>>43050116
“Looks like the Red Scales left, but we've got some other visitors,” Quala explains, as she clambers down off of Kajilapa to meet the curious crowd of Iquani children, and a few adults, come to greet her.

I suppose Ratu must've left, hopefully he's not holding a grudge, but I can't help but worry that the young son of the chieftain may have taken my leaving on this journey without him poorly. Dropping Raziel down to a knee, I hop down out of the cockpit, stretching out after the hours sat within.

“Sorry Sief, I've got a lot of catching up to do, you okay on your own for a while?” she calls, pausing her dramatic and heavily embellished retelling of our scaring the basilisk into the tunnels to the wide-eyed children.

“Not a problem,” I reply, not that I'm entirely sure how to spend this newfound free time, but it would be rude of me not to allow Quala to properly greet her people.

>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel
>Wander the camp, talk to the Iquani
>You suppose you could offer your aid with preparing for the celebration
>(Write-in)

>>43050121
>Archive:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=golem+knight

>Twitter:
https://twitter.com/BrightTegu

>Ask:
http://ask.fm/BrightTegu

>Character List
http://pastebin.com/GmA7UNt4

>>43050121
>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel

>>43050121
>You suppose you could offer your aid with preparing for the celebration

>>43050121
>>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel

Damn you Warlord, I almost fell for your tweet.

File: 1443565323970.png (73 KB, 258x269)

73 KB PNG

>>43050121
>You suppose you could offer your aid with preparing for the celebration
Let's get cultured
Also

OH SHIT NIGGA
AM I DEAD
IS THIS HEAVEN?

>>43050121
>>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel

>>43050121
>You suppose you could offer your aid with preparing for the celebration
Lets keep up with the cultural exchange rather than working on the golem.

>>43050116
Woot nigga, got home just in time for Sief time!
>>43050121
>>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel
Sup Lordy, managed to not be bothered today so far?

Raziel+Kali OTP

>>43050217
Sief+Kajilapa or bust

>>43050121
>>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel

>>43050161
Can't handle my advanced mind games, eh anon.

>>43050213
So far today has been free of interruptions, thankfully.

>>43050121
>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel

>>43050121
Actually, I'll change >>43050213 to
>You suppose you could offer your aid with preparing for the celebration
International politics a go

>>43050121
>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel

>>43050121
>>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel

>>43050121
>Raziel might be due for a bit of maintenance after all that travel

Maintenance wins.

Writing.

I glance around at the camp, news of our victory seems to have spread fast, and the Iquani are already rushing about preparing things. I can't help but feel like I'd be getting in the way a bit if I were to start hassling them now. Instead, I should turn my attention to something more productive. I've been doing my best to give Raziel some basic upkeep as we went, but he hasn't been seen too properly since Virgil checked him over before I left, and the last thing I want is for it to build up into a major problem.

It's slow, tedious work, Golem field maintenance. In wartime, Golem Knights would be accompanied by whole squads of assistant artificiers to keep them in prime condition. Despite that, Paxton insisted that I learn at least the basics, and I'm thankful for it, as I spot a chunk of loose stone which has worked its way into an ankle joint. It's not done anything more than leave some scrapes on the iron and stone of the joint for now, but with time it could've weakened the ankle, which would have been a very bad thing. Aside from that, most of the maintenance process involves scraping out built-up sand and dust, retouching the edges of the energy tracing, and putting the golem through its paces to make sure neither the physical body or the energies within it are catching anywhere. There don't seem to be any serious issues, which is just as well, since that is about the limit of my knowledge unless I want to spend the next five years at the artificier academy.

(cont)

>>43050645
It's a hot day, and by the time I'm done, I'm sweaty, dusty and thirsty, despite having discarded my shirt somewhere along the way. Clambering down from the shoulder plate I've been hanging off of, I spot Quala standing at the foot of the golem, hands on her hips, the princess giving me a grin as I notice her. I can't help but wonder how long she's been there.

“I would've thought after all those days out in the expanse you'd have wanted some time off from taking care of that thing,” she chuckles.

I shrug, skidding down the front of the chest to sit on the knee. “Raziel's done a lot for me these past few days, the least I can do is keep him working properly in return.”

“I'm sure he appreciates it, in his own quiet way,” Quala smiles, in a way that suggests she's humoring me more than anything, “but anyway, if you're done being antisocial, the celebration is going to be starting soon.”

Hopping down off of the knee, I look around, sure enough, the Iquani work today seems to have borne fruit, gazelle is roasting over a fire, great bowls of something I'm guessing is alcohol have been laid out. Many of the Iquani seem to have traded in their tough, practical leathers for brighter colored fabrics, or at least accessorized atop them. Glancing down at my dusty, sweat-drenched self, I suddenly feel rather underdressed and underprepared for the occasion. Given the view of Iquani as barbarians in much of the Empire, the irony of being the one looking the most disheveled at the celebration is not lost on me.

