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You were just winding down from all the death that just ensued, and then Marrius gets killed and zombies attack.

Sure, they were really weak and nobody was hurt by them, but... In the aftermath, those guys got away with the Galeforce axe.

After another few moments of muttering, Sheena just... Passes out on the spot, much to the concern of her pegasus.

It's clear that nobody is particularly in the mood to do much. Finally, putting away her flask, Une is the first to actually try to take charge of the situation. "Alright, I didn't know our boss, this Captain Impostor lady, or that loud kid very long, but you can't really waste time mourning for them here. We have to alert the authorities that there are bounties to reward, and then move on with our lives. People die in this profession. Be sad about it while we work."

Yancy is the one to respond first, disagreeing, "gr... She's right. There's... Nothing to gain lingering."

You feel like this is around where Leigh would raise some sort of moral objection, but she's just... Upset, clearly not up to it.

>A. Yeah, we need to carry on
>B. Don't be so callous!
>C. You don't like that you agree
>D. Write-in response
>E. Be silent

>>43916329
>A. Yeah, we need to carry on
>C. You don't like that you agree

>>43916392
"I... It pains me to say it as much as you, Yancy, but yeah, we have to hurry along." You recall Yone's conversation with Leigh the other night. "Yone doesn't belong here. He has to get back to his home settlement."

Leigh looks over and nods slowly. "We should just... Return to Elza Oasis as fast as humanly possible. See about getting back to Tordo from there."

You respond, "I doubt Irene would mind. Gods, she's going to be devastated to hear that Marrius died, I'm sure..."

That evening, Calof volunteers to stay in Ulir and handle the rest of the company's business there, "make sure Sheena gets home safe."

"N-no..." Sheena says, shaking her head in response to that. "I... After what we've just experienced, I can't just... Go back. I came along to decide if I wanted to join or not, and..."

"And I'm still gonna have to strongly discourage it," Calof interrupts.

"Hey," Une says, offering Sheena her flask (she politely and wordlessly declines), "it's a person's right to throw their life into this line of work. Not really your business."

"I... I want to do this..." Sheena mutters. "Marrius was going to let me in!"

>A. Marrius isn't exactly in charge anymore
>B. Let her if she wants to
>C. This is a bad idea. Discourage her.
>D. You're staying out of this one
>E. Write-in response

>>43916643
>A. Marrius isn't exactly in charge anymore
>So let her if she wants to

>>43916717
"Well, Marrius isn't really in charge anymore," you interject.

Naturally, this comment leaves you with the judgemental eyes of pretty much everybody besides Une, who looks impressed you would say it like that.

You clear your throat. "My... point is, she's worked alongside us just fine, and if she's seriously given it this much consideration, seen firsthand just how deadly the job can be, and still wants in... I'm certainly not going to be the one to stop her. Probably Irene'll have the final say, but..." You stop yourself short of saying you could probably talk her into giving Sheena a chance. That'd be showing too much bias for a "I don't mind either way" demeanor.

Wording it like that prompts much murmuring and nodding from your friends and allies.

"Well," Calof says, "write me when you know for sure. I'll be around."

"Ah, Kneil and I felt we ought see some sights as well..." Tomnus says.

"But... Our dearest regards to the friends and family of Yone!" Kneil finishes. "We knew him only briefly, but in that time he grew to be unforgettable!"

After the crew of the late Captain Impostor sets sail for Heim's shores again, Sheena pulls you and Une aside. "Hey, uh... Thanks for supporting me there."

Une scoffs. "I'm not nice, if that's what you're getting at." She walks out on the thanks moments later, leaving you to reply to Sheena.

>A. Not a problem
>B. She owes you
>C. Don't make you regret it
>D. Respond with silence
>E. You're (as in Lloyd) not nice either
>F. Yone said she had nice... Something.
>G. Write-in response

>>43916945
>A. Not a problem
>F. Yone said she had nice... Something.
If she wants to talk about him right now.

>>43917026
"It's... No problem, really."

A moment of silence passes.

"Er," you say, chuckling nervously, "Yone had some... Oddly specific things to say about you. He started to compliment something before being cut off."

