You awaken to the sound of knocking on the door. “Selene, wake up! It’s your faaaaavourite maid~” You hear a familiar voice sing from outside, before the door unlocks and Eleanor bursts in. “Time to get up~ We get to go meet your sister tod-“ She stops when she sees you.

“Good morning.” You say flatly.

“Giles? What are you doing here?” She asks.

“Kid had a nightmare and went wandering the halls looking for me. I figured that it’d be better to sleep here in case it happened again.” You say.

“Oh…” Eleanor says. Looking disappointed, she walks into the room and sits down on the bed next to Selene.

You raise an eyebrow at her. “You were hoping it would be something weird or scandalous weren’t you.” You say.

“No… Well, maybe.” She says, doing her best to look innocent. “Yes…” She says finally, dropping her shoulders in mock shame. “But that’s not important! What is important is that the little lady needs to be up for her big day!” Eleanor brushes an errant lock of hair off of Selene’s sleeping face.

>[ ] Wake her up gently

>[ ] Whip the covers off

>[ ] Give her Father Pitre’s kid-wrap special

>[ ] Let Eleanor do it

>>38834349
>[ ] Give her Father Pitre’s kid-wrap special

>>38834349
>[ ] Let Eleanor do it

>>38834349
>[ ] Let Eleanor do it

>>38834349
>[ ] Give her Father Pitre’s kid-wrap special

>>38834349
>[ ] Give her Father Pitre’s kid-wrap special

>writing

“Seleeeeeeeene” Eleanor coos softly. The kid is definitely awake. You can see her pressing her eyes shut, as though leaving them closed will stave off the inevitable.

“Hang on, I’ve got this.” You say, moving around to the foot of the bed. “This is something that the owner of the orphanage that I grew up in used to do.”

“Oh, okay” Eleanor says, stepping back to observe.

As quickly as you can, you grab the corners of her blankets and fold them up under her. Then it’s a wrap, a turn, a fold and a loose knot, and then you drop her back down on the bed.

Selene giggles like a crazy girl the whole while, right up until shortly after you put her down. “I can’t get out.” She says. Still smiling, but looking a little nervous as she attempts to wiggle out of the fabric prison you constructed to no avail.

“There’s a trick to it, but it takes a while to learn.” You say, putting one hand on her shoulder and grabbing the bottom of the wrap. “I’ll let you off easy this time” You pull the whole thing away in one go and toss it back on the bed.

“Thank you” Selene says, enjoying her freedom with a couple of hops before she jumps down off the bed.
“Alright you, go wash up while I get your clothes ready. We need you looking your best for you-know-who” Eleanor says with a wink.
Selene beams her a big, adorable smile, before hopping off into her washroom.

>Talk to Eleanor about-

>[ ] The trip into town

>[ ] Her relationship with Selene

>[ ] Nothing, you should go get ready too

>>38835077
>[ ] The trip into town

>>38835077
>[ ] Her relationship with Selene

>>38835077
>[ ] Her relationship with Selene

>writing

>>38835221
I'm dead tired and I'm going to bed, but allow me to say that I love the quest man. One of the best in a while, if you don't mind my saying.

See you next thread!

>>38835077
>>38835295
Yeah this is really funny quest and i enjoy it immensly

Once Selene is in the washroom, Eleanor walks over to the closet and starts going through Selene’s cloths.

You can’t help but smile, it really is cute the way she deals with her. Not so much like a servant or a maid, but closer to how you’d imagine a big sister would do things. “I was gonna ask about this earlier” You begin, drawing Eleanor’s attention away from the closet. “But you and Cedric seem awfully familiar with Selene.”

“Oh, we are. The two of us have been living in the castle since we were about as old as she is, and we’re a lot closer to the two of them than anyone else here.” She says, turning her back to you and continuing to rifle through Selene’s closet. “We only started actually working here… Hmm… I would’ve been 12, so 5 years ago? Before that we were considered Laura’s ‘playmates’.”

“You guys lived in the castle before you started working here?” You ask.

