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>>48323354
"One of these days, when all this is over, I'm gonna come back to ask you that question," you tell Seraphina softly. Gently, even. "When I do, I expect an answer."

The blind woman tenses but, at last, nods.

"Lady Jord," you call out to the angel. "I am ready."

* * * *

You are Duchess Henrietta of Starfall, and you are reviewing plans. Glen has little in the way of a place to actually /host/ a ball, but there's clearings and wood available. Negotiations have gone well, and the townsfolk seem tickled at the idea of the outdoor structure you're building, which will be kept by them for festivals and, maybe, games. It's a fairly simple affair - a stage on one side, raised seats such as those seen at tourney, and the grass in the center upon which to dance, or to gather.

You open your mouth to ask about part of the blueprint when there is a blaze of glory that silences all activity around you and captures everyone's attention. Six beings that can only be angels surround you in a circle, radiating power. One, made all of sharp stained glass, rests his painted gaze on your.

"Duchess Henrietta," he intones, formally.

> Kneel
> Bow
> Say and do absolutely nothing
> "Aye, my Lord. How may I help you?"

>>48323427
> "Aye, my Lord. How may I help you?"

>>48323427
>Rebuke them for not knocking first.
Angels are angels, but protocol is protocol!

> Say and do absolutely nothing
I think almost anyone when confronted with this situation would be pretty stunned.

>>48323427
>> Say and do absolutely nothing

Even she has to be stunned by this

>>48323427
>> Say and do absolutely nothing
This seems like an adequate response.

>>48323427
>> "Aye, my Lord. How may I help you?"

Hahaha, this ought to be good.

>>48323427
>Curtsy
>"My Lord. How may I help you?"
The angel is being formal, time for muscle reflex.

>>48323427
> Bow

>>48323427
> "Aye, my Lord. How may I help you?"

>>48323427
>> Bow
>>"My Lord. How may I help you?"

And now to be gainfully employed for eight and a half hours. I'm in available on phone to do questions and feedback. Don't want to try to update with no images but we'll see how bored I get.

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>>48323427
> Uh.. I assume you haven't come for the ball?

On another note,
Proposal: the entirety of DLQ is rewritten through the perspective of another character, with the plot changing around the choices you would make with them as the MC. (Even love interests could be switched around, since point zero would be Bri entering the Dungeon) Which would you choose?

Myself, I'm curious about a possible Amy run through of the Dungeon, Shankbirding everything, but that would be a very different story.

>>48323427
>"Aye, my Lord. How may I help you? Also did a La Croix happen to have anything to do with what is happening right now?"

>>48324134
I want to combine this with>>48323601
>Bow.
>and this>>48324430

>>48323427
> Greet them as we would another ruler

> this >>48324430

>>48324430
Meanwhile, in her internal monologue:

> This is it
> This is my life now

>>48324611
How will The Cook react to this?

>>48324656
He's Right There, behind the Angels, Unbeknownst to them.

>>48324707
Think he will charge first out of reflex?
>>48324611
Will she break down for a few minuets after mumbling those lines?

>>48324656
I think you underestimate how much Travis enjoys nobles getting reminded that the safe world that they built in their manors and courts is fake. Part of the reason he enjoys Glen; it's a place that handles what is, to him, the real world.

>>48324764
So on a scale of 1 to 10 how much would this weird him out, or would he break down laughing his ass off at her reaction?

>>48324805
As long as she's safe? Laugh city. Themed birthday gifts to mock her with for years to come. Meals presented as portraits of the event. There may be attempts to get her referred to as "the Blessed."

I mean, what's he gonna get to hold over her that's better than this?

>>48324895
I like this more an more.

>>48323427
>>48324430
>"Aye, my Lord. How may I help you? Also did a La Croix happen to have anything to do with what is happening right now?"

>>48323427
>"Aye, my Lord. How may I help you? May I offer refreshments, maybe some tea or coffee? I happen to have an excellent cook.

> Also did a La Croix happen to have anything to do with what is happening right now?"

Let's aggressively normalize the situation. Also, when the going gets tough the nobility throws their retainers under the bridge.

>>48325476
Good man, and excellent choice. Adding it to my pile of votes just to fuck with the Cook a bit>>48324462
I wonder how the Glass Angel would eat.

>>48325476
Seconding this

>>48325476
This. THis is good.

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>>48324611

> Link your damn votes

>>48325812
>>48325562
>>48325520

I guess mine is the fifth vote for screwing the Cook a little.

Not like that.

>>48324895
How is the Cook going to feel about Seraphina then, who is pretty much everything to hate about a Noble?

>>48325967
Sounds like side story material.

>>48325967
Who also got all that tore down and thrust into his care.
He's going to be giddy.

Five hours and change to call.

>>48326392
>Who also got all that tore down

Giddy

> and thrust into his care.

To "Aw fuck." Especially when he first clashes with Jord.

>>48327226
> Today, on Touched By An Angel...

So what's River's theme song?

>>48327909
https://youtu.be/ZXvkTuMyZpM

>>48328072
Nice. Real nice. Too bad rock doesn't exist in this world.

>>48328129
Are you saying you think River needs an in-universe theme song?

>>48328227
are you saying you think she doesn't?

>>48328227
>>48328236
Every major character we've ran into ought to have an in-universe theme song. Just what would they be? For Bri I can see a sonorous children's song with all the dark tones associated with the stories of DLQ.

>>48328260
What about this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWabGQBnzKo

>>48328294
This is a good choice. It should go in the paste-bin. It has that bluesy bayou feel.

>>48328294
Hm, I like it. While it does have a bit of a Zombie Army feel to it, it also feels like a cautionary tale for necromancers to remember. "This is your duty and what it entails, but pay mind to not let it overtake your goodness," Something along those lines.

>>48328352
I agree, the bluesy tone works well.

So how about River? I'm feeling something similar to a marching tune, both to encapsulate her previous life as a merc and her current life as a hard working Necromancer of good.

>>48328294
That's fucking wonderful. The following (which has been posted before) is the theme I use when writing and planning Bri: https://youtu.be/Lgoz3XkW1UM

>>48328260
I really want Nate to be power metal from the 80s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9k_HUq1Kd4

Maybe that's just me.

>>48328260
I suggest this for Lora
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTCS6aWRSc

>>48328505
I can see this as his general day to day activity, but
like
what is his diving into battle "HO, LA SONS OF SORROW!" music?

>>48328447
Surprised no one thought of it yet.>>48328294
I hear this every time I read Bri.

>>48328624
Oooo, yeah that's good.
>>48328505
I would have picked Hearts of Fire. Or was it Hearts On Fire?

>>48328757
Glory to the Brave.

>>48328632
War Dirge. Kill while streaming manly tears. Maybe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9Vfx4UfaQs And he promptly gets smacked by Bri and Amy for being a fucking Hero.

>>48328447
For some reason I can totally imagine Amy strutting to some Class War, good old Anarchist Punk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coT9Ykax7-Y

>>48328855
Dude your link doesn't work.

>>48328905
What about this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htKY2oD85rs

>>48328957
Manowar - Die With Honor

I dunno, I don't see Nate having a happy or upbeat Hero song what with the whole Sons of Sorrow thing. Also "Valor is it's Own Reward".

>>48328988
Eh, Nate was kind of working for the man, not really fighting the Man.

