>>36102608

“Absolutely not.” Valerie says sternly as she places a dish of food in front of you and a cup of water in front of Vincent.
“The Night of New is for romances.” Valerie wipes her hands off on her apron and the cups her chin. “Maybe I could go ask Doctor Clark…” Valerie starts to fantasize. She suddenly comes back to reality. “Speaking of which…”

Glen takes a seat next to you.

“Speaking of what?” Glen asks curiously.
“Oh, nothing.” Valerie giggles.
“Hmm.” Glen shrugs.
“I sure do love it when we have a full house, even the captain is here.” Valerie changes the subject. “Sarah is out in the practice yard as always, though.” Valerie takes a very subtle look at Glen. “Maybe I will go for a check-up.” Valerie giggles evilly. “Come with me please Alena, you know him, you could introduce us.” Valerie pleads.

“Actually, I…”

>Was going to have a chat with the Captain first

>Was going to speak to our guest (Speak with the crossbreed)

>would love to go now.

>was going to get some practice in first

>Write in

>>36102666
>Was going to speak to our guest (Speak with the crossbreed)
Heya Auri.

>>36102666
>was going to get some practice in first

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>36102836
>>36102865
Writing the winner.

File: Sarah2.jpg (106 KB, 706x1000)

106 KB JPG

>>36102984
You finish off the last spoonful of your breakfast. “I was going to get some practice in first.”
“Well, that’s fine but if you’re going to help me we have to right after you’re done. There’s no doubt that he’s going to close early today.” Valerie points out.
“I’ll think about it.” You grin teasingly.

You get up from the counter and head over to the practice yard. As you walk outside, the morning cold sends a chill throughout your body. Sarah is hard at work as usual, practicing her techniques on a practice dummy. You watch as she throws a spear through the dummy, runs after it, rolls at the last second, and begins attacking with another polearm.

“Soon you will be too busy to practice!” You shout to Sarah.

She stops her assault and throws you a wave.

You walk over to her. ”Except maybe then you’ll be practicing other things with Glen.” You say quietly.
“Alena!” Sarah exclaims shocked by your statement. But then soon the both of you laugh.
“Hard at work as always.” You start. “Maybe you would like more of a challenge than just straw dummies.” You walk over to the weapon rack and pull out a wood shield and sword.
“I’d love to.” Sarah does the same and pulls out a shield and long wooden rod.

The two of you get into position. You stare at Sarah with her blonde hair flowing lightly in the wind. Weapon in one hand and shield in the other; she looks quite majestic. You realize that this is the first time you two ever had any sort of competition. You gulp and ready yourself.

“Don’t go easy on me.” She yells to you, smiling.
You grin. “Same to you.”
“Well then. On three.” She pauses for a moment. “One, two, three!”

[1/2]

>>36103955

She charges at you her hair trailing after her. Her weapon is low, so you predict a thrust. Sarah thrusts, which you side step and go for slash. You hit nothing. You see a blur of blonde roll to the side of you. Sarah kicks out your legs from underneath you. You fall to the floor and quickly have to block a hard thrust from the wooden rod.

She is not going easy on you.

You roll away and recover. She’s already charging at you again. She swings widely, attacking your weapon side. You manage to parry it and then punch into her chest with your shield.

Sarah increases the distance. You see an incredibly unfamiliar look of fury on her face. She charges, keeping low to the ground. She reaches you and thrusts at your chest. You roll out of the way hearing the rod rip through the air as you barely manage to dodge it.

An opening your go to slash Sarah’s side and…

Blocked. She blocked your hit and then pivots her body to smack into your side with considerable force.
You wheeze kneeling to the ground. Your stomach turns in pain as she managed to hit where one of your bruises is. It takes all your might not to vomit your breakfast.
The match is over.

[2/3]*

>>36104002
“Alena are you alright!?” Sarah rushes to your side as you catch your breath.
“Just a minute.” You pant, gulping at the air.

You finally calm your breathing and then stand.

You hear a clapping sound behind you. You turn to see Bart and Vincent spectating the two of you.

“You see Vincent? That is how you should fight.” Bart finishes clapping.