“Yeah…” Eleanor trails off. “Laust tradition. If a man gives his life for you, you make sure that his family is cared for.” She says.

Woops, that sounded like a nerve if there ever was one. You quickly change the subject.

>[1/2]

“So what can I expect from this little sojourn?” You ask

“Oh, we’ll just be heading over to the docks in the middle district to ‘receive’ the four- err, five I guess if Lady Melissa is coming too- travellers and then come right back. It’s more just because Selene is so excited to see her sister that Queen Frederica thought it would be nice for her to greet her.” Eleanor says, finally picking out a nice outfit for the little princess.

You grimace at the mention of Melissa. You’re looking forward to seeing her, your cheeks and your gut… not so much.

>[ ] Ask if she’s excited to see Laura

>[ ] Ask if she’s excited to see Marcellus

>[ ] Ask about _______________

>[ ] Take your leave

>>38835625
>[ ] Ask if she’s excited to see Marcellus

>>38835625
[X] Take your leave
Time to get ready... better put that iron plate beneath our shirt.

>>38835625
>[ ] Take your leave
Get ready for anything really.

>>38835625
>[ ] Take your leave

>writing

Now, Smiley, you mentioned, in the OP, that Selene saw her own death in the nightmare, but it was Laura's death she saw, wasn't it?

>>38835925
>no, it was her own death that she dreamed of.

>>38835925
My mistake, it's just that Selene wasn't mentioned, by name, in the nightmare. I assumed that after fighting 'the black things' the 'big guy' killed Laura. Anywho, carry on.

>>38836168
Sorry, I probably could've made that clearer. The dream was all told from her viewpoint, thus the odd phrases like 'cut her body off' (If you view it from the head, it is the body that's being cut off)

“I should get going too” You say. After all, Eleanor still has to actually dress Selene. It would be improper to stick around for that. Even though you did stay the night in her room, which wasn’t exactly proper…

You’ll just have to hope Eleanor keeps that little bit to herself.

“Okay, we’ll meet back up in the dining room in about half an hour. I’ll have mom get something ready for you too.” She says.

You thank her for her consideration and take your leave. Making your way back down to the servant’s quarters by the quickest way you know, you get down there in record time.

You find your stuff still in the same place where you left it last night, and you quickly throw on something more casual. When you’re sure there’s no one else watching you, you place your knives in their hiding spots. It’s an easier task on this outfit that on your servant’s uniform, as your normal clothing has spots you made specifically for that purpose.

Before you head out, you secure the thin strip of fabric that is your cape (folded into itself) and run a comb through your hair.

Then you make your way back up to the kitchens. You’re really getting good at navigating this place now.

About halfway to the kitchens, in one of the less used stairwells you feel a familiar chill. The chill of being watched.

>[ ] Ignore it

>[ ] “Good morning Cassandra.”

>>38836365
>[ ] “Good morning Cassandra.”

>>38836365
[X] “Good morning Shadow.”

>>38836365
>>[ ] “Good morning Cassandra.”

>>38836365
>[ ] Sneak up to her.
>[ ] “Good morning Cassandra.”

>writing

You stop midway up the staircase. “Good morning Cassandra.” You call out, and immediately you hear footsteps behind you.

“And here I thought I was being subtle.” She says.
“Cut it out, it’s too early for this shit. Just who the hell are you?” You turn around and fix her with an angry glare.
“I am Cassandra, as you are Giles.” She says, smiling innocently.
“If you mean what I think you mean…-“ You trail off, she couldn’t be like you. Could she?
“Why, yes. That would be a nasty implication. Enough to get us both executed.” She says, but she seems strangely unbothered by that fact. “which is why I think that both of our secrets will be safe for the time being.”

You study her face for anything that might bely what she’s actually thinking. Nothing. This lady’s almost got a better poker face than you do.

“Ah, but I must be going. My lord will wonder where I have gone if I take too long. As I said last night, I look forward to your performance.” She says, and then she walks out of the stairwell. You listen to her footsteps, as soon as she’s out of sight they disappear.

