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>BGM:
https://youtu.be/X0eieyeViS0

It’s weird seeing the stars like this. All around you, they’re everywhere. Before, you’d take trips to the many different castle balconies in order to see the various stars. Their positions unchanging... But now you could see all of them, everywhere you looked, no sprawling spires blocking the view. It’s breathtaking. You’ve been through the castle town on only a few occasions, mostly on Vinoyl’s birthday celebrations, or ceremonies mourning and celebrating the lives of past kings of Eregron...

It’s been around half an hour since you broke free of the castle, and only a few minutes since breaking free of the catacombs directly into the castle town. It was the dead of night, this part of town, the western edge, was almost totally silent. The eastern side of town was a hub of much celebration, from simple entertainment and dining to more... sinful acts.

But for now, you take in the quiet of the night, following Vincent along. After some time walking, Siena gets your attention with a hand on your shoulder.

“Lord Liliwin, much as I do love studying your affinity for invisible friends, do we really have to follow your architect back to his home? We’ve only got a few precious hours before someone in that castle realizes we’re gone...”

>”Might as well see his desires through, since he helped us get out.” (Continue following Vincent.)

>”You make a good point, we should probably get moving.” (Leave Vincent to his home.)

>Write-in

>>3704812
>”Might as well see his desires through, since he helped us get out.”

>>3704812
>>” You make a good point, we should probably get moving.” (Leave Vincent to his home.)

if we are doing this we need to make tracks and get moving.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>3705081
>>3705083
Tiebreaker roll
1: Go lay Vincent to rest
2: Move toward adventure

>>3705086
>>3705083
Adventure it is. Typing.

>>3705089
To adventure!

>>3705083
>>3705093
You nod to Siena, grabbing the attention of the old architect. You inform him that you don’t have the time to escort him home, and he doesn’t look too broken up about it.

“I’ll be alright... Young prince, it was your power that allowed me to return home in the first place.” He smiles. “My body may belong to the royal lineage, and that castle... But my soul belongs here. Among those whose names will never be known...” And with that, plus a wave farewell, then Vincent floated off into the sea of stacked houses. Leaving you once again to the silence of this side of town...

“The first person to laugh at my jokes... I’ll never forget him...” Millie sighs.

Siena puts a hand on your shoulder. “So, what’s our next move? We can’t just walk out of here. There’s border guards for all towns and villages...”

Good to see Vinoyl hasn’t gone soft on military spending. You’ve heard tales of a cold war state between the kingdoms of the realm... The main players: The Cecilior Empire and the kingdom of Faranlin. Your brother is adamant about staying out of it. That hasn’t stopped him from keeping Eregron armed to the teeth just in case. Just what was he so afraid of? That was one of the things you wanted to investigate. You wanted to get your hands dirty with the truth. But you’d figure out where to go in due time. For now, it was about getting as far as possible.

You saw two ways of doing this off the top of your head. Disguising yourself and sneaking out under the guise of a caravan, or smuggling yourself out with the help of the famed criminal underground. Their supposed might was focused on the other side of town. This part of town was sleeping, but the east side was the pleasure district. Sleep was foreign to them...

What shall you do?

>Disguise yourself.

>Enlist help from outlaws.

>Something else might work... (Write-in.)

>>3705127
Disguise yourself
Little bit of soot in the hair, dirty yourself up a little

>>3705158
You snap your fingers coming up with your plan. A disguise should work. Especially because the majority of this kingdom probably doesn’t even know you exist! They will in time. But for now, it will become an advantage. You run the plan by Siena, with Millie absentmindedly listening in.

“Disguises... Well, nobody really knows you, but that royal garb is a dead giveaway. And... A lot more people know who I am. Alright, I’m in! Who’re we going as?”

You think. There isn’t much time to dawdle, the order for your recapture is coming any moment. You’ll need a disguise best suited for being admitted out even under a lockdown. You also have to keep in mind expenses. You’ve got 500 silver on you, more than enough to cover something like this. How much you save is the question...