>Spirits, go wash by the river, this is embarrassing
>It's fine, and besides, the rivers aren't always safe here

>>43050666
>Spirits, go wash by the river, this is embarrassing

>>43050666
>>It's fine, and besides, the rivers aren't always safe here
Rather not get killed by a water horse.

>>43050666
>>Spirits, go wash by the river, this is embarrassing

>>43050666
>Spirits, go wash by the river, this is embarrassing

>>43050666
>>Spirits, go wash by the river, this is embarrassing
We'll just use do it in the shallow water and take care to check the surface and surroundings.
Don't be an idiot and become absorbed in washing. Look around, make sure things are clear, take a handful of water and use it to clean a smaller area of skin, look around again to check for danger, repeat ad cleanliness.

Writing.

Provided I don't let my guard down, it should be fine, and I'd rather leave a good impression on the Iquani if at all possible. Excusing myself from Quala, I gather up my sword and bow, heading down to the river. With any luck it won't be necessary, but I know I'll feel a lot safer with them within arms reach all the same.

The sun has just started to dip beneath the horizon as I reach the river, adding an orange tint to the expanse. I spend a minute or so glancing up and down the river, no sign of anything dangerous, though it would still be best to stay on my guard, this water isn't so clear I'd see a kelpie lurking on its bed. While I picked a location behind some rocks to wash myself, I'm still close enough to camp that I can make out the excitement there, close enough that I should hopefully not be in too much danger.

I rest the sword and bow against a rock by the riverbank, stripping out of my worn clothing. The evening heat is only adding to how sticky and unpleasant I feel, but the river water proves pleasantly cool. It's a long process, mainly due to my careful scanning of the river. So far so good, perhaps the beasts don't stray this close to camp.

(cont)

>>43051065
It's when I'm almost done that I hear the clatter of a rock being knocked down to the left of me. Seizing me sword, I spin to face the noise, only to find myself staring down two young Iquani women a little ways down the river. From the look of the large jug under the arm of one of the women, they came to gather water, the other holding a bow for protection. I feel my cheeks heating as the two women chatter between themselves, sneaking glances over my way. Perhaps the Iquani are a little more used to nudity than people are back in the Empire, most imperial women would probably be rather more shocked than amused, not that that fact does much to assuage my embarrassment.

Sighing, I turn away to gather up my trousers, earning myself a boo from one of the Iquani women as I tug them back on.

“Don't be shy, imperial, maybe Viti can join you,” the other woman laughs, elbowing her friend as I turn back to gather up my shirt. I suppose I should be glad that the clan seems to have overcome their early mistrust of me. I glance up to reply, only to spot the telltale sign of two beady eyes above the river's surface, drifting closer to the bank where the two women stand.

That's not good.

>Shout out for them to get away
>No time, grab your bow and take a shot

>>43051076
>Grab bow, aim, shout, shoot
If this is supposed to be a binary choice, then shout first. They're Iquani, they must be somewhat familiar with the dangers of the river.

>>43051076
I don't suppose we could shout while grabbing our bow?

If not just grab the bow.

>>43051076
>Shout out for them to get away

>>43051076
>Charge
For the Empire

>>43051076
>>No time, grab your bow and take a shot
While shouting preferably

>Roll 1d100

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>43051210
Oh boy.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>43051210

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>43051210

>>43051220
nice

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>43051210

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>43051210

Here goes nothing...

Writing.

>>43051244
nicer

>>43051244
Oh damn, I'm even nicer.
Fucking kelpies don't know who they're messing with.
>>43051210
So we're shooting? Or is this the effectiveness of our shout?

Kelpies, will they ever learn?

>>43051389
They're just cruisin' for a golem shaped bruisin'.

“Away from the water,” I shout, grabbing for my bow.

The Iquani women react with impressive speed, the woman with the jug dropping it and backing away hurriedly as the other turns, reaching for an arrow. The kelpie, realizing the element of surprise has been lost, erupts from the river, water and silt sloughing off its warty hide.

While the Iquani woman is quick, there's no way she'll be ready to fire before the water horse reaches her, its jaws opening impossibly wide to reveal its row of pointed teeth. Snatching my bow from where it rests, I draw back an arrow, lining up on the galloping monster.

It rears up over the woman, spraying spittle as it croaks triumphantly. The Iquani woman's eyes going wide with fear. If I miss this, I won't get another chance. Taking a deep breath, I loose the arrow.

