You and Marcellus both give your practice swords a few test swings away from the eager eyes of your growing audience.

“Are we actually doing this?” He asks.
“Seems a bit late to back down now, huh?” You say.
He chuckles. “Yeah. I kinda wish your sister didn’t go and tell everyone about this…” He says.
“It was either that, or we would’ve had to wrench these things away from the kids.” You say.
“I think we’re both skilled enough to have used our actual swords without killing each other.” He says.

You slap him on the back. “Chin up, Marcy. Children can smell fear you know.” You say.
“Please don’t call me that” He says.

You laugh at him as the two of you head over to your ‘stage’.

Most of the crowd consists of children from the orphanage, but the better part of your group is here too. Well, with the exception of Laura and Selene. Selene wasn’t feeling up to it, so they’re still in Melissa’s room. Damn shame too, you think Selene might’ve really enjoyed this were she in a better mood.

You’ll have to do it again sometime, just for her.

The two of you make your way to opposite ends of your ‘arena’ and get into your stances.

Marcellus is in a basic fencing pose: legs and arms straight, right side facing you, sword held in front of him with the tip pointed towards the ground. You doubt he’ll keep that up once combat starts, since as a fighting stance it sucks. But it makes a decent starting stance.

You’re a bit more relaxed. To start out, you like to be more neutral. You stand straight, sword held like a cane, with a smaller wooden ‘dagger’ held in your hand so he doesn’t see it until it’s too late.

Melissa calls for you to start, and the two of you slowly circle the ‘arena’

Let’s get to it.

>[ ] Make the first move

>[ ] Let him come to you

>>39284096
>[ ] Make the first move

>>39284096
>>[ ] Let him come to you

>>39284096
>>[ ] Let him come to you

>>39284096
>[ ] Let him come to you

>>39284096
>[ ] Make the first move
Is it just me, or do these options sounds kinda dirty?

File: Bro.jpg (128 KB, 610x908)

128 KB JPG

>>39284314
Not right now, they're not

Later, though...

>writing

“So, we just gonna walk around all day or are you gonna do something?” Marcellus asks.
“I’m perfectly fine with walking around all day” You say.

“Right then…” He says, dropping his stance and breaking into a sprint.

You set your feet and lunge at him as he gets close, but he rolls to the side and comes back with an upward slash at your ‘unguarded’ side.

You parry his slash with your off hand, and thrust again at him. He bats your weapon away and attempts to counter with a thrust of his own. You twist to the side to get around his attack and try to strike at his flank, but he flips that on you and you suddenly find yourself disarmed…

How the hell did he do that?

Seeing the opening in your guard, Marcellus sets his feet and winds his weapon back for something big.

You’re not in the best position right now…

>Attack

>Guard

>Special

>>39284874
>Attack
seems like a special to me

>>39284874
>Attack

>>39284874
>ATTACK

>writing

>Combat round: Success!
>Attack > Special

He stabs at you, but you parry it to one side with your dagger. Before you can do anything else, he stabs again, and again, and again in rapid succession.

You parry each strike, but you realize that there will be no end to these. So you maneuver around him, parrying and sidestepping his strikes the whole time.

Marcellus knocked your sword up into the air, and he thinks he’s disarmed you. But if you’re right, it should be coming back down right about…

Here.

You step back and deflect another strike, raising your hand in the air and opening it. Your sword comes right back down into your waiting hand, you get a good grip, and then bring it down on his shoulder.

“One for Giles!” Melissa says.

“Damn, I thought I had you there…” He says, rubbing his shoulder.
“And that’s exactly why you lost” You say with a smile as the two of you take your positions again.

This time as soon as Melissa calls for the start, Marcellus charges straight in. running low with his sword poised to strike.

>Attack

>Guard

>Special

>>39285196
>Guard

>>39285196
>Guard

>>39285196
>Guard

>>39285196
>Guard

>writing

He stabs at you, but you step to the side and let his sword slide along your dagger. Then you bring your own sword up and hit him under his left arm.

“Another for Giles!” Melissa says.

Marcellus stumbles and falls. “Damn it…” He says.
“Frustrated?” You ask.

He glares at you.
“Relax Marcy. You getting angry only makes this fight less interesting” You say, taking up your stance once again.
“Please don’t call me that…” He says.
“Tell you what, if you win I’ll never call you that again.” You say.
Marcellus sets his stance again. It’s different this time, you wonder what he’s up to… “And if you win?” He asks.

“Then I will call you nothing but Marcy, until the end of your days.” You say.
He thinks on that. “Well, I’ve definitely heard worse wagers”

He takes on a defensive stance, in a backward lunge with his off-hand forward and his sword held back, poised to strike. “You have a deal” He says, motioning for you to come at him.

>[ ] Attack

>[ ] Guard

>[ ] Special

>>39285491
>Special

>>39285491
>[ ] Special
unless this is bait i think weve got this

>>39285491
>[ ] Special

>>39285491
>[ ] Special

>writing

He wants you to come to him, fine.

This time you do the rushing, coming in fast with your weapon poised to strike. You twist as you come in, feinting with your sword as your bring your dagger around for the actual strike. Or at least you were…

“OOFH” You exclaim as the air rushes out of your lungs, and you hit the ground. What the fuck just happened there?

“One for Marcellus!” Melissa shouts.

Marcellus gives you a hand up. “Sorry! I didn’t think I’d hit you that hard. Are you good?” He asks.
“Yeah, I’m good. Just what the hell was that?” You ask, accepting his hand and standing up.
“A secret” He says. “I’ll tell you if you can beat me”
“You’re on.” You say.

You take your positions again, and Marcellus gets into the same stance…

>Attack

>Guard

>Special

>>39285820
Dammit, it's a fuckin special; time to attack

>>39285820
>Attack
I kind of expected that to be honest

>>39285820
>Attack

>>39285820
>Guard?

If it beat our special it must have been an attack. Unless I'm wrong

>writing

>>39285847
Wait... Specials cancel each other out, don't they?
Attacks beats Specials... if we attack, it'll cancel it, but if we guard...

You move in more cautiously this time, careful not to repeat your mistakes.

He watches you approach. Marcellus looks a bit like a coiled viper right now. You realize that this isn’t a defensive stance, it’s a counter stance.

You thrust at his flank when you get close enough, and Marcellus responds with an attack of his own. He swings his sword overhead and tries to strike your shoulder.

You abort your thrust and block, but he attacks again, and again. You block each one, and counter with an attack of your own.

You continue like this for a while, simply exchanging blows, going back and forth, blocking and countering in turn. You almost don’t want it to end, this is the most fun you’ve had in a while…

But as you start to grow tired, you realize that it must end. So when Marcellus comes in for a strike, instead of blocking him you attack.

Your attack connects with his face, just as his connects with yours and you both fall backwards.

“Uhh… I guess… One for each?” Melissa says. “And that makes 3 for Giles!”

>[1/2]

>>39286154
I guess that move counts as both guard and attack then

>>39286209
I think it's just an attack; a guard will beat it.

The children cheer and clap as Melissa helps you up so she can hold your hand in the air and declare you the winner. Even going so far as to give you a congratulatory peck on the cheek before running off to talk to her cooks about supper.

You walk over to where Marcellus hit the ground. “That was a good match Marcy” You say.
“I’ll be hearing that name a lot from you now, won’t I?” He asks.
“You’ll be hearing nothing but that name from me now.” You say as you help him back to his feet.
Marcy groans, but then looks at you and smiles. “I guess it could be worse” He says. “Let me know when you want me to teach you that move.”
“Will do” You say.

You take Marcy’s sword and give the two of them back to the children you got them from.

The rest of the group has gone back to chatting, except for Cedric, who is staring at you in awe.

>[ ] Go see Cedric

>[ ] Check in on Selene

>[ ] See what everyone else is talking about

>[ ] Hang with Marcy for a bit.

