We have pip with us, now might be a good time to deal with Sword Yuu?

>>2588186
>Know any good taverns?

>writing

>>2588186
>>Know any good taverns?

"Know any good taverns?" You ask.

"I know all the good taverns" Pip replies. "Name your poison, and I know a place that serves it"

"So soon? We haven't been here that long" You say.

"You haven't" She says. "The rest of us have all been here for a week now"

"Oh yeah..." You say.

Pip giggles. "So I hear you've got a few new guests now" She says.

"Yeah... Interesting people" You say.

"Oh? I know one is the resistance contact, who I will need to speak to at some point. Who's the other?" She asks.

"Remember the spider from the tournament?" You ask. "It's her. Apparently I'm her boss now because I walked on her web without getting stuck"

"What's she like?" Pip asks.

"Very protective" You say. "She snatched Cheska out of the air when she tried to swoop in and hug me earlier... Cheska didn't seem to happy about that"

"Flyin' already is she?" Pip asks. "That was quick"

"Apparently she can only glide, not take off" You say.

"Baby steps... flaps? Baby flaps" She says.

You chuckle. "That sounds adorable, yet kinda gross at the same time" You say.

She shrugs. "I make names for people, not things" She says. "Come on, Yuyu. Bring the Rook, we can talk along the way"

You grab the Rook's handles and walk it along, figuring you'll talk about-

>Quria (The resistance member)

>Cheska

>Your new power

>Other

>>2588297
>>Quria (The resistance member)

>>2588297
>Quria (The resistance member)

My gut feeling she's high up the totem pole. Might even be the twin of the surviving royal. Or I'm completely off the mark and just talking shit, one of the two.

>writing

"So this resistance lady... uhh..."

"Quria" You say.

"That's the one" She says. "What's she like?"

"Don't really know yet" You say. "She seems cooperative enough, but she's definitely got a different viewpoint than us"

"Just keep a close eye on her" Pip says. "Remember that no matter how friendly she is, she's not one of us. She answers to another chain of command, reports to foreign authorities, and acts upon their interests."

"I know" You say. "But she's also our only means of contacting and working with the resistance, so I'm gonna try to keep her happy for the time being"

Pip shrugs. "Just do your thing. You seem to have a knack for getting people to like you" She says. "What kinda girl is this Quria, anyhow? Haven't heard all that much about her"

"She's an elf, like Belladonna" You say. "Same eyes, same silver hair..."

"Relation?" She asks.

"None, as far as I know" You reply.

"Probably a coin-ky-dink then. Most of the mountain elves look like that" She says, stopping you in front of a building. "Ah, here's the place"

You look around for something to identify the building, but come up with nothing. So you turn to Pip and tilt your head.

"Confused? Well you see I'm actually a shapeshifter who's brought you out here to kill you" She says.

"Are shapeshifters actually a thing?" You ask.

"Nope" She replies.

"... that sounds like the kind of thing a shapeshifter would say" You say.

"Shapeshifters don't exist" She says.

"I want a second opinion" You reply.

"Well you can get one in here" She says, as she steps towards the door. "This place was abandoned, so some of us took it and turned it into a tavern. Haven't got around to making a sign yet"

"Neat" You say.

You walk in behind her, taking a good look around as you walk in.

You see Zaine here, without the rest of the crew. He's talking to a guy who looks about your age, who you don't recognize.

Lulu is here as well, sitting at the bar with an older Canid.

Pip looks to you to decide where to go, so you-

>Go see Zaine

>Sit down with Lulu

>Find your own spot

>Other

>>2588415
>Find your own spot

>>2588415
>>Sit down with Lulu

>>2588415
>>Sit down with Lulu

>writing

Slow tonight.

>>2588503
On vacation and didn't look to see if you were running earlier. Been a little while. I just got here.

You and Pip head up to the bar. You sit down next to Lulu, while Pip jumps up on her back.

"Lululululululululu~" Pip says.

"Hey Pip" Lulu says, turning to see you. "Yuu... what brings you guys here?"

"Yuu here got tired of blowing stuff up, so we're here for a drink" Pip says, as she hops around to sit on your other side. "Who's the cat?"

Lulu leans back to introduce her friend. "This is Berny" She says. "She's from up north. We met during today's drill"

"Nice to meet ya" Berny says, offering a paw across Lulu. "Pip, Champ"

"I assume you've heard of me by now" You say.

"Seen you in action too. I was on the team that went skyside in that first battle" She says. "And my Dad lost some money on you in the early rounds of the tournament"

"Should've known better than to bet against the champ" You say.

"To be fair, the odds were pretty stacked at the start there. Everybody thought the Gnome with the southerner, and Freyja with the demon were the safer bets in your bracket " Pip says. "You were not the safe bet"

"You won enough money off me" You say.

"I figured we were all boned if you lost anyway, so I might as well make some extra cash" She says.

"So you're buying?" Lulu asks.

"That all depends on how much you plan to drink..." Pip says.

"We've all got to work in the morning" Lulu says.

"Alright then, drinks are on me" Pip says, waving to the Vulpid behind the counter. She orders a round of something, then goes back to you. "So, Yuyu"

... "So?"

...

Pip giggles. "You looked a little nervous there, Yudy" She says. "Relax, I'm just tryin' to spark some conversation"

>Thank her for helping Cheska

>Ask if she'd be up to giving Lyvia some magic lessons

>Ask if she comes to places like this a lot

>Other

>>2588560
>>Ask if she'd be up to giving Lyvia some magic lessons

>>2588560
>>Thank her for helping Cheska
>>Ask if she'd be up to giving Lyvia some magic lessons

>writing

>>2588503
I'm a dummy who thought your starts were still on west coast.