>[1/2]

Nameless. If Cassandra is like you then she’s right, this could get you both executed. You are called Giles, yes. But that is not your Name. You wear it like a mask, and you’ve taken on a few in the past. But Giles is the one you were given, and you like to keep it.

But that is your choice, and it’s a choice that is not available to anyone else. A Name is something that ties you to the world, and through the World it ties you to the Grand Tapestry of Fate. A Name becomes yours when you hear it and accept it as yours, this usually occurs at a very young age. Though once a child hits 5 or 6 without a Name, they are not considered Human anymore.

That is when you become a Devil.

Unbound to the World and therefore to the Grand Tapestry, Devils are dangerous creatures. What events should be set in stone, a Devil can undo. It’s said that if Fate is thrown too far off of its course that it will be ‘unwound’ entirely. This is a good thing and a bad thing.

It’s good because people will then be truly free, and assholes like Roderick won’t get a free pass because the Fates picked him out of a hat.

It’s bad because True Demons will once again walk the earth unchecked. Right now if a Demon were to arise, you would simply need to give it a name and Fate would do the rest. Something about how one of Fate’s decrees was that “Demons die”, so when a Demon is named, it becomes a part of Fate, and as a result its death is caused.

>[2/3]
>This is longer than I expected

>>38837156
Lore dumps always are.

You learned at a young age the different things that you must do to keep up this charade.

Introductions are a must. When someone tells you their Name, you MUST give yours. Other people don’t get a choice, so you must make it seem like you are the same.

You have only ever briefly taken on other alias’s, as that sort of thing can be dangerous. If two people who know you by different Names meet in the wrong place it could spell doom.

There are other limitations, but they’re not quite as important.

“Somethin’ wrong?” Someone asks you.

You look up, it’s Eleanor. You’re already at the kitchens, must’ve zoned out… “Oh, yeah. I’m good.” You say, turning your frown upside down in an attempt to appease Eleanor.

“You looked kinda grumpy there…” She says.

“Yeah, you were all hurmph” Selene says, making an exaggerated grumpy face.

Eleanor laughs at Selene’s antics, and you can’t help but actually smile. “That looks nothing like me.” You say.

“It totally does.” Eleanor says, elbowing you in the sides and laughing even harder. “Look, she’s even got the eyebrows down!”

>[ ] See if they know anything about Cassandra

>[ ] Talk about _________

>[ ] Go in and sit down

>>38837498
>[ ] See if they know anything about Cassandra

>>38837498
>[ ] See if they know anything about Cassandra

>>38837498
>[ ] See if they know anything about Cassandra

>writing

The three of you laugh off Selene’s horrible impression of you, though Eleanor thought it was good…
And so did Selene…

Is that really how you look when you’re grumpy?

You shake off the thought, this could be a good chance. If Eleanor is anything like her brother, she’ll know something about that woman. ‘Know thy enemy’ is something a wise man once said, though you could never remember who that wise man was.

“Sorry, I ran into Roderick’s lady friend. She’s almost as aggravating as her boss is. What’s up with that lady anyway?” You ask.

“Not sure, I’ve never talked to her. Come to think of it, I don’t know all that much about her either…” She says, scowling. “It’s weird, I mean she’s the personal servant to Fate’s Champion. You’d think I would’ve heard something about her by now, but I’ve got nothing.”

That was both enlightening and useless at the same time. From the sounds of it, she came out of nowhere. Unfortunately, there’s never much info on people who come out of nowhere. But a lack of info can be just as telling as a library full.

That subject drained, the three of you make your way into the dining room.

>Anything you guys want to talk about over breakfast?

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>38838021
Teach Selene how to do a few magic tricks

>>38838021
Ask Eleanor if she's excited to see Marcellus

>>38838127
I approve of this.

>>38838127
Oo yeah that's a good one.

>>38838021
Cassandra's totally there to bump off Roderick, calling it now.

>writing

>>38838211
Naah, he knows she's a devil and has her there to stop other devils from fucking with him.

Once you’re all seated, Selene starts to chatter about how eager she is that Laura is coming back. She’s so excited it looks like she could burst, which she just might if she keeps this up.

