>>36551881
... well, yes, Estelle thinks that about your /everything/. Still- you groan and cradle your face in your hands, thinking back to all the times you misspoke without even realizing it. Like when you were up in front of the patron goddess of Lowee, for crying out loud. Seriously, did Estelle know this whole entire time and didn't bother correcting you?

"Mmhm! I thought it was some sort of legendary verbal tic!" she replies, way too cheerful about this. "Because I've known one or two people like that before! There's never a good time to bring it up, you know?"

Wha- you totally could’ve handled being corrected! You’re not a goddamn blushing flower whose feelings need to be protected! And even if your feelings DID end up hurt- gah, whatever. As long as you haven't been mispronouncing anyone else's name. Moru's still Moru, right? She's not actually named Mole or Molly or Mary Ann or anything?

"Aah, you're worrying way too much about this, Urist. You should take it easier!" Estelle stops and fidgets uncomfortably when you turn around and give her your best glare. "Alright, well, just for the record, you got Moru's name right. It's totally fine!"

You finally let yourself relax, forcing yourself to breathe out before you start throwing a tantrum. You're a block away from the inn you've been staying at, here in the heart of Lowee's capital city (i.e. where the Basilicom, capital B and all, is at). You've just parted ways with the monster hunting catgirl, Moru, and you're currently planning to head out to the nation of Leanbox, to meet up with some folks you haven't seen in a while.

(Cont.)

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>>36551890
The key word is "planning to." See, you agreed to embark on one more dungeon run with Estelle, in exchange for her escorting you across the wilderness between Lowee and Leanbox. She reassured you that this dungeon's on the way; you agreed because she claims she can't complete the job without you, since it involves mining and ore gathering- her weak point, your forte. Besides, you don't particularly mind Estelle's company (or her ridiculous strength and her even more ridiculous healing magic).

You also left the inn without telling the proprietor that you blocked off a corner of your room to build a virtually indestructible mini-fortress out of pillows that might take a few days to properly deconstruct. You are certain that this will be perfectly fine and won't cause any problems whatsoever.

In any case, now that you’re no longer freaking out over how fucked up your life is, you realize that there’s something incredibly strange about the city this morning. It takes you a moment to pin it down, but you realize that first of all, Lowee’s capital is about three times more crowded than it usually is, and secondly, the entire fucking place has been done up in bright and festive colors. There are red and blue streamers all over the lampposts and storefronts, like Goblin Christmas came half a season too early.

It’s a little disturbing; since the city was completely normal yesterday, all of this was done literally overnight.

Estelle blinks as you slow to a stop- you can't help it, you're gawking like a goddamn tourist, or like a migrant who just learned that her travel agency neglected to tell her that her new fortress suffers from never-ending rains of poisonous dwarf blood. "... Urist, is this your first Pocket Monster festival?"

There are Pocket Monster /festivals/?

(Cont.)

Just as I'm going to sleep! Oh well.

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>>36551929
"Well, yeah! She's one of the legendary heroes of Lowee, of course she'll have a few legendary festivals every now and then!" The Dragon Warrior peers up at the decorations, bringing a gloved hand up to shade her eyes against the sun. "Ah, it's the gemstone generation this year, huh? Ruby and sapphire and emerald," she adds unhelpfully when you stare at her in incomprehension. "The Pocket Monster Trainer's been legendarily busy, even after she ascended!”

You vaguely remember hearing the word ‘ascension’ before- you can’t help but associate it with that abandoned, ruined temple on the outskirts of Lowee, since that apparently belonged to the Trainer, too- but Estelle’s squeal cuts off your train of thought. ”Whoa, the Smash festival's this week, too! I've never seen a double festival like this before!!"

... huh. How can she even tell? It all looks the same to you-

Before you can even think to protest, the Dragon Warrior grabs your arms and hoists you up as easily as she would a kid who ISN’T weighed down by a full suit of iron armor. “That emblem up there! They mixed it in with the ruby, sapphire, and emerald-colored banners!”

