>>710101
"WHAT?"

Even as I push away from her, she keeps smiling that same uncanny smile, keeping her head and eyes lowered every moment, keeping her ears pressed close against her head, as if she was an actor playing a completely different person.

"That's me, Nadja. The Abomination in White. The Angel of Death. Murderer. That's what they called me."

This can't be real. I'm afraid to even look at her, afraid her eyes will tell me the truth.

"I didn't become like this by accident." She says as she harshly tugs at her ears, returning them to their natural position. "This is simply what Father wanted me to be. What he made me to be. The better to do his bidding."

This can't be real. I feel myself dropping to my knees, but all I can do is stare at my hands.

"Until I got it into my head that I could run from Him. Pretend to be a person. Even pretend to love. Stupid. Love is for real people, not monsters. Monsters belong in cages, just like the one He's going to put me in when He finds me. Unless I kill Him first."

This can't be real. It just can't be.

"I'm sorry. I never wanted you to know. But if that witch knows.. you would have learned eventually. And I'd rather that your last memory of me be honest."

This can't be- Wait did she just say LAST?

I tear my eyes away from my hands to see her back already turned my way as she begins walking away. But why?

I feel my body instinctively jump unto my feet, and from there, unto her. She's NOT leaving. I don't blink as our bodies collide, as she gasps in surprise, not even as we roll across the ground. I don't think as I grab her wrists my all of my strength, forcing them against the ground. I don't doubt as I sit on her stomach, pressing her down with all of my weight.

"You're NOT leaving!"

"Whu- Nadja what are you-?"

"NO! Do you think this is some sappy story where you can just walk away like that and all I'll do is cry just for some cheap drama? No way! Even if all of that is true, you're not going anywhere! Because friends also stick together, no matter what! And all of that crazy stuff you're talking about, we'll figure that out, together, AS FRIENDS."

>"..Without any klling!"
>"..Even if it means killing that bad man!"
>Something else? [Write-in!]

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>NEW THINGS: Nadja's Notebook has been updated with one or more new entries since the last thread. More details below.

>Nadja's Seniors:
>Mistress' current opinion: 35/100
>Lily's current opinion: 05/100
>Camille's current opinion: 10/100

>Seal: 75/100

>Nadja's Witchy Skills:
>Herbalism : Initiated (Potions and such!)
>Pencraft: Fledgling* (Hexes and wards!)
>Infusion: Uninitiated (Making things be magic / enchanting!)
>*Nadja has proven to be naturally talented at this set of skills. She learns more quickly and has a chance to intuitively understand this type of magic simply by looking at it.

>Communication:
>Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendQM

>Archives:
>4plebs archive: http://archive.4plebs.org/tg/search/subject/Witch%20Apprentice%20Quest/order/asc/
>Suptg archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=witch+apprentice+quest (Now updated to link to the /qst/ archive for obvious reasons)

>Resources:
>Nadja's Notebook is intended to serve as your reference material for witchy things and other stuff related to the quest. It's divided into the following categories:

>[UPDATED] 1. General Witchcraft: Intro to Nadja's Notebook as well as any witch-related topics outside of the three major arts will go here when Nadja learns about them: http://pastebin.com/FvemAzKN [UPDATED TO INCLUDE ENTRY ABOUT DAEMONS]
>2. Herbalism: Everything about herbs and how to use them to make potions. Also contains Nadja's notes about potions she has encountered but don't know how to make herself: http://pastebin.com/vMWeFhd0
>3. Pencraft (Yes I renamed it because I think it sounds cooler): Hexes and wards that Nadja knows of and how to make them: http://pastebin.com/BTUR8F94
>4. Infusion: The art of bestowing magical properties to items that otherwise had none. For example, the creation of wands or flying brooms. Pastebin will be added once Nadja actually learns about any of this.
>5. Nadja's Notes: Where Nadja writes her notes about various things, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PLAYERS REQUEST THAT SOMETHING BE ADDED TO THE NOTEBOOK. You can even request to have old events added, so don't be afraid to ask: http://pastebin.com/76btWGte
>6. Characters: Nadja doesn't actually keep a written list of people she knows, but it seemed a list would be useful since a character could easily be absent from the quest for a month or more of real time, and it seemed more fun to write it in Nadja's voice even though she has no reason to ever write it. Anyway, you can find that here: http://pastebin.com/GbRsNuw3

>>710104
>>"..Without any klling!"

>>710104
>"..Even if it means killing that bad man!"

I am fine with Nadja being open to killing bad people. She's going to need to face up to the necessity sooner or later.

>>710104
>I feel my body instinctively jump unto my feet, and from there, unto her. She's NOT leaving. I don't blink as our bodies collide, as she gasps in surprise, not even as we roll across the ground. I don't think as I grab her wrists my all of my strength, forcing them against the ground. I don't doubt as I sit on her stomach, pressing her down with all of my weight.
Also, I wonder if Amalia has dreamed of this situation? Lewd.

>>710104
>"..Without any klling!"

>>710104
>"Why do you even think that killing someone will solve anything? Can’t you just keep staying here?"

>>710104
Time to apprentice!
>"..Without any killing!"
I feel like we should aspire to it at least.

>>710104
>"And friends protect each-other from bad people right? So everything will be fine!"
That's quite the backstory.

>>710101
>"She is the Burning Veil and the Scream in the Dark.
>She is the Desire which transcends and the Power which trembles.
>To walk her path is to suffer;
>to burn without fear;
>to be struck down and rise again;
>to have the strength to sacrifice all for Love.
>Vala, lend me your strength that I too may endure;
>that I may conquer fear;
>that I may conquer death;
>that I may protect those I love;
>that I may burn the veil.
>- Litanies of the Saints, the Invocation of Vala.

So that's what that picking Red and Blue was a long time ago. Nadja is a child of Vala. Can we get the Invocation of Mara too?

>>710104
>"..Without any klling!"
He shouldn't be able to get her. Killing probably won't be necessary.

>>710208
Nice spot, anon. I'd almost forgotten about the color-choice.
While I'd expected Amalia to have something more to her than some kinda vague were-troubles, I hadn't expected something to this extent. Especially the prospect of some important person hunting after her. Wonder how she got away and hid in the first place...

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No killing allowed under Nadja's watch! (at least not yet)

>>710208
>Can we get the Invocation of Mara too?
Sure. Next session. I'm going to run out of these little blurps if I dump them all at once!

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Oh right, and I need to remember to apologize for my lateness in the thread too! Many sorries!

I'd apologize for the embarrassing typo in the vote there, but I'd never have time to write if I apologized for every idiotic mistake I make.

>>710254
Her parental figure smuggled her out, presumably. There's probably a backstory behind him too.

>>710269
Nadja is pro-hugs and anti-murder. This will all be solved with Amalia-hugs, clearly.