You decide to give her a break. “Is there anyone you’re looking forward to seeing, Eleanor?” You ask when Selene stops to take a breath.
“Well yeah, it’ll be nice to see Laura again. And I’m sure that Ced will like having Captain Dalen back…” She says
“Aren’t you forgetting someone?” You ask, a grin slowly forming.
“F-forgetting someone? W-w-well…” Eleanor stutters, and her face turns red.
“Someone whose name starts with an M?” Your grin widens.
Eleanor laughs nervously, you swear you see steam rising from her head. And then she stops, and oh shit you know that smile. “An M? Like… say… Melissa?” She carefully enunciates each syllable of the name to give it emphasis.

Shit, that’s not the first time this girl’s turned it around on you. You find yourself stuttering for a response as Eleanor basks in your despair.
“Don’t worry! You just hafta’ ‘pologize and it’ll be A-O-K!” Selene says, smiling cheerfully.
“Thanks kiddo, I almost forgot.” You say, patting her head. Though apology or no apology, Melissa is going to be pissed…

As you imagine the various things she’s may do, someone plops a big plate of pancakes in front of you.

“There we are! Special pancakes for a special day-” Debra says, before hugging Selene from behind and planting a kiss on her head. “-and a special girl.”

“Thank you Auntie Debra!” Selene says.

>[1/2]

Debra takes her leave and Selene immediately tears into her pancakes like they owe her money. They are special pancakes it seems. Each one seems to be shaped like a different thing, and you admire the craftsmanship of each one as you eat it: a dragon, a boat, a person, a sword, and a bow and arrow.

When the three of you finish, Eleanor stands up. “Alright, I need to go finalize a few things about our transportation with Bartholomew. You guys go down and wait for me by the front gate.” She says, and then she takes off without giving you a chance to say anything.

“Well, I guess it’s you and me for a little bit.” You say.
Selene smiles happily, and the two of you make your way down to the front gate.

This is a good opportunity to check this area out using the little time you have. But a little time is all you have, so whether or not you’ll get anything done is questionable.

You could also check around if Cedric is out here. With the increase in perimeter guards, that’s a pretty good possibility.

>[ ] Snoop around

>[ ] Look for Cedric

>[ ] Other

>>38838823
>>[ ] Look for Cedric
Might as well say hi, especially after that scare we had last night.

>>38838823
>[ ] Look for Cedric

>>38838823
>[ ] Look for Cedric

>>38838823
>[ ] Snoop around

>writing

Well, you’ll have a chance to scope the grounds tonight. Probably…
You figure one of the guards posted at the gate will know where Cedric is, so you go up to ask one of them and-
“Oh, hey man. Off to town already?” Cedric says.
“Yeah, Eleanor is just up talking to Bartholomew about transportation.” You say.
“You may end up having to wait a while for that. Sounds like most of the carts and carriages are tied up carrying the visitors in and out.” He says.
“Well, we could always walk. The docks aren’t too far off.” You say. The docks are only about an hour’s walk from here. Then you feel something pull on your sleeve. When you look down, Selene is pouting.
Right, the docks aren’t too far off for you. You have nice long legs and the stamina of a man who has done a lot of running in his life.

You and Cedric talk about how long it could possibly take to get a carriage, and a few other options you might have for a while until Eleanor shows up.
Turns out Cedric was right. It’ll be over an hour before a carriage can be made available. Makes you wonder just who planned this whole thing and couldn’t even bother to secure transportation…

>[ ] Walk down, carry the child if you need to

>[ ] Wait for a transport

>[ ] Try to find something in the city

>[ ] Other

>>38839290
Walk down.

Shoulder loli is important.

>>38839290
>[ ] Walk down, carry the child if you need to
''Say to Eleanor that i had to run, maybe she'll encounter us later...''

>>38839290
>[ ] Walk down, carry the child if you need to

"C'mon Selene lets go surprise your sister"

>>38839290
>[ ] Walk down, carry the child if you need to

>writing

“Well, I guess we’ll just walk” You say.
Selene pouts.
“Don’t worry, I won’t make you go the whole way. If you get too tired, I’ll carry you.” You say.
“Tired now” Selene says.
“You are not” You say, giving her a noogie.

