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Undoubtedly Max will be there to deliver the first payment. That will be the last chance to say no to him; once you take payment, you're bound to see it to some sort of conclusion....even if it's not one that Max or his people wanted to see. Such is the binding of a faerie bargain. Sure you don't have to treat it like a faerie bargain, but you've found that ingraining those habits make it easier to cope with surprise faeries. There's a nagging feeling that there's something more going on, but you're not going to learn more until....well, you learn more.

Then there's your dates. Karen on Friday. Jack on Sunday. That's going to be fun, no matter how you look at it. You stretch a little and squirm your way up the pillow, and rest one arm behind your head. Jack. Strong, fast, skilled, and handsome. Generally a cool person, too. Sure, his sister's a right bitch, but everyone's got flaws! If that's the worst of his, you'll consider it a bargain at twice the price. Cam's got that person she wants you to meet. That will be interesting. She seemed....worried or concerned. A little strange about it. But what the heck, it can't hurt. Much. Okay, it could hurt a lot. At least you'll be prepared for the faeries that Evian told you would be there. Less surprises are good, right?

[] Eh, doze a little more. You've got time before the moon rises.
[] Up and at 'em. Maybe you can make 'dinner' this time.
[] It's kind of tempting to wake Kiora up and tease her about her tryst.
[] Write in?

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WHICH, CRAFT, WITCH
XS !!6xEfm/rXmY7

Twitter: @XsQuestmistress
AskFM: https://ask.fm/XSQuestmistress

Previous thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2430220/
Character & Archived Threads: https://pastebin.com/EP5wUbjS
Spellbook (in Progress): https://pastebin.com/q9WUkeBM
Archive: https://pastebin.com/iCGEYi3h

People of Note:
Lynnette - The over-tall volleyball player and gal-pal, BFF, wing-gal, etc.
Professor Tanner: Preternatural Biology Teacher.
Eddie: Rock hound and computer geek.
Adele: A young woman who once needed Caitrin's help.
Max: A werewolf with a problem.
Rebecca: Hateful, stuck up, snobby bitch, Jack's sister.
Christina: Rebecca's flunky, hates and fears Kiora.
Valerie: One of Caitrin's friends, though she's usually trying to set her up on dates.
Shelby: A rather nice young man, friendly with Caitrin and Lynne.
Cam: Local and rather infamous artiste.
Paul: Wants to be a member of the Preternatural Investigative Team with the police.
Jack: Yummy would-be MMA star, potential dating material, Rebecca's brother.
Evian: Aos Si who works at Saks Fifth Avenue, potential contact.
Cinnamon: A werewolf with a clue.
Breanne: Leader of a tribe of fairies (demifey) in the Westfield Center Mall.

>>2454832
>[] Eh, doze a little more. You've got time before the moon rises.

>>2454832
>[] Up and at 'em. Maybe you can make 'dinner' this time.
Even though Lynne seems to like taking care of us, returning the favor is good

>>2454832
>[] Up and at 'em. Maybe you can make 'dinner' this time.

>>2454832
>[x] Eh, doze a little more. You've got time before the moon rises.
>[x] Up and at 'em. Maybe you can make 'dinner' this time.
Just like 5 or 10 minutes.

>>2454837
Why is Karen not on the list?

>>2454863
Because she's on the character sheet the list is on.
https://pastebin.com/EP5wUbjS

>>2454832
>[] Up and at 'em. Maybe you can make 'dinner' this time.
>[] It's kind of tempting to wake Kiora up and tease her about her tryst.

[x] Eh, doze a little more. You've got time before the moon rises.
[X] Up and at 'em. Maybe you can make 'dinner' this time.

In true catlike fashion, you snuggle into the bedding and curl up around the still sleeping pixie. You don't spend too long under the warmth of the comforter; you are getting hungry, and you both kind of skipped lunch. You kiss the diminutive faerie on the head and she makes a sleepy sort of pleased noise, before drifting back into dreamland. Cute!

You dress in something simple and comfortable, and sneak quietly into the kitchen. Checking the fridge you find that Lynnette has a sense of humor, and set about making dinner. Or a late lunch. Either or, really. Lightly breaded pan fried sea bass, wheat-grass and bean sprout salad with a light oil and vinaigrette and some carrots and raisins and a touch of red onion....okay, kind of a weird Caesar salad is what it is. Sunflower seeds too. You hear the water running upstairs, and smile as you flip the fish over. Some sliced fruit. Not exactly the cat theme, but filling and you'll both need the energy tonight. Walking around in circles for six hours can be tiring and you can't afford to be distracted.

Failing to perform a ritual correctly is embarrassing more than anything else.

You top it off with large glasses of milk, leftovers from the shakes the night before. Whole milk of course; richer is better as far as cats are concerned, right? You slide the good sized fish fillets onto the plates just as Lynne comes down the stairs.

"Smells good! I thought I was supposed to be the domestic one." Now she's just asking for it, really. She leans over and inhales deeply, taking in the scent of freshly cooked fish. "Thanks, babe," she says, giving you a hug from the side and brushing her cheek against yours.

[] It was nothing really; the least I could do for all the help you're giving me.
[] What have I told you about thanking the fey, now? Though if you really wanted to thank me....
[] You're a bad girl, hitting on me after earlier this evening! Kidding, kidding, honest.
[] Write in?

