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Here's a summary of important things and recent events, I might post it at the beginning of my next threads. Feel free to correct me on a few things I might have missed.

Recent Happenings.

The girls duel ended inconclusively, in cultural term this translate into all wagers being void.

Elenor has been recruited into the Red Guard, thereby gaining Zazawu influence. She has been disowned by her adoptive family, the Jucunda, as a result of wanting a fair end for this fight.

Elenor revealed an interesting development. She was tasked by her adoptive mother to make Vilma life miserable shortly after the lich arrival at the academy. It is suspicious timing because it coincides with Teruko troubles when the administration left her languishing for an entire month; the stretch of time Vilma suffered the worst. From there, things proceeded into the story you know with their feud, culminating with a second suspicious order. Eveline tasked Elenor to bring Vilma out of the academy walls.

What Daiyu and Sieglinde will do with this information remains to be seen.

Finally, Elina intends to make a brief sojourn in Zipangu when it'll be convenient.

Important information about your origin.

The Demonic Throne is a maelstrom of Corruption that erodes people of their individualities, making survival extremely unlikely for anybody with a soul as they'll be reduced to little more than starving spirits. How you survived is a mystery.

The Demon Lord isn't the only one who can interact with the Demonic Throne. People have been known to survive short exposures inside of it.
There's been a significant gap of twenty years in Daiyu reign where guarding the Throne wasn't a priority.

Daiyu acknowledged the possibility that you could have been dwelling inside that pillar before she came into power.

Elina spoke of students sharing a dream about a ''protector'' after she came to the academy two months ago.

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Three chairs of red leathers and a small sofa of similar material surrounded a large table filled with ornate decorations. Teasets, numerous plates, and flowers resting inside a thin pot accompanied an excess of sweets. Cakes, crepes, cream puffs, juices, pastries... a set of steamy teacups brought another dose of sweetness that, added with everything else, almost became an attack on your sight and nose from being made to witness such gaudiness. At first, you could only grimace in disbelief, this kind of choking projection of wealth went far beyond what you've grown used to in Daiyu and Sieglinde presences, both demons were surprisingly homely in their choices of furniture.

Images of the lovely horned redhead and her tall mother kindled flames of passions and you'd have probably jumped out of your chair had you not taken a deep, deep breath to control your nerves. Wondering where and how you got here was a trap you couldn't linger to think about. Of course, it was unusual to be somewhere completely unknown, doubly so with this door of glass leading into a deep dark overgrown forest that held no similarity with her majesty groomed woodlands but more important was to reconstruct events that could have led you here.

Your evening had been peaceful. Satisfying rest earned after a busy day of learning and training should have heralded another good day yet what ought to have been a nice chat with your benefactor had you read a strange, ominous letter. After that... Sieglinde decided to keep silent about this new despite your insistence otherwise, her highness did agree not to keep this between the two you but wanted to burden her mother in the morning instead of preventing peaceful sleep.

You agreed to her request, it wasn't unreasonable asking a night delay.

''I'm dreaming.'' It was the only conclusion you could accept. Perhaps was still present and you've gotten up a second time but you'd have been followed and likely stopped well before stepping inside some unknown abode deep inside the academy woodlands. It wasn't possible, your situation had you kept under close watch after nightfall.

A muffled thump behind you had you nearly embrace Focus. Seeing a mixture of coppery gold, obsidian, and hints of rust had you immediately relax on your chair when you saw this sudden occupant - no, companion- continuing his clumsy steps on the garish carpet of red, black and gold.

''Sorry for not showing up during today... yesterday Hour of Lullaby. Totally slipped my mind.'' Buddy had somehow been conjured from nothing and, even if it was impossible to glimpses any hints of emotions inside that large rectangular topaz occupying half of his face, his gesture of gently putting a palm of metal on your shoulder was everything you needed to know to understand his feelings.

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''Never thought I'd end up in a lucid dream.'' You smiled, preferring gazing at this unusual friend instead of enduring this tableware, food looked good, though far from your own preference. ''It didn't occur to me that it'd be a good idea, I've been wanting to get a chance for a long talk with you. Say if-''

Low clicks of metals accompanied Buddy joints as he gently held out a finger, his glowing gem growing fainter, giving impressions of a frown. ''You are not safe.'' His voice, a high-pitched noise of non-organic nature similar to a banging forge, flowed out of his head without showing any obvious origin.

''Can you explain?'' Questions of how or why were immediately rejected, his hand on your shoulder prevented you from getting up but his second one pointed silently at the glass in front of you.

Odd shapes of long, elongated branches appearing as ominous arms in the light combined with fluttering leaves dancing against a backdrop of silent wind to reinforce your earlier impressions of being very deep in nature but now that your companion had you raise your guard, you noticed something stranger, the shadow seemed far too close to the glass and it was the nexus of all those strange flutterings shades. They moved so chaotically without any hard winds in the background or woods tinging on glass...

Someone was standing on this doorstep and, as if realizing your silent train of thought, the iron doorknob moved, twisting on itself and the hand of your protected tightened its hold.

''If only I knew I was to host two guests! My, oh gods above I had to see who it could have been standing beside my esteemed patron!'' A jovial voice with a distinctive feminine edge, neither youthful or old, mingled with flowing wind as the door fully opened, revealing a tall elegant Mamono.

Long dark hair traveled along her back in uneven, wild curls, with a calculated parting around her forehead to dispel ideas of someone who just got out of bed. Nesting there on top of her hair was a pair of triangular protuberances, fur or hair covered canine ears twitched nervously as the lady took a polite bow. ''Lisbeth Witeld welcome you as host! I'd have prepared some... oil perhaps? Or a spot of lubricant to properly welcome this second guest, do forgive me!'' Said this woman, pawing in direction of Buddy who didn't budge, his lack of breathing truly gave him a statue appearance.

What had you stunned into silence was nine additions slithering in the air around this woman flanks, coming out of her waist. They were tails, nine of them, slim yet puffed with fur of creamy white. Spotless and soft-looking, they reminded you of small brushes with the way their tips thinned into fine points.

''You didn't need to wait for me before eating, mysir.'' Said the woman garbed in a small kimono of red and gold, she had made her way toward the sofa and sat in a thump. Those velvety tails dextrously hovered near the porcelain and she learned to grab a still steaming cup.

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Hearing the door clicking a second time tore your gaze away from this nine-tailed foxy maiden. Another woman had quietly slipped inside, her back offered a view of silky smooth hair that evoked images of yesterday clouds while her skin of bronze clearly told of foreign descent, marking an inviting contrast. When she turned around, this nameless woman eyes of dull red fixed you neutrally, her pointed ears would have likely made you choke on tea or food.

A dark elf.

''Mh? Oh don't mind Myr. she's the one who cooked everything.'' Lisbeth half-turned to observe this new arrival while dining on a creamy pastry. This Myr calmly walked to stand beside the foxy woman - Kitsune- and made a point to fix her gaze on the table while resting her hands atop her belly.

''I'm... confused.'' You decided to admit, giving the metallic being a careful glance. Buddy head was angled toward this multi-tailed woman, he stood almost motionless in this vigil, the few squeezes on of his hand your shoulder was his only sign of life.

''Did you not get my letter?'' Asked Lisbeth, concern, and surprise mingling into her lovely features, she forgot to wipes stain of creams on the sides of her mouth.

''No, I... I did, Lisbeth Witeld?'' She nodded, ears twitching cutely. ''A tea party? In my dreams?''

''Perfect wouldn't you say?'' She leaned forward to grab a pastry glazed in strawberries. ''All the joys of eating, experiencing the happiness of wonderful sweets and a satisfied full belly without worrying about natures consequence!'' Her tone was smooth, rivaling these deserts in lusciousness. ''Do pardon my eagerness, you see when I heard you were alive and well I... I had to see for myself, distance is our foe but there's way to make do.'' She winked, leaning back with slithering tails.

You stopped, carefully measuring your response, feeling an edge of cautious and hostility you weren't certain how to place. Buddy warning lingered heavily in your mind. ''...So you know who I am?'' In the end, admitting your amnesia was a vital step for communications, even if it felt like you were giving concession. Of course, the question was dumb and it took an effort to avoid cringing but how can someone approach this gracefully?

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''Mmhm, Arawn Loukanos of Luminaris, firstborn heir of high-elven royalty.'' Lisbeth pinched her fingers together, crumbs falling down onto the floor. ''We know each other, my friend. Your mitigated reaction on my arrival told me everything I had to know, I needed to make certain that your lack of memory wasn't a rumor...'' Lisbeth looked sideways toward her elven aid, a tiny nostalgic smile giving her a saddened impression. ''...Could I ask for your forgiveness by imposing myself during resting hours? Ah well, I'm only wondering about your wellbeing!'' A quiet clap emerged out of her hands as she slapped them together gently, tails swishing to and fro. ''Perhaps we could open this little party by having you speak of your days and situation? What are you up to, Arawn? Having fun, I hope?''

Who.... what is this woman? An old friend? White tails, golden eyes, long dark hair, a spirited, energetic voice, smell of sweets... nothing spark memories or even the briefest sense of familiarity.

>Comply and speak about your activities. It'd be a good way to build a bridge and construct a dialogue with this strange woman. (Diplomatic)

>Ask this woman what she wants, you've been forcefully invited in this little ''tea party.'' You don't have to play ball and be a good entertainer. (Aggressive)

>Redirect the conversation toward Myr. Would a mere cook be present for this rekindling of old friendships? (Diplomatic)

>Free

I want kinda a mix between

>Comply and speak about your activities. It'd be a good way to build a bridge and construct a dialogue with this strange woman. (Diplomatic)

and

>Redirect the conversation toward Myr. Would a mere cook be present for this rekindling of old friendships? (Diplomatic)

Let's just briefly address our situation as "Everything has been pleasant to me so far, except for the whole Not rembering anything from my past first", then insist that as we are lost, she and this Myr need to be the ones doing the explaining of what relationship brings them together with Arawn. Only after confirming they are worthy of some trust we start considering talking about other people and our relationships with them.

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>>2792540
That'll work. I'll wait for the usual 20 minutes before proceeding unless another anon gives their agreement.

>>2792540
Support. I don't trust this lady at all, and barging into our head like this certainly doesn't win her any points.

>>2792540
Good plan, I support.

argh, I meant, between

>Comply and speak about your activities. It'd be a good way to build a bridge and construct a dialogue with this strange woman. (Diplomatic)

and

>Ask this woman what she wants, you've been forcefully invited in this little ''tea party.'' You don't have to play ball and be a good entertainer. (Aggressive)
.
Showing a bit of curiosity about the cook woldn't harm, either, but in any case, the one who has the 'honor' of explaining things first to us, is our host.

I'm fine with either >>2792540 or >>2792574
If we DO tell her about our doings after being removed from the Throne we keep it short and unspecific. This 'Lisbeth' gets details when she earns them.

>>2792574
To be honest, the stuff you spelled out in your first post is essentially a more diplomatic version of that and I'm all about the diplomacy right now I do agree that we need to get them to explain things to us though.

>>2792581
Damn right. Also, for everyone else involved, be warned. This GM is more than capable of shadowrunning. Get paranoid!

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''I've had pleasant days despite my situation.'' You begin, measuring your tone and swallowing any discomfort brought by this very sudden party. ''I've thankfully been able to deal with my situation, although I do have to admit to being lost about this party and invitation, my lady.'' Someone wearing the name of Sieglinde dead sister and Teruko upcoming daughter didn't instill you any trust but you could still give a pretense of politeness to gauge these women.

''You insist on us sharing a friendship, I'd like to know more about that, alongside Myr. Is it common practice for a cook to be witnessing a dreaming... tea party?'' Lisbeth had tried to wedge a remark but you insistence had her eyes opened wider but she relaxed immediately, crossing one leg above the other, she grabbed another pastry with a satisfied smile on her face, eyeing you with something almost like pride.

''I don't host often, please forgive my impertinence.'' She peeled off bits from her donuts, waiting before slipping them into her mouth. ''It's true I ought to be helping you situated yourself, Myr presence isn't a coincidence.''

Lisbeth turning to smile at the dark-skinned elven woman was met with complete indifference.

''It was a little gamble.'' The vixen continued. ''Us three share a history but I wanted to make absolutely certain your state was... true, I thought maybe having more than a single familiar face would provide a stimulus but alas! Not so!'' Her golden gaze moved briefly toward Buddy, his protective vigil had him keep on standing motionless.

''I knew your parents.'' Lisbeth announced, carefully gauging your reaction and you made certain to not let slip anything. ''It'd be a long tale to explain my dear Arawn so I'll speak about us. Our relationship began during your youth before I found you in Eliaures. You were still so very small, a darling boy.'' She leaned sideways, putting out her palm to give the approximate measurement of your height as a kid. ''I was to be your teacher before tragedy struck, my relationship with your parents was one dear to me so I decided to take full responsibility as a mentor, fully conscient I'd inevitably join my influence with Luminaris royal family... but I didn't care. I liked you, you were a calm child who kept thinking about so many things and starved for knowledge, you taught me I liked teaching!''

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A glitter in her golden eyes revealed happy nostalgia that left you lukewarm, this fox was completely lost in the past. ''You knew me as a young child, that's why you wanted to meet me now?''

''It is our starting point.'' Lisbeth turned to face you, momentarily stunning you with this aura of grace, a strange inviting radiance surrounded her, demanding you look into her eyes and listen. ''You see, after the catastrophe... I lost sight of you for the better part of 90 years, perhaps more. I knew you had lost everything: parents, sisters, kingdom, people... While Demon Lord and humans bickered over what happened I tried my best to find you in a big land hostile to monsters.''

''How did you even know I was alive?''

''I met your father during the tragedy.'' Lisbeth gaze hardened. ''Thank to him, I knew you were alive but I came far too late for him to tell me where to find you.''

''Mh...'' A quiet moan emerged out of that lady-elf, her foggy gaze of dull red looked to you then the ninetailed vixen without any further signs of autonomy.

''Dear Myr...'' Remarked Lisbeth, eyebrows knitting together in a sad grimace. ''Her tale is one of injustice, you see she was your caretaker before I finally found rumors of your existence in Eliaures and... Those disgusting, awful people took advantage of her.'' Whatever had caused this brief lapse of energy inside this girl was gone, her previous docility was back in full force. ''By quietly removing her they were allowed to keep you as a trophy and mold you however they liked... that is until I finally came to uphold my duty.''

You felt stunned, this chain of revelations was difficult to swallow.

''I'm not certain what they did to her, damages that time will heal I hope.'' Lisbeth interrupted herself with a drink of tea. ''That's what motivated this little get-together, my dear Arawn. Am I being an adequate host?'' She smiled awkwardly as you looked toward Myr, then settled on Buddy. His metallic warning earlier, you are not safe, was plunging you into genuine confusion.

How...? Is any of this happening? Is this it? Your past? Is that foxy women of fluff your gateway of truth?

>Open up about yourself a little more. This lady... could she be a benefactor of yours? (Diplomatic. Also make precisions on what you want to say)

>Insist on knowing what happened inside that human kingdom. You already have some ideas but having more would be immensely helpful. (Diplomatic)

>Ask about Lisbeth role as a Supreme Monster. A kitsune of ninetails doesn't go unnoticed. (Diplomatic)

>Free.

>Insist on knowing what happened inside that human kingdom. You already have some ideas but having more would be immensely helpful. (Diplomatic)

It's important to learn more. We are starved for answers, and she seems to have a lot of them. We should reward her apparent information of things retaining to our past with some concession, though.

"You're doing okay. Just to make sure, you're not an adversary of the people who are currently giving me shelter, are you? Things have gotten... a bit tense lately. The last thing we need right now is more unstability."

or something like that.

If something bad happened to Myr, or if she's under the influence of something that stops her to speak freely, we must also manifest our interest in helping her.

For the time being, paying attention to anything she does or any sound she makes, and asking more about her could help?

