You decide there's no point trying to contribute if you're having problems staying awake. You approach the lake and cup some of the surprisingly fresh water in your hands before washing your face in. It feels great, and it's actually cold enough to both soothe your doubtlessly hot and sweaty skin and to help making you feel a little less drowsy.

You're still not sure you can make an all-nighter out of this, but at least you can try. Besides, they won't be at their rituals until morning, right?

"Have you ever taken a bath in the lake?", Astreya asks, and before you can answer Susanna answers in your stead.

"No, it's too close to human settlements", she claims, even though none of them is even in sight of this body of water. Not that you know of, at least, but you can see how this can easily change in the future, "Even at night you never know what lurks beneath the waters".

"Really? It does seem to be quite large", Astreya comments, looking away in the distance. Being night you're not sure just what she can actually see, you can't spot any of the other edges for sure, although you recall that even in daytime the very opposite side to the far North was nearly invisible, which means it's pretty damn far. At night, you're somewhat confident even a wizard cannot see that far, but then again wizards are renown for defying logic and common sense at least as much as elves do, "But is it also deep?".

Susanna scratches her head, "I wouldn't know about that, but the harpies say it's deep enough to have tasty fish, if you don't go hunting in the middle. They insist it's scary in there".

"Hmmm?", and of course Astreya starts looking where it's darker and you suppose the middle of the lake is, "Very interesting...", and she then looks at you with a smile, "Say, would you like to take a bath?".

Uh-oh. You don't even have your lewdkini with you...

>Continue (1 more)

After having washed your face, you can't help but agree with Astreya's proposal. Going skinny dipping would be really useful, you didn't have the chance to hit those showers they set up in New Royo today, and you've been sweating quite a bit, especially with the dancing, and then the vomiting after that stupid drink.
Ow. Why did you recall that moment. Now your stomach is panging.
The lake's water is also great to drink, cool and refreshing, and all considered you're more than willing to just take a swim, get clean and fresh, and then hit the sack or something equally restful.

You stop about as soon as you were starting to undress.
Wait.
Don't let your drowsy mind make uninformed choices.
First of all, nobody in your company knows. Astreya doesn't know, Susanna doesn't know, Yomi doesn't know. Well you can imagine what Yomi's reaction would be and there would be no way to change it no matter how you put it.
Or maybe not, but it's still something to consider.

It's dark, but Astreya can produce light from her staff, which can also stand upright on its own.

Oh right, it's because she's graciously undressing herself, taking her long sleeves off first; you didn't even know they were detachable, and you have to wonder why she didn't remove them before considering how hot it is. You then see her merrily slip her arms in the dress to make it slide off her, after having loosened a few strings on the back.
"... Why?", you cautiously ask, wondering if she has second motives.
"Oh", she stops, smiling as she holds her dress up with her arms, still barely covering her small but firm breast, "There's something I wanted to check and I need to be closer to the centre. Don't worry! It's nothing dangerous".
So the magic user says. Her smile is sincere, at least.

>"There's something you need to know...".
>"Actually I'll stay here, I'm feeling too tired to swim".
>"Susanna, are you going to take a dip?".
>"Yomi, do you also happen to hate water?".
>Other?

File: whycantiholdallthisadventure.jpg (156 KB, 1000x700)

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Character and setting info: http://pastebin.com/u/MagicalPrincess
Archives: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Start+Over+Quest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MagicalMarquise
Ask.fm: http://ask.fm/MagicalMarquise
Collection of character descriptions (WIP, courtesy of anon): http://pastebin.com/pzYffs0R

>>41224198
>"Susanna, are you going to take a dip?".
Hell yeah, I'm here on time this time.

>>41224220
>>"Susanna, are you going to take a dip?".
>>"Yomi, do you also happen to hate water?".
IT'S
TIME

>>41224220
Best quest time!
>"Susanna, are you going to take a dip?".

I was so sad I missed last session! Too early for me though.

>>41224220
>"Susanna, are you going to take a dip?".

>"There's something you need to know...".

We could always bathe in our clothes!

>>41224220
>"There's something you need to know...".

>>41224419
>walking around with soaked clothes
Ugh.
Not that I'm too eager to feed Yomi ammunition though.

"Susanna", you ask the giantess, stalling for time as you do, "Are you going to take a dip too? It's night time, I don't think any human will see you".

"I don't think it's wise for me to", she remarks, although it does sound somewhat like an excuse, but it might be just her tone, or maybe you're too tired to read her properly, both are equally likely, "I can't see the bottom and I'm quite heavy, if it drops sharply at some point I might plummet down and none of you are strong enough to lift me back up".

You have to admit you didn't consider the possibility that she might drown, nor did you properly take account of her size. Such a massive body must weigh much more than you are comfortable even considering, and it's also possible that she requires quite some strength to keep it afloat in a body of water. Maybe this lake isn't very large for her but way too deep, or maybe she would produce ripples tall enough to crash visibly and audibly on every bank if she actually went swimming.

That makes it rather sad. Plus, the only part where she would have enough space to swim freely is the ones the harpy claim is the most dangerous, and that's without even taking into account just how dangerous it is to swim far from the shore at night.