>>2454895
>[] It was nothing really; the least I could do for all the help you're giving me.

>>2454895
>[] It was nothing really; the least I could do for all the help you're giving me.

>>2454895
>[x] It was nothing really; the least I could do for all the help you're giving me.

>>2454895
>[] It was nothing really; the least I could do for all the help you're giving me.

>>2454895
>[] What have I told you about thanking the fey, now? Though if you really wanted to thank me....

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[X] It was nothing really; the least I could do for all the help you're giving me.

You just don't have it in you to tease the poor woman. And she's been nothing but nice all day too. It still discomfits you that she'd spend that much money on you, but you try not to think about it. "Honestly it's nothing compared to help you've been giving me, Lynne. I hope you like it. I raided your fridge. Though the grass and fish was a nice touch really. And you really should break that habit of thanking me spontaneously."

Lynne grins as she sits down to eat. "Well, I figured cat ritual, fish, grass....it seemed fitting. And I'll remember, don't worry - no thanking faeries." She takes a bite and her expression is all the gratitude you need. ""Wow....you're talented."

"Well, I'm home by myself a lot, so I learned to cook. Kiora doesn't approve of fast food, and there's lots of information online about cooking." Her expression says a lot more than anything she could say aloud. "Kiora takes care of me. It's important to her that I am well and happy. and I don't think it's just because of the bargains I made to get her as a familiar, she genuinely cares about me."

Whoops. Lynne's looking terribly guilty, which wasn't your intent at all.

[] I'm not jealous you know; Kiora's her own person, like I said. I think you're lucky, really.
[] Don't worry about it - but just remember she won't form an attachment. Unless you somehow get her pregnant.
[] I think it's sweet, Lynne - she really likes you a lot. I think Evian made her a little jealous, you know.
[] Write in?

>>2454970
>[] Don't worry about it - but just remember she won't form an attachment. Unless you somehow get her pregnant.
>[] You did use protection right?

>>2454970
>[] Don't worry about it - but just remember she won't form an attachment. Unless you somehow get her pregnant.

>>2454970
>[] Don't worry about it - but just remember she won't form an attachment. Unless you somehow get her pregnant.

>>2454970
>[] I'm not jealous you know; Kiora's her own person, like I said. I think you're lucky, really.
>[] Don't worry about it - but just remember she won't form an attachment. Unless you somehow get her pregnant.

>>2454970
>[x] Don't worry about it - but just remember she won't form an attachment. Unless you somehow get her pregnant.
>[x] I think it's sweet, Lynne - she really likes you a lot. I think Evian made her a little jealous, you know.

...I honestly wouldn't be surprised if fey could get knocked up by non-males.

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[X] Don't worry about it - but just remember she won't form an attachment. Unless you somehow get her pregnant.
[XD] Write in? You did use protection right? I'm not ready to be a godmother and all.

Lowering your knife and fork you smile at Lynne. "Kiora's pretty enthusiastic, isn't she? Most fey are. Goblins are totally the worst, though." Lynnette looks startled, and then relieved at the ease with which you take it in stride. "just remember that she won't necessarily form an attachment. All faeries are pretty casual about sex, though they appreciate and enjoy the heck out of it. If you got her pregnant some how, then you'd have to get married, of course. I don't think that's a problem," you say, glancing over at Kiora as she flies in to land near your plate, looking curiously at the breaded bass. "Unless there's something one of you hasn't told me about."

Kiora looks up at you innocently, while Lynne is blushing as well as grinning. You cut a few pieces of your apples and some fish for Kiora, and deliberately wait until Lynne is taking a drink before you set your fork and knife down. Looking Lynne right in the eyes, you ask her in your most serious tone of voice, "You did use protection, didn't you Lynne?"

She manages to turn to the side and spews milk all over her kitchen floor, which makes Kiora look up in alarm. She flutters across the table to look at the half laughing, half choking woman and glances down at the mess on the floor and across Lynne's lap. the pixie seems very impressed by it all. You, on the other hand, calmly take another bite of your fish. Perfect.

"Oh, that was low, Caitrin," Lynne complains as she gets up to get a towel. "Do I really need to explain the birds and the bees to you?"

"No thanks, I took a sex education course. I'm a virgin, not ignorant." She cleans up and then sits back down, grinning wryly. You're pretty sure she won't feel guilty or embarrassed any longer! Kiora walks across the table and settles on your cloth napkin and looks up at you expectantly. Obediently, you take a slice of apple and give it to her, and she munches on it seriously. "Seriously, though, I think you're lucky, and Evian might have made her a touch jealous. I always wondered if I'd be godmother to Kiora's kids or not. She's never been forthcoming about that."

"Is she bi? She seemed pretty knowledgeable about everything." You shrug expressively. Kiora doesn't usually discuss such things with you. Well, never discusses such things with you, really. "I was just wondering."

"You could ask her, but she's never given me any kind discernible answer. And yes, I deliberately avoided the 'straight answer' joke." Lynne snaps her fingers and Kiora glances back at her, then continues eating her apple. "So about an hour after dinner, I figure about an hour to set up, and another fifteen, twenty minutes to light all the candles; should be dark by then. I have some homework to do."

"Me too; I want to get some extra credit in Tanner's class. Maybe I could borrow your Book of Shadows? He doesn't have too much on faeries, so I figure that would give me an edge, let him know I do my research."

