[a / b / c / d / e / f / g / gif / h / hr / k / m / o / p / r / s / t / u / v / vg / w / wg] [i / ic] [r9k] [cm / hm / y] [3 / adv / an / cgl / ck / co / diy / fa / fit / hc / int / jp / lit / mlp / mu / n / po / pol / sci / soc / sp / tg / toy / trv / tv / vp / x] [rs] [status / ? / @] [Settings] [Home]
Board:  
Settings   Home
4chan
/qst/ - Quests


>/qst/ Thread Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Beyond%20the%20Gate
>QM Twitter: twitter.com/SmileytheQM
>Character list (Incomplete): http://pastebin.com/ffH25ciB

You take Esther's hand and place the locket in it.

"I found it in your parent's bedroom, stashed under the mattress" You say.
Esther picks up the locket. "It's... my mommy's..." She says, as she opens it.

"It's a nice picture" Emi says.
Esther nods, closing her eyes and holding the locketclose to her chest. "Thank you" She says.

You smile and rub her back, before turning to the others. "Shall we?" You ask.
"Where are we off to?" Emi asks.
"The meeting hall" You reply. "I'm curious to see what's going on there"
"Sounds good to me" Madelaine says.

"Maybe we should burn this place too" Cheska says.
Emi tilts her head. "Too...?" She asks.

>Don't worry about it

>We accidentally burned down the guild hall

>Other
>>
>>1151693
>Don't worry about it
Sup Smiley, way earlier than usual.
>>
>>1151693
>>Don't worry about it
Yo, smiley
>>
>>1151693
>>Don't worry about it
>>
>Don't worry about it

Welcome back Smiley
>>
>>1151693
>>Don't worry about it
>>
>writing
>>
"Don't worry about it" You say.
"That actually kind of makes me worry about it... but okay" Emi says.

You see Derrick cut Cheska a glare. Cheska laughs nervously.

"S-so! To the meeting hall then?" Cheska asks.
"Sounds good to me" Derrick replies.

The 6 of you set off, with Derrick in the lead as he's the only one with the slightest clue as to where the hall is.

"You think they'll decide on anything?" Madelaine asks.
"I'd be surprised if they got the kind of turnout necessary for that" Derrick says. "To actually make any meeting decisions, the town hall's seats have to be filled"

"Why?" You ask.
"Because that's how the democratic process works" Derrick says. "An older king decided it... maybe 4 generations back. He said that if the lords of a town entreat their people to make a decision, then all heads of house must be present"

"All of them? Could they all fit in the meeting hall?" Emi asks.
"Not anymore. Pretty much every town has outgrown its hall since then, so the rule's been edited to just reqiure that the place be filled" Derrick says.
"Neat" You say.

>Why wouldn't the place be filled?

>Why would the lords need the people to make a decision?

>Political talk is boring...

>Other
>>
>>1151743
>>Political talk is boring...

>Why wouldn't the place be filled?
Ask anyway, curiosity.
>>
>>1151743
>>Why wouldn't the place be filled?
>>Why would the lords need the people to make a decision?
>>
>>1151743
>>Why would the lords need the people to make a decision?
>>Political talk is boring...
>>
>>1151743
>Why would the lords need the people to make a decision?
>>
>Why wouldn't the place be filled?
>>
>writing
>>
"But why would the lords need the people to make decisions?" You ask. "I thought the whole point of having lords was to do just that..."
"On a smaller scale, yeah. You wouldn't summon up the whole town if all you wanted to do was decide on the colours for the new guard uniforms. But larger changes, like choosing an entirely new direction for Bell's Run, need more than just one person's input"

"I guess that makes sense" You say. "Why wouldn't the hall be filled?"
"Because most people here have no clue what's going on" Derrick says. "For the most part, they'll hear the bells, look out and see the rebellion's soldiers, and stay inside"

"They don't know we're friendly?" You ask.
"What would you think if you looked out and saw soldiers marching up the street?" Derrick asks.
"Well I'd probably ask what they're doing there" You say.

"And if they weren't friendly?" Derrick asks.
"Well then I'd probably punch them" You say.
"And if they had you vastly outnumbered?" Derrick asks.
"I'd punch faster" You say. "Or leg it. Whichever seems appropriate"

Derrick chuckles. "Not sure why I expected anything less..." Derrick says.
"But, not everyone can punch as well as I can. So I guess I understand" You say. "So the turnout won't be great, then. Why doesn't Dustin just wait until everyone knows the situation?"

"This way he can tell everyone that shows up the situation, and then let it spread by word-of-mouth" Derrick says. "And they can still discuss things. They just can't vote on anything"

"You guys about done talkin' politics?" Cheska asks. "You're putting me to sleep over here"

>I can carry you if you're tired

>I technically have to know this stuff...

>Talk about something else

>Other
>>
>>1151783
>>>I can carry you if you're tired
>
>>I technically have to know this stuff...
>>
>I can carry you if you're tired
>>
>>1151783
>>I can carry you if you're tired
>>I technically have to know this stuff...
>>
>>1151783
>>I can carry you if you're tired
>I technically have to know this stuff..
>>
>writing
>>
"I technically need to know this stuff" You say. "Since Altea's adopted me, that makes me nobility right?"
"It does, though I don't think anything has been made official yet" Derrick says.
"Well then I'd need to know how the government actually works, since I'm kind of a part of it now" You say.
"Makes sense" Emi says.

"Sense Shmense" Cheska says. "I'm dozing over here..."
"If you want to sleep, I can always carry you" You say jokingly.

Cheska considers it for a moment, then smiles. "Offer accepted" She says.
"I-I was joki-" You say, before Cheska hops up on your back.
"What was that? I didn't quite hear you" She says.

You sigh, and shift the devil into a better position. "Nevermind..." You say.
Cheska hums happily and gets comfortable, wrapping her tail around your leg before shutting her eyes.

...

Aaand she's asleep.

"Were you that tired?" You ask her, even though you're certain she won't answer.
"We all are" Derrick says, with a yawn. "Maybe I should've taken a nap when you did..."
"Where are we sleeping anyway?" Madelaine asks.
"No clue" Derrick says, as he stops walking. "We'll figure that out later, though. This should be the meeting hall..."

You turn to the building you're in front of, and try to make out voices.

"Doesn't sound like anything is going on" You say.
"It is a bit quiet..." Emi says.
"Well, let's take a look" Derrick says.

>1/2
>>
You get in the meeting hall and there's... 4 people. Including Dustin. They sit in a circle on chairs towards the front of the room.

...

Actually it's more of a square of chairs, since there's only 4.

"Great turnout" You say.
"No kidding..." Madelaine says. "Looks like he'd've had better luck just going to someone's house..."

You approach the 4 of them, and Dustin takes notice.

"Ah, hello there" Dustin says.

The 2 men with Dustin both look around his age, while the 3rd seems to be an elven woman. Youd guess that she's around the same age as the others, but as you learned with Flit, their ages are nearly impossible to gauge.

"Who are they?" One of the men asks.
"They are our town's freedom fighters" Dustin says.
"They look like kids..." The other man says.
"I can personally vouch for their skills" Dustin says.

"Care to introduce us?" The elf asks.
"Ah, sorry. Where are my manners? This here is Thomas, Matthew, and Freya" Dustin says, indicating each of his companions. "And the Serpid is Emi, the red head is Madelaine, the unburdened young man is Derrick, the young man with the devil on his back is Yuu, the devil is Cheska, and the lamb is Esther"

"Nice to meet you" Freya says. "And thank you, for what you've done"
"Which is the one who rallied up the guard?" Thomas asks.
"That was Yuu, I believe" Dustin says.
Thomas laughs. "'bout time those guys got to work. Good on ya"

>Technically it was Simon...

>Great turnout

>Ask what they were talking about

>Other
>>
>Technically it was Simon...

>Great turnout

>Ask what they were talking about
>>
>>1151857
>>Technically it was Simon...
>>Ask what they were talking about
>>
>>1151857
>>Ask what they were talking about
>>
>writing
>>
>>1151857
>>Technically it was Simon...
>>Great turnout
>>
"That was actually Simon" You say. "He's one of the guardsmen who recognized me from my first time through Bell's Run"

"Your first time... you mean the time you ran from the Inquisition?" Dustin asks.
"No, it was when I got captured and sent to mortifas" You say. "That happened here too"
"Ah..." Dustin says. "Simon, hmm? I'll have to speak with him too then"

"What were you guys talking about?" You ask.
"Ah, old folk stuff" Dustin says. "Meeting ended a while ago, since so few showed up. So I figured I'd catch up with some old friends"

"Old? Speak for yourself" Freya says.
"You're every bit as old as I am, ya knife ear" Matthew says.
"Aye, but some of us age gracefully. Oaf" Freya replies.

There's some tension between them, but it quickly breaks as they start laughing.

"So these guys aren't the only ones who showed up?" You ask.
"Oh, heavens no" Freya says. "We had 30... maybe 40 heads of house? But alas, it's not enough. So most of them went home early"

"Get any ideas?" Derrick asks.
"A few" Dustin says. "We were just talking over a few of them"
"Think you could ever replace the gold mine?" Derrick asks.
"No, but that just means the city will need to find new income" Dustin says. "But I won't bore you with the details"

>Thank you

>Ask how they all know each other

>Ask what they came up with

>Other
>>
>>1151902
>Thank you
It's been a rough day.
>>
>Ask how they all know each other

>Ask what they came up with
>>
>writing
>>
"Thank you" You say.
"Not a problem" Dustin says. "After all, the future of Bell's Run is our problem. You've got your own problems further east, as I recall"

"Yes, we do" Derrick says.
"Well if there's anything I can do to help, let me know" Dustin says.
"I don't suppose you have a secret tunnel in Sherton too" You say. "Preferably without the giant snake"

Dustin laughs. "I'm afraid not" He says.
"Dang..." You say. "What about like...a catapult?"
"A what?" Derrick asks.
"A catapult" You say. "For throwing big rocks. Could use it to get over the wall"
"Not sure what that is, but if you're thinking of going over the wall, then the anti air defense would probably stop you" Derrick says.

"What is that anyway?" You ask.
"Think of it like that barrier module we used" Derrick says.
"Oh... dang" You say. "So how do you guys all know each other?"

"They're all merchants, like myself" Dustin says, not bothered at all by the change in subject.
"Well, not like you. None of us own any towns" Matthew says.
"I got lucky with the mine" Dustin says. "And look where it's gotten me..."

"I'm sure we'll figure something out" Thomas says.

You should probably leave them be. It's clear that they don't want to bore you with business stuff...

>Go find Altea

>See how Hella's doing

>Go find Meyu

>Other
>>
>>1151960
>>Go find Altea
>>
>>1151960
>>Go find Altea
>>
>>1151960
>>Go find Altea
>>
>>1151960
>>Go find Altea
>>
>>1151960
>>Go find Altea
MOOOOM
>>
>>1151966
MOOooOOMM

THERE WAS A BOMB AN' EVERYONE'S DEAD AND IT'S ALL MY FAULT
>>
>>1151966
>>1151971

MOM HOLY FUCK
>>
>>1151960
>>Go find Altea
>>
>>1151973
MOM

IT ALL WENT TO SHIT
>>
>Go find Altea
>>
>writing

You guys remember that you already told Altea about the explosion, right?
>>
>>1151991
Yeah, I know.
>>
>>1151991
I remember
But it's fun having a mom, poor Yu just cant get enough of that motherly love.
>>
>>1151991
>>1151994
I just didn't get to participate in that thread
>>
"Well we'll leave you guys alone" You say. "Still lots to do"
"Farewell" Dustin says. "And if you see Tania, could you tell... ah nevermind. She needs the time off more than I need the help"

"Okay, I'll let her know" You say.
"Wait, what?" Dustin asks.
"See you!" You say, as you head out.

When you get outside, Emi stretches out her free hand.

"Tired?" Derrick asks.
"Yeah" Emi says. "Yuu, mind if I borrow Coral for a bit? I want to go and see Katherine"
"Sure" You say. "What about?"
"Well, we still have to tell her about Esther" Emi says. "Coral can lead us to her, right?"
"Of course" You say, holding out a hand for Coral to land on. She flies down from your head. "Can you lead Emi to Hella?"

Coral salutes, and flies over to Emi.

"You're not gonna go with her?" Derrick asks.
"Nah, I want to go and talk to Altea" You say. "Send Coral back to me once you find them, so I can find you later"
"Alright" Emi says.
"Hang on, I'll come with you" Madelaine says. "It'll be nice to have some girl time"

"I'll head with Yuu then" Derrick says. "I'm interested in hearing how things are going on her end"
"Alright" You say. "See you guys later!"

>1/2
>>
After saying your goodbyes, and giving Esther a big hug, you all part ways.

Emi and Madelaine go one way, and you go...

"Hmm... maybe we should have kept Coral" You say. "Do you know where Altea might be?"
"Probably at the barracks" Derrick says. "They'll have set up a temporary office for her there"
"Awesome" You say. "Lead the way"

Derrick starts walking, and you follow along with Cheska still asleep on your back.

"I'm surprised they didn't say anything about her" Derrick says.
"Would you have?" You ask.
"Maybe not" He says. "You two get along better than I thought you would"
"You do too" You say. "I was worried that everyone would be mean to her once she got out..."