Sarah helps you up. “I’m really sorry…” she doesn’t look at you in the eye.

“Don’t worry about it. I was just winded, that’s all.” You give a weak smile and then hold Sarah’s hand in the air signaling her as the victor.

Sarah blushes to the reenergized clapping and cheering
~
You walk inside. You may have been hurt in the process but you feel more familiar with dealing with spear-wielding opponents. Your side aches as if complaining that it had to be the victim for you to learn something new.

It’s the late morning and it’s unlikely that the Captain or Valerie will be around for much longer. Then again you can find other things to do before the start of the festival.

So you

>Find Valerie

>Find the Captain

>Go speak with the prisoner.

>Write in

>>36104045
>Find Valerie
We've been meaning to spend some time with her.

>>36104045

>Find Valerie

>Writing

>>36104260

You make your way to the kitchen.

“You still want to meet the doctor?” you ask as you walk into the kitchen. You see Valerie’s body on the floor, half sticking out of a cabinet.
“Absolutely!” Valerie shouts, slightly muffled. She comes out with dust sticking to her clothes. She begins to brush it off. “I’ve actually been feeling a cold coming on.” She manages her best fake cough, which isn’t very convincing.

You pull off a dust bunny from the top of her black hair. “Well, go wash your face and we’ll get going.”
“Right.” Valerie pulls off her apron and reveals clothes a little bit too nice to just be doing housework in. “I’ll be right back.” Valerie runs off to wash herself.

~

The town begins to warm as the sun reaches higher overhead. Valerie hums a tune and swings her arms vigorously as the two of you walk.

You slow your pace to match Valerie’s, she limps slightly from her past injury.

“So, you must really think Clark to be handsome to go through all this trouble.” You comment.
“Well, it certainly doesn’t hurt, but there’s a little bit more to it than that.” Valerie pauses. “Whenever, he came by to check on Glen, he was never above asking me how I was doing and just chatting with me.”
She turns to you. “It was quite nice. I do get bored easily and he always had an interesting story to tell me about. Then there’s…” She goes quiet.
“Then there’s what?” You ask.
“Well, don’t tell him that I told you, but… Jin doesn’t think I leave the guild building enough.” She says quietly to you.

You give her a quizzical look.

“Well, before I got hurt.” She points at her leg. “I was rarely in the guild building, I was always chatting with the villagers or…” She looks at the ground. “Out with Henry.”
[1/2]

>>36104999

You quickly remember the tale that Valerie told you about Jin and Henry. You realize that Valerie only leaves when she has to get supplies or when it’s with one of the guild members. You wonder what she does when everyone is on a mission.

“Anyway, Jin insisted that I get out more.” She finishes.

“I didn’t know he had that side to him.” You reply.

“Everyone is the way they are for a reason.” She affirms.

~

The two of you reach the doctor’s residence. You see him watering some of his plants.

“Excuse me, Clark. Are you available for a check-up for Valerie?” You ask.
“I’m afraid not, I’m completely closed today.” He replies flatly.

You and Valerie sigh. The wind taken right from your sails.

“I’m only kidding.” He chuckles. “I wouldn’t be much of a doctor if I didn’t attend to my patients.” He opens the door. “Right this way, Alena, Valerie.”

He leads you to his office. After a few minutes of questions and chatting he begins. Valerie seems to be rather nervous now that she’s here.

Checking Valerie’s nodes under her chin and on her armpits he comments “You appear to be in perfect health.”
“Oh, that’s good to hear.” Valerie says shyly after the thorough examination.
“Yes, you won’t have to miss the festival.” He smiles. “Is there anything else?”
“No, that’s all.” Valerie gets up to leave.

It looks like she’s not going to ask him after all. Perhaps she changed her mind, or maybe she’s too nervous to ask.

“Wait…” you start. Valerie looks at you with desperation in her eyes, you can’t read her what’s on her mind.

>”Valerie wanted to know if you were free for the festival tonight.”

>”Can you do a check up on me?”

>”…nevermind that will be it.”

>Write in.

>>36105039
>”Valerie wanted to know if you were free for the festival tonight.”