Yeah! Great. You learn something new every day. Can... can she put you down now?

"Depends! Are we gonna poke around?"

[ ] [FESTIVAL] Apparently, these sorts of things don't happen EVERY day. Take a little time off to enjoy yourself, because why the hell not? Maybe there’ll be sales going on or something.
[ ] [ASCENSION] Okay, you really have to ask: what the hell is ascension, and why does it mean that there are abandoned temples scattered around Lowee?
[ ] [MOSEY] Nope, you don't feel like getting dragged into more stuff. It's time to head for Leanbox!

>>36551995
>[ ] [ASCENSION] Okay, you really have to ask: what the hell is ascension, and why does it mean that there are abandoned temples scattered around Lowee?
Sounds a bit spooky honestly.

>>36551995
[x] [ASCENSION]

>>36551995
>[x] [FESTIVAL]
Thinking hard, festival easy!

>>36551995
[ ] [ASCENSION] Okay, you really have to ask: what the hell is ascension, and why does it mean that there are abandoned temples scattered around Lowee?
Ask the question but we need to go and soon.

>>36551995
>[x ] [ASCENSION]


woo caught a thread

>>36551995
>[X] [FESTIVAL] I'm suspecting our "Sorry real life got in the way, I feel guilty for no good reason" bonuses and a double festival might end up meaning free swag. And I'm all about collecting free swag.

Also, totally don't worry about the pillow fort. Knowing Lowee, that'll make the room more valuable, and it'll have a price increase and a be called the "Pillow Fort Suite" next time we come to town, and the Innkeeper will offer us a free room if we do that shit again.

>>36551995
Glad to see you back Blorp

>>36552171
Thanks, glad to be back!

>>36551995
>[x] [ASCENSION] Okay, you really have to ask: what the hell is ascension, and why does it mean that there are abandoned temples scattered around Lowee?

>>36551995
>[ ] [ASCENSION] Okay, you really have to ask: what the hell is ascension, and why does it mean that there are abandoned temples scattered around Lowee?

>>36551995
>[x] [ASCENSION]

>>36551995
>[x] [ASCENSION]

I hope you'll understand if I keep calling her Ester out of force of habit.

>>36551995
ASCENSION, then FESTIVAL

>>36552332
Don't worry, it's inevitable that I'm going to slip up and add in a few more Esters every now and then.

>>36552348
Don't worry, we will gently, but firmly remind you when you do mess up.

>>36551995
>[ ] [MOSEY] Nope, you don't feel like getting dragged into more stuff. It's time to head for Leanbox!
huh, I caught it as it started.

>>36552473
It's a good feel

>>36551995

[X] [FESTIVAL] Apparently, these sorts of things don't happen EVERY day. Take a little time off to enjoy yourself, because why the hell not? Maybe there’ll be sales going on or something.
[X] [ASCENSION] Okay, you really have to ask: what the hell is ascension, and why does it mean that there are abandoned temples scattered around Lowee?

FESTCENSION HO!

>>36551995
>>36551995
>[X] [ASCENSION!]

Instead of answering Estelle's question, you take advantage of your new vantage point to take another look around. Now that you aren't just seeing rooftops and the backs of people passing by, you can better appreciate the sheer scale of this festival- and it's kind of goddamn ridiculous. There seems to be no end to either the revelers or the decorations, which stretch down the streets as far as your eyes can see- it's a familiar tableau of red, blue, and green, done up in stylized pictures of dragons and whales and some sort of spiked armadillo dinosaur (megabeasts?).

You've seen something like this before: back in the Four Color Pallet ruins, that place where you picked up Estelle and a chunk of Sharicite, and then proceeded to almost kill yourself against a horrid glitch monster.

No glitch monsters here, thankfully. Celebration's in the air, thick enough that you could cut it with a knife. You can almost convince yourself that you can SEE the shares spiraling up into the sky, infusing the nation of Lowee with the strength to stand against its competitors.

