>>32633580
>B) Leave it

>>32633752
You tell Maurice to leave the pit alone. He sits back on his crate and begins shuffling his deck of cards. He must be missing more than a few by now.

"If I may ask, sir." He draws one of the cards and looks at the face before tucking it back into the deck. "What is our course of action?"

A) Enter the city
B) Escape detection
C) Other

>>32633791
>B) Escape detection

>>32633808
You tell Maurice that your priority now is to get away from those sent to hunt you. Annalise and Pietra are safe, having committed no crime.

As you sit in the cold, damp house, you hear someone approaching outside. Maurice doesn't notice it, but when you gesture to him, he understands. You look around the hut. There are more small crates, straw blankets, and an old stick that you fashioned into a toy sword years ago. It's not sturdy, but you'd wager it's got a few good swings in it.

The footsteps outside stop. After a brief silence, there is a rough knock on the wooden door of the hut.

A) Answer
B) Ignore it
C) Other

>>32633915
ask who it is, but don't open it just yet

>>32633936
You stand and answer the knock, but don't approach the door just yet. There is silence, but in a moment it is followed by a feminine voice from the other side.

"Is someone in there? I mean, who's there? You shouldn't be in there, the owner of this house will come home soon!" You look to Maurice. He shrugs.

A) Answer the door
B) Tell them to leave
C) Other

>>32633990
>A) Answer the door

>>32634009
You approach the door and pull it open. On the other side is an older woman, likely over 30 with a matronly figure and the look of someone who has spent a life working hard. She looks just slightly familiar, but more interesting is the look in her eye when she sees you. She seems almost shocked by your appearance, which you must assume is due to the armor and dirt from the road.

She takes a short step back, placing her hand over her mouth. You see her eyes move up and down and all across you before coming to rest again on your face.

"It can't be..." She takes a step forward and takes a good look at your face again. It's starting to feel a bit uncomfortable. "You are, though. You used to live here. But now you're...enormous!"

A) Ask her to leave
B) Shut the door
C) Other

>>32634184
>C) Other
who are you?

>>32634205
You ask the woman to identify herself. She smiles, dusting off her apron.

"I suppose it has been a long time since we've seen one another. And you were young, I can't blame you for forgetting an old maid like me. I live in the house just down the road. You came to see me the day your father passed away. I gave you a few coins and let you wash up before you headed to the city. I'm called Margaret, in case you've forgotten that as well." The woman offers her hand, smiling.

A) Shake
B) Ignore it
C) Other

>>32634324
>A) Shake

>>32634335
You take her hand and shake it politely. Even when you let go, she seems focused on your face a bit more than you'd like.

"You look just like your father you know. Well, you're shaven and much healthier, but I can certainly see him in you." She continues to smile and stare at you until Maurice comes up behind you in the doorway to see what the fuss is. When she spots him, she snaps back to reality and shakes the thoughts from her head.

"I'm sorry, I got stuck reminiscing. You two don't need to be stuck in this cold hut; come over to my house. I've got hot soup simmering, and I want to hear all about your life."

A) Accept
B) Decline

>>32634534
>B) Decline

>>32634534
maybe another time

>>32634540
>>32634553
You decline her offer. She doesn't seem sad, but it's obvious she wishes you hadn't.

"I'm sorry, you must be busy with work. I know how demanding life in service must be. Still, don't be a stranger. You grew up here, I'm sure everyone would love to see how strong and handsome you turned out to be." She turns and begins heading back to her own home. "If you change your mind, you know where I live!" She makes her way back down the road, and you shut the door again.

"I am quite peckish, sir." Maurice speaks up beside you. You sit back down, reminding him how important it is to remain undetected for the time being. He agrees, and the two of you continue your quiet wait.

A) Stay until nightfall
B) Stay until morning
C) Other

>>32634684
>A) Stay until nightfall

>>32634708
You and Maurice sit in relative silence as the day passes by. Within hours, you feel hunger begin to rise in you, as well as thirst and boredom. Through this, you persevere. It isn't until the sun is set and the blazing orange of the sky turns to a deep blue do you stand and stretch yourself out. Maurice does the same, cracking his neck and knuckles. Once you're both satisfied with your limberness, Maurice asks what the next step will be.

A) Go into the city
B) Cross the desert
C) Go north
D) Other

>>32634929
c

>>32634969
You think for a moment about your options. The desert is a place of unrest, and the city is too dangerous for you now. The only choice that seems to make sense is going north, to the land where the rangers and barbarians rule. Maurice isn't convinced, but as always he pledges to stay by you to the end.

The two of you make your way out the door and look around. Everything seems clear. The farmers and field hands will be home by now, eating their supper or drinking themselves stupid. It shouldn't be too hard to get away in the dark, but you should still be cautious.

You follow the road until it begins to fork. One path, frequently trodden, leads to the fields. The other goes northwest, toward the mountains where bandits are known to roam. Tough as they might be, you're confident that you and Maurice are a match for mere brigands. The two of you turn north, and begin following the road in the night. Hours pass, and you both feel the pains of hunger and thirst, as well as a new sensation: exhaustion.