>>710280
>Many sorries!
Too cute.

"I can curse the bad man instead! See if he likes being a toad! Once I learn how of course."

If he made her like this, does that mean he's a wizard?

A wizard with very good taste in animal ears?

>>710299
Maybe she's from a family of cat-people!
Either way, while all this tells us a lot about her past and general mind-set, it doesn't really tell us shit about what's been physically plaguing her right?

>>710299
Could be, although he didn't necessarily do it himself.

>>710307
We know it was deliberate and meant to make her a better assassin. That's quite useful information.

We'll need to apologize to Mistress for many reasons, one of which is telling her Amalia touched a Sparkle and survived when that isn't what happened all.

>>710314
Good point. Unless he's employing a witch, there must be a wizard present, though? Are there other people who can do magic in this setting?

So... do we cure her then?

>>710364
This changes nothing. We ask if she wants to be "cured" and do what she wants, as we intended before this conversation.

>>710364
That's up to her.

>>710390
She might say no for now, just because it'd make her weaker before she's had the chance to deal with her father.

>>710399
Unless the transformation also included some slavery curse.

>>710399
She can say no for any reason she wants.

If she's concerned about being weaker, it will definitely be because she can't protect Nadja as well. That's the reason why she's getting sword lessons, remember.

This assassin stuff makes me wonder if she needs sword lessons at all. Now that we know, she can use all her assassiny abilities to protect Nadja. Maybe she'll stop trying to learn swording?

>>710364
Probably not this instant. We still don't really know much of anything about this subject.

>>710399
We will just turn her father into a toad!

>>710422
Oh, obviously. But Amalia probably will feel better not having to rely on her cute friend to deal with him.

>>710422
We don't have the means to do that yet.

>>710418
Assasining is not the same as bodyguarding. There is different training used for cutting someone's throat or slipping poison into food or filling a building with explosives.

>>710428
We can learn.

>>710427

We can just give her the potion so she does it herself.

>>710441
We're all about Penmanship. I doubt there will be a potion involved when we frog someone.

>>710434
She can bodyguard by killing anyone who threatens Nadja very quickly. That's good bodyguarding, right?

>>710441
Of course we can learn, but that will take time, which we may or may not have.

>>710457
Amalia has been hiding here for years. Her father is not going to burst through the wall yelling SURPRISE just because Nadja knows a little more about Amalia.

If a Wizard is involved we can get the whole "family" to help or at least Mistress.

>>710455
Killing people who actually know she's trying to kill them might be more difficult than she is used to.

>>710466
Probably not because of that, no. None the less he might find her at any time, and she would be relatively more defenceless.

>>710475
Point, but I don't think people bad at killing aware targets get nicknames like Abomination in White and Angel of Death. Those are the kind of nicknames you'd expect someone who takes out guards like they're nothing to get.

Speaking of which, I'm willing to bet Camille was bluffing when she said she was prepared to take out Amalia.

>>710475
Who says anything about killing? We want to be a witch so we will just make his life miserable.

>>710496
I don't think those sound like nicknames of someone who engages in head-on combat.

>>710104
"..Without any killing! Understand?"

She struggles against my lock on her arms. I know she's stronger than me, but not right now. Not if it means letting her be an idiot and leave. I'm not sure why that works, but it does. She's not going anywhere.

"Let go!" She snaps at me with anger in her eyes. Or is it something else? "If I stay he'll take you too!"

"I told you, friends stick together! If the bad man comes for you, I'll turn him into a toad! Or something!"

She tries wiggling out, still not understanding that I refuse to let her leave.

"You can't fight him! He's too strong!"

"Then I'll ask Mistress for help! Or her Mistress! They can help!"

She doesn't give up. Her eyes narrow as they lock in on mine. Her body tenses.

"Get off! Or I'll-"

"Stupid! If you want to be sad and cry, you do that right here, with your friends! You want to be angry at the bad man? Do it here, with your friends! Someone trying to hurt you? You let your friends help you out! Running away is stupid, and cowardly, and hurtful, and, and, and STUPID! So stop being STUPID!"

Her breathing beneath me grows heavy and erratic. She continues staring at me, her eyes somehow seeming to draw my vision closer, closer, until...

"GET OFF!"

In a single moment of distraction, she rapidly shifts to the right, turning my entire body as she does so. Before I can respond, I find myself twisting in the air and a moment later landing roughly on my back. The impact as the backside of my head crashes into the ground is enough to cause my entire world to tremble. I try to push myself back up before she can get away again but it's no good. Disoriented like this, I can barely manage to sit upright. I slipped up. She's going to get away.

>1/2

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>>710718
"Sorry. I.. really don't like being restrained."

A pair of blurry right hands appear in front of me. I try to grab one, but my hand passes right through it. I try the other, and miss. Finally, the remaining hand seems to lose patience and just goes ahead and grabs mine instead. I feel a little sick as it pulls me back up into a seated position, a blur of of colors rushing past my eyes. Several moments pass before the swirling settles into Amalia's - should I still call her that? - familiar face. She looks worried. But she's here.

"You didn't leave." I'm smiling. The world is still spinning, but I can tell without a shred of doubt. I'm smiling.

"Your idea sounded better." She's smiling too. An Amalia smile, not.. not the thing she was doing before. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to-"

"I'll be fine! Don't worry!" At least I'm pretty sure I will. My head feels like it was made of air still, but I'm sure it'll pass in a moment.

"I, uhm, I really am sorry. I didn't.. I never really understood how to be a good friend. I'll.. I'll try harder from now on. You deserve that."

"We will try harder. I told you-"

"Friends stick together."

She laughs. She's happy.

"Friends stick together."

I laugh. I'm happy. I haven't forgotten about what just happened. I don't think I'll ever forget. And I don't think anything will ever be quite the same between us now. I'm a little afraid of what is going to happen. And of what that bad man -Amalia's real father apparently?- is up to. And of all the things I still don't know about her. And about me. But it's okay. Even if it's the only thing I know about Amalia, I know she's still my friend. And we'll deal with the scary bits together. Like friends are supposed to.

"So uh, what do we do now?"

>"Oh, I was supposed to talk to Mistress! I need to go to her house right away!"
>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]
>I think we should talk about what Camille said.. about me."
>"I want to ask you some more questions about all this." [Write-in!]
>Something else? [Also write-in!]

>>710727
>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about... [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]

>>710727
>>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]

>>710727
>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]

>>710727
>>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]

Complete the mission first, then have her follow us to Mistress?

>>710727
>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]
Let's not forget the Nadja stuff either.

>>710727
>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]

>>710746
That's something we should involve Mistress in.

>>710727
>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]
In hindsight I suppose holding her down that long wasn't the smartest move...but we didn't vote on that so let's blame Nadja!

