>>36225317
Tuulikki smiles back, keeping her eyes on yours. "Yer actin' like that's somethin' I ain't already intendin' to do, ya know?" She lays down, rolling onto her stomach - her feet kicking back and forth behind her. "Just don't go and get all gloomy on me or nothin' after this and we'll be fine."

You roll your eyes. "I'll do my absolute best, I promise. Would you like to make a contract on that?"

Tuulikki laughs. "I think yer word's good enough." She rests her head atop her crossed arms. "Oh yeah, and Nila?"

"Hmm?"

"Good job."

You raise your eyebrow, bringing your bottle back to you mouth. "Good job? For what, exactly? The thing with Eiji?"

Tuulikki shrugs. "Just in general or for everything you do, I guess. Thought ya could use some gratitude or somethin' right now is all."

You pause - the mouth of the bottle hovering just in front of your lips; a light pressure itches at the back of your eyes. "Ha! I suppose it's nice to hear what I do is appreciated, yes."

You down the rest of the drink in a big gulp, tossing the bottle aside; a light thump and a giggle coming from behind you.

You turn around to Terenei standing over you, wagging the empty bottle in her hand back-and-forth. She cocks her hip out to her side, resting her hand there. "Now now, Nila. You shouldn't go and litter you know? Goro won't be too happy with you~"

You scoff. "I'd have picked it up later, alright?"

"Suuuuure~"

You wriggle your nose at her annoying stare. "No luggage, I see. That's quite the long time you took just to say goodbye."

Terenei's mouth widens - a curled finger against her lower lip. "Oh, well, you know, I'm not going to see any of the girls for a while so I had to be very thorough with my goodbyes."

>cont

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>>36225365
"Thorough?" You squint. "What exactly do you mea-" You sputter - eyes suddenly widening; Tuulikki makes her own choking sound at the words, throwing herself up to stare at her.

"Oh~?" Terenei giggles. "If you want I can go into aaaaall the de-"

"NO!" You both yell - redfaced.

"Awww, that's no fun at all." Terenei pouts - a smile still in her eyes. "You'd think an immortal would be less prudish. Same for another Fae."

"Hey!" Tuulikki's hair twirl snaps up - bristled. "Not all of us are a bunch of darn floozies like you, ya floozy!"

Terenei turns her body, looking over her shoulder from the side - her arms crossed. "Fiiiine~. I guess I've got to learn to put up with this kinda stuff now anyway if I'm gonna be living with humans and taking care of Eiji, huh?" Her eyes wander. "Where is he anyway?"

You point down the path through the grass, brushing your hair out of the way. "Saying goodbye."

Terenei rubs at her arm - her head down. "O-oh..." She traces a circle in the ground with the tip of her toes, biting at her lower lip. "Maybe I shouldn't have taken so long then?"

Tuulikki shrugs, settling back down onto her stomach. "Nah. The kid wanted to be alone. We're just keepin' an eye on him from here so he doesn't get nabbed or somethin'."

"It seems like he's finished now anyway." You note - the long grass ahead parting with a rustle; Eiji's head pokes out the other side.

He walks up to Terenei with heavy, measured steps - eyes downcast and knuckles white, gripped around the carved wooden sheath of a dagger: a memento. His forehead presses against Terenei's chest.

The nymph holds him close. "You okay, Eiji?"

Eiji shakes his head - his arms squeezing around the nymph's waist. "It's not fair, damnit... If it was a fight he woulda won."

Terenei closes her eyes, rubbing her hand on the top of his head. "There, there."

>cont

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>>36225384
You watch for a moment before coughing into your fist - the boy's eyes flicking towards you with a narrowed glint. "What?"

Your eyebrows twitch, but you keep yourself from glaring. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but you drank that potion I told you to, correct?"

"Yeah. It tasted like crap."

"Good, then stand over there, if you will. Your back to the fire." You pick up your staff - Tuulikki taking flight as you pull yourself up off the ground. "This shouldn't take long."

Eiji frowns, but almost trips as his heels dig into the ground - Terenei pushing him into position.

"What the heck, Teri?"

"Now, now. Listen to Nila; she knows what she's doing."

He crosses his arms - Terenei stepping away from him. "Fine." He stares at you. "Now what?"

You hold out your hand, calling upon Asra's power - a starlit mirth burning in the shadows. A blue flame flickers in your hand, it's soft edges fluttering like wheat in the wind. "Just a moment, Eiji." You focus on the campfire behind him, stretching your spirit through the biting flames; it ignites blue in a smooth snap of warmth.

Amy blinks - mouth opening wide at the flowing flames. "Wooaah..."

You smirk - the ball of flame in your hand floating out of your palm and behind your back. It grows, spreading open like wings behind you. The flowing, fluttering light stretches you and Eiji's shadows across the ground between you - the black shape of your heads overlapping, dancing and swirling to the rhythm of the flames.

Eiji's eyes widen - your face reflecting across their surface, and his own mirrored in your eyes. "What are you even doing?"

