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>>42200740

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The day after you return, things already feel like business as usual. Yvette is continuing to personally train Zoe and Nat, the latter now actually being involved in her main regimen now that she's learning to use axes as a war cleric. You still come along, though Yvette actually has you helping show Nat what you've learned.

"A functional axe will be much heavier than that, Natalie!" Yvette shouts as she's slow on the swing of a practice axe. She's also not exactly used to wearing armor, and it's pretty much effortless on your end to dodge it.

Now comes the time for you to counterrattack with your own practice weapon.

>A. You're going easy on Nat for the time being. She's still not the strongest of girls, and won't learn much if you seriously hurt her.
>B. While you're not going all-out, you are taking this as seriously as previous spars, strength difference be damned
>C. You treat training like you treat combat. Sink or swim, Natalie.
>D. Write-in action/dialogue

>>42201018
>A. You're going easy on Nat for the time being. She's still not the strongest of girls, and won't learn much if you seriously hurt her.

>>42201018
>>A. You're going easy on Nat for the time being. She's still not the strongest of girls, and won't learn much if you seriously hurt her.

>>42201018
>B. While you're not going all-out, you are taking this as seriously as previous spars, strength difference be damned

>>42201018
>B. While you're not going all-out, you are taking this as seriously as previous spars, strength difference be damned
Quite frankly everyone is probably going to be stronger physically, so she needs to get used to it

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>42201098
>>42201150
>>42201175
>>42201192
Another day, another dice roll.

>>42201217
You're certainly not going easy on her, but you aren't forgetting what this is: training. You don't put your fullest of force into your every move, and coupled with the lack of devastating power in the practice axes, hitting Nat... looks like it'll sting a lot for awhile, and she drops her weapon, clutching herself where she was hit. She's sweating a lot, even if her expression isn't changing much.

Looking over while parrying a flurry of sword-strikes from Zoe (apparently she's begun to learn. You haven't talked more since last night, at least not yet), Yvette says, "especially you're hurt, dropping your weapon in battle is a death sentence. Get it back, and Ellen, don't let up on her when she does."

Nat quietly says, "yes, ma'am," and tries to scurry towards her weapon. You forget often how light on her feet she has the potential to be.

>A. Attack her again
>B. Try to get between her and the axe
>C. Put in a token effort, but ultimately let her get to it first
>D. Write-in

>>42201394
>B. Try to get between her and the axe

>>42201394
>B. Try to get between her and the axe

>>42201394
>C. Put in a token effort, but ultimately let her get to it first

>>42201394
>>C. Put in a token effort, but ultimately let her get to it first

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>42201437
>>42201447
>>42201459
>>42201578
I had to run out really quick (took a bit longer than expected, didn't even think I'd need to say anything), but I'm back now/will be working on the post immediately.

>>42201802
You decide to follow her lead by running for the axe, only to discover something in the process: Nat is actually faster than you. Sure, she's weighed down much more easily, but otherwise...

Noticing your reaction to her reaching the axe first, she says two words plainly, "I run," before trying to take another swing at you.

>A. Counterattack!
>B. Dodge!
>C. Block!
>D. Tank it. How bad can she be?
>E. Write-in

>>42201864
>D. Tank it. How bad can she be?

>>42201864
>>C. Block!

>>42201864
>B. Dodge!

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>42202025
>>42201989
>>42201892
Three for three on dice.

>>42202112
You lift up your own axe to block the blow, and even then you feel it a decent deal, reverberating from the weapon to your body.

You wince slightly and push back, breaking away and readying your axe. Nat does the same.

You hear Yvette saying, "keep going until the next time one of you loses your axe this time." You hear the sound of someone's (presumably Zoe's) blade being struck and knocked to the ground.

>A. Attack her first
>B. Wait for Nat to come to you
>C. Look towards the other fight
>D. Write-in

>>42202205
>C. Look towards the other fight

>>42202205
>>A. Attack her first

>>42202205
>B.

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>42202242
>>42202321
>>42202227
And again!

>>42202434
Wooooo!

>>42202434
You're not as fast as she is, but you're certainly more experienced, letting her come towards you swinging as you prepare another strike on your own end...

As you just observed, you don't have any trouble disarming her with a single strike to the arm, and Nat falls to her knees, clutching her axe-arm as the weapon itself drops. She looks at the ground, defeated.