>>48329011
Just post a link with just the lyrics.
And your right it might not be upbeat, but that still wouldn't stop him from smiling like an idiot if can do it while saving someone. Even if by reflex.
>>48329032
I guess I can see that. Maybe something else then. Let me peruse my musical knowledge for a bit to find something.

>>48329071
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9Vfx4UfaQs

Just lyrics?

> https://www.google.ca/search?q=manowar+die+with+honor+lyrics&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=liSMV8ysGcSijwOPp7a4BA

>>48329011
>>48329032
>>48329071
I think I found something to consider.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5SjQ7pVlV4
>>48329139
Have you actually checked what the video your posted says? It doesn't work on other websites. just get a different version of the song and post it man.
>>48328624
What about this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeomYeKdnGk

>>48329071

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPvFUDKlqAw

Maybe?

> http://genius.com/Unleash-the-archers-frozen-steel-lyrics

>>48329208
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9Vfx4UfaQs

Embedding works fine, copy-paste works fine, I got no problems on my end bro.

>>48328905
This fits Amy perfectly, in tone if not necessarily lyrics.

>>48328447
Is Doma pesterable about them preggers Amy/Bri pics?

>>48329208
These are like . . . the very opposite of heroic songs.

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>>48329257
This is what he's referring to.

A song for Richard

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXzMD065HEk

>>48329257
It shows up on the page. I cant watch it because it says.
"Playback on other websites has been disabled by the video owner"
Did you just post the same thing 3 times without looking at the vid on page? Because all I am getting is the words just quoted and black static. >>48329301
YES. THIS!

>>48329301
Well, what do you know. Weird.

Thanks for clarifying that for me. Never seen that before.

>>48329285
I thought it worked.

>>48329350
Can you not just...click the link? Without embedding? And go to youtube?

Or just google "Manowar - Die With Honor"?

>>48329337
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OK4fJhbRL1g

I think this fits him better.

>>48329337
More like https://youtu.be/ZofA36NMMrQ

>>48329383
No I am to lazy and this was the problem with his links to the video, if your going to post the song for the rest of us to listen to, then at least make sure it will actually be viewable here..>>48329301

>>48329432
So the problem is that you're a lazy bum. Ok. So why should we do more work so you can be lazy and complain?

>>48329432
Jesus fuck, you're cancer. You couldn't even properly describe your problem with the link, someone else had to do it for you.

Kill yourself, you're incapable of living in the modern world. And pray for oblivion, because you're probably incapable of living in any other world.

>>48329432
You know what? I deleted the other link I posted, just to spite you.

>>48329431
No this works fine. The video you posted 3 times in different ways itself was the problem.
>>48329455
Don't start posting song recommendations if it cant work on site. What part of that is confusing? If your doing the work to post a song why should I, or any one else have to leave the conversation to go look for it?>>48329489
Fuck you to then.
>>48329476
Eat a bag of dicks.

>>48329520
All the energy you spent bitching, you could have just posted your own working link.

You're a sour person, anon, not a helpful one. You're objectively inferior to everyone else in this thread, and everyone in the world who actually gets shit done instead of just sitting back and bitching.

>>48329274
I can just see her bobbing around to this, just like a bird.

Folks, breeaaaathe. We're having a nice discussion, aye?

>>48329598
Bitch you wanted to know what was wrong, then you act like a cunt. Fuck you for taking up space with useless posts.

>>48329274
Sent him your post.

>>48329624
You didn't even manage to coherently explain what was wrong, someone else did it for you.

And even then, you just went "I'm too lazy to look shit up".

Remember, it's down the road not across the street.

>>48329614
At least they're just being childish morons rather than fighting about the actual quest.

>>48329701
Yeah but I was enjoying the discussion damnit.

>>48329679
I am too lazy to look for the shit, you should already have working.

>>48329679
Its your song that didn't work, continuing this is pointless.

>>48329743
People like you make me want to vote for Trump out of spite.

>>48329783
And he will shit on you and everyone else. Congrats on your mistake.

...so who else thinks that now (while she's medically banned from sprinting around and solving everyone else's problems) would be the perfect time for Nate to propose to Bri?

>>48329838
Sounds like you're a poorfag

>>48330451
rich fascist piece of shit.

>>48329783
>>48329838
>>48330451
Can we please not? I'd like this thread to survive.

>>48330493
fine

>>48330451
You can be one too under president Trump. So will Trump.

>>48330529
Thank you. I deeply appreciate it.

>>48330373
Heh. There's... thoughts, on that matter.

>>48330373
>>48330597
>Nathan La Croix
I'm down for it. I assume Amy would also be present?

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So I'll be writing a little side story for DLQ, in a situation only loosely tangentially associated with the Dungeon and Bri and everyone else's story. There will be monsters, and a perspective on the average life of people in this part of the world.

Once I recover from my weekend of overnight shifts, I'll be posting it in the thread for everyone's enjoyment.

I'll be around to field questions for a little while.

>>48330653
I also am down for the Nathan - Amy - Bri wedding. Will the whole La Croix ghost family show up? But wait, how are we going to make Lora the maid of honor?? And who's the best man anyway?

>>48330653
If Nate was old-fashioned enough to ask the dead for their blessing on his marriage, do you think he's really just going to assume that Amy is a given, or take her for granted?

>>48330722
Can we make Lora the maid of honor while she's still chained? Is the wedding gonna have to wait for the end of the quest?

>>48330725
What I meant was, Is he gonna propose to them both at once, or do one and then the other?

>>48324611
>> This is it
>> This is my life now

>>48330768
But we can't have it after the quest ends, because that's something a Hero does before he runs off and dies to a dragon or something stupid!

Besides, having Lora witness her probably first actual wedding will be absolutely adorable.

>>48329729
that's 4chan Vox, topics break down on the regular so that the posters can get a chance to call each other names. You get used to it.

On my way home. Will likely go to bed after updating, only got four hours of sleep last night.

Home, called, tallying, writing.

>48329274

Possibly. Whazzat about? (Apart from the inevitable, that is. Heroes gotta Hero.)

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>>48323427
This is it. This is your life now. This will be your life, and the life of your children, and their children after them. You can see it now, stretching forth into Starfall's future. Starfall has always dealt with strange things because of the Dungeon, and those who seek it - or escape from it.

This, though. This is a new class of strange. You might as well set the tone for it, now and for all of time.

"Aye, my Lord," you answer respectfully, without bowing. "How may I be of service? And," you add, almost as an afterthought, "did a la Croix happen to suggest the visit with which you honor me?"

The glass angel laughs, heartily, and the drowned one joins him. The others (except the tall one, with the books...) grin widely.

"The friends of Death may have been involved," the green angel answers, her face all smiles.

"We have a problem, and your name was suggested as someone who could solve it," the she-wolf, massive and red-furred, adds.

"Is this the sort of talk that calls for refreshments, my lords? I have an excellent cook."

Travis choking in shock is the only sound to disturb the silence. You can /feel/ the weight of the citizens of Glen, along with the workers, merchants, soldiers, and early-arrival nobility, watching you.

"No, your Grace," the glass angel declines, "though we are quite grateful. Our niece has come into some trouble in her life. She has lost her way and chosen to exercise power without responsibility. She will need a mentor, and a friend, to teach her the subtle arts of mortality. You were suggested to us, by the friends of Death."

"That's high praise, is it?" the cook asks, his expression shrewd.