>>2792666
Support. At the moment she's the only source of information we have, we need to hear what we can. We should take it with a grain of salt however, at least until we can confirm the info we get or we remember anything about her.

We'll have to open up slightly after this, I feel. Giving Lisbeth some... bait, for the lack of a better word, could let us hear more.

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''You're... doing well.'' You had to clear your throat to keep an even tone. It was difficult keeping your emotions in check, desperate need to know more would have you lean forward and ask an avalanche of questions while making revelations about your situation.

Calm down, Arawn. Don't go crazy because of someone baiting knowledge at you.

''I'd like you to answer me something.'' You reaffirm your stance, keeping away from drinks and foods. ''Are you an adversary of my benefactors? Things have gotten... tense, having more instability is the last thing we need.''

''Going against the Demon Lord is folly.'' Lisbeth giggled. ''I'm not an adherent of Supreme politics, I keep myself quiet when I can. You've nothing to fear, Arawn... I wouldn't call myself a friend of Daiyu, but I'm not a foe either.''

Neither positive or negative, at least she was making her stance clear. trying to find a lie in those solid golden eyes and that constant smile was... impossible, you're far from the best judge of characters but spotting a physical tell isn't going to work. Perhaps Lisbeth is worthy of trust, maybe.

...Although a Supreme wearing the name of Sieglinde dead little sister and Teruko upcoming daughter is odd.

''If I can insist on something.'' You continued as Lisbeth pinched yet another pastry, a cream puff this time. ''You spoke of Eliaures, what happened there? Could you give me details, please?''

That wraith of memory inside the throne spoke of many things in there. You were tied in friendship with that kingdom princess, you helped a pair of monsters, didn't he say something about Myr too?

''I wish I could have helped you.'' Lisbeth voice carried an edge of anger. ''Things happened swiftly inside that kingdom. You see Arawn, I have allies of my own, people I can trust to help my duties and when I learned of your existence in that kingdom I sent three of them to gather information and hopefully help you because I knew of the royal family nefarious schemes.'' The tall foxy maiden placed the half-eaten pastry on a plate and extended an arm upward where one of her slim tail enrolled itself around her limb akin to a furred serpent.

''I had something very important to take care of back then and I figured I could take a long approach, observe your situation, make sure I don't make a mistake... it was spying, I apologize for making such a crude thing.'' Her smile turned into a guilty frown and those large furred ears of blackness lowered. ''One week. In the span of one week, I arrived too late and you disappeared again.''

You didn't need to voice anything, your hanging jaw and grimace of disbelief extracted a soft giggle out of Lisbeth.

''Sorry about that. I'll explain a little more.'' Whisking away her tail, the vixen hands joined together as she relaxed on the large couch. ''A group of people had shown up inside the capital of Eliza, it was a squad from Zipangu and they were after you.''

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Mylen. Bodyguard of Zipangu married Prince Siegfried... She left a strong impression inside that wicked throne.

''My people were forced to intervene, while Eliaures is a wicked place, it was still much better than being whisked away into a country of monsters to be subjected into experiments so awful I'd rather not blacken my tongue with uttering them.'' Lisbeth marked a careful pause as she finished her second teacup, Myr dutifully refilled it and for a moment this abode was filled with a sound of dripping water.

''What in the world did they want with me? How old was I? Ten-years-old?'' This pause had been enough for you to control yourself, your pounding heart wasn't so easy to calm down... but you could at least fake it.

''Eleven.'' Lisbeth answered with this cool, gentle tone, it almost felt like a splash of refreshing water inside your hot innards. ''Zipangu is a dangerous place, a country that receives favors from Mother Earth and I believe it is through this relationship they found out about you, got it into their heads you were...something special.'' She paused to drink against your expectation. ''A Godling.''

That's not the first time you've heard that word. You almost blurted you this truth but Buddy silent, stalwart presence reminded you to keep yourself strong.

''Don't know what that is, hm?'' Continued Lisbeth and you silently shook your head. ''I'm not certain myself, dear Arawn. It is something of a myth. An infant entity that could one day grow into a being to rival Mother Earth, feel like a god yet?'' Her lighthearted chuckle was met by another shake of your head.

''I've no idea how it got into their heads that you were some kind of being to rival their patron god but I reckon her ladyship of life doesn't suffer pretenders. This squad and my allies clashed against one another to get at you but it seemed you were helped by a third, unknown party.'' Lisbeth let out a long breath through her hands and extended them sideways to imitate a puff of smoke. ''Dissipated like a cloud, only to reappear once more... this time I decided to avoid subtlety. Amnesia though, that wasn't something I expected.''

You couldn't find anything to say, this was something you'd need a little time to process... But inside her golden gaze, there was a certain expectation dwelling in there.

''Am I slowly starting to be worthy of your trust?'' She asked you, you could only pinch your lips together silently.

>Free
(I can offer choices later if there's indecision, I want to see if you guys will come up with a response without guideline)

"To some extent, yes." as an answer to her question about if she has earned our trust.

So we know that there is a chance that we are a potential god in the making. We also know that three factions knew of it: This Lisbeth kitsune and her affiliates, Zipangu, and a third unknown party that might be the Throne itself.

It seems like Lisbeth here doesn't know about the details of the throne. If we decide she is trustworthy, we CAN considder informing her of this fact later on the conversation. It'd help her solve some of the puzzles left about our whereabouts all this tim, since it seems she's been worrying about Arawn for a long time.

It also means that, these 3 factions, including Lisbeth herself, sought being in control of the wildcard of a potential Godling.

One good thing to ask is: "So, you've confirmed I am alive and healthy. What happens now? What do you plan to do next, now that you know about this?" and "My immediate plans is figuring out a way to recover my lost memories."

Do NOT mention that we plan to go to Zipangu to check this out, she might want to oppose this somehow.

>>2792821
Not making up a response, this is just asking a question. How many years ago do we reckon these events happened? Do we even know or have a rough estimate?

>>2792853
>How many years ago do we reckon these events happened? Do we even know or have a rough estimate?

That's not something I can answer, you guys haven't researched the Allied Kingdoms much so knowledge of troubles that left an impact (like a big fight in a capital) is unknown to you for now.

Because we didn't invest time to research about the past, we are at a disadvantage in this conversation, as we cannot doublecheck anything she tells us with any known facts. Which means if she were to lie to us, odds are, we'd have a hard time discerning it.

I am curious about how she claims was appointed as our caretaker, while I was in the impression that the person who stood by our side was that old man we saw in the throne, among our memories.

>>2792867
>I am curious about how she claims was appointed as our caretaker, while I was in the impression that the person who stood by our side was that old man we saw in the throne, among our memories.

Lisbeth said she was to be your teacher before the catastrophe of Luminaris.

Now then, do you guys want to follow this anon >>2792848
actions? Or would you prefer I wait a little more?

>>2792881
I'll go along with it. Can't think up anything better.

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>>2792902
Alright. This should take another hour to make, so it'll likely be the last for today. 4 post/day during a marathon is a good pace.

>>2792848
Mm-hm. This sounds good.

I think we should try to wrap this conversation up. We've got plenty of information to digest and research/fact check.

What worries me are these groups or organizations that have had us on their radar. I think it's pretty safe to assume that they know of existence. If we want to go to Zipangu with Elina we MUST find a solid way to keep our identity hidden, openly waltzing into potential enemy territory is unwise

I am also worried about HOW she found us after so long. W have only been around for like, 7-10 days. And I am not sure we've been making that much of big waves.

So I wonder if she has spies infiltrated in the Throne Town.

>>2792942
>So I wonder if she has spies infiltrated in the Throne Town.
Highly possible. Very concerning in that if Lisbeth has spies in Throne Town... have these other groups planted some as well?

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''To some extent.'' Silence had lingered for five long minutes and a flash of confusion in the vixen eyes needed precision. ''Maybe a little trust.'' Not enough to inform her about your adventure in the Throne with Daiyu; you were taking advantage of her good will.

Zipangu, Lisbeth, and some unknown third party had designs on you? Enough to kidnap you as a child? What in the world is that supposed to mean? Without knowing anything about your past it's impossible to verify Lisbeth story and your possible relationships, you've relied so far on people opinions to make what few decisions about yourself you've been able to make but this... this Lisbeth ties to you are old, ancient and could likely be confirmed by memories alone.

''You've seen with your own eyes that I'm alive and healthy, what do you intend to do now, Lisbeth?'' Her thoughtful expression made it obvious your question wasn't an easy one to answer. ''My own ambition is to recover my memories, especially now that you've offered more perspective on this time of my youth in Eliaures...''

''I've never liked being passive.'' The lady announces, finishing her tea while a tail hovers close to her face to replace a wild strand of hair. ''I was close to your parents when all the troubles started... I know I'm coming on strong but I do want to help you.'' Lisbeth cleared her throat giving a bashful smile with hints of redness rising to her cheeks. ''One does not simply walk into her majesty Daiyu Jawahir inner stronghold, so if you'd allow my dear Arawn, I've been thinking of strengthening the ritual I've used for us to communicate.''

Knowing she'd need to explain more, Lisbeth turned for her elven aid and murmured a gentle ''go fetch it, dear'' and turned back to you.

''Plunging an unsuspecting party into a shared dream then making it lucid is no easy task. I've exhausted important, hard to get materials; it'll take me a month to contact you again in this manner, I'd rather not step into Throne Town as I am now.'' She emphasized her word with a shake of her head. ''Ninetailed foxes have bad reputation wherever they go and I'm not a skilled shapeshifter, besides having an ally nobody knows is an ace right?''

She winked, plopping a grape into her mouth.

''What I'd like to do is for us to get more nightly tea parties in the future. I'd still give you space, of course, allow trusts to grow with time... but if there's ever a moment when you are lost or need help then you'd need only ask. Fall asleep with my name and visage in your head... it'd echo into my soul and I'll come running.''

''Do you mean a soul link?'' You asked, incredulous. That was a big leap... though it felt like this encounter was a lucky break, perhaps Lisbeth was trying her best to avoid looking desperate.

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''Dear me, no! You only need to give me permission, here.'' Pastries, decorations even the flowers evaporated into nothingness when Myr approached the table. Buddy never budging a muscle, his quiet and persistent support was feeling a little invasive...

The dark elf unfurled a long piece of parchment inside which incomprehensible letters dwelled, swimming in a foggy pond. No sentences could be seen, what looked like drawing would pop up to the surface and, like frogs, they'd dart down into inky waters after catching a glimpse of your direct gaze.

''With your permission, this would build a bridge between our souls. If we touch it together...'' Lisbeth sank a finger inside this paper and extracted it without trouble. ''...it'll make something similar to a contract, an understanding between us that'd allow these tea parties to continue.''

Your eyes strayed toward Myr, whose unfocused gaze of glassy red revealed no emotion, her lips opened and closed gently as if mouthing silent words and Buddy... he wasn't moving at all. You don't know when, but his hands squeeze had stopped for a while.

''You say we won't be able to meet again for an entire month if I don't... agree to this link?''

''Yeah, maybe it'll take less time.'' Lisbeth leaned back on the couch, tails swishing, adventuring upward in a silent quest of levitation. ''But agreeing to this... contract spell, there's no better way to put it really, will be a vital step in allowing me to act as your ally.'' One foot came to rest on the couch, revealed a long naked leg that almost stole your breath away. Lisbeth expression was distant, a little sad, nostalgic... She rested a cheek on her knee, gazing at you with forlorn resolution.

''It's your choice, Arawn.''

Do you ''sign'' this contract?

>Yes
>No

Continuing tomorrow.

Hmm, she has made a good case for herself, but I am recalling something about a Witch of Contracts that we learned about recenty.

Let's think about this, what are we unwittingly agreeing to, or volunteering to, if we sign? Does this allow her to detect our ocation wherever we are? Does it allow her to tamper with our dreams in some subtle or not-so-subtle way?

I believe, we don't immediately need her support right now. She only has a little of our trust, after all.

So I propose:

>No

At least, not this time. We might consider this chance in a month. Maybe after that, we will know where we stand on this whole thing, and make up our minds.

So that it doesn't feel like we're disregarding her offer thanklessly, we might just tll her that if our understaning is right, we just awakened and got dragged out of the Throne.

...Maybe. I am still iffy on this last one thing. Perhaps if other people agree with that.

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>>2793139

>Does this allow her to detect our ocation wherever we are? Does it allow her to tamper with our dreams in some subtle or not-so-subtle way?

Yes on both, she had to alter your dream to make this one possible after all.

This is a fairly important decision so I'd like to make sure we get agreements here.

I myself could be persuaded to change my vote to Yes, if the people who propose it raise good enough arguments for that.

I can see the merits in siding with this fox, after all. I am just wary of making a rushed decision. But until more people speak in favor or against agreeing to a contract with her, my stance shall reemain at No.

>>2793059
Can we ask her a few questions before deciding? Because if so:

"I can't read this contract so I'll just have to ask. What specific permissions are you asking me to give you? Going beyond that, it will only allow what *I* explicitly and consciously consent to right? No metaphorical "fine print" that puts an unknown geis upon me, allows you to invade my privacy in ways beyond my current imagination such that I don't even know to explicitly deny those paths to you, transfer my domain and/or power to you should I become a god, or anything else like that right?"

Full lawyer/anti-monkey paw BS mode.

>>2792497
>pic
What's the witch blushing about?

>>2793232
+1

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Alright, I'll add another smaller update to answer these questions.

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''I've got questions.''

''There's not much time until you wake up.'' Lisbeth interrupts, relaxing her position to properly look at you eye-to-eye. ''It's not a literal contract, think of it as a bridge... but I'll answer of course.''

A strange paper of foggy substance doesn't instill confidence. More details about this ritual are needed before giving it a chance.

''What specific permissions are you asking me to give you?''

''For you to grant me the initiative of influencing your mind for purpose of communication only'' Lisbeth make a point here, shaking an index in your direction. ''I want us to continue speaking like this and, in time, I hope to earn your trust for deeper, more profound ritual.''

''Meaning it'll only allow what I explicitly and consciously consent to?'' You clear your threat, shaking off a cold sweat. You weren't willing to shake off Buddy hand, as unmoving as he was.

''As the host, your will is stronger. If our engagement displeases you, you'll be able to break it: nothing can be done without your express permission.'' Lisbeth rubbed her hand on her kimono, betraying nervousness.

''Meaning this situation of mine, being the ''host'' of this contract you are putting forth make it impossible to put metaphorical geis, prevent you from invading my privacy in ways I cannot fathom to imagine now? You wouldn't be able to influence me by means I cannot deduce now?''

Your mind was racing, there were no written words here, no clause, nothing to identify and make ''real'' in this murky water. Can you even consider this a contract?

''You're thorough.'' Lisbeth was back to smiling, her face a strangely peaceful expression. ''I like it, good instinct. As a host, you'll be able to destroy our engagement; all I want is to keep this abode, this little house between us to continue our parties.''

''Then, if I were to become a god, any domain or aspect of mine wouldn't be transferred to you?'' This question visibly stunned the vixen, her eyes opened wide and she leaned back with twitching ears.

''Dear Arawn...'' She started, clearing her throat. ''If you were to somehow elevate yourself and reach apotheosis, our engagement will wither under your influence. You wouldn't have to worry about it.''

>>2793254
>>2793353
Is that it? >>2793059
Back to the prompt?

>>2793431
Whoops it totally slipped my mind to actually announce it. Yeah, that's her answer for the questions.

>>2793436
>>2793155
It doesn't seem particularly malicious except for the 2 access privileges she has. I'm leaning towards Yes at the moment, but the others are leaning towards No.

The ability to break the contract at any times?

Well, that does change things slightly.

I am now hesitating. X3

Mmh. IF we agree, we do so on a disclaimer that we will terminate the contract as soon as we start to sense any suspicious things or bullshit like that.

Also, I want to ask what is the procedure for breaking it. What if it requiress a specific set of actions, and she just does not inform us on how to do so?

Also, IF we do take the contract, we pay attention to everything and anything we can gather from it, to research this "contract" on our own when we're back awake.