Derrick chuckles. "Altea actually told us all to be nice and give her a chance" Derrick says. "She's actually not so bad, once you get to know her... even if she is a blood demon"
"Did she really?" You ask.
"Yeah" He says. "After you went up to take the brace off of her, Altea sent a note to each of us letting us know what happened"

"Huh" You say. "How come you were all surprised that she was out then?"
"Letter said to act that way" Derrick says. "Either way, it's worked out thus far"

"Yeah" You say.

>But I don't think it can last forever...

>I kinda like having her around

>I'll have to thank Altea for that

>Other
>>
>>1152037
>>I kinda like having her around
>Although I miss Stella
>>
>>1152037
This >>1152045
>>
>I kinda like having her around
>>
>>1152037
>>I kinda like having her around
>>I'll have to thank Altea for that
>>
>>1152037
>I kinda like having her around
>I'll have to thank Altea for that
>>
>>1152055
Switching to this>>1152063
>>
>writing
>>
>>1152045
I liked this.
>>
>>1152102
RIP ever seeing Stella again because we barely talk to her or think about her anymore.
>>
"I kinda like having her around" You say. "It's like having a pet, you know? You have to make sure she's fed, take her out for walks, get he- ow! Owowowow!"

Derrick starts to laugh, as Cheska bites your ear.

"Good morning" Derrick says.
"Good morning! I see you guys have brought breakfast for me" Cheska says.
"What breakf-ow!" You say, as Cheska continues nibbling on your ear. "Stop that!"

Cheska giggles. "So the Commander went that far, huh?" She asks. "I didn't realize... I thought everyone around there was just really nice"
"They are" Derrick says. "The letter just said to give you a chance. I guess she figured that if Yuu likes you, you can't be that bad"

Cheska settles her head onto your shoulder. "I'll have to thank her" Cheska says.
"Me too" You say. "It'd be awkward if everyone else hated you..."

"I'm not sure Meyu is convinced, but you know what they say about tricks and old dogs..." Derrick says.
"I don't blame him" Cheska says. "It sounds like he's seen as much of my kind as I have. And that's saying something"
"He's certainly been around" Derrick says.

...

"So now that you're awake, can you get down?" You ask.
"No" Cheska says.

>Please?

>I wonder how things are back in Locke...

>I didn't think Altea put that much stock on my opinion...

>Other
>>
>>1152135
>>Please?
>I wonder how things are back in Locke with Stella...
>>
>>1152135
Supporting
>>1152145
>>
>>1152135
>>I didn't think Altea put that much stock on my opinion...
>>
>I didn't think Altea put that much stock on my opinion...
>>
>>1152135
This >>1152145
>>
>writing
>>
"Please?" You ask.
"Oh, fiiiine" Cheska says, as she slides off her back. "Just hold on a sec. Gotta get the blood flowing"

You turn back to see Cheska doing some hops, before she skips up beside you.

"Okay, let's go" She says.
You smile, and keep walking.

"I didn't think Altea put that much stock in my opinion..." You say.
"You underestimate yourself" Derrick says. "You come off as being kinda naive at times, but you're a pretty good judge of character"
"I am?" You ask.
"So far" Derrick says. "And given that you didn't punch Cheska at any point, that probably means that she's alright"
"Well I did throw something at her once" You say.
"Someone" Cheska corrects you.
"Right" You say. "I threw someone at her that one time"

"Oh yeah" Derrick says. "Well, you haven't done anything to her recently..."
"That's true" You say. "Although I could do without her biting me all the time"
"Then don't say anything stupid" Cheska says.

"In my defense, I was sure you were asleep" You say.
"Not a very good defense" She says.

>1/2
>>
"I wonder how things are with everyone back in Locke..." You say.
"They're probably all still worried about Vivian, and will be until whatever message Katherine sent arrives" Derrick says.

"Besides that" You say.
"I'm sure your girlfriend misses you" Cheska says.

...

"I knew that's what you were thinking" Cheska says.
"It was n-... kind of... I guess..." You say.
Cheska giggles. "You're so easy to read" She says. "You should write her a letter at some point"
"Like... tonight?" You ask.
"No, not tonight" Cheska says. "You haven't even been gone one day. Leave it 'till at least tomorrow"
"Why do I have to wait?" You ask.
"Because it gives the illusion that you've been super busy. That way when she receives the letter, it seems that much more thoughtful because you had to take time out of your busy schedule to write it" Cheska says.

"But I'm not busy" You say.
"Stella doesn't know that" Cheska says.

>It seems dishonest

>Maybe I could send it back with Hella

>I'll try it your way

>Other
>>
>It seems dishonest
>>
>>1152210
>>It seems dishonest
>I'll try it your way
>>
>>1152210
>>It seems dishonest
>I'll try it your way
>>
>>1152210
>>It seems dishonest
>>
>writing
>>
"It seems dishonest..." You say.
"A little dishonesty never hurt anyone" Cheska says.

"There are so many things wrong with that sentence..." Derrick says.
"Shush you, I'm giving women advice" Cheska says.

"You might be right, but I'd like to think that Stella likes my honesty" You say.
"Everyone appreciates your honesty" Derrick says. "It can be a little awkward at times, but it's refreshing to have someone to straightforward around"

"Huh..." You say. "I guess I'll try writing a letter tonight then"
"If you need a hand, Emi and I would be glad to help" Derrick says. "I don't think you've ever written anything other than a short note before, and letters are good practice"
"Thanks" You say.
"No problem" Derrick says. "Maybe if Altea's not too busy, she can give you some pointers as well"

You nod to Derrick, and look at what's ahead of you on the street. There's a building ahead, and you can see guards in front of it, as well as Marybell and Lulu.

"Is that it?" You ask.
"The barracks? Yeah" Derrick says.

Lulu turns away from Marybell to sniff the air, looking around until she sees you. Could she really smell you from this far?

"Hey there" She calls out as you approach.
Marybell turns around. "Ah, Yuu, Derrick, Cheska" Marybell says. "What brings you here?"

>Came to see Altea

>Ask if Lulu could really smell you

>Ask Marybell if she ran all the way from locke

>Other
>>
>>1152285
>>Came to see Altea
>>Ask if Lulu could really smell you
>>
>>1152285
>>Came to see Altea

>>Ask Marybell if she ran all the way from locke
>>
>Came to see Altea
>>
>>1152285
>>Came to see Altea
>>Ask if Lulu could really smell you
>>
>writing
>>
"Could you really smell me from all the way back there?" You ask.
Lulu shrugs. "Wind blew your scent in, and it's rather... strong" She says, as she sniffs a few times. "You smell like a cat"
"Ilica marked me before I left" You say.
"Huh... who'd've thought" She says. "I might owe Pip some silver"

You tilt your head. "Why?"
"No reason" She says. "I take it you want to see the Commander?"

"Yeah, is she in?" Derrick asks.
Lulu nods. "In the main office" She says. "You know where that is?"
"I do" Derrick says. "Are you two on guard duty?"
"We're on break" Marybell says. "The Commander sent us to survey the uhh... 'damage' downstairs"

"From the explosion?" Derrick asks.
"Yeah" Lulu says. "She wants us to figure out what to do with the bodies, and whatnot"
"If it weren't directly under the city, we could just cave it in and turn the mine into a grave..." Marybell says. "As it is, removing the remains will be a difficult and... unsavory task"
"I know, it's not pretty down there" You say.

"You could just burn it all" Cheska says.
"What is it with you and burning?" You ask.
"What? It's a viable solution" She says. "Have an earth mage dig out a chimney, and turn the prison into a pyre"
"That's what we were thinking, honestly" Lulu says. "But we won't know 'till we see the place. So we should get going"
"See you" Derrick says.

"Oh, before we go. Is Emi not with you?" Marybell asks.
"No, she went ahead to see Katherine and Hella" You say. "Why?"
"Just wondering..." Marybell says. She looks disappointed.

"But I'll tell her you asked about her" You say.
"Please do" Marybell says.

>1/2
>>
>>1152344
>might owe Pip some silver
Do they have a pool going for who Yuu gets with?
>>
>>1152360
Well duh

I bet they have a pool on Derrick as well
>>
>>1152364
So we know that Pip's money is on Ilica. Who do you think the other knights bet on?
>>
>>1152360
>>1152364
10 Silver on Cheska winning the Yuubowl.
>>
>>1152379
Prolly Stella.
>>1152380
Nah man, 's all about the bun.
>>
>>1152380
I'll put 10 on that too
>>
>>1152380
I'll bet on this too.
>>
>>1152380
>>1152386
>>1152389

Well then, I've got 20 on Stella, then.
>>
File: Green Lantern.jpg (231 KB, 900x1369)
231 KB
231 KB JPG
>feelio when you started a betting pool with imaginary money on imaginary girls hooking up with an imaginary guy

I'm perfectly fine with this.
>>
You head into the barracks and follow Derrick to Altea's office. You arrive just as a few soldiers leave.

Peeking in the door, you find Altea poring over some reports. She looks up once she notices, and looks relieved.

"Busy?" You ask.
"Yes, but I could use a break" She says. "Come in"

You nod, step in and sit down. "How goes it?" You ask.
"Well enough" Altea says. "Reports say that the Lubrian army is advancing on Sherton, so we're likely to face quite the fight there. But for now, Bell's Run is ours"

"I'm surprised. There's no way we got every last Inquisitor" Derrick says.
"They fled out the east gate as we rode in" Altea says.
"Anyone pursue?" Derrick asks.
"No" Altea says. "They had too great of a headstart. We'd never catch them before they hit Sherton"

>I could've...

>Makes sense

>Anything else interesting?

>Other
>>
>>1152405

>I could've...

>>1152401
>Green Lantern.jpg
That's Booster Gold you fuck
>>
>>1152405
>>Makes sense
>>Anything else interesting?
>>
>Makes sense

>Anything else interesting?
>>
>>1152405
>I could've...
>Anything else interesting?

>>1152408
That's the joke :^)
>>
>>1152422
How is it funny
>>
>>1152429
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7Zahj8bC3I
>>
Silly anons, best girl is actually Hella

>writing
>>
File: maxresdefault.jpg (31 KB, 1280x720)
31 KB
31 KB JPG
>>1152467
Smiley pushes Hella
Railroading hack RREEEEEEEE
>>
>>1152467
But Smiley best girl(s) are the devils in 10 years
>>
>>1152467
Which one?
>>
>>1152478
Both
>>
>>1152467
>Implying cheska isn't best girl.
Them's Fightin' Words
>>
>>1152490
But she isn't, anon

Lewd demon devil is gud, but not best grill
Stella is the George Foreman here
>>
>>1152497
I'll have to agree on that one.
>>
>>1152497
I don't know anon. Demon looks like best girl to me
>>
>>1152490
Don't challenge him man. I like Cheska. I don't want to see her die.
>>
>>1152504
>To you
>An anon
>implying anons don't have shit taste
>>
>>1152507
>implying
>>
>>1152513
>All this implying
>>
>>1152515
>too much implying
>>
>>1152521
>Can't stop implying

>Why can't I hold all these implications?
>>
Stella is worst girl.

Cat and Devil tied for best.
>>
File: 1484977473394.jpg (56 KB, 313x254)
56 KB
56 KB JPG
>>1152526
>>
>>1152526
Bold statement anon. I respect that
>>
"Makes sense" You say. "Anything else interesting?"
"Hmm... the interrogation of the prisoners is going rather well" Altea says. "We're learning quite a bit about the Inquisition's stronghold"

"Anything that might come in handy?" Derrick asks.
"Plenty, but I'll wait to divulge anything until we have the full picture" Altea says.
"The full picture being...?" Derrick asks.
"Until we've rung every drop of useful information out of these murderers" Altea corrects herself. "Better?"
"Much" Derrick says.

Altea settles into her chair, letting her gaze move over to Cheska. "You've been awfully quiet" She says.
Cheska straightens up. "W-well, that is- I-"
"Don't be intimidated" Altea says. "You're not in trouble"

Cheska lets out a breath. "I actually... I wanted to thank you" She says. "Derrick told me that you ordered everyone to give me a shot"
"Did he now?" Altea says with an amused smirk. "Well, that was never going to stay a secret"

"In my defense, I thought she was asleep at the time" Derrick says.
"You're not in trouble either" Altea says. "And it wasn't so much an order as it was a suggestion. But you're welcome. I figured that I'd give you the benefit of the doubt and let everyone form their own opinions of you without crossing you off after seeing the red eyes"

Cheska looks happy about that. "I'm glad that everyone decided to go with it" She says.
"Well, I can't speak for the ones that don't work for me, but I'm certain that my knights inferred that there might be some punishment" Altea says. "The note might have come across as being a bit forceful... but things seem to have gone fine"

>What did it actually say?

>I'm just glad it worked out

>There were a few hiccups at the start...

>Other
>>
>>1152526
I approve of this post
>>
>>1152548
>There were a few hiccups at the start...
>But yeah, they've gotten on fine after that.
>>
>What did it actually say?

>I'm just glad it worked out
>>
>>1152550
I don't.

>>1152548
>>1152556
>>
>>1152560
Don't worry, man some of us appreciate the bun.