You decide to don the identity of:

>A band of mercenaries, leaving to seek war fortune. (Expensive, relatively safe bet)

>Peasants leaving to go mourn relatives in further lands. (Cheap, a bit risky)

>A noble couple hailing from another town of Eregron. (Expensive, but not at all risky)

>A bounty hunter (Siena) escorting an escaped outlaw (You) back to another land. (Cheap, a bit risky, and a bit embarrassing)

>>3705272
Oh, also:
>Write-in.
Is available. Forgot it.

>>3705272
>A band of mercenaries, leaving to seek war fortune. (Expensive, relatively safe bet)

>>3705321
Ditto

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>>3705321
>>3705344
War profiteers we shall be. We can even stick with this angle as a way to make bank later, if we so desire.
Typing.

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>>3705321
>>3705344
You think becoming mercenaries would be best. After all, fighting for others is part of the reason you’re striking out. It’s simply fitting. But you’ll have to look the part. You ask Siena if she knows anyone who may be able to help.

“There’s a blacksmith on the east side, quite highly praised for how quickly she seems to work, and how well her repairs hold up... Her name’s Anna. I think I know where her shop is. Let’s go...”

And so, you make your way to the pleasure district.

———

You’re kind of surprised that amidst the pubs, theatres, and courtesan houses lies a full smithy. Walking through the crowds, nobody seemed to notice you. They looked at you as if you were anyone else, which is a lot better than being seen as nobody, your escape is already paying off...

Siena rings the bell, the blacksmith isn’t in it seems...

“Customers?” You hear a voice from the back.

“Who goes out to buy armor at this hour? Shouldn’t they be drinking themselves to death or letting some girl steal their life’s savings when they aren’t lookin’?” A strangely identical sounding female voice says.

“Money’s money, get out there, number two!”

“But I did it last time, and I’m tired...”

“Looks like another job for number one...” A red haired girl emerges from the back room. “Hey there! Sorry for the wait... My sisters had me occupied. What can I get for you two?” She eyes the blade at your hip. “Ooh, pretty fancy sword you got there. But you’re kinda young ain’t ya? Even the best made blade is worthless in the hands of a novice.” She says.

You roll your eyes. You’ve never sparred another human before, she’s right, only dummy opponents. But you’ve read many tips on swordplay. You feel you’ll be fine in a fight... You tell this... Anna... That you require some armor.

She squints, first at you, then at Siena. “Huh... The both of you? I thought this was just some escort chick you were hanging with.”

“Hey, I am NOT an escort-“ Siena snaps. You nod, the both of you need some armor to look the part.

“Kidding! Kidding! Okay, I got plenty that’ll fit. You like it heavy or light? Light armor’ll keep you on your toes, but don’t expect to tank any kind of serious damage. Or projectiles, for that matter... Heavy armor’s badass, but for the inexperienced it’ll be a bit cumbersome... It’s your pick.”

“I’ll take something lighter.” Siena says, with a slight scowl. Clearly a bit annoyed with Anna.

What about you?

>Light armor! Strike quick and never yield!

>Heavy armor! You’re not to be taken lightly!

>>3705489
What's our build like?

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>>3705505
skinny, but we’re far from sickly levels of weak.

>>3705546
Okay.
>Light armor! Strike quick and never yield!

>>3705555
Sick quads. Typing.

>>3705489
>>Light armor! Strike quick and never yield!
yeah with those femboy hips we can't hope to use heavy armor

>>3705567
I think those are just boy hips, anon, lay off the porn.

>>3705567
>>3705555
Light armor would be best. After all the time spent sitting still, you want to be quick, strike as fast as you can. Besides... You’re not sure you’ve the build for heavy plated armor. You know your brother owns a set. Never wears it, no need when you’re a militant pacifist such as he. You tell Anna your preference and she nods quickly.

“That’s what I thought. You two matching, cute!” She exclaims.

“We aren’t an item-“ Siena protests, but Anna is already moving to the back room.

“Girls! We got a pretty good order, no sleep just yet! Up and at em, number 2!”

