>>45562969
>Ask for a book.

"Thanks man, if you've got any spare books that you think might be useful I'd be happy to take them off your hands."

He chuckles at that.
"I'd love to but I'm afraid all of the books I have here are ones I plan to use in my lessons. Got it all planned out and everything...Actually, there is one."
He takes a book off the shelf and hands it to you. It reads 'A Lesson In Compliance: Mental Alchemy'. It's old and worn.
"I don't use this one but it was my first, really helped me when I was just setting out. Kept it around for sentimental value but I suppose you can have it."

"Thanks mate, you don't have to if you don't want to."

"No, it's fine! I insist. Keeping a book around isn't very useful, they're meant to be read. Take it."

You do so and with all that out of the way, Tallen agrees to follow you and have a meeting with Hiss.
He speaks up again as the two of you are leaving the College.
"You know what, I didn't even catch your name! I'm no good with them so half the time I feel like I forget to ask."

"It's Cennen."

"Like the stone? A nice name. Actually...have I met you before?"

"I don't think so."

"Strange. An alchemist named Cennen...alchemist named Cennen. Feels like somebody told me about you or someone with your name and job once before maybe. On the tip of my tongue!"
He shakes his head.
"Or probably not. Let's go. I'm only going to have time for a short interview though before I have to head back to do my class, I hope your client understands. I'll arrange a more suitable meeting time with her."

"I think that'll be just fine with her."
You hope it will be anyway.

When the two of you get to the inn you find yourself drawing to a stop. Zigzag is loitering around the street outside of it, apparently entirely unattended. She hasn’t seen you yet but what if she does? What would she say to Tallen? Would she scare him off?


1/2

>>45562978
>Hustle him through the door as quickly as possible.

>Call Zigzag over. What the fuck is she doing outside without someone watching over her?

>Guide Tallen around the back instead.

>Use a potion to solve the issue quickly.

>Just approach as normal.

>Other

>>45563000
>>Just approach as normal.

>>45563000
>Just approach as normal.

>>45563000
>Just approach as normal.
Anything happens, we tell him she's Hiss niece who's got some issues.

>>45563000
>Call Zigzag over. What the fuck is she doing outside without someone watching over her?

>Just approach as normal.

You guess you'll just take this one step at a time. And who knows, maybe Zigzag's learned enough about decorum to know that she shouldn't make a scen-and nope, here she comes now.

"Cennen! And who are you?"

"The name's Master Tallen. Pleased to meet you!"
Tallen reaches out to shake her hand and you have a sudden vision of Zigzag shredding the skin on his palms. Fortunately Zigzag just stares at his outstretched hand uncomprehendingly. It hangs there awkwardly before Tallen pulls it back.
"And just what might your name be, young lady?"

"I'm Zigzag!"

"Really? That's uh, an interesting name. Are you su-"

Zigzag turns back to you.
"Can I eat him?"

You slam the doors open and pull Tallen inside before she can say anything else.
"Sorry about that," you say as you help the confused alchemist up the stairs. "She's just my patron's young niece. Very active imagination."

"Uhuh. You're a lot stronger than you look, I say. Now was it just me or did she say something about eating me?"

You were hoping that he had misheard that.
"I don't think so. You'll have to excuse her either way, she has some issues."

"Issues like what?"

"Um."

"Look Cennen, you found my Restorative and for that I'm very grateful. But there's definitely something very queer about this whole situation. Is there something I should know?"

>"No."

>"We're a little out of order right now but there's nothing to worry about."

>"It certainly isn't a coven of shapeshifting monsters that eat souls."

>"It's part of the problem we want you for. I'll let my patron explain."

>"If I am to be completely honest, you are probably in grave danger."

>Other

>>45563350
>>"It's part of the problem we want you for. I'll let my patron explain."

>>45563350
>"It's part of the problem we want you for. I'll let my patron explain."

>>45563350
>"It's part of the problem we want you for. I'll let my patron explain."
Apparently zigzag has learned nothing

>>45563350
>"No."
As far as Cennen knows, Hiss legit wants to hire this dude, right? She never told him about her time in the gallows

>"It's part of the problem we want you for. I'll let my patron explain."

"I won't deny that things are a little strange right now but that's part of why you're here. I'll let my patron explain."

Tallen looks sceptical but he's already here so he follows you up the rest of the stairs and into Hiss' room. Hiss is standing there alone and she smiles as the two of you enter.
"You're back already? And this must be Master Tallen, I assume."

"You'd be right. Pleased to meet you."
Tallen extends his hand and Hiss takes it, the Queen looking a bit askance as he shakes it vigorously.
"You know," Tallen continues. "I was just telling your man earlier that you can tell a lot about someone from how they shake your hand."

"Is that so?"
And then Hiss squeezes.

You nearly cry out as all colour drains from Tallen's face and he drops to his knees, Hiss still holding his right hand up. You can hear his bones cracking and breaking and trickles of blood start to drip out from underneath her grip.

"Thank you Cennen, you've done very well. Now leave us."

>Demand an explanation.

>Do as she says.

>Pull her off Tallen.

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Other

>>45563598
>Demand an explanation.

>>45563598
>Demand an explanation.

>>45563598
>Demand an explanation.
Vehemently

>>45563598
>Demand an explanation.
There must be some reason

>>45563598
>Demand an explanation.

Been watching these lately and was reminded of Cennen's nobbling mastery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJiZ2HgV5E0

The guy is even strayan and sometimes has a mullet, racial bonus to animal catching. Few good snake catching videos too.

>Demand an explanation.

You step in, not sure what to do. Tallen moans as Hiss just tightens her grip further and further, either unable or unwilling to scream. She releases him and he drops to the ground clutching his hand. It's been mangled out of all recognition, a twisted lump of bloody flesh with splinters of broken bone protruding from all angles.

You finally find your voice.
"What the fuck? What are you doing?"

Hiss wipes her bloody hand on the wall.
"I thought I told you to leave."

"Yeah and I thought this was a damn job interview or something but I guess we're both wrong. Why are you doing this?"

Tallen is still weeping and moaning on the ground. He tries to pull back but Hiss puts her boot atop his leg to pin him back down. And then, with her foot still sitting on top of his knee, she pushes her boot down until it can almost touch the floor again.
Tallen finally starts screaming and you start to feel sick.
"Hiss, please say something."

"Don't you remember our first little vacation here, Cennen? I believe you'll recall that you spend a little time in the hospital. Do you remember where I was back then?"

"The gaol."
It'd be hard to forgot. You know Hiss never really got over it, you remember her reactions to being force-fed anything.

"Well, Master Tallen here was one of the men who entertained me. The alchemist in charge of administering the truth serum."

Oh.
"Oh."
Everything suddenly falls into place. Of course, the clues had been in front of you all along!
"What are you going to do to him?"

