>>1389733

>If you wanted to see it, you could've asked..

>>1389733
>>If you wanted to see it, you could've asked...
>You've never seen Soul before?

>>1389733
>If you wanted to see it, you could've asked...

>writing

You puff out your cheeks, giving your mageblade a twirl as you deactivate it. "If you wanted to see it, you could've just asked..." You say.

Namaki smiles and pinches your cheek. "But then I would have had to haul that container down myself" She says. "Though, it's not quite the same red that I believed it would be..."

"It's not?" You ask.
"I had always thought it to be the colour of blood..." Namaki says. "Now I see that it's closer to... hmm... something like rose petals, or a deep sunset"

"You couldn't tell by looking at Coral?" You ask.
"Mana sprites can come in all different shades of blue, depending on how much energy is put into making them" She says. "Though I suppose that's not a good scale to judge this one by, is it?"

Coral crosses her arms, puffing up with pride as she nods.

"Alright, you. Don't let it go to your head" You say, as you scratch her head.
Coral pokes her tongue out at you... she may be observing the way you and Cheska act too much. You should do something about that before she starts giving you the same level of sass...

"Now, if you'll give that here..." Namaki says, as she takes the container from you.
"What's in that, anyways?" Madelaine asks.
"Tea" Namaki says. "Miranda tries, but that girl cannot make a decent cup to save her life... luckily she found a husband who's not much of a tea drinker..."
"So why get her to do it if she's so bad?" You ask.

"Because it makes her happy, knowing that she's helping out" Namaki says. "A bad cup of tea or two is a small sacrifice for the happiness of another"

You smile and nod. "Yeah, that makes sense"

>1/2

So i've once again been think about character themes, all I could think up for Cheska was the roof is on fire

>>1389913
https://youtu.be/DKvS67wJysk

"So the two of you awoke in the same spot, with no memories, and just started wandering?" Namaki asks.
"Pretty much" Madelaine says.

"Have you ever considered why it is that you chose to move, instead of staying put?" Namaki asks.
"I was curious" Madelaine says. "Everything outside was new... the trees, the birds, the... pack of Fens that chased me to Meyu..."

"I guess that sums it up" You say. "I wanted to see what was out there"

"And curiousity lead one of you to a father figure, and the other to a jailer..." Namaki says, as she stirs the pot of soup she's making. "One of you got the short stick there..."

"Was it Madelaine?" You ask.
"I think she means you..." Madelaine says.
"Yeah, but Meyu is a terrible father figure, and the jailer lead me to my friends" You say.
"He's not that bad..." Madelaine says. "I mean sure he's loud... and he drinks a lot... and he teases too much..."
"Aaaaand?" You ask.

"Sh-shut up" Madelaine says. "At least he doesn't claw me like Ilica does to you"
You shrug. "She only pulls out the claws when I do something really stupid" You say.

Namaki laughs. "It seems we all have our problem relationships..." She says.

>Ilica's not so bad

>Who's yours?

>What are you making?

>Other

>>1389945
>>Who's yours?

>>1389945
>Ilica's not so bad

>Who's yours?

>>1389945
>>Ilica's not so bad
>>Who's yours?

>writing

Also, I've updated the character paste. Let me know if this way of organizing it makes it easier to read/find characters.

>>1389945
>>Ilica's not so bad
>>Who's yours?

>>1389992
A lot more organized and eqsy to read. Thanks Smiley

You shrug. "Ilica's not so bad" You say. "Sure she gets mad easily, but all you've gotta do is give her a scritch behind the ears and she calms right down"
"That's all?" Namaki asks. "You must have good hands then. I've always found Felids to be... prickly"

"I've been told that I have good hands... here" You say, as you reach up for that spot under Namaki's ears and give her a scratch.
"Y-yuu, are you sure you should just-" Madelaine says.
"Oh... you weren't kidding..." Namaki says as her tails idly twitch, and she smiles lazily. "I see how you can get along with the cats so easily..."

"It works on everyone, especially the little one that loves to bite" You say. "And I mean she loves to bite... like... all the time"

Namaki sighs, stomping her foot on the ground impulsively before shaking her head and brushing away your hand. "Alright. That's enough of that... for now" She says.
"Kay" You say, as you put your hand back in your pocket. "So you said we all have problem relationships... what's yours?"

"A Felid, as you might guess... from back when I was young" She says. "We used to fight over everything..."

>Do you miss her?

>Ask what she's making

>Ask why she's so curious about you and Madelaine

>Other

>>1390041
>Do you miss her?

>>1390041
>>Do you miss her?

>>1390041
>Do you miss her?

>>1390041
>>Do you miss her?
>Ask why she's so curious about you and Madelaine

I'm still curious about what she said about the Chaotics saving the world. Is Terry trying to do so on purpose, or will his actions bring it about? I mean, all Caiah's doing is chasing him, but we really don't know why, besides that "he causes trouble"; she doesn't seem to be trying to stop world ending threats.

>>1390074
You should ask her what he did to piss her off so much next time you see her.

>writing

"Do you miss her?" You ask.

Namaki looks down at the pot with a sad smile. "Almost as much as my husband..." She says. "It was nice, having someone that knows you well enough to not care how important you are... keeps you grounded, you know?"
"I get that" You say. "It's like... Jade and Altea"

"I know who Altea is... but who's Jade?" Namaki asks.
"Jade is the slime that runs the library at the castle in Locke" You say. "Her and Altea have been friends for a long time"
"A slime running a library?" Namaki asks. "Wouldn't that be... messy?"

"She doesn't touch the books" You say. "She's got like 8 sprites that do everything for her"
"Creative" Namaki says. "Perhaps I should try that..."

"Do you do a lot of work around here?" You ask.
"No, but it'd give me an excuse to be lazy" She says.

You raise an eyebrow.

"What? I'm almost 350 years old, you know" She says. "I think I've earned some time off..."

>Ask if she's ever taken a vacation

>Ask if any of the villagers visit her

>Other

>>1390139
>>Ask if she's ever taken a vacation
>>Ask if any of the villagers visit her
All the options.

>>1390139
>>Ask if she's ever taken a vacation
>>Ask if any of the villagers visit her

>>1390139
>Ask if she's ever taken a vacation

>>1390139
>>Ask if she's ever taken a vacation

>writing

"Have you ever taken a vacation?" You ask.
"Not since I grew my ninth tail, no" Namaki says. "The times have been too... difficult. Always a threat on the horizon, and if I leave then there's nothing to protect this place"

"What would have to happen to make you feel comfortable enough to take a break?" You ask.

"Well... the southerners would have to stop their raids, the northerners would need to be convinced not to blanket this place in eternal winter, the Lubrians would have to get their stuff together..." She says. "And of course, the Hell's Legion would need to take a hike"

"I think I can manage that..." You say.

Namaki starts to laugh.

"Hey... I was being serious" You say.
"I'm aware, dear" She says. "It's funny because you are quite possibly the only person who could say that, and then make it happen"

>I'll take that asa compliment

>What was that about eternal winter?

>Is the soup almost done?

>Other

>>1390237
>>I'll take that asa compliment
>>What was that about eternal winter?

>>1390237
>>I'll take that as a compliment
>>Is the soup almost done?

>>1390237
>>>I'll take that asa compliment

>>What was that about eternal winter?

>>1390237
>I'll take that as a compliment

>What was that about eternal winter?

>>1390237
>>I'll take that asa compliment
>>What was that about eternal winter?

