>>36782988

>Go your separate ways.

>>36782988

>Take her with you

>>36782988
>Take her with you.
Ice mage time? Also heya auri.

Hello everyone!

>>36783200
>>36783221
>Writing

>>36783284
Ahh, old version of 4chanX how not helpful of you.
This was me.

>>36783284

0/

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>>36783284

“If she wants to come, then we’re taking her with us.” You sigh and mentally prepare yourself for whatever lambasting you’re sure is coming your way.

“Alright.” You hear a calm voice approve from your shoulder.

At first you’re not entirely sure if it was Vi who said that, but given where the voice came from there’s now no doubt. It wasn’t at all what you expected, but you’re most certainly not going to press the issue.

“Erin.” You call out to the young mage as you approach.

She turns around suddenly at your voice, as if pulled from a daydream and has a stunned look on her face. Her change of focus causes an ice sculpture of a surprised young doe to shatter suddenly.

You give a kinder edge to your voice. “I’m sure you had your plans, but given what happened...” Her deep blue eyes remain unchanging as you continue. “If you want, you can travel with us.”

Her eyes remain locked onto your own in stillness, unblinking, giving up nothing of what she may be thinking. The two of you remain like this until she finally turns her head away, at which point you can’t say how long she was staring at you.

She looks off into the direction that you brought her from. Perhaps thinking of the two travelers who were dressed in robes like herself.
[1/2]

>>36784005

Finally she returns her eyes to your own. “I’d like that.” She says in a soft voice.

Cecilia quickly embraces her in a welcoming hug as you hear a small almost imperceptible sigh come from your shoulder.

After Cecilia has settled down, Autumn steps forward. “You’re really skilled with your magic, can you use it to fight?” She asks.

Erin shrugs in response, her head turns back to area where you first met her.

Autumn laughs slightly to hide her offense.

“Did you forget something?” Cecilia asks curiously.

This time, Erin gives no response at all.

Perhaps she did know the people she was traveling with. Maybe it would be good to turn back and allow her to pay her respects, but then again maybe it would be better to spare her the sight of that carnage and just be on your way.

“Erin…” You say again to get her attention.

She turns quickly at the sound of your voice.

>Move on.

>Return to the bodies.

>Write in.

>>36784063
>Return to the bodies

>>36784063
>Return to the bodies.

>>36784063
>Return to the bodies.

>>36784100
>>36784206
>>36784211
>Writing

>>36784244
“Let’s go see if you forgot anything.” You march forward, hopeful that by deciding yourself, you’re making things easier on her.

It isn’t long before you close in on where you spoke to the hunter, Erin walks next to you tensely as you approach. The sharp smell of burning metal still lingers in the air.

“Hey!” Autumn suddenly yells behind you. You turn quickly to see a wall of ice slightly taller than yourself separating you from your group.

Erin stares at you, expectantly. Her penetrating blue eyes unyielding as you feel Vi shift on your shoulder. It isn’t you she’s staring at right now.

“Nothing there for me anyway.” Vi answers huffily as she flies over the ice wall.

“We’ll be right back.” You call out as you follow Erin, whose haste doesn’t allow you to say anything else.

The strong, almost overwhelming, metallic smell of blood lets you know that you’ve arrived. The bloodshed is just as you left it, with the color of crimson staining the grass uniform. Viscera and other gore squelches under Erin’s feet as she kneels near the bodies.

Not being sure what to say in this scenario, you elect to remain silent as Erin goes about her business.
[1/2]

>>36785269

She tugs at the robes of the headless woman to pull her away from the other body, straining using most of her body's weight, Erin finally flips her off.

Erin pulls down one of the sleeves of her robes and unexpectedly and much to your own shock, forces her bare arm down the gaping wound left by the hunter. Before you can utter even a word, the woman's body explodes in a flash of blood and ice.

Luckily, Erin shielded you and herself from the blast. You stare in absolute confusion as she begins muttering a chant. At the behest of Erin’s words, a small teal light coalesces in front of her, reminding you of the magic released from Hugoth. This light doesn’t shine nearly as brightly, and the moment Erin finishes her chant, she takes the shining crystal in her small blood covered hands and consumes it.

She moves on quickly to the male mage, trying to flip his body, unsuccessfully.

Finally after much fruitless effort she turns to you with pleading eyes. “Could you help me, please?” She asks softly.

Your mind races at the question. The whole scene that took place in front of you felt unreal up until that point, and you’re left with a multitude of emotions surging through you.

>Accept.

>Refuse, saying that you want no part in it.

>Refuse and then demand that she leave his body alone.

>Demand she explains what she’s doing.

>Write in

>>36785290

>Demand she explains what she’s doing.

>>36785290
>Demand she explains what she’s doing.

