"So why's a mask like yourself lookin' to get to Laust anyhow?" John asks.
"Do I need a reason?" You ask.
"Most everyone with anything worth a damn is lookin' to get out" He says. "You're hard pressed to find a rich man looking to get into a warring nation"

"I have a bit of a personal stake in the war" You say.
"Soldier?" He asks.
"Of a sort" You say.

"An' that means...?" He asks.
"I fight from time to time" You say.

"You're not being very forthcoming" John says.
"If I planned to reveal everything about myself, there would be little point in wearing a mask" You say.
"Yet you told me your name" He says.
"And if I thought for second that you might know it, I'd thought twice" You say. "Alas, poor Tophian's position is not one of fame and fortune"

"If your job isn't one of fortune, how do you intend to hire a ship?" He asks. "Passage to Laust won't be cheap"

"It's not really a job. More of a hobby, really" You say. "One supported by at least enough to hire a ship"
"And where'd a lad like yourself come by enough money for an expensive hobby like that?" He asks.

>[ ] Politics

>[ ] Not honestly

>[ ] Why all the questions

>[ ] Other

>>42604810
>[ ] Politics

>[ ] Not honestly

They ain't mutually exclusive lol

>>42604966
Fits, considering that used to be his go to reason to explaining himself to his friends.

>writing

“Oh, I lie, and I cheat, and I steal.” You say, pausing for a moment to take a swig of ale before finishing. "Politics"
Captain John laughs. "I can't tell if you're joking, or being brutally honest" He says.

"A little of both" You say.
"So you have the money then?" He asks.
"To hire a ship?" You ask. "I most certainly do"

"The waters up north are dangerous" He says. "Some of the pirates have gotten... territorial"
"You know a way to get by them?" You ask.

"I do... but it will be more costly than just hiring one ship" He says.
"I'm listening" You say.
"We'd need a small fleet" He says. "A few warships, and some merchant vessels to round things out"

"Why merchant vessels?" You ask.
"You only want to reach Laust" He says. "Having some merchants along would give the pirates a tastier target, and if they're carrying goods then it might take some pressure off your wallet as well"

"I'm not incredibly worried about my wallet" You say.
"Then it would be somewhere along the lines of... 250 gold pieces for what I need" He says.


"Is that all?" You ask.
"That'll get us three warships, and one merchant vessel" He says.

"And you have these things lined up?" You ask.
"No, but I could get things organized by tonight and have everyone ready to leave by tomorrow" He says.

>[ ] Tomorrow is too late

>[ ] Get to it

>[ ] Work the details some more

>[ ] Other

>>42605576
>[ ] Work the details some more
Can't be too careful around these types.

>>42605576
>[ ] Get to it

>>42605576
>[ ] Work the details some more

>writing

"One question" You say. "If it's such a dangerous job, why are you taking it on?"

"Because I'm goin' bloody broke" He says. "Ain't been no bloody work for a sailor, even a dishonest one. Only ones making any coin anymore are the pirates"

"Why not join them?" You ask.
"Because I'd rather go broke" He says. "I might as well if I consider that. I'd lose everything I have in the turf wars anyway if I joined up witht them"

"So why risk getting by it?" You ask. "And if you're willing to take the risk, why do it now and not before?"

"Because I wasn't getting paid for it before" He says. "And if I can get past the damn pirates, I can set up somewhere like Searise or Tulia. Maybe make an honest living for once"

"As noble a goal as any" You say, finishing your pilfered mug of ale.
"So do we have an accord? Because if we do, I'd like to get to work"

He seems genuine enough.

At least, you don't think he'll throw you overboard... unless you really piss him off.

>[ ] We do

>[ ] One more thing... (specify)

>[ ] Other

also

>Mention that you have "contacts" in Searise? [Y/N]

>>42606065
>[ ] We do
Y

>>42606065
>[ ] We do
Y

>>42606065
>[ ] We do

>y

>writing

"We do" You say, extending a hand. "And if you're interested in getting some honest work, get me to Laust alive and I'll hand you over to my connection in Searise"

"You know people in Searise?" He asks, accepting your hand.
"I do" You say.
"Hmm, could be an interesting venture" He says. "I've always wondered what that Disiera lady looked like. Heard she's a sight for sore eyes"

You chuckle. "I'm not sure that you're her type" You say.
He shrugs. "All the same. I'm a married man anyhow" He says.