"You can't hold it like you do a staff or assume you can hit faster than a stationary , Natalie," Yvette chides, "Ellen, your practice axe. I will show her how it's done. You and Zoe are dismissed for now."

You hand your superior the weapon and back away a ways.

>A. Stick around and watch Nat's training.
>B. Head out on your own
>C. Talk to Zoe (specify topic)
>D. Write-in

>>42202628
>C. Talk to Zoe (specify topic)
Didja win your spar?
,

>>42202628
>B. Head out on your own

>>42202628
>>A. Stick around and watch Nat's training.

>>42202628
>>A. Stick around and watch Nat's training.
Cheer her on if she's doing on something right.

>>42202628
>B. Head out on your own

>>42202628
>B. Head out on your own

>>42202628
>>A. Stick around and watch Nat's training.

>>42202842
I count 7 users including myself on that bottom thing, so I'm just going to disregard this mysterious seventh post for something that wasn't winning and keep working on my post.

>>42202842
>7 replies and qm
>7 unique posters.
I see, I see.

>>42202781
>>42202755
>>42202670
You and Zoe leave together, but your interactions don't go much further in that particular moment. She asks, "I'll, uh... see you around?"

"Er, yeah..." You're still not quite sure what to make of what she told you last night, and haven't really taken time to think about it.

You begin to part ways. Where to now?

>A. Talk to Cheryl about this. Surely the self-professed love expert knew about this/would have some advice
>B. Find someplace to actually think things out
>C. Go and find prince Garrus. The only thing that should be on your mind is your duties
>D. Look for someone else (specify)
>E. Write-in

>>42203004
>A. Talk to Cheryl about this. Surely the self-professed love expert knew about this/would have some advice

>>42203004
>C. Go and find prince Garrus. The only thing that should be on your mind is your duties

>>42203004
>>C. Go and find prince Garrus. The only thing that should be on your mind is your duties

>>42203004
>>A. Talk to Cheryl about this. Surely the self-professed love expert knew about this/would have some advice

>>42203004
>>A. Talk to Cheryl about this. Surely the self-professed love expert knew about this/would have some advice

>>42203111
>>42203170
>>42203182
You ask around for Zoe's sister, learning from someone that Cheryl was out sending a letter to someone (you would at some point learn that she was telling Logan about her continuing with the regimen she'd put him on when they were traveling together).

Seeing you on the way out of a post office, she asks, "did Zoe already talk to you? There was something she really wanted to tell you, but I'm not really at liberty to reveal it before her!"

>A. Yeah, you know
>B. That's what you wanted to talk to her about
>C. Never mind, I won't bother you with this
>D. Write-in

>>42203398
>B. That's what you wanted to talk to her about

>>42203398
>>B. That's what you wanted to talk to her about

>>42203398
>B. That's what you wanted to talk to her about

>>42203398
>>B. That's what you wanted to talk to her about

>>42203398
>B. That's what you wanted to talk to her about

>>42203427
>>42203457
>>42203528
>>42203531
>>42203665
You nod. "That's... actually what I was hoping to see you about."

"Well, I have a bit of free time," Cheryl says, "so what say you we find ourselves someplace where people won't care enough to pay attention to what we're saying?"

Somehow, this results in Cheryl talking you into buying lunch, coincidentally at the place you would frequent with Zoe when you first got to Rakche.

"Alright, so, start from the part where she told you. How'd you take it?"

>A. I still don't quite know
>B. I may have screwed things up
>C. I tried to be polite about it
>D. Just matter-of-factly tell her what you said
>E. Write-in dialogue

>>42203710
>C. I tried to be polite about it

>>42203710
>C. I tried to be polite about it

>>42203710
>A. I still don't quite know
>D. Just matter-of-factly tell her what you said

>>42203710
>B. I may have screwed things up

>>42203710
>>B. I may have screwed things up

>>42203710
>>A. I still don't quite know
>>B. I may have screwed things up
Judging by how she doesn't want to talk to us anymore.

>>42203960
Shes just probably extremely nervous and a bit afraid

>>42203992
She also just came out of the closet. And no doubt believes that we think that she's weird now. Girls loving girls? That's forbidden!

>>42203800
Switching to B if its not too late.

>>42204118
It's only late if Octo sees it too late. Then it gets awkward.

>>42203960
>>42203849
>>42203825
>>42203800
You grimace slightly. "I'm... still not sure how to describe how I reacted. She doesn't seem to want to talk to me anymore, so I... probably screwed something up."