As you walk, you notice something. The sounds of the night are just slightly off. There are no crickets in the tall grass. After a minute of thinking on this, you come to a single conclusion. You're being followed.

A) Pick up the pace
B) Tell Maurice
C) Stop
D) Other

>>32635173
>B) Tell Maurice
>C) Stop

>>32635190
You stop walking and look around. Maurice asks what the problem is, and you fill him in. He draws his cards from his robes and joins you in the search.

You can almost smell someone now. But they are silent as a shadow. You approach the grass and try to look in. Nothing visible.

A) Keep searching
B) Move on
C) Other

>>32635270
>A) Keep searching

>>32635278
You and Maurice begin sweeping through the grass together, searching for the culprit.

Suddenly, as you pull back a few tall blades, something pulls you down into the grass. You are grappled and held up, but stop when you hear a single gentle hush. The dark prevents you from seeing who or what has gotten a hold of you, but they are certainly skilled enough to lock you up.

A) Struggle
B) Call for Maurice
C) other

>>32635378
>A) Struggle
>B) Call for Maurice

>>32635403
You call for Maurice's assistance as you fight to break free from your attacker. This proves much easier than you would have expected. You break free and regain your feet as Maurice reaches you. The two of you hear a familiar laugh, and look carefully into the grass to see a face that both agitates and relieves you.

A) Kor
B) Annalise
C) Pietra

>>32635496
>C) Pietra

>>32635496
>B) Annalise
eh, why not both?

>>32635526
She stands and dusts herself off, still amused by getting the drop on you.

"I know you lost your holy powers, but I didn't think they accounted for that mush of your strength. It's kind of cute how easy you are to bring down now." Before you can even ask, Pietra explains that Annalise is currently being treated, and that Kor elected to stay and protect her. She herself snuck over the walls to find you and let you know everything was okay.

A) Ask about your pursuers
B) Ask about Annalise
C) Ask about the city
D) Other

>>32635620
>A) Ask about your pursuers
>B) Ask about Annalise
>C) Ask about the city

>>32635632
You press Pietra for information on the situation. She obliges quite readily.

"They send out two paladins and an inquisitor every hour to do a sweep. They think you're going to break into the city and try to kidnap Annalise. Her parents and Leman are out doing whatever, so there's basically nobody to defend you, since they think Annalise is brainwashed or something. She told me to look after you while she gets things sorted. So where are we going?"

A) "North."
B) "You're going back."
C) Other

>>32635791
>B) "You're going back."

set up a rendezvous point in the North

>>32635808
You tell Pietra that she'll need to head back to the city. She takes this as an insult, until you explain your true plan.

"That makes sense, I suppose. Although it won't be easy to get all three of us out." You express your confidence in Pietra, which perks her up noticeably. "Alright. If we give it a month, it'll be a piece of cake to slip Annalise out. Where do you want to meet?"

A) The ranger station
B) The northern border
C) The mountains

>>32636001
>A) The ranger station

>>32636001
>C) The mountains

>>32636032
You agree to meet at the outpost, hopefully safe and sound. Before you part, Pietra hands you a bundle. Inside are two full waterskins, a hunting knife, and a firestarter. It isn't much, but you've survived on less. You hand the bundle to Maurice before turning back to Pietra. She reaches around you and squeezes.

"Before you go" She looks up at you and presents her lips comically.

A) Just one
B) Later
C) other

>>32636463
a

>>32636463
>A) Just one
Ze eyes, they roll.

>>32636478
>>32636502
You give Pietra a peck before separating. She heads back down the road to the city, and you and Maurice continue north. You walk for the rest of the night, and most of the next day, stopping to rest in the tall grass just after sunset. There is no fire to keep you warm, and no food to fill your stomachs on this night.

The next day you are confident enough to forage for what meager rations you can find, settling for grass and water. This continues for a few days, until you are far enough to risk hunting and cooking meat. Rabbits, squirrels, and gophers are lean and thin but better than cud.

Days turn to weeks, and eventually you escape the salt plains and make your way to the northern hills. There are many villages on the road that you may pass through, and you may even find a hot meal for some labor if you like.

A) Work for hot food along the way
B) Stick to foraging

>>32636591
>A) Work for hot food along the way

>>32636591
>B) Stick to foraging
Aren't we a wanted man?

>B) Stick to foraging

>>32636729
Together you and Maurice lend your hands doing menial tasks for coin and food. The people appreciate it greatly, especially those who need heavy lifting done. You become more and more aware of your weakened state, but even without holy power you are twice as strong as any other man you come across.

You go from town to town, sleeping in lofts on bad nights and in guest rooms on good nights. You eat thin stew and bloody steak. You take a few baths, but nothing very luxurious. All in all, you arrive at the edge of the northern forest in good health.

You approach the gathering treeline slowly. You can already hear the lively sounds of birds and animals from deep within. This is the first time you've ever actually seen the northern forest, but you know that you're only a few days east of the ranger outpost. As you enter, Maurice speaks up.

"From what I know about the rangers, they don't take very kindly to trespassers. Perhaps it is best we try to stay low while we're here."

