The journey so far - http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Collective+Game%2C+Nomad+QuestCharacter Sheet - https://docs.google.com/document/d/19WFzVGIfXWIffszrRdltfYZyIJn_l_zJTCJW9Swl3tw/edit?pli=1Alchemy Info - http://nomadsland.wikispaces.com/Alchemy+RecipesYou are Thol of the Lolua Nomads, last of your kind. And lord of dance.You are on your way towards the Druidic country of Homme, where the Green Lord Arethos will inform you of the reasons behind your tribe's death and your own destiny. You travel with Eames, the wanderlust-filled scholar, Siobhan, the Druid Princess of Thulstry, and Cu, her Guardsman. Currently, you are in Vol Itolstein, capital city of Vanthania, and citadel without peer. The King, Edgreiss, somehow knew of Siobhan's arrival and set up a royal welcome for her, even going as far as to invite her, along with the rest of your party, to his daughter's birthday celebration.Yesterday, you visited the Alchemy College and got a permit to sell the produces of your alchemy as long as you do not infringe on the territory of Guild approved vendors. You also learned the Summoning spell, Summon Wolf. And finally, you learned of dancing from Eames, and managed to do a pretty good job of it, too.(continued)
But now, you are asleep. The world passes you by second for second whilst the second still see to watch it go. With your eyes closed, all you see are your dreams. Tonight, distant memories are called to the surface.They are simple memories. You are with the tribe. You are perhaps eleven, or twelve years old and in your mother's tent. This was the tent she carried, seperate from your family's home. It was where you spent so much of your free time, and watched her perform alchemy. You see her tip a cup of yellow, chalk like crystals into her bowl, grinding them up with other ingredients. You remember it, that sulphur that stuck to your clothes and made the girls pinch their noses when you came out of the tent.You didn't see what was too bad about the smell, especially when you saw what kinds of alchemy the yellow crystalline rocks produced. She told you it contained the power of earth, which provided strength, sturdiness and elemental prowess over rocks, dirt and the very ground one stood on. You even remember the power source she used for it: quartz. Together with quartz and a horse's hoof ground up, she would make a potion. When the hunters drank this potion, they could run all day, faster than they ever could before, and could leap across great chasms as if they have suddenly gained the strength of a centaur.A sudden knock on the door wakes you. You are under your sheets, in the room that is, temporarily, your own. The sun shining on the city of Vol Itolstein. As you come to your senses, the same smell from your dream fills your nostrils. You can feel it waft in from the window. The door is knocked again.(And with that, let us begin this late night edition of Nomad Quest!)
>>19192108get dressed, get decent, answer door
>>19192249Dressed and decent is a good idea, for you soon open the door to find Siobhan. The red-headed teen smiles up at you, her white arms bare in a common tunic top and, destroying her whole image as a lady of priviledge and grace, she has opted for a pair of loose breeches instead of a skirt."Good afternoon, Sir Thol. You finally wake to answer my calls, hm?"Damn right you slept in. You don't gotta go anywhere today. Apart from dress-shopping, the tavern and then to a royal ball. Just your average day.
>>19192296"Hah, I'm sorry.... yesterday was fun, wasn't it?"
>>19192313"Mm, it certainly was. You really are quite good at dancing, aren't you?" She grins, pushing her way past you and into your room. Making her way over to the window, she draws the curtains fully and opens the window. Now, not only do you catch the smell of sulphur, but now the smells of a hundred different flowers from the house's garden, mixed with the sounds of society, of people and horses, and even the birds that make their home in the Noble District of Vol Itolstein."Alas, today, we are most likely not going to have fun. Sir Thol, are you ready to learn proper ettiquitte?" She turns back to you, resting her hands on her hips. The another smile cracks through. "And help me choose a dress, of course."
>>19192339"Yes, of course.""We're going to get you a dress first, right?"
>>19192296>>19192296so any thoughts as to where to get your dress?
>>19192404"Well, there is a market up here in the Noble's District. I'm sure that's where all the ladies of the town get their clothing... but there's also a clothing store in the Cultural District. Cu and I passed it yesterday. They did all kinds of fabrics and styles inside. Perhaps I might even find a dress in the style of Thulstry's...">>19192400"Oh, no, that's not quite right. As soon as we leave the house, our lessons begin. I will be correcting your speech, your behaviour and even the control of your own eyes and expressions." She sounds genuinely excited at the idea of playing with you as if you were clay in human form. "Now, if you please, get whatever you wish to bring and meet me at the door, I've already had Cu call for a carriage."She promptly turns and makes her way down the hall. You watch her go. No-one tells you where your eyes can and cannot look.
>>19192453Welllets do this!
>>19192481And do this, you do. You leave everything but your dao and small pouch behind. After all, it's not like you'll need a javelin or bluebells on your trip. But you know better than to leave your dao behind, and you don't plan on letting the Arethos sigil out of sight, either.By the time you come outside, Siobhan is already waiting by the carriage, a small sewn bag in her hands. The driver of the carriage tips his hat to you and the door is open. The redhead looks to you expectantly.
