The world key, shattered into two parts, sat in front of you, part of Raziel's illusion.
"That's what I saw." Raziel said, trembling, a cold sweat on her forehead. Her wings twitched, slightly. "And the spell... rebelled on me. There was more than that, but... but I don't remember most of it. It's almost like a dream- I forgot most of it when I came out of the spell."
She shivered, again. "I'm... not going to look at that blade again." She added.

>>21001885
I don't remember, is the sword still out? Let's put it away if so.
"Right, well, maybe I'll be able to ask myself when she's better."

>>21001885
"Wow. You probably shouldn't."

<Gehenna, what would happen if the World Key was destroyed?>

"Wow. You probably shouldn't." You say, putting the golden sword away, slipping it back into the cloak's pocket. "Well, maybe I'll be able to ask her myself, when she's better."
"That's probably the most... reliable way to find out what happened." She said, dispelling the illusion.

You tilt your head, and then look down to your communication ring.
<Gehenna, what would happen if the World Key was destroyed?>
<Destroyed?> He asked. <It's indestructible, as far as we know. But if it was somehow destroyed... something like that, something that isn't even an artifact... It's hard to say. It could do nothing, or... well, end all of reality.>

>>21001981
<I had Raziel divine the past of Dras'lea's sword and that's what she saw. But why would she do that? Could it have helped her go back in time?>

<I had Raziel divine the past of Dras'lea's sword, and that's what she saw. But why would she do that? Could it have helped her go back in time?>
<I... I don't know.> He said. <Erm... Let me.. Let me talk to Aeriel about this for a moment. This might... might be relevant to the book he's been reading.>
The ring was quiet for a moment, softly trembling as he spoke.
<Well... Um. Yes. I think.> He said. <I don't know.>

>>21002083
<Aeriel said that all of reality was like a wheel right? If the world key was broken, sacrificed, could that be used to push someone onto a different wheel?>

>>21002083
<That seems like an explanation then. I guess there's no way to really know except ask the person who's done it.>

<That seems like an explanation, then. I guess there's no way to really know except ask the person who's done it.>
<Indeed.> He said, and something occurs to you.
<Aeriel said that all of reality was like a wheel, right? If the world key was broken, sacrificed, could that be used to push someone onto a different wheel?>
<I, um, don't know. According to the philosopher he's reading, there's only one universe, with many worlds in it... But anyway, he's onto a brand new one, now.> Gehenna said. <Apparently, every world is a bubble within a crystal sphere, surrounded by a dimension of pure magic. But that doesn't matter- When I say indestructible, I mean that you can't sacrifice the world key. It's impossible to sacrifice. Even though one could sacrifice their soul, or their honor, or any amount of intangible concepts... the world key is impossible to sacrifice. Eidolon determined that much, when we were examining it, long before you arrived.>

>>21002179
<And what if it was used to sacrifice everything except it?>

>>21002179
<Ok. But I will point out that an awful lot of 'impossible' things have been happening lately.>

<Okay.> You say. <But I will point out that an awful lot of impossible things have been happening lately.>
<Perhaps.> He said, slowly, as if he was thinking. Raziel guides a few skeletons into cleaning up her workshop. <And if they're connected... Maybe she... Maybe one impossible thing opened the way for more. But I digress. Workers from Ursae and Neptune have arrived, so we gave them some supplies and escorts as they go east, to work on the elven bridge. It seems that Belethor was successful at convincing them. I like him.>

>>21002304
<I like him too. Unfortunately we couldn't keep another country's prince forever.>

<I like him too.> You say. <Unfortunately, we couldn't keep another country's prince forever.>
<Ah, a pity.> He responded. <Also, I'm preparing Jormungandr with soldiers, and the newest vinefruit harvest has completed- we'll have fresh fruit for everyone, now, and the ogres say that the Nervghaul should be calm enough to milk in the next few days.>

>>21002304
<Very good. That should provide quite an influx of travelers, and hopefully permanent residents.>

>>21002469
<Good news.>

<Very good.> You say. <That should provide quite an influx of travelers, and hopefully permanent residents.>
<I hope so.> He responded. <That's all I have for you right now, but I suspect that the orcish surveyor should arrive any day now, and the tradesmen should start arriving with the baron's lumber shipments, your majesty.>
He ended the connection there, and Raziel was once again leaning over some of the tables and tables of skeletons in her workshop, slowly putting them together. She noticed your glance.
"Yeah, Kaliel asked me to find all of the mutant skeletons we have, so I'm looking for the intact ones." She said. "Is there anything you need?"

>>21002578
"No, I just came to have you look at the sword. You want me to leave you to it?"

"No, I just came to have you look at the sword." You say. "You want me to leave you to it?"
"No, wait." She said. "Can I... see Rikar for a second? One of the dragon's teeth came loose, the other day... and I want to sharpen it."

She reached under the table, and pulled out a long, sharp tooth, charred a dull black.
"I'm thinking... I might need a weapon."

>>21002717
"There are worse choices than sharpening a dragon's tooth I suppose. It being from a dead creature means you ought to be able to carve some necromancy in it.

Though you might want to consult with Redglare, he would know more than I whether it would make a good sword."

>>21002754
Or knife, for that matter.

>>21002717
"Your skeletons are your weapons, it's probably better to just fly out of reach."

Come on you're fragile and if we lose you we lose all the undead. Can you even use a weapon?

>>21002802
Think of it as being a defensive last resort tool. Besides that, a dagger is useful in all sorts of situations, not necessarily combat related.

Though we should perhaps insist on including her in sparring sessions if she intends to actually use it as a weapon.

"There are worse thoices than sharpening a dragon's tooth, I suppose." You say. "It being from a dead creature means you ought to be able to carve some necromancy in it."
"That's what I need Rikar for." She said. "This tooth is massive, but... I can't carve it with my normal tools. My last knife broke on it, and I prefer not to use metal tools for carving totems."
"Your skeletons are your weapons." You say. "It's probably better to just fly out of reach. Come on, you're fragile, and if we lose you, we lose all the undead. Can you even use a weapon?"

Raziel gritted her teeth, offended. "Yes, Ishelda, I can. I only fought mutants in these wastelands for years."

>>21002831
"Right. I'm sorry. I, I forgot. I didn't mean... I'm sorry."

>>21002831
Yeah, notice how the offensive bit wasn't in speech marks?

>>21002846
Maybe you shouldn't have said it in the first person then, just to be extra clear. C'mon, Exabyte's still human.

>>21002859
Probably. I was just going over my reasoning that if she's traded strength for flight she should play to her advantages. IC we would be far more concerned about losing Raz than the skeletons going as well.

>Sorry, I thought it was part of the suggestion. People forget to add quotations all the time, so I kind of disregard those most of the time.

