>>31854127

Mica dashes off to town hall ahead of you. It’s a bit difficult to tell whether or not she’s avoiding the rest of that conversation or she simply just got bored that fast. Nolan at your side chuckles to himself, fixing his glasses with one hand and adjusting the sling of the mostly empty satchel of “compresses” with the other.

Your bruises still smart a bit right now, but you feel like you could still take Mica in a foot race, even with the head start she has. You at least thing you would be panting less than her when you get there.

>[ ] Yeah you can take her.
>[ ] No use tiring yourself out before the hike.
>[ ] Ask Nolan something.
>[ ] Custom.

>>31854156
>[ ] Yeah you can take her.

I say this is a good way of getting fired up.

>>31854252

You turn to Nolan. “Hey, you don’t mind carrying those right?”

“They aren't really that heavy,” he says, “honestly I actually like this bag. Lot of pockets and all.”

“Good.” You grin, digging a boot into the snow. “Less competition!”

You shoot around the corner that Mica just passed trough, between a belt maker and a clockmaker's shop. She isn’t very far ahead at forty feet, she seems to have slipped past a group of people carrying great big rolls of fabric to Bell street.

On one side of the commotion is a metalworker’s forge. A few racks of raw materials seem to form a set of stairs up and over it, and the buildings this close to Bell street are tightly packed enough that you could easily keep up with Mica over their roofs.

The other side is a textile shop that these people must be delivering for, the doors are wide open and you see a straight shot through the other side.

>[ ] Through the crowd!
>[ ] The high road!
>[ ] Window shopping!
>[ ] Custom.

Also:
>BODY+ATHLETICS 4d10 get rollan

Rolled 4, 6, 3, 2 = 15

>>31854579
>[ ] The high road!

File: how-horrifying.png (92 KB, 444x440)

92 KB PNG

Rolled 5, 1, 10, 7 = 23

>>31854657
Dat 6, man.

>>31854657

>No sets, height 6 to take the high road!

You veer to the right of the crowd and hop over the short wall around the workshop. Right as you plant your foot on the first “step” of the shelves a blast of radiating heat from the furnace inside makes you flinch. You lose your balance by the time you get past the last step to the roof and nearly wind yourself on the edge.

>Mica gets a 2x10 set! She gains 1 Willpower!

Just as you scramble over the top and start for the next rooftop you see Mica up ahead cutting across someone’s property. She must have heard you exclaim when you hit the roof because she is running backwards just long enough to stick her tongue out at you.

You clear the gap between your building and the next as you see her dive straight through a nearly closed gate someone is busy closing and dashing down an alley way.

>[ ] BODY+ATHLETICS 4d10 Focus you got this!
>[ ] COORDINATION+ATHLETICS 5d10 Surprise snowball strike!
>[ ] BOD+ATH/COR+ATH 3d10 To do both!
>[ ] BODY+ATHLETICS 5d10 Ride an awning down to street level!
>[ ] Custom.

Rolled 6, 4, 8, 6 = 24

>>31855065
>>[ ] BODY+ATHLETICS 5d10 Ride an awning down to street level!

Sounds like a fun idea.

File: lama-selfie.jpg (45 KB, 560x371)

45 KB JPG

>>31855099
Well shoot.

Rolled 3

>>31855099
No idea if you're accepting this but here's the remaining dice roll.

>>31855099
>>31855255

>2x6 to ride an awning down to street level!

You take your exit into the alley Mica carries on through. Flakes of snow pop up into the air as you hit the fabric of the awning. It pops you back up into the air just high enough to clear another fence before you hit the alley. The scratchy sounds of your gloves against one wall to steady yourself and keep the momentum from your rolling landing echo up and down as you chase the sound of Mica’s boots kicking up snow and frozen dirt.

>Mica gets 2x9 to keep ahead!

The distance between you has shrunk to less than thirty feet now as the two of you exit into the local market place. Mica giggles as she dances past bystanders and heads straight through a few meat stands. Startled chickens call their irritation as you see Mica disappear past wooden cages of of animals up for slaughter this morning.