>[ ]Other

>>39286353
>[ ] Go see Cedric

>>39286353
>Cedric
Then
>Marcy
and if we have time?
>Selene

>>39286353
>Hang with Marcy for a bit

>>39286353
>[ ] Go see Cedric

>>39285957
>[ ] Hang with Marcy for a bit.

>>39286353
>[ ] Hang with Marcy for a bit.

>>39286353
>[ ] Go see Cedric
>[ ] Hang with Marcy for a bit.

>>39286353
>>[ ] Hang with Marcy for a bit.

>>39286353
>>39286516
>[ ] Go see Cedric
>[ ] Hang with Marcy for a bit.

hang out with the lads

>writing

You grab Marcy and head over to where Cedric is.

“What’s up?” You ask.
“You… you won.” He says.
“You doubted me? That hurts, Cedric.” You say.
“I mean, Marcellus is a champion! I thought for sure that he’d win.” He says.

“So how much money did you lose?” Marcy asks.
Cedric sighs. “5 silver…” He says.
“You even went so far as to bet against me?” You ask. “I mean, I didn’t think I’d win either. But come on man! Have a little faith.” You say.
“So who’d you lose it to?” Marcy asks.
“Lady Melissa…” He says.

You and Marcellus both laugh. “At least someone has confidence in my abilities.”
“She did seem pretty happy when you won.” Marcy says. “I thought that it was just sisterly love.”
“It probably was, mostly. The winnings were just icing on the cake” You say, smiling devilishly at Cedric.
Cedric groans. “Man that’s like… half of what I brought with me…”
“I’m sure she would be willing to make it a loan, if you don’t want to pay now.” You say. “Just be careful about the interest”
“Sounds like I need to count out some coin. I’ll join you guys in a bit.” He says, sauntering off.

You and Marcy look at each other and laugh again.

“I was going to check in on Laura again, see if she’s feeling better. Feel like joining me?” He asks.
“Funny, I was gonna do the same thing.” You say.

>[ ] Talk about fighting

>[ ] Talk about Family

>[ ] Talk about his new nickname

>[ ] Other

>>39287030
>[ ] Talk about fighting

>>39287030
>[ ] Talk about his new nickname

>>39287030
>>[ ] Talk about Family

>>39287030
>>[ ] Talk about Family

>>39287030
>[ ] Talk about Family

>writing

>>39287030
>[ ] Talk about Family

>>39287030
>[ ] Talk about fighting

The two of you start walking to where Melissa’s room is.

“You and Melissa seem to get along well.” Marcy says. “Must be nice to have siblings”
“It can be, if you count her as an actual sibling. Sister is more of a title in her case than a relation.” You say.
“Still, she seems to be someone you can rely on.” He says.
“She hasn’t always been like that. In fact, she’s grown quite a bit since we last met. I was quite surprised when I saw her at the docks.” You say.
“I wonder if my parents will be surprised when they see me again…” Marcy says.
“What are they like anyway?” You ask.
“My parents? They’re nice enough, if not a little ambitious sometimes. I haven’t seen them since I took up this job.” He says. “I hate to say it, but I’m starting to get a little homesick…”

“Where do they live?” You ask.
“Up in Ferrendale, same place as the arena I got my start in.” He says.
“Ferrendale is on the way to Harth, maybe you could pay them a visit” You say.
“Under better circumstances, I would. But not while we’re being chased by mercenaries and gods only know what else…” He says. “I’m surprised you wanted to come here, to be honest.”

“Melissa is tough, and she has a lot of people around who I would not want to mess with.” You say. “That includes Father Pitre. He didn’t get that huge by sitting around”
“How did you meet Melissa anyway?” Marcy asks.

>[ ] Give him the whole story

>[ ] Tell him an abridged version

>[ ] Other

>>39287515
>[ ] Give him the whole story

>>39287515
>>[ ] Give him the whole story

>>39287515
>[ ] Give him the whole story

>writing

“Well, you already know we came from Tulia. Surely you know about the Red Night…” You say.
“Oh… Oh gods” He says.
“Yeah…”

>Bunker down guys, this might take a while…
>I probably should've pre-written this bit... too late now

You tell him about what happened that night…

You and Klaus were out on the town, exploring all the places you weren’t supposed to go.
Something had the townsfolk pretty riled up. It wasn’t until the next day that you found out what had happened, all you knew was that angry mobs=bad.

You found your path back to the church cut off by a particularly violent riot, so the two of you had to find another way around… Which is when you found her.

“No… no please mister I’m begging you- AH!” From the rooftops you heard her screaming for mercy.
“Shut up you little Laustian rat!”

“Giles, we should do something” Klaus said. From below all you could hear was beating and whimpering.
“Are you kidding? He’s like bigger than both of us, we’ll get killed!” You replied.
“Fine then” He said. Then he hopped down from the rooftop using a few stacked up crates, grabbed a stick and ran at the big guy…

He hit him once, twice, and then he was hit in turn and sent tumbling away.

“Fuckin’ street rats” He said, kicking the redheaded girl again before walking over t Klaus, who was still struggling to stand back up.

>[1/?]

He picked Klaus up by the hair and pulled out a knife.

You watched, frozen in horror. He was going to kill Klaus, and then he was going to kill that girl… Could you just let that happen?

No. No you couldn’t.

You jumped on him from the rooftop, knocking him down, forcing him to free Klaus and drop his knife.
“Giles!” Klaus said.
You stood up shakily, your legs hurt from your landing. You immediately went over to Klaus. “Klaus, are you-“
“I’m fine, we have to- watch out!”
Something hit you hard in the back, then you were lifted up in the air, slammed onto the ground, and stomped on.

“Where the fuck do these things keep coming from?”

Tears rolled down your cheeks from the pain, but you managed to roll over. You struggled to get up as the man dragged Klaus over to where Melissa was still laying. “Right then, I was gonna just kill you. But I think I’ll make you watch instead…” He said to Klaus

>[2/?]

With a foot firmly on Klaus’s chest, he lifted Melissa up by the neck.

“This is what all these damn Laust-rats deserve. And don’t you ever forget it, little bitch!”

You tried to get up, but the pain in your back forced you back down. When you hit the ground, you spotted it. The knife.

You rolled back over onto your stomach and dragged yourself over to it, each movement made you grit your teeth, but you weren’t about to let this asshole do as he pleased…

With the knife finally in your hand, you pushed yourself off the ground. Your breathing came in ragged gasps, but you were still alive…

Unlike how this asshole was about to be.

You ran towards him and jumped, wrapping your legs around his back and stabbing again, and again, and again.

The man dropped Melissa and tried to pry you off, but he couldn’t get a good grip on you back there. Eventually he went down, and you slid off and onto the ground.

You closed your eyes and tried to catch your breath, with the big guy down you could rest.

“You think he found the redhead?” Someone outside the alley said.
“Dunno, but I heard him from in here. Let’s check it out.”

Or not…

Klaus took Melissa and hid behind some crates, while you climbed back up to the rooftops.

The climbing hurt, a lot. But you managed.

A big group entered the alley and found the big guy dead. They got pissed, and started to scour the place.

You were safe up on the roof, but it was only a matter of time before they found the other two. So you took action…

You stood up and addressed them “HEY! You cactus dicked butt lovers here for your nightly orgy?” You shouted.
“Go fuck a donkey street rat, we’re busy.” One of the men said.
“I’d love to, but your wife’s still tired from last time!” You said, throwing a stone at the man’s head. “If you’re lookin’ for that man’s killer, you found him!”
“You did this?” The man asked.
“Yeah, why don’t you come and get me so I can do the same thing to you?” You shouted.

“Fuck! Forget the redhead, get that fuckin’ brat!” He shouted.

You stuck out your tongue, and you ran.

It was over an hour before you managed to finally give them the slip. It never took you that long, but your injured back was causing you to stumble and fall all over the place.