"Aye," the she-wolf answers softly. "We all have great respect for our eldest sister. She has been there for us, when we needed her. Family does for family."

"I will be happy to help," you decide. "When may I expect her?"

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>>48334109
"When I'm done giving her a right thrashing," the she-wolf answers. "She needs to learn about earning things rather than just stealing them from those weaker than her. There's an island I've got in mind...details, though. A season, maybe, before I'll deliver her to you," the she-wolf promises. "I'll be around, after that, and may take her for extended periods of time."

You nod. "Then I will see you in a season, Lady...?"

"Jord," the wolf answers. She pronounces it 'Yoh-rd'. "Jord, First Singer of the Fangs, Angel of Dreams. And I am in your debt, Henrietta of Starfall."

The angels vanish, one by one, leaving you in the silence.

"Do I see an entertainment field built before me?" you ask, pointedly. "I don't recall saying we were done."

"There's weird shit that'd work on, Henrietta," Travis says slowly, "but this isn't anywhere in that league."

* * * *

You are River la Croix, and you need to talk to your sister. You need to do it now, while it's still fresh in your mind, before you do what you've been unknowingly doing for some time and just...bottle it, again.

And there's two days to the ball. It's not like you'll be ruining Brianna's good time. Right?

You're second-guessing. You take a deep breath and knock on Bri's door.

"C'mon in," your sister invites. You open the door, grateful to find her reading and, for once, alone.

"Brianna..."

> "We need to talk. About how you've treated me and my skills so far."
> "...I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy."
> "I'm tired of cleaning things up, or going places because you can't. I'm coming with you on the next assault."
> "I need some time to myself. I'm going away for awhile."

>>48334225
>> "We need to talk. About how you've treated me and my skills so far."
>> "...I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy."

>>48334225
>Kiss me, you fool
E X P A N D H A R E M

>>48334245
I've said it before, I'll likely have to say it again: not a harem.

>>48334225
>I'm coming with you on the next assault, and we need to talk about why that's happening regardless of what you say

>>48334225
>> "...I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy."

>>48334225
> "I need some time to myself. I'm going away for awhile."
If River is trying to learn how to be a good person in times of peace, well that's not going to happen in the Dungeon.

>>48334225
> "We need to talk. About how you've treated me and my skills so far."
Additionally,
> "You say I'm your sister, but I feel like a soldier. Shit, this was supposed to be my new beginning, but it all feels the same."

Real talk girl talk. For real.

>>48334345
Something similar.

>>48334225
>> "We need to talk. About how you've treated me and my skills so far."
>> "...I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy."

>>48334225
I love the way you depict, well, everything. The angels and demons are both so interesting that I'd love to see what your little world looks like from their perspective.

>"..I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy."
>"Also, I will forgive all your trespasses if you have coffee. I'm in terrible need."

>>48334225
> "...I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy."
I'm going to presume that it'll get River's concerns addressed and the story is an opening.

>>48334225
> "I'm tired of cleaning things up, or going places because you can't. I'm coming with you on the next assault."

No need to tiptoe around the issue. We don't need to be roundabout with bri.

>>48334225
> "...I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy."

>>48334345
Seconded

As you may have guessed already, I'm gonna crawl the fuck into bed. Votes remain open. I've got tomorrow off but I also have things that need attending to, so I may be getting a late start. We'll see.

Questions, comments, discussion, feedback, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>48334683
Thank you anon. I'm flattered.

>>48334225
>> "We need to talk. About how you've treated me and my skills so far."
>"you just sent me to kill a nephilim in the most underhanded way, after all your talk of the sanctity of life and death. You warned me of "zombie armies" but only shrugged when we learned that Robert is the number one prime example of just that. You send me on missions you don't have time for, or are too injured to do yourself. That is not how you treat a sister, it's how you treat a /soldier/. Are you my big sis or my commanding officer? I spared seraphina, she is a pathetic little creature who don't even understand what she has done wrong. Lora allowed me to decide her fate and about right now I expect Henrietta to be thoroughly confused. "

Something like that... Maybe skip the last part.

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>>48334225
YESSSS!

>>48334254
Only threesomes. I completely agree.

>>48334345
Going with this.
>>48334691
Lets not presume and just make it a direct address, no reason to beat around the bush about it.

>>48336358
Doesn't sound bad, but I think we can combine the two options, if Vox is willing (which he usually is).
>River tells Brianna how she feels.
>Brianna offers some storytime.
>River learns something else about her sister.
>Brianna asks how it went, then River actually tells her what she did.

>>48336358
Nevermind switching this>>48336411
with this>>48336358
and definitely keep the last part. Maybe this to for the appropriate feels then Henrietta as the punch line.

>>48336437
Fuck forgot the link, I am talking about this>>48336414

>>48334225
>> "...I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy."

And also supporting >>48336358

> Vox thinks Anons won't vote for story time.

Did Bri ever even have siblings? Because that may stunt her sisterly interactions quite a bit.

>>48334225
>> "We need to talk. About how you've treated me and my skills so far."

>>48337422
Presumably died in the village drowning

>>48336358
>"you guys, you're heroes. Real fucking heroes, the actual "saving the whole world" thing is happening right now. But what am I? The la Croix majordomo? Head maid of your cleanup crew? I wanted to stop being a mercenary, bri. Stop being a soldier. Your heard me at my trial. I want to follow you and help with the real stuff, but if I can't do that then don't call on me again. In that case I'll finish my duties in the lichyard and then I'll go my own way, because the current path is not headed where I want to go. "

Add on the ass end of the other part. Too much? Too wrong?

>>48334225
>> "...I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy."
keep it simple

Okay, so I'm up, but there's morning stuff to attend to - dishes, shower, johns, that manner of thing. I'll call when I'm ready.

>>48338915
>johns

Well, at least your pimp lets you shower first before you start sucking dick for the day.

>>48339143
Wouldn't it make more sense to take a shower afterwards?

>>48339179
Depends on if he has to work night shifts or not.

>>48339179
>>48339233

And if the johns like the stank.

>>48337562
Bri said it she always had a cousins. But never a sister. The reason she wanted to adopt River as a sister, although they don't look alike, is because she always wanted to have a sister.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not at all sure where everyone who is voting for storytime is coming from. It feels like a total cop out of what Ricer is trying to do - stand up for herself and assert that she wants the status quo of the relationship dynamic to change.

I can't shake the impression that asking for a story comes with the inplication of a Mentor/Student relationship rather than River viewing herself as an equal to Bri, as the term "sister" implies. Bri is a role model to River in a lot of ways, sure, but this conversation has nothing to do with that.

Hell, asking for a story could be viewed as a conversation between a soldier coming back from a mission speaking with their commanding officer, and the officer stating words of wisdom to reaffirm the soldier's conviction to keep soldiering on.

It doesn't really feel that anything about their dynamic will change with a story, is what I'm saying. Isn't that the whole point of River confronting Bri here, anons?

>>48339761
I think it's more River trying to understand where Bri is coming from, saddling her with Robert and all. Trying to see how Bri draws the line in the sand.

And then after that we're coming at her with our grievances.

>>48339761
I suppose one could interpret it in a somewhat passive-aggressive vein, à la "...I want to hear a story. About how you learned what was right and wrong in necromancy. Because nobody's teaching me that part, how the be a good person and not just a good necromancer."