———

Only an hour later, you’re fitted in your new armor. It’s some light plate mail, surprisingly lighter than it looks. You’re barely inhibited at all, really. Some red barding accentuates the design, but at your request, no national crest adorns the armor. Can’t have any complications come up. It’s a perfect fit. You’ll keep your original outfit on you as well, just in case. Siena’s armor is just fine, as well, and in a similar style. But rather than red, hers is a light blue, much like her hair.

“Alright, the two of you are ready... Don’t do anything stupid with that armor, okay? We may be repair experts, but that doesn’t mean we enjoy seeing our work get trashed all the time. Bye now!” Anna waves and disappears behind the curtain again.

“Suited up... Okay, to the edge of town we go...” Siena sighs. You hold the door open for her, and begin to make your way towards adventure. Well... More like a safe enough place to sleep. It’s late enough already...

(Continued...)

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>>3705573

>BGM
https://youtu.be/KQKymkZIs-Y

~ACTIVE TIME EVENT: The King’s Subdued Fury~

You are King Vinoyl of Eregron. The nation’s sworn protector from the clearly evil forces developing beyond your domain. No doubt, the very nature of your kingdom makes it a target. Makes you a target, and your brother... You’ve hidden his existence from other sovereigns well enough. His ability, if it is anything like the one your ancestor had, would be sought after by many for heinous deeds. You’ve read his thoughts. He’s not happy about how you treat him, but one day he may find out the stakes...

That day came sooner than later. He’s not even an adult yet, and that fool has fled the castle... Liliwin... You need to find him. It’s only been two hours since his disappearance, and he’s on foot. No doubt, the destruction of the fountain has something to do with his absence. Liliwin’s disappearance scares you greatly, but Siena’s breaks your heart just as well. To you, she’s the last person you’d have considered a traitor. She just couldn’t kick the curiosity, could she? Like a drug...

No time to curse, or wish ill on anyone. You needed to find them... You’ve called the captain of the knights, Silas, to your quarters, demanding he find any witnesses. He’s turned up a few people saying they saw Liliwin walking about during the night, but didn’t think anything of it, and didn’t know where he’d gone...

“My liege...” His words break your train of thought. “He broke into my room. The door was completely destroyed, and one of my trophies was taken! He plots something, I’m sure of it.”

“You’re a pessimist, Silas.” You interrupt. “Liliwin knows morality well enough... But curiosity is a tempting devil. When he’s returned to me... I’ll tell him why.”

Silas gets a sly grin. “Well, let’s talk optimism then... We can’t turn the whole city over looking for him, the consequences might give our enemies cause to look into us... I propose you let me and my best conduct the search. Long term, if we must. I know it’s a lot to ask for this freedom, but I swear I won’t fail you.”

You know your brother better than anyone... You’d be able to find him, you know it. But you have a kingdom to run... Leaving the diplomacy to Silas isn’t a good idea, knowing his past.

You need to make a move, and fast.

>Chase after Liliwin yourself.

>Have Silas conduct his search.

>>3705801
>>Chase after Liliwin yourself.

>>3705801
>go yourself

>>3705801
>Chase after Liliwin yourself.

>>3705813
>>3705835
>>3705836
This is family business, I see... Typing

>>3705813
>>3705835
>>3705836
You get up from the chair and desk you were sitting in, and grab your lance from the wall, an inheritance from your mother.

“What are you doing?” Silas asks, stopping you.

“I’m the only one who can be responsible for this... I trust you can look after any affairs for the week. Just keep the borders tight, and the people safe. That’s all I ask...” You say, with a grave tone.

“I’ll... Do my best, my lord.”

“Good, then I’m off. If anyone asks, I’ve disappeared as well.”

You don’t even shut the door. Simply beelining for the stables. They’re on foot, if you can get a lead on them you could possibly cut them off... A steed will be helpful.

Liliwin may be a fool who could likely never understand at his age, but for all his flaws, you haven’t done much for him. This is equal parts your fault. As for Siena, you’ll have some choice words for her if she’s an accomplice in this...