"Well, I'm going in", Astreya claims, letting her clothes drop to the ground as she begins walking towards the water. Her naked body is surprisingly average in terms of looks, although the more you stare at her back the more you realize you can't quite put an age on her; she's too well developed to be a young girl, but way too devoid of wrinkles to belong to someone even just middle-aged, and yet you have more than just the suspect that she's even older than that.

Yomi doesn't seem to be moving.

>Go in yourself, but make sure to warn Astreya before you undress.
>Go in yourself, take advantage of the darkness to be discreet.
>"You're not going in, Yomi?".
>Stay out of the water.
>Other?

>>41224220
JUST STRIP AND GET IN
SAY NOTHING
IGNORE ALL QUESTIONING LOOKS

>>41224549
>>Other?
Keep something to hide ourselves with, but move into the water

>>41224549
>Go in yourself, take advantage of the darkness to be discreet.

>>41224549
>Go in yourself, but make sure to warn Astreya before you undress.

>>41224549
>Go in yourself, but make sure to warn Astreya before you undress.

>>41224549
>>41224576
I like this, supporting!

>Go in yourself, but make sure to warn Astreya before you undress.
Changed vote

I miss Tahe.
I bet she'd have a great idea for this.

It's going to be awkward if you stop Astreya right now.

For one thing, because everyone will stop and stare very attentively at you, listening to every detail about you having a dick that you're going to confess to an attractive woman of undefined age right when she's naked. It's a... Curious timing to say the least, especially considering what you're intending to reveal.

You also have to consider that if one word of this slips from Susanna's lips when Arianna is around, you might have more than just a few bird women around lusting for your crotch, and you have no way to be certain that the arachne would be a sweet lover and not just tie you up with her strong webs and keep you as a semen dispenser or something.

"I'll come with you", you inform her, but begin to undress only when you're about enter the water, when you're reasonably far from the light and partially covered from the tall grass, and actually dive, going underwater and emerging a couple metres ahead as Astreya chuckles behind you.

"My my, how eager we are", she comments; fortunately she won't be able to see a thing, "But it's not wise to stay underwater at night. Walk carefully and try to not slip or step on a hole, it could be very dangerous".

She has a point, but you have to protect your body as well, and this world is way too full of dick predators to be careless.

"Are we going to perform a ritual here?", you wonder; with just her own distant light at her back and the moon as stars to see around, you can't get a good look at her body, just at her silhouette which, again, looks strangely unimpressive, except for her horns. Now that she's naked they somehow look even more massive compared to the rest of her figure.

"I don't think so", she shrugs, "For now I'm just going to take a short swim. Don't you like swimming?".

>"I do, let's take it easy".
>"Isn't Yomi coming?".
>"There's something you need to know...".
>"Can you see in the dark? There might be something lurking in the waters".
>Other?

>>41224964
>"I do, let's take it easy".
>"There's something you need to know...".
That bottom choice though. There'll definitely be a snake down there at least!

>>41224964
>"Can you see in the dark? There might be something lurking in the waters".

>>41224964
>"Isn't Yomi coming?".
>"Can you see in the dark? There might be something lurking in the waters".

>>41224964
>"I do, let's take it easy".
>"There's something you need to know...".
Better get it out sooner than later. Explain why Lillith is careful around harpies.

>>41224964
>"Can you see in the dark? There might be something lurking in the waters".

>>41224964
She's got massive...horns!

>>41225060
Are horns a turn-on for demons I wonder...

>>41224964
>"I do, let's take it easy".
>"There's something you need to know...".

>>41224964
>"I do, let's take it easy".
>"There's something you need to know...".

>>41225022
Yeah, and then we can confirm if Astreya also has one (there was a big hint when we met her). I think this would do good to Lillith, to know she is not alone with this, uh, characteristic.

You look around. The water isn't high but then again you're not far from the shore, which you still shouldn't stray very far from as you might drown for the stupidest of reasons, and you really don't feel like dying just yet. Whether there's something in the lake or not you doubt you will be able to tell jutst by swimming around here.

It does feel particularly great to be in the water, though. It's very fresh, it cools down your body, which is much needed in the heat, and it helps you relax, which is something you also need, both because you've been walking around a lot lately and because you're currently rather tired. Your thighs, which were stiff and hurting ever since the staff riding, feel a lot better in there and you can lean back and let your lower body not worry as much about supporting your weight for at least a short while.

It's a much needed break, you have to give her that.

"Can you see in the dark? There might be something lurking in the water", you then ask, since you presume she still wants to know who or what inhabits the lake.

"You mean like a snake in the water? Oh, I know".

You instinctively look down, careful not to step on a reptile, and you have to admit it takes you a few moments before you look up and notice her cute, knowing and absolutely satisfied smile.

"Uh...", you blink, "... How did you know?".

"I didn't know", she chuckles, losing a bit of her stiff composure but trying to not laugh too loudly, "I just had a few suspects. You know, priestess of Isthar, cambion, talked to Susanna and she mentioned how you seemed to be strangely uncomfortable around harpies...", so that's what they were talking about when you were busy entertaining the arachne, "And I just noticed that your eyebrows twitch a little every time Arianna mentions mating".