Also, check our Buddy and Myr for any more suspicious reactions.

If Neither of them show any sort of discomfort with this... ...
>Yes

>>2793451
+1
>>2793451
>Also, check our Buddy and Myr for any more suspicious reactions.
>>2792506
>Buddy had somehow been conjured from nothing and, even
>inb4 Buddy is one of our enemies disguising as an ally.

>>2793353
So, if I'm reading this right, we can unilaterally break off the deal for any reason at any time through a simple act of will and she can't pull any BS that we wouldn't be aware of somehow?

Because if so >>2793451 has the right idea.

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>>2793447
I'll wait for tomorrow, until 3 or 4 pm before locking things as this is fairly important.

>>2793451

>Also, I want to ask what is the procedure for breaking it. What if it requiress a specific set of actions, and she just does not inform us on how to do so?

It'll be a conscious decision on your part. Breaking it could be violent since you'll need to destroy this house.

>Also, check our Buddy and Myr for any more suspicious reactions.

Both are unmoving, Buddy is a literal statue with a hand on your shoulder and Myr is standing still.

I trust Buddy.

If he were to try and squeeze our shoulder or push us away, or tell us something like "Don't Listen to her!" , I'd hesitate more. But if that's all they do, let's go with Yes, after all..

>>2793459
So... Lucid dream means we can just conjure up a nice Molotov or 5 and chuck em' at it when she ain't there? Because that's an act of will the pyro in me can get behind!

Also, she says we have the stronger will as the host so in the event she tries to stop us we have an overwhelming power advantage over her in dream land right?

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>>2793489
Yep.

Hrnnn. The fact that we'd be able to terminate this contract when we so wish is good but...
>>2793059
>No
I remain suspicious, and the fact that the contract itself is obscured does nothing to dissuade that.
Besides I'm still sore about someone managing to slip a Geas onto us, mind effects - voluntary or not - don't sit well with me.

>>2793919
Oh trust me, ain't no way in hell I'll back the "deeper" version of this one period.

In fact, if we do end up taking her up on this we ought not be directly involved in any contract or deal making between nations while this is in effect. We don't fully trust her yet, and this "contract spell" pretty much spells out who/what she is and nations explicitly don't want her involved in their deal making.

>>2793447
>>2793451
Two yes

>>2793919
One no

I won't be closing votes yet but so far seems like we're leaning toward accepting the deal.

>>2793059
>Yes

>>2793353
Sounds solid enough. Points have been made and allieviated.

>Yes

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Alright, we've got a clear majority. Might take me a bit longer to write up, but as of now, we'll consider voting closed.

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''By destroying this house with powers of thoughts alone, I'll sever our connection...'' Your eyes strayed toward this luxurious little abode, brick walls with many fancy paintings adorned the wall while a few sculptures reinforced the sense of wealth.

''Indeed, I know this paper looks similar to a contract but it'd be more accurate to think of it as a magical object.'' Fluttering tails and a few hand squeeze betrayed the kitsune mounting nervousness even if it didn't show in those golden eyes. ''A substitute for a linking of souls, I'm not pretentious enough to force something so intimate on you.''

''What do I have to do?'' It was a good thing you were close to the table, Buddy unmoving hand made it difficult to lean forward. What in the world is happening to him anyway? Maybe you should ask his opinion...?

''Sink a finger inside the water.'' Lisbeth smiled, leaning closer, inadvertently giving you a better view of her cleavage. ''I'll do the same, then you'll get an unpleasant feeling you can't allow yourself to reject. Think of it like swallowing bitter medicine, you get a natural gag reflex at the taste... but you have to push on regardless.''

''Right, basic of magic when it comes to interactions between people: conscious permission.'' Lisbeth nodded, carefully eyeing your finger.

That murky, vapor-like substance with blots of inky letters showing up like tiny isles wasn't inviting at all but you pushed on, taking in a deep breath and sank your index inside that object that, like she described, felt like touching lukewarm water.

''Ah...'' A small gasp came out of the robotic dark elf, her eyes opened and closed with a strange surge of vigor that didn't last. Seconds later this outburst dwindled to nothing.

''Myr shows these reactions at random, it's why I'm keeping hope her mind can be healed.'' Lisbeth followed her gesture, making her finger almost completely disappear inside that gray, foggy pond. ''Now's the important part...'' She murmured, glancing at you with serious golden eyes.

Sensations of foreign wills and influences were becoming familiar. You felt it, a sensation, an impression at the edge of your mind dangling there like a half-complete idea, something lacking, unbuilt that needed your thoughts to be restored. You concentrated on this strangeness, allowing it to come closer and closer...

A disgusting sensation would have had you twitch had Buddy hand not kept its firm hold. Water seemed to splash all over your body without actually making you wet, yet it was crass, dirty... almost thick like mud. It took a genuine effort to resist gagging, another demanded you to battle rising nausea and swallow rising bile as this muck penetrated your skin and got into your stomach, your entire body battled to reject this, instincts screamed against this poison yet... it took hold because you allowed it.

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''Urgh... Mother's mercy...'' Moans and grunts escaped your mouth, complaints murmured under your breath helped you somewhat, removing your finger from that artifact lessened the intensity of this disease. ''Done.'' You growled a breathless acclamation.

''It's not easy.'' Lisbeth responded, lifting her finger off the paper. You half-expected that foggy, watery...thing to start dissipating but nothing happened.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6aN04YAH4U

''Oh, Arawn? Doing well?'' Asked the ninetailed fox, she had wrapped her arms under her bust, restrained excitement translated to constantly swishing tails.

''I'll get over it.'' You wiggled, launching a glare at the unmoving statue. ''It's lessening, should be gone in a minute.''

''I see, you're strong. I'm impressed, this wasn't easy to endure.'' There was a new emotion in her tone, joy, excitement... perhaps you could refer to it as happiness, her smile was a broad radiant one that became contagious.

''Really, it was so difficult to hold back.'' Lisbeth continued, glancing toward her dark elven aide, giving Buddy an adventurous look, then finally settled on you.

''Acting and lying is sooooo haaaard!''

A veil was lifted, the maiden of white nine tails began clapping, mouth opening in a delirious smile of joy. Bright red brick walls crackled, aging by decades in seconds, pastoral painting of windmills and sprawling farms changed to images of rampaging armies or crazed villager enjoying a banquet of cannibalism, rust and blood poured out of the nearby armors. The collection of sweets on the table changed to meat, human meat, a collection of eyeballs occupied the spot used by creampuffs, hands torn of skin was put in place of table decoration, red, brown even yellowish meats from organs were put neatly into old tableware, cream replaced by oozing blood.

Black hair changed to white, golden orbs colored red, Lisbeth had gotten to her feet while you sank deeper inside your chair of old leathery red, renewed surge of nausea crippling any attempt at resistance.

''Myyyyr! Myyyruuuu! We can laugh, finally! It's time to laugh my dear Myyyyruuuu!'' White tails whipped the air like angry serpents, somehow managing to sound like angry hisses to your ear. The maiden of dark skin and pointy ear took a step forward, her dull eyes unchanging yet her mouth twisted into a wide grin of insanity.

''HYAHAHAHAHAHAHA!'' They laughed as one, high pitched feminine voices mingling into a grating noise of delirium.

'W-what...!? What are you two? Lisbeth!?'' Battling nausea made it impossible to move much, doubly so with Buddy hold but you still wriggled, rubbing your sweaty forehead while resisting the urge to puke.

>>2794925
>''Acting and lying is sooooo haaaard!''
>tmw we forget to ask if they could lie and prove they couldn't.

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''E-V-E-R-Y....thiiiiiiing was a liiiiiiiie!'' Lisbeth didn't wait to breathe after that cackling, she whirled to face you, tails whipping air and tableware, sending bodyparts crashing around. ''Everything, all the things, story, me, you, nooooothing was true!''

''Foul deceiver!'' Another urge to vomit interrupted you but you swallowed your discomfort. ''You're in my head! My head! I cast you out! Leave, burn, melt, die!''

It was not so. Your words, spirited, full of hatred, your will to rebel against this treachery were mere words against cruel, uncaring reality.

''You can't go kicking out a guest!'' Lisbeth... no, this woman retorted while clapping her hand she had already walked around the table and bent over you, long fingers with uncomfortably frown nails dug into your skin when she grabbed your jaw. ''One of Mother's Earth virtues demands of hosts to be kind with whom they welcome into their halls! I'm here! I'm inside yoooou!'' A soft tickling touch on your skin followed after she touched you with one of her tails. ''Ama-no-Uzume doesn't let go, you've slipped through my fingers and it won't happen agaiiiiiiiiin.'' A long, thick tongue of deep red, almost dark purple, come out of her mouth and she crawled it on your cheek, leaving a sickening trail of cold spit.

''I don't give away my toys! You've always been mine! I thought you broken but you came back again, to me! Kihihihyahaha!'' She slapped you right in the face, then locked both hands on your cheeks as you closed your eyes from this stinging sensation. You wanted to protest, yet a heavy feeling in your throat had you mumble your words, this villainess angled your face toward that piece of paper.

From its murky polluted depths came letters of reds, written in crimson blood. ''Look, look! See why you're mine!'' Cackled the vixen, before your eyes an unbelievable sentence formed.

I, Caedwyn Loukanos, hereby declare that my firstborn, Arawn Loukanos, shall be given to Lady White in exchange for services rendered, past and future, to my house.

What...? Your Father...?

''You've allowed me in! I'm in heeere!'' Tails slid around your body, countless tentacles touching your torso, wrapping around your limbs, tying, choking even choking you. ''Can you believe how hard, how fun it was to be standing here under a barely altered guise!? Our history, your past resistance rendered to nothing and you didn't...even... know me!? Kiiihahahahaha! This joy! This satisfaction aaah!'' The vixen stood up, slapping her hands on her cheek and finally allowing her tails to stop strangling you, allowing vital air to fill your lungs while your world kept on spinning. Preventing Focus, preventing resistance... you felt sluggish, sick and weak.

Something was crawling inside of your soul.

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''Once in a lifetime! My dearest escaped toy, somehow forgetting me so I can fool him for the very first time... Never, it can't happen again! Aaaaaah!!'' Lady White whirled and whirled in bliss, cackling, and cackling, whipping yet more pieces off the tables...

A crashing sound trampled the vixen insane laughter. A fist of metal had slammed into the paper, the stalwart presence of coppery gold and obsidian beside you had moved to destroy that disgusting display of food. His head was turned for the ninetailed villain, that large gem making half of his face glowed red.

''Wellllcooooome back, Protector! You're finally invited into my tea party, I do so hooooope you're having fuuuuuun!'' This woman, Ama, wiggled her tongue out of her mouth to give Buddy a childish grimace. ''You've lost twice! Two! Two times!'' She held out two fingers, while slowly but surely those sensations crippling your guts started to lessen, like building immunity to a disease...

You are not safe. Buddy said after showing up, then held onto your shoulder, leaning over your flank as if trying to tell you something else... Buddy had stood motionless during all of that exchange because he couldn't do anything else.

''Your dearest Pretender, gone! Your second charge, mine!'' She punched her chest with a fist. ''You can't do anyyyythiiing! Can't protect anyoooone! Incompetent machine! Born from a child mind and that's the extent of your wits! I'm so happy you've shown yourself during that duuuuel! Gaaaardyyyyyyyyyyy!!''

A scream of metal erupted out of Buddy, pitch somehow alternating between low and high, a sound similar to crashing, broken swords and armor. His solid frame reached forward.. only to abruptly stop, forced with blocking a counter from the elf. Myr had struck armed with a strange weapon: a pair of thick rods protecting the sides of her underarms, firmly held by a steel grip while a prominently rounded tip allowed for deadly strikes.

''Not so fast, nononono!'' Lady White tall presence loomed over you and a new injection of weakness followed. Disease, nausea, vertigo... your tongue felt numb, this monster presence was accompanied by doom. ''He's about to wake up!''

The enraged machine wasn't listening, Buddy anger couldn't be stopped and his duel against Myr was to be shortlived indeed for both of his arms had metamorphosed into blades and the elven woman had already many bloody lines carving up her clothes, telling of many near-hits by her enraged foe despite their short duel.

Your feverish gaze spotted something strange beyond the door of glass. A shadow stood, arm extended toward the doorknob and somehow... an impression, a need pierced into the turmoil of your mind. A cool sensation almost brought you to tears, a running river of clear water washed away stinks, sweat and crass...

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''Aaargh! Come on, wake up you worthless elf!'' Ama long ears twitched and she moved to wrap her arms around your throat, prompting a second wave of nausea that unfortunately carried painful consequence with a wave of vomit falling out of your mouth.

Enter. You whispered in your mind and the door opened.

A woman stepped inside... Someone you couldn't describe with this haze affecting you. Long hair, fair limbs, bountiful chest... brilliant eyes, brilliant colors. Purple, gold, green, red, blue, somehow mingling without imperfection; a beautiful chaos invade this abode, drowning Buddy and Myr fight in colors

--

You woke up drenched in sweat. Faint luminosity from the lamps telling of early morning -the maids always followed the sun with these- and you were left alone in your corner of the bed. Elina and Sieglinde always slept beside you, but you had shed so much sweat that it felt like someone threw a bucket of water on you, so both girls had abandoned your sides during their slumbers.

You couldn't care though. Your eyes caught movement above the bed. A beautiful butterfly of soft gold was hovering there, not too far from you and, as if scared by your gaze, it hovered away to exit out Sieglinde large, always open doors.

What the hell happened?

>Free
>I'll give you times to... process this before offering choices if you guys feel a little overwhelmed.

>>2794937
>You are not safe. Buddy said after showing up, then held onto your shoulder, leaning over your flank as if trying to tell you something else... Buddy had stood motionless during all of that exchange because he couldn't do anything else.
Man, I hadn't thought about that.
>The enraged machine wasn't listening, Buddy anger couldn't be stopped and his duel against Myr was to be shortlived indeed for both of his arms had metamorphosed into blades and the elven woman had already many bloody lines carving up her clothes, telling of many near-hits by her enraged foe despite their short duel.
>>2794949
>drowning Buddy and Myr fight in colors
>>I'll give you times to... process this before offering choices if you guys feel a little overwhelmed.
I must know what happened to Buddy.

Uh oh...

Well, this is an important lesson. Let's try to keep away from contracts with strangers from now on.


Also, let's invest in figuring out a way to break this contract, later on.

As for our immediate actions...

Number one, let's try and follow that escaping butterfly. Perhaps we can learn something from all this.

If we lose track of it and nothing particularly relevant changes, let's unvoke this Gardy right away. We need to check up on it's status and ask him what that whole thing was.

>>2794958
>I must know what happened to Buddy.

You can try employing known methods, like asking Vilma and/or Teruko for help in summoning or waiting for the Hour of Lullaby.

Or try something wild and/or new.

I forgot to write it in my text, you are in the...

Morning of Day 11

>>2794964
We don't necessarily have to wait for the hour of the lullaby to try and summon him, right? i want to try doing that now.

Alright Anons, I think the lesson here is "don't fucking accept shady contracts from strange women".

>>2794949
>Get cleaned and dry clothes to distract us with routine. Berate self for falling for the bait of knowledge. Organize our thoughts to properly inform the girls about this.

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>>2794970
You can't summon him on your own.

Let's see, I'll put it like this.

>Wake up Teruko and/or Vilma and insist on a summoning ritual RIGHT NOW. You need to see Buddy.

>Follow that strange butterfly, what in the world is it?

Or this anon choice work too >>2794975

>>2794978
>>Follow that strange butterfly, what in the world is it?
>inb4 it's a trap.

>>2794975
>>Get cleaned and dry clothes to distract us with routine. Berate self for falling for the bait of knowledge. Organize our thoughts to properly inform the girls about this.
There's so many stuff I took for granted during the deal that I didn't think it could go wrong once we got some answers.

>Follow that strange butterfly, what in the world is it?