"Cennen, you believe me when I say I'm not fond of torture, right? Sure, sometimes I can lash out and I will admit that I can go a little overboard but in general I've always found it crude. Well, not today. We're going to enjoy each other's company for a very long time."
She pulls off her bedsheet and stuffs it into Tallen's mouth to silence him.
"You may leave now."

1/2

>>45564000
>Leave.

>Stay. You convinced Tallen to come here, this is on you.

>"You don't have to sink to their level, Hiss."

>"Oh fuck, can't you just kill him?"

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Other

>>45564023
>Stay. You convinced Tallen to come here, this is on you.
>"You don't have to sink to their level, Hiss."
>If memory serves the blame should rest with the mayor, who you already shredded. He barely remembers his own name right now.

>>45564023
>Stay. You convinced Tallen to come here, this is on you.
>"You don't have to sink to their level, Hiss."
This won't make you feel any better.

>>45564023
>Stay. You convinced Tallen to come here, this is on you.
>"You don't have to sink to their level, Hiss."
>"He acted under the mayor's orders, he drew no pleasure out of it."
>"Just kill him"

>>45564023
>>"You don't have to sink to their level, Hiss."
>Stay. You convinced Tallen to come here, this is on you.

>>45564023
It was my fault you got captured Hiss. And I'm really sorry all that happened to you. But this is pointless.

>>45564023
>>"Oh fuck, can't you just kill him?"

>Stay. You convinced Tallen to come here, this is on you.
>"You don't have to sink to their level, Hiss."

She's not being particularly stringent about ordering you out, you get the feeling that she's doing it for your sake rather than hers. But you won't just leave her to do this, you brought Master Tallen here under false pretences, you can't help but feel a little responsible.
"No thanks, I'll stay."

"Oh good, just don't complain about feeling sick then."
She sat down next to the fallen alchemist and took hold of his remaining hand, twiddling his pointer finger playfully before twisting it 180 degrees.

"Hiss, please stop."

"Why?"

"The real culprit of all that was the Mayor, wasn't he? And you got your revenge on him. This won't make you feel any better."

"Really? Because I feel fantastic!"

"Do you? Do you really?"

She appears to be seriously pondering your question. And then she breaks the other hand.
"Yes, this is fine. You don't have to watch if you don't want to."

"But why do this? Just kill him! All of this is pointless."

"I don't know, I feel pretty good! But I guess...if you have something more fun you want to do then I guess I can oblige."
She smirks up at you, her face and hands splattered with blood.

>Oblige.

>"No! What the fuck Hiss, this is really not the time."

>Leave.

>Kill Tallen yourself.

>Nobble.

>Other

>>45564446
>Kill Tallen yourself.
>Leave.

>>45564446
>Kill Tallen yourself.
Clean decapitation

>>45564446
>Kill Tallen yourself.

>>45564446
>Kill Tallen yourself.

>>45564446
>Kill Tallen yourself.

>>45564511
>>45564549
>>45564609
>>45564620
So what are we going to do after this?

>>45564638
Idk, get zigzag back inside. Start brewing.

>>45564638
Hope Hiss isn't too pissed.

>>45564665
>Implying She'll let us

>>45564679
She will be

Hence why I was saying we walk out.

>>45564638
I think we should let her kill him. Even If he was following orders, he's not entirely innocent. From his prespective, he was collaborating in the torture of a random woman. Plus he's one of the few people Hiss is justified to hold a grudge on.

>>45564638
>>45564748
And for what do we do after this, we could use this oportunity to reflect on how similar we are to him and how many people may be coming after us to punish us for the many wrongs we've made, and the ones we're still to make.

Also, people probably saw this guy leaving the college with us, which will make us the prime suspect once they find he's missing, so we should do something about that

>Kill Tallen yourself.

"No, Hiss. No."
You pull out your sword and bury it into Tallen's neck before Hiss can do anything else. At least he's dead now.

Hiss doesn't look too angry, only disappointed. You suppose she already had her 'fun'.
"Awww come on Cennen, this is why I wanted you to leave. I was going to keep his soul for fun later."

"Yeah well I'm sorry. And you could have at least told me what you were going to do to him!"
All that effort to gain the trust of a mostly nice albeit forgetful man. Just to send him to his death.

"You wouldn't have done it then! Now..."
Hiss grabs your sword by the blade as she stands up, running a scaled hand firmly along the edge as she pulls it out of your grasp.
"Looks like you just freed up my schedule for the next hour or so. I hope you're ready to compensate."

>Agree.

>"Hiss, this is disgusting."

>"Actually I have some brewing I'd rather do, thanks." Leave.

>Nobble.

>Flee

>Other

>>45564913
>"Actually I have some brewing I'd rather do, thanks." Leave.
Work on your romance Hiss

>>45564913
>Agree.
Not for sex though, let's go out on a date or just spend time together.

>>45564913
>Have sex with you
>While you're covered in blood
>After you betrayed my trust, AGAIN
>Nope
>Going to go brew.


>>45564961
Nope it's explicitly fucking her why she's covered in blood anon.

>>45564979
I'm clearly not voting to fuck her anon.

>>45564913
You really think I'm in the mood after that? I would like the chance to just talk to you for a while though. Doesn't happen often enough.

>>45564913
>"I'm not big on all the blood, and I certainly wasn't expecting I'd have to murder a colleague today, so I'm not really in the mood"

>>45564913
lets loot this guy's office

>>45565043
Yeah this. All we do with her lately is fuck. And even that is pretty rare.

>>45565087
Given that we might end up as a suspect for this guys murder I don't think that's a great idea.

>>45564913
>>45564961
lets blow this popsickle stand

>Really not in the mood right now.

You hold your hands up defensively as she advances on you. Hiss really needs to work on her romance. Or does she just think that you're hers to have whenever she wants.
"You really think I'm in the mood after that?"

"You might be, I am."

"You're covered in blood and I really wasn't expecting to be forced to murder a colleague today. And I'm not big on having my trust betrayed yet again either."

Hiss crosses her arms and pouts.
"I don't know if you've noticed but I kill people all of the time. You can't make an omelette without murdering a few eggs."

"I know. But you didn't have to bring me into it! You could have just gone and grabbed him yourself!"

"But I was busy here..."
She trails off as she sees your expression.
"I'm sorry?"

>"I need to go brew." Leave.

>"I'm going to go make sure Zigzag doesn't kill someone." Leave.

>"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that?" Leave with her.

>Other

>>45565200
>"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that?" Leave with her.
Might want to get Zigzag back in the inn too though

>>45565200
>>"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that?" Leave with her.

>>45565200
>>"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that?" Leave with her.

>>45565200
>"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that?" Leave with her.

>>45565200
>"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that?" Leave with her.
>Ask Aash to look after zigzag

I'm not too concerned about Tallen's dissapearance, because the town is in disarray and already under Hiss' control, but we should have a plan in case someone from the College comes asking questions

>>45565200
>"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that?" Leave with her.
friendly reminder that aash is still best girl

>>45565200
>>"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that?" Leave with her.

how's the whole conquering the country thing going?