[] Sure, that's fine; just be careful about the Names and Words of Power, okay?
[] I can recommend some actual authors, if you like. My work isn't bibliography worthy.
[] What will you offer in trade, my pretty? No dogs, pails of water, or ruby slippers, please.
[] Write in?

>>2455049
>[] What will you offer in trade, my pretty? No dogs, pails of water, or ruby slippers, please.

>>2455049
>[] Sure, that's fine; just be careful about the Names and Words of Power, okay?

>>2455049
>[] Sure, that's fine; just be careful about the Names and Words of Power, okay?
>[] I can recommend some actual authors, if you like. My work isn't bibliography worthy.

>>2455049
What will you offer in trade, my pretty? No dogs, pails of water, or ruby slippers, please.

[X] What will you offer in trade, my pretty? No dogs, pails of water, or ruby slippers, please.
[X] Sure, that's fine; just be careful about the Names and Words of Power, okay?

You give Lynne a coy smile. "And what will you trade for my secrets, little girl? I accept major credit cards, stuffed animals, and lengths of ribbon. No small dogs, pails of water or ruby slippers, please." Kiora glances up at you, and you mouth 'Wizard of Oz' to her. She makes a tiny 'oh' sound and nods sagely before taking another bite of her apple, eating it like watermelon. she found the flying monkeys fascinating for some reason.

Lynne leans across the table slightly, grinning wickedly. "I could tell you what it's like to have sex with a pixie," she murmurs secretively, and you feel your cheeks heat up. Kiora looks up with interest, and then realizes that the pixie in question is herself, and rolls her eyes before finishing her apple and stealing a few bean sprouts off your plate.

"My friends' sex lives aside, sure. It's on the bed stand." You hesitate. "I don't mean to offend, but just be very careful reading the Names of Power. The words and Signs aren't as big a problem, but you shouldn't try them anyways. You won't be able to use them, but that doesn't mean they won't attract attention, and the Names DO attract attention. Which is kind of the point of them and all." you consider seriously. "I wouldn't mention Evian by name, even if it's not his real name. You can never really tell what the Aos Sí are up to, and I've seen situations where just thinking about them too hard can call their attention to you."

Lynnette looks at you strangely and you look down. "I don't really want to talk about it, Lynne. Not at night. Or at least, not outside a circle at night." The last thing you need is a faerie queen sending a spell or worse, her servants after you. It's not likely, but you really aren't into taking that chance.

"Okay. So, setting up, homework, then ritual, okay?" You nod, while Kiora looks up at you sympathetically. You try very hard not to bite your lip, and she stands up, leaning over to pat your hand reassuringly. Lynne leans over on her way past you and gives you a hug, which helps a lot. "I'll start setting up if you want to put the dishes in the dishwasher."

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"Sure, I'll let you carry loads of breakables up the stairs," you reply with a slightly forced smile, shaking off the....call it what it is, the fear and malaise that the memories bring. you clean up the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher, and Kiora helps, mostly carrying silverware.

Setting up the ritual takes a lot less time than you thought, mostly because the work-space is small enough that you only have so many pieces of crystal and candles to put up. You and Lynne decide on simple camisks for clothing, which is the next thing to being naked, but it's somewhat cool out tonight, despite all the candles you'll have lit. If you manage to get hot, you can always discard the simple outfits. The fantasy clothing is little more than a small poncho with no sides, held down by a simple belt. It's a compromise between nudity and clothing. The volleyball player has less modesty issues than you do. Once that's done and the candles are arranged, you light some incense to fill the room while you and Lynne study.

[] Study lycanthropy. You probably won't have a quiz, but you might have a test on it....
[] Read the book that your dowsing spell led you to. The mystery of Karen's species....
[] See if you can work out something using Beast Calling as a basis that might work against werewolves....
[] Write in?

>>2455138
>[] Read the book that your dowsing spell led you to. The mystery of Karen's species....
I know it's not relevant to our current problems but I still want to know more

>>2455138
>[] Read the book that your dowsing spell led you to. The mystery of Karen's species....

>>2455138
>[x] Read the book that your dowsing spell led you to. The mystery of Karen's species....

>>2455138
Also wow, Caitrin ran afoul of Aos Si royalty and lived?

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[X] Read the book that your dowsing spell led you to. The mystery of Karen's species....

Ghost Story starts with a man driving a little girl down a highway. He clearly intends to kill her, and she seems pretty okay with that. The actual story starts with four men who play cards, and tell stories. They share a secret, a very dark secret, one they don't talk about. And then things get interesting....

By the time you reach the important parts, you have an idea of what Karen is talking about. They're not really gods, they just seem like them, and they're definitely shapeshifters. Their power over their bodies makes them not merely hard to kill, but possibly impossible to kill, and maybe ageless as well. But you have the term she wants you to know: loup-garou. A shapeshifting, immortal, ageless creature that haunts the human world for no reason other than it can.

The thing is, that doesn't really tell you what she is, only that is what she calls herself. You suspect that it's important to her for you to know this, but not why. It's downright weird.

"I think she's fucking with me," you tell Kiora, and she gives you a flat look that almost makes you blush in embarrassment for how solidly she implies 'you are just now getting this?'.

Lynne pokes her head in. "Moons up. Shining in the windows. Fog cleared out, luckily, otherwise we'd be in trouble."