>>19192507"So, how many mistakes did I make already?"
>>19192453>>19192507we should probably go for a Thulstry dress to set her apart from the other nobles and it'll probably complement her the most
>>19192507"So... are you excited for the evening?"
>>19192521"None. Yet." She chuckles, before looking at the strap tied over your shoulder. "I would perhaps neglect to bring your sword, however. Unless... well, maybe we could get away with making it look like a part of your outfit."As you come closer, she steps back."If you are entering a carriage with a lady, it is customary for the male to enter first, then offer the lady his assistance."You do so, she most graciously accepts your hand and sits across from you. The driver turns back to look in the small partition at the top."Where to, milady, milord?"Siobhan looks to you."Well... what do you think? The Noble Districts market or the dress-maker in the Cultural District?"
>>19192548"I.... I don't know.Dress maker might be better since the clothes would be sewed to fit on the spot, right?""Part of my outfit? Wait, you're not planning on getting me clothes too, are you?"
>>19192569"Well, I'm sure they have perfectly capable seamstresses here, too. And of course we're getting you something to wear. You didn't plan on going as you are, did you?">>19192533Your answer brings a smile to the girl's lips, her green eyes gleaming at you like emeralds ready for the taking. She turns back to the driver."The Cultural District, please, we would like to take the main road.""Right away, milady." A whip of the horses sounds before the carriage is lightly rocking on its way. Looking out the window and looking over the city, you already see billows of smoke rising from the hundreds, or thousands, of buildings. You find it impossible to fathom, but know it true, that all those buildings are probably full of people.>>19192547"Very much so. Shepherd Cooley, my teacher, had travelled across all the Five Western Kingdoms, and he would tell me of the wonderful celebrations held in each of them. He always described Vanthanian noble celebrations as a majesty to behold. We don't... quite have the same grace present throughout our banquets back home." He chuckles as the fond memory passes over. "What of you? You will be dancing with a Princess, tonight. Surely that's an exciting prospect, no?"She is enjoying teasing you, no doubt.
>>19192548cultural
>>19192629>And of course we're getting you something to wear. You didn't plan on going as you are, did you?"Well.... alright. Though I would very like to incorporate my dao into the outfit.">What of you? You will be dancing with a Princess, tonight. Surely that's an exciting prospect, no?"I'm anxious more than anything."
>>19192659"Hm... well, Sir Ystregard wore his own sword with his clothing. Perhaps it won't be too frowned upon," she attempts to assure you, but doesn't look too assured herself."Anxious? You?" She raises a skeptical red brow. "Humility does not befit you, Sir Thol. If you can dance like that with Princess Tessa as you did with me, last night, I'm sure you will do just fine. Oh, now that we are on the subject; when you go to the celebrations tonight, how do you plan to address the King and his children?"
>>19192714"Hmm... by their names?"
>>19192741prepare to be scolded
>>19192741The girl blinks at you, her lips drawn into an expression of dumbfounded disappointment."Well... I suppose it makes sense for you to say something so clearly and utterly wrong... but only because it's you. We address the King as 'Your Majesty'. When speaking to others in the court, it's 'His Majesty'. The crown prince will be addressed as 'Your Royal Highness' or 'His Royal Highness'. And Princess Tessa is to be addressed as 'Your Highness'. Do you understand?"All these terms can be taxing on your simple nomad brain, after all. Since clearly all you do it cut stuff up and play with horsies.
>>19192819"I see. I'll keep that in mind."
>>19192819"I see...Life on the court seems complicated"
>>19192829"Good. Also, when speaking in the court, we do not abbreviate our speech." She screws up her mouth for a second. Clearly, she's wondering whether or not you know what 'abbreviate' means. "So, it would be 'I will keep that in mind', not 'I'll keep that in mind'."Soon, the carriage is making its way down the paved road of the Cultural District. Looking out, once again you see the colleges and other institutes of learning and learned people, surrounded by lush gardens, elaborate fountains and clean walkways. The people look as if they had walked right out of a story on high society. Except the one Siobhan's currently reading. Not enough ripped lace on show."Also, you may be approached by some of the King's High Council. After all, you will be something of an anomaly at the party... you probably don't remember their names anymore, do you?"
>>19192897Nope
>>19192897I can't say i do
>>19192897"Sir Emiel Ystregard, Cardinal Vellor, Lady Gerra Voxellus, Thilbas Hestwell.... don't know anyone else.I'm not mistake, am I?"