>>2588632
I maybe should have announced that more clearly instead of just throwing a TZ on there. If I remember right people had the same problem when I first moved out there.

"Oh, I wanted to ask you something" You say.

"Shoot" She replies.

"How would you like to give Lyvia some magic lessons?" You ask.

Pip looks at you like you just told her you grew a third ball. "You want me to tutor the greatest ice mage alive?" She asks.

"Not to teach her how to use magic, no. She's got that figured out" You say. "You're the poster girl for mana efficiency. Nobody can match you there. I was hoping you'd show her a few of your tricks"

"What makes you think she needs my tricks?" She asks.

"I talked to her about her casting earlier. Her answer to 'how do you use all that power?' was essentially-" You shrug.

"Really? I guess for her it's more of an instinct and less of a science" She says. "Alright, I'll see what I can teach her royal hiney. Turning her into even more of a monster could be interesting"

"Cool" You say. "Oh... and I-"

You're cut off by the bartender coming up and dropping 4 mugs in front of the group, giving you a smile as she walks off.

"Oooooooo, you see that?" Pip asks, clinking mugs with Lulu before taking a drink. "She was totally eyin' you"

You tilt your head. "Is that... bad?" You ask.

"Only if you hate cute bartenders" Lulu says. "So what's this about Pip becoming a tutor?"

"Yuyu asked me to teach the Queen about magic" Pip says.

"Why you?" Lulu asks.

"Because I'm the best" Pip says, teasingly poking you in the cheek. "And I'm Yuyu's favourite. Aren't I Yuyu?"

>I don't play favourites

>Favourite knight, yeah

>That honor goes to Coral

>Other

>>2588703
>Favourite knight, yeah (Sorry Lulu)

Pip's always had our back. It's also fun to turn the tables on her teasing and see how she reacts to praise.

>>2588703
>>That honor goes to Coral

>>2588703
>>Favourite knight, yeah

>>2588703
>>Favourite knight, yeah

>>2588703
>That honor goes to Coral

>writing

>>2588703
>That honor goes to Coral

"Favorite knight, yeah" You say, putting an arm over Pip's shoulder as you take a drink. It tastes much like the ale from up north. "No offense Lululu, but Pip's always had my back"

"See, Lululu? Told you I was- heyyyy. Just your favorite knight?" She asks.

"Coral gets the honor of favorite person" You say, holding your hand up to your collar. "Tiny high five?"

Coral pokes out, looks around, then gives you five.

"Alriiiight" You say, giving her head a scratch.

"Okay, I can accept that. Coral's pretty cool" She says. "Who comes after her?"

You shrug. "Never really thought about it" You say. "I like a lot of people, and it'd seem kinda petty to rank them all, beyond the first"

"True" Pip says, taking another drink. "But you do have favorites"

"Yes" You say.

"So what if we categorize them..." Pip says.

"Yeah" Lulu says. "Like 'favorite this', and 'favorite that'"

"Uhh..."

"So who iiiiiis... hmm... Who... is your favorite lady with a tail?" She asks.

"That's a very broad category" You say. "I know like... 3 girls who don't have tails"

"Just answer the question" Pip says.

>Choose someone

>Can we talk about something else?

>Other

>>2588795
>Namaki.

>>2588795
>>2588801
This is fine.

>>2588795
I'll support>>2588801

>writing

"Okay... Namaki" You say. "Because her tails are fluffiest"

"That sounds more like a 'favorite tail' than 'favorite girl with a tail'" Pip says.

"Tails. Plural" You say. "And all of them are fluffy as hell"

"Huh... I may have to meet this lady and see for myself" Pip says, taking another drink. "Alright... how about..."

You talk and drink with Pip, Lulu, and Berny for a while, giving everyone a turn to play favorites. You down a few more rounds of ale, feeling it less this time than you did before. Maybe you're just more tolerant of it now?

Or maybe it's because you stop after a few, while Pip and Lulu keep going. As the night wears on they talk a lot of smack about Marybell, for reasons you think you know. But eventually the bartender comes up and lets you know that the place has to close soon.

Pip stands up... then almost falls right over, making you rush to steady her.

"Alrighty. Looks like ol' Pippi shoulda called it like an hour ago" Pip says.

You turn to see Berny scrambling to catch Lulu as the Lupid passes right out. The Felid curses in Noric.

"Looks like these two won't be walking back to camp..." You say.

"I could take 'em back, if you have places to be" Berny says. "I mean... I've got places to be, but you're a bit more important than I am"

>Leave them to me

>Sure

>Other

>>2588882
>>Leave them to me

>>2588882
>>Leave them to me

>>2588882
>>Leave them to me

>>2588882
>>Leave them to me

>>2588882
>>Sure

>>2588882
>>Leave them to me

Time to babysit some drunks!

>writing

"I've got this. You go on" You say.

"You sure?" She asks.

You smile and heft Lulu onto your back, while supporting Pip with your shoulder. "Stronger than I look" You say.

"Oh yeah..." Berny says. "Maybe if my dad'd known that he wouldn't have lost his money"

You say farewell to Berny, and take the drunken knights back to the barracks.

"You doin' okay?" You ask Pip.