Sheena flushes a bit, probably figuring exactly what Yone referred to (figuring it's something a bit... Uncouth, you don't ask), before looking away. "So he was... Thinking about me."

"Yep."

"That's..." She closes her eyes, looking unsure of how to continue. "I don't know what to make of it, but I'm glad to have heard it. I mean, it's silly, I get all attached like this after only knowing someone a few days. I don't know if he told you, but... It must've been so embarrassing for him, but I was all over Marrius after we met, too."

Okay, now she's starting to sound pretty upset.

>A. Ask how they met
>B. Change the subject! (specify)
>C. Write-in response
>D. Talk to someone else (specify who)
>E. Skip to later in the trip
>F. Skip to Elza Oasis

>>43917210
>E. Skip to later in the trip

>>43917302
The rest of the boat ride goes off pretty decently.

Marrius' remains... Remain in Ulir, and you later hear that his grandfather held a rather small funeral without really telling anyone besides his mother and several family friends. None of you were able to make it, sadly. Calof does, at least. He claims it wasn't really anything notable, but he also says that there is a LOT of gold on its way for everyone who was involved in the dispatching of Captain Helena.

Yone's body, however, is brought back to the mainland with you, and you use your skills for an embalming enchantment so he can make it through the desert and ocean without rotting.

"Er... Th-thank you for doing business with us..." Colleen says to you and Une (you're not sure how, but you ended up the de facto leader and number 2 during the trip back to headquarters). "And, er... I'm sorry. If I hadn't of needed to be saved back there, maybe you would've had enough people to-"

"Don't apologize for surviving," Rema exclaims, startling her from behind. "And definitely don't blame yourself for someone else getting killed! I mean, if anything, I was the one that kid was healing when-"

"Fight when we're gone," Une interrupts. "I've got a killer headache right now and we still have half a week of carrying a dead guy around."

>A. Say something (specify)
>B. Spend time with someone on the way (again, specify)
>C. Skip to arrival in Elza Oasis

>>43917549
>B. Spend time with someone on the way (again, specify)
Leigh wants to say anything?

>>43917596
"You remember where he said his settlement was, right?" You ask Leigh one evening as you approach Elza Oasis.

She nods. "I think I know the area. It's not that far from the place where we fought Cane, actually."

"Gonna be weird being back there," you muse. "How do you think that uh... Gyo person's doing?" Only living Ice Authority member you can recall the name of.

"Probably just... Keeping tabs on neighboring settlements like an Ice Authority representative does," Leigh responds, shrugging.

A bit of silence follows.

>A. Say/do something more (write-in)
>B. Skip ahead

>>43917686
>A. Say/do something more (write-in)
What did Leigh think of Yone?

>>43917686
>A. Say/do something more (write-in)
Do you ever think about going back to Tordo?

>>43917807
>>43917816
"So, I mean... You seemed to be much better at tolerating Yone than most of us," you say.

"He really did earnestly want to be stronger, better, and the three of us and... Possibly Une are the only ones from Tordo."

"Une's from Tordo?"

"I... Think so. Remember how... I think it was Tomnus and Kneil who talked about this tribe of spider-riders living right between Dain and Tordo. She's got the right hair color and eyes and such, but..."

"Never asked because of who she is as a person?"

Leigh nods. "Basically. You know how she and I have our differences after the whole 'tried to kill you' thing..."

You roll your eyes, teasingly responding, "I still think 'that time she stabbed YOU' is more appropriate than bringing up her intended target." It is weird to think about. You wouldn't say you're the greatest of friends or anything, but you and Une have been getting along decently.

Leigh groans, smiling, "you're just saying that because you care about me~."

From there, things devolve into rather embarrassing fluff and laughs and the like. Flushed and parting from a cutesy kiss, you ask, "did you ever think about going back to Tordo before we decided to bring Yone to his home?"

Leigh shakes her head. "I mean, I wasn't opposed, but I'm more... in the present. If we went back on a mission or something, sure, but I never particularly pined for it. Why?"