>>710727
>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]
Well, it's what we came here for, no need to make any decision right now though.

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Welp, looks like I don't need to wait to see how this one turns out, huh?

>>710759
Nadja says a few scratches don't matter compared to letting your friend do something incredibly stupid.

>>710727
>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]

"Just to be sure, you weren't an animal before being human, right?"

>>710820
Nadja so wise

>>710727
>"Oh, I was supposed to talk to Mistress! I need to go to her house right away!"
ask her to walk with us a bit so we can chat and
>"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about.. [Tell her about the Thorn and ask what she wants to do with it]

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>>710727
"Actually, there's something really important I need to tell you about."

I'm also still supposed to go talk to Mistress after that whole punishment thing. She'll probably be even angrier now that I'm even more late. But this is important! More important than maybe getting punished again! Even though the last one was very unpleasant and Camille says they'll only get worse -unless she was lying?- this is still way more important!

"Oh, but uhm, I also need to go talk to Mistress before she gets angrier so uhm, let's walk to her house while I tell you about it."

"Wrong way." She declares before I've even taken the first step.

"Huh? I'm not that dizzy still, I know which way her house is."

"She's not there. I went to practice with your sister earlier and saw her there. She'll definitely still be there."

Actually, that makes me wonder.. If Amalia can do all those things she talked about, why does she need to train with Sis? Isn't she already good enough at all that fighty business? Strange..

"Really? Was she waiting for me? She didn't say to meet her there. And how do you know she'll still be there?"

"'cause she's hitting on your dad again."

Ah, she's starting to sound properly like Amalia again, blunt and cutting words short like-

>1/2

>>711215
"WHAT? Wha-what do you me-me-mean hitting on?"

"Yeah. Crushing on him hard. Pretty obvious, actu-"

"That's crazy! You're kidding! She can't be.. with Papa! With Mistress! That would be.."

Actually, what WOULD that be? Mistress is pretty nice, and Papa has been alone ever since.. No! Bad thought! Go away!

"Well uh, anyway! The thing! The important thing! Listen! So I met with this daemon right, and.."

...

".. no no, daemon, not demon! It's different because.."

...

".. and there were flowers and butterflies and glitter and.."

...

"So that's that! She says it can reverse any transformation, and so.. well, I thought you always seemed pretty bothered about it and now after today, I guess maybe you would-

"No."

"Huh??"

"No. I don't want it."

"You're not even going to think about it?!"

She just shrugs as if all of this was no big deal at all. "Wouldn't do any good. I'd still be me."

"But you'd be the old you!"

"Outside, sure. Inside? The same. If it's all the same, I'd rather look like Amalia than... her."

"I'm not sure I understand. But I'm glad! I'd feel a little sad if you didn't look like you anymore! Even if the old Amalia was super pretty, well.. You're just too cute like this!"

"..'cute' ain't the point you know."

She's doing a good job of hiding it, but not good enough to hide it from me. I could spot an embarrassed blush like that from a mile away! I'd love to tease her a little more now, but it's really not the right time.

"So what are you going to talk to that old witch for anyway?"

"Well, she's the one who wanted to talk to me, but after that..

>"I need to talk to her about the Thorn and using it to help someone." [Talk about Camille's werewolf problem.]
>"I want to ask her to help protect you from the bad man!" [Talk about Amalia's problem]
>"I'm going to ask what she's doing with my Papa!" [Talk about Papa's problem. Well, other problem.]
>Something else? [Write-in!]

>>711222
>"I'm going to talk about me! Camille had a point."

She didn't even know her Initiation was weird. Tell Mistress ALL the weird things.

>>711222
>"I want to ask her to help protect you from the bad man!" [Talk about Amalia's problem]
Well, all three really. But ya gotta start somewhere.

>>711222
>"I need to talk to her about the Thorn and using it to help someone." [Talk about Camille's werewolf problem.]

>>711222
>Hug your best friend, hugs are good!
"I need to talk to her about the Thorn and using it to help someone." [Talk about Camille's werewolf problem.]

>>711222
>>711238
I like anon's idea, Nadja is a good topic.
Hugs are fine too.

>>711222
>"I'm going to talk about me! Camille had a point."

>>711222
>"I need to talk to her about the Thorn and using it to help someone." [Talk about Camille's werewolf problem.]

>>711251
>>711256
>Hug your best friend, hugs are good!
>"I need to talk to her about the Thorn and using it to help someone." [Talk about Camille's werewolf problem.]

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4v3 in favor of talking about the werewolf problem first. If there's time, we'll move on to the second topic. I don't know yet how this conversation is going to go.

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>>711359
It will go amazingly because Amalia is present and Amalia is the best conversationalist in this quest when she isn't talking to her not-Dad.

>>711359
We'll find out together!

>"I chose this location, Amalia. Did you already forget what happened the last time?"

>"That was-"

Ask Amalia about "last time" if you get the chance, thread. I'm curious. Night.

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>>711222
"I need to talk to her about the Thorn and using it to help someone."

"You mean the sparrow girl."

Whuh? How did she know that?!

"It's obvious. Y'don't hide a witch, 'specially one like her, in your house unless you're desperate."

Oh. That does make sense, but I'm pretty sure she's not supposed to know about that.

"Plus, if that thing does what you said, I'm gonna say.. Werewolf?"

"Stop that! You're not supposed to know all this stuff! I'll get in trouble if Mistress find out that I let you know about any of all this! More trouble!"

"..'d mean the werewolf must be-"

"Stop! You'll ruin the whole thing!"

Jeez! I only just learned about all that stuff and she goes and figures it all out just like that! I worked hard for this!

We find the town to be more or less as we left it. The market is only just about to really get lively and the departing merchant travellers only just packing their wagons before setting off toward their next destination. A few of them are familiar enough to smile and wave as I pass by, having passed through Hinde countless times over the years. The others, I don't really recognize. I've been so busy with witch training lately, and before that with trying to find Mistress' house based on Kerstin's vague directions, I haven't really had the time to talk to everyone at the market like I used to.

Amalia's suspicion is immediately proved to be correct as we approach the front door to my house only to see it swung open and Mistress' imposing form stumbling through it before it is slammed shut behind her, a muffled shout sounding from within: "- trying to WORK here, for-"

Nothing. That's definitely all he said. Mistress, meanwhile, looks strangely pleased with herself in spite of the situation. Until she actually pays enough attention to notice Amalia and I standing in front of her.

"Ah! Nadja! And.. you are with her, I see." She says while giving Amalia a look that could have pierced pure steel.

"Miss me?" She responds with little regard for the tone she was addressed in.

Mistress gives only an annoyed sigh as answer, then turns her attention to me.

"I assume you finished your task?"

She means punishment. "Every page of every book."

