>>41734367
“Hey, hold still.”

“I’m trying, I’m trying. Maybe if you could just give me some space…”

“Don’t be a baby, Cennen. Now quick, he’s coming!”

You crouch down as best you can in the wagon, Hiss practically sitting on top of you to prevent you from being seen by the approaching man. In your hands is a small bottle, one hastily brewed and still not yet fully mixed. You try to shift, your back aching from the contortions required and Hiss almost stands on your fingers as a result.
What are you doing here, you might ask? It’s an interesting question, for sure. Turns out that Hiss had gotten pretty sick of not spending time with you and ended up enlisting you forcibly so that she could alleviate her boredom before the day ended. And what sort of bonding activity would that require? Spending your time scheming to get entertainment from the misfortune of others, apparently. But messing around might be fun and it keeps Hiss off your back so why not?

The veiled man stops by the wagon, regarding Hiss without visible reaction.
“You called for me?”

“Ah, yes. I just have some questions about the pilgrimage.”
Hiss does her best to sound carefree while she pushes you down without mercy so that you aren’t seen. It’s not exactly comfortable. You could probably push back thanks to the Persistence Brew and the Potence but that would probably be counter-productive.

You look down at the bottle in your hands as you pass it up to Hiss. What did you end up making?

> Just a harmless mix of bad smells and sticky clouds.

> A malicious but harmless hallucinogen.

> A weakened Journey Brew.

> One of the potions in your pack (Specify)

> A different mix (Specify)

> Push yourself up and sabotage Hiss in her moment of triumph.

> Other

>>41734370
> A weakened Journey Brew.

>>41734370
>> Just a harmless mix of bad smells and sticky clouds.

>>41734370
Isn't the journey brew effectively a hallucinogen too? Or maybe this guy has associated enough with spirits to just be taken to the dreaming

>>41734477
You can't seriously think that's a good prank

>>41734483
Yes but it isn't malicious, usually.

>>41734483
Journey brew takes him to the dreaming and may knock him out for weeks.

>>41734507
Better than the journey brew.

>>41734370
> A malicious but harmless hallucinogen.

>>41734370
>>41734447
Change to
> A malicious but harmless hallucinogen.
so that we don't loose our guide, maybe something akin to acid or weed

>>41734370
> A malicious but harmless hallucinogen.

>>41734370
>> A malicious but harmless hallucinogen.

> A malicious but harmless hallucinogen.

You nod to yourself as you inspect the bottle once more, the result of a hasty brewing session. This is Thoughtbrew, the result of some meddling with love potions and the Journey Brew. Anyone who drinks it becomes selectively suggestible, entering a sort of trance state of hallucinatory experience derived from what you say to them. It shouldn't be harmful at the very least.

Hiss palms the bottle off of you and then pushes you back down, keeping you compressed underneath the lip of the wagon. The Ranadin is still talking, answering whatever question Hiss asked while you weren't paying attention.
"Oh," Hiss interrupts. "I'm sorry, you must have been marching for a long time. Do you want a drink?"

"Your concern is appreciated but there is no need. I patrol the Way every day."

"Yes but surely you're thirsty."

"I am fine."

"Drink it!"

"Wh-"
The Ranadin is cut off by Hiss hitting him in the veil with the bottle, whacking audibly into the face beneath. Thankfully it doesn't break.
Hiss launches herself at the man but you're still crouching beneath her and her foot slams into your leg instead and she trips over the edge of the wagon, landing face-first in the dirt.

The Ranadin draws his sword but she's already writhing towards him, grabbing his leg with an inhuman strength and literally throwing him to the ground with her. He gives a muffled shout and lays about her with his fists, Hiss yelping as she pushes the bottle into his unseen mouth.

Oster rushes in from the front, his hand on his sword while Aashenpreet watches in horror from behind him.
"What's happening? What's Hiss doing to him?"

"Uh,"
You unfurl yourself from where you'd been hidden and see Hiss shake the Ranadin's head back and forth until he swallows from the bottle lodged in his jaw.
"I'm not sure you want to know. Hiss, what ARE you doing?"

"The plan wasn't working so I made a new one!"

1/2

>>41734854
I was about to ask how we'd get the ranadin to ingest the brew. Maybe some sort of selective gas would have worked better for us

>>41734854
You sigh.
"I don't think this is in the spirit of things. We're supposed to trick him, not just force-feed him the potion. You can do that to anyone."

"I don't know about that," Hiss says as she restrains the coughing man until he goes limp. "I'm having fun. Check this out, you're on fire!"

The Ranadin starts screaming as the effects of the brew take hold. Hiss laughs.

"He's our guide! Now what are we going to do?"

"I'll eat his memories of this later! We'll be fine! Now isn't this cool?"

You watch the Ranadin roll around, still screaming in fire from the imaginary flames.
"Got to admit, I'm not seeing the fun here."

Oster looks at both of you and just leaves without saying anything, leaving an increasingly distraught Aashenpreet behind.
"Why are you doing this? You're torturing him!"
The priestess is visibly distressed.

Hiss shrugs.
"It's fun. All of you basically exist to be my entertainment in some way or another at this point anyway."

"That's awful! Stop it!"

"He won't remember it, relax."

"No! He's a sacred guardian of the Way, how could you do this? Aren't you a pilgrim too?"

Hiss laughs in her face.
"If only you knew, you sanctimonious cripple. Actually, I guess we don't need you anymore anyway. So we might as well tell you the truth."

"Hiss, no!"
You can't stop yourself from crying out as both snakes swivel in your direction. She can't tell Aashenpreet, not yet.

"Cennen?"
Aashenpreet looks shaken, her eyes almost meeting yours.
"What does she mean?"

"Yeah Cennen, just tell her. She's not useful anymore."

> Tell Aashenpreet the truth.

> Try to salvage the situation with a lie of some sort. (Specify)

> "She's just messing with you, like with the Ranadin."

> Change the subject.

> Flee.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41735064
Ok so much ahs happened can you give me what hiss is referring too?

>>41735064
Bored Hiss is dangerous.
> Other. brew something to aid the Ramadin
> Say nothing ang give Hiss the most reproaching look we can muster.

>>41735107
We haven't told Aash that we plan to somehow fuck with the compact and steal it's power or something. The plan isn't even really clear

>>41735064
> "She's just messing with you, like with the Ranadin."
Shit I don't know man. Hiss is being idiotic

>>41735064
Hiss, Stop antagonizing everyone around you for your own enjoyment. That gets people killed and leaves you alone because you burned your bridges in senseless malice.

Aashenpreet, Hiss wants to learn about the compact so she can find a way to challenge her Father for the throne. It'd be a plan except she is too stubborn and prideful to actually LEARN about it. Excuse me I have a guide to help.

Brew up an Anti-dote for the Ranadin.

>>41735123
We agreed to this plan a while ago, we can't really justify being reproachful towards hiss

>>41735194
We can just tell him to have a more pleasant hallucination for now. Maybe a religious one. And we can't really take the moral high ground against hiss since we were complicit in fucking with the Ranadin

>>41735213
I was talking about what she said to Aash, or pretty much everything she just said. Also, we agreed to prank the Ramadin, not torture him.

>>41735262
Right but we agreed to steal the power of the compact and lied to Aash about it in the past

>>41735064
> Tell Aashenpreet the truth.

>>41735064
> Tell Aashenpreet the truth.

>>41735279
That's true. But our bond is messed up at the moment, so we have no power over Aash. She could either run away and try to warn someone about us or turn against us right now. We would have to kill her, and we probably could, but she could still do some damage, and I'm pretty sure that would destroy whatever loyalty Oster has left.

>>41735386
No Hiss would just turn Oster into her version of an Ishmin.

>>41735279
The point was hiss is being a spiteful little shit for no good reason again.

>>41735386
inb4 Hiss uses the love potion on Aash

>>41735424
Aash is stronger than Hiss and could slap her shit and force feed HER the potion

>>41735570
I think they would be pretty much equal since Hiss has the constrictor strength snake art

> Tell Aashenpreet the truth.

