Merlin takes a few steps toward you, in the dark, strange dungeons, his hands clasped together politely.
You start to thank him for the spellbook-
And he grins, revealing needle-like teeth.

Everything burns, astral fire swirling around the portal, as it ebs, and twists into nothingness, torn shut by the power of sacrifice, as astral fire swirled up around, dissolving the stone of the fortress, and the dungeons, as the sands melted into glass, as your perception accelerates through time, demons dissolving into ash at the earliest contact with the material, and then, for two years, the glassed lands behind the wall stays still, and empty, save for the few excursions the hobgoblins took, to plant some seeds which burst into dark flowers, sparking with power...

With ash streaming from his blind eyes, a demon lifted up a small bud of modified Galadriel's Light, examining it closely.

You snap awake, your head still fuzzy from the Sosarian wine that was opened at last night's banquet, and you rub at your eyes, before checking out of the window- it's still dark, but the sun should start to rise any moment now.

Let's go get some tea. See who else is awake at this hour.

>>20865280
Get up, and try to make some tea despite the headache. Otherwise, Redglare might get the idea to make another suprise visit.

>>20865280
Wake up, put on some clothes, stretch. Get some tea and muffins for breakfast.

>>20865280
>With ash streaming from his blind eyes
Is that the guy we just fought? How did he get here without a portal? How did he survive two 98s when we defeated the last archdemon with a 63?
What an unrealistic dream.

>>20865361
He's Granddaddy. He won't die so easily. He's permanently blinded though, so we dun did good.

You sit up, and stretch, before putting on some clothing, and you make your way to the dining hall, which has been mostly cleaned since last night's festivities. You start to brew up some tea, and take a seat, as if staring at the soulflaming teapot would make it heat up more quickly. Which, with magic, you can't be sure it won't.

"Ishelda." Redglare said, taking a seat. For once, he wasn't wearing his armor, and he wasn't grinning. A jagged, fresh scar sat wrapped around his wrist, no doubt from yesterday's battle.

>>20865393
"Redglare, are you okay? You look slightly upset. Would you like to talk about over tea and muffins?"

>>20865393
"Redglare. I'm not going to apologize for not giving you a chance to die gloriously in battle. Who else could keep me on my toes?

What did you wish to speak to me about?"

"Redglare. I'm not going to apologize for not giving you a chance to die gloriously in battle."
"That's good." He said. "I don't want to die gloriously in battle. I want to die in my bed."
"Would you like to talk over tea and muffins?"
"I suppose." He said, serving up tea for you and himself, before he sat back. "Yesterday, when I was left behind... that was..."
He shook his head.
"I'd never met something that could outclass me so completely. It's no surprise your world fell, with something like that at the demons' head."

>>20865489
"He was truly a monster of a demon, but grandpappy wasn't so hard to cut down to size. Only, if the dream I had last night was prophetic, well, he might need a bit more trimming."

>>20865489
"Redglare, with a foe like that you can not think of whether you could defeat it alone.

Myself, Grayson, Rikar and the greatest elemental of rage and astral fire that has ever walked, we could only maim it.

When you stepped between me and it you saved me from what would have been a very unpleasant blow, perhaps enough in my tired and weakened state to prevent me from reaching the portal.

Do not forget Redglare, we won that day. We slaughtered hundred of demons and rescued 1000 people, it was a victory."

>>20865489
"Hmmm, the archdemon here was bad, but I would never have expected something like this one, to be honest. I have the feeling we won't have seen the last of him either, I'm afraid. Anyway, how are your injuries? You really had me worried when the portal started closing."

>>20865489
"We didn't have any warning, and barely any magic. We wouldn't have stood a chance regardless of him being there. Although he is certainly more powerful than any other demon I've ever seen or heard of."

"Redglare, with a foe like that, you don't think of whether you could defeat it alone. With myself, Grayson, Rikar, and the greatest elemental of astral fire that has ever walked, we could only maim it. The archdemon here was bad, but I would never have expected something like that one. I have the feeling we won't have seen the last of him either, I'm afraid."
"Then I'll have to practice." He responded.
"Anyway, how are your injuries? You really had me worried when the portal started closing."
"My shoulder is fine, and I've regained full use. My hand, though... My hand was lost, and Marigold had to create a brand new one, for me. It's hard to... use, properly." He lifted it, and spread his palm wide- his hand immediately started shaking uncontrollably. "... I suppose I'll have to learn to use a shield." He said.

>>20865617
"I'm sorry Redglare, you were hurt in such a way because of me, because you were protecting me.

We'll have Kal and myself take a look at it, when she gets back, maybe we can do something about it."

Give him a hug, investigate the hand, see how fixable it looks.

>>20865617
"I'm sure Kaliel will be able to help you with you hand, once she's come back to Triune's Gift. Although learning how to use a shield might not be the worst idea, another challenge until you wield two axes again, perhaps?"

>>20865617
"You could. Or maybe Kaliel can fix it. Marigold can restore life easily, but Kaliel is skilled with the underlying mechanics."

"You could." You say. "Or maybe Kaliel can fix it. Marigold can restore life easily, but Kaliel is skilled with the underlying mechanics. Although learning how to use a shield might not be the worst idea. Another challenge until you wield two axes again, perhaps?"
"I need a shield that stops hellfire." He said, decisively. "One with a sharp rim, and spikes on the outer edge..."
He tapped his free hand for a few moments, thinking.
"I will need the goldsteel from that dagger." He said.

>>20865709
"Huh? What makes goldsteel so special?"

"Huh? What makes goldsteel so special?"
"To hear Ell speak of it, It's similar to orichalum, with magic... but orichalum is soft." He said. "Good for making things like your airship, but bad for weapons or armor. Goldsteel can hold an edge, and is heavy enough to make a good shield. I am used to taking metals from created weapons to reforge entirely new things- I did it all the time, at the wall."

>>20865777
"Well, you could use the dagger... or I could simply order you some goldsteel from the elves."

>>20865777
"Can you make a whole shield out of a dagger's worth of goldsteel? If you're just lining it then orichalum should be fine."

>>20865777
"Goldsteel might be formidable, but demons have something of a habit of eating magic, save astral fire, which kills them quite dead. You could enchant the shield with such a spark to protect it, but it'd be dangerously corrupting, unless it was warded to not harm the wielder or his allies. Shall we start drawing up a plan for its construction?"

