“I got three jacks!” Selene exclaims happily as she throws her hand down.
“Sorry kiddo. Full house, kings full of 4s.” You say, laying your own cards down.
Selene pouts angrily. “Aww man.”

“Looks like Giles wins. And to the victor-“ Melissa leans over and kisses you. “-go the spoils~” She says, lingering in front of you for a moment before sitting back down.
There. Melissa refused to let you stop playing, and you knew that she would continue to refuse until she got what she came for. It took a lot of guile, and more ‘dirty tactics’ than you care to admit, but you finally won. Or rather, Melissa won…

Melissa puts away the table while you pack away the cards.
“I can’t believe Laura missed all of that” Marcy says, now able to see Laura once more with the table out of the way.
“Just how long is she going to sleep for?” Melissa asks.

You managed to play 4 games of poker, ending with Melissa kissing Selene, Melissa kissing Marcy, Selene kissing you, and finally you kissing Melissa. Laura slept through all of that.

No… that isn't true. She’s been awake for a while now; you felt her stir and saw her open her eyes midway through the second game. But she immediately closed them and pretended to still be asleep.

>[ ] Let her be

>[ ] “Let’s ask her”

>[ ] Other

>>39446507
>[ ] “Let’s ask her”

>>39446507
>[ ] “Let’s ask her”

>>39446507
>[ ] Let her be

Not like we dont have free time.

>>39446507
>[ ] “Let’s ask her”

>>39446507
>>[ ] Other
How about the next winner kisses Laura awake?

>>39446701
Supporting.

With this, there's 1/4 of a chance for cuteness, 1/4 of a chance of smooches for us, and 1/2 of a chance for lesbianism.

>>39446774
We already put away the poker table and cards.

>>39446507
>[ ] “Let’s ask her”

>>39446796
Just shatter my hopes and dreams, why don't you?

>writing

“I don’t know. Why don’t we ask her?” You ask.

No one seems to know what you’re talking about.
You brush the hair away from Laura’s ear. “How long are you going to sleep, Laura?” You ask.
Laura whines and opens one eye to look at you. “You knew?” She asks.
“The whole time” You say.
Laura’s face turns bright red, and she scrambles to sit upright.

You smile back at the others in the carriage, who look on dumbfounded.
“How come she gets a nice, gentle awakening?” Melissa asks.
“You’re right.” You say, reaching across and tugging on Laura’s ear.
“Ow!” Laura says.
“There, happy?” You ask.

Melissa grumbles something in response.

The poker games ate up a decent chunk of time, as the sun is lazily hanging over the mountains to your right. There’s still another chunk of time left before you stop again, so you-

>[ ] Get Laura to help you with magic

>[ ] Read about the Master Thieves with Selene

>[ ] Read about the Crown

>[ ] Talk to Melissa for a bit

>[ ] Ask Marcy about her job

>[ ] Other

>>39447168
>[ ] Read about the Master Thieves with Selene

>>39447168
>[ ] Read about the Crown

>>39447168
>[ ] Read about the Master Thieves with Selene

>>39447168
>[ ] Read about the Master Thieves with Selene

>>39447168
>[ ] Read about the Crown

>>39447168
>>[ ] Read about the Master Thieves with Selene

>writing

You grab your biography from the stack of books next to you and open it up.

Melissa laughs when she sees what you’re reading. “Giles, why are you reading that?” She asks.
“It was in Laura’s stack and I thought Selene might enjoy reading about them.” You say.
“Why did Laura have it?” Melissa asks.
“It was in your library and I wanted to learn about them, since the Gambler took the crown.” She says.

You both turn to Melissa. “Why did you have it?” You ask in unison.
Melissa blushes and scratches her cheek. “Well… I’m a wealthy girl, and I wanted to avoid an unpleasant encounter…” She says.

Yeah. Fucking. Right. You happen to know that her manor is a prime target for one such as yourself. She keeps a well-guarded vault with several things that might entice you to come in the night.

Selene hops off of her seat and sits down next to you, looking between you and the book with an expectant smile.

You place the book between the two of you, and start reading. “The Mysteries and Escapades of the Master Thieves”

>[1/2]

The book is fairly accurate. There are a few things that are missing from it, mostly stuff that people were too embarrassed to report.

You remember some of these pretty fondly. There’s the time the Gambler stole the master key for the dungeons of Beragees, said to be the best guarded dungeon in the whole world. You got in and out in less than an hour, no one even knew you were there.

Then there’s the Royal Scepter of Harth, the Buyer got that one. Word is that King Julian is still pretty pissed.

Damn, you’d almost forgotten about some of these. This book is like a trip down memory lane, and you can’t help but smile as you read through it. Though your smile is nowhere near as wide as Selene’s.

But like all trips, it does come to an end as the carriage rumbles to a halt and the driver taps on the wall.
“Alright, everybody out!” Melissa says.

You hop out of the carriage and aid the ladies, as a gentleman does. Then you-

>[ ] Go see the other group

>[ ] Ask Laura for help with magic

>[ ] Other

>>39447805
>[ ] Other

Hang out with Marcellus

>>39447805
>[ ] Ask Laura for help with magic

>>39447805
>>[ ] Go see the other group

>>39447805
>[ ] Ask Laura for help with magic

>>39447805
>[ ] Ask Laura for help with magic

>writing

You turn to Laura. “Hey, you mind giving me a hand with something?”
“Sure. What do you need?” She asks.
“I was flipping through the book on evocations that you lent me, and I was wondering if you could help me with some of the stuff I read.” You say.

You and Laura head a good distance away from the rest of the group, and she pulls out her arrows. You do the same with your dagger and arrowheads.

“Alright, what do you wanna know?” She asks.

>[ ] Silent evocation

>[ ] Boosted evocation

>[ ] Counter-evocation

>>39448111
>[ ] Counter-evocation

>>39448111
>>[ ] Counter-evocation

>>39448111
>[ ] Counter-evocation
Seems like it could be useful when we meet worst dad again.

>>39448111
>[ ] Counter-evocation

>>39448172
Don't even call him worst dad He's just her sire/biological contributor.

