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You've never been bowed to before. The effect is unsettling and embarrassing, and you wonder if this sort of thing is why the Duke seems to detest the formalities of his station and rank.

You are not familiar with the etiquette of this situation. Or any other etiquette. But you have the vague impression that it is often best to copy what others do, on the basis that they usually know what they are doing.

You bow, just as deeply. "Knight-Apprentice Warnicolma Santikariya," you say, giving your full name a slight hint of emphasis. "I hope we will be able to work well together."

You are rewarded with the sight of William's smirk becoming fixed, as he tries to decide whether to attempt maintaining what he believes to be a suave demeamour around this level of foreign-ness. You've never found out why everyone here has such difficulty with your full name. It's a lovely-sounding name; someone, somewhere, had probably spent quite some time coming up with it.

"A fair rejoinder, Nicole," he finally says. "I've heard a bit about you from Clarissa's missives."

You've made your point, it seems. "How much of a bit?" you ask cautiously.

"Not too much," William admits. "Clarissa seems strangely reluctant to put details to paper. And there hasn't been much time for messages to pass back and forth between Alvar and Gracewell, since you've arrived. I did hear about your unfortunate tumble down the wizard's tower."

Him, and everyone else.

"Shall we head to the training yard?" William suggests. "I would love an opportunity to see what skills you possess. Not a competition, of course; simply to satisfy my curiosity."

Based on the timeframe, William will have heard about your fluke victory against Clarissa using the training swords. You're not sure if she has told him about... anything else.

> "Yes, sir."
> "With a sword, sir? Or something else?"

>>35766773
>> "With a sword, sir? Or something else?"
PUT UP YA DUKES

>>35766773
> "Yes, sir."

He can evaluate what he asks for. No more, no less.

>>35766773
> "With a sword, sir? Or something else?"

>>35766773
>"Yes, sir"
He's probably expecting you to request a sword.

>>35766773
>"With a sword, sir? Or something else?"

>>35766773
>. It's a lovely-sounding name; someone, somewhere, had probably spent quite some time coming up with it.
Who named us???

>>35766932
Mr. Someone Somewhere.

>>35766932
Anon.

Even if Clarissa hadn't told William about your specialized skillset, the truth will come out soon enough. "With a sword, sir? Or something else?"

William gives you that same insufferable smirk as before. "I had been thinking of testing your progress with a sword, but now that you've mentioned it, I am curious about what else you might show me."

You remind yourself that William is now your instructor, and it is not good form to punch him in the face, no matter how aggravating he might be.

The training courtyard is empty, since most of the palace guards are either on duty or drafted into helping the Duke and his entourage unpack. Roderick is still seated at his usual spot inside the armoury, reading the same book as before.

"It's been a while, Roderick," William greets him.

"Ever-flowing is the river you cross on your journey," Roderick says.

William's smile fades. "Beg pardon?"

> "But the bridge remains sturdy under your feet. Good morning, Roderick."
> "It's a daily proverb. I think it's quite nice."
> Remain silent, let Roderick explain

>>35767105
> "But the bridge remains sturdy under your feet. Good morning, Roderick."

>>35767105
>> "But the bridge remains sturdy under your feet. Good morning, Roderick."

Can't help it. Must show off.

>>35767105
>> "But the bridge remains sturdy under your feet. Good morning, Roderick."

Fuck maintaining cover. Breaking it in interesting ways is more fun.

>>35767105
> "But the bridge remains sturdy under your feet. Good morning, Roderick."
Can't leave him hanging.

>>35767125
"I know proverbs" is about the least incriminating thing we've done, isn't it? Especially now that Roderick already knows he'd probably find it odd if we stopped.

>>35767105
>> "But the bridge remains sturdy under your feet. Good morning, Roderick."

>>35767199
Knowing many proverbs is suspicious, though. We'll slip up and answer an ancient one we have no reason to know about sooner or later. I guess we could check out a book on proverbs even if we don't intend to read it.

Once again, the proverb is phrased differently from what you are accustomed to. "But the bridge remains sturdy under your feet," you reply. "Good morning, Roderick."

"Nicole." Roderick nods to you. "You always have the most interesting additions to the quotations. I don't think that's in the book."

"Just a variation from home," you say modestly.

"You should make a list one day. It would be fascinating reading." Roderick turns to William, who is looking thoughtfully at you. "It's just a habit I'm trying to cultivate. Thought of the day, and all that; like what they do in churches."

This has the advantage of removing William's attention off you. "I didn't think you're a religious type, Roderick."

"Never have been," Roderick says cheerfully. "But thinking about a quote or proverb for the day improves the mind and spirit, doesn't it? Else why'd they keep doing it."

"Tradition, I'd assume." William indicates the rack of training weapons behind the armoury. "We're here for a bit of practice."

"Help yourselves," Roderick says, leaning back to continue his reading. "I should warn you that the little lady has claws."

"Does she now."

You manage to stop yourself from checking your fingernails. Roderick was only using a figure of speech, after all.

William picks up two training swords, and leads you to an open area. He hands one to you, hilt-first, then salutes with his own "Any time, kitten."

> "My name is Nicole."
> Salute with your sword
> Meow

>>35767276
>You manage to stop yourself from checking your fingernails. Roderick was only using a figure of speech, after all.
Hahahah. When do we get to go full monster?

> Salute with your sword
> Meow

>>35767276
> Salute with your sword

>>35767276
>Salute with your sword
>Meow

>You manage to stop yourself from checking your fingernails. Roderick was only using a figure of speech, after all.
Just what are we? I'm pretty sure elves don't have claws.

>>35767276
> Salute with your sword
> Meow
Yes.

Also, that proverb, something along the lines of "Even if things change, everything remains the same"? or something along those lines.

>>35767307
A shapeshifter, maybe? It would explain all the dissection comments.

Though if that was the case, I imagine we would choose to blend in better than a brown loli.

>>35767307
>Just what are we?

Someone with a poor sense of humor.

>>35767312
> Also, that proverb, something along the lines of "Even if things change, everything remains the same"? or something along those lines.

Roderick's version: everything changes; you can't cross the same river twice.

Nicole's version: even if the task seems difficult, trust in the path you've chosen.

>>35767276
>Salute with your sword

>>35767324
Loli? Nicole looks like a loli to you? I think at worst she's... "petite."

>>35767376
Ah, I was a quarter right.

>>35767393
She's "petite" enough that I can warp her to fit my preferences. If she actually was a loli, she'd be getting comments on it in-story.

>>35767412
She's already brown, socially awkward, petite yet physically competent, and seemingly very intelligent. Her waifu score is off the charts. Bad things could happen if you go deeper.

After a moment of consideration, you decide that you do not like being called a kitten, or a cat, or any sort of domesticated animal. In fact, you're pretty sure that instructor or not, William had no right to do that. You might only be a knight-apprentice, but you do have the rights and responsibilities of a knight-apprentice, and that includes not being condescended at or mocked by your immediate superior.

William does not seem like the sort to cease his teasing simply because you say so, however. In fact, he might double his efforts, if only because he knows it will get a reaction out of you.

If direct disapproval will not work, maybe going the other way may help.

You salute with your own sword, following what you remember of Clarissa's movements; William's version is a little too fancy for your tastes. You make sure you are looking William in the eye, and hold his gaze for a full second. "Meow."

William almost drops his training sword. He does not double over laughing, but only because such an action would no doubt be unbefitting of his social image. He holds up a finger for a brief time-out, wheezing his muffled laughter into his elbow.

You have to admit that seeing him genuinely happy like this makes him look much more attractive, and certainly much less irritating. That condescending smirk had been a little too practiced to be entirely real.

When William finally recovers, he still has a wide grin on his face. "All right, I get the point. Clarissa warned me about your sense of humour, but I did not expect that."

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Actually, most of the time it doesn't. "Please don't do that again."

>[1/2]

"I make no promises." William lazily eases into a stance that you recognize as for lighter, quicker swords. You're not versed with any of the styles used for that, or any sort of swordplay for that matter, but you can guess that it is another variation on being able to poke holes in the opponent in seventeen places before they can say "ouch".

