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>>31092496

Now in the hall proper, you can see the there are several tables set up around a brazier. Three are obviously meant for each captain and their party. A single ceremonial torch set up in a sturdy iron stand, stands in the center of the three tables, awaiting the mountain’s fire.

There are another seven people in here, broken into a few groups. One you recognise right away is Gil. Hes an old ranger who’s been with the town for decades, the one leading the party that found you actually. The “Forging” tradition was Gill’s idea. He stands off to the side near one of the forward facing windows speaking with Iori, the captain of the guard’s son and first team captain.

Two other initiates, a rather bored looking girl with a purple striped scarf watching a short boy explain something that requires lots and lots of hand gestures, sit at a table that isn’t one of the center three. The last three, a boy with a mid length braid and two girls, one dark skinned and tall, the other sleepy looking and pale, stand by a table with a jug on it.

>[ ] Head over and grab a cup.
>[ ] Sit down AWAY from the talking people and wait for Nolan to get you one.
>[ ] Head over to speak with Gil.
>[ ] Custom.

>2/2

>>31092521
>>[ ] Head over to speak with Gil.
We have no idea what's going on, might as well go ask him what's what.

>>31092521
>[x] Custom
go take a nap at one of the empty tables

>>31092521
>[X] Head over to speak with Gil.

I imagine out of all the people here we know Gil the most with him being a ranger and all.

>[x] Custom: Talk to the scarf girl and short boy, they seem to be the most interesting ones here.

>>31092618

Oh wow I forgot to mention the second group as an option.

>>31092618
seconding

Whelp, It's been over 20 minutes, but we have a tie on our hands. I could just coin flip and get it over with, or we can wait for someone to show up with a tie breaking answer that do you peeps think?

Also, decreasing the votes required to three for now.

>>31092921
go ahead and flip for it

>>31092921
Coin is the way to go

>>31092953
Whelp I got tails, on one of those poker chips sonic gives you when they take too long to serve you.

So second option in the tie (CUSTOM) it is

>>31092618
>>31092835

You start walking to the table where the two prospective party members are speaking. “Can you just bring a cup over?” You say without turning to face Nolan. He answers affirmatively and heads off without further words.

You recognize the girl as you get closer. Her name escapes you for the moment but you know that she frequents Cork’s every few times a week or so. She has curly red hair that fluffs up around her face, framing it in a very controlled way.

The boy sits next to her, leaning slightly as he continues to drabble on. Apparantly one of his journals or something is sitting in front of him as he flips back and forth pointing to what look like a map and... something incomprehensible. His clothes are about as neat and tidy as his rushed state of mind.

>>31093216

“-At this point, Sergio realising he couldn’t get any more into the hole with his investment, decides to crank up the price. Almost 13 times what the beverage is worth, and at least three times what his competitors charge!”

You pull up a chair, taking a second glance at Nolan as he politely gets the three at the tea to move. The girl has a look of thankfulness for a moment before she her gaze settles fully on you, then she slumps forward and places her forehead on the table with a thunk.

“Imagine his suprise when, over the course of the next mon- uhh... you just... are you ok?” The boy boggles at her slouched form for a moment before silently turning to face you. “Um.”

>[ ] Don’t mind me, please continue.
>[ ] She looks like she could use some rest.
>[ ] Hi, I’m Fera, you are?
>[ ] CUSTOM

>>31093235
>>[ ] Hi, I’m Fera, you are?

>>31093235
>[x] Hi, I’m Fera, you are?

>>31093235
>[x] She looks like she could use some rest.
>[x] Hi, I’m Fera, you are?

>>31093261
>>31093262
>>31093288

“She looks like she could use some rest.” You say, taking your seat. “ I’m Fera, you are?”

“Huh? Oh! Toby! I mean Tobias! My friends call me Toby is what I meant. You aren’t my friend so you don’t have to call me Toby, or you can if you want to, I don’t really mind. Was that rude?” He stands up abruptly, causing the teacups in their little dishes to wobbly noisily. He leans across the table attempting to greet you with a handshake.

“It’s alright, I think I’ll call you Tobias for now.” His shake is more energetic than Nolans was, while thankfully being less physically forceful. “What is all this?” You gesture at the journal full of what must be notes on potions.

“Oh! I was just telling Rory here about how the Alma brand got its start!”

“Gods please do not ask him about any more spirits!” Rory wails her plea with a deadpan directly into the table.

>[ ] Ask why he knows so much on the subject
>[ ] Ask Rory what she’s doing here and not out pick pocketing the out of towners.
>[ ] Wait for Nolan to return so he can carry some of this awkward for you.
>[ ] CUSTOM

File: 1395898695281.gif-(5.15 MB, 480x270, happy-seal.gif)

5.15 MB GIF

>>31093634
>>[ ] Wait for Nolan to return so he can carry some of this awkward for you.

>>31093634
>>[x] Ask why he knows so much on the subject

>OP FORGETS TO LINK THE QUEST'S TWITTER AGAIN

@Sojourneyman

>>31093634
>>[x ] Ask Rory what she’s doing here and not out pick pocketing the out of towners.

