First order of business is naturally to notify your team of the new mission. It has been some time since you left them in the restaurant and they may have since wrapped up in there, but that should not be an issue. Tithe was likely watching, and he'd be able to point you in the right direction or even relay messages for you.

However, the ongoing slow dispersal of the gathered nobles, clerics and merchants presented an opportunity and an idea how to exploit it popped up in your mind. As luck would have it, your gaze fell on another of your friends - princess Alicia. The blonde swordswoman wore her usual on the job serious expression, and although you knew she could smile nicely when situation warranted, in this moment you weren't surprised to see her perhaps even touch more resolved than usual.

"Lady Alicia." You opted for slightly informal address.

"Mouse." She nodded back. "Can I help you with something?"

"Possibly. It's about the mission I'm about to embark on."

She grimaces, as if facing some internal struggle. "Do you... require my sword?"

Realization strikes you that the princess was no doubt expected to participate in defense or evacuation of the Arcturus keep. She seemed receptive to your request for her to accompany you to the maw of the beast... but that would mean abandoning her post in face of monstrous hordes.

You were also honestly unsure where she would be safer. Both paths seemed wrought with insane peril.

But that was not what you wanted to ask.

"I'm sorry, I haven't yet fully decided on party makeup, and I also believe I understand your concerns. but I wanted to ask about something else."

"Oh. Well, ask away." A mixture of relief and disappointment briefly cracked through the façade of steel.

"I could use some additional intelligence, and I was hoping princess Maia would be willing to offer some due to her familiarity with the mercenaries. Do you know where I'd be able to find her?"

"Oh! Of course. In fact I was going to see her myself. Would you care to join me?"

Well that was convenient. You nod in agreement and so the two of you head down the corridor, with the blonde princess taking the lead with swift stride.

After a few turns of the corridor Alicia slows down a bit.

"Mouse, you said that you understand, and... I believe you."

"You feel conflicted between wanting to strike directly at the Beast, and defend those under your care?"

"In a way." She sighs. "When I first learned of your quest, I felt... distressed, honestly. It was like learning that all the virtues and principles I've been raised to uphold are much more fragile than I could imagine... and then there's this hero that made it his mission to fight against evil. Except the hero turned out to be an ogre and a bunch of monsters. No offence." Alicia hurriedly adds: "I mean, I could at that time see that your companions are no less noble at heart than you are, but it all added to how bizarre this situation was."

"Don't worry about it."

"Thank you for being so understanding." Alicia says with a small smile, but quickly returns to being serious. "But what I wanted to tell you is, earlier I believed in your intentions. But gradually, I've come to realize that you can actually success. I am not saying that to burden you, but to assure you, that whatever awaits us in the coming days, you will have my faith and my hope, and I know also that of Prim, Claudia, Klaus... and I'm sure others as well. I want you to remember that. Ah, we're here."

Before you can formulate a response to Alicia's words, you come to a stop in front of a door. It's a simple door in the less adorned part of the compound, and when Alicia pushes it open the room behind them turns out to be a sort of communal room, perhaps for off duty guards or guard officers. What surprised you more than the setting Alicia brought you to was the occupants, and alongside that sound of vaguely familiar music.

Maia was there, obviously. The tomboyish princess was standing near a window with a view of the nearby district, her posture showing she did allow herself some rest, but something was still weighing her down in manner that went beyond physical.

Three more people were present. Prim, Alicia's cheerful cousin, Charlotte, who apparently filled role of her bodyguard. And then there was...

"Cuz! Mouse!" Prim is first to spot you and the music stops. "Oh, sorry mr. Smutkin."

"Don't worry about it." Smutkin the bard puts his flute away. "I'll find name of the tale so you can read it, and hear it performed by better artists than I. And I'm sure there will be another time."

It appears at least one of your crew had left the party after you.

"Don't be like that. My piano teacher says that music must flow from the heart, and I think you got that part down perfectly!"

"I'm glad that overshadows my apparent lacks in technique." Smutkin comments with a smirk.

"That's not what I meant." Prim pouts.

"And I'm glad you've been having a good time." Alicia says. "Maia?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Thank you for asking, Ali."

"She's clearly not fine. She's having a heartbreak. She's having internal monologue about how her love turned out to be a scoundrel and how to reconcile his roguish charms with wanting to hurt all her friends."

"S-shut up! That's not true at all!" Alicia turns at Prim. "Where did you come up with such a laughable story?"

"Come on Mai, this is such a cliché. How do you not know it? Some of those stories I'm pretty sure you recommended to cuz earlier!"

"Prim, don't tease Maia. The betrayal must have shaken her." Alicia steps in for her friend.

"I didn't mean anything mean..." Prim says, saddened.

"I know. And Maia knows too. But sometimes saying such things out loud can... hurt."

"I'm sorry Mai." the younger colorful-haired princess said to the other.

"Don't... mention it. Ahm. Ah, mr. Mouse?"

"Well met." You say. "I apologise for intruding. I was hoping I could talk to you and learn some new insights about the mercenary army."

"I... understand..." Maia frowns, the topic visibly not very appealing to her.

"I had similar idea, but had to put it on hold as pursuing the matter at the time seemed... insensitive." Smutkin chimes in.

The mercenary princess sighs. "No, no, you're both right. There's no escaping this and mulling over things when I could be helping would be... too selfish of me." She looks at you. "What would you like to hear?"

"Everything." You say simply. "I'm most interested in what you could tell me about mercenary composition and distribution, their methods of communication, common tactics and strategies, anything that could help me get past them."

"Past them? Do you intend to infiltrate Volt's forces?"

"I intend to carry out a decapitation mission against the enemy." You say gravely. There was no going about nature of your mission, even if it might cause the princess distress, you had to be level with her.

"You mean..." Maia's red yes look directly into yours. "...to kill Volt."

"My true enemy is the force that drives him, rather than the man himself." You explain. "I cannot at this time with confidence determine exact role Volt plays in its plans. I was sort of hoping your insight might help with that."

"The force, huh..." Maia looked to the side, her inner conflict flaring up again. "He is driven, that's for sure. But if it's by some intangible force... a few days ago, I would ridicule the notion. Now..." She falls silent for a moment.

You take advantage of the momentary silence to walk over to the balcony and wave, in hopes of being seen by your vigilant companion.

Sure enough, moments later Tithe's figure descends, prompting Maia to shift into a defensive stance and Prim to call out in a cheery voice:

"Hey, it's the Angle golem! Hello!"

Alicia frowns. "Do you mean 'angel'..." She asks, mentioning a mythical, hypothetical being of light, "and even though he has nicer features than most, this one certainly doesn't resemble such a being...?"

"Oh, you mean it's not his favourite pastime to sit on angles of tall buildings?" Prim asks innocently, prompting Charlotte and Smutkin to hide a chuckle. Even Maia's concerned frown is momentarily lifted.

"It's a pleasure to see you as well, young lady. Leader. Ladies. Smutkin." Tithe greets you. "Leader, you called?"

"That's right. I'm committed to a dangerous mission, and need to brief my squad. Do you know where they are?"

"Certainly. Do you wish me to gather them?"

"Please do."

"As you command. I will gather them in our current abode."

With that the gargoyle nods once more at the gathering and takes off to carry out your orders.

You shift your focus back to Maia, to see if she's had enough time to make up her mind.

"Prim... is that the one, who..." The beautiful tomboy turned to Prim.

"Oh, yes, that was mr. Tithe, the gargoyle that saved me from Beardsley together with mr. Mouse and cuz and Charlotte when he was holding me hostage."

"I see..." Maia shakes her head. "It's unbelievable. All this time..." She shifts her gaze at Alicia. "I'm sorry, Alicia. Sorry for doubting you, and sorry for taking his word over what I feared I might hear from you." She turns to you. "I will help you take him down." She says resolutely.

"I appreciate it." You tell her, although you're unsure to what extent you can truly empathize. If the tomboyish princess truly held feelings for the mercenary leader, turning against him must have been agonising. And anguish in her words as she addressed Alicia seemed as genuine as it gets. "In that case, what can you tell us about the mercenary army?"

"Not as much as I'd like, I'm afraid." Maia said. "Black Dog company has grown to size that boggled my mind, but it did not do like, I dunno, a house army, with structure all lined up, but rather as a gathering of smaller bands and companies that gradually kept joining. What united us was Volt and his leadership. He was ever confident, he never doubted our victory, and when we fought, he did deliver. There was no pompous nobles that got into army because of their station, he picked his commanders and lieutenants for their results, and he listened to them in turn." Maia said and trailed off before realizing she had gone off on a tangent. "A-anyway, what I was saying is, it's not like we really had some rules playbook by which we would organize our patrols for instance. The men were for the most part battle hardened old blades that took up the young that kept joining under their wing. When it came to actual tasks, everyone knew everything and always looked to their commander, and of course Volt, to give the word."

Information about mercenaries not having clear procedures that could be worked around or taken advantage of was not really unexpected. However, the heterogenous structure of mercenary army could also conceal weaknesses to be exploited, and of course fixation on personality of their leader meant that if he could be taken out of the picture, it seemed likely the rest of the mercenaries would fall into chaos or fight for succession.

Unless, that is, the Beast was there to anoint someone, or take over as it did with Olga's forces. That was another possible threat. You had hoped that denying cultist the relic you carried you could forestall its more direct involvement, but it seemed those hopes were in vain.

Although that line of thinking begged the question - if the beast could do that, why didn't it do so earlier? Why didn't it do with you and your companions? Was simple renouncement of its offers all it took?

"What about the people who followed you? Didn't you have a company that was loyal to you personally?" Alicia asks.

"I did." Maia sighs. "Maybe I still do. I hope they are okay. But the truth is, most of my guys ended up throwing their lot in with Volt. The ones that stuck with me to the end... well, the temple guard was talking to them last I know. I plan on checking on them."

You were beginning to consider what to ask next when gust of fresh night air alerted you to Tithe's return.

"Leader, last of the squad are on the way to the suite, everyone will be soon ready for your briefing."

"Very good. Thank you, Tithe." You nod and turn to the princesses. "Highnesses, I'm thankful for the chance to talk, but I must see to my men. Smutkin?"

"Of course." The bard nods and turns to Maia. "Lady Maia, would you permit me to see you tomorrow morning?"

"Yeah, sure." The mercenary princess shrugs. "Just ask around, I should be crashing nearby."

"You need not be so formal with us." Alicia reminds you. "There's few people I think I can rely on like you and your companions."

And so with a round of words of parting you and Smutkin take your leave and head back towards your suites, with Tithe taking the air route. After you put some distance behind you, Smutkin speaks up.

"Lady Maia puts a lot of effort to contain and conceal her pain."

"You think she's compromised by her feelings." You note.

"I wish I understood women enough to be able to tell that." The bard offers a mirthless grimace. "But it is a risk."

You're left to shelf the idea of whether the bard has an idea how to deal with it as you come up to the visitor suites. Entering you see most of your team gathered. The only exception are the golems who follow your instruction to guard queen Olga, Chloe on the other hand did arrive.

"We're all here, good." You acknowledge. "I'm not sure how much Chloe may have already told you, but presumably as a result of what happened earlier today, there were dramatic developments. Our enemy is on the move, and it falls to us to deliver it a fatal blow. We are going to head directly into the dark of darkness. We are going to set out for Atlassia."

Your words are met with grim determination. Even though from the present only Chloe had the fullest picture, everyone knew that you would not be staying in the cathedral fortress forever.

Even so, there were still things to be done and decisions to be made.

>You would set out in the morning, if Smutkin wanted to discuss something with Maia, he'll have to be quick about it.
>You would set out around noon
>You would set out in the evening, giving your team ample time to rest and prepare... although can you truly spare so much time?

>You would travel lightly to allow for more stealth, but you'd need to forage or otherwise procure food and/or supplies on the way
>You would requisition supplies to allow for more rapid advancement but constrain you to roads
>other idea?

>optional: adjust party composition. By default, you will be taking your current party plus Olga who specifically requested to join, but you may choose to leave someone behind or with a different task or ask someone else to join you.
>optional: assign tasks to your team to take care of before departure

We're in the endgame now
>>5796883
>You would set out in the morning, if Smutkin wanted to discuss something with Maia, he'll have to be quick about it.

>other idea
I'd ask for enough supplies to run the known roads and start foraging when we get near to the final destination proper. if possible.

>>5796883
>>You would set out in the morning, if Smutkin wanted to discuss something with Maia, he'll have to be quick about it.
>You would travel lightly to allow for more stealth, but you'd need to forage or otherwise procure food and/or supplies on the way

>>5796883
>You would set out around noon
>You would requisition supplies to allow for more rapid advancement but constrain you to roads
We can always abandon the carts when we get close

>>5796883
> You would set out around noon

How many days do we need to travel before we leave the borders of friendly territory?
> (Write-in): Request enough supplies to last until we leave friendly territory, plus whatever we can carry comfortably on our backs after we leave friendly territory.
... because any hour spent on hunting/foraging is an hour not spent on advancing to Atlassia.

>>5797680
>support

>>5796883
>You would set out in the morning, if Smutkin wanted to discuss something with Maia, he'll have to be quick about it.
>You would requisition supplies to allow for more rapid advancement but constrain you to roads

>>5796883
Supporting >>5797680

>>5796883
>>5797680
+1

"...then it is settled." You conclude. "You have until tomorrow noon to settle any business or preparations you may have left in the city. As previously, I'd like you to avoid getting caught alone. Even though it seems cultist presence in the city has been largely neutralized, we must keep in mind pervasive nature of our adversary."

You look over your team, listening attentively. Phineous, Smutkin, Tithe and Sparky, the ones who were with you from the start. Chloe, the shadow of the dark queen, now looking with mixture of joy and apprehension as she understood Olga herself would be accompanying you.

Elle, the courier. Woman you expected to not see again after chance brought you together, only for her to have become instrumental in allowing you to foil Beardsley's plot and gain valuable allies in Alicia and Prim.

Harriet and Janet, twins that have experienced Beast's torment firsthand, yet retained strength to commit to your cause.

These, and the twin golems who chose to embrace the light rather than the shadow underpinning it.

Those were your companions, your friends, that would follow you into the heart of darkness to confront it.

"If you have misgivings, voice them now. If you don't wish to accompany me on this mission, you are now free to leave." You say.

There's a moment of silence, but it doesn't last long.

"Fuck that." Phineous announces, prompting a smirk from Smutkin and some shade of curious look from the rest of the cast.

"I concur." Smutkin adds. "Boss, our circumstances of joining you may vary, but we all chose to stay for a reason. We're in this together, until the end."

There is nobody to contest the sentiment. Twins offer expression of resolve, Elle a warm smile as she watches the scene.

There is nothing more to be said on that matter.

"Friends..." You say anyway. "Very well. I intend to requisition some supplies so that we can afford to move swiftly at least for the leg of the journey with established roads within territory that recognizes Celestine's authority. It's not optimal in terms of stealth of our approach, but the time is more critical now."

"I can handle it." Elle volunteers. "I'll arrange for us supplies and maybe also a disguise if you're worried about being spotted."

"That would be helpful." You nod. "Do you have something specific in mind?"

"It's just an idea, but I have a good feeling about it. At worst I'll secure a wagon with supplies."

"Very well." If Elle was offering, you decide to leave it to her. In her role, and with her friend's help, she should be well suited for the task.