>>19192927This time, it's clear by her expression that the girl is impressed."Why, no, you're not. The advisor to the King, we address as Sir Ystregard, we call the Cardinal by... well, the Cardinal. The Captain of the Guard, we call Lady Voxellus, and we address the Treasurer as Lord Hestwell. Oh, you didn't mention Shepherd Berram. He's the Green Elder of the Vanthania chapter of the Oak Table. He will prefer to be simply be called 'Shepherd Berram'.">>19192893"It's not so bad. Although, I admit, the court back home isn't quite so layered as this one. I imagine there will be plenty of others at the celebration. Most of them can simply be addressed as 'milord' or 'milady'. Or... 'my lord', if you'd rather not defer. After all, I imagine you were quite important in your homeland, no?"You pass the Gathering Tree that Siobhan had mentioned before. It's as wide as any of the other buildings, and taller, still. Just as she said, it is full of people. Parts of the trunk have been hollowed out to make way for a building inside, and men in robes travel to and fro, sit on the grass and discuss with one another, and you even see one leaning out of a window a few floors from the ground, shaking his sheets clean. You wonder what it might be like to live inside a tree. Not to be mistaken, you have tried, as a kid. But sadly, your tree-homes were short lived. Nomads never settle, after all.
>>19193009>After all, I imagine you were quite important in your homeland, no?"No, not really. Why do you think so?""The Gathering Tree is as impressive as you said."
>>19193031"Well, you are called the 'Balanceseeker', no? That sounds like a title of import, to me."As you mention the Druidic building (would you call it a building or a tree? You wonder about this for a while), she leans over towards you, turning her head to glance out the window."Remarkable, isn't it? You know, all Gathering Trees were grown by the few Druids who were able to master the Ram's blessings. When I reach Homme, that is what the Green Lord, Great Shepherd Arethos, will teach me."She sits back, still looking rather overwhelmed by this fact. Soon, you are no longer in the territory of the institutes and religous buildings, and come into the thick of the cultural district. Shops and establishments of all shapes and sizes. Eateries, clothing stores, antique and novelty shops, a grand theatre, several statues and fountains for decoration and a grand park with paths leading from one to the other. Of course, the people you see here are the same kind you would see in the Noble District. Well groomed, meticulously bred and perfectly poised. Siobhan glances timidly from one to the other."I imagine these will be the kind of people we shall meet tonight. They are... certainly a lot more fanciful than the men and women of Thulstry. To be honest, Sir Thol, I am not entirely certain the levels of my education shall help you all that much, tonight. My level of.. culture, may not be up to standard."
>>19193122"Don't worry, your highness, I'm sure you'll fit right in."
>>19193122you're the most polite person i've ever talked to,your highness, i'm learning from the best
>>19193149>>19193232"That's kind of you. I'm sure we will do just fine." She smiles, before jumping at the window. "That's it, that's the dress makers!"Looking out, you see a building decorated with various bright colours. There are wide windows, displaying various hangings of fabric. Some look luxurious and soft, others look thin enough to see through, and one is even patterned with golden depictions of a dragon. Above the windows and door is a sign proclaiming the name: Ingrid's Fashions of the World."Stop here, please, driver!" Siobhan excitedly calls out, and the carriage pulls to the side of the road. She doesn't wait for the door to be opened, rather, climbing down herself to push close to the window. "Look at that, Thol. Patterning from the Empire of Shulong."She turns to you, smiling from ear to ear."We will pick something that will blow Princess Tessa from her feet, yes? How do you feel about capes?"
>>19193252I'm neutral on the subject of capes
>>19193252"If you think it will look good then go for it"
>>19193252No capes!
>>19193263"Well, then, we shall have to find you something that you are not neutral about." She reaches down, wrapping her slender white fingers about your hand and pulling you into the store. A series of tiny bells ring above your head as you enter, almost prompting you to reach for your sword. However, the only one, apart from you and Siobhan, in the store is a woman of forty or so years. She is dressed much like the other women in the streets, in a well coloured, brooch-pinned, multi-layered dress. But she has chosen to decorate her green dress with a patterned, cotton neck-wrap, and earrings that seem to be a series of tiny figurines and gems on the end of golden chains. You recognise the style of the wrap. It's of the Reach."My, my." She smiles, looking over the two of you. "Fresh off the carriage, are we? Well, allow me to welcome you to my humble establishment. Think not of this place as a dressmakers, or even a clothing store, but rather, a collection, of knowledge and fabrics from the world wide. What is the occasion? What are you looking for? What can we do with this figure?" She glides across the floor, her hands parting you from Siobhan. Like a gliding hawk, she circles the teen, eyes running over her in a way that might be called 'scandalous' if she were a man. Siobhan does not look comfortable. Infact, she looks like she had just stepped into a lion's den."Well.. um..." She is turning red again. She looks to you for help.