John stands up and smacks you on the back. "But I should go. Lots of work, not much time to do it" He says.

He walks out of The Cove, and you realize that you don't really have much of a reason to be here either.

Now that you've found a captain and a ship, there are certainly other things you could be doing.

>[ ] Find a smith and see if you can fix your cane

>[ ] Head with the Captain to see his ship

>[ ] Head back to that tavern

>[ ] Other

>>42606557
>[ ] Head back to that tavern
Swords are better than canes anyway

>>42606557
>back to the tavern

The thing with the cane is actually appropriate to the story progression.

He's moving on.

>>42606557
>[ ] Head with the Captain to see his ship
We need to see if it's got any defects, hiding spots for assassins or rats

>writing

You stand up and amke your way to the door, before the bartender clears his throat to grab your attention.

You turn back to see him giving you a dirty look. Then you look around and see the damage that fight you started caused...

"Right, I did say I'd pay for damages" You say.
"Yes. You did" He says.

You count out how much it will cost to repair the broken tables, chairs, and glasses. Then pay him a sum of 15 silver...

You thought that was a little low, but then you think that everything is a little low. Having gone so long not paying for anything, you don't really have a good grasp on what things are supposed to cost.

It makes you a terrible haggler. As far as you're concerned, Captain John is gouging you. Which is not a big problem, so long as he can get you to Laust.

Come to think of it, it cost 15 to fix up your mess in the bar... you gave 7 silver to that barmaid. You wonder just what she could do with that.

Maybe you could ask her. The Captain said that organization and prep wouldn't be done until tonight and that you wouldn't be leaving until tomorrow, so you'll be needing a place to rest your head for the night...

You leave The Cove, and make your way off the docks and back to the tavern from earlier.

>[1/2]

Fuck this whole place.

You're getting used to the stench, which you don't like. And you've punted three rats on your way back to that tavern. Which, while it is fun, it's not something you want to be making a habit of.

You reach the tavern without vomiting or anything else unsavory. This time you look for a name, and find that it doesn't have one.

The only sign on the place just says "Tavern". You laugh at that. Good if you want people to recognize you, but probably not great for advertising. Not that they'd need to advertise this place...

You walk in and find the place empty. Elda is the only other person here, and she's sitting behind the bar completely zoned out.

You take a moment to get a look at her non-breast features. She has an average face, which is dotted with little freckles. Her hair and eyes are both brown, and the former is tied back into a pair of pigtails. She looks older than you, but not by much.

And as you approach, she makes no note of your presence. You don't think she's noticed you at all, even though she's facing the door...

>[ ] Say hello

>[ ] Sneak up on her

>[ ] Other

>>42607264
>[ ] Sneak up on her

>>42607264
>[ ] Say hello

>>42607264
>[ ] Sneak up on her

>>42607264
>[ ] Sneak up on her

>>42607264
>sneeki breeki

>writing

inb4 cassandra killed her

You move silently and fluidly around the bar, and up behind her. Years of practicing stealth have lead up to this moment...

You place your hands on her shoulders, and give them a squeeze.

She leans back and looks up. "Mmm... hello youuu" She says, as the realization of what's happening slowly dawns on her. "Ahhhh! It's you! When did you get here?"

She tries to jump out of her seat, but you hold her there. "A few seconds ago" You say. "Are you feeling alright?"
"Yes! Yes, I'm fine" She says. "Did you find a ship already? That was quick"

"I work fast" You say. "Are you sure you're feeling alright? You seemed a little spaced out"
"Uhh... just lost in thought" She says.

>[ ] Ask if she knows any places you can spend the night

>[ ] Ask what she was thinking about

>[ ] Ask if she knows anything about the captain you hired

>[ ] Other

>>42607885
>[ ] Ask what she was thinking about

>>42607885
>[ ] Ask what she was thinking about

>[ ] Ask if she knows anything about the captain you hired

>writing

You gently squeeze her shoulders again, and feel the tension underneath.