I recall this golden butterfly has interceded in our favor at least a couple of times already. Even if we don't catch up with it, it'd do good for Arawn to register in-character that the golden butterfly is a big deal. Chasing after it might lead to some interesting outcome.

And if it doesn't, we can also go and seek Teruko and Vilma's help right away, too!

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Butterfly it is.

I need to reframe my mind and calm down. Say hi to the BBEG!

Well, it is a polite BBEG, considering she invited us to a teaparty and all.

Next time we attend to a tea party like this one, we are crashing it harder than what this unknown rainbow woman did just now.

I suppose it's time for us to prepare for said party-crashing now that we've got time.

And, this is not a vote or anything just yet, but I do beleive it reasonable to inform at least Daiyu that this Lady White person MIGHT have us in her grasp now.

>>2793919
>Besides I'm still sore about someone managing to slip a Geas onto us, mind effects - voluntary or not - don't sit well with me.
>>2792497
>Someone put a geas on you, resulting in making a Rune of Passage inside Daiyu back door! You've thankfully managed to convince the Demon Lord of your innocence in exchange for making a binding oath. How you deal with this remains to be seen. Daiyu believes your geas to be gone because you haven't done anything suspicious after your strange episode of sleepwalking.
How did this happen?

Oh, so this is one of those kinds of quests. Duly noted.

>>2794949
I must commend you for tricking us so very well. I imagine you're quite happy with the prospects for our collective suffering this problem presents. Still, soul mage, if anyone can unfuck us it is, fittingly enough, ourselves. Also called it on who Lady White was. Truly, I now feel oh so very very bad for Ame. Worst. Possible. Mother.

Second, our dad is a special kind of dick. He sold our soul to the devil and we didn't even get to argue about it! What a fucking dick! If he's still alive, and we find him, oh boy, I'll feed you all the wonderfully horrendous ideas in my head for inducing pain and suffering. Only this time, I'm going to be able to enjoy it.

>>2795018
Oh I bet you are REJOICEing hard right now. The BBEG's and your own reaction were likely identical. Invigoration. Elation. Jubilation. Other words that end in ation! Seeing us fall for your ruse and fucking ourselves over royally has brought you Joy hasn't it.

>>2795049

We presume it happened when we locked gazes with that one strange man with the symbol flickering on his eye.

It had us sleep-walk to Daiyu's garden and scribbling some sort of rune in the floor.
But it is apparently gone now.

Though now we're under some sort of contract, which could be technically worse.

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>>2795049
How it happened isn't known, Arawn has a theory about it: that strange blue Oni, Harkon, is the one you hold responsible for it. There's no proof, unfortunately.

You haven't shown any strange behavior after that time Daiyu tried to squeeze the truth out of you.

>>2795050
This kind of stuff won't happen often.

>>2795051
>Oh I bet you are REJOICEing hard right now.
Enough that I need to get back into a proper QM frame of mind, there's no danger anymore so I need to write the continuation properly.

>>2795018
...That's not our pops, is it? Fuckin' bastard selling us to a witch of all things.

>>2795041
>I do beleive it reasonable to inform at least Daiyu that this Lady White person MIGHT have us in her grasp now.
Absolutely. This is not the kinda shit you hide from the woman who has helped us so much.

>>2795049
Anons. Anons happened. The usual really.
To be completely fair, even if we hadn't accepted this contract, Lady White most likely could have still screwed with us somehow given that our dear old man has apparently sold us to her.

>>2795051

Well, we were just easily conned into accepting a deal like that, ourselves.

Perhaps Arawn's father was simularly tricked, or blackmailed into accepting?

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>Follow the butterfly

A rush of adrenaline had you nearly trample Sieglinde in your dash to exit the bed: your shirt and short clung to your skin and you managed to jump over Sieglinde. She groaned in response and you took off in a sprint under Priscilla disbelieving gaze.

The entire corridor was one of comfortable darkness with gentle hues of lamps and hints of sunlight from the faraway garden creating a lovely, serene atmosphere. You caught a golden luminescence moving to filter through a door - the one leading into your room- thus you took off swiftly and opened it with enough presence of mind to avoid slamming it open and wake the girls.

Inside the darkness of this stone built, windowless chamber glowered this beautiful insect, projecting gilded luminosity like a lightbulb. It waited there gracefully, undaunted by your breathing and presence. Even after you took a long sigh to calm your nerves, entered and closed the door... it stood there.

''Second time I've seen you, I think. I remember your fluttering after Elina resolved herself to open her heart in friendship with the other girls...'' Only a few days had passed since; that memory felt like weeks ago.

Your voice didn't cause it to flee but you didn't try to push your luck too much. Holding you the same finger that went inside Lady White contract, you put it near the butterfly... and it slowly fluttered in the air once more and landed on your skin.

Foreign sensations, a will that wasn't your own... a permission to enter your raided mind. You allowed it, at this point you might as well sink if this was another trap.

''Thank you.'' It was a soothing, gentle voice without resonance, a simple whisper in your mind, a healing draught to chase away headaches. Powerful, yet... fragile, it somehow reminded you of Teruko despite having nothing of her invasive presence and charisma. ''...Sorry. I was too late, we didn't prepare well enough.''

''Tell me about Buddy, please. Is he alright?'' That's what mattered, his rage... gods you should have listened to him.

''He is.'' This womanly voice answer was warm. ''Fear not for him, you two are still entwined. Gardy...Buddy has retreated into seclusion, it's how he copes. Give him time and space, speak to him later, he'll have mastered his emotions.''

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''Aaah...Good.'' Everything ended so abruptly. ''He's fine, could you explain what happened?''

''You've been deceived.'' It was a firm answer that made swallowing saliva difficult. ''Lady White always held influence on you but do not despair, please. She wants you to believe you've been checkmated, that your soul, your entire being belong to her after this failure but it is not so; her infection has spread but it is no organic disease that ravages the body. You've finally been awakened to her menace, Arawn... Your mind and soul have already erected walls. Ambushes are the most effective of assaults, she didn't finish you off and that's a victory.'' The being paused, her breathing flowing into your ears... awaiting an answer.

''I... could you have warned me?'' You didn't want to cast blame, your state of mind still searched for a culprit that wasn't your own idiocy.

''I did.'' She answered gently, striking a painful blow to what remained of your pride. ''When darling Elina confided in you, I landed on your back and warned you about that scheming spider but her influence made you forget right away. It was information she didn't want you to know and, since your mind hadn't erected natural protection, she managed to seclude my words and disintegrate them.''

''She played with my memory?'' You wrapped a hand around the knob of a drawer, squeeze it painfully to vent some rage.

''Played with anything that referred with Lady White and her history to you. It was the extent of her influence... now, I'm not so sure how things will proceed. Differently, sneaking like this is likely impossible now.''

''That's heartening...'' You shook your head, trying your best to avoid looking so grumpy.

''You've always been caught in a tug-of-war between the strongest of beings. It is a little comfort I know... but I can only offer an apology for my own incompetence. Me and Gardy decided to keep a watchful guard... but I came too late this night.'' Her voice was honest, her tone had lowered into a smooth voice of regret that, somehow, still burned with passion.

''Lady White had the luxury of waiting, unlike me.'' This sentence was a whisper of guilt, a tiny lament for her own failure.

>Who are you?

>What should I do now?

>How can I protect myself?

>Free

Let's continue tomorrow. That long text drained me

She likely is that other third party that was after Arawn along with Gardy, the other ones being Lady White and Zipangu, maybe. That is, assumming what the fox villain said is reliable at all, which is dubious.

I am curious about who she is, but what really matters to me the most is:

>How can I protect myself?

As for > Who are you?, let's only ask if we get time to do so after we've asked about protecting ourselves.

Good update tonight, INH! :3

>>2795174
>How can I protect myself?
>Who are you?
These. In this order. Veeerrry important. We don't have the knowledge, tools or skills to outright fix our predicament, thus we must work to mitigate the damage immediately.

I likely won't be able to participate much in the next run, blast it all. Real life obligations.
Thanks for running though, Insert!

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>>2795183
Thanks. Always a pleasure, lots of thought went into Ama lies, wew. It was a gamble.

>>2795198
The biggest danger is over, now's the time to see if you can still enjoy time with the girls despite this development! I'm still planning to continue for the weekend so you'll have time to let your voice heard.

Also, about asking her what we should do, I don't think we should just ask, unless she wants to give advice herself.

But, it doesn't hurt to tell her that we WILL be telling the others about our dream tonight. She might not want us to mention her, and if that's the case, she might ask us not to.

Whatever we do, if we can guess how comfortable she is about being mentioned in conversations with Daiyuu or others we can guess more about her.

>>2795174
>How can I protect myself?
>Who are you?

Oh this is just swell, a villain who specializes in mind fuckery who just got more access to our gray matter. Oh this is friggin' awesome. Killing her will be a pleasure... assuming she doesn't manage to make us go all Stormbringer on our friends mid fight!

>>2795203
That'll depend on how much of a meat puppet she's made of us now. If we're able to keep her from making us kill them in their/our sleep then all is well.

If not, we arrange to sleep in a well secured dungeon cell every night. Sucks, but it's better than waking up with a dead friend/lover in our arms.

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>>2795256
>If not, we arrange to sleep in a well secured dungeon cell every night. Sucks, but it's better than waking up with a dead friend/lover in our arms.

That's a statement to remember.

>>2795264
Damnit now whenever we lose consciousness we are become her meat puppet. Fuck! Now the big question is can she use our magic when we're not in the driver's seat? If no we can get away with being clamped in irons attached to a bed or wall before bedtime (don't forget a sturdy gag least the witch whispers lies into their ears). If not, then reinforced supermax dungeon cell is our only option.

Damnit, I liked cuddling with the girls. Can we be geis'd to never harm the girls? Probably only a temporary measure, bad fluffy can likely dismantle even the best in a day or two, but it'd be something.

I'm also a little scared to ask but the contract daddy made did specify serving our house in the "future". How worried should we be about that?

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>>2795382
I knew you'd overreact. Slow down buddy, this was a little tease; it's a statement with surprising poignancy for something you'll see later.

You aren't a menace to anybody...yet. Butterfly-girl will help situated yourself a little better.

>I'm also a little scared to ask but the contract daddy made did specify serving our house in the "future". How worried should we be about that?

The phrasing was about his own noble house, ie yours. You'll have to make your own conclusion if that's threatening.

Remember, Lady White is a liar.

>>2795413
Ouch. Whoever that is, sucks to be them. Pretty sure I remember who you're talking about now. I forgot about that part until you reminded me.

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>>2795428
A sad thing, isn't it?

>>2795433
Indeed it is. She's such a good girl too. Sadly, a Kumiho has to Kumiho no matter how much they don't wanna. At least she's nothing like her birth mother.

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>>2795456
Zipangu will be an interesting place to visit.

>>2795462
Hope it happens soon now. Bad fluffy apparently doesn't like the place and would like us to not go there. This means we should go there.

>>2795479
>>2795413
>Remember, Lady White is a liar.
>>2794927
>>2794925
What if she knew we would follow that logic, and thus acted to set a future trap?

>>2795479
>This means we should go there.
That makes you pretty easy to manipulate, since you'll always do exactly the opposite of what an enemy appears to want from you.

>>2795413
So our dad's contract could be a complete lie and fabrication meant to mess with our head. Then until we get hard evidence otherwise, such as from the sealed royal archives of Luminaris, we should assume that everything she said is a lie.

>>2795462
Do we know how long a geas can stay within a target? Because if White's been after us since before we entered the Throne, what's to say that the geas isn't one she implanted at that time? We never checked where the portal we created led to, so we're running purely on speculation that it was Harkon that did it.

>>2795507
>Do we know how long a geas can stay within a target?

Geas varies extremely wildly. Daiyu gave you a crash course on them, they tend to be relatively short-lived because a person mind naturally erodes them with time, even those implanted unconsciously. Year-long is about the maximum for ''high level'' geas, in general, though those things are implantation of actions. Like you did with that rune, geas are made to make someone do something.

What Lady White did doesn't conform with a geas capability.

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I do believe that she might not have been expecting to convince us from the get-go, as she was nervous about tricking us.

If that were the case, it makes sense she wouldn't say anything downright incriminating until after she did the reveal. All that stuff about the godling, and Zipangu having their eyes on us from the beginning might not be false.

I feel like, even if she hadn't gotten us sign the contract, she'd still try to persuade us against Zipangu. My guess is, she is not in good terms with them at all.

Which is is why even though she is a liar, there might be buried truths between the things she said. Her claiming "It was AAALL a lie" might be a lie in itself.

The contract MIGHT be a lie, though. Or not. We will have to find out.
---

PS, tried doing some fan art of her! I am bad at making more mature women, so she might be a bit more youthful than she should, but oh well. My first attempts at drawing characters aren't always the best! I will do better next time I draw her :9

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>>2795540
Not bad. You can take Ahri as a reference, Ama is pretty much identical to her except all white of course.

>>2795552

Got it! I will take refference on her clothes next time. ;3

>>2795540
I can almost feel her absolute evil and sadistic glee from that portrait. Good work dude. You've apparently nailed one of the more important aspects of visual artwork, conveying an emotion/feeling.

Keep it up dude, you're a potential up and comer. Glad to have ya aboard!

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>>2795640
I prioritized the smig/wicked grins over things like detail or anatomy. I also put extra effort in making the fox ears and fox tails look sufficiently floofy.

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>>2795716
I meant smug, not 'simg'. My typing is atrocious tonight >w<

>>2795716
>>2795718
>pics
>pics’ names
I can feel >>2794937 Gardy's disappointment.

>>2795716
>>2795718
Arawn getting bullied sure is nice to see

>>2795726

I want to apologize, I've taken a serious, dramatic moment and made it silly instead.

...I thought of adding *uncomfortable/distressed elf noises* in the second image too, but I reffrained myself.

[spolier] Doodling Arawn getting bullied is fun. I'll probably do it more eventually. But for that, he will need to get bullied first. ;3c [/spoiler]

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>>2795731
>I want to apologize, I've taken a serious, dramatic moment and made it silly instead.

Laughing about it is the road to recovery!

I think our first order of business after we finish chatting with the butterfly is obviously getting the girls up to speed(and no doubt hearing VERY justified critique about our choice of action).

But what then? Should we hit the library and get our hands on every book on souls we can find? Getting some base knowledge on the workings and nature of a soul would help our research if/when we get to Zipangu.

>>2795716
>>2795718
My goodness I love these, keep it up!
I feel ya Gardy/Buddy, I wanted to facepalm too when the votes closed on 'yes'.

Also, this event does change our priorities for the immediate short term training sessions.

Magitek is cool as heck, but we need to reinforce our soul/mind, both on it's defenses/resistances and our innate affinity to control the "Soul" element. Plus, we cannot currently summon Gardy whenever we want to. This needs to be fixed.

Does this mean we should seek Teruko for summoning training and Vilma for soul stuffs?
I for one will be encouraging we spend some time off practicing Magitek and invest it on this for a while.

When we are not training, we need to brush up on history of Luminaris/Elves knowledge. I feel our mess up here could have been avoided if we had done our homework on this matter, earlier.

Because I might be late/unable to participate in tonight's session, if there are votes regarding what to train or how to spend non-training free time, if I am not there, my votes are Soul magic training and researching/studying story.

>>2795938
>Plus, we cannot currently summon Gardy whenever we want to.
That seems to be because he doesn’t want to be summoned. So maybe it would be better to have a better relationship with him so that he will respond positively to a summons instead of forcing him to come when we call.

>>2795972
>maybe it would be better to have a better relationship
We'll need to find a way to contact him for that to be possible - essentially get him on speed dial.
You have point on forcing him, but learning some basic summoning might very well be beneficial in communicating with Gardy/Buddy.

>>2795972

It is not due to our relationship, I believe.
If I recal correctly, so far we were only able to call him out with Vilma's help, or whenever he decided t omanifest by himself?