"Right. I'm sorry. I... I forgot. I didn't mean... I'm sorry."
She sighed.
"I know you think we kalak are rather vulnerable when it comes to melee combat, and we are rather light... but we aren't as helpless as you'd think, Ishelda." She said, putting a hand on your shoulder. "Even without magic. I'll just change back to my kalak form, if I need to. I'll have Kaliel make me a proper chimera form later."

>>21002915
"I thought Kal examined you to check the form. Did she not write down the markings for it?"

>>21002915
Still, I... Sorry. Would you like to join me and Redglare for sparring sessions?

>>21002915
"Right. I'm not even sure why I said it, now. Here."
Hand her Rikar.

"Still, I... sorry." You say.
"It's fine. Zeke and Cassiel never seem to realize, either." She said.
"I'm not even sure why I said it, now. Here." You say, and hand her the blade. Immediately, she takes the blade to the tooth, shearing off enamel and bone with Rikar's edge.

"I thought Kal examined you to check the form. did she not write down the markings for it?" You ask, as she works.
"She did, but apparently this form is too flawed to use for a proper chimeric form." She said. "She said it was surprising I didn't have and bad side effects, with organs that were connected to nothing, and such. Was surprised that I was still fertile. She promised to make me a new one with my human and kalak forms, but she hasn't gotten around to it."
"... Would you like to join me and Redglare for sparring sessions?"
"I probably would, but I don't use a sword." She said, showing you the tooth- now, it had an even sharper point, with a long hilt, and no visible edge. "I use a shortspear."

She quickly started carving small runes into it, holding Rikar by the blade- it dulled, as to not cut her hand, while the point stayed sharp so that she could carve.

>>21002831
"Really? I've never seen you actually fight. I suppose I have to now."

>>21003044
"What do you plan to do once it's fully inscribed?"

>>21003044
Let her do her thing, don't want to distract her.

"What do you plan to do once it's fully inscribed?"
"Probably try and armor my skeletons some more." She said, still carving. "There." She said, giving you Rikar back.
The artifact, once again, turned a bright violet, and you sheathed it.
"Really?" You ask. "I've never seen you actually fight. I suppose I have to, now."
She gave you a grin. "Well... maybe I could spar a little... But I'm used to doing it in kalak form, and I probably shouldn't use the tooth for sparring."

She set down the dragon's tooth, and rolled her shoulders.
"Now, where did I put that..." She mumbled, wandering, before pulling out a long, dull iron pike, made with a simple wooden hilt. You see that it's been cut in half, so it's only about four or five feet long.
"There. I can just use the butt end." She said, folding up her wings and twirling it above her head.

Rolled 10

>>21003212
attack

>>21003212
"What do the inscriptions do?"

>>21003244
No, bad anon!

Rolled 89

>>21003212
Draw Rikar, stretch, prepare to fight.

Rolled 43

>>21003244
Shit dude, do not embarrass ourselves

>>21003266
Actually, I'm going to support him. That's exactly the kind of thing Redglare does so it's how we're used to training. Plus he rolled horribly so we'll probably end up getting smacked in the face with a stick which is always funny.

"What do the inscriptions do?" You ask.
"They work like a simple totem." She said, swapping hands, trying to get used to the spear again. "It allows me to use the tooth as... well, a weaker, simpler version of the totem on the dragon's skull. It won't let me conjure the spectre, but it will let me use the necromantic energy. I can bring forth an... echo, of dragonfire with it. Theoretically."

You stretch, and then draw Rikar, and wave it this way and that, feeling the weapon shift it's balance, as usual. She doesn't seem to notice, and so you charge, Rikar dulling as you swing. Suddenly, the butt end of the spear shoots toward you, catching you in the shoulder, sending you spinning, and no doubt, giving you a rather bad bruise.
"Now, take it slow, will you?" She asked, and then rolled her shoulders. "I'm still a bit rusty."
>Field too long!

She skips a few steps back, hopping this way and that, her wings twitching and spasming. You get to your feet, and then leap forward again, skipping to the side as she thrusts the spear again. You swing, and she leaps out of the way, almost *sideways*, when her wings spread, helping her keep her balance. She twirls the spear again, eyes locked on yours. You take a step, as if to charge, and she twitches, starting to leap- and then stops, as you change direction, losing what stability she had. You continue your feinted charge, and send Rikar swinging down onto her arm. You hear something crunch, and she leaps back again, but you press the offense, not letting her keep any distance. Eventually, she ends up with her back to the wall.
"You are a lot better than I am." She said, finally, holding her arm. "But that has to do with the fact that you've trained for two years, and I'm still at subhuman strength and subkalak agility."

>>21003424
Put the cloak on her, that should give her an advantage.

>>21003424
"That was fun! Is your arm okay?"

"That was fun!" You say. "Is your arm okay?"
"Will be in a second." She said, and took a book off of a table, flipping it open. She found a rune on the page, and whispered the spell, bathing her arm in golden light. "There." She said. "Good as new."

She took a few steps toward you, and whispered the same spell, bathing your own shoulder in the same light, healing the forming bruise.
"Sorry about that, you surprised me." She said. "I didn't even consider which end I was using; I could have ended up using the tip of the spear."

>>21003547
"You're apologising for me ambushing you?"

>>21003547
"It would have served me right, so long as it wasn't lethal." Teasing: "Of course, if you'd killed me, there would be problems."

Rolled 21

>>21003424
I can go to hurry Kaliel up with that chimeric form if you want.

>>21003547
"Be no different then when I'm training with Redglare." (smile)

"You're apologizing for me ambushing you?" You ask.
"Well, um." She said. "Yeah, kind of. Good thing to see I still have my reflexes."
"It would have served me right, so long as it wasn't lethal." You say, and give her a sly smile. "Of course, if you'd killed me, there would be problems."
"My spellbook was right over there." She said. "You wouldn't have bled out by the time I found the healing spell, I hope."
"I can go to hurry Kaliel up with that chimeric form, if you want."
"That would really help." She said. "I know this form, my human form, and the kalak form, but I'll still need to get used to it. And maybe train a bit more."

>>21003668
...but we just left Kaliel because she was really busy.

>>21003668
meryuk nubgomber. cwaftl njil, nop tregu.

>>21003811
...what?

"Well, Kaliel was really busy..." You say, thinking.
"Don't worry about it." She said. "Just remind her, because it's been a week or so." She said. "But I should probably continue picking through my mutant skeletons for something Kaliel would be interested in. And then take a nap." She said, and grinned. "Oh, right! The road! I finished the road to the west, to the provinces, and now we're working on the one north. Gehenna asked me to move my skeletons around, so that's what they're doing."

>>21003864
"Oh, good. That should make travel a lot easier."

We're starting the north road? I thought we were going to do the elves before the orcs. Did I miss a civbuilder?