"You seem tense" You say, working your fingers into the tissue and muscle underneath them. "What had you so lost in thought?"
"I ww-oohhhhh" She says, trailing off and relaxing as you get to work. "You have... hands... g-goooooood"

You chuckle. "I didn't quite catch that" You say.
She jumps and her shoulders tense up. "Sorry! I meant that your hands feel good" She says.
"Why thank you" You say, working her a little deeper. "But that's not what I asked"

"Ooo... what was the question again?" She asks.
"What were you daydreaming about?" You ask.
"If I don't aa-aaaanswer that, will you keep goinnnnnnnng?" She asks.
"I might, I might not" You say. "Your safest bet is to give me an answer. Why risk it?"

She takes a few heavy breaths. "I was... daydreaming about... y-you" She says.
"Oh really?" You ask, moving a little further down her back. Her outfit leaves it mostly bare down to just below the shoulderblades, so you have some space to work with. "Anything in particular?"

"W-well..."

>[1/2]

You squeeze the details of her little daydream out of her, taking an odd sort of pleasure out of the ordeal. Say nothing else about this girl... she certainly has a graphic imagination.

In her daydream, you never had to go find a ship. So you stayed here and... relaxed.

By the time she's done regaling you, you leave her leaning over the bar as you work the area between her shoulder blades.

"S-soo... did you manage to find a ship?" She asks. You can see how flushed her cheeks are from here, even with her head facing away from you.
"I did" You say. "Captained by a man named John Detruss. Know of him?"
"Yyyyesssssss" She says. "Good c-captain. Haaas a lot of friends here. If anybody can ge-get you to Laust, it'd be hiiiim"

"Well that's good news" You say.
"When are you leaving?" She asks.
"Tomorrow" You say. "Why do you ask?"
"J-just curious" She says.

"Really?" You ask. "If I wasn't mistaken, I'd say that it was out of personal interest"
"What makes you s-"

As she speaks, the doors to the tavern open and another woman comes in. She's older than Elda, but dressed similarly.

"Hey Elda, how goes..." The woman stops when she sees the two of you.
"Hello" You say.
"Aunta! This isn't what it looks like" Elda says.
"Is it?" The woman asks you.

>[ ] Yes it is

>[ ] I was just helping Elda relieve some tension

>[ ] Other

>>42608917
>[ ] I was just helping Elda relieve some tension

>>42608917
>[ ] I was just helping Elda relieve some tension

>>42608917
>[ ] I was just helping Elda relieve some tension

>writing

Now seems like a good time to cap this off. "I was just helping Elda relieve some tension" You say, walking out from behind the bar.

"Well she certainly looks... loosened" 'Aunta' says.
"S-sorry Aunta" Elda says. "I didn't think you'd be here so early"

"It's not early. The rush'll be startin' soon" 'Aunta' says. "Which reminds me. Probably gonna be a slower night tonight. Some rich arse strolled in and hired half the sailors in Cortela. Det's got em all workin to make ready"

You chuckle. "That would have been me" You say, offering your hand. "Name's Tophian"
"Ah. Sorry about that, I didn't mean anything by it" She says, as she accepts your hand. "Delphine. I run this place, and I'm this one's aunt"

"Pleasure" You say.
"And uhhh... Elda... You've got some..." Delphine says, looking at Elda and pointing at the side of her mouth. Then she grabs a napkin. "Nevermind, I'll just... get that"

Delphine wipes a bit of drool off Elda's face. Elda herself still seems a little... dazed. Almost starry eyed.

"Loosened indeed" Delphine says. "So if you're the rich arse, then you'll probably be needin' a place to spend the night"

"I do" You say.

>[ ] Anywhere you can reccomend?

>[ ] Elda's agreed to put me up for the night

>[ ] Other

>>42609653
>[ ] Anywhere you can reccomend?

>>42609653
>[ ] Anywhere you can reccomend?

But make a note to come back and talk to the barmaid about this

>>42609653
>[ ] Anywhere you can reccomend?

I kind of want to be playful about it.

>writing

"Anywhere you can recommend?" You ask.
"Nothin' here rich enough for your blood, considerin' how you bought out half the harbour" She says.