The Kelpie's bassy, gurgling croak takes on a strange whining tone as the shot pierces its swollen air sac, burying itself into the meat of the beast's throat. The woman dodges back, scrambling away just in time to avoid the beast's hooves crashing down on her as it sways uneasily, an almost comical squeaking sound escaping from the new hole in the thing's throat.

No sense leaving things to chance, I draw another arrow from the quiver, drawing it back and hammering a second shot into the side of the Kelpie's skull, dropping it like a rock, its bulbous eyes wide with surprise.

Its only a few moments later that more of the Iquani arrive, galloping down to the riverbank in response to the noise. I pull my shirt back on, gathering up my belongings as the two women converse with the riders, another two scanning the waterline for more of the creatures.

(cont)

>>43051570
A horse trots up alongside me, Quala sat on its back. “Can't turn my back on you for five minutes before you're off saving maidens, can I Sief,” she chuckles, trotting alongside me as we walk back to the main group.

“Although maiden might not be the best description for Viti,” I hear her mumble with a smirk.

The first thing that happens when we reach the group is that I find myself being locked into a boneshattering hug by one of the Iquani men. It seems the women are his sisters, and he's understandably appreciative. I find myself practically dragged back to camp by the man, whose name I've learned is Ruwat, who is insisting that we are now the best of friends forever, as his sisters hover nearby.

“Careful Sief, Viti and Tula can be a bit...” Quala whispers as she passes with a smirk, leaving the danger unspoken.

“Come, Sief, friend, sit with me a while,” Ruwat grins, his long, thin moustache swaying as he speaks. Looks like they've decided to start the celebration now.

>Sit with Ruwat and relax for a while, there's no rush
>Make your excuses and go see Quala
>Maybe you can get introductions to clan leaders

>>43051590
>>Sit with Ruwat and relax for a while, there's no rush
No need to be rude.

>>43051590
>>Sit with Ruwat and relax for a while, there's no rush

>>43051590
>Sit with Ruwat and relax for a while, there's no rush

>>43051590
>Sit with Ruwat and relax for a while, there's no rush

>>43051590
>Maybe you can get introductions to clan leaders

Writing.

It's a long evening, and while I feel like it would be wise to get to know some of the people in charge aside from Quala, there's no sense risking insulting Ruwat to do it, even if I am feeling a little uneasy under the predatory gazes of his sisters. Ruwat for his part seems oblivious to that fact, or at least so used to it that he's not paying any attention to it.

I wave away a drink as Ruwat tries to force it into my hand, thanking him all the same. The Iquani warrior frowns, shaking his head. “Do you Imperials not drink? What a sad life that must be.”

“Some Imperials drink more than enough to make up for the rest of us,” I reply, as Ruwat shrugs, downing the contents of the cup in one as he barks with laughter, slapping me on the shoulder.

“Maybe that explains why your aim is so sharp, friend.”

“A man of many gifts,” the younger of the sisters comments in passing, Viti I think it was.

“A great warrior, you should join our clan, you and your stone man could earn much glory, earn yourself many beautiful wives,” Ruwat grins, his voice growing louder the happier he gets.

“A tempting offer, Ruwat, but I have to succeed my house... my clan, I can't abandon that responsibility,” I smile.

“Ah, my friend, I had no idea I was speaking with the son of an Imperial chieftain's son.”

The iquani warrior glances around conspiratorially, leaning in close, his booming voice shrinking to a whisper. “Is that why you are here? To seduce the princess and strengthen your clan? My friend, I won't tell anyone if that's true, but I should warn you, her father can be a fearsome man to cross.”

“I... Is that what people are saying?”

(cont)

>>43052185
“Some do, some do, the princess going off into the expanse alone with an imperial man, quite a thing, no? Well, fear not my friend, I doubt anyone here will be running off to sell you out to the Khan quite yet, not after your glorious defeat of that twisted giantess.”

I frown, I suppose it's to be expected that people might talk. I can only hope that this doesn't cause me problems down the line.

“Ah, but enough of that, come, we've heard plenty from Princess Quala of your battles, but we haven't heard your version yet,” Ruwat laughs, his voice turning booming once more and damn near deafening me in one ear as he slaps he hard on the back.

>The Iquani like a good tall tale, exaggerate and dramatize
>Just tell it like it is
>I'd really rather not

>>43052202
>>Just tell it like it is

>>43052202
>>Just tell it like it is
It's still a good story

>>43052202
>Just tell it like it is

>>43052202
>Just tell it like it is

>>43052202
>Just tell it like it is
maybe a little embellishment here and there.

>>43052202
>The Iquani like a good tall tale, exaggerate and dramatize

Never let the truth get in the way of a good yarn.

>>43052202
>Tell a tall tale

Gotta keep that stick firmly lodged in our butt.