"It's a ritual," you say, pressing the tip of your staff into the ground in front of you. "It's meant to banish trauma. The potion I gave you earlier was a component; it's to give me something to convene with."

>cont

>>36225409
"Trauma?" Eiji frowns, scratching at the side of his neck - his eyes looking off to the side. "I don't need some kinda hocus-pocus thing done to me to take care of that. I'm fine."

"You're a terrible liar."

"S-shut up!"

You sigh, placing your hands on your hips with a shake of your head. "Look, Eiji, would you rather have nightmares tonight instead?"

Eiji winces - his face paling over with a twitching tremble.

"I thought so. Now, I'll be taking care of the hard part, so all you need to do is close your eyes and..." You scratch at your cheek, mumbling. "Think of your father."

Eiji nods and swallows, closing his eyes with a deep breath - his fists clenching at his sides. You close your own eyes as well, reaching out to the inscriptions within the boy - a silent image sweeping across the shadows of Seikie.

The snapping rumble of violent earth on bone - screams tearing through ears. Blood. A broken hand from beneath rubble. A boy's sobs swallowed by the sky.

The shadow of Eiji's head writhes and twists, leaving gaps and cracks; jagged, shattered light glows within them, rising from the ground in a zig-zag jerk like slow-motion lightning. You open your eyes - black-purple pupils like a bottomless pit. The light twists and swerves, flowing towards your eyes in a spiral pattern. It disappears as it reaches your pupils - absorbed - the swirling light leaving a bright ring like two small eclipses.

Eiji opens his eyes as the last shreds disappear behind your stare. He blinks, slumping his shoulders with a slow exhale of breath - a sudden loss of tautness throughout his body. The flame behind you dies out - the campfire glowing a mix of red and yellows again.

"Huh..."

You smirk, leaning onto your staff in front of you. "Feel better?"

>cont

And this is where I need to finish up, so please wait patiently! Sorry for the length.

Oh damn, this is a long one.

Well this is all pretty good, so waiting warmly.

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>>36225439
"Yeah, actually." Eiji says, stretching his arms. "It's like - I don't know - this all still sucks but I'm more calm about it."

You walk up to Eiji, looking up at him slightly to meet his eyes. "Well, mindset makes a big difference, Eiji." You press a finger against his forehead. "But certain things can get in the way of the right way to think. I just got rid of the hindrance for a while; the rest is on you."

He pushes your finger away - a lazy swat. "...Thanks."

"I was wondering when I'd hear that from you," you call over your shoulder, walking away from him. "Go get some rest now, alright? Tell Amy she needs to too."

"Sure, I will. Hey Amy! Help me set up for bed!"

"Aaaah, I wanted to stay up longer."

"Ehehehehe! Well we can't be havin' that there, you hear?" Goro's voice laughs. "Travellin' means wakin' up with the first light. Get goin', lass."

"Okay..."

You sit back down in your old spot, trying to hold back the heavy, trembling feeling swirling in your chest in stomach. You open your mouth, heaving - almost as if ready to puke. You know it won't help though; you can't through up sadness.

A small fist taps you on the side of the cheek - a buzzing wind fluttering right by. Tuulikki swerves in front of you - her arms crossed.

You swallow, trying to keep your face composed. "What?"

Tuulikki frowns - her eyes arching in wide concern. She puffs out her cheeks in frustration a moment later. "Hey! What'd I say about gettin' all gloomy?"

>I just absorbed someone's trauma, give me a second to digest.
>Leave me alone, Tuuli.
>Ha! If you don't want me gloomy then do something about it.
>Write-in

>>36225549
>>Ha! If you don't want me gloomy then do something about it.

>>36225549
>>36225577
This

>>36225549
>But I like being gloomy! It's like, making me stronger and stuff!

>>36225549
>I just absorbed someone's trauma, give me a second to digest.

>>36225549

>I just absorbed someone's trauma, give me a second to digest.

If she's still concerned after saying this, then

>Ha! If you don't want me gloomy then do something about it.

>>36225549
>Leave me alone, Tuuli.

>>36225549
>I just absorbed someone's trauma, give me a second to digest.

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Alright. Cutting off votes. Gonna grab a snack and get to writing.

Today might be a little rocky. I've had a bad two weeks and I'm basically just trying to power through the mental block here. So I apologize if things crash and burn.

>>36225804
No worries mate. That was a doozy of an opening post; definitely one of your better ones. Out of curiosity, what would you say would be the proper soundtrack to this quest?

>>36225918
That's tough to say. I listen to a lot of different stuff while running: Okami, Spice & Wolf, Disgaea, and Secret of Kells' soundtracks; Nishihara and Nujabes, some McCoy Tyner stuff, she, Two Steps from Hell, and probably more. I guess a mix of that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ukj4OAtw5w

This is the song I listened to for this post, mostly.

"Hmph!" You smirk, wincing. "I'll be just fine, Tuuli; this'll pass in a moment. Have you ever tried to digest someone's trauma before?"