"Doesn't need to be rich. So long as it has a-" You glance over at Elda and catch her eye "-warm bed, and a nice soft pillow then it'll do"

Delphine raises an eyebrow. "Well, there aint many places that fit those..." She says. "Tell ya what. I'll go take a look around. I know all the innkeeps 'round here, one of 'ems bound to have something"

"Oh, I wouldn't want you to go through too much trouble" You say.
"No trouble" She says. "You've hired half the town, the least I can do is find you a bed"
"Well, when you put it that way..." You say.

"Right then. I'll be back in fifteen" She says.

Delphine waves and walks out.

Leaving you alone with Elda...

>[ ] Ask Elda if she got your message

>[ ] Take a seat and wait for Delphine

>[ ] Other

>>42610322
>[ ] Take a seat and wait for Delphine
>>[ ] Other
Take a seat and see if Elda take the initiative. if she doesnt, no harm done.

>>42610322
>[ ] Ask Elda if she got your message

>>42610322
>>42610440
This

>>42610322
>[ ] Ask Elda if she got your message

She still has our hat, yeah?

>You can keep that one, if you want. Why don't you try it on?

>writing

You plop yourself into a chair at one of the tables and peer out the window. Judging by the light, you would say that it's a while after mid day at this point, probably going on supper time now...

You notice Elda glancing in your direction, so you give her a smile. "I left my hat here, do you still have it?" You ask.

Elda jumps into action. "Yes! I do, just give me a second" She says, reaching below the bar to grab something. She comes back up with your hat and glides over to you.

Only to stop about a foot away when she realizes that you're already wearing one. "But... what?" She asks.

You pull her down so she's sitting across your lap, then you take the hat and place it on her head. "You can keep this one, I've got spares" You say.

Her cheeks turn bright red, and she says nothing.

"So did you get my message?" You ask.
"M-message?" She asks.
"About warm beds and..." You trail a finger down her chest. "soft pillows"
"B-but Aunta is-"
"Giving us some time alone" You say.
"Sh-she is?" She asks.
You smile, and stroke her cheek with the back of your hand. "I recall you saying that you wouldn't turn me away earlier..." You say.
She puts one hand on your chest, and the other grasps the hand on her cheek. "Not with hands like these..." She says.
"So can I count on you for a warm bed-"
"And soft pillows?" She asks, taking your hand off of her cheek and placing it on her breast. "Only if your head's not the only thing resting on them"

You smile.

>[ ] You may have misunderstood me

>[ ] We have a deal then

>[ ] Other

>>42611044
>[ ] We have a deal then

>>42611044
>Tch, and here I am without my cane.

>>42611044
>[ ] We have a deal then

>>42611192
Just to see her reaction
>We have a deal.

>writing

"We have a deal then" You say, standing from your chair and lifting her by the butt. It's an awkward position for carrying someone, so you put her down quickly. But not before giving her a little kiss on the lips.

And then another...

You push her back against the bar and slip your tongue into her mouth, giving her a nice, deep kiss before parting and taking a step back.

She steps forward to continue, but you put a hand on her lips. "Later" You say.
She stops and blinks a few times, before blushing. "Yes... of course" She says.

Good thing you did that, too. Because Delphine chooses that moment to walk in.

"Sorry sir, no places around here that are available" She says.
"No worries, the problem has been sorted" You say.

She gives Elda a knowing smile. "Well that's good news then" She says. "Elda dear, it looks like tonight won't be too busy. Take the night off and show our guest around, would you?"

"Heh?" Elda asks. "Really?"
Delphine nods.
"O-okay" She says. "I... I guess... I could..."

"Right then. Off with you" Delphine says.

You shrug, and make your way to the exit...

>[ ] Find a smith so you can acquire a sword (So you don't ruin Marcy's)

>[ ] Head to the docks to see how preparations are going

>[ ] Find food

>[ ] Ask Elda where she lives

>[ ] Other

>>42611837
>[ ] Find a smith so you can acquire a sword (So you don't ruin Marcy's)

>>42611837
>[ ] Find a smith so you can acquire a sword (So you don't ruin Marcy's)

>writing

"S-so where to?" Elda asks. She follows you with her hands folded firmly over her lap, and walks with stiff legs.