>>43052320
That stick is as strong as Raziel.

>>43052331
>>43052320
It makes a great back up weapon for if we lose our sword.

>>43052320
Yeah man, I hate how these fags refuse to start an orgy every time we make camp and have enough people!

>>43052202
>Just tell it like it is

>>43052202
>The Iquani like a good tall tale, exaggerate and dramatize
Just a Lil bit

>>43052320
Don't forget theverything stick that's up that sticks butt

>>43052202
>The Iquani like a good tall tale, exaggerate and dramatize
but not too much.

I don't really see any reason to exaggerate it, it's dramatic enough as it is, after all. I draw a small crowd as I recount events, running through the battles with the giants and the wyvern, though I decide to omit certain events relating to Quala.

“A glorious victory, but the princess' version had a lot more... things in it. You imperials are too modest, makes you bad storytellers,” Ruwat laughs, though I still get plenty of congratulations from the surrounding Iquani.

“Sief is too serious for storytelling, or having fun in general,” Quala's voice comes from the side as the princess walks over, smirking at me, Ruwat giving a short bow.

“Have some fun, you've earned it,” Quala grins, grabbing hold of my arm and pulling me up to my feet.

“I am having fun.”

“I'm not convinced you know what the word means, Sief,” Quala laughs, as I come to the horrifying realization that she's trying to drag me towards the fire at the centre of camp, where the Iquani are dancing to the energetic tune of their musicians.

I know what fun means, of course I do, I just have certain responsibilities which require I maintain a degree of respectability and good sense. The reputation of my house is on my shoulders after all.

“You're frowning Sief, stop frowning,” Quala calls, shaking me out of my thoughts as she tries to pull me onto the dance floor.

>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little
>Alright, but no dancing with the princess
>Igottagodomaintenance

>>43052729
>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little

>>43052729
>>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little

>>43052729
>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little

>>43052729
>>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little

>>43052729
>>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little

>>43052729
>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little

>>43052729
>Igottagodomaintenance
While running
Gotta play hard to get

>>43052729
>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little

>>43052729
>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little

>>43052729
>Alright fine.
>W-wait, you want to dance with me?
>I-i, IgottarunRazieliscallingme

>>43052809
There's hard to get, and then there's panicking at dancing.

>Roll 1d100 to not fuck up dancing

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>43052909
oh god

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>43052909
Spaghetti

>>43052729
>Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try and enjoy myself a little

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>43052909

>>43052942
apparently not.

>>43052942
That's not how you spaghetti.

>>43052942
Apparently that stick up his ass gives him superpowers.

>>43052942
Hamburger

>>43052942
Sief, once again, outdoes most of the Iquani at one of their parties.

>>43052729
>Igottagodomaintenance
Fuck dis bitch, we having fun with Razziel now.

>>43053024
Kahilapa>>>>...>>>>Raziel>Quala tbh

>>43052996
Sief's motto is anything worth doing is doing well. Shame being "muh nobility" takes highest priority more oft than not.

>>43053089
Clearly we need a hot golem-knight mechanic cousin to disrupt that balance.

>>43053103
true, though player votes have factored in to the priorities. and his whoremonger father.

>>43053122
Golem knights are humans, I think you meant golem mechanic. But I think that's called being a golem artificer.

>>43053122
No noble can resist fucking their cousin.

>>43053147
yes, I did mean golem mechanic/artificer. I was thinking of both knight-cousin and artificer at the same time.(assuming women can be knights.)

>>43053122
Well, you do have a cousin, though you haven't seen her in over ten years now, since she's over on the Foundry Isles.

>>43053122
>Incest
>Muh Genes

>>43053176
well, we need to remedy that.

>>43053197
>Nobility
>Keeping Muh Bloodline Pure

>>43051590
>who is insisting that we are now the best of friends forever

Just got into this thread, so happy to see its come back.

>>43053222
Despite reality's attempts to prevent it, I did promise there'd be more.

>>43053176
How old is said cousin?

>>43053216
>Being the common Noble

Get the fuck off my frontier Normies

>>43053122
>>43053200
Hush anon, please stop trying to pressure Lordy into making things happen faster than they would naturally happen. I don't want him to feel obliged to satisfy every one of our wants instead of focusing on the story itself. Besides, not like we could even waifu her for a long while.
>>43053242
Well, we know she's older than 10 years old.
We would likely only meet this cousin 3 months from now at the soonest, if at all, if my estimates are right.

>>43053242
Tyra is 17.

Honestly I'd be more excited for a male artificer if he was more skilled than our cousin.
Them golem upgrades mate, them weapons, them trinkets we found.