Our inability to summon him without Vilma's support is a result of Arawn's inexperience, not of our bad relationship with Gardy. Though I agree that improving our relationship with him would also be good.

The goal is to be able to call for him even if:
1- We don't have Vilma or Teruko there to help with that.
2- It's NOT the Lullaby Hour.

Though learning to summon him on our own during the Lullaby Hour could be a good first step.

>>2795731
We're gonna be needing more dark humor given how much this GM likes to REJOICE so, far as I'm concerned, ya got the right idea. Also, no spaces between the brackets and the beginning/end of your text if ya want the spoiler effect to work. Everyone makes that mistake at least once, just tryin' to help a brother out. Please, keep drawing, we love ya for it.

>>2795735
In this case, with this particular girl, fox girls are most certainly not better. They're the absolute worst. Just this one though, besides the aforementioned bitch who fucked us in all the worst and most horrible ways however fluffy tails are great. As are all other exotic bits. Except hers. Bad Fluffy delenda est!

>>2796007
Except that’s not what he got wrong with the spoiler. He misspelled “spoiler” as “spolier” and that’s why it didn’t work. If you’re going to try to correct someone, make sure you’re correcting the right thing and not giving them bad info.

>>2796007
also pretty sure the spoiler works with spaces

>>2796007
Doodling Arawn getting bullied is fun. I'll probably do it more eventually. But for that, he will need to get bullied first. ;3c with spaces preserved.

>>2796021
Huh. Didn't know that. I'd just done it my way and it always worked. Thus assumed that's how it's done. Learn something new every day it seems. Thanks anon.

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>>2796007>>2796011

I will try to save the quick doodles for humor, siliness and memes, and the proper drawings for actual attempts at getting the characters just right and for important scenes.

Thank you, I was pondering why it hadn't worked. Typos are really my bane. Ir's what happens when I reply after staying up all night.

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The golden brightness shining from the pretty butterfly irritated your eyes but you found it difficult to avoid staring at those wings, they had a solid consistency as if made of glass that could bend and patterns were inscribed like runes, circles of various lengths with strange linear pattern decorating them... Suns?

''Could you tell me how to protect myself?'' You were seeking distraction from your situation, your emotions were a jumbled mess of excitement but you at least had enough self-control to start a difficult calming process.

Swallowing your anger and hiding your frustration without complaints.

''I can only offer guidelines, I do not know the extent of Lady White influence. It'll be impossible to offer proper methods: keep a layer of doubts with my attempt at helping, she's undeniably knowing about our conversation.'' Despite your shaky mental state, this soothing motherly voice managed to slowly heal your damaged heart.

''Meaning that bitch can hear us? Will she be able to read my thoughts?'' Fearing that your mind won't be yours alone anymore is...something you'll have to adapt to. Whatever happens, giving up is not an option.

''Not yet.'' Her firm answer lifted a weight off your shoulders. ''Perhaps she'll be able to if you were to meet face to face, but you don't have to worry about becoming a mindless drone. Keep heart.'' Another heartfelt attempt at bringing comfort, this voice somehow sounded so earnest, so honest... It managed to tug a few guarded heartstrings.

''Surrounds yourself with friends, research legends about Lady White to understand context, research your own family to help regain your memories but... there's no effective method to bring into battle I'm afraid. Resist. Confront. Endure. She will undeniably infiltrate your dreams again, you cannot give her an inch.''

''What if I ignore her?'' Crossing your arms, closing your eyes and offering a boring wall for this excited witch ought to be the height of frustration.

''It'd be effective only once, she'll find a way to make you react by bringing harms to those around you... or taunting it. Shutting down completely will only incentivize that witch to crack you open. It'd be safer to play along if only to keep her entertained and focused on yourself.''

''A toy that doesn't play needs rework...'' You grumbled an answer. No magical way or miraculous solution here, resisting and enduring.

''You can get help.'' Her sincere tone felt like someone had leaned closer to put their hand on top of your head. ''Seek out Tuilelaith Helewidis, I'm sure Daiyu or Sieglinde would be open to your appeal, even if you can't fully explain why.''

''You mean I should talk about this dream with the girls?'' No way, that will never happen! You're a poor liar anyway, it'll show all over your face.

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''I would love nothing more than bringing the Demon Lord into your camp. Lady White has hurt Daiyu family tremendously...'' Her voice whispered into gentle noises like wind flowing across a hole in woods. ''...but it's likely you won't be able to speak about your encounter. We can talk together because I am a direct witness and that witch influence has no sway on me, however, she likely implanted countermeasures with that spell... You'll have to find out on your own, I'm sorry.''

Lovely. Of course, it wouldn't be that easy. Processing all of this information was making you dizzy, or perhaps it had been your sudden awakening, so many things happened so quickly. ''Could you...'' But you had to get a grip and brought your free hand to your face for one good slap to jolt you awake. ''...Tell me who you are?''

There were no immediate answers. Intents flowed smoothly out of that butterfly like a cold, refreshing river that gradually became warm under a midday sun. This image somehow became an anchor of calm inside your chaotic emotions, you began to hear a chanting southern wind that made grass and trees sway, singing their organic song of comfort. Soft steps resonated against backdrops of clapping water from the river current and there you saw a woman walking forward, garbed in a heavy woolen dress. Feet-long hour almost touched the ground, starting in purple as it left her head to end in gold as they curled upward. Fair was this lady, of traits, smiles, eyes, emotions, and presence. In her delicate hand was a pair of parchments where symbols of gorgeous colors spread like a picture book. Red, blue, purple, gold, silver, green, orange... They mingled beautifully without losing individuality.

''I am someone who suffers no abominations machinations.'' It was a serene voice that belonged here, in peace. ''Endure, dear child. You are not alone. Lady White only knows the logical side of compassion.''

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''Arawn?'' A concerned voice dispelled this daydream and emotions rushed back, making you whip around urgently, sending Elina back a few steps. Her presence was one that brought it's inherent luminosity of gold, a quick glance for your finger revealed an absence of equally brilliant butterfly.

''E-Elina....Sieglinde?'' Your voice cracked. Both girls were still in sleepwear. The angel sported frilly, puffy rose camisole and equally girly short while the demoness, hanging in the doorway, was hugging herself. Her deformed limbs, horns, and deadly tail made her almost demonic in this shade but her tightly fitting sports bra and short was a titillating vision.

Seeing them like that was... difficult. Concern plain on their face, your clumsy escape had obviously awoken them and an exhausting whiplash of emotions had you take a step back and use the nearby furniture to help your balance.

Rage, sadness, revulsion, disbelief, despair, stress, guilt and now arousal -however brief- resulted in an exhausting mixture of emotions that would probably send you crashing down if you were surprised by anything else.

''Hey...Bad dreams?'' Elina attempted to speak again, though kept a distance of two steps while you fished for a piece of cloth in a drawer to dry your sweaty forehead.

Calm down... calm down.

>Pretend nothing bad happened. Only a bad dream, that's all.

>Inform them about everything that happened.

>Insist on wanting to be alone. You have so much to think about, write down... Recover.

>Free

Tell them all we can.

A slight 'trouble' could do

>>2796616
>Insist on wanting to be alone. You have so much to think about, write down... Recover.
Ask the girls to give us some time to get cleaned, we'll join them for breakfast later.
Attempt to write everything down when we're alone, just to see if that Witch is still monitoring us. If she is she'll most likely stop us from writing. Which leads to the conclusion that she will stop us from talking.

>Inform them about everything that happened

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Two votes for speaking up. Swift decision.

>>2796654
>>2796660
+1

The butterfly did tell that distancing ourselves from our friends to not worry them will only make it easier for the fox to gain control.

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''I'm fine.'' Physically, anyway. Your uneven breathing and poor attempts at keeping a strong face didn't fool them one bit, angel and demon didn't need to look at one another to confirm their shared dubiousness.

''It's true I had a bad dream.'' You bring a hand behind your head, scratching it nervously. ''I'll tell you if you'd like to hear.''

''Please.'' Sieglinde answered, stepping inside, arms wrapped under her bust with harsh concern on her face. Elina luminous aureole was all the light you needed in this dark room.

''Alright, I had a meeting with-'' Shock. Sudden pain jolted into your jaw, snapping it close. A pumping agony had you groan, unable to speak, numbing your tongue while nerves throughout your mouth flared, your entire mouth had erupted in straining, aching toothache.

Goodness, dental pain hurt! Merciful this agony ended, Elina had stepped close, discarding distance and holding out a palm near your mouth where a flow of white carried Holy healing energy, its humid touch exorcising your misery.

''Arawn?'' Sieglinde said, also coming closer. Elina was glaring at you seriously, spreading Holy throughout your body despite your good health. ''Did you tighten your jaw too much when sleeping? A toothache.''

You wish it was that simple. ''No, sorry.'' You shook your hand, gazing at the angel, feeling far too ashamed to voice any thank for her concern. ''I'm okay, Elina.''

Her spell ended when she felt satisfied to have given your entire self a dose of invigorating healing magic.

There's your proof. Both girls were close now, Elina wing unfurled almost fully, encompassing both of Sieglinde shoulders; both of them were a step away from you sharing an equal glare of concern meant to pressure you to spill out your troubles. ''You took off like a madman, almost thought you had the runs.'' Elina broke the small, awkward silence that had installed itself. ''Is it... was it a hard dream? Something that struck there, deep?'' The blond asked softly, tapping her heart.

Their proximity managed to find a paradoxical middle ground between soothing and stressful.

>Try informing them again?

>Move on, the girls are concerned and it's not good to worry them... They should get changed at least. And you could use some time to wash up and prepare for today. (Skipping forward into a proper morning)

>Free

>>2796720
>>Free
What does this mean?

>>Try informing them again?
>>2796659
So Lady White is trying to stop us, maybe it'll be easier with their magic?

>Try informing them again?

They will notice we're acting weird. They will know something is not right if we just keep trying!

>>2796727

Actually, try embracing Focus if we can.

And, at last, I am back, but I don't know how much I'll bbe able to stay.

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>>2796726
>What does this mean?

If you meant the Free option, it's my way to tell/ incentivizes custom choices.

Another attempt huh? Toothaches are to be feared!

Maybe trying to tell them directly about the dream will not produce any meaningful results. I agree with the anon that suggested muttering some sort of "serious trouble. Can't speak about it. Need help."

It will take less breath and vocalization than trying to narrate the whole dream to them.

>>2796754
+1

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''I'm not trying to worry you both.'' You clear your throat under their united resistance. Perhaps you were, actually, aiming to do just that but stating it outright felt... wrong. Weak. You've already shown weakness today.

Their glares wouldn't be assuaged so you decided to be swift.

''My dream-'' Shock, again. This same jolt of agony ravaged your mouth, making your tongue throb painfully against equally sensitives teeth. you almost bent your knees at this sudden torture, the furniture behind you prevented a humiliating fall.

''That's it, get your ass to bed.'' Elina spoke no request. ''Now.'' She had already banished the pain with another dose of healing magic, you could only mumble a thank when princess and angel gripped your shoulders, dragged you into the bed you rarely used and swiftly covered your sweaty body with a layer of uncomfortably warm blankets.

''I'll go get changed.'' Sieglinde announced, keeping one of her big hands in her air as Elina wings flapped to give you fresh air, the girl was already removing one layer of covering without you having voiced any complaints. ''Stay here Elina, I'll come back and you'll be free to prepare.''

''Yeah.'' She nodded, turning her blue gaze at her majesty. ''I knew this guy is the kind to work his ass off until he crumbles or thinks hiding sickness is manly. Nuh huh.'' Elina shook her head, shaking a finger when you tried to speak. ''You've been sweating a fever and you're in pain. Don't go straining yourself now, we aren't leaving.''

Sieglinde was already gone, almost took off running but her whipping tail revealed silent agreement with the holy maiden.

''I'm fine... really.'' A little groggy from all of those emotions but that's already settling down.

''So am I.'' Answered the stubborn girl, frowning in concerned yet not stopping flapping her wings for a moment, producing a comfortable gust that was the next best thing to standing outside.

''Elina...'' You whispered and your encounter with Lady White replayed in your head, then this discussion with this strange butterfly. You've tried being direct twice, you've been encouraged to reach out.

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''I'm in serious trouble.'' you braced for pain, ignoring the inevitable exclamation from Elina. ''Can't speak about it.'' That earned another frown, she's so much prettier with a big smile. ''Need help.''

The fact you weren't jolted with another dose of pain had you smile yet it seemed to strike her somewhere sensitive because the angel took a step back, flapping wings becoming tense and still.

''What's up?'' Sieglinde was already back, having thrown on a random shirt and pants with no mind for fashion.

''Arawn said he's in serious trouble. Can't talk about it.'' Elina immediately revealed.

''Is he feverish? Delirious?'' The princess big feet resonating inside this depressing room.

''I'm not.'' You responded, closing your eyes when her deformed hand rested on top of your forehead.

''You're not half-asleep...'' Muttered Sieglinde, throwing concerned glances at to you and her friend. ''...What do you mean, troubles?''

''I can't say, even if I wanted to. You both saw how I reacted, these jolts right?'' The girls worried gazes was far from inviting. ''That's it. I need help, I can't explain.''

''You just wait until I throw on proper clothes.'' Elina took off running, golden radiance swallowed by darkness as she swiftly went into her own, personal room. Sieglinde slowly walked to sit on your bed and decided to rise, throwing off your cover, this red woman regarded with her brilliant crimson gaze, perhaps trying to find lies, maybe doubting your situation...

''Troubles you can't speak about...'' She muttered, breaking eye-contact. You've already hidden the fact you got geased once (at Daiyu request). A sense of fragility surrounded this valiant woman, even her big horns lacked intimidation in the shade. ''I can't fathom how you could have gotten hypnotized or suffered a geas.'' She whispered, red gaze turning to you.

Pitter-patters already revealed Elina swift changing skills.

>Should you try informing everyone once they wake up for breakfast? Involve Daiyu, Belphegor, Teruko, Vilma... even Hao in these troubles you can't reveal?

>Would you prefer keeping it to a low count of individuals? Elina and Sieglinde already know.

>Free

Day 11 is another free day, apart from an important assignment keeping Sieglinde and Daiyu busies for a little while, everyone else can be considered free. You can plan your day accordingly.

>Should you try informing everyone once they wake up for breakfast? Involve Daiyu, Belphegor, Teruko, Vilma... even Hao in these troubles you can't reveal?

Perhaps it's easier to speak to a single person than to multiple? It is worth a check. We've done good conveying this to Elina. Now let's see if there's any further difficulty doing this in front of a crowd.

If we are going to start planning routine, I suggest training with Vilma to strengthen our Soul or get an ability to call out Gardy without assistance.

Plus we want to know more about Gardy, since Elina knew about that name, if I recall correctly.

Lastly, research on Elves, Luminaris and White Lady after training.

>>2796856
I want to try give a hint that it's not a geas or hypnosis. Maybe something like "Hypnosis, geas? No. I simply screwed up tremendously last night."

As for the vote... ugh this is a tough one.
>Inform everyone
Not telling everyone is just going to lead us to dancing around this issue, which would be quite suspicious.

>>2796896
The butterfly lady recommended we give Buddy a few days to collect himself, remeber?
We can get some practise in summoning but I think we ought to leave our mechanical acquaintance to his devices for now.
>Ask Elina about Gardy
>research on Elves, Luminaris and White Lady after training.
I won't be able to stick around much longer, so I'm supporting these two.

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>>2796896
So, informing everyone of your troubles despite how vague you have to be and, for the day itself...

You can't quite ''strengthen'' your soul in a way that can be reliably exercised, this enhancement is a by-product of training and general development as a person. So, if you'd allow me, that'll be how I'd rework your suggestion in this case.

Morning.
>Train with Vilma to interact with Gardy and see if you can have Elina tag along to inform you about this entity (Anyone that want to tag along, can.)

Afternoon.
>Research on Elves, Luminary and Lady White if you have time.