>writing

>>39448257

Agreed.

>>39448257
I disagree. Denying his parenthood also denies part of his crimes. He is Selene's father and he failed in this role in the worst possible way.

>>39448356
I think we're agreeing in spirit, just not in letter. It's less 'denial', more like 'he failed so hard at being a father/dad that he's not even worthy of the term to begin with.'

“I’d like to be able to counter evocations.” You say.
Laura grimaces. “That’s… pretty advanced.” She says. “What makes you want to learn something like that?”
“Necessity” You say. “If we run into… him… again, I want to have more up my sleeve than just a few knives”
Laura laughs. “Then I guess this will be a learning experience for both of us” She says.

Your expressions drops. “You don’t know how to counter evoke?”
“Nope” Laura says with a smile.

Well then. A learning experience for both of you indeed…

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>39448407

>>39448417
I will be upset if this leads to the classic anime accidental falling over/fondling incident

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>39448417
Off to a blazing start.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>39448407

>>39448417
...lovely.

>>39448407

>>39448394
Don't worry I understand how you mean it. I will however stick to my terminology.

>>39448461
Understood. As long as we're all still planning on violent castration once we meet him.

>writing

Anywho, this result will either be incredibly amusing or horrifying.

>>39448516
It could also be horifyingly amusing or even amusingly horrifying.

“We’ll try it with something we can both do.” Laura says, holding out an arrow with an enchantment that you recognize after a second.
“Ember spree?” You ask.
Laura nods. “You first. I think that you have to imagine the magic leaving the vessel in a harmless way… like smoke.” She says.

Alright, smoke. You close your eyes and imagine the arrowhead, full of fire. The fire leaves the arrowhead, turning into smoke on the way out…

‘Ah! AHHHHHH! STOP!” Laura screams.
You open your eyes, and see the that the arrow is shooting sparks everywhere. Laura drops it, but her sleeve catches fire.
You run over and whip your cloak off, wrapping it around her arm to smother the flames.

Laura clings to you as she falls to her knees, breathing heavily. Looks like you spooked her with your ‘accidental discharge’…

“You’re supposed to imagine it leaving as SMOKE” She says between breaths.
“I was…” You say. “Maybe fire was a bad place to start.”

You unwrap your cloak from her arm to take a look at it. Looks like it was just singed, with no real burns to speak of.

You wrap an arm around Laura and give her shoulder a squeeze. "You good?" You ask.
Laura catches her breath. “I’m willing to try again if you are.” She says.
“Yeah, let’s go again. Something less harmful this time.” You say.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>39448751

...right, then, round two.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>39448751

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>39448751

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>39448751

>writing

“You get to hold the arrow this time.” She says.
“Will do.” You help her up, and stand away with the arrow she gives you in your right hand. You can kind of make out the spell, it’s some sort of water spell.

Laura closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, and then the arrow starts spewing out mist. For about 3 seconds, after that it bursts, sending water flying everywhere and soaking you almost completely for the second time today.

“Ah! I’m so sorry!” Laura says, rushing over to you.
“No big deal. It beats the hell out of being on fire” You say. “What happened there?”
“I was doing fine for a bit, but the magic wasn’t coming out quickly enough and I couldn’t hold my concentration.” She says.
“Well, it’s my turn anyway. Let’s try it on something I’m more familiar with” You say, handing her one of your arrowheads.

Laura stands back, and you begin. “Isn't there a word that I have to pair with this?” You ask.
“To make it work quickly, yes. For now just use the image, we’ll work with the words later.” She replies.

Alright. Dark fog is technically harmless on its own anyway. How do you make harmless smoke more harmless?

>[1/2]

>>39448887
>>39448887
please smiley don't we get a +1 for this shit or something?

>>39449100
No reason to. It was a small foulup, no big deal.

A lighter smoke? Maybe instead of having it spread, it comes out as a little black wisp?

You close your eyes and give it a shot, the image comes to your head. The black smoke liquefies and flows out of the arrowhead, falling harmlessly to the ground.

“Wow. Nicely done” Laura says.
You open your eyes, and see that the dagger is now completely empty. “Damn. I didn’t think that would work.” You say.
“I’m surprised as well. You must have an affinity for darkness.” She says. “Let’s try that again with something else.”

She pulls out another arrow, this time with the same water enchantment as before. You close your eyes and try to imagine it leaving as mist…

Laura shrieks and starts laughing.
You open your eyes and see that you just did the same thing to her, and she is now soaked.

“I think that’s enough of this for now…” Laura says.
“Agreed” You reply.
“Is there anything else?” She asks.

>[ ] Learn some new enchantments

>[ ] Learn about boosting

>[ ] Learn about silent evocation

>[ ] Go dry yourselves off

>>39449357
>[ ] Go dry yourselves off

>>39449357
>[ ] Learn some new enchantments

>>39449357
>[ ] Go dry yourselves off

>>39449357
>>[ ] Go dry yourselves off

>writing

You consider asking Laura if she knows any other dark enchantments, since you seem to have a knack for them. But then a gust of wind blows through the wood, and she shivers.

“No, I think that’s enough for tonight.” You say, putting your cloak over her. “Let’s go sit by the fire for a bit.”
She pulls the ends of the cloak together, wrapping herself tightly and then she nods. “Yeah, that sounds good”

You both make your way over to where the others are sitting around a pretty nice bonfire, laughing loudly about something.

“You guys done with your magic prac-“ Melissa asks. “-how the hell did you guys manage to get soaked?”
“Magic practice. Counter evocations. Did not go very well.” You say.
“Don’t say that! We made some progress. You even managed to counter your dark fog pretty quickly without even using a counter word.” Laura says.
“That’s because Giles is such a shady guy that the shadows bend to his will.” Melissa says.
“I wish” You say. “If I could do that, I wouldn’t even need all this magic practice” You say, sitting down on an open spot next to Marcy by the fire.

>[ ] Ask if anyone else knows magic

>[ ] Ask what they were talking about before you arrived.