>>20865777
If you want I'll get you the dagger. But I could just order a ton of it from the elves. I bet Ell has plenty of it.

"Can you make a whole shield out of a dagger's worth of goldsteel? If you're just lining it, then orichalum should be fine."
"Until I try to use the shield to block a physical attack, and the orichalum is rent." He said.
"Well, you could use the dagger... or I could simply order you some goldsteel from the elves."
"That would work too." He said. "But speaking of smithing... Is there any chance you could speak with the being that created that tower, to the north? It's not made of any material I've seen, and I'd like to experiment with it."

>>20865879
"Of course, it might take a bit, though. We're currently experiencing communication problems with him."

>>20865879
"Do you think you could upgrade the shields and armour of all knights with goldsteel, if your idea works? It seems like something that would prove immensely useful against the demons. "

>>20865879
>Until I try to use the shield to block a physical attack, and the orichalum is rent.
You put the orichalum on the inside, or just enchant it to repel physical attacks as well.

"Azariel isn't around at the moment but you could try asking the other kalak, maybe one of them knows what it is."

"Of course." You say. "It might take a bit, though. we're currently experiencing communication problems with him."
"Well, then, I'll just stick with the goldsteel for now."
"Do you think you could upgrade the shields and armor of all knights with goldsteel, if your idea works? It seems like something that would prove immensely useful against the demons."
"... all the knights?" He asked. He thought about it for a moment, and then nodded. "Yes, I can do that, with enough time and material. But also of importance is your own armor. I took a look at it after my hand was returned, and the entire thing is... well, destroyed. Heat warped it, and whatever your transforming into a dragon did, you made it brittle. I'm going to have to make you an entire new set."

>>20865952
"That's unfortunate. The armour has served me well all those years, but I guess nothing can be done about it. Just tell Gehenna how much material you need, and he should be able to order it from the elven lands. By the way, what do you think of the muffins?"

>>20865952
"Oh, fiddle-faddle! I really liked that brigandine, too. I suppose a proper suit of full plate is in order. I've put off commissioning one for far too long."

>>20865952
"How quickly can you do that? I might have to save the world again within the next couple of months."

"Oh, fiddle-faddle." You say. "I really liked that brigandine, too. I suppose a proper suit of full plate is in order. I've put off commissioning one for far too long."
"Well, I have a few ideas." He said. "But I don't have anything magical, so you'll have to enchant it when I'm done."
"How quickly can you do that?"
"I can get a normal fullplate done in two days. For this one... it could be anywhere from two days to a few weeks. I have no idea how difficult it will be."
He took another sip of tea. "The lizardmen have a metal they make their glaives out of- they call it Mithril. I know that the lizardmen people owe you quite a bit, and you're personal friends with one of the Mothers, so you can likely ask them for some. It's incredibly light, tough when tempered properly, and by alloying it with steel properly, it can deflect blows in some locations and absorb them in others. I've only worked with it in small amounts, though, with those glaives."

>>20866070
Why not half-plate? Easier on manoeuvrability.

>>20866070
Do you know of any other super-metals? I'd rather have to pay more for more protection than settle for something less.

>>20866070
"Redglare, I trust you, and you know a lot more about this than I probably ever will. Just tell me what you need, and you'll get it - within reason. If you feel like experimenting, just do it."

>>20866070
"Interesting... Those glaives are rather formidable, and if it makes for both good armor and weapons, why not turn the suit into a weapon, too? Spikes, blades, and hooks in all the right places. If a devil tries to grapple me, he'll only succeed in dicing his hand to bits. Maybe on the knuckles, feet, joints, shoulders, and a crown of them upon the helm, with a field of the nasty pointy bits on the back. More elsewhere if we can fit them. Maybe a rose motif here and there, to make it artful AND brutal with its thorns."

>>20866070
>Make a whole suit of plate
>On his own
>In two days
Holy shit Redglare.

"Can you work the crystals from my brigandine into it?"

>>20866070
I trust we'll combine goldsteel and mithril.

>>20866126
>The guy had to make armor for him and his people between battles, at the wall, and he isn't technically alone- he has assistants. Also, learning a small amount of transmutation wizardry during the timeskip helped.

"Redglare, I trust you." You say. "And you know a lot more about this than I probably ever will. Just tell me what you neeed, and you'll get it - within reason. If you feel like experimenting, just do it."
"I'll need goldsteel, orichalum, steel, and mithril. And, if you don't mind, a small bit of the material that tower is made out of- not for your armor, unless it has properties I don't know about- but for my own experimentation. We have enough steel and orichalum, we just need goldsteel and mithril."

>>20866203
"Of course, I'll make sure Gehenna will acquire some. So, what was the impression of our troops during the battle? What could have been done better?"

>>20866203
"I'll get them for you Redglare. Don't worry."

<Gehenna. Redglare wants some Goldsteel and Mithril for experimentation in metallurgy. Would you mind taking care of the Goldsteel, negotiate for its purchase from the elves. I'll have a chat with the Mothers to get some Mithril.>

Also when we get a chance we should get Redglare some of the tower material, I don't think anyone'll mind.

>>20866203
Googling it, time estimates seem to vary a lot but all of them have been measured in months, with a specialised workshop and lots of apprentices. Two days is such a massive improvement he must be transmuting the armour fully formed from a block of metal or something.

>>20866319
We know Exa can't into anything except writing, take it easy.

>>20866319
>Well... shit. Protagonist time, then, I suppose. If it took the 'normal' amount of time to make the armor, then it won't be done until after the quest is over, or until so late that the armor wouldn't matter.

"I'll get them for you, Redglare. Don't worry."
"Very well." He said, nodding. "Don't get into any life or death situations until it's complete. I'll make my leave then, Ishelda." He said, patting your head. "Take care."

>>20866330
I'm taking it easy, I'm just saying wow Redglare is like 50 times better than a human smith and it's not even his full time job.

>>20866374
"I will, thanks Redglare." Enjoy the muffins some more, then see if Kristoph has woken up.

>>20866374
"You're no fun Redglare, I was just about to try learning how to juggle swords.

Take care of yourself."

If the sun's not up yet find a nice high place and watch the sunrise with a cup of tea.