Cheryl frowns a little bit, saying, "well, that would just be way too tragic an ending if a miscommunication did that! Tell me what happened!"

You give your recount of your words, how you said you needed time to think, and then declined a ride back into the city. "She seemed to understand at the time, but she could've just been trying to be nice..."

"That's jumping to a lot of conclusions, though! I mean, she could just be giving you space until you figure things out."

>A. You suppose so
>B. You worry that that isn't the case
>C. Ask Cheryl to find out for you
>D. You'll handle things, however they play out, but you could use her advice anyway
>E. On second thought, you'd rather keep the rest of this dilemma from here between you and Zoe
>F. Write-in

>>42204118
>>42204169
I realized when I saw your post that it could actually mesh together pretty well with either B or C winning.

>>42204172
>>D. You'll handle things, however they play out, but you could use her advice anyway

>>42204172
>D. You'll handle things, however they play out, but you could use her advice anyway

>>42204172
>B. You worry that that isn't the case
>D. You'll handle things, however they play out, but you could use her advice anyway

>>42204172
>>D. You'll handle things, however they play out, but you could use her advice anyway

>>42204172
>D. You'll handle things, however they play out, but you could use her advice anyway

>>42204248
>>42204272
>>42204282
>>42204392
>>42204410
You shake your head at her suggestion, "I'm not sure I can be that optimistic about her reaction, but..."

Her voice breaks the tiniest bit as she says, "why can't anyone be optimistic about their bonds with my sister?"

"Sorry, sorry, I'm just really not good at this sort of thing. I know I'm going to need to resolve this myself in the end, but... What do you think I should do?"

"While I absolutely say you need to make it clear that you still care about her, I'll need to ask you to confide in me for anything more specific: do you know how you feel for my sister?"

>A. I've avoided thinking about the topic
>B. I'm not sure I can think of her like that
>C. I think I might feel the same
>D. I don't want to tell you that
>E. Write-in

>>42204630
>I dont think it love, but I fel something.
>I'm not opposed or anything, and im willing to give it a chance

>>42204630
>C. I think I might feel the same

>>42204630
>C. I think I might feel the same

>>42204630
>>A. I've avoided thinking about the topic
Remember what I said before? I don't want to hurt her if something happens to me.

>>42204630
>B. I'm not sure I can think of her like that

>>42204630
>A. I've avoided thinking about the topic
But
>C. I think I might feel the same

>>42204630

>A. I've avoided thinking about the topic
for the most part, but
>B. I'm not sure I can think of her like that

>>42204630
>C. I think I might feel the same

>>42204714
>>42204734
>>42204823
>>42204861
"I've... sort of avoided thinking about this sort of thing actively, but... I honestly think I'm seeing her in the same way."

Before you've even finished saying "way," Cheryl says with enthusiasm, "then you need to let her know! Find a way to tell her and then... Well, do that!"

"Even then, I'm... still not sure if it's the best idea. I'm not just the daredevil people say I am, I literally have no fear of my own death. If we were to get even closer, and then something was to happen to me, that would be worse than if I just died without her thinking I felt the same."

"That sounds like something our older sister would say. Look, there's no time like the present for trying to make things better, and while I can't say I know how you feel, I know I want what's best for my friends and family." There were a few breaking moments in there, particularly towards the end, but she says, "at the very least, make sure she knows you don't hate her for loving you."

>A. You'll do that
>B. Kindly ask Cheryl to stay out of the rest of this, thanking her for what she's done so far
>C. Ask Cheryl to take care of that for you
>D. Ask Cheryl to literally confess on your behalf
>E. Write-in?

>>42205198
>>A. You'll do that

>>42205198
>B. Kindly ask Cheryl to stay out of the rest of this, thanking her for what she's done so far

>>42205198
>A. You'll do that
Should we set up a meeting spot or hunt her down?

>>42205198
>>A. You'll do that

>>42205241
>>42205269
>>42205340
"Er, yeah, I'll do that. Thanks for all your help."

"No problem! Like I said, I love looking into this sort of thing!"

You finish your lunches and end up a few gold lighter, but you hardly mind.

Cheryl asks as you leave the tavern, "so should I set something up for you two, or did you wanna go look for her yourself, or-" A familiar discordant noise fills the air around you, and Cheryl asks, "what was that?"