She even touches those eyebrows of yours, still with a smile, "Don't worry, I won't tell her".

>"Thank you".
>"Am I the only one you know?".
>"Are you also...?".
>"Does Yomi know?".
>PANIC
>Other?

>>41225179
>"Am I the only one you know? I mean, you mentioned the Ishtar thing. Is this sort of stuff needed for that?"
>"Are you also...?".
>"Does Yomi know?".
>PANIC

>>41225179
>"Thank you".
>"Your discretion would be appreciated in general, really..."
>"Is this kind of, uh, condition common in demons?"

>>41225179
>"Thank you".
>"Am I the only one you know?".
>PANIC, but only internally
4chan a shit, don't break when we finally get another SO thread!

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>>41225247
I know, right? I fucking hate this captcha, took me longer to get it to work than to write this post.

>>41225179
>"Thank you".
>"Am I the only one you know?".
>"Are you also...?".
>"Does Yomi know?".
HAHA, I'M VOTING FOR ALMOST EVERYTHING

>>41225179
>PANIC

>>41225179
>"Thank you".
>"Am I the only one you know?".
Why panic?

>>41225179
>PANIC
>"Am I the only one you know?".
>"Does Yomi know?".
>"Are you also...?".
>PANIC

>>41225367
You always panic anon!

Alright, so Astreya already knew. Or, well, she suspected, and she came pretty on spot by just acting on a few clues you inadvertently laid about by being completely careless in showing hints of your fears in front of their causes. The harpies, Arianna and who knows what other circumstance she witnessed that could have led her to notice. Maybe the way you walk and cross your legs when you sit? Someone told you about that before, like it was a dead giveaway, but never explained why.

It's okay, you're just naked in the water out at night with monsters and wizards and demons and the closest refuge is somewhere where two spider ladies are waiting for nothing but the chance to trap you in their strong, thick webbings and abuse of your seed-dispensing abilities to their hearts' contents. Maybe they will even let you hang out for bird perusal if they feel generous.

And then some water falls on your head, and you realize you were starting to get trapped in the world of your imagination and clutching your crotch, oblivious to your surroundings. You notice that Astreya has already cupped some more water in her hands. "Are you okay?", she asks, and dumps it on your head before you can even answer.

You take a moment to get most of it off your face before nodding, "Yes, yes I'm fine".

"Good", she chuckles, "You looked like you were panicking and thinking of some terrible fate that was to befall you. That would be silly". She chuckles some more, and you try to laugh along with her.

"Am I... Am I the only one you know?", you then ask, wondering if this kind of situation is more common than you thought, "Is every Ishtar follower like... Like this? Is it common amongst demon? Are you also...? Does Yomi know? Does-".

"Lillith. Lillith", she grabs your shoulders and gently shakes them, "Calm down, you're just a girl with a dick, it's not the end of the world".

>Continue

>>41225528
>"Calm down, you're just a girl with a dick, it's not the end of the world".
Tell that to some anons!

4chan is not being nice right now.

You take a deep breath and try to calm down.

"Is this a normal thing?", you ask. You're more than used to be in your own condition, and have enjoyed it as well, it offers quite some unique possibilities, but you've never found someone who was capable of enlightening you.

"Well I wouldn't say it's common", she chuckles, "But you're not the first one I see that has this kind of surprise. Then again, I've been around plenty and in the company of... Unusual people".

"Are all demons like this? Or is it because I'm a follower of Isthar?".

"I don't know too much about Ishtar but I assure you that most followers are of only one gender", she smiles, "And demons wouldn't even have genders if they didn't need one to interact with us. I've heard some academics claim that they have such qualities only because we, as mortals, are thoroughly obsessed with sex", and she chuckles, "And I guess that to a being formed by the accrued souls of the deceased and their lingering emotions, our carnal desires must appear obsessive and inane".

That's some piece of strange information, but you're not there to take demonology classes. At least not now, "Are you also...?".

"Me? Oh no", she shakes her head with amusement, "I have one gender only. I guess that makes us partly similar, but then again you're partly similar with both men and women and yet different from both. Does it ever feel lonely? Do you sometimes feel like you're the odd one in a crowd or something?".

She has a curious glint in her eyes, like she has switched modes and is feeling particularly inquisitive at the moment. From both her tone and what you can see of her face she appears to be genuinely interested in hearing your story.

>"I often feel like I'm weird".
>"I do feel different but more in the unique sense".
>"I don't feel weird at all".
>"The benefits outweigh the drawbacks, so I'm fine".
>"I don't think much of it".
>Other?

>>41225706
>>"The benefits outweigh the drawbacks, so I'm fine".

>>41225706
>"I don't think much of it normally, but I can get self-conscious when the subject comes up."

>>41225706
>"I don't feel bad about it as such, but...you learn to be a bit more careful, I guess."

>>41225706
>>Other?
"I guess I'm kind of weird? I'm not as weird as an Elf, but I can't say it's changed my life all that much in the grand scale. Few more interesting experiences, few less so pleasant ones. I'm just a bit jumpy with everything around here... Plus, finding someone else would be nice someday."