You essay a few thrusts. William parries without difficulty, but he does not try to counterattack just yet. "We really do need to work on your posture," he comments. "Has Clarissa taught you anything yet? I know you broke your arm, but she should have explained some of the theory to you, if nothing else."

"The Captain has been busy," you say. With William's workload, among other things.

"I see. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Watch your feet... yes, that's good. You adapt quickly." William makes sure to catch your attention before he telegraphs a lunge, which you sidestep. "She seems rather more cheerful today, though. You must be a good influence on her."

> "She's been having nightmares for the past month. Someone cast a spell on her."
> "It must be relief at having her work reduced with your return."
> "The Captain does seem less stressed, although I couldn't tell you why."

> "The Captain does seem less stressed, although I couldn't tell you why."

>>35767661
> "The Captain does seem less stressed, although I couldn't tell you why."

>>35767661
>"It must be relief at having her work reduced with your return."
Of course, do not imply that he might have been more timely in his return. That would be unbecoming.

>>35767661
I.. don't know which to pick for this, so I won't.

I'll still comment to say that I like this quest though.

I like this quest.

>>35767661
> "The Captain does seem less stressed, although I couldn't tell you why."
It's true. She'd kill us if we said more.

>>35767661
> "The Captain does seem less stressed, although I couldn't tell you why."

Clarissa's nightly struggles with her nightmares, which seem to have ceased upon your arrival, are her own business to tell. Or Elise's, but you suspect Elise will be too busy trying to solve that particular problem to gossip to William about it.

"The Captain does seem less stressed," you say, with absolute honesty, "although I couldn't tell you why."

William steps up the pace of training. You have to concentrate on deflecting or avoiding his jabs, leaving no room for you to counter. "I hope she hasn't been too scary. Clarissa can come across harsh at times, but she's just bad at expressing herself."

A trait common to the knights of Alvar, apparently. Apprentice included. "The Captain has been nothing but kind to me." Kinder than you deserve. "She's a good person."

"She must like you quite a bit. Or something about you interests her. Possibly both."

"I certainly hope so, sir," you say fervently.

You see an opening, and you strike on instinct. William barely blocks it, and holds a hand up. "I think that's enough for today. You've done quite well." He isn't even breathing hard.

You take a few deep breaths to recover. "Thank you, sir."

"Please, just call me William. I'm sure you've noticed how informal we are in the palace."

"Yes, sir," you say pointedly.

William sighs dramatically. "Beware the rose's thorns indeed."

Clarissa was right to have warned you about this man. "Will there be anything else, sir?"

"I don't know, Nicole. Do you have anything else to show me?"

> "I do have my darts with me..."
> "Not right now, sir."

>>35767842
>> "I do have my darts with me..."

We are never going to get a chance to use these things outside of demonstrations.

>>35767842
> "Not right now, sir."

Clarissa knows. If William needs to know she will tell him.

>>35767842
> "I do have my darts with me..."

>>35767842
> "Not right now, sir."

>>35767842
> "I do have my darts with me..."
we told the old boss. might as well tell the new boss

>>35767842
> "I do have my darts with me..."

Lets keep the daggers in reserve though.

>>35767842
> "I do have my darts with me..."

>>35767852
I hope she doesn't get to use them outside of demonstration, that'd probably mean some bad shit is going down. They're sharpened bits of metal really, there's few scenarios where'd they'd come in handy without having to turn someone into a pin cushion.

William also seems like the sort who might give more than the sideways glance like Clarissa did, he'll probably try to pry and probe as to why or how she's so proficient with something so unbecoming of a knight.

> "Not right now, sir."

>>35767912
Or a mission. Shit can go down in places other than the palace.

And our unknightly skills are an open secret afte our stealth display on all those guards. There's not much point in hiding the darts after that.

In the open and under broad daylight, even your skills at going undetected would be challenged. Besides, it would defeat the purpose of displaying your skills to William if he could not see you in the first place.

Fortunately, the training courtyard is empty, which means you have a clear field of fire to the training dummies.

"I do have my darts with me," you say.

William does not seem surprised. "Ah, yes, the dart trick. It was in Clarissa's report. I must say I'm looking forward to seeing it for myself."

You reach into the pouch with your darts and palm a few. You glance in the direction of the training dummies to check the range, before turning back to William and giving him a sunny smile. Without looking, you flick your wrist, and three darts zip softly into a dummy, clustered closely where the heart would be.

It feels good to show off.

William strolls over to the training dummy to inspect the darts. "Impressive," he says. "Where did you learn to do that?"

> Make up a story
> "I picked it up here and there. I didn't have anything better to do than practice, while travelling to Alvar."
> "I forget. I've been able to do it for as long as I can remember."
> "I'd rather not talk about it."

>>35767912
My stance is that at the moment Clarissa is the one who knows about it, and she decided to trust us and we trust her with that much at least. Clarissa can decide if anyone else needs to know about the things we shared with her. Which she probably won't.

>>35767969
>> Make up a story

Standard Nicole protocol.

>>35767969
> "I picked it up here and there. I didn't have anything better to do than practice, while travelling to Alvar."
Thats close enough to the story we told Clarissa.

>>35767969
> "I'd rather not talk about it."

Fuck it, Clar already busted our story once. Just leave it at that. Hint that it probably came from somewhere not nice that we would like to keep secret exactly for that reason. He might respect that.

>>35767969
>>35767986
> Make up a story
Avoid prying questions that could otherwise expose her true reasons for aspiring to be a knight as well as reveal her actual origins with inane, laughably implausible stories that could not possibly be true.

Don't fix what ain't broken.

>>35767969
> "I picked it up here and there. I didn't have anything better to do than practice, while travelling to Alvar."

Gotta keep our story consistent at least.

>>35767969
>> "I picked it up here and there. I didn't have anything better to do than practice, while travelling to Alvar."

Sure, I'll go with this. Making up a story is only good if we don't intend to remember it.

>>35767969
> "I picked it up here and there. I didn't have anything better to do than practice, while travelling to Alvar."

>>35767986
seconded

we need the nicole protocol

>>35767969
> Make up a story

>>35768240
>>35768232
>>35768026
>>35767986
>Make up a story

New at this quest might as well as read the archives

>>35767969
> "I picked it up here and there. I didn't have anything better to do than practice, while travelling to Alvar."
Isn't that pretty much what we told Clarissa? Doesn't make sense to say anything else.

> "I picked it up here and there. I didn't have anything better to do than practice, while travelling to Alvar."

>>35768331
Yeah, it is. But Clarissa is clearly aware that it's a lie, considering the trick she made us pull on the guards. We don't know if she told William about THAT, though. If she did, he'll know that we're lying. If she didn't, he'll suspect we're lying. It's not great either way.

>>35768353
Better stick to the story rather than confirming we lied

>>35767969
"Well, I once got kidnapped by a group of fairies, and they told me I wouldn't be able to leave until I could beat all of them in attack. I used a sword and swung and swung at them, but I'd always miss one or two. Then, frustrated, I picked up some pebbles and just threw them all at the fairies, and wouldn't ya know? I got them all! It's just been practice since then."

You really should come up with some plausible and yet unremarkable story that explains your abilities, while not actually answering any questions. "I picked it up here and there," you say. Which is more or less the same story you told Clarissa. "I didn't have anything better to do than practice, while travelling to Alvar. It helped keep me fed."

William returns the darts to you. "Tricks in taverns?"

You mentally kick yourself for not thinking of this easy and obvious solution to your financial troubles. Then again, noisy crowds make you uncomfortable, and you're not sure what you would have done if some drunken lout had decided to challenge the fairness of your darts. "Hunting, sir. For my food. They didn't suffer."

"I hope you haven't been inadvertantly poaching. You can probably get away with a fine, but it would not look good for the reputation of Alvar's knighthood."

"I haven't heard of any complaints yet." And it's not like you have enough money to pay a fine; you'd have to get that loan from Anders. "I think I'm safe for now."