"Don't be so nervous" You say. "Relax"

You brush her cheek with your knuckle, and she leans her head into it. Her shoulders loosen back up, and her gait becomes more natural. "S-sorry" She says.

You smile at her. "As for where we're going... I've found myself in need of a new sword. Any places around here where I could find one?" You ask.
"Yes!" She says. "Mr. Wally's smithy will have what you need. It's this way"

Elda skips off down the street, forcing you to quicken your pace to catch up with her. When you do, you slip an arm around her waist.

"Don't be so hasty, lass" You say.
"Heh? Ahh! Sorry!" She says.
"Don't be sorry, just relax" You say.
She takes a deep breath in, and then out.

"Better" You say.

>[ ] Ask what she knows about the pirate turf war

>[ ] Ask what she does for fun around here

>[ ] Ask if she knows anything about what's happened in Laust while you were trekking

>[ ] Other

>>42612577
>[ ] Ask if she knows anything about what's happened in Laust while you were trekking

>>42612577
>[ ] Ask what she knows about the pirate turf war

Asking about Laust seems like something we'd ask the Captain.

>>42612577
>[ ] Ask if she knows anything about what's happened in Laust while you were trekking

>writing

"You seem to be pretty in-the-know" You say.
"I listen a lot" She says.

"Heard anything about the war in Laust?" You ask. "I'm afraid that I've been out of the loop for a while"

"Last I heard, Harth was winning" She says.

Well that's good news at least...

"But that was... maybe two weeks ago" She says. "No ships've come in from the north since then. Too many pirates"

Not good news...

"Why d'you ask?" She asks.
"I have friends up there" You say.
"Oh" She says. "Well, I'm sure you'll be seeing them again"

You smile, and give her a quick kiss. Her face lights up, reminding you why you decided to stick with this girl in the first place.

"Thanks" You say.
"If that's how you say thank you, then how may I be of service?" She asks.
You draw your finger across her jawline, turning her head towards you. She follows your finger as it pulls away, unwilling to break the contact. "Don't worry, there'll be plenty of time for service later" You say. "First, the smith"

>[1/2]

You reach the smith with plenty of time to spare, and leave Elda outside while you deal with the old man. Apparently the man who runs this place doesn't like her very much.

And he is old. The man working the smith is a grizzled old bear of a man.

"Yeah?" He asks in a gruff tone when he notices you entering.

You chuckle. Smiths tend to be better with their hands than their mouths. As such, this man's customer service could use some work...

"You have swords for sale?" You ask.
"Swords, knives, axes, spears. Take your pick" He says, pointing you to a weapon rack.

Plenty of serviceable weapons here, but most of them are a little dull... Not sharpness-wise, but in looks. Very basic.

You could probably just grab a sword and call it a day, but then you'd be stuck with a dull-looking piece of sharpened metal. And that's just not fun at all.

>[ ] Commision something fancier

>[ ] Grab a sword

>[ ] Grab a different weapon (specify)

>>42613311
>[ ] Commision something fancier

>>42613311
>[ ] Commision something fancier

A new cane. I recall that Giles used the ball of the cane as a mace. Can't do that with a sword

>>42613147
'The Dream' Master Thief (mentioned last DW thread) is slowly becoming a reality.

>>42613311
>[ ] Commision something fancier

>>42613428
>implying the next Master Thief won't be "The Gourmet"

Takes only the tastiest of prizes. Guards who cross her path die of heart attacks because she's so damn cute

>writing

>>42613407
Nah. Let's get something new

>>42613428
>>42613549
I concede, good sir.

>tfw a few years from now, balls, weddings, and any extravagant feast will have double the guards to protect the piece de resistance; they're on the look out for someone tubby. They would never suspect the sweet, adorable blonde.

Captcha was sweets

Captcha approves.

"I don't suppose you take commissions, do you?" You ask.
"Depends" He says. "You got the coin for one?"

"I hired half the sailors in this town, and I have plenty to spare" You say.
"Then yes" He says. "What are you lookin' for?"

You spend about a half an hour going over designs and blade types and materials.

This man knows his stuff, you'll give him that. By the time the half hour is through, he has everything from the weighting of the blade, to the curve and shape, to how fancy the handle is going to be. You almost can't wait to see the finished product...