>[ ] You got her now! Keep on her tail.
>[ ] Head her off through the proper walkways.
>[ ] Custom.

> BODY+ATHLETICS 4d10 get rollan

Rolled 2, 5, 7, 2 = 16

>>31855433
Option 1

>>31855470

>2x2 to keep on her tail.

You slap a curtain out of the way as you enter the butchery after her. By now there’s a few people yelling as a couple of rowdy teenagers are dashing through their shop.

>Mica gets a 2x8 set with split actions and uses it to hinder Fera instead of running!

You only see Mica just in time to stop as she wings one of her blade’s scabbard into a crate of fettered chickens. The front cracks open and the irate birds pour into the path ahead of you, joined by two men who drop their work to catch them.

Luckily she wasted about as much time doing that as you heading around and away from the angry men did. Just as you exit the tarp covered stands into the main thoroughfare of the market. You hear someone familiar cough out a rushed “AH! MY BAD SORRY!” as they come up behind you.

>Nolan’s 3x2 set has caught him up to you now!

The bag of compresses swings into your chest as Nolan runs past. “Well don’t let her completely trounce you!” He lets go of the straps forcing you to take it with you as the two of you keep after Mica.

Up ahead you can see one more street between you and the central plaza. Mica is practically skipping along at this point, running just fast enough to maintain her lead.

You can feel your breaths line up with your cadence as you jog through the snow unfettered by the cold. They highlight the second set of bodily rhythms you can feel through Sister’s link, which until just now have been calm.

>>31855859

>[ ] BODY+ATHLETICS 4d10 Just a dead sprint now, Mica’s out of tricks. Overtake!
>[ ] BODY+ATHLETICS 4d10 Sister! Say hello to Mica again! Less claws this time!
>[ ] BODY+BRAWLING 6d10 Take down Nolan! You aren’t about to be last!
>[ ] Custom.

Rolled 4, 10, 3, 8 = 25

>>31855888
>[ ] BODY+ATHLETICS 4d10 Sister! Say hello to Mica again! Less claws this time!

I wanted to play fair but that whole chicken hindrance thing, well, that crossed the line.

Rolled 2, 2, 10, 9 = 23

>>31855888
>[ ] BODY+ATHLETICS 4d10 Sister! Say hello to Mica again! Less claws this time!

>>31856080
Enter player 2?

Hello anon! As you may be aware, this quest has an extremely small readership, and this makes rolls kinda awkward.

Until there's more than say, three people in the thread, I'm going to go with the first reply's dice pool any time there's a roll. Once there's more the idea is everyone contributes at least a single die to the dice pools.

EITHER WAY, hi enjoy your stay.

Also brb gotta eat.

File: y-u-no-eat-sandwich.jpg (728 KB, 1527x2203)

728 KB JPG

>>31856238
Might as well do the same.

Back!

>>31856774
Welcome back!

>>31856039
>>31856080

>No sets, height 10 to catch up!
>Nolan gets 2x8 to overtake!
>Mica gets no sets height 6 to hit the plaza first!
>Sister gets a 2x1 to say hello!

You grit your teeth and dig into your strides as you feel Sister’s body join you in running. Your thigh and back are on fire as you exert yourself and you start to fall behind Nolan as he runs ahead.

Mica is arrogantly egging the two of you on as she skips toward the tiles of central plaza. She doesn’t hear the skittering of claws slipping on those same tiles as Sister behind her gains just enough traction to correct her course. The embarrassingly clumsy ocelot takes out Mica’s legs from under her as she bowls trough. Mica almost makes a full rotation in the air before landing flat on her belly, sending swirls of light snow back up into the air. Her scabbards make flutelike tapping sounds as they slide across the stone and brass tiles.

You almost fall over laughing as you slow down to a jog that keeps your bruises from hurting so much. As you pass her she pushes herself up on her arms and spits out snow. She stands up dizzily and turns around to see Nolan come to a sliding stop, right in front of town hall’s doors.

Cont.

>>31857215

Now that you’ve slowed down enough, your focus widens enough to notice the new details.

