>>31308722

Just like the note said, the entire rope is surprisingly light. When you go to pick it up after asking it to coil itself up, it couldn’t weigh more than a broom!

“Right then,” Rory says as she stands back up, slapping snow off her backside, “try not to get any more banged up before the morrow. Good luck an’ all that.” You and Nolan respond in kind. Nolan spends some time sweeping dirt off his glasses and inspecting them for damage as you see someone come out of their shop to collect the bells and wind chimes that fell once your new rope jumped out of it’s line. They give a wave, and indicate that they’ll take care of the mess.

“Well then,” Nolan says, “I sure hope this whole, ‘I get jumped by every monster that comes our way,’ trend doesn’t continue after tonight.” You stifle a giggle as you look to him.

>[ ] “If you want, I can take the next monster that jumps us!”
>[ ] “You’re starting to sound like Fera.”
>[ ] Custom

>>31308748
>[x] “You’re starting to sound like Fera.”
>[x] “If you want, I can take the next monster that jumps us!”

File: 1396831003544.png-(Spoiler Image, 831 KB, 802x627)

831 KB PNG

>>31309092
FINE. JOVIAL OR ACCUSATORY.

Also hey nice to see you again!

>>31309155
ACCUSATORY IN A JOVIAL MANNER.
Jovial

Good to be back. Been busy and just got caught up on the threads. Keep up the good work.

>>31309092
>>31309258
seconded

>>31309258
THIS WILL DO.

>>31309092
>>31309281

“You’re starting to sound like Fera.” You grin again, baring your teeth on purpose this time. “Hey! If you want, I can take the next monster that jumps us!” Nolan look up and down the street nervously as you mime an adorable bear attacking him.

“Well, I guess this way is better than you or Fera having to get chewed on.”

“So you’ll be our knight then?” He coughs and fixes his glasses.

“It-it’s just a hike in the woods for a few weeks right?”

“Well there were a few problems last year...” It’s not like anyone was SERIOUSLY hurt by the shambling mounds.

Nolan scratches the back of his head with a tense look on his face. “Last year was, an anomaly, for sure. Usually the fey line doesn’t extend that far, not in the last twenty years.”

That does seem kinda weird. About four decades too early for the cycle to overtake land this far developed. Maybe it has something to do with the Incursion? If only there were someone less risky to ask about that kind of thing.

Oh! Nolan is talking to you.

“H-hello? Mica?” He’s looking at you like Fera was back in the lodge.

>[ ] “Yes! Let’s see if the other groups need any help!”
>[ ] “No! I don’t think shambling mounds feel fear!”
>[ ] “What I meant was, maybe we should head to bed early!”
>[ ] Custom

>>31310043
>[x] “What I meant was, maybe we should head to bed early!”
let's get back to plot and our character

>>31310043
>>[ ] “What I meant was, maybe we should head to bed early!”

>>31310043
>[x] “What I meant was, maybe we should head to bed early!”

>>31310103
>>31310120
>>31310199

You put on the disarming smile again. “What I meant was, maybe we should head to bed early!” You push the coil of trick rope in Nolan’s lost looking face. “You wanna take Ferris home?”

“Ah! Umm, no, thanks. Y-you should take care of it for tonight.” He slowly backs away. “It would just get lost or big sis would put it away with the rest of our tools.”

You think about asking him to meet his brothers and sisters for a moment. Nah, you’d just be a bother.

“Ok then!”

>1/?

>>31310371

>Back to Mica
>http://pastebin.com/MzW1YXiG

It’s an hour later, you wasted most of what was supposed to be a recuperative bath carefully stringing your longbow with a new line.

>Mica has recovered 3 Shock.

Normally routine maintenance on your equipment is soothing in it’s own right, but you’ve spent the whole time wondering why someone would go to the trouble of sabotaging your gear. What if they’ve done this to your friend’s gear as well? Looking into the matter seems a bit too much for Sister to handle on her own, but you aren’t quite sure how much time it will take to get to the bottom of this. The sun set just a few hours ago and everyone heads out tomorrow morning.

