(Sorry for the rough introduction. This quest will be far more fleshed out as it goes along.)

>Name. Norse/Scandanavian is a good reference, but not required.
>Backstory: What was he before he landed on shore?
>Favored weapon.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>3410921
>Ursdaag
>An honest man turned peddler scraping by in harsh times, selling what was once deem legal before his land was swallowed by tyranny. His delicate position taught him how to coil his tongue the right way in the right time, how to be elusive among those who intended to bring him to their called justice. Alas, this was not the case.
>A man of violence he was not. Should the need arise, Daggers often did the job.

>>3410921
Thorfinn
A warrior, seeking peace in a foreign land (strength)
Two-handed sword

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>3411062

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>3410921
>Orrin Skidisson
>A Runekeeper who travelled alone, pursuing visions sent by the gods his whole life. He had few friends, and lived on his own wits and the power of the Runes taught to him in fitful dreams, wandering across the land and doing the bidding of the gods. He last remembered that he had come to the New World with the Vikings, having seen in a dream that a sacred duty would be carried out here -- but the ship had come apart in a storm.

(( Original anon, hope you don't mind. I'm gonna pick two of yours, but the third of the new guy. But Ursdaag is an amazing name. Thorfinn ain't half bad either. So let's make a character. ))

His name. That's right. He mulled it over for a moment. He was Ursdaag Thorfinnson. He hadn't been of large import besides among the merchant guilds of his homeland of Icemouth, and in his home of Hymdall's Hand. But he had made an honest living, selling several remedies and herbs, as well as rare minerals, including the Cragstone used to forge remarkable weapons. But that stone had been all but stolen and monopolized by the empire, and so it was outlawed to sell it unless licensed by the Empire itself.
And he had refused. What did these weak men know of Icemouth? Or of good stone? He struggled against his bonds, furious. They had no right to take his home, nor his things, and he had been unable to speak his way out of it, in any form.

Not that he wanted to speak to such filth anyway.

He remembered he'd brought along his father's greatsword, a claymore forged partially of Cragstone. But they had obviously taken it, probably to either fence off or keep as a trophy of taking down such a fierce some opponent. After all, the people of Icemouth were a rough and hardy people, strong and durable. He remembered having tried to fight back against them when they took him prisoner. But they had roped him and binded him, making him unable to fight.

Yes, the memories were coming back to him now. And they made him all the more enraged.

For now, he would simply have to make do with his surroundings for things of interest.

>Examine the water barrel nearby. You're slightly thirsty.
>Examine the tray before you with questionable food. Can you even eat or drink with your hands like this?
>Examine the shadowy figure chained near you. Her labored breathing makes you slightly concerned for her health.
>Other (write in.)

>>3411091
>Examine the shadowy figure chained near you. Her labored breathing makes you slightly concerned for her health.
>Examine the water barrel nearby. You're slightly thirsty.
>Examine the tray before you with questionable food. Can you even eat or drink with your hands like this?
In that order.

>>3411098
That's a good order. If we can only do one.
>Examine the shadowy figure chained near you. Her labored breathing makes you slightly concerned for her health.

>>3411091
>Examine the shadowy figure chained near you. Her labored breathing makes you slightly concerned for her health.
>>3411098
come on dood, leave some space for the QM. what good comes out of choosing everything?

There was a long moment as Ursdaag looked up at the figure close to him on the ground. They were sharing a cell? What sort of person would put such a fragile woman alone in a room with an Icemouth man?

Then again, he was utterly bound. He struggled a moment, then looked over at her.

"Hey..." he grumbled. She gasped a moment, her breathing becoming quick as she backed up quickly, the moonlight only slightly revealing what she looked like. Red hair. Hazel eyes. Fair skin. Obviously of the Empire. He grimaced. Now he wished he hadn't have spoken up. But the damage was done. She knew now he spoke her language, at least slightly. Her hand was over her chest. He noted her arms had strange shackles on them.

"Do you speak?" he asked, grunting.

She nodded, hesitant. While she was shaking nervously, he looked over at the water barrel and then at the tray in front of him. The water barrel was full, but the water - even from here - smelled stagnant. He didn't doubt the barrel was unclean. The tray in front of him had a meat on it, as well as several other strange ingredients. Some sort of minced vegetable. A potato? How could someone ruin food so much? Not even Orrin had ruined a meal so thoroughly.

"Do... do you thirst? Do you hunger?" the girl finally asked, breaking his concentration.

"..." he was silent for a moment, giving her a look.

"Do you?"

"Do you know what I am, girl?" Ursdaag asked. "An Icemouthian. The enemy of your people. What does it matter if I need anything?"

"You are not my enemy." the girl stated flatly. "...In this instance, you're probably the closest thing to an ally I could have, because.. I can trust you have no love for the Empire either."

He scrutinized her for a moment, then pondered. He had been good with talking to people from the Empire before the rebellion. And he had always had a knack for his speechcraft. Whatever this girl was talking about, she seemed to have answers. Furthermore... her hands were not bound by standard means. She was completely "free."

>Ask her about her past.
>Confide in her about yourself.
>Ask her about the bonds on her arms.
>Ask her to get you food. You don't care about anything else for the moment.

>>3411145
>Ask her about the bonds on her arms.

>>3411145
>Ask her about the bonds on her arms.
>>3411140
I didn't mean to impose. I apologize if I have.

> Ask her about the bonds on her arms

>>3411200
its cool

>>3411145
>>Ask her about her past

File: tegaki.png (55 KB, 400x400)

55 KB PNG

"...Tell me about those shackles. Why aren't you tied up like me?" Ursdaag inquired.

She seemed uncertain as she looked down at the shackles themselves. In the dim light, he could see they were slightly runic in nature. He knew a bit of runes, but not enough to make sense of these. They were definitely magical, however. He cocked his head slightly.

"I'm... Well... I'm considered a dangerous magician." she said quietly, fidgeting with her arms. "These prevent me from channeling any form of arcane energies. But I'm really not that bad. Honest! My father... He's much better than me. I still have much to learn."

She looked down at the stones between her feet, uncomfortable and anxious. He looked her over. She couldn't be much younger than him but definitely too young to be in a prison. He was... what? 23 by the Empire's standards? But to his people, he was 37 Cycles old. That's all that mattered to him. She, on the other hand, appeared to be in her late teens. He was no old one but he'd suffered far more than her to get where he was now.

He could tell from how she spoke that she'd had some sort of good upbringing before all this. Probably the type to be invited to those Empire festivals and balls. The type to wear pretty gowns and dance to tunes archaic and new. The type to never go further than a kiss until the bridal gown was upon her. The type to return home to her parents each night and sleep beneath their roof.

Definitely not like him. He had left his home when he was only 25 cycles old to seek fortune the way his father had, a man who had once been a great warrior, now a lame man only 50 cycles old, with a leg he could barely stand on thanks to an attack of trolls. He couldn't bear to see his father in such a state. The great hero of Icemouth, who had slain a mighty wyvern to save Hymdall's Hand, now reduced to a miserable, old man whose only worth was in the stories he told to the children.

Of course, he had seemed happy to tell the stories, but Ursdaag had sought adventure, his own legacy. After being given his father's blade by calloused hands, he had gone out to seek his own destiny. And now, where had that gotten him?

Two different views of the same world, he wagered.

"What an Empire it must be, to accost young girls barely of age to raise their own." Ursdaag leaned back against the wall, sighing. "I bet those guards were the first male touch you'd ever felt besides your father, huh?"

He said the snide remark with a bit of a grin but she stared at the ground with a furious reddening, then looked back up at him, irritated.

"My romantic affairs are none of your business! Do you want my help or not?!" she stated a bit loudly, her voice echoing a bit beyond the confines of the cell. She gasped, covering her mouth, but he relaxed.

"Don't worry. They won't bother to check in on a bound giant and a silenced mage." he said with certainty. "But how will you help me? And what do you want of me?"

---1/2---

"....I can feed you! And slake your thirst! You can't move, can you?" she asked, moving closer to him. "So you can't do it yourself. And the guards won't do it either."

He had to admit. Unfortunately, she was right. In his current state, had he been alone, he would die within days of either starvation, dehydration, or a mix of both. He knew it wasn't a pleasant way to die. But how could he trust this strange woman, who had openly pledged herself a mage? Magi were a mysterious group...

But, he didn't want to die either. Not yet. He nodded at her and her face brightened up.

"I can... I can be of use!" she breathed, seeming relieved.

"But what do you want of me, girl?" Ursdaag asked. He knew of deals. He'd been a merchant after all. Things were done in exchange for things to be done. Money moved through hands like water.

"I... I'll think of something. But you'll be of no use to me dead." she said coldly. "So for now, just accept my help and think of it as an investment."

"Hoh..." Ursdaag replied, pleased. "So you're not a terrible diplomat either. That's not a normal trait in someone your age. Who are you, really?"

"...Someone of vital importance, and of crucial need to you, especially now." she replied. "Furthermore, don't call me girl. My name is ..."

She halted a moment, looking him over. He could sense a lie was coming.

"My name is Veloria. Vel. You may call me Vel." she said, hoping he'd accept it. She grabbed a cup laying on the ground near the barrel and scooped out water, holding it to his face.

>Accept her lie and don't press further. Drink for now. No need to anger her.
>Accept her lie but make sure she knows you know she's lying. Accept the drink. Life comes first.
>Deny her lie and press further. She probably might get angry but how can you trust someone who would openly try to deceive you?

>>3411257
>Accept her lie but make sure she knows you know she's lying. Accept the drink. Life comes first.

Thank you Velma.

(( It's getting late. I'll try to keep up with the replies but I also have work tomorrow. If you guys post, make sure you're aware it may take hours before I respond. D: ))

>>3411257
>Accept her lie but make sure she knows you know she's lying. Accept the drink. Life comes first.

>>3411263
No worries Shogun of Light. Thanks for running!