A) Be inconspicuous
B) Move casually

>>32636858
New guy?

>>32636892
Yup, yup. Sorry, long time lurker. Just now got the confidence to join.
Have to say, you are a fucking amazing writer.

>>32636868
>A) Be inconspicuous

>>32636868
>A) Be inconspicuous

>>32636892
>>32636920
And by long time I mean the start of this character. Not long, long.

File: Spoiler Image (51 KB, 512x512)

51 KB JPG

>>32636946
>>32636950
You agree with Maurice, and decide to move as quietly as you can until you're sure you're safe. This slows you down some, but not enough to worry you. You should still arrive well within three days at the most.

You spend most of the first day silently walking through the spring wood. Everything is lush and green, and there are dozens of small animals scurrying about their business. Once you turn back to see a small flock of butterflies resting on Maurice's shoulders. You point this out, and he shoes them away.

Night finally comes, and with it roaring stomachs.

A) Hunt
B) Forage

>>32636920
>you are a fucking amazing writer
Don't praise me. It makes me gush.

>>32637341
>A) Hunt

>>32637341
>B) Forage

Oh Rags. You're cute.

>>32637365
You tell Maurice to set up camp while you begin looking for a proper meal. As he builds a small firepit, you take the hunting knife and head into the forest.

You walk a good distance away, staying as quiet as you can in full armor, and start searching for tracks, or any sort of trail.

A) Hunt small game
B) Hunt big game
C) Other

>>32637676
>A) Hunt small game

>>32637676
>A) Hunt small game

>>32637685
>>32637704
You spot rabbit signs, still fairly fresh. You follow them for a while, eventually coming to a den. You quietly approach it.

Your heart skips a beat when a large rabbit comes bounding out of a shrub a ways away, and darts into the den. At least now you know it can't get away. You approach, careful not to frighten your prey, and finally come up to the hole.

You kneel down and peek inside. You see two large rabbits, and several small babies. The babies nurse from their mother's teets, and upon seeing you, both adults begin screeching.

A) Take them
B) Spare them

>>32638038
>B) Spare them

>>32638038
>B) Spare them

Wren is always faster than me.
T-T

>>32638038
>A) Take them
Drop them before the noise attracts attention!

>>32638072
>>32638090
You back away from the den, leaving the rabbits to go about their lives. As you begin walking away, you hear a high pitched sort of whistle. This is followed by a sudden thunk. You whip around to look up at the treeline, but there seems to be nobody around. You take a look in the den again. The male rabbit is slain, an arrow shaft plunged deep through it's neck. The mother screeches, and the babes break away to join her.

A) Take the corpse
B) Leave the den
C) Other

>>32638168
>B) Leave the den

>>32638168
>B) Leave the den

>>32638168
>B) Leave the den
Oh dear.

>>32638189
>>32638209
You back away from the den quickly. There are no more shafts loosed around you, but the sudden arrival of the first is very concerning. When you feel you have put a good distance between you and the rabbit hole, you assess your options.

A) Continue hunting
B) Return to Maurice
C) other

>>32638258
>A) Continue hunting

>>32638258
>B) Return to Maurice
Need to check up on him.

>>32638258
>B) Return to Maurice
Consider me spooked. Let's go somewhere else. Preferably without snipers.

Haven't been in this Quest in like a month quick recap?
Did Wren ever get his harem?

>>32638371
Uhhh, I believe the harem is working as expected.
Killed some assumed vampires, Annalise is infected. Went back home to Lumen to fix her. We're now a heretic, and being hunted down. Meeting up with everyone in the North. Did I miss anything?

>>32638371
Angry Jojo-esque vampires.
Vamped Anna.
Switched gods to Monk Ross, AKA He of Drunken Monkey Blazes Eternally.
Dead vampires.
Went homeward to cure Anna.
Technically now a heretic. Kinda on the run from the burning torch and pitchfork brigade.
OT3 Lives!

>>32638290
>>32638307
You decide to forgo dinner tonight, and return to Maurice to make sure of his safety. It's a bit of a jog back, but you reach him and find him quietly tending the fire.

"Welcome back, sir. You were gone shorter than I would have anticipated. What did you find?"

A) "Nothing."
B) Tell him about the arrow
C) Other

>>32638532
>B) Tell him about the arrow

>>32638532
"A sniper."
>B) Tell him about the arrow

>>32638532
>B) Tell him about the arrow

>>32638544
>>32638569
>>32638588
You tell Maurice about the arrow that took the rabbit's life, and how you were unable to locate it's point of origin. Maurice scratches his chin scruff as he absorbs your words.

"It seems odd, sir. The rangers aren't opposed to folk simply using the forest's resources modestly. And you intended to spare the rabbits lives besides. Perhaps they mean to arrest us."

A) Stay and wait
B) Get moving
C) Other

>>32638646
>B) Get moving

>>32638646
>B) Get moving
I am torn between this and waiting. Eh, damnit.

>>32638646
>B) Get moving
Nope. No ranger bull. I had it up to here with their casual jackboot dickery when we were Owain. HatehateHATEhate.

>>32638734
Did we ever do a mage?