"Iiiiii'm good" Pip says. "How you doin' Yuuster?"

"Better than you, I think" You say.

"Hot diggety. Haulin' my drunk ass around must be a grade A experience, then" Pip says. "I'd give it a go, but I'd need another me... and there isn't one"

"That's not making me less suspicious of your shapeshifting" You say.

Pip cracks up, stumbling and almost dragging you down. You decide to change the subject to something less comedic.

"So... thanks for helping Cheska" You say. "From what I gathered, June owed you quite a bit"

Pip shrugs. "I was probably never gonna see any of that money, and I was tired of tryin' to hassle her for it" She says. "Plus Red was super stoked about flying, and I didn't want her to hurt herself trying it out"

You look at her and smile.

"Ohhh no. I know that look" Pip says. "Alright, fine. She's a friend and I wanted to help out. Red's got a lot of shit to sort, and I figured I'd take 'learning to use new limbs' off that list"

"She really does..." You say.

"That's what happens when you're pretty sure you'll be a monster for the rest of your life, then suddenly get your life back" She says. "She's gotta figure out who she wants to be, how to cope with the time she's lost, how to function without that demonic strength, how to work out her feelings for you, etc."

>She's got good help

>What was that last one?

>Lucky thing Fran is here

>Other

>>2588966
>>Lucky thing Fran is here

>>2588966
>>She's got good help

>>2588966
>>She's got good help
Her friends and family I mean.

>>2588966
>>She's got good help

>writing

"Well she's got good help" You say. "You, me, Fran, Lianna if she talks to her... kinda wish she'd put off transforming back into a weak human until after the threat of other demons was dealt with, but I'm happy for her all the same"

Pip giggles. "Yeah, it's pretty great, if not a teensy bit inconvenient" She says. "You know she loves you, right?"

...

"Come on, you must have seen it" She says. "What good are those time eyes of your if they can't even spot that?"

"Yeah, I've seen it" You say. "Is this the part where you caution me about hurting her feelings?"

"That's what happens in every books around this time... but no" Pip says, suddenly removing her arm from your shoulder and pumping her fist in the air. "OH! Pippi with the sub-VERSION!"

The act causes her to fall over, and you go to help her up. "Alright, so what is it?"

"Well she's still in demon mode, isn't she?" Pip asks. "She still thinks you're her only possible avenue as far as romance goes, which is wrong. She's a damn fine lady, and any man- present company included -would be lucky to have her"

"So...?"

"She doesn't realize that" Pip says. "And until she does... well... I think you should keep your distance"

"Doesn't she need help?" You ask.

"You can still help her, but no trying to do the romance" She says. "She's gotta learn to strut that heart of hers, and a guy like you should be a girl's first choice, not their last resort"

>Not sure I can do that...

>I'll try

>You're laying the compliments on pretty thick

>Other

>>2589018
>>You're laying the compliments on pretty thick
>>I'll try

>>2589018
>>I'll try

>>You're laying the compliments on pretty thick

>>2589018
>I'll try
but
>Not sure I can do that...

Yuu sucks at this whole romance thing, or is very inexperienced at the least. Asking him to use discretion might backfire hard.

>writing

>>2589018
>>You're laying the compliments on pretty thick

"I'll try" You say, shifting Lulu into a better position for carrying. "But you're laying on the compliments pretty thick, don't you think?"

"I'm just feeling particularly generous today" She says. "Also it's good manners to butter up the dude that's draggin' you and your unconscious friend home"

"Is it?" You ask. "Like is there actual ettiquette for this kind of thing?"

"No clue, Yuusky. I gotta admit this doesn't happen all that often" She says. "Those ales were just slidin' down, and before I knew it the ground got much closer than I personally feel comfortable with"

"You both hit the bar pretty hard... you feelin' okay?" You ask.

Pip shrugs.

>Ask if she's down about Derrybell

>Let it be

>Other

>>2589061
>>Ask if she's down about Derrybell

>>2589061
>>Ask if she's down about Derrybell

>>2589061
>>Let it be

>>2589061
>Ask if she's down about Derrybell

It's only fair to let her vent about her own shit after she's put so much thought into Yuu's/Cheska's situation.

>>2589061
>>Ask if she's down about Derrybell

>writing

"Alright, your turn" You say. "Still down about Derrick and Marybell?"

"A little bit... not as much as Lululu, but still..." She says, poking the sleeping Lupid in the cheek. "I kinda figured I didn't have much chance there, given my... less than noble birth, so I was just along for the ride"

"But Lululu did?" You ask.

"Lululu did" She replies. "Same with Rhea... but I guess the appeal of having a girlfriend you can ride was just enough to tip the scales in Belly's favor"

"I mean, technically you can ride any girl..." You say.

"Not into battle" Pip says.

"Not with that attitude" You reply.

Pip starts laughing. "Hey, maybe I should go get a bridle and see if he's into that" She says.

"I don't think-"

"Relax, I'm kidding" She says. "I'm a strong girl, Yuyu. I'll get over it"

"Hopefully before the town runs out of ale..." You say.

"I can always take a trip, either up north or to Locke. Both places have ale in abundance" She says. "Or maybe I'll just find a non-alcoholic way to deal with my problems"

"Plural?" You ask.

"Aren't they always?" She asks. "I've got some abandonment issues, minor bloodshock, a broken heart, very few non-work friends..."

>Abandonment issues?

>What's bood shock?

>Friends are friends

>Other

>>2589086
>>Abandonment issues?