"If you want my help, 'Veloria', understand that I've dealt with aliases before." Ursdaag gave her a firm look before leaning forward as she helped him drink. The water was definitely not fresh, nor pure. It was stagnant and lukewarm. But it was water. As he drank, she looked him over, making sure the last bit was gone before she went to get him more. There was silence besides the sounds of a parched man drinking softly.

Finally, she pulled the cup away from him meekly.

"....Thank you..." she whispered.

"For what?"

"Not prying further. It's not that I don't trust you. It really isn't. I really do. I saw them throw you in here. You're really the only hope I have of... Of ..."

She muttered.

"What?"

"Of getting out." she said in a hushed tone. "I can't stay here. But if I tell you why, you might not help me at all. Please understand. Just help me as another prisoner, and then you'll owe me nothing else. Just let me run from you after we get out. That's all I ask."

"....What could you possibly be that makes you think I'll try and hurt you by knowing it?" Ursdaag raised an eyebrow. "I'm not a savage, unlike your Empire wants you to think. I'm a merchant. I trade. I deal. I fight off highwaymen like anyone else."

She blinked.

"...Like anyone else, right?" he asked.

She shook her head.

"What? No one else in your Empire fights for themselves on the roads, protecting their goods from bandits and monsters? They just let them have them?"

"No.. but they normally hire guards for the journey..."

"That's costly, and unnecessary when you're somewhat trained. Most bandits rely on numbers or intimidation. Once you strike back, they run like cowards back into the icy mountains, to hide again. And sometimes I chase them down and take THEIR Frostmarks. Now THAT'S real mercantile."

She laughed, quite hard, at that remark, almost in disbelief.

"You chase them? Groups of them? Through the snow?"

"Well of course! They tried to take my money and my goods? It's only fair I try to take theirs." he shrugged, sighing. "But they weren't armed, trained military guards. They didn't have large weapons or magicians. I should have been more prepared before I tried to journey here."

"Why did you leave your home then?" Vel asked, moving closer to him. "Did the bandits finally come to take vengeance upon you? Did you have a bad deal?"

He gave her a long look and she sighed morosely, her eyes looking away.

"....No... I know. Because of m... Because of the Empire's people." she said, fidgeting nervously. "I'm sorry."

"You weren't the one who took my cart from me, fed me lies, tried to force me to buy a piece of paper that told me half of my earnings would go to men I would never meet. You're not the one who demanded money from my father and beat him until he - a man who could have slain them in his prime - gave it to them. You're not the one who proclaimed Icemouth property of a land most of us had never seen. You have nothing to apologize for, Vel."
--1/2---

There was a long silence in the prison. After that, she fed him slightly on the meat and food within the tray, eating some herself. It was then he discovered they were feeding her, but had never had an intention of feeding him. As a result, she was giving him her precious meals, something they would only be given at odd times of the day.

"I will repay you." he swore.

"You must. I... may tell you why I must escape but know that helping me... could be the best thing you could do." she promised, patting his shoulder. "But... I did forget to ask your name."

"Ursdaag." he replied, not using an alias. She pondered a moment before pronouncing it back to him.

"You can call me Ursd, if you want." he added, leaning his head against the wall. "Some of the merchants from the Empire used to call me that. Easier to say."

"Ursd..." she repeated, nodding. She yawned after that, stretching out slightly. She then moved slowly back over to her corner of the room, trying to make herself comfortable on what appeared to be a mat of straw.

"Sleep well, Ursd." she said, laying her head upon the stone. "I'm happy you were the one put in here with me."

"...I... share the sentiment." Ursdaag replied, slightly surprised. After what the Empire had done to him recently, he didn't think he was capable of forgiving them. But perhaps he could still be diplomatic. After all, that's what he'd always had to be.

He closed his own eyes in an attempt to go to sleep. He was sure a few hours had passed when he began to be roused from slumber. He heard her shaking on the floor. As he opened his eyes, he watched as she grasped the mat of straw firmly, almost in shock. She was in the fit of some nightmare.

>Awaken her. She may actually be having a traumatic experience.
>Awaken her roughly. You need sleep, and her fits are causing you an inconvenience.
>Ignore her. You've slept in stables before. Noises aren't uncommon and her problems are her own.

>>3411322
>>Awaken her. She may actually be having a traumatic experience.

>>3411322
>Awaken her. She may actually be having a traumatic experience.

>>3411322
>Awaken her. She may actually be having a traumatic experience.

"Hey." Ursdaag said softly, patting the ground with his foot for a moment. Her shivering didn't cease.

"HEY." he said, a bit louder. Her shaking softened for a moment before she jumped and screeched, then came to her senses, grabbing her head, shivering uncontrollably.

"I didn't kill him. I didn't kill him. I promise you. Please... believe me..!..." she whimpered, turning her head slightly to face Ursd. Upon seeing him, she began to realize her position again and she slid backward, pressing herself against the bars on the other end of the room.

"Did I... say anything in my sleep? Do anything!?" she asked loudly, clutching her robes close to her chest.

>Joke: "Yeah, you said how much you adore me already."
>Honesty: "You shook all over, and then just now you spoke about killing someone?"
>Concern: "It doesn't matter. Come here. You can lean on me if it helps. I saw situations like this back home.
>Lie: "No. I heard nothing. Now go back to sleep." (Roll to succeed.)

>>3411534
>Joke: "Yeah, you said how much you adore me already."
>Honesty: "In truth, you shook all over, and then just now you spoke about killing someone?"
>Concern: "Anyway, come here. You can lean on me if it helps. I saw situations like this back home.

I wanted to choose one but this was too tempting. Feel free to cut out the joke

Ursdaag smirked lightly.

"Oh yes, in your sleep, you were muttering about how much you loved me and telling me to be a bit gentler. I didn't think you'd come on to me that quickly. Nice to know I'm in your dreams."

She immediately turned crimson and crawled over to him with speed he hadn't expected from her. In an instant, she had his collar with both hands, pulling him close.

"I DIDN'T, DID I?" she said in a loud whisper, holding him firmly. "I DIDN'T?"

"No, of course not. Calm down. To be honest, you shivered a lot, whimpered a bit, then muttered something about killing someone, but being... innocent of it? I'm sure."

She relaxed only slightly, then looked down, vexed.

"Vel."

She looked up at him, sheepish and afraid.

"This is common, isn't it?"

She nodded, upset.

"You can lean on me if you want. I saw this sort of thing back home. It's comforting to sleep by someone, and it helps prevent the grip of fear."

She paused, then stood to her full height, brushing herself off.

"It... would not be proper. I should not lean on you in such a way, not even in such a literal manner."

"Then would you rather have nightmares and tell me even more about yourself? I wouldn't mind the stories."

They stared each other down. She looked at his bindings, then back at him.

"....No I can't try anything because of them. Wouldn't want to anyway. I'm in prison wrongfully." he said calmly, scooting over a bit. "Bring me that straw mat though. I'm cold. You can lay on it then."

He had meant for that more to make her more comfortable. After all, then she'd have a nice barrier between her and him. She obliged, picking up the mat from the corner and draping it over him. It smelled terribly but it felt warmer than not being there at all.

She then pressed herself against it, trying to get comfortable.

"...I appreciate this." she admitted, drifting off to sleep.

He did not reply. The two of them slept without further incident until the morning.

---1/2----

There was a rude awakening as he felt cold water splashed upon his face. He looked up at a tall, foreboding figure in half-full armor, a helmet clutched under one arm, a bucket in the other. The man threw the bucket to the side, his face rigid.

"Good morning, you frigid savage." the man said in formal Common. "I see you slept well. Would you like something to drink? Something to eat?"

Ursdaag made a gruff, comical voice.

"Oh yeeees.. I would love to drink the blood of your children and eat the flesh of your wives. I'm a savage beast."

"Mongrel. I'm offering you more than most of your kind could hope to acquire in the Empire's lands - especially as a trespasser. Would you rather I killed you?"

"I'm surprised you haven't yet. Was actually worried you were too frightened to approach me even when I was tied up."

The guard stared him down and Ursdaag stared back. There was a long pause.

"Where's the girl?"

"It's none of your concern where she is or what we do to her. What matters is what she's done to you." the man knelt by Ursdaag, placing a hand under his chin. "We know you're Branded. It's difficult to hide. But that's not our concern. We came to offer a deal. A freedom for a conviction."

The man threw a paper in front of Ursdaag. On it was written a confession. Ursdaag gave a slight smile.

"Can't understand your sophisticated tongue. Mind translating it for me? Terribly sorry."

"You can read it and you damn well know it."

Of course he could. He was already almost done reading it. He didn't like what he read.

"So in exchange for confessing supposed crimes against the Empire and stating that the prisoner with me told me of her guilt, I can go free?"

Yes, that's what they wanted. They had put him with her for a reason - so they could say she had confessed something to him in the night. Technically, she had - that she didn't kill someone. But had she really? He wasn't sure. He looked down at the scroll again.

"Sign the confession, and we'll take you outside and cut your bonds. No more questions. No more arrests. You'll be made a citizen of the Empire, free to sell your goods as you wish."

Ursdaag stared at the letter for a long time.

>Refuse. You barely know Vel but you know she's no murderer, and the Empire is full of deceit. You'd be signing her death warrant.
>Accept. You barely know Vel and it wouldn't matter if she died or lived. She wouldn't even tell you who she really was.
>Ask the guard more about Vel. Try to convince him to tell you more about who she is. (Roll).

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3411634
>Ask the guard more about Vel. Try to convince him to tell you more about who she is. (Roll).

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>3411634
>>Ask the guard more about Vel. Try to convince him to tell you more about who she is. (Roll).

We're gonna refuse, but still like to know a bit more.

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>3411634
>Ask the guard more about Vel. Try to convince him to tell you more about who she is. (Roll).

>>3411649
>>3411716
>>3411730
Wow! I guess Vel really can keep a secret.

>>3411732
M-maybe it'll be roll under?