"Coming!" you tell her and quickly change into the home-made outfit that you and Kiora put together for these kinds of events. The passing thought of how Jack would look in a loincloth, oiled and lit by candlelight and surrounded with smoking incense is overwhelming, and Kiora smiles, pushing on your shoulder to get you to move. "Sorry, sorry!"

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You give Lynne the okay to put on some soft minimalist music and start lighting the candles. You look up as she rejoins you, and you have to admit....she looks amazing in the simple clothing, between how tall she is and her toned body. You can definitely see why Kiora would want to hit that, in an academic sense. Mostly. Like you told Kiora, faeries confuse shit. As you begin the ritual, invoking Bastet, Hecate, Malebode, and of course the God and Goddess. The three of you begin walking - well two of you. Kiora instead dances, fluttering, leaping, traipsing, and otherwise enjoying the ritual. She leaps from floor to glass, circles the candles, and most importantly, gets between your and Lynne's feet, winding her magic with yours and Lynne's, strengthening it even as she forces you and Lynne to be more wary and careful.

The first two hours are the hardest; then the trance starts to kick in, and you and Lynne both step more lightly, more delicately. your head is filled with strange thoughts and images, and you share them with Lynne, who shares them with you. The soft conversation is part of the ritual - not specific kinds of conversation, but hearkening to the tales of cats speaking with travelers and their owners, guiding them. Soon you are both dancing with Kiora, moving slowly and inexorably to that moment of truth, that single act of absolute faith and trust in your own magic. Dazed, hallucinating, drunk on power and magic, it seems almost foolishly simple to take that fatal step, to set foot on the edge of a crystal goblet and place your full weight upon it. And then the next. And the next.

Lynne, keeping pace with you, doesn't hesitate: she steps onto a fragile looking wine glass, and then onto a crystal brandy cup. She smiles and you slowly dance across the tops of the glasses, and meet in the center of the room, embracing and kissing one another's hands. Several candles gutter out and you wake from the trance, watching each candle fade and snuff itself. The room becomes a soft velvet grey, and you grin at Lynne, whose shining green eyes take in the sight of the room in utter darkness, not even moonlight showing the world in velvet perfection. Kiora smiles, her own eyes shimmering silver as she settles on your shoulder, leaning against your neck and cheek.

"So beautiful," Lynne murmurs, and you smile, pleased to show your best friend something new and wonderful to enjoy. "A whole month?"

"Twenty-eight days," you agree, and stroke Kiora's leg lightly with the side of your finger. You really should do this more often.

>To Be Continued....

Thank you for Reading and Playing.

>>2455193
Something like that. You may have the opportunity to hear/read the story....

>>2455197
Thanks for running, that's a very neat ritual, I love the sensual way you described it

>>2455197
Is there a downside to having this ritual be cast in succession?

Also on a different note, does the Key of Solomon and such work in this setting? I've been looking into Jewish Mysticism a bit and it seems like, traditionally speaking, if you're doing anything that involves invoking the names of YHWH, putting those names on the floor is one of the most disrespectful ideas you could have.

>>2455202
>Is there a downside to having this ritual be cast in succession?
No, but there'as no point to casting it until after the ritual has faded - only the first one remains effective and it fades after the moon rises on the 29th night. So you can't use the ritual to maintain the ritual.

The Key of Solomon does indeed work, but the things it conjures - daemons - are not demons or genies, but actual divine powers, demiurges. simply writing the names on the floor won't work - they must be inscribed in stone or cast in metal, and they do not get stepped on or over. you must also be inducted into the rites by another practicioner, who petitions YHWH for permission to use his names in such a manner - simply attempting it not only doesn't work, but can attract unpleasant attention from things less predictable and more dangerous than daemons, such as demons or dark spirits. Or the occasional vengeful angelic being.

Next thread should be tomorrow. Finally meeting the werewolf.

>>2455229
I figured you couldn't stack the ritual, though it's good to hear that if we do gain a new member of our coven it's not impossible to help them with the ritual, but I wasn't sure if there were side effects to doing a new ritual as soon as the old one fades and so on indefinitely.

Also yeah that sounds about right, and invoking an angry angel seems like a really big risk (especially since, though I'm not sure how to translate the scales, even a fake angel was a lot of trouble in Ryukusa Quest)

On a different note, I'm very curious and interested in how Karen on the surface has a lot of similarities to Hekah (and Darklings in general), but a closer look indicates that they are pretty dramatically different entities, makes me wonder if one of Karen's kind was responsible for the creation of the first Darkling, or if convergent evolution somehow applies.

>>2455250
Actually you're missing the obvious, which is that Karen consciously chooses to look like a darkling to cast doubt as to what she is.

Darklings are a tutelary deity of sorts, and share a common appearance because of who and what they are, a kind of hamadryad or genius loci of children. Whatever Karen is is something alive and alien, a physical being and creature, that apparently has been mistaken for deities in the past if what she told Caitrin ("That is my name, but the daemon was created in my image and name, not the other way around.")

>>2455264
You have a point that I ignored the most important takeaway from that book
>"I think she's fucking with me," you tell Kiora, and she gives you a flat look that almost makes you blush in embarrassment for how solidly she implies 'you are just now getting this?'.

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Seeing in darkness and being able to fade into the shadows - which Lynne finds fascinating, both to watch and to experience herself - is a benefit that you can take advantage of. Being able to walk along a thin string without fear of falling, to to step so lightly you won't break glass or leave tracks is also kind of helpful of course. It will also make you a better dancer. At least, you hope it will.

