their stories. It probably plays a bigger role than ever in their stories this mission and that's a very good thing, I think. Next up is the first piece to another duo who are seen together a lot in this mission.