>[ ] Talk to Marcy

>[ ] Other

>>39449866
>[ ] Ask what they were talking about before you arrived.

>>39449866
>[ ] Ask what they were talking about before you arrived.

>>39449866
>>[ ] Ask what they were talking about before you arrived.

>>39449866
>[ ] Ask what they were talking about before you arrived.

Afterwards
>[ ] Talk to Marcy

>writing

“So, what were you guys talking about?” You ask.
“Just wondering if we could hook Cedric up with a pretty lady up in Harth.” Eleanor says.
“Can we please drop that already?” Cedric asks.
“I’m sure we could find someone for Cedric, but it would be a little unfair if he was the only one we hooked up.” You say.

Dalen catches your meaning and jumps on it, laughing loudly. “Of course! How could we have been so inconsiderate? If we find Cedric a lady, surely there must be a gentleman for Eleanor!” He says.
Eleanor’s face turns bright red.

“Unless of course, you’d rather we found a nice lady for you as well.” You say.
Marcy chops you on the head. “Cut that out” She says.
You turn to her and smile.
“And don’t even think about saying that” She says, glaring at you.
You shrug and let the subject be dropped.

When everyone starts talking about other things, you turn back to Marcy.

>[ ] Ask about her job

>[ ] Ask why she’s being protective of Eleanor

>[ ] Ask if she can give you some swording tips

>[ ] Other

>>39450322
>>[ ] Ask why she’s being protective of Eleanor


>[ ] Ask if she can give you some swording tips
seem more useful ( but we still beat her)
oh yeah I got that champ cup

>>39450322
>[ ] Ask why she’s being protective of Eleanor

>>39450322
>Ask why he's being protective of Eleanore.

>>39450322
>[ ] Ask why she’s being protective of Eleanor

>>39450322
>[ ] Ask why she’s being protective of Eleanor

Laura is the best waifu.
Used goods best goods.
Melifags go die.

>>39450322
>>[ ] Ask why she’s being protective of Eleanor
>>[ ] Ask if she can give you some swording tips

>writing

File: disgust.jpg (23 KB, 500x320)

23 KB JPG

>>39450419

File: 1419505181975.png (455 KB, 680x681)

455 KB PNG

>>39450419

>>39450616
pls don't respond to obvious b8

“So, what’s with you being all protective all of a sudden?” You ask.
Marcy sighs. “I’m not. You were just being an ass.” She says.
“How so?” You ask.
Marcy shrugs. “You just were”

“No ulterior motives at all?” You ask.
“No” Marcy says.
“None at all?”
“Please shut up” She says.

You smile at her.
“Oh gods, I know what you’re thinking. Please stop, it’s not like that”
“Fine, fine. I was actually wondering if you wanted to give me some swordsmanship pointers.” You say.
“Oh, I did tell you I’d do that. I guess I could. But isn't it canesmanship in your case?” She says.
“Touché” You reply.

The two of you get up, and Melissa tells you not to take too long, since supper will be soon.
“Where is that being made anyway?” You ask.
“Over there. I brought a few cooks” Melissa says proudly.

You raise an eyebrow at her strange priorities, but a cooked meal beats trail rations any day.

You and Marcy make your way away from the group, to around the spot where you and Laura were practicing.
“Okay, what do you want to know?” She asks.

>[ ] How she does that quick flurry thing

>[ ] The counter stance

>[ ] General stuff

>[ ] Other

>>39450791
>[ ] The counter stance

>>39450791
>[ ] General stuff
>[ ] How she does that quick flurry thing

>>39450791
>[ ] How she does that quick flurry thing

>[ ] The counter stance

>>39450791
>[ ] The counter stance

>>39450791
>>[ ] How she does that quick flurry thing
>>[ ] The counter stance
>>[ ] General stuff

>>39450791
>>[ ] How she does that quick flurry thing
>[ ] The counter stance
>[ ] General stuff
If we are asking, might as well do all three.

>writing

“We’ll start with that counter stance.” You say.
“I thought so, that is what I said I’d teach you after all.” She says. “Widen your stance, like this.”

Marcy gets into her stance. “Now come at me, any angle is fine”
You shrug and oblige her, rushing in as you did the first time you saw her use this.

You quickly find her (sheathed) sword placed firmly at your chest.

“Attacks from the front are met with a lunge” She says. You take a moment to look at her stance now.
She’s switched it up, moving her weight from her back leg to her front leg and leaning forward as far as she can go. The reach she gets is pretty impressive for someone her size.

She goes over the other parts of the stance. An attack from the left side is met with an overhand chop, an attack from the right is met with a quicker horizontal slash, and anything from the back also gets a chop.

“Now you try it.” She says.
“Right…” You say, taking up her stance and readying yourself.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>39451211

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>39451211

>>39451260
We best at swording

>>39451260
Aced it.

Hope for not a one on the last.

>have to do something for a few minutes, I'll get to writing when I get back

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>39451211
Rolling for the hell of it.

Marcy charges you head on, and you counter by placing the broad end of your cane at her chest.

“Nicely done, and very quick too” She says.

You go through the other forms, and you get the hang of it very quickly.

“Damn, you’re almost as good at that as I am” She says after a while.
“What can I say? I’m a fast learner” You say.
“Well, I figured someone would have called us over by now, but it looks like we have time for some more stuff.” She says.

>Pick one

>[ ] Quick flurry

>[ ] General form

>[ ] Other

>>39451722
>[ ] General form

>>39451722
>[ ] General form

>>39451722
>>[ ] Quick flurry

>>39451722
>[ ] Quick flurry

>>39451722
>[ ] General form

>>39451722
>[ ]General Form

>>39451722
Changing mine from >>39451741
to
>[ ] Quick flurry

>>39451722
>[ ] Quick flurry

>writing

“You mind showing me how you did that flurry?” You ask.
“I guess… I’ll warn you that you should only use it in certain situations” She says.
“Like what?” You ask.
She ponders. “When your opponent is on their back foot, basically. Once you get them on guard, you make them back up until there’s nowhere to go.” She says.