She's breaking them down for more magic right Auri?

>>36785290
>Accept
Well that was, graphic. I think she's trying to power up anyways no point in asking

>>36785403
From what Ed's perspective, that's the most likely case.

>>36785451
Yeah better to get the specifics and make sure though.

>>36785342
>>36785403
>Writing.

>>36785290
>>Accept.

>ask for her to explains what she’s doing.

>>36785536

“What in the world did you do to that woman’s body?” You walk to her, demanding she explain.

She flinches at your words and her expression is taken aback, obviously not expecting you to have refused.

Her mouth moves to form words but no sound comes out, finally she utters. “I-I want to help you fight.” Her gaze is cast downwards to the red ground. “I didn’t know how to, but they did.” She stares at the remaining body.

You exhale heavily, as you had been holding in your breath. She harvested the woman’s magic just to help you on your journey, yet you still feel conflicted. “Did it have to be like that?”

She grimaces at your question. “No… but that’s the only way I know how.” She pauses for a while, unmoving. “They can’t rest this way, I think, there’s something like that. I don’t remember exactly. But… they were dead anyway.”

She begins to tug at the man’s body again vainly with her thin arms, voice straining quietly.

>Help her.

>Time to go.

>Write in.

>>36785881
>Write in.
Give her a hug then asks if this is what she truly wants. If yes help if not don't.

>>36785881
>Help her.
No talking, just dirty work.

>>36785881
>>Write in.
Hugs and askING her if she's really okay with this.

>>36785934
>>36786067
>Writing

>>36786106

As you watch her pull at the man’s arm, you suddenly remember the helpless anger that felt when you first came to this world. She’s only a child herself, a fact that’s easy to forget in this hostile place.

Her hands slip from the man’s arm, causing her to steam in silent frustration. You let out a sigh for all those unfortunate enough to find themselves in this world and approach her.

She flinches as you make it next to her, perhaps expecting to get hit, but instead is caught in the embrace of your large frame. “That’s enough.” You whisper softly over her head.

You feel a hot breath of relief on your chest as you hold her there, surrounded by that horrid scene, in that bizarre forest, uncaring of the blood staining your body. The tension leaves her body and perhaps for just a moment, the weight you carry was forgotten about.

You let go, and feel her linger for a moment longer clutching your sleeve before finally letting go.

The corpse of the man catches your eye again. “Is this what you truly want?” You ask.

Her tear filled deep blue eyes stare at the robed body, now covered with her bloody handprints. Eventually she nods slowly
.
The man’s body is lighter than you expect, you see that this is due to his innards spilling out as you turned him face up. Once you're done, Erin scoops what left his body back into him and begins her ritual once again. You watch solemnly as a grown man is reduced to a bloody pulp, just to harvest a small dark blue crystal.

She wipes her arms off on what little clean part remains of his robe.

Erin turns to you expectantly.

“We both have to be strong now, we can’t let the others see us in such a state.” You chuckle as her deep blue eyes light up. “Let’s go.”
[1/2]

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>>36787136

“You were gone for a long time.” Your fairy companion teases from only inches away from your face, as your group marches northeast.

“Yeah, I was.” You respond flatly, not giving her much to work with. She blows a tuft of her from her face moodily, causing you to stifle a grin.

Cecilia and Autumn have a carefree chat with Erin behind you, talking mainly about her magic. This leads you to wonder just what she’s capable of now, after consuming those two crystals.

“Ed, stop!” You hear Vi whisper seriously next to you, causing you to reach for your sword instinctively.

“Two creatures in the trees ahead of us, they’re waiting for us to pass by.” She flies back to inform the others. You pull out the warden’s sword as Autumn runs up next to you.

Realizing they’ve been seen, two forest trolls stumble from out of the bushes. They stand a few feet taller than you and both are armed with a large wooden club. They lumber cautiously ahead, shouting intelligibly at your group.

“Two of them, three of us?” Autumn asks quickly.

You turn back to see Erin standing behind you and Autumn, her piercing eyes glaring menacingly at the two creatures.

This would be Erin’s first fight, and you’re not sure at this point she would be helpful or just a liability. You plan accordingly.

>There are two enemies, split Ed, Autumn, and possibly Erin to fight them however you wish.

>>36787172
Autumn works one one we deal with the other. We have the blade of sharpness after all. Tell Erin to take her time and wait for a good shot then take it at whichever she thinks she can nail better.

>>36787172
>>36787286
This sounds good.

>>36787172
>>36787286
Sure.

>Roll 3d20 for Ed, Autumn, and Erin respectively. Best of result of three.

Rolled 13, 10, 15 = 38 (3d20)

>>36787361

Rolled 18, 17, 20 = 55 (3d20)

Let's show off our new team.