>>36105039

>”Valerie wanted to know if you were free for the festival tonight.”

>"Valerie wanted to know if you were free for the festival tonight."
Once again, wingman goooo~

>Writing

>>36105219

“Valerie wanted to know if you were free for the festival tonight.” You say to the doctor.

Behind him Valerie strongly waves her objection with her hands. Too late now.

“Oh, really?” The doctor smiles warmly and turns back to Valerie.

She rushes to put her arms down.

“Well, Valerie, is that true?” He asks her.
She puts her head down slightly to let her hair conceal her face. The room is quiet and then finally she looks back up. “Yes.” She says quietly, returning the doctor’s smile.
“I would love to take you.” The doctor puts his hand on her shoulder. “I have a house call to make later today, so how about I pick you up at the guild after that?”

Valerie nods, blushing slightly.

Clark claps his hands together. “Then it’s settled. I’m looking forward to it.”

The two of you give your farewells and make your way back to the guild building.

“What happened back there?” You ask Valerie intending to get to the bottom of her sudden change of heart.
“I got nervous. I remembered…” She pauses. “I remembered when I asked Henry the same thing. Then suddenly everything in my body just wanted to keep quiet, so I did.”
She turns to you. “Thank you. If you didn’t speak up then I’m sure I would spend tonight just sulking.”
“No problem.” You accept her thanks. “It was interesting to see such a change of character, Glen would get a kick out of hearing about it.”
“Don’t even think about it. I’m the one who makes your food you know?” She replies hotly.

Her comment sends the two of you into a laughing fit and you return back to the guild.
[1/2]

>>36105977

As the two of you walk inside. Valerie turns to the look at the sky and sees that the sun has already begun to retreat. “We should feed her before we leave off to the festival.”
“I’ll do it.” You reply. “I’ve been meaning to talk to her.

With that, Valerie prepares a tray and you take it to the storage closet where Vincent stands guard in front.

“How has she been?” You ask.
“Quiet. Really quiet.” He replies as he unlocks the door.

You walk inside and hear the door lock behind you. As you peer in the room you see a huddled mass in the corner, shaking. Luna turns to look as you enter the room. There is an intense look of fear on her face. She turns away.

You walk over and place the tray near her. She doesn’t even look at it.

“What’s wrong?” you ask gently.

No response.

“If you don’t eat your food, it will go cold.” You say with concern in your voice.

Still nothing.

“If you don’t have any objections then I’ll just eat all this food myself.” You say testing her.

She pulls the hood of her cloak over her head and remains silent.

You realize you’re fighting a losing battle. You’re at a complete loss at what to say to get her to talk. Soon you’ll have to get ready for the festival and she’s showing no signs of cooperating. Maybe just needs a little time alone.

>Leave her alone for tonight.

>Write in.

>>36106013

>Leave her alone for tonight.

>>36106013
>>Write in.
Ask her why she is so afraid and if she requires company.

>>36106013
>Write in
Tell her there are things that you are afraid of. Tell her about them and see if she opens up about what's scaring her.

>>36106172
Changing vote to >>36106217

>>36106013
>write in

"Did someone hurt or threaten you?"
No matter what, get someone else in the room and make sure she consumes her water rations.

Given how the options are written this time I'm guessing that this is pretty damn important.

>>36106217
>>36106241
>Writing

>>36106399

“Why are you so afraid, Luna?” you press on. “If you want I could stay with you tonight.”

She clenches her shoulders. It sounds like she’s crying quietly. “It doesn’t matter how many of you stay with me tonight.” She continues crying.
“What do you mean Luna? Why are you crying?” You place your hand on her shoulder.
“Leave me alone!” She slaps your hand off of her.
“Luna, please you can tell me.” You continue.

It’s all quiet except for her sniffles.

“That’s okay, Luna. You don’t have to talk to me right now if you don’t want.” You leave the tray on the ground, and ask to be let out of the room.

You sigh and Vincent shrugs.

“Well, I’m sure that she won’t let herself starve.” He says locking up the door. “Have fun at the festival tonight, Alena.” He says to you as you walk away.
“Yeah, same to you.” You respond.
“Nah, tonight I’m staying here. I’m no good with all the sappy couple around the village.” He finishes.