>"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that?" Leave with her.

You sigh and sit down on the bed. Hiss sits down beside you but you are loathe to let her touch you while she's still sticky with blood.
"Can't we just spend some time together and talk? What happened to that? Feels like all you ever call me up on to do is fuck."

Hiss claps her hands together.
"I'm sorry, I'm just very busy. I'll make more time for you soon."

"You say that a lot."

"Maybe I do. But you have to trust me."

"Trusting you doesn't always end well."

She pulls away as if you'd bit her.
"That's going to change right now then. Come on, let's go!"

"Go? Where?"

She shoves you lightly.
"Your choice. Just you and me and no interruptions."

>"You can choose actually."

>"I'm fine staying here."

>Take her to the teahouse you know.

>Just walk around the city.

>The Potions College.

>(Specify)

>>45565411
>Take her to the teahouse you know.
>Make sure we have all our gear ready. Whenever we have a nice time with Hiss, SOMETHING or SOMEONE always interrupts.

>>45565411
>Just walk around the city.
we can find something cool I bet.

>>45565411
>Take her to the teahouse you know.

>>45565411
>Just walk around the city.
I don't think the teahouse is a good idea

By the way, just adding that I really didn't expect you guys to remember Hiss' time in the Melire gaol and connect it to Tallen before she explained it to you. That was really good work on your part.

In other news, I did a bunch of dumb pastebin interludes during my absence that you may or may not be already aware of.

>>45565411
>Just walk around the city.

>>45565411
>Just walk around the city.
Initiate lewd handholding

>>45565411
>>"You can choose actually."

>>45565593
We've been doing well on that sort of thing lately

File: tumblr_mdtb9h4BK71r1fq7do5_500.gif (981 KB, 500x180)

981 KB GIF

>>45565593
>No Tanni

>Just walk around the city.

A few minutes later and you're standing outside of the inn waiting for Hiss to get the blood off of her jacket. You can't see Zigzag anywhere and you have no idea if that's a good or bad thing. Either she went back inside or just ventured into the city itself. Potentially horrific.

But all thoughts of Zigzag vanish from your mind when Hiss skips out the door and takes your hand in hers. Her fingers interlock with yours and it's easy to forget that this was the same hand that she mangled Tallen with.

"Well, well, well. It would appear that I am at your disposal. Where are we going?"

"I was thinking about just a walk to start us off with."

Hiss playfully wrinkles her nose.
"Wow Cennen, you sure know how to treat a girl."

"You'd be surprised."

She doesn't let go of your hand and so you lead her on a walk up and through the fancier districts. Nobody seems to care about the two of you, you both fit in and for a while you do nothing but simply enjoy each other's company.

"So hows all this conquering business going, huh?"

"So and so. Just the daily grind, you know? In the next few days I'll be having some important interviews with a few of the fools that are trying to fight over this place. And the rest of my forces are getting ready to storm the city en masse if need be. But enough about work, how have you been?"

"Busy. Been trying to teach Zigzag some proper manners."

Hiss laughs.
"I can hardly imagine that. And how has that been going?"

"About as successfully as you'd expect to be honest. But I'll keep trying."

You back up a little as Hiss taps you on the nose.
"Of course you will. You never give up on trying to bring light to us awful monsters, do you?"

"Hey, if I-"

"Ssh. I meant that as a compliment. I love that you try Cennen and I don't want you to ever stop trying. You've changed...a lot but in that way you're still that dopey moron who kidnapped me back in the forest."

"Thanks?"

1/2

>>45565971
"That's another compliment, silly. I know I might give off the wrong impression sometimes but I love you and I don't want you to ever stop being you."

You chuckle and put your hands around her waist, lifting her up into the air and twirling her around as she makes a small and startled shriek. You don't even care that there are people watching.
"I'll always stay me Hiss. That's a promise."

"You better keep it then."
She wriggles out of your grip.
"Now, I'm getting a little tired of just walking about. You have anything else planned for me?"

>Teahouse.

>Find a fancy restaurant.

>Take her to the city gardens.

>Take her to the mayoral mansion. It's where a Queen should stay after all.

>Take her back to the inn.

>Other (Specify)

>>45566139
>Find a fancy restaurant.
We're still loaded right?

>>45566139
>Find a fancy restaurant.
>tfw I really want to brew but this is nice too

>>45566139
>Take her to the city gardens.

>>45566139
>>Take her to the mayoral mansion. It's where a Queen should stay after all.

>>45566139
>Find a fancy restaurant.

>>45566139
>Other (Specify)
How about we get out of the city and explore the countryside, like we did before?

>>45566273
Not really an option unfortunately

>>45566139
>>Find a fancy restaurant.
Some place with warm food.

>Find a fancy restaurant.

"Then have no fear, your Majesty. I'll take you some place nice."

It doesn't take long to find a fancy-looking restaurant from where you are and your money is more than enough to guarantee you an immediate reservation. The fact that Hiss' implacable sense of command was backing you up probably helped as well. The two of you sit together in the corner as you peer through the menus.
You notice in the drinks menu the same tea that you found to be good when you were at the teahouse with Aashenpreet. You don't know if it'll be the same here but you order it for both of you. You set the tea down and you do your best to savour the taste. Across from you Hiss looks doubtfully down at her own bowl.
“Are you sure this is fine?,” she asks. “I’ll never understand the kind of things humans apparently WANT to put in their mouths.”

“Just try it.”

Hiss rolls her eyes, apparently humoring you.
“If I must. But I’ve had your potions Cennen, you don’t exactly have the greatest sense of taste.”

She lifts the bowl to her lips and drinks only a little before her eyes widen. You can’t help but smile at her expression and she must see it because she puts the bowl back down with her face set.
“That was alright. Not very good but alright.”

“Oh so you won’t mind if I take yours then, will you? I’ve nearly finished mine.”
You make like you’re going to reach out and take her bowl only to immediately snatch your hands back when she hisses and instinctively goes to strike. She clutches the bowl closer with a jealous glare.
“Woah there, Hiss. What happened to it being ‘alright’?”

She scowls as she realizes that she’d just been baited. She can’t do anything about it either, it’s much too late to reverse it.
“It’s...fine,” she admits. “It tastes good.”

1/2

>>45566644
Cennen, the snake master and baiter.

>>45566644
kek classic hiss

>>45566644
You smirk at her as her feet find yours underneath the table and start to rub against them.
"How about that? I could have swor-"

Your smile and your words quickly dissolve as Hiss, having located your feet, promptly stomps on both of them in quick succession. It doesn't hurt as bad as it could have but it's a welcome reminder. Hiss is a sore loser.

You wince and Hiss grins before she puts her hands to her mouth.
"Oh no! Cennen, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to that, it just slipped out!"

"Nah, it didn't hurt that much. It's fine. No need to be worried about it."

"You still want to be...with me, don't you?"

"Pardon?"