You glare at Hiss. Why the fuck did she have to bring this up? Why now, of all times?
"I might not have been completely honest with you Aashenpreet."
You mumble your way through a brief explanation of some of the lies you've fed her during your journey, the priestess looking increasingly distressed as you do so.

"But...Cennen, you promised that you'd take me to the House! I th-thought I was finally doing my duties. And it was a lie? That it was for nothing?"

"Not for nothing," Hiss says. "You helped us a lot! You were pretty useful for a freak of nature. But...oh, you said something about a promise? I remember that! Right after he promised you that, Cennen came and told me about how promises made to you mean nothing. Don't you remember that, Cennen?"

"But-"

"What, did you think any of us actually wanted you around? You just happened to be useful. And that's the best you can really hope for, isn't it? You know, considering that you're a fucking failure in basically every aspect of your life."

Your mouth dries up. What can you say here? Hiss isn't lying, she did make you say that. Aashenpreet takes your silence as the confirmation it is.

She doesn't say anything. She just closes her eyes and dissolves, her human body falling apart to reveal a twenty-foot pale yellow python, sensitive skin and red eyes burning in the late afternoon sunlight.

"Honestly, this is what you deserve for trying to make me stop. I've gotten so sick of you pretending that you're better than me, like your religion or your morals somehow validates your existence. But it doesn't and the fact that they let things like you live is just yet another black mark for this country. If you'd been born in Snakehome you would have been left to diiiiaaaagh!"

Hiss' attempts to twist the knife even further come back to bite her. Literally, as the constrictor lunges!
1/2

>>41735629
Aashenpreet latches onto Hiss' arm with her mouth while the rest of her body starts to coil around the princess with a crushing force. Hiss tries to push her off and had Aashenpreet been human, she might have even succeeded. But the python is shaped for this purpose and shifting one coil only tightens another. And then her arms are bound and she can struggle no longer.
Her fangs come out as Hiss attempts to bite but she can't move her neck and Aashenpreet doesn't try to cover her mouth.
"Cennen! Help me!"

Hiss's body comes apart, Aashenpreet's coils looping around empty air as Hiss retakes her snake form. But the disparity in size is only even more clear now and her fangs don't help her as the python crushes her down bodily and forces her head into the dust.

The small black snake writhes urgently, completely dwarfed by the giant serpent around her.

> Try to pull Aashenpreet off. It should give Hiss enough space to bite at least.

> Apologize to Aashenpreet and beg for her to spare Hiss' life.

> Call for Oster's help.

> See if you can reach in and grab Hiss out.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41735755
We don't have a knockout brew or the time to make one

>>41735738
> Apologize to Aashenpreet and beg for her to spare Hiss' life.
> Call for Oster's help.
Oster's pretty close to her, he could probably help us talk her down
> See if you can reach in and grab Hiss out.

>>41735738
> Call for Oster's help.
Aash she was skewing things badly just to dig the knife in, and she knows it. Can we talk about this before we try to kill one another?
> See if you can reach in and grab Hiss out.

>>41735738
> Apologize to Aashenpreet and beg for her to spare Hiss' life.
Grab her head and force her to look at us.
"Aash, listen! I know she's horrible, and I am, too. But you aren't, so please don't hurt her. Please, change back so we can talk, only the truth, now, I swear!"

>>41735738
> Apologize to Aashenpreet and beg for her to spare Hiss' life.
> Call for Oster's help.
> See if you can reach in and grab Hiss out.
If all else fails we can ask rock to stun Aash but I doubt she'll want to help

>>41735738
>> Apologize to Aashenpreet and beg for her to spare Hiss' life.
careful about getting oster, might just escalate this even further

>>41735870
Addendum Tell Oster to help us separate them or calm her down. No blades, if he needs a justification, might hit Hiss

>>41735837
>>41735870
>>41735894
Careful with Oster, loyal as he is, Hiss' been treating him like shit from day one andevey man can only be pushed so far, plus , he's been getting rally close with Aash, and the reason he defected the serpent king in the first place was because he was weak.

>>41736014
In retrospect I don't even understand what made him decide to serve Hiss. She's pretty awful.

>>41736014
We're asking him to separate them non-violently. yes hiss has treated him like shit and he's close to Aash but his defense of hiss is still paramount to him. If anything I'd be worried he'd try to behead Aash.

>>41736055
From what we know, her father is worse

> Apologize to Aashenpreet and beg for her to spare Hiss' life.
> Call for Oster's help.
> See if you can reach in and grab Hiss out.

"Oster! Oster! Get over here!"
The Ranadin is still screaming, which is probably the reason why Oster wasn't alerted by the sounds of the struggle. But now he comes running, his sword already drawn. He moves without hesitation, ready to try and cut Aashenpreet down.
"No, Oster, wait! Don't kill her. Don't you care about her?"

"The princess comes first. There's nothing I can do about that."

"At least help me try and separate them first! If you use your sword now you might hit Hiss!"

You stumble towards the fight, grabbing Aashenpreet by the head and forcing the python to look at you. She struggles but you manage to hold her head in place.
"Aash, listen! I know she's horrible and I guess I am too. But you aren't so please don't hurt her. Please, just change back so we can talk. Don't do this. Please."

You release her head and slowly reach past it, placing your arm amidst her coils. She's smooth and dry and after a moment, allows you passage. You pull Hiss out, the black snake with the red belly looking distinctly battered but unharmed.
She nearly bites you, causing you to drop her on the grass.

A second later and Hiss is standing back before you in her familiar Teln form, bruised and shaken.
"Kill her. I'm going to kill her."

"Are you alright, your Highness?"
Oster rushes to her side but Hiss pushes him away.

"Don't do anything more, Hiss," you say. "You've done more than enough as it is."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

The brewing argument is interrupted by Aashenpreet rising from the ground in her human body. She looks at you coldly, her eyes raw and glistening.
"I'm leaving."
She turns away, hiding her face as she starts to walk down the Way in the opposite direction. Away from you and away from the mountains that you had promised to take her to.

1/2

>>41736121
We don't really know anything about how her father acts though. Except that he made his half human son into a snakeman abomination. Surely he's at least more reasonable than Hiss overall

>>41736135
I say we go after her

>>41736135
"That's no good," Hiss says. "What if she tells someone?"

"Well, whose fault is that?"
Your tone is uncharacteristically edged, pushed to the limits of your patience.

"No, Cennen. Don't start this. Oster!"

"Yes?"

"Follow her. Kill her if you have to."

Oster flinches.
"I'll keep track of her, your Highness."

> This seems fine. Oster probably won't kill her.

> Go after her yourself.

> Where's Rock? Send the spirit out.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> You should probably help that Ranadin at some point.

> Other

>>41736232
> Go after her yourself.

>>41736232
> Go after her yourself.
Bring rock as backup
Knock out the Ranadin with nonlethal venom and put him in the carriage first

>>41736232
> Go after her yourself.

I keep my promises Hiss. Oster make sure the Ranadin is ok.

>>41736251
Also, take Rock with us and PLEASE do something about the Ramadin

>>41736251
>>41736269
>>41736278
Guys Rock hates Hiss, She will not help with this at all.

>>41736291
We're not doing this for Hiss, man

>>41736271
We already told hiss we'd break promises if it was necessary to help Hiss so we can't say that. However we can say that it wasn't necessary in this situation.

>>41736232
> You should probably help that Ranadin at some point.
Is Hiss the only one who can suggest hallucinations to him? If not suggest a nicer trip. Otherwise just knock him out
> Go after her yourself.

>>41736232

> Go after her yourself.

>>41736324
Point is Rock will only make it worse.

>>41736444
I don't know about everyone else, but I'm doing this to make thing right with Aash, not because Hiss wants us to stop her.

>>41736518
Same, Saying Rock won't help and will likely make things even worse for everyone.

>>41736539
How so? She's the most level headed being in the group and Aash likes her, and I don't think Hiss is in any hurry to get close to Aash again, so we'll be alone.

> Go after her yourself.
>Bring Rock
> Help the Ranadin first.