"Very good. Then I will not ask why I am meeting you here and not where I left you. It is however rather poor form of you to leave your Mistress waiting outside your home instead of inviting her inside."

"Oh! But Papa-"

"Will surely not mind that his daughter chose to be courteous to her guest."

"But-"

And she's already inside again. Papa should have locked the door...

>1/2

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>>712074
After inviting herself in for tea -the tea part being exactly as made up as the invitation itself- and casually dismissing Papa's objections to her continued presence, being served a freshly brewed regular cup of tea, and finally abandoning her hopes of convincing Amalia to leave, Mistress is finally ready to actually talk.

"Now then, I was going to talk about your punishment and the reason for it.. But quite honestly you already showed yesterday that you understood the lesson, and teaching the same lesson twice would be a mistake, so I'll simply say this: Don't expect Vanda to be as merciful next time you see her. Now, I assume you've already chosen to tell your friend here about everything that happened yesterday?"

"Yes.."

"That's a shame, I would have had a good reason to send her away had you not done so. Ah well. Tell me exactly what you have returned with.

I show her the thorn, still clenched in my hand after having shown it to Amalia.

"She said this can reverse any transformation previously undergone. But it only works when I use it. But it should solve the problem, right?"

She does respond at first, her eyes locked firmly on the thorn. After more than a few long moments, she finally speaks:

"This is an actual artifact. Reusable and impossible to counter by any mortal means. Well, other than killing its owner of course. You should not show this to anyone you have not already shown it to. If rumors were to spread.."

"Regardless, this is the exact tool we need. It seems I have no choice but to make you part of this mission, unfortunately. We should contact my daughter immediately and-"

"I want in."

A dreadful silence falls on the room as Amalia decides to cut into the conversation. Several moments pass, and still the two of them are just staring at each other. As much as I dread the thought of those eyes turning on me, I have to get involved before their eyes pop.

>"I think she should come. She could be helpful!"
>"I think it's better if you stay out of this, Amalia."
>"This is Camille's job, not ours. We should find her and let her decide this."
>Something else? [Write-in!]

>>712092
>"I think she should come. She could be helpful!"
>"B-But we'll ask Camille first!"

>>712092
Oh boy.
Normally I'd pick the last option but I can't imagine Nadja is feeling too charitable where Camilla is concerned right now...
>"I think she should come. She could be helpful!"

>>712092
"A witch is usually a poor match to a werewolf as they are not only strong and fast, but also smart. And since we want to save this werewolf... not kill it, we need all the help we can get."

>>712092
>umm why are you two mad at each other?

>>712132
Ooops, not sure how I misspelled Camille.

>>712133
This works. We were basically told this by the Mistress daughter.

>>712126
>>712135
These.

>>712092
>>712133
Yeah, I'll support this.

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>>712092
Annnnd considering how many times I almost nodded off while writing that and the glacial pace it resulted in, I think it's best I call it a night from here.

If you guys are up for it however, I'd like to continue with a second session tomorrow night. It IS a Monday night, but if enough of you guys can make it I'd like to get some more questing done then. So please let me know how you feel about tomorrow!

Either way, I will definitely be seeing you next time, whether it'll be tomorrow or next weekend. As always, I'll be lurking until I pass out and answering questions if there are any.

Good night, and thanks for playing!
And sorry again for my excessive lateness.

>>712170
Good night!

>>712170
Yaaay, double-session!
Thanks for running Friend.

>>712170
G'night, thanks for running! And Monday night works for me.

>>712170
Thanks for running. Tomorrow evening works well for me since it's evening and all, though your NA based readers might have more trouble catching the thread I suppose.

>>712092
>"This is Camille's job, not ours. We should find her and let her decide this."

>>712170
Tomorrow is probably fine. Good night.

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Three yea's and a maybe so far, so I'll say that's good enough to give tomorrow a shot and see if we can get another session going. See you tomorrow then!

>>711813
Last time would be when Amalia and Nadja broke into her temporary home. Just think about what Amalia is like, then imagine how she's going to respond after knowing she stepped into a trap, waking up after the effects of the trap has worn off, and NOT immediately seeing Nadja safe and sound nearby.

What you're imagining is probably accurate.

>>712135
Nadja already knows the answer to that question. Check out thread #7 if you've forgotten!

>>712325
Almost forgot:
>"Lady Serena Amalia Corvi, third daughter of Prince Adrian the Cunning of the House of Lacime, at your service."
Amalia's real name and title should get added to Nadja's notebook.

>>712325
>Last time would be when Amalia and Nadja broke into her temporary home. Just think about what Amalia is like, then imagine how she's going to respond after knowing she stepped into a trap, waking up after the effects of the trap has worn off, and NOT immediately seeing Nadja safe and sound nearby.
>What you're imagining is probably accurate.
Oh. She was deeeefinitely bluffing, then. Nadja would have sensed if she had traps prepared in that clearing.

vote's "closed" but voting anyway
>"I think she should come. She could be helpful!"

I don't care about dirty spy Camille's pride. Amalia is coming whether Camille wants her to or not. Hope we can talk about Nadja-weirdness soon though.

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>>712092
"Uhm, I think it's a good idea, actually."

Exactly as I feared, every bit of their uncomfortably intense attention now rests firmly on me. Mistress with the slightest of nods motions for me to continue while her eyes turn to steel, carefully scanning every part of my body for signs of weakness, for any sign of failure, for a way in which I can disappoint her. Or is it the opposite? Either way, it's clear I've just volunteered to be tested yet again. I wonder how many of these I've taken by now, and how many more will come.

Amalia meanwhile seems every bit as interested in hearing what I have to say, though probably not for the same reasons. Rather, she seems a little surprised. But then, I am also surprising myself a little. My gut wants to scream NO, after all. It's going to be dangerous! She could get hurt! Or even killed! I utterly hate the thought of letting her do such a thing. But didn't I already sign up for the same danger, without ever asking her what she thinks? Even if I don't like it, I owe it to her, and to myself, to do the rational thing. That's what a witch should do.

"You and Camille already tried this once. She told me that. You tricked it, lured it into a trap. But it won't fall for that again. And we're not warriors, fighting something like that in a straight fight would be extremely dangerous! Especially since the job is to cure the werewolf, not kill it. Pulling something like that off, without being able to lure it into a trap would be.. Someone would almost definitely get hurt very badly, or even worse."

As I explain my point Mistress seems to relax her guard a little, resting her chin in her hand and slowly nodding along to my words.

"So unless you have a really smart plan prepared already, and I'd be very surprised if you do since asking for help from Vanda was clearly your plan B and even you wouldn't know what exactly she would offer if she even accepted a deal, then wouldn't the best strategy be to use something or someone that it definitely doesn't know we have on our side? It won't know yet how to fight against that!"