>>2796928
Duly noted. I'm a bit weaker than yesterday so I'll probably write up one last update.

>>2796939

Yes, I like the suggestions you bring up in this post! My vote goes for these.

>>2796896
>>2796928
>>2796939
+1

>>2796856
>Tell everyone
Further security breach requires attention

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''I'd like to tell everyone else.'' Your words were firm once Elina returned, the shaky grounds of your emotional turmoil was rapidly hardening under rekindled purpose and the small victory that was informing these two ladies.

''Even when you have to stay so vague?'' Sieglinde tail curled awkwardly, she and Elina were now standing sides by sides in your room, they had given you the courtesy if changing in peace... if you could consider a change of clothing with their backs turned to you amicable.

''Better to inform than everyone inevitably finding changes in my attitudes and asking me about it. I... made a mistake.'' You'd rather use honest languages about your incompetence but those two would step in if you started a round of well-earned self-deprecation. ''I think it's what I can share.''

''Kinda cruel, being ambiguous like that.'' Elina tone was measured yet her eyes fearfully avoiding attempts at looking at you.

''I know, I'm sorry.'' That was definitely one part of Lady White game.

''Hey, it's fine. You're being coerced into whatever it is assailing you and, hell, you're here. We can still keep on keeping on as we have so far.'' The angel response came with a spirited clap of hands. ''Might as well make breakfast!''

Sieglinde tail unfurled with an ominous sliding sound of rubbery flesh. ''Let's go.''

--

Breakfast was good. You never cooked anything before so you were a total third wheel between Elina and Sieglinde well-practiced routine, being quiet about it was fun and making the quantity necessary for your entire group (counting Teruko pregnancy) inevitably made you busy, even if you were relegated to a glorified waiter. When people began to arise, feeling the familiar atmosphere of gentle, pointless chatting and serious instances about today's activity managed to put a finishing touch on the wounds of your heart healed by Elina and Sieglinde attentiveness.

You were loath to break such an ambiance.

''Assailed by unknown troubles that cannot be revealed in details, mh. My oh my.'' Teruko was the first to comment, wriggling in her chair with her tail tapping the underside of the table. Vilma observed you in open worry while Belphegor and Daiyu frowned with the exact same expression of confusion. Hao dutifully waited for translation.

''Can't say more.'' You smiled awkwardly. ''I tried. I can only stay irritatingly nebulous so... one day I might ask anyone for help with potentially inane things, it's not going to happen because of eccentricity.''

''Aint sounding like no geas, a dream causing that.'' Belphegor further expressed herself by jamming a mouthful of crepes in her mouth. ''Finting it be blood magic?'' A sentence obviously directed at her niece.

Elina and Sieglinde had stood beside you during your small briefing, explaining your painful reactions to further give credence to your situation.

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''Possible.'' She responded firmly coming back from dropping off a few dirty dishes; this discussion required closed doors and no maids. ''A whole lot of things is hypothetically doable with blood magic so that's no answer. I'd need to look into it, having Deruella help would be ideal.''

''Mhm, I'm afraid we are too busy for such a project.'' Daiyu voice was a gentle, cheery motherly voice. ''Arawn situation can't be a geas.'' Her brilliant green eyes plunged into yours, sending a silent message you understood well, you already suffered one hypnosis. ''These things only work by compelling actions, not creating such a strange barrier in a conscious mind; one's body always, always fight against obstructive realities, since he's conscious of this ploy, no geas would be able to remain whole.''

''Could use alchemy to break one too, but man that's one hell of a thing you're giving us here.'' Belphegor winked at you, monstrous digits clacking together. ''Aint nothing to do but looking at you while continuing life as usual huh?''

''I'd appreciate that. It's not my intention to... hurt our daily lives.'' Mother's mercy, the last thing you is to be treated like a leper.

''Oh noooo!'' Hao's shouted caused many a jump. Teruko had finished translating your situation and the maid immediately rushed for you with such dextrous speed she became a blur of white, black and bronze. ''Sickness? No no! Open!'' Her thumb poked your lips then promptly inserted themselves in your mouth to keep your jaw well open.

''Gaaao?'' Your complaint led to a rude exhale of air right on the warrior maid face but she didn't care. While Belphegor openly guffawed, this tribal refugee took her time to examine your mouth and eyes, even trying to make you burp by poking your chest!

''I'm fine, I'm fine! Your patience ran thin, you took a few steps away from her. It's here!'' You poked your head. ''Troubles, not a sickness! Troubles!''

Hao's eyes were surprisingly intense, she planted you on the spot for a full ten second of silent staring. ''Hmm... trouble.'' She voiced, gaze narrowing into a fine line. ''Beating troubles.'' She slammed a fist into her open palm.

Your attention drifted at Vilma who, out of everyone, wasn't reacting much and that, in itself, was a blessing. A tiny smile immediately spread on her purple features once your eyes crossed.

''I've been thinking of doing a little exercise in summoning...'' You cleared your throat as breakfast was barely over. Mentioning Gardy could trigger another jolt. ''...I'd like you to come, Elina. I want to try something and if I'm right, your presence will help.''

''Mysir wouldn't begrudge a professor duty yes?'' Teruko was quick to speak, almost interrupting you the moment you said something about summoning.

''Never.''

Lady White machinations aren't enough to break these precious days.

>Teruko (and Hao) insist on tagging along for this exercise.

I'll proceed to write Gardy summoning exercise tomorrow.

I am okay with how this is going.

I can only imagine how different our situation would be now if we had gone the "Keep quiet and pretend nothing is wrong with us" route.

>>2797153
>I'll proceed to write Gardy summoning exercise tomorrow.
We should give him a hug once we summon him.

>>2795256
>>2794937
So when we get the chance, should we BURN THE WITCH? Would destroying the dream house do anything?

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>>2797188
Different atmosphere. You'd be suffering alone and gals are sharp, they'd spot your behavior. For now, they might be a little more careful with you given that you can't give them anything to work with but the established dynamic remains strong; Lady White victory isn't an apocalyptic end to your established objectives... but it wouldn't be wise to pretend nothing happened.

>>2797209
>Would destroying the dream house do anything?

You can try.

>>2797216
True, but I can only imagine what's going to happen to us now. We basically have a fey tier crazy bitch in our head. I have great fear over what her idea of "playing with her toy" is. Past us obviously didn't like it, so I doubt we will.

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>>2797284
Isn't it fun?

>InB4 the dream house is actually a protective barrier where we are still in control and breaking it just plays into her plans, because she couldn't do it herself.

Also, Ooohh! The hold she has on us, maybe she doesn't have it on Gardy! So, if Gardy can talk to Vilma and tell her our situation in our stead, Lady White might be unable to shush him up!

>>2797330
So the solution is proxies?

>>2797341

It could help Arawn communicate his problem more clearly. The word "contract" still has not escaped from our lips. Maybe it will escape from Gardy's metallic frame?

Almost called Gardy D'Arby, for some reason. ...Let's make sure he doesn't participate in our betting/gambling sessions with the girls, just in case.

>>2797362
>Almost called Gardy D'Arby, for some reason. ...Let's make sure he doesn't participate in our betting/gambling sessions with the girls, just in case.
>>2792497
>Perks and spells for our main character https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FFJHeWTu21_OktfrfYkJQhpV5HQw4PtFKav_QoMYjQY/edit?usp=sharing
>inb4 this must be the work of an enemy's nature!

>>2797328
Oh, oh it's gonna be a lot of fun. Mind fuck types just aren't satisfied with screams of pain and agony. They want those sweet sweet screams that come out of people taking massive SAN damage.

So yeah, the coming nightmares only what's apparently an eldritch horror (on top of other things) can give us, those are gonna be juuuuust great.

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>>2797480
I didn't know if I'd succeed, now I need to plan our lovely deceiver presence with enough dose that it doesn't turn my players off as active participants.

Still, you've let her in... Thank

>>2797505

I wonder, what were you planning to have happen if we had refused her?

I imagine you still had plans if we had gone that route~which leads me to guess there are other villains that could have served as major antagonists even if we didn't let her trick us.

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>>2797507
It was a potential reality I had to plan out and the biggest reason why it took me a while to make this new thread. I had to make those lies reeeeally convincing... Still, a refusal would have been something I'd adapt to. Alongside Lady White.

I've never been skilled at writing villains or antagonists, so I'm trying something new with her.

We still need to try writing down our situation to test the limits of Lady White’s control.

We also need to talk about souls and how the internal landscape of a soul can be manipulated. Maybe Belphegor and Daiyu can explain what the house represents, if the limits of the house are limits of our soul or if there are parts of the soul outside the house. Or we can manipulate the house so that curtains rooms can be rearranged and partitioned away.

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>>2797505
You successfully lulled me of all people into a false sense of security. If I hadn't have been I would've tried to ask Buddy for final approval of the contract. His silence and failure to fucking move an inch would have clued me in to the fact that we were talking to a patron saint of all evil yandere bitches!

Again, I commend you for the feat, for one must always give the devil his due. Hopefully I'm around when you try and pull this kind of shit again because now I know I gotta do Stalin proud to shut your desire to REJOICE down.

>>2797756
Indeed. The limits of this bitch's influence must be tested so that we can get a framework to work around. We're gonna have to outwit this bitch quite hard if we don't want her to take a waifu or three down with her if and when we checkmate *her* of all people.

We should also try writing things down with our eyes closed, in and out of focus, with our off hand in all those circumstances, y'know, be thorough. See which aspects she has control over now. In a way, I miss the Beast. At least he was boisterous, up front, and not very deceitful all things considered. He was like Gig. I liked Gig, at least he was honest when ya think about it. Unlike this fluffy cunt!

And while INH said I was being overly paranoid, let's look into being restrained while sleeping after a day or two. It can be a good kind of restraint i.e. if we are sandwiched between Elina and Sieg in a calculated configuration of hand holding and leg/tail/wing locks such that us trying to get up and walk around or try to kill them wouldn't fail to awaken at least one of them the instant we started moving but we need something just in case.

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>>2797874
>Mamono restraint.
You're a clever guy. I like you.

Coming up with a list of things you players want to test would help me a whole lot in proving and disproving what's work. Arawn could get to work in the evening, you'd be able to get enough times to test 3 actions freely.

Trying more stuff would eat into one of your two timeframes.

>>2797896
Plus it also gives us a perfectly logical and non-perverted reason to bask in the feels of the exotic bits.

In an ironically sad way, however, our suggestions would be all business. We really would not be seeking to enjoy their exotic bits in any way save the practical. However it ended up, it would be towards the goal of waking them if we moved in ways that could be dangerous rather than ways we could all find enjoyable.

The bad fluffy, giving us a perfect excuse to get what we always wanted while also robbing us of all the joy we could possibly derive from it. Damn her to hell!

First off, we need to figure out if Buddy/Gardy can communiacte what we cannot.Also, whether we have more ease to speaking about these restricted matters while embracing focus or without it.

Then, maybe some sort of mind-reading could lead to someone figuring out this without us having t osay anything ourselves?

We also need to make a list of words we have trouble saying/writing about. I imagine "contract", "dream" "Lady White", "Godling", "Kitsune" "Fox" and/or "Fluffy"have become restricted words.

Let's try putting some of these together into a sentence we write or read, and see what happens.

That is one thing we could try.

We could also try using a paper sheet and draw what we saw in the dream.

INH, very important, plot-relevant question: What is Arawn's skill at drawing? Stick figures? Teenage DA artist? Mangaka level? Hyper-realism?

I need to go to bed. My attempt to contribute with serious ideas is becoming corrupted by sleep-deprivation sillyness

>>2797968
>INH, very important, plot-relevant question: What is Arawn's skill at drawing?

Non-existent.

>>2797756
>>2797968
+1
>>2797979
well then he better start crackin'

>>2797896
3 actions.

1. Write down what happened
2. Try to communicate what happened by describing it as happening to someone else. See if the mental blocks are based on intentions or they can be bypassed by describing a fictional thing.
3. See if there's such as a thing as a "soul check-up" and if damage or perturbations to the soul can be detected, and therefore the connection of our soul to Lady White's.

>>2797979
Drat!

Oh well, I have ideas. I'm just not feeding them to ya because if I did you'd only use em' against me.

>>2797988
+1

>>2797988
That's a good way to go. You don't have to come up with stuff yet, we still have the morning and afternoon activities to go through.

Anyhow, see you guys after some sleep.

>>2797991

Feed me. Nothing bad will happen.

>>2797998
Later...

>>2797998
Ok. Ya get one now. Stencils. They a thing? Please tell me they're a thing.

We need to get Arawn to purchase a "How to draw manga - Monstergirl edition" book.

Heh, the faces of the girls would sure be amusing, if they saw.

But yes, I am agreeing with >>2797988 on the 3rd point especially. Doing a status check on our own soul to detect any noticeable damage or perturbation.

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I'll take today to rest up, recharge my batteries and continues tomorrow.

So Insert. Questions about the ...*sigh* "XYZ" elemental gauntlet tech(we gotta help Belph come up with a better name, Anons).

1.)How feasible would it be to make a gauntlet with two or more elements? Like fire and lightning for example. I'm not saying it could be used to throw a fireball and a bolt of lightning at the same time, but it could alternate between them by the user.

2.)Is the gauntlet tech restricted to elemental magic only?

>>2799129
>1.)How feasible would it be to make a gauntlet with two or more elements? Like fire and lightning for example. I'm not saying it could be used to throw a fireball and a bolt of lightning at the same time, but it could alternate between them by the user.

It'll be impractical but not impossible. The strength of your gauntlet mostly depends on its installed gems, yours has 3 of them in order to create medium-strength lightning spells, which is the best ''widespread'' use of your weapon. It is the perfect balance between practicality and effectiveness, but you could try and tinker with your stuff, personalize it (that's what make Magitek so fun). However, trying to mingle different gems can cause violent reactions (kaboom) or force you to use weak-level spells.

>2.)Is the gauntlet tech restricted to elemental magic only?

No. It can be repurposed for something else.

>>2799154
>However, trying to mingle different gems can cause violent reactions (kaboom) or force you to use weak-level spells.
Curses! No knock-off Infinity Gauntlet for us then.

>No. It can be repurposed for something else.
Aah, now there's some good news. I'll remember this for future Magitek tinkering sessions.

>However, trying to mingle different gems can cause violent reactions (kaboom) or force you to use weak-level spells.

I still think it is a risk worth having. Either that, or putting a different elemental gauntlet on each hand.

Or the foot equivalent of gauntlet, boots. To give elementally magic charged kicks!

>>2799955
>I still think it is a risk worth having. Either that, or putting a different elemental gauntlet on each hand.

Having two gauntlets attuned to different elements is perfectly fine.

>Or the foot equivalent of gauntlet, boots. To give elementally magic charged kicks!

Magitek boots work differently because you can't aim them adequately... unless you happen to be a martial art expert who can kick-aim bolts of lightning, Arawn clearly isn't.

>>2799976
Well, true. Arawn isn't a martial arts expert who can kick-aim bolts of lightning. Not yet.

>>2799976
>>2800012
What's keeping Arawn from aiming his foot, then kicking or thrusting the foot forward? Like raising one's foot the same way one would prepare to breach a door?

>>2800019
Nothing but it's not too practical in combat unless you aim into masses of people/objects. It's a slow way to aim.

>>2799976
Yet another excuse to train with Sieg. Excellent. Still gotta know though. Stencils. Please tell me someone came up with the idea of stencils.

>>2800019
Too much telegraphing, any competent opponent would easily dodge it.

>>2800067
>Stencils. Please tell me someone came up with the idea of stencils.

I'll need a bit more details on that, tech level is about early 1500s (without gunpowder) for the wider world but is genuinely advanced in very select areas, some places could have them, others won't.

>>2800109
It's a trick as old as caveman days, but the Chinese came up with a paper version around 105 A.D. and that version of it spread from there.