>>19193358Tell the dressmaker that it is for the Princess Prom Night
>>19193404Also ask her if she is from the Reach
>>19193358Cough"...We need outfits for the royal celebration later this evening. We want them to be on noble standard by distinct enough for our own cultures."also ask her about her wrap
>>19193358>Not nearly awesome enough to be a dressmakerWhere's the theatrics?"I can turn the lowliest beggar into a king of an empire! I can turn the humblest washerwoman into a princess that they write songs about!" and other such embellishments
>>19193404>>19193413"Fool!" Her hand snaps over, pressing a ringed finger to your lips. "You speak a good intention, but you have no heart behind it. Look at this young woman before you, really, -look- at her. You have the a beauty of the world before you and you surround her with the world's beauty and all you can think of is a royal celebration?"The dressmaker drifts away, heading behind the counter to rummage through boxes of fabric.>>19193413"I am not, but I can tell you are. No sense of aesthetic purpose, whatsoever. The women of your tribes are much smarter of these things. A simple beauty, the women of the Reach... but this girl..."The twirls around the counter. She's certainly sprightly for her years. It's hard to tell where she's from at all, however. Her skin is dark enough to place her from somewhere in the east, but light enough that she might also be from Settehem. Her spirals of black hair don't help narrow it down much."But this girl... Thulish, no doubt about it. Look at the skin. A doe would cry to be as soft to the touch... what do you think, Sersipan violet?" Suddenly, she reachs for Siobhan's tunic and pulls it up, exposing her smooth midriff and holding a sheet of fabric over. The Princess is paralysed. But the woman has a point. That shade of purple adds a certain shadow to the white of the princess's belly that makes her look... wait, this isn't what you came here for. Not to mention, it looks like the fair maiden needs rescuing.
>>19193504Turn away."Madam! Please be considerate!""And yes, I know she's beautiful."
>>19193504"She's marvelous darling, but have some sense! Lest you tempt a man's primal side." Say with a shit eating grin and a posh impression of her accent.
>>19193504>>19193533or perhaps get between her and Siobhan preventing the woman from molesting her more."Lets leave this for the dressing room, shall we?"
>>19193533>>19193584You hear a sultry chuckle from the older woman as she drifts away from the Princess again. Siobhan quickly tugs her clothes back down over her midriff."I see, I see.. we have a chaste little bird. Poor thing, come to the city, full of wonder, full of the kind of hedonism that would blow a girl like you off her noble gait. Not to worry, we can find something so beautiful, so purifying, that men would shiver in fear to even touch your hand."As the woman looks around for more, Siobhan's face becomes no less colourful. But now her eyes are evading you."I was hoping for something in the style of my homeland, like my -friend- suggested."Ingrid pops her head back over the counter, narrowing her eyes between you two."I see, we will use this in our work... and what of you, Nomad? Do you have any inclination, taste or werewithall whatsoever as to guess a concept that I may dress you in?"
>>19193627Something nomad-esque?if not possible, something that can have my Dao incorporated on it
>>19193627inb4 TIGER WARRIOR!but seriously, just something that will suit us, be appropriate for noble gathering and can be incorporated with the dao.
>>19193627Something that screams that i am a TIGER WARRIOR to everyone elsebut yeah, what the other two said
>>19193656>>19193663>>19193674"Tsk, Nomad men." Ingrid busies her way back towards the two of you, holding a scarf of pure white fabric that looks both expensive and incredibly delicate. It pours over the curve of Siobhan's shoulders, resting like freshly fallen snow. "Always thinking with their horses and swords, no?"As shocking as the joke may be, Siobhan's lips crack into a smile, and she hides a chuckle behind her lips."This is good... Aridottan silk, spun by etherspiders. Not only is it beautiful, but it's also very protective and takes a long time to wear down. I have some wool from Thulstry that we can have a beautiful dress made from..."She leaves Siobhan, glancing back to you. Now it is you who feels the all powerful stare of Ingrid's probing brown eyes."Strong, aren't we?" She reaches up, happily cupping your bicep. "We can't have you look like a barbarian. Men of the Reach are noble, mysterious to us poor Western women. Oh, how they come in and swoop us off our feet to take us around the world and... hm, yes, something that drapes." She hops over the counter and starts rummaging again.Whilst she is gone, Siobhan quickly closes the distance between you and speaks with her voice low."I... I'm not sure about this place, Sir Thol."But you can't see what she means. All you can see, in the distance, is a waist wrap. You recognise the type, Xao Dulang wore one. It has a metal pin to one side of the tie, with hooks, to hold a man's dao in place.It is made of a tiger pelt.
>>19193755>It is made of a tiger pelt.ThatMust be it.
>>19193766Second, we must have it.
rolled 95 = 95>>19193755Let out a mighty roar!
>>19193755"Don't know about you, but I like it">>19193779No please no
>>19193810THE DICE GODS DEMAND IT!
>>19193820pls Dolan no
>>19193831It'll make bitches wet and men quiver.
>>19193766>>19193778There is no doubting it. You must have this wrap. "Sir Thol?">>19193810Ssh. No Druids, no royal celebration, no grand quest. You brush by Siobhan, a chorus of children in your head as you close on the tiger fabric. You could almost cry. You glance from the metal clip to your own sword. You see two little circular holes in the dao's guard, where the hooks fit. It was meant to be. You reach down and, ever so carefully, lift the wrap from its place, holding it closer to your face.You can see the stripes. The rough orange hue, the majesty of the black. You can feel the animal this once came from. It is within you. This wrap. Is you.>>19193779A roar erupts in the store. It is not from you, however, but Ingrid, who suddenly hops on your back."Look at you, Nomad! Bigger stones than a horse, that's for sure. What says 'I am a warrior' like a Shenlong tiger-pelt sword holder."The small woman descends from your back, straightening herself up and holding up a square of black wool."What do you say? Black tunic, tiger pelt, perhaps some gem on your ear. The women of the ball will tumble over eachother just to look at you."