"Which still doesn't explain how you became so good at it, though. Practice alone is not sufficient."

You sigh. William has been irritating you ever since this morning, and while you cannot confront him directly, you can make his life difficult in exactly the small, insignificant, and yet surprisingly effective way you unintentionally did to Clarissa.

"It's a long story," you say, "involving a wizard, a dragon, a band of elven pirates, and a golden chalice."

"Oh?" William returns the darts to you. "Do tell."

"The wizard made a bet with the dragon to gain the golden chalice," you say, inventing desperately. "They were evenly-matched in every contest, until the last one. The dragon bet that the wizard couldn't win at a game of darts without using magic on himself. So the wizard picked someone at random, namely me, and cast an enchantment to make me good at darts."

>[1/2]

>>35768380
>beat them all in one attack

"And the elven pirates?" William asks.

"I haven't come up with a way to put them into the story yet," you confess.

"Pity. I was wondering what role they'd play. Maybe they were the ones who brought you up to have the seed of talent in darts?"

"Whatever you say, sir."

William returns the practice swords, and walks with you back to the palace. You check your brand new pocketwatch, and note that it's just about lunchtime.

"So where are you from, Nicole?" William asks casually. Making small talk, you assume.

"Silden."

"Oh? I've been there a few times myself. Mostly stayed in the twin capitals, though. Where in Silden are you from?"

... you haven't thought ahead this far. "Uh, you probably haven't heard of it," you say. A relatively common origin, isn't it? According to those storybooks you've read, anyway. There are probably a hundred tiny settlements in Silden where someone of your skin tone could have come from.

You are rescued from further interrogation by Clarissa, who is waiting outside her office. She nods at your approach. "Nicole. William."

"Captain," you greet her.

"Milady," William says, with another mocking bow.

Clarissa does not look amused. "My office, William. I need to brief you on a few other things. Nicole, wait here."

William raises an eyebrow at Clarissa, but follows her in. He shuts the door behind him.

Soon, you can hear the murmur of voices from within. It's not as though the door is especially thick, and Clarissa and William are not making much of an effort to keep their voices down.

> Sidle closer to eavesdrop
> Commanding officer said to wait here, we wait exactly on this spot

>>35768387
>eavesdropeavesdropeavesdrop

>>35768387
>Casually lean on our back on the wall right next to the door
>It's not our fault if they speak loud enough for people in the hallway to listen in

>>35768387

> Sidle closer to eavesdrop

William's too nosy.

>>35768407
this

>>35768387
> Commanding officer said to wait here, we wait exactly on this spot

Must resist eavesdropping. Must resist. Nicole continues having the worst cover story.

>It's not our fault if they speak loud enough for people in the hallway to listen in

>>35768412
>William's too nosy.
He's being completely reasonable. It's about time someone actually asked Nicole questions.

>>35768387
> Sidle closer to eavesdrop

Nicole the worst spy ever

But we are the ULTIMATE KNIGHT APPRENTICE

>>35768387
>Commanding officer said to wait here, we wait exactly on this spot
It's totally a trap.

>>35768387
> Commanding officer said to wait here, we wait exactly on this spot

trap. if we listen in they'll talk about administering the dreaded tickle torture to make us blow our cover story.

>>35768451
so is Nicole

>>35768496
You're telling me our character is actually a mimic?

>>35768387
> Sidle closer to eavesdrop

we need to find a book on tiny Silden towns as fast as possible

>>35768407
>It's not our fault that we have good hearing

>>35768512
But we already borrowed 2 books anon

>>35768509
No, just a delicious caramel blonde guy in chick's clothing~ dat skirt

>>35768529
Doesn't matter: we absolutely aren't borrowing this one. Telling the librarian we need a book meant for our cover story is hilariously suspicious, all someone has to do is ask her what books we borrowed.

>>35768532
Are you sure? Because that would completely explain the interest in those ruins and the artifacts they brought in. And the sneakiness, and the social awkwardness.

>>35768545
So would being a runaway noble whose family was killed, but she grew up and got revenge, and ran off here.

Anyone else get the impression that 90% of what Nicole doesn't want found out would be forgiven?

>>35768660
Right here.

>>35768660
Maybe, but it is more fun to just asume the worst

>>35768387
This is probably the final update...so it gonna be a doozy.

Nicole was actually a prostitute. She got the dagger things, the running away, and the dart skills all from mandatory 'lrn 2 defend urself' training from her pimp. Bernard killed her pimp, to give her a new chance at life.

>>35768706
Doesn't explain how sneaky she is. Nicole has experience in hiding herself and getting in to places she's not supposed to be.

>>35768730
Child prostitutes catering to nobles need to be able to show themselves in and out on request

Your hearing is pretty good, which has its advantages in eavesdropping, even when it is less than helpful in crowded areas. Based on the events of the past few days, the balance of probability suggests that the briefing will be focused on you.

You don't think you can resist your curiosity on that score.

You take up station beside the door, close to the wall. If pressed, you can claim that you simply want to keep out of the way of pedestrian traffic. There is some activity in the Great Hall, mostly people passing through from wherever they are to the kitchens, where lunch is being served.

You can make out Clarissa's voice from here, while William's is a little indistinct but still audible. However, Clarissa appears to be pacing her office, which means you can catch only part of the conversation, when Clarissa ventures near the half of the room near the door. Based on what you know of her office layout, Clarissa is likely to pause while at her desk; hence the majority of the conversation will not be in hearing range.

"... fast. Faster than anyone or anything I have ever seen. Do not underestimate her, William."

"I wasn't planning to," William says. "But you still trust her?"

"Yes, I do. After what happened that night, I do. Besides, I have already made some enquiries."

"You trust her because she tried to kill you?"

"She wasn't trying to..."

And Clarissa is off to the other end of her office. You wait patiently until she comes back into range, or when William speaks up.

>[1/2]

"... a spy," Clarissa says. You flinch at the word.

"To what end?" William asks. "There's nothing of value in Alvar that's worth the risk to send a spy."

"I have been wondering the same. Anders knows about the spy, but he's not..."

You begin to have second thoughts about eavesdropping. While it might be useful to know what others already suspect of you, it still won't be easy to keep calm while your imagination runs rampant with visions of potential consequences.

"That is a terrible idea," William suddenly says.

"... not actually going to do it," Clarissa says. "I do not intend to start an international incident. But Elise has been working on something that might shed some truth on the matter."

"Oh, if we're going to have to depend on Elise of all people, then we might as well give it a try."

"Elise is more reliable than you think, William." Clarissa almost sounds fond.

More inaudible murmuring as Clarissa orbits back to the other side of the room, but you snap your attention to the present. The Duke is bearing down on your direction, trailed by Anders. They don't look angry, so your eavesdropping remains undiscovered.

"Nicole, wasn't it?" the Duke says. "I didn't get the chance to greet you properly this morning, but welcome to Alvar." He sticks out his hand.

> Shake his hand
> Bow
> Look to Anders for a social cue

>>35768809
>Shake his hand while bowing

>>35768809
>Shake his hand

>>35768809
>Shake his hand

Duke offers his hand, you better shake that! -carefully-

>>35768809
> Shake his hand
> Look to Anders for a social cue

That pause right before spy.

It's not us. Must be Lily.

>>35768809
> Shake his hand

He doesn't like formality. This is enough.

>>35768792
>"You trust her because she tried to kill you?"

the bandage on her hand, Nicole may have done that during the wizard tower incident when she attacked the darkness.

>>35768809
Shake his hand

We must be polite

> Shake his hand

>>35768897
She released her speed limiter too, apparenty.

>>35768809
> Shake his hand

"a spy" "The spy"

Unlikely to be talking about us given how they referred to us earlier.

>>35768897
She threw all her daggers, at the time.

>>35768952
No, only one of them. The one that broke.

>>35768897
Yep, we've been suspecting that for several threads. And if that's right we have confirmation that Clarissa does trust us. Which would imply we probably are not the spy they are talking about. And considering her remark about serving as a "true" Knight of Alvar she might be considering having us help out with that.