Another period of silence falls on the table as Mistress weighs my words in her mind, a process clearly delayed as she frequently glances out of the window in the door between our living room and Papa's workshop. A few of the glances turn into outright stares, a fact Amalia happily points out with a poke on my arm and a smug smile, as if I could have somehow forgotten what she said already. I'm not sure I'll be able to see Mistress quite the same way now that I know that. It certainly explains a few occasions of her behaving oddly, though the explanation doesn't make me feel better about it at all.

>1/3

>>716280
We could probably have waited all day if Amalia hadn't coughed loudly to snap Mistress out of the trance-like state, managing to look even more pleased with the situation as she watches Mistress with en embarrassed and extremely uncharacteristic blush on her cheeks hurry to compose herself before finally speaking.

>Mistress' opinion has increased by 5!
>Mistress' opionion is now at 40/100!

"You raise an excellent point, Nadja. If young Amalia is offering to help, then I agree we should graciously accept and make the most of her skills. Well done."

I'm right! Heehee, I kinda like this feeling! It's a lot better than the compliments when you just listen and do what you're told! It makes me feel smart!

"As such," She announces with her voice raised as she stands once more, towering above both Amalia and I as she tends to do everywhere. "I entrust you with preparing her for the role she will play. You have permission to use any of the books and tools in my home toward that purpose. Do keep in mind if you choose to bring your friend that your Pledge of Secrecy still applies and you will be held responsible if you fail to supervise her."

"Uhm.. okay, but how should I-"

"Use your personal judgement to decide what to provide her with. If you need to study the books, you will do so independently. You should be fully capable of telling at a glance which of the formulae are within your reach and which are beyond you at this point."

"So I just pick something I think will be helpful, study it until I can make it, then.. but wait shouldn't I wait for you to approve my-"

"If your friend's life depends on it, I fully trust you to be able to evaluate your own work."

"But I-"

"Meanwhile, I will inform Camille of the new plan and make appropriate preparations. We will assemble in the local church at midnight after tomorrow. That should be enough time."

"But-"

"Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, young Amalia," She gently bows her head in Amalia's general direction, though clearly avoiding looking straight at her. "And try not to get Nadja in trouble on your behalf. I'd rather not have to inflict the punishment for oath-breakers on someone as young as her."

"Wait how will-"

The slam of the door marks the definite end of that conversation. But she didn't answer any of my questions! Like what does she expect Amalia to do, what does she even think Amalia can do, and how am I supposed to do all that without her help and I still wanted to ask about all the weird things Camille said about me! This doesn't feel good at all anymore!

>2/3

>>716283
"Nice new mom you got, huh?"

"She-she's not my new mom!!"

The grin that Amalia has been cultivating for this entire awkward conversation has already surpassed the limits of what I thought possible. At least she's definitely cheered up since all that drama before, even if it is mostly at my expense.

"She's sure gunnin' to be. Trust me, eyes like those ain't gon' settle with one night."

"That.. DON'T SAY STUFF LIKE THAT!!"

Finally, the ever-growing grin collapses into a mischievous giggle. "Y'know, it'd be really easy to ruin her chances. Fun too. So.."

"No! I don't want to do that!"

"Well, whaddya want then?"

"I.. I don't know? I mean she's my nice and I like her, but she's my teacher. I never really thought about her like that! It's.. new. I guess I.."

>"I think I actually like the idea a little. I've never really had a mom. It would be nice to have one, and Papa might be happier. He doesn't seem to like her much though.."
>"I think it's actually none of my business. They can figure all of that out on their own, I don't want to interfere."
>"I think it's a really bad idea. It would be way too weird and Papa doesn't even like her and it'd be even weirder for Sis! I should ask her to stop."
>Something else? [Write-in!]

>>716286
>"I think it's actually none of my business. They can figure all of that out on their own, I don't want to interfere."

>>716286
>>"I think it's actually none of my business. They can figure all of that out on their own, I don't want to interfere."
Though she if she keeps interfering with father’s work, she will need to be reigned in! But how?

>>716286
>"I think it's actually none of my business. They can figure all of that out on their own, I don't want to interfere."
Nadja won't think about Papa doing those kinds of things!

>>716286
>>"I think it's actually none of my business. They can figure all of that out on their own, I don't want to interfere."

I think Nadja isn't above meddling in general (it's a very witchy thing to do), but I don't want to touch this situation.

>>716286
>"I think it's actually none of my business. They can figure all of that out on their own, I don't want to interfere."
I trust Papa to do whatever makes him happy.

>>716286
>>"I think it's a really bad idea. It would be way too weird and Papa doesn't even like her and it'd be even weirder for Sis! I should ask her to stop."

>>716286
>"I think it's actually none of my business. They can figure all of that out on their own, I don't want to interfere."
Good luck to her though...but yeah, she doesn't seem to have had much of that so far.

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Alright, time to.. not meddle?

Well alright, I kinda only threw that in there as a courtesy but if that's what you want it's what we'll do! There's plenty of other things to worry about after all.

I guess we have to interrogate Amalia about what exactly she can do before deciding what to research?

Maybe we can buff her? Support mage Nadja and her guardian Amalia, go!

>>716286
>"I think I like the idea..."
Getting daddy some attention might do him some good.

>>716338
I kinda want to meddle.

>>716338
When get witch hat?

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>>716386
That'd be spoiling.

>>716386
When we meet Camille for The Plan, probably. She did ask Nadja for her favorite color.

Giving us a hat will make up for the spying.

>>716286
"I think it's actually none of my business. They can figure all of that out on their own, I don't want to interfere."

"You uh.. sure 'bout that? Think you're overestimating those two right now, to be honest."

"Well I don't meddle in your love life either, right? So I should trust them to figure it on their own, just like I should trust you!"

"Right.."

Though I am still really curious to figure out who it Amalia is in love with, but letting keep that secret for now would only be fair. I sure hope she does something about it soon before whoever-he-is moves on to someone else!

"Anyway, I guess I need to head back to her house and look for something that might be useful. Uhm, you want to-"

"Yes."

Guess she had nothing else planned today. Fortunately it's still early so we have all of today and tomorrow to figure something out. It'd be a lot easier with Mistress' help but I guess whatever she's doing must be important. Surely she wouldn't intentionally leave me alone on this just as a test..

Would she?

No, no that's crazy! She's probably preparing something important for the mission. Yeah that makes more sense. Probably some kind of backup plan or means of escape in case something goes wrong. Which means I should just worry about giving Amalia as much help as possible. I like that idea. She's always been strong and fast and brave, so being able to help out like this might be really good.

The by now familiar way to Mistess' house comes to a quick and unexpected interruption as soon as I exit the front door after a wishing Papa a good day -he wished me a good day too! He might not be as mad as I thought!- where I run head first into what feels like a statue by the impact but actually is just..