"You know nothing, Yuu Gallant"

>writing

"I'll take that as a compliment..." You say.
"Good, because I meant it as one" She says. "You have a strong will, and it will take you far. Just be sure not to lead yourself in the wrong direction..."
"I'll try. I think I have enough smart people around me that I-... hang on, what was that about eternal winter?" You ask.

"Just a safety measure of theirs thatthey set up when Lubria started taking bites out of their territory" Namaki says. "Play nice with them, and I'm sure we won't all freeze to death..."
"That's... comforting" You say.

Namaki spoons some of the soup into her mouth and smiles. "Well, to keep you warm for now I've got hot tea and good soup. How does that sound?" She asks.

"Sounds good to me" You say.
"Good, put on these mitts" She says. "You can take the pot into the other room, and Madelaine can bring the rest"

"About time she did something..." You say.
"Hey, I've been helping" She says.
"Suuuuuure" You say, as youlift up the pot. "Oh, that's kinda heavy"

"Don't trip" Namaki says.

>1/2

"Wow, this is pretty good" You say, as you take your first spoonful. "Where'd you learn to cook?"
Namaki chuckles. "348 years, dear. Close to 200 of those spent up here with nothing but my hobbies" She says. "It took a while to learn how to make this perfectly... but time is something I've had a lot of"

"You don't visit the villagers often?" Derrick asks.
"I used to, back when I was just the lady of the town... but after a while they started to view me less like a person and more like a figure, so going into town became troublesome" She says. "They still visit sometimes, but mostly just to recieve my blessing on this thing or that..."

"Does your blessing actually do anything?" You ask.
Namaki smiles. "No, but it comforts them to have it so I give it to them anyways" She says.

Sounds like she gets pretty lonely up here... especially with Miranda leaving soon.

>Maybe I'll come by and visit again

>Say nothing

>Other

>>1390373
>>Maybe I'll come by and visit again

>>1390373
>>Maybe I'll come by and visit again

>>1390373
>Maybe I'll come by and visit again

>>1390373
>Maybe I'll come by and visit again

>>1390373

>Maybe I'll come by and visit again

>writing

Smiley, in a previous thread you said that their was 1 more potential romance option yet to be found. I ask that you please don't route lock us until we spend a large amount of quality time with every option. Nothing I hate more in quests then when the anons decide to early to waifu a character.

>>1390460
I've seen early husbando route locks, myself, though it's certainly more rare.

"I'll have to come back and visit sometime then" You say.
"Yuu, we-"

"I'd like that" Namaki says. "I rarely get visitors... just be sure to give me some notice beforehand"
You smile. "I'll send Coral ahead of me" You say. "She's the only Soul sprite out there, so you'll know I sent her"
"That works" Namaki says.

Namaki seems to be in a good mood now. You see her tails moving about erratically, like they're all trying to wag in a different direction...

"Does that ever get annoying?" You ask, pointing to her tails.
"Not really" She says. "I keep my tails nice and soft so it's actually quite pleasant when they move like that"

"They do look pretty soft..." You say.
"You can pet them if you like" Namaki says.

>Do it

>Don't do it

>Other

>>1390499
>Do it

>>1390499
>>Do it
Time for memes.

>>1390499
>Do it
Touch Fluffy Tail

>>1390499
DO IT, you'll never get a chance like this again!

>>1390499
>Do it
>I'll make sure to come back at least once for each tail.

Aside from that, I kind of think it could be a good idea to make more soul sprites with all this anti-mana technology present. It could really make a difference someday in maintaining our communication.

>writing

>>1390513
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nyHPIcbn88

One of Namaki's tails breaks from the rest and points towards you, so you reach out and touch it.

...

"That is very soft..." You say, as you stroke the fluffy fur. "How do you get it so soft?"
"Not easily" She says. "Do you know how long it takes to wash and brush nine tails?"
"At least nine times more than it would with one" You say.

Namaki laughs. "You're not wrong" She says. "I wasn't quite as diligent when I had 4 or 5 tails, but once the rest grew in it got very uncomfortable when they were dirty"

"I know the feeling" Emi says. "I have to bathe pretty often, otherwise the underside of my tail starts to chafe on the ground..."
"Well you're all welcome to use the baths here, should you choose to stay for a while" Namaki says.

You run the soft tail against your face, smiling the whole time.

"Yuu?" Derrick asks.
Your eyes pop open. "Sorry, I was distracted. What were we talking about?" You ask.
"Should we stay the night here?" Derrick asks.

>I don't see why not

>We should get going to Sherton

>Other

>>1390666
>I don't see why not
>We can leave in the morning

>>1390666
Tough decision, I like the woman, but.
>We should get going to Sherton

>>1390666
>I don't see why not
Apparently the battle for Sherton will be over when we get there either way, so why not take Namaki up on her hospitality

>>1390666
>>We should get going to Sherton

>>1390666
>I don't see why not.
>Continue rubbing soft tail.

Battle is over anyway, and I think we will only get more benefit out of giving her some time.

>writing

"I don't see why not" You say, as you continue petting Namaki's tail. "Like she said, the battle in Sherton will be done by the time we get there even if we leave now, and I kinda feel like relaxing a bit after what happened at the stronghold..."

"I'm down for that" Cheska says.
"You didn't do anything at the stronghold..." Madelaine says.
"I helped... kind of" Cheska says.

"Well if you'll be staying the night, you should tell your comrades... I assume Yuu is in charge of that, given the sprite on his shoulder" Namaki says.
"Yep" You say. "I'll send them a note... with the paper I don't have"

"I have plenty of paper around" Namaki says.

"We'll also have to grab some of our stuff from the carts, and there's plenty of notepads down there" Derrick says, as he stands up. "I'm gonna go do that now, if you wanna come"

>Head with Derrick

>Stay here

>Other

>>1390838
>Head with Derrick

>>1390838
>Stay here

>>1390838

>Head with Derrick

>>1390838
>>Head with Derrick

>writing

"Yeah, I'm in" You say. "Come on, Cheska"
Cheska groans. "More stairs?" She asks. "What is it with you people and stairs?"
Namaki smiles. "Now you know why I don't leave here very often" She says.

You head out after Derrick, with Cheska in tow, back towards the stairs.

"So this has been interesting" Derrick says.
"No kidding" You say. "I didn't expect the lady here to be so old, or so soft..."
"You really seemed into those tails there, Yuu" Cheska says.
"They're so soft, Cheska" You say. "You have to feel it"

"I'll take your word for it" Cheska says. "Still, I wonder if the things she told us will actually help us at all"

The three of you get quiet, as you start heading down the stairs.

"I think that all depends on how we use them" You say.
Derrick chuckles. "We have to figure out what they actually meant first..." He says.
"Now's as good a time as any" You say.

>Talk about Derrick's fortune

>Talk about Cheska's fortune

>Talk about your fortune

>Other

>>1391025
>>Talk about Derrick's fortune

>>1391025
>Talk about Derrick's fortune

>>1391025
>>Talk about Cheska's fortune

>writing

"What did she say about you again?" You ask Derrick. "Something about... the power of... shadows?"
"She said I stand in so many shadows that I can't see my own nose..." Derrick says. "And... I think I know what she means"

You tilt your head.

Derrick sighs. "Everyone I know is so much better than I am... Altea, the knights, Frederick, my father, my sister... you... and even Emi, apparently" He says. "Compared to you guys, I sometimes feel kinda... useless"

"That's not true" You say. "At least we brought you with us. Ilica's such a scrub that we left her back in Locke so she can get good"
"A... scrub?" He asks. "Nevermind... that's not a very good example"

"Namaki also said that you had to light your wings... or something" You say. "I think that means you have to find your strengths"
"That's not what she said, but I think that's still a good interpretation" He says. "I just need to figure out what my strengths actually are..."