You don't say anything at first, instead just bending over by the Ranadin and trying to calm him down.
"Nah, there's no fire. Everything's good. You're...praying? Meditating?"

Whatever it ended up being, it seems to calm him down at least. His eyes, or what you can see of them anyway, are wide and unfocused.

"Don't worry about him," Hiss says. "I'll just eat his memories of this."

"Uhuh. Look Oster, stay here for now. I'll go after her."

Oster nods, looking genuinely relieved. Hiss raises an eyebrow.
"For what purpose? You don't feel sorry for her, do you? She tried to kill me!"

"And? You brought that on yourself. And what we've been doing with her isn't right."

"I'm not the one who lied to her in the first place. Using her like this, that was all you, Cennen. And now when it starts getting ugly you just want to pretend that it's not your fault. Why punish yourself like this?"

You just shake your head and start making your way down the Way, following Aashenpreet in the distance.

"This is just like you, damn it!"
Hiss doesn't follow you but as a final barb, her final shout is in Dhinapreet's voice.

-Cennen, wait.-

You stop, dust swirling around your feet as Rock comes to life before your eyes. She drifts onto your shoulder and you start walking again, her red halo buzzing the edges of your vision.
-What has occurred?-

You give her a brief recount of the whole situation as you walk, doing your best to keep Aashenpreet in sight. Does she know that you're following her? She must.

-I see. I'm afraid that I must side with Aashenpreet in this regard. You have betrayed her trust.-

"Yeah, thanks Rock. I already figured that out."

-And what's more, you have stripped her of function.-

"Eh?"

-She has told me of her flight from the shrines before. First as a confession of sorts, she wanted absolution I could not give. She feels guilt about discarding her entire life.-
1/2

>>41736617
"Yeah, yeah. I know that. That's why she's helping us, it makes her feel better about herself."

-More specifically, it makes her feel at home. That she is still a priestess helping people along their pilgrimage despite her forsaking of her vows.-

"I don't know why I ever talk to you about this stuff, Rock. All you do is make me feel worse."

-If what I say makes you feel bad, perhaps self-examination of your life is in order-

"Let's not go too far, here."

-So be it.-

Aashenpreet suddenly takes a sharp turn up ahead, leaving the black path behind and straying into the forest, walking in no direction in particular.
"Looks like we're going for a bit of a hike. Is she trying to lose me?"

-Possibly. I doubt she wants to see you.-

"Thanks."

-Allow me to go ahead. I will convince her to speak with you.-

> "No. This is my problem, I'll deal with it."

> Allow Rock to go on ahead.

> Tell Rock to go ahead but keep following Aashenpreet anyway. See what Rock has in mind.

> Other

>>41736728
> Tell Rock to go ahead but keep following Aashenpreet anyway. See what Rock has in mind.

>>41736728
> Tell Rock to go ahead but keep following Aashenpreet anyway. See what Rock has in mind.

>>41736728
> Tell Rock to go ahead but keep following Aashenpreet anyway. See what Rock has in mind

>>41736728
> Tell Rock to go ahead but keep following Aashenpreet anyway. See what Rock has in mind.

> Tell Rock to go ahead but keep following Aashenpreet anyway. See what Rock has in mind

"Sure, go for it. I mean, you can't make this worse."

-That would be difficult.-

Rock flits off your shoulder and drifts ahead with surprising speed but you don't stop walking. In fact, you pick up the pace and do your best to hide.

You have to admit, you're curious on just what Rock plans to do or say. And so you pick your way through the forest after the diminutive spirit carefully, making sure that nobody sees you.

Aashenpreet is sitting down in a clearing, her back resting against a tree. She's facing away from you but you can see her twitch when Rock enters the clearing, borne aloft by an invisible wind. The fluffy spider sits in her lap, dusty feelers extended while she strokes him. Her lips move, saying something.

You need to get closer. Roll a 1d100 for sneaking.

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>41736871

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>41736871

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>41736871

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>41736871

>>41736891
You don't make any noise as you hide behind a nearby tree, one already shrouded in scrub.

"-and I'm sorry, suzerain. But I just don't know what to do!"

-I believe you can trust Cennen.-
Rock's 'voice' is dampened, only a slight breeze within your head. It isn't aimed at you. But you can still 'hear' it.

"Trust him? Why would I ever do that again??"
Her voice rises, straining and trembling.

-It is not his fault. Cennen is unwell.-

"Why should I care if he's sick?"

-Not that. His body is fine. But he has been taken advantage of by something cruel. His soul is in tatters.-

"You mean Hiss? He's not being taken advantage of, I'm pretty sure they're just lovers. And they deserve each other."

-So he has told me. But I do not think Cennen knows what is best for Cennen. He has done many questionable things but they are all at someone else's behest.-

"Hers."

-Yes. She warps him, moulds him in ways I find unsavory. She is the root cause of his actions, his lies.-

"If that's supposed to make me feel ba-"

-She hurts him. Did you know that?-

"What?"

-When they are alone, Hiss takes out her anger on him. Physically at times. And judging by his soul, sometimes worse than that.-

"Wait. You mean she hits him?"

-I have seen it. She has also bitten him several times from what I understand. I do not think that he is a bad person. He is just a victim.-

"Then why doesn't he leave?"

-Because he loves her. Or thinks he does. I have told him many times that Hiss is bad for him but he justifies her actions at every step. I think he requires rescuing.-

"He'd never agree to that."

-I know. Like I said, Cennen does not know what is best for Cennen.-

"I think I get where you're coming from. It's the same with Oster. I like him and Cennen a lot, or at least I thought I did. But there's nothing that can be done. She has them both wrapped around her finger."

-We can remove her, if needs be.-

Your blood runs cold. What the fuck is going on here?

1/2

>>41737216
and this is why bringing Rock was a bad fucking idea.

>>41737269
If we had brought her back, which we want to do, they would have had this conversation eventually

>>41737287
Maybe, but preferably not before we hit the temple.

>>41737269
>>41737287
Plus it seems Rock's been playing with this idea for some time, and we haven't made a great job defending Hiss, or our relationship with her (it also doesn't help that Rock's observations are somewhat correct).

>>41737216
-I have come to the conclusion that the princess offers nothing of value to the world. She is a destroyer, something that only takes and makes thing lesser than what they were-

"She doesn't build any towers," Aashenpreet mumbles, recalling something that you yourself had told her.

-I would prefer not to kill her. But I think it would be best if Hiss was no longer present. And I think the Compact House would the best place to bring that about.-

"Oster wouldn't like that."

-He would thank you later. When his soul has healed and he understands.-

"A-and you want my help?"

-In this matter, you are my only possible ally. Oster and Cennen would not help me, though I work on their behalf. Hiss has trapped them too well.-

"I...I do want to hurt her. I want her to die. I want her to see everything she has taken from her?"
Aashenpreet's tone is one of wonder, of someone discovering new emotions for the first time.

-That is not the correct motivation. But it is good enough-

> Stand up and confront the two of them right now.

> Go back. You need to tell Hiss right away!

> Just go back and pretend you never heard this for now. You need to figure something out later.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41737378
>Just go back and pretend you never heard this for now. You need to figure something out later.

>>41737378
>Stand up and confront the two of them right now.

>>41737378
> Stand up and confront the two of them right now.

>>41737378
> Stand up and confront the two of them right now.
Together we can keep her and ourselves on a better path. I won't let you kill her. There has to be something that made her this way, maybe we can fix it.

>>41737404
Shit... I want to do this too, tell them that we're trying to effect a change in Hiss, but I fear Aash will hear none of it, and we're grabage arguing against Rock's logic...

>>41737378
>> Just go back and pretend you never heard this for now. You need to figure something out later.
We need to figure out what the fuck the compact house actually is

>>41737460
Maybe say something about how our crimes are our own too but we can still change

>>41737470
I'm just thinking we came here to apologize for what we did wrong, not pin the blame on Hiss and start a plot. We nip this in the bud now, I agree with trying to change Hiss, but we may have to part ways if that's not good enough for them.