Rolled 6

>>31093699
>>31093763
>>31093823

>TIME UP

first vote goes on 1-2 second on 3-4 and third on 5-6

Rolled 3

>>31093904
OOPS QUOTED WRONG POST

THE WINNER: >>31093843

Rolled 2

>>31093924

“What are you doing here and not out pick pocketing the out of towners?” Rory sits back up long enough to put her hand under her chin in a rude gesture.

“You know why I’m here tall, dark, and fragrant. The damn Forging, and you’re one to talk. It’s been half an hour already.”

“Charming, I really should do this more often, talking with people.” Nolan finally arrives, you turn to the light clinking sound the two teacups he carries make.

“H-hey it’s not like we can start already Rory, the third captain isn’t here yet.” He hands you a saucer with a cup on it, It smells like honey.

“Walker! It’s been thirty six minutes since the captains were to assemble! Is there any particular reason you felt the need to arrive in such a fashionable manner?” You hear Iori bark. Great now you have four people in three different directions to talk to. You go to retort just as Gil appears behind Iori, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Glad’ya could make it lass.” He encroaches on Iori’s personal space slightly more. “Save the theatrics for the trail son.” Iroi sighs to himself and walks off to pace after nodding politely to both of you.

>1/2

Rolled 4

>>31094066

“Thanks Gil.” He cuts you off before you can continue.

“Of all the people waitin’ fer this right of passage, of everyone in the whole town, yer the last person I’d expect to take this so unseriously.”

Theres a slight burning sensation in your gut as you speak up. “Gil, no, I didn’t mean any disrespect. I just...”

“Ye had a week to prepare fer this. Was hoping ye wouldda snapped out of it before the time came.“

“But a captain really? Is there no way anyone else could-” Gil makes a stern face that shuts you up.

“Fera, yer place as a captain is a lesson first, and a responsibility second. Yer not wormin’ outta this one. It’s fer yer own good. Ah won’t hear nonna yer bellyaching.” You sit back down and silently burn with embarrassment, taking a cautious sip of the tea. All things considered it’s pretty good.

The silence is broken by the sound of the inner door of the front set of main doors opening. A girl with long black hair confidently steps in as snow whips around her. Another man behind her takes her parka as she discards it, closing the door and leaving as he does so.

>2/3

>>31094232
Oh look, the aloof ojou-sama rival. Brace for OOOHOHOHO

>>31094232

Iori breaks from his pattern and bristles as he walks up to the girl. “Cross! Glad to see you could make it. Only forty minutes late!” Without a word she starts making her way to Gil, simply pressing a gloved hand to Iori’s face and pushing him aside while he is still stunned by her audacity. Stopping by your table and nonchalantly peeling off the glove she used and letting it fall on the table, she examines the room’s occupants.

“Looks like everyone’s here! Mr. Walker if you would please get this show on the road.” Gil sighs and glances to the rest of you.

“Righty then, initiates line up!” All the other kids save Iori and “Cross” head to the front of the room and calmly or otherwise wait for Gil to finish. He turns around and pulls a few small twigs from his pockets. Whacking them on the nearby table he snaps them all to the same length. He then does the same to shorten one more stick, then again with the last, then turns as he cups them all in his hands. You and the other two captains are presented with straws.

> I swear to god a vote's coming soon bear with me people.

>>31094401
He starts with Iori, who glares at Cross before stepping forward. He draws what is apparently the shortest one. He steps back to his spot rolling his eyes. You step forward, you didn’t get a very good look at this one before he turned his back, it could go either way. Finally the girl steps forward, holding out an open hand. Gil makes a face of confusion slightly as he eventually places the stick in her grasp.

She examines it with a bemused expression, then glances at the one you hold. “Looks like you got first sweetie!”

Great.

>It’s the next one i guarantee it.

I still have no fucking idea what's going on.

>>31094444

Gil steps out of the way and you can clearly the other six kids lined up, two of which you are spending the next four weeks with.

The first one is Rory, you know she can run even faster than you can, you arent quite sure how she would do in the woods however, or if she is even trained with some kind of weapon.

Next is the boy with his hair in a braid, you know he’s the son of a mercenary whose wife lives here in lukewater.

Third is Nolan, even disregarding your previous encounter, apparently he works with the rest of his family running the mill downtown. Most of the loggers here seem related, he must be one of the brothers.

Fourth is Lem, you only know her name because she frequently hunts with you. She is about two inches taller than you by the looks of it.

Number five is Tobias. You do not know this boy at all.

Last is the half elf. There are rumors she is actually a witch, you’ve yet to see her perform any actual magic but, her head never seems to be in one place at a time.

> Please vote for only one right now. the second will be a separate vote.

>>31094520
>Last is the half elf. There are rumors she is actually a witch, you’ve yet to see her perform any actual magic but, her head never seems to be in one place at a time.

>>31094520
>Last is the half elf. There are rumors she is actually a witch, you’ve yet to see her perform any actual magic but, her head never seems to be in one place at a time.

>>31094520
>Lem
guys pls the elf is a liability

>>31094551
>>31094565

> TIME UP!