(Although if you guys think Cheska is best girl why the fuck did you waifu Stella in the first place so early on?)
>>
>>1152548
>>I'm just glad it worked out
>>
>>1152570
Because anons are dumb and go for the first girl who throws herself at them.
>>
>>1152591
Actually, wouldn't that have been Illica, then?
>>
>>1152597
She was high, that doesn't count

>writing
>>
>>1152597
Originally, it seemed to be Ilica and Emi.

Plus, Stella wasn't throwing herself at Yuu. Point of fact, she was just manning the desk, until Yuu wanted to get to know her more.
>>
>>1152608
Yea, seemed to be

Dunno why people are turning against the qt bun now that the lewd DevilDemon is here tho
>>
>>1152615
Because anon is a confusing species that constantly changes it's mind. Each cell fights over dominance and over which waifu is the better one.
>>
>>1152615
Probably just me but I never really liked Stella. I mean she bad or anything but still
>>
>>1152623
Ah, makes sense.

>>1152630
Mind telling me why? I know why someone would dislike Illica or Cheska, but Stella and Emi are pretty damn near perfect.
>>
>>1152641
I don't know i just really never liked her character. Nothing against Smiley or anything but it's probably just my personal preference
>>
>>1152623
(But is it really necessary to pick?)
>>
>>1152649
Yes, because a harem would turn this int Beleaguered Prince Quest.

>>1152648
Fair enough.
>>
>>1152649
You're on /qst/. Even if Smiley allowed a harem for this quest, there will still be fights over who to see first, second, ect. through out the day when we have down time. Not to mention who would be the 1st wife, 2nd wife, ect.
>>
>>1152662
Kek
>>
"There were a few hiccups at the start, but it seems to be working out fine" You say.
"What kind of hiccups?" Altea asks.
"Well, Ilica was a little weirded out" You say.
"Because she's a demon?" Altea asks.
"No, because she was naked and needed to borrow her clothes" You say.

Altea stares at you.

"I don't even want to know" She says.
"You're probably better off" Cheska says.

"So what have you 3 been up to?" Altea asks.
"We've been taking Esther around. She's this little lamb who lost her parents in the explosion" Derrick says. "She has family in Locke, so we're sending her there with Katherine"
"Ah, doing some aid work" Altea says. "How's that going?"
"Well enough. We managed to find stuff for her to bring to Locke, and Yuu even managed to dig up a memento, despite the fact that her house had been ransacked" Derrick says.

"Seems like that's the norm around here" Altea says. "I don't think I've seen a spot in this town that doesn't look like a whirlwind blew through"
"You've taken a look around then?" Derrick asks.
"I did a quick aerial sweep" Altea says. "It was enough"

Before she can say anything more, another soldier comes in and lays more reports on her desk.

Altea sighs. "But there's always work" She says as she flips through them
"Anything of interest?" Derrick asks.
"Doesn't look like it" Altea says. "But that doesn't mean there's nothing to deal with"

>Ask if you can help

>We'll leave you to that then

>Other
>>
>>1152667
>>Ask if you can help
I can help too, mom!
>>
>>1152667
>>Ask if you can help
>>
>Ask if you can help
>Also tell her that the Lamb wants to meet her
>>
>>1152667
>>Ask if you can help
>>
>writing
>>
"Can I help?" You ask.

Altea ponders for a moment, her eyes moving between the 3 of you.

"Well I could always use more help down below with the... problem" She says. "But I think you've had your fill of that place already..."
"Yeah..." You say.
"My clerk should be back any second now as well, so I don't need you for these..." She says. "Ah, what am I saying? The whole city is ours now thanks to you. Enjoy some time off"
"Really?" You ask. "Because I've kind of had the last few hours off..."
"Take the rest of the day then" She says. "While I admit that I was mildly disappointed when I learned that there would be nothing for me to fight when I arrived, it relieved me to know that the battle had already been won"

"Alright... I guess I'll head out then?" You say.
"Have fun" She says. "I'll have new missions and the like for you tomorrow morning"

"You sure I can't help out with the reports or anything?" You ask.
"If you were trained to do such a thing, yes" She says. "Perhaps when I have time I'll teach you. But for now, go and relax"
"Alright..." You say.

>Insist on working

>Ask if she can give pointers on letter-writing

>Head out

>Other
>>
>>1152742
>>Ask if she can give pointers on letter-writing
>>
>>1152742
>>Ask if she can give pointers on letter-writing

She likes romance novels, right?

I admit, I just wanna see how she reacts, when Yuu says that he's writing to a girl.
>>
>>1152751
*cue motherly enthusiasm*
>>
>Insist on working
>>
>writing
>>
>>1152742
>Insist on working
>Ask if she can give pointers on letter-writing
>>
>>1152782
RIP
>>
>>1152812
Nah man, I'm referencing the fact your votes came after the cut-off
>>
>>1152818
Yeah i realized that right after i posted it.
I a mess right now
>>
"Oh yeah, I was wondering if you could give me any tips on writing letters" You say.
Altea's curiosity looks piqued. "What for?" She asks.

"I wanted to send a letter back to Locke" You say.
"Who's it going to?" She asks.
"Stella" You say.

Altea smiles. "Ahh... she'd be Castor's daughter, yes?" She asks.
"Yeah" You say.
"Well I'd be happy to-"

Someone comes in and drops a new stack of papers onto her desk.

...

Altea sighs. "Perhaps another time" She says. "But I can tell you a few things: try to keep it brief, and avoid flowery language"
"Flowery language?" You ask. "It that like... making my letters look all flowery?"
"No it's... Hmm... how to explain this..." She says.

Before she can answer, someone comes in the door.

"Commander, the scouting unit has returned" He says.
"Dang it... Send their leader up" She says, before turning to you. "Sorry Yuu, it'll have to wait"
"I understand" You say.

Altea smiles. "But do tell her I said hello" She says.
"I will" You reply

>1/2
>>
As you make your way back through the barracks, Derrick puts a hand on your shoulder.

"Don't look so down, Yuu" He says. "You'll have to spend time with her later"
"Yeah, maybe once the war is over" You say.

"Was it just me, or did it look like she was looking forward to teaching you?" Cheska asks.
"No, I noticed it too" Derrick says.
"Was she?" You ask. "I guess she did look kinda frustrated when all those people kept showing up..."

Derrick chuckles. "She might seem hard on the outside, but the Commander's always been a big softy" He says.
"Really?" Cheska asks. "She seemed pretty hard to me..."
"You haven't experienced her soft side" Derrick says.
"I guess that's true, though I don't get to see many soft sides" She says. "With the exception of Yuu, I guess. But I'm almost positive that he doesn't have a hard side"

"Yes he does" Derrick says.
"He does?" Cheska asks.
"I do?" You ask.
"Yeah, it's just more extreme than most" Derrick says. "The Inquisitors in the ritual chamber got to see it well enough"

Cheska winces. "Ah, well here's hoping I don't end up on that side then" She says.
"You were, kind of" You say.
"Not like that" Cheska says. "When we fought you it was like you were saying 'haha, you'll never beat me'. Down there it was more like 'No laughter, only death'"

>Is that bad?

>Seems like the message got across

>other

Also

>Where to?

I'll be taking a cooking break here. Will resume writing when I return.
>>
>>1152913
>>Is that bad?
>>
>>1152913
>>Is that bad?

THERE IS NO DANA. ONLY ZUUL.
>>
>>1152913
>>Is that bad?
>>
>>1152913
>>Is that bad?
>>
>>1152913
>>Is that bad?
>To where we're sleeping, so we can chill out and talk.
>>
>Seems like the message got across

and

>>1152936
>>
>Is that bad?
>Look for the snek
>>
Back and
>writing
>>
"Is that bad?" You ask.
"Directed at those guys? Not really" Cheska says. "But I think that if I saw you coming at me like that, I'd fucking run. No matter what the circumstances"
"Even now?" You ask.
"Even now" She says. "You, with 2 mageblades out and that serious look on your face is like nature's way of saying 'you fucked up, this is your punishment'"

"I'll keep that in mind" You say. "I would have done it just now to mess with you, but I can't quite use 2 mageblades yet"
"So how'd you do it then?" She asks.
You shrug. "I just did" You say.
Cheska looks like she wants to inquire further, but she shrugs it off. "Works for me" She says.

"Where should we go now?" You ask.
"I think we should figure out where we'll be sleeping" Derrick says. "I also want to catch up with Emi and Madelaine"
"Well we can't do both, maybe-" You say, stopping as Coral flies over to you. She comes up and hands you a little note, accepting her piece of dried fruit and her headpats before going back to her spot on your head.

"Must be from Emi" You say, as you open up the note and read it. "Well, that solves that problem"
"What's up?" Derrick asks.
"Emi says Hella wants to have dinner with all of us, and put us up for the night" You say.
"That does solve that problem" Derrick says.

>Anything else to do before going over?
>>
>>1153076
>Not really
>>
>>1153076
Nah, we are good to go.
>>
>writing
>>
"Well, what are we waiting for?" You ask. "I can see if she has stuff to write a letter there too"
"Good idea" Derrick says. "Can you lead us there, Coral?"

Coral floats down into your open hand, pondering Derrick's question, and then shaking her head.

"You can't?" He asks.
"Of course not" You say. "Can you take us to Emi?"

Coral smiles and nods, pointing up the street. You return her smile and place her on your shoulder.

"Coral can only do people, not places" You say.
"That makes sense... actually" He says.
"Good thing you two understand each other" Cheska says.
"Well she is a lot like me" You say.

"That much is true" Derrick says. "It's like you got a double instead of a sprite..."
"She can't be my double" You say. "I can't fly"
"And she can't use mageblades" Derrick says.
"That is correct" You say. "Except I don't think she's ever tried it..."
"Have you tried flying?" Derrick asks.

You're about to say yes, when you realize that you really haven't...

What if you actually can fly, and you just don't remember? You knew how to swim, even though you never remembered learned...

You jump, and try to fly up. It doesn't work.

...

"Yes I have" You say.

Derrick and Cheska both crack up and start laughing.

>1/2
>>
You continue down the path to Hella's house, chatting with Derrick and Cheska the whole way.

Every so often, Coral reaches up and pulls your ear to grab your attention so she can point you in the right direction.

Eventually you look up the street and see a kitten wandering around.

"Is that... Vivi?" You ask.

You walk up the street to where the kitten is, and see that it is Vivi...

"What are you doing out here?" You ask, as you lift the kitten off the ground. "Is this Hella's hou-"

You're cut off by a crossbow bolt passing within an inch of your nose, leaving you completely shocked.

"Oh, damn!" Katherine calls out. "Didn't recognize you for a second there. Thought you were trying to steal my baby"
You blink a few times and then slowly turn to Katherine.

>I am stealing her

>Did you have to shoot?

>I take it I'm at the right house?

>Other
>>
>>1153258
>>I am stealing her
>>
>>1153258
>>I am stealing her (jokingly)
Cuddle Vivi.

>I take it I'm at the right house?
>>
>>1153266
This
>>
>>1153258
>>I am stealing her
>>
>>1153258
>Don't let her wander around. Seriously, this is why she needed rescuing.
>>
>>1153278
Bit rude, don't ya think? I know it's true, but it's not the time, and that's not really the way to say it.
>>
>>1153315
Sorry, sorry, didn't mean for that to be what he says, just expressing what I think.

Shouldn't have used green text.
>>
>writing
>>
>>1153330
Ah, gotcha. We should bring this up later on, though. But we should be gentle. Don't want any ruffled feathers or anything like that.
>>
>>1153338
Totally agree.
>>
You pull Vivian in close. "But I am stealing her" You say. "We're going to have awesome adventures together, and there's nothing you can do to stop us!"

*click*

"I don't miss twice" Katherine says, looking downright menacing with a new bolt loaded in her crossbow.
"Nevermind. I can adventure on my own" You say.

Katherine goes back to her usual self. "That's what I thought" She says.
"Mew" Vivi says, as she reaches up and paws your face.

"But seriously, are you sure you should be letting her wander around like this?" You ask. "Isn't that the whole reason why she's here in the first place?"
"I'm watching her this time" Katherine says. "Using wind magic to gently keep her within bounds, and ready with a loaded crossbow against anyone who tries anything. She could not be any safer"

"I'm sure she could be" You say. "Like if this weren't the streets of Bell's Run"
"That's true" Katherine says. "We'll get her back to Locke soon enough, where she can play freely and I won't have to watch over her with crossbow in hand"

"Speaking of that, did Emi talk to you about Esther?" You ask.
"She did" Katherine says. "We're fine with bringing her back. It's not like the cart'll be full for that trip
"Where is she?" You ask.
"Inside with the girls" Katherine says. "Hella is patching up her doll right now. Quite the hands she's got. Better at stitching than me"
"You can stitch?" You ask.

"Of course I can" She says. "My mom taught me, for the day when I have kittens of my own"
"Why, is it important to know how to stitch?" You ask.
"Kittens don't play wit tuffed animals. They shred them" Katherine says. "I still have my old stuffed bear from when I was little. Poor guy is more stitches than fabric..."

"Yikes" You say.

Katherine stretches out and puts her crossbow onto her back. "But it looks like Vivi's done exploring, now that her favourite chew toy is back. So let's head inside, shall we?" She asks.
"Favourite chew toy...?" You ask, before Vivian biting your arm answers the question for you. "Ow! Come on, Vivi, I'm not a chew toy!"
"Mew"

>1/2
>>
>>1153408
>"Ow! Come on, Vivi, I'm not a chew toy!"
Don't lie, Yuu, you know it's true.
>>
The 5 of you head inside. Emi and Madelaine are sitting at the table talking in what looks to be the dining area talking. Over on the couch Esther looks on intently as Hella stitches and patches her doll.