>>41225706
>"I feel everything and forever.".

>"I do feel different but more in the unique sense".
>"And the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, so I'm fine"
>"not being the only one would be nice, though. Can magic...you know..."

>>41225817
>>41225770
These two seem alright.

>>41225706
>"I do feel different but more in the unique sense".
>"The benefits outweigh the drawbacks, so I'm fine".

>>41225706
>"I often feel like I'm weird".

>>41225706
>"Me? Oh no"
Guess that settles it. Yomi, you dummy, misled me all this time.

Oh boy.

This Astreya fellow sure knows how to put people through a rollercoaster of emotions, though looking at her you guess that she's the sort that inadvertently accomplishes such a task while actually having a different aim. You don't doubt that she's genuinely curious about your feelings on your own body, regardless of the effect that being asked has on you.

You guess the pursuit of knowledge must continue despite such hindrances.

"Well, how to put it...", you almost never talk about this with anyone, let alone a who knows how old wizard that you don't know that well after all, "I guess I am weird? I mean I can't deny I am. Well, there's weirder people... I mean I'm not an elf for sure".

Astreya chuckles at that comment, agreeing without doubt as you damn well expected her to, and lets you continue, "I get a little self-conscious when the subject comes up but generally speaking? I feel different but more in the unique sense. I feel like I'm unlike everyone else I know but not in a way that separates us. I guess there are some actual drawbacks from time to time but in the end I feel like the benefits outweigh them".

The magic user listens attentively at what you have to say, nodding in agreement and offering you a satisfied smile, slightly tilting her head which is amazingly easy to notice considering how much her giant horns enhance her every minor motion, "Have you ever had the chance to see whether you are fertile? In either way you can possibly be".

"No", and that's another matter you don't give much thought to, even if considering how practically every intelligent living being is interfertile by divine design you'd be amazed if you weren't.

"I see. Well, I certainly don't want to put you in a hurry, that'd be silly of me", she chuckles, and moves past you, "Care braving a bit more water?".

>"Sure".
>"I don't think it's wise to get that far".
>"Do you have children?".
>"Does Yomi know?".
>"Can you tell me anything about my demonic side?".
>Other?

>>41226082
>>"Sure".

>>41226082
>"Sure".
>"Do you have children? If that's not too forward..."

>>41226082
>"Do you have children?".
>"Does Yomi know?".
>"Can you tell me anything about my demonic side?".
Almost thought she was going to offer a way to discover if Lillith is fertile.

>>41226082
>"Do you have children?".
>"Does Yomi know?".
>"Can you tell me anything about my demonic side?".
Astreya is a nice lady.

>>41226082
>"Sure".
>"Can you tell me anything about my demonic side?".

>>41226109
Don't think she'd have the right to complain about forward questions now anon.

>>41226082
>"If you think that's safe, I suppose..."

"Oh, sure", and you follow her. You both wade carefully in water that is getting more than waist-height, meaning you no longer have to bend your knees or lean awkwardly to hide your lower half, but you can still touch the bottom quite comfortably. It's not even particularly sandy , or at least it doesn't feel that way; you try not to think of what could be lurking in the water since you can't see anything, you can only hope that it's neither poisonous nor a carnivore.

"Say", you ask while you follow her, "Do you have children? I mean since you asked...".

"Nope", she answers quite directly, "Not as easy for an autarch to have some. Or, well, I guess it's as easy as it is for anyone but I'm talking about the right... Situation. You know, aside from dealing with pregnancy while being pretty much constantly on the move, and then there's the issue of actually raising one. I certainly won't be around much and not with enough time to take care of one myself, and between that and the lack of a solid partner who would stick around despite my habit of moving around a lot, dealing with my ether mutations and my being closer to monsters than to other humans...".

"I guess it's not the best of circumstances", you finish before she can go on. You've known warrior women having a much easier time with motherhood, "Can you tell me anything about my demonic side? I never knew my parents".

"I can tell you that it doesn't matter much", she explains, "Demons aren't born in the same way mortals are, so they don't actually need to pass down anything. Last I heard genetists claimed that cambions inherit some of their demonic parent's most compatible traits, but they haven't yet found the rules they follow".

"Does Yomi know about me?".

"Maybe", she smiles, "If he does, he didn't tell me".

>"Is he really a boy?".
>"Is he actually a girl?".
>"What are we looking for, here?".
>"Can you teach me anything about demonology?".
>"Do you ever feel lonely or weird yourself?".
>Other?

>>41226444
>"Do you ever feel lonely or weird yourself?".
>"What are we looking for, here?".

>>41226444
>"Is he really a boy?".
>"Can you teach me anything about demonology?".
>"Do you ever feel lonely or weird yourself?".
Just making sure.

>>41226444
>"Can you teach me anything about demonology?".
>"Do you ever feel lonely or weird yourself?".

>>41226444
>"Do you ever feel lonely or weird yourself?".
>"Can you teach me anything about demonology?".