Once you’d successfully evaded them, you went back to the spot that you and Klaus had made into a ‘secret base’.

“Took you long enough” Klaus said. “Gods, you alright? You look like shit”
“Nice to see you too” You said.

Klaus was lounging in your hideout with Melissa. Both of them looked pretty beaten up, and Melissa was naked…
“Why is she naked?” You asked, averting your eyes.
“Didn’t you see that guy rip her clothes off?” Klaus said.
You took off your shirt and handed it to her. “Obviously not, ass.” You said.
Melissa tentatively accepted your shirt and put it on, but Klaus’s eyes were locked on your back.
“You sure you’re okay?” He asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine” You said.

Then he flicked you in the back, and your entire body shook from the pain. “I’m fine” You said, even though there were now fresh tears in your eyes.

>>39288460
Haha klaus is a jerk for not giving her his own shirt for over an hour

The three of you went back to the church, where you found Father Pitre waiting on the front step.

“There you two are! Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?” He asked.

“I told you they was Pitre’s kids!” Someone said.

You turned around, and there was the mob again…
“Hand over those rats Pitre, this don’t have to get ugly.”
“They are children, not rats” He said, ushering the three of you behind him.
“That one killed our buddy. Hand ‘em over!”
“Your buddy would’ve killed all of us!” You shouted.
Father Pitre put out a hand to silence you. “And just what will you do to them if I give them to you?” He asked.

“Rip em limb from fuckin limb!” Someone in the back of the crowd said.

Father Pitre turned his back on the crowd and put his hands on yours and Klaus’s shoulders. “All of you go inside and lock the door. Don’t come out until I say so” He said.

You did as he asked.
For a good half an hour, you heard fighting. But eventually, Father Pitre knocked on the door. “It’s alright now, you can open the door”

File: Anderson.jpg (21 KB, 640x360)

21 KB JPG

>>39288605
>Father Pitre turned his back on the crowd and put his hands on yours and Klaus’s shoulders. “All of you go inside and lock the door. Don’t come out until I say so” He said.
>You did as he asked.
>For a good half an hour, you heard fighting. But eventually, Father Pitre knocked on the door. “It’s alright now, you can open the door”

>>39288605
father pitre is best dad

You told him what had happened when he asked, and he looked disappointed.

“Charles, go and get me the soap.” He said. Charles was one of the older kids. “Once I have finished with your injuries, you are to repent for your sins.”
“But I only-“
“Killed a man in self defense, yes. But you still killed him, so you must repent. Just as I will repent for the mess I have left on the front yard.” He said.

You grumbled, but accepted. Then Father Pitre began to treat your wounds.

“Now child, do you know where your family is?” He asked Melissa when he had finished.
Melissa shrunk away from him, and started to cry. Through her tears she told Pitre how her parents were dragged out of their home into the streets while she hid. When she finally made her way out of her house, all she could find was scraps of clothing and spots of blood.

They could still be alive, but you all knew that they weren’t.

“Then starting tonight you are living here” He said.
When Charles came back with the soap, Pitre sent him back out to get a bed ready for her. Then he handed the soap to you.

Grumbling, you rubbed it against your teeth.

When Father Pitre left the room, Klaus turned to Melissa. “I guess that makes you our sister now.” He said.
Melissa said nothing, she just sat still and hugged her knees to her chest.
“Klaus, you’re being an ass.” You said, looking her in the eye. “Hey, you’re gonna be alright now.” You said, giving Melissa a hug.
She started to cry again, but then you heard Pitre from out in the hall.
“I heard that. That’ll be 4 more rubs, Giles.” He said. “On second thought, just keep going with it until I get back. I shall know if you stopped.”

“Damn…” You said, sitting down next to Melissa with an arm over her shoulder while the other hand continued to work the soap into your teeth.

“And that’s it. It took a while to actually get her to cheer up, but she came out of her shell eventually.” You say.

“Wow” Marcy says. “I’d heard the red night was bad, bit to hear about it from someone who was actually there…”
“It stayed bad for a while. Pitre didn’t let Melissa or the other light-skinned children leave the church for a good month, and even then there was the occasional issue.” You say.

“Did he seriously take on that whole mob alone?” Marcy asks.
“Yup. He might not look it, but he is a scary guy. Especially when his children were in danger.” You say.
“No kidding… remind me not to get in his way.” He says.
“You don’t have to worry about that. Just don’t point a sword at the children and you’ll be fine.”

You reach Melissa’s room and knock on the door. Laura answers from inside and bids you to enter once you announce yourselves.

In the room, Laura and Selene are sitting on a chair together. Laura is reading Selene a storybook.

>[ ] Tell them about the duel

>[ ] Ask what they’re reading

>[ ] Other

>>39289083
>[ ] Tell them about the duel

>>39288661
>>39288733
Aaaaamen

>>39289083
> Introduce them to Marcy
>[ ] Tell them about the duel

>>39289083
>[ ] Tell them about the duel

>>39289178
OH HOHOHOHO

>This

>writing

>>39289083
>[ ] Tell them about the duel

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>>39289225
Forgot pic

“So ladies, I’d like to introduce you to Marcy” You say.

Laura looks confused; Marcy puts a hand over his face.
“I get to call him Marcy from now on, because I won our duel” You say, puffing out your chest with pride.

“You did?” Laura says, sounding very surprised.
“Please don’t tell me you lost money on this like Cedric did.” You say.
“Sorry, it’s not that. I just didn’t think that you would win” She says.
“You and everybody but Melissa… At least someone has faith in me…” You say.

Then you notice that Selene is being very quiet, so you walk over and rub her head. “And how are you doing, kiddo?” You ask.
Selene lazily rolls her head with your hand. “Hungry…” She says.
“Wasn’t Melissa going to go speak with her cooks before we left?” Marcellus asks.
“Why yes she was. So you won’t have to wait long” You say.
Selene looks a bit more cheerful at the prospect of food on the horizon. Laura smiles at you and starts to read to her again.

>[ ] Stick around for storytime

>[ ] Go and find Melissa

>[ ] Go see what everyone else is up to

>[ ] Other

>>39289669
>[ ] Go and find Melissa

>>39289669
>[ ] Go and find Melissa

>>39289669
>>[ ] Stick around for storytime

>>39289669
>[ ] Go and find Melissa

>>39289669
>[ ] Go and find Melissa

>writing

“Well I guess I’ll go and see Melissa, maybe try to find out when supper will be.” You say.
“Kay” Selene says.
You lean down and give her a kiss on the forehead before heading out of the room. “See you later Laura, Marcy” You say.

You hear Marcy groan as you close the door. You’re going to have so much fun with this.

You find the kitchens by following the delicious smell, only to find that Melissa’s already left. One of the cooks thinks that she went up to the top of the manor, so you head up there.

On top of Melissa’s manor there’s a small rooftop patio, with a nice view of the town. You find her leaning against the stone railing, looking out over the town.

You walk up behind her and put a hand on her back as you lean against the railing beside her. “Hey” you say.

“Oh, hey. What brings you up here?” She asks.
“You.” You say. “What brings you up here?”
Melissa smiles softly. “I like this spot. It has a nice view of the town.” She says.

>[ ] “Father Pitre told me you were born here”

>[ ] “Selene wants to know where there will be food”

>[ ] “So, you win any other bets on that duel?”

>[ ] Other

>>39290185
>[ ] “Father Pitre told me you were born here"
>[ ] “So, you win any other bets on that duel?”

>>39290185
>[ ] “Selene wants to know where there will be food”
>[ ] “So, you win any other bets on that duel?”