"Heyo" You say.
"Mowow" Vivi says.

You look down at the little copy cat. She licks her lips and bops your nose.

You then look back up. "We're here" You say.
Hella giggles. "I can see that" She says. "How'd it go out there, Katherine?"
"Wind wall was effective at boxing her in" Katherine says. "Not sure how, but she knew it was me doing it. Every time she hit the invisible wall, she would meow angrily at me, and then go elsewhere"

Cheska laughs. "She's a smart cookie, huh?" She says, as she reaches out to pat Vivian's head. Vivian responds by biting her hand. "Ow! Hey, be nice"
"Is she hungry?" You ask.
"I dunno. What time is it?" Katherine asks.

You look down at your wrist, but Hella's quicker than you.

"It's... any time" Hella says.
"Yeah, she's hungry" Katherine says, reaching out to you. "Give her here, I'll see that she gets some food"
"Kay" You say, handing over the kitten.

>Check on how the doll repairs are going

>Ask what Emi and Madelaine were talking about

>Ask what the wind wall is

>Other
>>
>>1153459
>>Ask what Emi and Madelaine were talking about
>>
>>1153459
>>Ask what Emi and Madelaine were talking about
>>
>>1153459
>>Ask what Emi and Madelaine were talking about
>>
>>1153459
>>Ask what Emi and Madelaine were talking about
>>
>Ask what Emi and Madelaine were talking about
>>
>>1153459
>Ask what Emi and Madelaine were talking about
>>
>writing
>>
"What were you two chatting about?" You ask.
"Madelaine was wondering how I ended up in Mortifas" Emi says.
"Quite the story" Madelaine says.

"Huh... I never did find out what you were doing there" You say.
Emi smiles, putting a finger over her lips and winking. "It's a secret~" She says.

"What are you talking about?" Derrick asks. "You assaulted a guardsman in Leon didn't you?"
Emi's smile drops, and she pouts. "Well it was a secret..."
"Why do you know that?" You ask.

"We were all in the same prisoner transport" Derrick says. "Emi, Ilica and I got picked up in Leon, and they picked up Fran as we came through Contique"

"Why did you assault a guardsman?" You ask.
Emi perks up. "Ah-hah! That's a secret!" She says excitedly, before giving Derrick a glare.

"Alright, fine. Have it your way" Derrick says.

You tilt your head.

>Take a guess at why she assaulted a guardsman
>>
He made fun of you
>>
>>1153585
Hand holding without permission
>>
>>1153585
He said your tail is stupid?
>>
>>1153585
She was caught constructing an unlicensed snowman. The guardsman had to demolish it, but she had grown attached to him.
>>
>>1153607
That's a crime that deserves death
>>
>>1153585
>>1153607
This one.
>>
>>1153585
>>1153607
This as well.
>>
>writing
>>
>>1153585
Tried to touch your tail.
>>
"Did he try to touch your tail?" You ask.
"What? No" Emi says.
"Did he... catch you holding hands with someone without the permission of the state?" You ask.
"That's not actually a crime..." Derrick says.

"Did he... make fun of your nose?" You ask.
"N-no..." Emi says, as she covers her nose. "Wh-what's wrong with my nose?"
"Did he catch you trying to make a snowman with magic in the middle of summer?" You ask.
"Also not against the law..." Derrick says.

"Did he call your tail stupid?" You ask.
"Of course not!" Emi says, clutching her tail to her chest.
"Did he tell you that people with yellow eyes are 100% more likely to end up in prison?" You ask.
"Emi just tell him..." Derrick says.

"Did he-"
"Fine! Alright, I'll tell you" She says. "They were chasing these kids, and I iced the floor so they could get away"
"That doesn't sound like it was bad enough for the deathpenalty" You say.
"Hold on" Derrick says.
"Well, yeah... they tried to arrest me... and I... resisted" She says.

You wait for Emi to continue. "Go on..." You say, when you realize that she isn't doing it on her own.
"I-it ended up taking two squads to bring me down..." She says.
"Well you're a pretty good mage so-"
"After they put the brace on..." She says.

...

>That'll teach em to mess with a master of snek-fu

>And here I went down like a chump...

>What exactly did you do to make them call 2 squads?

>Other
>>
>>1153749
>>That'll teach em to mess with a master of snek-fu
>>And here I went down like a chump...
>>
>>1153749
>>And here I went down like a chump...

>>What exactly did you do to make them call 2 squads?
>>
>>1153749
>>And here I went down like a chump...
>>
>>1153749
>And here I went down like a chump..
>What exactly did you do to make them call 2 squads?

Yeah, gonna need a story for this one, and maybe later, a demonstration
>>
>writing
>>
"And here I went down like a chump with a rock to the head..." You say.
"That's alright, you've more than made up for it" Emi says.

"Out of curiousity, what exactly did you do to make them bring 2 whole squads?" You ask.
"Well, they sent the first squad... but I managed to coil 2 of them so they couldn't move, and I emptied my venom sacs into the others" She says bashfully. "But when the second squad showed up, my tail was already occupied, and my venom was spent..."

"That sucks" You say.
"I-it still took all of them to get me into the transport..." She says. "And the ones I got had to be carried out on stretchers"

"Getting her into the transport looked like quite the ordeal" Derrick says. "I'm not sure who gave them a harder time, you or Ilica"
"Probably me" Emi says.
"I dunno, Ilica made those guys bleed" Derrick says. "One guy wasn't careful when they were forcing her into the cart, and Ilica raked his face with her foot claws"

"And here I just dislocated several people's limbs and loaded them with a non-lethal dose of my venom" She says. "At least... I hope it was non lethal"
"I thought your venom just paralyzed" You say.
"My subclass of serpids has an interesting venom. It does 3 different things depending on the dose" She says. "With a regular dose, you'd just be paralyzed. But if I emptied both of my sacs into your bloodstream, it would probably kill you"

"Neat" You say. "What would happen if you just gave someone a little bit?"
Emi blushes and fidgets. "That's... not important" She says.

>Pry

>Change the subject

>Other
>>
>>1153887
>>Pry
OH BOY HERE WE GOOOOO
>>
>>1153887
>>Pry
Snek a lewd.
>>
>>1153887
>>Pry
>>
>>1153887
>Pry
>>
>>1153887
>>Pry

:3
>>
>writing
>>
>>1153887
>>Pry
>>
>>1153887
>Pry
>Ask for a demonstration
>>
>>1154027
Yuu mad man.
>>
>>1154027
This
>>
>>1154027
L E W D
>>
>>1154027
The absolute madman! Let's do it!
>>
"Is it bad?" You ask.
"W-well... that depends on how you look at it..." She says.
"So what does it do?" You ask.
"I... I-I can't say" She says.
"Does it hurt?" You ask.
"No..." She says.
"Would it kill someone?" You ask.
"No" Emi says, still fidgeting.

"Well then if you can't say it..." You say, as you hold out your arm to Emi. "Why not demonstrate?"

Emi freezes, as her face slowly gets redder and redder.

"Th-th-th-th-that's not something- it's terribly inappropriate, I- You have no idea how-"
"Ebridean Serpid venom has 3 modes" Katherine says, in a matter-of-fact- tone. "Injecting a full dose of the venom results in death. A half dose causes paralysis that lasts for several hours, as well as numbness and sluggishness for a few days after that. A minor dose causes intoxication, acute arousal and an effective but easily weaned addiction"

...

"What does that mean?" You ask.
"To sum up: Full dose is for killing, half dose is for hunting and self defense, minor dose is for nabbing a husband, along with a few kids" Katherine says.

You blink a few times. So to have kids you have to have sex, and the venom causes arousal.

"What does intoxication mean?" You ask.
"Drunk. Reduced inhibitions, and the like" Katherine says. "You ever been wondering whether or not you should do something, and eventually decided 'ah, why not?'?"
"Yeah" You say.
"Being intoxicated makes the answer to most questions 'ah, why not?" She says.

You nod your head in understanding, as the pieces come together. "Oh... Oh!" You say. "Oh..."
"Now he gets it" Katherine says. "Still want a demonstration?"

>Ah, why not?

>I've changed my mind
>>
>>1154078
>>I've changed my mind
I'm probably going to be the only to pick this.
>>
>>1154078
>>I've changed my mind
Too much for poor Yuu to handle, he's barely got a handle on snuggling.
>>
>>1154085
AYY
>>
>>1154078
>>Ah, why not?
NO BRAKES ON THE YUU TRAIN!
>>
>>1154078
>I've changed my mind

>...wonder if Stella might like that eventually, though.
>>
>>1154078
>Ah, why not?
>>
>>1154078
>I've changed my mind
>>
>>1154078
>Ah, why not?
PUSH THE BUTTON.
GO BIG OR GO HOME.
>>
>>1154078
>Ah, why not?
>>
>>1154078
>>Ah, why not?
>>
>>1154078
>>Ah, why not?
Live a life of constant intoxication.
>>
>>1154027
>Why not?
57 chapters and we have not been drunk
>>
>>1154121
It must be remedied.
>>
Reminder, it's not just drunkenness, it's being drunk and horny.

I just don't wanna cheat on Stella. I know about waifu wars and all, but...
>>
WE DON'T WANT SNAKE BABIES GUYS.

If this happens, though, tell them: "Don't let me do anything TOO embarrassing, okay?"
>>
>>1154078
>Ah, why not?
>>
>>1154126
>stella
I like her, but I prefer Illica or cheska.
>>
>>1154148
This, despite knowing its not gonna happen, I'm still gonna vote for Ilica.
>>
>>1154148
Then why are you trying to get Yuu to fuck the snek
>>
>>1154128
We could get horny for cheska, it doesn't specify who do we get horny for, also it's a "once" thing, I wouldn't vote for this again. it's just to see yuu reacting to arousal and drunkness
>>
>>1154078
>I've changed my mind
>>
>>1154078
>I've changed my mind
>>
>>1154078
>Ah, why not?

We wish to learn what it feels like
>>
>writing
>>
>>1154156
I don't want him to fuck the snek, I want to se yuu dealing eith arousal and drunkness for the first time.
>>
>>1154170
He's been aroused
By Cheska
And Stella
And Illica
Do you not read
>>
>>1154175
Not drunkness, he felt attraction rather than arousal, but let's not ruin the thread, I respect both decisions, this is just my opinion.
>>
>>1154078
>Ah, why not?
>>
"Ah, why not? What's the harm?" You ask. "A little curiosity never hurt anyone, right?"

...

"Right?" You ask again
"Lemme just, grab this" Katherine says, as she takes Vivian from you.
"Merr" Vivi says.

...

You wonder why she did that. It's not like anything bad would happen to Vi- oh, that's Emi's tail. It hooks under your arm, coming up and around your neck and then down under your other arm and then to about a dozen other places around your body until you can't move. Then it slams you to the floor.

"Ow" You say. "Could you maybe loosen up a bit, my shoulder is kinda-"
"Yuu you idiot! Don't you-" Emi starts lecturing you about something, but you have a hard time listening. This position is really weird. Your right arm is fine, but your left is sort of bending in an odd way...
"Emi. Emi my arm" You say.

But Emi keeps going... until-

*POP*

Emi straightens up like a shot and immediately stops talking, as your shoulder suddenly comes loose.

...

"I know I'm not the medical expert here, but I'm fairly sure that's not supposed to bend that way" You say.

Emi shrieks. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I was so caught up that I messed up the hold!" She says, as she shifts her coils so she can get at your arm. "I'll fix it right away!"
>>
>>1154078

>Ah, why not?

Lets see what happens. I'm between Ilica or Emi
>>
>>1154261
Eat shit, you fuckers.
>>
That's all for tonight!

Next thread will actually be tomorrow. Unlike last Saturday where I said 'tomorrow' and didn't deliver.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time~!
>>
Get fucked, samefags
>>
>>1154270
Roger that, thanks for the thread. See ya tomorrow then!
>>
>>1154275
There is IP to avoid that.

Thanks smiley!
>>
>>1154270
Great thread, Smiley!
>>
>>1154270

Thanks for running, Smiley. I was late to this one.

Quick question: Do the people in this world find Madeline strange? With looking "normal" and all that
>>
>>1154270
Smiley will we ever see yuu drunk and aroused?
>>
>>1154300
If you look back to when you first met her, no one actually figured out that anything was off until you mentioned it. Most people don't pay that much attention, and those that do tend to just dismiss it.

>>1154315
Not for a while yet, anon. This is going to be a long quest. To compare, all of my previous quests were drawing towards their ends by thread 57, while Beyond the Gate is just revving up
>>
>>1154348
Thanks for running Smiley
>>
"You can fix that, right?" You ask.
Emi firmly grips your arm with one hand, while her other gets ready to push on your shoulder. "It's only dislocated, I can just..." She moves your shoulder back into place with another pop, and pulls away. "There"

You move your arm around to test it out. "It feels weird" You say. "Kinda warm..."
"That's just excess fluids. It'll pass" Emi says.
"Okay" You say. "So do you want to tell me why you slammed me to the floor for asking to get bit?"