She looks guilty.
"Last time this happened we had some words. You said that if I hurt you again you'd walk out. Please don't, it really was an accident that time."

>"It's fine, just don't do it again. Please."

>"Don't worry, I'll get my revenge later."

>"That? Was that you trying to hurt me? I didn't even feel it."

>"Thank you for reminding me!" Pretend to leave.

>Other

>>45566721
>"Don't worry, I'll get my revenge later."
Nobble nobble~

>>45566721
>"Don't worry, I'll get my revenge later."
I think my scales are strong enough to handle a small bite like that

>>45566721
>"Don't worry, I'll get my revenge later."
I'm thinking Potence+Champion brew+Anti-venom fun times where Cennen is on top.

>>45566721
>>"That? Was that you trying to hurt me? I didn't even feel it."
>"Calm down, though, I mean't serious things"
>"Don't worry, I'll get my revenge later."

>>45566721
>"Don't worry, I'll get my revenge later."

>>45566721
>>"Don't worry, I'll get my revenge later."
also maybe a soft reminder that those conditions are still in place for serious shit a la
>>45566840

>"Don't worry, I'll get my revenge later."

You're not particularly concerned. The talk you had had with Hiss had been more concerned with actual beatings. This is nothing compared to that.
"Don't worry, I'll get my revenge later."

She steeples her fingers.
"Sounds scary. Should I be concerned?"

Your answer is cut off by the main course arriving. Hiss finishes her meal long before you and immediately starts to eat from your plate as well. She's not even hiding that she's stealing your food. She's completely shameless about it.

You wait for her to reach out again before you strike, catching her hand as it reaches out and trapping it in a deadly serious handhold. This is one of your most powerful techniques and it stops her dead in her tracks while you quickly finish the rest of your meal in relative peace.

The two of you exit the restaurant peacefully and you silently sigh with relief that you made it through without any incident.

"Hey Cennen?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry for this morning. I should have gone out and gotten him myself."

"It's fine. Just let me in on your plans next time alright?"

She chuckles.
"But it's so fun when nobody else knows! For example, you should have seen your face when the Melach came!"

"I'll admit that one was good. But most of the time your little surprises are a lot ruder."

"Maybe so. Well I'll make it up to you. You've taken me out so I'll return the favour. Come with me."

"Sure. Where are we going?"

"That's a secret."

"Hiss, I could have sworn we literally just talked about this."

The sun is dipping towards the horizon as the two of you make your way through the streets. You almost manage it un-accosted before a young woman bumps into you and nearly falls over.
You apologize to the little brunette and she goes to leave but Hiss grabs her by the arm.

"Hiss? Is something wrong?"

Hiss pries the girl's hand open to reveal several signet pieces fresh from your jacket. The woman starts to sweat.
1/2

>>45567148
"I'm sorry my lord! And lady. I don't know how those got there, it must have been an accident!"

Hiss bobs her head in both directions as if to make sure anyone is watching and you start to get a sinking feeling.
"Hiss wa-"

Hiss steps forward and kicks the thief's legs out from underneath her. As she falls, Hiss kicks her in the face. Not hard enough to kill her thankfully but more than enough to break her nose.
"You little bitch! We're having a cute little night out and you just had to ruin it!"
She winds up for another kick.

>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."

>Give the thief a few more signets.

>Hold Hiss back.

>Let Hiss work out her frustrations but make sure she keeps it non-lethal.

>Call the guards.

>Just stand back.

>Other

>>45567239
>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."
It's not ruined at all hiss. I'm still having a great night. Let's go. Leave a heal-all next to the thief and walk away.

>>45567239
>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."
Give her a heal all and make sure the rest of our possessions are accounted for

>>45567239
>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."
Hold her back if she doesn't stop

>>45567239
>>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."
"I'm still having a great time, because I'm spending it with you, the woman I love, not let's go." Give the thief a heal-all and spend more time with Hiss.

>>45567239
>>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."
Heal all, let her nose heal crooked as a punishment.

>>45567239
>>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."
>>Give the thief a few more signets.

>>45567239
>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."
>Let's go have the sex and a warm bath. You like warm sex baths.

>>45567239
>Hold Hiss back.
>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."

We should get her something big, mean and tough to fight

>"Hiss, it's not worth it. Let's go."

You don't try and hold her back but you rest your hand on her shoulder all the same.
"It's not worth it Hiss. I'm still having a great time. Now let's go."
You pat your pockets down to make sure nothing else is missing before leaving a Heal-All by the mewling thief's side.
"You'll want to push your nose back into place before drinking that, it's liable to end up crooked otherwise."

And with that done you offer your hand back out to Hiss. She looks from you to the thief still on the ground, clearly ready and willing to get in a few more kicks but in the end she relents and takes your hand.
"You really are my better half."

You snort as she leads you away.
"Better? Are you finally acknowledging that you aren't always superior?"

"As if. I didn't say 'smarter half' now, did I? Or 'stronger half'. Or 'attractive half' for that matter. The point is, Cennen, the number of complimentary adjectives I could attach to the word 'half' that you do NOT qualify for probably outnumbers the ones that you do."

"But I am your better half all the same."

"Kinder half. Sappier half. Willing-to-spend-literal-days-locked-up-in-his-dingy-alchemy-hole half."

"I'll have you know that it's a very well looked after alchemy hole, thank you very much. I have some pride."

"Yes and I've always found that regretful. Here we are."

She's standing at a corner where the road you'd been walking down splits into two. More accurately, she's standing next to the thing it split around. A moderately tall tower of white stone.
"You ever seen the top of the observatory before?"

You try the door. It's very large and thick and bolted from the inside.
"Doesn't look like anyone's home right now. Are we really going to force the door open just to use the stairs, are we?"

"Stairs? Who said anything about that?"

"Well when you said you wanted to see the top I assumed-"

"Hah!

Hiss reaches up and grabs hold of one of the windowsills, levering herself up.
1/2

>>45567643
"Stairs are for pussies. Come on."

"If you say so."
You try to grab on but it had been raining earlier and so it's still a little bit slippery. You slip off the side and fall the two feet you'd managed to climb.
Hiss giggles at you.
"Do you want me to pick you up and carry you up?"

>Just make the climb yourself.

>Let her carry you.

>Force the door open and take the stairs.

>Use a potion to make this easier.

>Sit down on the ground. This is fine.

>Other

>>45567705
>Let her carry you.

So.. how's not!hiss's body coming along?

>>45567705
>>Let her carry you.
we'll just have to deal with smugness

>>45567705
>>Let her carry you.
Yes stronger half.

>>45567705
Use skinshedder to turn into a bird, then fly to the top and change back

>>45567742
Yeah this. Hope there aren't any weird side effects. Make sure to become a common bird, like a large crow or raven or something.

>>45567705
>>45567740
Supporting this, with the "Yes, stronger half." comment.

>>45567742
This.

>>45567734
I'm half expecting her to start acting up at any moment.
I want her to meet Eva II

>>45567742
Yup it's brew testing time.