Rolled 19, 13, 1 = 33 (3d20)

>>36787361
rollan
>>36787391
Shit anon, you wrecked it.

>>36787391
Wow. Not bad.

>>36787406
Now i feel like shit, i am so sorry.

>>36787408
Sorry i ruined it.

Thank god for the dice rule change!

>19, 17, 15
Writing

>>36787453

You give out your orders. “Autumn you deal with the one on the right, while I’ll take the other.” You flash a confident smile to Erin. “Take your time, and if you have a good shot, take it.”

Without breaking eye contact with the enemy, Erin responds with a firm nod.

The two forest trolls begin to thunder toward you, shouting loudly and kicking up soil with their large feet. They hold their clubs high ready to smash their enemies.

You and Autumn charge ahead to receive them.

The club carried high over his head lets you know that downward is how your opponent will strike.

“Huuuaaargh!” The troll shouts, and as you predicted he slams his club downward with devastating force, but misses you. His miss is capitalized on as your sword skewers him like he was made of hot butter. You slice outward spilling blood and noxious digestive matter on the ground, downing him effectively.

Autumn dodges her opponents strike by deftly sliding underneath him. The forest troll she’s dealing with doesn’t put as much force into his strike and is able to recover quickly.

He spins his club around to strike at her from the side, but is stopped by Autumn’s arm impacting with his weapon. The weapon shatters in a sickening crack, as wood splinters are sent flying in all directions. He stares at the destroyed state of his weapon and goes into a fit of rage.
[1/2]

>>36788252

You hurry to assist Autumn, as a glint of light flickers right next to your face, cutting your cheek on its path. Suddenly an icicle stabs through the neck of the tall creature, poking through on both ends.

His voice gurgles as he feebly clutches at his throat to remove the icicle, he stomps about in a panic. Soon, the forest troll slows as blood pours from both ends and he drops to his knees, and then on his face.

The battle is over.

“You did it!” Cecilia shouts in praise as she runs to Erin giddily. Autumn approaches her and gives her thanks as well. You clutch you bleeding cheek, you're the only one to notice that it was Erin who had cut you.

You stare at your sword in stunned realization at just how sharp it truly is, any mistake with it would cost you dearly and you think the same with Erin’s magic. You have to carry this knowledge with you for the future.

Erin gratefully accepts the praise of the others and then turns to you with her blue eyes beaming in expectation.

>Congratulate her, don’t mention the icicle cutting you.

>Congratulate her, but tell her to be more careful next time.

>Reprimand her, for her error.

>Write in.

>>36788297
>Congratulate her, but tell her to be more careful next time. She did good for her first time. Just be careful.

>>36788297
>Congratulate her, but tell her to be more careful next time.

>>36788297
>>36788297
>Congratulate her, don't mention the icicle cutting you.
We can always train her to be more careful later, but let have her moment for now

>>36788329
>>36788330
>Writing

>>36788473

A calm smile forms on your face, in response to those blue eyes of her. “You did really well for your first time fighting, Erin” A happy grin forms on her face, in response. You continue. “But…” You tap bloody cheek lightly with a finger. “Just be more careful next time.”

Instantly at the realization of what she did, her expression turns from one of enjoyment to one of devastation.

Vi flies close to your face to observe the damage. “Hmm, if you head had been just a little bit more to the other side, you wouldn’t be speaking with us, Ed.”

Vi’s words seem to cause Erin physical pain. “Yeah, we can get carried with ‘What if’ scenarios all day if we want, but I’m perfectly fine as you can see.” You say in response.

Erin stares at the ground, silently. You place a hand on her shoulder. “You are strong Erin, like me.” You chuckle in the attempt to lighten the mood. “But because of that, you have to be careful to not accidently hurt yourself or those you care about.”

You lift her chin up to look into her blue eyes. “I’m not angry at all. In fact I’m glad that I know I have another powerful ally that I can rely on.” You let go of her chin, and to your delight, her head remains in the air. “We both have to be strong now, Erin.”

She smiles slightly. “Right.” She looks at the path to the northeast and then back to you with her eyes shining. “Let’s go.” She marches ahead of the group with her robes billowing in the air, and the light of the setting sun shining on her back.
[1/2]

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>>36789409

Your large amount of traveling has finally paid off and not too far in the distance, a colossal gateway carved into equally large rock looms overhead and casts a long dark shadow.

For many hours of walking, the gateway has been a tangible target in your sight, but finally you’re within throwing distance of it, standing in the light that shines through the opening.

Your group is silent as you all anxiously approach the gateway. The view of the other side is obscured by some sort of thick steaming mist that instantly consumed the end of a stick that Cecilia was brave enough to poke at it with.