Emi's face reddens again. "K-katherine may have understated its effects... which lead to you underestimating it... which lead to me overreacting..."
"Okay, so what does it actually do?" You ask.

"Ahem" Hella says.

"It's a bit more than feeling a little aroused" Emi says. "I've experienced it before. In my family it's customary to dose yourself with your own venom when you hit puberty, so you know how it feels and don't go around biting people for no reason"

"AHEM" Hella says again

"You're affected by your own venom?" You ask.
"Not as much as others" Emi says. "If I emptied my entire supply into myself, I'd get the same effects as a minor dose on another. I'm highly resistant, but not immune"
"Neat" You say. "So what does it feel like?"

"Well like I said, it's more than simple arousal..." Emi says. "It's much more intense than you think. When I used it, it was Like I couldn't... uhh... could think of anythi-"

"A-HEMMMMM!" Hella says.
"Oh? What's up?" You ask.
"Could you guys maybe talk about something more kid friendly?" She asks. "It's impossible to cover Esther's ears and stitch her animal at the same time..."
"Oh, sorry" You say. "Uhh..."

>How's that going anyway?

>Apologize to Emi

>Ask Emi if her venom could kill a demon

>Other
>>
>>1155706
>>Apologize to Emi
>>Ask Emi if her venom could kill a demon
>>
>writing
>>
>>1155706
>>Apologize to Emi

>...wait, I bet someone with extra arms could do it. Or a really long arm.
>>
"And sorry to you too, Emi" You say, as you scratch the back of your head. "I guess I let my curiousity get the better of me"
Em shakes her head. "It's good to be curious, but maybe... don't pry so much. Okay?"
"Okay" You reply. "But just one more question about the venom..."

Emi sighs.
"Don't worry, it's not about that" You say. "Could it still kill a demon?"
Emi nods. "It's not the same as Carracore venom. A full dose paralyzes you completely, including your heart and lungs" She says. "While a demon's blood may still flow when paralyzed, they would still suffocate"

"Could you guys at least try to be more kid friendly?" Hella asks.
"Sorry, we'll change the subject now" You say.

>See how Esther's doing

>Ask if other kinds of serpids have different venoms

>Ask if food is going to be a thing in the near future

>Other
>>
>>1155758
>Ask if food is going to be a thing in the near future
>>See how Esther's doing
>>
>>1155758
>>Ask if food is going to be a thing in the near future

...This is important.
>>
>writing
>>
>>1155758
>See how Esther's doing

>Ask if other kinds of serpids have different venoms
>>
"So I remember the note saying something about food" You say. "Is that going to be a thing soon or..."
"I'll get on it as soon as I'm done here" Hella says. "I hope you're hungry, There's a ton of food in my preserver that'll all go bad if I don't use it now..."

"Sounds good to me" You say. "How goes the mending anyhow?"
"Almost finished" She says.

You walk up to the back of the couch and lean over to get a look at the progress. You can actually make out what kind of animal it's supposed to be now: a wolf. The stitches and patches are noticeable, even under the stuffed wolf's 'fur'. But it still looks like Hella's doing a good job.

"It looks good" You say.
Hella nods. "I was worried that it might not come out so well, given the state it was in" She says. "But it's coming along nicely. I just have this leg to finish and it'll be done"

Esther looks happy about that.

"Aren't you glad that you brought him along?" You ask.
"She's a girl" Esther says.
"Sorry, aren't you glad you brought her along?" You ask.
Esther nods.

You ruffle her hair, as you feel a certain Felid start climbing up your leg. Vivian goes up your leg to your back, where she sits right between your shoulder blades.

Esther giggles at the sight.

>Play dumb and ask why she's laughing

>Vivi clearly wants to wrastle

>Ask if her doll has a name

>Other
>>
>>1155800
>>Vivi clearly wants to wrastle
>>
>>1155800
>>Play dumb and ask why she's laughing

Kid's gotta earn it.
>>
>>1155800
>>Play dumb and ask why she's laughing
>>
>>1155800

>Ask if her doll has a name
>>
>writing
>>
"What's so funny?" You ask.
"It's Vivi!" She says.
"What's Vivi?" You ask.
"She's on your back" Esther says.
"Her? No, couldn't be. She'd never climb up and make her self at home up there" You say. "You must be mistaken"
"She's right there!" Esther says.

You turn. "I don't see her" You say.
"No, there!" She says.

You reach back. "Here?" You ask.
"Yeah!" She says.
"I don't feel anything" You say.

Vivian bites your hand.

"Oh, nevermind. There it is" You say, feeling around for the kitten's scruff so you can pick her up. You bring her around and hold her in front of your face. "How's it goin', tiny jerk?"

Vivian licks your nose, wriggles around, and then starts licking her paw.

"That good, huh?" You ask.
"Mrew" She replies.

You hop over the couch so you can set the kitten in your lap, allowing yourself to relax for a bit as you scratch her ears.

>1/2
>>
"There!" Hella says, holding the stuffed wolf at arm's length to admire her work. "All finished"
Esther's face lights up as Hella hands it to her. Esther immediately stuffs her face into it. "Fankou" She says, her voice muffled by the stuffed wolf.

Hella smiles. "It's no trouble" She says.

Esther then turns and hugs Hella too. You watch them for a moment, until Vivian munching on your fingers pulls your attention away.

"You know, Vivi. One of these days I'm gonna bite you back" You say.
"Doesn't work" Katherine says. "Trust me"
"Will I at least get some satisfaction out of my revenge?" You ask.
"Only if you enjoy getting the sad kitty eyes" Katherine says.
"Dang..." You say.

Hella releases Esther and stands up. "Right, now that that's finished, it's time to get cooking" She says.

>Ask if you can help

>Stay here

>Other
>>
>>1155869
>>Stay here
>>
>>1155869
>>Stay here
>>
>writing
>>
>>1155869

>Ask if you can help
>>
"I'd offer to help, but I know absolutely nothing about cooking" You say.
Hella smirks and puts her hands on her hips triumphantly. "I happen to be an excellent cook, so I'll be fine on my own" She says.

Esther tugs on Hella's shirt. "Can I help?" She asks.
Hella drops the tough act. "Of course you can, sweetie" She says, as she picks the lamb up. "Come on, we'll get you a chair so you can reach the counter"

Hella and Esther head into the kitchen, leaving you alone on the couch with Vivi.

Katherine and Cheska flop down into the spots they vacated, as Vivi continues to chew on your hand.

"I know the feeling, kitty cat" You say. "I'm hungry enough to eat my hands too..."
"She is not hungry" Katherine says. "You just ate. Why are you still gnawing?"
"Merrerr" Vivi says.
"Don't give me that" Katherine says.
"Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..." Vivi replies.
"None of that either. You ate already, so stop trying to chew on your friend" Katherine says.

Vivi yawns and wiggles her limbs like she's trying to crawl, but she's on her back.

>Let her play with your mageblade

>"Not going to help, Katherine?"

>Other
>>
>>1155930
>>Let her play with your mageblade

>>"Not going to help, Katherine?"
>>
>>1155930
>>Let her play with your mageblade
>>
>>1155930
>>Let her play with your mageblade
>>
>>1155930
>Let her play with your mageblade
>>
>>1155930
>"Not going to help, Katherine?"

I don't wanna risk her injuring herself even by remote chance.
>>
>writing
>>
You pull out your mageblade and activate it, putting some effort into dulling it and checking to make sure there's no edge with your hand before wiggling it around.

The wiggling proves unnecessary, as Vivian clearly remembers the blade from the cart ride and her eyes lock on to it as soon as you turn it on.

"Yeah, you remember this don't you?" You say.

Vivi reaches out and gently paws the glowing red sword.

"Go get it!" You say, as you extend the blade out and bend it towards the floor.
Vivian leaps off of your lap and attacks the tip of the sword, as you move it about to keep it just out of reach.

"Is that... safe?" Katherine asks.
"Yeah. It's not sharp" You say. "We did this for about 3 hours on the trip here"
"That long?" She asks.
"She wouldn't let anyone but me hold her, and I needed to do stuff" You say. "So I tired her out until she fell asleep"
"Smart" She says. "Richard could get some pointers on kitty care from you. He's always complaining that she won't lay down for her naps..."

You deactivate the mageblade as Vivian finally catches it, and she looks around to see where it went.

"Mew" She says to her mother.
"I don't have it" Katherine says. "Keep looking"
"Merr..."

"I'm surprised you didn't want to help out in there" You say.
"In the kitchen?" Katherine asks. "Oh, gods she's better off without me. I'm a terrible cook"
"Really? I didn't get that impression" You say.
"Nope. Richard does all the cooking in our relationship" Katherine says. "I have cooked for him exactly once, and managed to give both of us food poisoning..."

>How'd you manage that?

>My stomach thanks you for staying here then

>Ask Cheska if she can cook

>Other
>>
>>1155988
>>How'd you manage that?
>Ask Cheska if she can cook
>>
>>1155988
>How'd you manage that?
>Ask Cheska if she can cook

I know her answer
>>
>>1155988
>My stomach thanks you for staying here then
>Ask Cheska if she can cook
>>
>>1155988
>Ask Cheska if she can cook
>>
>My stomach thanks you for staying here then
>Ask Cheska if she can cook
>>
>writing
>>
"How'd you manage that?" You ask.
Katherine scratches her nose. "Well you see... no one ever told me that chicken and beef are cooked differently" She says. "If you leave beef a little pink in the middle, it's pretty good. Chicken... not so much"
"What happened?" You ask.

"We both got it coming out from both ends..." Katherine says. "We were lucky that Naiah was in town, otherwise it could've gotten much worse"
"Well then my stomach thanks you for not going in the kitchen. "But, out of curiousity... what does 'coming out both ends' mean?"
"You don't wanna know" Cheska says.

You nod. "Aright then" You say.
"Learned your lesson after Emi popped your arm out?" Katherine asks.
"Yep" You reply. "So how about you, Cheska? Can you cook at all?"

"Not really" She says. "I can if I have to, but anything I try to make always ends up nicely charred. And by nicely charred I mean almost completely black on the outside"
"Every time?" Katherine asks.
"I'm impatient" She says. "Mostly because I'm also lazy. So I put off cooking until I'm half-starved, get impatient with how long it takes and try to speed up the process by adding more heat. That usually ends with something catching fire and getting burned to a nearly inetale state. But I'm also poor as dirt so I eat it anyway"

"Have you tried cutting things into smaller pieces? I've heard they cook faster that way" Katherine says.
Cheska shrugs. "I'm good at one thing and I like to stick to that one thing" She says. "Leave the cutting to the guys with the sharp objects"
"Well said" Katherine says.

"What about you?" Cheska asks. "Ever tried your hand at the craft?"
"No, but-

>I'm not very patient either

>I'm very good at cutting stuff

>I wonder if my demon eyes work on food...

>Other
>>
>>1156039
>>I'm very good at cutting stuff

>>I wonder if my demon eyes work on food...
>>
>>1156039
>I wonder if my demon eyes work on food...
>>
>>1156039
>>I'm very good at cutting stuff
>>I wonder if my demon eyes work on food...
>>
>writing
>>
>>1156039
>>I'm very good at cutting stuff
>>I wonder if my demon eyes work on food...
>>
"-I'm very good at cutting stuff" You say.
"I've heard" Katherine says.

"I could probably chop an entire carrot at once with this thing. Like... this..." You say, as you activate your mageblade and try to fork it into some kind of multi-chopping apparatus.

Then Vivi leaps up on your leg and tries to attack it. You're quick enough to pull it back and deactivate it before she cuts herself...

"Phew" You say. "You almost hurt yourself there, kitty cat"
"Mrerrrrrrrrrr" Vivi says, as she sits down, licks her paws, and tries to act like she didn't just totally fail that ambush.

You chuckle at her antics, and give her ear a scratch.

"So I guess we're sleeping here?" You ask.
"Sounds like it" Cheska says. "And I've already called dibs on the guest bed"
You shrug. "Fine by me" You say, as you look behind you to where the others are. Oddly enough, you only see Derrick and Madelaine. Emi must be elsewhere. "Where's everyone else sleeping?"

"Derrick's got the couch we're sitting on" She says. "Madelaine's with me, Esther is with Hella, I think the cats have a bed in their cart, and Emi is around the roof beam above us"

You look up. "Why?" You ask.
"Apparently that's how she prefers to sleep" Cheska says. "Something about living in trees... I dunno, I didn't listen to that whole thing"
"Neat" You say, looking around.

There's only the one couch, and the 2 bedrooms...

>Where am I sleeping?

>Find Emi and ask her about her spot

>I can sleep anywhere

>Other
>>
>>1156106
>>Where am I sleeping?
>>
>>1156106
>Find Emi and ask her about her spot
>>
>writing
>>
>I can sleep anywhere

just cuz
>>
You turn back to Cheska. "Where am I supposed to sleep?" You ask.
"I dunno. Cozy up with Derrick or something" She says.
"This couch isn't big enough for that" You say.
"Well then you're on your own" She says.

You lean back. "Alright, I guess I'll just wait until you've gone to bed, then I'll go out and get on the Rook so I can look for a place to sleep" You say. "Probably gonna have to go pretty far. I didn't see any inns or anything in this area..."

Cheska looks like she's about to dismiss the idea, but then herhead whips around.
You smile.