"I will." You say. "Thanks, Redglare. Take care of yourself."
He nodded, and made his way out of the hall. You sit there, at the table, enjoying your tea, and you finish off the last muffin, before stretching again, and making your way toward Kristoph's room, where he was donning his armor.
"Lady." He said, nodding to you. He had a thin scar on his neck, where Marigold's power had reached her limit. It seemed she was getting less and less powerful as time went on...

>>20866454
>It seemed she was getting less and less powerful as time went on
Oh, that's no good. We'll need to investigate.

"Kristoph, I'm glad you're with us again. You really worried me there, for a second."

>>20866454
>getting less and less powerful
Is she getting less powerful, or spreading what power she has thinner?

"Kristoph, it's good to see you up and about."

>>20866454
Well that's bad. Marigold running out of juice is very much a bad thing.

"You feeling alright Kris? I was worried about you.

Have you met my father yet? I think the two of you'll get along."

>>20866454
>It seemed she was getting less and less powerful as time went on...
Everyone else's talent is getting stronger. Everyone in the whole world. Except Marigold. That's probably not a good thing.

Talents were getting stronger because the minotaur portal was basically leaking magic into the world. Everyone's talents might become weaker because we closed that portal. Or at least, that's how I see it.

"Kristoph, it's good to see you up and about."
"Well, I did take what should have been a mortal wound, Lady." He said.
"Are you feeling alright? I was worried about you."
"Other than the nightmare, everything's fine, Lady. Marigold patched me up, and then forced me on bedrest for the rest of the day. I'm glad to have my talent back, too."
"Have you met my father yet? I think the two of you'll get along."
"Your father? No, not at all." He said. "I've been in this room all day."

>>20866532
"The nightmares are terrible aren't they. You never really get used to them, they stay with you.

We should get you some fresh air, would you care to escort me on my rounds?"

>>20866532
"You'll have to thank Dras'lea for your talent, next time we see her."

>>20866521
Except it wasn't the minotaur portal, it's the Gearworks and magic is still getting stronger because they're still ticking.

"The nightmares are terrible, aren't they." You say, and he nods. "You never really get used to them. They stay with you."
"Good to hear." He grumbled.
"We should get you some fresh air. Would you care to escort me?"
"Certainly." He said, and looked at his helmet... and shrugged, sheathing his sword.
Together, you and he stepped out into the courtyard, where Kell was sitting down, Marigold snoring in his lap, the grass grown large and thick around them, almost so high as to hide Marigold from view.

>>20866644
D'aaaaaaw.
"Is that what I look like when I sleep on Grayson?"

>>20866644
"Hi Kell, how's Mawigraw doing?"

>>20866644
"We should probably leave them be, she must be exhausted. Let's go find my father instead."

"Is that what I look like when I sleep on grayson?" You whisper to Kristoph.
"You don't do... that." He said, pointing down near the ground, where the grass was swelling, still growing wildly, reaching ever upwards and outwards to try to reach Marigold. "But yes, you're just as adorable- but you snore much more loudly."
"Hi, Kell, how's mawigraw doing?" You ask the troll.
It holds a single finger up to the bulge where it's neck and head would be, and made a quiet hiss.
"Shhhhhhh." It said, and patted Marigold's head.

>>20866721
Whisper
"Alright, Kell. Let's go, Kristoph."
Then go find Abel

>>20866721
Awwwww!

>>20866721
Fucking. Adorable.

Rolled 67

>>20866721
Scan Mawigraw, look for her talent, find her power level.

>>20866721
"Sorry."
Run away quickly, we need to be far enough not to disturb her when the massive squee breaks loose.

>>20866752
Mar's leaking, which is causing an overflow of her talent, which is burning it away.

>>20866778
Then we must find a plug and jam it in.

You close your eyes for a moment, and reach forth with your magic to scan Marigold-

And inside of her, locked within her form and trying, constantly to break free, was a small, tiny droplet of sunlight, which was swelling, trying to burst free, flares bursting outward, as the droplet trembled, as if it were about to explode any moment. The impression you got from it was... an oxymoron. A tranquil storm, of sorts. A wild peacefulness. She was bursting at the seams with this sunlight, this burst of power, with just as much.... No... With *more* power than you had.

With a start, you realize that you've been staring at her for five minutes now, entranced... and then you realize that her talent is... fundamentally *different* than you remember.

>>20866816
>With *more* power than you had.
Oh fuck! Ishelda needs to level up, stat.

>>20866816
huh. It's not a danger right now, so we'll investigate more when she's awake.

>>20866836
Chillax bro. All she can do is heal stuff and make plants grow faster. Ishelda can do those things and then a lot more.

>>20866816
Hmm. Everything went back to normal after the Ankh was removed, so it's not that. I don't think we've ever heard of a talent changing on it's own before, and if it was just love for Kristoph or willingness to kill or whatever it would have happened before.
Maybe we should go into her dream and talk to her about it.

>>20866836
Yes, Marigold is obviously plotting to overthrow us by healing us to death!

>>20866867
I think talking to her can wait until she wakes up.

Maybe it's because she's been using it A LOT for the past two years. At the very least, that explains how she has that amount of power.

>>20866816
Huh. Apparently it's been evolving. Perhaps less suited for healing and more for bringing forth life?

Marigold stirs, and gives Kell a hug, before curling up again, apparently not awake enough to notice you or Kristoph.
"Sorry." You whisper, and nod to Kris. Together, the two of you leave Marigold alone.
"That was cute." He said, chuckling.

>>20866885
Yeah, she's been practising far more often than us. Constantly growing plants and stuff. The question is why more power is weaker. She's grown so strong that she can't control it?

>>20866952
"It was. Her talent seems to have changed since the last time I examined it though. It seems that she has more magical power than I do!"

>>20866952
"Indeed, if only we weren't cousins, too young, and both girls."

She also did that thing with the vines during the battle. I'd guess that her talent is shifting from "healing" to "Plant empathy/control" or something.

Rolled 58

>>20866989

Kal is a girl. the fuck are you on about?

>>20867004
Something Marigold said quite awhile back when Ishelda inadvertently implied sexual relations with Marigold. She used that line to tease us.
We used it on her when we turned into Cain.

>>20867004
You must be new here.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/19582485
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/20685357

"It was." You say. "Her talent seems to have changed since the last time I examined it, though. It seems that she has more magical power than I do!"
"But yours is more flexible, isn't it?" He asked. "Like... jack of all trades, master of none, I suppose." He chuckled.