Basically, stencils would allow us to "write" without writing per se and/or place a complex (yet obviously stenciled unless it's really high-end) image that we haven't the skill to freedraw on a wall or another piece of paper. Quickly too I might add (though if we're using stencils to "write" letter by individual letter than it will take longer than just writing). I had a set of plastic ones when I was a kid for letters and some basic shapes and images. Same exact things could be cut out of a sheet of metal as I doubt anybody has plastic.

>>2800223
You can also make it out of anything sturdy enough to hold in place while you're filling in the gaps, like clay and wood.

>>2800233
>>2800223
>It's a trick as old as caveman days, but the Chinese came up with a paper version around 105 A.D. and that version of it spread from there.
Oh wait, you already said that.

>>2800223
I see I see, I know where you are going with this now. Of course, it's something that exists.

>>2800271
Sweet. We're getting some next time we get a chance to go shopping. Betting Belph has a few hanging around the ol' shop as well.

The only problem is how to avoid tipping bad fluffy off to my ruse...

>>2800397
Clearly we need to think about fluffy tails, filling it with pointless minutiae so she can't read our thoughts.

>>2800400

Oh yeah. Overwhelming a mind-reader with a massive stream of mental imagery of fluffiness.

Arawn needs to empty his mind of all banal thoughts and fully embrace floof until browsing his mind becomes unpleasant for Lady White.

Elina and her fluffy wings should totally help with this.

Oh, something important has occurred to me!

Sieglinde knows about the letter Lady White sent to Arawn! If we bring up the letter, she will know it's related to it!

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>>2800661
Too bad it wasn't addressed as such but hey, the greatest journeys begin with a single step. If Miss White has fucked Daiyu's family over hard like rainbow lady suggested then it's something they're probably always scanning for as best they can given her domain while not spelling that fact out. Contracts. Very broad, and society can't function without em'. Can't exactly ban em' thus can't exactly ban her either. We got a very inadequate info paragraph or two regarding her and GM already justified why. We got mind fucked at all those points. Betting Daiyu was giving off all kinds of signs of being absolutely livid or pent up beyond belief at the mere mentioning of bad fluffy's title and/or her involvement in anything relating to her family ever again.

Speaking of scanning and magitek, we need to start researching a magitek that lets us just spray our pasty soul magic into the air as an aerosol with a predisposition to be absorbed by those we consider allies or cling to a surface to only be used/observed by those who can see it. We could boost entire squadrons of summoners a fair bit without needing to link up with em' or do other things that are for me to know and the GM to find out. It could also backfire as if we just throw our paste around willy-nilly a vengeful spirit could easily manifest thanks to our indiscretion and kill some innocent...

>>2800920

True, we can't directly point at Lady white with the letter, but we can try to communicate that the person behind this letter is the culprit behind our current situation.

My biggest worry is that the girls think this is a silly issue, like Elina at first thought it was 'just a nightmare' or 'tension had made us clench our jaws too hard'.

Now it's something like "an issue Arawn can't talk about/has trouble talking about". That is very broad, and it could be interpreted as something trivial as "Arawn is in love with a girl and is embarrassed to tell much about it. Oh, silly Arawn, making such a big ruckus over that! We were almost worried!".

But there is nothing trivial about "Someone calling themselves Lisbeth sent a suspicious letter to us talking about an invitation to a teaparty, and now, this person has done SOMETHING to Arawn, so he's acting strange."

Considering the name 'Lisbeth' has an important meaning for Teruko, Sieglinde and Daiyu, they are more likely to see it as the big deal it is.

INH, has the matter of the letter already been communicated to Daiyu off-screen? Or, since Sieg was next to us in bed, it can be assummed this hasn't been spoken of yet?

>>2801033
>INH, has the matter of the letter already been communicated to Daiyu off-screen? Or, since Sieg was next to us in bed, it can be assummed this hasn't been spoken of yet?

Arawn situation had her completely forget about the letter. She's off with her mother coordinating a few things for the Suppression mission during the morning but she'll be available in the afternoon.

>>2800920
>Betting Daiyu was giving off all kinds of signs of being absolutely livid or pent up beyond belief at the mere mentioning of bad fluffy's title and/or her involvement in anything relating to her family ever again.
That gives me an idea, we try circumventing the dream contract barriers to revealing it the same way we circumvent censors in the real world.
Replace the Is with 1s, try leetspeak that looks like plain language and stuff. Words that sound similar but aren't the same words. Make images like collages that depict the same message.

>>2801100

Ah, so we ruined the chance to inform Daiyu on this during the morning? We need to remind Sieglinde to tell her mom about it ASAP then.

>>2799955
>Or the foot equivalent of gauntlet, boots
>>2799976
>kick-aim bolts of lightning
Lightning bolts are too hard to make work for kicks the same way they do for our gauntlet.
Better to forgo lightning and instead make wind magic boots! Easier to work with for kicking in the form of high-pressure blasts of wind, or sharp, cutting waves!

Not to mention wind manipulating boots could potentially give us some mid-air mobility, should we find ourselves high up in the air for whatever reason.

>>2801100
She still has the letter right? Doubt she'd just trash the thing given how disturbed she was by it. Or do we have it in our room? Thing was scanned for magic and other such BS and all tests came back negative so it should still be around somewhere.

>>2801789
Of course, she still has it. It completely slipped her mind to speak to her mom and Teruko about its content, nothing more.

>>2801791
Oh good, we remind her the very next time we see her. Shouldn't take much to jog her memory. "Remember that thing last night?" or "Lisbeth sent her regards" or... Y'know what, us just even trying to bring up last night somehow and getting jolted with agony ought to clue her in. Sieg's not dumb, she can put two and two together.

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''An exercise in contacting a strange being through summoning? One that all of you witnessed besides mineself, mhm?'' Teruko tapped her finger on the table your group sat around. ''Naughty, naughty. Hiding such a secret...'' Her small tail gently prodded your leg.

''We were distracted.'' You cleared your throat under the pregnant lizard-woman intense gaze, Vilma past circumstances was more than enough to make her back down. ''Still, I'd like to contact him if we can, he's... connected to things.'' Trying to speak about Gardy directly meant suffering another painful jolt - you tried- and all three girls who didn't witness this malediction active consequence almost insisted to put you back into bed.

You didn't know if it was endearing or humiliating but it at least convinced them you were no eccentric. Elina looked a tad awkward, she was obviously putting off informing Teruko of her decision to stop exercising summoning.

''I-It's strange... I, I saw it... him I mean-means.'' Vilma was the only one who had seen and interacted with this phantom machine. ''It's... an aspect of Arawn I think? A part-part of his soul?''

''Not at all.'' You correct your friend gently. ''He's his own person.'' Buddy already showed independence by going against Vilma's wishes and then he came inside that cabin...

Everyone but Hao gazes grew serious as they immediately understood your implication.

''That so?'' Teruko voice was firm, getting up from the table, she put a careful hand on her round belly while her skin projected a quiet luminescence of green. ''Arawn is tied with an independent soul, a whole new being dwelling his body?'' This natural light glowed brighter, coalescing into her chest to form the body of a winged little lady.

''I'd like to have your helps with confirming this, actually. I'm not sure if he's part of me, attached to me, a piece of my soul, an embodiment of my personality... Vilma thought the later, I've been able to communicate with this guy during an Hour of Lullaby on my own.'' Titania was a fully independent, living entity dwelling inside Teruko body and her gorgeous little presence brought new colors to your world, even when her shyness had her hide behind her host.

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''Aye, yes. Throne Town enclosed dimension cause an extreme proliferation of wayward spirits, thus once they are asleep it would remove interferences and mayhap allow communications if this entity haunts you. Though...'' Teruko absent-mindedly patted her fairy head provoking an adorable pouting glare, Titania likely dislike being treated like a pet. ''...Humanity summoning is a lost art, ties with cognizant souls still have a few precedents amongst Mamonos. It is wise indeed to ask mine help with apprentices to anchor thee.'' When Teruko placed her arms near Elina and Vilma, the angel looked genuinely surprised to be included. ''Mineself, Titania, Elina and Hao can indeed remove interference whilst Vilma's call forth this unsuspecting, yet welcomed, visitor. A temporary body of magic would make communications much easier, right?'' Teruko asked her fairy who couldn't voice a response but got over her initial anger and nodded to her mistress question.

This lizard really knows what she's doing. She proceeded to wave the party onward, deeper into the maintained little forest of Daiyu, advising you and Vilma to continue together by your lonesomes while she prepared to ''speak in the language of emotions'' with Elina and Hao in order to gather all wayward spirits.

''Y-you...okay?'' Asked your short friend. It's been three days since her duel now and she looked completely recovered. Standing straight, holding her staff atop which rang a bell soft chimes.

''Yeah hopefully, this'll help explain what I said this morning.'' You ruffled her hair and stopped moving altogether when you heard a strange sound coming from deeper inside the forest. Voices resonated from a spot to the east, somehow mingling together into a pretty chant.

''That's it, the language of emotions.'' Vilma had embraced Focus and like that, her stutter was gone. ''Music attract creatures who can only feed on souls and feelings, it will make our ritual easier. Are you... are you ready, Arawn?'' Vilma was eager to take your hand, her own opened and closed in nervous attempts to evacuate energy.

''Yeah.'' You firmly grasped your friend hands, embracing Focus in turn. Buddy shouldn't be waiting in darkness alone after what happened this morning, even if he needed time in seclusion...

A kneejerk reaction had you nearly reject Vilma gentle will filtrating into your soul but thankfully your self-control prevailed and, while it demanded a visible effort to swallow this anger, your flow mingled with the lich without problems and you braced for a nibble on your soul.

''I shouldn't do that now.'' Vilma chuckled when you reopened your eyes. Having your souls touching caused a sensation of closeness that was far beyond a natural relationship. Feedback of emotions and intentions traveled this artificial bridge joining your flows and oddities - like seeing abominations of fleshes converging eastward, baited by the girl's chants- was one of many effects made by this ritual.

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''You're really tense...'' The lich murmured, squeezing your hands. You had taken another familiar position: hands interlocked, sitting cross-legged facing one another, your height forcing her to bend her neck upward. ''...This exercise will be different. If you are truly hosting a completely independent being, I won't be able to bring it forward into this world by my lonesome. Last time, I took a bite out of your soul and that gave me an aspect of yourself. I... Um... well no need to dwell on that.'' Despite Focus inherent placidity hints of redness colored her purple cheeks. ''With an absence of interfering spirits, you can try... reaching out, I'm not sure if he's outside or inside of you but it's the only thing to do.''

You closed your eyes, keeping your back straight and hands joined with the lich. These rituals always felt like a oneway street, a gift of yourself to other where the endless river of your flow fueled a grander artery of power but here, Vilma presence was much more subdued... A stream you could only discern by sound instead of actively swimming inside of it.

For a moment you felt fear. Your world was dark, there was no house of gaudy red and gold but you had to imagine consistency and that meant potentially inviting Lady White, if she could bridge this link into Vilma's soul...

''Don't be scared Arawn. I can defend myself.'' The small undead reassured you, vigilant to your emotional feedback.

''Alright.'' You imagined a white floor to illuminate the darkness and like that, consistency was granted to your soul. With Focus ability to enhance concentration, the girl's song echoing your way and a lack of surrounding spirits to give you the evil eye, imagination weakened your other senses...

A tall being of coppery metal, gold and obsidian somehow appeared beside you, inside your imagined world of white and black. ''Ow!'' Vilma whined when your hands contracted hers painfully.

''You... Buddy...?'' It was a foreign presence, a will similar to Vilma's influence or Lady White strange contract. Gentle and... a little cold: like fog.

His gem glowered silently, his one-eyed cyclopean stare observing you intensely. ''Apology.'' His voice kept this uncomfortable metallic nature, yet lost the strength he showed this morning. A sharp intake of breath from the lich made you realize she had likely deduced this foreign presence inside of your soul.

''You did nothing wrong, it's my fault.'' You spoke in your mind, making a conscious effort to avoid speaking out loud. If that rainbow woman wasn't influenced by Lady White due to being a direct witness, then this logic ought to extend for this being of metal. ''I'm glad you're alright, do you know what I'm trying to do?''

''Manifestation?'' Gardy asked, glowing topaz diminishing. ''I do not belong in this world any-''

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''Don't you dare use that logic.'' Frustration boiled over, you stepped closer to this being taller than you and grasped his shoulder for lack of a collar. ''Zazawu is an ancient who lived through the end of the Pretenders, Daiyu, and Belphegor are likely closing on 300 years old and there's no telling how old that witch could be. Sure, you might have been influential in the past but making a retreat into a hole isn't going to work: you've seen for yourself how the world will dig you up, hell you tried to help me anyway. Can't go calling that not belonging anywhere!''

You let him go, self-control already cooling your head but this outburst made him completely silent. Not exactly how you wanted to meet him... Perhaps you were far more sensitive than you'd like to believe.

''Arawn? Are you okay?'' Vilma voice was a faraway echo you couldn'T respond to yet.

''I see.'' Gardy voice was much clearer, the glow of his gem regained its usual luster. ''You are already...battling her.''

''And I'll need your help. I can't describe anything about our encounter but it might be possible for you.'' You bridged the distance one more time, this time tapping his shoulder in a friendly manner. ''That's why summoning you into the world is what I want to try. What say, buddy?''

''Joined with your precious lich.'' Was it just you or did his voice increase in volume? ''Creation of a temporary shell, substitute of my body to house my soul and strength - dangerous.'' He snapped at attention, the material on his face twitching to imitate a frown.

''Vilma can't summon you?'' Having to handle two-way communication -namely, speaking in your head, imagining the area you were in and reminding yourself of Vilma presence- was difficult but you decided to squeeze the lich hands instead of speaking with her. Hopefully, it'll lessen her worries.

''I am strong.'' Gardy declared firmly. ''I do not possess a body. A temporary shell would need to replicate my strength with magic: I am strong.'' He stated again and you believed him, his duel with that tonfa wielding dark elf had lasted ten seconds and he already had the upper hand. ''Imposing my presence as a summon would likely induce Overcast, such is my prognosis.''

Not exactly the vocabulary you'd use but he's opening up. With everyone help, you're able to have this chat with him.

''Then... what should we do?''

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''You.'' Gardy poked your chest. ''Momentarily accepting my soul into your body could be a solution, although I cannot describe what reaction it would cause... you'd be putting yourself at risk. Nobody else but you.''

''Corruption is the energy of shapeshifting, I'm not a Mamono, I can't change my arms or things like that you know?'' Gardy nodded once, creating a click of metals like rings clinging together. ''Would trying to replicate you make me go into Overcast?''

''A potential consequence.'' Replied the man-machine. ''Never tried something like this, it is possible that my previous diagnosis of Vilma capability is wrong: you will need faith for such a decision.''

''Well at least it's better than making a bloody contract...'' You grumbled. ''So take you into myself or attempt to have you step into our reality by using Summoning usual methods...''

Vilma gentle squeeze revealed that your friend worries are fueling impatiences and fears, she'll likely go fetch Teruko if you linger.

>Have Vilma build a temporary shell for Buddy. The two of you should have enough magical energy to manifest him.

>Take Gardy into your body. This is your problem, he's been with you... likely since you've awoken, perhaps you are more compatible than he believes.

>Back off. This is too dangerous.

>>2802331
>Take Gardy into your body. This is your problem, he's been with you... likely since you've awoken, perhaps you are more compatible than he believes.
Who dares wins, lets go boys.

>>2802331
>''Well at least it's better than making a bloody contract...'' You grumbled. ''So take you into myself or attempt to have you step into our reality by using Summoning usual methods...''
>>2802337
+1

>>2802309
>''You... Buddy...?'' It was a foreign presence, a will similar to Vilma's influence or Lady White strange contract. Gentle and... a little cold: like fog.
>>2802309
>''Manifestation?'' Gardy asked, glowing topaz diminishing. ''I do not belong in this world any-''
Gardy and Buddy are the same person? Gardy is Buddy's true name? Gardy was some old robot who then found Arawn and helped him out, not a conjuration by Arawn?