>>39290185
>[ ] “Father Pitre told me you were born here”

>>39290185
>>[ ] “Father Pitre told me you were born here”
>>[ ] “Selene wants to know where there will be food”

>>39290185
>[ ] “Father Pitre told me you were born here”
>[ ] “Selene wants to know where there will be food”

>>39290185
>>[ ] “Father Pitre told me you were born here”
>>[ ] “Selene wants to know where there will be food”

>writing

“Father Pitre told me you were born here” You say, rubbing her back a bit before withdrawing your hand.
“I was… I don’t remember much about it, because my family moved to Tulia when I was very young. But I do remember some things” She says.

“Like what?” You ask.
“The smell of the sea mostly. It’s pretty strong up here too” She says, taking a deep breath. “There are some faces too, and I’ve met a few people who remember my parents. But most of the places I remember are gone now.”

“Yeah, Father said that the place has changed quite a bit since you took over.” You say.
“It has…” She says.
“What made them want to go to Tulia? I get that this place was a shithole, but Tulia wasn’t exactly a step up.” You ask.
“I still don’t know. I think that Father had some trouble with debtors and fled to Alka-Habra to get away from them and… well, you know how that went” She says.

You put an arm over her shoulder. “It really is a nice view” You say. The manor is built on the highest point of the small island, and you can see the buildings built on the shallows stretching all the way back to the mainland, where the city blossoms out until its current limits.

"I'm glad you enjoy it" She says, leaning her head into your shoulder.

For a while you just stand there against the railing and drink it in. You like being close with Melissa like this, and judging by the contented look on her face, she does too.

You smile. Maybe it isn't the view that you're enjoying after all..

>[1/2]

“Oh yeah, before I forget. Selene wanted to know when there would be food.” You say.
“Not too long now. I take it she’s awake now?” Melissa asks.
“Awake, yes. But still a little down.” You say.
“Hopefully she’ll cheer up soon…” She says.

“I wouldn’t worry about it, she’s a strong kid.” You say.
“I’m glad for that. Even I’m having trouble coping with all of this, and I’m not even in the middle of it all.” She says. “How are you doing, anyway?”
“Better, now that I’m back in one piece. We’ll see how long that lasts, though.” You say. “No doubt there’ll be more trouble before we reach Harth, and even more after that.”

“Right, shit! I forgot about that! I need to go and ask everyone if they’d be willing to come with me” She says.
“In your carriage? Just how big is that thing?” You ask.
“I’m bringing more than one, ass.” She says.

>[ ] Go with her

>[ ] Go back and tell Selene that food will be soon

>[ ] Go do another thing

>>39290812
>[ ] Go back and tell Selene that food will be soon

>>39290812
>>[ ] Go back and tell Selene that food will be soon

>>39290812
>>[ ] Go back and tell Selene that food will be soon

>>39290812
>[ ] Go with her

>>39290812
>[ ] Go with her

>writing

“I’ll let you do that. I should go tell Selene that food will be soon.” You say.
She stands up on her tip-toes to peck you on the cheek, before walking quickly to the stairs back into the manor.

You bring a hand up to your face and touch the spot where she kissed you. That’s starting to get more and more common now. Not that you mind.

You head over to the staircase to make your own way back down, when a noise draws your attention.

“The lady seems quite fond of you” A voice says. It’s not one you recognize, sounds like it belongs to an older man.

You turn to where you heard it, and you see a shriveled old man with a bare head. “And just who might you be?” You ask him, gripping your cane and moving your left hand over to one of your knives.

“Relax, Mr. Giles. I am not here on work, only business.” He says.
It takes a moment to decipher what he means. “You’re the Brotherhood of the Night’s master then?” You ask.
He smiles. “I was hoping you’d catch that” He says. “So, should we conduct our business here, or sometime tomorrow?”

>[ ] Here is good

>[ ] I’m busy, we’ll meet tomorrow

>>39291253
>>[ ] Here is good

>>39291253
>[ ] Here is good

>>39291253
>>[ ] Here is good

>>39291253
>[ ] Here is good

>writing

>>39291253
>[ ] Here is good

“Here is good.” You say, heading to a spot on the balcony where you won’t be easily spotted. “I was starting to wonder if you’d show up”

“I’ve been busy.” He says. “I was wondering if you were serious about hiring us, or if you just said that to throw the young one off”
“I’m serious” You say.
“Good, because we could use a new employer.” He says. “I don’t like how our current job is going. It’s likely that if things go the way I think they will, our order will be scapegoated and hunted down.”

“For killing the king and queen?” You ask. “Because that was all you if I remember correctly”
“The brotherhood is a tool, Mr. Giles. Do you blame a sword for killing a man? Do you blame an axe for cutting a tree? We do what our wielder wishes, nothing more, nothing less.” He says.
“Like killing the king and queen” You say.
“And their daughter, which we failed to do. Strange thing that, because she was the only one who was destined to die that night” He says.

“She was destined to die on a dark ni-“
“Oh, spare me. Fate’s course has been altered, and the next dark night is it trying to right itself. I for one am curious as to what will happen if it can’t.” He says. “Which is why I wish for you to be our employer.”

“You think I had something to do with it?” You ask.
The old man cackles. “I think you are the ONLY one who had anything to do with it. But that is not the subject of our discussion”

>[ ] Ask him for details about the Brotherhood

>[ ] Ask him for details on the prophecy of Selene’s death

>[ ] Ask him how much this is going to cost you

>[ ] Other

>>39291770
>[ ] Ask him for details about the Brotherhood
>[ ] Ask him for details on the prophecy of Selene’s death

>>39291770
>>[ ] Ask him for details about the Brotherhood
>>[ ] Ask him for details on the prophecy of Selene’s death

>>39291770
>[ ] Ask him for details about the Brotherhood
>[ ] Ask him for details on the prophecy of Selene’s death

>>39291770

>[ ] Ask him for details about the Brotherhood

>[ ] Ask him for details on the prophecy of Selene’s death

>writing

“So just what was the prophecy about the night the king and queen died?” You ask.
The old man smirks at you. “So you don’t even know… Fine then, I’ll let you in. The younger princess was to die by the hands of a man with Rog’s breath, and the elder would marry fate’s champion.” He says.

You never heard that last part… “Why would Laura marry Roderick though?” You ask.
“At the time? Necessity. The assassination would be blamed on the Alka-Habrans, as vengeance for the events that sparked the Red Night. A marriage to Roderick would solidify the military power of Laust, and the neighbouring coutries would all fall, one by one.” He says.

“And how do they plan on doing that now?” You ask.
“You sure you’re serious about hiring us?” he asks.
“Absolutely” You say.
“Roderick has mages working on some… unsavory magic. I believe that has something to do with it, even though I’m not privy to what the actual work entails.” He says.

>[1/2]

That’s sort of disturbing… You don’t know of a magic that can force someone to do something against their will, but if it’s necessary to right Fate’s course, then you have no doubt that it will exist by the time the dark night rolls back around.

“And just what will I be getting when I hire you?” You ask.
“Our numbers are a little short right now. We lost some good men and women in the Palace. But our current numbers are: 23 assassins, 7 spies and one team of 3 saboteurs.” He says. “So, shall we make this official?”

>[ ] Yes

>[ ] Not just yet (specify a reason)

>>39292247
>[ ] Yes
No time to waste.

>>39292247
>[ ] Yes

>>39292247
>Yes
What's this gonna cost?

>>39292247
>[ ] Yes

>>39292247
>[ ] Yes

>>39292342
dont ask it makes it seem like we cant afford it

>>39292247
Be sure to ask about Roderick's reaction to the missing crown.

>>39292394
Oh, man, if that wouldn't make the old man consider us guilty of stealing it and thus try to screw us, I totally would back this.

As it is, maybe later...

>writing

>>39292394
Oh, yes definitely this.

>>39292432
True, I'm thinking the old man'll bring it up anyways.

“Of course” you say, extending your hand.

The old man pulls out a knife and makes a straight cut against his palm, then one on yours. “Usually we do this at night, but seeing as you’re a busy man…” He clasps his hand with yours, and the wounds on both vanish.