>>What's blood shock?

>>2589086
>>What's blood shock?
>>Friends are friends, but if you ever want the prince of Lutain to give you some introductions, I'm always willing to help.

>>2589086
>>Abandonment issues?
>>Friends are friends
>>What's bood shock?

>>2589086
>>Friends are friends
aren't they?

>writing

You tilt your head. "Abandonment issues?" You ask.

"Yep" She says. "My dad left my mum and I when I was a little bean. Mum was around long enough to pass on some tricks, and then she up and died of some disease"

"Oh..." You say.

"And I don't think you know what blood shock is, so I'll tell you: It's like... you know when you see too much blood? It kinda... sticks with you" She says.

"I get it" You say. "I feel like I know it under a different name... it must have existed where I came from"

"So yeah... your good buddy Pip's got a list of issues as long as her tail" She says.

"But hang on... we're friends, aren't we?" You ask.

"I've been honest for the last five minutes so I might as well continue. You are my Commander's son" She says. "I like you, but being around you is always a weird place. Like I'm never sure where the boundary should be. Can I be familiar? Should I keep things professional? That kinda stuff"

"You're being familiar now" You say.

"I am dee-runk right now. I'll wake up tomorrow morning with a splitting headache and a sense of deep regret" She says.

You reach the place where Lulu and Pip are sleeping, and Pip stops you before you head in.

"I guess this is goodnight" She says.

>I could hang a while longer

>Get some rest

>Other

>>2589117
>>I could hang a while longer

>>2589117
>We ARE friends. Feel free to rely on me more if you think it'll help. Otherwise I'll forget what you want me to.
>Now get some rest.

Pip's just not being fair to herself if she doesn't think she's damn near the top of "Bro-tier" friends. Gotta set the record straight when she's drunk since I doubt she'll want to broach this subject again when sober.

>>2589117
>>Get some rest.
>>You have nothing to regret in the morning. And make sure not to take this attitude towards Lyvia. She needs a firm hand.

It occurs to me no one has ever discussed the issue of rank in a spouse with Yuu. It's been obliquely approached a little bit with the Rynia family and some girls suggesting they might be below Yuu, but it's never directly been addressed.

>writing

now i feel bad for Pip :(

"We're more alike than you know" You say. "I might be a prince now, but I came from nothing. I am where I am because of my abilities, same as you"

Pip looks away, so you gingerly take her chin and turn it back to you.

"We are friends, Pip" You say. "My shoulder's always here for you to lean on, even when you're not drunk"

"Thanks... really" She says.

"Alright, now bring it in" You say, opening your free arm for a hug.

"Really?" She asks.

"Yes. Come on" You say.

She sighs, then steps in and hugs you. You squeeze her slightly, aware that your control over your strength might not be the best in your inebriated state.

"This would feel so much more meaningful if Lu wasn't snoring" She says, her voice muffled by your chest but still audible.

"Is she?" You ask, pausing to listen. The snoring is slight, but it's there... "You can hear that?"

"I do have these big ears" She says.

"Oh yeah..." You say. "Half the girls I know have some kind of superhuman hearing. I don't know how I can still forget about it sometimes"

"I don't tend to flaunt it" She says, as she steps away. "And thanks... we should do this again sometime. Maybe without quite so much ale"

"You know where my house is" You say. "Now let's get you to bed"

"Worry about Lu, I'll be fine on my-" Pip turns to walk away, losing her balance with the first step and almost faceplanting.

...

"I retract that statement, and request that I be carried to avoid further embarrassment" She says.

"Request accepted" You say, leaning down to pick her up. "Now which bed is yours?"

That's all for tonight!

Next thread will probably be tomorrow, depending on how quickly I can pack. Not returning to the west coast just yet, but I will be spending this weekend with extended family.

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

>>2589161
Glad to have you back, and thanks for the thread! I was wondering why my life felt like it was missing something, then your tweet showed up.

>>2589161
Good to have you back.

>>2589161
Thanks for the thread. Does Pip have something similiar to hemophobia or is it more akin to PTSD?

>>2589353
I read it as PTSD. I'm surprised it hasn't severely affected more people than her really given how this war has gone.

You manage to haul both Lulu and Pip to bed, doing your part to make sure Lulu is comfy, and letting Pip situate herself.

"Good night Pip" You say. "I'll come by tomorrow to see how you're doing"

"Thanks Yuyu" Pip says, as she rolls on her side to get comfy. "For everything"

You smile and start to respond, then realize that she's already asleep. Figuring that it's best not to linger, you head out.

The bar is the first stop, where you grab the Rook and ride it back to the manor.

The maid at the door has fallen asleep by the time you arrive, so you rouse her and send her off to bed, then head for the baths. They're a little cold at this time, but you just need to rinse the dust off so you don't mind too much.

After that it's off to bed, where you sleep soundly right up until Lola busts through your door hours later.

"Goooooood morning sir~!" She calls out.

You groan and lever yourself up. "Hellola" You reply, wiping the sleep from your eyes.

"Carrie says you were out late last night" She says in a scolding tone as she opens the curtains.

"I was out with Pip" You say with a yawn, scooting yourself off the bed so you can get dressed. "Anything exciting happen while I was out?"

"Nothing much" She says. "Oh! Lizzie is finally making noise"

"That's exciting" You say. "How long do you think it'll be before we're asking her to be quiet?"

Lola gives you a dirty look, then giggles. After confirming that you don't need anything else, she leaves you to your business.