>>35768809
>> Shake his hand

The Duke must have been briefed further about you, if he is now willing to be within arm's length of you. You extend your own hand to shake his. The Duke's grip is firm, but not overpowering. Behind him, Anders looks on blandly.

"How have you been finding Alvar so far?" the Duke asks, with the interest of a good host inquiring after a guest's comfort.

You take a moment to decide between honesty and politeness. A mix of both, but more the latter. "A bit overwhelming, sir. It's my first time in a big city." You had implied strongly to Clarissa that you're a country bumpkin, so it might be a good idea to reinforce that story.

"Has everyone been treating you all right?"

"Yes, sir." More than all right. "Everyone has been very nice to me."

"So how has Victor been?" William is saying, inside Clarissa's office. You try to ignore him, to focus on your conversation with the Duke.

"Clarissa tells me that you show promise as a knight-apprentice," the Duke says.

"I will try not to disappoint you, sir."

Inside the office, Clarissa sounds confused by the change in topic. "Victor? He's fine. What about him?"

"He hasn't said anything yet? Then never mind. Poor boy," William adds.

The Duke is shaking his head. "That's not what I meant. I am told you have some skills of your own. So why come to Alvar? Why not seek your fortune elsewhere?"

Too many questions. "It is a long story, sir."

"Then you can tell me over dinner," the Duke says, glancing at Anders. Anders produces a notebook to jot down this addition to the schedule. "Consider this a formal invitation. I'd love to hear more about you, Nicole."

> "I'm afraid I don't have proper formal wear. My uniform hasn't arrived yet."
> "I don't think I'd be very good dinner company, sir."
> "Yes, sir."

>>35769178
>> "I don't think I'd be very good dinner company, sir."

EVADE EVADE EVADE

> "I'm afraid I don't have proper formal wear. My uniform hasn't arrived yet."

>>35769221
Don't try this. He isn't big on formality, remember?

>>35769178
> "I don't think I'd be very good dinner company, sir."

Castle is fairly informal, so the formal clothing excuse might not work.

Hell, I doubt this'll work.

>>35769178
>"I don't think I'd be very good dinner company, sir."

We don't eat a lot we would just be sitting there awkwardly half of the time.

>Duke is actually the biggest threat to our secrecy.

>>35769178
> "I don't think I'd be very good dinner company, sir."

>>35769178
We're going to have to go get ourselves injured again to evade this, aren't we?

>"I don't think I'd be very good dinner company, sir."
But don't try to fight if he insists. That would definitely be pushing our rights.

>>35769178
> "Yes, sir."
There's really nothing we can do. He invited us, so we must be good dinner company, suggesting otherwise won't be good.

>>35769259
>Hell, I doubt this'll work.
If he's been briefed on our "special skills" and wants to know more, we really have no way out of it. It's his castle, if he doesn't get his story over dinner he'll get it elsewhere. We'll probably have to just face up and give him one, a proper one. True or not.

>>35769178
> "Yes, sir."
Not going to be able to avoid this with just words.

>>35769178
> "I'm afraid I don't have proper formal wear. My uniform hasn't arrived yet."

>>35769178
>> "Yes, sir."
It's the Duke. The Duke's wish is equal to an order, particlarly for a squi- a knight apprentice.

>>35769178
>"Yes, sir."
We don't have a very good excuse, other than not being awake to actually get any training done.

>>35769178
>Yes sir

its gonna be ok right?right?

And on your part, you would love for as few people as possible to hear more about you. "I don't think I'd be very good dinner company, sir."

The Duke looks faintly amused. "Embarrassing eating habits?"

You don't eat much, but you don't think you can use that as an excuse. You can't lie about it either; too many people have already seen you eat for that to hold up. Also, you suspect you would still prefer to be known as the knight-apprentice who fell down the stairs, rather than the knight-apprentice who dribbles all over herself when she eats.

"No, sir," you say, trying to think of something sufficiently serious that will allow you to escape this responsibility, but not so serious as to invite further inquiry.

Anders leans over to whisper something into the Duke's ear.

The Duke sobers upon hearing this. "I see. I suppose it wouldn't matter if I said I don't care?"

"No, your Grace," Anders says calmly. "That is not your decision to make."

"For being a Duke, I seem to have a lot of decisions I'm not allowed to make," the Duke grumbles. "But she's right here, so why don't we ask her?"

Anders rolls his eyes.

"Nicole, are you going to assassinate me?" the Duke asks. "Truthfully, now."

"No, sir," you reply.

"There, you see?"

"I must inform you that this is not how it works, your Grace," Anders murmurs.

You are aware that the conversation behind you in Clarissa's office has ceased. You can imagine Clarissa and William listening in, which is probably some sort of irony, assuming you remember the definition of the term correctly.

>[1/2]

>>35769507
>"Nicole, are you going to assassinate me?" the Duke asks. "Truthfully, now."
I love this Duke.

It does give you a reasonable excuse, though. "Um, Anders has a point, sir. I would not want to spoil the mood over dinner due to the, er, suspicions surrounding me."

The Duke sighs. "That is true. I apologize for all of this, Nicole."

"No, sir, it's my fault entirely," you quickly reply.

"Let's not do the dance of social grace right now. But when you are once more considered a trustworthy member of my staff, would you do me the honour of accepting my open dinner invitation?"

You're not sure how to wriggle out of this one, but at least it gives you some time to make further plans. "Of course, sir."

"Then I look forward to it." The Duke looks at Anders, as he turns to leave. "Really, the paranoia in this place can get ridiculous. I can defend myself perfectly well, you know."

"You have not seen her in action, your Grace," Anders says ominously.

Which is irrelevant, since you're not here to assassinate the Duke. It would be counter-productive, anyway.

The door beside you opens, and William peeks out. "All clear," he says.

The two knights exit the office. Clarissa keeps her face carefully blank as she looks at you. "Really, Nicole. What am I to do with you."

> "I didn't think it would be a good idea to accept the Duke's invitation, Captain."
> "Should I have accepted?"
> Sag against the wall in sheer relief

>>35769518
> "I didn't think it would be a good idea to accept the Duke's invitation, Captain."
> "Should I have accepted?"

>>35769518
>> Sag against the wall in sheer relief

>Which is irrelevant, since you're not here to assassinate the Duke. It would be counter-productive, anyway.
Because he's excavating her precious ruins for her.

>>35769518
> "I didn't think it would be a good idea to accept the Duke's invitation, Captain."
> "Should I have accepted?"

>>35769518
> "Should I have accepted?"

>>35769518
> "I didn't think it would be a good idea to accept the Duke's invitation, Captain."
> "Should I have accepted?"

>>35769518
>Sag agaisnt wall in sheer relief
>"Sometimes, I feel the same."

>>35769518
>"I didn't think it would be a good idea to accept the Duke's invitation, Captain."

I bet the Duke would give us permission to look around the basement all we like. Let's ask him sometime.

>>35769518
>Taichou Doushio?

>>35769677
Yeah, with everyone trying to spy on us.

>>35769724
Is that a problem? The Duke likes artifacts. We like artifacts. A match made in heaven.

"I didn't think it would be a good idea to accept the Duke's invitation, Captain," you manage to say. The sudden weakness in your knees is no excuse to collapse in relief in front of a superior officer. "For a variety of reasons."

"I would have told you not to speak unless spoken to, which would have avoided most of the issues that may arise," Clarissa muses. "But the Duke seems insistent on knowing more about you, which means he will be asking you questions. And I do not know if I want to hear what you might say."

Surely your stories aren't that bad, are they?

"I have to take dinner with the Duke anyhow," Clarissa says. "Along with Victor. So the security arrangements would have been taken care of."

"Oh. Should I have accepted?"

"Did you want to accept?" William asks.

You shake your head.

"What, are you shy?"

"I'm not good with people." Which is true, in more than one way.

"Leave her be, William," Clarissa says wearily. "We should go for lunch, while there is any food left."