>>21003884
Elfroad is useless without the bridge. Orcroad can be used as soon as it's done.

>>21003899
We have outside contractors going to work on the bridge, and elfroad would speed that considerably. Also, the bridge's simple existence would bring an influx of Elvish trade and possibly settlers. Just a thought for next civbuilder.

>>21003899
Elf road is needed so we can get workers to the bridge and do that. We don't even trade with the orcs that road isn't really important.

"Oh, good." You say. "That should make travel a lot easier."
"We still need, um, guardhouses or whatever." She said. "But my skeletons aren't smart enough to build things that are stable unless I teach them, and they forget what I teach eventually."
"Hey, um, can you start work on the road east, instead?" You ask. "So that the bridge gets built more quickly."
"Right, I can." She said. Her pendant gleamed, and you sensed necromancy and enchantment magic for a moment. "There. They weren't even all in place, yet, so it was simple enough to move them. They're on their way now, and I'll tell Gehenna."

>>21003990
"Thanks."

I want to spar with dad, let's go find him. And while we're walking we can remind Kal about Raz's form quickly with the rings.

"Thanks." You say. She grinned, and gave you a hug. You made your way out of her workshop, and went up and out of the dungeons.
<Kal, Raz wanted me to remind you about her chimera form.>
<Oh, that thing?> She asked. <I completely forgot about it! It's almost halfway done, and I'll be able to finish it right after I get this guy's eyes working. The actual eyes are intact, it's just that his brain doesn't seem to understand the input...>
She started mumbling to herself, still through the ring. <Sorry, sorry, I'm still working. Love you, Ishelda.>

She disconnected the ring, and you continue going up the stairs, eventually ending up in the courtyard, where Jormungandr was sitting. Ell and Zeke were poring over the cannons, working on it with gauntlet and glyph, respectively. Cassiel was examining the ankh, closely, kneeling over it.

"What a thing." Your father said, looking at the grounded Jormungandr. "An orcish cargo ship, turned into an airship, and then a warship... I've never known magic could make such a thing, unless it was an artifact."

>>21004119
"In some ways it almost is. I'm pretty sure it has a mind of its own, albeit a very primitive one."

>>21004119
"It's served me well so far. Ell, Zeke, what are you up to?"

we should see if we can upgrade it at all

>>21004119
"I helped design it! Sort of. The abundance of magic here really is useful."

I'd like to suggest using our Fate Point to upgrade Jormungandr's mind.

"I helped design it! Sort of." You say. "The abundance of magic here really is useful."
"I'm glad to hear that." He said, chuckling. "Though that elven young man gave me the strangest look..."
You make your way closer to the airship, and look to Ell and Zeke.
"What are you up to?" You ask.
"Fixing things." Ell said. "I've gotten a lot better since I've taken full grasp of my talent, and now I can see a bunch of weak points and mana sinks in the way the cannons work, so I'm fixing those. Zeke is trying to give them optional charms."
"It's... not going well." Zeke said. "But I'll get it done eventually."

>>21004186
I'd like to suggest that the Jormungandr's mind being upgraded is not only not worth using a fate point on, but actually a bad thing.

Rolled 73

>>21004200
"Is there any way I can help?"

dice for helping (if he says yes)

>>21004204
How so? It would be able to pilot itself, and probably do all sorts of other things that would be otherwise impossible, or at least exceedingly difficult.

>>21004219
Not worth the Fate Point.

Rolled 95

>>21004200
Rolling to give our airship more strength and possibly self repairing.

>>21004200
"I hear you're giving my father looks."

>>21004219
It already pilots itself. You put in the destination and it goes there. It's a mode of transport, we need it to get us from point A to point B, and not decide it would actually quite like to see the sunset over point C tonight.

>>21004217
>>21004242
If they say it's okay, let's use these rolls to upgrade.

Otherwise, ignore.

"Is there any way I can help?" You ask, already raising your magic.
"Well, nobody seems to understand the way your stealth magic works, but if you could tie the enchantment into the ship's abjuration instead of the ship itself, that would help." He said.

You nod, and close your eyes, feeling out for the magic in the ship. You feel the evocation magic hiding in the cannons, ready to burst free at any moment, and a shield of abjuration surrounding the ship, newly replaced from the old... and your own enchantment, two years old. With your own magic, you reach forward, and... grab the old enchantment, gently easing it loose from the ship, binding it to the airship's shields.
"Thanks." Ell said. "That was rather interesting to watch."

But you're not done yet. You reach outward with your magic, taking ahold of the abjuration again... and you weave your own powerful spell around it, magic seeping out of the lines on your arms, the green energy blazing out, weaving around the ship, and the abjuration spell... explodes into light, glyphs and runes of a language nobody knows, or ever has known, suddenly appearing and shimmering around an invisible sphere.

You open your eyes, only slightly drained... and the ankh in Cassiel's hand bursts with similar green light, glyphs burning across it's surface, in response to the one in the ship. Sparks drop from the artifact, and, once rusted and dark, it sheens silver, pure and clean.

"... Huh." Cassiel responded.

>>21004298
"Ooh, did I fix it?"

Rolled 56

>>21004298
Examine Ankh

Rolled 99

>>21004298
"haha, score one for sorcery!"

Rolling for triumphant fanfare, item get style.

>>21004339
>The fanfare is better than the thing we're celebrating
Don't do it, Ishelda! You're walking down the dark path to politicianhood!

>>21004350
But...she's already a politician. Sort of by default.

>>21004350
gotta admit i lol'd. sage for not contribooting

"Ooh, did I fix it?" You ask, and he hands it to you. Incanting the wizardry detection, you sense powerful, green magic- abjuration, writhing through it. While holding it, you feel... safer. Stronger, somehow. More stable.

"Haha, score one for sorcery!" You claim, and raise the ankh above your head. It levitates, and you hear your once-crewmate orc playing his accordian, almost in a strange form of fanfare. Apropos of nothing, the ankh makes a strange noise- almost like a bell.

You give the ankh back to Cassiel, and the orc continues playing, walking down to the city happily.

".... What." Ell responded.

>>21004375
"Magic! Come on Ell, I thought after two years you would understand how things work around here."

>>21004375
"You're not used to me by now, Ell?"

Rolled 96

>>21004375
whilst we're on a roll,

upgrade the engines!

>>21004375
"'What' what? You act like you've never seen me happy before."

"You're not used to me by now, ell?" You ask.

"I thought I *was*." He said.

You turn to the ship again, and close your eyes, bringing up magic power once again, and magic drifts from the silver lines in your arms.

Something... strange, starts building up within you. Your arms start trembling, and you feel like something in them is starting to... blossom.

>Roll 1d6
>Taking the median of the first three rolls.