Once you're dressed you head down to get breakfast. Cheska is here already, sitting with Monique and chatting about something. Zaine is here as well, as is Quria.

You don't see any sign of Kanzka, but you assume she's around somewhere...

>Ask Zaine who he was with at the tavern

>Talk to Quria

>See what Cheska's talking about

>Other

>>2590028
>>Talk to Quria

>>2590028
>>Ask Zaine who he was with at the tavern

>>2590028
>>Ask Zaine who he was with at the tavern

>writing

You sit down by Zaine, who nods to you as you approach.

"Good morning" He says.

"Good morning" You reply.

"How are you feeling?" He asks.

"Pretty good" You say.

"Really? I thought you might be a bit hungover" He says. "You were pounding back those ales pretty hard"

"Not as hard as Pip..." You say.

"Those two get back to the barracks all right?" He asks.

"Yeah. I had to carry them, but they made it" You say. "Who was that guy you were talking to?"

"The kid?" He asks. "That was Callon, my nephew"

"What's he doing here?" You ask.

"He's with the northern force" He says. "I told you my wife lives up there, didn't I?"

"Oh yeah..." You say. "So she has a sister?"

"Brother" He says.

You nod.

>Ask how his wife is doing

>How does a slime give birth to a boy?

>He looks a bit young to be in the army

>Other

>>2590069
>>Ask how his wife is doing

>>2590069
>>Ask how his wife is doing

>>2590069
>Ask how his wife is doing
>How does a slime give birth to a boy?

>writing

"How is your wife doing?" You ask.

"Well. Busy with the kids, but well" He says. "My work here is paying well enough that they're not worried about money. But apparently her brother was pretty spooked about Callon coming south"

"Her brother's not a fighter?" You ask.

"Her brother is an alchemist. Not the fighting type, and not a glamorous profession" Zaine says. "Which is probably why Callon decided to go my way"

"You can't talk him out of it?" You ask.

"He's either got it or he doesn't" He says.

"Got what?" You ask.

"The ability to kill" Zaine says. "Soldiers tread a fine line between losing your stomach for violence, and growing an appetite for it. The first can cost a man his mind, the second can cost him his heart"

"How do you deal with it?" You ask.

"By picking my jobs and enemies carefully" He says. "It's why Meyu and I left the knight's order after Fenestrad"

"That was the place with the spellbombs, right?" You ask.

Zaine nods. "I've mostly gotten over it, but Meyu still has terrors even if he'll never admit to it" He says.

>Ask him about blood shock

>Will Callon be joining your crew?

>Do a lot of soldiers turn into demons?

>Other

>>2590104
>>Ask him about blood shock
>>Will Callon be joining your crew?

>>2590104
>>Do a lot of soldiers turn into demons?

>>2590104
>Ask him about blood shock
>Do a lot of soldiers turn into demons?

>writing

"Is that like blood shock?" You ask. "Pip mentioned it last night"

"Blood shock? Yeah, pretty much" He says. "Demitrius was his best friend, and he loved Lauren. Losing them hit him hard enough that he still hasn't recovered"

"So what is blood shock, anyway?" You ask. "I didn't really get a good explanation"

"Blood shock is the informal term. There's a longer one for it that I can never remember" He says. "It's just what happens when something bad happens. It sticks in your brain, keeps you up at night, makes you antsy, that kinda stuff"

You nod, but say nothing.

"You could probably find a book or two about it" Zaine says. "I know a few scholars have done some pretty extensive research"

"I'll keep that in mind" You say. "Do a lot of soldiers turn into demons?"

"Not anymore, and certainly not in Lubars" Zaine says. "The key to that is discipline, but you can ask the Commander about that. It was her and Jade that came up with the current organizational structure"

Breakfast arrives, and Zaine starts to eat. "One more question"

He chews, swallows, and looks to you.

"Will Callon be joining your crew?" You ask.

"We're waiting for the okay from his superiors, but his dad asked me to look after him. Easiest way to do that is to keep him close" He says.

>Aren't your missions usually pretty dangerous?

>I look forward to meeting him

>Other

>>2590163
>>Aren't your missions usually pretty dangerous?

>>2590163
>>I look forward to meeting him

>writing

"Aren't your missions usually pretty dangerous?" You ask.

"No more than any battle" He says. "This way I can keep him close, at least"

"Well I look forward to meeting him in person" You say. "If he gets the okay, I mean"

He shrugs. "They've no reason not to give it. It's one less green boy for their men to watch"

You nod, and start eating.

While you eat, Cheska and Monique head out. She waves to you as she leaves, but doesn't stop by to chat. You guess 'keeping your distance' might be easier than you expected.

When Zaine finishes, he also heads out, leaving you with Quria.

"How's it goin'?" You ask her.

She looks like she wasn't expecting you to talk to her. "I am... well" She says.

"Been in contact with your friends?" You ask.

"I am still waiting" She says. "Your big friend gave them much to consider"

"Meyu does that" You say.

"The man you were talking to said he has nightmares..." She says.

"That was... kind of a private conversation, but I imagine it's hard not to eavesdrop with ears like yours" You say. "Yes. He was part of a force sent to quell a revolt in a place called Fenestrad"

"I have heard of this" She says. "An exceptionally bloody affair, by any standard"

"An outcome we're trying to avoid" You say. "Did you sleep well?"

She nods. "Your staff are quite friendly" She says. "As are your friends"

"Well I call them friends for a reason" You say.