There are three horse drawn carriages now waiting by the side of town hall, Their drivers stand to the side and chat amongst themselves. At least a dozen people are here milling about the plaza itself and most of them are stunned by the scene that just barged through.

The large main set of doors to town hall are open and inside has been cleared of most of the tables save the center three. Inside several town elders including the mayor speak with what looks like most of the family members of the initiates. Iori’s group all stand by their table.

>[ ] Help Mica back up.
>[ ] Join Nolan.
>[ ] Custom.
>What say?

>>31857243
>>[ ] Help Mica back up.
"Are you okay? Here, let me help you up."

Hopefully she isn't too pissed off but she had it coming. Hmph.

And I guess we should join Nolan too. Perhaps meet the mayor and Nolan's family? Saying hi to Gil is obvious and I wonder if he has heard what we've went through for the past couple of hours.

>>31857426

Fera knows that Gil left with a couple other scouts roughly an hour ago.
Nolan had a chance to ask what you've been doing and left it hanging.

>>31857461
> Fera knows that Gil left with a couple other scouts roughly an hour ago.

I thought so. Thanks for clearing that up even further.

>Nolan had a chance to ask what you've been doing and left it hanging.

I'm saving that tale for a campfire story.

> Perhaps meet the mayor and Nolan's family?

Hey, I'm just suggesting this for Nolan's sake and his family. I would say the same thing for Mica's behalf, but I have no idea if anybody cares for her and it seems to me that this is unlikely.

>>31857426

You step back over to Mica’s side as she tries to steady herself from the seriously awesome take down Sister accidentally laid her out with. She falls back down to her bum and shakes her head trying to clear the dizzyness.

“Are you okay?” You say, panting. “Here, let me help you up.” You hold out both hands to her as she looks up.

“Neh swoi var,” she smile while sighing, “en var, nera t’whoe.” Mica grabs both of your arms. “Good one.” She says. You pull her to her feet, she leans forward on you a moment before gaining her balance once more.

The two of you make your way across to Nolan as he enters town hall and starts to get crowded by the enormous number of brothers and sisters. Mica hangs unto one of your sleeves for a few moments before letting go. You gave her a questioning look just before she let go, all she offered in response was her sleepy smile, but a genuine feeling one.

You see Iori standing in front of his table while Alex and Rory, his party members sit down at it. “Walker,” he says, nodding, “good to see you on time this morning.” He looks away after acknowledging you as who must be either his mother or older sister walks up to speak with him. Rory at the table behind Iori gives you a smile and waves before going back to her conversation with Alex.

>Cont.

>>31858130

“Shouldn’t we tell them Antonia’s not making it today?” Mica says as she starts toward one of two other empty tables in the center of the hall.

“Roy said she was going to at least see us off, I think it’s fine.” You reply. Mica seems satisfied and continues to the table, before spotting something and heading to the other side of the hall. You sit down at what is now your table and watch as she scampers to the the man who runs the inn she works at. You think his name is Kurt. He doesn’t have the chance to say anything before she wraps her arms around him in a hug. Interesting.

Well, you suppose you have a few minutes to while away here before Antonia’s group shows up and the Mayor starts the event proper.

>Who do you speak to first? And what do you say?

>>31858149
> You sit down at what is now your table and watch as she scampers to the the man who runs the inn she works at. You think his name is Kurt. He doesn’t have the chance to say anything before she wraps her arms around him in a hug. Interesting.

I am genuinely happy for her.

Sigh... Social gatherings aren't really our thing. So... look a little uncomfortable I suppose?

I would like us to meet Kurt and to straighten him out about last night.

>>31858264

You look around, there’s certainly a lot of people that you recognise. Nolan looks a bit busy with his family, Mica is still talking with her manager who must know her some how. This is the first time you’ve actually voluntarily sat in the middle of a gathering like this, it’s a bit much all at once.

Usually with something like this you’re in and out as fast as you need to be for whatever you’re busy with right then. But this is strange. You really have no reason to speak with anyone here yet you still want to.

You guess you’ll just wait until it’s time to go then. You lean forward on your table as you reach across to the ceremonial torch in the center, fiddling with it’s stand.