>A. Same here
>B. You've thought about it
>C. You wish you didn't need to return
>D. No reason
>E. Write-in response

>>43917986
>B. You've thought about it
>Can't see myself doing the mercenary thing forever. I mean we're pretty good at it but so was Marrius.

>>43918057
"I've given it consideration, along with a few other places. I mean we're doing alright as members of Marrius' Group, but... I can't see myself fighting for coin forever, you know?"

Leigh nods. "Especially after this outing... What do you think you'll get into after this?"

You shrug. "Magical research, enchanting, politics... Irene's showing me a lot of things and the Mage General has shown interest in me, so... What about you, though? You can't be considering just... Doing this forever."

Leigh lets go of you and sighs. "There's not that much else I'm good at, you know that. I'm big, strong, fight with a sword... I know, that's a dead ringer for Marrius, but. I dunno, I just. Can't see myself in a nonviolent job."

>A. She should keep trying
>B. Suggest something (specify)
>C. That's a way to an early grave
>D. Write-in response
>E. Be silent

>>43918204
>A. She should keep trying

>>43918290
"Well, I mean... Keep looking."

She scoffs and folds her arms. "Keep looking. Real helpful of you."

"Look, Leigh, I don't always have the answers. I just know there's... Something you must be good at."

"But you can't figure it out. You don't need to make stuff up to make me feel better."

You rub your temples. "Well, sorry for telling you there may be an alternative to a life by the sword out there."

"There's a lot of things 'out there,' Lloyd. Are you saying I can just... Magically know what I should do with my life?"

>A. You've got nothing
>B. She's made her point
>C. Magic doesn't work like that!
>D. Write-in response

>>43918371
>B. She's made her point
>But it sometimes does happen. Lyeim told me about a thief who became a renowned gardener. I just don't want you to think that there's nothing out there for you besides your sword arm. Even if I don't have any ideas right now.
(Feel free to reinterpret my write-ins. I'm not really feeling them today.)

>>43918596
"You've made your point," you say, raising your hands up.

Silence fills the area for a moment. In the distance, you barely hear Yancy talking to Yulea about something, but can't hear them well enough to... Actually figure what's being said.

Anyway, you continue after breathing a moment, putting your thoughts together. "It... doesn't make it impossible. You've heard Lyeim and his siblings all talk about Mitchell by now, I'm sure. He was this big deal of a thief, turned his life around and now he's a botanist."

"That's different."

"I know," you say, arms raised again, "I know, but the point I'm making isn't different at all. I just... Don't want you to be RESIGNED to having nothing but your fighting skills."

After a thoughtful silence (bar background noises), Leigh responds, "look, I don't think I'm... Resigned to this, really. This is something I'm good at, something I'm successful in. Sure, it's not pleasant to be reminded that it's the only thing I'm good at, but that doesn't mean I MIND."

After another moment of silence, Leigh asks, "we're fighting again, aren't we?"

"It happens," you say. "Despite our best efforts, some are going to slip through like this."

Irene and some city officials are awaiting your return when you all arrive in Elza Oasis.

"...welcome back," she says, smiling sadly. Word must've already reached her. "We'll... Arrange to transport Yone back up North as soon as possible."

>A. Say something to Irene here and now (specify)
>B. Silently carry into the next scene

>>43918931
>B. Silently carry into the next scene

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>>43919030
Later that evening, Irene pretty much insists you return to your studies. You figure you could use a distraction and accept her offer.

Despite this, you find yourself spacing out a good deal.

"So," she says as you finally snap back into things, "Morphs, as opposed to Deadlords, do not require a previous host, and in fact there is no spirit or soul whatsoever in them. They can exist to many levels of sophistication and strength, depending on the essence utilized to create them, but always have a few telltale signs of their identities as shown in these diagrams. Like the Deadlords, Morphs have been used in various wars throughout history, and in fact they both have their roots in necromancy, though Morphs are significantly more intelligent as a rule than any undead or even summoned monster. Of course, though a host is not necessary, to create a large enough number of Morphs required practices to gather essence, and their use has been made illegal in most nations."