Tuulikki snorts. "Ain't really that kinda Fae, Nila. Ain't lookin' to get involved in The Court or nothin' like that either. 'Sides, aren'tcha supposed to use like a mask or a doll or somethin' for this kinda thing?"

You flop down on your back, staring up at the moon. "Ha - well - usually, yes. The idea is to depict the mental or emotional ailment to draw it from their mind; even a song or painting could work. I'm a depiction of Asra, and she's a depiction of childhood fears, so this was simply quicker. Besides, this way adds to her and my power."

"S'just outright creepy, Nila."

You cackle, spreading your arms and legs out farther on the ground. "So is a lot of things about Asra, I suppose, but she handles it all with a sense of humor; so let's not dwell on this, hmm? I thought you didn't want me gloomy?"

Tuulikki's cheeks redden and you smirk at her, tipping the brim of your hat over your eyes.

"You're a jerk sometimes, y'know that."

"Your temper doesn't make you much better, 'Tuutles'."

"Hey!"

>Get ready for bed
>Talk to someone(who and why?)
>Write-in.

You can also teach Amy some more about her enchanted gear before she goes to sleep tonight. Which one?

>The night-vision and cat-hearing necklace
>The wing cloak
>The stealth boots

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Not very interesting of a choice, I guess.

>>36226312

>Talk to someone(who and why?)

I'd say talk to Tuulikki some more. I don't think I could recall in the quest when she told us about getting gloomy, and I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk about old times. Makes us learn more about the both of them since they seem to know each other before the quest.

>You can also teach Amy some more about her enchanted gear before she goes to sleep tonight. Which one?

I'd probably save this for the morning so she doesn't lose any sleep for the oncoming trip. But when it comes to it or if others think it's fine to teach her before sleep, I'd say the night-vision and cat-hearing device so she can see first before she can fly in the night.

>>36226312
>Get ready for bed
>The night-vision and cat-hearing necklace

>>36226412
Well I don't want to vote to bed and contribute to someone not getting the conversation they want, but I don't have any conversation in mind myself.

And I still have no bloody clue how the crafting works so I just ignore that whenever it comes up.

>>36226452
It was here >>36225365
>Just don't go and get all gloomy on me or nothin' after this and we'll be fine."

She knows a bit about how the ritual works and what it does on Nila because she's had Nila do it on her before. so she was bringing that up.

>>36226312
>Get ready for bed
>The stealth boots

>>36226470
>And I still have no bloody clue how the crafting works so I just ignore that whenever it comes up
Ahh, yeah. I'm working on getting something mechanics-wise prepared for the magic. Just trying to figure out what works for a quest.

>>36226495

I see. ~

Well, my vote still stands for talking to her. Maybe talking about why she had it used on her before and all? I can't think of much other conversation topics, but I'd still like to know more about her, whether it'd be shooting the shit with her or just talking about the others with her before heading to bed.

Alright, I'm going to go with sleep and the necklace then. I'll write something up.

>>36226578
I'll throw in a bit before bed. Some of that stuff should come up naturally as the quest continues.

>>36226620

That's fine, it's better that way. I don't mind having small bits and pieces being put in. Better to have it in parts than having the whole thing at once.

>>36226546
If it helps, I think the magic system in this quest is pretty straight-forward. I might even say that it's a very magic-like magic system.

>>36227314
That's a great compliment to hear! I designed it with the idea of it having enough rules to be something people would know how to use, but be open-ended enough to not feel like a science, so yeah, I'm glad that people feel that way about it.

Anyway, back to the writing. Sorry for the wait so far.

This update's probably gonna take a while due to it's likely length.

>>36227699
That's okay!

>>36227699
No problem boss. We ain't here for PGQ style brevity.

>>36227748
PGQ is shit though

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>>36227842

It's alright.

Still writing. Just got some bad family news so that distracted me a bit.

>>36228768
Hope it's nothing serious!

>>36228799
What's a dead family member or two.

>>36228799
Well, it's nothing like >>36228834
or anything. My cousin got thrown into a mental institute after stabbing a guy while under the influence of a lot of drugs or something.

>>36228886
hardcore guy

>>36228947
Besides, who cares about cousins.
Aren't they like so far away from you they might as well be random strangers.

You chuckle. "Well, regardless, I should be fine in a moment. It's just a bit harder to digest than your little issues were~"

Tuulikki sputters. "W-What are ya even talkin' about, Nila. I don't-"

You throw your arms up into the air - spread out wide in a dramatic gesture. "'Oh woe is meee! Why can't I talk to people without starting fights? How come I don't get human culture? Why do I keep thinking violence is the answer to everythiiiiing?'"

A sharp breeze shoves into your nostrils - the cool burst of air throwing your hat off your head. Tuulikki's face bends over to stare you in the eye - her fists on her hips. "That ain't even how I talk n' it was way more than that!"