>[ ] This cannot wait. I need to tell Nolan and Mica at least.
>[ ] I can get up early tomorrow, we can repair any damage then.
>[ ] Custom.

>Also
>See if Sister is willing to look into it tonight? Y/N?

Feelin' a little rusty tonight, hopefully it'll pass.

>>31310633
>>[x] I can get up early tomorrow, we can repair any damage then.

Y

>>31310633
>[x] This cannot wait. I need to tell Nolan and Mica at least.
y

>>31310796
2nd dis

>>31310796
>>31310907

Your bow seems to be in working order now. You make a mental note to double check everything tomorrow. You carefully lean the bow against a wall as you climb out of the bath. You catch a few glimpses of your new bruises in the mirror as you get dressed to head out. A big ugly purple and greenish blot across your right shoulder blade, and some more on the outside of your thigh when you wrapped around the statues.

At least the headache is gone.

Interesting, the hot bath seems to have undone some of Andrea’s potion as the lodge no longer seems unbearably stuffy. Good thing it isn’t a very long walk to her spot by the lake. Before you head back outside you ask Sister if she can get your boots from the woman first. You also let her know you have some business with her tonight.

Once you get your foot wear back, you head out across the lake as quickly as possible. You ended up having to wear the clothes you had prepared for the long hike starting tomorrow, but without your jacket icy winds still manage to cut through the three layers you wear now.

>Cont.

>>31311235

There’s no new holes in the lake from last you saw it. Andrea continues to recline by the lake, she has a book with her now. The tip of one of the three coat racks shines like a lamp as she reads through thick glasses. Her children seem to have left.

“Oh, evening again!” The older woman leans forward, putting down her book flat on her chest.

“Just here for my jacket, coco wore off.” You don said jacket, not really looking at her as you speak. “I have... some things to look into before tomorrow.”

“Can’t it wait? You looked ragged when you passed by here just a while ago?” She pushes her glasses onto her forehead as the eyebrows underneath them contort in concern.

“Not if it puts my fr-my charges in danger.” Yeah, that does feel weird to say out loud. “Andrea, have you seen anyone come to Gil’s lodge since you set up here?”

She leans back in her chair and presses her thumb to her forehead. “Well, I Gil visit some point around noon, he was just carrying firewood back. But I was just moving this table and all these cups in place then, didn’t hunker down and start waiting until six at the latest.”

“You haven’t seen anyone but me and the others visit since?”

“Well, my two youngest and Alex showed up, but none of them crossed the lake to your place.” She gives an apologetic shrug. “Honestly I wasn’t paying much attention dear.” Your breath plumes out into a cloud of fog as you sigh in frustration. “Did something happen?”

>>31311733

>[ ] “Someone has cut my bowstring.”
>[ ] “I’m just checking in with the others before tomorrow.”
>[ ] “No need to fret Miss Whitetread. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
>[ ] Custom

>>31311763
>[x] “Someone has cut my bowstring.”
but make sure she won't tell anybody else in case they might find out we know

>>31311763
>>[ ] “Someone has cut my bowstring.”

>>31311807
>>31311988

“Someone has cut my bowstring.” You set your now gloved hands into your pockets. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention this to anyone.” You’re pretty sure you’re wearing a stoic face right now, so it’s a bit confusing as to why Andrea suddenly busts out laughing.

“Oh, honey you’re adorable!” She fixes her glasses back in place as she props up her book again.

“What?” You pull your hands out of your pockets to... do something with them.

“Fera, dear, we get troublemakers every year.” She licks a thumb and turns a page. “You were so serious I thought someone was going to die, gracious.”

“Well! I don’t, uh, know what might have happened with the others.” Your hands continue to aimlessly wander. “What if their waterskins had holes poked in them?”

Andrea continues, without looking away from her book. “Well, I’ll admit a cut bowstring seems a bit much for a prank. If you feel like you need to warn your new friends feel free. Just try not to get an ulcer.” Little puffs of fog shoot into the air as she giggles.