>>48339761
They weren't here for the previous thread where this whole thing hatched or they have the attention span of a goldfish.

>>48334225
voting >>48336358, >>48336414

>>48340185
Greentext your vote >>48334225

> Or it doesn't count

>>48334225
>voting >>48336358, >>48336414

>>48340279
is this better?

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Tallied, called, & writing. "We need to talk," came out the winner, with some really nice write-ins. I'ma go snag some breakfast and start this party.

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>>48334225
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlEb3L1PIco

"Brianna, we need to talk," you tell her. She sets her book down - she tucks her bookmark into it without even looking - and sits up a bit straighter on the bed.

"Alright," she agrees, brown eyes solemn. "This a personal kind of talk?"

You close the door behind you and nod. You catch the telltale signs of a telepathic conversation (to wit, changes in facial expression without a discernible reason) from her; probably your sister informing Fetch that she needs some private time, and asking him to tell the others.

"What's this about?" she asks, after a moment. You pull up a chair and take a seat in it, and take in a deep breath.

"I wanted to talk about how you've treated me and my skills, Bri," you begin, slowly. "...You probably already guessed that this isn't a happy talk, but it's not exactly an angry one either. I was...I was pretty upset when you sent me after Seraphina, though. I'm not gonna lie."

"But - why? You knew why it had to be done."

"I knew why a lot of things had to be done, Bri," you tell her. You lean forward, resting your elbows on your knees. "I knew why I had to rob those farms, kill those young boys on the other side of the battlefield, why I had to steal and burn and pillage. You sent me off to kill someone, and it would've been underhanded and agonizing. Do you not see a problem with that?"

"Would have -"

"We can pick that part back up later, Bri," you interrupt, flatly. "And, y'know, I can understand your perspective. The world would have been improved for Seraphina's death, but the thing is...the thing is, I still feel /lost/. You tell me about zombie armies but then you don't bat an eyelash when it turns out you stuck me with General Rotface McZombie. You call me sis but you treat me like an understudy or...or a sellsword, Bri." You know your ears are flattening back against your head but right now you really cannot be bothered to stop them.

>>48340716
>Not picking based original video

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THNaO8pZ7c8

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>>48340716
"I never meant it that way, River," Bri tells you, hurt shadowing her voice. "There's just been a job to do, and - you wanted to help. So I've been trying to keep you in mind, both so this can be finished and because I trust you to do it right."

"That makes one of us," you tell her. "And no, it's not me being down on myself, so don't even start with me. I was sentenced to this so that I could become a better person, Brianna. And you seem to think I'm pulling that off but I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know what good people /do/. I keep getting faced with these difficult choices, these rough situations, and all around me are people who just seem to /know/. You, Nathan, hell, even Amy even if I kinda suspect she errs on the side of stabbing things until they stop bothering her."

"She does," Bri agrees.

"Right now just about the only metric I've got for if I fucked up is the number of people killed. That is not a great metric, Bri. And it doesn't even always work! When I'm spending time with the kids of Split, giving them advice on the...the /horror/ they went through, how do I know if I fucked up? What do you think I know about ideas like justice, or, or, or support, or any of the stuff you just /do/?"

"But you /do/ have an idea," Bri insists. "Don't you remember our talk, over that first chess game? About speaking people's languages?"

"...I do," you agree, quietly. "Brianna, I...I had a pretty good childhood, I think. But it's far away now, and I don't like feeling lost like this. I don't like being afraid of what I might choose to do. You guys, you're /heroes/. You're saving the world, defending the weak. But what am I? Your majordomo? The head of your cleanup crew? I'd /like/ to be your sister. I'd /like/ to help with the real stuff, and not just because you did something stupid and fucked up."

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>>48341069
There is a long silence. "...I'd like you to help me," you finish, softly. "Robert's no good for the hard choices, just the clever ones. But if you can't, I'll wrap up in the Lichyard, sell my house, and go. And I won't be mad, because I understand how important all of this is, and that you're...you're busy. You've got a world to save, an angel to free, two lovers, and a million other things besides. But I've gotta take care of myself sometime, same as you."

Your sister nods, and takes a deep breath.

* * * *

You are Brianna la Croix, and - well, and your sister's given you a lot to think about, all at once.

> "I'm sorry. I - I've never really taught anyone. When it came to necromancy, Grandmother, she just..."
> "We've got a war on, River. If I've treated you like a soldier, it's because we've needed one."
> "If I'm too busy for my family, I don't have the right to be doing this at all. Can you forgive me?"

AND

> Agree to help (make River your 4th party member
> Let River leave with your blessing

>>48341157
>> "We've got a war on, River. If I've treated you like a soldier, it's because we've needed one."

No need for sappy stuff, just shoot straight- it's what we've been doing, and if we're picking her for the party it's what we will keep doing. Better to admit and go forward.

> Agree to help (make River your 4th party member

>>48341157
> "I'm sorry. I - I've never really taught anyone. When it came to necromancy, Grandmother, she just..."

And

> Agree to help (make River your 4th party member

Now you all can get your story time AND we get to fill in that final slot that likely would've been left open til the end of the quest.

>>48341157
>> "I'm sorry. I - I've never really taught anyone. When it came to necromancy, Grandmother, she just..."

>>48341157
>> "If I'm too busy for my family, I don't have the right to be doing this at all. Can you forgive me? I - I've never really taught anyone. When it came to necromancy, Grandmother, she just..."

>> Agree to help (make River your 4th party member)

>>48341157
>"I'm sorry. I - I've never really taught anyone. When it came to necromancy, Grandmother, she just..."
>Agree to help (make River your 4th party member
I feel kinda bad now and I want to help.

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>>48341069
>"I was sentenced to this so that I could become a better person, Brianna. And you seem to think I'm pulling that off but I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know what good people /do/."
>just spent the last 5 threads trying to redeem, quite literally, the most irredeemable character in the story so far.
River pls

>>48341157
> "If I'm too busy for my family, I don't have the right to be doing this at all. Can you forgive me?"
> Agree to help (make River your 4th party member

>>48341236
Haha, yes, we left it open for potential candidates but really there have been none we could use without a really, really big shoehorn.

Vox, what's the status on that Chosen of Troth and the woman Lora turned into her chosen?

>>48341508
Catherine is still on the surface. She was going to descend earlier but when she caught wind of the ball she had Suspicions and chose to stay in Glen. If she's wrong, oh well, she wasted a few days. If she's right, she can ask Nathan and Bri to permit her to help, and assume her new duties immediately.

Emily and Hatchet are currently in the Atheneum, having been escorted safely by River.

>>48341157
> "I'm sorry. I - I've never really taught anyone. When it came to necromancy, Grandmother, she just...

> Agree to help (make River your 4th party member
it's time

Also shouldn't it be 5th party member? don't go hating on the Fetch man.

>>48341495
God Iroh was so fucking cool...

>>48341157
>> "I'm sorry. I - I've never really taught anyone. When it came to necromancy, Grandmother, she just..."

> Agree to help (make River your 4th party member

... Thinking about it, most of Bri's knowledge on Necromancy came from her Grandmother, with her Grandfather teaching her a bit more about life.

Also, seeing Bri's reaction to Seraphina's fate is gonna be hilarious.

>>48341754
>Also, seeing Bri's reaction to Seraphina's fate is gonna be hilarious.

Honestly speaking... I'm more interested in what Sir Fetch has to say about it.