>>41737378
>>41737470
Fuck it.
> Stand up and confront the two of them right now.
First of all, make them note that we're still here, instead of telling Hiss that they're plotting against her. That should be enough proof that we can be reasoned with.
Second, Aash is going straight to the dark side, she might revel on what she's feeling right now because she's hurt, but if she follows that path she'll end up becoming just like what she hatess about Hiss.
Thirdly, we follow Hiss because she's planning on conquering the world. Knowing this, we are trying to effect a positive change in her, so that if it comes to pass, she won't bring about an age of pain, suffering and overall shittiness.

>>41737609
That third part is what I always felt our long term intentions were.

>>41737609
We need to emphasize that we need their help to do all of this too because we're biased but they still have moral standards we can rely on

>>41737378
> Stand up and confront the two of them right now.
I agree with them, but as Cennen won't, this seems like the best option.

>>41737647
lets be realistic for a moment though. they don't have the kind of blinders that Cennan has to genuinely believe its possible to improve Hiss' temperament.

I do like that this is something that Cennan wants to accomplish, but it is arguably an unrealistic goal

> Stand up and confront the two of them right now.

Yeah there's no way in hell that you're going to let them get away with this. You stand up, brushing yourself off and revealing your presence.
"Hold on! There's no need for any of this!"

"Cennen?"
Aashenpreet jumps up, dropping Rock to the ground.

"I understand where you guys are coming from but I won't let you kill her. I'm doing my best to keep her on a better path. Can't you see that? And Rock!"

-Hello Cennen.-

"I thought I was here to apologize for what I did wrong, not so that you could blame somebody else and start ...fucking plotting!"

"But it IS her fault, Cennen."

"She can't help who she is! And that's why she needs people like us to help her, steady her path. And if you do what you're planning to do, you'll be no better."

"What?"
Shit, that came out a little garbled, didn't it? Aashenpreet looks almost sad.

-He is delusional.-

"I'm still here, aren't I? I could have gone back and told Hiss what you were doing by now. But I didn't and I won't because I believe she needs people like you around. Hell, I need people like you around."

-More than you know. So why not just remove Hiss from the situation entirely? Or use your alchemy or a wish to change her mind into something better? That can be done.-

You shake your head.
"That's not right. That's not how it's meant to be done. But can't we just forget about this?"

"She won't be convinced by what you're doing, Cennen. That's crazy. Rock was right, you're just trying to justify her."

-I am afraid that we must act for your own good.-

Rock rises from the ground, suddenly much larger as the earth around her shapes itself into a spider larger than you. A cold snap suddenly passes through your head, something awful emanating from the rockspider.
-When she asks, you will tell her anything she wants to know. This is unacceptable.-

"I'm sorry, I really am. But just think about it, Cennen. We can leave her behind. You'll thank us later."

1/2

>>41737801
Aashenpreet inches herself forward, her hand held out towards yours as if you were a wild animal. And yet she is also poised and tense, ready to strike.
This isn't safe. You are in danger.

> Flee.

> Fight

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Pray for help.

> Push Aashenpreet back into Rock.

> Try to talk your way out somehow.

> Other

>>41737855
I've got nothing
this is true suffering

>>41737855
>> Try to talk your way out somehow.
(whilst fleeing)
Can't you see what you're doing?
You're just trying to find the most convenient way to extricate yourself from your own actions, and you'd use force to reshape the world, like Hiss would do. Like I did.

>>41737855
> Try to talk your way out somehow.
Just a minute, thinking what to say

>>41737855
So what are you going to do? Try to do to me what Hiss does? You're dictating what's best for me and trying to control me just like when she first met me. Despite the intents being different the means are the same. She's a bitch I get it and After What she did to Aashenpreet she deserves the choke out you gave her and more. However you're trying to kill her, or make me break my promise to her. I keep my promises, Even the one I made to you to get you to that summit Aash. Now can we actually talk or are things going to get violent?

>>41737855
> Try to talk your way out somehow.
I can influence her just as much as she has influenced me with your help. I can tell that our relationship isn't healthy or normal but she still cares about what I have to say. You still want to live up to your status as a priestess right?

>>41737957
I know right? Talking won't work but the other options are just as unappealing

>>41737855
> Try to talk your way out somehow.
"Fine. Go ahead. Do whatever you think it takes. But at the end, I'll remind you that what you both did will make you both as bad as Hiss. No matter how much you both deny it. And especially no matter how much you apologize for it."
"Funny how that works, doesn't it, Rock?"

>>41737855
>>41737981
"What happens then? Say we walk away, forget about Hiss. Rock, you've seen what she's capable of. If she succeeds on her goal she'll bring about an era of darkness simmilar to the dominion of the dragons. And what's the alternative? Let her get herself killed or just do it yourselves?
Aash... You are a priestess, your entire life has been dedicated to help people find redemption, isn't that what the Compact is all about? And you're just going to walk on Hiss, probably the one that needs it most? You want to save me from Hiss. Won't you help me save her from herself?

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>41738167
Roll for manly determination because I'm scared

>>41737855
Tell them that she took some of our childhood memories when we first met but told us about them later. Claim responsibility for our own actions.

>>41737855
Reveal spiritbane

> Try to talk your way out somehow.

"No, no, hold on a minute here."
You back away slowly, trying not to provoke them into any action.
"What are you even going to do to me? You're going to ignore what I want for 'what's best for me'? How are you any different from her?"

Aashenpreet stops and you use that time to keep talking.
"Even if we all leave her, do you think Hiss will just stop? She never stops! And what if she actually succeeds and there's nobody to hold her back? And what else is there to do about that? Let her get herself killed? I can't do that!"

-Cennen, listen to yourself. Hiss is not invincible. She has only gotten as far as she has because of you. You are not stopping her. You are ENABLING her. Every time you accept her for what she is, the more she is assured that what she does is good.-

"Come on Aash," you plead. "Isn't the Compact all about redemption? And who do you thinks needs it most? All that rigmarole about saving me, couldn't it just as easily apply to her?"

Her expression softens.
"Do you think so?"

Poor Aashenpreet. She is ever always too quick to trust.
"I believe it. No, I have faith in it. And in her. Don't you remember what I told you back in Lombai? I can't prove it but I believe it."

"We...might have been too hasty."

Rock shrinks back down in a sudden landslide.
-So be it. But just remember that I object to this.-

"Noted. Are you okay to come back now, Aashenpreet?"

"I..think I am. I get you now, Cennen. I understand you. I'm sorry for what I said back in Lombai, about you not having any faith."

"And I take back what I said to you in Lombai too. The lies part, that is."

"Was it lies? That spiel about Hiss needing the Compact...are you sure you didn't mean it? Because I don't think anybody needs it more than her. Maybe some part of you knew that."

She wants to believe. And you are happy to let her do so.
"Let's go back."

As the two of you turn to walk back, Rock drifts past the two of you.
1/2

I have gone from liking Cennen, to being disappointed, and now disgust.

>>41738448
>Poor Aashenpreet. She is ever always too quick to trust.
What's the meaning of this? I thought we were being honest with them

>>41738528
Why? We've resolved to make hiss a better person and now we have help to do so.

>>41738528
presumably he's referring to the fact that, regardless of what we divine cennan's intent to be the clear indicator here is that this business is likely bad news.

rocks logic about enabling is dead on, but its hard to see a way out of this that doesn't result in bad business.

>>41738547
I wasn't trying to be disingenuous but I guess Cennen is?

>>41738547
The way Ouro wrote it, it just sounds really disingenuous. I'd rather we just let Aash leave than continue to deceive her.

>>41738448
-I am sorry, Cennen. I should not have done this without asking you first.-

"Do you think Hiss can change?"

-No. But I think I understand what you meant when you spoke ill of slavery before.-

"Oh?"

-Humans are not like spirits. You are too brief, too bright. You should be free to burn by your own decisions because you do not burn for long.-

"That sounds ...ominous, Rock. Not gonna lie."

-It is. But I think it is also beautiful. This is an understand I have come to since you taught me death. In this world all things pass. Fires burn out, water runs dry and flowers wilt. But that is as the Creator willed it and there is beauty there.-

"No, that still sounds ominous."