"I think you're a more skilled fighter than I am, by far" You say.
"You do?" Derrick asks. "Yet I can't seem to get the upper hand when we spar anymore..."
"I just have good instincts" You say. "Thing is, I make a lot of mistakes. Like... a lot of mistakes"

"Never twice" Derrick says. "That was something I noticed the first time we fought..."
"I still make them" You say. "But maybe that's your mistake"

"My mistake is... not making any mistakes?" He asks.
"Yeah" You say. "You always seem to stick to what you know, and I don't see you take a lot of risks. The thing is, I learn really fast because I'm always screwing up... but if you never screw up..."
"You never learn..." Derrick says. "Thanks... and hey, maybe we could go at it for a bit later. The front yard of this place looks perfect for sparring"

"Sounds good to me" You say.

>1/2

You get back down to the cart, and write a note for Coral to take to the others. Then you send her off and grab some bags.

"This one's... mine, yours, Emi's, Madelaine's, Cheska's..." Derrick says, as he pulls a few bags out of the storage compartment.

"We have to bring up all those?" You ask.
"5 bags, 6 hands, and they're honestly not that heavy... well, except for Emi's" Derrick says, as he hefts Emi's bag. "Just what the hell did she pack in here..."

"So the person who takes Emi's only takes one" You say. "Sounds fair"

Cheska sighs and picks up a pair of bags, throwing the straps over her shoulder and looking annoyed. "Alright, come on. Let's get these stairs over with..." She says.

"Hang on" You say, as you head into the cart. You quickly grab the Grand Inquisitor's notes, and the book you snagged from his library, stuff them in your bag, and come back out. "Alright. Let's go"

The three of you head back towards the stairs.

>Keep talking about fortunes

>Ask Cheska is she wants to spar too

>Ask why Cheska hates physical activity so much

>Other

>>1391265
>Keep talking about fortunes

>>1391265
>>Ask Cheska is she wants to spar too

>>1391265
>Ask Cheska is she wants to spar too

>>1391265
>>Keep talking about fortunes
Cheska's

>>1391265
>>Keep talking about fortunes

>writing

"So" You say. "Stone dragons and snow"
"My turn, huh?" Cheska asks. "I've been thinking about that a bit... I think she probably meant statues of dragons"

"You might be out of luck then" Derrick says. "You're in Lubria, the empire of dragons. There isn't a single city that doesn't have at least one dragon statue"
"Maybe if somebody went ahead of me with a chisel and chipped off the eyes... then I'd be fine" Cheska says.

Derrick laughs. "You'd be in jail. Some of those things are major works of art" Derrick says. "Mostly in Leon, though. There's the Dragon's... Gate..."

"Think of something?" You ask.
"The Dragon's gaze judge all who pass" Derrick says. "Through their vigil, no evildoer shall enter these gates"

"What's that from?" You ask.
"It's the inscription on the Dragon's Gate..." Derrick says. "There's a pair of sculpted dragons above the gate, that look down on anyone coming in that way"

>So we go in another way

>So Cheska can't go to Leon...

>Other

>>1391406
>So we go in another way

>>1391406
>>So we go in another way

>>1391406
>>So we go in another way
>>So Cheska can't go to Leon...
I'd rather not risk Cheska at all, but i will say go another way just as a bit of flavour text.

>>1391406
>So we go in another way

>writing

"So we go in another way" You say.
"I hate to say this but... Leon proper's only got the one entrance" Derrick says. "The place was built as a fortress, so the bridge across the river leading to the Dragon's Gate is the only way in..."
"There's no like... harbour?" You ask.

"On the mainland, yeah" Derrick says.
"Damn..." You say.

You look over at Cheska, who seems a little downtrodden... So you heft one of the bags up to your shoulder, and pat her on the back.

"We'll figure something out" You say. "Worst comes to worst, I'll sit out the end of this"
Cheska looks surprised. "You'd... do that?" She asks.

"If we can't think of something else, then yeah" You say. "I don't think I'll be 100% needed in there anyways"
"But what if you not being there puts the others in danger?" Cheska asks.

"None of them just got told that they'd die if they went into Leon" You say.

Derrick shrugs. "He's got a point" He says.

Cheska smiles. "Thanks... both of you" She says. "I'm actually glad that you're starting to loosen up around me, Derrick"
"Well... you're a part of the team now" Derrick says. "I figured I couldn't just keep trying to avoid talking to you. Turns out you're not actually that bad... once I get past that gut feeling telling me that you are that bad"

>Are you guys that uncomfortable with her around?

>Tell me more about Leon

>Talk about your fortune

>Other

>>1391568
>Tell me more about Leon

>Talk about your fortune

>>1391568
>>Talk about your fortune

>>1391568
>Talk about your fortune
>You Guys eventually got used to that weird cold feeling you got from me

>>1391568
>>Talk about your fortune

>writing

"You guys got over that shivery feeling around me pretty quickly, didn't you?" You ask.
"That was the standard sort of... demon warning bell that everyone gets" Derrick says. "I'd felt that before, and it went away pretty fast. But I don't think I've ever spent this much time around a demon before..."

"That's normal" Cheska says. "The guy who gets forced to cook for the Lgeionnaires at the old capitol on Antolia said the same thing"
"You guys forced someone to cook for you?" You ask.
"For a while, yeah" Cheska says. "He didn't enjoy it, and they ended up executing him after he tried to poison all of us"

"Shame he didn't succeed..." Derrick says. "N-no offense"
"I doubt it would have worked anyway... he didn't have enough poison to down an entire eating hall of demons" Cheska says. "The smaller ones like me might've gotten sick or died, but the bigger ones would have been fine"

"Alright, off that topic" You say. "We've done your fortunes..."
"Yeah, your turn now" Cheska says. "The eyes and teeth are definitely the Black God, considering that's what she called it the first time..."

"And the scent of firepowder... that one came up for both Madelaine and Namaki's eventual replacement" Derrick says. "Could... could it represent a person?"

"What kind of person could it represent?" You ask. "Maybe Kieve? She did almost destroy her house with firepowder"
"I doubt that it's her... from what Emi told me her fighting days are long behind her" Derrick says. "And if the scent of firepowder represents a person, what about the shine of steel and the roar of an engine? Are those people too?"

>The shine of steel sounds like Caiah

>The bit about the door worries me...

>So I'm supposed to kill the Black God?

>Other

>>1391662
>>The bit about the door worries me...

>>1391662
>>The bit about the door worries me...

>>1391662
>The bit about the door worries me..

Other: The firepowder thing was in both Madelaine's and our fortune, so maybe it has to do with the world we came from?

>>1391697
Could be gunpowder then?

If the shine of steel represents Caiah, then maybe the scent of firepowder is like a gunslinger of some sort, and the roar of an engine is some dude in a monster truck

>>1391715
Maybe Yu was a soldier

>writing

>>1391715
>some dude in a monster truck
Wouldn't be surprised if that was Terry

>>1391715
The engine is most likely a chaos or mana engine

or Yuu was a child soldier in some metal gear and was sent to afghanistan where he fights for whatever faction he is and got blown up by a tank straight to his torso.

"The bit about the door kinda worries me..." You say. "It... sounds like I have to go in, or everything is screwed... but if I won't come out..."
"That sounded kinda metaphorical..." Derrick says. "I don't think there'll be an actual door..."