“Oi!” You pop off the table, looking around for who said that. “You alright Trailblazer?” Rory says. She’s leaning slightly on one of the empty chairs at your table now. That’s the third nickname in two days.

>[ ] You’re fine.
>[ ] Brush her off.
>[ ] Not really.
>[ ] Custom.

>>31858724
> [ ] Custom.

"If it wasn't obvious, I am feeling a little lonely here. *chuckle*"

>>31858997

You scoff before placing your chin back on the table. “It’s that obvious?” You say. “Yeah, maybe a bit lonely here.”

Rory flips the chair around and sits on it backwards to face you. “Yanno only you could manage to be lonely in the middle of a nice get together like this?” She smiles as she loosens her scarf a bit.

“I don’t want to be rude, but why are you talking with me? We hardly ever talk.” You start reaching for the torch’s stand again.

“Heh, cause I’m not completely ‘artless for one,” she flicks her head toward the table she came from, “an’ I wanna thank you for whollopin’ the captain for me. As much as I’d rather do it myself.”

You rotate the stand a bit. “I’m sure he’d be less “pretty” looking right now. if I Alex wasn’t there to hold you back.”

“Oh don’t worry ‘bout that love, e’s sore alright.” Rory looks up past you. “‘Eads up.” You pick your chin off the table and look behind you. Mica has returned and has Kurt with her. She sits down at the free seat, hopping it forward to the table.

>Cont.

>>31859486

“Hi Rory!” She says. Then she turns to you, gesturing towards the man behind her. “Fera, this is my uncle, Kurt. Kurt, this is my friend, and captain, Fera.” You give her a quizzical look before nodding to Kurt.

“Good to uh, meet you.” You say, before turning back to Mica. “Didn’t you say he was just your manager?”

Mica laughs and prods him in the side. “Ha! That’s only when he’s bothering me.”

“I thought that was all the time.” The man says as he pokes her back, right behind her collarbone. This causes her to let out a tiny squeal and scrunch her shoulder as close to her head as possible.

>Fera gets a 2x10 set to read Mica in a SECRET ROLL, and gains 1 willpower.

You haven’t known Mica for very long, but you know she just lied to you.

“Hey! I’m sittin’ ‘ere too! Where’s my introduction?” Rory says.

>What say?

>>31859510
> >Fera gets a 2x10 set to read Mica in a SECRET ROLL, and gains 1 willpower.

PROMOTIONS!

"Oh! This is Rory, who has helped me right a wrong early in the morning."

>>31859598

“Oh!” You say. “This is Rory, she uh, helped me right a wrong earlier this morning.”

“Right whatever,” Rory rolls her eyes, “I ‘eard alla bout yer rights gettin’ wronged this mornin’.” She smiles.

“Okay...” Kurt says, leaning backward slightly. “Well met, both of you.” He gestures to you with an open hand. “Sorry ‘bout earlier. Didn’t realise you were one of the captains.” He shrugs. “Don’t get out much. Can’t be too cautious you know.”

“Uh, right. W-what do you mean?” You say, tilting your head.

“Hah, nothing.” He shakes his head and looks up past you. You turn around to see Nolan waiting at the table, his family done with him for the most part.

“Right right right, ‘ere sit down wood chip.” Rory says as she hops off the chair and spins it back around, setting it by Nolan. He thanks her and sits down as she heads back to her table.

“Hi? Sir?” He says to Kurt.

“Ah, one of the Rentoups I see.” Kurt says, scratching his scruffy chin. “I don’t quite remember you son.”

“That’s Nolan!” Mica chirps. “This is Kurt, My uncle.”

Nolan nods to him. “Pleasure meeting you sir, I uh, I’m the youngest, obviously.” Mica leans over to Kurt, whispering more of that language you don’t understand.

“Onori ka re Fera, bon alo nahela stupid.” She says, giggling as Kurt shakes his head while rolling his eyes. Nolan seems to have understood what she said, as he goes beet red.

>>31860093

>[ ] Whelp, asking what that was about can’t be good.
>[ ] “Nolan, are you ok?”
>[ ] “Mica, what was that?”
>[ ] “Should I ask?”
>[ ] Custom.