Rolled 1

>>21004418
The median? Ok...

Rolled 4

>>21004418
oh god this can't be good

Rolled 6

>>21004418
Whelp, this aughtta be interesting.

Rolled 29

>>21004418
Well that got us a four.

>aniiesn time
No aniiesn no!

You close your eyes, and continue through with the spell, pale blue light streaming from the silver lines in your arms, as they shoot up and drift into the ship's levitation crystals, spells weaving around each one, turning them all a dark violet, as the spell hits home. You feel hardly drained as the ship shudders, much more powerful, but that strange... thing inside of you fades away, without bursting free. Strange...

"No seriously I mean what." Ell said. "Your hands are... I don't even know what they're doing but it isn't in three dimensions."

>>21004467
"I dunno, I just thought 'upgrade the engines', and made it so."

>>21004467
"Of course not, they're portal-hands."

>>21004467
Then I guess you could call them engines from the near future.

"I don't know, I just thought 'upgrade the engines', and made it so." You say.
"... Right." He said. "Y-yeah, right. I ought to get used to sorcery one of these days." He said. "Most of it looks... nonsensical. Whimsical, almost."

Rolled 67

>>21004467
Magic. I don't know how it works. This is what happens when I'm happy.

Rolling to turn him upside down via one of those higher dimensions.

>>21004512
"Probably because it is."

"Probably because it is." You say, and give him a smile. "I don't know how it works. This is what happens when I'm happy."
"... Kaliel must live an interesting life, then." Ell said, and chuckled.

>>21004604
"She does. Yesterday I accidentally created a perfect chimeric form, shapeshifted her into it and taught her the runes that make it."

Rolled 18

>>21004604
Whelp, time to turn bright red and use the cloak to vanish.

>>21004627
"with one spell."

"She does." You say. "Yesterday I accidentally created a perfect chimeric form, shapeshifted her into it, and taught her the runes that make it. With one spell."
"Sorcery doesn't use spells." Ell said. "It looks like you just... reach out and move things, like your magic was a limb. A spell is different."
He shrugged, and gave your father a glance that... lingered, rather too long.

>>21004696
"Why do you keep doing that?"

"Is there some sort of weird magic thing you're seeing around my dad or something?"

"Why do you keep doing that?" You ask. "Is there some sort of weird magic thing you're seeing around my dad or something?"
"Well, um, your father's magic looks... rather strange." He said. "Like his arcane stamina is... scarred away, or burned. He keeps producing magic, like most living beings, but he can't retain any of it. It looks like mist is drifting from his limbs, to me."

>>21004733
"He...fed his talent to the shield spell in order to power it. There simply wasn't enough magic in Arcturus to keep it up.
I don't suppose you can see a way to heal it do you?"

>>21004733
"He burned it away keeping up the ward spell for two years. Do you think it can be fixed?"

>>21004733
Is there any way to fix it?

Rolled 38

>>21004733
>>21004733
Rolling to make dad a magic bucket/battery to store his magic in.

Rolled 4

>>21004733
We have the technology, we can make him better, faster, stronger...

Rolled 66

>>21004759
A magic bucket?
We could just try healing it like we did for Kyvann.

"He burned it away, keeping up a ward spell for two years. Do you think it can be fixed?"
"Not... particularly." He said. "It looks like something is... fundamentally damaged. I'm not even sure he can absorb magic from other sources, either. I could try some kind or orichalum and crystals in his limbs, and the spots where he keeps seeping magic, but... that would involve having to cut him open, and I really don't think it will work."

Rolled 62

>>21004775
The technology is insufficient.

>>21004775
>>21004759
apparently it's not quite that simple to fix his issue

>>21004788
"I didn't really think so, I was just curious."

>>21004788
"Yeah, don't try that. He doesn't seem too upset that it's gone anyway."

"Yeah, don't try that." You say. "He doesn't seem too upset that it's gone, anyway."
"I didn't plan to." He said, and frowned. "Hey, could you lend your magical expertise to my armor, real quick? I'd like if it could last a bit longer, or even use up less energy."

Rolled 22

>>21004788
Boop dad on the nose and give him either the core of his magic back, or a hug if it fails.

Rolled 71

>>21004840
"I'll try. But as you said, my magic is whimsical."

>>21004847
No. First of all, he's not missing the core of his magic, he just has no way to retain magic. A parallel idea might be that he's still generating and pumping blood, but he has no veins or arteries to get it to where it needs to go in order to DO anything.
Second of all, you shouldn't just DO things like that to people without their permission. It's fundamentally changing who they are as a person and how they perceive themselves. And frankly, it's rude to even try.

"I'll try." You say. "But, as you said, my magic is whimsical." You say, and give him a smile.

After running over and giving your dad a hug, Ell pulls out his heavy suit of armor, almost as tall as Kristoph's own, but many times thicker.

You close your eyes, and put your hands on the suit. Inside, lay many layers of orichalum, spellcrystals, intricately woven and carved. Sitting inside a small bulge in the upper back, was the largest, densest crystal of all, a complex lattice filled with magic power. You reach into it, feeding your own energy, and then you make it... coiled, more powerful, sprung tightly, like it was ready to explode. You feel the power leave your limbs, and alongside the rest of the spellcasting you've done recently, you have a feeling that the world should start to spin if you cast another spell like this.

"...Thanks." He said, giving you a grin. "...By the way, you should see Kiyara. She's hiding from everyone, but after we left the meeting, well... she's glowing."

>>21004926
"...she didn't even think to check until I mentioned 'it', didn't she?"

Rolled 94

>>21004926
Glowing? I don't think I have enough magic left to fix that, maybe tomorrow.

>>21004926
"Do you mean literally glowing, or really happy?"
Never can tell with magic.

>>21004955
APPARENTLY WE DO

"She didn't even think to check until I mentioned 'it', didn't she." You say.
"Yeah, she had me check." He said. "But... I'd like if you didn't tell anybody else, except for Kaliel. That's what we decided."

"... Do you mean literally glowing, or really happy?"
"Uhm, yeah." He said. "Her glowing is a bit more muted than most, because of her skin, but if you lift her shirt, her belly is glowing. Since then, she's been ecstatic, but she decided to keep it rather private."

>>21004969
90s everywhere!

>>21004974
"Congratulations!"
"So, elvish babies glow...?"

"Congratulations!" You say. "So... elvish babies grow?"
"No, just the mother, while she's carrying the baby." Ell said. "The child soaks in the light, and it helps them grow. Uh, it's not really my place to say, but elvish women start to glow now and then when they're, uhm, no longer girls."

>>21005044
Oh god the implications...

>>21005044
"I... see. I think maybe that's enough about that subject."

>So... elvish babies grow?
No, they stay babies forever. Pick Ell up and rock him to sleep. That's not what I typed.

a>>21005044
Blood everywhere?