You pay him half the cost (20 silver), he says it'll be done by morning, and you leave. You think he might have been gouging you too. Maybe you should ask Melissa about this stuff when you get back to Laust.

If she's still... y'know... alive...

You shake your head. That was not a good thing to be thinking. Stop that.

"All set?" Elda asks.
"Yep" You say. "Thanks for showing me this place, and sorry that you had to wait outside"
"It's no trouble. Mr. Wally's an honest man, he just doesn't much like me or my Aunta" She says. "Anywhere else you want to go?"

>[ ] Food

>[ ] Docks

>[ ] Your house

>[ ] Other

>>42613901
>[ ] Your house

>>42613901
>[ ] Docks
Then
>Food

>>42613961
Changing vote to
>Your place

>>42613901
>[ ] Your house

>writing

"Well, I was thinking..." You lean in and speak softly into her ear. "That we might make our way back to your house. How does that sound?"

You punctuate this by nipping at her ear.

"Guhh... good... that sounds good" She whispers.
"Good!" You say, stepping back and taking her hand. "Lead the way"

It takes a few seconds for her to snap back to herself. "Right! Yes. House" She says. "This way, let's go"

You can't help but smile like the devil you are. This is far too much fun.

She's completely red faced as she leads you through the streets towards her house. No doubt she's thinking about the same thing as you are. Except while it makes her blush, it makes you grin like a madman.

She loses focus a few times, and has to turn around and backtrack after missing a turn or going the wrong way. But it's not a big issue. It just means that you're having your intended effect on her.

By the time you finally reach her house, the sun is turning red.

"Is it that late already?" You ask.
"N-no" She says. "There's probably a sandstorm out in the desert"

Huh. Good thing you aren't still out there...

Elda opens the door to her house and leads you in. "S-so... here we are" She says.

>[ ] Time to slam

>[ ] Talk for a bit

>[ ] Other

>>42614498
>[ ] Time to slam

>>42614498
>[ ] Talk for a bit
All about the build up

>writing

>>42614498
>[ ] Talk for a bit
Relax. Got the rest of the night.

Not a vote
>Slam
Dammit, Abigail, I know you gotta taste for handsome, athletic, magic brown dudes, but don't go ripping an irreparable hole between universes!

"Are you the only one who lives here?" You ask.
"Y-yes" She says. "My Aunta lives next door, but it's just me here"

Elda's house is two-storied. Both levels are small, and it would probably be too small for a family. But it's way too big for one person.

You haven't heard her mention parents or siblings or any other family other than her Aunt, so it's probably best not to dwell on that...

When you ask, Elda leads you into the next room so you the two of you can sit. She has a small, worn out couch in there. It's not the comfiest thing you've ever sat on, but then you've sat in lavish halls with lords and ladies that could afford such things.

"So, what does a girl like you do for fun around here?" You ask.
"For fun?" She asks. "I work most of the time... but when I'm not at the tavern I like to sew..."

"Well, then that's something we have in common" You say.
She looks confused. "Sewing?" She asks. "Like... needle and thread?"

"Yes" You say.
"I don't think I've ever met a man who sews before" She says.
"Yes, I am something of an oddity" You say.
"Do you... Do you have anything that you've made?" She asks.
"Certainly" You say.

>[1/2]

You spend some time talking about sewing with Elda, which is something you did not imagine that you would be doing here in a million years.

She's better at it than you are by a wide margin, though she can't embroider like you can.

While you talk, she gets noticeably more relaxed and comfortable around you. She stutters less, and speaks her mind without fear of reproach.

"Do you mind if I get a little more comfortable?" She asks after a while.
"It's your house" You say.

Elda stands and unlaces her bodice, letting it drop to the floor and leaving her in nothing but the loose dress that was under it. Then she sits down and rubs her lower back.

"Sorry, but you have no idea how comfortable those are" She says.

>[ ] Why wear it then?

>[ ] Offer her a massage

>[ ] Other

>>42615244
>[ ] Offer her a massage

>>42615244
>[ ] Why wear it then?

>[ ] Offer her a massage

>writing

>>42615244
>"Sorry, but you have no idea how comfortable those are" She says.
Why did she remove it then?