>>48341157
>"If I'm too busy for my family, I don't have the right to be doing this. Can you forgive me?"
>Agree to help (make River your 4th party member).

>>48341754
>>48341778
The only course of action is to tell Jewel/Cherry righr away, obviously.

>>48341615
He is the great guard hat. His brothers too, also act as our feathered assassins.
>>48341363
This and then River just nervously blurting out she sparred the seraphim, and made Henrietta REALLY confused. If a sexual joke can be made then yes. I am not in the right state of mind to suggest one though.

>>48341778
I'm imagining him doing something like the gesture of two fingers pointing to his eyes, then at her, to say that he's got his eyes on her. Only he kind of can't because he's a chicken.

>>48342275
Why? Let them move on, bro.

Jewel will probably be happy for her though, now that I think about it. Given their history.

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>>48342745

>>48342716
>act as our feathered assassins.
Sir, are you not aware the Nobel Sir Fetch the Nightfeather has done battle with THREE separate demons, and has been victorious on every occasion. Not only that he has given motivating speeches that have lead men to victory, and been there every step of the way for his compatriots.

frankly I like him better then Nate.

>>48342716
>>>48341363 (You)
>>This and then River just nervously blurting out she sparred the seraphim, and made Henrietta REALLY confused. If a sexual joke can be made then yes.
>>48341157 Adding to my original vote

>>48342788
I know this. He is our glorious Ninjabird, honorable in open battle and behind enemy lines viciously effective at stealth.

>>48342821
my point was that while he may be a dashing hat he is at the same time a valuable party member and should not be treated as less.

>>48342878
. . . . . . no love for Cat.

Called, writing shortly.

>>48342973
True we haven't seen her in a while. Wonder how she and Nathan's shadow are playing with her witch light, volley ball?

>>48342973
It's because Cat is always snuggling with Nate's shadow.

>>48343403
This made me smile

>>48343403
We should give her more intelligence.

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>>48341157
You reach a hand out and squeeze River's shoulder. It took a lot for her to admit this to you, and you're glad she did. Well, not /glad/ exactly, but it's a damn sight better than saying nothing.

"I'm sorry," you tell her, honestly. "I've never really taught anyone, River. When it came to necromancy, Grandmother, she just..." you stop, looking for the words. "Grandmother, Grandfather, they were never the only people raising me," you explain. "I learned how to be a la Croix at the same time I was learning necromancy. I had Grandfather, and Aunt Carol, and the cousins, and the town I was raised in to tell me about what it meant to stand up for other people, to offer a hand up for those who've been knocked down, to...to care. And that's part of the reason I haven't been worried about you, because that's the hardest part. Just...caring."

River frowns, slightly, but nods without interrupting.

"So Grandmother, she mostly let me learn the tough stuff for myself. She was there for the really awful stuff, for...for the shadow," you falter for a moment, "and for stuff like Nikki. Things where just caring doesn't tell you what to do."

"...I could see that," River agrees quietly. "But I haven't had that chance."

"You do now. I'm sorry, sis. I did you wrong, but I swear, it's not because I -"

River interrupts by giving you a quiet hug. "I know you care, dumbass," she whispers. "There are unborn babes that know you care."

You return her hug, and grin as she pulls away. "Could use ya on the next assault. Things are only gonna get rougher and more desperate, on our way down."

"I know," River agrees. "I'd wanted to come in any event. The Lush sounds like a guy in need of severe killing."

"...What /did/ you do to Seraphina?"

"I got Henrietta to adopt her."

River dies laughing as you stare in numb-faced shock.

* * * *

>>48343783
> You are Brianna la Croix (Monster's Ball)
> You are Jack the Lesser (Truth, For The Low Price of Free)
> You are Amy the Dungeonbreaker (Let's Try This Your Way)

All of these scenes will happen. This is just a question of what you'd like to do first.

>>48343801
That should be Jack the Debtor. My bad.

>>48343801
> Amy Time
Let's get the side stuff done first before the climax of this interlude.

>>48343525
"NO WHAT ARE YOU DOING, I CREATED YOU"

>>48343801
>> You are Brianna la Croix (Monster's Ball)
lets harpie

>>48343801
> You are Jack the Debtor (Truth, For The Low Price of Free)
Maybe we can convince one of the rich nobles at this here ball to help us get our 7 bucks.

>>48343801
>> You are Jack the Lesser (Truth, For The Low Price of Free)
Lets start with this

>>48343801
>> You are Amy the Dungeonbreaker (Let's Try This Your Way)
Need a break from the heavy stuff

>>48343801
>> You are Amy the Dungeonbreaker (Let's Try This Your Way)

MURDER BURD

>>48343877
Pffft. She's hooked on Nate's shadow. Besides, that's for most necromancers - who quite frankly appear to be the kind of dicks who deserve it.

>>48344107
How the hell do shadows fuck anyways? Because all I can think about is the old Peter Pan movie.

>>48343801
> You are Amy the Dungeonbreaker (Let's Try This Your Way)
I think it's been several threads since we've even seen Amy.

>>48344107
she is also bloodthirsty as fuck and has already done things on multiple occasions that would we would prefer she had not, namely shredding the corpse of the male vampire and caving the enemy necromancers skull in like a melon when it was time to kill him.

>>48343801
> You are Brianna la Croix (Monster's Ball)
> (Monster's Ball)
Because i need to know.

>>48344250
Well yeah, she's running on instinct. She doesn't have the cognitive ability for "Finesse".

Something we could work on if we gave her more intelligence.

Like how kids work and shit.

This vote will be extended. Not for anything important, I just wanna play some videogames. It's my day off.

>>48344786
> implying video games aren't important
You monster

>>48344786
You know, Vox, sometimes full disclosure is not the best policy.

>>48344786
That's fine, but what are you playing?

>>48345024
Oh, let the man play his damn vidya!

>>48345024
Leave him be fun Nazi.

>>48344786
What are you playing?

>>48345899
Bet it's MonMusu

>>48345052
>>48345899
Heroes of the Storm. I'm done now; called, writing.

>>48346398
Based. Do you like the new Zegara update?

>>48346421
Indifferent, as I never got the hang of her and as a result don't really play her.

>>48346434
What do you use then?

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>>48346486
We're getting a bit far off-topic.

Looks like Amy Time won the vote!

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>>48343801
You are Amy the Dungeonbreaker.

See you run!

The Lichyard had been your shortest floor crossing, since you can fly. Getting into Lakehallow's cavern had let you take back off again, admittedly stooping to snatch a highly confused Brooks. There's only two days to the ball and you need to be back to help Bri up to the surface in one, so there's not a lot of time to explain.

Besides, the healer is adorable when she's cussing you out.

You alight in front of the orphanage. "What -" she starts, but you put a hand over her mouth.

"No time," you tell her. "Wait here."

You tell Mrs. Applegrove to meet you at the Forge "right away!" and then head back outside, grabbing Brooks before taking off. She yelps, but you're not in the air long. The doors to the forge are closed, unusual for this time of day, and you open them and step in, calling Harry's name.

The blacksmith freezes. He's got Isoldt tied to an anvil, a suggestively shaped iron rod heating in the coals, and the succubus is extraordinarily unclothed.

"...Have you not heard of knocking?" he asks.

"And miss /this/ view?"

"/Amy/!" Isoldt snaps, while Harry blushes bright behind his beard.