Several times throughout the lesson, she sounds... Worn out, as though she's trying to hide the difficulty she's having. You notice that a coffeepot has been refilled multiple times from her alone.

>A. Is this a good topic for the occasion
>B. She lost you
>C. Is she alright
>D. Write-in response
>E. Be silent

>>43919240
>C. Is she alright

>>43919351
"Er... You alright, Irene?"

Her head perks up and she looks at you. "I was about to ask you that, honestly. I mean, you're clearly a bit out of it, so..." Almost an instant later, with zero prompting, her facade breaks and she starts crying.

"Whoa, hey, sorry if I-"

Irene shakes her head. "No, no, this was... This was... I shouldn't even be getting upset like this." She wipes her eyes. "I... Th-this was bound to happen eventually, in this line of work. Breaking down like this over it, it's... Unprofessional, is what it is."

"Irene, you're being too hard on yourself. The pressure of being in charge must be getting to you, and-and... I dunno, there's something I could say."

Irene sighs. "I... Appreciate it. I... Think I need a better distraction."

>A. You'll leave her to it
>B. What's she have in mind
>C. Write-in response
>D. Be silent

>>43919557
>B. What's she have in mind

>>43919616
"What'd you have in mind?" You ask.

Opening her mouth, she begins, "It's..." Pause. "Never mind. Just let me sort this out, alright?"

"Er... Alright," you say, nodding uncertainly and showing yourself out.

"Take care," she says on your way out.

Stopping, you respond, "you too," before continuing. No clue what she could've been getting at, but you're not going to pry when Irene is clearly uncomfortable with-

"And you didn't tell me she was in town?!"

"It-it slipped my mind," Lyeim says, "I don't even know what Princess Shea's group is in town for! I haven't been on focus at all since hearing about the boss, you know that!"

Been a little while now since you've seen Ansi and Lyeim.

"Hnn... I've gotta find her, then. She could still be in town!"

Ansi starts to barrel towards the headquarters' entrance, not noticing that you're directly in his path.

>A. Stop him
>B. Be crashed into
>C. Get out of the way

And...

>D. Ask what's going on here
>E. Mention to Lyeim that you saw his sisters again
>F. Be silent
>G. Write-in dialogue

>>43919839
>C. Get out of the way
>D. Ask what's going on here
>E. Mention to Lyeim that you saw his sisters again

>>43919899
You move slightly to the side and Ansi is off.

You ask to whoever might hear, "uh, what's going on here?"

"I mentioned that I saw Lady Yvette stocking up on supplies in Elza Oasis' market, he figured that meant Shea was around, and by extension Jolie was present too, and... Got mad when I didn't tell him something that required a lot of inferences." He groans. "That was the first time I'd seen him since running into Lady Yvette, too. How was I supposed to?"

"Ansi's not always logical," you say, "but, uh... Anyway, Tomnus and Kneil had actually hired out the Intelligent System for their trip to Ulir."

"Wow," Lyeim says, "I'd... Actually never been informed! How're Colleen and Rema?"

"They're okay," you say, proceeding to reveal, "Yone actually saved both of their lives."

"Wow... Really misjudged that guy, then," Lyeim says, "how's Captain Impostor holding up?"

>A. Dead
>B. She isn't
>C. Respond with silence
>D. Shouldn't we keep Ansi out of trouble
>E. She's great!
>F. Write-in

>>43920086
>A. Dead

>>43920155
"Dead."

Lyeim's face droops. "I see... Well, at least my sisters made it out okay!"

You both say nothing for a few moments.

Finally, he speaks up, "er... Maybe we should... Make sure that Ansi doesn't-"

"Make sure Ansi doesn't what?" Une asks, approaching from women's quarters, dressed rather plainly. It's almost disconcerting to see her out of armor.

"Who are you to ask?" Lyeim says, suspiciously. That's right, Yancy, Yulea, and Leigh are the only others who DEFINITELY know her deal.

Dryly, she responds, "his bestest friend in the whole world. Now what's he gotten himself into?" Sounding amused, she adds, "it'll be worth a laugh after all that's gone down."

Vaguely, you simply tell Lyeim that she can handle him, and he sends her on her way.

