You've had a hell of a trip so far, you think to yourself as the king's entourage approaches Heim's capital, the city known as Elza Oasis.

Undead warriors, the return of your missing mentor, more near-death experiences than most would care to have. On another note, it is hot as hell. You've already thought this thought many times before on your trip through the seas of sand, but you just can't wait to be through with Heim and back to better footing for better fighting.

Quidel is in the midst of giving prince Garrus and princess Salia one hell of a talking-to/brush-up on the workings of Elza Oasis, the city's magical barrier preventing uninvited interlopers from raiding the place (always a nice thing to have when your nations deserts are filled with flying bandits), how both magic-users and mercenaries all the world over make themselves at home wandering the deserts.

Mimon, apparently having been listening all along, responds to this, "wind magic has a way of clipping wings like no other, so with my speed and skillset, I'm quite the hot commodity. I could probably retire in luxury right when we returned if I wanted to."

>A. Then why don't you?
>B. Ignore him
>C. Ask more about the vulture-bandits
>D. Write-in

>>41754957
>A. Then why don't you?
>C. Ask more about the vulture-bandits

>>41755013
Speaking up for the first time since Quidel started his enthused infodump, you ask Mimon, "then why don't you?"

Mimon pauses, shrugs, and shakes his head, one hand on his hip. "I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I wasn't slinging spells and living legends. Besides, even if I were able to retire in luxury here in Elza Oasis, I wouldn't also be able to provide the deserved life for my mother, for my younger sister." He runs his fingers through his curly black locks, creating a small gust of wind for showiness' sake. "So in short," he continues, "fighting for my loved ones is about all there is to my life."

You blink. You feel... almost as though you can relate. You don't press any further, instead turning to ask Quidel about the Vautou.

"Worse than the Garou, so I've heard. It's not even an exaggeration to say that every single vulture-man born is destined to roam the desert, robbing people blind. Their headquarters are apparently somewhere deep in the desert."

"Nearly there, everyone! Look alive, since I doubt anyone will be lowering the barrier for someone deceased-looking given recent events!" Drasma shouts down from atop Khozen, pointing his scepter towards the city growing ever-closer.

>A. Talk to Mimon more
>B. Ask for more details
>C. Talk to someone else (specify)

>>41755347
>C. Talk to someone else
Gorman, Ask him if he knew Tabat attacked Osrin.

>>41755376
You go and find Gorman.

"What is it, Ellen?"

"I just... wasn't entirely clear on if you knew or not, so... When the Johalva Bandits attacked Orsin for the last time, did you know their leader was..."

"Tabat, yes, I know." He closes his eyes and sighs, "to think he was so weak-willed, and by all reports so... so enthusiastic. It takes even stronger a person than I thought he was to avoid losing your soul. I... suspect that he only started down the path of banditry because of Vale's kidnapping, but that excuses nothing. If I were to see him miraculously alive at this point, I would probably remedy that."

>A. Tell him you personally finished him off
>B. Ask if he thinks Simia has anything to do with this
>C. Talk about something else (specify)
(you're probably only going to have time for him to answer one thing before you make it to Elza's barrier)

>>41755628
>A. Tell him you personally finished him off
>His men killed Lambert, I don't expect you to forgive me but you know why i did it now.

>>41755672
"Another thing related to that... Very shortly after, when we were raiding Dagdar Outpost, I was right up there helping lead the first assault. Ultimately, we fought, and I was... I personally killed Tabat, delivered the final blow by prince Garrus' side. He'd ordered the death of Lambert, but in the end I couldn't even scratch the person who actually did the deed. Knowing how much I hate that person for killing Lambert, I... I don't imagine you'll forgive me for being the one to-"

Gorman grunts, "Ellen. I said I would have done the same thing to Tabat myself in your shoes, had I been there. By all reports, he was past redemption in such a short time. I have many criticisms of how you've carried yourself in battle, but in that case you never even knew the man like I did."

You see several mages approach the royal family, Well, Yvette is doing most of the speaking. Elza Oasis now literally right in front of your lot.

>A. Thank Gorman for understanding
>B. Go listen to what's going on
>C. Talk to someone else (specify)
>D. Write-in?