"But what if there is?" You ask.

Cheska pats your back. "Then we'll figure it out" She says. "She never said you had to enter the door, just that you couldn't turn away"

You straighten up. "That's true..." You say.
"See?" Cheska asks. "Not so bad"
"I doubt it's that simple, but I'm sure we can do something when the time comes" Derrick says.

You nod, as the 3 of you head back into the temple. You make your way back into the dining room, to find that the place has been cleaned and a note has been left.

You pick up the note and read it aloud. "Your rooms are down the hall to the left, put your stuff in there" You say. "We're all in the bathing spring behind the temple. Feel free to join us"

You look to Derrick, who shrugs. "I could use a soak" He says.
"Alright, let's drop this stuff off then" You reply.

That's all for tonight!

Next thread may be tomorrow if I'm not busy. If I run it'll start around 3:00pm EST

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time.

>>1391785
Thanks For Running Smiley

>>1391785
So does Yuu feel different to be around than normal Demons? and can Yuu feel when normal demons are around like everyone else can?

>>1391842
Yuu doesn't seem to be able to feel other demons, and while people get the same initial chill around him they don't seem to feel the same lingering dread that they would around a normal demon when the chill has passed.

>>1391785
How cautious was everyone around Cheska inthe beginning?

>>1391885
You make it sound like they aren't still. Yuu doesn't tend to notice, but like Cheska said, they don't tend to let her out of their sight for very long.
While that has lightened up a little bit, there is still a fair amount of distrust for her. Mostly from the adults, though.

>>1391785
thanks for running...i yuu can go suicidal now since we already touch the fluffy tail

>>1391866
Great thread, Smiley!

>>1391935
Poor Cheska, Her tail isn't fluffy at all.
She must have been pretty uncomfortable when she was bound to Derrick and not having Yuu around.

>>1392039
She was actually having fun there, using the range of the shackle to mess with Derrick.
Of course, it didn't win her any friends. But at this point she's come to accept that only other demons will feel comfortable around her.

>>1392074
Well on one hand it's nice to hear she wasn't just sitting there being miserable
> But at this point she's come to accept that only other demons will feel comfortable around her.
Although Understandable, that's not something someone who wants to become human again she be coming to terms with

>>1392100
She came to terms with it a looooong time before Yuu met her.

>>1392146
Well she has been a Blood Demon since she was a Kid hasn't she
She's had a long time to come to terms with it

>>1391842
I like these questions.
>>1391866
Can demons feel Yuu?
Can demons feel other demons?
Things to ask Cheska.

>>1390666
Bit late, but checked

You leave your stuff in your room, heading out to the spring with only a towel on.

Coral follows, wearing the itty-bitty towel that someone left for her. You know it's completely unnecessary, but it's also cute as hell. In this case, cuteness trumps necessity.

"I keep forgetting that you have a giant, gnarly lookin' scar on your chest" Cheska says, as she falls into step beside you.

You poke the centre of the 'Y' shaped scar and smile. "Apparently they can't get rid of it" You say. "Just about every healer I've met has tried"
"That probably has something to do with the demon transformation" Cheska says. "Just like the heart can't be healed, neither can the hole it got ripped out from"
"That makes sense... I guess" You say.

As you round the building you come into view of the spring. A light steam rises from the waters, and you can see Madelaine relaxing, and it looks like Emi is rubbing Namaki's shoulders.

"Hey-hoy" You call out as you approach.
"Welcome back" Madelaine says. "Ah, looks like you found the towel I left for Coral"

"A little to the left, dear..." Namaki says.
"Ummm... here?" Emi asks.
"Ahhh... that's good..." Namaki says.

>Someone's enjoying themself...

>You left this little towel out?

>Ask Emi why her bag is so heavy

>Other

>>1411116
>>Someone's enjoying themself...

>>Ask Emi why her bag is so heavy

>>1411116
>Someone's enjoying themself...

>Ask Emi why her bag is so heavy

>>1411116
>>Ask Emi why her bag is so heavy

>>1411116
>Someone's enjoying themself...

>You left this little towel out?

File: Vanguard.jpg (47 KB, 450x314)

47 KB JPG

>>1411116
>>You left this little towel out?
>>Ask Emi why her bag is so heavy

>Coral follows, wearing the itty-bitty towel that someone left for her.

Thanks, because I needed diabetes.

File: 1460906364023.jpg (693 KB, 900x9195)

693 KB JPG

>>1411135
pic was sort of the inspiration for Coral. Expect more sweet.

>writing

>>1411155
Okay now you have just replaced all my blood with sugar, I hope you are happy now smiley.

>>1411155
Jesus, that's cute.

File: hnnnnng.jpg (29 KB, 600x478)

29 KB JPG

>>1411155

"Someone's enjoying themself..." You say, as you dip a foot in to test the water. After confirming that it's pleasantly warm, you slip in.

"Boy, I married the last person who gave me a backrub this good" Namaki says.

...

"Emi's a little young for you" You say.
"Wh-what?" Emi asks.
Namaki laughs. "No worries there, dear" She says. "Cute as you may be, you're simply not my type... though you are making a very convincing argument back there..."

"Does it really feel that good?" You ask.
"Heavenly" Namaki says.
"I-if you want, I can give you one next" Emi says.

>Sure

>I'm good

>Other

>>1411181
>>Sure

>>1411181
>Sure

We need more snek

>writing

"That sounds good" You say. "I vcould use one after I had to haul your bag up here... just what do you keep in that thing, anyway?"

Emi's cheeks redden, and she pouts. "That's private..." She says.

You consider pressing her, but just shrug it off instead. Looking around for something new to talk about, you spot Coral...

She's floating on her back, happily kicking her way along the water's surface.

You lean in and look more closely. "You can swim" You say.
Coral holds up her arm and gives you a thumb's up.

"Do sprites usually swim?" Madelaine asks.
"They can go underwater, yes" Emi says. "Since they're made of mostly energy, they don't really need to breathe"
"How did you find that out?" You ask. "You didn't try to drown one, did you?"
"Of course not!" Emi says. "Half the city I grew up in was underwater, remember?"

"Oh yeah..." You say. "Sorry"
"Half the city... Ebiha?" Namaki asks.
"Indeed" Emi says. "Have you ever been there?"
"Once, when I was younger than you..." Namaki says. "It was a beautiful place then, though it must have changed since..."
"It's still beautiful, it just..." Emi trails off, looking sort of sad.
"Just?" Namaki asks.
"N-nothing" Emi says, as she works her hands off. "I think I'm done here, ready for your turn, Yuu?"

>1/2

File: so-cute.jpg (122 KB, 500x485)

122 KB JPG

>>1411229
>you spot Coral...
>She's floating on her back, happily kicking her way along the water's surface.
>You lean in and look more closely. "You can swim" You say.
>Coral holds up her arm and gives you a thumb's up.

You turn around as Emi instructs, and try your best to relax as she puts her hands to your back. It's soothing, mostly, though it does hurt in a few places when she pinches.

"Huh... you're not as loose as I thought you'd be..." Emi says.
"Is that not normal?" You ask.
"It's just surprising" She says. "I figured with your attitude towards everything, you'd be a little less tense"

"You underestimate the weight resting on those shoulders" Namaki says.

Emi gets quiet for a second, then she redoubles her efforts. "I guess I'll just have to do a good job then, won't I?" She says.

You don't respond, as you're too busy enjoying the feeling of Emi's hands working into your back and shoulders.

...

Suddenly you understand why Namaki would be willing to marry someone for this... heck, you're starting to consider it.