(And that’ll be it for tonight, sorry for the short start, but I’m gonna hit the hay. Feeling creatively drained. I’ll continue tomorrow morning, back to being Liliwin. Thanks for playing!)

>>3706135
Thanks for running!

>>3706156
Caught up with some bullshit on the town. I’ll be running again in 4 hours or less.

>>3708950
Forgot trip

~Active Time Event End~

>BGM
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqQlKem4GL0

“We’re to let nobody out of the city without a statement of business and, if necessary, a search. I hope you don’t mind?” The guard says.

You are Prince Liliwin of Eregron. And you’re getting checked out of the east gate of the crown city. Alert seems to have gone up since your disappearance, but strangely enough they’re keeping quiet...

You don’t think Vinoyl has the balls to come after you... After all, you won’t simply submit to his will, will you?

“Nobody in this town needs muscle. Looks like you guardsmen have your shit together.” Siena tells the guard, while you stand back behind her. “Mercs can’t make a living in peacetime, even if it is uncertain peace. That’s where assassins come in, right? We’re no criminals, though.”

The guard looks you both over, squinting at you. “Isn’t he a bit young to taste blood?” You nod, but assure him you’re no joke. He chuckles a bit. “Whatever you say... So, where are y’all gonna go instead?”

A good question. The whole world was yours to explore, now... But you did have some ideas.

Eregron is the southernmost nation in the realm. from here, you can go to the northwest, and find the arid deserts home to the Eusarus Sultanate. Euserus is a nation known for its groundbreaking free trade accords, but also for its rich criminal underground... They’ve also been the only nation in talks with Eregron regarding alliances, with the other nations being refused outright. What makes Euserus special to Vinoyl?

You could go straight up north, to the plains of Silfbelle. The nomad tribes and the colonies begun by enterprising nobles have recently been teaming up to deal with outbreaks of monsters in the area. Monster hunting could be a good living. But the mystery as to their appearance is also intriguing, not to mention the ensuing debate over who rightfully rules over Silfbelle.

And northeast lies the warrior dynasty of Kiyosato. The Kiyo forged their empire in battle. It’s said not a single person there is unskilled in combat, many learning mystical forms of martial arts or magic... West of them is the Cecilior Empire, and north of them is the kingdom of Faranlin. It’s no secret, both of the warring nations want Kiyosato’s fighters on their side. But the Kiyosato are very secretive about their techniques and magic...

Where to? Siena seems to give you a look, as if she’s leaving the choice up to you.

>Euserus Sultanate

>Silfbelle

>Kiyosato Dynasty

>>3709870
>>Euserus Sultanate

>>3709870
>Silfbelle
You had me at steppeniggers.

>>3709885
>>3709942
Tiebreaker roll
1: Desert gang
2: Steppe gang

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3710000
Forgot my dice but hit quads???

>>3710010
>>3710010
VICTORY

>>3709885
The Euserus Sultanate definitely interests you the most out of all the places you could go. You may not prefer a hot climate, but the prospect of learning some of Vinoyl’s secrets does quite excite you.

You tell the guard, who nods. “A good choice, lots of people are gonna need a hand protecting themselves. The outlaws there are getting unruly, but some say they’re owned by the wealthy... Who knows. Anyway, I’ve kept you both long enough. Off you go.”

Both you and Siena tell the guard thank you, and slowly walk onto the bridge leading out of the crown city, and onto the main road to the rest of the world.

>BGM
https://youtu.be/pJ6kqlSbF2Y

You were now finally free... All the years waiting, hoping, all finally worth it once you worked up the courage to defy. You take in the silence of the night, and the stars once more...

“Desert, huh? Hey, what happened to the two people racing in the desert?〔´∇｀〕” Millie breaks the silence. “It was a DEAD HEAT! 〔´∇｀〕”

You mildly chuckle. Her jokes were still morbid, but getting better.

The long road ahead... You wonder how far you can get before fatigue forces you to finally make camp. Your plan didn’t involve going on horseback, sadly. You had to make tracks on foot.