And with that you've reached to conclusion of your briefing. Your task was set, and so was the plan to achieving it. Or, at least, reaching the destination. What you'd do next was another issue.

Issue you had now hoped to gain some further insights on.

"I'll now go to see lady Celestine about meditation. With what we learned earlier, I believe I'll be able to draw upon support you've given me. Support for which I thank you. I'm extremely pleased to have dependable allies and friends such as yourselves." You tell the gathering. "Now, rest up. Our recent days have been hectic as it were, but real trials are still ahead. Let us make sure we come to face them at our best."

There's a round of acknowledgment and the gathering breaks up as you depart, leaving your team to make themselves comfortable before the struggles ahead.

You make your way up towards chambers of the Lady Celestine, the path now familiar to you. Once again you meet Frederick the guardian and his silent partner. Except some things are different. For one, The knight although still has some caution in his eyes, most of the hostility is gone.

The other difference is two additional guardians accompanying the men. Diana and Minerva stand watch on either side, suggesting that there is not one, but two elven queens behind those doors.

You give all four guardians a respectful nod in recognition of their service as they let you approach the door. Frederick is the one who turns to knock and announce your arrival, momentarily reemerging and letting you through.

Inside you are met with a view of the two elven ladies sitting at a table with a tea set.

"Good evening, Mouse. I was looking forward to your arrival." Celestine smiled at you.

"You were certainly taking your time." Olga remarks.

"Lady Olga arrived to take part in the meditation seance, but in the meantime we've been talking to share our knowledge."

"Take part is not very accurate, as considering your current circumstance it would probably be unwise for me to try and interfere with the connection with effort on my part, at least not until we know more." Dark queen says. "As for the other thing, it is true that Lady Celestine has been quite accommodating for someone who called for a crusade to destroy me."

Celestine's expression and her ears droop at that.

"It's true, I have much to atone for in regards to you and your people, as I do towards mine." The fair haired elf says.

"Oh, now's not time to mope. I shall be glad to come up with something for you to do to try and earn your atonement." Olga smirks. "Oh don't look so eager. I was mostly jesting." Olga adds at Celestine's gaze shifting to her. "At any rate, let's not waste time. I'm eager to hear of what you will bring back. So get to it, my knight."

Well, there's no arguing with royal decree, especially when Celestine nodded her assent to the command right after. And so you move back where you were previous time. Celestine again brings some cushions that were left nearby, to some amusement from Olga who continued to watch from her seat.

Soon enough you find yourself seated with the softness of the fabric providing more emotional than factual support, half elf leaning against your back and the elven hierarch with eager, anxious expression drawing forth increasing volume of her light.

You close your eyes, ease your mind, and allow it to wash over you.

As before, you indulge in the eerie sensation of the elven prophetess's power embracing you like a torrentous river flow, but with warmth and delicateness...

You've held Celestine in your arms before, and you recall softness and warmth of her physical body. But what she is pouring onto you carries hints of her soul, and tenderness of that eclipses the physical sensations entirely. It's enveloping, gushing forth as if it wanted to expend itself for benefit of another. You're very much reminded of what you felt in your mother's embrace.

And yet... yet you can sense, at the very edge of your perception, a hint of something nasty and vicious underpinning it.

In that brief moment you find yourself agitated and almost rouse yourself into panic, remembering your own earlier misgivings about allowing Celestine gaze into your new ethereal companion with her powers... but collect yourself in time, as no reaction seems to occur in this case.

And then it is done.

You find yourself once again in the landscape between one darkness and another, surrounded by a sphere of the light you carry with you.

Except some things are different this time. This time... this time you're not alone. Ahead of you, just about exactly at the edge of your own... zone. A silhouette, very feminine, and apparently lit with her own glow...

"Eek!"

With a start you turn around to face source of the sound. You are met with sight of a girl which you immediately recognize as Chloe, despite her physical features not being apparent. It was a vulnerable thing, bundled up in the dark.

"Mouse? M-my queen?" She calls, looking around wildly. What may have been her gaze passed through you a few times but she seemed not to be able to spot you.

Touched by seeing your friend in this state you reach out. Momentarily, she tenses up. She feels so light as you pull her in closer, intent on sheltering her from the darkness around.

"Mouse...?" She asks again, gaining some definition, as if becoming more real in your arms. Then she turns around, as if distracted by something else "My queen...?"

And then she disappeared.

"Chloe?" You ask. "Chloe!" You call louder, worried what happened to her.

File: among the shadows.png (1.14 MB, 704x1024)

1.14 MB PNG

"Defier, Do not be worried for your companion." Another voice rings out. It's clear and melodious, considerably less unsteady than it was last time you heard it. "She is back in the arms of her beloved queen, back in the material plane."

"You can tell that?"

"You could, too, if you could split your perception between this realm and the material one. Although perhaps for your focus it is better that you don't."

Momentarily you consider breaking the seance to check on Chloe, but what the goddess(?) said had made sense. Olga was watching, and if Chloe's distress showed itself, she would surely come to her retainer's side. As such perhaps it would be better to shelve this concern.

As if sensing your thoughts, the woman approaches you. "Before you decide to leave, I would thank you, Defier. For the sliver of hope I am afforded here. For allowing me to accompany you instead of banishing me."

Did you do that? Was she referring to the moment when you examined this presence and chose to shelter it? The woman continued:

"I thank you for showing me kindness you share with your friends. And for the sight of the miracle of new life." The motes of light surrounding the woman grew even more intense around her eyes. "Even knowing the world it would be introduced into, this miracle is still precious beyond any confusion... and yet" Her voice begins to falter and she trails off. The goddess(?) adjusts her pose and composes herself. "That imposes even more obligation on me. Ask of me anything you would, and I will do my best to be of benefit to you.

>Who are you?
>Who am I?
>What is the Beast?
>How do I destroy the Beast?
>How do I destroy the Taint?
>..."sliver of hope"?
>..."banishing"?
>..."miracle of new life"?
>Can you make me more powerful?
>Can you strengthen my allies?
>Can you help me navigate this realm?
>other idea
>leave

>>5800250
>Who are you?
>What is the Beast?
>Can you help me navigate this realm?
>How do I destroy the Taint?
>"What is the taint?"
>"What is the nature of Celestine's power?"
>"How did Chloe join me in this realm, even if temporarily?"
Some questions we already know the answer to, but it's good to double check

>>5800250
>>..."banishing"?
>..."miracle of new life"?
>Who are you?
>What is the Beast?
>How do I destroy the Beast?

>>5800250
>What is the Beast?
>How do I destroy the Beast?
>How do I destroy the Taint?
>..."sliver of hope"?
>..."miracle of new life"?
>Can you help me navigate this realm?

>>5800254
I'm going to add this to my vote too
>..."banishing"?
>..."miracle of new life"?

>>5800250
> Who are you?
... It's probably Laurentia, but it's polite to ask and introduce ourselves.
> What is the Beast?
Basic run-downs on what the HELL that thing is, no need to go too in-depth.
> How do I destroy the Beast?
What we need to do long-term.
> How do I destroy the Taint?
What we need to do now.
> ..."banishing"?
> ..."miracle of new life"?
Strange metaphors. Requires clarification.
> Can you strengthen my allies?
We can't stay the only heavy-hitter in the team, so anything to help our team in a fight would be welcome. Plus, Sparky can really use a boost to his light-based powers.
> Can you help me navigate this realm?
Anything to help us meditate would be welcome.
> (write-in): What powers can you lend me to help fighting the tainted?
Asking for more strength before a deity sounds way too ungrateful and egoistical, but asking for the strength to defeat the evil at hand should be an appropriate prayer.

"Who am I" is something we need to find out ourselves.
"Silver of hope" probably refers to us helping freeing her from the Beast.

>>5800250
>>5800325
This.

>>5800274
>support

>>5800250
>>5800325
+1

>>5800325
Support

For a moment the offer hangs in the air.

"I have many questions. So many." You say finally.

"Then ask. I'll do my best to answer."

"First, there are some things you mentioned. What do you mean by 'banishment' I've spared you from? And what was that about 'miracle of life'?"

"After you rescued me... or at least this strand of me, from my former master, I found myself connected to your soul." The woman says, partially confirming your suspicions that you had shared with Olga earlier. "Then, as you travailed through the waking world, I felt your will brush against me, recognizing me as foreign. However, rather than banish me, you chose to shelter me."

"I see... I am glad to have done so, then."

"So am I. As for your next question... I suppose you wouldn't notice. Within one of your allies, new life is taking form. It is..." Her voice falters, as if she's overcome with emotion. "...a wonderful sight."

"Wait. You mean, literally new life? One of my allies is... expecting?"

"Yes. She is a strong one... for as much as this world would allow her. But her bond with her mate strengthens her further." The goddess(?) says and falls silent and you think back to who she might mean. But her mentioning a mate makes this a very straightforward question to resolve.

"Claudia."

"Correct. That's how she is known."

You considered this revelation for a moment. Claudia and Klaus struck you as couple that would be overjoyed to be able to share the love they held for each other with a child. But it was also worrying for what danger awaited them. Another reason for you to succeed, you suppose.

And you should probably tell them if they haven't realized it yet. But that could wait.

"You have more questions." The woman observed, possibly through the connection you now shared.

"Indeed I do. I hope this will not come across as insolent, but who exactly are you?"

For a moment the goddess(?) before you was silent. You almost spoke up to switch to a different question but ultimately she answered:

"Your close ally, my poor, cherished Vessel, calls me Progenitor or Mother. The mortals refer to me as Laurentia, or the creator goddess, and by a number of other titles." Laurentia says. "How I wish I could fill at least a fraction of them."

She shifts and turns, as if to look around across the shadowy landscape.

"In truth, you could say I embody this force that humans refer to as the Light. Even as I was, I would lend it to those who would reach for it. Especially to my Vessel."

"That seems in line with what your worshippers claim." You note.

"But that's where it ends. I am no creator. My first memory begins much as you had found me, helpless in clutches of the all encompassing darkness. I am the false hope. The light that casts the shadow. The glint luring the prey to their demise."

You blink. This was not something you had expected. If there was something common knowledge and forbidden lore you've so far encountered agreed on, it was on role of the creator goddess. And now she herself tells you that this too was a lie?

What implications did this hold for your quest? Did it make it impossible - or perhaps was it exactly the opposite? If the goddess was a fake to begin with, why did the Beast respond to your actions so rashly?

And was the goddess telling you how things were... or how she felt them to be?

Was there something you could say or do - and should you?

>Contest Laurentia's assertion, her earlier emotions seemed too genuine to be just a fixture of the darkness
>Ask Laurentia if your intervention changed something
>Ask a new question in response to this revelation
>Leave this topic for now and continue with other questions you had.
>other idea

>>5802436
>>Contest Laurentia's assertion, her earlier emotions seemed too genuine to be just a fixture of the darkness

>>5802436
> Contest Laurentia's assertion, her earlier emotions seemed too genuine to be just a fixture of the darkness
"You're better than you think you are". She might be just a daemon/figment of Laurentia's true power, but still, she isn't *just* a lure or a false hope.
Then
> continue with other questions you had.

>>5802436
>Contest Laurentia's assertion, her earlier emotions seemed too genuine to be just a fixture of the darkness

>>5802440
Yes, I'm using "daemon" here in the original sense, as in "lesser deity, guiding spirit", instead of the later sense as "malevolent being".

>>5802436
>>Contest Laurentia's assertion, her earlier emotions seemed too genuine to be just a fixture of the darkness
best route.

>>5802440
Also, "the light that casts the shadow" can also be easily read as "the inner light which we measure the darkness with" - for without an understanding of good we would not understand what's evil either. Some may have relinquished their light and chose the embrace of their inner darkness, but we shall not.

>>5802436
>Contest Laurentia's assertion, her earlier emotions seemed too genuine to be just a fixture of the darkness

>>5802436
>Contest Laurentia's assertion, her earlier emotions seemed too genuine to be just a fixture of the darkness

"I disagree."

The words leave you automatically. There is no room for doubt, be it for their content, or appropriateness of contesting a statement by a goddess.

For her part, Laurentia didn't look offended or otherwise upset, rather she looked at you with curiosity, waiting for you to elaborate.

"The emotions I have felt from you, be it now as you speak of Claudia's future child or before, what I've felt through this connection between us, are much too genuine to be easily dismissed as 'false hope'. I believe that despite the corruption around, the hope you offer is very real. And even if light does cast shadows, it still splits and challenges the darkness around."

It's her turn to blink. Or at least you gain such an impression. It's funny, you are unable to tell what shape or colour her eyes would be, but you can tell she did a double take.

"Is that so?" She says eventually, crossing her arms. "After asking me the question, you would presume to know me better than I know myself?" Despite her posture, the tone felt more curious than indignant.

And you are reminded that you are talking to someone who has spent time incomprehensible by human, or ogre, mind in bondage to the darkness you fight against.

"I do not wish to come across as insolent or presumptuous." You try to express yourself softly. "But as surely you have felt my surprise at your revelation, so I'm also certain you can tell how I appreciate your sincerity. In turn, it is my sincere conviction that from what I have seen and felt of you, I can tell you are much more than you give yourself credit for."

"Defier..." She says softly. "I did not suspect your defiance could manifest in... such a way." She shifts her posture, straightening up slightly and you think her glow picked up by a fraction... although that might have just been wishful thinking.

"I'm only speaking my mind. I have seen enough despair... I do not enjoy seeing people embracing it."

She smiles at that. "Thank you, Defier. Thank you for nurturing that hope you've already given me." Then her expression sinks back into her more usual melancholic look. "However, despite this gift, I must disappoint you, as I cannot be the ally you had hoped to see in me."

"Lady Laurentia, I believe it's too early to pass this sort of judgment."

The goddess looks you in the eye for a moment and then nods. "Very well. You have given me something to think upon. For now, you had more questions for me."

It's true, you had many more questions for the goddess. For now you would have to hope your attempts at encouraging her would take root.

"What exactly is the Nameless Beast, and how do I destroy it and the Taint it caused?" You ask possibly the most crucial question of your self imposed mission. Although going from what the goddess just told you, you expect the answer will not be along the lines you could have originally imagined.

And predictably, it is not exactly a pleasant topic for the goddess. Still, she does not shirk from answering.

"The darkness which some among the mortals dub 'The Nameless One', or 'Beast', and indeed one that is worshipped by some you have fought against." Laurentia tells you. "To extent of my awareness, it is the world itself. It defines all things material and ethereal, it is the backdrop against which our existence is cast, it is all, and over all it exerts its influence. The distinction you draw between the Beast and the Taint comes from the notion that... that I was responsible for the world that was in essence pristine, and darkness had only infested it... through me." Laurentia looks downcast as she continues. "Would that I was able to take that responsibility onto myself. Would that I could take the blame for it. But as I have told you, this is the world as I have first found it, and as it found me. Your defiance stands against the world itself."

You were bracing yourself against this sort of answer. You may have been quietly assuming that the Taint is something that had corrupted the world from the outside, and to reverse this corruption, you may be able to find some sort of cure that would restore the natural order.

But what if the natural order WAS corruption?

Did you really stand alone against the world itself?

No, you correct yourself. Not alone, you had friends and allies that you could not bring yourself to doubt. But even so, what hope could you have? What manner of force would it take to change the entire world? Was your quest truly doomed?