Quria smiles and excuses herself. Apparently she's been catching up on Lubrian affairs by reading old news reports and talking with people.

You look around, and see that the hall has emptied. No reason to stick around here, so you-

>Go out and check on Pip

>See how Lianna is doing

>See what Madelaine's up to

>Go find tiny snek

>other

>>2590246
>>Go find tiny snek

>>2590246
>Go find tiny snek

>writing

You get Coral to lead you to Liz, and head upstairs. She's in one of the play rooms, where they've got a climbing rig running all around the room.

Liz watches you come in from a spot near the ceiling and Lola, who is watching Liz, greets you.

"Come to see Lizzie?" She asks.

"Yeah" You say, reaching a hand up to her. "She seems to be doing pretty good"

"We had this stuff put in for the kids to play" She says. "I thought it might be too dangerous, but the floors are soft and she's a much better climber than I am"

"Most Serpids are" You say.

Liz reaches down and grabs one of your fingers, as her little smelling tongue flicks around.

>So she talks now?

>Any idea when there'll be more kids?

>Will this thing hold my weight?

>Other

>>2590293
>>So she talks now?

>>Any idea when there'll be more kids?

AHHHHHH SHE SO CUTE

>>2590293
>>So she talks now?

>>2590293
>>Any idea when there'll be more kids?
>>We're advertising, right?

>>2590293
>>So she talks now?

>writing

"So she talks now?" You ask, holding your other hand up.

"She makes noise" Lola says. "I think she's still a ways away from talking"

"Better than having her just be eerily silent all the time" You say.

Liz grabs a finger on your other hand.

"Well she's got a strong grip" You say.

Lola giggles, as Liz starts to slither down from her "branch". Instead of wrapping around your arm like she usually does, she flops down onto your head.

"Nice to see you too, Lizzie" You say.

She wraps her tail around your torso under your arms, moving down a bit so she can hug your neck.

"Aww! I think she likes you" Lola says.

"Of course she does. I'm the best" You say. "Right Lizzie?"

Lizzie's tongue flicks out.

"Does that mean yes?" You ask.

She blinks a few times and gets comfy.

"I think that means yes" You say.

>Hang around here

>Go see Lianna

>Go see Belladonna

>Other

>>2590358
>>Hang around here

>>2590358
>>Go see Belladonna
Maybe we can ask her for any suggestions on how to deal with silver haired elves. Also, why is there no schedule set for us to brush the fluffy maids?

>>2590358
>>Go see Belladonna

>>2590358
>Go see Belladonna

>writing

"I'm gonna go see Belladonna. Wanna come?" You ask.

"Well if I let you take the kid and leave, I'd be shirking my duties" She says. "So yes"

You head to Belladonna's office, where you find her with her nose in a book. She looks up and smiles as you walk in.

"Hello, sir" She says.

"Good morning" You say.

"I see you're well acquainted with our guest" She says.

"She's the cutest" You say, tickling the Serpid's cheek. "I was wondering what our timetable is for bringing on more little ones"

"We've put out the call" She says. "We can't exactly have people roaming the alleys looking for stray children, so we must wait for people to bring them to us"

"What's taking so long?" You ask.

"It could be that there truly are no strays" She says. "Or people are still wary of this place"

"Is there any way to quicken the change of reputation?" You ask.

"Word of mouth will do its work" She says. "We can only wait"

>What if I showed off how happy Liz is?

>Can we make posters?

>Keep me posted

>Other

>>2590420
>>Keep me posted
>>Ask if she knows anything about Quria.

>>2590420
>>Keep me posted

>>2590420
>>Keep me posted

>writing

"Keep me posted" You say. "And I was wondering... do you know anything about this Quria woman?"

"The resistance member? I am afraid not" She says. "She looks an awful lot like me, but then us Elves never vary all that much"

"That's true" You say. "I mean... uhh..."

Belladonna lets out a light giggle. "Do not worry about it" She says. "Did you need anything else?"

You sit down and talk with her for a bit longer about the affairs of the manor, and how things are progressing in town... until Liz starts to get fussy about being in one place for too long, so you get up and take her for a walk.

"Whatsa matter Lizzie?" You ask.

Liz flails her arms about, eventually grabbing a fistful of your shirt and clinging on.

"You can't have my shirt" You say.

She throws her arms up in the air, looking like she's going to strike somehow. You preempt her by poking her in the nose, causing her to freeze for a second, then go into hyperactive 'climb everywhere' mode.

"Somebody's excited" Lola says.

"I think she's just hyper. Let's take her back to her climbing thingy so she can blow off some steam" You say.

"I think what she really needs is more kids around her age" She says. "Socialization is important"

"That'll have to wait until we get more gets" You say. "Unless I can have the Munchkin shipped in"

"Who's the Munchkin?" She asks.

You're about to answer, when another maid interrupts.

"Sir, there's someone at the door for you" She says. It's one of the younger, less experienced maids.

"Who is it?" You ask.

"Uhh... I-I could go ask that" She says. "I was just told to come get you"

>Go down the the entrance

>Find out who it is first, so you can finish your conversation

>Other

>>2590449
>>Go down the the entrance

>>2590449
>>Go down the the entrance

>>2590449
>Go down the the entrance

>>2590449
>>Go down the the entrance

>writing

"No worries, I'll just let it be a surprise" You say.