>>41755937
>A. Thank Gorman for understanding
>B. Go listen to what's going on

>>41755973
You plainly thank your mentor for his understanding the situation and head off to watch this unfolding conversation.

"And I'm telling you, I need to see this correspondence if I'm going to believe a claim like that," a wiry-looking, brown-red haired bespectacled man in dark robes says impatiently and skeptically. Drasma is rifling through a bag somewhat frantically.

"Your majesty, please tell me you didn't lose General Corneria's letter," Yvette says.

The other frontmost mage, a brighter-robed woman with lighter hair, faces him. "Er, Yancy, it's... quite obviously them. Silver wyverns are hardly comm-"

"We can't bend the rules without some sign that they're cool, not with all these recent raid attempts, Maria."

"I know, but..."

Katina, accompanied by her escorts and, surprisingly enough, Biff of all people, approaches the mages at the edge of the barrier.

"They're telling the truth, Yams! I swear."

Logan nods, adding, "do you require proof that we are who we are, too? I mean, I could summon a Bael..."

Yancy shakes his head, "er, no, no, your... existence will suffice. Let them through."

As simple as that, the crowd of mages behind them does something, and you are all able to phase through the supposed magical barrier with barely a notice.

Biff stays back to chat with Yancy, apparently heavily familiar with the fellow wiry pseudo-redhead. He calls over Byron and Natalie from the entourage.

>A. Leave them be and look around town
>B. Stick with the main group
>C. Go over there and see what's going on
>D. Write-in

>>41756392
>C. Go over there and see what's going on

>>41756392
>>C. Go over there and see what's going on

>>41756439
"So, you're doing... the same as ever I see!" Biff says to Yancy.

"And you've found yourself a nicer girl than that, uh... Whatever her name was, I see. You still seem to be doing the same things as usual, though, drifting from group to group with your sword, your horse, and your Byron."

"No, no, brother, we've actually been knights for a relatively impressive amount of time now. It's... nice, I suppose."

Noticing you and Nat's lack of any real clue what's going on, Byron tells you both, "did we forget to mention? There was this whole 'finding Biff's long-lost older brother' thing we did after leaving that one mercenary group in Noba."

"Oh, that's. Good to hear," Nat says.

"They're... on slightly awkward terms, despite Biff's best efforts to make up for lost time whenever he does rarely visit Heim."

>A. Say something (write-in)
>B. Listen in on the conversation silently
>C. Just head into town
>D. Just catch up with the royal party

>>41756760
>B. Listen in on the conversation silently

>>41756760
>B. Listen in on the conversation silently

There's a lot of quests going on so that's probably why not many participated in this quest. Don't let that get you down though.

>>41756773
>>41756791
"So how have things fared you in Heim, brother?"

"It's... It's been frustrating lately. As you noticed, we've been on high alert for unfamiliar parties ever since whatever sent Bolse away, and now people are getting antsy since it's been awhile since that Noban Duke's son went off on that 'redemption quest' to find him with all of his buddies."

"Oh, how is Miles?"

"...like I just said, no one knows. His fiancee and their pals still haven't come back."

"Well, he should be able to return home soon enough, since we've information aplenty that could lead to dear little Bolse's return!"

"Then keep up with your pals, let 'em hear about it. I'll still be here when you get back."

Biff nods, and the four of you head away.

>A. Ask a bit about Noba. This is the second time you've heard it brought up in relation to Biff and Byron's background information
>B. Speak to Byron about other things
>C. Speak to Biff about other things
>D. Speak to Nat about other things
>E. Write-in?

>>41757155
>A. Ask a bit about Noba. This is the second time you've heard it brought up in relation to Biff and Byron's background information
>(Jokingly)I would not be surprised if she's a deadlord as well considering how many of them are related to people in our group.

>>41757155
>A. Ask a bit about Noba. This is the second time you've heard it brought up in relation to Biff and Byron's background information

>>41757194
Who's the "she" you refer to?

Also, the only thing Ellen currently knows about the Deadlords' identities is that Gorman claims that one of them looks an awful lot like Tabat's deceased daughter.