>>19193873>This song ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvvFnR0kJFw ) was playing whilst I was writing about the beauty of the sword holder.>It's so beautiful.
>>19193873Yesi need this
>>19193873Yes, we must have this.Don't know about the earring though
Let's skip the earring, we don't wanna look too fancy.
>>19193907>>19193930"Wonderful, we have a man with some passion after all. Lucky you, miss."She stalks over to Siobhan again, holding up a dress of white wool over her. It looks a little rough around the edges, but has a whiteness to it, and a softness that seems like it would just float over her skin easily.>>19193955"Well, should you say so. Perhaps we should not go entirely for flash... you and this pretty bird should be better matched, after all. But... tell me, fair, virile Nomad." She places her hands on Siobhan's shoulders, turning her towards you. An uneasy curve swerves over the Princess's lips. Ingrid continues: "We have the dress, and the shawl to cover what it doesn't. We have our resistances up, we're beautiful, but we are purity embodied. What would tempt you to come ask this lady to dance, even despite this? Perhaps, her hair? Shall we put it up? Add some colour? Paint her face? Come on, man, think with your sword!"She's doing fine addign some colour to the poor girl even without your advice.
>>19193998"She's cute with a little bit of red on her cheeks... Gives her that defenseless look guys like me flock to. Well I would flock to, if I didn't find it so funny." Stick tongue out at her teasingly.
>>19193998"Hair. She has wonderful hair, make it stand out."
>>19194019Siobhan scowls at you, but it quickly gives way to a smirk."You're supposed to be on my side, Sir Thol.">>19194038Ingrid nods quickly."Ah, yes, 'Sir Thol', I do think you are a man with eyes. Let's see..." She reaches forward, gathering Siobhan's long, bright locks of red between her hands and raising them. As she holds her hair up, tight and compact, the delicate frame of Siobhan's jaw, the smallness of her ears and the gentle dip of her chin, all become clear. She looks naked, almost, a vulnerable tumult rising and falling in her throat."Excellent," Ingrid puffs out her chest happily. "Now she is ready for the ball. Alright! Both of you, stand here. I need... about a half hour. I have my materials, I know what I need, I'm certain I have a dress in your size and a tunic in your size, so I have easy work ahead. Talk, muse, compliment, bicker, do whatever."Enthused with a goal before her, the dressmaker disappears into the back room. You stand alone with Siobhan, who is now quickly batting her hair back down, letting it frame as much of her face and neck as it can."Very cruel, Sir Thol... teasing me so." She smiles at you, still attempting to look angry with the low curve of her brow. It doesn't work very well.
>>19194146"i would never do such thing, your highness"say that smirking
>>19194146"Oh please, you enjoyed it."
>>19194146DO NOT FLIRT DO NOT FLIRT DO NOT FLIRT
>>19194206>Implying it's not already too late.
>>19194217NOOOOODO. NOT. FLIRT.ARRRRGHHHHHH.
>>19194232CONSEQUENCES BE DAMNED!TIGER FLIRT!
>>19194232>>19194206FLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRTjust to balance out the double post there.
>>19194246>>19194250WE CAN'T MANDAMMIT EAMES. DAMN YOU. WHY AREN'T YOU AS SUAVE AND SWAGTASTIC AS WE ARE?
>>19194163>>19194198The Thulish girl rolls her eyes, turning from you. After a moment, she lets out a cool sigh. Then, as if her senses had suddenly returned to her, she glanced to the bag she had brought with her."Oh, this is the perfect time..." She turns back to you. The smile on her lips is easily recognisable as excitable Siobhan. "Close your eyes, hold out your hands and say 'thank you, Siobhan'."She grins and, before you can do any of that, reaches in and places the object inside in your hands. It is the mantle. Or rather, an almost exact replica of your old one. The patterns are perfect, the thread a little darker, and the base fabric a little lighter, but it's definitely the symbol of your tribe. Not only that, but there are slight peaks on the shoulders, so it'll even hold still a bit easier.There is one rather large difference, though. Unlike your old one, which was simple cut fabric, the hem and edges of this mantle have a pattern sewn in. It looks like two long lengths of twine, all along the outline of the fabric, until they meet at the back, where they tie together in a knot. It's made of an almost identical in colour thread to the base fabric, but from up close, you can see it easily."I hope you don't mind. It's something of a tradition... when a Thulish girl makes something for a man, she adds that to signify the bonds represented. I tried to make it as invisible as possible... I should have simply not sewn it in, hm?" She gives a sheepish smile, her hands behind her back as she fights the urge to girlishly sway in place.
>>19194310Because Eames is a massive tool?
>>19194312"Thank you, Siobhan." smile at her
>>19194312Aww, that's kind of sweet.