-Maybe so. But I will let you burn as you choose.-

"No seriously, choose a different metaphor."

-Where I come from, metaphor is truth. Here it is the next best thing.-

"See, that's better. Being cryptic is fine."

The wagon is still there down the road, stopped in place. Hiss is sitting atop it with Oster standing nearby. She gives out a cry when she sees you.

Aashenpreet hisses.
"I would prefer not to speak with her."

"That's uh, fine. That's fine. But maybe you should give her a chance."
Inside you find yourself hoping against all possibility that Hiss had calmed down and was willing to be nice about the whole thing.

And yet somehow, your hope is correct.

"I'm sssss...sorry," she croaks out with disgust as you get closer.
"I said some things I probably shouldn't have."

Aash's eyes widen.
"You mean it?"

"Ergh."
She waves a hand in a noncommittal fashion.
"Just take it before I change my mind. Cennen would get up my case tonight if I didn't. And actually..."
She pulls out a little flask, something half full of smoky liquid.
"Guess what I found on the Ranadin! Looks like he wasn't so pure after all. I've already helped myself a little, as you might be able to tell. But here, have some fun!"

2/3

>>41738637
I don't think we could bring her back, since Hiss will try to kill her

>>41738700
Haha fuck it's the love potion

>>41738730
yeah guess we knew that would happen. i wonder if cennan recognizes it.

>>41738700
She holds the flask out to the two of you. To Aashenpreet, specifically. The ex-priestess looks a little shocked.

"I figured you wouldn't mind because it's not like you have any vows left anyway, right? Right?"
Alright, maybe Hiss isn't being THAT nice.

But Aashenpreet seems to take it in stride.
"I guess you're not the worst person in the world, Hiss. Just close."

"Yeah alright, you're this close to me taking this back. Unless you don't want it..."
She waves the flask at you.

"No, no! I'll take it. I know a peace offering when I see it."

> Grab the flask and drink before she can.

> Everything is going great! Let the two of them get drunk, it'll be good.

> Take the flask and inspect it.

> "It'd be best to keep our heads clear. You can drink some more if you want, though."

> Go see how Oster's doing.

> Other

>>41738799
> Take the flask and inspect it.
Might as well drink it.

>>41738528
>>41738545
>>41738547
>>41738604
>>41738637

Regarding the confusion over this, >>41738604
has it correct. Cennen isn't being disingenuous or at least, not intentionally so.
But he doesn't think Aashenpreet should be so quick to forgive and to trust and at least part of him knows that it's a bad business that he's pulling Aash back into.

>>41738700
> Take the flask and inspect it.
Hiss I'd rather inspect any strange liquors. Who knows what's in it? Aash I'll give it to you after I take a look, alright? Why don't you go check on Oster?

>>41738799
> "It'd be best to keep our heads clear. You can drink some more if you want, though."
Hiss, you piece of shit, stop undoing everything we do for you.

>>41738799
> "It'd be best to keep our heads clear. You can drink some more if you want, though."
Wouldn't that make Aash fall in love with us since we're the nearest sexually compatible person?

>>41738862
It was a non love version, just obedience and overwhelming desire to help.


Also might ink her to ROck, Aash could be spiritsexual.

>>41738799
> Take the flask and inspect it.
Get worried about hiss, this looks alchemical and she claimed that she already drank it

>>41738862
It's the potion you made intending to use on Tanni, based around obedience and the desire to help. Nothing to do with actual love.
Cennen ended up giving the potion to Tanni and unbeknownst to Cennen, Tanni slipped it to Hiss.

>>41738799

>>41738849
>>41738862
This is being said to hiss, isn't it?

>>41738910
Right but doesn't it still only link them to the nearest sexually compatible person?

>>41738898
This. Didn't that brew have sparks and other telltale signs of being a brew? Getting worried that hiss drank a mysterious liquid is reasonable and not using OOC knowledge

>>41738927
Hiss doesn't know how potions work.

>>41738898
seconding this, based on the assumption that:
cennan doesn't recognize the flask, but I'm still kind of a bitch and want to avert probable disaster with out of character knowledge

Changing this
>>41738849
to
>>41738898

> Take the flask and inspect it.

You take flask before Aashenpreet can get her hands on it. After all, you're pretty thirsty yourself. Hiss frowns as you grab it but then smirks.
"Do you want it? That's fine too, I guess."

You look down the flask's neck, sniffing the liquid. Wait...something's not right here. Is that the faintest spark? And this smell...The way the liquid moves, it seems familiar.
This is alchemical. And Hiss has already drunk it? Oh shit.

"Hiss...do you feel different? Or strange?"
Now that you think about it, why would she offer Aash anything? It's not like her to forgive...unless she's already under a potion's influence!
"Hold on Aashenpreet, you go talk to Oster. I need to sort this out."

"Cennen, there's nothing wrong with me," Hiss insists. "The drink is fine."

"No. I think I need to run some tests."

> Set up the lab.

> Take a sip to identify it.

> Check Hiss over.

> Try to get Hiss to drink a little more of it to ascertain the effect.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41739179
> Check Hiss over.

> Set up the lab.

>>41739179
>> Check Hiss over.
Hiss it's alchemized no it's not ok. How much did you drink?

>>41739179
Just make a quick identification brew

>>41739179
> Set up the lab.
If it's really necessary. Otherwise just make an identification brew

>>41739179
>>41739224
Seconding. As well the ident brew

>Check Hiss over.
>Set up the lab.

"I'm telling you Cennen, it's fine! I feel great!"

"I'll be the judge of that."
You start setting up the lab and begin to brew an Identification Potion in it, one of the highest quality. While it simmers, you start to check Hiss over, making sure to check her body for lumps or rashes. She allows you to do so, looking uncomfortable all the while.

"I swear you're just doing this as an elaborate prelude to feeling me up."

"I don't need to make excuses to do that," you mutter and demonstrate thus.
Nothing seems to be wrong with her, squirming aside. You smell her breath and stop. Her breath doesn't smell like alcohol. If she'd been drinking from that flask it should have been reeking!
"Hiss...did you actually drink from that?"

"Yes! I did!"

Probably lying. And if she didn't drink from it, does that mean that the person who put it in there was her?
Your identification potion is ready but Hiss grabs it before you can.
"Cennen, don't you trust me? I'm doing what's best for all of us."

> Let her take the identification potion. "Alright. But you need to tell me what's in it."

> Snatch it out of her hands.

> "Alright, I trust you." Drink the flask.

> Use Potion

> Other

>>41739486
>> Let her take the identification potion. "Alright. But you need to tell me what's in it."
Because it's alchemic, Master crafted Alchemic at that, and I can smell none of it on your breath.

>>41739486
> Let her take the identification potion. "Alright. But you need to tell me what's in it."
Where'd you really get this?

>>41739486
> Let her take the identification potion.
"What's in the flask, Hiss?"
Look her in the eye.

>>41739486
> "Alright, I trust you." Drink the flask.
I can't believe im going with the moron option but I'm genuinely curious about how hiss feels about mind wugged cennan. Thankfully this will probably never happen

>>41739686
It's an interesting question, does she has the same integrity Cennen has with the snake oil?

>>41739749
Well we did make snake oil again so we broke that promise

>>41739763
We didn't use it on her

>>41739763
we did not make it Tani did, we just activated it.

> Let her take the identification potion. "Alright. But you need to tell me what's in it."

You don't bother trying to wrest the potion out of her hands.
"Alright but you need to tell me what's in it. You really think I can't notice that it's alchemical? What's in the flask?"
You look her in the eyes and she scowls.

"Oh Cennen, you're always so earnest. You'll be the death of me one day. Don't you recognize your own creation?"

What?

"Tanni gave it to me. She said you made it."

Oh shit. The love potion! It's been with Hiss all this time?
"And you wanted me to drink it? Why? You know I love you!"