>>41757259
Noba, We also know Bolse is one and that one guy related to the king.

>>41757285
Noba is a country.

>>41757309
OH, Thought she was the one pirate that that Byron dated, Or was it Biff?

>>41757339
Biff dated a pirate girl named Laurina.

>>41757357
Kay just ignore the writein then and just go with the questions.

>>41757194
>>41757201
>>41757194
>>41757201
Nat is the first to speak up again, with a "well, he seems." She doesn't finish this with an adjective of any sort to describe Yancy, but Byron nods in agreement anyway.

You're the next to speak up, asking the cavaliers, "never actually been to Noba. What's it like?"

Byron answers you, "it depends on where you are. You see, the place is divided into three-well, two, now-duchies, which... aren't always the most cooperative with each other. Phile and Fathom are the ones that still currently exist."

You brace yourself for another infodump.

"Phile is... not the best place to be a commoner, anyway. That's where the mercenaries we'd worked with hailed from, with a couple exceptions. It's a very large territory, and their Duke was... never really suited for ruling. Minor nobles really call their own individual shots. This... only got worse after his son died, as I mentioned awhile back. Fathom, on the other hand, runs significantly smoother, its people generally much more satisfied with their Duke. I've met him, though, and he is really an awful man. Disowned and exiled his son for an affair with a servant, and has plenty of laws in place that leave anyone not from Noba... existing as stepping-stools for Fathomites' quality of life. Biff and I had enough of that place and left the country with Duke Fathom's son after the demise of the son of Duke Phile."

"A nice enough place to visit, but you wouldn't like settling there," Biff concludes in Byron's place.

>A. What about the third place you mentioned?
>B. Okay, let's talk about something else
>C. Remain silent

>>41757644
>A. What about the third place you mentioned?

>>41757644
>A. What about the third place you mentioned?

>>41757644
>>A. What about the third place you mentioned?

>>41757705
>>41757727
>>41757731
"And that third-er, former third place?"

Biff waxes poetic, "ah, the tragedy of Malva... It still brings a tear to my eye to have played a part in its climax..."

"Malva was the third main duchy of Noba, and its duchess was new, inexperienced, pushed into the position by her parents' deaths, made a lot of mistakes and destroyed her nation's morale out of fear of Dain," Byron says more informatively. "since hers was the closest Duchy to Dain and the smallest of the three. Dain's empire quickly took the place over upon her ascension, so she started a rebellion... and it was crushed. The last anyone had ever heard, she'd been thrown in some prison after a last stand in some pirate-infested docks against a band of no-name mercenaries."

"We were there. It was super pirate-infested. She'd even resorted to hiring them, she was so desperate by then!" Biff continues.

"Apparently Duke Phile's son harbored something for her, since the noble fool took some of his best knights to mount some sort of gung ho rescue campaign. It was... quietly not acknowledged by either Duke." Byron closes his eyes, as though he feels some level of guilt or responsibility for this.

>A. Remain silent
>B. Ask if those "no-name mercenaries" were the group they traveled with
>C. Change the subject! (specify)

>>41758075
>A. Remain silent

>>41758075
>A. Remain silent

>>41758110
>>41758187
The rest of the walk towards Heim's Tower of Longevity, its capital building and the apparent source of the town's barrier, is silent, everyone simply taking in the sounds of the town.

Despite this somber closing note, you and Nat both feel closer to Biff and Byron, having had them reveal the personal effects of their pasts so readily instead of simply summarizing like before.

When you arrive, you learn from some secretary that it's been requested that all members of the Neir royalty's entourage sit in on the meeting with Mage General Corneria, directing you to some sort of circle on the ground that sends you to a large, round room.

She looks to be in about her thirties, just somewhat younger than maybe a mother of two young teenagers ought to be, proving with her long locks where Bolse and Katina get it. She is standing on some sort of podium, everyone else just sort of standing around, but some ball of light magic flies and multiplies around the room, amplifying the voices of those that deliberately speak into it so the whole room hears their words.

"So we capture this Simia, get her to say what she knows, and in the process deal a crippling blow to your nation's bandit problem, General! It wouldn't be hard."