Looking between you and her retreating form, he shudders. "Hate spiders..."

>A. Une isn't a spider
>B. Same here
>C. Mention what that Lupus guy claimed of his ancestry
>D. Be silent
>E. Write-in response

>>43920356
>I kinda like spiders when they aren't trying to kill me.
>C. Mention what that Lupus guy claimed of his ancestry

>>43920466
"I mean, I kind of like spiders when they're not giant and poisoning my girlfriend."

"Heh. Thought bael weren't native to that part of Tordo."

"They aren't."

In that moment, Lyeim seems to realize exactly why you might have been attacked by a bael in the past. "That bad, huh?"

"Well, by the end of our first meeting with Une, she'd lost that eye and everyone thought she was dead. She's taking it pretty great, though."

Lyeim shrugs. "Long as you're not mad... Man, though, if it weren't for that bael she rides around... Une's got legs about as great as eight combined, you feel me?"

"I don't usually... Pay attention to that, but... Sure?"

Lyeim nods approvingly. "What makes you a good boyfriend, I'm guessing. Eyes only for her?"

"Can we change the subject off of Leigh? There's something else that I feel you have the right to know."

>character limit, continued in next update

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>>43920747
You give Lyeim a description of Lupus, about what he said, about his Fist of the Managarm spell, his necromancy, his claiming to be a grandchild of Fist of the Garou's creator.

"And you say he's a dumpy blond kid, too..." Lyeim chuckles a bit, "wow, Aunt Ahua, did you really..?"

"Erm... What're you talking about?"

Lyeim responds, "I'll spare you the details, but... A lot of Prince Lars' friends stayed pretty close-knit after the war. Ahua was part of that inner sanctum, and so was this necromancer named Bolse, who... Well, I mean, so I've heard... Was gorgeous in early adulthood. Like, the stuff of songs and gossip, and... There was a period of time where he had a reputation really similar to the one Uncle Vaga has. Grew out of it, though, which you can't say about Vaga."

"Oh." Your eyes widen. "Oh. But I mean, how do you know it's Ahua and Bolse's in particular? All you ever said was you THINK she had a kid you never met."

"I don't know that, but it doesn't really matter anyway. Just seems like a fair assumption between all of the signs. Knows his lineage, blond, a skilled mage..."

"Is Necromancy hereditary?"

"Heck if I'd know. Ask Irene?"

>A. You won't bother her over this!
>B. You just might
>C. You're dropping this conversation topic
>D. Discuss something else! (specify)
>E. Write-in

>>43920770
>B. You just might

>>43920770
>A. You won't bother her over this!
Maybe after she feels better.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>43920853
>>43920820

>>43920936
"You know what, that's... Actually not a bad idea. I mean this could be world-affecting stuff, so a simple question should be within her realm of possibility."

"Alright, great. Get back to me on that?"

"Of course."

You part ways with Lyeim on that note, heading back to Irene's research area, opening the door and showing yourself in.

"Oh, uh, hey, Lloyd," Irene, sitting behind her desk, says as you enter, "I wasn't expecting you to be back today!" She folds her hands together and rests them on the desk. She still looks worn out, smiling politely as you enter.

"Yeah, Lyeim and I were just... Curious about something. A hunch of his about... That person."

"Not a mind-reader, Lloyd."

"Right, right. I meant Lupus."

"Oh. Well, uh... Ask away." Her mood sobers in a moment's time.

You ask your question along with providing the necessary context for its asking.

"Hmm... Well, I don't... Think that Necromancy is hereditary, since Princess Paula needed to be trained in it well after her mother was born. For the most part, unless we're talking a curse, magical skills in and of themselves aren't hereditary, even if in many cases potential and essence can be."

"So that would mean that..."

Irene nods. "Someone... Had to teach him, yes." She then adds quickly, "but I don't think we're in much of a state to think of the mysteries this world has to offer, though. Maybe we can figure more of this out at a later date, but... We just don't have enough information to speculate, and we need to show that this company isn't dead just because we've lost our founder."