It's hard to imagine that anyone would revere any single adventurer to this extent, and nigh impossible to imagine yourself in the Trainer's position. Would they string up pictures of skelephants? Celebrate by pumping magma out into moats, complete with !!dwarf effigies!! grinning from the rooftops?

... you bite your lip and frown; you can't help but realize that there's something missing, and you say as much to Estelle (who's STILL holding you up like you're the goddamn lion cub of destiny). So, alright, where's the party girl herself, the adventurer of honor?

Estelle doesn't answer immediately. Instead, she carefully puts you down and turns you around, peering down at you with those wide green eyes of hers for a moment. "Well... she can't join us, Urist. She's ascended."

Wow. How absolutely uninformative.

(Cont.)

>>36553030
You scratch your head, bumping your helmet out of position. Okay, seriously, that just raises more questions than it answers. F'r instance, you weren't aware that ascending to godhood was actually a thing-

For once, Estelle cuts you off with a shake of her head, almost impatient. "Not like that. You honestly don't know what it is, do you?"

You can't help but snort. Hah. Well, you weren't exactly classically educated on the subject, no. You're almost certain that you weren't educated, period- there's a lot you don't about Gamindustri that everyone seems to take for granted. Can she cut you a little slack?

"Sorry, sorry." Estelle runs a hand through her shaggy hair, not nearly as bubbly as usual. She's almost /tense/. "It's just- you know, some adventurers did so much for their nation that they wanna help their patron CPU out even more, right?"

In this case, for Blanc, right?

"Yup! Lowee's got a lot of legendary adventurers. Even more than me! So they kinda become like demigods, even though..."

(Cont.)

>>36553052
Estelle trails off, looking past you- no, looking /through/ you. You've never seen her like this before, and it's kinda unsettling. "... you know what? I kinda have to make a quick stop. Something I have to do."

Where to the who now?

"Just- just a quick stop. A temple." The Dragon Warrior bites her lip, not looking at you, and she backs up a few steps. "I'll meet up with you later, okay? Just give me a few minutes!" She's halfway down the street before you can even reply, jogging through the crowd at a fast clip.

You scrunch your face up. Motherfucker.

[ ] [FOLLOW] What the hell, Estelle, who even takes off like that in the middle of an expository monologue!? Whatever the reason, you're not sure you ought to leave her alone like this.
[ ] [FESTIVAL] O... kay, well, it looks like Estelle kinda needs her own space for a little bit, and she's, like, a trillion times stronger than you anyway. She can take care of herself; why not pass the time?
[ ] [GUILD] Don't chase Estelle. Go check up on your messages, see if there's any other small jobs you can take along the way to Leanbox.
[ ] [SHOPS] You DID foil some cultists' attempt to undermine the secretive treasure cube industry. Maybe you ought to see if Blanc's passed on the word about that whole shebang.
[ ] [WRITE-IN]

>>36553091
[X] [FOLLOW] What the hell, Estelle, who even takes off like that in the middle of an expository monologue!? Whatever the reason, you're not sure you ought to leave her alone like this.

>>36553091
>[ ] [FOLLOW]

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>>36553091
>[x] [FOLLOW]
dead friends hooooo

>>36553091
>[ ] [FESTIVAL] O... kay, well, it looks like Estelle kinda needs her own space for a little bit, and she's, like, a trillion times stronger than you anyway. She can take care of herself; why not pass the time?
>[ ] [GUILD] Don't chase Estelle. Go check up on your messages, see if there's any other small jobs you can take along the way to Leanbox.
But with the guild, just check messages quick and worry about jobs after.

>>36553091
>[ ] [FOLLOW] What the hell, Estelle, who even takes off like that in the middle of an expository monologue!? Whatever the reason, you're not sure you ought to leave her alone like this.

>>36553091
>[ ] [FESTIVAL] O... kay, well, it looks like Estelle kinda needs her own space for a little bit, and she's, like, a trillion times stronger than you anyway. She can take care of herself; why not pass the time?
Let's take a look around while she's busy crying.

>>36553091
>[x] [FOLLOW]
Curiosity killed the cat. Maybe we can ask it to kill a few more for us.