Once Eleanor arrives, the three of you say goodbye to Cedric and make your way across the bridge out of the Palace. You and Eleanor position yourselves on either side of Selene, and you each take a hand. Selene bounces happily along all the way to the Noble district

Analask, the capital city of Laust, is split into 4 districts. Each district is an island on a small chain that juts off the western edge of the country.

The largest island, and also the closest to the mainland, is the Business district. Very few people actually live there, as it’s mostly used by traders and merchants. All of the people who work there live in the middle district, which is where you’re going. Most cargo ships tend to go to the docks in the business district, but passenger ships and ferries go to the docks in the middle district.

The third island is the Noble district, where the upper class and nobility live. It’s also home to higher class establishments that don’t quite fit in in the business district.

After that is the Palace, situated on the smallest of the islands on top of a rather threatening cliff. It’s said that the Royal Palace of Laust is unbreakable, and it’s proven this every time someone has tried.

>[1/2]

>>38839840
>It’s said that the Royal Palace of Laust is unbreakable, and it’s proven this every time someone has tried.
Let's see if it's true, even a threatening cliff have to bend at the devil's will.

You know the layout of the noble district pretty well, as you spent a while here making sure you’d be able to make a good escape if someone happened to chase you across the bridge.

A few of the people you pass recognize Princess Selene, and strangely enough they recognize Eleanor as well. Some of them even stop by to say hello to Eleanor, ask how her mother is, and rib her about the handsome man she’s out with. You take some enjoyment out of that last one, as it means you get to join in on the teasing.

It’s all in good fun, but you know she’ll have her revenge. She always does.

You move a bit more quickly through the middle district. Partially because you aren’t constantly being stopped, and partially because Selene finally gave up on walking and is now up on your shoulders once more.

When you finally arrive at the docks, you see that they’re… absolutely packed! Are all these people here to see Princess Laura?

Where do they all come from?
“Look! Look! It’s a ship! It’s Laura’s ship!” Selene exclaims, bouncing up and down uncomfortably on her perch.

>[ ] Ask her to be patient

>[ ] Try and weasel your way through the crowd

>[ ] Other

>>38839992
>[ ] Ask her to be patient
>[ ] Try and weasel your way through the crowd
Who knows?!

>>38839992
>[ ] Ask her to be patient
>[ ] Try and weasel your way through the crowd

>>38839992
>[ ] Ask her to be patient

>[ ] Try and weasel your way through the crowd

>>38839992
Couldn't we just get them to part for us?

Selene is a princess after all

>>38839992
>>[ ] Ask her to be patient
>>[ ] Try and weasel your way through the crowd

>writing

“Be patient Selene, we’ll get to see her eventually.” You say.
“Yeah, there’s no way Laura would miss out on seeing you.” Eleanor says.
Selene continues to bounce, but it’s not quite so grating now. Still excited it seems, and who can blame her?

Oh, hang on. You think you see a way into the crowd. Wasting no time, you grab Eleanor by the hand and head in. Past that guy, between these two, hey that guy’s wallet is- no, bad Giles, no stealing.

You have to do some shoving, but people don’t complain once they see who you’re carrying. Not like you’d care if they complained, but it’s still nice of them.

As you approach the front of the crowd, Selene starts to bounce again. “There she is! There she is! Laura! Laura!” She calls out.

Standing at the far end of the dock you can see 3 people.
One, a girl dressed in plain but obviously very fine clothes, with black hair in a very boyish cut, and bright blue eyes.
The second is a man, about the same height as the first. He has dirty blond hair tied back into a short ponytail, and brown eyes. He wears what looks to be a stylized version of the guard’s uniform.
The last one is a young lady in a beautiful red dress. Her hair is chin length and very curly, and her eyes are very green. Hang on, that’s Melissa. Holy shit has she ever grown…

“Selene!” The tomboy looking girl calls out, before dashing down the dock in your direction.