>1/2

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>>716507
"Miss Nadja. Hello again."

Angeline. The maid who works for the Baroness and says very little, smiles very little, and all around acts like a symbol of self-composure.

"Oh uhm, Angeline, I didn't-"

"Please do not concern yourself. It was entirely my fault."

No it wasn't! It was entirely my fault for not looking where I was going! Even if she didn't even seem to feel it, she shouldn't just take the blame like that.. But arguing with her would probably be like to trying to talk to the most polite wall in the world. Better to leave it.

"Uhm uh, right. Can I uh, help you with something?"

"The young Lady has asked me to inquire as to whether you have made a decision regarding her proposal yet. She uh,"

Did she just stutter? Angeline never, ever does that! She seems to have been distracted from her line of thought, staring uncharacteristically rudely at Amalia behind me. I know plenty of other people have stared at her ears before, but I didn't think Angeline would allow herself to do something like that! Amalia is quick to notice as well, answering with a, for her, very characteristically rude hiss.

Immediately, Angeline bows her head in apology. "Ah how rude of me. Please excuse my manners young Miss. As I was saying, my Lady would greatly appreciate it if you have a reply for her."

Right. The job. Or jobs, rather. Specifically, she wanted permission to contact me about any jobs she has for me now or in the future. I hadn't forgotten about it, I just never really had the chance to go visit her again. I told her I needed to ask Mistress first, and I've done that. She says it's perfectly fine for me to accept the Baroness' offer. So it's all up to what I want.

>"I uh, would like to accept the Baroness' offer."
>"I still haven't decided."
>"I have too much to do already, please tell her no but thanks."
>Something else? [Write-in!]

>>716507
Nadja please.

>>716511
Hmmm, I don't mind as such but we really don't have time for Baroness work right now...ah well.
>"I uh, would like to accept the Baroness' offer."

>>716511
>"I uh, would like to accept the Baroness' offer."
Just stress that we're a bit busy the next few days in case there is something very urgent.

>>716511
>"I still haven't decided."

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>>716526
>>716547

I should probably have underlined that she may not offer a job RIGHT now and that Nadja can still just say she's not available to help or other refuse when she has a specific job offer.

The real downside is that if Nadja says no several times after accepting this, the Baroness might get upset and think she's just wasting her time.

She'll pay with actual money though, something that as far as I recall Nadja has yet to even touch once during the span of the quest.

>>716511
>>"I uh, would like to accept the Baroness' offer."

No reason to turn down quests. Just.. not right now.

must resist urge to ask Angeline to help fight a werewolf

>>716557
Thanks for clearing it up!
Looks like anons got busy since last update unfortunately.

So, uh. How common are cat people? Because this is a trading hub. All her father has to do to track Amalia down is ask merchants if they've seen a freaky cat girl.

>>716511
>"I am busy with something important, but maybe after I'm done with that."

>>716586
Well, he might not want to spend the resources to have people constantly going around asking merchants that, especially if he doesn't have an idea of the general area where she might be.

Anyway, I figure Amalia can always make the effort of hiding her ears in public.

>>716511
>"I uh, would like to accept the Baroness' offer."

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Looks like a wide agreement to accept the offer while stressing that Nadja may be quite busy over the next days.

>>716584
I've been going slow as well. Can't expect anons to go fast when I don't do so myself.

>>716586
According to Mistress there is exactly one case of a person both surviving direct exposure to sparkles (raw magic, essentially) and not being mutated into an unrecognizable and insane monster. While Amalia would argue that she IS a monster, the point is that even according to Mistress, she is quite unique.

>>716645
You're not THAT slow, Friend! A good third of the time between updates is taken up by simply waiting for vote results after all.

>>716645
>According to Mistress there is exactly one case of a person both surviving direct exposure to sparkles (raw magic, essentially) and not being mutated into an unrecognizable and insane monster. While Amalia would argue that she IS a monster, the point is that even according to Mistress, she is quite unique.
But Amalia just told us that she became the cat deliberately. Shouldn't that mean there wasn't raw magic involved, and Amalia lied about Sparkle-touching?

>>716661
It could have been deliberate sparkle-touching, I don't know how that could be controlled with a human subject, but it might be possible.

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>>716685
>>716661
We'll get to learn more about that once Nadja actually mentions this anywhere near a witch who understands the terrifying implications of that.

That's just about anyone above Cinnamon. She'd just think it's fucking badass and move on.

>>716600
This. Sounds like a good offer.

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>>716511
"I uh,"

Actually, when I think about it I am almost drowning in problems lately, as if everyone in Hinde suddenly needed my help the moment I became a witch apprentice. You'd think they could have spaced that out a little better!

"I would like to accept the Baroness' offer, but I am super busy right now, so I don't think I can help her any time over the next few days. At all."

"Very well, I will relay your message exactly as you stated it. Thank you for your time, Miss Nadja."

With all the proper greetings and gestures completed, she quickly turns and, I assume, begins the walk back to the castle. No doubt as silently as the time she accompanied me there. I wonder if she shushes at the birds or if they instinctively know to be quiet around her? I suppose that's one of those things I'll never really know.

"What's the job?"

"Oh, nothing yet. She just wanted my permission to contact me about various jobs. You know, because of the whole witch thing."

"Hrm." She grunts, though I can't really tell what it's supposed to mean. Around us, the market has finally kicked into full swing. My slight temptation to go for a quick browse around the market is pre-emptively cut short as Amalia, as if reading my mind, grabs me by the arm and keeps dragging me along all the way out of town with no regard for my objections. Only then does she release her grip and immediately returns to walk behind me again.

"So uhm, Amalia?"

"Hm?"

"I was thinking, if your dad was.. Is a Prince, would that make-"

"No."

"But if he's-"

"No."

"And you're-"

"NO! IT DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY!"

Oh.. She got angry about that fast. I'll probably have to be careful when asking her about that stuff, it's clearly a very sensitive subject. But we have to talk about something to pass the time, otherwise it'll be just like walking with Angeline. And that's even more lonely than walking alone! But what should we talk about..?

>"About what Camille said.. about me.." [Talk about Nadja!]
>"About how you got here.. Gilbert had something to do with that, right?" [Talk even more about Amalia's past!]
>"About your training with Sis.. If you're already good uhm, that stuff, why do you need her?" [Talk about Amalia and Sis]
>Something else? [Write-in!]

>>716729
The deliberate part? We already mentioned the Sparkle-touching part.

Wait, did Mistress know about that case from Amalia's assassin past??
>At that, mistress seems genuinely surprised. "You certainly keep interesting company, don't you? You are correct, however, I must stress that the girl was incredibly lucky and YOU should never, ever, risk repeating her mistake."
That puts a new spin on this line. What the fuck, my new apprentice is friends with The Abomination in White.