"A shy knight-apprentice," William says to himself. You wonder whether to correct him; the relish in his tone does not bode well.

"Classes for this afternoon are cancelled, to give Victor some time with his father," Clarissa informs you. From what you remember of the timetable, it would have been Elvish under Anders, and Magical Theory under Elise. You had hoped to sit in on Elise's class at least, just to see how Victor behaves in it.

"By the way, Clarissa, how's Donovan been?" William says.

"He was just here yesterday," Clarissa says. "The diggers found another chamber in Grunmarl, and carted the artefacts to the vault."

You tune out of the conversation, which is largely Clarissa filling William in on the events of the past few days, most of which you were present for, or have already heard about. William seems particularly interested in the visit by the Stoneguard, albeit only from a cultural exchange perspective.

>[1/2]

The kitchens are quite crowded today, with the return of the Duke's party from Gracewell. Servants and guards catch up on gossip with each other, raising the noise level substantially. You try to seek out pockets of quiet where you can enjoy your meal in peace.

One such pocket contains Lily, who is seated alone. From the looks of it, she has just started on her food.

Clarissa and William do not seem to mind the noise, raising their volume to compensate. You don't think their conversation is going to have any new information for yourself anytime soon.

> Go seat with Lily
> Knights eat together

>>35769987
> Go seat with Lily

Keep on eye on her.. I don't trust her.

>>35769987
>> Go seat with Lily

Spies eat together.

>>35769987
>> Go seat with Lily
William will most certainly be watching, though.

>>35769987
>Go eat with Lily
Let's hope that's not inappropriate somehow.

>>35769987
> Go seat with Lily

Captchas havent been with me today

>>35769987
>Go seat with Lily.

Not a lot of people and the girl needs some company.

> Knights eat together.

>>35770085
Yeah I want to watch her/ be a friend so maybe she doesn't go all Assassin/thief/psycho

We need a book on how to tell stories that don't suck after we finish one of our current ones.

You tap William on the shoulder. "I'm going to eat with a friend," you holler in his ear.

William waves you away distractedly, as he continues to get further details about the Stoneguard's armour choices from an increasingly irritated Clarissa.

You dive into the food board before there is nothing left. Chicken features prominently, seasoned with some sort of sweet sauce made from berries. Once again, you take your small portion; you're not sure if William eats as much as Clarissa or Donovan. You wonder if eating enormous portions is a knightly thing.

Lily seems tired; she looks up in surprise as you approach, and gives you a distracted smile. "Good afternoon, Nicole."

"Good afternoon, Lily." You take a seat opposite her, and get to work on your lunch. Lily is slowly but steadily making progress on hers.

"Sorry about this," she says, after a minute of silence. "I've been busy helping to unpack all the luggage. There is a lot of it."

"It's all right," you assure her.

"Mm, but I still feel bad just ignoring you like that," Lily says. "So, uh, conversation! Go on, ask me anything."

> "What sort of luggage is there?"
> "Is William always like that?"
> "Have you made a decision on that thing your family wants you to do?"
> "So who does your family want you to marry?"

>>35770324
> "What sort of luggage is there?"

lead into
> "So who does your family want you to marry?"
or
> "Have you made a decision on that thing your family wants you to do?"

> "Have you made a decision on that thing your family wants you to do?"

>>35770324
> "Is William always like that?"

>>35770324
>"Is William always like that?"

>>35770324
> "Is William always like that?"
> "Have you made a decision on that thing your family wants you to do?"

>>35770324
> "Is William always like that?"
> "Have you made a decision on that thing your family wants you to do?"

>>35770324
>> "What sort of luggage is there?"
>> "Is William always like that?"

>>35770324
> "What sort of luggage is there?"

"Yesterday, you told me that your family wanted you to do something. Have you made a decision on that yet?"

Lily droops. "I... haven't really," she says. You have to strain to hear her over the noise of the rest of the kitchens.

"Do you have to make a decision soon?" you press. Lily seems like she's avoiding even thinking about the subject, which is behaviour you are personally guilty of on more occasions than you'd like to admit.

Lily shakes her head. "There will be a time when I have to make up my mind, but... not yet. For now, I can do what I've been doing." She gives you a desperate smile. "Let's talk about something else."

Something else it is. You cast about for a less personal subject. "I have just spent the morning with Sir William," you begin. "Is he always, well. You know. Like that."

The glint of gossip is clearly visible in Lily's eyes. Having this conversation is doing a good job of cheering her up, after the blight of the previous topic. "Oh my. What did he do to you?"

You wave your hands vaguely, trying to give shape to your thoughts. "It's nothing specific, but it's the way he acts. Sort of gracious, but too much so. It ends up feeling like he's mocking me. Oh, and he called me a kitten."

"Oh, I think he likes you!" Lily giggles. "You poor thing."

Those two statements would be contradictory, if applied to anyone other than William. "He has an odd way of showing his affection. It is quite distracting."

"When I say he likes you, I mean as a toy," Lily clarifies. "He teases all the maids, all the time. Most of us just ignore him. I don't think he means any of it, but I can't imagine why he continues to do so."

You remember seeing William laugh, and how much better that expression suits him than the smirk he usually wears. "Unfortunately I can't ignore him; he's my instructor. He does stop when I tell him to, although I have to do it indirectly. But then he starts again, and it's very irritating."

>[1/2]

"I don't think Sir William is a bad person," Lily says. "You're in the best position to get to know what he's really like."

"Why don't you ask the Captain? I've only known William for half a day."

Lily twitches. "Knight Captain Clarissa is kind of scary."

You can't really deny that.

"Promise me you won't be as scary when you become a knight, Nicole," Lily says.

Her confidence in your ability to finish your knight-apprenticeship is touching, but possibly misplaced. "I promise."

"But Sir William, well." Lily pauses speculatively. "If you put aside his speech and behaviour, he's quite handsome. Quite a catch, don't you think? Do you think he's the sort of person you'd want to go after?"

> "Maybe."
> "Not him. Definitely not him."
> "I haven't thought about it, sorry."
> "I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing."
> "Actually, it's not men I'm interested in."

>>35770843
> "Not him. Definitely not him."
> "I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing."

Yeah, no.

>>35770843
>> "Actually, it's not men I'm interested in."

>>35770843
>> "I haven't thought about it, sorry."

>>35770843
>"I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing."

>>35770843
>"I haven't thought about it, sorry."

Though he does look very handsome when laughs genuinely.

>>35770859
>>35770913
these.

>>35770843
> "Actually, it's not men I'm interested in."

>>35770843
> "Not him. Definitely not him."
>> "Actually, it's not only men I'm interested in."

>>35770843
> "I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing."

>>35770959

This.

>>35770843
>>35770959
We play both sides of the field... after all we're a

>>35770843
> "I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing."
> "Not him. Definitely not him."

>>35770843
>"I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing."

>>35770843
>> "I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing."
> "Not him. Definitely not him."

"I don't really have a type, but even if I did, it wouldn't be him."

I hope we won't end up making this character asexual.

> "I haven't thought about it, sorry."

>>35771088
But would golems be interested in sex anyway?

>>35771106
What if we're a dragon!

>>35771106
You're forgetting that we're definetly human.

>>35771088
I hope we do. A romantic asexual, enjoying knightly love, romantic letters and significant eye contacts.

>wake up and find a knighthood quest
>about ten minuites before a nine hour shift

Well, at least I'll have something to look forward too. Thanks op

>>35770843
>> "I haven't thought about it, sorry."

>>35770843
Just a thought:
You should make Nicole's sexual preferences a vote for itself. Don't mix it into another one where it clearly favours voting for being gay over straight by splitting the votes for staying straight over multiple options while the /u/-boats are focused on one.

>>35771202
Unless it's a ploy.

>>35771202
>implying she has sexual preferences
Whatever the mission requires that's what it is.

>>35771219
Then it would be shitty QMing

>>35770843
>> "Maybe."

>>35770843
>> "Actually, it's not men I'm interested in."