>>32638668
>>32638682
>>32638734
You stomp out the fire and tell Maurice to get ready to move. He does so quickly, stuffing various objects and bundles into his robes as the both of you prepare to put distance between you and here. Maurice reminds you of the direction of the outpost, according to maps,and you head that way.

In a few minutes, you run across something rather odd. There is an arrow buried deep in a tree trunk with a bright orange cloth tied to it. Maurice is unsure of its purpose, but it was clearly placed here recently, since the tree has released very little sap. Maurice looks around and spots more in other trees, all just around eye level. They form a sort of inward curving perimeter that stops you from continuing on toward the outpost. Maurice seems worried about what they might mean, but you wonder if they're anything but trail markers.

A) Continue to the outpost
B) Go around the markers
C) Stop here
D) Other

>>32638963
>B) Go around the markers

>>32638963
>B) Go around the markers
Trap? I feel it.

>>32639000
>>32639016
You begin moving around the markers in hopes of avoiding whatever they are meant to denote. After a while, you find the end of them. It seems you are free to continue toward the outpost, but Maurice is still fixated on the markers.

Suddenly there is an odd noise in the distance. It resembles a roar, but not one you've ever heard.

A) Approach
B) Stay where you are
C) Move toward the outpost
D) Other

>>32639394
>C) Move toward the outpost

>>32639394
>B) Stay where you are

>>32639406
>>32639415
You tell Maurice to calm himself down, and the two of you begin heading toward the outpost once more. This time there are no markers blocking the way, but avoiding them did cost you quite a bit of time.

"Summerset." Maurice speaks bluntly, catching you off guard. You turn back to see what he's on about. "A Summerset call, sir. A very rare bird native to this part of the world. They call out during the hot months, hence the name, to find mates. We're very lucky to hear one. I think it may be a good omen."

A) 'I'm glad you've calmed down."
B) "It's no reason to drop your guard."
C) Other

>>32639657
>B) "It's no reason to drop your guard."

>>32639657
>B) "It's no reason to drop your guard."

>>32639673
>>32639684
You remind Maurice to keep on his toes. Despite never having been, you know this forest to be a wild and untamed place full of vicious creatures. The rangers preserve it as intact as they can, and that means there are plenty of predators looking for an easy meal.

As you continue onward, you see something flash overhead. You look up in time to watch as two green blurs begin descending the branches of the tall trees at a rapid pace. They seem to be headed right for you.

A) Arm yourselves
B) Appear unassuming
C) Other

>>32639898
>A) Arm yourselves

>>32639898
>B) Appear unassuming

>>32639944
Maurice draws a knife from his robes, and you pick up the nearest fallen branch, snapping off a growth with a single kick to fashion it into a makeshift club.

The green blurs hit ground fast, yet somehow soft. As they straighten themselves out, you realize they're men, and rangers to be sure. They wear green cloaks over boiled leather, and have painted their eyes to be black, resembling a raccoon. They spot your weapons and draw their own, a pair of twin axes and a set of bolas that are spun so fast that they whistle.

"Halt! Put down your weapons!"

A) Comply
B) Refuse
C) other

>>32640210
>a
We really wouldn't be able to take them on

>>32640210
>A) Comply
We are trespassing, and they didn't draw until they saw our weapons.

>>32640210
>C) other
Why?

>>32640239
>>32640263
You and Maurice both drop your weapons in good faith. Seeing this, the rangers stow theirs as well. One of them takes a few steps toward you, darting his eyes back and forth between you.

"I am Scoutmaster Oswin. You are approaching Ranger territory. If you've no business here, please turn away."

A) Leave
B) Ask to go to the outpost
C) other

>>32640462
>B) Ask to go to the outpost

>>32640462
>B) Ask to go to the outpost

>>32640488
>>32640550
You tell them that you do in fact has business at the ranger outpost. They look at one another suspiciously, seeming to communicate without words. Oswin looks at you again.

"By any chance might one of you be a paladin of Lumen?"

A) Yes
B) No

>>32640640
>A) Yes

>>32640640
>B) No

>>32640640
>A) Yes
Morning, folks.
>>32640671
Now isn't the time for technicalities.

>>32640652
You admit to this, and the rangers seem to relax a bit.

"In that case, we've been expect you. The Lionheart got wind of you approaching, and asked us to give you guest treatment. If you'll follow us, we can take you to the outpost straight away." Oswin stands aside and motions for you to approach.

A) Follow
B) Refuse

>>32640851
>A) Follow
Forgot the name.

>>32640851
>A) Follow

>>32640874
>>32640899
You agree to follow the rangers, and they lead you on. It's starting to grow dark now, but they are quite good at navigating in the low light.

The walk is silent, save for occasional mumblings from Maurice. In an hour or so, you spot the outpost, a large complex of wood buildings assembled high in the trees with branches serving as natural bridges. There are other rangers dashing here and there, all draped in green cloaks. Oswin explains that the man he calls The Lionheart wishes to speak to you immediately, but isn't actual in the outpost at the moment.

"You are free to eat while you wait, or you may go directly to the meeting room, where it's quiet."