"That's not it, Cennen. If I wanted to use it on you I could have done it while you were sleeping. I could have forced it on you if I wanted. But I didn't because I trust you. I know you love me and I know that you always have my best intentions in mind. You don't even know what I'd do for you, do you? But no, I meant it for Aashenpreet. Think about it Cennen. We just need to tame her and suddenly all of her objections will go away. She'll still get to be with us and she won't be a problem. It's the best way to solve the problem."

"Aw come on, Hiss, you know how I feel about that. It's just like the Snake Oil, remember?"

"Yes but the Oil was affecting ME! This is different. And besides, you can probably make an antidote, right?"

You can.
"But...you know that it only works for people the drinker finds sexually compatible, right?"

The wind seems to leave her sails.
"Oh. Well who knows, maybe she has expanded horizons. She wouldn't be the first. Or if nothing else, it'll just make her obedient to you right. That's just as good."

"It is?"

"Yes!"
She flicks you gently on the nose.
"Do you seriously think I still don't want you having power over anything? For all I know, you might use it better than I. That's extremely unlikely however."

1/2

>>41739897
"Thanks. But no, we're not using this on Aashenpreet. Damn it Hiss, I went to the effort of making so much goodwill for you and you nearly crapped all over it."

"You did?"

"Yes! You're an awful person Hiss, you're fucking atrocious. You don't care about anyone else and you're unbelievably petty about it sometimes. Can you imagine what I'd have to do to make up for all that?"

"That's not true! I just don't care about MOST people. There's one person about whom I care a lot, even if he's a moron who'd rather spend all his time drinking potions instead of with me."

"...So you'll make up with Aashenpreet?"

"Yes. You're lucky you're so cute. I'm keeping this flask though. Might come in handy later."

> Go with Hiss to Aashenpreet to supervise. You don't trust her not to try something bad.

> Go find Oster and tell him what's happened.

> Hold on. Where's Rock?

> You really need to help that poor Ranadin.

> Other

>>41739897
Creator damn it,. Hiss. Why are you so determined to be the worst person possible. Is it so fucking wrong to just let people be themselves? I love you for you, and I believe you love me for me. Other people bring valuable viewpoints, why do you want to ruin that?

>>41740006
> Hold on. Where's Rock?

>>41740006
>> Hold on. Where's Rock?
>> You really need to help that poor Ranadin.

>>41740006
> Hold on. Where's Rock?
> You really need to help that poor Ranadin.
I'm going to trust you, Hiss, DON'T screw this up.

>>41740006
You know... part of ruling is related to charisma. Wouldn't it be better if you could make people want to serve you through your actions and attitude? I know you can do it. Befriending Aash would be good practice for when you're the ruler of all the land.
> Hold on. Where's Rock?

>>41740006
> Hold on. Where's Rock?
> You really need to help that poor Ranadin.
> Go with Hiss to Aashenpreet to supervise. You don't trust her not to try something bad.

its going to be hard to convince hiss that we can conquer the world without being amoral douchebags.

>> Hold on. Where's Rock?
>> You really need to help that poor Ranadin.

You let Hiss go off on her own. Sure, she has the flask. Sure, there's actually nothing stopping her from giving it to Aashenpreet now...but you guess trust has to start somewhere. You've proven over and over that you trust her with your own life but you guess now you have to prove that you trust her with the lives of others. It's good practice you suppose, because one day there'll be a lot more lives than just Aashenpreet's dangling from Hiss' fingers.
An unsettling thought.

You spy Rock in your peripheral vision, the spider flitting around in the tree-tops. Did she hear? Does she know?
You get out of the wagon and make your way over to her, the sun setting and kissing the horizon as twilight begins to set in.
"Feeling alright up there?"

Rock floats down, the hand-sized spider hanging upside down from a thread of dust.
-I feel conflicted.-

"Oh?"

-I believe I act for the right reasons. I have always let that guide my life. But today I nearly made a huge mistake. It is not my place to impose my will over mortals or to rule their lives for them. My intentions were good but I nearly strayed from the path that the Creator set for my people. So thank you.-

"No problem, mate. I still owe you big. So what 'path' is that, anyway."

-To advise, to help. To guide you. But to never take control. I had always known that this was the Creator's will but only now do I understand why. You are all so beautiful and you will only remain so if you are untouched. I will let you burn...sorry, will let you live and die as you will. I had forgotten this and I had nearly become something I am not.-
The spider loses form for a moment, the dust cloud reshaping itself into a tiny sandy dragon before resettling back to the spider.

1/2

>>41740345
>dragons are corrupted spirits
Is that you Zestiria?

>>41740345
Rock is best girl.

>>41740423
We really need to show our appreciation for how much she wants to take care of us.

>>41740345
"Aw, thanks. And I forgive you for what you tried today. I know you only had my best interests in mind. And if you want my opinion? You don't need to worry so much. You're the least dragon-ish person I know."

-The principle is the same. Deciding that I know what is best for humanity and acting upon it is just a matter of degree from their crimes. And who knows if what I think is best and what is actually best are always aligned? It is a mistake to think in these ways.-

"I can't hold that against you. I've certainly felt the same way."
You sit down in the sparse grass and dust, Rock settling on the palm of your hand, feeling as warm and fuzzy as ever. You watch the sun set together, the Quedeshi sky painted a mix of burnt orange and midnight blue.
"Do you ever get sunsets in the Dreaming, Rock?"

-Yes. Many of them, all of the time. Most of them are hundreds of times more splendid. But...they are all insignificant, creations of spirit's whims. This has meaning.-

"And what meaning is that?"

-I have no idea.-

You chuckle.
"Neat. That sounds about right."
You look around, noticing happily that Hiss and Aashenpreet seem to be getting along. Oster is starting a fire behind them, the glow driving off the growing darkness.
And in the foreground, the Ranadin still lying in the grass.
"Oh shit, I should probably do something about this guy."

Rock sits on your shoulder as you make your way over to him.
"I think I can whip up an antidote of some sort."

-There is no need. Hiss has already bitten him and he hallucinates no more. He is simply sleeping now.-

"Do you think we should leave him?"

-I think at least rolling him into the wagon would be polite-

> Wake him up.

> Let him sleep it off in the wagon.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41740563
> Let him sleep it off in the wagon.

>>41740563

> Let him sleep it off in the wagon.

>>41740563
> Let him sleep it off in the wagon.
I kinda want to ask rock what our soul actually looks like since she mentioned it earlier

>>41740563

> Wake him up.
Lets make sure he's alright

>>41740563
> Let him sleep it off in the wagon.
I really wanna try brewing with rock soon

> Let him sleep it off in the wagon.

"I don't think he needs to be awake just yet. He'll be wondering what's going on and we can't tell him the truth."

-I'll stay with him. When he wakes I will tell him that his unconsciousness was an unfortunate side-effect of my arrival upon the Pilgrim's Way.-

"Would be believe that?"

-He would likely be happy to just meet me.-

"Fair enough."
You roll the sleeping man over to the wagon and then lift him up and slide him in there. It feels like he weighs almost nothing, the Potence-granted strength still roaring through your veins. Rock leaps from your shoulder and lands in the wagon, keeping watch over the sleeping man.

With that taken care of, you make your way over to the campfire off the side of the road. Hiss and Aashenpreet have both cozened up to its warmth and are currently seated side by side with Oster across from them. There are square shapes scattered in the dust around them. Are they playing cards?
Indeed, Aashenpreet seems deep in the process of trying to get Hiss to comprehend the rules of Tash. On her part, Hiss looks decidedly unenthusiastic but isn't actually leaving.

> Sit down and join them playing cards.

> Invite Hiss away from the rest, thus rescuing her from rules explanation.

> They seem to be doing fine. Go off a bit elsewhere and start brewing.

> It only seems right to use this opportunity to play a prank on Hiss since it was her dumb idea to do so that started all of this in the first place.

> Ask Aashenpreet how she's feeling.

> Other

>>41740780
> Sit down and join them playing cards.

>>41740780
> Sit down and join them playing cards.