In a stern, aged-beyond-her-years tone not unlike Yvette's, Corneria replies, "how can you be certain that would be wise?"

>A. Say something (write-in)
>B. Listen, try to get caught up

>>41758579
>B. Listen, try to get caught up

>>41758637
Quidel starts, "with all due respect, how could it not be? A full-fledged assault could surely potentially-"

"This isn't Tavros Plains, Quidel. Bandits are vital to certain demographics' ways of living in Heim," Mimon responds, "it's how mercenaries like myself make money, live, avoid starving. Without that prominence, one of the more popular jobs in the country decreases in demand. If anything, some of my kind might turn to illegal means themselves just to get by, creating a cycle..."

"Is that some kind of threat, moneybags?! Just go retire to the archipelago!" Robert cries out, and a lot of cacophonous murmuring begins about what the best course of action will be. Only a few things can be made out with much ease.

Corneria said something along the lines of, "if we don't run in axes first, we could even strike some sort of deal between this new leader of the Vautou. She clearly doesn't want to be controlled, from your description."

"Sh-should we really just default to cutting everything down?"

"You've heard it yourself from Quidel's mouth! The vultures are villains through and through!"

"He said that about my people too! Am I a monster too, huh big guy?!"

"Hey, Jay ain't the one who said that, Fido!"

"We will not negotiate with bandits!"

"This is the option least likely to get anyone butchered!"

"More fighting... I can't stand all this..."

"Consider my services terminated if we're to raid the Vautou."

"M-Mimon, I've never seen you so steamed."

"It's... a stressful situation for him, Lady Katina. It'll pass, though."

The voices sort of meld together in your head because of the overload, but Garrus in particular whispers to you, "wh-what should I say? I just want everyone to stop yelling, but I don't know what to say!"

>A. Your father is right. We shouldn't negotiate with Simia or give these bandits power
>B. General Corneria and Mimon are right. There's too much danger involved.
>C. Write-in?
>D. How should I know?!

>>41759120
>>A. Your father is right. We shouldn't negotiate with Simia or give these bandits power

>>41759120
>B. General Corneria and Mimon are right. There's too much danger involved.
Didn't we just hear a story about a heroic idiot dying?

>>41759120
>Honestly i believe everyone is being idiotic.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>41759245
>>41759283
And either way I'll throw something in about >>41759297

>>41759382
Normally, you would agree with the hot-blooded king in an instant and encourage Garrus as such, but... You suppose Byron and Biff's story was well-timed, especially on the heels of nearly getting gutted days ago.

"Honestly, everyone is being really immature right now, but... I think the Mage General's got a point here. Plus, Simia could easily handle both me and Gorman in a fight, so she could mince someone swinging an axe around. As your personal guard and your friend, I need to suggest that we consider... her and Mimon's points."

Garrus nods, clearing his throat and raising his voice, "w-would all of you QUIET DOWN?!"

The sound of a shouting Garrus is enough to surprise the people present into silence.

"Er, sorry about that..." He looks down sheepishly, before steeling himself. "Dad, Quidel, I... think we really should give their points a consideration. These Deadlords, they're... you've missed all the fights with them, but they're not pleasant. S-so, I think we should, uh... yeah..."

Salia nods in agreement from a corner she'd been hiding from the noise in, and King Drasma says, "I... Suppose we should consider your points. Also, since this open debate has proven to be a... disaster, perhaps we might want to discuss the terms we plan to offer more... privately. Quietly."

Corneria nods, sending everyone besides herself, the royal family, their top retainers (so Yvette and Monica), Logan, and Mimon back through the warp pad. Yes, this includes you.

>A. Speak to someone (specify)
>B. Head into town
>C. Hang around the tower

>>41759656
>B. Head into town
Maybe see if we can buy some better equipment?

>>41759656
>>A. Speak to someone (specify)
Garrus

"Good job in getting them all to stop bickering."

File: Anna-FE4.gif (1 KB, 48x64)

1 KB GIF

>>41759887
Garrus is still in the meeting room.

>>41759901
Whoop, forgot to deselect an image for an event I'd had in mind. Whatever, no problem. Just enjoy these moments of anticipation.