A) Wait in the mess hall
B) Wait in the meeting room
C) Other

>>32640851
>A) Follow


Hey, gonna drop out for a bit. Personal matters. Will be on later if it's still up. Thanks for havin' me guys.

>>32641102
>B) Wait in the meeting room

>>32641102
>A) Wait in the mess hall
We're starved.
>>32641111
See ya.

>>32641102
>>32641123
Second

>>32641123
>>32641328
You elect to wait in the meeting room, away from the majority of the outpost's personnel. The two rangers lead you up a spiraling staircase made of large stones jammed into the side of a great tree trunk, and then across a few branches and pathways to a large room carved into one of the trees, whose size would suggest an ancient lifespan.

The room itself is round and a bit low, forcing you to crouch just a bit to avoid knocking your head. In the center is a table that has been built from the inner tree trunk. Around that are many cut logs that serve as chairs. The rangers offer you your choice of seats, and you each take one. With that, they ask you to be patient and step out.

"Something about all this makes me nervous, sir." Maurice looks at you, shuffling his cards.

A) "It'll be fine."
B) "Be ready for anything."
C) Other

>>32641399
>B) "Be ready for anything."

>>32641399
>B) "Be ready for anything."

>>32641399
>>32641419
>>32641422
Thirding

>>32641419
>>32641422
You tell Maurice to be prepared for whatever may come. He agrees, shuffling his desk nimbly.

Minutes turn to hours, and night falls. The room grows nearly pitch black with the absence of the sun. When it finally becomes unignorable, Maurice offers to light a small lamp nearby.

A) Light it
B) Leave it be

>>32641485
>B) Leave it be

>>32641485
>B)Leave it be

>>32641485
>B) Leave it be

>>32641492
>>32641499
>>32641505
Just as you are about to stop Maurice from lighting the lamp, there is a great bang from the door. It swings violently inward, revealing the blue silhouette of three men standing together just outside, one in the lead, and two at attention behind him.

The man in front enters the room with heavy footsteps as the man at his left reaches around and places something in his mouth. The third man reaches around with a lit match, and reveals the object to be a bit of rolled tobacco. The hot orange glow stands out, calling your attention.

"What pile of refuse have these men dragged in for me to sort through." The man exhales, sending up a trail of smoke only visible against the blue background outside.

A) "Say that to my face."
B) "We don't want any trouble."
C) Other

>>32641603
>A) "Say that to my face."
YER WOT M8
but seriously
>B) "We don't want any trouble."

>>32641603
>B) "We don't want any trouble."

>>32641603
>>32641625
>>32641633
Thirding

>>32641625
>>32641633
>>32641649
You assure the lead man that you haven't come to disrupt the business of the outpost. He lets loose another puff of smoke.

"No trouble? Are you joking?" The man crosses the room, moving behind Maurice and settling between you. "You walked your ass all the way from the shining city to the middle of fucking nowhere-north and you don't want trouble? That's very unfortunate, because trouble seems to follow you like a hound. I've received ten notices from Lumen to refuse you asylum, and even one to send a messenger with your head in a box. Ten! What do you suppose I should say to that?" The man bends and blows more smoke into your face before straightening his back.

A) Be silent
B) "I'm innocent."
C) "I don't see why I should care."
D) Other

>>32641767
What did you have in mind

>>32641767
D) "If I am always causing trouble wherever I go, you could just let us go and go on our way. What do the notices officially say about us? I am pretty sure I am innocent here. Like 75% sure."

>>32641854
The burning orange of the tobacco moves from the man's mouth to the lantern. He taps the ashes into it, lighting it. In a few moments the room is filled with a dim, yellow light.

"I was thinking of telling them to get fucked. But I guess I could have one of my stewards pad the letter a bit." The man extinguishes his tobacco roll on the table as his face comes into focus. Black, curly hair and a beard in serious need of a trim fall over a black cloak. His face bears a deep scar on one side that must have come from something large. Whatever it was just barely missed ripping out his eye.

"God, what a couple of years will do to a man. You look like the back end of a boar." The man opens his arms warmly for you.

A) Embrace
B) Other

>>32642151
>A) Embrace

>>32642151
>A) Embrace

>>32642191
>>32642198
You stand and wrap your arms around Leon. He squeezes back, and soon it becomes a contest of strength. Once you've sufficiently cracked Leon's ribs, you let go and take a better look at one another.

"It's good to see you, partner. What the hell happened down south? All I've heard is that you fell and took Annalise with you, but I don't believe a single word of it."

A) Explain everything
B) Abridge it
C) Other

>>32642339
>A) Explain Everything

>>32642339
>A) Explain everything

>>32642339
b

>>32642454
>>32642339
crap, meant A

>>32642363
>>32642404
>>32642483
You recount your adventure in detail, clearly boring Leon, but getting the point across. At the end, after you've snapped him back to attention, he nods.

"Makes sense to me. But herecy is sort of a big deal in the church, if you can believe it. But forget that! So long as I'm in charge here, you're welcome to stay. But you've gotta be starved for a decent meal. Want something to eat?"