Abel limped out from one of the towers, talking with Lewin.
"And then after the wyvern was done goring me, Treechild found me, and had to get a bunch of poultices. I still have the scars." Lewin was saying.
"Hello, dove."
"Ishelda." Lewin said, nodding to you.

>>20867077
Hug dad. We have a few years to catch up on.

"Morning Lewin, how's the adventurer's guild? And how are you doing?"

>>20867077
"Hello. Father, this is my knight, Kristoph."

You give your father a hug, and turn to the adventurer.
"Morning, Lewin, how's the guild? And how are you doing?"
"The guildhall is complete." He said. "And when I came up here to scold you for not bringing me with you to Arcturus, I ran into your father."
"Father, this is my knight, Kristoph."
"Pleased to meet you." Your father said. "I've heard many things about you, Sir Kristoph. You're of noble blood, and your sister was the High Lady of one of the kingdoms to the west, correct?"
"They're provinces, sir, and yes."
"I see."

>>20867173
"Kristoph was supposed to be the heir, but he abdicated in order to become a knight instead. Then he ended up liege-less, and joined my party."

>>20867173
"He has risked his life more than once for me, and has been a great friend outside of combat as well. I am proud he chose to be my knight."

"Oh, Kris, I almost forgot - Sardriel tried to do his usual routine on Dras'lea, and got what was coming for him."

>>20867173
He's also an excellent dancer, swordsman and can ignore magic or will it out of existence.

"Kristoph was supposed to be the heir, but he abdicated in order to become a knight instead." You say. "He's risked his life more than once for me, and has been a great friend outside of combat as well. He's also an excellent dancer, swordsman, and can ignore magic or will it out of existence. I'm proud he chose to be my knight."

For an uncomfortably long moment, your father examined Kristoph, looking him up and down. Then chuckled, and clapped on Kristoph's pauldron.
"Good to hear." He said.

"Oh, Kris, I almost forgot." You say, suddenly. "Sardriel tried to do his usual routine on Dras'lea, and got what was coming to him."
"Did she end up... murdering him or something?" Kristoph asked.
"... I'm not aware of these names." Your father said.

>>20867277
"No, he just passed out and started twitching, I think."

Then explain who Sadriel and Dras'lea are, in moderate detail, trying to be quick about it.

>>20867277
Dras is a mystery. She looks just like me, is powerful, and lacks significant emotion.

Sardriel is the kalak I don't like. Creepy as hell, brainwashes women.

>>20867277
"No, he simply fell into a coma and his hold on his... *followers* broke. Kaliel put them to sleep until she has an idea what to do with them, it seems the spell somehow addicted them to his control."

"Sardriel is one of the kalak who don't live in New Arcturus. He's an incredibly creepy person who's good at controlling people's minds, and keeps a harem of brainwashed girls. Dras'lea is a bit of a mystery. She's an incredible powerful person who we don't know a lot of. She seems beneign towards me, but also utterly incomprehensible in her motives."

>>20867277
"Sardriel is one of the kalak. He's creepy. His specialty is enchantments, and he has a harem of girls who've been enchanted. I've been told that they are all willing, but it's still very unsettling. Dras'lea is... I don't actually know much about her. She looks a lot like I do, doesn't seem to understand emotions and social interactions, and is referred to as the void queen sometimes. Sardriel did what he always does, which is ask if she wants to be "happy", which she agreed to. Then he tried to cast his spell on her and, instead of affecting her like it was supposed to, he messed himself up."

>>20867277
>Did she end up... murdering him or something?
"Even worse, she accepted."

"Sadriel's a creepy kalak with a mind-controlled harem, and Dras'lea is a creepy version of me who can't feel emotions."

>>20867277
S is a creepy mage from the north. Dres lea is ... I'm not sure. She looks like me, lacks all emotion and generally causes a lot of problems due to her twisted ignorance of things everyone should know

"Even worse, she accepted."
"So he has her under his thrall?"
"He just passed out and his hold on his... followers, broke."
"Oh, a pity." He responded. "But better than the alternative, I suppose."
You turn to your father.
"Sardriel is one of the kalak who don't live in New Arcturus. His specialty is enchantments, and he has... a harem of women who've been enchanted. I've been told that they are all willing, but it's very unsettling. Dras'lea is.... Well, I don't know much about her. She's an incredibly powerful person, but she doesn't seem to understand emotions and social interactions. She seems benign towards me, but she's utterly incomprehensible in her motives."
"... Right. Then it's a good thing that... Sardriel's spell didn't work on this Lea girl." Your father said.

>>20867351
From what she's said, dres lea used to be the vq, but chose to stop.

>>20867401
Well maybe. I don't know what the vq is up to. She spent all of yesterday following kaliel around the carved fortress.

>>20867401
"Yes, if tried to become her friend, lately, and I like to think I've been at least a bit successful in that regard.

>>20867401
"Maybe. Depends what she tries next, she seemed to be getting pretty desperate. Very powerful people backed into corners are not fun."

>>20867401
"I'd say so. Sardriel, for all his creepiness, is one of, if not the best enchanters in the world, so she must have a very powerful mind shield for that to happen."

>>20867458
>mind shield
She would have taken that down, she wanted him to cast the spell.

"Maybe. I don't know what she's up to." You say. "And it depends on what she tries next. She seems to be getting pretty desperate. Very powerful people backed into corners are not fun. I've tried to become her friend, lately, and I like to think I've been at least a bit successful in that regard."
"Don't forget, she's the one that opened the portal to the minotaurs, and left it open just to trash the ogrish nation." Kristoph said. "Whatever her goal is, she's willing to let people die to get it. That's something you shouldn't forget, Ishelda."

>>20867482
For the purposes of that spell it might as well be a mind shield. Maybe unconscious shielding effect instead.

>>20867499
"I don't, but I've also made friends with a few people who did the same in the past, if they change their ways."

>>20867499
"True but from what I have gathered she is simply unable to reliably tell right from wrong. Considering she talked about having sacrificed so much for her plan she most likely sacrificed her emotions and similar things as well.

>>20867499
"I know, Kristoph, but it seems almost like she's incapable of understanding that what she's doing is wrong. I'd rather not let her continue to do such things, but I'd like to at least try to make her understand, rather than just killing or imprisoning her."

>>20867499
"Of course. But there's a definite opportunity to try and turn her towards good and I have to take it."