>>3411732
It's rader guard doesn't want to share one
>>3411734
Not really common on qst so i doubt it, but truth be told i prefer it

File: lel.gif (499 KB, 480x228)

499 KB GIF

>>3411734

Rolled 21 (1d100)

(( Testing myself to see if I still understand this rolling business. If it fails, someone else roll for me. ))

(( This guard is shittier at keeping a secret than we are at finding one. ))

"Who, or what, exactly is Vel then? Is she Branded like me?" Ursdaag asked, curious. "I'd like to know more about who I'd be condemning to death."

"Vel? Who's Vel?" the guard blinked a moment, then his face twisted into a snide one. "Oh? Is that the name she gave you? I hope you knew at the time she was lying."

"I assumed. But it's all I had to go on." Ursdaag replied nonchalantly.

"Listen, the girl in this cell with you is someone you could never have hoped to meet otherwise - and certainly not get close to. She's the prin.... She's a very important person in this Empire, and she made some very bad choices. As a result, we need her removed. But it's not easy to get rid of her kind, you see. It's that simple. It's politics you don't care about, right? After all, this isn't your homeland."

Ursdaag grimaced. So... she was the Princess? Or one of them? He had no idea how many children that king had spawned. Just what had she done to end up here?

"But that's enough of that-"

"What's her real name?"

The guard halted a moment, then smiled.

"Anastasia." he said.

Ursdaag reeled a moment. Anastasia? The Archmagi? Were they one and the same? All he knew was that that named was shared by a mage who had caused a cataclysmic spell to destroy half of a port city Icemouth traded with. Just who WAS this girl?

"Either way, our deal stands. Sign here." the guard commanded.

>Refuse. You definitely can't afford to let them have her now. Not only is she a powerful weapon but the princess as well? There has to be an explanation behind the port city's destruction.
>Accept. She blew up a city to your knowledge and killed many people. Princess or not, if it's the same woman, she's a dark witch.

>>3412614
>>3412645
Please refer to this gif here
>>3411747

>Refuse. You definitely can't afford to let them have her now. Not only is she a powerful weapon but the princess as well? There has to be an explanation behind the port city's destruction.

>>3412645
>Refuse. You definitely can't afford to let them have her now. Not only is she a powerful weapon but the princess as well? There has to be an explanation behind the port city's destruction.

>>3412645
>>Refuse. You definitely can't afford to let them have her now. Not only is she a powerful weapon but the princess as well? There has to be an explanation behind the port city's destruction.
Yeah, no
>She's the prin
Oh, wow, this is fantasy Russia, isn't it?

>>3412677
Hopefully, we can stop the Not!jews from slaughtering the Not!Romanov family and the all-female guard at the winter palace.

Ursdaag kicked the scroll away from himself as the guard watched in slight surprise.

"Can't sign it. My hands are tied anyway." he said firmly. "You'll have to find another way to have the girl condemned to death."

"...Suit yourself, beast." the guard rolled the parchment up, his face disgusted. "It would have been more freedom than you ever would have been given otherwise."

"There's some freedom here." Ursdaag responded. "My only complaints are the water and the fact I can't scratch my arse."

"Filthy mongrel." the guard added. He turned to someone outside the cell and sighed, holding his hand up.

"No, we won't kill him. We'll break him. You'll sign that contract - eventually." the guard turned back to him. "We don't even have to lift a finger."

With that, he turned away and walked out of the prison. Ursdaag tried to move as a familiar robed figure was hurled into the prison next to him. There was a gasp of pain as she landed against the wall, the stones giving her no reprieve. She coughed once.

"Be pleased, girl. You'll live for a bit longer here." the man added as he locked the gates again. "You both will live here until you rot. We'll possibly forget to give you food or water sometimes. Give you less than normal if we're especially... forgetful."

The doors were locked. The guards left. Anastasia raised herself from the ground.

>Ask her if she's hurt. Call her Ana.
>Ask her if she's hurt. Call her Vel.

>>3412700
>>Ask her if she's hurt. Call her Vel.

>>3412700
>Ask her if she's hurt. Call her Vel.
Or call her Avanel

((Heading to work. Next post will be a reply to the votes. Thanks for the continued interest, guys. ))

>>3412715
Anytime. Don't work too hard now.

>>3412700
>Ask her if she's hurt. Call her Vel.

He decided it would be better to call her as she wished, for now. It would probably upset her if he told her he knew who she might truly be. After all, what if the Empire's guard was lying? Wouldn't be the first time.

"Hey. Vel. Did they hurt you?" Ursdaag asked, nudging her with his foot.

She did not respond at first. She coughed, trying to calm herself. Water dripped from her eyes. He could see it now. She was crying terribly. He grew slightly furious.

"Did they HURT you?" Ursdaag repeated, more firmly now.

"Have you ever felt... truly alone?" Vel asked, staring at the stone.

Ursdaag had to completely change his thoughts for a moment.

"What?"

"Have you ever felt truly alone, Ursd?" she said again. "Powerless? A burden to the world?"

He sighed, leaning backwards against the hard stone. Knowing what he knew about her, he could only assume what was happening.

Here he was, an outsider, caught in the middle of a political crisis, the perfect, unbiased candidate to get this girl's life taken from the world. He was being used as the final word to see her condemned in both name and life. She wouldn't leave honorably. They'd rub her in the dirt until even saying her name would bring only hushed whispers and the hands over children's ears. She was - in this instance - truly alone. The only "ally" in this situation some poor sod who got caught trespassing. What kind of friend was he, truly?

Well, he was the son of a hero, for one. The son of a legend. He was a fair merchant, for another. Trained mainly in the sword but also in the abacus. He learned how to cut corners, how to make the right prices, how to control the market. He'd made the Long Walk - the caravan ride from Skarncrag to the Musty Shores, all for a fortune in Frostmarks. He remembered each step of it, and he'd been alone the whole way. But he'd never felt... really alone. He had the wilds. The outdoors. The other merchants. He had had freedom. The icy winds, wild animals, and occasional bandit the only real deterrent.

"Well then, give it up." he finally commanded, frowning.

"Give... what up?"

"Trying to escape. You're apparently alone. I don't exist."

"I wasn't trying to imply-"

"We aren't allies, I see. So just ignore me and go back to crying away your life. Let's rot in this prison - alone."

She stared at him, words not coming to her mouth. He had a stone expression. He showed no emotion.

"But how can I do that? The people-"

"Apparently don't matter. They don't need you. You're alone in here. Why are you talking to me?"

"Why are you being such an arse?!" she said, a bit loudly, almost hysterical. "I thought we were friends!"

"I did too." Ursdaag responded, grinning.

She realized her mistake and let her hands down from where she had been about to berate him.

"....I.... I'm not alone. I'm not."

"No. Don't let the guards get to you." Ursdaag said.
---1/2----

>Tell her that you refused the deal on her life.
>Tell her you know who she really is and still want to help her.
>Offer to help her break her shackles.
>Let her have her moment to brood.
>Ask her to tell you what they said to her.

>>3414542
>Ask her to tell you what they said to her.
>Tell her that you refused the deal on her life.

>>3414547
>Let her have her moment to brood.
>Tell her that you refused the deal on her life.
>Tell her you know who she really is and still want to help her.

"Ana."

She froze. Her eyes were wide as she looked up at him again, absolutely shocked. There was a long moment of silence, and then she moved a bit away from him, afraid.

"Did I attack you yet? Calm yourself, princess."

She paused, anxious and uncertain. Her dignified aura was gone.

"You.. were working with them?"

"...What? Hell no."

"Then how would you know who I am!?"

"Because I asked them - when they asked me to give you up to them."

She backed away further, now completely lost for words. She grasped the bars behind herself, trying to find anything to steady her nerves.

"I-"

"I didn't accept it, you foolish youngling."

There was another long pause. She moved a bit closer now, but only slightly.

"You... you believed them.. but didn't... forsake me?"

"No. I told them to shove it. I have no idea what happened to you but I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing I condemned a princess to death."

Tears welled up in her eyes again as she looked at the ground, unable to speak. The shackles on her arms made soft noises as they shuddered alongside her body.

"I don't want to be Ana anymore. I don't want to be princess. I don't want the weight of the world on me. I don't want to fail my father. I don't want to be held here just to hurt him. I want to be someone else."

He gave her time to think as she knelt there, upset. He wasn't going to bother her. What was he going to say, anyway? He didn't know anything about Empire politics. Hell, he barely knew his own. All he knew was that the Jarl was the lord of the land, and that he had his hands in the Empire's pockets. He'd allowed his own country to be half controlled by a power from outside of its waters. Foolish, young man.

Finally, he spoke up.

"I'll still help you, ..Ana." Ursdaag said gently. "But you can't escape who you are, and I can't escape who I am. We're locked here together. This is the moment to be honest. You have to face the fact that you were born who you are. You can't fix that. I couldn't stop being the son of Thorfinn the Dragonslayer."

She looked up at him, wonder in her eyes replacing the grief.

"...Thorfinn, the Dragonslayer?"

"Aye. Thorfinn the Dragonslayer. The man who killed the Hellish Wyvern years ago. His blood runs through my veins. I'm his oldest son."

"So... you..."

"I know what it's like." he nodded. "People tried to use me to get into my father's good graces. Among us, strength and honor are the greatest things you can have. Being 'friends' with a hero meant merit and a story to tell. I never had any real friends, I don't think, besides Orrinn the Runekeeper and Valstadt."

"What about me?" she asked, hopeful.

"You could be one of them, but not as Vel. As Ana."

She nodded after a moment.

"I... I am Princess Anastasia, daughter of the King. I need to get out of here to save my father's life. I can't die here and I can't let them use me for an upper hand. But I need help."

"Then you have it." Ursd responded.
--1/2--

"If the washed up son of a hero is good enough for you." he added.

"I think I need whatever I can get, Ursd." she giggled.

"Oi."

Both of them paused for a moment as they turned to the left. There was a beady eye in the darkness, shifting to look at both of them. Ana froze for a moment, then leapt behind Ursd, using him to block the creature's view of them.

"OI!" it repeated.

>Reply with Oi.
>Reply with What.
>Do not reply.

>>3414685
>>Reply with Oi.