A) "That sounds fantastic."
B) "I'd rather just get some sleep."
C) Other

>>32642601
>A) "That sounds fantastic."

>>32642601
>A) "That sounds fantastic."
>C) "You will be joining us, right? I wish to know what kind of stuff you've gotten yourself into lately as well."

>>32642601
>A) "That sounds fantastic."

>>32642643
>>32642646
>>32642674
You accept, and Leon sends his two men to bring up a meal. Leon sits next to you, between you and Maurice, and the two of you get to talking.

"It's been insane since we split up. They found out about my mission being an elaborate cover to rescue you. Not happy about it. One of the other berets tried to have me court martialed. I contested it, of course, and it ended up going to trial by combat. He sliced up by left arm, but I took his right hand from the elbow down. After that, I wasn't as efficient at bow or sword anymore. I'm still a beret in name, but I'm more focused on maintaining the northern territory now. The new blood handle all the dangerous missions, while I'm here wrangling dire bears and cockatrice. But, it's not all bad. Warm bed, hot food, good company. And being in charge has it's perks too! I just snap my fingers and someone fetches me a cold drink, or a smoke." Leon leans back in his seat and smiles.

"Not many men get to live their dream. Not even for a minute. I got mine, but in the end it wasn't even what I really wanted. Life is funny that way."

A) Ask something
B) Wait for the food to arrive
C) Other

>>32642893
>A) Ask something
you still have a thing for Kor?

>>32642893
>>32643235
Second
Hookin' a brother up.

>>32643235
You ask about Leon's feelings toward Kor. He seems confused for a brief moment, then sad. As he opens his mouth to answer, the door to the room opens and three men in green cloaks enter with trays of food and bottles. They spread them before you, and Leon begins uncovering them. Baked ham, mashed potatoes, hot biscuits, carrots, and game hen. Maurice begins digging in ferociously, not even thanking the rangers for their hospitality. Leon chuckles as Maurice struggles to choke down a particularly stubborn piece of meat. Leon pours you each a glass of cider and you clean your plates together.

As you finish, leaning back and belching to relieve the abdominal stress, Leon wipes his hands and stands.

"I've got something I want to show you."

A) Follow
B) Ask what it is
C) Other

>>32643406
>A) Follow
>B) Ask what it is

>>32643406
>>32643425
Second
Shit about to get real here, son.

>>32643406
>A) Follow
>B) Ask what it is

>>32643425
>>32643465
>>32643467
You follow behind Leon, still sluggish with a full belly, and Maurice tags along as well. You ask Leon what it is he means to show you, but he only says that it's a surprise. Something in his tone is maniacal. You aren't sure how to respond.

Leon brings you up and down and all around the outpost, until you reach a tree that according to him are the officers' quarters. Apartments built into levels of two great trees, with light pouring from the windows. Leon's is at the very top, and through a hand carved door.

Inside it is warm and cozy, decorated with shelves of books and baubles. The entrance seems to be a sitting room and study combo. There is but one door, and you assume it leads to the bed.

"Take your boots off, if it's all the same to you. Just because I live in the woods doesn't mean I want to sleep in the woods." You comply, but Maurice is of course unable. As you free your feet, the bedroom door slowly opens, and from inside emerges a young woman. She is blonde and green-eyed with regal features. She wears the tunic of a ranger, but it's two sizes too big for her, and she wears it more as a dress than anything. She spots Leon and moves over to him angrily.

"It's about time!" She does her best to shout while also whispering. "I've been up all day! You could have left a note, or done something to tell me where you were!"

"It was an emergency call!" Leon mimics her whisper-shouts. "There was something bad that came down from the winterlands, and they needed me there to wrestle it!"

"I don't care! The last thing I need is to be sat in bed, trying not to lose my mind because you might not be coming home!"

"First off, I'm fucking immortal! Second, stop with the lecture because we have guests!" Leon points you out. The blonde woman whips her head around and looks at you and Maurice with disdain.

A) Introduce yourself
B) Stay out of it
C) Other

>>32644027
>B) Stay out of it

>>32644027
>A) Introduce yourself
>C) Other
Immortal?

>>32644027
>C) Ask Leon to introduce us to his "girlfriend"
Also
>C) Immortal?
Jokingly of course. Or maybe not.

>>32644027
>High five Leon
>Stay out of it

>>32644093
ok, this

>>32644027
Back.
This>>32644093

>>32644142
>>32644093
>>32644084
You introduce yourself and Maurice by name, as polite as you can manage. She turns back to Leon and the shouting continues.

"You brought people here without even giving me a minute to get dressed!? I'm a mess! I'm not even wearing pants, they think I'm some kind of cheap whore!"

"They don't think that, because I don't fuck cheap whores!" This sentence is followed by a swift and loud slap across the face. Leon recoils, but the pain in his eyes is false. You've seen him receive worse before he could even properly string a bow. His harm is an act, for the sake of his friend.

"If you think you're sleeping in the bed tonight, then you've got another thing coming!"

"Don't worry, I know for a fact nothing I want ever comes from that bed!" Another slap, and the woman retreats back into the bedroom, closing the door softly, and yet still full of rage. Leon sighs, and turns back to the two of you.