> SENSE+EMPATHY 5d10 get rollan.

Rolled 4, 4, 9, 1, 5 = 23

>>31860110
>[ ] “Should I ask?”

>>31860382

>2x4 to read the situation.

“Should I ask?” You say to neither of them in particular. Mica goes to answer you but she stops when Nolan pierces her with a glare. His features tighten in warning. Mica soundlessly scoffs at him before turning to you.

“It was just a really dumb joke.” She says, rolling her eyes. “It would be super embarrassing to explain.” You think she might not have been speaking entirely to you with that last sentence.

The level of commotion present in the drafty hall kicks up a bit as you hear people’s shoes shuffling to turn them toward the front doors. You see Antonia has arrived, her butler in tow, her party right behind them, and her handlers behind them. One of the other men carries a box shaped contraption that includes a bar at the end of a long pole.

“It is my displeasure to let the good people of Lukewater know Lady Cross and her group will not be joining the rest of your fine initiates this morning.” Roy says with his hand on his chest. Antonia curtsies slightly despite not wearing a skirt. You notice right away that she seems to have a large rifle strapped to her back.

The mayor, Mr. Carver, and who must be his secretary walk up to the group and addresses Antonia directly, an action that seems to throw Roy off his game a bit. “What’s the meaning of this?” He says, slightly annoyed.

>Cont.

>>31860784
This is gonna be good.

>>31860784

“Caught a nasty bug I’m afraid, I wouldn’t dream of holding up any more of your,” Antonia clears her throat, into a handkerchief, “any more of your people than I already am.”

“Lady Cross will still be taking part with her charges I assure you Mr Mayor.” Roy says, composure regained. “Please give us a few days to assure her fitness and safety.” Antonia nods to Roy before addressing the Mayor again.

“I can at least participate with the opening ceremony.” Antonia seems like a completely different person right now. Certainly a less sick one. Mayor Carver turns to his assistant who then rallies more of the elders. People start to filter out of the hall as you hear the horses outside be roused.

You take your party’s torch and head out with everyone, The three horse drawn carriages head around the back side of the Plaza, behind the statues. Yours and the other two groups stop by the statutes as the mayor stands in front of the closing doors of town hall, his assistant by his side.

Cont.

>>31861197

“Forty five years...” He begins, hands cupped together, across his belly. “This will be the seventeenth Forging I’ve been privy to, at least from an organizational capacity.” His hands unclasp and open to the nine kids in front of him. “I’m sure all of you have endured quite a few speeches and or drills over the past week from Gil and his lackeys.” He says chuckling, a few people here and there in the crowd laugh as well. “So I’ll leave this short as I usually do...” His right hand enters the lapel of his coat while the other reaches for a lighter in his pocket. “The world as we know it today, is one of give and take.” He produces a cigar from his coat, lights it, and puts away the lighter all in one choreographed motion. “Lukewater was born of give and take, as a simple way station between our neighbors, a small, warm place to rest one’s aching feet.”

>Cont.

>>31861445

He puts the cigar to his lips, causing the end to glow. In the still air the smoke he lets out wafts up away from the small bit of frozen breath that leaves as well. “It’s young souls like yourselves that keep these places alive. Settle yourselves inside your wonder, your curiosity. Wear it as armor, wield it as your blade, share it with those around you and you will always have a warm place to rest.” The lanky man pats some snow off his coat and turns to his assistant, she makes a non committal gesture. He turns back to you all. “I wrote more of this speech but all we really want for you here is to come back quickly so we have a reason to cook half the entire town’s weight in meat! Wagons!” The mayor waves his hands as the horses start moving again.

Roy approaches the mayor as people start moving again, he leans in and says something that gets the mayor to redirect the horses yet again. “It seems our third captain's friends here have brought along something special for the town.” The mayor says. He says something to his assistant who then goes off to start directing around more people.

>Cont.

>>31861458

One of Antonia’s handlers heads near the spot the mayor was standing, between town hall and the heroes’ statue. He sets up the contraption you saw before, it stands on three spindly legs and the front half of it is covered in pleated fabric like an accordion. Next to it that bar is set up like a sign without the sign part.