And again you are reminded. Of several things. Of your own legacy, your parents' final words, that kept you going all the way until here and now. Of the fates you've already touched, and the horrors that loomed over them should you falter. Of the smiles you've seen, and would continue to see if you could help it.

And then... if the world is fundamentally corrupt, how are you able to refuse it?

How was Laurentia, despite her endless torment?

If it was all part of a cruel game, as queen Olga once said, why the sudden surge of the monstrous horde... that you and your companions were apparently spared?

"In the light of this, the Taint you have taken as some excisable disease is an integral part of our world." Laurentia went on, echoing your concerns. "You could view it as the world's will and choice to govern it with cruelty and malice."

You suppose that in a way answered if Taint could be destroyed... or has it?

>Ask anyway, how would we destroy the Taint?
>Ask a new question in response to this revelation
>Leave this topic for now and continue with other questions you had.
>other idea

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>>5802998
>Ask anyway, how would we destroy the Taint?

>>5802998
> Ask anyway, how would we destroy the Taint?
With no light there can be no shadow - yet the world will be smothered by darkness nonetheless. The bigger question might as well be "how do we ignite the inner light of people around us, and make sure they never dim".

>>5802998
>>Ask anyway, how would we destroy the Taint?

>>5803031
Even if we cannot truly "destroy" it per se, for it will probably remain for as long as evil and malice still exists in this world, we need to find ways to weaken it enough that it has less tangible influence on people. The speech Celestine made a while ago - as well as our mere existence - showed that it CAN be beaten back, the question now is: how do we repeat our success on a larger scale?

>>5803282
Giant lighthouse of hope

>>5803283
AKA. The world needs a hero - or heroes - to inspire people to embrace their inner light, and our team just happens to fit the bill.

>>5802998
>Ask anyway, how would we destroy the Taint?

>>5802998
>Ask anyway, how would we destroy the Taint?

You simply have to ask.

This revelation is an unpleasant one to be sure, but in the end it changes nothing about your end goal. After all, when you started out, you didn't expect you'd have goddess humans worshipped - at least with their lips - to lean on. You had just your own heart, those of your friends, and in spirit, those of your parents.

And all of these are still with you. Perhaps more so than before.

There was still work to do.

"How do I destroy the Beast, or the Taint?" You ask.

For a few moment Laurentia simply looks you in the eye, figuratively speaking. You can feel her focus probe against yours, as if testing how serious you are.

Eventually she speaks.

"That is a question I should be asking you, Defier. It is after all this desire that defines you... at least as far as I am able to tell. It is you who rescued me. It is you who had already confronted the Beast, a feat I had thought impossible." She looks to the side and offers an impression of weariness, her supernatural grace easing, making her resemble a mortal woman, briefly. "What you are asking is to me akin asking how to destroy a direction or how to stop the sun from rising. Only answer that comes to mind is that you would have to unmake the world itself, along with everything in it. Then, there would be no more Beast, or the Taint."

You feel yourself grimacing at that answer. You set out to mend the world, not end it.

"That can't be the only way." You say more to assure yourself than out of any sense of certainty. Was there something you missed? Or were you really condemned to a quest that remains forever in your reach?

Actually, come to think of it, even if the end goal were unreachable, you could still spend rest of your life struggling to at least accrue those tiny, partial victories... yes, that's what you would do. But what are you thinking, you're not ready to give up yet.

"Maybe..." The goddess says in a hesitant tone. "...maybe I'm just not one to ask. As I've told you, for entirety of my existence I've only known bondage to darkness. I don't know it as anything else than a master, cruel and always aware of my every thought and intent. I apologize, Defier, but that is all I am able to tell."

Perhaps that was it. You had approached the goddess on certain assumptions, some of which suggested that if anyone would know the answers you needed, it would have to be her. But if she really only came as an afterthought for a world fundamentally corrupted, why would she?

Furthermore, if her role was to become embodiment of light to be corrupted, wouldn't the Beast be also exceptionally careful not to reveal any weaknesses to her?

You felt as if something was slipping between your fingers as you contemplated all this...

Celestine's speech, for one. She made a sincere attempt to appeal to all of her followers, to confront the darkness within and choose against it. Was that enough? Did it work? Could it work... more?

The cultists have attempted their coup, but it failed. And although immediate efforts of yourself and your allies surely helped, you had the feeling that situation would have been considerably worse had part of the people chosen differently - from house knights, through guild soldiers to even some of the mercenaries that apparently allowed Celestine's words to reach them.

Perhaps even the world itself was wicked, the people within could choose not to be...

Could that work? Would that be enough? More questions emerged, and you're not even sure if you haven't missed some.

>Ask Laurentia about something further regarding the Taint
>Ask or speak to Laurentia about something else
>Continue with asking the questions you wanted to ask (Celestine's power, navigating this realm, possible boons)
>other idea

>>5805051
>Continue with asking the questions you wanted to ask (Celestine's power)
I can't think of what is slipping through our fingers.
What I do know is that the taint is not all powerful, we rebuked it after all. And it was sealed into relics as well.
If it was meant to be just hope to be crushed, then he would have killed us on the spot instead of rage quitting.

>>5805051
>Continue with asking the questions you wanted to ask

I suspect Laurentia’s memories are sealed and she just doesn’t remember the time before the beast. The beast would want her to believe that she can’t win, and by what she’s said the beast did have power over her mind.

>>5805051
>Continue with asking the questions you wanted to ask (Celestine's power, navigating this realm, possible boons)

>>5805051
> Continue with asking the questions you wanted to ask (Celestine's power, navigating this realm, possible boons)

>>5805051
>Continue with asking the questions you wanted to ask (Celestine's power)

>>5805051
woops my vote is for
>Celestine's power

>>5805051
> Continue with asking the questions you wanted to ask (Celestine's power, navigating this realm, possible boons)
Priority list: Possible boons > Navigating this realm > Celestine's powers

You would need to think all this over from a fresh perspective. As grim as Laurentia's answers were, you were thankful for her perspective and sincerity, and already you were beginning to contemplate on approaches how to proceed, and possible blind spots the captive goddess may have had as a result of her bondage. Besides, there was also previous research to confront your new revelations with... although the notion of relaying what the goddess herself had told you to your companions was not exactly a pleasant one.

In the meantime, you still had some questions you'd like answered.

"Thank you for your sincerity, lady Laurentia. In the meantime, there were a few other questions I had."

"I'm sorry I haven't been very helpful so far. Perhaps I'll be able to do better next." The glowing woman said.

"I assure you that you were plenty helpful." You argue. "After all we need to know what we're up against so that we can find a way to win. And for what it is worth, I refuse to see our partial victories as being allowed by the enemy. I believe we will find a way." You speak resolutely, perhaps a little bit more forcefully than you thought you would. Laurentia gazes at you with surprise, and again you have the faintest feeling as if her radiance grew by a miniscule amount. Again, though, it might have just been your wishful thinking.

"I appreciate your words, Defier. Then ask your questions. I'll help as I'm able."

"I wanted to ask about Celestine's power of clairvoyance. How does it work? How safe is it for her, or how compromised?"

You can almost feel the woman recoil at the question.

"My poor, dear Vessel... she views it as a gift, when it was meant as a trap to ensnare her from the start. The subtle strand of black webbing that she takes as expression of my light... only to be trickle fed venom through it. She learns from it what the will of the world intends for her, and I am but powerless to watch her joy at what she feels to be my touch."

"Does that mean everything she sees is manipulated? Every single vision?"

"Not fully, no. She needs to be able to retain her faith in her power, if it was too obviously a trap she would have figured it out long ago."

"Is that why she was able to view my history, for example?"

"Yes. But for instance the vision that drove her to pronounce the holy war against the dark queen has been written fully by the Beast. But you already figured that out, haven't you?"

"We had a theory to that effect..." You say. "What would have happened had I allowed Celestine to reach for you with her power?"

"Your instinct then was right, the Enemy would likely seek to exploit his connection to her power to reclaim... me." Laurentia falters towards the end.

"I won't let him." You say automatically.

"I know..." The woman says with warmth. "I expect there would have been a confrontation, but what exactly it would have looked like, I cannot tell."

Confrontation... would it have looked like when you fought off the relic's attempt to possess you? But you were not even aware of how exactly you did that. Or perhaps would you be put into a situation of combat similar to like when you retrieved the woman you now spoke to? That was not a very pleasant experience, and being thrust into it unexpectedly sounded even worse.

"So Celestine is carrying around a permanent connection to the Beast..." You say. "Could she take control of the connection somehow? Push back against it?"

"I haven't thought about that." Laurentia says. "Perhaps so... but it would mean her pushing against the world with just her own power."

"I understand the power is still connected to you. Could you help her?"

The goddess is silent for a moment. "I... am afraid. Afraid to even consider it. I... suppose I could. But it would end the same way as it did for every time I have tried to offer resistance in the past."

"We won last time." You offer.

"You did. And it remains a mystery to me how did that happen."

Well that was this for the moment. If your hunch was correct, and the goddess could in fact grow more powerful as she recovered from her ordeals, perhaps you could revisit the idea, but for now it was probably pointless to further dwell on this topic.

Except... maybe...

"Before I embarked on this quest... queen Olga had sent me on a mission because of a clairvoyant vision." You say. "Was that also manifestation of similar power?"

Laurentia gave you a look of genuine surprise.

"The dark queen?" She asks. "I... no, that should be impossible. If that really happened, I could not have had anything to do with it."

"Who or what else could it have been?"

"I do not know." Laurentia looked down. "It may have been that your queen managed to glean something from the Beast's intent. Or it could have been pure chance, as unlikely as it sounds."

"Another mystery, then..."

Laurentia looks at you apologetically. You decide to move onto another question.

"Chloe. Do you know how she was able to show up, however briefly, in this realm?"

"Much in the same way as you do, through focus and effort of her mind and soul. She must be exceptionally devoted to the task that she had succeeded."

"She is indeed a dependable friend. But does that mean others could join me here as well? And was it really a success, considering the distress she apparently felt?"

"Any being with consciousness should be able to... however doing so is not without dangers. Your companion experienced some of those. Although her will allowed her to follow you here, the burdens she carries grew more pronounced here and smothered her."

"Why does it feel so... I don't know. Effortless? To me?" You ask.

"That I do not know. I would have expected pain you've experienced in the past would prove an effective obstacle, even despite Vessel's... Celestine's support."

"I didn't have that when I saw you for the first time..."

The goddess shifts at the recollection. "No, you were carried by your dreams, then... that too, is strange in itself. Dreams are such a whimsical thing..."

"Is there something you or I can do to help her? Ant on that topic, could you help me navigate this strange realm?"

"I'm afraid much of what your friend, or your other friends would have to do if they wished to join you on your forays into this plane, is up to them, and them alone. You can offer them closeness and support in their search, of course. If I, Celestine or anyone else would seek to forcefully cast them into this realm with excessive use of force, it might be dangerous for them. In extreme case I could see them being lost in the darkness with no hope of returning to their material shell." Right, so no fast tracks to transcendence for your friends. "As for navigating this realm... you seem to have done well so far. I would never have expected someone could accomplish what you have... I will be forever grateful to you for that, Defier."

She looks at you with such warmth that you almost feel hugged even without her moving.

Then the sensation recedes and Laurentia goes on:

"But there is something I can offer you that you might find useful. You're already aware of my presence accompanying yours even in material plane... I'm grateful that you allow me to be carried in your wake through the shadows, and don't want to be intrusive. You can also draw on my power as long as I'm near, as you may have noticed, and I'm happy to allow it. But if you would allow me to make our connection closer, I could communicate with you freely even in material plane, and be more freely able to use what strength I have to spare to help you. I could also share with you my awareness of the ethereal plane without you needing to sequester your focus from your shell."

"That sounds good. What is the downside?"

The goddess shuffles in a very humanlike, embarrassed manner.

"I don't wish to describe it as a 'downside', but... the connection would be rather... intimate." She says. "Not in a material sense." She hurries to add. "But it would mean me having close rapport with you on spiritual level."

"I believe I've already felt something like that from you, when interacting with Celestine."

"Well, it would be stronger."

"Debilitatingly so?" You ask. "What would happen, for instance, had the shadow blast from during Celestine's sermon struck me while I was connected to you in such manner?"

"I... am not sure. I suspect you would need to rely on the same power that protects you to protect both of us."

You mull the offer over. It seemed like quite a significant boon from the goddess. Could it also make you more vulnerable, though? It would be an expression of trust to this being you've rescued, and perhaps also to the power that made it possible... you were obviously not going to cast her out, so conceivably you could change your mind later, but there was still something special about when she made the suggestion here and now. That would be a first time that is not going to happen again.

>Accept the offer.
>Decline.
>Ask some more questions first

>(optional) ask more questions

the choice is sort of important from story standpoint but not be all end all, and it doesn't lock out any of the romance routes, even though it might make some paths more awkward than others.

>>5806199
>>Accept the offer.
cool, i'm in

>>5806199
>Accept the offer.
I'm still torn between Chloe, Alicia or Elle for best girl.
But I care way more about smiting the beast over romance.

>>5806199
> Ask some more questions first
What did she mean when she said "what strength I have to spare to help you"? Or, what strength does she have, and how can she help? If not then she'd be a liability to our oncoming battle as her presence would paint a giant target on our backs to the Nameless.

>>5806213
Chloe hands down. She shares our identity as a halfbreed, understands the reason why the Nameless have to be stopped, is of a similar rank with ours, and is about our equal in combat prowess. Plus, her fighting style complement ours near-perfectly.

>>5806199
>Accept the offer.
My spirit is ready

>>5806199
>Accept the offer.
You already know my choice.

>>5806199
> Accept the offer.

Not as if we can be any MORE targeted by Nameless-aligned forces, and we need any advantage we can get for the upcoming fight

Although the more inquisitive part of your mind wonders what exactly Laurentia meant by lending you her strength, you suppose you're going to find out soon enough, because in your heart you've already decided.

"I accept." You tell her. "I believe I've seen, heard and felt enough to know purity of your intention, lady Laurentia. I will accept any help you can offer, and would like to count you among my allies and companions on my quest."

The goddess before you seems momentarily taken aback, as if she wasn't expecting you to agree so readily, but you quickly begin to feel joy and smile radiating from her. She begins to move towards you, first step hesitant, but as her resolve solidifies, so does the aura of light around her. And in the next moment you find yourself in her embrace.

Warmth and softness envelops you, and the darkness is eclipsed by light that neither hurts nor blinds you, and a tide of emotion sweeps over you.

Hope.

Affection.

Gratitude.

Fragile, but growing, resolve.

But also...

Doubt, and fear, and concern.

Embarrassment.

Relief, trust, peace.

Until this moment, Laurentia was unsure. She was afraid that this was another ploy. That she was given false hope, in a cruel twist of irony, to give her a brief moment of freedom only to have her entrap herself voluntarily.

Now that her presence wrapped herself about yours, she let go of that fear. Whatever she had found as she embraced you must have dispelled remainder of her doubt.

I am with you, Defier. From now and into the future. I shall confront the darkness at your side.

I'm sorry for doubting you, even for a moment.

You let her know that it's fine, and your expression is met with more gratitude and appreciation.

You realize that among the deluge of feelings there is concealed knowledge and perspective, you are made aware of subtle hints and context you've missed during your previous interaction with the goddess. You are given insight into sincerity with which she shared her views and memories, and a hint of the depths of despair she had suffered before your intervention.