The fact that you both napped in the after noon doesn't prevent you from going to sleep that evening - especially Lynne, who was fairly active while you were napping. The ritual is hard on the mind and body, and while the first hour or so is filled with the euphoria of successfully completing a ritual and with the newness of being granted powers above and beyond the ones you are used to, there is an inevitable crash.

Which isn't a bad thing since you both have classes in the morning, and she has practice that afternoon.

The scent of coffee and toast wakens you mid-morning, and you slip out of bed with the unnatural grace of a feline. Kiora is even more graceful than usual, the ritual having just as much effect on her as on you and Lynne. Which is atypical of most rituals, but she isn't complaining any more than you are. Lynne is up in a simple t-shirt and her pajama bottoms; she smiles at you as you sleepily make your way to the table and silently pull the chair out and settle into it. She pours you coffee and you smile gratefully, while Kiora waits patiently for you to put the cup down to have her share.

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"How are my beautiful ladies this morning?" Lynnette quips as she carefully folds what looks like a quiche over some cheese, avocado, and some of yesterday's bacon.

"I don't know how you can possibly be a morning person," you murmur plaintively. "Running, cooking, and don't think I didn't see you leaving my book out on the coffee table where you're making notes. It's positively disgusting." Kiora looks at you and shrugs. "Don't you start too, you're worse than she is," you tell the demifey, who scoops up a double handful of coffee and drinks delicately.

"Actually I'm done, and it was pretty helpful. It's amazing how much stuff you put in there yourself." She hesitates, but she doesn't ask, and you drink some more of your coffee as she finishes cooking the oversize, super-fluffy omelette. She slides it onto your plate and you start cutting pieces off of it for Kiora, not ready to eat something that's clearly too hot. The pixie watches eagerly, then settles on your napkin with a double handful of egg, avocado, and cheese.

"You're going to meet Max today aren't you?" You hesitate, but the answer is yes, and you nod slowly. "What else? I know you only have a half class....going to have lunch with Jack, or come watch me play?" She's curious and you can't help but smile.

[] Almost sounds like you want me to hang out with you all day, you know. Makes a girl feel special.
[] I've got to decide if I'm going to take Karen to the Luminous Arc or not, then maybe call Jack....
[] No idea. I'll think of something. It's not like I don't have a ton of projects now.
[] Write in?

>>2459474
>[] I've got to decide if I'm going to take Karen to the Luminous Arc or not, then maybe call Jack....

>>2459474
>[] Almost sounds like you want me to hang out with you all day, you know. Makes a girl feel special.

>>2459474
>[x] I've got to decide if I'm going to take Karen to the Luminous Arc or not, then maybe call Jack....

>>2459474
>[] Almost sounds like you want me to hang out with you all day, you know. Makes a girl feel special.
>[] No idea. I'll think of something. It's not like I don't have a ton of projects now.
I guess there's
>Try to learn more about werewolves
>Try to learn more magic that might help against werewolves and whatever could kidnap one
>Try to learn more about the Luminous Arc (like do they have a website?)
>Try to learn more about Karen
Not sure if I'm forgetting stuff, but I probably am.

>>2459474
>>2459492
Like I don't know, I kind of feel like this is a copout and I'm not sure if it's really in character for Caitrin to ask or for Lynne to be able to help but
>ask if she could help you talk out what needs doing really quickly

>>2459492
>>2459499
I'll agree with the sentiment, let's say. Not sure on spelling it out that much.

>>2459474
>[] I've got to decide if I'm going to take Karen to the Luminous Arc or not, then maybe call Jack....

>>2459501
Yeah probably shouldn't be that direct about it.

[XX] I've got to decide if I'm going to take Karen to the Luminous Arc or not, then maybe call Jack....
[X] Almost sounds like you want me to hang out with you all day, you know. Makes a girl feel special.
[X] Write in? What do you think needs doing?

"Almost sounds like you'd rather hang out with me all day....kind of sweet of you." She actually blushes, though she's smiling. "Actually, I'm kind of deciding whether or not I'm going to let Karen take me - us - to the Luminous Arc or not. It's the kind of place she'd like, and it would help me get closer to finding that werewolf girl....Belinda, maybe Lipscomb."

"But it's Karen," she adds as she settles into her own seat and you take a bite of super-fluffy omelette. You add a dollop of sour cream. "I'm kind of glad you're taking me seriously about the help, but....yeah, I could see why Karen is a question."

You have another few bites and lean back, sighing and watching Kiora happily munch on bacon. "I should call Jack too, make sure he has something nice to wear. I'd hate to show up in a hot dress and him be in a t-shirt and blue jeans."

Lynne gestures with her fork. "Cam could paint something on him. She'd probably love working on a man with his physique."

You'd like that. you think you'd like that a lot. "You're not wrong," you admit freely. "Hell, I'd give it a try. But let's not scare my potential boyfriend off just yet." Lynne grins at you and has a bite of her omelette. "I dunno. I want to talk with Professor Tanner's werewolf friend too, after class. But after that....I dunno. What do you think i should do."

She looks at you over her coffee, her expression serious. "Get a gun."

You stare at her.

She looks back at your with utter aplomb. "You can borrow mine."