Ana seemed concerned. Ursdaag, however, was undaunted. Why not greet the new creature in kind?

"Oi."

The creature seemed to appreciate the friendly word. It crept closer to the bars, revealing itself for what it truly was in the daylight.

An eyepatch decorated the face of what could only be described as a true pirate. A braided beard, partially undone by time spent in the prison; long hair, covered in beads and dotted with more braiding; and finally, a toothy grin with a single missing right tooth near the front of his jaw on the top. All in all, a rapscallion castaway if one had ever been seen. Ursd gave him a nod. Ana was more wary.

"So, plannin' an escape, are we? Oh I heard everythin' ye two been sayin' fer the last two days, ye can bet. Just kept quiet, o' course. Didn't expect to hear so much. A princess, huh? THE Princess? Well I'll be damned." the man shook with joviality. "Never thought to meet her Majesty in such low livin' standards. Ye like prison? It's nice ain't it?"

"...Who... are you?" Ana asked, clutching Ursd's shoulder with shaking hands.

"Oh? Who am I?..." the man seemed to be trying to find an answer. "Who am I again? That's a good question. Mighty good one. Might need an answer, aye. Let's think."

He moved away from the bars for a moment before returning, grasping one bar in each hand.

"Oh... aye... I'm Captain Vincent Grimoire. Ye can call me Vince, if ye want. Or Cap'n. Or monster of the seas. Or really anythin' that ain't insultin'. I don't like bein' insulted, ye understand."

He moved back and forth shakily among the bars, then grinned again, showing more teeth.

"So... secret meetins? Hidden conspiracies? Dark betrayals? Political turmoil!? This has the SMELL of adventure. I don't want ta be left out. Count me in, yer highness."

"....I don't... truly know if that's-"

"Wait, you don't want ol' Grimoire's help?"

"No.. I mean.. wait... I'm not-"

"GUARDS!"

Grimoire yelled loudly, grabbing the bars in his hands. Ursd immediately realized the man's thought process and tried to shoot forward.

"Stop. You're in."

"Ursd!?" Ana asked, frightened.

"He's got the upper hand. He's heard everything, Ana. He knows who you are. He knows about the deal. And he knows my father too, if that means anything." Ursd grimaced. He should have checked his surroundings more, perhaps kept some things to himself until he was sure he was alone with her. But for now, he'd have to deal with the grave they'd dug.

"Ye know, the guards never asked me if /I/ wanted to confess about the girl." Vincent sunk to the ground, theatrically upset. "I coulda spun so many yarns. Told them she was a demon in human skin. A witch. Told them she was some sort o' cultist. Praised old gods. A child murderer. Oh I would have-"

"You could be silent." Ursd commanded. "Because if you wish to help us, that is what you will be."

"Oh...?" Vincent seemed perturbed. "Maybe I should say I can confe-"

--1/2--

"They won't take your word, Vince. You're a pirate. You're known here as a liar and a cheat, from what I wager."

Vincent growled.

"...You're not a fool. But I'm not that bad. I just do what I need to live. I've been in my share o' mutinies. Killed two captains to get where I am now. Ye learn what ye need to do to survive. Ye've killed before, I bet? Know about that side of life?"

Ana pushed forward, agitated.

"Ursd isn't a wretch like you!" she exclaimed, insulted. "If you want to join someone, you don't blackmail them into it!"

The room was quiet. Vincent clutched the bars tightly, his voice grave, instead of the former, comical tone.

"Ma'am... there are monsters of men more fiercesome than those in the sea... dread beasts born of lies and betrayal. Men who'd take a dagger to yer back just after taking a drink to yer hand. Are ye sure you can trust that Icemouthian?"

There was a tension in the air. Ana turned to Ursd, then back at Vincent.

"Yes... I do. With my life." she proclaimed, leering at him. "Far more than I do you."

"Fine, fine. Ye don't have to trust me. But we can help each other here."

Ursd couldn't help but feel his previous actions had made Ana say those things. She really did have faith in him. He could only hope he didn't abuse it.

>Ask Vincent his plans to escape.
>Ask Vincent about his past.
>Tell Ana to calm down and let Vincent speak.
>Tell Vincent to yell and see what happens.
>Come up with own current plan of escape. (roll)

>>3414905
>Ask Vincent his plans to escape.
>Tell Ana to calm down and let Vincent speak.

>>3414905
>Ask Vincent his plans to escape.
>Tell Ana to calm down and let Vincent speak.

>>3414905
>>Ask Vincent his plans to escape.
>>Ask Vincent about his past.

Ursd moved slightly as he got more comfortable, giving a sideways glance to Ana.

"Thank you for your concern but you don't need to be so quick to anger. Don't worry, I'm just as upset as you are."

"Hmph." Ana replied, moving back behind his shoulder.

"Vincent."

The pirate perked up, obviously pleased with himself.

"Aye?"

"Your kind normally know how to get out of most situations. Been in the brig before, I'm guessing?"

"Oh. Many times. Sometimes on purpose." Vincent replied, devious. "Ain't new to me to be behind bars."

"Then what's your plan?" Ursd asked, curious.

Vincent rubbed his hands together through the bars.

"A while back, soon after I arrived, a group of prisoners here broke a hole through one o' the walls in a bid for freedom. Most of 'em got caught. Few got away. That wasn't the important part. They left the hole behind. Instead of repairin' it, though, they just dropped a block of stone in front of it. Saw 'em dragging it in. Took four men to haul." Vincent said. "Should take one Icemouthian to lift."

"And that's why you want us."

"I want you. Girl's unimportant." Vincent shrugged. "I'm not interested in politics or magic. I just want out."

"What'd they get you for, anyway?" Ursd asked.

"Sailing too close to a duke's castle." Vincent growled. "I didn't know. Bastard lives on a cliffside manor. Could barely see it in the dark. But they saw me."

"Alright, now how do we GET to the rock?" Ursd inquired.

Vincent pondered a moment.

"We just need a key. If we can get a key to these cells, we can make a run for it. I know the way." Vincent promised. "They've dragged me to the 'interrogation room' a few times. It's near there."

>Interrogation room?
>How did the previous prisoners escape?
>Stop asking questions for now and focus on water and food.
>Discuss this with Ana.

>>3415686
>Interrogation room?
>How did the previous prisoners escape?
>Discuss this with Ana.

(( Heading to work. Will reply to votes upon getting home. ))

>>3415692
Support

"Interrogation room?" Ursd asked, confused.

"Oh? Hadn't had the luck to go there yet, mate?" Vincent smiled broadly, more of his teeth and gums visible in the weak light from the window far above. "Aye, interrogation is what they calls it. Seen 'em pull men's fingernails. Break bones. Pull teeth. Probably would bring in the maiden or the pear if they had the chance. They don't care what they hear. All they want to really hear is screams."

Ana leaned back against the wall, anxious. Vincent laughed at her reaction.

"Oh? Can the pretty princess not believe such sadism exists? Can the precious child o' the beloved King not understand some men ain't men but beasts?" he asked, tilting his head. "Your kingdom's fallen, little flower. Yer gonna wilt too, 'fore long."

"No more of that." Ursd finally said, gritting his teeth. "How did the last group of prisoners get out then?"

"One of the guards got a bit tipsy. Dropped a key outside me cell. I passed it along."

"So you were part of the previous group?"

"Did ye really think I wouldn't go along? But then I realized they were doomed from the start. There's one problem with mass escape - island's surrounded by water. Ain't that somethin'?"

"Island? But I washed up on Whiterock, I thought."

"Ye did. But when they dragged ye in here, they'd taken you on boat out here for a reason. Yer only a short distance from Whitemouth, friend. Truth be told, could probably make the swim if not for the sea beasts an' tides. Only a fool would try."

"So then what do you propose? How did the few who made it make it?"

"They didn't just escape. Waited a few weeks for the shipment of drink and food to arrive fer the guards from the mainland. They used sheer numbers to overtake 'em. Took over the ship and sailed it away. Got no idea what became of them." Vincent shrugged. "I got caught, beat up, thrown back in here to suffer. Got less food too. Bit hungry. Ey.... actually, mind helpin' old Vincent out?"

As Vincent stared at their tray, Ursd gave a glance to Ana.

"What do you make of this, your highness?"

"....I don't know. But I definitely don't want to stay here any longer. If it's the only chance we have... then it's the only real plan we've got. But how do we get you free of your chains?" she whispered, pulling on his arm. "Or my shackles?"

"...We'll find a way." Ursd promised assuredly. "I have no intention on suffering here on Empire soil for longer than I have to."

"Hey, you two. Did ye hear me?" Vincent asked, almost worriedly. "Just one piece of potato. Just one little bit of meat, even. My stomach's screamin', and I know they've been given ye a bit more to make sure ye survive, princess. Have a heart."

>Convince Ana to give the pirate a third of your food. He did give good information, and it wouldn't hurt to try and get his good graces for later.
>Convince Ana to give him only a fourth of your food. He's an untrustworthy bastard, but he's earned at least a bit.
>Convince Ana to give him nothing.

>>3417082
>Convince Ana to give him only a fourth of your food. He's an untrustworthy bastard, but he's earned at least a bit.

> Convince Ana to give him only a fourth of your food. He's an untrustworthy bastard, but he's earned at least a bit

Ursd nodded at Ana to give him only enough. Ana looked at him with confusion.

"He's a prisoner like us. We share a common goal. And he's given us information. We trade." Ursd whispered, giving her a nudge. "Besides, might prevent a dagger in our backs later on."

Ana sighed and walked over to the wooden plate, then grabbed half a potato in her hand and carried it over to the pirate's eager grip. He grabbed her arm as she came close, taking the potato with his other hand. She froze.

"Thank ye kindly miss. Don't know how I would have felt if ye had decided to leave me hungry." he said, biting into the vegetable. "They're feedin' ye better than us, though, cuz of whom ye are. But.... wonder if they know the other thing about you, little flower?"

He gazed down at the hand he'd grabbed, then turned the back of her hand until the symbol on it was shown. Ursd's eyes widened.