File: Anna-FE3.gif (993 B, 48x64)

993 B GIF

>>41759691
You decide to head out into town, looking around Elza Oasis. It's a lush, beautiful environment kept much less punishingly hot than the rest of the desert (Quidel says it's an effect of the magical barrier, weather regulation). All sorts of armories and magic shops and vendors in general line the streets.

As you walk past one vendor, you are approached by the redheaded woman running it, looking highly familiar. Another Anna, you presume.

"Well, don't you just look like a swordswoman with more luck and bravery than she knows what to do with? Well, have I got something perfect for a soul like you at an amazing discount!"

>A. You're listening
>B. Not terribly interested
>C. Just humor her
>D. Why are you talking to me

File: gasp oh yeah.png (183 KB, 317x621)

183 KB PNG

>>41760005
>>A. You're listening

>>41760005
>A. You're listening
>C. Just humor her

File: Devil_Sword_(Artwork).png (147 KB, 394x1002)

147 KB PNG

>>41760031
>>41760071
"Uh, sure. Show me the sword, I guess."

Directing you towards her stall, the redheaded merchant opens up a case. Inside the case is the pictured sword.

"It's called the Devil Sword, and it has a very, very bloody backstory! It's said that the sword was forged from the remains of a Dark Dragon, and as a result it's one of the most powerful swords in existence. However, it's also cursed, and people who have come to own one have reported that, if luck is not on their side, the blade has phased through their opponents without harming them, instead cutting them open! Of course, it's said that the goddesses of luck favor an adventurous spender... But still, this inexplicable, daredevil's-choice weapon can be yours for only 850 gold!"

As you gaze at the sword, you feel... uneasy, slightly overwhelmed. Something about this tells you that it's everything this Anna says it is.

"Most armorers won't even stock these, because they don't believe that their customers are bold like you!"

You have about 1400 gold on you currently.

>A. You'll take it
>B. Try to haggle the price lower
>C. Refuse to get it
>D. Write-in

>>41760349
>>B. Try to haggle the price lower
600

>>41760399
Agreed.

>>41760399
>"Of course, it's said that the goddesses of luck favor an adventurous spender..."
think this is her way of saying "the gods of luck will shit on you if you don't just buy it"
>A. You'll take it

>>41760399
Second.

>>41760439
Changing my vote to this now. >>41760441

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>41760441
>>41760502
>>41760399
>>41760458
Fittingly for luck gods.

>>41760399
>>41760458
"If it's really that dangerous, I don't feel comfortable spending too much on it. How's 600?"

The Anna pouts, putting her finger to her lips. "It's already significantly marked down from its estimated value. I've heard of it being sold for as much as 1900 gold, and that's not in as pristine condition as this one! It's a personal policy of mine not to haggle, especially when I have such great sales! Remember, 'adventurous spender~!'"
>A. You'll take it
>B. Insist on a lower price
>C. Why do you even have this?!
>D. Refuse

>>41760632
>B. Insist on a lower price
How many people are in the cursed sword market anyway?

>>41760632
>B. Insist on a lower price
And exactly who would be willing to buy a cursed sword?

>>41760632
>>A. You'll take it

>>41760632
>A. You'll take it
"I don't have the patience for this, just gimme the damned sword!"

File: swordforsale.png (190 KB, 500x555)

190 KB PNG

>>41760654
>A. You'll take it

>>41760632
>A. You'll take it

>>41760673
>>41760674
>>41760695
Seriously? Why the fuck!?

>>41760713
Anna's too cute to haggle with.

>>41760713
Trying to haggle with somebody who just said they don't haggle is stupid and likely to leave us without the sword.

File: morethanmoney.jpg (69 KB, 400x240)

69 KB JPG

>>41760673
>>41760674
>>41760695
>>41760702
You sigh and agree to pay for the sword at the price she'd set.

"Paying for something so dangerous at a price you're uncertain of... You really are quite the adventurous spender, miss..."

"Ellen."

"Ellen! Pleasure to make your professional acquaintance!" The Anna hands you the sword's case, before adding, "also, I don't know if it's relevant to you at all, or even if it's worth note, but I suggest you exercise caution if you have any preexisting untreated curses or hexes, especially luck-based ones. Ask your healer to be nearby if Devil Swords are right for you!"