>>41226444
>"Is he really a boy?".
>"Can you teach me anything about demonology?".
>"Do you ever feel lonely or weird yourself?".
hey, if Lillith settles down in New Royo, she could apprentice under Astreya.

>>41226541
Too early to talk about setting down now, anon! This is an adventure quest!

"About Yomi...", you wonder, and lean in closer, "... Is he really a boy?".

Astreya gives you a weird look and then bursts out laughing. She stops, holding on your arm for support as she tries her darndest to not slip or fall beneath the water's surface. "Oh my. Oh, I'm sorry... Ahahahahah!".

After she has calmed down, she wipes her eyes, still chuckling, "Yes. Yes he is, I can assure you he is. Why?".

"Oh, nothing, just wanting to make sure", you really needed to. Because. "Do you ever feel lonely or weird yourself?".

"You're never lonely when you have a familiar", she explains, "It's like being married except it's much more binding and lasts until the moment you die, for real. As for being weird... Well, would you consider normal to summon a demon to acquire magical power and then eschew relationships with your fellow humans to spend more and more time in the wilderness amongst monsters?".

You give the matter some thought, "I can see where you're going".

She nods, "Thought so, smart girl. I feel super weird when I think about it, but just like any magic user that develops more than the most basic proficiency, you've already turned into a freak of nature, often visibly different from every other human. You stop being self-conscious about it whether you like it or not, at a certain point, it's a matter of survival".

And you can say without a doubt, from her expression and tone, that she doesn't give much of a damn about what other people think of her; it's a kind of feeling you've already encountered on other people in your life, "Can you teach me anything about demonology?".

"I can teach you plenty", she nods, "But it depends on how much you want to learn".

>"I just want to know about my heritage".
>"I want to know more about demons".
>"I want to learn spells and rituals".
>"I want to summon a demon".
>Other?

>>41226687
>"I want to know more about demons".
>"I want to learn spells and rituals".
>"I want to summon a demon".
Very hard to not choose everything, MP.

>>41226687
>"I just want to know about my heritage".

>>41226687
>"I want to know more about demons".
>"I want to learn spells and rituals".
>"I want to summon a demon".

>>41226687
>"I want to learn spells and rituals".
>"I want to summon a demon".
I want to summon Lillith's mother.

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>>41226687
>"I want to know more about demons".
>"I want to learn spells and rituals".
>"I want to summon a demon".
How long until pic related?

>>41226687
>"I just want to know about my heritage".
>"I want to know more about demons".
Anons pls, we don't need to summon any more demons. We might get another Yomi and that'd be awful.

>>41226763
Might is the key word. I don't think that is very likely to happen.

>>41226763
And we might not summon another Yomi. Could be anything. Even another Yomi!

But seriously, I don't think that will happen, on a meta perspective. Introducing another character so like a previous one is missing on opportunities to introduce new characters.

>>41226760
Is that Ragnarok Mage outfit?
And she wearing it canonically?

>>41226784
>>41226815
I guess, but what is the return policy on that stuff anyway? Even if we get something less asshole, the idea of being stuck with someone random for the rest of the quest does not sit well with me. However much I like or dislike other characters we could at least up and leave them if we wanted.

>>41226846
Everyone is random, until you meet them and get to know them. I think the chance for meeting someone interesting is worth the "risk".

>>41226842
Yes, it is.
And no, she has not. Yet.

>>41226887
>Everyone is random, until you meet them and get to know them.
Yeah, and then if you don't like them or you need a break from them, you can leave them. Probably not so easy with a familiar.

>>41226887
Oh, I don't mean in the story, I mean if she wears it the way RO FemMage does with nothing else underneath.

>>41226958
Well anon, for the situation I imagine her wearing it, I can't see why she wouldn't.

"I want to know everything", you state with maybe a bit more excitement than you intended, "Well, first and foremost about my heritage, but about demons in general, I feel like it can be useful knowledge considering my situation and the people I go out with".

Astreya chuckles, "I can't argue with that".

"Do you think I could be able to summon a demon myself?".

"You can, it's not as difficult as some people think, and it's a lot easier than some people fear", she answers with a knowing nod, "The heart of the matter is knowing whether you want to or not".

You pause to consider her words. She did mention that having a familiar is more binding than being married, and a choice that you keep for your whole life. And if you're a successful magic user... You've heard that they might be functionally immortal, and Astreya's naked body does speak of someone who is simply ageless, which would give such rumours considerable weight.

"Let us just start with basic knowledge about demons, then. Does that sound more reasonable?", you wonder.

"Very, yes, though I have to warn you that being a magic user sets you on a strange path", she explains in all seriousness, without the easygoing attitude she had until a moment ago, "Even those that briefly walk it become somewhat estranged with society in general. Sensing, feeling what the winds of magic do and how they influence the world firsthand forever changes your attitude towards many things,even if you, like most magic users, become solely capable of performing rituals".

You're not sure what she's talking about, which you presume is exactly what she's trying to say. Maybe Tahenohan knows more about this, but then again she's part elf so she'd be strange regardless of her being a magic user.

>"I just want to know more about demons".
>"I'll have to carefully consider the implications, but I'd still like you to teach me".
>"Maybe you're right, I shouldn't delve blindly into magic".
>"Did you ever regret summoning Yomi?".
>Other?

