IN ON GROUND FLOOR

Perhaps it's time we came out and told Elana our feelings? I mean it really should be obvious by now, but girls need to hear these things, you know?

Maybe you should tell the other guys on the mailing list the game's on?

bump

I can't think of anything important we need to do, no.
Assuming Elana's already left and we've thanked her for all her help.

We were planning to send a message to the Matrons and let them know we were free to talk to them at a mutually convenient time - now, if they wanted to since they'd probably just put the kids to bed.

Do we have anything like a pair of glasses or goggles?
We should eventually test a pair of those with the bone warden for truesight. So I vote we look around for anything that looks like it would work as a pair of goggles or possibly make a pair.

>>15235019
We had mention of using a helm visor in previous threads, that'd be pretty good protection and some kind of sight dealie.

>>15234659
If Elana is still around we may as well thank her properly and tell her how much we care for her and how much she matters to us. We might as well put that out there and see where it goes. If we have free time after that we may as well chat up the Matrons and get them on our side on this whole younger apprentice thing and finding one with great spiritual potential.

>>15235070
Seconding. And we should see our sister if possible.

You smile at Elana as she places the last bowl back into its proper cabinet. She tosses the apron she had worn to the side, sinking into a chair across from you with a relieved sigh. Her eyes are closed as she reclines back into the soft surface of the chair, though she cracks one open and returns your smile when she has made herself comfortable.

"Seems like that went pretty well for you, Osyki." she says. "Didn't know you had it in you to be so diplomatic."

You chuckle. "Elana, you know I'm the suavest operator in the village. Don't try to deny it." you tease, sticking your tongue out slightly. She laughs at this, shaking her head.

"Oh yeah, Osyki the lady-killer. Let me know when you can walk properly, and then maybe we'll see about that title." she says. You mock-wince, grasping your chest.

"I'm wounded!" you cry out melodramatically, before lapsing back into a grin. "But seriously, Elana, thank you for your help. I couldn't have made any of this happen without you. You've been incredible over the past few days."

She blushes slightly at this, looking to the side and brushing a lock of hair over her ear. "Hey, don't mention it, Osyki. I'm just doing my job, you know? Gotta get you back into fighting shape. Can't have our Totemist down and out for too much longer. Besides," she says, meeting your gaze once more, "I owe you for keeping me safe."

>>15235139
"Glad to have done it. And despite the fact that there were reasons for it to do with doing the right thing, and that I'd have fought for any one of us in line with my duties, and even that you're one of the people that undertakes crucial tasks in the village, I'm glad I got the chance to defend someone I care about."

And then smile.

>>15235139
If she stays and talks we should stay and talk, deepen the relationship, enjoy her company and relax. We do deserve it. However if she says she has to go we should aim for a kiss goodnight and once she's gone meet with the Matrons to discuss plans once the kids are tucked in bed.

>>15235184
*to defend someone I personally care a great deal for."

Let's make that moar obvious.

>>15235418
Herp, forgot to namefag

"Glad to have done it. And despite the fact that there were reasons for it to do with doing the right thing, and that I'd have fought for any one of us in line with my duties, and even that you're one of the people that undertakes crucial tasks in the village, I'm glad I got the chance to defend someone I personally care a great deal for."

She blinks, her mouth slightly open. A red flush spreads across her cheeks, and she turns her gaze to the floor, mumbling something incoherent for a few moments. You sit up further, swinging your legs over the side of the bed. She glances up at you, and her confused mutterings have given way to a small smile. Moving like lightning she stands, crosses the room, gives you a small kiss on the cheek, and then heads for the door. By the time you're able to open your mouth, she's already slipping outside.

"Sleep well Osyki." she says, and then the door shuts.

You rub your cheek, unable to keep a wide grin from spreading over your face. You hear Tryd chuckle from his place in the waning fire. Glancing over, you can see the soot imp shaking his head. "What?" you demand, obviously flustered.