"Uh... Thanks... I'm not sure if it's relevant to me, but..."

You now have about 550 gold.

>A. Look for somebody (specify)
>B. Run into somebody random
>C. Explore town some more
>D. See what else this shopkeeper has
>E. Write-in?

>>41760928
>B. Run into somebody random
Just pick the first guy you see on the street.

>>41760928
>B. Run into somebody random

>>41760963
>Implying Ellen is a slut like that
FOR SHAME ANON!

>>41760957
Changing my vote here to
>See if we can;t find a place to workout.
GOTTA GET STRONK! NEED DAT HP!

>>41760928
>>D. See what else this shopkeeper has

>>41761015
Second

>>41760963
>>41760981
Funnily enough, the person who was randomly selected could also very well be found with
>>41761015
>>41761081

>>41761138
Let's do that then i guess?

>>41761138
Just don't inflate the cast anymore please.

>>41761179
The "somebody random" referred to someone random from the established and talk-available characters.

>>41761202
Okay, Good.

File: Knight.gif (2 KB, 80x68)

2 KB GIF

>>41761138
This town is mages mostly, but also has several sellswords. You've seen men and women of similarly muscular shape to Gorman around, and apparently this place is a bit of a hub for mercenaries, so there must be someplace where you can get a good workout in right away, like a... well, you don't know that "gym" is the word for it, but you know that it's a thing that exists, and in your pursuit of a place that looks about right, you run into Reese of all people.

"Ah, Ellen! Tell me, you wouldn't happen to know of a place around here where I can work out without getting sand all over the place, or hearing things like 'you can't work out here' and 'sir, this is a library!' I don't want to get out of shape in this magic town."

"Funny enough, I was. Actually looking for the same thing."

"Would you be opposed to searching together, then?"

>A. Yes, yes you would
>B. No problem
>C. Write-in?

>>41760928
>D. See what else this shopkeeper has

Lord knows we could use something more than a sword that is as likely to fuck us as it is our opponents and a shitty iron one.

>>41761309
>B. No problem

>>41761309
>>B. No problem

Reese needs more character development. Let's try to talk him up about why he cleaned up.

>>41761309
>B. No problem
>Hit on me and you'll find out what a three finger punch feels like, Understand?

>>41761309
>B. No problem

>>41761331
>>41761339
>>41761376
>>41761399
"Er, no problem."

Reese grins, "with our heads put together, we'll find someplace in no time!"

You quickly give him a more serious look, though, "but if you try anything, or say something out of line, I'll show you how a three-fingered punch feels. Understand?"

"Understand, understand!" Reese says, nodding. His grin becomes slightly more sheepish, but his tone doesn't change.

At first, both of you are silent as you wander Elza Oasis, neither of you thinking to actually ask anyone you see around for directions to your mutual prospective location.

>A. Just keep silently searching
>B. Say something to Reese (specify)
>C. Actually ask someone for help
>D. Write-in?

>>41761510
>B. Say something to Reese
So why the change in attitude so suddenly? Seems like you're actually working towards something,

>>41761510
>B. Say something to Reese (specify)
this >>41761533
and also C.

>>41761533
>>41761548
Breaking the silence, you finally ask, "so why the sudden change in attitude since we got to Rakche? It feels like you actually have something in mind you want to achieve now, but... what?"

"It's more of a 'since the dracozombies' thing. Getting thrown off of an incomplete undead monstrosity's back and flying through the air sort of... put things in perspective, I suppose. It showed me what death could easily be, and I thought, 'I don't want to die like that.'"

You nod. That sounds about right. "Entirely self-motivated, then?"

"Hey, I've always had a heart! It's my liver you should be lambasting right now. Or... maybe praising?" He looks around. "Also, where are we?"

"Fine, I'll bite. I'll go ask someone if they know about what we're looking for."

And so you do, asking the first fellow to pass by looking like a mercenary if there's anywhere someone can go to work out and train without getting sand in unpleasant places.