“Wow, a camera.” Nolan says. You hadn’t realised those were so small yet. The carriages are arranged to be much closer to the statues now, providing a nice backdrop you would imagine. Roy and two of the town elders usher all nine of you in groups in front of the fountain. Yours gets to be in the center of the picture being the second group and all. You can’t help but smile to yourself at that.

“Hey Fera!” Mica says. “Have you ever gotten your picture taken before?”

“No.” You say.

“You should hold your breath so you don’t come out all blurry. But only halfway!” She says. “I look like a whale in all of the pictures of me before ten!” The small anecdote makes you smile again, you feel slightly less nervous about this.

>Cont.

>>31861475

“Oh! Wait!” Antonia calls out to you and Iori’s groups. “Are any of you bringing weapons?” You notice Lem has her bow with her, and not with the rest of her gear, in her party’s carriage. Tobas even has a crossbow with him. You respond affirmatively, as do your friends. You hear some confirmations from Iori’s group as well.

“Well get them you dolts! Gotta get this picture right!” She waves all of you off while scoffing jovially.

Everyone starts over to their gear, You follow along. Once everyone is back you can see Nolan has brought a traditional logging axe with him. Iori has a spear, Alex carries a sword, and Rory chooses not to display the knives you know she has.

Iori and Antonia both take positions at the front of their parties as you see the man at the camera start to fiddle with it’s bits.

You stare at the cap at the end of it’s lens as he prepares to uncover it.

>[ ] Stand with your Longbow. Think confidence.
>[ ] Throw your arms around Mica and Nolan.
>[ ] Custom.
>Force Sister to attend this horrendously populated picture? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Ye gods that update.

>>31861488
Option 2 and force the ocelot in this.

>>31861501
No kidding. It was awesome for the occasion.

>>31861541

You can feel Sister lurking on top of town hall. You let her know that Mica will likely never let her live it down if she isn’t in this picture. The man at the camera jumps as Sister nimbly lands next to him. She stares at everyone for a second before darting to your side.

She can’t wait to go kill something later. Sister sits up straight between you and Mica, causing her to giggle. You grab her, and then Nolan, and pull them in to wrap your arms around their shoulders. You forget the pain just for a bit. These two are so warm.

The genuine smile feels a bit wasted on the unfeeling glass eye of the camera.

The last thing you see for a good few seconds is the man uncovering the lens and reaching up to that odd bar with a skinny pole. The flash that erupts from it is so shocking you don’t even blink.

The four of you stumble around for a few seconds as your vision recovers. “They didn’t move too much did they?” You hear Antonia ask someone, you think the cameraman. “Alright! Terrific!” She continues. Once you can see again, you can see everyone is already heading to their carriages. Sister takes her chance to dip out of the crowd again. Nolan helps you and Mica up into the carriage before hopping in himself.

>Cont.

>>31861551
Post?

>>31861625

The crowd starts to cheer as the horses start to make their way out the plaza and head to the north edge of town. The streets the entire way there are lined with people giving their goodbyes and good luck. At some point you spot a few of the hoodrats from earlier. “Kat” is present, as are Dell and his cronies. She gives a simple nod to Mica when she sees her spot herself, and one more with a smile to you when you see. Dell waves, and then punches the taller lackey in the gut after he says something to him.

Tobias’s two younger siblings run up to his carriage and latch onto the edges, he leans forward and hugs both of them by the head before peeling them off the cart. They go rolling off in the snow laughing before joining the other small children who run along with the carriages.

One last corner is passed as you all head down the hill of Lukewater toward the edge of the forest. You can see the forest almost completely unobstructed now. Miles of wild land, giving way to a great mountain pass.

You hear sniffing to your right, Mica appears to be crying, but her face is happy. “A-are you alright Mica?”

Mica wipes her eyes with a sleeve before turning to you. “You have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for the Forging?” She says, laughing then crying and crumpling into you.

You can’t keep from laughing as you put an arm around her. “Oh Huntress,” you say, “calm down, you’re gonna make me cry too.”

>FULL STOP.

>>31861637

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