>>45567705
>>Just make the climb yourself.

>>45567734
Cennen has made great strides in that regard. If by 'great strides' you mean 'has done literally nothing'.

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>>45567742
>>45567796

How about this one?

>>45567869
What? We've learned to make a soul for her and we're close to learning to make a body.

>>45567869
Yeah I figured. I just like to remind everyone every now and again. Because I feel like Hiss is suddenly going to go all black eyed and say, "The contract has been violated, but I have taken steps to mitigate the damage. This is my body now, you may create one for "Hiss.""

>>45567904
Actually, we still haven't touched Moldrum's notes or the anatomy book

>>45567890
What kind of bird is that? Looks weird as shit.

>>45567742
This. Pigeon may be more innocuous though idk about local birds in Melire

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>>45567992

>>45567933
Secretary bird, feeds mainly on snakes it stomps on

>Use the Skinshedder

You just sit back and wave at Hiss.
"No worries, you climb up. I'll sort something out for myself."

You watch Hiss scale the tower while you search through your pack. When she's nearly at the top you uncork your bottle of Skinshedder and take the form of a piebald butcherbird.

It's...strange, to say the least. But you've been stranger so it doesn't take you long to get accustomed and fly up to the uppermost balcony. It's a little hard to think coherently like this.
Hiss, lounging atop the balcony railing as if she wasn't inches from falling, holds out an arm for you to perch on.

You have to fight off your instinctive fear of the giant figure but you make it, sitting on the back of her hand. She laughs.
"Wow, look at you huh? Always got a trick up your sleeve."

You croak at her but she moves faster than you can react, wrapping her hands around you so that you're trapped.
"Whoops. Looks like I nobbled you. Whatever shall I do?"
She scratches your head with a fingertip.

>Peck her.

>Try to escape and fly to the top of the roof.

>Let her pet you.

>Let your bird instincts take over.

>Change back to human.

>Other

>>45568300
>Let her pet you.
then
>Change back to human.

>>45568300
>>Let her pet you.
turnabouts fair play i guess

Sorry about the delay on that one, I was eating.

>>45568300
>Let her pet you.
Then
>Change back to human
Fuck, I forgot most birds are kinda retarded.

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>>45568354
And I forgot my picture too!

>>45568300
>Let her pet you.
>Peck her.
Lightly
>Change back to human.

>Inb4 we're stuck as burd

>>45568300
>Let her pet you.
An experience we have never known

>>45568377
That bird looks cool as fuck.

>>45568300
>Let her pet you.

>>45568377
This bird looks like it has seen some shit.
This bird has been through things you would not believe.
This bird has had to deal with events that would leave a lesser bird squawking in dismay.
This bird is a long-suffering bystander of Murphy's Law.
This bird has participated in more unholy acts than most exorcists.
This bird casts its side-eye upon you, as if to say "Bird, please".
This does not even come close to the shit this bird has seen.
This bird has long since stopped asking why it was always caught up in storms of actual shit.
This bird has weathered gale force fecal matter with injured wings.
This bird sits and stares at the sky for long periods of time, seeing nothing but memories.
This bird is about to see more shit.
This bird sees the next hurricane of actual shit brewing out of the puckered, stormy anus of the sky.
This bird isn't even phased anymore.
This bird just wants to get it over with.
This fucking bird.

>>45568300
>Let your bird instincts take over.
SQUAWK

>>45568538
That's Cennen in a nutshell.

>Let her pet you.
>Change back to human

Turnabout is fair play!
You let yourself fall limp and still in her hands while she scratches your head. It feels good though your bird instincts can't help but feel a little on edge due to the contact of what is clearly a very large predator.
"Really," Hiss says, "you had every bird in Teleran to choose from and you went with a dumpy little magipie? Better than an ibis I guess!"

You squawk at her but she silences you be redoubling her head-scratching efforts. Wow. That really does feel amazing!

"Oh ssssh you. What are you going to do, swoop me? Now, I believe you owe me three wishes!"
She clutches you to her chest and it is at that exact time that you choose to change back so that you bury her face down her shirt.

You land in her lap and overbalance her completely, both of you falling back off the railing and onto the balcony itself. You land on top of her but she just rolls out from underneath you and flips herself upright. She steps back onto the railing and uses it as a stepping stone to leap onto the rooftop.

You retake your feathered form to follow her up, changing back to human before she can snatch you out of the air. You sit down by the edge while Hiss sits atop the chimney.
"I like the magpie look actually," Hiss says. "It suits you."

"I can't tell if that's a compliment or an insult."

"Can't it be both? Now look."

You take your eyes off of her and behold the night sky. When did the sun go down?

The view from here is amazing, you can't dispute that. The sky was cloudless and the stars and the moon were all out. The cityscape of Melire reaches out beneath you as if you could just reach out and grab it.

You sit on the very edge of the rooftop, your legs dangling over the edge. And to think, not that long ago just sitting here like this would have made you very nervous! It is, after all, a very long way down.
1/2

>>45568691
Damn, this brew is the shit.

>>45568691
>>45568691
But that doesn't bother you so much anymore when you have a much more probable cause of death sitting on the chimney beside you.

"What's wrong?" Hiss asks. "Don't you like the view?"

>"It's fantastic, thanks."

>"Did you really have to do that to that poor girl?"

>"I was just thinking about Tallen."

>"So what now?"

>"To be honest the view's not great."

>"How goes all the conquering and ruling business?"

>Other

>>45568834
>"It's fantastic, thanks."
>I think we both needed some time to rest and relax. I have my mania, and you have your temper. Either get wound to tight, things start breaking.

>>45568834
>"It's fantastic, thanks."
Give her a quick saliva-free kiss
>"How goes all the conquering and ruling business?"
>I missed doing these sorts of things with you.
>Maybe bring up that she ought to work on controlling her temper, ask if something specific is causing her to be so wound up

>>45568834
>"It's fantastic, thanks."
>Ask if something specific is keeping her stressed out.

>>45568834
>"It's fantastic, thanks."
>"So what now?"
>Is there anything you want to talk to me about? I'm always here for you.

>>45568834
>"Did you really have to do that to that poor girl?"
>"I was just thinking about Tallen."

>>45568834
>>"So what now?"

>>45568834
>"It's fantastic, thanks."
What happened to our clothes when we transformed?

>>45568446
It's a butcherbird aka the Australian Magpie. They have a bit of a reputation for having little fear of man and being extremely belligerent about it. They don't give much of a fuck.
Sometimes they eat snakes, sometimes they get eaten by snakes.

Calling for:
>"It's fantastic, thanks."
>Ask Hiss about stress.

>>45569200
shh it's magic. don't question it. our bag and all our brews reappeared too.

>>45569200
The same thing that happened when you turned into a dragon.

>>45569206
P O E T R Y
O
E
T
R
Y

>>45569234
>>45569206
Cennen in a nutshell. Gives no fucks and is willing to tangle with snakes.