A rune Brand? On an Empire child? How could that be possible? And had she truly hidden that from them thus far?

"Means you can't die, can ye?! Even worse, isn't it? Do they know it?! Do they know their own Princess is a bearer o' ruin?!"

He released her hand as she pulled backward, trembling. He cackled, pointing at her while he ate.

"And ain't you one, too, Icemouthian?" Vincent asked, pressing his face back against the bars. "You are, aren't ye?!"

>Show him your Brand.
>Shake your head.

>>3417165
>Show him your Brand.
We're definitely killing this guy later.

>>3417165
>Show him your Brand.

>>3417165
>Show him your Brand.

>Show him your Brand

File: tegaki.png (16 KB, 400x400)

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Ursd held up his right hand. Ana gazed in silence as he bore the symbol on it for Vincent to see clearly.

It was Rune for sure - there was no doubt about it - Branded into his flesh almost like it had been there since birth. Vincent's eyes widened in fascination.

"Two of the Branded... in one, damned place!" he jumped a bit in happiness, shuffling around. "Hah hah! What are th' chances, mates? What are the CHANCES?"

He pressed his face back against the bars, his food finished.

"What's it like, then? To be Branded?" he asked. "How does it feel to be an outcast to your people, Icemouthian?"

"Better than being a sodding pirate who can't keep his mouth shut." Ursd replied, grimacing. "You've had your food and your answers. Away with you. We'll get you your key."

"As ye wish, me friends." Vincent winked, pushing himself away from the bars and cackling as he went back into the abyss of his own cell. Unlike theirs, which had the one window of sunlight, Vincent was barely visible by its light because his own cell did not have one.

"...You had a Brand... I never noticed..." Ana said after a moment, turning back to Ursd. "So... you really do know what it's like.. to feel alone."

>"Not anymore."
>"No. I've never felt alone."
>Be silent.

>>3417765
>"For some time, yes."

> "No. I've never felt alone"

>>3417771
+1

"For some time, I have felt alone, yes." Ursd admitted. "But never truly. At first, having the Brand did not bother me, nor my family. But my Father was a man of lore, and he began to fear it for the prophecy behind it. It was one of the things that drove me to find my own way."

Ana took Ursd's right hand in her left, and then held her hand near it.

"Do you know what they mean?" she asked, hopeful.

"Mine... I was told by Orrin that mine meant 'danger' or 'threat'. 'Great giant.' But many know it as the Fang." Ursd said, reminiscing.

----

"These Brands, we don't know much more about them beyond what was written. The first Jarl wrote that they were responsible for the First Fall."

"This Brand..?" he had asked as a child, tracing it with a small finger. Orrin had sat next to him. Always the bookish type, the runekeeper's son had been reading scripture since he was of age to hold a pen. He would be the lorekeeper of Hymdall's Hand, ten years after this moment. The position was an honored one and was one reason Orrin had even met Ursd as a child.

"Well, not that one... really. But your Brand... it's not a good one, Daag."

"How do you know that?"

"It's the Fang of the World Eater." Orrin had said, clutching Ursd's hand. "The symbol of the end."

------

"Do you have any idea what mine means?!" Ana asked, holding her hand up to the light. The rune looked like a triangle with a missing side, etched firmly into a hand slender and regal.

>Attempt to remember what Orrin told you of the runes. (Roll)
>"No... I... have no idea, I'm sorry."
>"What does it matter?"
>"It probably means something good."
>"It's a terrible omen!" (joke)
>"It's a terrible omen!" (lie)

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>3417894
>Attempt to remember what Orrin told you of the runes. (Roll)
On a failure:
>"Bah, what does it matter? I doubt Vincent knows."
d100s?

>>3417904
Yes. Standard rolls. ))

>>3417894
>Attempt to remember what Orrin told you of the runes. (Roll)

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>3417947

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"And this symbol here, Daag..." Orrin had sat by the firelight that night, showing him the book. "Can also mean 'God', or 'Power.'"

Ursd hadn't known why he was so drawn to learning more about the past. Maybe it was Orrin's amazing way of telling things, his voice that compelled you to want to understand. Maybe it was his own desire to know more about his Brand. Maybe it was just friendship. But that's how they would spend some of their time. Either outside in the snow, hunting or playing with the other children, or inside by lamplight, reading the tomes of their forebears, each preserved for the next generation.

"And this one is-"

"What about that one? You skipped that one." Daag mentioned, pointing at the old paper. He dared not touch it for fear of smudging or ruining it. Orrin had already warned him before of how much trouble they could get in to.

".....We... shouldn't talk about that one." Orrin said, fidgeting nervously. "It's a bad omen."

"Worse than mine?" Daag asked, holding up his own hand.

".....It could be. Unlike yours, which has some mixed meanings... that one means certainty."

"...What does it mean, then? Please, Orrin."

-----

As he sat there in the darkness of the cell, he stared at the hopeful face of the Princess of a nation and gave her a very grim look.

"Princess. That rune means Disaster." he informed, morose. "It means fire. It means disease. It means affliction. It means Calamity."

Ana's face fell, and her hands touched the floor as she tried to process the new information.

"Sure... surely you're joking, correct? You're lying? I... I'm the bearer-"

"I am not joking, Ana. You asked a question. I will give you the truth. But..." he said, holding up a finger. "Your Rune has one, good meaning."

"...What could possibly be good about Disaster?"

"It means Guiding Force. A torch. To my elders, it meant a great change. A disaster is sometimes needed for things to start again."

"But... maybe the runes don't mean anything, right? Maybe they're just chosen at random?"

>Agree with her. You don't know much about the runes yourself.
>Disagree with her. You have a feeling that's not the case.

>>3418019
>Agree with her. You don't know much about the runes yourself.
>Warn her not to delude herself. That rune could still mean Disaster.

(( Last post before heading out to work. May not be able to post for a longer period this time. Apologies for the delay. ))

"...You may be right but be careful, Ana." Ursd warned. "You should always err on the side of caution, especially with your position."

"...I thank you for your concern, Ursd." she said appreciatively. "I really think-"

Before she could speak further, they heard a clatter in the distance, followed by a grunt. There was the sound of clashing metal and steel against steel. Then a heavy thump. Ana looked up as Ursd did the same. Vincent pressed his familiar face against the bars at the front of his cell, almost like he was trying to force himself out of them.

"Heee hee! What's this?!"

"What can you see from your cell, Vincent?"

The man did not reply, but there was a dashing of boots as someone ran down the hallway. He began to check each prison cell, trying desperately to find someone or something. Blood coated his sword, fresh and warm.

"Edgar?!" Ana said loudly. The man grabbed the bars of their cell, his breath exasperated.

"Princess! You ARE alive! So the information was accurate!" the man shouted, reaching into his belt. "Don't worry! I've come to save you!"

Ana's eyes were hopeful as she ran to the bars and grabbed them. Ursd stared at the man with a mixture of confusion and uncertainty.

"You know this man, Ana?"

"He knows your name, Princess?" Edgar interrupted, vexed. The keys were in the door now. Vincent began to grow irate.

"Yes. His name is Ursdaag, Edgar. He's very kind. We need to save him too. Please. I beg of you!" Ana demanded, running back to Ursd's side. Edgar sighed.

"Princess, the boat I came on is not that large. We cannot take many. I don't even know if it can hold us!" he stated flatly, the door coming open. "And we don't have much time!"

"Then just throw me the keys and go! I'll save him!" Ana shouted, holding out her hand.

"No no. I'm not leaving you." Edgar promised, running to Ursd's side.

>Question this new man.
>Question this new situation.
>Question nothing.
>Ask if they'll save Vincent.
>Tell him to avoid freeing the pirate.

>>3418106
>Ask if they'll save Vincent.

(( Home for a bit for some more responses. Are we going to save Vincent? ))

>>3418106
>Question nothing.
About Vincent
>That dude has a plan let's throw him the keys.

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The mighty Icemouthian stood as Edgar removed the last of his bindings. He rubbed his wrists with a bit of displeasure, feeling the blood begin to circulate more properly in them. He rolled his neck, and stretched out his arms.

"Now, really we need to-"

"My sword." Ursd stated firmly. "You may go on ahead. I will not leave without my sword."

"You madman. A sword is replace-" Edgar began, but Ursd gave him a firm glare.

"That sword is the blade of Thorfinn the Dragonslayer, Empirean boy." Ursd stated with might. "The blood of a wyvern splashed across its length. I will not dishonor my family by leaving it in unworthy hands."

Edgar stared back at him. Ursd grabbed the keys from his hands and flung them into Vincent's cell.

"Pirate." Ursd said, as the pirate slowly grabbed the keys.

"Yes..., oh great friend of mine?" Vincent asked.

"Find your freedom. But should you ever cause me grief, we will not stay friends for long." Ursd commanded, stepping out of the cell. Ana moved to follow him but Edgar stopped her, concerned.

"Princess, the exit is back the way I came, not in that direction. We need to-"

"I'm not going to leave him, Edgar." Ana said. "He's a Branded, like me, and... well he understands me!"

"He's an Icemouthian, Princess. They're not our people. He's done enough for you. We need to-"

But before he could continue, she shot him an icy glare and darted off into the darkness, her robes trailing behind her.

"Dammit.. Princess!" he yelled, following them down the hall. They didn't meet much interference until Ursd punched down a door at the end of the hall - near where the Interrogation Room had been.

Three men sat in the room - the Marshal from earlier and two guards. They looked up at Ursd, He looked at them. On the table between them was his sword. They were gambling on it in a game of cards.

>"That's my sword."
>Immediately attack them viciously. (roll)
>Intimidate them with a mere growl.
>Challenge the Marshal to a duel.

>>3419548
>"That's my sword."

>>3419548
>"That's my sword."

The Marshal was drawing his sword. One of the guards put the cards down on the table and tried to follow the Marshal's example. The whole room was full of tension.

Ursd walked forward a small pace, then halted just short of the table. He pointed down at it.