"N-now come on. I'm sure we can figure out something..." She says.
You laugh. "I'm kidding. I can sleep just about anywhere" You say, as you stand up. "Though apparently not as well as Emi can..."
"Going to ask her about that?" Katherine asks.
"Yep" You say, as you hand her her daughter. "Kitten"
"Mrow" Vivi says.

You head over to the dining room, and spot Emi's tail trailing out of the kitchen. Peering inside, you see her chopping something, as Hella stirs a pot and Esther rolls some dough.

As you step inside, Hella's ear turns towards you.

"Ah, Yuu. You came to help out!" She says.
"Well, actually-"
"Great! You can help Emi" She says.

"I told you I'll be fi- ah!" Emi says, as the knife she's holding slips and nicks her finger. She holds her finger for a second, and then heals it with magic. "Darn it..."

>Actually I'm just here to ask her something...

>She does look like she could use a hand

>Other
>>
>>1156178
>>She does look like she could use a hand
>>
>>1156178
>Actually I'm just here to ask her something...
>>
>>1156178
>>She does look like she could use a hand
Ready those dice.
>>
>>1156178
>>She does look like she could use a hand
>>
>writing
>>
"She does look like she could use a hand..." You say.
Emi pouts. "Fine..." She says.

You take the knife from her, and give the chopping a try yourself.

"Well there's one problem" You say.
"What is it?" Emi asks.
"This knife isn't very sharp..." You say.
"Not much we can do about that, it's the only one that was left" Hella says. "My house got hit by the looters too. Luckily my preserver has a lock"

"They took every knife but this one?" You ask.
"Yeah" Hella says.
"They might've left it because it's so dull..." You say, as you set the knife aside and pull out your mageblade. "I can work around that"

You activate the blade and shorten it until it's about knife length, then get to work.

"Hella said to hold it like... oh, nevermind" Emi says. "Are you sure you haven't done this before?"
You shrug. "I did say I was good at cutting things" You say. "Although that was in the other room"
"I still heard you" Hella says. "You wanted to ask Emi something, too?"

"Yes!" You say. "Cheska mentioned you wanted to sleep on the roof beam. What's up with that?"
"Because of how long my body is, I'm more comfortable sleeping around something like a branch" She says. "My room back home actually had several beams like that, but they were all cushioned"

>Did it still have a bed?

>Sounds like a fun room to have

>Can I sleep up there too?

>Other
>>
>>1156252
>>Can I sleep up there too?
>>
>>1156252
>>Did it still have a bed?

>>Sounds like a fun room to have
>>
>>1156252
>Can I sleep up there too?
>>
>>1156252
>Sounds like a fun room to have
>Can I sleep up there too?
>>
>>1156252
>Sounds like a fun room to have
>>
>writing
>>
"Sounds like a fun room to have" You say.
Emi smiles. "I used to climb around everywhere when I was little, which usually ended up with something getting broken" She says. "My father built those into my room so I'd always have somewhere to play"
"Neat" You say. "So can I sleep up in the beams with you?"

"Why?" She asks.
"Because all the other spots are taken" You say.
"I guess there's space up there... but how would you get up?" She asks.
"I dunno... jump?" You say. "How would you get up?"
"I can reach it with my tail, then pull myself up" She says.

"Uhh..." Hella says. "I-if you need a place to sleep, you can always come snuggle with Esther and I"
"Are you sure?" You ask.
"Yeah! It'll be fun. Esther doesn't mind either, right?" She asks.
"Like a sleepover!" Esther says.
"See?" Hella asks.

>Sounds good then

>I'll manage

>I kinda want to know what the beam is like

>Other
>>
>>1156343
>Sounds good then
>>
>>1156343
>I kinda want to know what the beam is like
Because I actually do
>>
>>1156343
>Sounds good then
>>
>>1156343
>I kinda want to know what the beam is like
>>
>>1156343
>Sounds good then
>>
>>1156343
>Sounds good then
>>
>writing
>>
"That sounds good then" You say. "Still kiinda curious about the beam, but I'll satisfy that some other time"
"Great!" Hella says. "Are you done with those?"

"Yeah, is there anything else that needs chopping?" You ask.
"Lots" She says, putting a few other things by your cutting board. "Keep going. It all has to go"

You nod and keep chopping.

"Still, this is a lot of food. Are you sure we can eat it all?" Emi asks.
Hella smiles. "The only thing that won't be portable is the soup. I figure I'll take some for the trip to Locke, and you guys can keep the rest" She says.
"Thank you" Emi says. "I've seen what the army rations look like. I can't say I look forward to eating those every day..."

"I know what you mean" Hella says. "The hunters used to complain about the food we gave them all the time"
"They couldn't like... hunt for food?" You ask.
"They could, but that takes time" Hella says. "When a hunter is in the field they're there for 1 reason. Everything step you can remove between the hunter leaving and the hunter killing the monster makes it that much more likely that they'll come back"
"Makes sense" You say.

The conversation dries up for a moment, so you turn your attention back to the vegetables on your cutting board.

But as it always has, the silence bores you, and you begin searching for new topics.

>Ask why her house is bigger than Stella's

>Ask if they got everything they needed from Tian's

>I don't think I've tried the army rations...

>Other
>>
>>1156447
>Ask if they got everything they needed from Tian's
>>
>>1156447
>I don't think I've tried the army rations...
Trust me son, you don't. After having the damn cooks bring out chili mac 5 times in a row...
>>
>writing
>>
>>1156447
>>Ask if they got everything they needed from Tian's
>>
"Did you guys get everything you needed from Tian's?" You ask.
"Pretty much" Hella says. "A lot of stuff was missing, like her clothes, a lot of her furniture, and more disturbingly her underwear... but all she really wanted were her performance mageblades, parts and tools, which were all mostly still there"

"That's good to hear" You say. "How about here?"
"My house didn't get it so bad" She says. "Mostly because I don't kep much stuff around"
"Underwear all still there?" You ask.
"Yes, thankfully..." She says. "I don't think I could handle it if someone had raided that drawer..."
"Why?" Esther asks.
"Because I'd rather not have some bad man running around with my underwear" Hella says, without missing a beat. "Looks like you're done rolling that out. Time to cut the cookies"

"Cookies?" You ask.
"Yep. Esther's making cookies" Hella says. "Now, which cutter do you want to use?"
"That one!" Esther says.
"The dragon?" Hella says. "Alright. Looks like we're having dragon cookies"

>You had me at cookies

>I'll have to bring Altea one

>What would a man do with women's underwear?

>Other
>>
>>1156522
>>I'll have to bring Altea one
>>
>>1156522
>I'll have to bring Altea one
>>
>>1156522
>>I'll have to bring Altea one
>>
>writing
>>
>>1156522
>>You had me at cookies
>>I'll have to bring Altea one
>>
You smile. "Dragons, huh?" You ask. "I guess I'll have to bring one to Altea. I'm sure she'll like it"

"Uh oh, you hear that?" Hella asks. "We'll have to make these cookies extra good"
"Okay!" Esther says, looking determined as she cuts out the dragon shaped cookies.

"Maybe we can add some sprinkles to them too! Let's see... oh, nevermind. Someone stole my sprinkles..." Hella says. Her ears droop as she gets back to work.
"I'm sure Altea will love it, sprinkles or no sprinkles" You say.
"I know, I'm just bummed because I happen to like sprinkles..." Hella says. "What kind of monster raids someone's house to steal their sprinkles?"

"Obviously not the same kind of monster that steals underwear" You say. "Maybe you should've checked Tian's house for sprinkles"
"I don't think that's how it works..." Emi says.

"Come to think of it, I think I did see some in her cupboards..." Hella says. "How strange"
"Perhaps the sprinkle thief and the underwear bandit have a deal?" You ask.
"I doubt those people exist..." Emi says.

You shrug. "Only explanation I can think of" You say, as you finish off the last of your chopping. "Looks like I'm done here. Anything else need cutting?"
"Not that I can think of" Hella says. "You guys can go if you want. I think we can handle the rest from here"

>Stick around

>Go see Derrick and Madelaine

>Head back to the couch

>Try and get up on the beam

>Other

Taking a cooking break here, will return when I have food.
>>
>>1156634
>>Try and get up on the beam
>>
>>1156634
>Try and get up on the beam
>>
>>1156634

>Try and get up on the beam
>>
>>1156634
>Try and get up on the beam
>>
"Alright, we'll leave you to it" You say.
"Thanks for your help!" Hella says.

You and Emi leave the kitchen.

"Thanks for stepping in there... that knife kept slipping on me. If I'd had to cut all that stuff I think all the healing I would have needed to do would've drained me" She says.
"No problem" You say. "You would've had an easier time with a sharper knife. Using that thing was like trying to cut something with a club..."

You stop under the roof beam and look up.

"What's up?" She asks.

You bend down and jump up, but you can't reach it.

"Dang" You say.
"Oh, would you like a hand?" She asks.

>Accept her help

>Use your mageblade

>Other
>>
>>1156769
>>Use your mageblade
>>
>>1156769
>>Use your mageblade
>>
>>1156769
>Use your mageblade
See if we can climb up with it this time
>>
>writing
>>
"I wanna try something" You say, as you reactivate your mageblade. You stretch the blade and form it into a hook, as you check over the couch to make sure Vivi doesn't try to attack it again. "I've tried this twice, and I'm 1 for 2. Let's see if it works this time..."

You bend down and jump up again, hooking your blade on the beam and pulling yourself up. Unlike the last time, the blade stays strong and you get up to the beam with no problems.

"Yessss!" You say, punching the air once you're sitting comfortably.
"Nicely done" She says.

Emi decides to join you up here. Except her way is much simpler. She just raises her torso up until she can get her hands on the beam, then she pulls herself up and over until she's draped over it. Then she climbs underneath and around it a few times so she can coil around it and bring the rest of her tail up.

It lacks the usual elegance with which you usually see Emi doing things, but it seems to suit her...

Once she's secure, she gives you a smile.

>Ask if she enjoys climbing

>Ask if there are a lot of trees on the isles

>Ask if you can just eat your dinner up here

>Other
>>
>>1156841
>>>Ask if she enjoys climbing
>>Ask if there are a lot of trees on the isles
>>
>>1156841
>Ask if she enjoys climbing
>Ask if there are a lot of trees on the isles
>>
>>1156841
>Ask if she enjoys climbing

>Ask if there are a lot of trees on the isles

>Ask if you can just eat your dinner up here
>>
>>1156841
>>Ask if she enjoys climbin
>
>>Ask if there are a lot of trees on the isles
>>
>>1156841
>Ask if you can just eat your dinner up here
>>
>writing
>>
"Do you like climbing?" You ask.
Emi nods, as she puts her hair back in order. "It's probably one of the only things that actually makes me work my whole body" She says. "Plus I enjoy high places, so that's another plus"

"Me too" You say. "It was kinda neat the second time I was on that airship. Everything looked so small"
"Okay, maybe not that high..." Emi says. "I've never been quite comfortable with airships..."
"That's something you share with Gabby then" You say. "Apparently she fell off one when she was little, and a winged-lady had to swoop down and rescue her"

Emi flinches. "I don't blame her..." She says. "Me, I just prefer to have something solid between me and the ground. Tall trees and buildings I can do, airships I can't.
"I don't think you'll find a building that can go as high as an airship" You say.

"That doesn't mean you can't get high enough to get the same effect" Emi says. "Some of the trees back home were tall enough to make everyone below look like ants, and I've heard that the trees in some of the Antolian forests are massive"
"I guess you're right" You say. "I mean, look at how tiny Vivi looks from up here"

Vivian's head perks up at the sound of her name, and she looks around for the source. After a second her eyes lock onto you and Emi, and then she around for how you managed to get up there.

"Wait, nevermind. False alarm. Vivi is tiny like that all the time" You say.

Emi giggles.

>1/2
>>
Emi shakes her head as she finally manages to get her hair back to the way she likes it.

"Better?" You ask.
"Much" She says. "As much as I like the way long hair looks, it can be a pain sometimes. I've been thinking of either cutting it short like Ilica or wearing a ponytail or bun"

You try to picture Emi with a ponytail, and then Emi with Ilica's haircut... which makes you laugh.

"What's so funny?" She asks.
"Sorry, I was just trying to think of what you'd look like with a haircut like Ilica's. But I can't picture Ilica's hair without her ears" You say. "You'd look weird with cat ears"
Emi laughs as well. "Well then it's a good thing I don't have any" She says.

You look down to see Vivian settling directly underneath you. She gets comfy, padding the ground a few times, then she looks up and starts mewling.

"Are there a lot of trees where you come from?" You ask, turning your attention away from the ground.
"On my home island, yes. The rainforest is so dense that it was easier to build the city into the water than it was to chop it down to make space" She says.
"Really?" You ask.
"No, it was built that way because of the merfolk, remember?" Emi asks.
"Oh yeah" You say.

"Alright, thaaat's getting to me" Katherine says, as she walks over to Vivi. "Catch"
"What?" You ask.

Looking down, you see Katherine poised to toss Vivian up to you. "Catch" She says.
You hold your arms out for the pass, and catch the little felid as she comes up.

Then Katherine hops up as well, nailing the jump and climbing up with more grace than you or Emi had.

"And this is for you" Katherine says, handing Emi a little ring... thing.
"A hair tie?" Emi asks.
"I heard you say you wanted to change things up. Put it on" She says.
"Alright..." Emi says, as she starts gathering up her hair.