You decide just to leave as you stick your errant hands back in your pockets and stop off toward the road back into town. You make it halfway up the inclined path before you realise you have no idea where Nolan or Mica live.

>[ ] You guess you’ll have to ask Andrea again.
>[ ] Bah! You can just ask someone. Mica works as a maid at an inn, and one of Nolan’s brothers is bound to still be around.
>[ ] Custom

>>31312429
>[x] You guess you’ll have to ask Andrea again.
but seriously there is something seriously wrong with that lady

>>31312429
>>[x] You guess you’ll have to ask Andrea again.

>>31312429
>>[ ] You guess you’ll have to ask Andrea again.

>>31312557
>>31312780
>>31312794

You stop, ignoring the burning in your ears. “Hey! Do you know where Mica and Nolan live?”

Andrea lifts up her glasses again to glance at you. “Really?”

Whatever you were about to say fizzles out in a confusing jumble as she continues at exactly the moment you were about to retort.

“Sometimes I wonder if you actually live here.” She chuckles to herself and returns to her book. “Mica works for room and board at the Orwin Inn, on Bell Street. Nolan lives with the rest of his family at their lodge at the south edge of town, just follow the river.”

You quietly nod, even though she can’t see you right now. Mica seems to be closer, so you head there first. You turn to Sister as she follows at your side. “Did you manage to get anyone else’s scent from the lodge?” She confirms she did. “Good, see if you can find it in town, wait...” She stops, tail twitching. “Were you at Gil’s all day?” Sister sits down and inspects her paws for dirt. She doesn’t deny it. “You mean to tell me someone snuck in to mess with my things while you were ASLEEP?” You actually said that last part out loud. Sister’s ears flatten out as she meekly apologizes.

“Fine, ok just, just head back to the lodge and see if you can track it ok?” The ocelot stands up and quickly bounds off down the road.

You put your face in gloved hands as you head back into town.

>Cont.

>>31313219
i didn't even think of sister being there....

>>31313219

There’s less activity in town than earlier. Though not out of the ordinary considering it’s a cold winter night and it’s nearly eight by now. One thing that does strike you out of the ordinary is a missing line of bells. Hopefully they’re adding and not taking bells this time.

You start heading along Bell Street from near its west end, looking for this “Orwin Inn”. You really should learn properly how to read at some point. You don’t think you could handle having to ask someone where it is while you’re on its street even. Gods forbid having to ask someone how to spell orwin.

Finally you find an inn that has a sign that starts with the letter “O”.

It’s relatively quaint for Bell Street. Most of the businesses on this street have fancy furnishings and brightly colored storefronts to attract transients just heading through town. This place has a simple log cabin type construction much like Gil’s lodge. The sign itself is a small white oval mounted over the front doors with simple black lettering.

The door opens and you see someone walk out with a snow shovel. They aren’t wearing any sort of heavy coat, just a long grey dress with what appear to be slippers on their feet. They quickly get to work scooping the short path to their door free of snow with a completely disinterested look in their face that’s obscured by their messy auburn hair.

Wait, that’s Mica.

>>31313656

>[ ] “Wow! I didn’t even notice you. How do you do that?”
>[ ] “Hi, is everything alright?” [Cautious]
>[ ] This is way too weird, maybe I should check on Nolan first.
>[ ] Custom

>>31313682
>[x] “Wow! I didn’t even notice you. How do you do that?”

>>31313682
>>[ ] “Wow! I didn’t even notice you. How do you do that?”

>>31313913
>>31314064

“Wow! I didn’t even notice you. How do you do that?”

The half elf swings a load of snow off into the paved street, where it promptly melts, before setting the shovel into the ground. She flips her hair back out of her face and wipes some sweat off her brow before she looks at you. She sighs and rolls her eyes as she begins to speak.

“Rooms are five jewels a night, seven with dinner. No, we don’t have mead. Yes, we have heated baths.” She goes back to start shoveling again after her monotone spiel. You stay rooted to the spot as she continues to shovel another few scoops of snow into the street. She finally looks your direction as she swings the sixth and final shovel of snow into the street. “Sir or Ma’am, I’m just the help, if-” She stops as she realises it’s you apparently.