"Ahahahahah, yes, I suppose it was," you say, pushing yourself off the ground. "But I helped you take care of it, didn't I?"

"Yeah, ya did." Tuulikki's hair twirl sways as she rubs at the back of her neck; she smiles - a small, embarrassed grin. "...Thanks for that, by the way."

"It was no problem, Tuulikki." A muffled thump and a cloud of dust flow in the air - your hand swiping across your retrieved hat; you place it back on your head. "I was doing my job, after all, and I can relate to having trouble with the social side of life."

"Pffft, yeah, because yer such a loner."

"Oh? And like you're one to talk. How many friends do you have outside of me?"

Tuulikki laughs, crossing her arms behind her back as she follows you back to the campfire. "Right back at ya, Nila."

You wince - a tight smirk on your lips. "A fair point, that."

"Hey, Nila. Tuuli!" Amy's wide-mouthed face glows in the embers of the campfire - clad in a nightgown. She snuggles her legs deeper under her covers, sitting atop a large, flat rock - a collection of blankets and pillows spread across it. Your wardrobe and chest sit far in the back. Long grass curves over the top of it - tied together with a tarp thrown over the top to make a shelter from the elements. "Come check out what Goro did!"

>cont

>>36230501
"Hmmm?" You turn to the turtle-shelled man, sitting atop the rock as well. "What was the old geezer up to?"

Goro chuckles. "Geezer, eh? Here I was thinkin' you'd see me as just a little pup compared to yerself."

You smile. "Well, you do remind me a bit of myself at that age. Especially the part where you threw me into a giant dog's snare trap."

Goro slaps his knee, guffawing.

Amy crosses her arms with a pout. "Hey, don't just ignore me like that! I was trying to tell you something!"

Eiji snorts from his spot laying on the rock, turning over - Terenei laying down next to him. "You're always trying to tell -someone- something, huh?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you never shut up."

Amy's cheek's puff, sticking her tongue out at the back of the boy's head. "Whatever, meanie!" She turns back to you, patting at the top of the rock's smooth surface. "C'mon Nila, jump up on here! Goro made it super soft!"

"Oh, he did now?" you ask, pressing your palm down into the stone; your fingers sink into it with a soft plush. "Well, he saved me some work then. Are you ready for bed?"

"Yup!"

"Good." You crawl up onto the rock and into your own blanket; Tuulikki flutters by, setting down into your pillow. "How about I teach you a little bit about how to use that necklace before you fall asleep, hmm?"

Amy beams pulling her necklace out from underneath her gown. "Alright!"

=======

>cont

>>36230523
You yawn, the echoing rumble of Haius's water surging in your ears as it dumps out from his shell and into the circle of water beneath it - wooden canals redirecting the flow along each side of the path ahead. A light thump resounds as you tap your staff against the wooden bridge, staring out at the rice fields in the distance.

"Another frog isn't going to pop up and break this, is it?"

"Ha!" Tuulikki flies by the girl, jabbing her thumb against her chest as she puffs it out. "I'll just smack it right inta the ground again if it does, no worries!"

You roll your eyes. "Except for the part where you break something with the backlash, you mean."

"Hey! I'm gettin' better about that."

"It only took you six years."

"Aaaaah!" Amy stomps her foot, rubbing her hands through her scalp. "Why do you two always argue like that?"

Tuulikki shrugs. "S'just how it's always worked out, I guess."

"Come one, Teri! The twerp in the others'll just leave us behind if you keep gawking!"

"Now, Eiji. Just give me a sec, okay?"

You turn back to the group behind you - Terenei's back swinging backwards as Eiji tugs on her arm.

"So if I use this I can keep in touch with you and the girls?" The nymph asks Goro, holding up a small stone like a water droplet.

"Aye." The old man strokes his moss-like beard. "It's not much of a different thing than one of your Fae contracts there. Just establishin' a different kind of connection." He holds up a pair of similar stones between his fingers. "I got one and I'll give yer friends the other, just tap into it ta convene with 'em."

Terenei smiles. "Thanks, Goro. You've always been real nice to us over the years."

Goro smiles - a gap-toothed grin. "Ehaha. It ain't a problem at all, lass. Now get goin', you hear? And don't cause no trouble for anyone, alright?"

>cont

>>36230543
"Yeah, that's great. Thanks. Seeya, geezer!" Eiji's heels dig in to the ground, leaning as far back as possible without falling. "Now. Let's. Get. Going, Teri!"

"Oooh, fine." Terenei pouts. "You really need to stop being so impatient, Eiji. Bye bye, Goro!"

Goro chuckles. "Be seein' ye, Terenei. You too, Eiji!" He cups his hands over his mouth, calling out over his shoulder. "You take good care of them, you hear, Nila!?"

"Yeah, yeah; they'll be just fine, I assure you." You wave at the old hermit from over your shoulder. "Now hurry up, you two!"

"See?" Eiji huffs. "They're all ready to leave too!"