“Well, this is certainly it. Isn’t it?” Autumn states in awe.

“Yeah.” You state simply for lack of words. The piece of bark in your chest pocket begins to vibrate violently as you step closer. You pull the piece of Hugoth out, and instantly it’s ripped from your hand and flies toward the opening. From the point of impact, the mist turns a deep red color and expands outward.

Your group stares at it in confused silence until finally Vi chimes in. “So, who wants to go first?”

>Volunteer yourself.

>Suggest that she go first.

>Suggest that someone else goes first.

>Write in.

>>36789455
>Volunteer yourself.
Lead by example.

>>36789455
>Volunteer yourself.
Here goes nothing, hope we don't die.

>>36789455
>Join hands and go through together.

>>36789560
If something bad happens then it will happen to all of us.

>>36789503
>>36789528
>Writing.

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>>36789600

Sometimes you regret the role of leader, because of what’s expected of you.

“I’ll go first.” You say stepping forward. “Be sure to be close behind if all goes well.”

“We’ll be right behind you, Ed.” Autumn reassures you.

“Here, Ed. Take the stick.” Cecilia brandishes the cleanly disintegrated end rather close to your face.

“Thanks.” You mutter and accept it.

Cautiously, you poke the stick into red colored mist and see that it remains intact. “Here goes nothing.” You inhale and hold your breath as if you’re diving into water.
Innumerable screams sound out in your head as you push through the red mist. Walking through makes your body feel several times heavier, making inhaling any air feel impossible. The hand shaped scar on your arm burns intensely as you desperately push forward to be done with this ordeal. Before you finally poke through, a deep laughter sounds out all around, and you are stunned by bright light.

It takes you a moment to regain your composure. When you finally do, you see your companions around you staring into the distance in amazement, oblivious to your suffering.
Cecilia runs from behind you, her light blue dress fluttering in the air. “Ed! Look at all the beautiful towers!”

You rise in confusion as for as far your perspective is concerned, all you see is perfectly carved sand and a few large rocks, endlessly.

Alright, I'm ending it here for tonight. A rather eventful thread, wasn't it? Thank you to everyone that played tonight. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them in the thread and I will be available to respond to them.

If not, then have a good day/night, and I hope to see you again next time!

>>36790136
I take it Cecelia has never been to the desert then? Why does Vi dislike Erin so much? Did you expect us to do that well against the trolls?

>>36790136
Thanks for running. See ya next time.

>>36790136
Thanks for running Auri. Also "light blue dress" is that a typo

>>36790200
Probably not, but who knows what she's actually seeing.
Vi sees Erin as a threat to the groups safety, given what you told her about the mage hunter. If the dice have taught me anything, is not to have ANY expectations about the outcome of an encounter, haha.
>>36790203
You're very welcome! See you next time.
>>36790257
You're welcome too! Oh, is it???

>>36790327
Yeah, you always described it as a white dress.

>>36790348
Is that so? I wonder why Ed saw it as a light blue dress then.

>>36790348
She might have reactive clothing, or it could be indicative of something else...

>>36790327
We lose anything on our way through?

>>36790393
Maybe you lost something. Then again maybe you gained something.

>>36790392
>>36790393
Ohhhh, I get it now. Damn son, I'm slow

>>36790476
Quite the opposite I would say, you did notice that small detail after all. Very observant of you!

>>36790476
Want to share with the rest of the class?

>>36790507
It depends on if we're being graded on a curve. No I just got that Auri wants us to notice a difference and that it wasn't actually a typo
>>36790502
Heh, thanks Auri, see you next time.

>>36790502
Was that laugh feminine in nature?

>>36790563
No problem at all! See you next time.

>>36790601
Deep Male laughter

>>36790653
Did the voice sound like Hu'goth's, the bears, or the mage hunters?

>>36790676
Ed was under too much strain to discern more than the fact that it was male, unfortunately.

>>36790729
guessing it's either Hu'goth's spirit tied to his blade still or the Mage hunter laughing cause we opened a new world for him to go into. We'll find out eventually I imagine. Thanks for running Auri.

>>36790729
Not that anon, but id just like to say that I'm really fucking perplexed right now

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>>36790764
I hope you will. You're very welcome!
>>36790787
All will be reveled eventually, hopefully haha.

Okay, with that I'm going to be stepping out of the thread now. I'll leave you with a captcha I saw that I think is pertinent to all that's happened in this thread. Thank you all once again, until next time!

>(Twitter)
https://twitter.com/QM_Auri
>(Previous threads)
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=otherworldly+arboretum

I'm also thinking about starting a second quest soon, since I have more free time for a bit.

>>36790854
I hope we do as well. I hope Ed won't lose his eye. Also if you want to run another quest please do your quests are awesome.