>>42615561
Typo, I believe.

>>42615561
>>42615573
Yeah, typo. Meant to say uncomfortable.

Thanks for catching that.

"Why wear it then?" You ask.
"Style, and it perks up my... uhh... my breasts" She says. "I... I get better tips that way"

"Well, they certainly do... pop" You say, watching her hands try in vain to rub the pain out of her back. "Does it hurt?"
"A little, but it's nothing I can't handle" She says.

"Well, I could help with that" You say. "Just grab a chair and I can get to work"
"Get to wo-oh!" She says, hopping off the couch. She holds up the top of her dress as she walks, as it seems that the bodice was the only thing keeping it up.

She returns a few seconds later, carrying a wooden chair in one hand and the top of her dress in the other. "Where do you want this?" She asks.

"Put it there, and sit on it backwards so you can lean forward into the back of it" You say. You stand up and rub your hands together to warm them up. Nothing kills the mood like cold hands on your back...

You start with the muscles at the back of her neck and shoulders, and slowly work your way down.

You peel the dress down whenever you find it getting in your way, and in almost no time at all she might as well not even be wearing the damn thing. She doesn't seem to mind. In fact, the only indication she gives that she's still alive are soft moans and contented hums...

She winces as you reach the spot where the pain is, but like the rest of her the pain melts at your touch.

After a while, she turns to look at you.

"So how long are you going to wear that mask, anyway?" She asks.

Mask? What mask?
You touch your face, and you are indeed still wearing the mask. You had forgotten all about the damn thing.

>[ ] Take it off

>[ ] Leave it on

>[ ] Other

>>42615756
>[ ] Take it off

>>42615756
>[ ] Take it off
lets hope this doesnt bite us in the ass later

>>42615756
>[ ] Other
Meet her halfway. it's really in her best interest that she doesnt recognize us later, given what happens to people close to us, but the mask is probably just going to get in the way.
If she's still okay after knowing that, then take it off, otherwise, maybe just do up some kind of littel bandana thing? Princess Bride it.

>>42615756
>I want you to understand that not many are privy to who I am (not technically a lie). In my line of work, one could call it a uniform.

>Take it off

Makes her feel special.

>writing

>>42615955
Why are you trying to make her fall in love with us? We're leaving tomorrow.

>>42616053
With that nat 20, I'd say it's already too late.

"Not many are privy to who I am" You say. "In my line of work, one might call the mask a... uniform, of a sort"

"Oh..." She says.

"But..." You say, as you work your hands off of her back and push her but further onto the chair. Then you sit behind her in the space you created, and wrap your arms around her just below her breasts. "I would be willing to make an exception for you, with a catch..."

You kiss her up and down her neck with your eyes closed, and she moans. "What's the catch?" She asks in a breathy whisper.
"I want you to turn around, and show me what you've been hiding underneath this dress" You say. "In return, I'll take off the mask and show you what I've been hiding as well"

She leans back into you, resting her hands on your knees. Then she shrugs you off of her, so you stand up and take a few steps back.

Elda stands too, letting her dress fall to the floor. As she turns, you remove the mask.

When the mask is off, you take a moment to drink in her now naked form. Her breasts aren't quite as large as they looked in the dress, but you think that was the bodice's doing. Her stomach is flat, her hips are wide, and her skin is pale.

She looks around at just about everything in the room, only stealing the occasional glance at your now uncovered face.

You smile, for all the wicked things that you are about to do to this lovely young lass.

>Time to slam?

>>42616264
SLAM

>>42616264
Slam like Space Jam

>>42616264
Everybody get up it's time to slam now

>>42616264
>Time to slam?
Well we certainly cant leave her hanging now. that would just be rude.
Gonna have to apologize to Melissa though.

>>42616344
I don't like melissa at all anymore. Marcella is clearly the only good option.

>writing

I don't know why, and don't know how, but I just remembered a little thing. We said to Laura and Marcella that we were all the master thieves, but to Melissa we were just the gambler. And we just handed her the Critic's note without knowing. Maybe I'm just overthinking everything, and I don't know if even Smiley still remember this, but...