Wait… is THAT Laura?
Not quite what you were expecting…

>[1/2]

The person who you assume is Laura stops just short of barreling you over. “Oh my goodness you’ve gotten so tall! You’ll never be able to fit into the dress I got you now!” She says, hopping up onto an errant crate and hugging Selene where she is on your shoulders. Which puts your head in a very strange position.

“Uhhhh… Hello?” You say, not quite ready for this level of closeness with someone you’ve just met. On the upside it’s not all that uncomfortable, Laura seems a bit lacking in the… chest area.

Laura plucks Selene off of your shoulders and hops back down. “Sorry, I was just so excited! I’ve missed you so much!” Laura says, then immediately puts her mouth to work showering her little sister with kisses.

“My apologies sir. She can be a handful at times.” The blond man says, before reaching a hand towards you. “Marcellus, I am Princess Laura’s guardian.” He says.
“Giles, I work back at the castle” You say, shaking his hand.

“Oh! Sorry, I’m being rude.” Laura says, pulling away from a very happy Selene to shake your hand. “Laura Laustright” She says.
“Giles” You say, taking her hand as well.

Laura moves back to give Eleanor an energetic hello as Melissa approaches.

“Lady Disiera, are you not going to introduce yourself?” Marcellus asks.
“We’ve met” She says, smiling. “In fact, Giles here is going to come and help me with something. Aren’t you Giles?” Her smile breaks temporarily, and she gives you a look that says ‘you’re coming with me or I’m shoving meathooks into your testicles and dragging you”

>[ ] Y-yes ma’am

>[ ] I have… other duties?

>[ ] Other

>>38840648
>[ ] Y-yes ma’am

>>38840648
>[ ] Y-yes ma’am
It's for Selene, it's for Selene, it's for Selene...

>>38840648
[X] I have… other duties?
say goodbye to our manhood

>>38840648
>[ ] Y-yes ma’am

We're gonna die.

>>38840648
>>[ ] Y-yes ma’am
But first, introduce Selene to Melissa, and use her as a temporary shield from her wrath.

>writing

“Y-yes ma’am…” You say.

Melissa smiles gratefully, and turns to leave. “Come on, it’s this way. I need a hand getting my luggage out.”

You saunter off after her. Looking back, you see Selene give you a thumbs up and a big smile.

Oh you sweet little girl. It’s nice to know that you’ll be mourned by the one who is so happily sending you off to your death.

You follow Melissa below decks, into what you can assume is a cabin or something. You know literally nothing about ships…

She stops a little ways into the room. “Close the door.” She says with her back still turned.

You oblige her. ‘You must face your punishment head on, even for the smallest sins’ is what Father Pitre used to say, usually just before he punished you for something. But still they’re words to live by, especially now.

With the door shut, you turn back around and face her. She wheels around.

*SLAP*

Ouch, that’s gonna leave a mark.

*SLAP*

The other cheek this time, damn she hits hard.

*SLAP*

Your face is burning.

*SLAP*

Just how mad is she?

*SLAP*

Well, it’s better than getting meat hooks shoved through your testicles at any rate…

>[1/2]

>>38841044
...Hears hoping she doesn't jump to the 'choke a bitch' stage...

>>38841152
Or the 'throwing random shit' stage

*WHUMP*

This… you weren’t expecting this. Melissa’s thrown her arms around you and buried her face into your chest… Speaking of chests, hers has developed quite a bit…

Really not a good train of thought right now.

She pulls away from you, her eyes red with tears. “Five years!” She says.

“I know, I-“

“No. No talking, I’m not done.” She says, cutting you off with a commanding tone. “Not a note, or a trace, nothing. You didn’t even stop by all this time, send a letter, or let me know in any way shape or form that you were even still ALIVE.”

“It’s not-“

She cuts you off with a glare this time. Holy fuck she’s scary when she’s mad. “And now I find you just hanging about, trying to act like nothing’s happened! Do you have any idea how that feels?”

“Well-“

“Why DID you leave? Was Klaus the only reason why you kept me around? Was having another person around just not worth it for you anymore? Were we ever even friends?” She says.