In a heartbeat her entire demeanor changes and she drops the shovel in surprise. “Wah! Fera! You! Hi!”

“Hi... Mica.” You realise you have been backing away, you stop.

“What brings you here!” Mica bubbles, nervously.

“Uhh, we need to talk. Can I come inside?” You start approaching the inn as Mica picks the snow shovel back up.

“That’s fine! That’s great! Just, uh, come in, leme put this away first.” Mica hops up the steps and opens the front door, removing her slippers and smacking them against the shovel to knock dirt and snow off them.

>Cont.

>>31314257

You wonder if this has something to do with Mica’s alarming behavior back at Gil’s lodge.

Stepping inside after kicking snow and dirt off your boots, you take a look around at the foyer area. It’s relatively small compared to the rest of the building, enough space for two tables and some chairs by a fireplace at one end. The other end has the front counter, a hallway leading to rooms, and a set of stairs leading up to the upper floors.

Mica walks ahead of you and behind the counter, disappearing into a doorway behind it. The room silently crackles with the sound of the fireplace as you awkwardly wait for her to return.
When Mica finally does, she pulls up a chair to one of the tables and sits down in a heap. She produces a kerchief from one of the dress’s large pockets and pats her forehead with it before speaking.

“Well! Uh, so this is where I work!” Her usual smile shows up despite her haggard appearance.

>Cont.

>>31314752

“Is the potion still in effect for you? Why are you wearing such a heavy dress?”

“Oh, It’s nothing. The manager would rather I not draw attention at the inn by ‘parading around missing enough to be arrested in summer.’” She bears surprisingly sharp teeth as she makes a curious gesture with both of her hands. Almost like imitating claws, but with only the first two fingers on each hand. “I was decent! You were wearing less than I was even!, people could see your belly button!”

“Right, ok then, well actually I was hoping we could go to your room. We need to check your gear for tomorrow.” She makes a surprised face before donning her usual sleepy smile.

“Oh, uh, do we have to? Tonight?”

“I still need to meet with Nolan, if we wait till tomorrow morning we may not have enough time to make sure we’re prepared.”

>Cont.

Hoo, turning into a book here, bear with me folks.

>>31315006

“Alright then!” She whips the dress off and bundles it up, thankfully she was wearing it over what you saw her in last. “Come with me!” She starts up the stairs and you follow. You hear another voice coming from the first floor as you start the stairs.

“Dresdner! Your pay doesn’t cover guests!”

Mica puts a hand to her temple as she responds. “It’s fine Kurt! they’re just visiting, gone by lockup I promise!”

“I don’t care how short the visit is! I let you have the attic ‘cause you’re quiet! Take whoever it is down the street to Cork’s!”

“SHE’S A FRIEND! JUST GO TO SLEEP OLD MAN, I’M LOCKING UP IN TWENTY MINUTES!” You think you actually saw one of her ears pop out of her thick hair that time. She looks at you for a moment before starting back up the stairs. You offer a painfully apologetic smile and shrug.

>Cont.

>>31315135

Once you two get to the top, and walk to the end of the hall way, Mica reaches up and yanks a cord hanging from the ceiling. A ladder rolls down from a hatch in the ceiling and she mounts it, eventually poking her head back through the whole once she’s inside and beckoning you up.

It’s fairly dark in here, the only light source being light from street lamps pouring in from the circular windows at either end of the attic. You would think it would smell musty in here, being an attic and all. Apparently Mica keeps it clean in here, you can clearly see to both dimly lit ends of the room with no obstructions. Mica’s shadowy form moves about toward the street facing side of the thirty foot long attic.

>Finally the last bit is next

>>31315270

You see a small spark as she lights an oil lamp and places it on a table. Towards this end of the room, you see a good sized chest acting as a desk with several books on it. Beside that is a long couch. Against the other wall, by Mica, there is a table with a single chair next to it. Several bits of various foodstuffs are wrapped up and placed on the table. Around it there is a backpack with a bedroll strapped to it. What looks like a folded up tent lies directly underneath the table. Along the wall there is a set of shelves filled with all manner of nick nacks. Some notable things include a few impressive geodes, small boxes filled with what appear to be animal bones, and even some fine dinnerware.