"Heeeeyyyy, Yuuuuuuuuu" You hear someone say. It doesn't sound urgent...

>Whaaaaaaaat

>Ignore

>Other

>>1411259
>>Whaaaaaaaat

>>1411259
>>Whaaaaaaaat

>>1411259
>Whaaaaaaaat

>writing

"I think you might have broken him..." Derrick says.
"Try turning him off and on again, see if that helps?" Madelaine says.
"Why would that help?" Cheska asks.

"Heeeeyyy" Derrick says again.

"Whaaaaaaaaaaat" You whine.
"Okay, he's still alive" Derrick says. "You looked a little out of it there"
"I was enjoying myself" You say
"Maybe a little too much" Cheska says.
"Is there such a thing?" You ask
"There's always such a thing as too much" Namaki says.

"Boo" You say.

Emi giggles. "How do you feel now?" She asks.

You rotate your shoulders and stretch out your back. "Much better" You say. "Thanks"
Emi smiles.

>Ask where she learned that

>Ask when Derrick got here

>Ask why these baths are outdoors

>Other

>>1411321
>Ask where she learned that

>>1411321
>>Ask where she learned that

>writing

>>1411321
>>Ask where she learned that
>
>>Ask when Derrick got here

"Where'd you learn to do that, anyway?" You ask, as you turn back around.
"As a part of my training to be a healer" Emi says. "At least, that's one of the things they teach you down south... I don't know what healer training is like here"

"So would that be something you'd teach Gabby?" You ask.
"If I'm the one who continues her training, yeah" Emi says.
"Could you teach me?" You ask.

Emi frowns. "It's a lot to learn..." She says. "It works into the healer training because you're already learning anatomy, but teaching it to someone who can't heal..."
"Gotcha" You say. "I guess I'll have to be satisfied with being on the recieving end then..."

Emi giggles, and settles in next to you.

Across the spring, Madelaine and Cheska seem to be ribbing each other on something, while Derrick talks with Namaki... they seem busy, so you turn back to Emi...

>So why'd you become a healer?

>What'll you do when it gets cold?

>You never did say what landed you in Mortifas

>Other

>>1411360
>>You never did say what landed you in Mortifas

Although, to be honest, it seemed like they were just grabbing random people off of the street.

>>1411360
>>What'll you do when it gets cold?

>writing

"I never did ask how you ended up in Mortifas" You say. "I know that Ilica stole some stuff, Derrick tried to convince the first knight to switch sides, and the people in Contique don't like devils, but..."

Emi laughs nervously. "W-well, I hadn't been here all that long" She says. "I knew that law enforcement had gotten a little strict, but I didn't know how bad it was... I was in Leon when I came across a pair of Inquisitors assaulting a young woman, and stepped in"

"Was she okay?" You ask.
"She was. I managed to scare the Inquisitors off, but the noise drew the guard" Emi says. "The guard turned me back over to the Inquisition, but I didn't resist because I figured I would be given a trial and a chance to make my case..."
"And instead you got sent to Mortifas" You say.

"I was more than a little disappointed... and scared" She says.
"Understandable" You say.
"But Fran really seemed to know her stuff, and Derrick was so determined to get out that it honestly sounded possible" She says. "Kind of a funny coincidence that the last thing we needed to bust out was you, and they just tossed you in there with us"

"To be fair, I don't think they knew that" You say. "I mean, I didn't even know"

>But I'm still glad I could help

>You seemed oddly relaxed back then

>What happened to the girl?

>Other

>>1411412
>>But I'm still glad I could help

>>What happened to the girl?

>>1411412
>>>But I'm still glad I could help
>>You seemed oddly relaxed back then

>>1411412
>But I'm still glad I could help

>You seemed oddly relaxed back then

>>1411412
>But I'm still glad I could help
>What happened to the girl?

>writing

"But I'm still glad I could help" You say. "Even if I didn't really have any idea what I was doing..."
Emi smiles. "Your heart was in the right place" She says "Err... figuratively speaking"

You laugh. "Still, you didn't seem all that scared when I woke up..." You say.
"To be honest, I was really drowsy" She says. "I hadn't been sleeping since I was so scared that I'd die there, and the chaos engine was starting to affect me. But then they told me to restrain you, and you were just... really warm and kinda cozy, and I kinda drifted off"

"Ilica seemed pretty mad about that" You say.
"Ilica was pretty mad about a lot of things" Emi says. "I'm really glad that things have worked out so well for her though. Goodness knows something good had to happen for that girl..."

"Speaking of girls, what ended up happening to the one you rescued?" You ask.
"She got away" Emi says. "Well, I hope she did. I told her to run when the guard showed up, but beyond that I don't know"

"I hope so. It'd kinda suck if you got sentenced to death for saving her, and then she went and got caught again" You say. "Who knows? Maybe we'll see her again when we get to Leon"
"Maybe" Emi says.

>1/2

"So what'll you do when it gets cold here in Lubars?" You ask.
"Oh... I dunno" She says. "I suppose staying in a hot spring like this one 24/7 is probably not a good idea..."
"It's not?" You ask.

"It can have some adverse effects" Emi says. "The castle in Locke has a decent heating system... Jade showed it to me one time, since she needs to be kept warm too"
"She does?" You ask.

Emi nods. "She starts to solidify when she gets too cold" She says. "The library actually has several very intricate heating and cooling devices, to keep that room at a steady temperature, since it gets hard for her to keep her form when she gets too hot, too"

"How do slimes usually survive then? Sounds really inconvenient" You say.
"It's not like they stop being able to function at different temperatures, it just gets harder to do the kind of work she does" Emi says.

"So you'll stay in Locke for the winter?" You ask.
"Probably" Emi says. "I may go back south, though... we'll see. It'll all depend on how homesick I am by then"

You smile and lean back, looking around to see that the others are starting to step out...

>Time to go

>Stay a while

>Other

>>1411501
>>Stay a while

>>1411501
>>Stay a while

>>1411501
>>Stay a while
>See what happens if we cast soul magic into the water

>writing

You tell the othersyou'll catch up, and decide to hang out with Emi for a while. The springs are close enough to the temple that Cheska can go inside without triggering the shackle.

"Not quite done soaking?" Emi asks.
"I like the warmth" You say. "Plus Coral looks like she's having fun, and I don't want to spoil it"

Emi turns to where Coral is, as the sprite zips down into the water. She then pops back up, shakes herself off, and dives back in.

When Coral comes back up, you call out to her.

"You lost your towel" You say.

Coral looks shocked, and immediately covers herself up.

"Coral, you don't wear clothes..." You say.

She makes a face that says 'oh yeah', smiles, and then zips over to you. You hold out a hand for her to land on, and then scratch her head.

"You're a goof" You say.
"Kinda reminds me of someone..." Emi replies.

"... Ilica?" You ask.
"You, ya goof" Emi says.
"That makes more sense, yeah" You say.

>1/2

"You think Altea knew about Namaki when she sent us here?" You ask.
"It's possible, but if she did then there are far better times to be sending someone to a fortune teller..." Emi says. "I mean, this is relaxing and all, but we are in the middle of a war"

"I'll have to ask her when we get to Sherton" You say. "I hope everything is okay there..."
"Remember who their Commander is, Yuu" Emi says. "Sherton has defenses, but it isn't exactly a fortress. If anyone could take it over, it'd be her"
"You're probably right" You say. "I guess I'm just antsy..."