You wait to see if she’s going to start talking again. To be honest, you’re a little sick of getting cut off.

“Answer me!” She says.

>[ ] Tell her the truth

>[ ] Tell her a convincing lie

>[ ] Apologize

>>38841309
>[ ] Tell her the truth
>[ ] Apologize

>>38841309
>[ ] Apologize
Can't lie, but can't sell the truth yet, whatever it may be...

>>38841309
>Apologize
Priority one, for Selene
>Truth

>>38841309
>[ ] Apologize
>[ ] Tell her the truth

>>38841309
>[ ] Apologize
>[ ] Tell her the truth

>>38841309
>>[ ] Tell her the truth
Then
>>[ ] Apologize

>>38841309
>>[ ] Tell her the truth
>[ ] Apologize

>writing

“Because-“ The words catch in your throat. You’ve never, not even once admitted to this before. “Because my fuckin’ hobby got Klaus killed, and I didn’t want it to get you too.” You say.

You’ve always justified it to yourself before. Klaus knew the risks, He knew what he was getting into, it wasn’t your responsibility. But you know it was.
It wasn’t Klaus’s idea to try and steal the Red Lord’s Scepter. It wasn’t Klaus’s idea to make your escape by the riskier path. The only thing Klaus came up with was the idea to buy you guys time to escape.

When the dust had settled the two of you made your way back in, but you were too late. When he wouldn’t give your location up, they disposed of him.

“Th-that’s not… So what, you were worried that I might follow suite and die on you like he did?” Melissa asks.
“No, but I realized that it was always something that could happen. You always talked about starting your own business like the one your dad used to run, so I let you do that.” You say.
“You’re a son of a bitch, did you know that?” She says.
“Never met the lady, but I’d say that’s fair.” You joke
She punches you in the ribs. “Ass”

“I’m sorry.” You say. Selene did tell you to apologize, after all. “I really am.”

Melissa then recomposes herself and goes to gather up her things. “But I hear you run with a new crew now. The Master Thieves you call yourselves.”

That was a quick turnaround… No, it probably wasn’t. She’s still mad or sad or whatever the hell she was feeling before. She’s just hiding it like she always does.

“So, which one are you? The Sparrow? The Riddler? The Buyer? The Critic? The Brute? Or is it… The Gambler? Yeah, that one sounds like you.”

She is… kind of right. Half… no, one-sixth right.

>[1/2]

>>38841771
We're all of them. Different facets of a gem.

“Not sure what you’re talking about.” You say. If she’s going to go all stone face on you, it’s only fair that you can do the same.

“Like it matters. There’s only one reason why you do anything.” She says, closing up her suitcase. She then turns around and leans back against the table. “So, what’re you after?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m here to work.” You say.

She rolls her eyes and smiles. “Tell you what. If you’re really sorry, I’ll let you make it up to me. All I want is one reeeaaally simple favour.”

>[ ] No

>[ ] What is it?

>>38841878
>[ ] No

>[ ] What is it?

>>38841878
Might as well hear the lady out.

>>38841878
>[ ] What is it?

>>38841878
>[ ] What is it?

>writing

You sigh. “What is it?”

Melissa smiles contentedly. “Well, it’s actually two, maybe three favours.” She says.

Of course.

“First, you’re going to accompany me to this stupid party.” She says, holding up one finger.

“Really? That’s your favour?” You ask

Melissa storms across the room to you and grabs you by the collar, pulling you in close. “You are NOT leaving me alone with these people, Giles. All grabby, pompous assbags with an overinflated sense of self-importance who seem to think that somehow dancing with them is the ‘greatest honour in the world’. I HATE these people, but I don’t dare say that to their faces. So you are going to be my date, and keep the worst of them off me for the night.” She says.

“And the second?” You ask.

She releases your collar and hold up two fingers. “Second, you’re going to promise to come and visit me at my manor at least once. I moved our old orphanage into there, and I’m sure some of the old kids would love to see you again.”

“And the third?”