You walk back into the hall and see Glen sitting and reading a book in the afternoon light. The light falls only on the bottom half of his body, where his book is resting.
[1/2]

>>36107258

At that moment Sarah comes down from the second floor wearing a beautiful, flowing, dark blue dress with matching shoes. Her hair is done up with painted needles keeping it in place. Her looks stun both you and Glen and she walks over to him.

“Get ready. You’re taking me out tonight.” She gives Glen a brilliant smile as he sits there awestruck.
“You heard her.” You punch his shoulder. “Go get ready.”
“O-okay, y-yeah.” He stutters and then races upstairs.

You see a grin on his face as he goes.

“You really do look great. Glen thought so too.” You say to her.
“She relaxes her graceful demeanor a little. “I could tell. I just feel weird going out without my armor.” She looks over her dress.

The two of you sit. Going over the intricacies of what Sarah did with her hair, where she got her outfit from, and what her plans are for tonight.

Soon Glen rushes back downstairs in his best tunic and overcoat. Sarah adjust things here and there on him and then offers him her arm.

“See you later, Alena” They both smile and get ready to enjoy the festival.
“Have fun you two.” You call out to their backs as they leave.
[2/3]*

>>36107304

When they left you look over yourself still dressed in your gear. “Hmm, oh well.” You leave to enjoy the festivities.

The drums and the lighting of the lanterns signal that the festival has already begun. This night is calmer than the last, with the festival more focused toward couples than anything else. Dances, couples fortune telling, and now merchants peddle love themed goods. The festivities really start when it’s time to light the grand lantern ship and send all the captured lanterns on their way.

You meander you way through town, accepting samples of this food or that perfume. You’re enjoying yourself quite well, when you spot the Captain speaking with an elderly man, and then you see Jin and Bart making their way to the sparring matches. You’re not really in the mood for sparring after what happened this morning but could watch a few matches. Then again, perhaps it’s about time you apologized to your captain for your suspicions.

>Talk to your captain

>Follow Jin and Bart

>>36107328

>Talk to your captain

>>36107328
>>Talk to your captain

>>36107328
>Talk to your captain
Hopefully no slaps.

>Writing

>>36107519

You make your way to your Captain. He and the old man are casually chatting as you approach. They turn to you as you stop next to them.

“Oh? This one is one of yours? How nice to meet you.” The old man says gently.
“Alena, this is the Village Elder Micah.”

The captain introduces you.

“An honor to meet you, sir.” You say as you shake his hand.

“Oh no, no, no. I’m just some old man, no need to honor me.” He insists.

“Micah was the captain of this chapter when I was a recruit.” The captain explains. “There are plenty of reasons to honor you sir.”

“Well then I won’t refuse.” The old man laughs merrily.

“I remember training you, Cyril, and S’Bon. You were my best pupils.” Micah looks off into the distance, thinking.

“Ahh, I must be going." He suddenly says. "The lighting of the Lantern ships is going to begin soon.” He turns to you. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Alena.” He turns to the captain. “Watch their backs.” Micah says sternly and leaves.
[1/2]

>>36108080

“So Alena, I’m guessing you had something to talk about if you approached me.” The captain surveys the crowd.
“Yes Captain.” You pause to collect your thoughts. “I just wanted to apologize for carrying suspicions about you. I’m sure by now you are aware of them.”
“Quite so.” The captain responds. “I remember hearing about your falling out with the Captain of the Guard.”
You cringe. “I’m really sorry about that too.”
The captain turns to you and smiles. “Walk with me, Alena”

You and the captain set off through the crowds, the captain observes all that’s going on and nods his greetings to those who pass by.

“I love this village, Alena. I love its people, the buildings, and the even the dirt we walk on.” The captain continues. “Because of that, and because of my capabilities, I shoulder the burden of protecting it. No matter how terrible it may be.”

He pauses.

“It was wrong of me to pass some of that burden to Jin, and it was wrong of me to try to pass it to you.” He sighs.

You continue to listen intently.

“Tell me, Alena. Just this one thing. Why did you try to stop what I was doing?”