The thunder in your chest is accompanied by a rushing in your ears. "First, I don't know how to use one. Second, it's illegal for me to carry a gun since I don't have a permit. Third, are you fucking crazy?"

Lynnette lowers her coffee cup slowly, and leans on the table. "Your magic can fuck with people, but after reading up on werewolves, you need an equalizer, Cait. Unless you can call down lightning or something, a werewolf is going to kill you before you can do something really nasty." You start to protest and she interrupts. "Cait....this is dangerous."

You go very still and very quiet, and Kiora glances sidelong at you.

[] You want to know how I got these scars, Lynne?
[] I know, and I've got some ideas for spells specifically to protect myself against werewolves.
[] ....There's no way I could carry a gun, Lynne....I don't even own one....
[] Write in?

>>2459564
>[] You want to know how I got these scars, Lynne?
>[] ....There's no way I could carry a gun, Lynne....I don't even own one....

>>2459564
>[x] You want to know how I got these scars, Lynne?
>Giving a gun to someone who doesn't know how to shoot might not be a great idea.
I assume the cat ritual doesn't help with that.

>>2459570
It does not.

>>2459564
>[] ....There's no way I could carry a gun, Lynne....I don't even own one....

>>2459564
>[] You want to know how I got these scars, Lynne?

>>2459564
>[X] I know, and I've got some ideas for spells specifically to protect myself against werewolves.

>>2459575
Well, I'm sure it helps in the dark. Just... not so much against werewolves.

>>2459564
>[] You want to know how I got these scars, Lynne?
>[] I know, and I've got some ideas for spells specifically to protect myself against werewolves.
>I can't shoot, I don't know how any spells to make me able to shoot, and I'm not confident in my ability to fake being able to shoot enough to make people, much less a werewolf, run away, and I don't know any spells for that either. You're right that this is dangerous but I'm not sure a gun would make me any safer.
>Maybe Enchanting but I'm not sure that would work... not for me at least?

>>2459595
Like first of all, I'm not sure if in "Enchant the Tool" only certain items are classified as tools and guns aren't one of them, and even if they are, if a gun could be enchanted so that anyone can wield it. And even if that was possible, I'm not sure if drawing a gun would be the right course of action in most cases.

>>2459599
Given the nature of the magic in this setting, I'd be worried that it would work but do something profoundly dangerous with the attention of the powers involved.

>>2459626
yeah that is an additional concern

>>2459595
>>2459564
With the "don't know how to fake being able to shoot",not being able to lie is a really big hinderance in that regard, like I'm pretty sure that just goes to verbal and written falsehoods, and not bluffing in general but I'm not completely sure.

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[XX] You want to know how I got these scars, Lynne?
[X] ....There's no way I could carry a gun, Lynne....I don't even own one....
[X] Write in? Giving a gun to someone who doesn't know how to use it just isn't a good idea!

You run your hand along your belly, feeling the patches of slightly indented skin and the rough edges of the scar tissue. "Giving a gun to someone who doesn't know how to shoot, much less use a gun, just doesn't seem like a bright idea to me. I don't own a gun, never learned how to use one...." You take a slow, deep breath and Kiora sets her food aside and moves to your hand, placing both of hers on it as it rests on the table. She looks up at you, her tiny eyes of lavender and pink glittering.

"I know, Cait, but they're pretty simple, and as an equalizer they really can't be beat...." You take a shuddery breath. There's really no helping it. "....what?"

"You know about the courts of faery? You were reading my notes...."

Lynne nods. "Seelie, unseelie, the sluagh, and the lesser courts, the ones who serve the Aos Sí like the goblins. Pixies and other demifey have their own courts too, though they serve the Aos Sí too....Kiora is one of them, in service to the unseelie court. The one ruled by the Queen of Air and Darkness. Madb. Her queen - the pixie queen, not Madb - called her to explain her bargains and promises to me, and mine to her." You take a deep, slow breath. "The halls of faerie, especially in the unseelie courts, aren't safe for a sixteen year old. They're not always safe for the sidhe, much less other faeries. A monster attacked me."

Standing up you lift your nightshirt, and show her the scars. There are five in all. "I managed to get out of the way at first - it nicked me....here....and here. But these....it caught me good. You know those pictures of wyverns on heraldic crests? How they're not very....symmetrical?" She nods again, confused. "Those are pretty accurate, about the asymmetrical bit. Bit they're very wrong on how....normal, they look. They're hideous. It gashed my stomach open. They weren't deep wounds, but they were wide and they bled a lot." You lower your nightshirt and sit back down, slumping back in the chair as Lynne stares at you, enraptured. "So when a sidhe warrior - not a prince or any ranking lord, but still Aos Sí....when he beat the creature back and scared it off, I did what any panicked, terrified, wounded sixteen year old would do. I thanked him for saving my life." Kiora winces, as she always does at that part of the tale.

Not that you tell it often.

"Well yeah, that's just....oh." Her eyes widen as she realized what you did.

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"He challenged me to a duel. Being challenged, I chose magic, of course. The court was quite interested, it was a big deal. Mortal sixteen year old, ancient sidhe warrior, a mortal insult, a duel of magic....spectacle. Madb loved the idea of course. And if I lost, well, it was just one more teen lost in faerie, or just lost." You smile wanly. "So I had to try and fight a magician. My hexes and my jinxes worked well enough. I got close enough, gave him one slice across his chest. No one expected it - after all, it was a duel of magic."