"That's Eva."

A) "She seems nice."
B) "Is that how you always greet each other?"
C) "Are you alright?"
D) "Immortal?"
E) Other

>>32644320
>A) "She seems nice."
>Cheeky ass grin
>D) "Immortal?"

>>32644320
>B) "Is that how you always greet each other?"
>C) "Are you alright?"
>D) "Immortal?"

>>32644320
>>32644359
Seconding

But also add before asking about his "immortality".

>"How did you two meet?"

>>32644320
>A) "She seems nice."
>B) "Is that how you always greet each other?"
>D) "Immortal?"

>>32644359
>>32644377
>>32644468
You ask Leon if the preceding was an average welcoming conversation for the two of them.

"More or less. Today she's actually pretty relaxed. That's what I like about her I suppose; her fire and grit." You mention Leon's comment about immortality. He only chuckles.

The bedroom door opens again. Eva emerges in a proper fitting tunic and trousers. Her figure is immediately attention catching. She is lean, like Kor, but has all the upper generosity of Pietra, and the lower of Annalise. You find yourself needing to look away for just a moment to collect your thoughts.

Eva approaches you, tying her hair into a tail. She finishes and extends a hand.

"I'm Evangeline. Evangeline Duthane. I'm sorry about that fight."

A) "Don't worry about it."
B) "You can borrow my knife next time."
C) Other

>>32644614
>B) "You can borrow my knife next time."

>>32644614
>C) Other
How long have you guys been together?

>>32644614
>A) "Don't worry about it."
>B) "You can borrow my knife next time."
>C) "I've heard Leon likes it rough."
and
>>32644675

>>32644675
>>32644689
You ask her how long the two of them have been together. She smiles, slightly bashful.

"It's almost been two years now. I was stationed here right after I finished the last of my training. My first mission was helping Leon bring down a pack of dire wolves." She raises her hands to her cheeks and sways in place just a bit, reminiscing about the event.

"He was so manly and confident. Twenty dire pups, big as cows, and he cut them all down without even getting a scratch. Then he fought the alpha in single combat. He dodged and flipped like a sparrow in flight. Then he put an arrow in each eye and gave me it's fang." Eva giggles a bit at the thought of this.

"Two months later she fucked me in the armory." Eva delivers a swift punch to Leon's stomach.

"Can't you make it sound a little more romantic than that?!"

"Sweetie, there was nothing romantic about what we did under those chestplates." Leon laughs heartily, and Eva continues to hammer in his chest and arm.

A) Break them up
B) Let them be
C) Other

>>32645083
>B) Let them be

>>32645083
>B) Let them be

>>32645083
>B) Let them be

>>32645112
>>32645135
>>32645149
You watch as they roughhouse a bit more. In time, it dies down, and Eva drops herself into a nearby chair.

"You're lucky I like being a beret's wife, you know." Eva smiles, leaning back.

Leon smirks, then turns his attention back to you. "I never got to show you that thing from earlier."

A) "Go ahead."
B) "That wasn't it?"
C) "I'm not sure what more I can handle."
D) Other

>>32645313
>B) "That wasn't it?"

>>32645313
>B) "That wasn't it?"

>>32645313
>B
then
>A

>>32645348
>>32645351
Leon laughs again. He turns to Eva for a moment, and she waves him away.

"Come on then. But be quiet." Leon proceeds to lead you and Maurice into the bedroom. He is very careful about shutting the door. You watch as he slowly approaches the bed, and turns into what appears to be a small crate beside it. He motions for you to approach, and you do.

Nestled in that small crate, on top of a stack of soft blankets, is a small child with a wild tuft of black hair. It coos and wriggles, sleeping soundly, wrapped up in a loose outfit that resembles a robe.

"Well? Say something or I'll think I've spawned a beast." Leon smiles, his cheeks rosy with joy.

A) "Gross."
B) "She's beautiful."
C) "He's squishy."
D) Other

>>32645524
>A) "Gross."
jokingly, of course.
>B) "She's beautiful."

>>32645524
>B) "She's beautiful."

>>32645524
>B) "She's beautiful."
>D) "Congrats, Daddy Leon."

>>32645554
>>32645585
>>32645616
You compliment Leon's ability to reproduce. He laughs, reaching a finger in and touching it to the hand of the baby girl. She squeezes it.

A) Ask about the baby
B) Ask something else
C) Let her sleep

>>32645685
>C) Let her sleep

>>32645685
>A) Ask about the baby
B) Ask something else
I was kind of hoping you and Kor would get together, but this works, too

>>32645685
>C) Let her sleep

>>32645704
>>32645864
You decide to let the child sleep for the time being. Leon is a little saddened at not being able to show off his handiwork a bit more.

You exit the bedroom and come back out to see Eva still relaxed in her chair. Leon offers seats to the both of you, and you accept.

"How long are you two going to be staying here?" Eva asks this with surprising sincerity.

A) "Not long."
B) "Just a month."
C) "We aren't sure yet."
D) Other

>>32646096
>C) "We aren't sure yet."