>>35770843
> "Not him. Definitely not him."
> "I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing."

>>35770843
> "I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing."
> "Not him. Definitely not him."

>>35770843
>> "Actually, it's not men I'm interested in."

You have to take a moment to figure out what Lily is actually talking about. You've not thought about romantic concerns as such; the closest you've come are the storybooks about knights and princesses, which always seem to involve a lot of drama and angst. You have no personal experience in these matters, but you are fairly sure the stories are not intended to be exemplary role models.

Not to mention you have more immediate concerns to worry about.

"I don't really have any interest in that sort of thing," you say. Maybe once you've finished what you came here to do, you can explore the wide and unexplored world of romantic relationships, but thinking about it now seems premature, if not completely irrelevant.

Lily looks mildly disappointed. "Really? Not even a little bit?"

"Not at the moment," you say, relenting. Who knows what the future may hold, after all. "What about you?"

"Ah." Lily looks embarrassed. "I'm interested, but, er, circumstances, you know."

Unrequited? Maybe the family issue Lily mentioned had something to do with it.

Not your place to pry, of course. You collect your plate to send to the washing-up area, and Lily stands to do the same.

"If you were interested," Lily says, "just hypothetically... what would you think about Sir William?"

"Not him," you reply promptly. "Definitely not him." You can't imagine any sort of relationship with William, apart from professional, as teacher and student.

"Hm." Lily does not sound disappointed, but more... sly.

>[1/2]

You hurry over to where Clarissa and William are sitting, before Lily can make any further suggestions for more gossip fodder. Clarissa is just about finished, while William still has a bit more to go. You can't tell the initial portion size, but at least William does not inhale his food.

"Reporting in," you say loudly, over the din.

Clarissa nods. "Where are you planning to go?"

> "Back to the library to study, as usual."
> "I'm going back to our room. I still have a couple of books I need to read."
> "I plan on having Lily tutor me."
> "Maybe I should visit Elise to check on... you know."

>>35771653
> "I'm going back to our room. I still have a couple of books I need to read."

We should get those books finished before we do more in the library.

>>35771653
> "Back to the library to study, as usual."
Need to study to come up with believable lies. All of William's questioning and the Duke's interest means we may need some.

>>35771653
>"I'm going back to our room. I still have a couple of books I need to read."

>>35771653
> "Maybe I should visit Elise to check on... you know."

>>35771653
> "Maybe I should visit Elise to check on... you know."

>>35771653
> "I'm going back to our room. I still have a couple of books I need to read."

>>35771653
> "I'm going back to our room. I still have a couple of books I need to read."

>>35771653
>> "Maybe I should visit Elise to check on... you know."

>>35771653
> "Maybe I should visit Elise to check on... you know."

>>35771653
>> "Maybe I should visit Elise to check on... you know."

>>35771653
> "I'm going back to our room. I still have a couple of books I need to read."
We'll have to give them back eventually. might as well clear that up.

>>35771653
> "Back to the library to study, as usual

"Maybe I should visit Elise to check on..." You realize that while William may or may not have been briefed on Clarissa's nightmare problem, it's still not a good idea to shout it out in the middle of a crowded kitchen. "You know."

Clarissa looks faintly apprehensive. "I am less than thrilled about the prospect of sending you alone to the wizard's tower, Nicole."

You try to convey an expression of trustworthiness. "Unless Elise has re-done the wards, there should not be any repeat of that incident." You pause. "Elise hasn't re-done the wards, has she?"

"Not to my knowledge." Clarissa sighs. "Be careful, Nicole. And I would appreciate it if you would keep the meeting brief."

"I could go back to our room afterwards," you suggest. "I still have a couple of books I need to read."

"That will be satisfactory."

"I could go with her," William volunteers.

"No, William." Clarissa looks uncomfortable. Evidently she hasn't told William about her nightmares yet. "It is a... personal matter."

William looks at you. Then he looks at Clarissa.

"Ah," he says. "Enlightenment dawns. Well, hardly the place of a man to interfere with feminine troubles."

Clarissa buries her face in her hands.

You give the other knights a bright smile, and make your escape.

"What was that about?" Lily asks. She had waited for you to finish your conference with the other knights, as well as your hasty exit.

"Definitely not him," you re-affirm.

"That bad?" Lily's smile promises plans within schemes for your future, which you would rather not think about right now. "Do you need me for anything else? My offer to tutor you is still open, you know."

"Thanks, but I have other business to attend to."

"I'll go back to sorting out the Duke's luggage, then." Lily gives you a parting wave.

>[1/2]

The way to the wizard's tower from the third floor of the palace is familiar by now. You carefully make your way up the spiral stairs of the tower, avoiding contact with the burned-out wards; they clearly cannot hurt you, but it's best to remain cautious.

Elise's laboratory is still a testament to the all-pervading force of clutter. The machine that tested Clarissa's mind for external influences is nowhere to be seen. You do notice the eerie silhouettes of other constructs within the mess, although you cannot fathom their purpose.

On a relatively clear patch of floor is a nest of mystical tomes, out of which pokes a leg. You can hear the gentle sound of a discreet snore from within.

> Call out to Elise
> Poke Elise to wake her
> Poke Elise with a long stick to wake her
> Give up and go to your room

>>35772222
> Poke Elise with a long stick to wake her

>>35772222
>> Poke Elise with a long stick to wake her
The safest option. Or, rather, the most fun one.

>"That bad?" Lily's smile promises plans within schemes for your future, which you would rather not think about right now.
I'm really hoping she's not trying to think of "improving" our opinion of William. I actually like his character, but he is already a headache to deal with.

>>35772222
>Call out to Elise
I'd go for a stick, but that means trusting a random stick you found in a magician's laboratory which is just asking for trouble.

>>35772222
>Call out to Elise

We can do that from the door.
>>35772256
You have a point.

>>35772222
> Call out to Elise
>>35772256
Very good point.

>>35772222
> Call out to Elise
> Poke Elise with a long stick to wake her

> Call out to Elise.

>>35772222
> Poke Elise to wake her

Nothing can go wrong, NOTHING.

Picked this thread out at random while bored at work. The writing is clean and concise and easy to follow, and even jumping into the middle of this quest I already have a good feel for all the characters, which is impressive. Protaganist is neat as hell and the entire cast is interesting and appealing in their own way.

10/10 damn well done OP.

>>35772222
> Call out to Elise
> Poke Elise with a long stick to wake her
In case of explosions

>>35772334
I like the mystery of the MC

>>35772222
>Call out to Elise
Don't touch the wizard. She could explode.

>>35772437
No, stick, you are the explosions.
And then nicole was the reagent.

>>35772222
> Poke Elise to wake her

>>35772222
> Poke Elise with a long stick to wake her
or alternatively, throw a crumpled up paper at her.

>>35772456
>>35772461
should we be ready to jump off the tower in case then?

>>35772579
Nah, the explosion should take care of that.

>>35772456
comedy gold.

>>35772222
>Poke Elise

>>35772613
No bully pls.

Such is the fate of all quests who get too many players

You do not like the look of those books of magic. Most books regarding magic and magical theory are not in themselves magical, since it requires more than mere ink and paper to produce anything with a noticeable magical kick.

But it is always a good idea to be wary of anything you find in the vicinity of a wizard, a lesson you learned quite definitively on your first day as a knight-apprentice.

"Elise," you call out tentatively. "Elise, please wake up." You check your pocketwatch. "It's two in the afternoon." You see no discernable reaction. "Elise?"

Just as you begin looking for a suitably long and safe-looking stick to peel away the books, the leg stirs, and disappears into the book pile. The books shift as Elise sits up. She looks like she has not slept since the last time you saw her, save for the brief nap you have rudely awakened her from.

"Nicole?" she says blearily. "What are you doing here?"

"I was wondering if you've made any progress on preventing the Captain's nightmares," you say. "If this is a bad time..."

"Oh, no, not at all." Elise covers a yawn. "I was just taking a short rest."