>>45569206
missed our chance to be an owl and get killed by hiss

>"It's fantastic, thanks."
>Ask Hiss about stress.

"The view's great. It's just...has something been wrong lately?"

She expertly raises a single eyebrow.
"What? Nothing's wrong."

"You've been pretty wound up lately. For example, what you did to that girl earlier."

Hiss sniffs.
"It's different when you're Queen."

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I can’t afford to brook disrespect, especially not in public. My image is very important and like it or not but you’re part of that. A slight against you is a slight against me.”
She breathes in slowly.
“We’re not just two wanderers anymore, Cennen. And when I think of people like those traitors...anyone who wants to try and hurt you because of me…”
The bricks crack and crumble underneath her hands.
“You know I’ll do anything for your protection, don’t you? I’ll kill anyone you want me to, just give me a name and I’ll do it!”

You feel a little touched despite yourself.
“Uh, thanks Hiss. I don’t doubt it for a second. But maybe next time somebody rifles through my pockets you let me handle it, okay?”

She rocks back and nearly overbalances, her arms briefly windmilling to keep in place.
“Yes. Of course. It’s just now...I’m so used to managing EVERYTHING. Being a Queen is a lot harder than just being a princess.”

“You want to talk about it?”

She frowns.
“I’m happy with it. It’s just not quite what I was expecting. I thought killing my father would help make me free but it’s only given more and more burdens.”

You hear the tone of her voice shake and you stand up and go to her. You put an arm around her shoulder and she leans into you without questioning it.
“I feel like I’m chained down,” she says. “Chained to all this.”
She gestures out at Melire stretching down below.
“I...regret doing what I did. I miss my dad.”

“I thought you hated him.”

“I did! But now I’m the Serpent Queen and I can’t stop being her!"
1/2

>>45569326
"Right now," Hiss continues. "Right now we're trapped in the middle of a very important and fragile process. The Queen is very important to all of this and it needs her constant attention. She comes first and Hiss has to be a distant second."

"It doesn't have to be that way."

Hiss shakes her head.
"I'm not going to run. Maybe if you had come to me during those first few days and told me that I would have done that. But this is the mantle I've inherited, even if it's way too big for me to wear."
You don't know what to say so you say nothing at all and just hold her. The two of you sit there for several minutes before she speaks again.
"Cennen, do you even understand how powerful I am now?"

"You're very powerf-"

"No, you don't get it. That's what I thought. I didn't just kill my father Cennen, I ATE him. I have his blood in truth now and there's no Snake Art that I can't have. Back in that restaurant...I could have killed every single human there just by raising my voice!"

"Oh Hiss, I don't thin-"

She interrupts you yet again.
"I'll allow you to doubt me but just take my word for it. And worse still, I can slip into anyone's head now. It doesn't matter if they're human or snake I can reach into them and I change them to be whatever I want them to be. And it's so easy! Do you know how tempting it is to do it all the time? To move people's souls around and to turn them into whatever I please?"

"Uh."
To be honest, you'd never considered the fact that Hiss was ever restraining herself. She'd always been pretty damn free with her power.

"I can't even hold you right now without conscious effort to treat you lightly. If I didn't I'd literally kill you whenever we go to bed together. It wouldn't even be hard Cennen, it would be an accident."

She kicks a leg out idly and puts a hole in the observatory roof.
"Remember when I told you that the King was the strongest creature alive? Well now that's ME and it's like I'm trapped in a world made of glass."
2/3

>>45569547
Whelp time to make ourselves not glass.

>>45569547
She needs that Art that lets her turn her Arts on and off when appropriate

>>45569609
Mage theft?

>>45569690
She should have it if she's not boasting. Her dad did after all.

>>45569609
True. Hiss needs someone by her side she doesn't have to constantly worry over, if for no other reason than letting her have some relaxation.

>>45569547
"A world of glass where I have to be careful with everything I do. I have to tiptoe everywhere so I don't break somebody open or rearrange their mind completely. I have to be careful when I move, I have to be careful about how I speak, I even have to be careful about my tone because I have all the Art my servants have and it would only take a MOMENT of getting too angry and speaking up for my Rattle to kill everyone who hears me."

What the hell are you supposed to say about this? You hold her tighter.

"And that's just personal power. But I'm also the Serpent Queen and so my social power makes my personal power look like nothing. I'm the leader of an army and a city and soon a country. I'd only have to give the word for everyone in this city to die tonight. I can...I can feel the whole world hinging on everything I do!"

"Well...that is what you wanted, isn't it?"

"Oh hah hah. You're not wrong. But I always thought that when I would become this, I would be free to do whatever I want! Who could hold me back? It turns out you do. You and everyone else who follows me. You all depend on me, you all need me and most importantly, if I ever fuck up, even a little, it'll be you and all my servants who will pay the price instead. So you see Cennen, shapeshifting me into something else or reducing my Art won't even help because even without any magic at all I still have more power than anyone else in this whole bloody country! I'm basically a god and it sucks and I hate it and I also love it enough that I can't let it go."

"Would you like to me to help?"

"You can't help Cennen, that's the point. The only thing great enough to help me is me and that's what I've been doing all damn day and all damn week and all damn month."

>Pet snake.

>Offer her an alchemical solution.

>"You don't have to be queen of everything. Your father was content with just Snakehome."

>Tell her to stop feeling sorry for herself.

>Nobble

>Other

>>45569771
>Pet snake.
>"You don't have to be queen of everything. Your father was content with just Snakehome."
Give it time, make yourself just a figure-head with veto rights.

>>45569771
>Pet snake.
>I already have a way to lower someone as strong as you to a less powerful, level, pretty sure I could figure out a way to make myself stronger with alchemy too. I mean I can steal a snake's arts with Alchemy, pretty sure I could find a way to share them with some effort.
>Even gods need rest sometimes Hiss.

>>45569771
I just want you to be happy Hiss. Helping you with all this was just a means for me to make you happy. If following your dreams doesn't make you happy then I don't see the point.

>>45569840
>>45569771
This. Although we really should have kept her from killing her dad. Or gotten her to leave Snake home.

But nooooo, anon can't say no to make believe puss.

I appreciate Ouro pointing out how it could have gone though.

Anyways, speaking of God's we should probably bring up inner Hiss too.

>>45569771
Fine then. I'll become great enough to help you, no matter what. You have to let me try to help you anyways though. Doing all this alone is making you miserable and I can't stand that.

>>45569771
>>45569838

>>45569771
>Pet snake.
>"What about HER?"

>>45569771
>"You don't have to be queen of everything. Your father was content with just Snakehome."
>Tell her to stop feeling sorry for herself.
What is it you want then Hiss? This path came from our choices together. Just tell me what you really want to do now and I'll help you regardless of if you think I can or not.

>>45569838
This is a really dumb thing to say.

>>45569906
I did vote to not kill the dad. Anon promptly flipped their shit about how stupid it was that I wanted to not kill the guy.