“So what now?” You ask.
“Now I go back to our sanctuary and inform the brothers of our change in employer. In the meantime, you continue as you were. Also, you can worry about payment later.” He says.
“And how will I contact you?” You ask.
“Kuma will be attending to you, they will tell you when we are prepared to be at your disposal.” He says.
“How will I know him when I see him?” You ask.
“Her. And you’ve met.” He says. “Until next time” The old man retreats back into hiding.

“Until next time…” You say.

That was interesting… You honestly didn’t think they’d take your ‘business proposal’ seriously, but now you have the Brotherhood of Night in your employ…
You look forward to ‘Kuma’’s arrival…

With a mad grin on your face, you head down the stairs to do as the old man said and go back to what you were doing…

>[1/2]

You make it back to Melissa’s room just as Melissa does.

“Giles? I thought you would already be in there.” She says.
“I took a moment to enjoy the view a bit more and lost track of time.” You say. You feel bad for lying, but you can’t exactly tell her that you were hiring the Brotherhood of Night…
“Ah, okay. I was just about to tell them to make their way down to the dining hall, I guess I’ll tell you too.” She says.
“Okay, I’ll-“
“Make your way down to the dining hall” She says.

You stare at her, blank faced. “That was bad, even for you.” You say.
Melissa pokes her tongue out at you and busts into her room. “Supper’s on~” She sings.
Selene immediately dashes out of the room and slams straight into your legs, bouncing off and hitting the floor. She looks like she’s about to cry, but then you scoop her up and pop her onto your shoulders.

When Laura and Marcy come out and see you, they both giggle.

>[ ] Ask them about the Brotherhood of Night

>[ ] Ask them whether you’ll all be leaving for Harth with Melissa

>[ ] Ask them (other)

>>39292750
>[ ] Ask them about the Brotherhood of Night
>[ ] Ask them whether you’ll all be leaving for Harth with Melissa

>>39292750

>[ ] Ask them whether you’ll all be leaving for Harth with Melissa

>>39292750
>[ ] Ask them whether you’ll all be leaving for Harth with Melissa

>writing

>>39292750
>[ ] Ask them about the Brotherhood of Night
>[ ] Ask them whether you’ll all be leaving for Harth with Melissa

“So, what did everyone say?” You ask Melissa.
“Sounds like they’re all up to come with me, what about you?” She asks.
“I’m in if she is” You say, pointing to the child on your shoulders.
“I’m coming too!” She says.
“There you have it.” You say.
Melissa giggles.

“So do you think anything will happen on the road there?” Laura asks.
“I won’t deny the possibility. But with the number of armed men that I’m bringing, plus the armed men you’re bringing, it’d take some serious guts to even think of harassing us.” Melissa says.

“I’m sure someone out there has that kind of guts.” You say. “It goes without saying that I’ll be prepared for the worst.”
“You’re always prepared for the worst.” Melissa says.
“Of course I am. You should always expect the worst. Then if you’re surprised, at least you’re pleasantly surprised.” You say.

That elicits a giggle from the ladies, as you reach the dining room. Inside, the rest of the group is already seated.

>Anything in particular that you guys wanted to talk about over dinner?

>>39293153
Brotherhood of night and their opinion, try to get them to talk about devils.

>>39293153
>Laura and Selene
So, what were you guys reading?

>>39293153
I'll back this guy >>39293208

>>39293153
i dont know but try to name drop Marcy a lot see if it sticks

>writing

>>39293153
>Anything to talk about

Selene and the cuteness thereof.

She's basically a more princess-y Yotsuba. Should be plenty of stories to hear about wacky hijinx.

It seems your companions were nice enough to leave you 5 open seats in a row.

Marcy pulls the 2nd and 3rd chairs out, Laura sits in the 2nd and you put Selene in the 3rd. Then Marcy sits in the 1st, and you sit next to Selene, with Melissa on your other side.

“So what were you guys reading earlier?” You ask.
“It was a story about a thief who saved a princess from a mean sorcerer!” Selene exclaims.
“I thought it would be fitting” Laura says.

Figures Melissa would have a storybook like that around…
“Why so?” You ask.
“Because all the other ones were about knights, but it wasn’t a knight who rescued the princess. Selene wanted to hear a story like that one.” Laura says.
“And why did you want to hear a story about a thief, little one?” You ask.
“Because they’re cool! Every story is about a knight, I didn’t wanna read about a knight! I wanted to read about a cool rogue!” Selene says.
“Whaaaaaaaat? Knights are totally cool!” Dalen says from across the table. “Tell ‘em Cedric. Tell ‘em how cool knights are.”
“Knights are pretty cool. Haven’t you ever heard the story about Brody the Brave?” Cedric asks.

>[1/2]

>>39293578
She likes stories about thieves. It's official bed time story will be about the master thieves.

“Yeah, but he did all his stuff with a sword! The thief in the book was all tricky an’ stuff, an’ he tricked the sorcerer into beating himself!” Selene says, with a huge smile. “Just like Selena!”

Dalen huffs at the idea that a rogue could be cooler than a knight, but Selene is adamant. A hero who can beat a villain with tricks is cooler than one who can beat them with swords.

The conversation is cut short when food arrives. Well, the conversation with Selene anyway, as she immediately occupies her mouth with the act of devouring all that is placed before her.

You try to get her to slow down a bit, and it works… kind of. She slows down a bit, but she is still very much in full devour mode.

The conversation is pleasant, mostly. All talk about the gathering in Harth, with the implication of war left unmentioned but still very much hanging over the table. Once his food is finished, Marcy gets up from the table.

“My apologies, but I think I’m a bit more tired than I thought. I’ll be retiring early tonight.” He says.
“Not a problem, rest well.” Laura says.
Melissa tells him (and you, consequently) where his room is, and he ships off.

>[ ] See if the group knows anything about the brotherhood

>[ ] Talk about how cool rogues are

>[ ] You’re pretty tired yourself…

>>39293797
>You're pretty tired yourself...
I wonder if we might walk in on anything~

>>39293797
>[ ] You’re pretty tired yourself…

>>39293797
>>[ ] You’re pretty tired yourself…
This is a damn flag if ever I saw one.

Let's do it

>>39293797
>[ ] You’re pretty tired yourself…
MARCY ROUTE GO!

>>39293797
>[ ] Talk about how cool rogues are

>>39293797
>[ ] See if the group knows anything about the brotherhood
>[ ] Talk about how cool rogues are

>>39293797
>[ ] Talk about how cool rogues are

>>39293797
>[ ] You’re pretty tired yourself…

>>39293797
>[ ] See if the group knows anything about the brotherhood
>[ ] Talk about how cool rogues are

>>39293715
One of my better ideas I'll admit.

>>39293797
>[ ] Talk about how cool rogues are

>>39293865
I would have voted this, except Selene is too busy eating to pay much attention, and everyone else either already knows just how cool rogues are or is too proud to admit it.

>>39293797
>>[ ] You’re pretty tired yourself…

>>39293797
>You're pretty tired yourself...
Explain it as us going to get props for telling a story about thieves.

Where are all of these votes coming from?

>writing

“I should be getting some shut-eye myself.” You say, standing up from the table.
Laura looks confused. “Why are you…?”
“That duel took a little more out of me than I expected, and it’ll probably be an early morning tomorrow.” You say.
“Oh, okay…” She says.

You say your goodnights and head off to where Melissa told Marcy your room would be.

Without thinking, you open the door and go in. “Hey Marcy, how’s it… hangin’…” You say, but you stop when you see him.

Marcy tries to pull up his pajama bottoms as you walk in the door, but trips on them and falls flat on his ass, giving you a nice view of… That is not a penis.

“Marcy, why don’t you have a penis?” You ask.
Marcy fumbles for his pants and finally manages to pull them up.