You point at the ghostly half elf. She pleasantly smiles and srolls past you, taking a seat at one of the three tables in the center of the room. She moves the chair sideways so she can watch the fire in the brazier, elbows on her knees, hands supporting her head.

> Pick your second partymember

>>31094740

>Nolan

Mill boy be strong.

>>31094740
>Nolan

A well rounded party.

>>31094740
>Nolan

Clearly the only one who isn't a scrawny dork here. This witch seems so out of it, or maybe she assumes this is the end.

>>31094797
>>31094817
>>31094907

“Nolan, You’re with us.” He nervously adjusts his glasses as he takes a deep breath before heading over to your table. You take a moment to appraise your new charges before the third captain goes to pick.

Nolan is definitely strong, that isn’t super necessary for keeping safe in the wilds, altho if he can hit more than just defenceless trees with any amount of skill he should be able to hold his own well should trouble arise. Plus, his job must have him fairly familiar with the forest.

The half elf, has the advantage of years. She must be at least 20 years old by now if she appears the same age as you. As for her elvish heritage, well there are usually reasons for stereotypes.

The others pick their teams. Cross sits down with Tobias and Lem. Iori is particularly displeased when he sees the taller boy picked. He grumbles something to himself and waves over the last two, the mercenary kid and Rory.

“Hey Fera.” The half elf speaks up, peering over her shoulder at you. “Are you allergic to peanuts?”

“No?” You reply.

“Good, there’s gonna be a lot in the salad. I can’t remember if I told you yet, but my name’s Mica.” She has a loose grasp on the syllables as she speaks, very sing-songy.

>1/2

>>31094970

Before you can say anything Gil calls out to the one of the hallways. After a moment, someone peaks their head in, they turn and wave other people over from inside the hallway. Very soon the room fills with people as family members and visitors pour in. Around a third of them walk in with plates and baskets full of food. The room fills with delicious aromas as plate upon plate of food is placed on all the tables. Each of the three initiates tables have an entire pig, a duck, baskets of bread, helpings of greens and fruit, and glasses of something bubbly and alcoholic smelling.

A handful similar looking men crowd around nolan, each slapping him on the back with terrible force. He smiles without wincing and turns to greet them, apparently all his brothers. They turn and point down the hall in unison at more similar looking men and women after he asks them something.

You turn to see who greets Mica. She is merrily digging into a leg she tore off the duck.

>[ ] Don’t you have family here?
>[ ] Aren’t you glad the noisy people are on the other side of the slaughtered pig.
>[ ] Stay quiet, eventually you will finish your meal and you can leave.

>2/2

I was initially interested in this quest, OP, but there's just no characterisation at all.

>>31095078
>[x] Aren’t you glad the noisy people are on the other side of the slaughtered pig.

>>31095113
Ah, still pretty new with writing like this. Any specifics or advice?

>>31094520

>Third is Nolan, even disregarding your previous encounter, apparently he works with the rest of his family running the mill downtown. Most of the loggers here seem related, he must be one of the brothers.

Was supposed to read:

Third is Nolan, he either has a cold or you make him uncomfortable in some way. Apparently he works with the rest of his family running the mill downtown. Most of the loggers here seem related, he must be one of the brothers.

>OOPS

>>31095078
>[x] Aren’t you glad the noisy people are on the other side of the slaughtered pig.

>>31095123
>>31095277

You overlook the fact that nobody is meeting with you either and lean toward Mica. “Arent you glad the noisy people are on the other side of the slaughtered pig?”

She puts down the chunk she was working on, picking a lock of auburn hair out of her mouth. “I think it’s cute, their littlest brother has grown so big basking in their love.” She quickly cleans off the fingers on her left hand with her mouth. “Just look at them, so proud. It makes me sad.” She gently smiles in the direction of the family meeting over there.

You carve off a piece of pig and set it on your plate.

>[ ] Being an orphan isn’t so bad. I turned out great”
>[ ] Why are you smiling then?
>[ ] Tell Nolan to bring his pile of brothers to this side of the table.
>[ ] Custom

>>31095386
>[x] Being an orphan isn’t so bad. I turned out great”

>>31095395
>Time up!

“Being an orphan isn’t so bad. I turned out great.” You bare your teeth in a jovial manner before putting more things on your plate.

Mica stares at you, her eyes scanning what parts of your body aren’t hidden by the table. “Your parents are proud of you, you know.” She closes her eyes as she leans forward to sniff the contents of her glass.

“You mean they would be proud right?” You feel slightly more self conscious under her gaze now like she’s staring straight through you.

“Yes of course!” She beams. “You are wonderful enough to have been selected as a leader in the Forging. And you’re so pretty!” She takes a sip of her wine, only breaking eye contact once she winces and slowly pours the liquid back into the cup.

>[ ] Uh, thanks? I guess? *blush*
>[ ] How can you say that when we barely know each other?
>[ ] I’m only doing this because I was forced to.

Well, this isn't a very good stopping point. But it IS two in the morning. Good thing I can start at a reasonable time tomorrow.

Be sure to check @Sojourneyman on twitter for updates!