>>41740780
> They seem to be doing fine. Go off a bit elsewhere and start brewing.
Anti social Cennan go

>>41740780
> They seem to be doing fine. Go off a bit elsewhere and start brewing.
After they're done playing
> Ask Aashenpreet how she's feeling.

>>41740780
>> Sit down and join them playing cards.
since apparently our possible access to world shattering power depends on a children's card game.

>>41740780
> They seem to be doing fine. Go off a bit elsewhere and start brewing.

Guys can we please spend time with the group for once

>>41740881
>wherever i am i must also brew

>>41740780

>>41740881
>>41740845
It's actually been ages since we were all together, change my vote to move the lab next to the fire

Rolled 5 (1d6)

I suppose it was foolish to think that we would get one thread done without hitting a tie at some point. Evens for spending time, odds for going off on your own.

>>41740915
Fuck. I might as well just stop voting considering how often I'm on the losing side of the tiebreaker.

>>41740915
>>41740909
Oh nevermind, looks like the tie was broken anyway. Still no ties this thread!

>Sit down and join them.
> Bring the lab also.

You go back to the wagon and grab up what you can of your lab and start dragging it over to the campfire. As you get closer, you hear their voices distinguish themselves.
"-get it. So this card is both high and low?"
Hiss glares at a card with distrust.

"No, no. It depends on the state of the board. Oster has presented this card...see, so now this card has the lowest value instead of the highest. That's the danger of keeping that card in your hand Hiss, it can change when you least expect it!"

"That's bullshit! Why would anyone play this card then? I bet that's not even a rule. I still win!"

"No Hiss, Oster won so-"

"No," Oster says. "Her Highness won."
He passes his cards to her, Hiss taking them with distaste.

"Oster noooo, you can't do that! That's not how you play the game!"

"It's how I play," Hiss says smugly. "Now Oster, if you concede the next hand as well I might even praise you."

"No no no! This isn't how Tash works! You can't team up! What am I supposed to do if you play 2v1?"

"You'll have to deal with it. Literally, deal with it. Deal the cards."

"Don't worry Aash, let's make this a two on two."
You sit down beside her, the lab sitting precariously by your knees.

Aashenpreet turns to you in shock, having not noticed your arrival.
"Cennen! Tell Hiss to play fair!"

"Too bad cripple, I play to win."

"You don't even know all the rules yet!"

"And yet I still won."

"Through cheating!"

"Through WINNING. Doesn't matter how you do it."

Aashenpreet deals you a hand as you sit in. Hiss glances at you, just ever so slightly.
"You know Cennen, we could make this a three vs one if you wanted."

"Not a chance. Someone's got to stick up for Aash."

Oster shrugs.
"I'd like to but duty calls."

"Yes and it calls for you to give me all your wins," Hiss purrs. "I'd ask you to do the same Cennen if I had any illusions about you actually doing so."

1/2

>>41741135
>Now Oster, if you concede the next hand as well I might even praise you
I lol'd

>>41741135
"Yeah," you say. "I'm not going to give you my wins just because you ask."

"Oh really? I guess I have nothing you want. Nothing except me."
Her hands dance along the buttons of her tunic playfully as Oster groans.

"A-Are you trying to bribe me?"
You can't accept it though. You need to help Aashenpreet.

"No, sort of the opposite. An anti-bribe? Whatever. Unless you give me your hand at the end of each round, you won't get to touch me. For how long? Who knows. Could be forever."

Now that's actually a little scary. You can't let her intimidate you though.
"Yeah right. You like it just as much as I do, you wouldn't last a day."

"Oh, I think you'd be unpleasantly surprised."

"Cennen...," Aashenpreet looks at you. "This is cheating! Don't let her cheat!"

> Side with Aashenpreet.

> Side with Hiss.

> Other

>>41741211
> Side with Aashenpreet.
Whatever, we'll just picture Tanni

>>41741211
> Side with Aashenpreet
"Thats fine with me, gives me more time to brew"

>>41741211
> Side with Aashenpreet.
Counter-bet. If we win then your antibribe is null.

>>41741211
> Side with Aashenpreet.
Hiss, this is a card game. Its not The Jeri war, there are rules.

>>41741211
> Side with Hiss.
Noble sacrifices are for chumps

>>41741211
> Side with Aashenpreet.
The game isn't nearly as fun if it is too easy.

> Side with Aashenpreet.

"Oh come on, Hiss. It's a card game, not the bloody Jheri War or whatever."

"Well then, so be it. Oster and I will trounce the lot of you and then you can go to sleep alone."

"We'll see about that. I'd like to make a counter-bet, if you will. If we win then your antibribe is rendered null and void."

Hiss nods but then lights up.
"Alright. But if you lose then you have to drink this for at least a whole day."
She swirls the flask around in her hands.

> Agree.

> No, that's too far. Just go back to the original terms of the anti-bribe.

> Agree and raise the stakes (Specify)

>>41741379
>> Agree.
inb4 we lose because we did not sacrifice to the dice gods

>>41741379
> Agree.
We got this.

>>41741379
> Agree.

>>41741379
> Agree and raise the stakes (Specify)
If we win WE are in charge for the rest of the trip.
You think this is too much?

>>41741379
> Agree.
Hey ouro are those wishes we're owed in the pastebin still accurate?

>>41741463
Yeah its probably too much. We make all the important decisions already anyway.

> Agree.

"Deal!"

Hiss laughs.
"Oh Cennen, you poor idiot. You should have at least tried to negotiate a bit harder."

"Eh?"

"Don't you get it? Now there's really no penalty for me losing. I still get something I'm happy with either way."

"Oh."

Aashenpreet starts the deal, passing cards to all four of you. Your lab is still next to you, looking inviting.
Surely it wouldn't hurt to brew a little would it? This is going to be a long game.

> Brew, even though it'll make you less likely to win.

> Focus on playing the game.

> Try to bargain to raise the stakes before it starts.

> See if you can figure out a way to cheat.

> Use a potion to nobble Hiss so you can make a wish for her to lose.

> Other

>>41741511
> Try to bargain to raise the stakes before it starts.
If she loses she has to help us translate the alchemy book
> Focus on playing the game.

>>41741554
This.

>>41741511
>> Focus on playing the game.
> See if you can figure out a way to cheat.
for the second however more like, try to see if we can figure out a way to manipulate Hiss' inevitable cheating

>>41741554
This.
"Cmon Hiss, it will be interesting AND enriching"

> Focus on playing the game.
We're not REALLY familiar with the rules. Also, lets not forget too that if we get hit by that love potion we need two antidotes to fix ourselves. One for the permanence and one for the love potion. Twice the brewing, twice the chance for Hiss to change her mind if she tells us to fix ourselves.

>>41741511
Maybe we could use soul guise and bloodkin to communicate telepathically with aash to give us an advantage?

>>41741623
Nah I bet just the love potion antidote would be sufficient

>>41741636
That's a pretty good idea actually. Depends on how the game is played though.

> Try to bargain to raise the stakes before it starts.
>> Focus on playing the game.

"Hold on, hold on. I've changed my mind. I'll raise these stakes. If we win, then you have to help me translate the alchemy book Tanni gave me."

Hiss groans.
"Fine. Not that it matters because we're going to win."

"We'll see about that," Aashenpreet mutters. You can't help but smile. You have the most experienced and skilled player on your side. As long as Hiss doesn't cheat and you have passable luck, you should win fairly easily.

Roll 1d100 for luck. First three rolls only.

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>41741636
There's a team card game where you communicate trough face signs, we could do that, it's easier, plus the sings are things like winks and puckers, It will really freak Hiss out.

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>41741678
Can we do this to get a bonus to our roll?

>>41741696
>>41741636
Forgot muh quote

The odds of you and Aashenpreet devising a system to communicate nonverbally without Hiss or Oster cottoning on are extremely slim.
And she's not gonna let you chug a potion either.

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>41741678

>>41741696
This would have been a 94 if we had rolled for any tiebreakers today

>>41741743
true, but we wouldn't even be in this situation

>>41741696
The game goes on for a good hour or so, during which the sun goes down entirely and a fat yellow moon rises.
You play hand after hand, following Aashenpreet's lead. You don't try to cheat in any way, keeping it on the level as best you can.
You don't catch Hiss cheating either.