I'm assuming were just glossing over ishy's menstruation. She's not actually infertile or anything, is she?

Surely kaliel would have said something by now

>>21005044
So they turn into manticores?

>>21005044
>>21005079
>glow, even. Goddamnit.

>>21005092
I'm afraid she must be. Ishelda never gets grumpy or anything.

Isn't Ishelda 16 by now? I think Exabyte is just ignoring that particular detail for the sake of sanity.

>>21005127
She also never goes to the bathroom or takes a shower.

>>21005156
Sanity is for the weak.

>>21005169
Why waste time when you can sort it all out with magic?

>>21005092
>Yes, we've been glossing over it, showers, bathroom breaks, etc etc. She started menstruating before the quest started,

"I... see." You say. "I think maybe that's enough about that subject."
"Thank you." Ell responded, closing his eyes. "Anyway, thank you for the armor. If you need anything, just ask."

>>21005230
Let's see how Quaz is doing if there is nothing to do.

>>21005230
Grin. "I will."

Right, we came here to spar with father, didn't we? Let's go over and talk to him.

Rolled 6

>>21005230
Were tired, so cast summon bear and let's hide him to our next destination.

1.) Spar with Abel if he's able (hah)
2.) Check up on Kiyara
3.) Go check up on Quaz for shits and giggles.

in that order.

>>21005299
We're MAGICALLY tired. We can walk just fine and casting makes it worse.

"I will." You say, and give him a grin. He nods, and you make your way over to your dad.
"Father." You say, giving him a grin.
"Dove." He responded.
"Would you care for this dance?" You ask, and draw Rikar.
His lips quirked. "I'm not sure I'd be able to bring my full strength against you..." He said, and he drew his own blade. "On your guard." He said, in arcturian.

For a short while, you and your father parry basic blows, both of you stationary, feeling out one another's skill, as Rikar flashes against the golden blade's sheen.
His grin falling, he suddenly sped up, weaving a web of enchanted steel around you, to where it was almost impossible for you to catch up, and he took a step forward. You take a step back, instinctively. His blade is longer than yours- you can't let him push you back any further.
>Roll 1d100 for sparring!
>Taking highest of first two.

Rolled 38

>>21005366
aaaaaaaa

Rolled 66

>>21005366

Rolled 24

>>21005366
here goes..

Grinning, you push forward, knocking his blade away and taking another step. The two of you dance, in a strange way, pushing against one another- You advancing, as your shorter blade is better when you're close, and him backing up, trying to use his height and length to his advantage.

You continue pushing him back, slowly but surely, when suddenly, His blade comes crashing down from above, and you hardly parry it in time.

"Be careful." He said, and that was all the warning you got before his arm and blade became a blur. A dizzying array of strikes start coming from seemingly all angles, jarring your hand with each blow; You take another step back, trying to get some breathing room, but he just advances- and then he pauses, breathing deeply.

You take that moment... to twirl Rikar in your hand, putting the blade parallel to your forearm. The next time he swung, you parried with Rikar and your forearm, knocking his arm and the sword out and away from him.
"... What?" He asked, and then you were on him, twisting it back as you charge again, spinning, Rikar whipping out at him. He parried the first few blows of your assault, and then finally took a step back. You pushed on, Rikar whipping out at him repeatedly, before you finally knock the blade away again, and thrust toward his heart, the tip of your blade hovering over his chest.
"... Well." He said, panting... and then he started laughing. "I hope the knights didn't see that. Jaeden would never let me hear the end of it."

Rolled 56

>>21005503
Please tell me we saved that from 3 different angles so we can show j later.

"huzzah, I win" magic up a victory hat.

>>21005503
"You're pretty good for an old man."

>>21005551
>Please tell me we saved that from 3 different angles so we can show j later.
We can get Raz to use her mirror here, and then project the image to everyone in the castle.

>>21005551
Did/does arcturus have a crown?

"Huzzah, I win." You say, and grin at him. "You're pretty good, for an old man."
"You're pretty good for a brat." He said, laughing. He pushed the tip of Rikar away with a finger, and then pulled you into a hug.
"I'm proud." He said, finally.

>>21005621
"Thanks father. I've been working hard."

"Do you have any advice about New Arcturus? My ruler education was cut a little short."

>>21005621
Hugs!

>>21005621
"You and Redglare should train some time if you want to beat me!"

>>21005716
He already beat Redglare. And Redglare's busy holding the expedition up making armor at the moment. And Marigold can't stick lost limbs back on so easily any more.

You tighten your hug.
"Thanks, father. I've been working hard." You say. "Do you have any advice about New Arcturus? My ruler education was cut a little short."
"Well, dove, I only have two things to say." He said. "Being a ruler is... to care for your people. Everything for the people. As long as you're trying to make people's lives better, you won't go wrong. That's all that's important, when it comes to being a ruler. And my second lesson, is, well, this. You should not *always* be a ruler. You're a beautiful young woman- and sometimes, that's more important than all of Arcturus. Don't forget yourself for your people. Take care of your heart."

>>21005774
But every time I try to take time to myself something bad happens. I can't afford to do that too often.

I think I'm too important here, everything runs through me.

"But every time I try to take time to myself, something bad happens." You say. "I can't afford to do that too often."
"That's why you have me. And Marigold. And Raziel, and Gehenna." He said. "Why you have so many friends here to help you. You may be the queen and the ruling monarch, but... let us lighten your load. Share your burden. No kingdom can stand on a single person's shoulders. Not even sorcerous shoulders."

>>21005774
"I know. I have lots of good friends who care about me. I don't want to end up like Her."

>>21005870
Then you'll have to teach Marigold regenting. She takes over for me when I go on adventures!

Did I tell you about the minotaur portal? Where I got these fancy magic lines?

>>21005870
"I know. I rely on them quite a lot, without Gehenna I would be swimming in paperwork.

I just want everyone to love New Arcturus as much as I do, so I feel I have to make it as great as possible."

>>21005898
We did tell him about those.

"I know." You say. "I rely on them quite a lot, and without Gehenna I would be swimming in paperwork." You say. "I just... want everyone to love New Arcturus as much as I do, so I feel I have to make it as great as possible."
"... It's already pretty awesome." He said. "I've never seen a castle like this before, and you built up so much in only two years, with no native population. You already have a small city, and more court magisters than any other kingdom on the continent." He said. "People will be *flocking* here, soon. Coming in droves."

>>21005964
"I hope so."

>>21005964
I hope so!

>>21005964
"Assuming the world doesn't end in the interim. If wizardry gets taken out by Tyr that will severely hamper one of our major draws.

I think it happened that way because I saw a lot of myself in the Kalaks, they had lost their world, they didn't really have a home they all were scattered, and I knew what it felt like not to have somewhere to call home."