"You take down an elder Rock Turtle, a Bone Warden, and a splinter of a nigh-invincible spirit in the space of three days, and you still can't help looking like a dumbstruck kid. Might want to work on that, Osyki. Can't have the villagers seeing you fawning after the Healer's apprentice. It'd ruin your air of mystique."

>>15235514
"I am a gentleman of taste, Tryd, and I couldn't imagine myself with anyone else."

>>15235514
"Well, thanks for spotting it, but at least if the air if mystique goes away they'll respect me for what I am and not what they imagine me to be. Or keep their distance from me, like they did from my master."

Send Amal to see if the matrons are awake and have time to talk to you. If not, we'll see them in the morning.

>>15235514
We don't want quite as much of an air of mystique and separation that Aryen had, being relatable is very much a part of who I am Tryd, and I care for her deeply and I couldn't care less how people see it.

Call for Amal and get a message to the Matron's saying that we'd love to discuss matters with them at their earliest convenience.

>>15235557
>Same timestamp as me
>Same content
>Great minds, bro.

You shake your head. "You say that as if it's a bad thing, Tryd. I don't want to be regarded as some mysterious, terrifying figure. Mystique isn't what I want. I want to be a member of the community. I want to be... respected for who I am, and what I actually do. Not for what people imagine me as."

Tryd stares at you for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "You're some piece of work, kid." he says, turning his back on you and sinking deeper into the pile of burning logs. You shake your head, calling Amal over from across the room.

"What can I do for you, Osyki?" he asks.

"Amal, will you carry a message to the Matron on duty? Ask her if now is a good time for me to speak with her. The children should be in bed about now."

"On it." the prism says, flying away. "Be back in a Warden's step."

His words spark a thought in your mind, and as you watch him phase through the wall, you draw Cordia's focus from your pocket. The smooth bone is cold in your hands. It occurs to you that you've not really been making the best use of this Focus, for all the trouble you went through to obtain it. Resolving to visit the Blacksmith first thing in the morning, you look up at Amal as he returns through the wall.

"The matron would be pleased to meet you, Osyki. She requests that you join her by the washing pools."

>>15235777
Well, get on over there, then. Bring Amal and Tryd.

>>15235777
Get out of bed and go to the washing pools. Bring our spirits with of course, they're going to be part of this arrangement so they should be involved.

You haul yourself out of bed, pocketing your Foci and heading for the door. Cloudwalker's Stride hums contentedly on your feet as you make your way down the village path. Amal flies by your side, while Tryd sits perched on your shoulder. The washing pools aren't a very convenient walk from your workshop, unlike the majority of the places you've visited recently; they are practically across the settlement, and although ordinarily that would be inconsequential, your injuries make your progress slow going. When you arrive at the pools, night has nearly fallen completely. The Matron sits by the side of one of the pools, hanging a small shirt over one of the drying lines. A line of small fires roars beneath these lines, protected by a few totems installed on either end. She smiles as you approach, giving you a nod. "Good evening, Totemist." she says.

You return her nod with one of your own, taking a seat by her side. Tryd immediately settles into one of the drying rack's flames, humming contentedly, while Amal hovers silently by your side. The Matron watches them for a moment, then turns to you. She's a younger woman than the vast majority of Matrons, hardly out of her twenties. She runs a hand through her long, black hair, pushing it over her shoulder. "What is it that you wanted to talk about?" she asks.

"The elders have given me the go ahead to start looking for apprentices. Now, I have an idea about how to go about finding the right one, but, I'll need the cooperation of the matrons for this, as well, I'd like it if the children were not aware of this. Not until a selection has been made."

>>15236006
"I'm here to continue an earlier conversation about taking on an apprentice when they're next sent out, matron. I know it is an unusual request, but I will have another to aid me in raising the child, and have asked the elders permission. They feel it would be wise to train a replacement, should one of my ventures end in my death."