Emi smiles, and rears up until her torse is out of the water. "Well then we should probably leave the baths... I'm sure a few rounds with Derrick will cure that"
"How'd you know we were planning on sparring?" You ask.
"He told me when he got here..." Emi says. "You might've been a little zoned out"

"I absolutely was" You say. "I think I get what Namaki was saying about marrying a person because they give good massages..."

You stand up and start getting out of the water, turning to Emi as you do. You find her completely still, frozen in shock.

"Something wrong?" You ask.

Emi sputters for several moments, before finally blurting- "I-it's nothing! Don't worry about it! I'll see you inside!" -and then taking off towards the temple.

...

You look down at Coral, who is sitting cross-legged in your palm and watching Emi slither away with mild curiousity. "Did I say something weird?" You ask.

Coral shrugs.

"Ah well, let's head back inside" You say.

Calling it a bit early tonight, as I vastly overestimated how much energy I had left in me

I'll be continuing tomorrow, starting at around 2pm.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time

>>1411635
Thanks for running Smiley

>>1411635
Thanks for Running Smiley

>>1411635
Great thread, Smiley!

Thanks for running, Smiley!

You head back to your room and throw on a fresh set of clothes. While you do kind of miss the simplicity of only having one outfit, you guess having some variety doesn't hurt...

Once you're dressed, you pop Coral onto your shoulder and head out.

Following the sounds of chatter, you go to the sitting room where you all had your fortunes told. Inside, you find everyone but Namaki and Cheska.

"Yo" You say.
"Hey" Derrick says. "What took you so long?"
"I had trouble deciding what I should wear" You say.

Derrick stares at you for a moment, and then shrugs.

"Where'd Namaki and Cheska go?" You ask.
"Namaki needed Cheska for something" Derrick says. "It actually kinda seems like she's been getting us all alone for a chat, one at a time. First she took you and Madelaine to help cook, then Emi to help clean, then me in the spring, and now Cheska"

>Go see what they're up to

>Sparring time?

>Sit down and relax for a bit

>Other

>>1412672
>>Sparring time?

>>1412672
>Sparring time?

>writing

Rolled 38 (1d100)

"Ready to spar?" You ask Derrick.
"Sure" He says as he stands up. "I've got a practice sword in my bag, let me just go get that"

You're about to ask if he brought one for you, when you remember that you don't need one...

As Derrick leaves, you quickly scribble a note and give it to Coral to send to Namaki, telling her what you're doing and warning Cheska that you may stress the range of the shackle.

Of course, it has to go to Namaki, as Coral wants nothing to do with Cheska. And while you understand that it's a sprite thing, you're glad that she isn't being overly rude about it. Cheska just seems to make her nervous.

With that, you head outside to wait for Derrick. Madelaine and Emi follow.

"You guys are coming too?" You ask.
"I figure I'll get a turn too" Madelaine says. "And maybe Emi can teach me a thing or two"
"I'm not so sure... I think we left my staff down in the carts" Emi says.
"Rats..." Madelaine says. "Ah well. If we get bored we can always go get it"

You chat for a while, as you wait for Derrick to come out. Once he does, the two of you take up your positions.

"Now remember what I told you: make plenty of mistakes" You say.
"You're just saying that because you want to win..." Derrick says.
"We're training, remember? The one who learns something is the winner" You say.

Derrick straightens himself out, then drops into his stance. "Alright then. Ready?" He asks.
"Ready" You reply.

>Roll 1d100 with focus

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>1412767

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>1412767

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>1412767

>writing

Derrick takes the initiative, lunging forward in a move you can tell he's done a thousand times before. It's nearly flawless, the way he moves... but it's how heads leads roughly half of his fights.

You punish his predictability by locking his sword with your mageblade and slamming your foot down on his forward knee.

Derrick topples over after having the leg all his weight was on kicked out from under him, and he promptly clutches his knee.

"Ow!" He says. "Dangit, who taught you to kick like that?"
You smile. "Emi did" You say.

"Ha ha" Derrick says. "I think you may be right about trying something new... I've-"
"Done that lunge a thousand times" You say. "Always stepping forward on your right leg, and always aiming for the chest"

Derrick sighs. "Alright, let's go again" He says, as he stands up. He winces as he puts weight on his right leg.
"You sure you're okay?" Emi asks.

"Maybe not..." Derrick says. "Think you could look at this? I'd rather not worsen any injuries by using it too much..."
"Sure thing" Emi says. "This might be a moment"

>Madelaine's turn?

>Wait for them to finish

>Other

>>1412813
>>Madelaine's turn?

>writing

Rolled 40 (1d100)

"Why not let Madelaine have a go while you're down?" You ask.
"That sounds good" Derrick says, offering his wooden sword to Madelaine.

Madelaine takes it reluctantly. "You're not gonna cripple me too, are you?" She asks.
"Only if you make the same mistake Derrick did" You say.

"Oh boy..." She says.
"Relax, I haven't fought with you nearly enough to know your moves" You say. "Ready?"

Madelaine takes a breath, and then gets into her stance. "As I'll ever be..." She says.

"Let's go" You say.

>Roll 1d100 with focus

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>1412849
>>1412849

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>1412849

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>1412849

>>1412878
nice roll

>writing

>>1412878
What a save

I was kind of hoping someone would roll another 6 to be honest.

>>1412895
I would've done something for that. You still would've lost, but you would have done so spectacularly

Rolled 88 (1d100)

This time you lead, rushing in and going for a strong overhead chop... whicb Madelaine parries almost too easily.

"If we're pointing out each other's mistakes-" Madelaine says, as she counters and hops back. "You swing your sword like it's got weight behind it, all it is is energy. You don't get any momentum, so blocking heavier attacks takes very little"
"Noted" You say, as you close the gap with a quick swipe.

"You should be fighting in ways that use your body's weight more than your weapon" She says. "Like this..."

Madelaine goes into a quick trio of stabs, followed by an odd 'flicky' sort of slash. It seems a little strange with the wooden sword, but you'd imagine that with the thin metal blade she fights with it'd be much quicker.

You'll hand it to her, she knows much more about fighting with light blades than you do... but a mageblade is more than steel.

After exchanging a few strikes, counters, and parries, you step in for another overhead chop; something Madelaine clearly believes she'll easily block like last time.

But you bend your blade back, shortening its overall profile and getting it past her guard, before straightening it back out just in time to slam it into her shoulder.

"Ah! Damn..." Madelaine says.
"Yeah, that got Derrick the first time too" You say. "You alright?"

Madelaine rubs the spot where you got her. "It may bruise, but I think my pride took most of that" She says. "My mistake was forgetting about the fact that the mageblade is energy, and energy can be manipulated..."

"Here's hoping it's not one you'll make twice" You say.
"Hopefully... but it's kinda hard to work around someone who can reshape their blade at will" Madelaine says.
"It takes a bit of focus to do" You say "Honestly, if you had just hit me there instead of parrying, I might've lost my concentration and let the blade dissipate"

She smiles. "Noted" She says, as she readies herself. "Round 2?"
"I'm game" You say. "Let's go"

>roll 1d100 with focus

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>1412914

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>1412914

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>1412914

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>1412914

>writing

>>1412917
Did we get focus?

>>1412981
successful focus would've been 82-94 with your current range

This time you let her come to you, stepping back onto the defensive and letting her get a few quick hits in.

You figure it's agood time to practice manipulating your blade defensively, curving it to parry attacks rather than completing the motion with your arm.

After several very sloppy parries, you figure it'll take a good deal of practice before you can manage this in a real fight. But that's the purpose of sparring.