>A. She's right, you guess
>B. Do we really not know enough
>C. What was she doing earlier
>D. Write-in response
>E. Ask something more (specify)
>F. Be silent

>>43921246
>A. She's right, you guess

>>43921326
"Uh... Yeah, you're right. We have to be at our best performance, now more than ever."

Irene's head droops, and she rests it in her hands. "It's just so hard... It's never necessarily been an easy job, but..."

"You're doing good, Irene. Having a rough time of things is a part of this job."

She nods, mumbling a bit.

"Come again?" You step a bit closer.

"Doing so much alone is just... Draining, is all. I'll get past it, though, don't worry."

Well, your conversation topic has run its course. Now what?

>A. Stay in here with Irene
>B. Go after Ansi
>C. Return to Lyeim
>D. Look for someone else (specify who)
>E. Head into the city
>F. Write-in action
>G. Call it a night

>>43921478
>B. Go after Ansi
Let's see how our loverboy is doing.

>>43921551
You say your goodbyes to Irene and decide to go check on the misadventures of Ansi and possibly Une.

While your questions about the one who logically would have been seen more recently, "a tall, black-haired lady with an eyepatch," elicit exceptionally generic responses (apparently it's not an uncommon thing), asking about the long-haired man in salmon and dramatically talking about some girl... Surprisingly enough, nets you two distinct answers.

Putting the people together sends you in the right direction, however, and you notice Yvette and Jolie speaking to Une and Ansi. Well, moreso the formers in both duos.

"You would withhold this information?" Yvette asks Une about... Something or another. "You're obstructing matters of international concern, miss."

"And I'm telling you," Une says, rubbing two fingers together, "you need to speak my language."

Yvette, in response, stares for several seconds at Une, her ancient features nevertheless able to form a chill down even her spine. "You... Make a compelling argument. I'll talk coin with this princess of yours."

Yvette and Une walk off in some direction.

"And so," Ansi is saying to Jolie, "one of these days, I will... Be everything you could hope for, and then I might ask for your hand."

Jolie, still smiling, says, "that... Sounds like a plan. I'll tell you when you're allowed to ask, alright?"

Ansi, taking the comment at face value, nods. "The very thought fills me with determination!"

>A. Follow Une and Yvette
>B. Interrupt Ansi and Jolie
>C. Keep observing Ansi and Jolie
>D. Return to headquarters
>E. Do something in town (specifying requested but not required)

>>43921807
>B. Interrupt Ansi and Jolie

>>43921840
You walk in on the scene, ignoring whatever intrigue Une's gotten herself into.

"How're things going over here?" You ask Ansi in a teasing tone.

"Significant progress has been made!" Ansi exclaims, looking over at Jolie.

Jolie smiles and gives a little wave. "Hey, Lloyd."

"What's up, Jolie?" You ask.

"Just running some errands before we head out of town again," she replies, "but man, I am... Really feeling close to a promotion with how much more experience I've been getting! I could be a full-blown Halberdier!"

"A prestige you'll have earned," Ansi replies. "Are you growing your hair out?"

Jolie runs her hand along her green hair. "Oh, this? No, I just... Haven't really had the time to get it cut. I probably could now that I have some free time..."

You and Ansi lock eyes for a moment as Jolie speaks, and you realize in that moment that you agree on something: the fact that short-haired girls may be one of the most important things in the world.

"Er... Am I interrupting something?" Jolie asks jokingly as she notices your gazes of mutual understanding.

"What? No! What're you implying?" Ansi shakes his head, looking flustered. "Does every stare have to have a meaning?!"

>A. Yeah, no significance
>B. Just spaced out there
>C. Play along and embarrass Ansi
>D. Write-in
>E. Embarrassed silence
>F. Be completely honest

>>43922082
>B. Just spaced out there

>>43922210
"Yeah, we just spaced out there. Our boss and a coworker died recently, so... Everyone's been a bit off their game."

"Ah, right..." Jolie frowns. "Sorry about your boss and friend."

"It's... Alright. I'm doing all I can to be strong," Ansi responds with further unnecessary drama.

Eventually, you're all torn away from the conversation by various things, and from there, you call it a night.