>>41226958
That is a good question. I guess it depends if she's feeling adventurous

>>41227070
>"I just want to know more about demons".
>"Did you ever regret summoning Yomi?".

>>41227070
>"I'll have to carefully consider the implications, but I'd still like you to teach me".
>"Did you ever regret summoning Yomi?".
Unsure how that first option works out, MP.

>>41227070
>"I just want to know more about demons".
I don't feel the need to go full mage. Yet at least. Especially since we'll be traveling around and she won't, not a great basis for thorough teaching.

>>41227070
>"I'll have to carefully consider the implications, but I'd still like you to teach me".
>"What kind of other stuff can you do?"

>>41227070
>"I'll have to carefully consider the implications, but I'd still like you to teach me".

>>41227159
Tahenohan can probably act as a teacher for Lillith. Maybe not for the specialized points of demonology, but on the whole, she can help a lot.

>>41227208
If that's true it'd certainly be a lot more viable. Provided she'd be willing to teach, but it's Tahe so of course she would.
We should ask Astreya about that then.

>>41227070
>"I dunno how much we'll have time for with our schedules, but if you'd teach me anyway then I'd like that."

"I still don't know much about what it means to be a magic user", you admit, "But I would still like you to teach me, as long as it's possible. I want to at least have the knowledge base to make an informed choice in the future".

"That's a smart way to go about it", she smiles, patting you on the cheek, "Good thing you have the luxury of being able to think about this clearly, without pressure and without being conditioned by natural talent or outside forces".

You blink, that was oddly specific, "Were you forced into becoming a demonologist".

"No. You can't force people into becoming something they don't want to. Believe me, it's not as easy as it sounds", she chuckles some more, "But some people sometimes make choices they end up regretting later in life".

"Did you ever regret becoming a wizard?", you wonder, "Or summoning Yomi for that matter?".

"I can still clearly recall some moments when I wanted to strangle him, but no, I do not regret becoming a wizard, and... Trust me when I say so, it's as silly as regretting being born a woman", she shakes her head, "It's not something you regret, but something you learn to live with, and everything you do and every choice you take is influenced by that, whether you want it or not. The only difference is that you, and I mean you specifically with your case and all, have more control over that than how, when and what you were born as".

She's talking about some rather complex topics and it's a little late in the night for you to follow properly, "Surely there's no harm in just learning more about demons?".

"Well, you're going to study creatures you will hardly, if ever, encounter, but that never stopped anybody", she says as she flashes a knowing smile.

>"Are we going to stay much longer?".
>"Are we going to perform some ritual?".
>"Have you found anything in this water?".
>"Are we spending the night here?".
>Other?

>>41227398
>"Are we going to perform some ritual?".

>>41227398
>"Are we going to perform some ritual?".
>"Are we spending the night here?".

>>41227398
>"Are we going to perform some ritual?".
>"Have you found anything in this water?".
>"Are we spending the night here?".
All the questions!

>>41227398
>"Are we going to perform some ritual?".

>>41227398
>"Have you found anything in this water?".
>"Are we spending the night here?".
Here in the lake? can't be too healthy.

"Are you going to perform some ritual?", you wonder as you keep following Astreya until the water reaches her chin, which she keeps up as she turns to look at you.

"Mh... Not in water this high", she explains, tracing her steps a little until she can stand more comfortably without resorting to her tiptoes; you didn't have to as you're a bit taller than she is, but even you would have had to do the same had you continued, "I'm not sure. I don't feel much and at the same time I'm wary of what the harpies told Susanna. Most people underestimate their tales because they think they're stupid, and believe me they are not wrong in that regard, but that doesn't mean they are incapable of understanding the world around them. They would be all dead if they couldn't".

"Do you think there's something actually dangerous here?", you ask, suddenly feeling a cold shiver down your thighs as your skin tenses, as if expecting to be bitten by something invisible at any moment, giving you an uncomfortably cold itchy feeling.

"There may or may not be, but I don't think it's close to us", she seems calm enough about this, which makes you presume she knows what she's talking about, "I certainly don't want to risk attracting anything by performing a ritual here. Let's get back to the shore and climb up. Once we get dressed we'll see what we can do".

Astreya pats your back as you begin wading your way to the shore, "Oh, stay a little behind me, I'll move the light so you can keep your secret".

"Thank you", you sincerely give her. It's something a little too sensitive to be boasting it around in certain company. A certain company that might want to squeeze it dry and then some more. And you've just finished talking about how children take time and responsibility to raise.

>"I wouldn't be opposed to going to bed, I'm dead tired".
>"Think we can be back in New Royo before dawn? I need to leave as soon as possible for Reboldeux".
>"Can I help if you're going to perform a ritual?".
>Other?

>>41227766
>"Can I help if you're going to perform a ritual?".
Lillith so eager

>>41227766
>"Can I help if you're going to perform a ritual?".

>>41227766
>"Think we can be back in New Royo before dawn? I need to leave as soon as possible for Reboldeux".

>>41227766
>"Can I help if you're going to perform a ritual?".