>>20867499
"She talked a lot about her plans, especially when I went to rescue my father, that I must not die. Maybe opening that portal was her way of giving me these *raise runearm* for something that happens in the future"

>>20867499
>>20867499
Ragnarok said she left that portal open because she thought it wasn't her concern any more. I think she just didn't care about the outcome of the western continent at all. If its not relevent to her goals then she outright ignores things.

"I know, Kristoph, but it seems almost like she's incapable of understanding that what she's doing is wrong." You say. "Ragnarok said that she left that portal open because she thought it wasn't her concern, any more. I think she just didn't care about the outcome of the western continent at all. If it's not relevant to her goals, then she outright ignores things."
"That can't be good." Lewin said. "Do you have any clues about her plans?"

>>20867627
"Not getting me killed seems to be on the top of her list, at least at the moment. Other than that, she wants to prevent whatever Tyr is planning to do in the east."

>>20867627
"I know that there's a problem on the Eastern continent that has to be dealt with fairly soon, but other than that, nothing."

>>20867627
"Aeriel said she's emotionless. She asked about Kal and then followed her around. She accepted Sadriel's offer. I'd definitely say happiness was one of her goals, but it can't be all.
She said something about killing Tyr to stop him destroying wizardry, which is good I guess. That's about all I know."

>>20867691
Specifically WE had to kill tyr. Also something about war with the childeren and killing the great stem, wasn't there?

>>20867745
She said we should kill Tyr if we had the opportunity, but not risk our lives. That's not exactly high priority, so she probably has other things going to deal with it herself. She said Tyr would declare war on the Children but I don't think there was anything about the Wyrm.

>>20867627
"Pretty much the only concrete information I've gotten out of her is the nature of the Arokatoa and that I should kill Tyr if I get the chance, because he plans to destroy wizardry."

"Aeriel said she's emotionless. She asked me about Kal, and then followed her around. She accepted Sardriel's offer. I'd definitely say happiness was one of her goals, but it can't be all. She said something about killing Tyr to stop him destroying wizardry, which is good, I guess. That's about all I know."
Kristoph sighed, and shrugged. "Well, if she tries anything, I'll be here to make sure she doesn't cast any spells on you."
Your father took a deep breath, and looked toward the rising sun. "So, what are your plans for today, dove?"

>>20867776
"I don't think there's anything in particular to do today... Oh! Want to see my Kalak form?"

>>20867776
"Hopefully...rest. After yesterday, I think everyone could use it."

>>20867776
"I still need to welcome the new ogre citizens to Triune's Gift. Other than that? Maybe see how the new arrivals from Arcturus are doing so far."

>>20867776
"I don't know. I was probably doing something before all this rescuing you business came up. Gehenna will remember."

>>20867776
I've a few errands (like asking Mar about her power, and such) but if you wanted to do something...

Also, magical monorails.

Can we also show dad to ell? He might be able to offer insight to broken sorcery.

Also, we should ask dad about sorcery: "Do you fail half of your spells? Do you feel the void snatching away power? Do you have any signature spells?

"I don't think there's anything in particular to do today..." You say. "Oh! Want to see my kalak form?"
"You have a kalak form?" He asked. "Erm... go ahead, I suppose."

Rolled 38

>>20867930
whee!

Rolled 2

>>20867930
whee!

Rolled 83

>>20867930
"Well it's more shape shifting..."

Oh yeah we're going to mess this up.

Rolled 11

>>20867930
whee!

>>20867943
>>20867939
In light of these, do this >>20867913

>>20867930
"Shapeshifting is easy. More magic here, remember? I've been a kalak, a dragon, a guy..."

Can we ask kaliel for a hand? Over the ring? We can cast at her, so it might work both ways.

"Shapeshifting is easy." You say, closing your eyes. "More magic here. I've been a kalak, a dragon, a guy..."
"W-wait, what?"
You bring forth your magic twice, and both times, the spells fail, leaving your body. The third time, however, you feel the spell burst free, and your form twists, your back arching, wings bursting out of it- your pinkies melted away, and your entire skeleton twisted uncomfortably, as your teeth shot out of your mouth as a long, broad beak. Your balance shifted, and you open your eyes, just as tall as your father, now.
"Your eyes are the same." He said, after a minute... and then he chuckled. "I *do* call you dove, after all, so your feathers fit."

"Was your sorcery always so...so capricious too?"

>>20868007
"It is pretty fitting. I can even fly in this form."

>>20868007
Squark at him!
Oh, and kalak can do all sorts of voices, right? Use the male ishelda voice to mess with him.

>>20868007
"Apparently I looked a great deal like a young you as a guy."

>>20868007
"Do you want to try, father?"

>>20868007
"I always look like me, somehow, whatever form I'm in. Although male me looks more like you."

"It is pretty fitting." You say, messing with your voices- it was strange, the way you had the impression that you had two mouths in your neck, when you tried to talk. "I can even fly in this form." You say, twice at the same time. you lower your voice, and imitate what you can remember from when you were Cain.
"Apparently, I looked a great deal like a young you, as a guy."
"If you did, then you no doubt had every woman in the kingdom chasing you." He said, quirking his lips. "How are you doing that with the voices?"

>>20868098
"I have no idea how I'm doing it honestly. It's something all kalak can do however."

>>20868098
"It's Kalak physiology. They're supposed to be amazing singers."

>>20868098
"I don't know, kalak are weird. How do they even speak properly without lips?
I didn't do it for long enough to interact with many people but I think I managed to seduce Marigold."

>>20868098
I didn't get much of a chance to, I fooled marigold and belethor, and then the spell wore off.

Oh, that reminds me, you have to meet belethor. He's a prince from the island kingdom of soriasa. He is a bit at ends with his family, but he's by far the nicest out of his brothers. I'm fairly sure he was sent to court me, and I wasn't sure how to seal with that. Hes here still to get away from his brothers.

"I have no idea how I'm doing it, honestly. It's something all kalak can do, however." You say.
"Zeke can sing in two voices." Kristoph said. "It's astounding."
"Kalak are weird. I'm not even sure how they speak properly without lips." You shrug, your wings twitching. "I wasn't male long enough to interact with many people, but I think I managed to seduce Marigold."

Your father sighed, shaking his head. "I hope you told her the truth, so that she isn't pining for the mysterious man who swept her off her feet."