"I hope so! Assuming the world doesn't end in the interim." You say. "If wizardry gets taken out by Tyr that will severely hamper one of our major draws."
"Which is why you're stopping him." Your father said, and you nodded.
"I think it happened that way because I saw a lot of myself in the Kalaks, they had lost their world, they didn't really have a home they all were scattered, and I knew what it felt like not to have somewhere to call home."
"And now..." He said. "And now you made a home for us all. That's what... That's what you made New Arcturus to be. A home for the lost, and the displaced. You've *succeeded*, my daughter, and I can't emphasize how major this is."

<Well.> Sardriel suddenly said. <I think we've got everything packed up, Ishelda.>

Rolled 26

>>21006080
<Duck.>

Portal GO!

>>21006080
"I guess I never really thought about it like that. Doing one little thing at a time, you don't see the big picture."

<Aeriel, can you open a portal to Sardriel's tower please?>
"Ooh, new residents. Shall we go meet them?"

>>21006080
"Speak the devil, three more incoming. Please excuse me, father."
<Aeriel, the Kalak at the Carved Tower are ready to come here if you would please open a portal for their convenience.>

>>21006080
<That's wonderful. The elementals behaved I hope.

Ones based on earth, air and so on tend to be pretty obedient, it's when you start getting into astral fire, rage, melancholy that they start developing quirks.>

<Aeriel, could you get ready to open a portal, Sardriel has finished packing up and he along with some others are moving in.>

"And we're about to get some new residents, word of warning, Sardriel may seem odd or creepy, but at his heart he's a nice guy."

>>21006121
We delegate portal stuff to Aeriel, it's more consistent that way.

>>21006080
<Great! We'll have a portal open momentarily.>

"Thank you, father. Now something else has come up to deal with, so I gotta go talk to Gehenna and his brother."

<Aeriel, Gehenna, Neiriel, Dariel, Sardriel and his girls are moving down here, we'll need some portals, and rooms for them.>
Ignore the rooms bit if that's already been set up, I can't recall.

>>21006133
More than three. His entire harem is coming.

>>21006135
I second warning Dad that he's a little bit creepy. Not entirely, but a little.

>>21006220
I think we already described Sardriel to dad as the creepy harem dude, before we made up.

<That's wonderful.> you say.

"Speak of the rogue, more incoming." You say. "Please excuse me, father." You say.
"Of course." He responded.
"Word of warning, Sardriel may seem odd or creepy, but at his heart, he's a nice guy."
"I'm glad to hear that.

<Aeriel, the Kalak at the tower are ready to come here. If you would, please open a portal for their convenience.>
<Right away.> He responded. You feel translocation magic, and you see Aeriel in the courtyard, arms spread, and a portal in front of him. Immediately, wind elementals poured out, carrying boxes, while Dariel and Neiriel step through, carrying their own belongings. Dariel was fully moulted, the feathers on his face much slimmer and almost... sharper than most, giving him a fierce, 'bird of prey'-like appearance. He looked this way and that, interested in the new sight, while Neiriel looked down to a small satchel in her arms, almost worried.
Dariel noticed you, and waved, before bowing low, his wings spread- his wings were enormous, compared to his tiny body, and tipped with similarly 'sharp' feathered wings.

One by one, several women- both elven and human- started coming through carrying boxes, followed soon after by a very thick-skinned elf; In the light, he almost looked green. Sardriel. He nodded to you, and you notice that the women seem to.. gravitate around him.

>>21006229
>>21006220
Fixing his eyes should have helped with the "being creepy" thing somewhat.

>>21006236
Let's wander over and help them get set up. We can carry a box or something. Make sure that there's the right number of elementals, and be watching if they get dismissed.

>>21006236
"Hello everyone. Welcome to New Arcturus."

>>21006236
"It is my fondest pleasure to welcome you all to Triune's Gift, capital city of New Arcturus.

Now, while I have people prepare your quarters and transport any luggage you have would you all care for a spot of tea?"

Rolled 97

>>21006236
"Cast" flying hug missile on Dariel, even if he isn't fluffy any more.

>>21006236
Are Sardriel's girls aware of things? Be sure to greet them as people as well.

>>21006283
YES
yell 'FLUFFY!' as we do

>>21006303
Yell fluffy when he's not fluffy?

>>21006283
I think we should give him a respectful kindly hug, one befitting a Queen not a rambunctious young girl obsessed with cute things.

Treat him like an adult now that he's molted.

>>21006283
I think we should cast that, then pick him up and give him a handshake.

>>21006331
One last time, damnit. Let us have this.

You run toward Dariel, and with a spark of magic, collide with him, as you leap into a hug, knocking him over. "Fluffy!" You cry, before pulling yourself and him back up.

"Ahem." You say, still hugging Dariel. "It is my fondest pleasure to welcome you all to Triune's Gift, capital city of New Arcturus." You say, addressing the frowning Kalak in your arms, Neiriel, Sardriel, and the women, who were all looking at you attentively, between glances back up at Sardriel, as if to reassure themselves.

"Thank you." Sardriel said, with a chuckle and a nod.
"Now, while I have people prepare your quarters and transport any luggage you would have, would you all care for a spot of tea?" you ask.
"I'd love one." Dariel said. "... If you let go."
You let go, smooth down the ruffled feathers on his torso, and give him a handshake.
"I might as well." Neiriel said.

"Thank you for the offer, but I'll have to decline." Sardriel said. "It's best we all get settled as soon as possible. Perhaps later, though, when they're more comfortable with their surroundings."

>>21006364
It makes me sad that he seems to treat them like animals/pets.

"Of course. To the tea room!"

I assume we have a dedicated tea room.

>>21006364
"Of course Sardriel, I would love to join you and girls for tea at your earliest convenience."

>>21006388
It's a tea Bear.

Which is to say, Grayson has the tea hook-up.

"Of course, Sardriel." You say. "I would love to oin you and girls for tea, at your earliest convenience."
"I'll make sure to inform you." He said, with another nod. You ask a page to lead him to his quarters, alongside the elementals, and the page nods.
"Now, come along." Sardriel said.
"But Sardy, I have... I have a bad feeling about this place." One of the women said. Sardriel started talking with her in a low voice, as they made their way into the castle.

"Well, shall we?" Neriel asked.
"To the tea room!" You say.

Soon enough, you, Dariel, and Neiriel end up in a small corner of the dining hall, each with some tea in front of you.
"I don't know what breed makes my feathers like this." Dariel was saying. "It looks like I'm obsidian, but I don't have any dark feathers anywhere."

>>21006452
"I'm not entirely sure. We could ask Azzy next time he is able to visit. Or if you want you could ask Raziel some time to perform the ancestry ritual, though you will have to wait for the both of those options.