You think of the reason why and then finally say to him.

>”I wanted to protect my home.”

>”I thought you were doing something evil, so I had to stop you."

>Write in

>>36108120

>”I thought you were doing something evil, so I had to stop you."

>>36108120
>"I wanted to protect my home."
I think he'll understand this more.

>>36108120
>”I thought you were doing something evil, so I had to stop you."
>”I wanted to protect my home.”

>Writing

>>36108120
>>”I wanted to protect my home.”

>>36108384

You look at him and firmly say. “I wanted to protect my home.” “This village is my home now too, so I had to stop you if thought you were doing evil.”

The captain takes a slow breath.

“Then I must accept your apology.” The captain stops walking. “Go enjoy the festival. I didn’t give you the day off so we could discuss our beliefs.” The captain smiles warmly.
“I will sir, thank you.” You respond and with that you walk away.

The sky is a dark red as the sun drops from the horizon. The crowds all seem to be headed toward the river as it is almost time to light the lantern boats. You follow them.

You arrive at the river as you see many villagers putting the finishing touches on the large boat that is to carry the lanterns on their journey. You’re stuck at the back of the crowd, content to watch the activities from a distance. You eventually spot Glen and Sarah in the crowd. You smile as you see Sarah put the pendant she bought on Glen.
[1/2]

>>36108916

“It’s time to begin!” A man shouts from on top of the large boat. The crowd cheers and pushes closer.

A torch is handed to the man on boat, as the crowd begins to roar. He approaches the huge stack of lanterns ceremoniously.

You see many things, children boosted on their parent’s shoulders to get a better view, couples holding hands at they whisper to each other sweetly, smiles of anticipation everywhere, and Glen and Sarah embrace each other in a kiss.

The torch is lowered into the lanterns. The fire catches.

BOOM…

An explosion of wood, shrapnel, and blue-gray shards rips through the front of the crowd. The boat is completely gone as a cloud of miasma spreads.

Screams shoot out everywhere as the crowd begins to flee from the scene. Your ears ring as you watch the pandemonium around you. Those at the front of the escaping crowd are greeted with spears flying through the air, as they stop dead in their tracks. Undine pour through the village from behind sending the crowds fleeing back to the river.

Across the river you watch as endless boats cross out from the marshlands on other shore. Lizardmen shoot into the crowd from afar with their bows. At the helm of the fleet is a boat carrying three individuals, a large muscular undine, S’Bon, and Rena.

You run.

~

That's all for tonight. Thank you all so much for playing. Please feel free to leave your questions, comments, or criticism in the thread.

See you next time.

https://twitter.com/QM_Auri (Twitter)
http://pastebin.com/u/QMAuri (Character Sheets)
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=miasma+quest (Previous Threads)

>>36109002
Shit I knew it, no celebration like this ever lasts. Thanks for running Auri.

>>36109002
Whaaaat? I don't even know where to begin. I should have seen it coming.
But why S'Bon? But whhyyyyy Rena??
Auri please.

Well great. We definitely fucked up somewhere.

I'm sad now.

Thanks for running.

>>36109127
It was when we decided to save Luna instead of going after the slaver immediately.
Auri you are evil.

>>36109181
I feel like we had a few chances to find out the truth. I just couldn't think of the right questions.

Hopefully most of our friends aren't dead at least.

Fuck.

>>36109297
I didn't even think of that yet.
Auri please don't kill Sarah, or Glen, or Valerie....please?

>>36109351
odds are at least one or all of them will die, miasma breach and all.

This really deserves more players.

>>36109069
It's still a celebration for someone...
>>36109107
Everyone is the way they are for a reason.
>>36109127
I'm sad too.
>>36109181
No comment on my evilness.

>>36109297
>>36109351
>>36109410
*Shrugs*

>>36109498
I enjoy running even if only one person is playing, but thank you very much for thinking that.

>>36109532
Any idea when you'll run the next one?

>>36109713
It will most likely be Friday, starting a few hours later than I started this one. I've got a dental check-up to go to that day in the early afternoon.

>>36109772
Gonna be a tough wait. Good luck at the dentist's.

See ya Friday.