“Alright, here’s the basic steps…” She says.
Marcy shows you her move. The thrust and pull back is actually pretty short, and most of the force from the thrust comes from the step forward that she takes in concert with her stabs.

“Now you try it” She says.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>39452136

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>39452136
Here goes...

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>39452136

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>39452136

>writing

You both take up your stances, and you give it a shot.
It’s much harder than the counter stance was. Every time Marcy manages to turn it around on you, it’s considered a failure.

You start to get the hang of it, though. It’s all about timing your steps to your thrusts, and finding a good opening to aim for each time. But if your step isn't timed, the thrust is weak, and if you don’t find an opening, then it’s easily broken.

Needless to say, you only kind of have it down when Dalen shouts for the two of you.
“Ah, damn. Looks like we’ll have to continue this later.” You say.
“Yeah, we will. You’re actually pretty good at this. Where’d you learn to fight?” She asks as you both make your way back to the fire.

“Nowhere in particular. My training has mostly been from necessity.” You say. “Which is probably why I have so many dirty tricks in my repertoire”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing” Marcy says.

“I never said it was. It’s not like I’m about to be forced to fight fair any time soon.” You say.
“Yeah…” Marcy says.

>[ ] Ask her if she misses duelling

>[ ] Ask her about her job

>[ ] Ask her if she plans on revealing her secret

>[ ] Other

>>39452541
>[ ] Ask her if she plans on revealing her secret

>>39452541
>>[ ] Ask her if she plans on revealing her secret

>>39452541
>“I never said it was. It’s not like I’m about to be forced to fight fair any time soon.” You say.
Fucking foreshadowing, man!

>>39452541
>[ ] Ask her if she misses duelling
>[ ] Ask her if she plans on revealing her secret

>>39452541
>>39452676
This works

>writing

“So are you ever going to spill the beans?” You ask.
“No” She says.
“Really? Something like that it… it isn't something you can hide forever” You say.
Marcy sighs. “Yes I can” She says.
“Really?” You ask.
“Really” She says.

“And what if someone else who was not as good at keeping secrets as I am were to find out?” You ask.
“Then I’d… do… something…” She says.
“You didn’t think this through, did you?” You ask.
“I was like… 12 when I decided to do this, alright?” She says. “And no, I didn’t put a lot of forethought into it.”

You slap her on the back. “Well, if you ever get into trouble with it feel free to call on me. I have no qualms with buying someone’s silence.” You say.
“And if they can’t be bought?” She asks.
“I also have no qualms with coercion.” You say, flipping a knife out and giving her the creepiest smile you can manage”

Marcy smiles. “Thanks. It means a lot to know that you’ve got my back in case… you know…”
“So long as you’ve got mine, should I ever need it” You say.

>[1/2]

>“Thanks. It means a lot to know that you’ve got my back in case… you know…”

Giles would have your back anytime, baybay.

As you near the rest of the group, the private conversation stops.
“Do you ever miss duelling?” You ask.
“Kind of. I used to love the roar of the crowd, and the excitement of giving something all that I’ve got.” She says.

“So you haven’t been giving it all you’ve got lately?” You ask.
“It’s different when your life is on the line” She says.
“Really? I’d say that brings its own brand of excitement. Knowing that one single slip up could be the difference between victory and death.” You say.

“You actually enjoy this?” She asks.
“Maybe.” You say, pulling out a coin. “I enjoy games of chance” You say, giving the coin a flip. “to fight to the death is to gamble with one’s life on the line. Is it really so odd to find that exciting?”

“Yes?” She says.
“Then maybe I am weird” You say.

You make it back to the fire and the two of you sit down between Laura and Melissa. Eleanor hands you both a bowl of stew, before heading back to her own seat.

>[ ] Eat quietly.

>[ ] Ask Melissa if we’re resting here for the night

>[ ] Ask Laura if her arm is okay

>[ ] Other

>>39453264
>>[ ] Ask Laura if her arm is okay
>[ ] Ask Melissa if we’re resting here for the night

>>39453264
>>[ ] Other
Spend some time with Eleanor. We did say we'd come over more often.

>>39453264
>[ ] Ask Melissa if we’re resting here for the night

>writing

“So is this where we’ll be resting for the night?” You ask Melissa.
“No, the plan is to keep going until we hit the mountain pass. Then we’ll break for the night” She says.
“Why the mountain pass?” You ask.
“Because my drivers said it would be better to make that trip with the morning light on our side, since the pass can be a pretty hard road in the dark.” She says.

“Sound logic, I guess.” You say.
“Something about it bothers you?” She asks.
“Yes. I still don’t know why we’re going through the mountains.” You say.
“I know you don’t like the mountains, Giles. But this is the safest way.” She says.

You grimace and mumble a half-hearted agreement, then turn to Laura.
“How’s the arm?” You ask.
She looks up at you with a mouthful of stew, then she chews and swallows before responding. “Good, it’s not burnt at all.” She says.

“Why would her arm be burnt?” Melissa asks.
“The same reason why we were both soaked.” You say.
“You set her on fire?” Melissa asks.
“It was an accident.” Laura says.
“I’m starting to think that you two should stop hanging around each other before one of you gets killed.” She says.
You shrug “Hasn’t happened yet.” You say, putting a spoonful of stew into your mouth.

>[ ] Talk about Harth

>[ ] Eat quietly

>[ ] Other

>>39453948
>[ ] Talk about Harth

>>39453316
Why always Elanor, not the Bro twin?

>>39453948
>[ ] Talk about Harth

>>39453948
>>[ ] Talk about Harth

>writing

“Are you looking forward to reaching Harth?” You ask Laura.
“Yes, though I wish I could visit under better circumstances. It’ll be nice to see uncle Julian and aunt Georgia again.” She says.
“We were actually talking about that after you and Marcellus left.” Melissa says.

“I feel bad about leaving Louis back in Analask” Laura says.
“There wasn’t much we could do” Marcy says.
“Who knows? Maybe Roderick will surrender him to avoid a war” Melissa says.
“Or, someone with a knack for these things could go in and get him out.” You say.