"You cheated?!" Lynne is incredulous, and she has every right to be.

"No, no. I didn't cheat. He said so, of course, and the Queen of air and Darkness called a halt to the duel. I said I had made the blade enchanted with my magic, so it was not cheating - it was a sacred object, enchanted by my hands. I said if he wished to continue, once his wound healed we could continue the duel, and I wouldn't use my sgain-dubh again." You smile and run your finger along Kiora's back and she smiles, relaxing as you stroke her back. It's a comforting thing, to feel her presence, her acceptance. "Sidhe flesh is amazing. They're super strong. They heal incredibly fast. It's almost impossible to break their bones." You look at your half eaten meal and your stomach does a slow turn. "They waited. And waited. And then a healer came. They said they could not heal the wound. And the Queen herself demanded an explanation."

Lynnette stares at you. "Magic."

You nod slowly. "Magic. I told them it was an enchanted dagger, and the wound was accursed. It would bleed until I allowed it to heal. Being immortal he wouldn't die, of course....but he could bleed out eventually. My magic would make sure he remained wounded and bleeding, even if he killed me. The healer asked how, and I told her, my athame was made of silver, but it was enchanted to be iron, and my blood was what that iron came from. So it was a mortal wound, and he would bleed forever, unless he allowed me to heal him. And that meant my magic was strong enough to defeat him. The Queen agreed, and I was declared the winner. Then I healed him." You look at Lynne and smile sadly. "So, when I say that I am working on spells to deal with werewolves....to protect us from them....you can be sure that a gun won't be needed. I'd probably shoot some bystander anyways." You get up and start clearing your plate up. "I'm not very hungry anymore, Lynne, sorry."

She stands up quickly - without, for once, bumping her thighs on the table or stumbling over her chair - and circles the table, clearly intendign to hug you.

[] Not....not a good idea right now, even for her. You don't feel good. You'll be fine later.
[] Let her hug you. you're not mad at her or anything after all.
[] Excuse yourself and head to classes. It's not her fault really, but still....
[] Write in?

>>2459638
>Jump her.

>>2459599
>>2459626
A gun could be enchanted yes, though kiora would be unable to help. It would be difficult to enchant it to aim better, but not impossible. It would probably take a couple of days of work.

>>2459638
>[] Not....not a good idea right now, even for her. You don't feel good. You'll be fine later.

>>2459638
>[] Not....not a good idea right now, even for her. You don't feel good. You'll be fine later.

>>2459638
>[x] Not....not a good idea right now, even for her. You don't feel good. You'll be fine later.
>Make a note to hug her later, first.

>>2459640
Given she's involved with traumatic memories and feelings, I'm not certain how I should interpret this vote.

>>2459648
I'll leave it to you.

>>2459638
>[] Not....not a good idea right now, even for her. You don't feel good. You'll be fine later.

>>2459649
that doesn't really seem like the best idea right now

>>2459642
That's good to know that is possible, and though enchanting a gun to be easier to shoot/finding a ritual to make ourselves a markswoman, or straight up make some Freikugeln (though less cursed) all sound entertaining, I'm not sure if that really fits who Caitrin seems to e.

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[X] Not....not a good idea right now, even for her. You don't feel good. You'll be fine later.
[X] Write in? You'll make up for it later.

Lynne moves too quickly, tall and slender and you take a quick step back, your heart leaping into your chest. The spells the magician showed you, the sheep power of his magic....the visible scars are bad, but the scars in your mind and spirit aren't visible.

They're just as sensitive, though.

Kiora is there in a flash, between Lynne and you, but it s your expression that Lynne is clearly distressed by. Her expression is stricken, and you try and calm yourself. The pixie's arms are wide and she looks for all the world like she's planning on stopping Lynne by holding her back; when Lynne stops coming close, though, she moves closer to Lynne, her gestures calming, soothing. She glances back at you to make sure you're okay while you lean on the counter, your heart pounding and your breaths uneven. You're not trembling, though, and you're still in the here and now, so that's something. That's a lot, really.

"Sor-sorry. I don't talk about it much....sidhe magic...." You take a deep breath. "Unseelie magic....it lingers. The only thing worse than that is seeing the sluagh at it's duty. So Kiora says." The pixie nods enthusiastically, and flits over to Lynne, smiling, patting her cheek. "I'll be fine. I'm just....It's not a good idea, you know?"

Lynne nods, looking a lot calmer now, and relieved as well. Probably doesn't realize Kiora used a little touch of glamour on her. "Okay, honey. Take your time. You want to skip classes?"

You shake your head. "Can't. Gotta see that werewolf. I'll drink some of Airmed's Balm. Would you mind getting some for me?" She nods and goes around the other side of the table as you turn and lean over the sink. You turn on the tap, and wait until she's left the room to wash your face. You don't close your eyes for long. That bastard left nasty bits of his magic on you, in you. It took months, almost years to find it all and excise it all, even with purification rituals and Breaking the Spell. He paid for it though, when you figured it out.

You have a staff filled with his magic at home, magic he can't ever get back.

Lynne deliberately coughs when she returns, the Cat's Paws spell making her silent. you smile and pour a generous portion of the golden liquor into a glass, and then drain it. Then rush of healing magics refresh your body and your mind, fixing the imbalances in mind, body and spirit alike. You've used it to calm paranoia and to reduce the intensity of schizophrenia before, and it works just as well on post-traumatic stress. You take a deep breath and turn, smiling at Lynne.