Having a good suspicion, you see Bryce in the middle of town. Apparently, he's amassed a bit of a sizable crowd. "So now that you've all seen how it works, anyone have any requests? I can trick it out if I know the song."

"That would be Bryce."

"What's with his hair?"

>A. You don't know
>B. It's pretty lame
>C. It's pretty cool
>D. Write-in

And...

>E. Let's see how this plays out
>F. Let's just get going
>G. Write-in action

>>42205654
>>42205654
WAIT NO I MEANT F INSTEAD OF E FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
>>42205610

>>42205610
>>C. It's pretty cool

>>E. Let's see how this plays out

>>42205610
A
E

>>42205702
Er... You could delete your post and submit the version you meant, mate.

>>42205610
>A. You don't know
>F. Let's just get going

Keeping my previous point of looking for heavier armor.

>>42205743
>>42205802
Unless >>42205654/>>42205702 and >>42205866 aren't actually the same people and I'm horribly mistaken, it looks like >E won and so did thinking the pomp is kinda strange.

Just thought I'd outline my reasoning for the votes before making the post, since for some reason I can imagine it being confusing.

>>42205958
I'm the same person, yeah.

Let's get Bryce and Cheryl together. Fuck her and her "I don't love" policy.

>>42205958
"I'm... honestly not sure, but he certainly seems to think it's stylish. Anyway, let's see what he's up to."

Someone must've said the name of something, showing that Bryce's words weren't simply for show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUqX5BOX1U4&feature=youtu.be

You weren't aware that magic was able to do that, but regardless, the crowd seems reasonably impressed.

There's a bit of commotion as you spot Asra, apparently hauling someone out of the crowd, who is either too distracted, indifferent, or surprised to do anything.

"H-hey, what's that girl doing?!"

>A. That's another one of the Great Miles
>B. Why not find out
>C. Let her be
>D. Stay silent
>E. Write-in dialogue/action

>>42206147
>>A. That's another one of the Great Miles
>C. Let her be

"Let's go shopping."

>>42206147
>>A. That's another one of the Great Miles

>>42206147
>A. That's another one of the Great Miles
>B. Why not find out

And right around this hour, the post rate dies down to one or two people.

>>42206206 this is me
>>B. Why not find out
This is for the tie breaker. >B. Why not find out

Will prove with an image.

File: Untitled.png (17 KB, 545x415)

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>>42206445

>>42206413
>>42206461
Hoo boy. I'd sort of had a post ready just before seeing your amendment.

>>42206199
>>42206206
"Let her be. That's Asra, same group as Bryce."

"Ah. I wasn't familiar with her."

"She's sort of reclusive. Very nice girl, though."

Though you've only got a few hundred gold left to your name, you get the urge to ask Cheryl if she wants to keep hanging out, buy things together or something.

"I guess that sounds fun! Last time I had the chance to do that, Zoe and I got these really cool lances in Elza Oasis."

Last you see of Asra and Bryce, the latter is still entertaining the crowd as the former dragged the fellow she'd caught to some guards nearby.

As you wander the streets, looking for some sort of appealing place to drop some dough, you find a vaguely-familiar stall near an armory and that alleyway that you remember held the secret shop. You swear that wasn't ever there when you first were in Rakche.

"Something catch your eye, Ellen?"

>A. Approach the stall
>B. Ask Cheryl about it
>C. Nope, let's just get back
>D. Write-in
I can redo it as an A+B post/delete this update if it's a big deal.

>>42206591
>C. Nope, let's just get back

>>42206591
>>B. Ask Cheryl about it

>>42206591
>>B. Ask Cheryl about it

>>42206591
>A. Approach the stall

>>42206666
>>42206740
"Er, that stall... How long has that been there?"

"Oh, well, I haven't seen it, but apparently Riga goes there a lot!" Sounds like it's not known to the general public just who Eva really is. "Apparently an Anna runs it and is generally really mysterious, but she just got into town a little bit after us!"

You spy a familiar ex-drunkard-turned-knight, Reese, approach the stall.

>A. Go over there
>B. Nah, don't worry about it
>C. Ask if Cheryl wants to check it out
>D. Mention you think you've been to this exact stall in Elza
>E. Write-in

>>42206991
>A. Go over there

>>42206991
>>A. Go over there

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

1 KB GIF

>>42207011
>>42207062
"Alright, I know your family's a big deal and everything, but that makes none of your dealings any less shady. I'm gonna need a record of all your sources, ma'am. I know your family policy involves keeping books like this super well."