"B-b-b-but I can-"

You cut the maid off, scratching her between her pointy ears. "Don't worry about it" You say. "Come, Lizzie. Let's go see who's at the door"

You head downstairs, as Lizzie settles in behind your head so she can play with your hair.

"Having fun up there?" Lola asks.

"Sure feels like it" You say.

You reach the front door, and see that there's 2 people there... Pip, and-

"Hella?" You ask.

Hella turns her head with a big smile. "Yuu!" She says, hopping forward to give you a big hug. "Ow!"

She pulls away and Liz follows, gnawing on one of her ears. You reach up and pry the little Serpid off.

"Come on now, Liz. No biting" You say. Liz turns her attention to your hand, but you don't mind. She's got a gentle bite. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to help!" Hella says, putting her hands on her hips and puffing up with pride.

...

"Let's be fair. Lala didn't know you acquired a house full of maids in the time she's been away" Pip says.

"He has a what now?" Hella asks, her eyes falling on Lola. "Uhh... Hi"

"Good morning" Lola says with a polite bow.

Hella lets out a nervous giggle. "I guess I've missed a bit, haven't I?" She asks.

"More than a bit" You say. "Why don't you come inside so I can catch you up?"

Calling it a night now, since I've gotta go pick someone up from the airport.

Next thread will be god knows when. Maybe Monday. I'll be sure to give a bit more notice.

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

>>2590494
Thanks for running

You, Hella, Pip, Lola, and Liz head up to the tea room. While you and Pip catch Hella up on recent events, Lola watches Liz explore and occasionally tosses her a grape when she calls for one.

"-so they made me the Lord here, since no one could agree on anyone else and there were more pressing issues to move on to" You say.

"And you guys were okay with that?" Hella asks Lola.

"It's a much more pleasant workplace now" Lola says. "Under the baron we were made to hide away our animal parts, ears, tails, horns"

"Baron... Graumer? Is this where Ilica worked?" Hella asks.

Lola nods, but before she can reply Liz gets her attention.

"Ahhhhh" Liz says, holding her mouth open.

Lola tosses her a grape, which she manages to catch in her mouth. As she chews it, she triumphantly holds her arms in the air. The rest of you clap until she goes back to what she was doing.

"Now, what were we talking about?" Lola asks.

"Ilica" You say.

"Oh yeah! Yes, this is where Ilica worked" Lola says. "And as I was saying, since he's taken over it's become a much nicer place"

"How so?" Hella asks.

"Well, I get to let my ears flop around for one" Lola says, shaking her head and letting her long, floppy ears wiggle. "And I get to spend my time hangin' out with the little snake"

"How is that going?" Pip asks.

"Good, mostly. She rarely causes trouble, except when she-... when she climbs something she's not supposed to. Give me one moment" Lola says, as she gets up and heads over to Liz.

Liz is currently trying to climb a cabinet full of very breakable looking things. She seems quite displeased when Lola lifts her off.

The three of you watch for a moment, before jumping back into the conversation.

"Is Cheska here?" Hella asks. "You haven't mentioned her yet. She didn't leave again, did she?"

You and Pip exchange a look, wordlessly asking each other 'You gonna tell her?'

>Leave it to Pip

>Cheska's learning how to fly

>Why don't we just show her?

>Leave that for later. Tell her about Stella

>Other

Quick post up for the day. Voting ends tomorrow at midnight EST

>>2610196
>>Cheska's learning how to fly

>>2610196
>Cheska's learning how to fly

Straight answer. She'll probably just be confused if we do the "Grand Reveal" that she's not a demon anymore. Also, after we start talking about Stella that's likely where her mind will stay (and she has some catching up to do on what's happened/what we learned since we got here).

>>2610196
>>Why don't we just show her?

>>2610196
>>Cheska's learning how to fly

>>2610196
>Cheska's learning how to fly

>>2610196
>Why don't we just show her?

>>2610196
>>Why don't we just show her?
and along the way tell her about Stella

>>2610196
>>Cheska's learning how to fly
>>Tell her about Stella

"Cheska should be up on the roof learning to fly, I think" You say. "Come on, let's go see her"

You stand up and start heading to the door once everyone else is moving, stopping when Liz squeaks. She slithers over and climbs straight up your leg to your torso, going under your shirt and coming to a stop a your chest.

You peek under your collar, and see her peering back up at you. "We weren't going to leave without you, Liz. No need to panic" You say.

She moves up and pokes her head out from your collar so she can look out.

"So she's living here?" Hella asks.

You nod, poking Liz in the nose. "I'm converting a good portion of the manor into an orphanage" You say.

"So she's an orphan..." Hella says, her ears drooping.

"Happened after our invasion" You say. "We found her when Meyu and his crew slept in what they thought was an abandoned house. Meyu stepped out of bed in the morning, and she sunk her fangs into his leg"

"I've heard Meyu snore. She probably thought he was a monster..." Hella says.

You chuckle, as Liz nibbles on your finger. "Alright... what else is new... oh yeah!" You say, snapping your un-nibbled finger loud enough that it startles the Serpid, who darts back under your shirt. "How come you're so jumpy today?"

"She probably just needs to spend some time slithering about" Lola says, pulling your collar out to coax Liz back up. "I'll take her to play with Robin, that should-"

Liz comes right out, looking excited as he little tail rattles.

"Oh, that got her attention. Wanna go see Robin?" Lola asks.

Liz slithers out and up Lola's arm, climbing around to rest in an odd spot underneath Lola's large chest.

"Now say bye bye" Lola says.