>Walk and talk
>Summon something to make the trip faster
>Write-in

>>36230572
>>Walk and talk

>>36230572
>>Walk and talk

Amy wants her adventure, we shouldn't cut that short unless it's necessary.

>>36230572
>Summon something to make the trip faster

I think if there's anything of interest, we can stop, and it's not like we can talk while having the summon out anyway.

Interestingly, I do wonder if anything changed about our summons, though I doubt it'll be anything major. Maybe a small, minute detail at best.

And writing.

>>36230572
>Walk and talk

>>36230572
>>36230754
Yep!

>>36230808
Why? Because of eating his trauma? Naw, it sounds like that's just something we do.

>>36231054

>"I'm a depiction of Asra, and she's a depiction of childhood fears, so this was simply quicker. Besides, this way adds to her and my power."

Basically, yeah.

The answer will come up later anyway. I'm just curious, is all.

>>36231119
I can't say it really changes anything for your powers since it's basically just more of the same.

If it was put in an object like a normal case of this therapeutic ritual than something might have happened, since if an object builds up enough emotional energy it starts to develop a mind of it's own in a similar process to how Fae are born.

People usually regularly purify or even destroy these objects to prevent this in this particular case.

>>36231194
I assume an object filled with MUH TRAUMA would be a band thing to have awaken, but what something filled with sunshine and happiness?

>>36231400
It happens, yeah. Usually that will be something like a musical instrument or some other object that regular lifts people's spirits.

It's also important to note that Incarnation, the basis of magic, is essentially just making an emotional connection with something, so a strongly enchanted object has a chance of coming to life. Nila's hat and cloak, for instance, have a slight sense of awareness and basic reflexes.

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Getting pretty tired here. I'll keep plugging away for a bit more, but there may not be an update until I wake up tomorrow. Consider the thread on hold.

Sorry for the flaky update schedule today, but that's how it goes. Feel free to ask question if you have any and thanks for being patient with me!

>>36232289
Okay, I gotta sleep now anyway. Thanks for writing!

>>36232289

Time to keep the thread bumped then?

>>36232693
Pretty much, yeah.

Also archived: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/36225317/

>>36232734

Well, I'll see what I can do.

bump

Burp

keep yourself alive

keep yourself alive~

Bamp!

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>>36241553
That's super neat.

Also, up and writing again! Sorry for the wait.

>>36241553
That's adorable!

>>36241956
No worries, I just got here and have time to stay all day.

Blegh. Sorry for the time this is taking.

"I'm moving~ I'm moving~" The nymph wines, half-walking and half-sliding across the polished boards of the bridge. Eiji grunts - a hallow thump at each step. He stops just in front of you - Terenei almost falling backwards at the sudden release of her wrist. "There!" Eiji throws his arms out to the side. "Mission Accomplished!"

A small, blue fist taps him atop the head - the other hand tugging him on the shoulder. "Oomph!" Eiji's back smacks into the nymph's stomach - his arms flailing above him. Terenei's knuckles twist - Eiji's hair churning as his scalp builds up with heat.

"Ow ow ow, what the hell, Teri!"

"Well maybe you shouldn't drag people around then~"

"Okay! I get it; now lemme go!"

You exhale - an amused sigh. "I assume you two are ready, then?"

Terenei hugs Eiji from behind, leaning forward and draping her arms around his neck. She smiles. "I guess we are, yeah."

You turn up your nose at the display of cleavage. "Are you certain you don't have any -normal- clothes anywhere?"

"Hmmm?" Terenei giggles, running her hands down the silk-like liquid flowing down her curves. "Nope, 'fraid not, Nila! What's wrong with this anyway?"

You roll your eyes, walking off the bridge and down the path - the rest following. "Where to even start?"

Tuulikki huffs. "How about the part where it's almost freakin' see-through in certain lightin'?"

Terenei runs her fingers across her lips. "I always considered that the best part~"

"WELL NO ONE ELSE DOES!" You both yell.

"Muuuuu~" Terenei crosses her arms beneath her breasts, pouting. "You two aren't everyone, you know! Get me into a town and I'll prove you both wrong!"

You scoff. "If you don't get arrested for indecency first, that is."

Terenei puffs. "Whatever! Where are we even going, anyway?"

"I believe the town up ahead is..." You pause, placing a finger to your chin - watching a flock of birds fly between the wispy trail of clouds in the sky. "Eagi, correct?" You turn to Tuulikki.

>cont

>>36243632
Tuulikki puts her hands behind her head, staring up in the air as well. "Yeah, think that's the place. Should be anyways."

"Good," you say, turning back to the nymph. "Last I remember, there was a bathhouse there that had followers of Moema. That's likely where you'll have the best chance of finding work, Terenei."

Terenei's face scrunches - her lips sticking out in thought. "Well, alright. Who is Moema, by the way?"

"Oh, I know that!" Amy chirps, skipping along the edge of one of the canals - her arms's spread out to the sides. "She's the goddess of Sex!"

You choke - your hat falling over your eyes as your feet trip over each other. "A-Amy!?"