"Look, it's about Nate," you tell them.

That was the magic word. Harry unties his (lover? Assistant?) and the succubus goes to get her clothes.

You beam, brightly, as you wait for everyone to assemble. Harry pulls out extra chairs and puts a kettle on.

"What's this about?" Brooks asks. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's /wrong/, I just. Wanted to do this how I thought Nate would want it done, so..." you take in a deep breath. "I'd like to ask your blessing. On our marriage," you clarify.

"...You kidnapped me for /that/," Brooks says flatly.

> ...Yessss?
> Of course I did! You guys are the closest thing to family he's got, even if he did bang one of you.
> I know, it seems stupid to me too. But it'll make the big guy happy.
> Write-in?

>>48346824
> Write-in?

> I can't think of a better reason to kidnap you.

>>48346824
> I don't see the big deal either, but it means a lot to Nate, so it means even more to me!

Something along those lines.

>>48346824
> ...Yessss?

>>48346868
This.

>>48346824
>>48346868
Backing this

>>48346868
Suported. Also that double sense of it is great.

>>48346868
>Besides, the healer is adorable when she's cussing you out.

She totally can think of a better reason.

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>>48346398
>Heroes of the Storm
What a surprise, the lich plays a dead game!

>>48346824
speaking of Isoldt and Harry, how's the next pastebin smut coming along?

>>48346868
Fourthing? Fifthing? Whatever, supporting.

>>48346824
>> I know, it seems stupid to me too. But it'll make the big guy happy.

Called, writing shortly.

>>48347710
Also, if you want a dead game: I still play Sacrifice.

/Multiplayer Sacrifice/.

>>48349011
Well i guess this confirms Vox as a elder linch.

>>48349011
>multiplayer sacrifice
Help, Vox is revealing his powerlevel and I'm scared.

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>>48346824
You give the healer your best winning smile. "I can't think of a better reason to kidnap you."

"Neither could my swain," she mutters, bitterly. Isoldt puts a wing around Brooks' shoulder, and Brooks gives her a grateful smile.

"Miss Amy," Harry begins, "what possessed you to do this?"

"...That's what Nate would want," you tell him, blinking. "You folks raised him, or grew up with him. Why do you not know this?"

Every eye in the room goes to Applegrove.

"He asked!" the orphanage matron protests. "He wanted to know about love, back when he had a fancy for /you/, so I lent him books on the -"

"Oh gods," you interrupt. "You're the one who got him all those stories of heroism and, and, all the sweet, stupid, suicidal shit he does!"

"Always that damn first word though, huh?" Brooks mentions, wistfully. She jumps when Isoldt's tail whips her. "I wasn't gonna," she protests, in a low hiss.

"Sure," Isoldt says serenely. "Because no one coming out of a relationship they were invested in has never done something stupid like try to hook up with an old flame."

"I -"

"You're welcome."

"...Thank you," Brooks says with a roll of her eyes.

You clear your throat. "Look," you begin. "It's important to Nate. And that means it's important to me. Especially since I don't know what to propose to him with, or if Bri'd wanna do his thing, or her own thing with the rings, or..."

"Use a torc," Harry suggests. "I'd make it for you with my own hands. I'd be honored to."

"...Thanks," you say with a guilty grin.

"You have my blessing as well," Applegrove tells you, with a proud nod.

Brooks is...awfully quiet.

> Stare
> Step outside for a minute so she can talk to the others
> Ask her outside for a minute so you can talk to her
> Ask Isoldt outside, she seems to know what's up

>>48349366
>Ask her outside for a minute so you can talk to her (Make Brooks your 4th not-a-harem member)

>>48349366
>> Stare

This confuses the shankbird

>>48349408
THIS! BOOTY FOR THE BOOTY THRONE!

>>48349366
>> Step outside for a minute so she can talk to the others

>>48349408
>>48349430
Still not a harem. We had this conversation, a long time ago, about what would happen if things went the poly route. The relationship here is committed; poly is not the same as open, and does not imply or require indefinite expansion of the relationship.

>>48349366
The parental figures have given their consent. Ought the friend/crush also have a say? I'm unsure. Rather unsure, in fact.

> Stare
Though if instead we can
> Talk with Brooks afterwards
Rather than dragging her off now with everyone around, I'd like that.

>>48349409
She has been around people long enough to notice social cues by now.
>>48349430
And she is a medic that DOESNT use her soul to fix people. Very useful to have around the house.
>>48349430
And the booty.

>>48349450
This and >>48349451

>>48349445
>not-a-harem
>not a harem
Everything checks out, doesn't it?

>>48349473
No, it doesn't. That aspect of the vote isn't going to be honored and you knew it wouldn't when you made it, anon.

>>48349473
Preemptive problem solving is rare for the shank bird, lets make it a happy end instead of the usual. Plus this>>48349451
Really worried about how often Bri heals lately. >>48349499
Still gonna do it. Even if its REALLY stupid, which I wont deny.

I wonder why the night crew tends to be more immature and edgy, you would think it would be the day crew since summer. Maybe it is immature collage kids?

Maybe it is because they do not have to get up in the morning, this is kind of interesting.

Alright, let me see if I have this right so far

> Ask her outside
>>48349408
>>48349430

> Stare
>>48349409
>>48349450
>>48349462

> Step Outside
>>48349435

Is that tally currently correct?

>>48349707
Seems about right.

>>48349366
>> Ask her outside for a minute so you can talk to her

>>48349707

I'll be changing this vote
>>48349450
To
>Ask her to talk outside
Just so a tie doesn't simmer needlessly.

>>48349366
>Ask her outside for a minute so you can talk to her

Aight, called, writing.

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>>48349366
Harry and Applegrove go to look at Brooks, and you interrupt them by clearing your throat.

"Hey, ah. Brooks. Was wondering if you could take a look at where my wings join, yeah? Just, step outside real quick?"

"She could -" Harry begins, right up until Isoldt's tail flicks into his face. "...benefit from sunlight to see better," the blacksmith finishes, lamely.

"Sure," Brooks agrees. You step outside, and she folds her arms, expectantly.

"What?" you ask.

"Shirt."

"For - oh! I mean. I guess it could actually use a checkup..." You turn around and shrug out of your shirt, bunching it in front of your small chest because humans are weird about breasts. Brooks touches Soaring Song lightly - it's sharp, after all - and begins her examination.

"Is Isoldt right?" you ask gently.

"Yes. No. I...I've got regrets about him. I gave him his space, back when we were younger. And then when he talked to me about it later, before all...all this started?" Brooks' fingers pause. "...For a guy who'd never made love before, he was pretty damn good at it."

"And things fell through with your swain?" you ask.

"Mhm." You can feel Brooks tensing up behind you. "He tripped and fell right onto Andrea Miller. She said he swore he was single and, y'know what? I believe her."

"Okay. So you know all of that. You decide you left your love for him in your other coat pocket?" you ask.

"...No," Brooks says sullenly.

"Lemme tell you something my mother told me," you say gently. "Her and Dad, they come from really different cultures. Starting with the bit where she's a harpy and he's human and then there's the whole Roost thing - anyway. The thing she said is, love's a choice. You choose to communicate, you choose to respect boundaries, you choose to make time for people."

"You choose to ask their parents for permission to marry them?" Brooks teases. She's resumed her examination, behind you.