“Well!” She says, opening one of the windows. “This is everything I’m packing!” You pull up a seat and ask her to start going over it with you.

>SENSE+SCRUTINY 4d10 to inspect Mica's gear

Rolled 7

>>31315281

Rolled 5

>>31315281

Rolled 6

>>31315281
am i the only one?

Rolled 3

>>31315281

>>31315345
It's possible.

I see a good place to end this soon, but if we do have any more rolls tonight, feel free to roll the entire set at once.

>>31315345
Sorry, caught me snoozin.

>>31315305
>>31315329
>>31315345
>>31315370

>No sets, height 7 to inspect Mica’s gear.

She packed a lot of problematically brightly colored clothing, she must not be intending to hunt while on this trip. Most of the food she packed for the trail is crackers and bread, fairly sensible. That block of cheese will have to go, far too fragrant. Her waterskin is airtight, her tent has all it’s poles present, and no tears. It’s actually a rather nice tent, brand new you assume. Nothing seems to be hidden in her bedroll.

After ten minutes of the two of you going through her stuff, you lean back in your chair and stare at the very short vaulted ceiling.

“Everything looks fine, I guess.” You continue to stare at the boards in her ceiling. Then you sit up and look at her. She is in the middle of taking a nibble from the cheese. “I can’t help but notice you don’t seem to have anything to hunt with. Nary a knife.”

She stares at you. “Um, well I’m no good with a bow, not like you!”

>[ ] “You expect me to do all the hunting for the two of you?” [Put upon]
>[ ] “Well I guess I can hunt for three, I hunt for an entire tavern even!” [Boasting]
>[ ] Custom

>>31315569
>[x] Custom
yeah i guess i'll cover the hunting. [acceptance?]

>>31315569
Custom

At least you're well packed. I'm glad about that.

>>31315712
>>31315751

Her meek expression gets a smile from you. “Ok, I’m more than capable of hunting for the three of us. At least you’re well packed. I’m glad about that.” She giggles and warmly smiles.

It’s hard to picture her being as old as she must be. You don’t know very much about half elves, even barring the weirder outbursts she has, she has this strange mixture of adolescent wonder and cautious wariness in her actions.

You stand up and squint across to the darkened side of her attic. You can’t make out much other than what seems to be a rack of her clothing, and a bare coat hanger.

“Well, I’m especially glad you thought to purchase a large tent before we left. But without even a knife, what are you going to defend yourself with should we run into trouble?”

“Oh! Glad you asked! Here, follow me!” She excitedly stands up and takes the oil lantern with her as she heads to the other end of the attic. Slowly more of the room is revealed as she gets closer and closer. That rack was indeed what is effectively her closet, there’s a full length mirror by the other side that you catch your face in as you walk past. Near it’s feet appear to be a small whetstone and a rag.

You struggle to imagine she could be using these for until you spot what you thought was the coat hanger.

>Cont.

>>31316002
scythe?

>>31316002

On a specially fitted rack, sit a set of paired rapiers. Their scabbards are covered in what seems to be scrimshaw and gold inlay. Their large cup hilts are polished to an immaculate mirror finish. Absolutely beautiful weapons.

You walk toward them, turning to Mica and silently asking permission. Mica excitedly nods as she continues to earnestly grin. Taking one of them in your hands, you can feel that the scabbard is definitely made of bone, but its very, very light, possibly some kind of avian. Big avain. Slowly pulling the blade out you can see it’s just as finely kept as the rest of the setup is. You can see your eyes in the thin blade’s reflection. Small glyphs run halfway down it’s length.

“Where? How did you get these?”

Mica sits down with her lantern and rolls her head to the side a bit as she responds. “Oh, just an old family heirloom, you know how it goes!” She freezes. “I mean, you know! With people who uh aren’t! Um...”