"I have come to ask if you've any suggestions, and to perhaps keep an eye out for any hardy, self-reliant children under your care, or any that seem to have an affinity with nature or spirits. The advice of the matrons on the entire matter would also be appreciated."

>>15236006
I have been given the all clear to have two apprentices, one of around my age as part apprentice part all purpose assistant and a younger one as a more traditional apprentice.

I come to you asking for your aid and advice in selecting an apprentice who will do honor do the position and the village. One who is determined and shows potential with spirits.

"I'm here to continue an earlier conversation about taking on an apprentice when they're next sent out." you say, watching Amal warm himself in the flames. "The elders have given me the go ahead to start looking for an apprentice, since they feel it would be wise to train a replacement, should one of my ventures end in my death. Now, I have an idea about how to go about finding the right one, but, I'll need the cooperation of the matrons for this, as well, I'd like it if the children were not aware of this. Not until a selection has been made."

You explain in brief detail your plan to have some of the children play a game of tag with Tryd, and possibly Amal, during free time in the coming days. Not only will it help you select a child who is the most spiritually attuned, it will help to keep your image as a friendly ally, rather than a mysterious sorcerer. The Matron groans slightly at the prospect of the laundry that a game of Tag with a soot spirit would generate, and the two of you laugh at the appropriateness of the setting for your conversation.

"Id be happy to assist in the washing up afterward." you say, still smiling. "Listen, I know it is an unusual request, but I will have another to aid me in raising the child, and it's important that we keep the future of the village's safety and comfort in mind."

The Matron nods. "I will discuss this with the other Matrons first thing tomorrow, Osyki. It sounds as though you've thought this through. For now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get some sleep. I'm on breakfast duty for the children tomorrow, so I need to be cooking by dawn."

>>15236290
Thank her for taking the time and politely bid her good night, then get your sore, wounded ass to bed.

>>15236290
With a slight bow say "Thank you very much Ma'am, I also must get to bed. When you see my sister could you please give her my love. Good night."

>>15236354
Yeah that sounds good.

Bowing deeply, I excuse myself and thank herself for the chat. "If it might make the washing easier, I can see about getting the service of a water spirit to help, once things quiet down a bit. For now, I need to grab some shut-eye. Give my sister my love, will you?"

You give the Matron a bow as she stands. Tryd hops from the fire as he sees that you're readying yourself to leave.

"Thank you for taking the time to see me, madam." you say. You straighten from your bow. The Matron shakes her head, obviously amused. "Give my love to my sister for me in the morning, will you?"

"I will, Osyki." she says. "Rest well. We need you in top condition again, you know."

"Don't I know it." you say, wincing. "Rest well."

"And you, Totemist." she says, walking away from the pond. You quickly make your own way back to your home, sinking into bed with a satisfied sigh. It's good to know that every day doesn't have to contain a desperate fight for your life. Amal locks the door as you settle under the blanket, while Tryd tends to keeping the fire stoked. You hope that you'll be able to see Elana more tomorrow. The warmth of your tent quickly lulls you to sleep, and you rest with a merciful lack of dreams.
(Cont.)

The birds chirping outside of your hut inform you that morning has risen, and so must you. You slowly roll out of bed, dully going about your morning. You make sure to cleanse the workshop again, having nearly forgotten to do so for the past few days. You place a note by your bed to remind you to perform the ritual of sanctification each morning. Hopefully it will remind you.

As you finish your breakfast, the remnants of the stew from the evening before, there is a knock at your door. You instruct Amal to see who is outside as you have come to do recently, and he returns rotating vertically.

"Your sister, Osyki." he says.

Forgoing the usual mysterious ritual of having Amal open the door for you, you quickly hop off of your stool and fling the door open. Aurora beams up at you, immediately latching her arms around your waist.

"Good morning, Osy!" she says excitedly. "I convinced the Matrons to let me eat breakfast with you. How are you feeling?"