"And my policy is one of strict buyer-seller confidentiality! That being said, I think I have a piece of armor just begging to be sold that-"

"Are you trying to bribe a knight, miss?"

"Of course not. Just trying to stay in business!"

Cheryl looks at you a bit awkwardly.

>A. Intervene on Anna's behalf
>B. Step in, supporting Reese
>C. Let's keep watching this play out.
>D. Let's just go
>E. Write-in

>>42207336
>B. Step in, supporting Reese

>>42207336
>>B. Step in, supporting Reese
"...But if that armor's still up for grabs, I'll take it. Assuming I can afford it."

>>42207336
>>E. Write-in
"You know what I found in the library of Aum dungeon? A secret shop. A secret shop in an underground dungeon. I still can't believe it and I was there."

>>42207336
>A. Intervene on Anna's behalf
She a good person to be friendly with

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

993 B GIF

>>42207365
>>42207374
"Wait, Reese, what are you talking about?"

"Ah, Ellen, good to see you again. See, I have plenty of reason to suspect that this particular Anna has been dealing in stolen or ill-acquired items. I've heard stories of a stall exactly like hers being spotted in different places across Teege for a few years now. I won't name my sources here."

"And yet you expect me to give away the names of my own customer base. Ah, the hypocrisy of the knighthood..."

You finally speak to Anna, "hey, you never said anything like that. Where did you GET that Devil Sword you sold me, anyway?"

"Again, I can't name my sources, but I will say it was a gift from a near-and-dear friend up North."

Reese exclaims, "your dealings extend into Tordo? Why, criminal enterprises the nation wide could be brought down with what you know!"

"I don't know anything, honey. It's my personal duty to sell what comes to me to people who could use it well for prices they can afford!"

>A. Still not fucking cool, Anna
>B. Reese, this isn't worth the effort
>C. Reese, you shouldn't pursue her
>D. Cheryl help me make hard decisions
>E. Write-in

>>42207738
>>B. Reese, this isn't worth the effort
>>C. Reese, you shouldn't pursue her

>>42207738
>B. Reese, this isn't worth the effort

>>42207738
>B. Reese, this isn't worth the effort

>>42207738
>>B. Reese, this isn't worth the effort

>>42207760
>>42207765
>>42207786
>>42207819
"Er, Reese, is this really worth the effort? I mean, you only have a lot of suspicion on her, and best-case scenario, you have her arrested and then every single Anna is after you..."

"This one is sharp as a reforged rapier when you get down to it!"

You look at her, "hey, I didn't say I was happy about it."

Reese sighs, shaking his head and looking at you and Cheryl. "You... probably have a point. Still, you can bet I won't be patronizing your establishment in particular."

"Then please leave. You might scare potential customers away, big guy~."

"Here's to hoping I do." The knight struts off, presumably hoping to sour the back-alley Anna's reputation.

"And here I was thinking I could make it good here... Guess I'll be moving shop again soon. Anyway, thanks for getting him out of the way!"

>A. You deserved to be bothered/forced to move again
>B. It's no problem at all
>C. What're you selling
>D. Write-in

>>42208053
>>D. Write-in
>B. It's no problem at all

>>42208053
>>C. What're you selling

>>42208193
Er... choosing "write-in" kind of requires you to write something in.

>>42208232
Write something in for me. Too lazy to write something in on my own.

>>42208253
fucking lmao

get bent

>>42208053
>B. It's no problem at all
>C. What're you selling
>And if you have nothing under 200 gold then I'll be on my way

>>42208253
Then don't say "write-in" at all.

That option purely exists so you can pitch ideas of your own your QM didn't think about.

I "write things in" every single update.

>>42208193
>>42208227
>>42208292
"No problem at all, Anna! You have anything worth my time?"

"Are you sure you should be doing that, Ellen?" Cheryl asks you while beaming.

"I'm just a friendly traveling street vendor!" Anna then shakes her head, speaking again after a moment of thought, finger put up against her lips as an idea strikes, "I don't have anything to sell for you right now, but word on the grapevine is the Devil Sword isn't the only unique item you've found yourself in possession of!"