"That's my sword."

There was a pause.

"So it is. So it is." the Marshal nodded, his own sword held tightly in his grasp. "Good eye there, on you."

"Wouldn't happen to want it back, would you?" the Marshal asked, a bit hesitant.

"I would yes." Ursd nodded.

"And then you'll be going on your way, I take it?"

"That is the plan." Ursd approved.

"That's a sound plan then." the Marshal gave a wary glance to his two guards. They were in a small, enclosed room with a Branded Icemouthian. There wasn't much room for debate here. He nudged the hilt of the sword over to Ursd, as calmly as possible. Ana watched from behind the tall man. Edgar gaped.

"Wasn't much else you brought on you, was there?" the Marshal asked. "No sir. Think this was as much we found when we searched you."

"You're correct." Ursd said, though he did grab five of the gold pieces from the table next to the sword. "I thought I had a bag of gold on me when I landed but I must have been mistaken."

"Oh, no. I do hope you find it." the Marshal quickly amended.

The guards were almost holding their breaths as Ursd picked up the large, heavy, ancient weapon. No one else made a move.

"So... can... we just go?" Edgar asked quietly, concerned just enough for Ursd to hear. "And just leave these bastards?"

"After how they treated everyone here?" Ana whispered back, displeased. "We should at least make sure it doesn't happen again."

"They were mainly convicts, Ana."

"Even convicts don't deserve what we got." Ana stated. "I don't think killing them is the answer but they did kidnap me to harm my father."

>Immediately kill the guard to the right of you. (roll)
>Defeat the guards.
>Leave them with a very firm idea of consequences.
>Take more gold.
>Leave the room.
>Write in ((Which has kind of been an option the whole time but..))

>>3419882
>Leave them with a very firm idea of consequences.

>>3419882
>Leave them with a very firm idea of consequences.
Idk what that entails

>>3419882
>Leave them with a very firm idea of consequences.
>Take more gold.

In for a penny, in for a pound.

"You know.."

Ursd led his finger down the edge of the blade, ensuring not a part of it had been harmed by their hands.

"Know... what?"

"I'm a peddler by trade, warrior by nature. But I had to learn a very important skill as I grew older."

"And... what would that be, sir?" the Marshal asked, backing up slightly.

There was a loud, barrel-like noise as Ursd kicked the table up and slammed it into him, disarming him. The other two guards stood to their feet shakily but Edgar held them at swordpoint, keeping an eye on them.

"Big man... what are you doing...?" he hissed.

"Memorizing faces." Ursd said, staring the Marshal in the eyes from his side of the table. "Because if you ever cause problems for the royal family again, I will remember who you are, and I will hunt you down. And I wouldn't give you any parchment to sign to change that, Empirean."

The Marshal nodded from behind the table, his body pressed against the stone. Ursd released the weight and the man fell to the floor, breathing heavily. The other two guards followed his lead, backing away and dropping their weapons the ground. Edgar gave Ursd a look.

"You Icemouthians do seem to have a natural intimidation to you." Edgar admitted as he walked out of the room. "Must be the height."

Ursd simply nodded as he scooped more of the gold coins from the gambling match off the ground.

They reentered the hallway and Ursd shut the door behind them. Ana adjusted her robes, pleased.

"I didn't like the thought of you being a murderer, Ursd." she said pleasantly. "I was afraid for a minute you might actually kill them."

"It would have served nothing. I just wanted my sword." Ursd replied and continued through the prison. He noted two unconscious guards as he stepped further towards the exit. Edgar had done a fine job, he had to admit.

But just who was Edgar?

>Attempt to release other prisoners.
>Head for the exit.
>Question the swordsman with you.
>Write in.

>>3421009
>Attempt to release other prisoners.
>Head for the exit.

As Edgar tries to lead the group out of the prison through the door at the end of the last corridor, Ursd stops, frowning. He had thrown the keys to Vincent but the bars in the cells didn't look too strong...

He hefted his sword as Edgar and Ana looked back, curious.

"Oh... come now, Icemouthian! The majority of them may be actual convicts!" Edgar said, watching Ursd raise his blade towards a door.

"They're not prisoners of my country and they share no love for the Empire." Ursd said. There was a shattering of metal as he brought his sword down on the bars. The old lock bent under the Cragstone, deforming and splitting with a single, arcing cleave. A man and young child came out of the prison, clinging to Ursd and giving him gratitude. Edgar looked slightly ashamed.

"The people here are not mostly prisoners, Empire boy." Ursd frowned, smashing more cells as more people poured out to join them, some weak and hungry, some obviously abused. The guards exited the main room as the people gathered around Ursd. They gave the guards furious glances, some even moving to attack them. Ana was horrified. Edgar was crestfallen.

"This... is what the Empire does to our people?"

"No time for that." Ursd said.

>Allow them to attack the guards in righteous vengeance.
>Stop them. Calm the crowd. They needed to escape. There was no more need for blood. The guards had been punished enough.
>Allow Ana to decide.
>Give Edgar the choice.
>Write in.

>>3421503
>>Stop them. Calm the crowd. They needed to escape. There was no more need for blood. The guards had been punished enough.

>>3421503
>Stop them. Calm the crowd. They needed to escape. There was no more need for blood. The guards had been punished enough.

Ursd's hands found themselves placed on the shoulders of two of the men at the head of the group, his face stone and stoic.

"Their blood on your hands would change nothing. They have lost. We have won. We have freedom to enjoy." Ursd said, turning around.

"But they tortured and broke us! They hurt my child!" one of the people screamed. A few people uncertainly joined her.

"And what would it accomplish to kill them? A quick, easy end to their cruelty? If we take the boat, they will be trapped here."

Everyone paused for a moment, then turned back to the guards and nodded. This seemed to be enough for them.

Ana gave a proud glance to Ursd as he gently moved past her, Edgar's hands on his hips.

"Well, not exactly a rousing speech but a decent one. I suppose we're taking the Empire's boat then? My little dingy probably isn't suitable accommodations for the crowd you've managed to gather, Aufkrager."

"Hrm? So you can call me by something other than Icemouthian?" Ursd said.

"I must admit, if the princess considers you worthy - and especially after what I've seen - you definitely aren't like the beasts and savages they told us about back in the empire. No offense." he said firmly, holding up his hands.

"Careful. I may still devour your heart for warmth and offer your skull to Kas'Kunan." Ursd stated.

Edgar laughed. Ursd kept walking. Ana followed by his right side. Edgar went silent after a moment. He had been the only one laughing.

"Wait, that was a joke, right? A joke? Hey, Aufkrager. That was a joke?" Edgar inquired, running to catch up to them. "Definitely a joke! Yes of course!"

-----

The groups shuffled out of the prison, roughly 17 heads of people, not counting Ursd, Ana, or Edgar. They spread out, finding families or meeting with friends. As they tasted the night air, there was a feeling of warmth.

"It won't be easy. You've got a group of basic outlaws, Ursd."

"Who says I offered to lead them?" Ursd asked, turning to the young guard.

"Who else would? Certainly not me." Edgar held up his hands again, shaking his head. "I'm a prince, certainly. A noble, of course. But I'm far better in a battlefield than in a court."

"And you think this 'Savage' would fare any better, Empirean?" Ursd crossed his arms, pondering.

Ana seemed silent as she gazed out at the ship that would lead them to freedom, and at the group of people coming together on the shore. It seemed surreal to her.

>Proclaim yourself leader of this group.
>Tell them to lead themselves.
>Tell them to follow Ana.
>Force Edgar to take the role.

>>3421849
>Proclaim yourself leader of this group.

>>3421849
>>Tell them to follow Ana.

>>3421906
But then
>Proclaim yourself leader of this group

>>3421906
>>3421912
This is fine

File: tegaki.png (20 KB, 400x400)

20 KB PNG

Ursd stared at Ana, then at Edgar, then at the rest of the group. He put a finger to his chin and gazed at her for a moment. She was a Princess. She could rule. Even this group of vagabonds was a start.

His people didn't understand much of Empire politics. There was a King or Queen, chosen by the Blood of the Dragon or the Phoenix, and that family would reign over the combined empires that had long ago been at civil war. Because of that pact, the bloodlines were sacred, and even if the Dragon or Phoenix monarch were not in control, they had a hand in the parliamentary works of the state and nation. It was almost a genius political move, considering it meant no empire was favorited, and the two had acted as a single unit. It had been combined hands that had reached to Kragsheim, known to the Empire as Icemouth, and combined hands that had made deals with a people both frightening and intriguing.

But in Icemouth, it was strength that ruled, and honor, and wisdom. The Jarl was chosen for their deeds, not their birth. A Jarl could easily be usurped by a challenger. As they got older, it got harder to defend their position, and no man or woman would step forward to stop a duel between a Jarl far into his cycles, and a young man barely of age to lift a sword. If the Jarl killed the child, there would be no grief but pride. Only the parents would stand in silence and be forced to honor the outcome. The rest would gather his body. But if the Jarl were slain, there was honor in that too. That was how it had always been.

Ursd understood that. The people of the Empire weren't looking for a strong or honorable leader but one who at least kept their interests at heart. But someone so easily swayed could fall to the demands of the one and not of the many. It was a difficult choice. Edgar watched as Ursd processed this information and began to formulate an idea.

---- 1/2----

He stepped before the crowd, his face rigid. The groups of people gathered before him, almost as though they hoped he would lead them. He took Anastasia's hand and led her before the group of people. She seemed nervous at first, and her hand tightened upon his own. He simply ignored it. If she could not handle this assembly of outcasts she would never lead a country. That was his belief.

Edgar watched in fascination as Ursd held up Ana's hand before the group, then allowed it to fall to her side. He crossed his arms, his face stoic.

"I am not one for speeches. My people do not deal in words but actions." Ursd said loudly, his booming voice echoing across the island. "But I am a merchant. And I am a warrior. I am no King. I am no Jarl. But I am here. And in the ways of my people, I seek a challenge for the right to lead you all."