>>43053263
I was mostly bringing up the cousin part because she would likely be our cousin. Incest isn't actually on my list of things that I find arousing.
>>43053307
If they're skilled I don't care who they are as long as they are capable.

>>43053307
gotta agree, need a skilled artificer, waifus are much easier to find.

>>43053307
>>43053326
>>43053327
Then again, getting an unrelated one more skilled than a cousin of ours might be significantly more difficult.

>>43053355
True, but
Artificer> waifu

Because one day I want Sief to be able to punch a Dragon in the face with Raziel.

>>43053370
well, assuming our cousin is an artificer, she can be both. and assuming she does any work at al, she could improve in skill and eventual make the equipment needed to slay dragons.

>>43053390
That'd take a while since it took an army of Golems to kill the last dragon.

>>43053390
>assuming she does any work at al, she could improve in skill and eventual make the equipment needed to slay dragons
That's not how it works, if it was, Virgil would be a great/good artificer by now, instead of just a mediocre one(or whatever his skill is, I'm not exactly sure, but I know he's not great).
>>43053413
That too.

>>43053430
Could improve. not will. also if she does research in to new materials methods etc.

Hey guys, I'm thinking we sell off some of our salvage in order to make capital for our trade road plan.

>>43053467
I think we have two handcannons now, so we could sell the worse one, I suppose, if they can't be like enchanted to have special effects, in which case keeping both so we can have an enchanting for two separate situations might be more useful.

It's been a long time since I danced, a long time, while Paxton was very valuable in teaching me many important skills for a Golem Knight, courtly dancing was not one of them. I can't help but snort as an image of my gruff teacher stepping in time to some ballroom melody.

Even if I had been instructed, that was only Imperial dances, which are a lot less frenetic than what I'm witnessing around the fire of the Iquani camp. Still, there also seems to be a lot less ceremony involved, so perhaps I'm worrying in vain.

“I suppose one dance wouldn't hurt,” I sigh, Quala flashing me a grin as she pulls me out amidst the revelling Iquani, the heat of the fire mixing with the body heat emanating from the crowd making me sweat.

“It's not healthy to be so pent up all the time, Sief,” Quala calls over the din, the emphasis on 'pent up' not lost on me.

“I'm not pent up.”

“Then prove it,” the princess calls, pulling me into a whirling dance amidst the joyous clan.

Once the initial flare of panic passes, I realize much to my surprise that I have not in fact stumbled face first into the fire or accidentally headbutted the princess. Quala, face sheened with sweat, grins at me as we join in the celebration. It's hard to think amidst the heady chaos of the dancing clan, and maybe that's for the best. Just for now, I can push all the things whirling around in my head to the back of my mind, and enjoy the moment.

(cont)

>>43053608
I collapse back against some cushions, gasping, sweatier than I was from maintaining Raziel under the hot sun. I've lost track of how many hours I was out there for, but many of the Iquani have already retired to their tents. I feel dizzy, exhilarated, exhausted, though I don't have experience with the real thing to compare it to, I would swear I feel a little drunk, especially with the blur the evening has been. I'm fairly certain I had an audience by the end, dancing with someone, was it the princess? I know I danced with her a few times, but she wasn't the only one. I'm also fairly certain I may have grasped a few inappropriate places during the course of the evening, though from the fact that I'm not currently being stabbed by angry Iquani, I can assume that either no-one noticed, or it wasn't Quala.

I groan, leaning back. I feel like I could just sleep here. A sound next to me brings me out of my half-sleep, Quala crouching down alongside me, handing me a cup.

“It's not alcohol,” she smiles, as I take it, gulping down the cool, refreshing contents eagerly.

“I suppose you put me in my place, you really can have fun when you try,” Quala grins, as I set aside the cup.

“Too tired to gloat,” I groan, lounging back on the cushions as the princess chuckles softly.

“I'm sure your admirers will be disappointed to hear that. I think Tula and Viti had plans for you, especially after that dance you three had.”

“Definitely too tired for that.”

“If you say so, don't blame me if you wake up with Viti's hand down your pants though,” Quala grins, tossing a rug over me as I drift to sleep under the stars.

(cont)

>>43053617
Despite Quala's warning, I wake up without being molested by any overeager Iquani women, which is a good thing... I think. Last night feels half-real, and I groan a little as I remember some of my more energetic moments. Still, I suppose I should look upon it as a valuable experience in cementing good relations with the Iquani. As I pick myself up I find myself greeted by most Iquani to pass, save the ones nursing hangovers who seem rather too busy groaning.

It's early, if I'm planning to leave for home today, I should start out soon.

>Go say goodbye to Quala, then get going
>Do something else quickly before you go (write-in)
>No rush, leave tomorrow, you have things to do today (write-in)

>>43053628
>>Do something else quickly before you go (write-in)
Wash up we got really sweaty, and there can only be so many kelpies in the river.