>>45569703
Firstly, the Serpent King didn't have Art Control. Secondly, she doesn't literally have all of the King's Art, just the strength behind it. She's complaining about her Royal Blood Art giving her access to basically any Snake Art she wants.
And really, her own personal power is less of a problem for than the power (and obligation) of being Queen is.

>>45569906
>>45569978
How is this an appropriate time to bring her up? Are you people serious?

>>45569771
>>45569840

>Pet snake

You pull her close, pushing her head into your chest. She rolls her eyes at you but consents.
"I don't understand Hiss. Isn't that what we've been working for all this time? If it doesn't make you happy then what's the point?"

"No. It WILL make me happy. I just need to grow into it Cennen, get accustomed to being Queen. When all Teleran is underbelly I'll be able to sit back and rest. This country can mostly govern itself, that's what humans are for. But right now there's a lot that needs my personal attention and management and sometimes it almost feels like too much. But remember when I said that I would lead you to glory? That means I won't let this get me down. We just have to keep moving and at the end...we'll both be happy."

"You know, I already have a way to lower someone as strong as you to a less powerful level. Even gods need rest sometimes Hiss."

"Oh, that's not it. Even if I was rendered powerless in an instant I'd still be Queen, I'd still be doing all of this. The wheels are in motion now and I can do naught but match their speed lest I be trampled by my own ambitions. So...you know what? I'm sorry about all this. You shouldn't have heard any of that, I'm just feeling sorry for myself."
She wriggles out of your grip and stands up. She extends a hand as if to help you up as well.
"So you know what? I promise that I'll overcome this weakness Cennen. As the Queen to her subject, I will win. I will conquer everything you see and I will make a world where we can both be happy. You just have to believe in me. Believe in me and I will always be strong. Now take my hand."

>Take it.

>Refuse. "You can't just ignore the problem, Hiss."

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So a friend of mine did some art

>>45570300
>Take it.
>>45570308
hot damn, that is awesome

>>45570300
>Take it.
Please try to let me help you more than you have. I'm your sworn servant and I love you so telling me I can't help you really hurts.

>>45570300
>>Take it.
Work on our physical weakness so she doesn't have to worry about crushing us at least.

>>45570300
>Take it.

>that write-in won
wtf guys

>>45570308
>That lewd face

>>45570308
Awesome.

>>45570300
>Take it
No one is an island unto themselves Hiss. Let me help.

>>45570308
Rad.

>>45570300
>Take it.

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Called for taking it but telling her to not be her usual stupid self and actually accept help.

>>45570308
Hot diggity. Saved.

>>45570300
>Refuse. "You can't just ignore the problem, Hiss."
>"How can you be sure conquering Teleran will be the end of it? You've seen that ruling is not as easy as it sounds, and you know by now how unpredictable and unruly humans AND snakes can be. Also, Teleran doesn't exist in a vacuum, sooner or later the other nations will percieve the change, and they will react to it, Quedesh will probably be the first one."

>Take it
>No snake is an island.

You don't even hesitate in taking her hand. She pulls to your feet and you pull her into a hug which she awkwardly accepts.
"Just remember that no Queen rules alone. The next time you feel like this, instead of bottling it all up you could just tell me. Nobody is an island unto themselves and I will always be there to help you."

She paces along the rooftops, dragging you in her wake.
"I'll try to remember that. I was never trying to exclude you. But..."

"But it just happens sometimes. Trust me, I understand completely."

"You would, wouldn't you?"
She sighs happily and sits back down.
"I'm not sure exactly how to say this but thank you Cennen. I really needed this."

"No worries. And remember what you said to me earlier tonight? That you loved me and you always wanted me to stay me? The feeling's mutual."

Hiss pulls you into her lap.
"So it's agreed then."
She holds her hand up as if lofting an imaginary cup for a toast.
"To staying as we are, through thick and thin."

"Through thick and thin."

You sit atop her for a few more minutes, just watching the full moon and the dark blue sky. You can feel her cold flesh beneath yours and you can feel her heartbeat. It's beating in perfect sync with yours.

"Cennen...," Hiss eventually says in a small voice. You can barely hear her.

"Yes Hiss?"

"Have you ever fucked on top of an observatory before?"

>"To be honest, that sounds rather cold and uncomfortable."

>"What about inside it rather than on the roof?"

>"There's a first time for everything."

>Other

>>45570691
>"There's a first time for everything."

>>45570691
>"There's a first time for everything."
Is there going to be an observatory afterwards?

>>45570691
>"There's a first time for everything."
d'aww

>>45570691
>>"There's a first time for everything."

>>45570691
>"There's a first time for everything."
They should also do it in the throne room once taldenral is taken

>>45570691
>"There's a first time for everything."

From horrific torture to heartfelt romance in the span of a single thread. Only in snakecatcher quest.

>>45570691
>>"What about inside it rather than on the roof?"
you guys are jonsing for a bonsing, but at least be comfortable sheesh

>"There's a first time for everything."

"Well hey, there's a first time for everything."

.....

Ten minutes later you are lying naked atop the roof, Hiss by your side. The shingles are digging into your back and you're starting to feel really cold.
"That was sort of awkward to be honest."

Hiss shivers.
"Not really my best idea. This is awful."

"Was it that bad for you? What did I do wrong? Give me a few minutes and I can try a-"

Hiss puts her finger to your lips.
"It wasn't you fault. This is just a really uncomfortable spot. Holy shit."

"Yeesh. Don't your people just fuck out in the wilderness or in a bunch of rocks or whatever?"

"Different bodies and different sex, Cennen. Comfort doesn't enter into it."

"So it doesn't matter if you feel good or not?"

Hiss rolls her eyes yet again.
"Haven't I explained it to you before? Our true forms aren't like you lot, we don't have the drive. It's not pleasurable or passionate, it's just something we do. And none of us react like this!"

She reaches down and brings you to full attention.

"See? That kind of desire is foreign to us. Why do you think I like it so much?"

"That must suck."

"It's...It's not something you notice until you've had otherwise. I'm probably going to be very bored come mating season next year."

"Wait. You're still going to attend it?"

"Of course! The royal blood transfers so rarely that it's important for me to be seen in the mating ball every year. And besides, it's like an urge that you more or less can't resist."
Hiss snaps her fingers with sudden realization about your discomfort. She gets up on her side and leans over you.
"You're not going to get weird about this, are you Cennen? About me mating with other snakes when the time comes? Because I'm going to do it."

>"It's fine. Really." She says there's no passion so it's not the same as cheating, right?

>"I'm sorry Hiss but it's really weird and I don't like it."

>"I'll think about that when we get there."

>Other

>>45571022
>>"I'll think about that when we get there."

Give me 2-3 weeks warning and I bet I can figure out an alchemical solution. For both our sakes.