Then he goes for his sword…

>roll 1d20

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>39294174

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>39294174

>>39294209
Well that's a good start

>>39294209
we are amazing

File: 1422068060105.jpg (127 KB, 866x592)

127 KB JPG

>>39294209
Holy Hell.

>writing

>>39294174
Welp. Good job guessing guys.

>>39294209
Crit leads to accidental sex.

He(?) rips his(?) sword out if its sheathe and whips it across in a wide arc, you block it with your cane and push him? To the ground.

With one hand on his(?) chest you hold him(?) down, and you can definitely feel that his(?) is not a man’s chest.

You pull your hand away as soon as you realize what you’re grabbing, and Marcy curls up into a ball and groans.

“My life is over…” She says.

You say nothing, standing still in shock.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” She asks.
“Oh! Sorry… I’m still just working over the whole… girl… part… I mean I had my suspicions, but I never really thought that... you know…” You say.
Marcy sighs. “Yes… I’m a girl.” She says.
“I guess the name Marcy fits pretty well then, doesn’t it?” You ask.
“Please don’t…” She says.

>[ ] Ask about her name

>[ ] Ask why she pretends to be a guy

>[ ] Ask if she’s mad

>[ ] Other

>>39294470
>[ ] Ask about her name
>[ ] Ask why she pretends to be a guy

>>39294470
>[ ] Ask why she pretends to be a guy
i assume its to prevent a similar event to what happend with the last protector

>>39294470
>>39294483
same as this guy
>[ ] Ask about her name
>[ ] Ask why she pretends to be a guy

>>39294470
>>[ ] Ask about her name
>>[ ] Ask why she pretends to be a guy

>>39294470
>[ ] Ask why she pretends to be a guy
>[ ] Ask if she’s mad

>>39294470
>[ ] Ask about her name
>[ ] Ask why she pretends to be a guy
>[ ] Other
Ask what else is she hiding

>[] Ask why she pretends to be a guy
>[] Ask if she's mad

>writing

>>39294470
>Name
>Why the pretense
>Other

"I don't intend to tell anyone, mind; I'm just curious. We all have secrets, it’s not my place to go talking about yours."

If she's still hesitant, pull out that trophy she earned that we stole before it could be presented and give it to her.

>>39294757
Like she doesn't already have reason to try and run us through.

>>39294788
It’s about giving a secret to her so that she doesn't feel like the only thing keeping her own secret safe is our good will. Interpersonal MAD, you might say.

>>39294788
Secret for a secret.

“So I take it your name isn’t really Marcellus?” You ask.
“No…” She says, getting off the ground and sitting on the bed. “It’s Marcella. I add the s onto the end like a last name, which is why I don’t have an actual last name.”
“So technically your name is Marcella ‘sss’?” You ask.
She nods. “Pretty clever, huh?” She smiles nervously, looking very tired.

“It is, actually. But why are you pretending to be a guy in the first place?” You ask. “Last I heard girls were allowed to duel.”
“With other girls, and other girls only. My parents wanted me to be great… And you don’t become great on the ‘women’s circuit’. I was just as good as any man, so I pretended to be one to get into the proper tournaments.” She says.

“Does anyone else know?” You ask.
“The king and queen knew. They said they were looking for someone like me when they gave me the job. I’m still not sure what they meant by that.” She says. “Other than them, there’s my parents, and that’s it.”

“And me now, I guess.” You say.
She looks worried about that. “Promise you won’t tell anyone?” She asks.
“Promise.” You say.

“I’ll take that for what it’s worth… I don't really have another way to keep this quiet, so I’ll just have to trust you…” She says. “But I’m incredibly tired right now, so if you don’t mind…”

>[ ] Sure thing, I was going to hit the hay myself

>[ ] Why do you still keep it a secret?

>[ ] Can I still call you Marcy?

>[ ] Other

>No, Giles isn't dumb enough to give her the trophy. Other secrets are fine, but nothing to do with his identity.

>>39294927
>[ ] Sure thing, I was going to hit the hay myself
>[ ] Can I still call you Marcy?

>>39294927
>>[ ] Why do you still keep it a secret?
>>[ ] Can I still call you Marcy?

>>39294927
>[ ] Sure thing, I was going to hit the hay myself

>>39294927
>[ ] Can I still call you Marcy?
>[ ] Sure thing, I was going to hit the hay myself

>>39294927
>[] Sure, I was going to hit the hay myself
>[] Other
"So uh... I'm guessing I have to sleep on the floor"

>>39294927
Dammit, we have to think, what other secrets can we share, not related to our identity, so that we can show her some solidarity?

>>39294788
>[ ] Sure thing, I was going to hit the hay myself
>[ ] Can I still call you Marcy?

>>39295021
The fact that we killed a man, when we were a boy? Could say that we never told anyone else that.

>>39295096
I mean, I dunno what others we got, unless Smiley gives us an option to tell her, then a list.

>writing

>>39295096
The story of the Red Night that we literally told her no less than a couple hours ago?

>>39295021
I don't think it's necessary

“If you want something to hold over my head, know that Melissa will kill me if she knew I told you that story earlier.” You say.
“Really?” She asks.
“Yeah, it was kind of personal for her. But I like you, so I let you in on it.” You say.
“So we have a pact then, I tell no one about your gender, you don’t tell Melissa something that would make her kill me.” You say, extending your hand.

Marcy sighs. “Sounds like a deal, I guess.” She says, accepting your hand.
You quickly pull her hand up to your mouth and kiss it like you would with a lady’s hand. Which earns you a pillow to the face. “Don’t be an ass, please.” She says.

You laugh.
“So how are we doing this, am I sleeping on the floor?” You ask.
“And how would we explain that if someone comes in?” She asks, laying down and pulling the blankets over her.

You shrug and join her in bed. She rolls over so her back is facing you.
“Can I still call you Marcy?” you ask.
“Yes. Goodnight.” She says.

You smile to yourself, and close your eyes…

>[1/2]

This is amazing. Just this whole sequence of events.

You awaken to some rustling under the covers…

Could it be Marcy? No, she’s still asleep in the same position she was before.
You look down and see a lump under your sheets, climbing slowly towards your face. Pulling up the covers to see who it is, you see a pair of big, blue eyes.

Oh, it’s just Selene… She must’ve gotten scared and come to sleep here again…
You lay your head back down and close your eyes.

The person crawls up a little further, and kisses you square on the lips, once, twice, three times.

“I was wondering when you’d wake up…” They say, then they start fiddling with your pants, trying to pull them down…

You open your eyes again. It’s not Selene, it’s Laura…

>[ ] Laura what the fuck?

>[ ] Laura what the FUCK?!?

>[ ] LAURA WHAT THE FUCK!?!

>[ ] Other

>>39295419
>[ ] Laura what the fuck?

>>39295419
>[ ] Laura what the fuck?
oh shit please tell me this is a dream

>>39295419
>[ ] Laura what the fuck?

Well Alrighty then....

>>39295419
>[ ] Laura what the fuck?
>[ ] Pinch self to see if this is actually real

>>39295419
>>[ ] Laura what the fuck?
gotta love those options.

>>39295419
>other
...I like where this is going

But Seriously
>Laura what the fuck?

>>39295419

>[ ] Laura what the FUCK?!?
"No seriously, what the ACTUAL FUCK, Laura!?"

>>39295419
>Laura what the FUCK?!?!
Im really tempted to say "CHRIST LAURA, WHAT THE HELL?"

>>39295419
>I NEED AN ADULT

>writing

>>39295419
>[ ] Laura what the fuck?

I don't know why I didn't expect it. You got me there Smiley well played.

>>39295528

...Can't actually make the joke this time since no one involved is an adult.

Rats.

>>39295558
Depends on your definition of adult. They're all over 18 I believe, which would make them adults in todays legal sense.