She eyes you carefully, before shaking her head. “Forget the third, just the two.” She says.

>what say you?

>>38842205
We have to babysit the prinscess don't we during the party don't we?

>>38842205
>what say you?

"Well as much as i'd like to we can't do the first because we have our duties (stealing the crown) however we can get a strapping young guardsman to escort her. The second is much easier."

>>38842248
Don't forget the loot.

>>38842205
Yes.

If all we have to do is keep the other novles at bay, i think we can do that much and still steal the crown.

>>38842205
Sure, I may not be available for the entire party however

>not really sure if this is a yes or a no.
>could I get some clarification?

>>38842407
Yes. The plan is to steal the crown after the party, correct?

>>38842419
>Yes.
>to clarify, the idea was to hang around until everyone or almost everyone had gone to bed.
>then do as thieves do and get thieving
>being Melissa's 'date' will simply change the manner in which you must stick around, as you were going to be serving/cleaning up before.

Damn noone wants to hook Cedric up..

>>38842407
>>38842472
Then there should be no problem.
I vote yes

>>38842472
I'm sure we can make it work. I'm okay with it

>cool
>writing

“Alright…” You mumble.
“What was that?” Melissa asks.
“Alright. I’ll do it. I’ll be your damn date, and I’ll pay you a visit.” You say.
Melissa claps her hands together. “Coswell!” She shouts.

The door to the cabin opens and a middle aged man in a sailor’s outfit pops in. “Yes M’lady?”
“Stitch Giles up a suit for tomorrow night. Something that’ll match both what I’m wearing, and his darker complexion.” She says.
‘Coswell’ bows to Melissa and as he exits, he says “Yes M’lady” once more.

“Satisfied?” You ask.
“A little. Though you do know how to dance, right?” She asks.
“I… maybe. Why?” You say.
“Remember the rule here in Laust? Everybody has to dance at least once. Some dumb friggin’ custom.” She says, clicking her teeth in annoyance.
“Well yeah, I can dance then.” You say with some confidence. At the very least you’re quick on your feet and good at imitating. That should get your by…

Hopefully…

“Good. Take this.” She hands you a VERY HEAVY suitcase. “Let’s go, don’t want to keep everyone else waiting.” She makes her way back out of the cabin.
“I see you haven’t changed a bit.” You say, putting the suitcase over your shoulder and following her.
“Stow it.” She bites back.

That's all for tonight! I hope you guys still enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it!

I'll be sticking around for a bit in case anyone has questions. If I don't answer them here before the thread 404's, feel free to ask me on twitter

Next thread will be either tomorrow or Sunday. Or both, depending on what happens on this end.

>>38842754
thanks for running and good timing too because im going to sleep

>>38842754
Thank's for running!

>>38842754
Good stuff OP. Probably my favorite new quest right now

>>38842754
How did Giles go without being named for at least 5 years?

>>38842836
>He didn't. I missed this bit, but Devils aren't tolerated presences. If you get to age 5-6 without accepting a name (usually means that you lack the mental capacity to understand the concept) you're usually killed.

>Giles has always been Giles. The Name wasn't properly his, but he acted like it was.

>If I have to do another lore dump (I will), it'll be pre-written and well checked so I don't miss details like that.

>>38842912
I'm kind of confused now, I thought he was a devil

>>38843001
>He is, he technically has no Name.
>He has something he is called, but it is not a true Name

>>38842912
Woah. So this society purges the mentally disabled/developementally challenged once they hit 5?

>>38843153
>There are some "tests" to confirm. And you don't get offed until you fail all of them.
>But yeah, basically.

>>38843216
Sorry if this has been mentioned before, but how old is Giles?

>>38843257
Now that I think about it, I don't think I've given character ages... I guess I'll list them out here and probably at the start of the next thread as well.

>Giles, Cedric and Eleanor are all 17
>Marcellus is 20
>Melissa and Laura-19
>Selene- 6

>I'll try to keep up with letting you guys know how old everyone is.
>I keep meaning to throw a lot of this info in more naturally, but it never ends up working out that way.