You look like you're an excellent flier though."

>>21006452
"We'll have to ask Azariel the next time his wraith comes around. According to him, my own Kalak form is a cross between Marble and Opal. Regardless, you look like you'll have an easy time of flying."

"I'm not entirely sure." You say. "We could ask Azariel next time his wraith comes around."
"Actually," Raziel said, taking a seat next to you. "Wraiths are spirits who tore their way out of the veil, existing completely outside of it, on their own power. Like The Wanderer. Azariel was bound by a totem, so he's a ghost or spectre, based on how corporeal he is."
"Glad to see you, Raziel." Neiriel said, while Dariel hugged Raz.
"Or, if you want, you could ask Raziel some time to perform the ancestry ritual, though you will have to wait for both of those options. You look like you're an excellent flier, though."
"I am." He said, grinning at you. "I was able to fly before I moulted, which is rare."

>>21006509
"I'll miss the fluffiness, but everyone has to grow up sometime.

Have you considered what your specialty in wizardry is going to be?"

>>21006509
"So, what did you do with all that fluff?"

"I'll miss the fluffiness, but everyone has to grow up sometime." You say. "Have you considered what your specialty in wizardry is going to be?"
"I'm not choosing a specialty." He said, finally. He gave you... the strangest, most confident smile you've ever seen. "I'm going to learn... universal magic."
"... Jack of all trades, master of none?" Raziel asked, pouring her own tea.
"Of course not." Dariel said. "Master of all, eventually. We live a thousand years, remember?"

>>21006601
"Azariel lived really long and was really powerful for a Kalak, but he still only managed to master two specialities."

>>21006601
"Interesting. You're probably going to be reading quite a bit into the theory and philosophy of magic, then. What happened to wanting to be a magical knight, hm? I remember when you were younger, you wanted to become some sort of chimeric demi-gryphon."

>>21006601
"Well aren't you confident. Remember, in any field you can always learn more, the masters always think they have more to learn.

Be sure to keep me updated with your progress, I'm interested in seeing you grow."

>>21006601
"In that case, I'd suggest speaking with Ell when you have a chance, his talent is that he can literally see magic. All the time, in very fine detail."

"Azariel lived really long, and was really powerful for a Kalak, but he still only managed to master two specialties."
"He did." Dariel said. "Doesn't mean that I can't learn more."
"Well, aren't you confident." You say, and sip at your tea. "What happened to wanting to become a magical knight, hm? I remember when you were younger, you wanted to become some sort of chimeric demi-gryphon."
"I'm... not quite sure what a gryphon is, but nonetheless... things changed." He said. "I learned my first few spells. Apparently, according to Neiriel's judgement, my personal aptitude has... well, no weaknesses. I'm sure that with enough study, I can move the world."
"Be sure to keep me updated with your progress." You say. "I'm interested in seeing you grow."
"I will." He said.

>>21006601
"Haha! I typed in the Sorcery cheat code from the birth menu so I already am a master of everything!"

>>21006695
Show me a trick, Dariel. What magic can you do?

>>21006695
"So, Neiriel, how has your life been lately? Might I ask what's in the satchel?"

>>21006695
"Who's teaching you? I'm planning to set up a magic school here."

>>21006743
That would be her eggs, dude.

"Show me a trick, Dariel. What magic can you do?" you ask.

"Well," He said putting the tips of his talons together. "I was able to figure out how to do.... this."

He closed his eyes.. and runes of light appeared around his hands, as he was perfectly silent. You can almost *feel* his focus, as a small burst of flame appear in his palm.

"It's simple." He said, opening his eyes. "Every spell has special runes to make a circle, that you can use instead of components... so I just learned to cast Light without components, to make the circle."

Rolled 30

>>21006801
"Now that's cool."

Try that with the magic-sight spell.

>>21006770
"That's rather creative. I should probably find my own method of forgoing components whenever I am doing wizardy things, I can manage to only have to do one of the two but not eliminate them completely.

I often fall behind on my wizard studies due to being busy and relying on Sorcery instead."

>>21006801
"That's impressive. I've been learning wizardry myself, and have learned to substitute somatic with verbal components and vice versa."

>>21006801
"That's pretty good."
"...I still need at least one component for light." Sulky mode because we've been outclassed by somebody relatively younger who only just started learning and didn't have the head-start we did.

>>21006861
I'm pretty sure he's actually 30-something

"Now, that's cool." You say. You close your eyes, and whisper the light spell, trying to put together the runes for the magic sight spell, but you can't keep your focus, as the light spell goes blurry, not holding their shape properly. "... I still need at least one component for light." You say, starting to sulk.
"Well, I've been working at this sort of thing for two years." He said. "Ever since we reached Sardriel's tower, at least, and I saw how he could cast without words."

>>21006869
>relatively younger
>relatively

>>21006875
"I can cast without words, but it feels like cheating to use sorcery.

So, how do the both of you like Triune's Gift? You do think it's pretty right?

I hope in the coming days you'll be able to consider it home."

>>21006875
"How was living in the tower? Was it boring being couped up all day?"

And ask Nirel about the egg.

Rolled 37

>>21006875
"I don't practice nearly as often as I should, because I can just go:" click fingers and make a pretty flame shaped like a kalak with sorcery.

Rolled 73

>>21006923
Frown. "And that's why I need to learn wizardry." Try again until it works.

>>21006923
>>21006939
We're low on magic, we should save it.

>>21006958
Eh, I guess. It is only a little flame spell though.

>>21006958
>Actually, you aren't. You're at approximately 60%.

"I don't practice nearly as often as I should, because I can just go..."

You snap your fingers, and there's a spark of light as your spell fails, as a small amount of energy drains from you.
"Good point." He said, not seeming to notice the fact that you'd failed at your spell.
"How was living in the tower?" You ask. "Was it boring being couped up all day?"
"It was." He said. "But I'll have to coup myself up a lot, in order to learn." He said. "And when it comes down to it, I'll have to end up learning a bit from everybody, about their specialties."

You turn to Neiriel. "Is that your egg?" You ask, looking to the satchel.
"It is." She said. "I've never had a child before."

"So, how do the both of you like Triune's Gift?" You ask. "You do think it's pretty right? I hope in the coming days you'll be able to consider it home."

"I will." Dariel said. "It must be amazing from above. I'd go out there, but it seems to be getting dark..."
"Oh, go ahead." Raziel said. "It's perfectly safe."
"Well.. I'll go take a look." He said, getting to his feet. Again, the short kalak bowed to you, and made his way out of the room.

"... I think it will make a nice home." Neiriel said, finally. "It has that... feeling, I suppose."

>>21006985
"I'm glad. I, and everyone who's helped, have tried our best to make this place a refuge."

Rolled 34

>>21006985
"May I?"