>>36553091
>[X] [FESTIVAL]
>[X] [SHOPS]
Free. Swag.

>>36553091
>[ ] [FESTIVAL] O... kay, well, it looks like Estelle kinda needs her own space for a little bit, and she's, like, a trillion times stronger than you anyway. She can take care of herself; why not pass the time?

>>36553091
>[X] [FOLLOW] What the hell, Estelle, who even takes off like that in the middle of an expository monologue!? Whatever the reason, you're not sure you ought to leave her alone like this.

>Don't follow me, I'll meet up with you later
Gee, where have I heard this a million times before

> Urist follows Estelle
> it's not like she was worried or anything
> Urist is just nosy, yeah that's it

>>36553374
>Urist insists she is not worried, just nosy
>Ester takes that to mean she's worried, anime tsunshit
>Actually Urist is just nosy

>Hyperdimension Dwarf Fortress Quest.
>Festival time
>Players not looking for drinking games.

>>36553555
We're busy being a little sister

As soon as we're done with that though, well get right on that.

>>36553555
this is nintendo lanf, I'm honestly suprised we managed to find beer at all.

>>36553582
Do you think they have Super Mushroom Beer?
Do you think it would make Urist taller?

>>36553662
I actually think that's what we're drinking, Urist mezzanine making beer out of mushrooms with faces on them.

>>36553582
If the Tapper adventurer settled down to open their bar anywhere, it would be here.

>>36553091
>[ ] [FESTIVAL] O... kay, well, it looks like Estelle kinda needs her own space for a little bit, and she's, like, a trillion times stronger than you anyway. She can take care of herself; why not pass the time?

>>36553091

[x] [FOLLOW] What the hell, Estelle, who even takes off like that in the middle of an expository monologue!? Whatever the reason, you're not sure you ought to leave her alone like this.

Not to be callous, but we're kinda in a hurry, here.

>>36553091
>[X] [FOLLOW!]

Suddenly, you realize that your mouth feels drier than a wasteland. Not even like a scorching, dramatically hot wasteland, just the type of barren wasteland that has nothing remotely interesting going on in it, the kind of place that results in the most boring fortresses known to mankind, where you've got no choice but to drill down to the magma sea as quickly as possible and make your OWN fun involving fire and clowns and turning the overworld into a lava-filled paradise, all so you can laugh at any tree-fucking hippies who even DARE prance over with their shit quality cloth and endless bitching over your logging industry-

... okay, that metaphor sort of got away from you. Anyway, what you're trying to say is that you're thirsty like... like a barren wasteland. Thirsty for alcohol. You know this because there's a flask in your hand before you even realize it's there.

You look up at Estelle's retreating back. Then you heave a long-suffering sigh, force your hand to stow away your flask, and slog after your friend and/or meatshield and/or personal healer.

Anyone else would have trouble slipping through a crowd of this side; were things otherwise, even you might've had trouble, since Lowee in general and this festival in particular has a LOT of kids running around and getting underfoot. Estelle is by no means slow, and she has a definite head start, but she can't lie down and slide /under/ people like you can. And since passerby are stopping to sneak another peek at the Dragon Warrior, you don't lose her at all.

... it also helps that you're agile enough to outpace skirt wearers who might take offense at your method of travel. Seriously, you just don't get the fuss; for one thing, if you've seen one goddamn pair of underwear in this godawful cutesy world, you might as well have seen 'em all. Besides, you're far too busy trying to avoid the inevitable piles of litter and vermin that ALWAYS accumulates in festivals of this size.

(Cont.)

>>36554295
After a few minutes, the crowds thin out enough that you can actually stand up, so you take a moment to dust yourself off, double-check that nothing got tangled in your braids- you will literally sit right the fuck down in the middle of the street and cry if someone's motherfucking bubblegum got stuck in your hair- and set off again once you're done.