>>45571022
>"It's fine. Really." She says there's no passion so it's not the same as cheating, right?
try not to think about cloacas cennen

>>45571022
>"It's fine. Really." She says there's no passion so it's not the same as cheating, right?
When does it happen? And how long are you in your... mating ball? Are you all still gonna sleep through the winter?

>>45571022
>>"I'll think about that when we get there."

>>45571022
>"I'll think about that when we get there."

>>45571022
What happens if you get pregnant though? Surely you understand how there's no way this wouldn't be weird for me

>>45571022
>She reaches down and brings you to full attention.
this is surprisingly lewd for you, ouro

>>45571173
>What happens if you get pregnant though?
That's the whole point of it though. She's already done it, she probably has a few children running around

>>45571198
Remember that time in the bathtub?

>>45571213
Nah she would know if she had any children, they'd have her black and red coloration. I think.

>>45571232
Not to mention that she'd remember squeezing out a few eggs. This whole subject is weird. I wanna brew.

>>45571232
not necessarily, it just means none of her children have inherited her ruler genes.

however this does bring up a lot of interestin questions, how to control the snake population for example. Will it have to be in the cruel manner of quedesh? how do we stop the whole island from being snakes in a decade or two.

>>45571266
Cennen needs to invent snake birth control. Then fuck Hiss while they're both under fertility potions and keep her in one form long enough so her shape change won't auto-abort the kid.

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And a couple title card designs

>>45571299
>fertility potions
i really do wish we spent more time making marketable non murder potions.

as to all that given hiss intends to murder any children she has that's probably just not a solid plan short term.

Also if she didn't raising a child is probably not something these people are presently qualified to do.

>>45571299
This isn't necessary, snakes can reproduce in human form, it's just that shapeshifting causes them to abort.
The real quiestion is: Why would we do it?

>"I'll think about that when we get there."

"I'll think about that when we get there. Just not right now. Never right now."

Hiss tries not to look smug but fails since that's typically her default expression.
"I'm sorry Cennen, I know very well that you people have all sorts of problems with that. You have all these drives and pleasures so sex to you is something wonderful and special and it can be amazing and it can be horrific and a lot of have weird ideas about it being sacred. But we don't have any of that so sex is just something we do when we have to and we don't give importance to who we do it with. It's a pretty big clash of viewpoints and I've tried to do my best to respect yours by not sleeping with anyone else but..."

"But?"

She doesn't answer for a moment.
"Just think about it this way! Human sex and snake sex are so different they're basically different acts. So as long as you're the only one I have human sex with then it doesn't matter about who I do the other with. Because they're different thing. Right?"

"I could ask the same of you."

"Pardon?"

"You don't think I haven't seen you being jealous of anyone else getting close to me?"

"That's different," she scoffs. "You're my servant and I'm always afraid that someone else might try to poach you. You can fuck whoever you want as long as they aren't someone who could subvert you or use you against me. It's about power, not sex."

"Uhuh. But like I said I really don't want to think about it right now."

"If it helps you accept it, I've done it many times before."

"It doesn't."

"I've even had children!"

"What?"

"Well, eggs. I never saw if they hatched or not. None of batches ever gave rise to a snake with the black and red so I knew that my blood didn't truly pass on."

"You're...you're a mother?"

"Probably! Grandmother maybe."

"Hiss, this is the exact opposite of making it easier to think about."
And yet awful thoughts keep sneaking into your head and curiosity gets the better of you.
1/2

>>45571401
"So you can have multiple kids without them having your powers?"

"More or less. That's what makes the red and black so important, it isn't just our markings, it's a sign that the royal blood has been fully passed down. Any hatchlings without it aren't true heirs, even if we had a way of knowing who was related to who. Which we don't."

"Right, right. Because you just put all the eggs in a pile. But this means there was a period when both you and the King were present during the mating ball right? What would have happened if there'd been a hatchling with the royal blood? How would anyone know if it was your child or the King's?"

"Not a problem. They'd just be next in line after me. The exact parentage wouldn't be important. I guess we'd just claim that the King was the father and I was the mother if we wanted to give him a good pedigree."

You try to push yourself away but can't.
"You wouldn't actually though right?"

"Wouldn't actually what?"

"Have a thing where you could be the mother and your dad could be the father. That wouldn't happen?"

"It could and it did? What? We're not humans Cennen, I was just telling you that it's different for us. The King and I met during the mating ball on multiple separate occasions. Mixing the royal blood is good."

You just stare at her and Hiss flushes, forced to defend the habits of her species.
"You got to stop thinking so ...human, Cennen! Most of us don't know our parentage and probably wind up mating with their parents and siblings all the time in the ball without knowing about it. So yes."
She lifts a hand and starts ticking off fingers.
"I've mated many times before with many different snakes. I've had children. I've mated with my father. And I've mated with you. And guess what? YOU'RE the strange one in that line-up, you're the one that makes people call me a deviant."

You shake your head.
"I'm sorry Hiss, none of this is comforting at all. Not in the slightest."

2/3

this thread got weird

>>45571566
Hiss sighs.
"We really should have had this discussion a long time ago. I just assumed that you knew about all of this ever since I told you about the mating ball."

"Uh, not really?"

"You're still uncomfortable with the idea?"

"I won't lie to you and say that I'm not."

Hiss slumps a little before a mischievous sparkle re-enters her eyes.
"Then don't worry about it. All that concerns you is whether you're comfortable now. And I have ways of making that happen."

>>45571580
You're the weird one.

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>>45571580

And that's that for today. I hope you all had fun! I'm planning on the next thread to be a bit of a timeskip and it should hopefully be very soon. Tomorrow maybe. The thread has been archived, check the twitter, etc etc.

>>45571580
Maybe so but it's a discussion Hiss and Cennen had to have at some point.

>>45571332
I really like how you incorporated the OP image into these.

>>45571639
>Tomorrow maybe.
I want to believe!
Thanks for running.

>Uber snake trait is a recessive allele bound to the red and black color scheme
We fantasy Mendel now

>>45571580
Sex ed is important, dude

>>45571639
Thanks for running

>>45571639
So could Cennen use Alchemy to isolate royal blood?

>>45571639
thanks for running
>>45571580
lets not forget cennan still doesn't know hiss' actual age
he's just not fully aware of how weird his situation is

>>45571639
What's the current season in-quest? And how long until winter? How long until the mating ball season?

>>45571673
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that.

>>45571704
Yeah, all Cennen knows is that Hiss is sensitive about her age and since he's never asked another Snakehome native about it he doesn't yet know.

>>45571739
Is zigzag older than her?

>>45571739
I meant could he isolate the genetic or magic trait that passes it on?

>>45571737
It's early autumn in Teleran right now. Come winter snakes are going to start getting sluggish. Being in human bodies will remove the need for wamth but they'll still have psychological effects.
Snakes get together and lump themselves into mating balls when winter has ended.

>>45571791
While Zigzag doesn't know her exact age she's stated before that she remembers humans coming in and growing old and dying in what she considers a relatively short amount of time.
Hiss is 12.