>>42616372
I agree

>>42616344
>>42616372
While I like Melissa/Laura just fine, she IS a closet lesbian, with a thing for Eleanor, who wanted an 'open' relationship for the sake of exploring her repressed sexuality.

I doubt she'd be broken up by this tryst, but it should be told, all the same; we needed information and a safe place to spend the night.

I agree, however, that Marcy is pretty great.

>>42616372
Clearly a man of refined taste, but both are fine

>>42616512
Well, we told Laura that we were the Sparrow. Marcy is the only one who knows that we're all of them.

>>42616556
You're forgetting best girl.

File: 1428454697165.gif (1.33 MB, 516x465)

1.33 MB GIF

>>42616512
>Implying she didn't got the joke
Ohhh, that' bad...

>>42616573
Damn it, you're right...

Now I have to flog myself in penance to the future Thief Queen.

"Now..." You say, as you take a few steps towards her. "What to do with you...my lovely, lusty little lady"

You put your hands on her hips and gently sway hr as you move your lips closer to hers.

"Any ideas?" You ask.
She lets out a heavy breath. "The... the bedroom's upstairs" She says in a quiet tone.
"Well we'll have to make our way up there, won't we?" You ask.

You move in and claim her lips, and she drapes her arms over your shoulders. Then you lift her up by the but, and navigate yourself as well as you can over to the stairs.

You assume her bedroom is on the second floor. You don't make it to the stairs without incident, accidentally bumping her into a few things on the way.

And you didn't even consider the difficulties that getting up the stairs presents...

Carrying her up the stairs like this might not have been the best plan...

You know what? That table looks to be about the right height. You put her butt on the table, and push the rest of her backwards onto it as well.

Then you quickly throw off your cloak and shirt, and get back to work...

>Ending thread here, but there's a pastebin incoming

As I said, that's all for tonight (here, at least)

I'll be busy tomorrow, but I might be able to run depending on when my thing ends. If not, then the next thread will be on Monday

As always I'll be sticking around for questions and suggestions.

And the smut bin. I'll be sticking around to post that as well.

>>42616815
Do you mean the next DW thread'll be on Monday?

>>42616830
DW stays on weekends. I was actually a little disoriented the last time I ran it on a weekday.

I should probably start announcing 'next threads' for each quest separately.

>>42616852
Big fan, Smiley! I admit, that it's always a bit sad to say goodbye to Devil's Whim when the weekend's out. Giles' adventure hooked me right away!

Blood Moon is interesting, and has fun, quirky characters, but holy MOTHER does it ever depress me. I like you're writing style, and your characters in both quests (regardless of whatever shitstorms they brew), and I know Blood Moon is supposed to be tragic.

Still, I feel I have more fun with DW; BM kinda just makes me feel dread, which drains the experience a bit.

I apologize, that's just my two cents.

>>42617036
I promise that once DW and BM are done, I'll run something that's actually lighthearted.

But definitely not until both of them are finished. I had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to run two quests at once, and having to stagger them like this certainly hurts the pacing.

Once DW gets into its final stretch (Probably around the time you guys reach Laust) I'll take a break from BM to run DW straight to the finish. Hopefully BM will be at a good point for a break by then.

Always glad to hear that my work is appreciated, though. Thank you.

>>42617131
Of course! It's good stuff! I'm a bit ashamed to say that whenever I see "Blood Moon Rises" on Twitter, I immediately think "Well, time to feel sad".

I'm torn between the fact that I like the characters, but I don't want to know what happens next! Unbelievable, eh?

>>42617248
If it makes you feel any better, the next BM thread will not make you sad.

Mad is the emotion I'm going for, and I have a feeling that I'm going to succeed.

>>42617288
The idea of loved one dying, whilst brainwashed, never being free of the horror of the state they live in, just makes me feel more sick than mad...

That's... just me, though; it's not my favorite trope.

>>42617411
I'll admit that the Battle Royale theme isn't really my bag either...

Still... if all of it helps you become a better writer, and allows you to vent your creativity, then I'll support you, Smiley!

http://pastebin.com/Vj9PH6W6

Aaaand the smut bin is up. It took longer to write than I thought it would, but then it also ended up being longer in general than I originally intended.

Still, I think it turned out well. But I'll let you all be the judge of that.