"So you're from Ebiha Isle, huh?" Katherine asks.
"Yes, actually" Emi says.

>Have you been there?

>How did you make that jump?

>Are you sure Vivi should be up here?

>Other
>>
>>1157074
>>How did you make that jump?
>>Are you sure Vivi should be up here?
>>
>>1157074
>>Have you been there?

>>Are you sure Vivi should be up here?
>>
>>1157074
>>How did you make that jump?
>>Are you sure Vivi should be up here?

Mother of the year, folks kek
>>
>writing
>>
>>1157074

>Have you been there?

>How did you make that jump?
>>
"Are you sure Vivi should be up here?" You ask.
"She'll be fine" Katherine says. "Just put her down next to you and she'll chill out"

You do as she says, and Vivi pads around for a moment. Then she curls up, letting one of her paws hang off the beam.

"See?" Katherine asks. "She just wanted to join the cool kids"
"Is that us?" You ask Emi.
"I guess it must be" She says.

Katherine snorts. "You two are precious" She says.
"How did you make that jump so easily?" You ask.
"Years of practice" She says. "I've been jumping up on things that I probably shouldn't since I was Vivi's age. You don't do something for that long without getting good at it"

"That's true" You say. "It seems Vivi's picked up the habit as well..."
"Well she takes after me, much to Richard's dismay" She says.

Emi giggles. "If he didn't like cats, he picked an odd person to marry..." She says.
"I'm pretty sure he actually loves it, but he'd never say it out loud" She says.
"How do you know?" You ask.
"Women's intuition" Katherine says with a wink, pausing before adding- "And it's also in his stupid book..."

You chuckle. "I forgot about the book" You say.
"Oh if only I had the luxury to forget about that damn thing..." Katherine says.

>1/2
>>
"So you've been to Ebiha, Katherine?" Emi asks.
"Yeah, I was stationed there a long time ago" She says. "I was still green back then. It was around the time when Castor won the vote to become the Huntmaster"

"So around 15 years ago?" You ask.
"Close enough" Katherine says. "How'd you know?"
"Stella told me about when her dad became the Huntmaster" You say. "She said she was still little, so I took a guess"
"Good guess" She says. "Anyway, I avoided the wet district because those little merfolk kept splashing me and I hated being wet. Spent most of my time in those rainforests trying to nail mosquitos with my crossbow, until my squad lead made me stop wasting bolts. I spent about 5 years there, and I think the onl thing I didn't get to do was visit the palace"

"Why not?" You ask.
She shrugs. "It was always closed, except during festvals, and I was always... "busy" during those..." She says. You get the feeling that 'busy' means something else, but you let it be. "And security around Myuashi Palace was always airtight. I could never manage to sneak in, though that didn't stop me from trying"

>What are mosquitos?

>Why try to sneak in?

>You were... green?

>Other
>>
>>1157275
>>What are mosquitos?
>You were... green?
>>
>>1157275
>Why try to sneak in?
>What were the festivals like?
>>
>>1157275
>>You were... green?
Is Vivi going to turn green too?
>>
>>1157275
>What are mosquitos?
>Suddenly Yuu gets a flashback about Florida mosquitoes.
>>
>>1157275
Isn't Myuashi Emi's last name?
>>
>>1157275
>Why try to sneak in?
>>
>>1157275
>Why try to "snek" in?
Come on guys step it up. We need Yuu Puns
>>
>writing
>>
>>1157304
Yep
>>
"Why try to sneak in?" You ask.
"I've heard the inside is beautiful" Katherine says. "An entire wing of the place is dedicated to art and stuff. Most of it was taken from the Kazus, but that doesn't make it any less impressive"

"Not true" Emi says. "Much of the gallery is full of sculptures made by Myuashi Sora"
"Ah yes" Katherine says. "The current lord's mother, I believe. Didn't she kick the bucket a few month ago?"
Emi looks depressed. "Yes, she did..." She says.

You decide to change the subject. If this topic is depressing Emi, maybe she'll find something else beter.

"If you wanted to see the inside so badly, why not make time during the festivals?" You ask.
"Like I said, I was busy" She says.
"Busy with what... Hunter's duties?" You ask.
"Nooo..." She says.

You look at her and wait for an answer.

"All right, I'll be honest with you. I was a fairly promiscuous young lady" She says. "The festivals were a high time for the things I enjoyed doing"
You blink a few times. "Pro-miss-que-us... what does that mean?" You ask.
"It means she got laid a lot" Cheska calls out from below.

"Oh... So what did you mean by 'green'?" You ask, quickly changing the topic again. "Is that normal for Felids? Will Ilica turn green at some point?"
Katherine laughs. "No, dear" She says. "You know how a newly sprouted tree is green until it grows a bit? I meant it like that. It's what we call new hunters. They're like sprouts that haven't yet toughened enough to be reliable"
"That makes more sense" You say. "I was trying to think of a reason why a Felid might turn green, and I couldn't think of anything that made sense"

"Well I was pretty green on the boat ride to Ebiha" Katherine says. "Never thought I'd be prone to seasickness, but I was strapped to a bucket that whole ride..."
"You didn't take an airship?" You ask.
"Nah. We only really use airships for the ocean crossing to the colonies" Katherine says. "Ebiha is close enough that I could take a boat"

>Ask if she's ever been to the colonies

>Ask what seasickness is

>Ask how long Cheska's been eavesdropping

>Other
>>
>>1157484
>Ask how long Cheska's been eavesdropping
>Ask if she's ever been to the colonies
>>
>>1157484
>>Ask how long Cheska's been eavesdropping
>>
>>1157484
>>Ask how long Cheska's been eavesdropping
>Ask what seasickness is
>>
>>1157484
>Ask if she's ever been to the colonies
World building ho!
>>
>writing
>>
You lean down so your head is upside down, then you look over at Cheska. "How long have you been eavesdropping?" You ask.
"Long enough for you to bumble your way into asking about somone's sex life" Cheska says. "But if you want to know when I actually started listening, it was probably around when you started talking about the Palace..."

"Are you interested in going there?" You ask.
"I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but if it were along the way to somewhere I'd probably drop in" Cheska says. "Now, they definitely wouldn't let me in. But that's for the best. Last palace I visited burned to the ground"

"Did you burn it down?" You ask.
"Surprisingly no" She says. "Wasn't me that time"
"I'm not sure whether I believe you or not..." You say.
"Hey, come on. If I'd burned down a whole palace I'd own up to it" Cheska says. "Not like it'd even be the worst thing I'd ever done"
"That's probably true" You say.

"You thinkin' of going to the palace, then?" Katherine asks you.
"Most likely" You say. "Once all of this is done, we're going to the Howling Tower. I guess if something interesting happens there, then we'll have to go to Myuashi Palace at some point, since the Whirling Pools are there"

"Ah yes. Though I'd heard that they don't let outsiders in there" Katherine says.

You turn to Emi to confirm this.

"It's true" Emi says.
"Crap... well then I'll just have to go ahead and fight everyone there" You say. "Then I can become King of the Isles. They can't tell their King that he can't go into the pools"
"Might be easier just to ask nicely" Katherine says. "Who knows? They might make an exception if you can prove that you can do something with the pools"
"That too" You say. "But failing that, I'm going all the way"

Down below, Hella and Esther finally emerge from the kitchen.

"Alright everyone! Dinner is served... almost" Hella says.
"Almost?" Madelaine asks.
"There's a lot, and we need help carrying it all out" Esther says.
"Alright, lemme get down and I'll help out..." You say.
>>
That's all for tonight!

Calling it a bit early because I'm tired as fuck. Next thread will either be tomorrow or Tuesday.

Keeping question.suggestion time brief, as I need sleep.
>>
>>1157629
Sleep well, thanks for the thread mate.
>>
>>1157623
>King of the Isles
sounds like a plan to me
>>
>>1157629

Thanks Smiley!
>>
>>1157629
Great thread, Smiley!
>>
You slip off the beam and land soundly on the ground below. Your sudden departure alerts Vivian, who looks around and starts mewling again.

"You wanna come down?" You ask.
"Mew"
"Jump down, I'll catch you" You say, raising your arms up towards the kitten.
"Mew" Vivi replies. She stands up and positions herself for the jump, but looks uncertain as to whether she should.

"Come on!" You say in an encouraging tone.
"Mew"
"I promise I'll catch you" You say.

Vivi shies away from the edge...

"L ooks like she could use a little motherly encouragement..." Katherine says.
"You're gonna help her down?" You ask.

Katherine smiles, and gives Vivi a light push. It doesn't knock her off, but it does startle her enough to make her jump off herself. She goes up by about a foot, and then comes back down, flailing all the way,

Luckily you're still waiting to catch her. Once she's safe in your hands, she looks around in confusion as she tries to piece together what just happened.

>Are all mothers like that?

>See? Told you I'd catch you

>Was that really necessary?

>Other
>>
>>1162071
>>See? Told you I'd catch you
>>
>>1162071
>>See? Told you I'd catch you
>>
>writing
>>
"See? Told you I'd catch you!" You say.
"Mew" Vivi says.

"That's... not really what I expected when you said 'motherly encouragment'..." Emi says.
"Maybe not most mothers. But I pride myself on knowing that my girl will always land on her feet... or in this case on her favourite chew toy" Katherine says.

"I'm not a che-ow!" You say, bopping Vivi's nose as she tries to bite you hand. "Stop that!"
"Merrr..."

Katherine laughs and slides off the beam, landing with just as much grace as she got up there with. "Here, you go help out, I'll take her and make sure I get a good seat"

You nod, and hand Vivi to her mother before your hands end up on the menu again. Then you head back into the kitchen.

"Alright, what needs hauling?" You ask.
"Just these" Hella says. "We've already brought out the rest, but these last 2 things are a little heavy..."
You smile. "Not to worry. Heavy is my middle name" You say.

...

"That didn't sound as good as I thought it would..." You say.
Hella giggles. "Come on, maybe your jokes will improve on a full stomach" You say.
"Can't get much worse. That was terrible" Cheska says.

>1/2
>>
You and Cheska finish hauling everything out, and then take your seats at the last chairs left.

"Why do you have so many chairs if it's just you living here?" You ask Hella.
"I used to have people over a lot, because I like to cook" Hella says. "Mostly it was just Tian, and Gwen's family, but sometimes I'd have hunters over too"
"Sounds like you were pretty popular" You say.

"N-not really" Hella says, a light blush starting to show on her face. "I-Ijust really like cooking..."

"Well it certainly smells good" Katherine says. "I know for a fact that you didn't get your cooking skills from your mother, speaking from experience..."
Hella giggles. "No, it was my dad who taught me how" She says.
"The Huntmaster?" Derrick asks.
Hella nods. "He's actually really good" She says. "He could make something even better than this with just standard rations"

"I thought that was just a rumour" Katherine says.
Hella shakes her head, and smiles. "Speaking from experience" She says. "Well, dig in, guys"
"Gladly" You say, taking from the various plates and pots to fill your plate.

>Ask about the Huntmaster's cooking prowess

>Talk about what to do once everyone's done

>Occupy mouth with food

>Other
>>
>>1162168
>>Occupy mouth with food
NOM.
>>
>>1162168
>>Occupy mouth with food
>>
>>1162168
>>Occupy mouth with food
>>
>>1162168
>>Occupy mouth with food
>>
>writing
>>
Rawr ;)
>>
>>1162201
XD
>>
File: 1485239045217.gif (89 KB, 600x450)
89 KB
89 KB GIF
>>1162201
>>1162204
>>
You could probably ask about a few things, but you're really hungry... and it all smells so good...

Ah, screw it. You grab your fork and dig in.

...

It's delicious. You aren't even sure what half of this stuff is, but it's all so good.

"How is it?" Hella asks.
"Delicious" Cheska says. "If I thought I could make something like this, I might actually show some patience and learn to cook"
"Glad you like it! I was worried that the dumplings might have been a little overdone, but it seems like they turned out fine" She says.

The table goes silent as everyone finds their mouths occupied. Only when the meal is almost done does anyone speak up.

"I don't think I could go back to field rations after that" Derrick says.
"You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" Cheska asks.
"Possibly" Derrick says.

"Wh-what are you thinking?" Hella asks.
"I was thinking seconds" Derrick says.
"Oh... so not thinkin' what I'm thinkin'" Cheska says. "I was gonna say we kidnap her so we don't have to go back to field rations"
"Huh? B-but I have to go back to Locke..." Hella says.
"That may not be so bad" Katherine says. "Your dad didn't get his skills in a kitchen. Maybe some field experience would do you some good"

Hella shies away, looking around the room for someone to help her out.

>Help her out

>I vote to take her

>Other
>>
>>1162222
>>I vote to take her
Quads.
>>
>>1162222
>>Help her out
>>
>>1162222
>>Help her out
>>
>>1162222
>I vote to take her
>>
>>1162222
>>I vote to take her
Checked
>>
>>1162222
>>Help her out
>>
>>1162222
>>Help her out
>>
>writing
>>
"This campaign we're on is a bit more dangerous than a simple hunt" You say. "And I was kinda hoping that we could go into our next mission without any non-combatant tag-alongs..."