Be sure to tell Lewin:" i'll remember to bring you next time i travel the realms. Which should be shortly after we get back from the east."

>>20868179
"Of course I did. I think she's pining over Kristoph now."

>>20868179
"Of course not. I told her, and then we went on to pull a prank on somebody else. I even turned Marigold into me, for that."

>>20868179
"She's pining for the mysterious man who got her pregnant." Followed shortly by. "No I'm kidding, I told her."

>>20868179
"I told her eventually. Then she took on my form and helped me fool Belethor."

>>20868179
What about you! I saw you making eyes at my angel!

"I told her, eventually, and then we went on to pull a prank on somebody else." You say. "I even turned Marigold into me, for that."
"Hmm... can you turn me into one of those kalak? I'm curious what it's like to fly." He said.

Rolled 27

>>20868249

Rolled 80

>>20868249
"Probably. My sorcery is a little bit unreliable though.

>>20868214
He's a king, and a rather benevolent one. So I'd guess he's trying to get into everybody's good graces as soon as he meets them.

He's a good looking king who was being charming to Raz, which girl wouldn't blush?

We can still step on his toes if he tries something serious.

>>20868270
Actually, I'd ship that.

>>20868281
You don't even know if his wife's dead yet!

>>20868281
Alas, I don't. He can marry one of the lady's back in the provinces, if he wants to. Isn't Lady Cerulean single?

Also, we don't really know what happened to mom, so dad should probably stay single for a bit longer. Wouldn't want to upset her, right?

"Probably." You say, closing your eyes. "My sorcery is a bit unreliable, though."
"Really? Mine has always been rather defined. As long as I waited long enough between trying anything, I could do things without fail. But then I'd be tired for weeks afterward." He said.
You reached forward, with your magic, and slowly wove a spell around your father. You feel it slip into place, and then he started transforming. When you open your eyes, he's standing there, in kalak form, with black plumage- except on the largest feathers, at the tips of his wings, his tailfeathers, certain feathers on his face and torso- were pure white, his eyes just as blue as they always were.
"This is rather strange." He said, stepping from foot to foot. His wings flapped slightly.

>>20868322
His wife has been gone for 16 years. I don't think he's carrying that torch anymore.

>>20868344
"Some species of kalak are unable to fly, so we'll have to try to see if you can."
Try to teach dad how to fly.

>>20868344
"It took me a bit to manage to fly. Usually kalak take quite some time to learn, but sorcery speeds it up. Just don't jump off any towers until you figured it out."

"Marigold's healing isn't quite working properly."

>>20868342
Whelp, new VQ theory.

>>20868364
Well we'll find the torch. And we'll stuff it back into his hands.

>>20868383
The VQ is obviously genderbent dad, what are you on about?

>>20868344
How big are his crest and tailfeathers?
I bet he has HUGE tailfeathers...

>>20868398
>The VQ is obviously genderbent dad, what are you on about?
thats...

suspiciously believable.

>>20868412
Any notible beak/talon features? We should note this stuff down so we can ask Azariel about it later.

>>20868344
"Be careful, it takes a while to learn how to fly."

>>20868441
With wizardry transformations it does, but not with sorcerous transformations.

"It took me a bit to manage to fly." you say. "Usually, Kalak take quite some time to learn, but sorcery speeds it up. Some species are unable to fly, so we'll have to try to see if you can."

"Right." He says, as you examine his form again- his talons are similar to yours, as is his beak, though they're a dark gray, as opposed to your own porcelain talons. His crest goes all the way behind his head, much larger than normal, and his tailfeathers are almost as long as yours. You notice that one of his legs had a strange, burn on it, still pulsing, like still-warm embers.
"Be careful, it takes a while to learn how to fly." You say.
"I will." He said, and his wings spread, showing you another strange mix of black and white plumage. He took a few limping steps forward, and then shoved his wings back, tearing into the sky. He struggled at it, but quickly gained altitude. "This isn't a while at all." He said, chuckling.

>>20868473
Join him, have some fun.

>>20868473
"That leg worries me. I think we should take you to a healer as soon as possible."

Was it the elves who could fix demonfire burns or Marigold?

>>20868473
Go up with him.
"Well it's not my fault if you're too good at it."

>>20868501
Kaliel, but if it is simply a wound caused by the demon's sword, Fellwind, or Mar, should be able to heal it as well.

>>20868501
They could only fix them for that orc who went straight to treatment, Kiyara was too late so two years is way too late. We'll have to see about Kaliel basically giving him a new leg.

>>20868518
>>20868521
But I thought the elves mostly fixed Kiyara, she had opaque skin now. They seem to know how to treat old demonfire wounds.

>>20868539
No, that was Kal.

You spread your own wings, and join him, already much more adroit than you were when you first became a kalak.
"Well, it's not my fault if you're too good at it." You say, catching up to him.
"It's completely your fault." He responded, taking a deep breath between every word, and chuckled. "You turned me into this, if you'll recall."

Together, the two of you slowly soared over the castle, drifting around the keep, looking at the courtyard below. You see a spot of blue, and peer down with sharp kalak eyes- and see Raziel, wings spread. She hasn't noticed you yet, it seems.

>>20868553
Bounce bounce bounce!
Oh wait, wrong quest.
Well we should do it anyway, it's high time she learnt how to fly.

>>20868553
Let's surprise her by landing behind Raziel, and giving her a hug. And ruffle her hair, got to mark that territory sooner or later.

"Morning, Raz. Slept well, I hope?"

>>20868553
Grab Raziel and dump her somewhere that she has to fly from to get down!

>>20868553
Swoop down and fly right over her while laughing.

Instantly, you roll away from your father, a plan already in mind as you fold your wings, quickly falling. You swoop down toward Raziel, and spread your wings at the last moment, your entire body stretching from the strain,

Raziel squeals as you catch her around the waist, already pumping your wings as you pull upward, tugging her into the sky. Almost immediately, her weight slows your ascension, so you tilt to the side, and land-

On top of the keep.
"... Hi, Ishelda." Raziel said, when you finally let go of her. She frowned.

>>20868647
"How're you doing, Raz?"

>>20868647
"Not happy to see me?"

>>20868647
"HI Raz, I wasn't interrupting anything too important."

>>20868647
Why so glum? It's a fantastic day to learn how to fly!