"The Duke has returned," you offer, in case this garners a response.

"Has he? Good for him." Elise slowly stands, shedding books as she does so. "What was it... oh, yes. Clarissa's nightmares. Wait one moment."

Elise picks her way over to one of the strange new machines, and sifts through the debris on what looks like a work table.

"There we go," she says, triumphantly holding up an inky sphere. It is a transparent orb the size of a grapefruit, set onto a makeshift pedestal to prevent inconvenient rolling. There is something black and smoky and full of mysterious tendrils within, coiling and unfurling in a disturbingly oily fashion.

>[1/2]

You take an involuntary step back, before remembering where you are. You do not want to step on another one of Elise's discarded experiments, especially since you're not sure you can recognize it as one before it's too late.

"It's a... hm. I haven't named it yet," Elise confesses. "But it should draw the nightmare spell into itself, and contain it indefinitely. There should be no upper limit on its capacity, so whoever is casting that spell can waste their time and energy for as long as they wish, with no ill effects to Clarissa."

Sounds like the answer to the nightmare problem. "How is it used?"

"Just place it near Clarissa at night. On her desk, perhaps, or beside her bed." Elise catches your skeptical look. "Think of it as a slightly eccentric conversation piece."

More than slightly. "Is it dangerous?"

"Only if you cast too many spells in its vicinity," Elise says. "Or rather, certain sorts of spells. Magic or enchantments affecting the psyche. Illusion magic, too. It also sucks out all the energy from summoned creatures."

You should probably stay far away from that thing, just to be safe.

"Anyway, it shouldn't be an issue," Elise continues. "Evocation spells like your standard mage fireball should be fine, not that I think you'll be casting fireballs in your room. Actually, can you cast any magic at all, Nicole?" Elise flaps a hand, negating her own question. "Oh, never mind me. I'm babbling. Here, take it."

> "I can't cast any magic. None whatsoever."
> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"
> "What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"

>>35772659

S-sorry, I got the cultural reference wrong.
It wasn't ironic, I sincerely found it funny.
I love absurd humour.
Like Nicole

>>35772888
> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"

If we touch it and start to pass out... it may be a red flag

>>35772888
>"Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"
> "What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"

>>35772888
> "I can't cast any magic. None whatsoever."
> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"

>>35772888
> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"

>>35772888
> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"
> "What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"

>>35772888
> "I can't cast any magic. None whatsoever."
> "What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"

>>35772888
>> "I can't cast any magic. None whatsoever."
I'm also definitely, definitely human. Look at how human I am.
>> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"
Please don't make me touch the orb that will suck out my illusion magic.
>> "What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"
Because this really troubles me.

I'd suggest we ask her to teach us magic but we're already attending her lessons and also we'd probably let on that we know more magic than we ought to.

>>35772888
>"Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"
>"What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"

>>35772888
>"Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"

It's not that I'm afraid of it or anything. Nope. But... it could scare the maids! Yes, and I don't have any pockets to hide it in! Couldn't hide anything on my person at all!

>>35772888
> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"
> "What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"

>>35772888
> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"
> "What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"

I don't know, -can- we magic?

>>35772888
> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"
> "What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"
Don't know if we can do magic or not. If we can, it's best not to close that off for no reason.

>>35772982
I think previous threads hinted that Nicole does know a fair bit about magic, but I'm not sure if it was outright stated that she could cast anything.

>>35772982
>I don't know, -can- we magic?
Probably, but Nicole obviously does not want Elise to know that

>>35772888
>> "Do you have a pouch I could put this in?"
>> "What happens if it absorbs too many spells?"

>"Or rather, certain sorts of spells. Magic or enchantments affecting the psyche. Illusion magic, too. It also sucks out all the energy from summoned creatures."
>You should probably stay far away from that thing, just to be safe.
That's slightly worrying.

Oh I know, we are a dream made flesh. Our shape depends on the dreamer and our skills are because in dreams anything can happen.

We were so hyper after the spell because we literally ate the dream our dear Capitan was having. With all the tasty magic attached.

/wildtheory

>>35773199
So.. we're her..Dream Girl?

Elise is obviously the type to get a little loopy when low on sleep. Maybe that explains the increased rate of work, coupled with less than helpful explanations of the results.

"What happens if it absorbs too many spells?" you wonder. You do not make a move to take the nightmare-absorber.

"As I said, there should be no upper limit on its capacity, so there is no such thing as too many spells," Elise patiently explains. "However, should my calculations be incorrect, then there might be some minor side effects."

"Minor side effects?"

"Some release of energy. Heat, or light, or movement. Distracting, but ultimately harmless." Elise shrugs. "In the worst case scenario, the orb explodes into shards. The spell energy should dissipate harmlessly, so you'd just have to worry about, well. The orb exploding into shards."

You don't see any other choice but to trust the work of a mage who is working on very low sleep. This is not especially reassuring. "Do you have a pouch I can put it in? I feel a little uneasy about carrying it around like that."

Elise mutters something under her breath. "You really should attend my classes on magical theory, Nicole," she says, as she roots around for a suitable carrying container. "Then you'd learn what parts of magic are dangerous, and what parts are very safe. Simply holding this is safe, unless you're under some enchantment even I can't detect."

You fix a smile on your face.

>[1/2]

Elise finally comes up with a rumpled cloth bag with the logo of a high-end dressmaker in the city. You tamp down a tiny spark of envy; Elise is still wearing the old scholar's robe you first saw her in. "Here," she says, shoving the nightmare-absorber into the bag. "If it bothers you that much, you can keep it in the bag forever; it shouldn't interfere with its workings."

"Thank you, Elise." You accept the bag, and hold it at some distance from your body. "I'm sure the Captain will be very happy that she doesn't need to worry about the nightmares anymore."

Elise does not look pleased. "No," she says sadly, "she'll just worry about something else instead."

Such as the mysterious spellcaster's identity, probably. "Have you made any progress on who cast the nightmare spells?"

"I haven't had the time," Elise says, yawning. "I'll get right on that."

> "Please do. It's for the Captain's peace of mind."
> "You should get some sleep, Elise."
> "I'll take my leave, then. Thank you for the orb."

>>35773313
>"You should get some sleep, Elise."

>>35773313
>> "You should get some sleep, Elise."

>>35773313
> "You should get some sleep, Elise."
> "I'll take my leave, then. Thank you for the orb."

>>35773291
>unless you're under some enchantment even I can't detect."

>You fix a smile on your face.

I wonder if this is because of the "Totally a Normal Human" enchantment or something else.

>>35773313
>> "You should get some sleep, Elise."
>> "I'll take my leave, then. Thank you for the orb."

>>35773313
>"Elise, are you... well you know, fond, of the captain?

>>35773313
> "Please do. It's for the Captain's peace of mind."
> "You should get some sleep, Elise."
"Just make sure you get some sleep before you start. You'll work better after a good nights rest."

>>35773313
> "I'll take my leave, then. Thank you for the orb."

Anything else is not our business.

>>35773313
> "You should get some sleep, Elise."

Rather have our resident mage be rested and not crazy.

>>35773291
>unless you're under some enchantment even I can't detect."

Right on the money it seems.

>>35773276
yessssssss
I like that line of thinking, anon,

>>35773313
> "You should get some sleep, Elise."
> "I'll take my leave, then. Thank you for the orb."

>>35773313
> "Please do. It's for the Captain's peace of mind."
> "You should get some sleep, Elise."

>>35773313
>> "You should get some sleep, Elise."
>> "I'll take my leave, then. Thank you for the orb."
She should have a rested mind to work on that.

>>35773411
changing my vote to>>35773390

>>35773476
Don't change my vote you bastard.

>>35773492
whoops, maybe it was the wrong vote. my mistake.

Are there any other chans or boards that regularly play these kinds of games?

>>35773492
To be fair, a few votes tend to look the same.

>>35773608
Anonkun does somewhat.

File: Long live the king.gif (650 KB, 350x204)

650 KB GIF

>>35773604
>>35773614
>2014
>Can't even spot your own votes
>ISHYGDDT

>>35773616
Thanks.