>>43053628
>>Go say goodbye to Quala, then get going
Iron out any details we need to on our plan regarding the battlefield and stuff.
Wave goodbye to Ruwat as well.
But most importantly
>Have a teary goodbye with Kajilapa

>>43053628
>Go say goodbye to Quala, then get going
Maybe wash up first?

>>43053645
Second

>>43053645
>tfw Sief is told of in legends for years to come as the man who exterminated the kelpies of the river

>>43053628
>Go say goodbye to Quala, then get going

>>43053703
I just wanted a God damn bath!

>>43053703
>His famous battle cry was," Spirits damn it, not again!"

>>43053703
Sief finds the Iquani ruler, with hundreds of carts loaded with the heads of kelpies in small mountains.
"It's not a dragon, but it was a lot of work"

>>43053628
>Go say goodbye to Quala, then get going

Flee before the spaghetti can have its vengeance!

>>43053628
>Go say goodbye to Quala, then get going

Okay, stepping away for a bit, next post in an hour or so.

>>43053628
>No rush, leave tomorrow, you have things to do today (write-in)
Don't remember if we got to take a ride on best girl yet

First things first, I'm a mess, again. Though bathing in the rivers of the expanse is far from safe, this is probably the last time I'll have the chance to do so until I return to the manor. Picking myself up I wander through the camp, being greeted by yet more Iquani as I pass. I half-remember some names, but for the most part it remains a blur, all the same, I seem to have wound up friends with a large portion of the camp somehow.

The riverback is clear when I arrive, a dark stain all that remains of the kelpie from yesterday, though whether the Iquani disposed of it or some nocturnal scavenger did, I have no idea. Either way, I set down my bow and sword, stripping off by the bank. I keep a sharp gaze on the river, glancing this way and that as I start to wash off the grime from yesterday's celebration.

As I scoop up a handful of water for my shoulder, I lock eyes with another pair of beady, frog-like eyes peeking out from beneath the water. Sighing, I reach for my bow, only for the kelpie to slip below the waterline with a plop, the dark shape of its body swimming hurriedly downstream beneath the surface. Did it just run away from me?

(cont)

>>43054907
The rest of the wash passes without incident, and leaves me feeling a lot better for it. By the time I return to camp, the majority of the Iquani have returned to their usual work, or are struggling to do so in spite of how much they drank.

“Morning Sief, I hope Viti and Tula didn't wear you out too much,” Quala's voice chimes from behind me, the princess sat atop Kajilapa's back as the behemoth slumbers in the morning sun at the edge fo the camp.

“Nothing happened,” I sigh, shaking my head as Quala clambers down off the behemoth, who lets out a long, weary snort.

“Just as well,” Quala grins, stepping up next to me and clapping a hand on my shoulder.

“I'd have been pretty mad if it had after rejecting me,” the princess whispers with a mischievous grin, leaning in close.

“I didn't reject you. I'm not here to talk about that anyway,” I frown, earning a smirk from Quala.

“You didn't? That's good to know. What did you want to talk about anyway?”

>Write-in

>>43054931
>To say goodbye to Kajilapa, mostly. And to you.

>>43054931
>To go for a ride

>>43054907
>Did it just run away from me?
Sief is putting the fear of him into Kelpies, aw yus.

>>43054931
Saying good bye and wishing you well.

>>43054931
Ask her if she wants to go for a walk/ride while we talk.

Ask her about the rumours concerning the two of you.

>>43055016
So much this with a retard grin

>>43054931
>Well, mostly just to say it clear that we're planning to eventually get some sort of organized effort together to take care of the battlefield and possible open up trade through the forest, which I believe would be best coordinated through letters for now.
Also >>43055016

Writing.

“I'm going to be leaving today, so I wanted to say goodbye to Kajilapa,” I grin, stepping past the princess to pat the dozing behemoth on the snout as one eye opens a crack to peer at me.

“...and you too, I suppose,” I add on, glancing over at the pouting princess as she joins me in scratching Kajilapa's snout, the massive warbeast letting out a contented moan at the attention.

“Looks like I can't compete with you, Kajilapa. At least I know Sief has good taste,” Quala grins, rubbing under Kajilapa's chin with her other hand.

“Perhaps we could go out for a ride while we talk?” I suggest, Quala's eyes going wide as she clamps a hand over my mouth.

“Sief, I know you've made a lot of friends here, but you shouldn't say things like that openly,” Quala hisses, glancing around. Is riding on Kajilapa such a big deal? Perhaps it has a lot of significance in Iquani society.

“Go borrow one of the horses, we'll head out. None of the hunters are out yet today, so once we're out of sight of the camp we should be fine,” the princess whispers conspiratorially.