“You would?” Laura asks.
“I get the feeling I may end up having to. A war will be difficult while they have the crown prince of Harth locked up.” You say. “And if not me, then someone will have to.”

“But, the depressing topic of war is one for another time.” You say. “Tell me, what is king Julian like?”

The rest of the conversation is about the royal family and nobles of Harth. According to Laura, King Julian is an honour-bound sort of man. If he makes a deal or a promise, you can always trust him to keep it. Basically, he’s a hard man, but a fair man.

Queen Georgia is the younger and gentler of the Laustright sisters. You look forward to seeing that first hand.

Once everyone has finished their stew, they begin packing things up.

>Anything else before you get back in the carriage?

>>39454506
Nope

>>39454506
No

>>39454506
nah

>writing

You say your farewells to everyone from the other carriage, and make your way back to your own.

Again, you help the ladies up before taking your seat. This time it’s Melissa and Marcy on one bench, with you and Laura on the other with Selene sitting between the two of you.

The carriage rumbles forward once more, and again you’re sitting in this tiny moving room with little to do…

>[ ] Chat for a bit

>[ ] Read about the crown

>[ ] Read the evocations book in more detail (specify what part, if you want)

>[ ] Tell Selene a story

>[ ] Other

>>39454876
>[ ] Tell Selene a story

An adventure of one of the Master thieves that wasn't in the book.

>>39454876
>[ ] Read about the crown
this traveling bit is getting tedious

>>39454876
>>[ ] Tell Selene a story

>>39454891
THIS.

>>39454876
>[ ] Other
Get rest (time skip)

>writing

Well, since Selene is next to you…

“You wanna hear a story?” You ask.
Selene smiles and shimmies closer to you, and you begin…

You tell her about the first heist that the book didn’t cover: the day you snagged the Thunder Cloak from under the nose of the Honouen nobleman whose ancestors created it.

It’s not a hugely interesting story, save for the fact that the nobleman discovered you and tried to cut off your head. Luckily, you were wearing your mask at the time, as you always do when you’re the Sparrow, so you managed to get away clean.

Apparently the cloak used to be magical, but it has since faded.

When the story is finished, you find that everyone enjoyed your tale so much that they decided to sleep through the last part of it. Except for Laura, that is.

Melissa and Marcy are both leaning against the carriage walls, and Selene is leaning against your side.

Laura’s pulled out a book, and is happily reading.

>[ ] Get some rest

>[ ] Ask Laura what she’s reading

>[ ] Read about the crown

>[ ] Other

>>39455251
>[ ] Read about the crown

>>39455251
>[ ] Read about the crown

tell the story again but louder this time

>>39455251
>>[ ] Read about the crown
After, we can
>[ ] Ask Laura what she’s reading
If she still is.

>>39455251
>[ ] Get some rest
Something tells me that we won't be getting much sleep tonight

>writing

You take your cloak off and gently wrap it around Selene, then pull out the book about the crown.

‘The Mystery of the Golden Crown’. Apparently the crown is older than the country, as is the tower it’s housed in. The Palace was built around the tower, and even the Palace outdates the country of Laust.

Most of the actual info about the origins of the crown have been lost to time, so the book is mostly speculation.

The most prominent theory is that it was forged by the gods themselves to give divine right to whoever rules over Laust. There are others, including one that says the crown predates the gods, and a funny one that says the crown is for the earth itself.

Get it? Because if you put it on the ground it’s like the earth is wearing a crown.

The rest of the book is mostly boring history about the families that the crown has been passed down through. It becomes such a dull read that it puts you to sleep...

>[1/2]

You awaken to someone shaking you. “Giles!” Melissa says.

“We can’t just let him sleep?” Laura asks.
“We let him sleep hunched over like that, he’ll be sore in the morning” Melissa responds. “Wake up you ass” Melissa yanks one of your ears.

“Ow! Okay, I’m awake!” you say, brushing off Melissa’s hand.
“Good!” She says with a pleasant smile. “Come on, you need to set up your bed stuff”
You groan as you stand up and hop out of the carriage, and then you half-heartedly help the ladies down.

You stretch and take a deep breath of the night air. It is now well and truly dark, with only the meager light coming from the stars and the two slivers of the moons that you can see.

You look around, and you can see that you’ve made it a little ways into the mountain pass. You seem to be up the side of a mountain, with other mountains making up the entirety of the horizon that you can see in this light.

You tentatively edge up to the side of the cliff and look down, your stomach turns and you feel dizzy. You have never been a huge fan of heights like this... You quickly step away from the edge. It’s a steep drop, but if you absolutely had to you could slide down. At the bottom there’s a small wooded area with a little lake.

On the other side of the road is a sheer rock face. The road itself was carved into the side of the mountain.

You don’t like this… This position is too easily surrounded.

>[ ] Make your concerns known to Melissa

>[ ] Go set up your bed stuff

>[ ] Other

>>39455831
>[ ] Make your concerns known to Melissa

>>39455831
>>[ ] Make your concerns known to Melissa
Did someone buy off the damn driver?

>>39455831
>>[ ] Make your concerns known to Melissa

>>39455831
>[ ] Make your concerns know to Melissa.

>>39455831
>[ ] Make your concerns known to Melissa

>writing

You walk over to Melissa, who is currently setting out her bedroll.

“Melissa, are you really sure about this?” You ask.
“About this place?” She asks.
“Yeah…” You say, eyeing the roads warily.
“Relax Giles. You’re being paranoid-“

Melissa keeps talking, but you ignore her. You feel magic.

You look over to Laura, who is currently tucking in Selene, then back to Melissa.

“Do any of your men know magic?” You ask, cutting her off.
“No…” She says. “Giles, why are you-“
“How sturdy are your carriages?” You ask.
“They can take a few arrows…” She says.
“And fire?” You ask.
“They’re made of wood, so-“

>roll 1d20

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>39456166

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>39456166
fuuuck

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>39456166

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>39456166

>writing

>>39456242
praise be unto you anon

>>39456242
Wrong, Melissa; they're made of motherfucking titanium.