>>716803
>>"About what Camille said.. about me.." [Talk about Nadja!]

>>716803
>"About what Camille said.. about me.." [Talk about Nadja!]

>>716803
>"About your training with Sis.. If you're already good uhm, that stuff, why do you need her?" [Talk about Amalia and Sis]

>>716803
>"About what Camille said.. about me.." [Talk about Nadja!]
Feels like a bad time to push about her past.

>>716803
I want to talk about Nadja, but I don't think Amalia would be much help there. We really need to talk with a witch about it. ... Fuck it, voting for it anyway.

>"About what Camille said.. about me.." [Talk about Nadja!]

We do need to have the training discussion to help decide what to research though.

>>716803
>"About how you got here.. Gilbert had something to do with that, right?" [Talk even more about Amalia's past!]

>>716803
>"About your training with Sis.. If you're already good uhm, that stuff, why do you need her?" [Talk about Amalia and Sis]
She's totally a princess. A cat-princess!

>>716803
>"About what Camille said.. about me.." [Talk about Nadja!]

>>716645
So what you're saying is Nadja is extremely lucky to have a friend with such cuddly ears?

If we're talking about ourselves, we should probably warn Amalia that we're probably going to faint when we try a spell on ourselves again. It happened every other time we got hit with one. Except the Initiation, but that was a spell that we had already gotten hit with before.

>>716865
I don't think we were actually hit with a spell at the initiation.

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It's only fair after what happened earlier that we turn the searchlights the other way, I suppose!

>>716834
>We do need to have the training discussion to help decide what to research though.
Noted.

>>716803
>"About what Camille said.. about me.." [Talk about Nadja!]

>>716883
>I clench my fists, expecting the worst, then step forward into the circle, which... does nothing. Instead, the larger circle around us flashes twice before returning to normal. But it didn't do anything either?
>"The circle was a trap. You were aware of this." Silver evaluates. "The larger circle absorbs all magic within, safely disarming the trap. You were NOT aware of this."
I guess not. We were almost-hit, though.

>>716921
Also, Camille's trap was actually less effective than it should have been, so that's not an indication of much either.

>>716803
>"About what Camille said.. about me.." [Talk about Nadja!]

>>716954
We don't know if the Truthing Hex was less effective than it should have been either. Maybe Nadja is magic resistant? Who knows.

Getting hit by two spells and fainting two times is still pretty damning. Enough to be worth warning Amalia, who would freak out majorly if Nadja fainted without being warned first.

>>716803
"About what Camille said.. about me.."

Quickly she answers: "We don't have to talk about that."

After I sort-of-almost forced her to tell me about all that stuff earlier, and she just immediately says that. Maybe she's thinking since it was so painful for her, it must be for me too.

"It's okay. Actually, I really want to talk to someone about it. I wanted to talk to Mistress really since she would know more, but I just really need to have someone to talk to about it. So if you don't mind..?"

"Mh, 'kay."

"Okay so uhm, she mentioned that ward in her room, right? She said I was talking in my sleep and well.. I remember I was definitely dreaming something at the time, but at the same time I just can't remember at all what it was. Almost as if.. as if it someone else's dream, but also mine? Does that make sense?"

She doesn't answer. I'm not sure I wanted her to either.

"What do you remember? Did you have any weird dreams after that?"

"Don't think so."

She hasn't really been acting differently after that happened anyway. She started acting weird when she came home from that trip with her da- with Gilbert, so that's for different reasons.

"She also said that I broke her ward, which is weird because I remember I only fell for it because I saw you collapse and panicked, then when I realized my mistake it was already too late. But.. But I also have no idea why that would happen. Maybe if I knew more about magic but.. Sorry, this isn't helping is it? I don't know what to make of that thing she said about my initiation either, but.. wait a minute!"

"Hrm?

"She watched my initiation! Nobody was supposed to do that! And after I was done, when I went to put my clothes back on.."

"Oh yeah." She says with a snicker. "I remember that."

"Do you think she could be the one who took my-"

"Yeah."

"That.. That.." Okay, calm down, Nadja. No need to swear now, just stick to the topic.

>1/2

>>717177
"So other than what she said, there was one other thing. A dream. A really weird one, after I tried a spell on myself for practice and it made me faint. It was not supposed to do that at all, by the way! I don't know if something was wrong with it though or if it's because something's wrong with.. me. But that's two times being hit by magic and two times having really weird dreams. But unlike the other one, I remember this one very clearly!"

"It was strange, because it felt more like remembering something than it felt like a dream. It felt real. There was a girl's voice, she was talking to me and she seemed really familiar even though I have no idea who she is. And she was talking to me, telling me to repeat this one sentence over and over, said it was so that I would remember it even if something happened to me. And.. Well, I remember it now so.."

"What's the message?"

Though her question is short as blunt as ever, her voice carries the slightest hint of trepidation.

"She said to make everyone happy."

A giggle first suppressed quickly grows into unrestrained laughter. She's laughing at me! I didn't laugh at her story! Not that it had any funny parts, but this isn't funny either!

"It's not funny! This is serious!"

"Haha, sorry, it's just.. It makes perfect sense!"

"What? What makes sense?"

"Isn't it obvious? You're obviously a happiness golem made from rainbows and cookies! It fits perfectly!"

"..That's not funny. I didn't make fun of you!"

"Pffaha, sorry it's just.. Haha, it's good to be true!"

So much for getting any help from her then. At least she's laughing. She needs to do that more. Just not at me!

"Sorry I.. Haha, okay I'm done now. Sorry. Seriously though, no frickin' clue what to make of that. When everyone's calmed down a bit about werewolves and whatever, maybe you can ask that old witch or maybe your dad?"

"Right. I already wanted to do that. At least, it felt good to tell you about all this."

"Until you started laughing at me."

END OF THREAD #28

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>>717184
And that's it for this time! Next time, planning with Amalia, independent studies, and hopefully making something actually useful, all while trying to keep Amalia from making any trouble. Sounds fun, right?

As always, unless something goes horribly wrong the next thread is planned to take place next weekend, so I hope to see you then. Thanks for playing, and if you have any questions or just want to talk about (quest-related) stuff, I'll be around for a bit longer.

Otherwise, see you next time!

>>717194
Thank you very much. Have a good week!

>>717184
>"Isn't it obvious? You're obviously a happiness golem made from rainbows and cookies! It fits perfectly!"
New headcanon untill disproven.

>>717194
Thanks for writing Friend!

>>717226
Does it mean Nadja tastes like cookies?

>>717194
Thanks for running.

>>717194
>all while trying to keep Amalia from making any trouble.
Amalia why are you even here you are the worst study partner. Do we know the punishment for oath-breakers? Tell her that and we won't have to worry about her making trouble.

Thanks for running!

>>717194
Thanks for running!