When your attention touches that time/place, you are met with a blank wall you don't want to penetrate, indeed you feel the very notion of trying to would be an intrusion into a friend's sensibilities. Even though you also get vague impression you could force your way, it is met with realization that Laurentia is consciously asking you not to delve there. And in your imagination you can hazard a guess at what she is sheltering you from.

You let go, and feel Laurentia's relief at your choice to respect her boundary. You find yourself wondering if you have similar limits in place.

I'm not intruding to pry into your mind... you feel the goddess share but in truth, I feel I would have failed if I tried. Your intentions are as open as you are to all your friends, but I feel as if core of your soul is beyond even attempting to grasp. Perhaps that is how you remain outside of the dark one's grip as well...

A cynical part of you asks how does she know that if she did not try?

You don't need to try to penetrate a barrier to notice that it is there.

Is she going to provide a commentary on entirety of your internal dialogue?

Only those parts you want me to hear, consciously or not.

Well those last two questions must have fallen under the unconscious category then. You wonder if perhaps allowing this was a mistake.

There is no reaction to this one. Either it works as she said, or she knows better than to comment. In either case you hope the goddess doesn't regret her own offer next time you visit a lavatory.

In the meantime there was one more thing that you had wondered about. Could Laurentia bestow boons to you or your companions?

For your companions, I would need to reach out to them on individual basis. It may be possible, especially for the strange, aberrant imp, and the sculpted guardians. As for yourself...

You will find that through your connection to me you will be able to wield Light-aligned magic with relative ease. Although it may take some practice and mental effort on your part. With some practice, you might be able to channel power rivaling that of my... of Celestine.

Unfortunately, it didn't seem like time for practice would be something you could afford. Perhaps that was also a reason for the Beast to rush its attack? Was it concerned that you could actually do something with power Laurentia could lend you, now that she's, at least partially, outside his control?

You get nothing but helpless confusion from your new companion in response to this unspoken question.

And with that, among the soft warmth that would accompany you from now on, the light, and everything else around you, recedes. It was time for you to awaken.

As you open your eyes, you feel refreshed. Either your meditation must have at some point turned into regular sleep, or simply ended up being equally restful. And that was a good thing as the light of dawn was already illuminating the chamber. And as you took in sensations of the waking world, including fresh morning air wafting in through the open window, you realize you're surrounded by softness and warmth, and only some of it came from within and your now fully recognized supernatural companion.

In short you woke up covered in elves.

It was not a bad feeling, you thought to yourself, your sentiment echoed in a playful mental chuckle in voice not your own.

"Mmmm..." Celestine shifts, stirs and stretches as she awakens. "Mouse... and Progenitor?!" elven queen's eyes widen as she collects her bearings and rests her gaze on you. In the meantime, Olga who was leaning against you and Chloe from the other side suddenly appears next to you as if she was never in physical contact with you in the first place. Only Chloe remains behind you, hugging your left arm, and she is the last to stir.

"Mouse...? I had a... um... nevermind."

"It wasn't a dream, my shadow." Olga says. "You succeeded in following Mouse on his foray into the aether."

The half elf blinks. "So it was really..." Her expression rapidly changes between several wildly different emotions, from joy at her success, through embarrassment and pain of how it went, to gratitude for yours and Olga's closeness before settling again on her neutral, serious mask. You feel a measure of pride and affection of your own for her initiative, and the sentiment is echoed by your ethereal companion.

"You did something impressive." You commend her. "Thank you, Chloe."

She offers a weak smile that contains only barest amount of smugness she can muster.

"Of course. It was..." She hesitates, her gaze darting to Celestine. In the end though she resolves her inner conflict by looking at you and Olga. "...it was horrible. I felt like I was... I was..." Her grip tightens.

Olga steps closer and touches Chloe's shoulder in a reassuring manner. There was time where such a gesture of kindness would surprise you, but you've since grown accustomed to the dark queen having a softer side she's willing to show to those she trusts.

"Thank you, Mouse. Thank you, my Queen." The half elf says as she collects herself and straightens out. "I will not disappoint you again."

"You never have." You tell her, prompting another flicker of genuine smile from the red eyed girl.

"Mouse, I could tell something happened." Celestine speaks, having judged your friend is momentarily tended to. "Your connection to Progenitor is even stronger now. Did you talk to her? What did you learn?"

>Share everything you learned with the elves; hold nothing back
>Tell them the outlines, and of the pact you've made with Laurentia
>other idea

And after you're done catching up with the three, you should...
>Check on Elle and see how preparations for your trip are going
>Find Sparky, it has occurred to you that Laurentia could be able to help him with his light powers somehow
>Smutkin should be going to see Maia soon if he isn't already, perhaps you could join them
>This might be your last chance to find something in the library, head there. It might also be the place to find the Levantines.
>other idea

>>5807513
>Share everything you learned with the elves; hold nothing back
>"I'm unsure if everything she told me is correct. I wouldn't put past the beast to try and alter her memories to make so she lived in constant fear."

>Check on Elle and see how preparations for your trip are going
Let's see if the dwarves were fast enough to send us something.

>>5807513
>>Share everything you learned with the elves; hold nothing back
>Smutkin should be going to see Maia soon if he isn't already, perhaps you could join them

>>5807513
> Share everything you learned with the elves; hold nothing back
> This might be your last chance to find something in the library, head there. It might also be the place to find the Levantines.

IIRC "informing the Levantines" is the only job that nobody else can do and/or cannot be done later. Elle's probably better at logistics than we are, we can talk to Sparks/Tithe/Golem Twins on the road, and we're definitely worse at persuading people than Smutkin.
If anything, after talking to the Levantines we can see if there's anything we can help wrap up before we begin out long and arduous journey to take down Volt and the Nameless once and for all.

>>5807513
>Share everything you learned with the elves; hold nothing back

>Find Sparky, it has occurred to you that Laurentia could be able to help him with his light powers somehow

>>5807513
>Share everything you learned with the elves; hold nothing back
can't lie to waifu
>Check on Elle and see how preparations for your trip are going

You hold nothing back. Even though you feel some concern from Laurentia, you relay everything you've discussed with her, what you learned of her situation, what you learned of the Beast and its apparent significance.

The three elves take it all about as well as you could expect. Olga with a frown, Chloe with an impassive face, and Celestine in tears.

It hurts you to see her like that, and it hurts no less to know that the two dark elves are probably just better at maintaining facade of strength. You doubt even Olga had anticipated to hear this story with authority of Laurentia herself.

Eventually you get to telling them of the agreement you've reached with the goddess. You had embraced her, and her support. You remain undeterred in your quest, and you will face the darkness together with her.

That at least gives some semblance of assurance to red eyed Celestine as she embraces you (or as much of you as she can with her relatively tall, but still only elfin, frame).

You feel Laurentia exerting her own power to cheer her up, and it has mixed effect, simultaneously giving the elven hierarch a measure of comfort and strengthening her emotions towards her divine ancestor.

"Well, then." Olga speaks up after a while. "So now that the goddess has taken a new champion to carry her around... what is it like, to know that it was me, the one meant to represent your sworn enemy, that saved him from claws of your faithful, raised him to his strength and gave him blessings to serve for your benefit as well? While it was in your name that the only people who cared for him, and whom he holds dear in his heart to this day, were given torturous death?"

The anguish you feel at those words is like burning daggers digging into your soul, the sensation is enough to make you wince.

It's not yours.

As painful as the recollection is to you, you've since reforged it into source of your resolve to carry your parents' final wish into the future. This sensation, however, was one of guilt, shame and self-recrimination. Such is the strength of the feeling that you believe some of it also originates from Celestine.

You let your spiritual companion know that you don't hold her responsible, ironically deepening the frustration somewhat. But fortunately it also gave Laurentia an impulse to compose herself, allowing the burst of emotion to subside.

"Hmm. Not bad. But even a reaction of this magnitude could be fatal in a pitched battle." Olga said.

"Olga, that was cruel." Celestine chides her dark counterpart, as she along with you realizes what the dark elf queen was doing.

"Perhaps, but I believe it was necessary. And I recommend that you make yourself presentable. Your faithful are going to need you to inspire confidence."

"You are right in that... however, they deserve better than just appearances." Celestine says as she straightens up. The fair haired elf turns to you. "Mouse, what you and Mother have shared with you... it's heavy to hear. But I do take comfort in your resolve. I... I think that you will find a way."

She's so earnest when she says that as you look into her emerald eyes that you can't help but take her delicate hand and squeeze it. Very gently and carefully, of course.

"I will." You assure her, and look back at Olga and Chloe. You reach to them with your other hand and Olga extends her own in a regal, almost condescending gesture - but in her eyes you can see warmth you no longer find surprising. After brief hesitation, Chloe also cautiously reaches alongside her queen. "I've already made the promise to both of you. My commitment stands. I will see this through."

As if to put a seal on your words, Laurentia's aura flares up momentarily. You feel her relay it was a sort of blessing from her, a spark of light for them to carry on top of their own faith and care for you and each other.

You stay silent for a moment, but aware that the moment can't last forever, eventually you break it up.

"We shall be departing today around noon. I need to check on preparations, Elle took it upon themselves." You explain.

"I will be prepared, worry not." Olga asserts.

"I... I wish so that I could join you." Celestine says. "But... I'm needed here." She looks at you as if pleading you to give her a reason to join you. But you can't in good conscience do that. She is a living symbol and her people need her.

"Thank you, Celestine." You tell her.

With heart a bit heavier than you hoped it would be with your departure drawing near you step towards the window and wave at the unseen observer. Sure enough, Tithe descends several moments later.

"Leader."

"I'd like to check on Elle's preparations. Do you know where she is?"

"It has been a while since she entered field of my view, but I believe she was making preparations in the temple guard barracks, with help of Harriet and Janet. I have also noted ladies Alicia, Prim and Lulu in the area, along with Shaper Olaf and Robert the scout."

"Very good, thank you. Resume your vigil, please. And of course notify those of us who may be unaware where to gather."

"As you command." The gargoyle nods and soars away.

"We'll be there in time." Olga assures as you turn back to the elves.

"I will see you off. And I'm sure other princesses and Klaus will want to as well." Celestine says.

"Then... until then."

With that you depart, leaving past the guards and the golems, towards a martial section of the cathedral compound.

When you arrive you find the gathering much in the composition Tithe suggested it would be, after one of the guardians pointed you towards a particular courtyard. There you are met with a sight of a wagon half laden with supplies, with the twin scouts helping a pair of stablehands load it up further. Alicia, Elle and Robert were off to the side next to a secure looking chest Olaf was resting his hand on. Prim and Lulu were in the back with the horses.

Scouts were first to spot you, pausing their work and saluting you, which you acknowledge with a nod and they resume their activity.

"Ah, there comes mr. Mouse." Olaf notices you, prompting Alicia and the two couriers to turn around and greet you as well.

"Mouse!" "Sir!"

You return their greetings and close in on the group, noticing out of corner of your vision that Prim and Lulu also dropped what they were doing and were headed your direction.

"Preparations are going without a hitch, sir." Elle informed you. "Even better, as shaper Olaf arrived with his invention."

"Hah. Not that much of an invention." The dwarf says. "Protective gear is something not unknown to us, I just hope that my estimations of what would be needed against this 'materialized darkness' were accurate. I've brought enough for everyone and a few spares besides, adjustable so they should fit everyone from you to the wee lads, hopefully even the imp that I hear accompanies you."

"That was very thoughtful of you, mr. Quartzenslab." You appreciate, feeling distinct sense of curiosity from the goddess on the topic. You bring up your memories of the relic and how the dwarf took to analyze what was left of it, wondering if your ethereal companion would be able to sift through them, in any case you feel her focus momentarily diverted and you turn yours back to the conversation.

"Glad to have been of help. I'm of course still working on the batch of her highness. But I suppose she now has other priorities in mind."

"That's right." Alicia says. "I'll have to put the mine investigation on hold and focus on preparing defenses. Hopefully reinforcements we'll get will be enough to weather the onslaught." She gives you a sad smile. "But don't let that weigh you down, Mouse. Your success is the more important one. If I'll be able to win you time to secure it, it will all be worth it."

It stings, and not just you personally, to hear her speak like that.

>Talk to the present company about something or ask them about something (what?)
>You're satisfied for now, you can go check on someone else (who?)
>As Alicia pointed out, fighting awaits her and this will be last time you see her for a while... possibly ever. Challenge her to a spar on this occasion.
>other idea

>>5809307
>>As Alicia pointed out, fighting awaits her and this will be last time you see her for a while... possibly ever. Challenge her to a spar on this occasion.

>>5809307
>Talk to the present company about something or ask them about something (what?)
>Will the dwarves fight against the coming armies of the beast?
>Are there preparations to defend in case of pincer attack? The beast could influence the southerners slavers to attack
The last assumption is probably wrong, since the mercenaries they funded already turned coat, but maybe there are more forces

>>5809307
>As Alicia pointed out, fighting awaits her and this will be last time you see her for a while... possibly ever. Challenge her to a spar on this occasion.

>>5809307
> As Alicia pointed out, fighting awaits her and this will be last time you see her for a while... possibly ever. Challenge her to a spar on this occasion.
Also this: >>5809314

>>5809307
>As Alicia pointed out, fighting awaits her and this will be last time you see her for a while... possibly ever. Challenge her to a spar on this occasion.

There was no talking around it, even though you were headed straight into the thick of it, everyone here would see their share of violence before long. Although...

"I'm deeply appreciative of your support, Shaper Olaf, but I must ask - are the dwarves going to join the defense?"

"Hard to say, honestly-"

"This one will!" Lulu speaks up. "There's no way I'd leave my friends in need of help!" The diminutive woman says and brandishes her massive axe. Although when you saw the halfling princess for the first time you were skeptical of her chances on the field, after seeing her practiced and effortless handling of the huge weapon you had to recognize her as a formidable force to be sure. Still, she was still just one person.

"-Of course, and so will I." Shaper sighs. "But although I understand lady Celestine had sent messengers, it may well be that the elders will send only a token force out of obligation, maintaining most of their forces in more defensible positions. Human positions don't look very well if I read the situation correctly."

"Even a token force will be better than nothing." Alicia says, although you can tell she's not very pleased. "I hope they will at least be able to accept evacuated civilians."

"That goes without saying... I think." Olaf said.

"What about southern direction? Considering what we know of their priorities and allegiance, is there a risk of raids from that direction?" You ask.

"I'd like to think it's impossible for our own kingdoms to turn against lady Celestine. But after all that I've seen I suppose our Lady will have to keep at least some forces in reserve against such possibility."

"I hope these worries will be unfounded as if I understood correctly the black dogs were supposed to be consolidating around their leader after the coup had failed?" Elle offers.

"Hopefully that is so." You nod. "But unfortunately their highnesses can't rely on that. They're already taking a huge risk by counting on us to deliver the fatal blow."

"Don't speak like that, Mouse. If anyone can cut off the head of the beast, it's you." Alicia encourages you, her violet eyes alight with faith.

And you realize this is the last time you're seeing her until this is all over. And with high danger of either one of you not living long enough to see that happen.

"Alicia, I challenge you." You tell her.

She blinks in surprise. "Eh?"