Hella looks relieved that you're taking her side. But something bothers her, and her ears droop. "Y-you mean I'll be a burden..." She says.
You lean back in your chair. "It probably wouldn't be so bad, after all we managed this time with a kitten that has a love for running away" You say. "But hey, maybe next time you and Ilica can come along. That sounds like it'd be fun"

Her ears perk back up. "Maybe..." She says. "I'll see if I can talk to my parents about it"

"I'm sure they'd be fine with you going off on adventures" Katherine says. "After all, they let you and Stel live on your own at what... 12?"
"That was different. We had all of the guild members there to help us if we ever needed anything..." Hella says.
"And Ilica will be there this time. She's like a guild member" Katherine says. "Who knows, she might even be one officially by then. I'd expect nothing less from my little girl"

>Ask how Ilica's training is going

>Your little girl?

>I'll be there too...

>Other
>>
>>1162308
>>Your little girl?
>>
>>1162308
>Your little girl?
>Ask how Ilica's training is going
>>
>>1162308
>>Ask how Ilica's training is going
`
>>
>>1162308
>>Your little girl?
>>
>>1162329
SHIT MY TRIP'S ON
>>
>>1162332
It happens. Just don't make the same mistake I made when I tried running and reading at the same time and post your story post in the wrong thread. It's super embarrassing.

>writing
>>
File: 1402906703844.gif (1.33 MB, 516x465)
1.33 MB
1.33 MB GIF
>>1162308
>>Ask how Ilica's training is going
>
>>Your little girl?

>>1162332
>>
>>1162348
Oh god that must've sucked

>>1162349
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
>>
File: FUCKING PANCI.gif (1.56 MB, 500x282)
1.56 MB
1.56 MB GIF
>>1162349
>>1162349
>>1162349
HORY SHIET
>>
"Your little girl?" You ask. "Did I miss something?"
"Ah, yes. I knew I was forgetting something" Katherine says. "What Altea did with you gave Rich and I an idea, so after you guys left we got all the paperwork together and officially made Ilica our daughter"

Emi smiles. "That's wonderful!" She says.
"Yeah, it's good to hear" Derrick says.

"She was certainly happy, and I'm not supposed to tell you this, but she cried like a baby" Katherine says. "And then she asked where Vivi was, and we all panicked. We'd been so busy getting everything in order..."

"Turned out all right, though. She's safe and sound" You say.
"Yeah, but you have no idea how hard we searched before your message arrived..." Katherine says.

"How's her training going anyway?" You ask. "And come to think of it... who's training her if you're not there?"
"I called in a favour and had another hunter take over today. She's still working on her aim right now, so she doesn't need me specifically"

You nod. "Well here's hoping she's made some progress by the time this is all over" You say.
"She's certainly determined to learn" Katherine says. "I'd say you have nothing to worry about, unless she's comically bad... but if I saw that sort of ineptitude, I wouldn't have taken her on"

>1/2
>>
You sit back and relax, as Coral takes a piece of food from your plate and munches on it.

"She really can eat anything, can't she..." Hella says.
"Kind of like her creator" Derrick says.
Hella giggles. "It's just weird. All the sprites I've worked with turned their nose up at anything but the usual feed... even the brand new ones" She says. "I wonder what makes her different..."

"Maybe Yuu was hungry when he made her" Emi says. "I've heard sprites pick up on unconscious desires when you make them"
"I had just eaten breakfast" You say.
"Oh... nevermind then" Emi says.

"You guys might be looking at this the wrong way" Katherine says. "You're judging her as a sprite, which I don't think is right. Coral might have been made the same way, but not with the same stuff. I'd wager it might even be wrong to call her a sprite..."

"That might be true" Emi says. "Have you been keeping up with yoru note taking, Yuu? I'm sure Jade and Fran are still curious about her"
"Oh yeah..." You say. "Well, she hasn't really done anything that special..."

Coral takes the piece of crust she was munching on away from her mouth and puffs out her cheeks.

Hella laughs at her antics, as she stands up. "I should get this all cleaned up, and pack away the leftovers" She says. "Once I'm done, I'll bring out the cookies. Anyone want to help?"
"If I help will it mean I'll get my cookies faster?" You ask.
"Of course. The more hands we have, the faster it gets done" Hella says.

>Well then count me in

>I'm good here

>Send Coral to help

>Other
>>
>>1162455
>>Well then count me in
>>
>>1162455
>>Well then count me in
>>
>>1162470
FUCKING GODDAMN PISS SHIT
>>
>>1162477
Hyuk hyuk hyuk hyuk
>>
>>1162455
>>Well then count me in

>>1162477
Jesus Christ.
>>
>>1162455
>>Well then count me in
>>1162477
kek
>>
>>1162487
>>1162484
>>1162490

I KEEP TRIPFAGGING IN ANOTHER QUEST

I DESERVE NOTHING BUT DEATH
>>
>>1162492
Bruh who even cares, we have another tripfag that frequents this quest. Nobody is going to chase you out for it.
>>
>writing
>>
>>1162492
Tripfaggotry has always been the bane of 4chan, but who cares really. Nobody here knows about you anyway.
>>
"Might as well help out, then" You say. "Coming, Coral?"
Coral crosses her arms and turns away.
"I'll share my cookie with you" You say.

The sprite tries to stay mad, but her wings start to flutter, and she flies up to you.
You pat her head, and follow after Hella.

"That's something you'll want to tell Fran about" Hella says. "I've never seen a sprite get cross before"
"She's not cross, right Coral?" You ask.

Coral turns away and floats over to Hella, purposefully flopping onto her shoulder.

"It's neat that you're so emotive, but I can't feed you energy... you're going to have to stop being mad at him eventually" Hella says.
Coral shrugs.

Hella sighs. "Same nonchalant approach to your survival as your creator..." She says. "Are you sure you didn't ask for a double when you made her?"
"Pretty sure" You say.
"Well, let's get to work. If Coral puts things away then we'll be done in no time!" She says, as she hands you a brush.

>1/2
>>
"And this one goes up there" Hella says, as she hands a dried plate to Coral.

You're still amazed by the strength sprites hve in their little bodies. That plate is wider than Coral is tall, and she lifts it with no problem.

...

If only you could lift things like that... then you could just throw them at people and not have to worry about fighting...

"How's it going there, Yuu? You've been scrubbing that last pan for a while" Hella says.
"This one bit of dirt won't come off..." You say.
"What bit of dirt?" She asks.
You pull the pan out of the water. "That bit" You say, pointing to it with the brush.
"I don't see it..." She says.
"I do" You say.

Hella leans in closer. "Oh, now I see it" She says. "You're worried about that little speck?"
"It bugs me" You say. "How can I scrub the inquisition from Lubars if I can't get this stupid little bit of dirt..."
"Just leave it" She says. "It's so small, I doubt it'll make a difference"

>Fine

>I aint no quitter

>Other
>>
>I aint no quitter
>>
>>1162661
>>>I aint no quitter
>>
>>1162661
>I aint no quitter
>>
>>1162661
>>I aint no quitter
>>
>writing
>>
"But I'll know it's there" You say.
Hella sighs. "Fine. Here, let me" She says, as she reaches for the brush.
"No, it's fine. I can do it" You say.

Hella tries to take the brush, which leads to a struggle.

After a short back and forth she falls over, taking you down with her and landing on top of you.

"Ow" You say.
"Sorry! I slipped on something" She says. "I wonder what it was..."
"Your floor is wet" You say.
"How can you tell?" She asks.
"Because my back is now wet" You say.

Still on top of you, Hella looks around. "It's not like you were splashing enough for that, so what..." She says, as her eyes settle on the bottom of her fairly large sink.

You feel what she's looking at before you see it: a crack in her sink that's letting out a steady drip right on your head.

"Someone must have hit it with something... this crack looks pretty bad. I'm just glad it hasn't-" As she says this, you hear a creak. A large piece of the sink's bottom and side comes off, spilling it's contents on the two of you. Hella blinks a few times, and sighs. "-come apart..."

"At least it's just water" You say, once the flow slows down enough that you can open your mouth without getting water in it.

Then the pan comes out and hits you square in the forehead, followed shortly by the brush.

"Ow" You say.

Hella starts to laugh, and then you start to laugh. The two of you slowly get back to your feet.

"Let's see if we can't get you dried off, okay?" She asks.
"Sounds good" You reply.

>1/2
>>
Hella heads upstairs to grab some towels, while Emi helps out with the spill. Meanwhile, Katherine admires the damage to the sink.

"Yikes" Katherine says. "I'd say you're lucky it didn't burst earlier, but I guess it picked a pretty bad time didn't it?"
"What were you two doing on the floor anyway?" Cheska asks.
"We slipped" You say. "Well... she slipped"

"Sure she did" Cheska says.
"She did" You say.

Cheska just laughs menacingly...

"Here" Hella says, as she hands you a towel.
"Thanks" You say. You take the towel and start dryig your face off.
"You should probably take a bath, too. That water wasn't exactly clean" She says.
"Where? The guild hall burned down" You say.

"I have a bathtub here" She says. "It's in the washroom, over there"
"We should all probably wash up. It's been a long day" Derrick says.
"It's only big enough for 1 person, unfortunately" Hella says. "But it's heated, so the water stays warm"

"Living in luxury, huh?" Cheska asks.
"Ah... well, no. I probably spent more on it than I should have. But I like to take long baths, so... yeah" She says. "I can get the water running, if you guys want to get that started"
"Yes, please" Derrick says.

"Alright, I'll let you know when it's ready" She says.

As soon as Hella leaves, you, Derrick, and Cheska lock eyes.

>Dibs on first

>Wait, what about the cookies?

>Now where'd that pan go...

>Other
>>
>>1162841
>>Dibs on first
>
>>Wait, what about the cookies?
>>
>>1162841
>>Dibs on first
>>Wait, what about the cookies?
>>
>Dibs on first

>Wait, what about the cookies?
>>
>>1162841
>>Wait, what about the cookies?
>>Now where'd that pan go...

Priorities, beat the dirt then cookies.
>>
>writing
>>
File: 1486322801380.jpg (81 KB, 768x768)
81 KB
81 KB JPG
>>1162841
>Dibs on first
Also Yuu reminds me of a younger and smaller shichika.
>>
"Dibs on first" You say.
"I call fi- damn..." Cheska says. "Ah well, I'll take se-"
"Dibs on second" Derrick says.

"You should probably let Hella go second" You say. "She got wet too"
"Alright, I'll take third then" Derrick says.

Cheska puffs out her cheeks. "Fine, but don't take too long. I like my water hot" She says.
"Can't you just heat it up with magic?" You ask.
"I don't have the best track record with that, and I don't wanna burn Hella's house down" She says.

"I'll try not to take too long... but with 3 people before you I doubt it'll be that hot" Derrick says.
Cheska smiles mischieviously, and rubs her shoulder against your chest. "I could always double up with Yuu" She says. "Maybe have some fun..."

You tilt your head. "I thought it didn't fit 2 people" You say.
"On second thought, nevermind" She says.

"What ever happened to those cookies anyway?" You ask. "I was looking forward to eating those..."
"Oh, those? We ate 'em all while you were doing the dishes" Cheska says.

You turn to Cheska with a look of utter betrayal, and she laughs.

"Kidding, they're around somewhere" She says.

>1/2
>>
File: Laputa.jpg (173 KB, 704x384)
173 KB
173 KB JPG
>>1162898
In regards to his personality, and youth, I actually always imagined him as Pazu, from Castle in the Sky.
>>
>>1162968
Not this kid
>>
>>1162979
Looks familiar, but I can't place him. Who's the guy in the pic?
>>
>>1162979
Hi Ath!
>>
>>1162989
Arren, from Tales of Earthsea, the anime based on the books

>>1162990
This keeps happening so I'm just gonna not even be surprised or ashamed when I forget to remove my trip anymore.
>>
"Alright, it's all ready" Hella says, as she comes back down.
"Cool, but where are the cookies?" You ask.

Hella giggles. "Oh, I put them up here" She says. "Sorry, I probably should've brought them out before I went up"
"That's fine, so long as they come out eventually" You say.

Hella gets on her tiptoes to reach into the cupboard, and pull out a plate of dragon-shaped cookies.

"There. Not quite fresh out of the oven, but they should still be soft" She says.
You smile as you take one. "Thank you!" You say, pecking Hella on the cheek before heading off to the washroom.

You take a bite out of the cookie as you go. It's soft, and tastes like... ginger? You're not quite sure what flavour that is, but it's good, and in the end that's all that matters.

The cookie is done by the time you reach the bathroom. You step in and look around.

It's very... white. There's a toilet, a sink with a mirror, a storage box, and the tub; which is currently steaming.

You stick a finger in to test the water. It's hot, but not enough to burn you. Quickly ditching your wet clothes, you step in.

You'll probably have to do something about those... not much point in getting clean if you're just going to get back into your wet, dirty clothes.

But that can wait until after you're clean.
>>
That's all for tonight!

Next thread will be either thursday or friday.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time!
>>
>>1163046
Thanks smiley.
>>
>>1163046
Thanks for running Smiley
>>
>>1163046
Thanks for running, man.
>>
THanks for the thread!
>>
>>1163046
Great thread, Smiley!




Delete Post: [File Only] Style:
[Disable Mobile View / Use Desktop Site]

[Enable Mobile View / Use Mobile Site]

All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective parties. Images uploaded are the responsibility of the Poster. Comments are owned by the Poster.