>>15236570
>>15236655
Hug your sister, tell her you're feeling better thanks to Elana and the healer, give her some stew if there's any left, and ask her how she is and to tell you about the goings-on of the raising house.

Give her a loving pat on the head while calling for Tryd to start the fire agai., "Better now that I get to share with a meal with such a fearsome little warrior. Though I already ate... But we'll see what we can fix up for you, won't we? Come on, you can help me see what all's left in the pantry."

>>15236655
Sore, a bit achy but getting better.

As much as I'd like to pick her up and spin her around that seems like a bad plan with our injuries.

Definitely get our sister some breakfast, we haven't seen her for a couple days. Ask how life is in the raising house and ask about her friends. Over breakfast we can tell her a tiny bit about our fight with the giant but we should tell her mainly about Boa and Sylvia, if we get her to spread these stories the kids will better understand what our duties actually are and we won't seem to weird and apart from them.

>>15236753
Not bad. Secondan.

>>15236753
Good agenda. Thirdan.

You grin, stooping down to give your sister a fond pat on the head. "Much better, now that you're here." you say. "Elana patched me up alright. Come on in, I'll have Tryd warm up some food for you."

She scurries inside, and you glance over at the soot imp. He rolls his ember-like eyes, walking across the room to ignite the fire once more. You serve Aurora a steaming bowl of stew soon after, sitting across the table from her.

"So?" you ask. "How are things in the raising house? Anyone giving you any trouble?"

She shakes her head, blond tresses bouncing everywhere. "Nobody's been mean to me, ever since you became the new Totemist." she says. "Every thinks that it's really cool that you're my brother. And I beat Leo in a swordfight again!"

You smile at her. "Well, good job. Staying out of trouble, I hope?"

She fidgets in her seat. "Of course I am, Osy! I don't get into trouble."

You both sit in silence for a moment before bursting out in laughter, neither of you able to hold a straight face for long. She recovers first, shoveling another spoonful of stew into her mouth.

"But really, Aura." you say. "You are staying out of trouble, right?"

She chews for what seems like an excessive period of time before nodding. "Mostly, anyway. I got in trouble for sneaking out into the forest during free time."

>>15236995
Well, maybe it runs in the family.

Ask her what she did in the forest.

>>15236995
Laugh and tell her you did the exact same thing as a kid and prod her gently for details. After she has told her story we can relate our first meeting with Sylvia, under the agreement she doesn't tell others about it, we don't want the kids swarming the woods looking for spirits. If that goes over well we can tell her about Boa and our current dealings with Sylvia, these are OK for retelling to illustrate that most of what we do is keep peace through works and deals rather than through fights.

>>15236995
While I can't stop you from sneaking out every now and then- Can you at least promise me you'll stay away from the deeper parts of the forest for the next few days? There are some really dangerous things running around now, I don't want you to get hurt, not if I can do anything about it. If you really must go out, can you at least keep in touch? There's a water spirit named Boa that lives in the forest, make it a habit to check in with her, just so I know where you are. Please?

You smile. "You know, I did the same thing, once. It ended up being a pretty cool adventure for me. Made the scolding I got from the matrons completely worth it."

Aurora looks up at you with wide eyes, clearly eager for a story from her brother. You laugh, indulging her with the tale of your first momentous trip into the wood, complete with your encounter with Sylviannis and your master for the first time. She listens with rapt attention, nodding her head.

"I don't want you to get any ideas from this, though." you say as you finish your tale. "The wood's been filled with deadly things lately, and I don't want to have to come hunting you down while I'm still recovering. The next time you get the urge to go exploring, try going to see the Spring near the village. Trust me," you say at your sister's grimace, "It's more interesting than you might think. There's a spirit who lives there that's a very interesting lady."

After a bit of conversation with your sister, she finishes her meal and you send her on her way. You have around an hour to prepare before you're tasked to meet with the Healer in her hut. What will you do, Totemist?