"I'd like to spar with you, here and now." You tell her. "As you pointed out, you are likely to see combat soon, and among your enemies will be my kin. I want you to test yourself against me."

"Oh... alright! That's a good idea." Her surprise gives way to eager resolve and she draws her sword, a beautiful, finely crafted blade, and the two of you move short distance away towards center of the courtyard to give yourself some space. Rest of the gathered spread out to also not accidentally get in the way.

Princess drops into a combat stance and seems to be taking this seriously.

Good.

So will you.

Normally, you'd take advantage of your monstrous strength and endurance to fight defensively, letting your opponent wear themselves down while you figured out their technique and looked for opening; or alternatively struck without hesitation while they were unaware, which was obviously not possible here. But instead of that, you would approach this fight much as your kin would.

You let out a roar and charge.

There's a split second when Alicia stands there like a surprised deer, taken aback by your uncharacteristic conduct, but to her credit she's quick enough to regain her composure to mount a defense.

Her movements are resolute and efficient. You saw her fight only briefly, and from how she moved now it was clear that she found enough time to practice and exercise between talking to officers and visiting sweets shops. She was clearly worthy of her name as a princess knight.

It's not enough. Your strike easily overpowers her parry and sends her weapon in one direction and, as you quickly reverse momentum, herself on the ground in the other one. With another step you're on top of her, pinning her to the ground.

Your companions watch in stunned silence.

"Again." You say as you withdraw and offer her hand. She blinks, momentarily a shade of fear passing through her expression, inflicting possibly the closest to a wound she got in this bout... but then she gathers herself and accepts your offered hand to help her up.

You go back to your station, noting a pair of knights that had apparently rushed in when they heard the roar until Prim explained to them what was going on.

In the meantime, you nod at Alicia, her stance and expression now more intense than it was before, and you go at it again.

And again.

And again.

And again.

You're not sure how much time had passed, but probably not much. The fights were intense, and the thrill of the fight does funny things to perception of time. But you were not worried about that right now - you felt somewhat reassured that Alicia was undeterred, and even though she was visibly tiring, she was also quickly learning how to handle your onslaught.

You clash again, this time she manages to read your movements and evade all of your powerful strikes, and during the last one you attempt, you feel her steel cut into skin of your flank.

You feel yourself grin.

Steel clatters against the pavement.

"You're hurt!"

The grin fades.

"Alright, I suppose that will have to do." You sigh. "Don't worry, Alicia, I'm alright. You did well." You look at the wound. It's so shallow it doesn't even bleed. But at least it's something. You know that she could drive it deeper if she had conviction to hurt rather than spar.

For a moment you simply look at each other. But you're quick to break the silence. "I am grateful that you count me among your friends, Alicia." You say. "However, I hope that will not be to your detriment when you face off against my kin."

"It won't. Thank you for the lesson, Mouse." Alicia says.

"In truth, I'd like to ask something of you that might be difficult for someone of your valor and sensibilities."

"Oh?" She inclines her head.

"I'd like you to remember your station and not throw yourself into combat recklessly. I'd like you to know your value, not only to yourself but to those who care for you, rely on you and look up to you." You look at the rest of your friends and companions. "This goes naturally for you as well."

"You want me to hide behind my men." Alicia said with somewhat bitter tone.

"No. I know you are a force to be reckoned with. Not many human knights could take an Ogre alone. All I'm asking is for you to not throw your life away. Please, remember not just your own sense of honour, but keep in mind those who want to see you again."

Alicia's expression softens.

"Alright, Mouse. I... can't promise you that I'll be avoiding battle, but I will take care. So that we can meet again."

"That is all that I ask." You nod.

With that the somber atmosphere you've set with this admittedly savage training session is lifted somewhat. You were just about to decide who to talk next, or whether there's still something you needed to do before departure, when the door opened and two more people walked in.

"Maia!" Prim greets the red haired tomboy princess. "Mr. Smutkin!"

"Hey, everyone." Maia says, Smutkin following her greeting with a nod of his own. "Mr. Mouse, I'm glad I caught you. I have... a personal request. I'd like to join you."

"Is that so..." You note and your focus snaps onto Smutkin to gauge his opinion.

His expression is conflicted and hesitant and offers exactly no guidance.

"Are you certain about it? What do you expect from joining us?"

"I... want to look him in the eye. One last time." She says. So that was it. She still harboured feelings for the man. Something incomprehensible by reason, but you supposed heart had ways of defying that.

"What if I told you I was hoping we'd be able to catch him unawares?" You ask.

Her neutral, professional facade cracks a bit as she allows you to see a speck of her frustration, but she gets it under control. "I guess I can't begrudge you for that. But if there's a chance, I'd... still like to ask for this favour."

"Do you expect he'd be willing to listen to you?"

"I don't know what to expect. I just know what I feel I should do... or regret if I haven't."

"Smutkin?" You ask the bard.

"Had you asked me this a month ago, I would have told you this is an absurd request doomed to end in tragedy." Smutkin says. "Now... I'm not so certain. I still consider the notion foolish... but don't feel confident enough to condemn it so easily."

"I do!" Alicia exclaims. "Maia, are you out of your mind? After he used you like a doll, after you saw all his men did...?"

"Ali... I know you're right. Believe me I do. But... I just can't help how I feel, okay? I just... feel like if I missed this chance, I'd spend rest of my life asking myself... 'what if?'"

Alicia looks like she wanted to object but can't find words to dissuade her friend.

"Maia..." Prim just looks at the tomboyish princess with sad expression.

"I say let her go, and give him a solid thrashing for playing with her feelings!" Lulu opines.

Nobody else dares to have input on how the mercenary princess should handle this affair. And so it comes down to your choice...

>You'll allow it. It seems like fool's errand, but you'll allow it. If there is a chance...
>Absolutely not. She'll get over him in time. Taking her with you in this state would be courting disaster.

>>5809802
>You'll allow it. It seems like fool's errand, but you'll allow it. If there is a chance...
>"But you will have to listen to what I say, do you understand? If we get there, and the best course of action is to sneak by, don't go marching off to meet him head on anyway. It would not only lead to a fate worse then death to not only to you, but also for all of us and the entire kingdom, if not the world."

>>5809802
>You'll allow it. It seems like fool's errand, but you'll allow it. If there is a chance...

>>5809802
>You'll allow it. It seems like fool's errand, but you'll allow it. If there is a chance...
>”The question is not whether Maia can make him see reason, the question is whether or not we can accept not allowing her to try.”
>”And given my background… I could never refuse someone who wished to appeal to someone’s better nature.”

>>5809802
>You'll allow it. It seems like fool's errand, but you'll allow it. If there is a chance...

>>5809802
Supporting >>5809997

In the end, the decision comes more easily than you thought it might.

"I'll allow it."

Obviously, the voice of reason warns and cautions you against it. Chances were stacked against possibility that Maia, who was used by the mercenaries from the start, would be able to get their leader to change his mind.

But... what were the chances that you, an ogre, would be given an actual childhood?

Laurentia's tender embrace, already pleased by your choice, is made warmer as you share your reasoning with her, possibly still recovering from Olga's probing.

"How could I not?" You elaborate for benefit of your friends, as Maia smiles in appreciation of your consent. "Regardless of how we may view her chances, as lady Maia feels it wrong for her not to try, I believe it would be wrong for me not to allow her a chance to try."

"...thank you." Maia says quietly.

"What I'd like to ask to that end," You turn to Maia directly. "is that it don't cross your mind to attempt and approach Volt on your own, even if it is to keep us safe or something like that. I am going to need you to trust me - to trust us that we will win you your chance. From then on it will be down to you and your feelings to reach the man."

When you began to outline your terms, you felt like the wayward princess may bristle, but in the end her expression softens and she nods. "I will. Thank you, mr. Mouse." She looked to the side. "I think I'm beginning to see how you won my friends over..."

For their part, your friends were watching with solemn, yet hopeful expressions, with possible exception of Prim and Lulu who were smiling at this outcome.

Alicia looked perhaps most conflicted of them all, notion of her friend exposing herself to someone who had until now acted with such contempt of everything good and just grating hard against her faith in her friend's emotions... or rather possibility of them being reciprocated. In the end she just shakes her head and turns to you. "Please, keep her safe." She asks you.

"I will." You promise the blonde princess. That at least seems to ease her worries. "Do you need to bring something with you? I'd like to depart soon." You ask Maia.

"Oh, no, I've got all I need." She pats a bag at her side.

"Very well, then. Welcome aboard."

About the time you said that, more people trickled onto the courtyard.

"Lady Kaguya." You acknowledge the priestess as she is let in by her bodyguard. The exotic black haired woman greets the rest of you with a gentle smile and you feel the presence accompanying you stir.

Poor thing. The force she worships overlaps with my light in its tenets, but the being behind it is the same you are familiar with. Ironically, the wicked man you have slain came closer to the ethereal foundation of this world than her, despite absolute purity and devotion of her intent.

You manage to maintain your face from grimacing at that, focusing instead on the next person to arrive with the two.

"Phineous, good. And Sparky."

"Aye, boss." The sophisticated orc gives you a lazy salute, the imp at his shoulder mimicking the gesture. "Boss!"

"That means we're nearly ready to depart." You nod as you take a look at the wagon. It was loaded with supplies and a canvas has been stretched over it, concealing its contents and any possible passengers. Not that there was much room for those, but you expected her majesty would be one, along with Sparky. The rest of you would accompany the wagon, covered with cloaks, mounted or on foot, to buy at least some most trivial layer of subterfuge. There was no need to be too open about your choice of route.

Not that you expected it to count for too much, your bulk was essentially impossible to conceal. Although you could maybe pass for an exceptionally large beastman, you'd still stand out like a sore thumb.

That couldn't be helped though, short of requisitioning a dedicated wagon to carry you, but that would probably be more trouble than it'd be worth.

In the meantime, Maia already shows her worth as your new companion as she looks over the equipment and begins pointing out what mercenaries she was working alongside would be first looking for looking at the unidentified escorted wagon, such as suspiciously uniform outfits among the escorts or too expensive fabric used for cloaks or wagon cover.

While the adjustments are being made you approach the newcomers.

"Sir Mouse. I'm glad to have had the chance to see you before you departed." Kaguya addressed you with smile that belied her worried gaze, although it softened as you came closer. "So it is true... I hope mr. Phineous will forgive me if I thought it an embellishment when he spoke of the connection you've made with the power of the light..."

"I'm still not quite certain how it works, but it seems quite genuine." You say, opting not bring up the goddess, you did not really have time for a theological debate. Although you do feel a pang of regret at having to leave the priestess and the dwarven scholar behind, perhaps there was something the two could have helped you and Laurentia figured out.

Laurentia seems rather skeptical of the notion. In turn you express your desire for her to not allow this skepticism to keep her from being open to hope, to which she ultimately concedes.

"It wouldn't be possible at all without your advice." You tell the exotic priestess aloud.

"It's the least I could do." She smiles back.

Before you can continue your conversation, Olga, Celestine and Chloe finally arrive, accompanied by Claudia and Klaus, as you suspected, and accompanied by the twin golems, Tithe being the last one to arrive.

The two workers that were helping, while nervous enough to work with multiple princesses present, drop to their knees when they notice Celestine, joined by the twin scouts and the two couriers.

The elven hierarch gestures them all to rise. "Thank you for your service, children." She smiles at them, then turns to you. "Mouse. You've taken it upon yourself to save not only the world itself, but you've also committed to help us specifically. I'm afraid there's not much left I could offer to you. Except for blessings. Not on behalf of the Progenitor, but from my own heart. May they follow you into the depths of the darkness... and back." She raises her hand, and from her outstretched palm, a single mote of light travels towards you.

Unsure how to respond, you act out of instinct. Reaching out, gently taking it into your hand, half expecting it would pass through.

Instead, it feels warm. You don't feel anything through sense of touch, only the warmth, and it is warmth of an affectionate soul, similar to what you felt when her powers aided you in your meditation, or when Laurentia embraced you.

On impulse you press your fist with the mote in it against your chest where your heart would be, in a gesture of respect and appreciation, you suppose, and give the elf a smile and a bow.

Your other companions are watching the scene, and whether they too are moved by it or somehow the feeling extends to them, you share a moment of silence and gentle, soft smiles between you. As if the world had stopped, and among the shadows a cloud of light enveloped your gathering. The world had spared you this moment.

Too soon, the moment passes, and the light withdraws, and all of you are back on the solid ground again moments before your imminent departure.

There's no point in putting it off any longer-

-wait, actually, there is something.

Looking around you lock gazes with Claudia whose own gaze widens at intensity of yours. "Mouse?" She asks. And for a moment you hesitate if it's really your place to tell her. But that passes quickly. It's above all not within your rights to withhold this information if she's not aware.

"Claudia." You say, and you feel Laurentia's joy, even glee, as you focus on the martial princess. "I've been told... and believe you need to know... that you carry a new life beneath your heart."

She blinks.

Klaus's mouth opens. It may have also shut and opened again afterwards without making a sound but you were too distracted by other reactions to notice.

All eyes fall on the brown haired young woman.

"-eeek!" She makes a sound you wouldn't expect the demure princess to make and switches her attention wholly to the most relevant person in this situation.

The young couple melts into each others' embrace.

Other princesses hurry in to share in the joy, while your companions give them respectable amount of room.

You allow yourself some time to cherish the scene. It did felt good to receive praise and gratitude from your friends, but watching this little tempest of joy in them felt so much better, sensation further deepened by your connection with Laurentia.

But you also knew that this moment, too, will pass, and you still needed to face the reality - and your role in it. In this case, to set out and ensure that the child would be born into a different world to this doomed one.

>It was time to get to work and on the way.
>There's just one last thing you wanted to ask or say to someone (what?)

>>5812403
>There's just one last thing you wanted to ask or say to someone (what?)
Let's see if Laurentia can empower Sparky, or even one of the golems the golems.
Maybe he will change from imp to cherub.

>>5812403
>>It was time to get to work and on the way.

>>5812403
Supporting >>5812422

>>5812422
>+1

>>5812403
>It was time to get to work and on the way.

>>5812422
>support

You decide to leave the princesses coo about one of their number and her approaching (or actual, depending on some views) motherhood and step towards where your companions gathered next to the wagon, with exception of Elle who went to check on her mount. As your gaze rests on Sparky, who had climbed into the wagon and was now peeking from beneath the canvas, you are reminded with the conversation you had with the goddess earlier, and her referring to Sparky as a possible recipient of her boon.

Such a strange and wonderful creature is he. Rejected by his kin for his strangeness only to find his calling in the power of my Light...

Yet that's not what he was at first.

You express your surprise at that. Admittedly Sparky never showed affinity to light before that fateful trip to the ruins... but you assumed it was simply a matter of late growth, stunted by expectations placed on him by rest of the dark queen's horde.

That may be part of it, but I believe the aberration that kept him away from fire was not light, but lightning and thunder. How his affinity went from that to light, that is beyond my comprehension. Perhaps it has something to do with you?

You don't recall exerting any sort of magical influence over the imp, or any of your companions for that matter.

It would not have to be consciously magical. Choices and bonds mortals make have power of its own. Then, Laurentia's voice came quieter. Perhaps that's why... She trails off and returns to her usual tone a moment later. Regardless, have you decided to attempt and bestow a boon of my power to the him? You nod internally. Very well. As I said earlier, first you need to make sure the recipient is willing to accept--

"Hey Sparky, would you like a really, really big helping of the power lady Celestine had shown?" You ask the imp and watch his grin widen to the point you begin to worry if his head is going to fall off.