There were hushed whispers. Some of the prisoners gave odd glances. A few others seemed hopeful.

"You are lost. You are exiles. And you have a chance to leave behind this island and live out your days in solitude, hiding from the Empire. Hiding children. Never able to reveal yourselves again. I challenge this life.

My people have been oppressed by the same people who took you away and locked you here. I am here to free them as I freed you. I am here to do what Aufkragers do when someone is oppressing others - I will find the one in charge, and I will challenge him for the right to rule, just as I am now."

There was a laugh in the crowd. Only a single one. Ursd gave a glance.

The man was brought forward, pushed to the front of the crowd. He did not look away.

"Why do you laugh?" Ursd asked, stepping forward.

"Because the one you seek is an immortal, a Branded. He can't be killed. Many have tried." the man stated, his stance unwavering. "My father tried. And because of that, I was put here alongside my family."

"Then do as you will. Lay down and accept that he is the oppressor. I have heard Empireans are good at letting things go." Ursd said. Ana gave him a long look.

"Ursd.... you can't-"

"You can't. I can. And I will." Ursd said, stepping back next to her. "Because this is not my land and these are not my people. But they are yours."

Ana stared at the people in front of her and then looked back at Ursd, frightened.

"....I.... I'm a danger, you said. I've killed... I've caused-"

"Then you are the perfect murderer." Ursd said, putting his hand on her shoulder. "And I serve you. Not your Empire. Not your King. You. And should anyone challenge your right to rule then I will challenge them in your name."

Ana's face went blank. Edgar gaped.

"You have killed before. Kill again. Challenge the rule. Fight the oppressor. Leave those who surrender. Your people live in terror. Whether by blood or wisdom, they must be made to stand again. I will lead them as your tactician. You will lead them as their Queen."

-----2/3-----

There was a silence from the crowd. But then came the small sound of footprints. Some of the people parted to allow a new figure through. Ursd and Ana watched as an old woman, bent by age, moved to the front of the group. As everyone else watched, she kneeled in front of Ana, hands clasped.

"...I have never lost faith... in the monarchy. No matter what the state does.... I will not die knowing we didn't give proper respect."

"I'm not convinced." said one of the men. The old woman looked up at him, annoyed. The man moved back before the group and Ursd noticed he was the man from before.

"You saved us, and I'm grateful, but why should I risk my life and that of my family for you?" the man asked angrily.

>Show him your Brand.
>Show him Ana's Brand.
>Show both Brands.
>Begin to pull out your sword.
>Give him a powerful stare.
>Write in.

>>3422007
>Show him your Brand.
>Look at Ana to see if she will show her Brand and hopefully make a speech about being princess

>>3422424
+1

>>3422007
>Show him your Brand.
>Give him a powerful stare.
>>3422424
Not sure Ana will ever show anyone else a glimpse of her Brand on a new moon's night in a pitch-black cellar.

>>3422441
This

Ursd held up his own hand. The man winced a moment, then realized Ursd hadn't hit him. He gave the hand a look and then realization dawned upon him.

"By the Twins... you're a Branded too!" the man said in slight horror, backing up. Some of the crowd members became slightly anxious. Ursd's gaze on the man was concrete, looking him down.

"Why would a Branded help us?" one of the crowd members asked.

"To suit my own needs? Because it should be done? For simple amusement? What does the reason matter?" Ursd crossed his arms again, his huge form firmly planted next to the Queen. "Sometimes a man draws a sword just to say he drew it."

There were glances among the group. Ana looked at Ursd with concern. Ursd simply half-turned to her, then looked at her hand. She looked down, then shook her head.

"You don't have to." Ursd whispered. "I know it's uncomfortable for you."

"You speak powerfully and care not for the terrified glances of the people. But they know I'm the princess now. They know what I've done. I can sense it. Showing them that Brand will only make it worse." Ana said. "..Besides, I'd rather you were the only one who knew, for now."

"Does Edgar know?"

"He saw it once, when we were children... but he assumed it was just dirt." she said, shuffling slightly. "So... no."

"Well, for now. Your people want a Queen. So give them someone to believe in." Ursd said, pushing her forward. "I am behind you."

She stumbled slightly but then took a more dignified posture, composing herself as she stood before the group. Before Ursd's eyes, she breathed, and then pulled her hood down from her head.

Long, flowing, red hair with orange hues began to pour down her back like flames. Two, small horns adorned her skull, marking her blood as that of the Dragon lineage. There was a scar on her face Ursd hadn't seen before, on her right jawbone. But it did not mar the beauty of royalty.

"....I..... Yes... I am Princess Anastasia." she said, swallowing uncertainly. "I am sorry that I have not done more to rule you properly, or prevent what has happened to the Empire. As you said, the Commandant is a ruthless and horrifying man, and, as young as I was at the time, I was not capable of speaking against him, or fighting him. And I was scared of him as well."

She gripped the hems of her robe, anxious.

"But... but now I will not allow him to stain my father's empire any longer." she said with a slight fury. "Not after what I've seen here, not after what I've been through. These monsters cannot be left to their own devices. They must be stopped - the snake's head must be cut off. But I cannot do it alone."

She looked down a moment, and then back at the group.

"So I ask of you, those who have suffered under the hand of the Commandant - those who have had EVERYTHING taken from you by his followers, to put your faith in me. We will take this boat and we will start again. We will grow, and we will rise."
---1/2---

"I will do everything in my power... to become the Queen you deserve." she finished, breathing heavily.

The old woman nodded with acceptance and several other crowd members seemed to agree with her sentiment.

"That bastard took my boat."

Everyone looked at Edgar for a moment. He was staring at the shoreline, his hands outstretched.

"What?" Ursd asked.

"That bastard took the boat I stole from the Commandant." Edgar turned back to Ursd in disbelief. "He didn't even ask. I was wondering where it went. Now I'm certain that pirate bastard took my boat."

"Well... we do have the Empire boat." Ursd shrugged.

"But that was my boat." Edgar looked upset. "It wasn't much but it was mine."

"I mean.. we can name the Empire boat after you or something."

"No you can't. It's already named something like the Fleeting Wind." Edgar groaned.

"Stop complaining, Empirean prince." Ursd punched his forehead lightly. "You helped save the Princess of the Empire. Be content."

"I wish I could have saved the Princess and had my boat." Edgar said sullenly.

"What was so damn important about the boat?!" Ana asked, exasperated.

"It was mine." Edgar replied matter-of-factly.

The crowd seemed to find this exchange slightly entertaining. The group began to move towards the Empire boat, Ursd leading them from the shoreline further towards the water. Sure enough, a large galleon lay, anchor hoisted, on the edge of the water. Two guards gazed at the whole group as they walked up. There was a moment of silence.

>"That's my boat."
>Remain silent.
>"That's Edgar's boat."
>"This is the Queen's ship."
>"How would you like to stay here?"
>"Care to join us?"
>(Write in)

>>3422732
>"This is the Queen's ship."
>Pause.
>"Care to join us?"

>>3422732
>>"That's my boat."

> "That's Edgar's boat"

(( I may need to implement a roll system again unless we get ourselves a tie breaker. ))

Rolled 3 (1d3)

"Hey, Edgar. That's your new boat." Ursd said, patting the man's shoulder. The guards began to back away, one of them holding out his lance.

"You sure? It's a very nice boat. Yes. I do want it. Need to repaint it with the new name I'll give it though." Edgar mulled. "Quite costly but I think it'll be worth it."

The group began to move towards the boat, ignoring the guard with his lance. The guard tried to quickly think about his plans. Ursd finally gave him a look.

"Just don't." he said, then entered the boat, Ana following shortly after. Edgar had already gone on board. The prisoners filed on and soon the ship was filled with life. Edgar flicked on some of the steam lamps.

"Ah yes. This will do nicely. Much more room than my previous boat." he said, heading upwards to the higher decks. The prisoners stayed below, some of them getting comfortable and deciding to sleep in the bunks the guards would use. Edgar ran for the wheel and grabbed it, giving it a spin.

"Aufkrager, I thank you immensely. This is a REALLY nice boat. You have good taste." he said, patting Ursd's chest.

"You're welcome. Where are we going?"

"Now that's a good question..." Edgar said, unrolling some of the sea charts. "We can't very well go back to the dock this boat came from. It's Empire territory. We've got too many people to hide. No, we need friendly land..."

The two began to gaze over the maps, Ana looking over their shoulders.

>Go to the land of Mistreach. There nature-loving druids there who despise the machinations of the Empire.
>Search for an uncharted island to begin your new base of operations.
>Head for the Dragonclaw Strait. It will take you right into the heart of monarch-owned territory, though you may need to explain yourselves and hope they accept illegal trespassers.
>Head for Mudan. The Dwarves there were loyal to the monarchy before the Empire ruined relations with them.
>Try to sail towards Leytor Plateau. Have you heard of the high elves?

>>3422788
>Search for an uncharted island to begin your new base of operations.
We'll meet other people on our own terms. If we go to any of them right now we'll be homeless drifters rather than guests, which gives them more power over us because we have nowhere (or at least not many places) else to go.

>>3422788
>>Search for an uncharted island to begin your new base of operations.

> Search for an uncharted island to begin your new base of operations.

Making me think of the Island in Suikoden IV where you could have an alternate ending.....

Ursd pointed his finger at an island without a name.

"What is there?"

"Absolutely nothing, according to the Empire's charts." Edgar stated firmly, looking them over and shuffling pages. "Yes, according to their logistics and current navigations - that is, if these maps are even up to date - there is nothing of value there."

"Then we'll head there." Ursd said, mulling it over. "These people need a home. I am no stranger to wandering or finding a place to start fresh."

"And if there's nothing there to start with, Aufkrager?" Edgar asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We will build that bridge when we come to it. We have more than most. We have a boat."

"You mean /I/ have a boat." Edgar corrected, pleased.

"As long as you use the boat for our purposes, you have a boat." Ursd nodded. He patted Edgar on the shoulder lightly and then walked out the captain's door back towards the open air. Ana was standing on the side of the boat, looking out towards the water. There were people below, slumbering. The sky was peaceful.