"You should get some sleep first, Elise," you say. "It won't do any good if you can't think straight."

"But Clarissa is-"

"The Captain will understand," you say, hoping that Clarissa will indeed. Surely the well-being of her friend takes priority over seeking vengeance; Clarissa had said as much when you took her here for the check-up. "And I apologize for waking you."

"It's all right," Elise says, trudging over to the pile of books that had been her bed. "I have to be up anyhow. Need to prepare for the class later."

"Classes are cancelled today," you helpfully inform her. "Since the Duke is back, and he wants to spend time with his son."

Elise promptly falls down in a heap. You start forward in alarm, but stop when Elise's hand rises up in a languid wave.

"Then good night," Elise yawns. Looks like she intends to go back to sleep among her books.

"I'll take my leave, then," you say, clutching the bag with the nightmare-absorber. "Thank you for the orb."

Elise's hand waves once more, and then falls back by her side. You quietly let yourself out, and descend the stairs back to the palace.

The palace is, if not bustling, then at least more active than the first day you arrived. You navigate past servants carrying large cases and sacks, bound for all over the palace. A large number of items appear destined for the kitchens; the Duke had taken the opportunity to stock up on some local ingredients in Gracewell.

Back in your room, you deposit the nightmare-absorber in its bag onto Clarissa's desk; you do not feel able to arrange it neatly to Clarissa's satisfaction, nor do you think you should touch it more than you absolutely have to.

The two books you borrowed from the library are still on your table. The Useful Manual of Wellsbet Law will help with your immediate studies, but the Comprehensive History of Alvar contains a sizable chapter on Grunmarl, which might shape your future plans.

> Read the law book
> Read the history book

>>35773828

> Read the law book

Let's count how many times we broke it on the way here!

> Read the law book

>>35773828
> Read the history book

>>35773828
> Read the law book
Remember the duke sons magic workshop, may need to know if the situation go fubar

>>35773828
> Read the law book
Let's get those down so we don't make a faux-pas.

>>35773828
>> Read the law book

>>35773828
> Read the history book

>>35773828
>> Read the law book

> Read the history book

>>35773828
>Read the law book
Let's focus on being a good squire for now so people may trust us. Because that seems like it's important to the plan.

>>35773828
>Touch the orb

>>35774022
I want to add this to my vote as well.
>>35773856

>>35774125
Bit late but I appreciate the gesture.

>>35774022
This.

I wanna see what we are.

>>35774022
heh. Tempting just for curiosity but let's not.
The effect might arouse suspicion and, more importantly, it's for Clarissa's well being, not for us to play with.

The Useful Manual of Wellsbet Law is well-written and clear, which is a very good thing when it comes to the dry topic of legalities. You speed through the chapters on debt and debt collection, which makes you glad that you never did ask Anders for a loan; debt collectors have a terrifying amount of leeway to extract what was owed.

The laws for slander and libel in Wellsbet are strangely specific, and yet with draconian punishments. The book makes a point of mentioning that lese majeste laws were abolished only recently, even by Wellsbet standards. Even through the matter-of-fact wording of the chapter, you get the impression the author considers this to be long overdue.

You are almost done with the book, and the chapter about the bizarrely contradictory vice laws, when the door to your room opens and Clarissa walks in.

"Nicole," she greets you, shutting the door behind her. She spots the bag on her desk. "What is this?"

"Elise's solution, Captain."

Clarissa opens the bag, and extracts the orb. She is visibly trying not to recoil at the swirling shapes within.

"According to Elise, this should absorb the nightmare spells targeted at you," you explain. "Indefinitely. So you won't have to worry about that anymore."

"Incredible. All this in so short a time."

You decide not to mention Elise's lack of sleep. "Elise did warn me about not letting that nightmare-absorber near too many spells. There's a specific list, but I think we should avoid all of it, just to be safe."

"Agreed." Clarissa puts the orb back down on her desk, and absently begins folding the bag it was in.

>[1/2]

"Do you know any magic, Captain?" you ask, curious.

"Some," Clarissa says. "I know the basic theories, but I do not have the practical aptitude to excel as a mage. Much to the disappointment of some of my family."

A brief, gloomy silence as both of you try not to think about the unknown mage from Clarissa's family, and what they had done to her.

"A bit of healing, and a spot of this and that," Clarissa continues. "Nothing that would turn the tide of any battle."

Which is about as far as most people can go, with regards to magical talent. Passing that plateau of skill requires immense effort and training.

"It is rather disturbing to look at, isn't it," Clarissa says, staring at the orb.

"Maybe we can cover it with something," you suggest. "The kitchen might have a spare tea cosy."

Clarissa shakes her head. "I suspect that would be even more offensive to tastefulness." She opens her wardrobe, and picks out her fanciest uniform. Dinner with the Duke, obviously. "Help me with this, Nicole."

You comply. "Is the Duke a stickler for proper attire?"

"He is not. I am."

With your help, Clarissa changes into her uniform. She looks quite splendid. "The Duke's dinner invitation is still extended to you," she says hopefully.

> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."
> "Sorry, Captain. I'd really rather not."

>>35774412
> "Sorry, Captain. I'd really rather not."
Got nothing to wear yet and more sneaking to do

>>35774412
> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."

Follow the Captain!

>>35774412
> "Sorry, Captain. I'd really rather not."
We need more time to get our lies straight. And figure out what to do.

>>35774412
> "Sorry, Captain. I'd really rather not."

We already have a date with the artifacts.

>>35774412
> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."

If she wants us to go, let's go with her.

>>35774412
>> "Sorry, Captain. I'd really rather not."
Feel kinda bad about it, thoguh.

>>35774412
"Well... If you'll be there..."
> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."

>>35774412
> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."

>>35774412
> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."

>>35774412
> "Sorry, Captain. I'd really rather not."
Convenient time for sneaking around with them all occupied. Of course this may all be a trap.

>>35774412
> "Sorry, Captain. I'd really rather not."
Study and more studying i guess

>>35774412
> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."
Do we get best food now?

>>35774412
> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."

I've got it.

We are an assassin...but we're not here for the duke. When our father fell into debt, him and his wife, our mother, were offed. We were six at the time.

We were taken in by a master thief, hidden away and trained by them. Eventually, the loan shark gave up on trying to find us. Then the recon started.

The thief didn't want to make a murderer, and they tried to instill in us a sense of 'Give up on revenge'. But when it came time to steal from this guy as part of an assignment, we just couldn't help ourself. So the shark's guards spotted us, chased after us, and we didn't go back to our mentor because they'd kill us themselves if we led the heat there.

When we chanced on Sir Bernard, he killed the men chasing us, and seeing us fight next to him had him say 'There's a place you can go where your skills can help people and you'll be protected.'

And now, here we are. We want to be a knight, not a thief, and the less our story is told the sooner we can leave it behind.

>>35774412
>> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."
With Clarissa there to help with subjects we would be uncomfortable with, I'm considering it. Though I'm fine if not going wins out.

>>35774412
> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."
Even the Captain hopes we would go, let's not dissapoint her.

>>35774412
> "You know, I've changed my mind. The Duke did personally invite me."

>>35774584
Right... that doesn't handle any of our magical bits at all.

>>35774605
Easy. We were taught enough magic to disguise ourselves, or at the very least take note of when and how it's being used. Chances are, we weren't done with our training yet.

>>35774655
Then how are we aware of ancient history.. and have slow healing and have a magical backlash against wards?

Doesn't make sense.

I'm leaning more towards some sort of daemon after the mentioning of summoned creatures.

>>35774674
Why does our origin have to be magical? We have about as much knowledge as Clarissa! We're clearly rogue in origin, why do you not get that?

>>35774720
Well thats simple.
Clarissa is also a daemon

>>35774720
Because.. all of those things point to a magical origin.. and you can't ignore them because you don't like them.

>>35774720
Clarissa from a mage noble house?

>>35774720
"Why do you not interpret these vague hints exactly the same way I do?"