>>717194
thanks for running!

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>>717232
And rainbows.

>>717259
>Do we know the punishment for oath-breakers?

Technically, you do!

>A witch who fails to adhere to her pledges is no better than the vilest wizard and is to be treated as such.

>The Pledge of Vengeance
>The witch pledges to actively hunt down and torment any wizard foolish enough to trespass on her domain or otherwise make him- or herself known to the witch. She will unleash every ounce of cruelty she can muster upon the wizard until such a time as the wizard's life comes to an end, either by his own hand or by forcing the hand of the witch.

She is quite serious when she says she doesn't want to do that so she probably won't look very hard for signs of it and would almost definitely opt for trying to wipe Amalia's mind over having to torture a child for fucking up. Seriously, not even the most wicked of witches want to go there.

Can Amalia become a witch?

>that I may burn the veil.
What is the veil?

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>>717395
There's no rule saying who can become a witch and who can't. She would have to:
>find a teacher (there's no strict rule saying you can't have two apprentices but nobody has actually done that)
>convince that teacher to accept her as an apprentice (she's not a people person but could probably pull that off by strength of will alone)
>actually submit to that teacher and accept her as her witch mistress (this part would be very hard for Amalia)
>wait a year while still not pissing off her hypothetical witch mistress with pointless teenage rebellions
>undergo the initiation (dangerous!)
>and finally, she would need to actually want to be a witch. She does want to play with their stuff, but actually being one?

As for the veil, that depends on connect. The Burning Veil refers to a particular event in the story of Saint Vala, who it should be noted is an actual person and not the deity Vala, who is also not the same as the astronomical object of the red moon Vala. Except when they are, since the latter two are often linked and the red moon thought of a physical manifestation of her divinity. Likewise, Saint Vala is sometimes thought of as the deity in mortal form, other times just as a really awesome girl who may or may not have been blessed by Vala and who was later named after the deity because she was awesome. So sometimes the three are the same, other times they just share a name and nothing else. Stories vary.

It gets even more confusing since there's also a province in the Empire named Vala after the deity, and a city named Vala after the Saint. Or maybe it was the other way around. Nobody really remembers at this point. Most things in the Empire's geography and politics fall into the category of "don't bother asking why because nobody really knows."

Anyway the veil referred to in that line is general and basically refers to what is between you and the truth, most often a mental barrier. Burning the veil is having the courage to face the unknown head first and not accepting the status quo. I don't know why I didn't just say that right away. Hopefully that answered your actual questions.

Oh and let's not forget that sometimes Vala and Mara are also the same, also applying to both the person (the Saints), the deities, and the moons themselves. Okay I'll stop now.

>>719259
>>wait a year while still not pissing off her hypothetical witch mistress with pointless teenage rebellions
hahaha it's impossible
>>undergo the initiation (dangerous!)
Is it? I thought the Sparkle rain was the dangerous part, but it turns out that was Completely Not Normal. What part of it is supposed to be dangerous?

>Okay I'll stop now.
No, it's okay. There aren't very many chances for worldbuilding exposition in the quest. Nadja is supposed to know a lot of it already.

>Anyway the veil referred to in that line is general and basically refers to what is between you and the truth, most often a mental barrier. Burning the veil is having the courage to face the unknown head first and not accepting the status quo. I don't know why I didn't just say that right away. Hopefully that answered your actual questions.
That is super cool and makes me want to destroy Nadja's Seal even more. I wish we had known the Invocations before doing the initiation, parts of them would be perfect Oath material.

>rereading thread 22
>But it IS logical, isn't it? I wanted to be a witch so I could help. And that means using the... the POWER. As long as I do it for Love it's right, isn't it?
On the other hand, Nadja appears to be unconsciously channeling Vala on occasion even without an oath, soooo...

>>719928
The least normal part of the initiation seems to have been the sparkles avoiding Nadja, which made it considerably less dangerous for her.

>>719944
No, the sparkle rain seems to be the abnormal part.

>"And before that, I kinda watched her initiation too. And well, skipping over the secret stuff I'm not allowed to tell you about, what happened there was even weirder. Sparkles were falling all around her, you know those things, and she just STOOD THERE! And all the sparkles just seemed to AVOID her as if they were being pushed away from her. That's EXTREMELY not normal."

The sparkle rain isn't included in "secret stuff I'm not supposed to tell you about". And according to Nadja's narration (which could be unreliable), the sparkles weren't being pushed away from her. She found a safe spot that happened to be exactly where she was standing.


>At least there's nothing around to be rapidly mutated into something horrible here, except for me. That means all I have to do to stay alive is to dodge all of the hundreds of sparkles headed my way. I just have to look at the patterns. The swirling pattern of red and blue, constantly changing its shape, constantly changing its direction.

>But others have done it, there must be some secret to this part. I just have to...

>Wait.

>I see it!

>There's one spot that all the sparkles circle around but never touch. And if I'm not mistaken, that one point is... Right where I'm standing. Is that it? All I have to do is... stand still?

>>719957
That's probably the closest thing Mara and Vala can do to a hug, by the way. Haha.

>>719957
The sparkle rain happens around the world after every Joining. Of course it's not secret.

Also, the the safe spot may well have been where it was because she was standing there.

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>>719928
>>719944
>>719957
>>720007

>I thought the Sparkle rain was the dangerous part, but it turns out that was Completely Not Normal

It's "normal" in the sense that it is something that happens at that exact night every year. It's the night of staying the fuck indoors and waiting for the bad stuff to go away. Unless you're a witch, of course.

Mind you, it doesn't quite go away just like that. Most monsters in the setting are the result of animals (and sometimes people) getting caught out on that night (I'm pretty sure I previously had Cinnamon point out that right now is basically monster season and what the hell how have you not noticed any of this Nadja?), but most of the sparkles will fall to the ground and be absorbed there, harmlessly for the most part. They do actually react with the ground just like they would with a living being, but much, much more slowly, usually taking between a week and a month and usually resulting in harmless but very pretty stones. Usually.

I may have grossly overestimated my ability to pace the story when I came up with that part, but don't worry, it'll come around soon!

>>719960
That's how I think about it. Some people in the setting have less wholesome ideas of what's going on, but we don't like those people.

>>720007
It's normal for sparkles to fall. It's not normal for tons of them to fall in that tiny little location while avoiding that even tinier spot, I think.

And yeah, I can see how sporadic death showers all over the world might be a little dangerous.

>>720018
>That's how I think about it.
Hug confirmed yay

>I may have grossly overestimated my ability to pace the story when I came up with that part, but don't worry, it'll come around soon!
You mean Cinnamon wasn't making things up when she mentioned monsters and gave us the Emergency Kit? Maybe Amalia should come to Mistress's hut with us every day if it's going to be dangerous.