They’re attacking at night. These idiots, don’t they know that you’re the scariest thing out here?

You see the glowing orange arrow sailing through the air. You can feel the enchantment on it, a fire spell, a STRONG fire spell.

You throw a dagger up at the arrow, and you see it connect. The arrow explodes into a firestorm several meters ahead and away from where it was intended.

“Melissa, get in the carriage.” You say.
Melissa, wide-eyed from shock, nods.

As you thought, you see people coming up the road from both sides…
Behind you, the men that Melissa brought have started to fight. You can see the rest of your group scrambling to arm themselves.

>[ ] Use Dark Fog and engage

>[ ] Make sure the non-combatants are safe first

>[ ] Get back up and engage

>[ ] Other

>>39456432
>[ ] Use Dark Fog and engage

>>39456432
>[ ] Use Dark Fog and engage

>>39456432
>>[ ] Use Dark Fog and engage

>>39456432
>>[ ] Use Dark Fog and engage

>writing

>>39456432
>[ ] Make sure the non-combatants are safe first
make sure Selene has a good hiding spot

You pull a crystal arrowhead from inside your cloak and start to run towards the oncoming crowd.

In the moonlight you can see the definite glint of steel. Let’s do something about that…

You focus on your arrowhead. While you didn’t get to practice with it, you get the concept behind boosting. You imagine the black smoke leaving the arrowhead, thick enough to blot out the sun in broad daylight. Then you not the placement of your enemies, shout the spell, and toss the arrowhead.

Your vision is immediately engulfed, and judging by the confused shouts from ahead of you, so is theirs.

You keep running to the foremost among your assailants, and slam your cane into his face as deep as it’ll go. Then you rip it out and twist to where you hear someone shouting, and draw a dagger across his throat.

Then you feel the fighters pushing their way past you, trying to make their way out of the dark. You get six more of them before they all manage to pass you by.

Behind you hear the battle commence anew, with however many made it past you engaging the people behind you.

But ahead, you feel magic…

>[ ] Head back and support

>[ ] Go forward

>>39456801
>[ ] Go forward

>>39456801
Gank the Mage!

>>39456801
>[ ] Go forward
It's our favorite cunt, I just know it.

>>39456801
Geek the mage!

>>39456801
>[ ] Go forward

Fuck you mage.

>>39456866
HEY, HOW'S OUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD PEDOPHILE/DEAD-BEAT DAD?

>writing

You’ve seen the others fight. They can handle this.

You move quietly to the other side of the dark and peer out of it. A smile creeps across your face.

You were hoping to run into him…

He knows there’s someone in the darkness, otherwise he would be loosing his arrows over it at the point where the fighting is going on…

>[ ] Attack

>[ ] Guard

>[ ] Special

>>39457103
>[ ] Special
He's guarding.

>>39457103
>[ ] Special

>>39457103
>[ ] Special
inb4 laura shoots us again

>>39457143
Don't worry, she can't see us in the fog. Absolutely zero chance of causing another shit storm.

>writing

>>39457103
>You were hoping to run into him…
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO SOMETHING WE LIKE TO CALL THE 'PRINCE ALBERT'

>Combat round: Success!
>Special > Guard

You let a few daggers fly, forcing him to change position. Then you bolt out of the darkness, cane poised to strike.

He looses an arrow at your face, which you meet with a thrown knife. It doesn’t stop the arrow, but it throws it way off course.

He gets off a few more, which you counter with your own knives, before you force him into the one place that a bowman never wants to be…

As you get in close, he pulls out a knife and tries to slash you.

>[ ] Attack

>[ ] Guard

>[ ] Special

>>39457394
>[ ] Guard

>>39457394
>[ ] Guard

>writing

>>39457394
>>[ ] Guard

You stop your charge and lean back into the counter stance that Marcy showed you. As you lean away, his slash misses your throat. Then you lunge back in, forcing Salem to jump back.

You immediately close the distance, trying your hand at the flurry you were learning earlier.

Marcy was able to get through it, but Marcy is a master swordswoman. Salem is not.

He keeps stepping back until his back is against the cliff wall. Now you’ve got him where you want him…

>[ ] Attempt to finish him off

>[ ] Ask him what his plan was with Laura

>[ ] Ask him if he knows he has a daughter

>[ ] Other

>>39457683
>[ ] Attempt to finish him off

>>39457683
>[ ] Attempt to finish him off
No questions. No escape.

>>39457683
>[ ] Attempt to finish him off

>>39457683
>[ ] Attempt to finish him off
murder boner is in maximum overdrive
though i feel like this is a trap somehow

>writing

>>39457721
Chances are he still has some plot armour. Though I'm all for the murder boner.

You pull back for a final thrust, and let it go.

Salem ducks under, and your cane slams into the cliff wall, sending a shock up your arm. Then he twists, cutting your thighs and rolling away.

You turn to get him, but he slams his foot into your now wounded legs. Then he turns back and fires a pair of arrows at where the others were.

The fog has cleared now, and the group is just about done fighting. You don’t see Melissa, though Selene is in the center of the fighting group. Laura as by the cliff’s edge loosing arrows at anyone and everyone who isn't a friend, while the rest of the group keeps the fight away.

After he shoots, he rolls away from your attempt to further harm him and runs over to the cliff’s edge. Then he slides down.

The two arrows fly through the air unhindered. One hits the carriage Melissa is in, the other hits the ground next to Laura.

The carriage catches fire.

The ground beside Laura bursts and falls away, sending her tumbling down the cliff

Shit…

>[ ] Go after Salem to help Laura

>[ ] Go to the carriage to help Melissa first

>[ ] Other

>>39457914
>[ ] Go to the carriage to help Melissa first

>>39457914
>[ ] Go to the carriage to help Melissa first
yell for Marcy to go after Laura.

>>39457914
>[ ] Go after Salem to help Laura
VIP first

>>39457914
>>[ ] Go after Salem to help Laura
Tough decision, but you would think Melissa had the common sense to get out of the carriage that's on fire.