"There's a gym right North of the Tower of Longevity, if that's what you meant. They have permanent memberships, monthly subscriptions, and hourly rates available."

"It... probably is? Sorry, bit of a hick."

"It's a... place where you work out."

"Ah! Perfect, thanks!'

"No problem..?" The passerby walks off.

"Excellent work, Ellen!" Reese congratulates you, "now here's hoping they're actually open because my gods it is getting dark!"

And so you two begin your trek back towards the Tower you just left.

>A. Discuss workouts
>B. Discuss knighthood
>C. Discuss the whole Deadlords thing
>D. Write-in
>E. Remain silent

>>41761868
>B. Discuss knighthood

>>41761868
>A. Discuss workouts
Don't really think knighthood is something Ellen is interested in, Too many rules.
Also when you ending Octo?

>>41761911
It's usually somewhere around 1:30-2 EST.

>>41761931
So how long til then? Just wondering since i can't into timezones very well.

>>41761868
>>A. Discuss workouts
>>B. Discuss knighthood
>>41761951
Like an hour.

>>41761951
Approximately an hour. I do end earlier or later than that timeframe if the most appropriate stopping point demands it, though.

>>41761868
>A. Discuss workouts

>>41761907
>>41761911
>>41761973
>>41762008
"So what do you usually focus on when you're working out?" You ask, continuing to try to make conversation.

Reese responds, "for the most part, lifting things. Building up my strength is key to lugging around so much armor, and I did a lot of heavy lifting as a farmhand anyway."

You don't really have anything that you focus on in particular, part of Gorman's whole "physically balanced" thing, and you say as such to continue the conversation, but it doesn't really go anywhere.

So instead you bring up another topic.

"It's still just... I'm not quite used to the idea of being a knight. I mean, I felt like I had way more potential when it happened, but the hype's just sort of died down. Know what I mean?"

"Not at all, honestly. I still fined myself amazed that I've come so far in so little time, and I've felt better about myself and just... taken care of myself more ever since! It just feels empowering to have a position of real responsibility."

"I don't know how much of a leader I could be," you respond, "but I'm fine with just taking orders from the prince all my life if it comes to that."

Reese frowns. "Ellen, Ellen, you should at least have something in your life to aspire to. You'll get lethargic and slip into a rut otherwise."

>A. You're fine with that
>B. What else even is there
>C. You're not having this conversation with him
>D. Write-in?

>>41762179
>B. What else even is there

>>41762179
>>B. What else even is there
"Maybe I should start focusing on something, too."

>>41762179
>B. What else even is there
>So help me if you say start a family with someone i will stab you.

>>41762179
>>41762244
I'm voting against this particular anon's dialog suggestion, as I just feel that it's not really something Ellen would actually say.

>>41762254
Agreed.

>>41762179
>B. What else even is there?
>>41762254
>>41762272
...Is it Support time?

>>41762315
Reese for hasubando 2015

But no, I'm definitely down for supporting with him, and I think Ellen is too, now that he's actually not a layabout drunk and has an actual aim in life.

>>41762368
I strongly desire Ellen x Reese ending

>>41762368
>>41762375
Meh i don't think we know him enough for that tbh, Nor do we even know much about him OOC either.

>>41762315
>>41762230
>>41762231
"What else even is there for me? Seriously, there is nothing but fighting I'm good at, Reese."

"Well, uh..." After a moment, he figures out what he seems to think is a good answer in being a non-answer, "I can't answer that for you. Maybe there isn't anything more for your life's goals, but don't just be resigned to that without really thinking about it."

"I... guess. Maybe I should start trying to focus on something, thinking out my priorities one more time..."

Reese nods in approval.

You eventually reach the gym, only to find that you took so long wandering town searching for it that the place is locked up, closed for the night. You and Reese manage to laugh this off and return to the tower, where sleeping arrangements have been prepared for all of General Corneria's guests. Stepping onto separate warp pads, you bid someone goodnight. For the first time, you feel like you've actually STOPPED disliking someone. You're not sure what to think of Reese now, but he's pretty clearly better than he once was.

That night, while laying in a magically-comfortable bed, you find yourself thinking about your future. What do you want out of life?