Oh, if Father Pitre knew... and I sincerely hope his quarters aren't nearby...
>GILES. WHAT'D I TEACH YA 'BOUT SEDUCIN' PRINCESSES? GET THE SOAP.

>>39295528
>>39295558
Well, Laura is 19 IIRC but I'm not sure how old Giles is.

>>39295606
17

>>39295611
Close enough

>>39295611
I guess now we can make the joke.

Laura "But I am an adult"

>>39295643
It's not the same, though.

also, goddamnit Laura. I keep trying to like you but then you DO THINGS. STOP DOING THINGS.

>>39295601
I can honestly see him saying this.

>>39295666
You should try to like melissa instead. It's much easier

>>39295666
I dunno, I can think of several turn of events that are far worse than this.

>>39295704
I already like Melissa. I'm not stuck to one vs. the other in relation to Giles. I'm just talking as independent characters.

>>39295689
So can I that's what makes it so fucking great.

>>39295774
I definitely want more Father Pitre in the future.

“Laura what the fuck?” You say, still half asleep.
“Relaaaaaaax lover-“ She kisses you again “-I promise you’ll enjoy this.”
“Laura, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” You ask her again.
She smiles and retreats back under the covers, having successfully pulled down your pants.

“Don’t worry, Marcellus won’t bother us” She says, slowly licking her way down your chest to your stomach. You try to stop her, but… but your fucking hands are tied behind your back? How in the fuck?

“You sound pretty certain of that.” You say, giving Marcy a kick. Nothing. Not even a groan, or a stir. No one is going to help you out here, so you begin to try and work the knot out.
“I’m a bit more careful than that…” She says. “I just want to show you my appreciation.”
“Laura, this is not normal. This is not how normal people show their appreciation, and did you FUCKING DRUG MARCY?” You shout.

“Nonsense, this is perfectly normal… adults do this all the time” She licks you a little further down. “And of course I didn’t drug him, where would I find that sort of thing?”
“Then why isn't he waking up?” You ask.
“I worked some subtle magic into his cup.” She says, looking up at you as she kisses you somewhere her mouth should not be. “Couldn’t have him interrupting us, could we?”

Okay, knots out, hands are free. Time to-

>[ ] Slap her

>[ ] Get her off you

>[ ] Keep talking

>>39295666
>also, goddamnit Laura. I keep trying to like you but then you DO THINGS. STOP DOING THINGS.
The weird thing is, if she had done this before she stabbed us in the back and all that lead to, I would probably think of this as a point in her favour. But now it's just fucking creepy.

>>39295799
>[ ] Get her off you
this is not how normal people show affection

>>39295799
>[ ] Get her off you
>[ ] Keep talking

>>39295799
>[ ] Get her off you

She'd probably interpret the slap as BDSM foreplay at this rate.

Jesus, Laura is fucked up in a bad way.

>>39295799
>[ ] Get her off you
THIS BITCH IS NUTS GILES
GTFO

>>39295799
>>[ ] Get her off you

>>39295806
>The weird thing is, if she had done this before she stabbed us in the back and all that lead to, I would probably think of this as a point in her favour.
I just read the last post. Scratch that this would always be fucking creepy.

>>39295799
>[ ] Get her off you
haha time to fucking run away from the crazy lady

>>39295799
>>39295817

>>39295799
>[ ] Get her off you
>[ ] Keep talking
Laura, we need to slow down here. And you magic drugged Marcy?!

In all seriousness- Laura is not mentally fit to continue on this mission/quest, and it's ABOUT her. She needs someone to look after her and get her mind right. Not saying us, just friggen someone. Preferably someone with the equivalent of a psych degree.

>>39295871
>>39295799
>[ ] Get her off you

>[ ] Keep talking

>>39295799
>[ ] Get her off you

>>39295882
Thanks a bunch SALEM for making her think this is what love is...

gatdayumn dese reactions are gold. I love this quest

>>39295913
I know right? We really need to beat the shit out of that guy whenever we come across him.

>writing

>>39295959
Maybe if the psycho isn't around to see it

At this point I am genuinely afraid that romancing any of the girls will end with Laura putting an arrow through their neck. When did this turn into yandere quest?

>>39295975
Psycho's not how I'd put it. This girl was clearly manipulated into thinking that this is what grown-ups do... Misguided? Yes. Not to mention the teenage mom thing... sigh... this girl has been through some shit.

>>39296031
About when she tagged us in the back.

>>39296031
>When did this turn into yandere quest?
2 posts ago.

>>39296031
Oh. Oh no. I did not consider this. If we deny Laura this, she might drop interest in this. Or, maybe, we might awaken her full Yandere mode. I just don't know with Laura anymore.

>>39296063
No, yeah, she's very clearly fucked up, and as much as I SUPER DO NOT WANT this whole thing, I'm hesitant to just say 'GTFO bitch you crazy' since we know the context.

I'm very concerned about her mental stability now, though.

>>39296063
Dude if a creepy guy did this to a girl you would not be justifying it like that

>>39296063
She is currently trying to rape giles anon.

>>39296063
>Psycho's not how I'd put it. This girl was clearly manipulated into thinking that this is what grown-ups do... Misguided? Yes. Not to mention the teenage mom thing... sigh... this girl has been through some shit.
That is one of the ways people usually develop a psychosis. The term psycho is perfectly accurate Laura, though not exactly politically correct. This woman needs some serious help.

>>39296095

Depends on if the context was the same. If that's literally ALL YOU KNOW, then...yeah. No one's saying it's NOT creepy. It's creepy as FUCK. Just sliiiiiiiiightly more understandable considering her circumstances.

>>39296095
I ain't justifying anything, I'm just saying this whole thing is more sad, than anything, because we know the context.

>>39296121
Seconded. I STILL can't say I hate Laura, but I do think she needs psychological help, BADLY. Now I view her in the same lens I look at someone with a mental disability, or at least close to it.

You pull your hands out from behind your back, lift Laura off of you, stand up, and put her on the ground.

Damn it’s cold in here when you’re naked, like she is as well… “Laura this is not how normal people show affection.” You say. “Not with bound hands and drugged friends.”

“Well, maybe once Marcellus wakes up, I could show you some normal affection now that your hands aren’t bound.” She says, gently sliding a finger down your chest.

“Laura stop.” You say.
“But I…”
“Stop.”
Laura slowly looks more and more nervous, until she tries to break out of your grip and run out of the room.

You stop her, but she struggles. You end up having to wrestle her to the ground so she won’t try to leave. While you’d love it if she was gone, you need to deal with this NOW, before she does something stupid.

Okay… something ELSE stupid.

Son of a bitch this is an awkward position to be in when you're naked...

>[ ] Ask why she thinks this is normal

>[ ] Get something to cover the two of you first

>[ ] Let her go

>[ ] Other

>>39296155
>>[ ] Get something to cover the two of you first

then immediately

>[ ] Ask why she thinks this is normal

>>39296155
>[ ] Get something to cover the two of you first
if its possible to make sure she doesn't leave while doing so

>>39296155
>[ ] Get something to cover the two of you first

>[ ] Ask why she thinks this is normal

In this order please.

>>39296167
I'm with this guy

>>39296155
>[ ] Let her go
What the fuck is going on smiley

>>39296155
>[ ] Get something to cover the two of you first
>[ ] Ask why she thinks this is normal

>>39296155
>[ ] Let her go
this is kind of a fucked up quest lately op

>>39296155
>Laura slowly looks more and more nervous, until she tries to break out of your grip and run out of the room.

The sad truth: if she was yandere, this wouldn't be her reaction.

>>39296167
this

>>39296167
Exactly this, best strategy.

>>39296244
I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that.

>>39296244
God, now that I REALLY think about it... he was also her TEACHER... "this is how you show appreciation"... holy shit, I wanna retch.

>>39296284
The murderboner is strong.