Edgar exited the cabin and looked up at Ursd.

"I don't suppose you have nautical expertise?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Some. I sailed on Aufkrager boats, however. Not these wooden vessels of such size." Ursd looked around the boat, slightly curious. "Why do the people of the Dichotomous Empire build such gigantic creations?"

"Some claim it's to compensate for something." Edgar chuckled. "But I'll need people to hoist the sails and keep me directed. I'll go down below, see what I can rummage up."

As he headed down into the galley, Ursd continued observing the boat itself. It was probably magnificent to someone who wished to pay heed to it. To him, it was just an overbuilt load of lumber. The longboats and swiftcrafts of the Aufkrager were sturdy enough.

------

Within an hour, Edgar was back above the lower decks, with four men in tow, one of which - Ursd noted - was the man from before who complained during the speech. He gave Ursd a nod but not much more than that. Ursd gave him one in return. There were no more words to be said.

There was a glad shout from Edgar as the steam began to billow from below. The lamps on the side of the boat lit up, showing the ocean before them in halogen hues. Ursd looked over the side to see the fish swimming just short of the boat.

"Fascinating." he commented. And that was enough.

The boat lurched forward, breaking from the sand and shallows of the beach. The guards watched as the ship cast off, leaving them to the prison they had made for others. Ursd slightly wondered how long it would be until anyone discovered they had escaped.

The boat made a turn, and Edgar began humming a tune as they drifted to the left, heading hard towards their destination. It would be some time before they arrived.

----1/2----

>Go speak with Ana. Perhaps we could learn more about the quiet Princess of Calamity?
>Go and bother Edgar. The heroic prince who came to save the Princess seems a quirky character.
>Speak to the people below decks. Maybe we can make more of a name for ourselves among the people we saved?
>Read from the nautical charts. It would be a good idea to learn more about the lay of the land. You don't know much about the Empire territories, to be honest.
>Walk the length of the ship and look out among the water.

(If you choose a vote, you can also suggest things you wish to discuss with certain parties, or actions you wish to take on the boat itself.)

>>3424334
>Go and bother Edgar. The heroic prince who came to save the Princess seems a quirky character.
>Read from the nautical charts. It would be a good idea to learn more about the lay of the land. You don't know much about the Empire territories, to be honest.

>>3424361
+1

(( Actually surprised you two didn't want to speak to Ana, especially you, >>3424361 ))

Ursd headed up to the top of the deck, his hand grasping the guardrail as he kept steady balance. When he reached the top, he found Edgar humming a tune and spinning the wheel slightly from the left and right, feeling the waves. He turned from his work and waved at the giant, smiling.

"Ah, Aufkrager? I could use a distraction." he asked. "The one problem with boats, you know. Too quiet unless you have the right crew, and these gentlemen are far too somber for the occasion. We just earned freedom! You'd think they'd be more merry."

"They're not free. Merely misplaced." Ursd leaned against the side of the boat. "They have escaped a prison, not oppression."

"Well, I mean, they can move their arms now for one." Edgar cocked his head as he turned the ship again. "Oh, and they can use the bathroom in moderate privacy. Sleep on far better material. Eat better food? Speaking of which, have you ever tried Ana's cooking? Despite being a Princess, she's quite adept at it."

"Despite? I thought most of your Empirean rulers were taught such things." Ursd commented, looking out onto the water.

"Oh. True." Edgar moved the wheel around a bit. "By the way, may I just say I'm still surprised to have found such a literate, pleasant Aufkrager? Most of the ones I met with on ambassador meetings either spoke very little or not at all. Oh, and they always gave this look."

He scrunched his face up sourly, almost like he was judging an unpleasant smell.

"Like this." he said.

"Most of your kind wear a strange perfume. Our kind have strong noses because of the landscape." Ursd said. "I had to learn to cope with the smells. My people did not."

"Were you an ambassador?"

"A merchant. I sold Cragstone and other oddities. Traveled along the Borean Road. It was a simple life."

"Do you miss it?"

"Much." Ursd said a bit forlornly. "The skies were beautiful at night. Clear stars. Wildlife was common. The other merchants liked to talk about the world. Saw many kinds of people."

"Hum... you see many people when you're a prince, you know." Edgar commented. "It's hard, especially when you're of the Dragon lineage. People expect you to be stoic. Tough-"

"Wait.. You're of Ana's kin?" Ursd asked suddenly.

"Hmm? I'm her half-brother, of course." Edgar replied, looking over at him. "Why? Did you-"

He stared at Ursd for a moment, then chuckled heartily.

"No no no! I'm her older brother, sir Ursd. I love her dearly, of course, but I came to save her as her brother." Edgar turned back to the waters. "My mother died when I was very young, and Ana's mother courted my father soon after that, almost a year later. I hated the woman, at first. I admit it. My mother had been dear to me. But I came to admire the woman. And her daughter was fair and beautiful. Ana is the King's only daughter. He has several sons, but only one daughter."

-----1/2-----

>>3424420
>Actually surprised you two didn't want to speak to Ana
She could use some time alone.

Edgar leaned against the wheel, his hands becoming free of the grip.

"I'm jealous of her, you know. Father doted upon her much as we grew up, turning her into the perfect Princess. One of us would be King, certainly, but she would always be Princess. That was.. until the.."

He gazed over at Ursd, then looked back forward.

"Did she mention at all? Have you heard?" Edgar asked.

"...The port city?" Ursd replied, crossing his arms.

"The port city. Yes..." Edgar said. "Ana and Father headed to the city for a diplomatic mission. From what I understand, some assassins tried to take Father's life - one of the first signs of that damned Commandant's game. But Ana tried to save him, and her spell backfired. In the resulting explosion, Father's body required healing beyond measure and Ana was left the only real survivor of a town of seven hundred." he said sadly. "She went from beloved Princess to feared harbinger of calamity. She was forced to hide within the castle. I would bring her her meals because the maids were too afraid to do it besides the ones who had known her since birth. The other siblings of the family shunned her. Then she gets kidnapped by the Commandant and brought her to suffer even further. I'm grateful I got the tip I did to lead me here."

Ursd nodded.

"I'm thankful too. You did well. A good brother. You are not as different from my kind as you think."

"Why's that?"

"Because to us, family is one of the many true bonds. No matter what, you will choose family over anything."

"Hrm... I suppose that IS an admirable concept." Edgar yawned. "Hey... Aufkrager, do you mind taking the ship for a bit? I'm exhausted."

It was not that late at night, merely perhaps 9:00, but Ursd also kept in mind that the boy had traveled far to reach the prison, and he had fought much today. Unlike Ursd, who had been raised in tough terrain, Edgar was raised in a castle and fought and trained in a different way. Ursd grabbed the wheel, giving approval.

"It will give me an excuse to learn more about the sea. Go and sleep." Ursd said. Edgar looked pleased as he headed back down below deck.

"Don't crash my ship, Aufkrager!" he yelled jovially, then headed back down below deck.

Ursd began to man the helm. Over the next hour, he studied some of the maps of the empire, gaining more knowledge of their lands. But a lot of their knowledge only extended to the main continent.

However, one, larger landmass caught his eye. For whatever reason, the one island had not only been labeled, but all routes to it were marked.

"Laset?" Ursd tried to say. "Lazet? Lazet island?"

But the name still didn't seem familiar to him. With a shrug, he at least acknowledged he had learned more about the land and sea than before (+1 to navigation!).

He rolled up the map.

>Continue studying charts.
>Study the books left by the former captain.
>Call to Ana. You're feeling the need for company.
>Ask one of the crewmembers about the strange island. Maybe they know something.

>>3424440
(( Fair enough. ))

>>3424458
>>Call to Ana. You're feeling the need for company.
>Continue studying charts

>>3424458
>Continue studying charts.
>Study the books left by the former captain.
>Ask one of the crewmembers about the strange island. Maybe they know something.
What can we learn from everyone?

>Continue studying charts.
>Study the books left by the former captain.
>Ask one of the crewmembers about the strange island. Maybe they know something.

Ursd grabbed one of the Captain's old tomes, a journal detailing past dealings with the Empire. He flipped through it for a moment, then began to skim through the pages.

The man could have been an accountant. All cargo was accounted for. Every bit of inventory was catalogued on pickup and drop off, down to the last unit. He dealt majorly in Cragstone, Ursd noted, as well as some more... illicit contraband. Neyba herbs, Larba crystals. Stimulants and hallucinogens. So the Captain wasn't always above the board.

The journal entries shed a bit more light on some important topics however, especially the final entry.

" *...the sailing is smooth. No err to report. Moderate wind. Good fuel levels. First mate said land ho. Confused. No islands recorded here on the charts. Have made the choice to check out the island. Coordinates are -34, -47.* .."

Ursd double checked. Those coordinates on the maps and charts he had all led to that same, damned island. Lazet. So this captain had been the one to discover it? Then where was he now? There were too many unanswered questions.

"Are you alright?"

Ursd almost jumped from the desk, fists ready, until he realized it was Ana behind him. She didn't seem to mind.

"Yes... Ana?" he asked. He had to admit, he wasn't upset about this. He had been feeling a need for someone to talk to. Unlike many of his people, he'd always been a social one - even if he spoke very little. He liked to hear others talking. It soothed him.

"You've been deep in thought for a while. It's already almost eleven." Ana claimed, pointing at the small stopwatch laying on the captain's desk. "I was wondering what could have had you so enraptured."

"...Studies." Ursd replied, pointing at the book. "Something to pass the time, I suppose. The captain's logs are interesting. I was about to ask one of the crew about something in it though."

"Oh? What?" Ana replied, intrigued.

>Ask her about Lazet island.
>Ask her about the boat itself.
>Tell her about the cargo they may currently be carrying.
>Tell her it's nothing. But make sure you check with the crew later.

(( Will most likely archive this later today to start the new one. I am very grateful for all the support. ))

(( Archived. Here we go again. ))

(( New thread here. >>3425169 ))