>A. You don't know
>B. You... still don't see much besides fighting
>C. There is something... (write-in)
>D. You're too tired for this shit right now

>>41762469
>C. There is something... (write-in)
People don't fight for the sake of fighting... They fight so that they can protect what they value.
I want to find out what I value the most.

>>41762469
>>D. You're too tired for this shit right now
>>41762496
This.

>>41762469
>A. You don't know
>B. You... still don't see much besides fighting
To soon too say.

>>41762496
Good enough with me. But... we lack what we value to protect--well besides protecting the prince that is.

>>41762635
The whole point is figuring out what we're fighting for.
>The prince
We could value him.
HEH

>>41762656
pls no

>>41762656
>We could value him.
We already do anon, He's a good friend!

>>41762687
And he is a good friend!

>>41762496
>>41762624
>>41762635
Most people don't just fight for its own sake... They have reasons. Money, fame, maybe they have something to prove...

You believe that you fight to protect what you value, both back when you were a guard and now that you're a knight. A protector.

But what is it you try to fight, that you keep on living, to protect? What one thing might it be the most?

You feel too tired for this shit, but you also feel like you're in too deep now.

>A. My home
>B. My prince
>C. My friends
>D. That person
(just for clarification, option D is related to something she'd discussed with Cheryl two threads ago)
>E. My pride?
>F. Write-in
>G. I can think about this later

>>41762744
>>G. I can think about this later
Character development deserves time.

File: fight for friends get rip.jpg (14 KB, 253x199)

14 KB JPG

>>41762744
>>C. My friends

>>41762744
>G. I can think about this later

>>41762744
because putting off their own emotional baggage for later because being introspective is hard is what ellens do best!

>>41762839
whoop, meant to put in
>G. I can think about this later

>>41762839
Exactly!

>>41762744
>>A. My home
>C. My friends
>E. My pride?

Ellen an ACE.

Anyways sadly can't stick around for the ending, Seeya!

>>41762744
>E. My pride?

>>41762911
>>41762780
anons picking just one is lame. we can totally have more than one reason to fight.

>>41762776
>>41762838
>>41762860
Gh, you don't like to think too hard about yourself, because then you have to start making decisions. Start defining yourself.

And right now, you're tired, and want to put this off for later.

You quietly ignore the fact that this is far from the first time you've told yourself exactly this.

This bed is too soft.

>To be continued next thread

Thanks for playing as always, guys. Remember that you can follow on twitter @qmgrandflocto and send us questions anytime at http://ask.fm/qmgrandflocto

I'll also be around for awhile to talk about shit, long as there are people with questions

>>41762942
Thank you for running!

>>41762956
Always a pleasure. It's almost already been a month now, too.

>>41762985
Could you approximate our skill ranks with swords at this point?

Also, I'm totes calling that we C-ranked with Reese.

>>41763053
C-Rank with Reese, B-Rank with blades, I would say. Since you had enough rank to use Iron Swords very early on, I assume you started at D.

>>41763088
>C-Rank with Reese
are you trying to imply something? :3

>>41763146
It's not hard to get a C-Rank with a character. All that's being said is "Ellen thinks Reese is no longer a scumbag, but instead an alright enough guy."

>>41763183
You misinterpret my implied inference. The real question was about what we were proficient in handling -- and I fear we may be learning a certain type of lance in addition to our usual swordplay.

>>41763183
How's our Byron support?

>>41763183
>>41763234 is implying there's a romantic context to this, if it wasn't obvious.

>>41763244
At this point you're probably somewhere around A-Rank with Byron, B with Biff and Natalie (closer to C with Biff, closer to A with Nat), purely from how much Ellen hangs out with them.

Obviously, there's more to be learned about characters in this setting than just via support grinding, so it's not like you're barred from finding out any more about Byron unless he marries you or something, for example.

>>41763264
I caught that and was saying that, on Ellen's end, I didn't currently deliberately write things as romantic. It is possible to pursue him as a romantic interest, but at the moment Ellen probably ain't feeling it.

Part 14 did confirm feelings on Reese's end, though.

>>41763297
it was a joke about handling his dick well

>>41763339
And I was pretending not to notice.