"What? That's what Dad told me!"

"Well, he didn't explain things very well, then!" You scoff, thrusting a hand into your hips. "Now listen, Amy: Moema is a goddess of joy and relationships. She's about expressing one's feelings and making emotional bonds by sharing physical joys with them."

Eiji smirks. "So sex, right?" A muffled fit of giggles bursts out at the comment - Amy covering her mouth with her hands.

"It's not just a sex thing!" You tug on the tails of your hair. "It's making chocolates for your crush, or sharing a bottle of wine with friends, or cuddling up under a blanket with someone in front of the fire, or - of course - sharing a bath together! Get your mind out of that gutter, brat!"

"So I'm going to be working for a sex goddess?" Terenei giggles, placing her palm in her cheek. "Oh my~ and here I thought humans were all prudes."

"SHE'S NOT-" You throw up your hands - fingers curled as if ready to strangle something. Finally, you sigh - hands drooping loosely at your side. "Whatever. Yes, basically that's what you'll likely be doing unless you want to sell water to alchemists."

Terenei frowns. "Doesn't sound fun at aaaall."

"Then there you have it." You flick your hands through your hair - your twintails flying behind you as you continue down the path.

>cont

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>>36243647
The rice fields are closer now - the wooden gate's of the irrigation canals long closed. Amy hums to herself, staring down at the fish in the clear waters of the artificial stream - the weaving of their bodies making slicing ripples through the surface. She dips her hands in, trying to wrap her fingers around the slippery scales of one of them; it's slick tail smacks her in the palms as it slips away.

"Groooss." Amy giggles, wiping the water off on her cloak. "It's all slimy and stuff. Hey how come there are even fish in here anyway? It doesn't seem very safe for them to go away from all their friends at Haius like that."

Eiji scoffs. "Fish are too stupid to just stay in the right place."

"S'for easier fishin', I guess," Tuulikki answers, leaning her torso over to look into the canal. "Just toss an ol' net in and ya got dinner."

A rumbling, snorting yawn bellows in your ears from a field off to the north - large antlers flying atop the rice stalks. The whiskered snout of a large serpent-like creature swims over the fields - the long blue-white strands of it's fur shaking like the currents of a river. It stops every now and then, letting a small passenger atop it's back seemingly float the stalks up out of the fields and into the wicker baskets strung over the creature's back. Brown, bare feet kick in a playful melody against the creatures fur - the person hidden by an antlered mask in depiction of the creature and a long blue robe with white trails swirling across the cloth.

"Woooah, that's awesome! Nila! Nila!" Loose gravel splashes into the canal as Amy scrambles over to you, pulling at your arm. "Can we go see the hairy snake thingy before we go to town? It's super cool and I want to ride it too! Please, please, please~"

>cont

>>36243662

You groan inside your mouth - each word ringing in your ear more loudly than the last. Amy's face practically glues itself to the side of yours as she continues to plead - your body swaying back-and-forth with each tug.

>I don't think they'd let you ride it, Amy.
>I suppose it wouldn't hurt to look
>Write-in

>>36243673
>I don't think they'd let you ride it, Amy.
>I suppose it wouldn't hurt to look
Look but no touchie.

>>36243685
Pretty much this

Alright, grabbing a late breakfast and then I'll close and write.

Alright, writing then.

>>36243673
>I suppose it wouldn't hurt to look
Oh, I forgot to check this thread.

Bumpetybump!

>>36244972
Thanks.

My head's in quite the fractured fog right now so I'm not entirely sure how much longer I'll be.

>>36245043
That's all well and good. We'll keep waiting.

Yeeeeeeaaaah, I might need to put things on hold a bit while I sort my head out.

Keep losing focus and stuff.

>>36246473
Alright, good luck!

Bump

Bom,p

Flump

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Bump.

Might draw more stuff during downtime. Maybe Amy or Tuulikki.

>>36254003
>not drawing delicious Terry

>>36254025

It's a consideration. She's a pretty cool character, I might bother Callow for some references since I can't recall him posting any. There's a short description if I recall, though.

Okay, way sorry about how long this is takin. I'm just not in a good mental state for writing today, it seems.

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I guess I'm just gonna have to try again tomorrow morning. Sorry folks.

I'll stick around for a bit if anyone has any questions or something, but I'll be going to bed in a bit.

>>36256816

ganbatte, callow ;~;7

>>36254003
You SHOULD draw more stuff. There can never be enough stuff yo

>>36256816
I hope you will get better

>>36243673
>I don't think they'd let you ride it, Amy.

I have now finally caught up after missing this quest since thread 4. Good to see that it's as awesome as I remember.

It's bump time!
Now entering the Hexer zone.

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>>36263956
I knew I'd be in here someday! At least I have good company.

>>36260267
Thanks. Some days just suck more than others, y'know?

Anyway, back to writing. I'm not sure on an ETA but I'll do my best.

>>36264734
Take your time, we know it will be worth the wait.