>>19194367Well, anything to repay you for joining me today. I haven't really taught you much etiquette, come to think of it... but I think you will do fine. Just be polite, remember how to address others, and don't tease any more Princesses." She snickers.It is at that moment, that Ingrid appears, popping up from beneath the counter."You, Nomad! Bring that here." You do as she says, holding up the mantle for her to see. The dressmaker's eyes light up. "Now, now, you truly are a Nomad! Excellent, this will go perfectly with the tunic! You, my boy, are complete!" She grabs you by the wrist and leads you into the same back room, tugging at your pants and top along the way. You are shoved behind a curtain, and clothes are thrown at you from every possible angle. Soon, you are alone, with your new, black tunic, a darkened tan pair of breeches, your sword holder and your new mantle.You hear a further commotion outside, another curtain being drawn, and the squeaks of a girl being stripped. After a while, there is peace. Then Ingrid's voice rises again."Alright, alright, you two, with the young bodies, that sicken me so. Change. I will be out at the front, totalling the costs."After a while of hearing fumbling and fabric sliding in the next wooden stall, you hear a voice again."Um... Sir Thol? Could you come here?"
>>19194472"What seems to be the problem?"
>>19194498"It's my dress... I need help putting it on."
>>19194561"Oh...""You sure I should do it? Maybe Ingrid is more suitable for this?" well, help her out anyway
>>19194561Like with what the back or the zipper? ( Do zippers exist in this setting at all)
>>19194587"I don't really want to shout for her... come now, Sir Thol, I trust you. Don't make it any more embarrassing than it is."You slip out, not entirely dressed yourself, just in your tunic and breeches, and draw back the curtain seperating you from Siobhan. The Druid stands barefoot, her clothes lying in a pile about her feet. The white dress that clings to her form is not the kind you're used to seeing on her. This one does nothing to try hide the fact that she has hips.You can see what she needs your help with. It has a lace tie at the back, which she has tried to weave, but could only get it so far. A stretch of her back, and the dimples of her shoulder blades, all the way up to her neck, are bare, as she holds up the shoulders of the dress."You can tie lace, can't you...?" She glances over her shoulder, resting her green eyes on you with a hesitant smile.
>>19194653"Of course I can."Tie her lace and quickly leave the dressing room.
>>19194672Yup not a lot we can do but tie it and leave
>>19194672Nimble as anything, you thread the lace through the two sides, bringing the dress together in a tight seam. You hear the girl give sort of a huff, a little exhale as it tightens about her chest. Then, once you have it at the top, you move as soon as you possibly can to get out. Mere seconds later, you are back in your own dressing room."Th... thanks, Thol." You hear her from beyond the curtain, a little surprised that you left her as suddenly as you came.After a while, you step out of your curtain, fully dressed. A mirror stands opposite you. the white and black of the mantle actually go with the dark tunic excellently. The cut and quality of the fabric are top notch, and the sword-holder, with your dao in place, adds a certain nobility to the fact you're carrying such a rough weapon.(continued)
>>19194784"My, my. You may as well have your pick of me." Ingrid grins from a shadowy corner in the back room. Was she there all along?"Such simple pieces, mostly... and here you are, looking like the noblest man to step down from a horse. But don't look now... I think you've been outdone."Indeed, you soon think so, too. Siobhan steps out carefully, her feet cradled only in a pair of sandals with white straps, a small, unbudded white rose resting on the cross-section of the straps. Her dress illuminates her body better than any torch or open window, making clear that it is, infact, a young woman beneath the fabric. Yet, at the same time, it quickly flows from her hips, a long skirt obscuring her and ensuring that no glance one might take would be imprudent. You see Thulish patterns along the bottom of the dress, the thread curving and bringing just a little more attention to her ankles. The dress cuts over her collarbone, yet it is all shrouded by the silk of the etherspider, a translucent curtain teasing the warmth beneath. Finally, her hair has been pulled up, tied in a simple, but tidy, bun, two plaits made of her bangs and brought around her head to meet at the back, and but a few, simple spirals of red hair let loose to frame her face."Well?" She looks down at herself, then towards you.
>>19194795"Breathtaking."
>>19194829Roll fortitude. You need a 6 to not stutter.
>>19194795You're gorgeous just don't let Eames see you or he will cry tears of joy.
rolled 6 = 6>>19194843
>>19194843Forgot what type it is is it a d6? I'm not that guy over there by the way>>19194829
>>19194845Urgh, stop this already, Eames is an ass, and even if you don't want us to go after her, we don't need to do him any favours.
>>19194829I second that.