>>39296244
Yup, she's scared and lonely, Giles is the guy who came out of nowhere to rescue her and her daughter, and then has stuck with them for no reason she can think of, except maybe just possibly he likes her, and if she just reciprocates that, she'll have someone there for her, she won't be alone, she won't need to be scared because Giles will still be there to fight off the bad guys for her.

She's not yandere, she's just all twisted up and is trying to keep Giles around the only way she knows how.

>>39296300
Normally I hate going murderhobo these days.

I would put on my best pair of killin' pants if we ever got/get another crack at this chode.

>writing

>>39296244
>>39296274
>>39296348
She's definitely not someone you can just slap a 'psycho' sticker on.

>>39296399
Everyone who is a psycho is psycho for a reason. Just because we know why doesn't mean that she isn't psycho.

>>39296348
I would rather talk it out with a clingy misguided princess than deal with the result of her snapping under all the pressure on her, I know that for sure. You can still reason with and teach awkward people.

>>39296399
There isn't a person on this planet, that you "just slap a 'psycho' sticker on". Every psychosis is caused by something and purpose of the term is not to put them into the psycho box and be done with them. The point of these labels is to understand that these people are in need of serious therapy to help them get over or at least learn to cope with their problem.
Of course that doesn't mean that everyone who has problems is necessarily psychotic, psychosis requires the condition to be pathological, ie that it causes suffering. I cannot think of many things that are more pathological than thinking that the best way to show affection is to drug a close friend to facilitate sexually assaulting another.

You make sure that Laura isn't about to run away again, and release her.
She looks kind of lifeless… Just what the fuck happened to this girl?

You get your pants from the bed, and your shirt from the floor. You put the pants on, but before you put the shirt on you notice that you can’t see Laura’s clothes anywhere.

“Where are your clothes?” You ask.
“Didn’t come here with any” She replies dully.

You sigh, and hand her your shirt. “Here” You say.
She takes it and puts it on, but doesn’t bother with the buttons. You grab a spare blanket from the closet and sit down next to Laura, putting it over both of you.

“Laura why do you think this was normal?” You ask.
“I just… wanted to…” She starts.
“Answer the question Laura, this is important.” You say.
“That was how… he used to…” She says.
“Salem?” You ask.
She nods. “Whenever I was good… He used to do… to do… those things”

Oh gods, what the fuck?
“He used to fucking rape you? As a REWARD?” You ask.
“It wasn’t! Nn-no… He-… He loved me, he used to say it every day.” She says.
“Laura. That is not love.” You say.
She gives you a look like you just broke her reality, then she bows her head and laughs sadly. “Ahh… I’m such an idiot…”

You can’t see her eyes, but you can see the tears falling from them.
“All this time I wanted him to come back, come back and tell me he loves me again… When I saw him again he acted like I was nothing… But even still I… I…” She stops talking and cries silently.

You need to consider the next thing you say carefully…

>What say?

>>39296578
Sorry OP I'm not a psychiatrist

>>39296655
I was thinking the exact same thing.

"Laura. What he did was not love. I do not think anything he ever did to you was out of love. But you know what love is, Laura. I know you do because I see it in your eyes whenever you look at Selene, in your actions whenever you are with her. I heard how you fought so hard to get Selene back when she was captured by the guards. That you had to be dragged away. That is love, Laura."

Get Melissa? I don't know I'm lost.

>>39296578

"Laura...love is something that's not simply given through physical action. It's something shown in your words, in your behaviors, in your everyday life. Love is being respecting your loved one, not just giving them sex as some kind of reward like a dog. What Salem did was NOT show you love. He tried to train you like an animal. You are NOT an animal. You're a human being. And you're a nice enough girl to attract someone that actually RESPECTS you as a person, and doesn't just tell you to do something and give you sex as a congratulations.

At the same time, though, that applies to just about everyone. You don't just try to force sex on someone to show that you like them. You talk with them, casually. You spend time with them. Get to know them on a personal level. Their likes, dislikes, dreams and nightmares- and you do it at a pace that they're comfortable with, not just like a quick question and answer session. Love takes time, and it takes both people involved to want it. What he did wasn't love. What you're doing right now isn't 'love'. But you CAN love. It'll take some work, though, but I think that you can do it."

>>39296578
Holy fuck OP I don't fucking know what to do other than put

Hug her along with what this dude said.>>39296688

>>39296655
Yeah I was kinda feeling the need for options, so I'll give some.

>[ ] Be supportive

>[ ] Be mad

>[ ] Be something else

>>39296708
>[ ] Be supportive

>>39296578
Say something about how we don't need any "rewards" from her and that we help her because we genuinely want to, not because we expect something like that from her

>>39296708
>[ ] Be supportive

>>39296578
Love is a complicated thing. You can't just give it away as a reward... and there's more to it than sex. Real love isn't that different from a true friendship. Someone you eat with, that starved with you... someone you ride with, who walked with you... for miles. It's not easy... cause you give a piece of yourself...a REAL piece... and trust the other to know what to do with it. You've had it hard Laura; with Selene, Salem, and everything else. But you have people you GENUINELY care for, and who feel the same about YOU. Myself included. So, like I said before... smile.

>>39296708
>[ ] Be supportive
without saying something about loving her or some other shit like that

>>39296688
This guy
>>39296676
With some of this guy and
>Be supportive

Captcha: exams.
I know captcha, this shit is hard

>>39296740
i didnt study for this

>>39296746
I don't think anyone did.

File: 1428707213840.gif (535 KB, 640x636)

535 KB GIF

>>39296688
TL;DR

>>39296578
>>39296708
>>39296740
This.
And like we said, long ago...
sadness doesn't suit your face.
Smile.

>>39296708
>Be mad at Salem and try to get Melissa?

>>39296700
>>39296740

Thanks for the support. I was trying really hard to make sure it didn't sound like we loved her, or that we disliked her- and tried to word it in a way that she couldn't misinterpret too hard to think that 'well that's what Salem DID'.

I ain't a psych major, but I've had to play counselor to enough friends to have an idea of what to say.

>>39296760
Damn nice rare pepe anon

>>39296767
Also, hug
maybe kiss on the forehead.
Show the girl some affection, damn it.
Why did someone have to be slicing onions, nearby...

>writing

>>39296792
What? no. I refuse your attempt to waifu this crazy chick

>>39296805
that doesnt really sound like waifu-ing it sounds more like comforting a child

>>39296792
No, at this stage, we need to keep her at arm's length- not out of dislike, but for her own mental health- we need to allow for her to mentally reset herself. She can't get thrown into the romance thing again for a bit until she figures out what's what. That's not something we can really help with right now- it's up to her.

For something close to the rest of the quest, we need to keep her at arms length- treat her like a friend, but anything even resembling romance we need to gently but firmly rebuff.

'Gently' being the keyword here.

(Note: I'm the one that wrote >>39296688)

>>39296829
While that may be the intend it is definitely sending signals that right now she is almost certain to misinterpret.

>>39296870
Not almost; she WILL misinterpret them.

>>39296887
I was using almost in the same sense as the scientists who promised that the LHC would almost certainly not blow up the planet.

I think we can all agree that this bastard needs a railroad spike (or a VERY specific cane) shoved so far up his dick, it pierces his SPINE.

>>39296957

When that fated day comes I will give Khorne tribute.

>>39296957
I agree in principle, but I think that railroad spikes are hard to come by in a world without railroads.

>>39296957
Yeah, lets go full on Vlad the Impaler on this son of a bitch.

>>39296983
Might need to throw some tribute to Slaanesh, too

"DICKS FOR THE DICK THRONE"

Honestly, when he comes back around, I don't even want to give him the privilege of speaking. Just...see him, sword-cane up the dick. No words. Like it's a natural reaction ala sneezing at an allergy or something.

See Salem, sword up dick.

Natural.