>...Alright
>On second thoughts let's just walk and talk

>>43055620
>...Alright
didn't realize behemoth riding was such a big deal.

>>43055620
>>On second thoughts let's just walk and talk
I don't want no truble

>>43055620
>...What
>Alright

>>43055620
>...Alright

>>43055620
>>...Alright
Spaghetti everywhere.

Master dancer. Still manages to put his foot in his mouth.

>>43055620
>On second thoughts let's just walk and talk
Don't do it people! It's been empirically proven that the stick gives us superpowers!

>>43055620
>On second thoughts let's just walk and talk
>and maybe tell me what I just said

>>43055620
>...Alright

>>43055620
>...Alright

Writing.

“...Alright.”

Quala gives a wink, turning to saddle up Kajilapa as I walk away. I should really ask exactly what it means when you ride someone's Behemoth.

It doesn't take long to find an Iquani willing to let me borrow one of his clan's excess horses, and I join the princess on the edge of the camp. Iquani horses must be very used to the presence of behemoths, judging by how calmly my steed takes it when Kajilapa's massive snout bumps gently against my shoulder. The behemoth moans happily, sniffing at me as I scratch her snout, before we take off into the expanse.

“Once I'm back at my manor, I plan to get some sort of organized effort together to take care of the battlefield and open a trade route through the forest. It'll take a long time, but I think it would work best if we can coordinate it between us through letters,” I explain as we ride.

“That'll be hard work, the forest is dangerous, maybe not for you or me, but I doubt most traders have a great beast or golem on hand to fend off the things in there,” Quala replies, slipping over to sit on the side of the saddle to watch me while we speak.

“Like I said, it'll take a long time, but I think it could be good for both of us.”

“I really don't have much of a head for logistics, but I do know a few people who might be able to help get things started on my end, if you're really serious about this.”

“Of course, no expense is too high if it's for the purpose of making it easier for Kajilapa to visit,” I grin, earning a laugh from the princess.

“My father will be happy, Juti says he's always talking about forging better relations with the Empire. Don't expect him to spend any money on this himself though, not until he can see results.”

“I'll bear that in mind,” I nod, slowing the horse as Quala brings Kajilapa to a stop.

(cont)

>>43056421
“Alright, this should be far enough,” the princess grins, Kajilapa lying down on the ground as Quala extends a hand to help me up onto the behemoth's back.

I pause as I reach for it. “Just what does it mean, riding on the back of an Iquani's behemoth?”

“It's generally only reserved for family, or those outside of the family that you are very... close to. A behemoth is as close as any kin after all, it would be disrespectful to let just anyone ride on them.”

“I see...” I frown, suddenly having second thoughts, this doesn't seem very proper now that I know more.

“Don't you start overthinking things again, Sief, we made such good progress yesterday. Don't worry, I won't even ask your father's permission first,” Quala grins. Spirits, she really isn't going to let that go.

>Ride the behemoth
>It just isn't proper

>>43056441
>Ride the behemoth

>>43056441
>Ride the behemoth

>>43056441
>>It just isn't proper
Play hard to get, have her have to drag us onto the saddle and then fall down to the ground together

>>43056441
>Ride the behemoth
Sorry Lordy, can't pass this opportunity by

>>43056441
>Ride the behemoth

>>43056441
>>Ride the behemoth
We gave her a ride in Raziel afterall and things were rather less than proper there.

>>43056441
>Ride the behemoth

I'd be all for Seif teasing the princess, but I don't know if he could.
>>43056470
Sief's personality does not really allow it to be "playing hard-to-get." did you even read the archives?

>>43056441
>Ride the behemoth

>>43056441
>overthinking this

>>43056487
It was a joke, retard, I just don't want to ride it.

>>43056441
>Ride the behemoth

>>43056502
Your joke was poorly executed.

>>43056441
>Ride the behemoth

>>43056441
>Ride the Iquani

Writing.

>>43056598
Oh, you.

>>43056441
>ride behemoth with princess
>get caught
>Quala's dad is mad we didn't ask permissiom
>Sief be all 'I tol' you!'

>>43056598
Th-that's not p-proper!

>>43056598
She asked, we said no. unfortunately.

>>43056605
A little off topic, but I just wanted to say that I really enjoy this quest. Thanks for running Warlord.

>>43056661
Aww, how sweet.

>>43056661
You're welcome anon. Glad you're enjoying it.

I know I shouldn't, I even open my mouth to tell her as much. I take Quala's hand, clambering up onto Kajilapa's back, the behemoth giving an excitable snort as she rises back to her feet. It's a strange feeling sat on the back of the great beast, feeling her breath rumbling through my body. I sit down on the saddle behind Quala, the princess grinning back over her shoulder at me as Kajilapa starts off, lumbering slowly through the expanse.