>>19194858We usually use 1d10
>>19194858Sorry I didn't mention. If I don't mention what specific die it is, it's a 1d10. That's what you'll be using most of the time.>>19194854You don't stutter, but you almost sigh the word as if you were looking at a sun ascending over a verdant mountain."You're rather dashing, too, Sir Thol. I imagine Princess Tessa will be quite pleased."You turn to Ingrid. She looks over one, then the other, swelling with pride and nodding to herself."Excellent. Truly, some of my best work. Not everyday you get a canvas like that to paint on, am I right, goodly Sir Thol?" The older woman snickers, jabbing your rib with her elbow."Alright... we'll take it all." Siobhan nods happily before slipping back into her stall. After you change, you both move out to the front of the store again, where Ingrid counts beads across an abbacus, slipping half moon glasses down over her eyes as she glances over a price sheet."Alright... that will come to... 2,000 yee overall." She smiles up at the two of you expectantly. You notice a jolt run up Siobhan's spine. She turns to you with rather sorry expression."I... only brought 1,600, Sir Thol... do you...?" She can already see by your expression that your answer is no. You haven't carried any real money since you left Losaid."Well..." Ingrid scratches her head, before giving a heavy shrug. "I'll cut the price down to 1,500 if Sir Thol, here, lets me copy the patterns of his tribe to sell as authetnic Reach design."
>>19194930Since our tribe doesn't even exist anymore, it wouldn't be too bad. In fact, it's name can live on through the clothing.Just make sure she names it after our tribe (what is the name of our tribe? I don't remember.)
>>19194947Lolua it's in our name that's what I'm guessing you know the "Thol of the Lolua Nomads"
Afterwards ask Siobhan. "Are clothes supposed to be this expensive?"
>>19194947>>19194958"Of course, of course." She replies to your request, her eyes flitting from your mantle to the page she is scribbling on. She was copying the design before you even said yes. "I shall call it the 'Lolua pattern'... it is genius. I promise, darling, we'll take good care of it. I won't let any old riff-raff wear such a marvelous design."Siobhan doesn't look too happy, though, looking from you and back to her. But she silently passes over the money."Thank you, kindly, dears." Ingrid lifts her head again, taking her glasses off an smiling to the both of you. Siobhan quickly pastes a smile on her own lips. "I hope you have a wonderful time, tonight."You say your goodbyes and, now with a bag full of clothes and a dress in Siobhan's hand, you move back into the carriage."Driver, take us home, please." She calls out and sits down with a huff. She levels a serious stare on you from across the carriage. "Thol, you shouldn't have done that."
>>19195041"It's okay Siobhan. My tribe is no more, at least some legacy will be left of it."
>>19195041Not surprise she didn't like that I'm guessing she feel like we are sellouts but we could state the reasons from over here >>19194947
>>19195068Or maybe she's pissed cause she just made the goddamn thing and you sold the design she even added that Bond thread thing to it
>>19195077>>19195068A hint of pain flickers behind the crystal green of her eyes."Don't you intend to start a family again when you return to the Reach? Surely, there must be some girl who will take on the Lolua name for you..."Once more, you are passing through the high streets of the Cultural District. It is late in the afternoon, now, and the college seminars are beginning to break, so the streets are even more full.(I realise it's getting late. If you guys wanna wrap up at any point, let me know.)
>>19195093"You can't make a tribe with two people."
>>19195077I mean after we die the won't even be a Lolua Nomad alive it would be all over
>>19195093Hell there might never be a time we go back to the Reach I could die before then
>>19195093"I'm not sure I'll survive for that to happen."
>>19195102"You can make a family," she argues, her voice rising. "Men and women in Thulstry do it all the time. If their brothers die, if they win the right or if they're betrayed, they start again. Their children take their name, and it grows until that family can stand tall amongst the rest!">>19195122"Thol... don't say things like that. You're going to survive. Please, say you will. I want to hear you say that you're going to go back to the Reach, meet a girl and raise a family as best as you can, as well as you were raised." Her lips quiver as she stares at you with a certain ferocity you haven't seen before.
>>19195134"Just consider it insurance then" smile weakly
>>19195134"You seem dreadfully set on this to happen.""Then promise that you too will survive." Smile warmly
>>19195151second this
>>19195151"I... you know I can't do that, Thol." She lowers her head, turning to the dress resting beside her. It was respite, this entire trip, but now she is back in the world of the truth. Still, she strokes the fabric gently. "My mission is in the North. Nothing will sway me from that. I have been prepared a long time, and many people are counting on me."She turns up to you, her eyes beginning to glimmer like the gems they so well represent. Still, a smile eases across her lips."But you... Thol, I know I haven't known you long, but I think of you as family. That's... that's the meaning of the pattern I sewed. 'Family'. You showed up, out of nowhere, with that foolish man," she interrupts herself with a chuckle that turns into a sob halfway. "And you've protected me. You've both made me smile, so much. You've treated me like I'm not a Princess, or a saviour, or a meaningless sacrifice. No-one's done that. So I... I want you to live. A man as warm, as brave as you, who has taken scars for my sake..."She reaches across, gently resting her hands on the patches of discoloured, dry skin where your burns are healing. She can no longer look you in the eye, as fat tears begin to slide down her cheeks."Thol... will you swear a Pact to me, as brother and sister? Will you swear that you will do your best to live, and remember me fondly when the storm in your life has finally passed?"
>>19195239"I will promise to remember you fondly always, but I won't make a pact like that, as if you will be gone, because I swear to do all in my power to see to it that you make it through this storm too."