And then the final hand is dealt and passed and sealed.
"I don't believe it," Aashenpreet mutters. "That should have been our fate! Cennen, I'm so sorry!"

You had lost.

"Here you go, champ."
Hiss tosses you the flask.
"Drink up."

You look down uneasily at the potion. You still have your Persistence Brew going. If you drink this, it's going to LAST. It's not going to just wear off with time as it may have done, you'd be entirely dependent on Hiss to ever get out of this.

> Drink it.

> Pretend to drink it but don't.

> Refuse.

> Claim she cheated.

> Throw the potion in the fire where it can't be retrieved. It's what Hiss would do.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

> Drink it.
Alright, boys and girls. Time to face the medicine.
Also, totally called it about the persistence brew interaction. Although... Aash is right next to us... The Love Brew makes us impossibly attracted to the NEAREST sexually compatible person... inb4 jealous Hiss. Heheheh...

>>41741798
>Throw the potion in the fire where it can't be retrieved. It's what Hiss would do.

meh

>>41741842
Agreed. Pragmatic burning!

>>41741798
"You'll miss me"
> Drink it.

>>41741798
> Drink it.
It's just for a day

>>41741798

> Drink it.
Can't welch, even though she probably cheated
Anyway we hopefully did accomplish actually familiarizing hiss with the card game.

>>41741832
Haha if we just look at aash right after drinking it hiss's plans would be ruined. We only agreed to drink it after all.

This is going to last way more than a day. We're going to end up removing our persistence over this for no reason.

>>41741877
>>41741870
>>41741832
We have persistence on you idiots
> Throw the potion in the fire where it can't be retrieved. It's what Hiss would do.

>>41741918
>>41741832

It's whoever drank from the bottle guys, as in this situation sucks no matter what.

>>41741919
I'm pretty sure can still use the love potion antidote brew while using persistence.

>>41741919
We can rebrew everything we drank to get these effects. It's not the end of the world.

>>41741934
If we're even capable of brewing on when we're a love slave.

>>41741932
No its not.

>>41741952
Yeah it is.

>>41741946
We already have one made.

We can just go overboard with it, become the clingiest, densest motherfucker there is, she'll get sick of it pretty quick and will order us to take the antidote.

>>41741970
It's the first sexually compatible person we see after drinking it.

>>41741926
It would have been permanent even if we didn't have persistence active right now

> Drink it.

If Hiss could get any smugger, she'd probably be breaking some essential law of the universe.
"Time's wasting, Cennen. Aren't you going to drink it?"

"Yeah yeah. You'll miss me."

"You can let me be the judge of that."

You look up into the night sky and swig it down, the alcohol burning your mouth and making you cough.
You hear Hiss give a little shocked laugh.
"Wow, I didn't think you'd actually do it!"

You suddenly feel very warm. Not an unpleasant warmth but a comfortable and languid feeling.
You look around, taking in everyone around you. Hiss looks shocked but her expression is quickly wiped by an unbearably smug grin.

But you don't care about her. There's someone sitting right next to you, someone irresistibly beautiful. You want to do nothing else but help them, to make sure that their every need is met. You meet Aashenpreet's eyes and she looks away, even the slightest motion entrancing.

Behind you, Hiss's expression changes slowly from her grin to a look of almost comical horror.

dis gon b gud

>>41742055
Perfect

>>41742055
Haha hiss instantly regrets this decision

>>41742055
Anyway, that's the thread for today. It's been archived and everything. I hope you guys had fun with this one, it started out a little shaky but I think the best fluffy stuff is earned and I really liked writing it.

See you tomorrow (maybe) and there might be an Interlude in here or there might not.

>>41742109
I liked the beggining, felt it pretty intense.

Thanks for running.

>>41742109
Thanks for running!

>>41742109
Thank you for running, Ouro. Glad to see you back after the break. Keep warm!

INTERLUDE 17

"You've been staring up at the stars all night, suzerain."

-They appear particularly beautiful tonight.-

Aashenpreet blinked, the fluffy spider sitting atop her shoulder.
"How so?"

-I realized it when I was gazing at the sunset. This world isn't made from the whims of a thousand spirits, it was forged directly by the Creator. Everything that moves was set in place by their plan.-

"Isn't the Dreaming the mind of Aashimid?"

-Not exactly. It is the space between their wings. It is of the Creator but the Creator is never there, never present. And the signatures of the spirits shaping as they please drown out any design the Creator may have left. But this world is pristine and it is filled with her radiance. The plants grow, the sun rises, the world moves all because the Creator willed it. It is filled by divine meaning. I don't think I can understand it well but it as if we are in their fingerprint. I understand the Lost now and I suppose I have become one of them. And while I will never agree with the dragons, I know now why they fought.-

Aashenpreet gazed up at the stars, eyes searching for even a fraction of the meaning that Rock had found.
"They look very nice."

-Yes, I suppose that is another word for my revelation. It looks...nice.-

"Sorry."

-There's nothing to be sorry about. How are you?-

She sighed and tore her eyes from the heavens.
"Feeling conflicted."

-Hiss?-

"Yes. I-I hate her so much. Just thinking about it makes me stomach hurt. Is that a human thing?"

-You are asking the wrong person-

"Oh, yes. Sorry, suzerain."

-Again, you apologize for nothing.-

"I'm just not sure how to feel. I try to hide it, I hid it for the entire game but I don't think there's anyone I loathe more. When she laughs I just get this burning desire to shut her up, to injure or kill her. And yet...and yet..."

-And yet?-

1/2

"Is it not the people I hate most the ones I should be trying to help? It is not my duty to-, I mean back when I was a priestess, it was not my duty to judge who was worthy and who was not. It was to only help all who came to find what they sought, no matter who they were."

-But you are not a priestess anymore-

"I know that! But Chau Devi is a place of absolution. It's the promise from Aashimid to us, that we may still yet be redeemed despite the sins of ancestors. And h-how could I ever even THINK of not allowing someone there? Me doing that would be by far the greater blasphemy then allowing her underbelly to soil the halls."

-It sounds like you have things well in hand-

"But then why does it hurt so much!"

-You are not injured.-

"Argh! I'm trying to redeem her, to forgive her! But I can't! I just can't. I just feel so used. First Tash and now her? I can't take it anymore. B-but I can't! I can't forgive her but I can't smite her either. What can I even do?"

-Do? Why do you need to do anything?-

"What? Oh, I mean, pardon me suzerain."

-Listen to me, Aashenpreet. There is doing and there is being. People are often too hasty to do, with no regards to what the consequences are. But a man of being can focus on themselves and find the answer and only then will they ever need to DO. The world is not so insignificant to think that you could change it so carelessly and not come back to bite you. You are confused and if you try to do something now you might only make things worse, worse in a way that can never be recovered. So do not do. Be. Be until you find your answer.-

"Uh...wow. Okay. How do I do that?"

-If you need to ask, you haven't understood.-

"Right! By the way, suzerain. Where did you learn that from? I remember reading of a way in the shrine that spoke of a similar practice."

-I learned it today just a few hours ago when I nearly changed the world without recourse.-

"I see."
2/3

>>41742479

-By the way, are you going to do something with Cennen?-

Aashenpreet looked back at Cennen, the man still following her like a dog. His eyes were fixed on her still. She hadn't given him any orders yet.
"I-I don't know."

-Would you put him to the same use that Hiss would have?-

"What? No! I mean, it was a l-little tempting but not anything I'd ever give in to! Even if it would be a definite victory over that bitch."

-Then you are fine.-

"Didn't you just hear me say I was tempted just to spite her? Those aren't thoughts I'm suppose to have!"

-Thoughts have no power when not enacted. You care too much about purifying your own thoughts when you should be purifying your own deeds.-

"Yes. Thank you Rock. Also I guess I'll release him now because to be honest? He's really creepy."

-He is-

>>41742534
I wonder how she'd release him. Also Hiss you reap what you sew.