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>>48350510
"When they're lovable dumbasses, yeah," you agree. "And the thing is, Nate, Bri, myself, we make those choices. Even when we don't get each other. Nate drives me nuts sometimes, an' I drive him nuts, but, y'know. Fuck, you know what I'm getting at. And the other thing I'm getting at is, you both had those choices, and you both chose to walk away. Nate coulda trusted you, and he didn't. You coulda pursued him, and /you/ didn't. And you're both gonna remember that forever."

"...Your mother sounds pretty wise," Brooks comments.

"We /are/ the children of the Lady of Ravens," you say, with pride.

"I wasn't going to try for Nate. I wouldn't do that to him, or Bri, or, hell, even you."

You pause. "Whaddya mean, 'even' me?"

"I..." Brooks takes in a deep breath. "You want to know why I was so quiet in there? I don't think you're good for Nathan."

> You fuckin' wot I'll smack you in the gobber swear on me mum
> ...Okay. Why not?
> Fuck it. I tried. You can walk back to Lakehallow.
> Write-in?

>>48350618
>...explanation please? Is it because we're constantly throwing ourselves into danger?

>>48350656
This seems like a good question, normal Shankbird options will only prove her point.

>>48350656
>>48350618
> Effectively this
Some self aware seriousness would be nice right about now actually, since Amy is in her half human part of her birdbrain mentality.

This is an honest exchange of perspectives, keep at it. I'm curious to see where this goes.

>>48350618
This>>48350656

I mean, what's the deal Brooks?

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Aight, i'm hittin' bed. Votes remain open.

Questions, comments, discussion, feedback, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated. Finally got Silence added to the C&P doc, will work on River when I can. Eight and a half hour shift tomorrow, though, so...no promises.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>48350618
>>...explanation please? Is it because we're constantly throwing ourselves into danger?

We came to essentially ask these things. Not listening when there are concerns seems dumb.

>>48350618
> You fuckin' wot m8 I'll smack ye in the gobber swear on me mum
Because of the mental picture of Amy swearing like a scouser whose scone fell outta scene is just that interesting.

>>48350618
MORE COMBO VOTES!
>"You fookin' wot I'll smack you in the gob swear on me mum!"
>"But seriously, explanation please? Is it because we're constantly throwing ourselves into danger?"
Isn't that what the cute, slightly insane heroes do?

>>48350982
When we finally get to fighting the Wyrm, I'd love to see her cuss him/her/it out in the bird tongue, only to have Sir Fetch remind her to watch her language.

>>48351160
This make more sense, switching my vote from this>>48350689
>>48350656
to this>>48351160

>>48350618
>is it cause I'm a hero? Bri and Nate are too so that's unfair to single me out

>>48350618
>>...explanation please? Is it because we're constantly throwing ourselves into danger?
Oh boy half breed fight time

>>48351975
Pshh, this is hardly a fight. Brooks just doesn't know Amy that well, and to be frank, she has no idea how much Nathan likes being in the thick of battle. If she did, it'd likely be the Hero she was confronting, and not the Best Bird.

Bumping for the love of caffeine and undead everywhere.

Bumpin.

Also, how's Jewel's apprenticeship progressing? Would it be a bad idea for her to attend the Ball in Glen, only to see a blinded Seraphina follow the Duchess around?

>>48353548
Seraphina won't be there, she's with Jord yet.

>>48350618
>Write-in?
>"Why?"
>[Bird things]

I'm up. Coffee, then tally, then write.

>>48350618
> Angry chirping

> Followed by ...Okay. Why not?

Called, tallying, writing.

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>>48350618
You feel Brooks move a wing aside, in the silence that follows. "You're accepting the prosthetic well," she notes, quietly. "Wraithsteel's good for that. I'd been worried that, with wing muscles being what they are, you might tear something or get lasting damage..."

"I don't fly as much as I used to," you admit. "The environment isn't always good for it. Plus in proper flight there's a whole lot of gliding."

"...You're about to stab me, aren't you?"

"No," you say with a shake of your head. "I would've stabbed you already if I was gonna stab you. But I'd like an explanation, please."

Brooks sighs. "...You're just gonna think I'm jealous and petty."

"My ex-fiance tried to murder my friends and take me back like a piece of errant property. Try me."

"D'ya need a man stabbed?" Brooks asks, earnestly.

"Bri perforated him already, but I appreciate the offer," you say with a grin. "Leave the poor bastard alone. He didn't know better."

"That. That's why," Brooks says suddenly. "You and I haven't interacted a lot in person, but I know /of/ you, I hear folks talk about you, and, hell. Let's say I ignore the bit where I think you're gonna get Nate killed," she offers, in a tone that makes it eminently clear that she is ignoring nothing. "You're /thoughtless/. You attacked three soldiers in broad daylight, you pull - stuff like /this/, with just doing things without bothering to think them through, and -"

"You're one of those people that chews over the future like a hatchling with a bone," you interrupt, making a face.

"So is Nate," Brooks accuses.

"So?"

"So? You're asking me to give my blessing to you being part of that future forever and you give me 'so'? You even /thought/ of what that future might look like? If Nate'll make a good father or if you'll be a good mother? What happens if he gets hurt more and you have to care for him because he lost an arm or his other leg doing some damn fool thing /you/ talked him into?"

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>>48355256
Brooks' voice is raising, and you turn to face her, shirt still in front of your chest.

"And what about Brianna, huh? She cut out for this either? I don't know how this whole three-person-marriage idea works and I'm trying not to worry myself about it because it's not my personal problem but /you just made it that way/. And you, /you/. What happens to your kids if you get thrown into prison because you shanked some watchman? Or, or fucking, I don't even know. And neither do you! AND YOU DON'T CARE TO!"

The part-demon girl breathes heavily, posture tense and angry, realizing that she has, perhaps gone too far. Her shadow looms furiously behind her, glaring at you.

> Attack
> Leave
> Say something (what?)
> Write-in?

>>48355327
>Hug.

>>48355327
>> Say something (what?)
>*hug her* "I'm trying to be better. It's one of the reasons I'm doing this."

>>48355327

>that pic

How does she get dressed?

>>48355327
Honestly,
>Hug
Seems to be the best option

>>48355421
Other people dress her, if I remember correctly

>>48355421
I have no idea. I'm not even sure where the pic is from.

>>48355442
Monster Musumune, a somewhat shitty monstergirl manga, but still better than most out there

We're also open for questions and discussion; I've got an eight and a half hour shift today and this thread will not survive it. It must be slain.

>>48355327
> Ask her if she talked to Nate about any of this.

> Walk away.

>>48355327
>I may still pull stunts like this from time to time but at least now I think things through a little before doing them. We are all trying to be better people then we are yesterday, all three of us by helping one another bring out our better qualities and reining in our bad habits. ( Examples go here. )

>From what I have gone through in the Dungeon I have grown a lot in terms of maturity. Sure I am always the spontaneous sort but now I learned at least a little of consequence from my actions before doing them now.

Feel free to add on more to this.

>>48355327
>Well... someone has to be the first to try.

>>48355476
Okay I gots a questions for you. You already said you never expected us to save River, and Seraphina was meant to be a short scene right? How far off track have we gotten from your expectations? How did you see River developing?

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>>48355643
Anon I expected this quest to be dead by thread 20. Every post takes us further off-track.