>A. Ask if she means the Wyrmslayer
>B. Ask if she means the Curse Ring
>C. Jokingly ask if she means the Steel Sword and/or a Hand Axe Gorman bought you
>D. Why do you ask
>E. Nope, no clue what you mean
>F. Write-in

>>42208468
>>D. Why do you ask

>>42208468
>>D. Why do you ask

>>42208468
>Leave it at a simple Yup
>You've got one hell of an information network don't you? Is there any way I could possibly convince you to share some of your knowledge (Not involving your clients or merchendise of course)

>>42208492
>>42208642
>>42208645
"Why do you ask?"

"Well, you see, I know this really fantastic swordsmith and enchanter couple in the region-completely legit, I swear on the entire Anna merchanthood-who would just love to see what they could do now that they know that curse-repellant rings exist! If you happen to have any other special swords, all the better!"

>A. How much would this cost
>B. How long would this take
>C. Not interested
>D. Write-in

>>42208645
Shit, forgot to include this one despite implying I would. I'll throw it into the next update somehow.

>>42208772
>>A. How much would this cost
>>B. How long would this take

>>42208772
>A. How much would this cost
But if this involves giving up the Wyrmslayer or the ring then no deal.

>>42208772
>>D. Write-in
"Eck... I dunno. Lately I've been meeting necromancers an awful amount of times, and this wyrmsword helped me cull three completely made necrodragons from said necromancer. Oh, yes! (in a hushed voice) The wyrmsword used to belong to one Willow, and I don't think I have to say very much on how infamous she was. Anyway, I don't think you'd have anything that would possibly interest me for trading either of these precious items."

>>42208834
>>42208873
>>42208907
"How much would it cost? How much time would you need for it?"

"Well, I would need to bring it into the couple myself for an exact estimate, but if it turned out that it wouldn't work out I would eat the costs of the materials myself and compensate you for their full values! It's two special swords and a ring, right? So that would be... About 12,000 gold in your pocket!"

"12,000... Ech, I don't know, though. Necromancers make Tarvosians sick and this indigo ring's the only thing stopping that from being the case, and..." Your voice hushes, "this Wyrmslayer is a souvenir from one of the harshest captains in Dain. With that information network of yours, I shouldn't need to say who. Point is, I don't think that much gold could cover these things' values."

"You drive a hard bargain... how about 13,000. You can pay me back when I bring you the type of sword they say it'll be!"

>A. Ask about this smith-enchanter couple
>B. Ask about this info network
>C. Accept the offer
>D. Refuse the offer
>E. Write-in

>>42209147
>>A. Ask about this smith-enchanter couple
>>B. Ask about this info network
Ask about what kind of sword it'll be, whether or not it could retain (or emulate) the ring's properties.. things like that. I want to know more about what they want to make before I turn them down or agree.

>>42209147
>A. Ask about this smith-enchanter couple

>>42209218
Well, here's the thing which I don't like at all. We'll still have to pay for the sword.

> You can pay me back when I bring you the type of sword they say it'll be.

>>42209147
>A. Ask about this smith-enchanter couple
Maybe if we're in the area we can swing by their place ourselves and ask them about this. And even if we never see them, it's better than potentially never seeing our swords and ring again.

>>42209256
We can haggle with Anna, I'm sure.

Even then, if it's some kind of uber-tier sword, I'm sure the price will be justified.

>>42209287
We're going to face more wyrmriders and necrodragons. And if that wasn't bad enough, we'll be cursed again since they still have that blasted necromancy book. Also, she wants the devil sword too? All we'll have left is a steel sword. We didn't even get a vulnerary yet.

>>42209226
>>42209280
"So, this interested smith-enchanter couple... Who might they be? All I have is the word of a probable-fence as to their trustworthiness, after all-"

Anna waggles her finger, "nice try, but if you knew, why would I be involved at all?"

Cheryl's eyes light up, but she immediately says, "well, we'll just need to be going now! We'll get back to you on this!"

"And here I thought we might work something out..." She pouts, finger on lips again.

>A. No, no, you're interested
>B. Leave with Cheryl and ask what's up
>C. Write-in

>>42209335
I think it's too important that we hang on to the sword at least.
If we get another then we should definitely go for the deal. but not until we have another wyrmslayer.
We might be able to get the ring from whoever else got one, quidel I think?
>>42209374
>B. Leave with Cheryl and ask what's up
We got some business to finish up anyways.