"If you're going to perform a ritual, can I help?", you eagerly ask before climbing out of the water.

"It depends on what kind of ritual we're going to perform, if any", she simply answers, "But if it requires any amount of magic proficiency I'm afraid that rules you out".

You nod in understanding, following Astreya out of the water as she takes the staff away, still radiating that ghostly light in which she dresses back as she tells Susanna that you two didn't find anything of note while taking a dip in the lake.

You return when Susanna is nodding wisely, still sitting; even in that position she's taller than you are, and it doesn't make you feel like she's easier to approach at all despite her face being relatably closer to you, "I'm not sure what we can do without trying to draw something out, which I'd rather not do, and trying to delve deeper into the water, which this isn't the right time to".

"We would need to get back to this tomorrow, or some other day", Astreya agrees, "Assuming you're willing to".

"Like I said, I'd rather not be seen near the lake, the humans are too close", she insists, at which point Astreya looks at you and then visibly shrugs.

"As you wish then. We can head back to your home then. Meanwhile, are you completely positive you don't need anything?".

"The wounds that mar these lands can only be healed with time, and all I wish is that the humans don't start another war", the giantess says as she collects the bag full of ritualistic paraphernalia and slings it over her shoulder before heading back, "The two girls I'm keeping at home can't stay there forever, and I want them to start repopulating without fear of further reprisals".

>"It won't happen, that's what we're here to prevent".
>"It won't happen, that's not what the humans want".
>"It won't happen, the humans are too far".
>"I don't understand why there would be reprisals".
>"Could they move further away in case of danger?".
>Other?

>>41228169
>"I don't understand why there would be reprisals".
>"It won't happen, that's not what the humans want".
I, uh, am not certain. Ishtar DID send Lillith to mediate and prevent conflicts...

>>41228169
>"It won't happen, that's what we're here to prevent".
Let's-a-go!

>>41228169
>"I don't understand why there would be reprisals".
Why indeed. The arachne are not rapists like the harpies.

>>41228169
>"It won't happen, that's not what the humans want".
>"Could they move further away in case of danger?".

>>41228169
>>41228202
Sounds good to me!

"I don't understand why there would be reprisals, nobody is here because they want another war but because they want to put the last one behind them", you assure Susanna, or at least you never heard anyone say anything about wanting to kill natives, though you doubt the volunteer brigade is actually representative of anything even vaguely close to a military. Still, it has to count for something, "And besides, that's what we're here to prevent from happening. Me and Astreya both, although rest assured that nobody wants that to happen".

"You will excuse me if I don't take your word for it", the giantess answers, walking ahead of you, "The sword I have back home got a little dulled and it wasn't because of fights I had to pick. After a certain amount of times that someone tries to get the jump on you by abusing your faith in them, which is usually "once", you tend to become mistrusting of everyone".

"I've known that feeling", Astreya agrees, "But nurturing it won't solve any problem".

"I know", Susanna grumbles, "Just don't expect me to spread my arms wide open and offer everyone dinner and a bed, and I'll keep my sword within reach thank you". Funny of you to notice just now, but she currently doesn't have said sword with her; you would have noticed if she did, the blade is taller than you are.

"Even if everything went bad, and I'm just talking hypothetically", you suggest, "Couldn't you move further away until a solution can be found?".

"Assuming we even have the chance to? Yes", Susanna grunts, "But running away solved even less than being nice did".

You exchange a glance with Astreya, and she slightly shakes her head. Not that you needed that advice, you didn't want to provoke the ogre anyways.

You could think of another topic...

>"Do you have children, Susanna?".
>"Do you know where the third arachne is?".
>"What are you going to do about that necromancy spell?".
>Talk to Astreya instead (about what?).
>Talk to Yomi instead (about what?).
>Other?

>>41228492
>"Do you know where the third arachne is?".

>>41228492
>"Do you know where the third arachne is?".
>"What are you going to do about that necromancy spell?".

>>41228492
>"Do you have children, Susanna?".
Hopefully she won't mind the question!

>>41228492
>"Do you have children, Susanna?".
>>"Do you want to have children?"
>"Do you know where the third arachne is?".

You think hard about what would be a good topic change, and then you decide you might just go and try, surely Susanna won't take it personally if you accidentally step on uncomfortable territory, "Do you have children?".

"No", she answers, not seeming to mind the question, "Didn't quite have the chance, there's not even that many people of the right size around, and after the last Fomor war I...", she pauses, "... Let's just say I'm not sure I know who to trust any more".

You give Astreya another glance, but she doesn't return any helpful information. Well, you didn't intentionally step on that spiky, uncomfortable ground, but the giantess doesn't look angry and you still feel like you should distract her from such negative thoughts, "Do you know where the third arachne is?".

"Tama? I've heard the other two mention her, especially Arianna, plenty of times", she confirms, then waves vaguely northwards, "She's somewhere up North in the jungle, hopefully the humans didn't conquer her lands yet, wouldn't want her to get slaughtered by their soldiers".