Bump!

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Yup, still plugging away over here.

Sorry for all the slowness, everyone, but I really wasn't lying when I said things weren't going well these past few weeks. Hopefully this kind of length between post won't become a trend.

In the meantime, who's your favorite character and why? Anything you'd like to see in the quest? It'd be nice to see some discussion, though I'm not sure how many people are around right now.

>>36268405
Nila a best.
Handholding.
I want to get rid of the icky boy as soon as possible.

>>36268477
Seconding, haha

>>36268477
>>36268539
I suppose Eiji's attitude ain't a whole lotta fun, huh? I hope he's at least symapthetic.

>>36268405
I like the MC in most quests because they have the most fleshed out characters usually. Nila is pretty great so far.
I want to see more of the world so I'm good just waiting to see where the plot takes us.

>>36268563
Oh, I don't really want to be rid of him

>>36268405
I like your magic and gods and stuff, so just keep the mystical shenanigans coming.

>>36268563
Yeah, I get his whole deal and sympathise a bit but
>mage of the goddess of little girls
>hanging out with a little BOY
He stinks. And he's dumb.

>>36268596
Asra's a equal opportunity goddess, anon!

>>36268566
>>36268585
That's good to hear then. I'm hoping to make things way more magical in shenanigans in a bit. These first few parts are more about establishing how humans and gods interact in the setting. After this next part I'm hoping to get more into the other stuff out there.

I'm glad people like Nila so far; I was kind of worried how a character with such an amount of history and development already would fare.

>>36268405

Tuulikki a best. Best attitude and I love fairies.

Nila's pretty good too.

>>36269035
Tuuli and Nila are probably the ones I have the most fun writing so far. They've got a history and they click in an interesting way.

Anyway, update here in a second. Way shorter than the time I took to write it should've allowed, but whatever.

You sigh - your shoulders slumping downward. "Yes, fine. We can go see the 'hairy snake thingy' if you want. But don't get your hopes up about a ride, alright?"

Amy's eyes and mouth widen - a sharp intake of breath - thin arms wrapping around your torso with an excited thump. "Yeeeees! Thank you, Nila!" Strands of long, ticklish hair slap against your nose - Amy's feet flying into the air with a kick of dust, practically jumping on top of you.

You smile warily, leaning over giving the girl a quick pat on her back. "You're quite welcome, Amy. Now how about you stop trying tackle me to the ground, hmm?"

"Oh! Yeah, right." Amy peels herself off of you, linking her hands behind her back with a giggle; she smiles. "Sorry, Nila!"

You adjust your hat and cloak. "It's quite alright." You turn back to the others. "This is fine with you all, correct?"

Terenei smiles. "Of course, Nila. We're not in any rush or anything, after all. Right Eiji?"

Eiji knocks the nymphs palm away before it can ruffle his hair. "Yeah, whatever. Let the little girl do whatever she wants." He shoves his hands into his pockets, looking off down towards the field - a stinging smile on his face. "It's not like I got anywhere to go to anyways, huh?"

Amy's smile fades - playing with her fingers behind her back.

Eiji turns to Tuulikki. "Hey, fairy! I'll race you there!"

Tuulikki's hair twirl stands up at attention - the fairy laughing. "Sure! S'not like you'll be winnin', but let's do it kid!" She jumps back - the air curling and swirling behind her - placing her feet against an invisible wall.

"Ready. Set. GO!"

A gust of wind and the scrape of gravel - Eiji and Tuulikki jumping and flying over the clear waters of the canal.

"Eeeiiji!" Terenei whines, hopping over the canal with a light skip. She runs after the two with a swaying mince. "Don't just take off like that on your own! Geeeez."

>cont

>>36269549
You tap your shoulder with your staff, smirking at them. "And here I thought you'd be the first take off, Amy."

Silence.

"Amy?" You turn to the girl - her eyes staring blankly at the back of Eiji's head. "Hey, Nila..."

"Hmm?"

"Am I being selfish?"

Orange-brown eyes stare at you - a fragile waver.

>What makes you think that?
>A little bit, yeah.
>Kid's are allowed to be a little selfish, Amy.
>Write-in

>>36269566
>Kid's are allowed to be a little selfish, Amy.

>>36269566
>What makes you think that?
Yaaay, it's back!

>>36269635
>>36269681
If there's no third vote here in a sec I guess I'll just combine these two.

>>36269566
>>36269635
Backing this because it's good!

Alright, writing.

>>36269873
Thought of letting the vote go longer when it's been so long since last post? Might have more people trickle in pretty soon.

>>36269939
I can leave it open for another 5 or 10 minutes, sure.

>>36269809
>>36269822
I'm for combining

>>36269566
>Kid's are allowed to be a little selfish, Amy.
Which'll probably transition to
>What makes you think that?

>>36269635
this sounds good to me

>>36269566
>>Kid's are allowed to be a little selfish, Amy.