>2x8 SECRET ROLL for reading Mica

She’s more upset about something to do with the owner of these blades than she is of upsetting you.

>[ ] “Relax, I know. But weren’t you an orphan?” [Placating]
>[ ] “Oh gods, family? What is that?” [Teasing]
>[ ] Pry for more information
>[ ] ...
>[ ] Custom

>>31316157
Option 3

>>31316190
Wah! Formatted that vote wrong. It should be:

>[ ] “Relax, I know. But weren’t you an orphan?” [Placating]
>[ ] “Oh gods, family? What is that?” [Teasing]
>[ ] ...
>[ ] Custom

> Pry for more information? [ ] Yes [ ] No

>>31316229
Y

Sorry I'm on my tablet now. Can't type very well.

>>31316229
>[ ] “Oh gods, family? What is that?” [Teasing]
y

>>31316157
>>[x] Pry for more information
> Pry for more information? [x] Yes [ ] No

She's worried she offended us, a perfect opportunity to get information.

>>31316347
Sorry. Wrong thread.

>>31316362
Ayo, try that delete button over there.

>>31316259
>>31316297
>>31316246

“Oh gods, family? What is that?” You mimic the same gesture she gave you back at the banquet. The one where she tilts her head and jabs a finger into her cheek. She panics for a quick moment before she realises you’re messing with her.

“That’s not funny!” She pouts, blowing a lock of hair out of her face with a huff.

“Just having fun, weren’t you the one who was all about having fun?” You wear a wry smile as you seat the gorgeous blade back into it’s scabbard. “So you aren’t quite as much as an orphan as I am then?”

She gives you a pleading look.

“You must at least know who one of your parents are, if you care for these blades so much.” You pry.

“Ah! Well! It was my father’s!” She looks around somewhere behind you. “He fought in the Great Incursion is all, ha! These never saw battle though.” She gets up and heads to the other wall wildly gesturing at what seems to be a coil of rope. “Hey! Look! Nolan and I got one of the prizes for the scavenger hunt! It’s a trick rope!”

> Continue to pry? [ ] Yes [ ] No
> Dialogue suggestions are always welcome

>>31316452
> Continue to pry? [ ] Yes [x] No
fine you can avoid the question, for now, but i would still like you tell me at some point

>>31316452
> [x] "So it doesn't work?"
Enough info for now, also... trick rope? I'm sure Fera would be somewhat intrigued.

>>31316452
"So, did you guys had to fight another snowman for the rope?"

No doubt she wants to change the subject but I am curious on ether she knows how to use them.

>>31316501
>>31316506
>>31316535

She spots the fleeting disappointment on your face, you’re sure of it. “Wow, that’s great.” You look at the otherwise mundane looking rope. “Does it not work or something?”

“Oh! um...”

“You didn’t have to fight another snowman for it did you?”

“No! Nothing of the sort! Here, watch!” She holds up her lantern as high as she can while seated. “Ferris! Would you please hold this lantern for me?” To your surprise, the rope does indeed snake out from it’s coil and form itself into a neat hook, which gently takes the lantern from her.

Mica smiles as she watches your astonishment. Then she frowns. It’s a very small frown, only on one corner of her mouth and only noticeable because she almost never frowns. At least not until you met her at her job. Mica stares at the scabbard for what feels like a long time. Then she looks to you. “You know how you said I could talk to you, and you would listen?”

“Yeah, of course.” You put the rapier back on it’s rack gently.

“You really want to know?”

“...Yes.”

“Ok, well... My father is Noel Fairwind.”

>FULL STOP

That's it for tonight! Thanks for reading folks!

Returning Tuesday at 5 MST. Be sure to check @sojourneyman in case something comes up and I have to change the schedule.

>>31316596
>>31316583
GAAAAAAAAH!!!! .....i both love and hate you right now

>>31316596
Perfect place for a cliffhanger. Glad to have three anons with us tonight.

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>>31316627
>>31316636

Both your pain and joy is delicious to me.
I mean that in the most benign way possible.

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>>31316649