"Hell yeah, boss!" Sparky scrambles into the air and frowns. "Wait, the book said I should avoid evil words. Um. Fuck yeah, boss!"

...this should do. Laurentia informs you in a mildly amused tone. Next, you already know that your friends can focus their own strength and lend it to you. The process here is similar, except you will have to be the one giving. Don't worry, I'll handle the power itself, I'm close to you now that I can do this. However, there's another difference. When your friends were lending you their strength, they simply poured forth their power for you to access, and the way it manifested resulted from interaction between their and yours subconscious. Here, though, you will need to maintain control over the flow, partly because of what you're trying to accomplish differs from just lending support, partly because the imp - Sparky - does not share your... inexplicable presence.

Well, that was all a bit complex, and briefly you wonder if perhaps you shouldn't have left it for a peaceful night on the road, perhaps after some time getting accustomed to your divine companion and her power. But since she seemed confident of your ability to do this properly, so did you. You reach out towards the imp, to which Sparky responds by grabbing your large calloused fingers with both his hands. You close your eyes, and focus...

...you can feel the energy swirl around you, and you could feel as someone nearby noticed the flow, but now was not the time to pay attention to that. You tried to reach out...

It's probably too soon for you to try and handle the power directly.

Sure enough, your presence passes through the vortex, in a way your fingers might pass through beams of light.

Concentrate on your friend, on the connection between you. As long as he recognizes you and is willing to accept it, I'll handle the boon.

You do as the goddess tells you, and focus on Sparky. A runt even among imp, his brighter colour distinguishing him even back then. You picked him up from one of the scuffles with his kin.

He seemed to believe he deserved the treatment he received, for his inability to wield flames as his kin did.

And he certainly always did his best to make himself useful, quickly turning out to be a boon for you, with naive innocence that further separated him from his fiendish peers.

All that only further reinforced the delight with which you watched the little guy grow (although not in terms of actual size). You hated idea of trying to compare or order magnitude of affection you held for your individual friends, but you were very pleased indeed to have Sparky among them.

You reached out mentally, to stroke the grinning head.

You were almost, but not quite, surprised when you felt the contact.

With that, the flux of radiant force whirling around in a growing tempest, reminiscent somewhat of what Celestine did when calling on her powers, suddenly changed direction and poured forth, following the thread between you and Sparky.

Don't try to grasp the power with your consciousness. Just allow your love for your friends take over.

You did as bidden, recalling the feelings of care, gratitude, trust and affection you felt towards him. This time, the flow obeyed, or perhaps better term would be, was directed and shaped, following your intent and your sentiment. Laurentia's boon stabilized itself around the imp.

It's almost done. You now need to, with help from your conscious will, impart the boon, as the giver. Or, as it were, acting in concert with a giver.

And at that you find yourself stumped. What does that even mean?

Since we are bestowing your friend a boon, rather than simply lending him power to use as he deems fit - and before you ask, Sparky is not able to wield such power in the way you do - you need to decide how exactly will it manifest. I could do it, but it would be better if you made the choice as you are the one he recognizes, making the boons stronger, and perhaps more importantly, your role as Defier, that... might make the boon more effective against the Beast. Although that is more of a guess on my part.

So you've circled back to your quest being a mystery even to the Laurentia.

But now was not time to delve this matter. Now it was time to decide what would be best gift for Sparky. After some consideration you decide to try and ideate...

>Power. Sparky has shown remarkable mastery in his ability to channel light, but there's only so much an imp can move around... give him more to work with.
>Endurance. Sparky has learned to heal, shield and attack using light, but he still tires quickly. Bolster his reservoirs of power.
>Resilience. For all his eagerness and ability, he's still just an imp and often you're worried for his safety. Shield him.
>Grace. Wait, what? What does this even mean? He can fly well enough.
>other idea

>>5814629
>Grace. Wait, what? What does this even mean? He can fly well enough.
The mystery box calls me

>>5814629
>>Endurance. Sparky has learned to heal, shield and attack using light, but he still tires quickly. Bolster his reservoirs of power.

>>5814629
>Grace. Wait, what? What does this even mean? He can fly well enough.
mystery box

>>5814629
> Grace. Wait, what? What does this even mean? He can fly well enough.

I'm pretty sure the "Grace" refers to something theological... and often associated with angels. Sparky the cherub GO.

>>5814629
>Grace. Wait, what? What does this even mean? He can fly well enough.

>>5814629
>Grace. Wait, what? What does this even mean? He can fly well enough.

Grace.

The word forms in your mind, unbidden. Or was it?

What did it even mean? It is a term used alongside divinity and nobility, but what would it mean in this context? Why did you even think it?

When you heard the term, it could come across as elegance of movement, or as a trait ascribed to someone exalted perhaps referring to elegance in spirit or status. But you don't think you've ever hear anyone try and explain the concept itself.

Still, for some reason, right now, it seemed, or perhaps felt... appropriate.

You not as much pronounced it as allowed it to slip from your nearness towards the aberrant imp you called your friend and companion. For a briefest moment you felt a brush of something, and with it a sense of dread you have not felt before, a sense of something that should/should not be there. Something incomprehensible.

And then the sensation was gone. Before you, the tempest of luminous force passed from you and Laurentia, was no longer a formless chaotic force, but was pouring and merging with your companion, like a weave or a dance, following patterns that were difficult to look at and impossible to describe with words you knew, if at all.

You found yourself asking whether this was Laurentia's doing. Only stunned silence comes in response.

Momentarily you get worried if something went wrong and poke her presence further with your concern.

I'm fine, it's just... I did not expect something like this.

Something like what?

Once again there comes no response.

The process concludes and a blinding light terminates your impromptu seance you didn't even realize was taking place, and your focus returns to the waking world, among a chorus of gasp followed by quiet.

The visage before you makes you blink in surprise. You know it's Sparky, he's still holding your hand. And his eyes and expression looks familiar, perhaps even recognizable. But everything about him had changed.

In place of a still vaguely demonic creature with leathery skin and mischievous grin was what looked like a boy, perhaps a bit younger than Janet, with curly golden hair, light blue eyes and a gentle smile. His skin was unblemished and unmarred, what of it was not covered by a pristine white tunic, and in place of leathery taloned wings were a pair of feathered ones that he didn't even seem to need to wave to stay afloat.

"Whoa. That was awesome, Mouse. And the shining lady." Sparky says. "I feel so... alive, now. So... happy! And it doesn't even hurt anymore!"

"Sparky?" You confirm.

"Yup! That's me! I don't know what happened..." He looks to both sides. "Oh, hey everyone. Don't worry. I'm still me. I think."

Rest of the gathered was looking at the transformed being with mixture of awe and reverence.

"Incredible. An actual being of light." Kaguya is the first to step forward. "I only ever heard of them in theory. Beings theorized as holy counterparts to fiends and imps... but never actually occurring, because nobody of sufficient purity would ever try to summon one." The black haired priestess-princess turns to Celestine. "What a remarkable boon."

"That was not me." Celestine shakes her head. "It must have been work of the Progenitor herself. She has chosen Mouse as her champion. This is clearly her way of blessing his companion, separating him from the legacy most would hold for abhorrent."

If Sparky took offence on having his previous form called abhorrent, he didn't let it show.

In the meantime you caught yourself briefly wondering if you should correct Celestine's words, but you realized you have nothing to offer but your own surprise, and that of the goddess with you. Trying to discuss the matter now would likely just leave you all more bewildered, and delay your departure further.

You turn to your spiritual companion for input.

...maybe let's just go. I need some time to process all this myself.

Well, there you have it.

Looking back, so much has happened during your stay in the Cathedral City that it felt like you spent here much longer than you actually have.

You turn to the princesses.

"Lady Celestine, Your highnesses, and your lordships." You take a formal tone. "Thank you for your hospitality and support. It is in no small part due to your help that I embark on this assignment with no small measure of hope."

Technically you could also say that had things not developed as they have, you may not have been pressed to expedite this trip as much either. But it was also true that it's precisely because of all the support you feel from the friends you've made that you can leave with a fairly light heart.

They were pinning their hopes on you.

And you would not let them down.

"Whatever turn of fate that took you our way, Mouse, I will never cease to be grateful to it." Celestine says. "Please, claim victory in your quest and return to us, so that we can celebrate the safer, saner world, together."

"When I first heard about you from Elle, I was sure it was some sort of trickery. But ever since you showed up in person and kept following your words through with action... you are as deserving of a title of a knight as any I've met, and more than most of them." Alicia says. "And don't worry, I will not let your kin get the better of me just because I like you!" She adds, a blush coloring her cheeks as her mind catches up to her words.

"Don't take too long, sir Mouse! There's much I'd like to show you in our city when you have time and we're not at war anymore!" Prim saves her cousin from the attention.

"Sir Mouse, I too was riddled with doubt when I first heard of you. Imagine my surprise when I found myself growing rather fond of you... not to mention the changes your arrival seems to have brought to my life." Claudia says, tightening her grip of Klaus's hand.

"Um, uh, haha. I wanted to say that I believed in you from the first moment." Klaus says. "But I still think the first lesson I've learned after our first interaction will be one I'll have cherished most for rest of my life."

Neither of the two specifies what they are talking about but you think you can make a guess. Of all the things you've been part of you didn't expect bringing a couple closer to each other by reminding them of this world's dangers would be one of them.

"Thank you, sir Mouse, for allowing me to assist you on your journey." Kaguya gives you a respectful bow, something rarely seen from a priestess of her stature, even though the kind and gentle smile is something she shares rather freely.

"Give them hell, mr. Mouse!" Lulu says, raising her massive axe.

"I hope the masks will work... I only regret I was not able to find out more about the nature of the corruption... I hope what you have will be enough, be it magic, miracles or whatever else." Olaf adds.

And with that, there's nothing more to add. Or perhaps there is plenty, but then you would not depart at all.

It feels a bit as if everyone is not actually expecting to see each other again. And in fact that fear is not at all misplaced. But at the same time you've already resolved that you would do everything in your power so that you do come back.

You check the wagon, and see that the golems have helped Olga climb on it, and the beautiful dark elf somehow managed to retain regal bearing even seated among the sacks of supplies that would expedite your trip a good half way through. Perhaps her nonchalantly ruffling Sparky's hair helped make the impression.

That being said, everything was ready. Two pairs of oxen were harnessed, mounts for the rest of your team were saddled up.

You pulled up the hood of your cloak, rest of your team following suit. Robert and Elle exchanged glances, a brief hug and with that Robert headed off to the side to give signal for the gate to be opened. Elle and the others for whom it applied mounted their horses. By the time they were done, the portcullis was already rising.

You gave one last nod to the friends you were leaving behind and gave the signal. Phineous, who took it upon himself to drive the wagon, set it in motion.

Your small caravan departs in silence. You know that Smutkin would have loved to play some tunes for the occasion, but he knew better than to further undermine the already shaky disguise you were wearing.

And so you went. Allowing Elle on her white stallion to take the point, Smutkin and Maia behind her. Then went the wagon, the two scouts alongside it, you and Chloe behind it, the procession closed by the twin golems, also in hooded cloaks.

You were on the way...

...headed for the heart of darkness.

>Do you wish to spend time with someone in particular during the trip? (Y(specify)/timeskip to camping)

>Camp at sunset, setting aside some time to spend with companions
>Drive into the night and only stop late for some essential rest
>Drive through the night, shaving some time off the travel but accruing exhaustion

>other ideas

>>5816588
Sparky is now a cherub, all is well in the world
>Do you wish to spend time with someone in particular during the trip? (Y)
Olga, we haven't really talked to her other then giving mission updates since we left the castle

>Camp at sunset, setting aside some time to spend with companions
Let's be well rested while we are still in friendly territory, we aren't going to have that luxury for very long

Also Alicia has just climbed a lot on my waifu meter, the others better catch up.

>>5816588
Supporting >>5816606

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>>5816588
>>5816606
This.

>>5816588
>Drive into the night and only stop late for some essential rest

>>5816588
>Camp at sunset, setting aside some time to spend with companions

>>5816651
I was gonna say "this, but a guy" but the og image is indeed a guy. thank you japanese artists.

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>>5816842
I knew what I was doing when I chose these images.

Your trip out of the city is met with no incident. If any of the citizens you come across recognize your company, they also know better than to attract attention to it, perhaps recognizing also your choice of attire as desire to pass incognito.

Hopefully they will also limit who they share news of this encounter with; although you harbor no illusions of maintaining perfect stealth. It would still be a nice boon to have. In any case, for now you could make use of roads to speed your travel.

And use of it you make. As soon as you're out of sight of the gate guards, you pick up your pace. Fortunately, neither you nor the golems have problems keeping up with the wagon or your mounted companions. In fact the pace allows you to comfortably enough talk while you walk, and when you see that the traffic would allow this without too frequent interruptions, you decide to use this chance to catch up with your queen.

"Yes, my champion?" Olga asks, seated in shadow of the cover, her left hand still absently stroking the apparently sleeping Sparky. Or perhaps resting. The boy looks at peace, but with the amount of energy you feel from his direction, presumably with help of Laurentia's senses, you suspect he's simply dormant until needed.

Or perhaps he feels he is needed exactly the way he is now.

"Majesty, how are you holding up?" You straight up ask. Perhaps somewhat irreverently, for the dark mistress of the black citadel and sovereign of the northern hordes. But ever since embarking on your quest, you felt justified in not beating around the bush with her. Maybe some of it was because of how she set Chloe at you when you came back with the relic, but you'd like to think it's actually because you've earned enough of her trust.

"It's only because you've earned my trust, Mouse," She looks at you with an expression a mix between bemused and smugly bitter. "that I can tell that your concern is genuine and neither a concealed mockery nor attempt to ingratiate yourself."

"Do you not believe in our success?"

Pair of golden orbs bores into you.

"I believe that this enterprise is the only hope I have."

"But you don't anticipate it's very likely to succeed."

She remains silent for a moment, but speaks before you can respond, she speaks:

"I am going to do everything within my power to ensure that you do."

She's still looking you in the eyes, and although she evaded the point of your statement, the weight of sincerity you felt from her gave you pause as to how to respond. Fortunately for you, though, you don't have to.

"Don't worry, lady Olga, Mouse will win and then we will all go home." Sparky says, looking up at the dark queen innocently, diverting her attention.

Olga smiles. It's a brief moment, and rare as a sight it is, you're grateful for it, but she quickly hides it by recovering her regal facade. "Thank you, light touched one." She resumes ruffling his hair. "In truth, your transformation... took me by surprise. I didn't think something of this sort could happen. In this light... perhaps there is room for me to..." She trails off.

"Hope." You finish for her, causing her gaze to snap back onto you again.

"Now would be as good a time as any to ask. What happened? Was this Laurentia's power?"

"As far as I could tell, yes." You say. "Although... I'm afraid much of it remains a mystery to me, and surprisingly enough, also to her." You say, poking your ethereal companion to validate your words.

You're not wrong. I'm still trying to make sense of this.

"Hmm... That's both reassuring, and troubling." Olga says. "Feeling ignorant is not a pleasant feeling, and in my experience also a dangerous one. Although in this case I suppose, given other circumstances... yes, Mouse. Perhaps I can afford myself the luxury of hope."