"That stuff really works," she comments, and you give her a hug. she sounded almsot grateful, even more than relieved.

"Yeah. Like I said, it is supposedly able to cure death...." She hugs back and strokes your hair. "Sorry. but....I'll be okay, without a gun. You can protect me with it."

Lynne chuckles softly. "Not so sure you need protection," she murmurs, but Kiora looks at her doubtfully....

You drive yourself and Kiora to school. You also make a mental note to drop by your house, pick up a few more supplies, and grab some extra clothing. It's probably a good idea to stay over at Lynne's for a bit. you don't need to endanger your m other and father. And, to be honest, they're used to you skipping out on them for a while. This isn't the first time you've stayed with Lynne for a few days. First time you've been involved in something this dangerous, though. Well, maybe dangerous isn't quite the right word. this limb threatening? Scary? You don't really know.

[] Meet up with Lynnette - she'll probably feel better if you stick around her. She's pretty protective right now.
[] Call Max. If you can keep him unaware of the other werewolf, so much the better.
[] Head to the Preternatural Biology class. Maybe you can meet the werewolf before class, instead of after.
[] Write in?

>>2459668
>[] Head to the Preternatural Biology class. Maybe you can meet the werewolf before class, instead of after.

>>2459668
>[x] Head to the Preternatural Biology class. Maybe you can meet the werewolf before class, instead of after.

Keeping the magic you've been inflicted with and putting it in a staff sounds amazing. Is it's functions limited to what it was used for initially, I wonder? And the fey is... weakened, by this?

>>2459668
>[] Meet up with Lynnette - she'll probably feel better if you stick around her. She's pretty protective right now.

>>2459668
>[] Head to the Preternatural Biology class. Maybe you can meet the werewolf before class, instead of after.

>>2459674
It's part of Breaking the spell ritual, and no specific function, it's just raw faerie magic. Though, it is his magic and it's magic he can't use. Like investing your power into an object, except you have no control over the object and you don't get a return on the investment. She put it in a staff of yew to make it more difficult to find by magic; theft of another's magic is a time honored tradition in the Celtic history.

>>2459686
But if she hadn't done that, or if the staff were consumed or broken, it would just go back to him?

>>2459688
Yes, or he'd recover it naturally if it were used.

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[X] Head to the Preternatural Biology class. Maybe you can meet the werewolf before class, instead of after.

After Kiora recovers from her own bout of intense sickness - you stay with her this time, because you don't want any cats or fairies to come across her while she's not well, to say nothing of Christina - you carry her on your shoulder to the classroom. You're about half an hour early, and upon entering the classroom you are treated to a strange sight.

A jumbo size kiddy pool is in the process of being inflated with a small air compressor. Overseeing this project are two students, and someone who is very clearly not a student. She's a compact, svelte young woman of about twenty, brunette with a sharp buzz cut except for a tight, thin braid that hangs down to her very compact bottom. Even weirder is her clothing: chamois style leather, a vest that hugs small breasts and tight pants both with beaded fringes. She's wearing moccasin style boots that extend up her ankles, and are flat with thick, gum style soles. Several sets of bright beaded necklaces circle her neck and throat, in varying colors. They're not plastic, and they're too well designed to be store bought. Leaves or feather beads in silver metal (unlikely to be silver given she's overseeing this odd project) separate sections of the beads. Her ears are slightly pointed and she has a faintly elven cast to her face, something you can honestly say you've seen before compared to most people.

She turns to you, her grey and brown hazel eyes bright and intelligent. She immediately takes note of Kiora, and her eyes widen as you slowly walk towards her. Kiora looks just as surprised and tugs on your hair, pointing at a thick and wide squarish pouch on the young woman's hip, heavily beaded and embroidered with symbols and markings that are clearly religious in nature. Surprisingly, she's Caucasian, not Native American. Professor Tanner notices you and stands up, looking mightily pleased.

"Ah, Caitrin! This is the werewolf I mentioned. Cinnamon, this is Caitrin, a local witch and psychic." You flush a little. He taps his chin thoughtfully. "She has a friend with her, but she appears to be a cat to me, so take that for what it's worth."

The werewolf smiles and shows of some exceptionally sharp teeth. "Hi. Pleasure to meet you...Professor Tanner said you have some questions for me...."

>To Be Continued....

>>2459701
Thanks for running! Interested in seeing what a white werewolf is doing being a shaman, and she has an interesting design. Also curious to see what the deal is with the pool.

>That image
S...Saint Quartz?

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Thank you for Reading and Playing.

>>2459707
Thanks for your writing.

Also thanks for a picture of a catgirl that addresses the apparently forbidden topic.

>>2459701
>something you can honestly say you've seen before compared to most people.
You meant can here, not can't? Little hard to tell.

>>2459710
Actually there is an anime which also addresses it - the 'ears' aren't ears, they're antennae for their telepathic powers.

>>2459721
No, Caitrin has actually seen elven features on humans and elves enough to recognize it . It's possible she has sidhe blood - which would also explain her pale skin.

>>2459723
Ah ok, the wording was a bit unfamiliar to me and it seemed to read better the other way.

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>>2459707
>>2459722
FFXIV does cat-eared people right, if that counts.