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>>2802341
This is what I'm trying to imply, yes. Buddy and Gardy are the same.

>>2802331
>Back off. This is too dangerous.
Better to regroup and try again after talking it over with Teruko.

>>2802331
>Back off. This is too dangerous.
What >>2802369 said, better talk it out with the others first. Rushing will not help.

Besides there's no telling how Lady White could potentially screw with this.

I was just about to lock votes but it seems we've reached a tie. I'll way ten minutes for a break, then proceed with a roll.

>>2802331
Back off, talk it over with Teruko.

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The girl's impromptu concert had taken place into a calculated opening between trees that was meant as a comfortable resting spot and, to your regret, they stopped their chanting midway into your adventure to find them. Vilma had tried insisting on knowing what happened but she was satisfied when you promised to hold nothing back after finding the group.

''Oh?'' Elina was the first to spot you as she refreshed her throat with a traveling flask. ''Done?''

You didn't respond right away, a strange feeling had gripped your heart. It was a prudent sensation of fear, like staring into a dark basement, the area surrounding your friend raised a primordial feeling of dread that, thankfully, was dispelled by Vilma hand squeeze.

A gathering of spirits is really unpleasant.

''For now, I've learned something interesting, I'd prefer not to continue without advice. I'll share what I can.''

''Good sense mysir.'' Teruko compliment felt like a well-earned reward.

There wasn't much to say but you had to mind your words, else suffer a jolt.

''He's not a wandering cognizant soul, but someone actually attached to you.'' Elina couldn't help but repeat your message in her own words. ''Two souls, one being... one strong enough to send Vilma into Overcast.'' The lich visibly twitched. ''One who came with you out of the Throne...'' She murmured, blue eyes looking far off into nature, mind lost in thoughts.

''He...He didn't-didn't. Did not strike me as evil.'' She cleared her throat. ''I think he... he helped me at the end of the duel.''

''Yep.'' You almost slipped out Gardy name but an agonizing toothache was one hell of a reminder to keep yourself silent. ''He's the one who shut down your banshee scream and protected Elenor -alongside you- afterward. He's a good guy, no matter what implication comes with this kind of haunting...'' You paused, looking at all the girls, making sure they'd understand your feelings. ''I trust him.''

Arawn has a robust confidence in Gardy

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''My oh my, interesting indeed yes darling?'' Teruko spoke at the hand-sized fairy sitting on her head who nodded vigorously. ''Ours relationship started as two fully separate entities yes, time melded ours bodies as one.'' The pregnant draconic monster poked her fingers together in an adorable display as she absentmindedly put emphasis on her words. ''Titania is fed by mine magic, her talents can, in turn, be channeled by mineself and it evolved into the unusual healing capabilities mysir... hasn't born witness to yet hm?'' She guffawed, finding amusement in this mixed blessing.

''Since Arawn trust this shy dweller, so should we.'' She carried on, her fairy silently nodding. ''He described himself strong enough to potentially cause Overcast in not one, but two people of joined flows; such a statement is endearing indeed, a malignant being would invade a body suffering in agony and attempt to gain control.'' Titania left her perch of silky hair and floated above Teruko, holding out two fingers.

''Two solutions come to mind, yes.'' Continued the professor, grinning under everyone attention but Hao; she was growling at an open spot near the trees, trying to intimidate invisible beings. ''One is the very solution of mysir visitor, to welcome it into thine body and... handle consequences I cannot fathom, for humanity summoning is a lost art. After all, I -do- create a body for our dear fairy.''

''Mine secondary idea...'' Teruko cleared her throat, fingering a filled gourd. ''...would be to prepare safety net for mysir attempt at granting his friend consistency. A ritual to take place during the Hour of Lullaby inside our tall abode -nobody seems busy this afternoon- thus with fast preparation, it is mine belief we could gather everyone for a serious attempt at summoning and give Arawn strength. If this being needs magic to manifest, us comrades possess more than enough; if Corruption is needed, our majesties can supply flawlessly...'' She rubbed her chin, brows knitting together in thoughts yet excitement remained bright and visible on her naturally sharp features, Teruko was genuinely enjoying herself. ''More details later, yes. Everything minself proclaimed remains a theory, for indeed all of mine words could be wrong and mysir situation isn't solved by following normal summoning logic. What say, Arawn?''

>Attempt to summon Gardy by using your body, as he first suggested. Doing so under Teruko supervision ought to be safe.

>Sacrifice your afternoon and agree to do this ritual, this ''safety net'' as Teruko put it.

>Free

>>2802543
>Sacrifice your afternoon and agree to do this ritual, this ''safety net'' as Teruko put it.
Sacrificing time we could put into research we *need* to do stings but I'm not willing to wander blindly into risks we cannot begin to guess.

>>2802535
>'One who came with you out of the Throne...'' She murmured, blue eyes looking far off into nature, mind lost in thoughts.
Oho, looks like Elina is starting to catch up on who Buddy really is.

>>2802543
>Sacrifice your afternoon and agree to do this ritual, this ''safety net'' as Teruko put it.
Far safer than giving White a possible avenue of control to Gardy's soul.

Afternoon it is. I'm not sure if I have enough strength in me to write this needed setpiece today and making a time skip is wasting a little too much time for my liking so I'll allow a little wiggle room. While you cannot research something, I'll allow you guys to spend some time with Elina, Hao or Vilma (all of them together work, too. Everyone else is busy.)

>Discuss something with the girls. (Subject and who?)

>>2802612
We haven't really had a chance to chat with Hao have we? We could ask her about how she's settling into her role as a maid (and maybe inquire about her refusal to curtsy).

>>2802624
That work. I'll be away for about 20 minutes, so votes are closing then and I'll proceed with what you guys want.

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What followed after dinner was a burst of busy activity as you relayed your story and Teruko strongarmed Daiyu, Belphegor, and Sieglinde to find a big empty room that could be used for a ritual. While the demons had also something they wanted to share, news of your discoveries convinced them to use the area of the Throne and off they went, soon enough followed by Elina and Vilma as both girls desired distractions.

''So, Hao?'' You had this feeling you were wasting time but Teruko had insisted you to rest and relax since you were about to steps into unknown territory.

''Yes? Arawn? I can talk better, little bits!'' You were sitting on the chair, reading a book about the Allied Kingdoms while Hao was also doing her best reading something about the 13 Heroes. Still clad in her usual frilly uniform, her oversized weapon had changed place. Coming out of Belphegor lab into Sieglinde chamber: it rested against a wall, seemingly forgotten.

''How do you find it being a maid?'' You asked, closing the book. It was about economics instead of telling something interesting about Eliaures.

''Mmmh... Maid, not a servant no no...'' Dutifully placing a piece of paper on her page, she closed her book and jumped to her feet as you raised yourself. ''I help Teruko! Have to call myself a maid, that's all! Different feeling... different experience? Fun, it's girly.'' She said softly, wiggling her fingers as she tried to find words. Before you could agree, she nodded on her own, finding her own answer.

''Teruko tries very hard to teach you curtsies.'' You continue, avoiding the mistake of looking toward her legs, her foreign beauty, and wide, friendly smile was incredibly inviting.

''Curtsy? Curtsy...'' Hao asked herself, pinching her chin in a manner similar to Teruko, green eyes questing for an answer during her inward search.

''It's well, a bit of a bow... let's see, like...'' You did your best to add gesture to explanations. When your knees bent, Hao let out a yelling squack.

''Aaah! That! No, no no!'' She slapped her hands on her wide, long skirt, straightening her spine to rival a soldier discipline. ''No, not this! Suppose to greet people, noble people doing it yeah? No! don't like it.'' Hao firmly rubbed her smooth uniform so as to make it espouse the contour of her legs.

''Embarrassing!'' She whined, long, thin tress shaking with her head. ''People could... Arawn could see down there... yes? I... Pants with stocking get so hot. It's bad fashion but pants are better!'' Hao slapped her thighs, putting action to words by showing her dislike.

Well now, you might have to handle this delicately.

>''It is your duty as a maid to pinch your skirt and lift it veery gently...'' (Approach this carefully, maids always greet people with a little curtsy. It's a cultural thing here)

>''Do you like girly clothes, Hao?'' (Better change the subject.)

>''How about changing your wardrobe if skirts scare you?'' (Why not propose a solution?)

>Free

>>2802763
>''Do you like girly clothes, Hao?'' (Better change the subject.)

>''Do you like girly clothes, Hao?'' (Better change the subject.)

I am back! I feel like I mised important choices! >w<

>>2802763
So wait is the fact that people could see under the skirt or the skirt is thin enough to... entice the imagination? Either way, assuming maid outfits aren't universal across all of Throne Town:
>''How about changing your wardrobe if skirts scare you? You could ask Teruko about the possibility.''
I'm sure Teruko wouldn't mind a different uniform if Hao explained her troubles.

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>>2802813
Oh no, it's a big skirt inside a relatively thick uniform, usual maid stuff.

Hao never wore skirts (or stocking) before so it's taking a long while to adjust.

>>2802820
Oohh, I see. She just needs time, then. Not a whole lot that could help with that, aside from casual skirts she could try wearing on her free time whenever she has some?

Either way, might as well change to >''Do you like girly clothes, Hao?''

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Hao embarrassment didn't last long. She snuck a few glances your way, took a few deep breaths and relaxed her stance, allowing this long dress to flow naturally. She wore it amazingly well, it truly felt like an extension of her body, a marriage between her natural exoticness and classical fashion that gave great personality in an otherwise banal uniform.

Hooold up there Arawn, pretty girls in maid dress might be a weakness...

''Ahem, Hao?'' There's a hint of vulnerability in her gaze, perhaps a trace amount of guilt? ''Do you like girly clothes?'' It's a bit of a throwaway question and she doesn't understand right away.

''Long, flowing thing... maybe, Daiyu kimono? Would you like something like that? Or maybe a boyish style?''

Her cheek gain a deeper flush of redness and those brilliant eyes look away, settling on the exit then drifting toward her uniform, the tribal girl pinches the apron softly then work to straighten her dress.

''Girly... means being pretty, right?'' She asks you and you nod, this create a bridge of understanding that brings out a smile. ''I'm a girl. Hao is a girl, I...I'm never, I don't know... It's wasted.''
There's a thoughtful expression on her face, a new emotion you hadn't seen before. It wasn't her usual spirited joy of life or that firmness of purpose when she revealed her desire for revenge, here it was sadness.

''You wear that uniform beautifully, Hao.'' She had bitten her lips silently during the silence and this brings a reaction, upturned eyes fixing you in a mixture of bashful disbelief. The girls had given Hao plenty of compliments but perhaps none of those stuck, her tribe must have been a hard place indeed. A quiet yearning in her eyes convinced you her mother was the only person to praise her.

''Really?'' It's a tiny voice, almost like a whine and you decided to step closer and put a hand on her shoulder.

''Yep. You should ask for things you want, pretty dresses or something different... Teruko would listen, all of us would. What kind of style do you like?''

''Not too... open. Elegant? Maybe like... Daiyu or Sieglinde... style.'' She's embarrassed, red up to her ears, but her smile is honest and cute. ''I'm... a girl, Hao is a girl so... How can a girl be pretty? This is...'' She pinches her maid uniform. ''Good.'' She admits to you and, more importantly, herself.

You hadn't thought about it at all but this girl truly came from the other side of the known world. Whatever culture shock or trauma that came along with that had been swallowed and suffered in silence while offering everyone around her honest smiles and genuine friendly supports.

...There's a strong will in there. A quiet, unyielding ember that can roar into a choking inferno. It is little wonder she survived inside that forest for three days

>Ending here for tonight.
Our thread is growing big indeed. I'm planning to continue until Tuesday so I'm not sure if it's worth it to make another one.

>>2802926
My only regret is that I wasn't here for that y/n vote, and that I won't be here for two weeks.
Thanks for doing what you do. I enjoy your writing style.

>>2803143
I do it cause I love it. I might be a tad busy in the coming days as well, hence why I'm going a little beyond my usual time with this thread.

Slowly but steadily building up my second quest too.

Upon re-reading some of this I get the distinct impression that Teruko is a sucker for Grand Summons. She's practically giddy at the thought of summoning something like buddy.

>>2803492

If she played one of those gacha type games so popular lately, she might be the kind that keeps gunning for ultra-rare 5 star summons!

...the mental image if Teruko playing intensely to FGO amuses me greatly.

>>2803524
She'd prefer Girl's Frontline because she'd imagine herself as Commander Mom.

Our crew in the modern world would make for an interesting sight.

>>2803524
Ok, wasn't exactly thinking about that until you pointed it out but damn you're right. She's also the inventor of that system so she always has every 5-star at NP5 without spending millions of (insert name of currency where millions of it means you can live a life of luxury easily here) because she knows all the variables and just spends mere hundreds to get that result while having access to millions.

Truly, if you were lucky enough to have her on your friends list you'd probably just stop rolling for SSR's as you'd know for sure you'd get to field the most ideal 5-star for anything if you just refreshed the friend's list a few more times.

>>2803527
That's the gun waifu game right? It any good? Also, the Japanese do that quite a lot by transposing the cast of a given IP into a modern High School and toning down the lethality and seriousness to carry the 2 and make the thing work.

Never actually seen/read those but I did notice that trend. MHA and AOT are recent examples of it I can think of. I think, my own SAN score isn't exactly stellar dude.

Still, this crew is easy to slot into that situation. Lady White being an albino yandere classmate with an intel network fixated upon Arwan the new transfer student would fit very hard.

Daiyu, the principle/her nemesis, the most sensual teacher (because leaders must lead!) who truly loves her job and her students in a most platonic way save for those who manage to prove themselves worthy in her eyes for one of her daughter's hand in marriage.

Belph the Science teacher whose baseline for entry into her secret society of nerds is a cold drop of if they've ever heard of people like John D. Clarke and/or gave the equivalent of the "correct" reaction to his test to see if one was of the proper mindset to work in his lab... Dude please tell me all this didn't just fly over your head because this can *work*.

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>>2803575
Huh? Pic didn't load/post. It was just for fun but hey, I thought it fit so if it fails here I give up.

Just know, I had a pic I wanted y'all to see.

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>>2803575
>That's the gun waifu game right? It any good?
I like it, it's much more generous than penny-pinching Granblue and FGO so I'm sticking to it. I've also been inspired by the setting to place something similar in my slow building science-fiction quest.

>Dude please tell me all this didn't just fly over your head because this can *work*.

It totally did because I haven't spent any brainjuices imagining it (I've instead focused on a whole lot of different major scenarios as thoughts experiments).

It's a bit difficult for me to imagine them in a modern, more mundane setting. It's probably not something that inspires me. Still, feel free to imagine stuff as you want. It's fun to read speculations.

>>2803527

Now you've gotten me interested. I'll have to check this game out.

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So I did a thing. Have some fan-art of Arawn's Magitek gauntlet!

Not entirely satisfied with what are supposed to be the lower two gems of the three, I got a bit hasty while drawing those.

Apologies for the choppy quality, my printer/scanner machine is a bit old and me leaving my lines as thin as they are probably didn't help matters.

>>2804234

Oh, very nice! Hands are hard to draw, but yours manages to look just right. The gauntlet's details also look good, I think!

>>2804257
>Hands are hard to draw, but yours manages to look just right.
I agree.

>>2804234
Pretty good, I didn't spend much time describing it so it must have been difficult. Those additions on the knuckles for mean punching is a nice, practical thing.

>>2804257
>>2804262
>>2804268
Thank you!
>Hands are hard to draw
They are, aren't they. I got off a bit easier since I didn't have to focus all that much on getting the anatomy correct.
>>2804268
>I didn't spend much time describing it so it must have been difficult.
The way I saw it was that not having much of a description meant I had a lot leeway when drawing this!
>Those additions on the knuckles for mean punching is a nice, practical thing.
And that was exactly what I was going for! I wanted the gauntlet to have practicality outside of conjuring lethal electricity.