Sparky is back at resting with a smile, curled up on the sacks of supplies next to the dark queen.

"...and I suppose, the present company also allows me some luxury of introspection." She smirks. "What a perverse idea. Dethroned queen, allowed mercy from lower races, on its route towards Nameless's devouring maw... and yet, at this moment, I feel more at peace and safer than I have for virtually all my life." She looks back at you. "I wonder if this is something the naive and delusional feel often. Or perhaps they consider the sensation so common that they don't even notice it."

"You mean... being in company of friends?"

"Friends..." Olga muses. "What a strange word. I suppose I'm not being entirely fair. There is one source of the same..." She trails off and looks past you. "...no, this si not delusion. I haven't been giving my Shadow enough credit, and I have you to thank for letting me realize that."

Chloe was traveling short distance behind you. You'd be surprised if she didn't hear everything that has been said, but she chose to give you privacy. Besides, she was on the lookout to warn you if you were to meet some other travelers.

You decide you've challenged Olga's royal authority enough for now and bow out, indicating to Chloe to keep the queen company for now, if she so desires. Chloe for her part gives her a small smile before nimbly transferring from her horse into the wagon. You give it some space and for a while go back to admiring scenery, still bathed in the late afternoon sun.

Well before the day turns into dusk Tithe descends from the sky and lands on your shoulder.

"Leader, as instructed I've located an appropriate area for camping ahead, a glade with fresh water and out of sight of the road, brief distance away."

"Excellent job." You tell the gargoyle and hear out more precise directions which you then relay to Phineous and Elle after Tithe takes off again to resume his watch from the sky. Although it would cost you some travel distance, you decided to use the chance to camp early in the relative safety of Cathedral City's proximity. As you drew closer to Atlassia, mercenary camps and patrols were more likely and with it less opportunity for comfortable rest, and you'd like to afford your companion that much while it was feasible.

>Spend some time with someone?
>Rest early (timeskip until morning)
>other idea

>>5816651
>>5816842
>>5816914
very acute angle
>it's a guy
huh... oh Nippon you so peculiar

>>5819091
>Spend some time with someone?
Let's talk with Diana and Minerva, I think it has been a while since we talked with them.

>>5819091
>Spend some time with someone? sparky ask about his new body and his feelings

>>5819091
>>5819100
this. what do Laurentia's revelations mean for them? it should be kinda world shattering

>>5819095
peculiar indeed
>>5819100
supporting

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>>5819091
>>5819100
This.

>>5819095
>acute
Indeed.

>>5819091
Supporting >>5819100
Our - and Sparky's - change would probably affect them the most; they ARE temple golems related to Laurentia, afterall.

Following Tithe's instructions your company takes the wagon off the road and a short distance behind a small elevation that shelters your site from immediate discovery, through a copse of trees loose enough to allow it through and onto the glade Tithe described, a stream flowing along its edge, glittering in the descending sun, the growth of conifers and deciduous trees growing thick further out embracing the meadow from the other side.

Phineous went to tend to the oxen, assisted by Elle once she dismounted. Smutkin and Maia got started on digging out a fire pit, a task with which you helped while the rest of the team takes out the bedrolls and supplies that you would dine on tonight.

It was somewhat gratifying to see your companions put at ease by the routine tasks, especially so as it meant they felt good in the company. It was not entirely a foregone conclusion that for instance the twin scouts, who got to setting up the camp fairly enthusiastically, would feel comfortable around an orc, even if Phineous was extremely well mannered for one. It told you that your companions have come to trust not only you, but hopefully also each other. Right now, it felt more like a leisure trip than a suicide mission.

Well, perhaps Maia looked more pensive than the rest, presumably still trying to make sense of her feelings. For now at least she seemed content enough to sit next to the fire pit, once you were done with it, listening to Smutkin's subdued tunes that gradually attracted the rest once they were done with what preparations for the night they deemed appropriate.

With some exceptions.

Tithe sat himself on top of the wagon, overlooking the area. From time to time he would take off to make an aerial patrol around the area.

And then there were the golems. Diana and Minerva.

The two have taken positions on the side of the clearing, opposing each other so they covered each others' back with their vision, and stood their silent vigil.

A dark thought crosses your mind, as you recall the heart wrenching news Laurentia delivered to you. How might the golems be taking that? Perhaps you better check with them. Their expressions and bodies may be made of stone, but their hearts, figuratively, didn't seem to be.

Taking leave from the fire pit you make your way over to the two statuesque women.

"Leader."
"Leader."

They acknowledge you as you approach.

"Diana, Minerva. How are you holding up?"

The two trade looks.

"We are resolved."
"And relieved."
"And encouraged."

Relieved? Encouraged? Those were not bad emotions. But not exactly ones you expected.

"Did you perhaps expect something else?" Minerva picks up on your surprise. You had thought those last two days must have been a tempest for them, given their own connection to the goddess.

But...

Right. The two did not hear you relay her revelation to the elves. Only Celestine, Olga and Chloe were with you then. What the golems saw and felt was your new connection with Laurentia, her boons, and most recently Sparky's uncanny transformation.

For a brief moment you hesitate if this is a good time to tell them more. Or if there ever would be such a time.

A touch of anxiety that is not yours brushes against you.

>Tell them.
>Not now.
>Actually... tell everyone. You don't want their hopes to be built on misconception.
>other idea

>>5822233
>Actually... tell everyone. You don't want their hopes to be built on misconception.
>"We have done everything so far in spite of this. Harden your resolve, victory is possible!"

>>5822233
> Actually... tell everyone. You don't want their hopes to be built on misconception.
Better for them to get over the situation now and be mentally prepared for it, than hearing the Nameless (and aligned forces) gloat over it and getting demoralised in the middle of a fight.

>>5822233
>>Actually... tell everyone. You don't want their hopes to be built on misconception.

>>5822233
>Actually... tell everyone. You don't want their hopes to be built on misconception.

>>5822233
> Actually... tell everyone. You don't want their hopes to be built on misconception.

"Come over to the firepit. There's something I need to share with you all." You say, and signal Tithe sitting on his perch as well. There was no going around it, and in worst scenario you could list off the top of your head, the Nameless or its servants might well wield this revelation as a weapon against your companion, and you'd rather deny them this chance.

You turn and head towards the firepit, your spiritual companion's anxiety deepening. If she was willing to answer your questions clearly, she was worried about what effect the truth would have on your companions.

For your part, you knew they would be hurt. But you trusted them enough that it was pain they could shoulder.

As you arrived back to the group clustered around the fire, Smutkin finished a song and all the gathered have turned their eyes on you, perhaps sensing, perhaps somehow perceiving that you were about to interrupt the comfortable evening with something grave.

It was time to put the trust you've accrued to the test.

"Companions and friends. There is something that I need to share with you." You begin, warranting their undivided attention. "As most of you know, and all of you can tell, I've entered into a rather close bond with the goddess of light." You allow yourself to glow for a moment to accentuate the point, a gesture that brought at least a small measure of amusement to still somewhat anxious Laurentia. "We talked at length, and she shared with me some knowledge that may be grim to hear, but one I think you deserve to partake in as my trusted companions."

The statement has the desired effect of ensuring your friends are attentive and their expression match your own serious tone as you begin to recount what Laurentia had told you.

Olga and Chloe understandably don't show surprise, except maybe Olga to your decision of burdening others with this information.

Your monstrous entourage takes it in stride. They all got used early and well to being careful when allowing themselves enthusiasm and optimism, with Sparky somewhat breaking the mold, his new form looking at you with hope and trust entirely unfazed by whatever it was coming from your mouth.

Harriet and Janet also take the news with expressions of grim resolve.

Perhaps somewhat surprising to you is lack of reaction from Diana and Minerva. It was almost as if they had expected something of the sorts, and you're not quite ready to attribute their stone faces to their nature.

And then there was Elle and Maia.

Elle was crying. The revelation hit her hard, even though she spared no effort in trying to maintain a strong front. Her expression made it clear she was not going to go back on anything of what she had told you earlier, but you felt she were possibly most affected by learning that the goddess she held for an ideal of virtue and beacon of hope had such a gloom outlook on the nature of the world.

Maia, for her part, made no attempt to hide her displeasure.

"What bullshit is this? It's absurd. You're telling us that not only is the world basically evil, but even the goddess Celestine is standing in for is a sham?"

"I wouldn't use such harmful words because I believe her intentions to be as pure as they are advertised, but what she had told me could be put that way."

"Lady Maia..." Elle manages. "Please, don't be angry with us..."

"Oh, I ain't angry with you in the least." Maia says and turns to you. "But you! What sick game is this? Take us on a ride just to tell us there is no hope?"

Mercenary princess's red eyes dig into yours.

"No." You answer calmly. "I don't think there's no hope. I believe we can, and will, succeed. Everything we've done so far shows that we can choose to struggle against the darkness, and it's possible to seize victory."

"But-!"

"Lady Maia, it is true that what I learned from the goddess is weighing on me, as it is on all of us. But if your mission is doomed... why is the Nameless panicking?"

"How can you say that? Are you saying you know better than goddess herself?" Maia challenges.

"Lady Maia, the light of hope we carry with us, came as a surprise even to Laurentia herself." You tell the princess. "I'm convinced that our hope is true, and that the Nameless is moving rashly exactly because it is afraid of it."

"We have faith that what leader is saying is correct." Minerva says.
"We have already made this choice when we first committed ourselves to his service." Diana adds.
"We have found in him evidence that corruption can be renounced."
"And the light that we were gifted as a sick joke, embraced in truth."
"Revelation that Lady Laurentia is in similar position was at once not reassuring, but also hopeful."

Well that did explain why the golems seemed relatively unperturbed.

"I... I agree as well. Even... even if the world itself is stacked against us, that... that only makes it more important for us to make our choice. Our stand." Elle collects herself.

"But... how do you, I mean... choose against the world?" Maia asks.

"I believe..." You say. "...that the reason why you asked to join us is one such choice."

"You... think so? Alicia seemed convinced I'm just a foolish girl that will get trapped by her feelings."

"I would say that depends if your love is stronger than the world itself."

Maia seems a bit taken aback by this.

Fire crackles quietly into the night.

Smutkin takes out his flute and begins to play. A melody that begins slow and dreary, slowly picks up into a more lively pace, only to abruptly drop back into the gloom before picking up again, the cycle repeating once, twice, three times. But the lively part grows in length and intensity every time, and the drops shallower, until at last the melodious finale leaves you all with your mood ever so higher than it was moments ago.

With a nod of gratitude to the bard you silently withdraw from the concealed flame, letting your companions think and reminisce until gradually, one by one, falls asleep, with only the golems and Tithe standing vigil over your group.

As for you, you are relatively quick to fall asleep, the darkness enveloping you a distinctive change from the last two nights of light-assisted meditations.

Nightmare grips you. That alone would not have been a novel experience for you, even though lately you've been remarkably spared of them, with the dark relic first intruding them and then breaking itself.

This time, however, there was something different.

The nightmare wat not yours.

You know the sensation of helplessness and despair. You know feeling of being restrained, crushed and abused.

Luckily, you don't feel any of it. It's like being an observer to a story playing out, a grim, heartwrenching story of cruelty and mockery. Of brief moments of respite making inevitable return to bondage all the more bitter.

This is the story of corruption, story where beauty exists to be soiled, joy only to be quenched and hope only to be crushed.

This is not your story.

You take a step back.

Momentarily you find yourself in familiar place, the dark landscape with a circle of light. Except, you are not alone in here anymore.

The woman, you've come to know as Laurentia, was sitting within the circle of light, with eyes closed. Asleep? Meditating? You couldn't tell.

Dreaming?

What you could tell, however, that she was far from restful. Shaking slightly, her breathing, or whatever passed for it in this ethereal plane, shallow.

Perhaps more worryingly, as you drew closer, you could spot tiny tendrils of blackness popping in and out of existence around her.

She was clearly not having a good time.

>Rouse her.
>Comfort her.
>Observe.

>>5827076
>Rouse her.

>>5827076
>>Rouse her.

>>5827076
>Comfort her.

>>5827076
>Comfort her.

>>5827076
>Comfort her.

>>5827076
> Rouse her, with a side of
> Comfort her.
Hold her tight, and see if we can purify the tendrils from her.

Your first instinct tells you to rouse her, alarmed at what you see. But before you act on it, it occurs to you that perhaps a gentler approach would be more suitable to support this ethereal friend you've made...

Gently and softly you close in on the radiant figure, and recalling the sensations of warmth and affection you received while Celestine or Laurentia poured their light towards you, you make an attempt to reciprocate the embrace, reaching out to Laurentia's form, letting your spectral fingers brush on her skin and settling in what you hoped would come across as reassuring friendly squeeze.

There is a response.

At first you feel the tension that seems to reflect what she was experiencing, but it quickly eases somewhat under your grip. Her entire stance eases up somewhat, and frequency of the dark flickers diminishes.

Encouraged by what you see as your gesture being recognized you go further and draw the woman into an embrace.

Momentarily you're overcome by sensation of warmth and softness as the contact intensifies, the feeling is so overwhelming that you even forget why you initiated it in the first place. But that moment passes quickly and clarity returns as you are looking Laurentia in the eye.

"Thank you, Defier..." She says with a mental sigh. "I had hoped you would not be exposed to that."

"You don't need to suffer alone." You object out of reflex before realizing what you said and to whom. Laurentia, for her part, smiles kindly at you.

"You are right, Defier. I am not, and I have essentially enshrined you as my Champion... in addition to your role as the Defier, whatever that means." She pauses. "Although it is true that I did not expect it might be possible for a mortal to make a difference. There is so much for me to process... I don't mean to belittle you, Defier, but I'm unsure myself if my inability to reconcile what is happening with what I... *know* to be the truth, is more due to my nature, or my experiences."

"The dream..."

"Yes. I did not wish to burden you with it, but after you decided to share what I revealed to you with your followers-"

"They are my companions." You interrupt the goddess.

"Yes, but... nevermind that for now. What I wanted to say is that I decided to try and confront the darkness, by myself."

"Isn't that dangerous?" You ask, worried.

For her part, the goddess seemed to deflate slightly at the question.

"Is it? Isn't it? I'm at a loss, Defier... as far as I was able to tell, when you stole me... or this fragment of me at least, from Beast's dominion, it had lost its connection to me, and I to it. But still I carry some of the darkness... in my memories."

"Is that going to be a danger?" You ask, again, worried.

"I'm going to ensure that it will not." Laurentia speaks resolutely. "That is what I was trying to do."

"Were you successful?"

"Not as much as I'd like." Laurentia says with a barest hint of bitterness. "It was not... controlling me, if that is what you were concerned about. But even in my own imagination, I couldn't find it in me to claim victory over it. Is it simply my nature? Or is there something I can do - think - feel differently?"

The luminous woman takes a moment, but you feel through your connection she's not done expressing herself.

"Rest assured, Defier, that I will not give up. I owe you that much, even if I were unable to chart the path ahead, I will follow yours; and if there is no way out of this cage but rending it asunder, I will help you do so, or stay with you in it should you so decide. That is my pledge to you."

There's another, shorter pause.

"Until then, I will not cease from this mental fight." She flares up a bit at that statement. Then, after calming back down, she adds: "Thank you for comforting me. I hope the next time... I'll handle myself better."