[[ Sorry for the delays, folks, 4chan's being pissy about posting for me. ]]

>>15237401
Talk to Cordia about where exactly she and her party were attacked.

Talk to the smith about a helmet with a visor in it.

Talk to the craftsmen, arrange for the parts for the first 30 totems to be made.

>>15237401
Some light exercise and stretching to make sure we don't stiffen up. Talk to the blacksmith about cool sunglasses, make sure the craftsmen are ready to make the totems.

We'll want someone to collect the totems scattered around the village and we don't want it to be us, we could either recruit the children to do it, make it a game with a reward to whoever collects the most or get people with actual work to do it, I'd go for the kids.

If we have some time chat with Cordia about her history.

You begin on a series of light stretches, attempting to work the stiffness out of your sore muscles. The regimen helps you to bend a little further than you were able to yesterday, though you're excited to begin on your training regimen with Pierce properly. As you finish your exercises, you call Cordia into the material realm. She fades into being on your bed, sitting with her chin resting on her hand.

"What can I do to be of service, Totemist?" she asks. Her eyes are less red than the last time you called upon her, though her skeletal figure hasn't changed a bit. She seems unhappy, though you can't tell the cause of it.

"I was wondering if you could give me a bit of history on yourself." you say, winding your arm around in its socket. "It'd be in my best interest to know where your settlement was, and how long ago this attack on it took place. Do you think that you could help me out?"

"I... would rather not speak of that occasion, Totemist." she says, her eyes firmly glued to the floor. "It's painful for me, emotionally and physically."

>>15237631
Don't push it, say something comforting and that we'll be here to listen to anything you want to say to us and it can wait until you're comfortable talking about it. Then switch the conversation to something much cheerier and lighthearted. Try to form a rapport with her and get to know her better.

>>15237668
Secondan.

>>15237631
"At the very least, I would like to see about tending to any unburied dead. Have them properly sent off."

>>15237757

No, there probably weren't any bodies left. Bone wardens add bones, scavengers eat meat, and so on.

"...I understand." you say, raising her Focus. "Tell me when you feel comfortable speaking of it, Cordia. There's no rush."

"Thank you, Totemist." she says as she fades from sight. You regard the spot where she sat for a moment before grabbing your pack and setting off.

As you walk toward the healer's hut, you summon Amal. Asking him to deliver a note to the matron, you quickly scribble down instructions on a scrap of paper. The note amounts to asking the Matron to set up a game for the children, a sort of scavenger hunt for any inactive totems within the walls. The faster you can get a total on the number of wards which need to be replaced, the faster you can keep your village safe from the likes of the Magus. You send Amal to the Raising House, and Tryd off to the woodcrafters with your work order. As the Healer's hut comes into view, you smile. Your wounds are on the mend, and for the first time since Ayren's death, you're feeling as though you are truly making a difference in the wellfare of your village outside of its immediate safety. It's a rewarding feeling.

[[ Finally. That was the fifth time 4chan ate that post before it went through. Not sure if it's problems on my end or the website's, but I'm cutting this here tonight. Sorry for the short quest, folks. I'll send out an email about when the next quest's going up. Email the address in the post to get on the mailing list. ]]

Thread archived. Remember to vote.

>>Talk to the smith about a helmet with a visor in it.
>>Talk to the blacksmith about cool sunglasses

Regarding the creation of an item that would give us the ability to see the spiritual "truths" of objects as the mirror did using Cordia as the base, we should probably endeavor to make spectacles based on reading stones, or else just regular glass. If we really want sunglasses, we're gonna have to use smokey quartz, though I'm doubting how effective it'll be.

Then again, spectacles using Cordia might just result in Mystic Eyes of Gurovision.

Oh, and I've known Diarca for over 3 damn years, just fyi.

>>15238092
>>3

Shit, actually, make that, like, 8 years. Dear lord, time flies.

>>15238149
>>15238092
Make him update faster.