"I don't think that will happen, they have their hands full with plenty of other problems as of now", Astreya interjects, offering the giantess a soothing smile, "Please don't worry, we can easily get to her before anyone else does, the Reconquista can't go too far without proper supplies and they won't risk spreading themselves too thin. They're not going to spread as fast as you think".

"I hope you're right", she grumbles, and says nothing more on the matter.

"What are you going to do about that necromancy spell?", you then ask.

"Can't do much about it", she shrugs, and you find you're beginning to understand when she sounds relaxed and nonchalant despite how booming her voice is, "Unless there's another outbreak we'll wait until things get settled or more information arrives. If there's one thing I'm happy for this human presence is that they're in the way of whatever problem will move down".

>Continue

>>41228822
Did we know arachne #3's name before?

As soon as you return home, you find the light still lit just outside Susanna's back door. A huge spider pops out of there and you immediately recognize Leiana from just the amount of clothing worn; her blade resting sheathed above her shoulder but not too far from her hands, which however relax as soon as she recognizes you.

"Arianna's out prowling", she informs you as soon as you approach, she too has a quite drowsy look on her face, and you wouldn't be surprised if she was sleeping until she heard Susanna's quite ponderous footsteps, "The night has been otherwise uneventful. If you don't count the stupid itchy bugs, that is".

You can't help but agree, small bugs, whether flying or not, seem to be a staple of the Shadow Marches and you've found yourself dealing with them almost all the time. You're kind of getting used to them but that doesn't make them any less annoying, good thing you've found ways to keep yourself so busy that you had everything but that to be concerned about. Still, just the mention makes your arms itchy.

"Good, we're done for the night, we're going to rest now", and Susanna gently pushes Leiana back indoors, waiting for her to turn her spider body around before accompanying her human back with her hand. Funny how you never noticed but the arachne aren't the fastest turners you've ever seen; you guess being able to turn facing with the speed you're capable of is an advantage of only having two legs you never quite appreciated.

You don't know how late it is but dawn can't be too far, if anything because nights are rather short here.

>Ask Astreya if you can be back to New Royo before dawn, as you have to get to Reboldeux as soon as possible.
>Spend the night here, it's not the first time you've slept in Susanna's place anyways.
>Talk to Leiana (about what?).
>Talk to Astreya (about what?).
>Talk to Susanna (about what?).
>Talk to Yomi (about what?).
>Other?

>>41228995
>Ask Astreya if you can be back to New Royo before dawn, as you have to get to Reboldeux as soon as possible.
We really should get on this.
>Talk to Leiana (about what?).
Ask more about Tama!

>>41228995
>Ask Astreya if you can be back to New Royo before dawn, as you have to get to Reboldeux as soon as possible.

Guess a lot of people went to sleep huh.

>>41228995
>Spend the night here, it's not the first time you've slept in Susanna's place anyways.

>>41229170
I got busy, sorry.

>>41228995
>Talk to Yomi (about what?).
>How does a demon grant someone magic powers?
I am curious about this. Is it by lending a portion of their own magic?

"Actually...", you ask Astreya, first and foremost, "Would it be possible to be back to New Royo before dawn?".

She looks at you, then smiles, "You did mention that, didn't you? Yes, I remember about your business. Don't worry, I'm used to spending nights without sleep", she chuckles, "I'll just make up for it the next day. But can you do the same?".

You didn't actually consider that. You're feeling drowsy now, and you're going to have to take that thigh-racking ride back to New Royo, and then it'll be near dawn, meaning you'll be able to just close your eyes and maybe start dreaming something before it will be time to wake up. Maybe Tahenohan will do that, too, and her completely and constantly manic attitude will be even more tiring than usual to deal with.

Still, you're in a hurry, and you need to reach your friends as soon as possible. You also need to actually give the duke that map so you can go see the marquise and get a new deal going. Politics are difficult to deal with at times, but you're also aware that nobles aren't the sort of people that take it well to being made to wait.

You scratch your head, but can't find any valid alternative. You look up at Yomi while you're at it, and he looks back at you, "I remember about our deal you stupid bitch, or are you afraid I won't keep my word?".

"Yomi can go straight there and warn your friends before you arrive", Astreya explains, "After all, he does not need to sleep and can fly even while the sun's out".

You didn't consider that, it's actually pretty handy now that you think of it. Good thing you took advantage of that demon's abilities, surely that deal you made won't be of any real consequence, the more time you spend with Astreya the more she seems like a good person to be with.

A good person with a very good ability to pick up clues, too.

"Let's get ready", the magic user then announces with a smile, "Make sure you haven't left anything behind, because I'm not turning back if you do".

>>41228995
>>Spend the night here, it's not the first time you've slept in Susanna's place anyways.
Shoot, didn't realize it was running today, thought it was going to be tomorrow.

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It's getting quite late for me and we're losing steam anyways, this feels like a good moment to stop.

Thank you for participating, I'm sorry for the last couple weeks. Remember to check Twitter for updates and I hope to see you next time, too!

>>41229347
Thank you!

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>>41229347
Thanks for the thread!
Also, reposting...

>>41229347
Thanks for running MP! Guess you've mostly got Yuro players.

>>41229347
Got here just in time for it to end. I suck, mang. See you next time!