And with that it seemed Laurentia was done sharing her feelings on this matter.


>Ask or talk to Laurentia about something
>Since you're already there, perhaps you could do some exploring? (optional: specify goal)
>...it is time to hurry up and continue sleeping (optional: specify who to hang out with on the road)

>>5829370
>Ask or talk to Laurentia about something
what's her thoughts about Olga

>>5829370
>Ask or talk to Laurentia about something
>"I understand, it is hard to break away from something that you have put as truth in your mind for a long time. I saw it enough times happening in the human kingdom, people refusing to believe even after the truth happened in front of their eyes."
>"But this fight is not one that you need to take alone. It was the memories of my family and friends that gave me the light to rebuke him."

>>5829370
>>5829387
>>5829402
Support, and support.

>>5829370

>supporting >>5829402

You, however, were not. Goddess or not, she was still a person, and while her resolve seemed admirable, you couldn't bear seeing her so close ot the edge of despair.

"I understand, it is hard to break away from something that you have put as truth in your mind for a long time... I saw it happening in the human lands more than once, people clinging to their image of truth rather than accepting what they saw with their own eyes..." Perhaps most recently, you wonder, would be the obstinate councilor that spoke against you on Celestine's great meeting... you found yourself momentarily wondering if the man ended up adjusting his view of your companions. Well, there was not much you could do about that now.

Meanwhile, Laurentia was smiling back at you.

"I appreciate your sentiment, your decisiveness, and indeed what you are trying to tell me. But I'm not sure if you realize, what I hold for truth is not an image of the world as I perceive it, some of the knowledge I find challenged sits within foundation of what I am. Admitting to myself that they are wrong could mean, to me, more than just inconvenience or a bruised ego." She sighs. "But then again... perhaps that is, indeed, the leap I am going to have to take if I truly wish to find a path forward."

"If it helps, I meant it that you are not alone. Although I won't claim to understand how it works, I found it a great source of strength to keep memory of my family and my friends close to my heart. I'm sure Celestine, myself and those who worship you can do the same for you?"

"Hmmm..." The emotion conveyed by the word resonates in your mind. "I'm sure the seeker from the east which you know as Kaguya would be interested in debating you on that notion. But I can't deny that I've been confronted with ideas I would have previously not entertained..."

Goddess falls silent once more, leaving you, and her, alone with your thoughts. And another question surfaces, something you were curious about.

"I'd like to ask about Queen Olga." You state. "Your relation with Celestine seems straightforward... or as close to such as could seem to a mortal mind. But what about the Dark Queen?"

"...the Dark Queen..." Laurentia ponders. "The night to my vessel's day, the wicked, haughty foil to the selfless, gentle priestess of light... As far as I could tell, your queen was meant to use her guile and powers to subjugate the worshippers of light, both through raw force of the creatures of darkness such as those of your form, and through picking at the strands of corruption that is pervasive owing to the corruption of Nameless, exacerbated further by those who embrace the power it gives them."

"That doesn't sound entirely as my Queen." You object. Although her majesty did rely on both power and guile, as you understood it much of it was facade she held to retain her position.

"You are correct. The Beast was displeased at Olga's restraint, and in particular the resentment she's built up against corruption of the human kingdoms instead of being delighted by it."

"So that confirms that mortals can indeed act against the Beast's intentions."

"It's... not impossible. But this act of defiance is usually short lived and paid for dearly. In queen Olga's case, it likely led to elevation of the one you know as Volt, the mercenary general. He is now unequivocally an instrument of Beast's bidding. I'm... I'm sorry, but much as I would like to see your newest companion find her love to him returned, I cannot envision a future where that would happen."

Well that was probably not something you shold tell Maia. Or maybe you should, for her sake? But would that mean give up your own hope?

"I hope this to be something for you to be wrong about." You tell Laurentia, without bothering to add "No offence intended." She can read your intent here well enough.

"I... hope so too."

"About her majesty?" You prod further.

"Yes, of course. Your queen's flight shows how resourceful she is, but it also illustrates the fate faced by those who defy the Nameless." There's a pause. "And many of those who don't if someone more amusing comes around to do its bidding, I suppose." Laurentia adds as an afterthought.

"So the queen is also a defier, like me?" You ask.

"I... don't think it's the same. While the love bestowed to you by your parents seems to have allowed you to simply shrug off Beast's advances almost without thinking. Her was a difficult choice, to retain a measure of Beast's favour while retaining her own principles. That some of it resulted in sheltering you, and blessing your quest... was most fortunate. What exactly had moved her to do so is beyond my counsel. You would have to ask her yourself, and she would have to choose to tell you... assuming she even knows that herself."

"Thank you, Laurentia."

"I'll be with you until the end." The goddess stated as a ways of concluding the conversation.

And, as it turned out, your sleep.

You awaken into a pleasant morning, made all the more so by mouth watering scent of breakfast coming from the fire pit. The twins were at work with help from Elle, Phineous stood off to the side and seemed to be committing the scene to a sheet of paper. Well, he had only until everyone was done eating and packing up. The distance to Atlassia was still long and most likely fraught with danger that would only grow, nevermind the image of monstrous horde advancing on your friends from the other side.

The camp is broken quickly after the breakfast, which turns out to be from provided supplies with welcome addition of some fresh herbs and berries the twins have quickly foraged around dawnbreak, and you're pretty sure it was a nice contribution to uplifting of the mood that you had to sour a bit last night. You felt a bit guilty for that still, but at the same time you knew it was a better choice to letting that revelation drop in some more tense circumstances.

In any case, what was done was done. Now was time to determine the future.

>Spend time with someone specific? (pick who)

>Stop early again, extend the rest while it's relatively safe to do so.
>Drive into the evening, but allow yourself evening's rest.
>Drive hard into the night, only stop for brief rest, those who absolutely need to can rotate resting on the wagon.

>>5831189
>Drive into the evening, but allow yourself evening's rest.

Also, if we have time to talk with someone, I think we should talk to Olga again about what Laurentia told us, then Maia, armed with knowledge about both of them.
It might increase the chances that Maia might be able to succeed in breaking the Nameless hold over Volt. Or at the very least weaken it enough that we might be able to something about him.

>>5831189
> Drive into the evening, but allow yourself evening's rest.
We ARE on a tight schedule, but burning everyone out before the fight is a bad idea.

And yeah, as >>5831194 said, we need to talk to Olga and Maia.

>>5831189
>Drive into the evening, but allow yourself evening's rest.

>>5831189
>Drive into the evening, but allow yourself evening's rest.

>>5831189
>Drive into the evening, but allow yourself evening's rest.

It doesn't take long to pack up camp and return to the road with everyone's help. Soon enough you are underway in similar formation as before, and once again you find yourself walking close behind the wagon.

This time you have specific topic you'd like to discuss with her majesty.

"My Queen, a moment of your time?"

"Drop the queen, honestly, Mouse. Even if I ever return to power as a ruler, it will have been only due to your efforts." Olga says nonchalantly.

"As you wish, lady Olga. But my question is related to your station as the dark queen nonetheless."

"Oh? What is it you wish to know?"

"I had a conversation with Laurentia, and she had told me of the role Nameless had intended for you, and your choice to defy him."

"Have you, now." Olga says neutrally, but her ears tense. "What did our illustrious goddess of the light have to share?"

You feel a barely perceptible tinge of annoyance from your companion.

"Admiration. Respect. And compassion." You relay.

"Well, she can keep them, and especially that last one." Olga says bemusedly.

Grief you feel from the goddess at Olga's words compels you to mount some defense. "It's not condescending of her. Laurentia genuinely feels for every spark of light she sees in mortals, despite the torment she was undergoing herself."

Olga fixes you with stare of her golden orbs, but her expression softens somewhat quickly enough and she looks away. "Thank you for your perspective, Mouse. But there's another reason for you to bring that up, isn't there?"

"Indeed." You nod. "I meant to ask about your choice to defy the role that you were given, to be a cruel dark queen to meant to scatter the human kingdoms with force and guile."

The aloof dark elven woman looks at you with a mirthless smile. "Did I, really? Is that how the goddess herself considers me? What would her faithful say if they knew?"

"I am asking because I wish to know your perspective, lady Olga." You reiterate. "I cannot know what inner struggle you were faced with. I can tell that you have pursued the path of war, but not with what feelings. I can tell you sought triumph and victory, but I also know you have blessed my quest and took risk to see it through. I can tell, and the goddess had said as much, that you were genuinely resentful of human corruption and hypocrisy. So clearly you must have held value of goodness as more than just weakness to be exploited. After all, you did take me in."

"What if I did not?" Olga asks. "What if the only reason for me to take you in was a sense of novelty? What if I only humored your peculiarity precisely because I figured it would make you unlikely to turn on me?" She let go of Sparky's hair she was stroking and folded her arms on her chest. That prompted the angelic boy to turn around and watch her serenely with his blue eyes.

For her part, Olga's lips briefly twitch upwards as she returns the gaze, but then she turns back to you, her expression neutral and impassive.

"What if my reasons are purely selfish, simply because I do not wish to become a plaything in the hands of an entity that would eventually see me broken and groveling for its perverse pleasure?"

>Then your reasons were different than mine, lady Olga, but I'd still like to hear more from you. (accept her reasons as given)
>Respectfully, my lady, I do not believe that to be the case. (call her out)
>That is understandable, my lady, but is that what you truly feel? (accept, but question if she's honest with herself)
>other response

>>5835910
>That is understandable, my lady, but is that what you truly feel? (accept, but question if she's honest with herself)

>>5835910
>>That is understandable, my lady, but is that what you truly feel? (accept, but question if she's honest with herself)

>>5835910
>That is understandable, my lady, but is that what you truly feel? (accept, but question if she's honest with herself)

>>5835910
>Respectfully, my lady, I do not believe that to be the case. (call her out)

>>5835910
>Then your reasons were different than mine, lady Olga, but I'd still like to hear more from you. (accept her reasons as given)

>>5835910
>Respectfully, my lady, I do not believe that to be the case. (call her out)

That didn't sound right.

Of course, it would be well in line with Lady Olga's character as the dark elven queen, leader of the horde and sovereign of the black citadel. But didn't she empathise with your quest to the point where she requested you to place the mission ahead of her own safety?

Was she testing you, or was she herself unsure of what it truly was that she wanted?

"That is understandable, my lady," You say aloud. "But is that what you truly feel?"

She raised her eyebrow at you.

"Oh? Would you presume to know my feelings? Perhaps even better than myself?"

"I can only share my impression, lady Olga. And my impression is that in a very specific way, you may be giving yourself too much credit."

"Hmpf." She smirks at you, but not unkindly. "In that case, I thank you for this very specific vote of confidence." She looks away. "You are of course well aware of how I maintained and enforced my authority - through power and cruelty. In that respect, I have been faithful disciple of the Nameless, throughout. And perhaps I still am." She extends a hand and allows small violet sparks race above her palm. Then she balls the hand into a fist. "I knew how my soldiers look at me. More than once I had to set an example when one thought he could get the better of me. And I knew that for all the veneer of light humans placed over her society, things were no better there, just with a layer of hypocrisy."

You could bring up examples to the contrary, but you didn't want to interrupt Olga while she was talking. She must have noticed your silent disagreement, though.

"Yes... your experience, was different. At least for a time."

A wave of anguish washes over you, only fraction of it from your own recollection. Your companion didn't enjoy being reminded of whose name the pitchfork mob liked to invoke. This time, Olga doesn't dwell on the matter though.

"In truth, I was fascinated by how despite accepting your place among my forces, despite the injustice you've suffered, you retained some of this peculiar, unnatural outlook. To this day I'm unsure whether my allowing you to gradually gather this team of yours was more due to morbid curiosity on my part... or, as you seem to insinuate, what I would have called a foolish sentiment not long ago."

"Has your assessment changed, then, my lady?"

"It has. If nothing else, I can't deny the results." She says and goes back to caressing Sparky's hair. "Well. You asked earlier for my perspective. This is it. I defy the Nameless, because despite his promises and power, I know him enough to be able to tell he would betray me. And if there is a way to deny the Beast power over me... be it because of lust for petty vengeance, or some bizarre fascination of a better world... I'll take it."

It seemed queen Olga herself was not entirely certain what her principal motivation was, leaving you to ponder her words and her to some introspection. You begin asking yourself whether to press the matter or discuss something else when sense of displaced air causes you to look up where Tithe descends to deliver a report.

Which was troubling, since it meant something that required your response was going on ahead or approaching.

"Leader, there is trouble ahead." The gargoyle confirms. "A company of men clad like mercenaries are advancing onto a hamlet near our route, their approach looks hostile."

So that was it. Your first encounter with mercenaries on this trip. Or not? It was probably possible to slip past while the mercenaries were busy with their raid. Your mission was important, and your time limited. But at the same time, walking past didn't sit right with you... or with Laurentia, although she made it clear she would defer to your judgment.

"What are their numbers? How far ahead? Do they have supporting units nearby?" You ask.

"The group I've spotted consisted of seventeen men." Tithe reported. "Close enough to allow interdiction before they reach the dwellings if the wagon is left behind. I could see no other suspicious gatherings, but I hurried back to report immediately when I saw them."

"Very good."

>Let's go immediately, leaving the wagon here, to return for it later.
>You will go ahead (optional: with someone, or send someone ahead), rest of the party will proceed with the wagon.
>Stay with the wagon and approach the village with your cover, however flimsy
>Ignore the raid and bypass the village, saving some time.
>other idea

if intervening:
>rules of engagement: kill on sight / subdue and capture?

>>5838548
>>Let's go immediately, leaving the wagon here, to return for it later.
>rules of engagement: subdue and capture
we've dealt with worse

>>5838548
>other idea
Send the scout siblings, Tithe and Chloe ahead to harass them. They should either do hit and runs to slow the mercs down if they press on the attack on the village, or fallback while skirmishing to bait them closer if they instead choose to attack them.
Meanwhile we press on towards the village with the wagon, to reinforce the vanguard.

I'm not sure if we should send Sparky as well to grant them some healing since they will be outnumbered, but order him to not engage in combat so he can save his energy.

>subdue and capture?
Maybe we can get some info out of them.

>>5838570
>+1

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public service announcement:

since it looks like I've been after years of joblessness finally lucky enough to get myself a job, I'll likely be unable to spend that much time on trying to put together coherent updates. At least during onboarding. So I suspect next update will come with new thread.

Until then, thanks for enduring this blogpost gents, please accept AIslop in ways of compensation.

>>5844297
Good luck with your new job!

>>5844297
good for you. see you next time

>>5844297
thanks for telling us and good luck with the new job.

>>5844297
Good Luck!

>>5844297
Good to hear, see you next time.

>>5844297
Good luck in the new chapter of your life, and good hunting.
... and see you next time.

>>5838548
Also, supporting >>5838581
Hit-and-run first with Chloe and the scouts; cause casualties, demoralize them, and try to bait them to go for another direction than the village. Tithe would be our eyes in the sky, allowing us to communicate quickly with our forward elements, while also giving us quick updates on enemy movement so that we don't get flanked.

https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Kuroinu remember to vote on the thread, guys

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>>5844309
>>5844311
>>5844463
>>5844785
>>5844809
>>5845222
>>5846009
Thank you all, friends, and I hope for a favourable tomorrow for all of you as well.

In the meantime, new bread >>5850592