>>42209374
>>C. Write-in
I'll be back.
>B. Leave with Cheryl and ask what's up

>>42209374
>>42209417
this

I know it isn't question time yet, but does everyone that we know, knows what went down in Aum and beyond?

>>42209374
>B. Leave with Cheryl and ask what's up
Maybe Bolse could make us another ring but I forget if he's still around. Anyway we're already doing pretty well with what we have. It isn't worth the risk imo.

>>42209498
If that new-fangled sword is able to slice and dice Prince Lars armor, I'd be willing to invest in said sword.

>>42209551
I don't think Lars is a true enemy

>>42209417
>>42209461
"Uh, I'll be back!"

"See you then~!"

Cheryl drags you off, and when you're a significant enough distance away from Anna, you ask, "alright, what's on your mind?"

"If we're dealing with legitimate businessfolk like she says, we shouldn't have any trouble cutting her out of the deal if we can find them!"

"Well, I guess, but... I mean, what if we can't locate them? All she revealed was that they're in the Johan region, which could mean anywhere from here to Tarvos Valley..."

"Think about it. Who do we know who works with us and has a huge list of connections continent-wide? I mean, I know you're not the fondest of him, but I'm sure he'd do it!"

>A. You mean (name)?
>B. Ugh, you can't mean (name)...
>C. I have no clue what you're talking about
>D. Tell me anyway
>E. Write-in

>>42209582
Fuck him for putting us in that dingy dungeon and making us kill his friends. He's probably the reason why we had to face Roderick too.

>>42209619
>A. You mean (Mitchell)?

>>42209619
>C. I have no clue what you're talking about.
There are a lot of people who I don't like, and you're going to have to narrow it down for me.

>>42209630
Oh he's definitely a dick, but I just don't think we need to worry about him as much as other things, like necromancers, skellymen, and dragonzombies

>>42209619
>>A. You mean (Mitchell)?
The parentheses are for being discreet.

>>42209654
>>42209687
We don't really hate him. He has saved our bacon two times I think. It's just too bad that he's awfully close to Stefan.

>>42209619
Stefyn?

>>42209711
Hence why Cheryl's word choice was "not the fondest of."

>>42209711
The option for being like 'ugh no we fucking hate his guts' was B.

I wonder how Stefyn reacted to Bovis

>>42209754
Bovis is back with Bolse and Katina in Elza Oasis. Stefyn hasn't met him since that first time in the secret shop when he was masked.

>>42209654
>>42209681
"Er, you mean Mitchell, right? I don't really hate him, we just... can't seem to get along because of..." you grit your teeth, "Stefyn."

"Regardless, he used to have his fingers in a lot of pies, too! We could probably get him to find out who these people are! At the very least, you won't have to sink extra money into Anna doing it for you if we can track this couple down ourselves."

>A. Let's go do that!
>B. Can you do that. I have to find Zoe.
>C. Can you do that. He might not help if I ask him
>D. Not interested, honestly
>E. Write-in

>>42209886
>>A. Let's go do that!

>>42209886
>D. Not interested, honestly
>Go find Zoe.

>>42209886
>>A. Let's go do that!

>>42209886
>B. Can you do that. I have to find Zoe.

How old is Ellen?
20?

>>42209905
>>42209942
"Let's go for it, then!"

"Alright, if I can remember where he's usually hanging out around now..."

Cheryl pauses and paces to think for awhile, then realizes, "ah, yeah! Something about meeting up with an old acquaintance for a pint!"

"So does that mean..?"

"Yep, back to the tavern we go! It's still a bit early in the evening, so we might even be able to catch them on the way in!"

You pop into the place she insists is his preferred hangout briefly together, find nobody, and then take to waiting around outside.

>A. Can you keep waiting and mention this if I go? I need to see your sister.
>B. This is a waste of time, let's go
>C. Keep waiting
>D. Write-in

>>42210203
>>C. Keep waiting

>>42210203
>B. This is a waste of time, let's go
Can we please not give up our ring and our draco-slaughtering sword for debt?

>>42210203
>A. Can you keep waiting and mention this if I go? I need to see your sister.

>>42210220
>>42210203
If C doesn't win, then I'll change this to A.
>>42210239
The entire reason we're waiting to talk to Mitchell is to see if we can actually talk to the couple ourselves, and if so, see what they really need to do what they're wanting to do, and also hear more about what they want to do.