Your new technique puts a good deal of stress on your concentration, and after you nearly take a hit right to the stomach, you decide to cut out the whole 'movement' part of it and just widen your mageblade out until it's more of a shield than a sword.

"Whoa, whoa. Is that fair?" Madelaine asks, after having her attack blocked by your new shield.
"It absolutely is, in fa-" You say, but you're cut off when your mageblade dissipates, as its new form stretched the energy you were putting into it too thin.

...

"Gimme a sec, I have to-" You begin, but this time you're cut off when Madelaine goes on a sudden offensive. "H-hey! Come on!"
"That's a hazard of using the mageblade" She says. "If you're allowed to use its strengths, I'm allowed to use its weaknesses"

...

She's got you there...

Madelaine keeps up the offensive, leaving you no openings to step back and reactivate your blade.

All right... if this is how she wants to play...

As she winds up for a thrust you whip your mageblade at her at hard as you can, nailing her directly in the forehead. You planned on tackling her after that, but she just goes down...

...

>Didn't see that coming, did ya?

>So I win now, right?

>See if she's okay

>Other

>>1413023
>>Didn't see that coming, did ya?
>See if she's okay

>>1413023
>>See if she's okay

>>1413023
>>Didn't see that coming, did ya?
>See if she's okay

Well, at least Yuu's balls are intact, this time (as opposed to their previous spar).

>writing

"Didn't see that comin', did ya?" You ask, putting your hands on your hips and puffing your chest out triumphantly.

...

"H-hey... are you okay?" You ask, as you head over to her.

You managed to split her forehead with that throw, and her eyes are closed.

"Madelaine?" You ask again, as you crouch next to her and prop her up. "Hey! Are you alright?"
"Unnhh..." She says, as her eyes flutter and open. She looks up at you with a half daxed stare. "Will...?"
"Will I... what?" You ask.

She blinks a few times, and then shakes her head. "What happened?" She asks.
"I... may have beaned you in the face with my mageblade..." You say.

"Your mageblade shut off" She says.
"I know. I threw it at you" You say.

Madelaine sits up, and puts her hand to her forehead. "Ugh... I think I may be done..." She says, as she takes her hand away and looks at the blood. "Definitely done... Hey Emi"
"Are you hurt Made- oh my gosh!" Emi says, as she rushes over.

You step back and let her do her thing, and Derric comes up and puts a hand on your shoulder.

"This is weird... usually you're the one getting hurt while training" Derrick says.

>Maybe I should sit out for a bit...

>Guess I don't know my own strength...

>How's the leg (continue sparring)

>Other

>>1413136
>>Maybe I should sit out for a bit...
Yuu has a mageblade(lightsaber) and some kind of precognition, is he some kind of jedi?

>writing

>>1413136
>>Maybe I should sit out for a bit...

"Maaaybe I should sit out for a bit" You say.
"Up to you" Derrick says. "You seem to be on a roll though..."

"A roll of injuring my friends in friendly sparring matches..." You say.
"Hey, fair is fair. You've gotten your share of bruises from these" He says. "I'll se if Madelaine's up for a round once Emi is done with her then"

"Okay" You say, as you head back towards the front of the temple and sit down.

You watch for a little as Emi finishes patching Madelaine up, and then Madelaine and Derrick go off looking for something...

They come back shortly after with a second sword, and begin sparring.

...

You wonder where they got that second sword from.

You hear the front door open, and someone step out. "I thought you'd be participating" Namaki says.
"Not feeling it today, I guess" You say.
"We all have those days" She says, as she sits down beside you.

>Ask where Cheska went

>Ask what they were talking about

>Ask if she's ever fought

>Other

>>1413270
>>Ask where Cheska went
>Ask if she's ever fought

>>1413270
>>Ask what they were talking about
The thing about constantly getting damaged and healed in fights is that the muscle mass would grow back thicker, How many times has Yu been beaten till he is bleeding everywhere and then healed, a lot

>writing

>>1413270
>>Ask where Cheska went
>>Ask what they were talking about
>>Ask if she's ever fought

"Where'd Cheska go?" You ask.
"She laid down for a nap" Namaki says. "Tears tend to drain the spirit in a way that only sleep can replenish"
"She was... crying?" You ask.

"Indeed, it surprised me as well" Namaki says. "But Demons are all tragic creatures, beyond their hardened cores. Cheska has not embraced her nature as of yet, and I believe that makes her worth saving"

You nod. "Yeah. I think so too" You reply.
"Ah, and she also requested that you stay close so as to not set off the shackle" Namaki says.
"I can do that" You say. "It's not like I plan on leaving without her"

"A fact she is grateful for, I'm sure" She says. "A single friend, I think, can make all the difference to one so tragic"
"Is that a fortune?" You ask.
"It is a truth" She says. "One that will become apparent quite soon..."

"So what did you two talk about?" You ask.
"Her fortune, as you might have guessed" You say. "I will not tell you the details, but I believe she will have a very serious request for you soon... one that you may not like..."

"Should I give it to her? Whatever it is?" You ask.
"That will be up to you" You say. "Just know that she will get it regardless, and neither of you will like her way of doing things..."

You want to press, but you sense that this is all you'll be getting on the subject, so you let it drop.

>1/2

"Have you ever fought, Namaki?" You ask.
"In my younger years, before I became the nine-tails" Namaki says. "When I first learned about what I was to become, I wanted nothing more than to learn from my grandmother... but she told me that the only teacher I would need was the world"

"That's... cryptic" You say.
"Not as much as you might think" She says. "I travelled the known world in those days... and back then, that meant I needed to hold my own. My illusions could protect me to a point, but it was my spear that kept me safe, and earned me a great deal of respect"

"You fought with a spear?" You ask.
"A southern styled one... more like a glaive, with a curved blade instead of a sharp point" She says. "I would brawl with the northern raiders, stand off against the blademasters of the south... hell, one time I got lost in the elven rainforests, that was quite the year"

"A whole year?" You ask.
"It's a very large forest..." She says.

>Tell me more about the forest

>Were you ever beaten?

>Do you ever miss travelling?

>Other

>>1413431
>>>Were you ever beaten?
>>Do you ever miss travelling?

>>1413431
>>Tell me more about the forest

>>1413431
>>Do you ever miss travelling?

>writing

"You ever miss travelling?" You ask.
"Of course" She says. "But I've done my share. I saw the world as it was then... of course it's grown a bit since they discovered the new continents... but perhaps I'll get a chance again, if you can truly bring peace to this land"

"Workin' on that" You say. "It's not exactly a fast process. Lots of people to beat up, and they're all well guarded"
"You've got time. I've a few decades ahead of me yet" She says. "In the meantime, I am content in my tranquility. And while I sometimes fret about growing out of touch, it doesn't bother me enough to leave my home to the dogs, as it were"

"Makes sense to me" You say. "But I'm sure Altea would be willing to help you set up a town guard"
"And build walls of stone with towers high..." Namaki says. "It would relieve me of the neccessity of my presence, but I'm afraid the lack of walls is what I enjoy about this place"

"That also makes sense" You say. "I was a little weirded out when I got here, finding a place so peaceful in a country that's in like... 3 wars"
"And that is what draws people here" She says. "Few of the people who live here have been here teir whole lives. Many of them wish to settle down away from the violence, to rear their young, while some simply seek peace"

"Children don't stay?" You ask.
"Idealistic youngsters tend to go wishing to do great things; to serve their country, discover something new, or just get away from the tranquil stagnation..." She says. "Some choose to return, some choose to stay out there, some... never make the decision"

"Does it ever make you sad? Seeing them leave, knowing they won't come back?" You ask.
"Young people never change" She says. "I have grown used to their attitudes, and find comfort in the fact that for every one that dies with a head full of dreams, there is another who sees their dreams become reality"

"Is the ratio that close?" You ask.
"Of course it is" She says. "Not all wish for world peace, or fame and fortune. Some wish for smaller things, like a family, or simple happiness"

>Those are rookie dreams

>Do you have dreams?