>Roll 1d100 best of 3 for success/happenings in your travel out of the crown city...

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>3710095

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>3710095
>>3710095

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>>3710106
>>3710110
>BGM
https://youtu.be/dHyPEmAfG6Y

>Highest roll: 77 (Lucky 7s)
>Success, lucky!

It’s late at night, but even still, you manage to make it quite far out from the crown city. Eregron is known for its heights and valleys. Maybe not as much as Cecilior’s mountains, but some views are still quite nice...

You’re quite lucky to find someone dropped a pack of their own along the road. It’s got some cooking supplies and ingredients. Siena gladly takes it, being the alchemist, she’s naturally a good cook.

You make camp atop one of these heights. With no tent to keep you hidden, you use your pack as a pillow. Siena starts a warm fire to keep the winds from freezing you while you rest... You, Siena, and Millie, are simply too tired to talk about the prior events. Pretty soon, you’re out like a light.

———

You have a strange dream.

Millie is giving a theatre show, her comedy routine. The content is as morbid or dry as ever, but the audience can’t get enough. The more violent, sad, or ironic the quip, the more they hoot and holler... You don’t laugh much. It’s kinda funny, but this audience seems quite twisted...

———

You wake up and instinctually move to your feet, gripping your blade, and looking for a threat.

And then you remember what happened last night.

You calm down, all too satisfied with the idea that your escape wasn’t a dream.

>BGM
https://youtu.be/lmdJTptF2go

“Morning, Lord Liliwin.” Siena says from behind you. She seems to be cooking something with Fire magic. “Lord Vinoyl likes his eggs scrambled, I do hope that’s okay?”

How do you take your eggs?

>Scrambled, Vinoyl at least has SOME taste.

>Over easy.

>Omelette.

>Write-in.

>>3710212
>>fried egg whites

>>3710212
>Sunny side up
Assuming we have toast.

>>3710228
or potatoes.

>>3710228
>>3710247
We’ve got eggs and toast. No potatoes tho.

>>3710268
Okay, we can put the eggs on the toast.

>>3710228
>>3710282
Sunny side up on toast, it is... Typing.

Wait--shit. My ID changed.

>>3710295
There it goes again.

>>3710295
>>3710315
Usually happens when posting on mobile data. I should know, it happens to me sometimes. A trip helps.

>>3710320
>having to use a tripcode
This sucks.

>>3710228
>>3710268
You tell Siena you like your eggs sunny side up on toast. Only a soul detached from the culinary arts would like their eggs scrambled... Okay, that’s a lie, they’re fine. But you could’ve gone your whole life never knowing that was your brother’s favorite.

“Gotcha. I’ll have it ready in a moment.” Siena says, prepping some bread over the fire in order to toast it.

———

Twenty minutes later, the food is ready, and not too bad. You’ve never tried food cooked by magical flame. It’s not as fresh tasting as typical cooking methods, but it works.

The two of you eating is a silent affair. One that Siena breaks first.

“Milord... You’re gonna be on quite the journey, let’s talk about how we should handle this.” She says.

You don’t know quite what you’ll do when you arrive in Euserus. Perhaps get yourself an audience with the Sultan, or investigate the rampant crime under the angle of a mercenary... Or maybe Siena knows something?

What will you ask Siena?

>Ask her if she knows any more details on Euserus, at least where Vinoyl is concerned.

>Ask Siena if she’s comfortable accompanying you, even with the risk of treason.

>Make small talk, ask her about her studies.

>Ask her to drop the formalities and refer to you by first name alone.

>Write-in.

>>3710327
Better than samefagging, or accusations of samefagging

>>3710341
>>Make small talk, ask her about her studies.

>>3710341
>Ask her to drop the formalities and refer to you by first name alone.
Can't have people thinking I'm a noble.

>Make small talk, ask her about her studies.

>>3710395
Ditto

>>3710341
>Ask her to drop the formalities and refer to you by first name alone.
>Make small talk, ask her about her studies.