For the first time since you've gotten back, you head into you and Yone's quarters. Many of his things, collected in his time with Marrius' Group, still litter the floor around his bed, several surfaces.

Seeing it makes you feel...

>A. Sad
>B. Regretful
>C. Angry
>D. It doesn't

As for what to do with it, though...

>E. Get rid of it all
>F. Leave it for now
>G. Pack it up. It can go to Tordo with him
>H. Pack it up to sell

Of course, being back in this room like this...

>I. Feels weird, but you'll manage
>J. You're not ready. Ask to crash with (specify someone)
>K. Is nicer and quieter than ever
>L. No major reaction

>>43922397
>A. Sad
>G. Pack it up. It can go to Tordo with him
>I. Feels weird, but you'll manage

>>43922397
>A. Sad
>G. Pack it up. It can go to Tordo with him
>J. You're not ready. Ask to crash with Leigh

>>43922423
>>43922493
It feels sad and strange, a bit lonely without that loudmouth narrating to himself. His things, you figure, have got to go. You take to finding boxes to sufficiently store his souvenirs, figuring they belong with their owner. You're not sure if you feel quite comfortable staying in here tonight, so if you're not feeling it still when everything's packed, you'll probably go to Leigh.

It's at this point that you hear a knocking on the door. You answer it to find Irene.

After you ask her what she needs, she answers, "I just wanted to tell you that... Oh, hey, what're you doing?"

"Just... Packing up Yone's things. Figure I should send them along with him."

She smiles. "That's... Very considerate of you. Could I lend a hand?"

As she does so, you ask, "anyway, you were saying?"

"Awful lot of clutter for so little time..." She shakes her head. "Anyway, I figured it would be wise to... Break out the Witch's Pendant for Yone's sake, get you all to the settlement he's from. Leigh said where that was, so..."

"I appreciate it, but don't you need to be here?"

Irene nods. "I would... Probably have to leave you and whoever came along with you there for a few days... How long do you need to put someone to rest up there?"

"A week should be plenty."

In short, tomorrow morning you and a few fellow mercenaries will be sent up to Tordo for a week.

As she helps pack things up, Irene slips on her own robes, hitting the floor but managing to keep the last box from spilling. You offer her a hand up, which she takes. "Thank you..." And now, sighing. "I'm just... Still not sure I can handle this."

>A. Reassure Irene
>B. Tell her to get over it
>C. Be silent
>D. Write-in response

>>43922714
>A. Reassure Irene

>>43922780
"Hey," you say, "you've practically run this place all along anyway. You're gonna do great."

Irene lets go and looks away. "We can say that, but..." She shakes her head, looking determined. "No, you're right. I CAN do this. Since when have I been one to shrink back at some extra work?" Trying to maintain a reasonable volume, she excitedly adds, "Marrius would have said the same thing if he were here!"

"That's the spirit!"

And then, from another room, the voice of Gonzo. "Hey, keep it down! Ansi just stopped talking about being possibly allowed to maybe propose!"

"Don't belittle my love, Gonzo!"

"Great, now you made me set him off again!"

>To be continued next thread
Yeah, this was another "easy" chapter, all in all. Glad about how it turned out, though, and who in their right mind would make "stranded in the snowy mountains for a week with no job" a boring arc?

Thanks for playing, all of you. As always, update twitter is qmgrandflocto, ask.fm is qmgrandflocto (also known as: constantly gathering dust), and I'll be around to chat in-thread for a bit.

No clue who besides the obvious Lloyd and Leigh should be in the Tordo Funeral Team. Sheena might be logical, but beyond that I know that three is way too small a group.

>>43923055
Maybe that's part of the challenge, or we could make new friends.
Also, next thread, will we learn more about the past of Leigh and Lloyd?

>>43923099
Not much to tell that hasn't been already. Lloyd had an older sister and younger brother, was sort of considered "weird" despite his silver tongue, might have been bullied a lot. Leigh was even more of an outcast with even less family, but a whole lot of muscle and sword. Then everything was destroyed, they survived, Lloyd eventually convinced her they needed to bandit to survive.