>>39457962
This

>>39457914
>>[ ] Go after Salem to help Laura

>>39457968
>[ ] Go after Salem to help Laura

>>39457968
Yeah, she's streetsmart she knows how to handle herself.

>>39457914

>>39457962
this works

You're an evil man Smiley

>>39457914
>[ ] Go after Salem to help Laura

>>39457914
>[ ] Go to the carriage to help Melissa first
We won't catch anyone with wounded legs
Also that was bullshit smiley giles is a better fighter than this

>>39458055
He's done a lot with DAMN worse wounds.

>>39458088
someone with wounded legs is objectively slower than someone without

>>39457914
>[ ] Go after Salem to help Laura

His objective is Laura and y'all wanna give her to him..

just close the vote smiley the samefagging will only continue

>writing

If this ends with Laura shooting him in the face/dick, I'll be a happy man.

>>39458219
You and me both anon.

>>39458219
I'm too butthurt about the obvious samefagging to be happy about any outcome from this

>>39458219
It's gonna end up with a burnt melissa which will make me very unhappy

>>39458219
That can refer to both Salem and Giles, anon.

>tfw we broke our promise to father pitre

You look from the carriage, to the cliff as beads of sweat form on your forehead.

He wanted this. He wanted to give you something to do that would keep you out of the way. You’ll be damned if you’re gonna give him that.

Melissa can handle herself. There’s no way that Laura is in fighting shape after tumbling down the cliff.

You run over to the cliff. The fresh cuts on your legs are nothing, they aren’t even that deep. It just hurt like hell when he kicked them.

At the cliff’s edge, you take a deep breath. And off you go.

>[1/2]

Guys, do you honestly think that A) Melissa can't get out of a carriage that just caught on fire and B) We're the only possible human being that can go to her aid?

>>39458353
everyone else is still fighting and melissa can't defend herself once she's outside. assuming she doesn't just get burned inside the carriage anyway

>>39458379
She's got a knife hidden on her and she knows how to use it.

>>39458379
The group is just about done fighting.

It takes work to keep your footing as you slide down, but you reach the bottom in one piece and tumble to lessen the impact.

You immediately look around, ready to guard against any surprises.

To the right you can see the dust trail where Laura tumbled down, and you can kind of make out her form in the dark. In front of you is the forest. You don’t see Salem.

>[ ] Head over to Laura

>[ ] Head into the forest for cover

>[ ] Other

>>39458414
>[ ] Head into the forest for cover

>>39458414
>>[ ] Head into the forest for cover

>>39458414
>[ ] Head into the forest for cover

>>39458414
>[ ] Head over to Laura

>>39458414
>[ ] Head into the forest for cover

We're gonna gank this pedo-fuck

>writing

>>39458516
i doubt it, we didn't even scratch him after doing everything right in that fight

>>39458552
It just wouldn't feel right if we didn't take every opportunity to try with this guy, though.

Besides, I have a feeling his plot armor's running out.

guys you forgot to samefag this vote too. makes it way less obvious that the last one was samefagged

You duck into the woods, using the trees as cover and concealment. There are more people down here than just Salem, you can hear them moving about.

Your next move will vary depending on the situation.

If Laura is awake and alright, then you can move about slowly, picking whoever is out here off one-by-one.

If she isn't, then time is not on your side. You need to clean these guys up quickly to make sure that no one runs off with her. And that means you can’t be as stealthy as you’d like.

>[ ] Check on Laura first

>[ ] Clean them up quietly

>[ ] Start a fight

>[ ] Other

>>39458667
>>[ ] Start a fight
With a fire.

>>39458667
>[ ] Clean them up quietly

>>39458698
Poetic.

>>39458667
>>39458667
>[ ] Check on Laura first

As much as I want to start moppin the floor with these guys (Salem in particularly) if one of them runs off with her we're shit out of luck.

Hell Laura is his target deny this bastard what he wants.

>>39458698
How would starting a fire even help anything anon

>>39458667
>[ ] Check on Laura firs
we need to know her condition before making any plans

>>39458667
>>39458713
Incidentally, wasn't actually voting
>[ ] Check on Laura first

>>39458667
>[ ] Check on Laura first

>writing

>>39458698
>[ ] Check on Laura first

You make your way silently through the woods to around where Laura fell.

You see her and Salem locked in a standoff, similar to the first time you saw this guy. Only this time Laura is on the floor, her torso twisted awkwardly to face Salem, and her arms are shaking.

You wonder why she isn't standing up, and then you see it. Legs to do not bend that way, or they aren’t supposed to, at least. You can also see blood starting to pool beneath her.

“Just come back to the palace. We’ll get your legs patched up and you can go back to being a princess” Salem says.

Laura says nothing.

It looks like this standoff will last as long as Laura can keep her bow steady, which doesn’t look like it’s going to be long. You still have whoever was in the woods to deal with…

>[ ] Engage Salem in the open, trust Laura not to shoot you

>[ ] Engage Salem from cover

>[ ] Take care of the guys in the woods first

>[ ] Other

>>39458953
>>[ ] Engage Salem from cover

>>39458953
>[ ] Engage Salem in the open, trust Laura not to shoot you

>>39458953
>[ ] Take care of the guys in the woods first

>>39458953
It's night, we've moved away from torches, Salem has no idea we're here.

>Special.

>>39458953
>[ ] Engage Salem in the open, trust Laura not to shoot you

>>39458953
>[ ] Engage Salem in the open, trust Laura not to shoot you

>>39459051
I'm guessing that's a vote for 'engage'.?

>>39458989
Fuck it, changin' my vote
>Backstab this bitch.
She'll keep her promise

>writing

>>39459095
We should throw a dagger at him, there's no way he could stop it if he can't see us

I'm honestly mostly concerned about his backup.

>>39459114
Why didn't you vote for it then? I did

>>39459114
Sadly, we don't seem to have time to take out his backup

>>39459089
Hey, instead of backstabbing him, can we gouge out his eye?

It'd make shooting at us a real bitch when he has no depth perception.