>>3710341
>Ask her to drop the formalities and refer to you by first name alone.

>Ask her if she knows any more details on Euserus, at least where Vinoyl is concerned.

we should probably stick with the mercenary act after we arrive

>>3712851
>>3710562
>>3710395
>>3710385
>>3713053
No formalities and small talk it is. Typing. Sorry for my being late as usual.

>>3710385
>>3710395
>>3710562
>>3712851
>>3713053
You decide it’s probably best not to dwell on the dramatic circumstances. You ask Siena about anything interesting she’s noticed in her studies.

“Glad you asked, coming out of that shell of yours are we?” She pulls her notebook out. “Your abilities are interesting, but the psychology behind them interests me more. When you’re interacting with these spirits, you seem to come into your own as a leader of sorts... On top of that, your ability seems to have more growth potential than lord Vinoyl’s. Who knows what you’ll be able to do if you keep utilizing it...” You look at Siena quizzically when she mentions your brother. “Empathivim... His majesty has let me see some of it, but he’s not interested in its applications or utility... For him it’s... Therapy, in a way.” Therapy? What the hell was that supposed to mean? You always figured he’d be eager to read the minds of anyone... He doesn’t hesitate to read yours, after all. You don’t press her further, it seems like a sore subject for her. But this isn’t over... “My lord, when you interact with a new spirit, you can project them, correct? A voice, or a force. Next time, I want you to try projecting an image. However you can...” You look over to Millie, who’s sleeping soundly, despite not needing sleep... You notice something about Siena. Despite the two of you having your mercenary role, she hasn’t gotten out of the habit of calling you by title. You ask her to correct it, for the sake of both your mission and your relationship. “Are you certain? Well, okay, Liliwin. As long as we’re helping each other out...”

After that, you both wordlessly finish breakfast, or are about to, when you hear a loud sound beyond the rocks...

“Kweeeeh!”

Millie shoots awake, and Siena looks at you with a curious grin. “First day out of the castle... Feeling curious?”

Well, are you?

>Go investigate the noise.

>No way you’re gonna fight a monster today!

>>3714687
>Go investigate the noise.

>>3714687
>>Go investigate the noise.

>>3714727
>>3715116
Investigation it is. Typing.

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>>3714727
>>3715116
You nod, it was time for some real business for a change.

Millie’s been awakened by the shrill cry beyond the ridge, and floats over to you and Siena for some semblance of safety, even though she’s totally invincible. You keep a hand on the hilt of your blade, Siena following behind as you ascend to a slight vantage point. You scan the area for the source of the screeching, but can’t see anything...

“Kweh!”

You instantly snap to the sound, and can see the source clearly now... It’s a bird, but it’s quite a large one. With bright yellow feathers, and an orange beak, standing tall on two legs. You’ve never seen anything like it! You give Siena a puzzled look, and she understands what you’re asking.

“That’s a Chocobo... It’s quite rare to see one in the wilds these days, they’re not too keen on rougher terrain.” She’s reading from some encyclopedia. “They make cheap mounts, if not as fast as a good steed, they make up for it with their reliability and survival skills. They forage their own food, greens usually.” A mount? Sounds like something you could use. Your legs are pretty sore after all... “Lord- er, Liliwin... I know what you’re thinking, but you can’t just climb on and get going. I’m no expert in taming animals, but wild Chocobo are said to be rowdy... If you’re going to try, exercise care.”

You look back out, and notice that the bird has a saddle already on it... Someone had already tamed it. But it looks like said someone hasn’t been around...

What to do?

>Not your bird, not your problem.

>A good owner shouldn’t abandon their bird, you’ll make a better one!

>Maybe search around a bit for clues to where the bird’s owner has gone.

>>3724284
Forgot trip...

>>3724291
Also I didn’t realize the discord link expired, so if you want to stay up to date on new threads, here:
https://discord.gg/UWAZPSg

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>>3724284
>Maybe search around a bit for clues to where the bird’s owner has gone.