>>32646096
>C) "We aren't sure yet."

>>32646117
>>32646123
You are as honest as you can be with Eva. She doesn't seem too worried. At this point, Leon steps in.

"He's just here for work. He's going to meet up with some others, and then they'll get things sorted out."

"Oh, right. Leon told me you're a member of the church in Lumen. I hear things are pretty rough around there lately. You must be worked to the bone."

A) "It's not more than I can handle."
B) "It's tough, but we all have to do our part."
C) "I'm not exactly with them anymore."
D) Other

>>32646289
>C) "I'm not exactly with them anymore."
Honesty is best policy, I think.

>>32646289
>C) "I'm not exactly with them anymore."

>>32646332
>>32646347
You tell Eva that you are no longer with the church. She looks surprised.

"Oh. I see. Well that's...too bad." She looks over to Leon. "Would the two of you excuse us for just a minute? I just remembered something I need to tell Leon in private."

A) "Of course."
B) "It's not what you think."
C) Other

>>32646442
>B) "It's not what you think."

>>32646442
>A) "Of course."

>>32646442
ehhh, change mine to
>A) "Of course."

>>32646504
>>32646550
You and Maurice leave the room, heading outside and shutting the door behind you.

Five minutes later, the door opens again and you see Leon looking particularly beaten down. He exits, shutting the door and sighing.

"We can't sleep here tonight. Thanks a lot for that." You shrug. "C'mon, I need something to drink."

A) Follow Leon
B) Other

>>32646793
>A) Follow Leon

>>32646793
>A) Follow Leon
Oooops

>>32646793
>>32646801
>>32646816
Thirding

>>32646801
>>32646816
>>32646849
You follow Leon silently, crossing branches and descending stairs until you reach the mess hall. It's less of a hall, and more of a room full of tables with ale on tap. Leon pours you each a cold mug and you sit together. He chugs half of his drink in one go, stopping only to breath. Maurice nurses his awkwardly, waiting for someone to break the silence.

A) Comfort Leon
B) Get his mind off it
C) Other

>>32647198
>A) Comfort Leon

>>32647198
>A) Comfort Leon

>>32647198
>A) Comfort Leon

>>32647217
>>32647222
You apologize, and try to make Leon feel better. After ten minutes or so, nothing seems to have worked, and you're out of material. Four mugs later, Leon is at least back up to grumbling. You cut him off there, stopping him from pouring a fifth mug and bringing him outside for some air.

Leon stumbles to the edge of a branch and sits down, heaving a bit over the side. You join him, careful to make sure he doesn't tumble.

"Heeey, bud. You know what I think?" Leon burps in your face, but you take it. It's somewhat you're fault. "You're like my brother. But you're not my b-buh-brother. You're more like my sister. Because you're a woman." Leon laughs uncontrollably. Maurice rolls his eyes.

"But serussly. I love you. I just love you so much, man." Leon leans on you, rubbing his nose on your pauldron. "And I tell you, I want you to do me a favor." You look to Maurice, who shrugs. You then ask Leon what the favor he had in mind is, exactly.

"My baby girl, she's so pretty. She's made of gooseses downs. Sooooft." You sigh, but suddenly Leon seems to straighten out, grabbing you by the collar. "I'm not gonna live furevurr. If I ever get eated by a mongoose, I want you to take care of my baby g-guh-girl."

A) "You're drunk, Leon."
B) "Sure, whatever."
C) Other

>>32647373
>A) "You're drunk, Leon."

>>32647373
>A) "You're drunk, Leon."
"But yes, I'll look after her if you're not there."

>>32647373
>C) "I thought you were 'immortal'?"
Jokingly, or not.
and
>C) Yeah, man. Of course. But really you are more likely to out live me, if we are comparing our situations. You do the same for me. I'll look after 'you and yours' if you look after 'me and mines'"

>>32647373
>>32647437
Change it to this.

Alright, I'm going to bow out for good here. Night guys, and good luck!

>>32647665
night

>>32647665
Nighty night

>>32647437
>>32647478
You joke with Leon a bit, but do agree. You'll look after one another through thick and thin. Upon hearing this, Leon smiles, and stands up, bringing you with him. He drunkenly drags you back into the mess hall.

"Errybody!" Leon shouts across the room, and the rangers cease their conversations and dinners to look up at you. "My best friend is gonna be my baby's uncle!" The various occupants of the room give a halfhearted applause. Some of them go back to their meals.

You take Leon back out of the room, and try to find a bed. He heaves over the edge of a branch once. When you're finally able to set him down and tuck him in, you find yourself quite exhausted as well. You and Maurice strip down to your underclothes, and get a good night's sleep.

>>32647770
Breaking for the night. Back in the morning, continuing this thread.

Thanks to everyone who played, I hope you come back. Love you guys.

If someone will be amazing and archive, I'll spell your name on the child's eggs tomorrow morning.

Description: North by Northwest (or) The Lion Cub

>>32647811
it was a nice session today.

Next weekend, friday to sunday, I'll be off on a trip, so I won't be able to participate at all. But good luck with the quest nonetheless

also, I'll get to archiving.