>>19195239I guess we can just do a simple "Yes I'll promise" but man my brain is fried it's almost four here I don't know how you do it
>>19195261Or how he does it but I'll second it
>>19195261>>19195266yeah, that seems good
>>19195261Siobhan leans back again, resting her small form in the comfort of her seat, as her fingertips drift away from your skin."You have your mission, Thol. And I will not allow myself to get in the way of it. I... promise I will try my best to fulfill my mission and live whilst doing so. But you have to move on without me, you cannot stop into Rooksland, for then I would always live with the fear that I brought you to your death. Thol... I forbid you from following me to Rooksland."She stares at you with a heavy gaze, her eyes ruddy, still shimmering, but her resolve set.(Sorry, guys, went to make tea and toast. Yay breakfast without sleeping!)
>>19195332Grin "You should know better than tell a man from the Reach what to do.""Besides, I forge my own destiny, I am free to do what I want. Ram told me so."
>>19195342You know that seems like a insane rant or a borderline joke coming from her perspective
>>19195345(Indeed, I'm not entirely sure Siobhan knows about the fact you talk to the Ram spirit... but hey, you can say it anyway. I can even add crazy eyes if you like.)
>>19195342Lets go with this. I don't think Thol is the type of person that takes anything too seriously.
>>19195362"My name is Thol and I can talk to the Great Spirits"
>>19195342A hurt smile flits over the girls lips as you ride through the Noble District. She begins to dab at her cheeks with the sleeve of her tunic."You're horrible, Thol. If my face is ruddy and pink, tonight, I'm going to make sure you never reach Homme."She jokes, releasing a sigh. Perhaps she realises she can't convince you. Nevertheless, she quickly exits the carriage once you come to a stop. After paying the man for the carriage, she moves into the house. She doesn't so much as glance at Eames, who raises his head just late enough to miss her. The bespectacled caster shoots you an uneasy smile, getting onto his feet and dusting his hands."Hullo, Thol." He approaches. "Tonight's the big night, hm...? Tell me... actually, no.. I was going to ask about the dress but it's always best to not see it until she's arrived... ahem. Is our plan still good? Think you can take Cu with you to meet Guin?"
>>19195421"Sure Eames I'll try" He gonna crash and burn anyways but let's not say that
>>19195421"I sincerely doubt that you will be able to convince her.""But if you want, I will. Just don't do anything stupid."
>>19195432>>19195427"Did... did she say anything?" All humour disappears from the slightly older male's face. He turns over his shoulder to see if he might catch a glimpse of her through the windows, but is unable. Instead, he turns back to you, frustration etched on his lips. "Well, did she?"
"I don't think she's in the mood for talking right now, but she did tell me that nothing sway her from her mission and that people are counting on her."
>>19195454"All I know is that she is dead set on completing her mission.""You will need much, much more harsher cause and real evidence to convince her that her mission is not of the best interest" [Damn, I can't seem to formulate my thought properly. I'm missing the appropriate word to convey "not just/corrupt/unworhty" or something like that. Anyone can fill in? English is not my first language and I really need sleep.]
>>19195454"What you mean when she said I look dashing in my new outfit then yeah."
>>19195496>>19195493>>19195482One of these answers is not like the other!
>>19195506Hey I feel like teasing Eames after the way he responded to us. We all knew he was gonna crash and burn before this happened anyways. ( Damn 4chan for eating my posts)
>>19195482"Her mission...," his voice trembled, fingers closing and flexing again. "How am I supposed to help her open her eyes when she knows what I have to say? The Druids are responsible for imprisoning a Goddess, Thol. Am I wrong for wanting her to not die for such a cause...?">>19195493"She's been prepared for this her whole life. Conditioned to the sole task of going to the North on a mission that will no doubt claim her life. If I must cast doubts in her mind... if I must shatter her illusions, then I will."
>>19195554Wait do we EVEN know for sure if they really did for your plan to even work you gotta get evidence of that first and I mean real HARDCORE EVIDENCE. I just didn't want to burst your bubble.
>>19195554Aaaand that's it for now. Sorry to >>19195538 , but I decided to go with the vibe of the majority, as small as the majority may have been. Anywho, I hope you've enjoyed, my persevering, never-sleeping Nomads. I will be on tomorrow, that much is certain. Hopefully a great deal earlier too. So, please, do come back for Prom Night 2: Vanthanian Boogaloo. The expected and the unexpected will both happen, and it will all bloom wonderfully. Providing you don't screw up your dance. I'll see you all next time on...NOMAAAAAD QUEEEEEST
>>19195572I mean we know the crow is trapped but do we know the druids did it? (OOC question)
>>19195573Okay good night
>>19195581When Hawne attacked you outside Rickenlist, he told you that the Druids trapped the Crow's mortal form in a great tree.
>>19195588Night, brah. Thank you all for playing. PRIEST-OUT.
>>19195554Put our hand on his shoulder."Well bro, if you really can do that, I wish you all the luck.And no, I do not wish her to die on a suicide mission.""But like I said before, don't do anything stupid."