>>20868647
"I was flying, you see, and I felt like I hadn't hugged you in ages... so I combined both things."

"I was flying, you see, and I felt like I hadn't hugged you in ages... so I combined both things."
"By wingnapping me and setting me down on top of a building that has no easy way down." She said.
"Why so glum? It's a fantastic day to learn how to fly!"
"So you, who never learned how to fly, get to teach me." She said, and grinned. "Teach away. This should be fun."

>>20868727
So... um....

Actually I have no idea how I do this.

Rolled 96

>>20868727
Rolling to impart knowledge through sorcery.

The completely unnecessary somatic component of which is booping her nose.

>>20868727
"Well, er...
You get your wings... and you flap them... sort of... like this. Copy me."

>>20868749
This pleases me greatly.

>>20868749
Hahahaha yes! This!

>>20868749
Well that went easier then expected.

"So... um..." You say. "Well, er... you get your wings..." You say, stretching out your wings. Grinning, Raziel copied you. "And you flap them, sort of... like this." You say, and slowly start to flap them.
Raziel starts giggling at you.

Frustrated, you take a step forward, bring forth your magic, the lines on your talons blazing with enchantment magic-
And you boop her nose. It makes a strange 'beeeep' noise.
"What." She responds, staring straight at you.

>>20868784
Now you know.

>>20868784
"You now know how to fly exactly the same way I know how to fly. I don't know how I know, so I don't know how I made you know. I just know that I do know and now so do you."

>>20868784
"Magic."

>>20868792
And knowing is half the battle.

>>20868790
I love this, we should do a little hand motion like we're displaying that rainbow thing from the show.

>>20868784
"Magic lessons."

File: 1348615399877.jpg-(68 KB, 400x300, spongebob-imagination.jpg)

>>20868807

Rolled 96

>>20868835
rolling for rainbow

>>20868852
Really?

This>>20868792
followed by these
>>20868807
>>20868790

>>20868852
Fucking 96s, how do they work?

>>20868869
Apparently by dicking around with Raziel.

>>20868856
"Well, lessons on landing costs extra."

>>20868856
Hehe, you fell on your butt.

I had better go make sure dad hasn't got himself stuck on a roof somewhere. You should come along.

>offImad David
No, I think he's quite happy, captcha

>>20868852
>>20868835
>>20868807
>Oh god I'm so sorry I missed this.
>Deleted my post so I could repost it more properly.

"Now you know how to fly exactly the same way I know how to fly. I don't know how I know, so I don't know how I made you know, I just know that I do know and now so do you." With a grin, you wave your talons above your head, creating a rainbow with magic, twinkling stars winking at Raziel from within. "And knowing is half the battle."
"... What." She says, again.
"Magic!" You respond. She flicks your beak, grimacing, and it makes a thunk noise.
"Well... let's try this, then." She said, looking up, at your father. She spread her wings, took a deep breath, and burst into the sky, her shoulders quaking with inhuman muscle. For whatever reason- instinct, perhaps- she was flying as well as you could, as opposed to the way your father was little more than competant. Soon enough, she twisted through the air, and dove again, coming to a stop- and slipping on the roof of the keep, her soft boots sliding against stone, and she fell onto her butt.
She grinned up at you.
"That was good, until the end part."

>>20868856
"Hmm, I guess knowing how to land would have been useful as well."

>>20868884
"Well, that's pretty much how my first flight ended, all those years ago. Guess the magic saw to that as well."

Then help her up.

"Well, that's pretty much how my first flight ended." You say. "Guess the magic saw to that, as well."
You pull her to her feet, and behind her, you see your father land, huffing. Raziel looked back, and her eyes widened a fraction, her cheeks going pink.
"Who's that?" She asked you, whispering. "Check out his tailfeathers! And his plumage! And oh scholar that's your father isn't it."

Rolled 77

>>20868952
"Yep."

>>20868952
Chuckle.
"Yes, yes he is. And I am glad you still prefer my crest."

>>20868952
"Yes. Yes it is."

>>20868952
wink. nothing more.

>>20868952
Just giggle at her.

"He's not very good at flying, perhaps I should leave you to teach him alone."

>>20868952
"Yes, yes it is. I'm glad you like him and think he's handsome."

>>20868952
"Maaaybe."

>>20868952
"Good looks run in the family."

>>20868978
Nope. Definitely not.

Looks like Raz learnt at the school of hard knocks.

>>20868952
That's definitely worth a giggle. "Yep, that's my father, although it looks like he's already exaushted himself."
Time to turn him back into a human. "If you'd like to fly so more, I'd offer my company. Interested?"

>>20868990
I think they'd be cute together. Our father has been carrying the torch for our mother for a long time and it'd be nice if he found someone again and Raz deserves someone nice like him.

>>20868990
>>20869022
A fling will probably be good for both of them. Doesn't have to be serious.

>>20869022
As has been said 10 or so threads ago, Raziel is Ishelda territory. Even if it's unofficial, for now. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one thinking that way.

But this belongs in the post-thread discussions, at best.

>>20868978
Seconding this.

>>20869036
>>20869043
>>20869041
>>20869022
>>20868990
>>20868978

If Raziel is to be believed, she isn't looking for anything right now. With all that soul searching she has been doing.

You giggle. "Yes, yes it is." You say, and she covers her face. "And I'm glad you still prefer my crest." You add.
"I never said that! but..." She proceeds to make a sound that's awfully similar to one being strangled, wildly babbling, before leaping off the edge of the keep in shame, wings spread.

"... I'm not quite sure what happened there." Your father said, watching her go. "But it looks like you just scandalized your vizier."

>>20868984
Let us just go with this, please.

>>20869069
"Little bit, yeah. She didn't quite realize who you were at first and was going on about how attractive you look. I had to tease her a little bit."

>>20869069
"Just teasing. You look like you're wearing out."

>>20869069
"It's fun teasing her at times."

>>20869069
"I might have. She thinks you're very handsome as a kalak though."

>>20869069
"I guess, yes. It seems being very attractive in kalak form runs in the family."

>>20869069
"She thinks you're handsome.

If I'm reading her right she thinks you're handsome with feathers and without them.

This makes her extremely easy to tease."

>>20869069
"She was just telling me how handsome you are. And then realised who you were."

>>20869069
"Just some teasing about her new crush.
On you."

>>20869069
"You make a rather attractive kalak, it seems. It seems you're taking after your daughter."