I reflexively grab for the saddle as I feel myself start to slip. I've ridden plenty of horses in my life, but this feels completely different, and Kajilapa's only going a fraction of the speed I've seen her charging around under Quala's orders in battle. I have no idea how she stays on.

“Relax, Sief, you look like you're about to have a panic attack,” Quala grins, hopping up from her seat, spinning on her heels to face me as I hang on tight.

“This takes some getting used to.”

“Kajilapa won't let you fall, you're only slipping because you're trying too hard to stay balanced.”

“That makes no sense at all.”

Quala chuckles, sitting down facing me and reaching out her hands, taking mine, extracting them carefully from their deathgrip on the saddle.

“Just go with the motions, don't fight them. Kajilapa's a sweetie, she won't do anything that'll throw you off.”

Kajilapa cranes her neck to look back at us, giving a concerned groan. I can't help but smile at the look on the massive warbeast's face, nodding as I try to fall into this rhythm Quala and Kajilapa seem to have.

I won't say it instantly becomes easy, but after a few minutes, I think I've gotten the hang of it well enough not to start flailing wildly.

(cont)

>>43056994
“Got it?”

“I think so,” I nod, Quala flashing me a grin as she shifts around once more, and sits facing forward. It would have made me feel a little more comfortable with all this, except that she evidently chose to sit a little further back, wedging herself in my lap.

“Quala?”

“I know, I know, not yet. You said it yourself though, we're going to be in contact a lot with this trade thing,” the princess grins, leaning back against my chest.

“I'm not sure what-”

“So one of these days, you'll change your mind,” she purrs.

Kajilapa chooses this moment to pick up the pace, which does not make things better as Quala starts to bounce on my lap, the princess laughing as the wind whips through her hair, the landscape blurring beneath us.

“Feels like you already changed your mind a bit,” she shouts, as my treacherous body reacts to hers despite my wishes to the contrary.

“I swear you used to be a lot more shy when we first met.”

“Spirits above, I'd be waiting until the sun went black if I didn't put a little more effort in. You go, hunt down your enemies, set up this trade route, but don't think that means you can get away from me that easily,” Quala grins, as Kajilapa lumbers ever more enthusiastically through the scrubland.

“Can't get away from either of us, can he,” Quala calls, echoed by a happy moan from the behemoth as it crashes through the expanse.

I allow myself a chuckle, joining the princess in enjoying the sight of the expanse rushing by as Kajilapa charges onwards.

>End of Thread

Thank you all for playing, going to end it there for today. Next time you will begin the journey back through the forest and bid farewell to the expanse... for the time being at least.

Hope you all enjoyed it, and I'll stick around for some Q&A if people have things they want to ask.

>>43057027
Thanks for running man.

When do you think the next thread will be?

>>43057027
waifu secured

Thanks for running

>>43057027
Thanks for running!

>>43057012
A shame, I liked shy bashful embarrassed awkward Quala as well.

>>43057044
Not sure, sometime in the next couple of weeks.

>>43057090
Damn you.

>>43057087
Once Sief gains some more confidence, he can coax that side back out.

>>43057044
Next month

>>43057120
How high ranking was Ruwat?

Thanks for running, I may be in the minority but I like this quest the best of yours.

>>43057294
As do I
Its the only one I really follow

>>43057293
Ruwat's a fairly experienced and respected Iquani warrior within his clan. He's got no behemoth though, so he's not part of the "nobility".

>>43057294
>>43057323
I'm joining your club, although I like all three.

>>43057334
When will we head up North?
I want a Dire wolf pup

>>43057294
Can't say I agree, but I do like this quest. My heart is with OWQ though.

>>43057384
Well, Mama Stump did say that the man from the cult who visited her was a northerner...

>>43057389
OWQ in general.
DoE for the protagonist.
GKQ for the setting and idea.

>>43057294
same tbh

File: 1443524681717.png (16 KB, 298x451)

16 KB PNG

>>43057425

>>43057012
Awwwwww.
>>43057027
Thanks for running!

>>43057431
I like all his settings, but specifically I like that each are distinct from one another. OWQ is my favorite, love hearing about offhanded shit like Durna the dwarf goddess who got kidnapped by an orc god and then became a different goddess entirely once she was freed

>>43057622
By different you mean totally addicted to dick. Speaking of, how's the next fluff bin going Lordy? Do you think we'll see it same time next year?

>>43057694
I can promise that it will be done sometime before the turn of the next century.

Thread archived:
>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Golem%20Knight%20Quest

Okay, since there's no more questions, I'm going to be off now. See you all next time.