>Other

>>1413546
>>Do you have dreams?

>>1413546
>>Those are rookie dreams
smalltime

>>1413546
>>Do you have dreams?

>writing

"How about you?" You ask.
"I merely wish to keep my domain safe, until the day that I am allowed to rest" She says.

You turn to her, to see her looking over at your friend's sparring match with a rather serene expression.

Living as long as she has must have its perks, but it's obviously not all upside. She's probably the only one who remembers the world how it was when she was growing up, and all those who she loved must be long gone...

But she doesn't look all that sad... she probably got over such things long ago, or maybe she just tells herself that to lessen the blow whenever someone who hasn't lived even half the life she has passes away.

You smile and stand up. Whether mom knew about Namaki or not, you'll have to thank her for sending you here. Despite not gaining anything of strategic value, you feel like you've learned a lot here.

"Done chatting?" Namaki asks.
"More or less" You say. "I'm gonna-

>Check in on Cheska

>Join in on the action

>Go do some reading

>Other

>>1413621
>>Check in on Cheska

>>1413621
>>Go do some reading
We have it for a reason.

>>1413621
>>Go do some reading
Cheska is napping, she can tell us what she want when she is up.

>writing

-go do some reading" You say.
"Anything interesting?" Namaki asks.
"Just the deceased Grand Inquisitor's journal, or a book about a lost civilization" You say.
"So... yes?" She asks.
"If that's what you're into" You reply.
"Have fun" She says.

You go inside and head to your room. Passing Cheska's along the way, your curiousity gets the best of you and you step inside.

She's fast asleep, curled up in her bed with her back to the door. You quietly come up behind her, leaning over to see her face.

Her cheeks are still a little damp... you reach up to wipe away a stray tear, and her tail comes around to stroke your hand as her eyes flutter and she rolls over.

"Is it time to get up?" She asks.
"No, I just wanted to make sure you're okay" You say.
"I'm fine... I think" She says.
"Good enough for me" You say, as you brush away her tail. "Get some rest. I'll come wake you before supper, kay?"
"Okay" She replies, as she closes her eyes again.

You turn around and leave, with what Namaki told you weighing on your mind... You get the feeling that you know what she's going to want... and it's probably the one thing you really shouldn't give her.

Shaking away those thoughts, you make your way to your room and open up your bag. Inside is the Inquisitor's notes and the book you stole from his study.

>Read the notes

>Read the book

>Other

>>1413715
>>Read the notes

>writing

You pull out the notes and sit down on your bed, opening it up to the first page so you can get reading...

The first part of it details the stronghold's construction, and his reasoning for building it there. He was so certain that he had found what he was looking for...

But as he finds out later on, the ruins he built the stronghold over were nowhere near as extensive as he had hoped. He spent several weeks scouring for hidden or sealed passages, before finally deciding to start burrowing.

Using his magic, he would dig tunnels roughly 50 feet long, before forking them in a planned manner. Ion the notes he has several maps and diagrams outlining the tunnel's progress.

You can really tell that his lack of findings started to grate on him, as he seems to be more and more irritated with each entry.

Then, he talks about meeting someone in his tunnels... Terry. He found him when he went down to dig one day, and Terry told him he'd never find what he was looking for down there.

Which he was right about, sure. But Terry's still a dick. He's the one who told Arlen to divert the occasional prisoner away from Mortifas for use in the ritual to open the portal to the Black God.

Terry also told him some things about the otherworldly beast...

"It came here from the great beyond, grounding itself like a meteor before devouring all life around it" You read aloud. "To stop it from destroying all, a realm devoid of life and energy was created to keep it..."

...

That's it? That's all he told Arlen about this thing?

...

You flip through the rest of it, but there's very little of use after that. Most of the last quarter of it is mad, paranoid ravings...

But Arlen was definitely convinced that there was another world... aside from the one that the Black God lives in. You wonder if he was right...

You put the notes down and look at your watch. It took about an hour and a half to get through all that...

>Check out the book

>See what everyone else is up to

>Other

>>1413802
>>Check out the book

>>1413802
>>Check out the book
Still here. Might as well.

>writing

As you put the notes back into your bag, you wonder if Arlen was always crazy like this, and the lack of progress just brought it out, or if it was his quest for knowledge that drove him insane...

Well, either way he's dead now. R.I.P., good riddance and all that. Time to see why he had this book.

"Forgotten nations of Medisia" You say, reading the title out loud.

The book starts out by stating outright that much of its information is based on sources that are 3 to 4 thousand years old, and that much of it is conjecture...

It then goes on to talk about the earliest known seafaring civilizations, and their reports of contact with civilizations across the ocean...

Then there's a bit about a cataclysm roughly 3000 years ago, after which said reports stop. It also mentions that there are very few tales of destruction from said cataclysm, just that there was one...

You frown and look up from the book, reaching down to your bag for Arlen's notes. You quickly flip to the part where Terry was talking about the Black God, more specifically a bit that didn't seem all that important at first glance...

"3000 years ago, it came from the great beyond..." You say. The timing didn't seem all that important when you read through it before, but now...

...

So if these do line up, then the Black God came here from beyond, caused a cataclysm, and was sealed off in its own energy-less world. At that same time, all mentions of the Medisian civilizations stopped.

...

That can't be coincidence, but what could have caused it?

>Keep reading

>Let it be for now

>Other

>>1413930
>>Keep reading
More knowledge.

>>1413930
>>Keep reading

>>1413930
>>Keep reading
we are finally learning stuff about the black god, lets keep going dammit

>>1413930
>Keep reading

>>1413930
>>Keep reading

>writing

You keep reading through, hoping to find out more about the cataclysm and what caused the disappearance.

...

But all there is in this thing is speculation on what the cultures were like, and where these civilizations had their cities.

...

Oh, there's an interesting bit here about the Rising Mountain, and how the ruins there remained while the rest did not...

Hang on, the cities all just disappeared? That seems like an important detail to just leave out. Going back a bit, the book doesn't really mention it explicitly. But later on it says that there's nothing out there to indicate that there ever was a civilization.

Then it goes back to cultural stuff, and you slog through it to see if it has anything else interesting to say...

...

...

>1/2

This is sounding a lot like Atlantis.

"I'll come wake you when supper is on he says" You hear someone say, as said person starts poking your face.

...

"Come on, wake up dumbass"

...

"Heeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyy"

...

"Fine then" Cheska says. "If you're gonna be stubborn, I know exactly how to get a reaction out of you..."

>See what she does

>Alright, I'm up

>Other

>>1414048
>>See what she does

>>1414048
>>Alright, I'm up

>>1414048
>See what she does

>>1414048
>>Alright, I'm up

>>1414048
>See what she does

>writing

File: Desire.jpg (41 KB, 260x327)

41 KB JPG

>>1414127

"Heeheeheeee..." Cheska says, as you feel her weight pressing the bed down beside you. "Incoming"

...

She's not going to-

As her lips press against yours, you realize that yes, she is going to.

...

Your eyes shoot open, and you-

>Shove her off

>Give her a taste of her own medicine

>Other