>>42210337
That's fine then.
>>42210239
I'd be fine with A

>>42210290
>>42210337
>>42210371
"Er, I... really don't want to put off seeing Zoe for much longer, so could you talk to Mitchell if you see him?"

Cheryl nods, "I'm also curious to see who this old acquaintance of his is!"

"Er, tell me all about that if you see, too."

A thumbs-up from Cheryl in further acknowledgement, and you start back towards the castle.

You manage to find Zoey in the ladies' barracks, laying down and staring at the ceiling wistfully.

>A. Say something (specify)
>B. Just greet her
>C. Sit down in your own bed
>D. Sit by her
>E. Wait for her to notice you
>F. Write-in

>>42210424
>>B. Just greet her
>>C. Sit down in your own bed

>>42210443
Fine by me.

>>42210443
>>42210456
You take a seat in your bed, looking at her and saying, "er, hey, Zoe."

She drags her face across her hands, sighing, before finally responding, "hey, Ellen..."

The room is silent awhile (it's still a bit early for the knights and guards to be retiring for the night), leaving you both quiet for many moments, unsure if you should be the one to break the silence.

Ultimately, Zoe is the first to speak, saying, "uh, listen, about last night... I'm sorry if I freaked you out."

>A. You didn't!
>B. You were caught off-guard
>C. Remain silent
>D. Write-in response

>>42210593
>B. You were caught off-guard
>Thank you for waiting, I have an answer for you now.

>>42210608
"No, no, I wasn't freaked out or offended or anything. You just... caught me a bit off-guard at a weird time, is all."

"I... See... So you're not mad at me?"

You nod, "I still value knowing you so much... I mean, why would that be ruined by a love confession?"

"I... If you say so," Zoe says.

"Look, I've even... I said I just needed some time to figure out how I felt, and thank you so much for waiting for the answer."

"Really?" Zoe asks, sitting up, "so, uh... what did you realize?"

>A. Confess
>B. Lie
>C. Chicken out
>D. Write-in?

>>42210772
>A. Confess
Is anyone else here?

>>42210798
Nope.

>>42210772
>A. Confess
I'm still here but I'm pretty much going with all the posters so far.

>>42210856
Well, at least I'm not alone.
I don't really like being the only one voting, but as long as someone else is here and going along with it I'm happy knowing I'm not alone, making decisions everyone who's not here would be angry about

>>42210879
I thought you meant "anyone else" as in the barracks. Silly me.

>>42210899
Well, thanks for answering anyways.

>>42210856
>>42210798
"Well, I've thought about it a lot today, and even just considered not risking complicating things by telling you, but..."

Her eyes widen a bit, and she asks, "but..?" She'd be on the edge of her seat if she wasn't in the middle of her bed.

"But... Like you said, there's no time like the present. I love you too, Zoe."

"Ellen... You're being serious, right?"

"Why would I ever lie about that sort of thing?"

"I... Yeah, you have a point... But... But, er, what does this mean? For us, I mean..."

"I'm not sure... No time like the present to figure it out, though. We'll work this out together, alright?"

Zoe nods happily, and she moves herself off of her bed and closer to you. You actually spend a good deal of the night talking, coming to terms with your newfound status fairly quickly, and by the time anyone's trying to get to sleep, you're talking each other's ears off about something else entirely. That guard lady whose name you forgot has to tell you in no uncertain terms to shut up and get to sleep (Eva, under her "Riga" guise, was also present in the ordinary ladies' quarters, and she probably-jokingly demanded you two get a room).

The next morning, you and Zoe learn that Lady Dama has returned, but for what purpose you aren't immediately informed.

>To be continued next thread
Thanks for playing as always, and you can check out our update twitter and ask.fm, both qmgrandflocto.

I'll be around to talk about shit in the thread for the next while, too.

>>42211082
Thanks Octo, now I can finally go to sleep.
Nini, thanks for running

>>42211103
I'm ruining everyone's sleep schedules like some sort of horrible monster.

Always a pleasure to run, though.

>>42211137
It's okay Octoling, I've become pretty good at working with no sleep, working for 20 consecutive hours will do that.

>>42211223
I'm pretty capable of resetting my sleep schedule when I want to, but with how late these threads run and that I try to do them every couple days... I usually don't want to.

>>42211251
I understand completely.
It's such a pain in the ass.

Luckily I have 5 days off before my 2 months of unemployment/paid free time begins