To be more helpful, I expected River to die and not develop at all. Everything after that has been playing it by ear, using what's been established about her and the events of the quest. I was a bit surprised about your hands-off approach with Lark's interest (I sorta expected anon to be a more active matchmaker) but /in general/ I've been surprised at how well anon's handled interpersonal relationships here.

I somehow get the feeling that I haven't actually answered your question, though.

>>48355685
I guess I can rephrase it to what option did you think we would pick? Even playing it all by ear you gotta have some thoughts on where you think or want the characters to develop when you write choices for us.... right? and were you surprised about the heated exchanges around what degree of asshole Bri has been to her? It felt like there were things everyone wanted to get off their chests about our MC, and this was an unintentional but golden IC opportunity.

>>48355421
She does actually have something like human thumbs, and when folded part of her wings form a sort of mitten like hand. It is pretty clumsy though, she's more dexterous with the talons that she has for feet, but then the clothes she prefers are fairly simple to put on.

>>48355556
This first, then>>48355389
and finish off the word fight with >>48355545
This will show Amy's maturity, and no one can resist the feathers. Even if they can kill people.

>>48355327
>The amount of stabbing I am not currently doing is testament to how much being around Nate and Bri has changed me, I didn't ask Nate to go after the wraithsteel snake, I didn't make him sacrifice his leg for people he hardly knew. These were choices /he/ made.
>I owe my freedom, my wings, my life and so much more to Nate and Bri, they showed me a world other than the violence of the Roost and I want to be worthy of their affection, I'm trying to get a handle on my more rash behavior I really am but at the end of the day I'm still just a bird.
>I would never put Nate or Bri in danger, and if it comes to it, I will care for them just as much as I do now.
Volume goes lower the further this goes on.

Hope parts of this are acceptable.

>>48355327
seconding this >>48355545
Hugging her is a stupid idea.

>>48355827
Going to replace my first option here with >>48355853
seeing as it more specific and probably what Brooks is obviously pissed about.
>>48355891
This is an emotional moment, and the SHANKBIRD DOES NOT BACK DOWN!

>>48355767
Think? Yes. Want? Not as much as you might think. Y'all are players; no plan survives contact with players.

I was kinda surprised with regards to the vote in River being upset but not necessarily displeased. It's nice to see that folks are invested and putting thought into the characters and how they interact, and with /being/ Bri a lot, there's not necessarily a chance to show her flaws from the outside; it's easier to see it from her perspective, y'know? Overall I'm pretty happy with how that turned out.

>>48355853
This looks pretty good to me.

>>48355930
>the SHANKBIRD DOES NOT BACK DOWN!
hugging is still a stupid idea here.

>>48355327
> Hug

>>48355327
>implying any normal prison could hold Amy.
>implying her kids won't have the training to break her out.

>>48355951
Exactly. What is the misunderstanding here?

>>48355327
>this >>48355853 but in bird speak

>>48355827
Supporting >>48355853

Though I'll also support
>Have you talked to Nate about this?

>>48355853
>this

I couldn't have said it better myself. Wing flare as she starts yelling, settling as she calms down at the end.

>>48355970
Because the problem here isn't that we're a bad match for Nate. The problem is, we love Nate, and so does she.
This is also why Brooks insinuated that Brianna isn't a good match, when Bri is literally the only reason he's alive.

We're not gonna be able to diffuse the situation with spontaneous hugs or proving that we've changed and a good match because /Brooks doesn't care about that/.

>>48355327
>The amount of stabbing I am not currently doing is testament to how much being around Nate and Bri has changed me, I didn't ask Nate to go after the wraithsteel snake, I didn't make him sacrifice his leg for people he hardly knew. These were choices /he/ made.
>I owe my freedom, my wings, my life and so much more to Nate and Bri, they showed me a world other than the violence of the Roost and I want to be worthy of their affection, I'm trying to get a handle on my more rash behavior I really am but at the end of the day I'm still just a bird.
>I would never put Nate or Bri in danger, and if it comes to it, I will care for them just as much as I do now.
Seconding

>>48356174
We should mention his duel with Lora and the fight with the Lord of Painted Glass as his decisions as well. I guess the handy part of having a necromancer on hand is you get to do stupid rash and dangerous things.

>>48356145
Brooks is as angry as she is because her lover cheated on her, and there's a decent chance she's kicking herself for not trying for Nate when she had the chance. Hugging her can help defuse that.

>>48356246
lol dude there is a time and a place, if all the girls above said don't you sit down and listen

Called, writing. Still open for questions and comments.

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>>48355327
You drop the shirt and jab a finger at Brooks. "The amount of stabbing I'm /not/ doing oughta tell you something about how much I've changed," you snap, your wings flaring. "And, y'know what, this shit ain't on me or Bri either. I didn't ask Nate to go fight that wraithsteel snake, I didn't make him kick it in the face over the lives of men he hardly knew. I didn't tell him to fight a fairy prince -"

"What -"

"I AM NOT DONE!" you screech, and Brooks flinches back. "Nate's a grown-ass man! So is Bri - well, not a - YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN! They get to make their own choices. I don't get to stop him, all I can really do is advise him and worry about him and, and, and you're not the only one who stays up at night worried that one of these days he's gonna leave and /not come back/!"

You breathe heavily, chest heaving. Brooks looks at you in the silence that follows, waiting for you to continue. When you do, your voice softens gently.

"I owe Nate and Bri everything," you tell her. "My freedom, my life, my wings. They helped me find the peace I was looking for, gave me words to go with the nameless /want/ I left the Roost seeking. I know they're better people than I am, and I, I really wanna be better. And just because I don't agonize over it doesn't mean I don't /care/. I'm getting a handle on my rash behavior, but at the end of the day, I ain't just human. I'm a harpy too, and I wouldn't be me if I wasn't."

You fold your wings, the fury draining away like water through a sieve. "I'd never put them in danger on purpose," you murmur. "And if it ever came down to it, if they ever needed me to be gone? I'd love them just as much as I do now. So if you're gonna make a play, make it. What happens, it happens."

You know there's folks staring at you. You don't care. You have eyes for the part-demon.

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>>48356706
"...You're right," she says at last. "When I had my chance, I walked away. And I won't forget that, ever. Just. When this is over, and done? Bring him back home alive. Preferably with all his bits attached."

"That's been my goal since before I knew I loved him," you promise softly.

"...Then you have my blessing. And my apologies. I /was/ trying not to have this fight."

You shake your head. "You don't have to be anything but honest with me, Brooks. Alright?"

She offers a hand out, and you give it a firm shake. "Everyone in shouting distance is staring at your tits."

"Why? Yours are better."

* * * *

Something is wrong.

> You are Natalia
> You are Brigette
> You are Jack the Debtor
> You are Miss Silence

Vote swiftly folks, I have less than 20 minutes.

>>48356746
> You are Natalia

Guys, I've got an idea. We should totally cause World War 1. It'll be great.

>>48356746
You forgot

>You are Robert la Croix

>>48356746
> You are Jack the Debtor

Let's see how he's doing on this side of the fight

>>48356784
No, bad anon. We're trying to get over that.

>>48356797
Did not forget it, no. No write-ins on this one, anon.

>>48356746
>You are Natalia
I smell development!

>>48356746
> You are Jack the Debtor

> "Ha ha, you're competent"

>>48356809
Oh fine

>You are Jack the Debtor