>>3724316
>Discord

>>3724322
Can’t get a Twitter, it’s all I can do. I know Discord’s something of a cesspool but this one isnt really for any kind of purpose other than the quest and some vague discussion.

>>3724322
Search it is! Typing.

>>3724322
You decide to let the bird be, for now... And suspect someone else of coming back for it... You tell Siena to begin preparing to move on, but you and Millie simply watch and wait...

Around half an hour later, the bird squawks once more and turns to the path, someone’s walking up it... A flamboyant stranger with green hair.

“Took me a bit too long, sorry, Wryn...” He sighs, handing over what looks to be food foraged from what little plant life is around. The bird happily eats it up, then turns back toward you and Millie. The stranger also looks, and notices you. He smiles. “No need to be shy! Not every day you see someone leaving Eregron, let alone entering it...” His smirk has kind of a... You don’t know, shadiness to it. He’s certainly an eccentric fellow, not a survivalist. “Kinda suspicious, actually... But I guess the same can be said of me. Where ya headed, kid?”

>Greet him.

>Tell him you were just on your way.

>Write-in.

>>3724440
>Greet him.
Maintain some caution though.

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>>3724491
Greet him cautiously it is! Typing. Also, pic related is the guy.

>>3724491
You descend the hill to meet the stranger, keeping some distance. You had your own reasons, but what was an obvious wealthy man like this doing out here?

“My, my, a knight in shining armor... You’re simply missing a white horse, that would complete the aesthetic. A Chocobo might work, as well.” He laughs. You tell him you’re a mercenary, not a knight. “There’s a difference, I guess... But I think a kid like you would make a better storybook hero than a sellsword. As for me, my name is Lewyn... And this feathered fellow is my trusty bird, Wryn.” Wryn gives a soft chirp, and looks away from you. “He’s not too trusting of others...”

You introduce yourself innocently to Lewyn, using your mercenary angle. But you don’t tell him exactly where you’re headed, because you have the feeling Lewyn is headed to the same place... He turns to see Siena walking up, and you do too. She looks him over. You tell her who he is.

“A pleasure to meet a friendly face for once.” She rolls her eyes. “Well, we don’t got anything to buy or sell to eachother, so I guess we should go our separate ways...”

“Ah? This road is headed to the desert. And there’s only one thing a foreigner would go there for... The Euserus Bazaar I assume?” Lewyn’s accusation is correct. You and Siena look at eachother, reluctantly nodding. “Ah, then we’ll both be fulfilling our wishes! Except... I don’t know why a mercenary would go somewhere whose main economic interest is product selling... Nonetheless, I’m going to spend one more day here, and then be off... I’m not sure how Wryn here will fare in the desert. You two are odd fellows, but so am I... So I hope we may meet again.”

“Likewise, a guy like you unarmed might need help protecting himself.” Siena nods.

“I can take care of my own, but the thought warms my heart... Even in the wild, friends can be made!” He climbs into the saddle of his trusty bird, and begins trotting off, Wryn bumping into Siena in the process. He waves as he disappears down the ridge. “Farewell, kid!”

After some time passes, Millie breaks the odd silence. “What did the nobleman buy a chocobo for? 〔´∇｀〕” You have no clue. “He needed a constant supply of feathers for his cap! 〔´∇｀〕”

You tell Siena of your bad feeling for Lewyn as she makes note of the inventory before resuming the March. “Welcome to the frontier, Liliwin... You’re going to have bad feelings about many people-“ She stops, with a gasp. “And rightfully so... Do you have the silver pouch with you?”

Your eyes widen, and you shake your head. You left it with her...

“Then we and Lewyn have a serious issue to resolve...”

That’ll be it for this thread. Sorry I couldn’t do as many posts as the last thread, but I’m moving into my dorm and doing some work, so it’s been hard to find time. Time will definitely come though! Expect a new thread in 2-4 days, and hopefully I’ll have the map done. Thank you all for playing!

>it's been 5 days
RIP OP

rip

>>3734887
>>3738968
(Ocelot voice) THINK AGAIN!!!
Moving back into college. New thread late tomorrow.