Liz waves with both arms, and Lola lets you know where she'll be before heading off.

...

"So?" Hella asks.

"So... right. We've got news on Stella" You say.

Hella gasps. "You do? Is she okay?" She asks.

"She's fine, apparently. A little worse for wear, but she's in good hands" You say.

"I thought the Legion had her" Hella says.

"They did have her, up until they landed here..." You say. "They left her here because they thought they had killed her, but she was still alive"

"Is she here!?!" Hella asks.

"No. She's in Kirando" You say. "The Resistance broke in here and took her out. They're keeping her there for the time being"

"That's wonderful! I should tell my father!" Hella says.

"Hold up, Lala" Pip says. "Think about that very carefully. Your sister is at her safest right now because the Legion believes she is dead, and as far as they know we still think they have her. What happens when they discover her current state?"

Hella looks overwhelmed.

"We spread this, and they start looking for her" Pip says. "The Resistance can't tangle with them if they come for her. Better to wait until we've secured the lady before we do anything"

"B-but..."

>Pip's right

>Maybe we should at least tell the Huntmaster

>The Hunters could help us secure Kirando...

>Other

More quick post. Voting ends at some point.

Am Smiley. Totally didn't notice the lack of trip.

>>2613046
>Pip's right
A wild late night update

>>2613046
>Pip's right

>>2613046
>Pip's right

>>2613046
>>Pip's right

>>2613046
>>Maybe we should at least tell the Huntmaster

>>2613046
>>Pip's right
>>But there's no reason why her family can't know, as long as they promise to not do anything rash until she's back where she belong: with us.

>>2613046
>>Pip's right

>>2613046
>Maybe we should at least tell the Huntmaster

Yeah, if they left her here because they thought she was dead, they at least know that WE know they tried to kill her then, in which case, they dont really have their main hostage anymore, by their own hand. So as long as its done subtly, any actions the Huntmaster takes as long as he doesnt tell anyone else can easily be explained away.

>>2615359
The only real reason it needs to be done quietly is to not tip off that the hunters know, though really Mahron ought to be planning for that anyway. Minimal investigation would be required to confirm whether she's alive or dead now that we've taken the city, so he has to presume we have found out. They no longer have a hostage game at all since they tried to kill their main hostage almost immediately. They also took all the information she has, so Stella has no other use either. The biggest risk really is that resistance members get interrogated with boons and she is caught with the rest of them.

"Pip's right. Stella is safe, as long as she's 'dead'" You say, putting finger quotes around that last word. "We take Kirando, secure Stella, then let everybody know what's happening"

"But dad..." Hella says. "Can we at least tell my dad? I don't want him to go on thinking Stella's still in their hands"

You look to Pip. "I... guess" You say. "We may want to clear that with the Commander, but as long as the Huntmaster can play along there's no reason why he needs to be kept in the dark"

"I'll talk to her later, once my own business here is done with" She says.

You tilt your head. "You have business here?" You ask.

"Yep yep! I like Lala, but I didn't come all the way here just for her" Pip says. "I'm supposed to ask the Queen if she's down for magic lessons"

You tilt your head the other way. "Lyvia is here?" You ask.

"She had a sleepover with the devils" Pip says. "You didn't know?"

You shake your head.

"The Devils... Lily and Daisy are here?" Hella asks.

"And Fran. They came with the Scholars" You say. "So she actually slept here?"

"Yep" Pip says. "Apparently those three get along rather well"

"Oh jeez..." You say.

"Is that... bad?" Hella asks.

"You've met those two. They're great on their own, but they're a terrible influence" You say. "Imagine the kind of mayhem they could cause with the most powerful ice mage in the world as an accomplice to their pranks"

...

"I'll have to check on them later" You say.

"How did you find out about Stella anyway?" Hella asks.

"She was here. We have one of the Legionnaires who interrogated her down in the dungeon, and I personally explored the tunnel she escaped through. She left her bowtie at the exit" You say. "And we have Quria, a member of the Resistance here. She's the one who confirmed that the Resistance has her"

"Can I speak with her?" Hella asks.

"Cheska first. One thing at a time" Pip says.

The three of you come up to the roof, where you find Cheska, June, and Monique. Looks like June is trying to teach Cheska how to take off, and Monique is guiding her through using her magic to make simple updrafts.

"Hey guys" You call out. "How's it goin'?"

Cheska looks over and smiles, half running and half gliding up to your group. "Hella!" She says, as she manages to stop herself just short of bowling the awe stricken bunny over and hugs her. "It's good to see you again, I didn't think you'd be coming"

Hella looks stunned, as Cheska pulls away.

"Well...? Say something" Cheska says.

"U-uuuhh" Hella says. "Y-you look good... did you always have wings?"

Cheska laughs, and looks to you. "Yuu, did you not tell her?" She asks.

"Tell me what?" Hella asks.

"The wings grew out after I got my heart back" Cheska says

Hella wobbles a bit on her legs, then falls over. You step in and catch her, leaning her back to see what's wrong.

"Did she just faint?" Cheska asks.

>I suppose I should have seen this coming...

>Good thing the nurse is already here

>This might be a prank

>Other

>>2617246
>>I suppose I should have seen this coming...

>>2617246
>I suppose I should have seen this coming...

>Good thing the nurse is already here

>>2617246
>>I suppose I should have seen this coming...

>>2617246
>I suppose I should have seen this coming...
>Good thing the nurse is already here

>>2617246
>>Good thing the nurse is already here