Exaimine egg with sorcery, like we did the history tower and the memorial shrine.

Be gentle though.

Rolled 70

>>21006985
"That was one of the most important things I considered when making it. I wanted to make a home, for everyone who needed one.

Have you considered names for the children?"

>>21007024
We have to do better than that.

>>21007024
...because a new egg is going to have so much history?

>>21007039
Who knows? From memory we've done this with something else as well, and it was destined for great things in the future.

>>21007039
"is going to" being the key words. Scry the future!

"That was one of the most important things I considered when making it. I wanted to make a home, for everyone who needed one..." You say, and trail off.
"Have you considered names for the children?"
"I'm considering.... Remus. or Remiel" She said, examining the satchel.
"... may I?" You ask.
"I'm sorry, but no. I'm... wary." She said.
Raziel giggled. "Ishelda's just sad she hasn't gotten to kiss any babies since she became queen."

>>21007094
"Are eggs considered to be babies?"

>>21007094
"It's an important part of being a ruler. Just ask my father."

Rolled 48

>>21007094
Craft a small self sustaining rune ward. Then give it to her.

"For safety."

>>21007094
"I have! Some Nervghaul were born recently. The first beings to actually be from New Arcturus."

>>21007121
She's already got wards on it.

"I have!" You say. "Some nervghaul were born recently. First beings to actually be from New Arcturus."
"Good point." She said, with a grin.

Suddenly, your ring shook.

<Ishelda.> Kaliel said. <The Berecien is done, and Raziel's form, but, um, I have a surprise for you. I want your opinion.>

>>21007183
<For me? Should I be clearing my schedule for the rest of the night?>

>>21007183
<Oh? Should I go down there or are you going to tell me over the ring?>

>>21007183
<I'm having tea with Raziel and Neiriel right now. Shall I come to your dome when I'm done?>

<I'm having tea with Raziel and Neiriel right now.> You say. <Shall I come to your dome when I'm done? And... should I be clearing my schedule for the rest of the night?>
<Well... if you want.> She said.

You continue having tea with Neiriel and Raziel for some time, and then you make your way down to Kaliel's workshop, in the dungeons. You see a sleeping Berecien, and the 'mutant' is hibernating, it seems, perfectly stationary... and a cleanshaven young man stood there, a curtain of long brown hair covering most of his face and eyes. He combed it all up and out of his face, revealing amber eyes.
"So, uh... what do you think?" He asked, with a nervous grin.

>>21007269
"You're adorable!"

>>21007269
Go and clear the hair out of his face, and then say "Wow. I think I know how you felt when I was shaking my tailfeathers now."

>>21007269
"Very handsome."

>>21007269
"You look good... what brought this on?"

>>21007269
"You're rather handsome. You should probably tie your hair back if it gets in your eyes though, I think it'd look nice that way."

"Very handsome." You say, combing the hair out of his face. "You look good. What brought this on?"
"Well, I finished with the big guy over there, and then Raziel's form, and then I ... well, remembered you as Cain, so I was curious how I looked." He said. "I have to admit, I was kind of pleased with the result."
"You should probably tie your hair back if it gets in your eyes, though." You say. "I think it'd look nice that way."
"Probably." He said, and tied his hair back, his bangs hanging loose on either side of his head. He gave you another grin, and he kissed you, before picking up a scrap of paper. "I need to get this to Raziel, though, and then I should probably get some fresh air. Would you like to join me?"

>>21007364
"I'd love to." insist on holding Kal's hand the whole way.

>>21007364
"I would love to Kal.

Now that you're all manly perhaps you ought to carry me, make me feel like an innocent young maiden in the arms of her beloved."

What kind of a physical build does ManKal have?

>>21007421
He has brown hair! Why do you want more of a description than that?

>>21007421
Kaliel->Kalman.

"I would love to, Kal." You say, taking his hand. "Now that you're all manly, perhaps you ought to carry me. Make me feel like an innocent young maiden in the arms of her beloved."
"I would." He giggled. "But look at me."
You give him an appraising eye- other than being tall, he didn't look very strong- lanky, mostly, with shoulders made for slouching, and the red robe- which normally dragged along the ground, went only down to his ankles.
"You're mostly muscle, you know." He added. "And I'm not any stronger in this form, sadly. Taller, though."

>>21007453
"Suppose I'll have to carry YOU, then!"

>>21007453
"I guess I'll carry you then my dear."

>>21007453
Pout.
"Fine, but I get to hold your hand."

>>21007460
>>21007461
>Kal-carry-mind.

Rolled 10

>>21007453
Up up and away.

Princess hold Kal to Raziel!

Rolled 49

>>21007478
Let's try to get a better roll than that.

>>21007499
It's not like carrying stuff takes a roll.

"I suppose I'll have to carry you, then!" You say, and grinning, you pull Kali up and into your arms- he's too gangly for you to hold easily, but eventually you have him carried like a knight carried a princess, in the illustrations of fairy tales, and then, as he wrapped an arm around you to keep himself stable, you make your way out of the room- or try to, until you accidentally bang his legs and head into the sides of the doorway.
"Ow." He responded, and giggled again.

Pouting, you set him back down. "Fine, but I get to hold your hand."
"Fair enough." He said... and then he leaned down, took your hand, and gave it a kiss, and then a wink. The two of you make your way out of the dungeon, and you stop by the dining hall.
"Ishelda, who's your friend?" Raziel asked, and then she noticed his eyes.
"Kal?!"
"I need a good name for this form." He said, chuckling as he handed her the scrap of paper. "Kal... Kalisto, maybe?"

>>21007523
"Going by my amazing naming convention, it would be Leilak. Or your father's name."

>>21007538
Grandfather, actually.

>>21007542
But she doesn't know her grandfather's name.

>>21007523
Leilak. They'll never guess it's you!

"Kalahan, Kale, Kalei, Kalen..."

>>21007546
But we used our grandfather's name, so our naming convention is "Leilak. Or your grandfather's name."

Kalel. Last son of Krypton. Obviously.

>>21007568
It's Leilak, or a male ancestor's name. We considered them all before picking one.

"Kalahan, Kale, Kalei, Kalen, Kalel..." You say.
"I like Kale." He said, and gave you another kiss. "There's your form, Raziel." He added.

The two of you end up strolling outside... and above... was something strange.
An enormous curtain of shimmering light sat in the night sky, shifting slowly from a red, to a green, magic power crackling, a wild current of magic, soaring above the sky.

"... Huh." Kale said. "That looks like... I don't know, a natural weave."

Rolled 93

>>21007643
Poke it with magic.

>>21007643
Look where it's going. I would hazard a guess that it's headed EAST.

"Tyr can't have already done the ritual, could he?"

>>21007643
"Where'd that come from?"