"Just teasing. She was just telling me how handsome you are. And then realized who you were."
He started laughing boisterously, rolling his head back.
"Poor girl." He said, chuckling. "I'll talk to her later."

>>20869141
"She's a very good friend, but she's having a bit of a tough time at the moment. I'd appreciate that."

>>20869141
"I think I should apologize to her first, to be honest. Now, want to be human again?"

>>20869151
"But not up here."

>>20869141
"I think she'd like that. Are you planning on going with feathers or without them? Judging by the colors her cheeks turn she will be happy with either."

>>20869141
"She is.. dealing with quite a few things right now."

"I think I should apologize to her first, to be honest. Now, want to be human again?"
"That'd be best." He said. "I'm too used to being human- this is all quite strange, for me."
"But not up here." You say, motioning down to the courtyard.

The two of you land in Marigold's flower garden, where the grass had taken to binding Kell's legs, a small, pale flower wrapping around one of Marigold's wrists. She sat up, and rubbed at her eyes, as the flower gently uncoiled itself from her.

You close your eyes, and reverse the shapeshifts- and once again, you're both human.
"Morning." Marigold said, blearily.

>>20869190
"So your talent seems to have...reawoken I suppose would be the right word." motioning to all the plantlife around her.
"I believe in terms of raw magical power, you've actually exceeded me. Congratulations."

>>20869190
"Goodmorning Marigold! How are you feeling? When I talked to Kristoph and Redglare I noticed they still had scars. Is your power still alright? What about yourself?"

Then in a small voice:
"I saw you with Rikar. I'm a bit worried"

>>20869190
"Morning Mawigraw. Do you know what's happened to your talent?"

>>20869190
"Morning sleepyhead. Kell wouldn't let me wake you up earlier."

>>20869190
"Morning, Mar. I hope the wine didn't hit you too hard?"

>>20869190
"Good morning, I do think you're talent is fully awake now."
Point to the rapidly growing plants.

"Morning, sleepyhead." you say. "How are you feeling? When I talked to Kristoph and Redglare, I noticed they still had scars. Is your power still alright? What about yourself?"
"Other than just waking up, I feel fine." She said, stretching. "And... I don't know. It feels like healing demon wounds is... harder, somehow." She said. "Hello, your majesty!" She said, waving to your father.
"Just call me Abel, marigold." He responded.
"Okay, I will." She said.

>>20869293
"Just demon wounds, or regular wounds as well?"

>>20869293
Put Mawigraw on shoulders and carry her around.

"Just demon wounds, or regular wounds as well?"
"Regular wounds are as easy to heal as always, I guess." She said. "I haven't had the occasion to try it recently, though. Why do you ask?"

>>20869293
"Hey Marigraw, my pillow is fuzzier than your pillow.

I managed to take a look at your talent earlier, it's beautiful. It's like you're full of sunlight trying to get free."

>>20869324
"Because your talent is different now. Look around you."

>>20869324
I had a peek and your talent was all swirly and awesome.

Also my father's leg is all wierd and he limps everywhere.

>>20869324
"I noticed your talent seems different. And it was leaking out in your sleep."

>>20869324
"Well, it seems your talent has changed a bit, but I'm not sure if that explains why you find it harder to heal wounds. It might be the demons are adapting, after the defeat we inflicted on them two years ago."

>>20869324
"I looked at your talent earlier, and it seems a lot different than how it was before. Also, it seems that you actually have more magical energy than I do."

"Because your talent is different now." You say. "Look around you."
She looks down, to where the grass, seemingly of it's own volition, clung to her legs and feet, embracing her.
"... Yes." She said. "... This is different." She said, shaking a leg- the grass quickly returned to it's original position. She gave you a wide grin.
"I managed to take a look at your talent earlier. It's beautiful, like you're full of sunlight trying to get free."
"I'm not sure what to think about this." She said, after a moment. "I mean, I'm glad, but... what if people get hurt and I can't heal them?"

>>20869409
We probably shouldn't be relying as much on you anyway. And Fellwind is a very good healer.

>>20869409
"It might just be that demon wounds are harder to heal than normal. If your talent doesn't work like that anymore, then we'll just have Fellwind work harder."

>>20869409
"It's okay Mar, your talent is changing and growing. We ought to be able to deal with some injuries here and there with Fellwind and Kaliel around.

Mar, no matter what form your Talent takes it's dedicated to bringing life to the world around you, and that's a beautiful thing."

>>20869409
>>Error, we think this is spam.

Talent only changed - only evolved - still on foundation of old one. Just adapt, healing should still work then.

"It's okay, Mar. Your talent is changing and growing. We ought to be able to deal with some injuries here and there with Fellwind and Kaliel around. Marigold, no matter what form your talent takes, it's dedicated to bringing life to the world around you, and that's a beautiful thing."

"Well..." She said, and held out her hand. "Let's see exactly what I can do..."

She closed her eyes, and immediately, the grass and flowers bloomed, yellow light flowing from her hands, and it all started reaching toward her, lovingly, trying to embrace her.
Kell grawwed, and then you had a feeling.
A feeling something was wrong. Very, very wrong. The soulflame serpent on your arm starts pulsing, and you feel a labored, injured heartbeat, struggling to continue moving.
<I... I killed it.> Kaliel murmured, in the back of your mind. <The spiders attacked, and- and- I had to. But the toxin...>

Your perception of her blurred, and what you finally get before it vanishes completely was one word.
<H-help.>

>End of thread!

>I'll be a little late to start today.

>>20869663
Aw shit

Who Dickbutt.

>>20869663
Fucking Kaliel, we told you not to get into any more trouble.

>>20869663
Aww fuck.

>>20869697
You peed all over yourself.

>>20869663
Reason #6423 why spiders are dicks..

>>20869663
Still salvagable. Call Dras'lea and ask her to pick up Kal and teleported to Triune's Gift, or just grab Marigold and have Aeriel teleport us there.

>>20869750
Or just rend a passage between there with nothing but Rikar, our FURY, LOVE and sorcery.

>>20869750
We can cast through the soulfire rings, right? We can just start healing her through the rings, and if it gets really bad, well, Marigold does have alot of new life energy.

>>20869783
Yeah, we already healed her through the ring before. I'm sure it'll be a lot easier to just channel Marigold's powers through it.

>>20869668
Or not at all, I guess.