And yeah... I'm refreshing this thread every 30-60 minutes or so atm, rather than every 10-15. I guess other readers check in a bit sporadically as well, so leaving the voting open a little longer when you know your writing progresses more slowly probably won't hurt.

>>36270155
It's mostly that I feel if I do that I'd be encouraging things staying at the same speed, but yea, I get it cuts off certain people from voting too.

>>36270189
Oh, and closing and writing.

Bumping.

I have some stuff to do for a while and it's looking unlikely I'll be able to get an update out before the day ends for me.

So it looks like the thread'll be here yet another day. Sorry guys.

>>36273238
Alright, take care. I'm off to sleep anyway!

>>36273238
It's like I'm really reading AtoW!

Bamp

>>36269566
>>Kid's are allowed to be a little selfish, Amy.

Bump.

Back up it goes!

Alright. Up and writing!

>>36284180
Yay~

Bump once more.

Still writing~

Dialogue's annoying to get right in these kinds of scenes.

>>36287757
Don't give up!

>>36288294
hugbox faggot

>>36288385
Fagbox haggis

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29 KB JPG

>>36288501
>>36288385

>>36287757
Bump

You lift your hat up, running your hand over the top of your head and staring at the uncertainty in Amy's eyes. She rubs her knees together to hide the slight shake in them - her hands clasped loosely together against her chest.

You tut, placing your hat back on your head and a hand on your hips. "It's perfectly alright for a child to be a little selfish, Amy. Everyone out there is like that sometimes."

Amy blinks, tilting her head at you. "They are?"

"Ha! Of course they are!" You jump across the canal - your cloak stretching out and shifting into a small hand to help Amy across the gap. "Just take a look at that brat Eiji over there. Give him some time to move past all this and I'm sure he'd be less insufferable."

Amy's mouth spreads in a tiny, nervous smile; placing her hand in the clothed palm of your cloak - her clothes fluttering as her boots scrape across the ground next to you, careful to stay on the dry path between the still wet rice fields. "He's not that bad, Nila."

"Oh no, of course not," you smirk. "He's even worse. Even thought he could pick a fight with a god."

Amy giggles, slapping her hands over her mouth with a guilty look. "That's just mean! I mean, he's just mad because his..." Amy lowers her hands. "Because his dad..."

You place your hand on her shoulder, staring into her eyes with a soft smile. "Well, that's precisely the point I'm trying make here, Amy. We all have things to deal with just like Eiji does. So it can be hard to do things for other people when you've got your own things to do and figure out, you see? When you get like that you've got to be a bit selfish sometimes or..."

"Or what?"

Or you end up throwing yourself into other people's problems to avoid confronting your own.

You stare for a second, sighing. "Never mind that, Amy. Just - Just don't feel like you're doing something wrong just because you have things you want to do and learn about, alright?"

>cont

>>36289854
Amy's fingers rub at the hem of her clothes - her eyes shaking. "Yeah, I guess so...It's just - I mean, I want to talk to Eiji and say something nice but...but I keep thinking that I'd be sad too if my mom or dad died..." She turns away, rubbing at her shoulder. "E-even though I don't want to go home and see them and I'm making you take me all these places and- and I just feel like I'm being dumb 'cause Eiji's doing way worse than me and I'm feeling too sorry for myself to make him feel better. "

You turn down the path, making your way towards the group who had ran off ahead - apparently taking a break from their race to chase each other around in circles and argue; Terenei laughs at them from the sidelines. "You certainly made him feel better yesterday, didn't you? He was laughing and everything."

"But that's different!" Amy pouts, skipping up to walk by your side.

"It isn't at all, Amy. And besides, it's not up to you to make him all better, you know? That's his own job. Terenei's too."

"And yours?"

You smirk at her from beneath the shadow of your hat. "Yes, I suppose it's mine too."

"Well, you do a real good job at it, Nila!" She grabs your hand, squeezing it with a toothy smile. "I feel much better too."

Your fingers twitch in her hand, trying to keep the strain out of your own smile. "Glad I could help, then."

Amy chuckles - a happy hum under her breath. "I wanna be able to do that too! So I can be just as cool as you someday!"

"Ha!" You throw your head back - your hat almost falling off your head. "Well, give it three hundred years and maybe you will be, hmm?"

=======

>>36289875
And I'm stopping here for right now.

I'll pick up writing later. Unless you want to bump for even longer it might be better to let the thread die for now since I don't think I can really take spending yet another entire day trying to write something out. Need a break for a bit.

>>36289918
>>36289918
That's okay. Thanks for writing!

>>36289918
It was a nice update, don't worry. See ya next thread.

>>36290243
I'm glad you think so because I was really annoyed with it. I feel like I'm being way too on the nose.

>>36290283
Don't go all Hex on us now

>>36290490
Trust me when I say I'm really trying not to. I'm just in that position where I'm good enough to see how I'm messing up but not good enough to just...not mess up anymore.

Only thing that'll fix it is more practice though so no reason to worry about every little mistake along the way.