>>39459146
I only just got here, apologies.

>>39459155
I like the way you think.

>>39459155
He would surely react before we were able to stab his eye

>>39459238
Oh, definitely, but, still, it's a delicious thought.

There won’t be much you can do from here. You’re hesitant to do what you want to do in front of Laura, but you’ll have to trust her.

You can’t hit anything vital through his armor from this angle, but there is something important that you can hit: his draw arm.

You let a dagger fly, and it strikes him in his right bicep. He brings his bow back to check the wound, but he has to duck under Laura’s shot.

While he’s rolling to get back up, you close the distance and slam your foot into his face, sending him tumbling further.

You jump on him before he can stand up, and ready yourself to end him. But before you can get your hand back, something comes at you from the bushes.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>39459269

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>39459269

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>39459269

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>39459269

Whoever it is, fuck you.

>>39459281
>>39459289
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA FUCK YOU SALEM

>>39459281
>>39459289
Holy shit why are we rolling so well tonight

>>39459281
>>39459289

...daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn.

Just...daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn. Get FUCKED with a massive strap-on.

>>39459281
>>39459289
TWO CRITS IN A ROW.

HOLY SHIT.

File: Breathing.jpg (30 KB, 500x418)

30 KB JPG

>>39459281
>>39459289

We... we ninja. We GOD-TIER ninja...

>writing

>>39459281
>>39459289
If these don't let us kill Salem nothing will

You roll off of Salem and hurl a dagger at the oncoming assailant.

There are 3 more behind him. One you kill with a knife, the second’s skull gets caved in, the third gets the pointy end.

You can hear a further scuffle happening in the woods. Is someone other than you fighting these guys?

No one else comes out of the woods though, so you turn back to Salem.

Just in time to see an arrow lodge itself in his chest.

“Wha-… Lau… ra?” He says.
“That…” Laura says, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “… is for Selene, and for Dalen, and for Giles, and for EVERYTHING YOU’VE DONE TO ME!!!” She screams. “BLAZE TWISTER!!”

The look of horror on his face conveys everything you think he should be feeling, and he screams in pain as the arrow explodes into a tornado of flame that goes THROUGH his chest.

Once the flames die down, you’re entirely certain that he is dead. You could fit a small child through the hole in his chest…

>[1/2]

>>39459489
get fucked

>>39459489
Ware the wrath of a woman scorned...

>>39459489

Well...it's not a sword up his dick, but points for style and gravitas. A+.

File: Exactly.jpg (113 KB, 859x679)

113 KB JPG

>>39459489

>>39459489
Suck it, dick.

Dice wanted this guy dead, and he got REAL dead.

You run over to Laura.

“Hey” You say. “Are you alright?”
“I think I broke something…” She says.
“A few broken bones won’t kill you.” You say.
Laura collapses, and you dive down to pull her upright. “I did it” She says, smiling weakly.
“You did.” You say, brushing the hair away from her eyes.

Her breath is still ragged and short. Her legs might not be the only thing that broke, she needs medical attention…

“I mean I really-“ She breaks into a fit of coughing. “-really did it.” She says once it passes.
“Yeah. Just hold on, alright?” You say.
“Giles there’s something I- s-… something I need to tell you” She says.
“Laura it can wait until you’re feeling better.” You say, looking around for some way back up the cliff.
“No it… it can’t” She says.
“OI! WE NEED SOME HELP DOWN HERE!” You call up. Above you can see the smoke from the burning carriage, and it sounds pretty chaotic.

>[ ] Try to patch Laura up yourself

>[ ] Try to signal the people up above

Also
>Let Laura say what she wants to? [Y/N]

>>39459646
>[ ] Try to signal the people up above
Y

>>39459646
>>[ ] Try to patch Laura up yourself
Y

>>39459646
>>[ ] Try to patch Laura up yourself

Also
>Y

>>39459646
>[ ] Try to patch Laura up yourself
Y

>>39459646
>[ ] Try to signal the people up above
Y

>>39459646
>[ ] Try to patch Laura up yourself

Y

>writing

You wait a few seconds, and get no response. Looks like you’re alone down here…

That’s fine too. While you may not be on Marcy’s or Pitre’s level, you can handle an injury or two… or three…

“Giles, can I-…”
“Yes, sorry. What were you saying?” You ask.
Laura looks straight into your eyes. “I… love you” She says trying her hardest to smile.

Before you can say anything or do anything back, she passes out, leaving you blinking dumbly in the wake of her confession.

But now is not the time for that. Now you have to make sure she doesn’t die…

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39459892

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>39459892

I'm scared.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>39459892

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>39459892

>writing

>>39459921
>>39459907
She'll be just fine...I think.

>>39459921
Well, looks like we're good.

File: Freddie.png (126 KB, 600x749)

126 KB PNG

>>39459921
We're a damn doctor.

>>39459921
we medic now

>>39459921
holy shit I rolled well. I NEVER roll well

>>39459892
Shit I hope we're not on Laura route now

File: 1421028548937.png (26 KB, 279x320)

26 KB PNG

>>39459921
It only saves her a couple of minutes to say her goodbyes

You strip Laura down to her underwear to see how extensive the damage is. The tumble down the cliff was not kind to her…

In addition to her broken legs, she has multiple broken ribs which are probably why she’s not breathing properly, her stomach has a massive bruise on it that suggests internal damage, and her head is sporting a nice gash…

You have no idea how to deal with any of this. You’re not Marcy with her medical training or Father Pitre with his healing juju or even Laura who can at least cast Mending Touch.

By you are something they are not: A Master Thief. A Master Thief with something that would come in handy right now…

You pull a fist sized, ornate glass phial out of your cloak. The Water of Life. You’d forgotten you had it until you read that book earlier.

The story goes that a single drop could heal any injury or ailment…

You hope that’s true…

>Use it?

>>39460082
I can think of literally no reason not to at the moment. Give 'er a spoonful and hope it works out.

>>39460082
Yes.

>>39460082
Use it.

>>39460082
Eh if it's a single drop of the vial, why not?

>writing