You're in an old part of town, probably one of the oldest parts; this far away from the town center (and the festival), all the buildings and streets are still clean, but they've aged far less gracefully than those nearer Blanc's Basilicom. Ancient storefronts stand tall and proud, bearing their cracks and faded discolored paint with quiet pride, and the streets beneath your feet are weathered and uneven, but remain walk-able and undefeated by time. A few truly old residents are scattered here and there, so wrapped up in their memories that they don't even look up as you pass them by.

You've long since lost sight of Estelle, but you think you've got a good idea of where she's headed. Standing out amid all the poorly-maintained streets is a cheery single story building emblazoned with a blocky, poorly-drawn rodent (or maybe it's a hideously deformed raccoon with rabies); the four colors are a giveaway, too. It's almost a dead ringer for the Four Color Pallet ruins, just... with a few less monsters.

Hopefully.

(Cont.)

>>36554319
Upon closer inspection (and you take your sweet time inspecting the doorway in between thirsty gulps from your flask), this little temple(?) seems to get its fair share of visitors; there are fliers and decorations neatly pinned to a corkboard just inside the entrance, ranging from kid's drawings to prayers for good luck to messages. The inside looks like every other church or temple you've been to, except about ten times smaller and cozier. Today, it's just about empty, though.

Empty but for Estelle sitting at the back, in front of a little altar or pew or whatever the church-y word for "small table with holy relics on it" is called. She's talking in a low voice, and you really can't hear her from here, but from the way her shoulders are shaking a little...

... even so, the part of you that will never stop being paranoid and terrified of everything aboveground really hopes she isn't trying to summon something horrible and mind-melting into the world.

[ ] [WAIT OUTSIDE] Give Estelle a little privacy, but wait for her outside. You wouldn't feel comfortable intruding, after all; hell, maybe you can make sure no one intrudes, too. You owe her that much.
[ ] [EAVESDROP] Try to sidle a little closer and see if you can't hear what she's saying. You can't help but be curious; hell, you might even learn a thing or two about this person who's latched onto you.
[ ] [GO IN] Trying to be considerate or sneaky implies that you're actually considerate OR sneaky. Just go on in and see what the problem is, and check if she's, y'know. Doing okay.
[ ] [NOPE] Alright, you know Estelle's /safe/, and at least she's probably not doing anything stupid. Let's ACTUALLY give her some space and go burn time at the festival and shops, hey?
[ ] [WRITE-IN]

>>36554347
>[x] [NOPE] Alright, you know Estelle's /safe/, and at least she's probably not doing anything stupid. Let's ACTUALLY give her some space and go burn time at the festival and shops, hey?

>>36554347
>[X] [NOPE] Alright, you know Estelle's /safe/, and at least she's probably not doing anything stupid. Let's ACTUALLY give her some space and go burn time at the festival and shops, hey?

There has got to be a drinking game, or games of chance, or lottery drawings, or SOMETHING exciting going on. Heck, if it's a Smash Festival, too, there might be a grand melee or strength contest. We need to dwarf it up a little before we become too girly to earn a beard.

>>36554347
>[X] [WAIT OUTSIDE] Give Estelle a little privacy, but wait for her outside. You wouldn't feel comfortable intruding, after all; hell, maybe you can make sure no one intrudes, too. You owe her that much.

It doesn't matter if it's a fuzzy nature bunny or a night creature of war, you respect people's gods.

>>36554347
>[ ] [WAIT OUTSIDE] Give Estelle a little privacy, but wait for her outside. You wouldn't feel comfortable intruding, after all; hell, maybe you can make sure no one intrudes, too. You owe her that much.
It's no problem

>>36554347
>[ ] [WAIT OUTSIDE] Give Estelle a little privacy, but wait for her outside. You wouldn't feel comfortable intruding, after all; hell, maybe you can make sure no one intrudes, too. You owe her that much.

>>36554347
>[x] [WAIT OUTSIDE]

>>36553091
>What the hell, Estelle, who even takes off like that in the middle of an expository monologue!?

Dragon Warrior Estelle withdraws from society. . .

>>36554347

>>[x] [WAIT OUTSIDE] Give Estelle a little privacy, but wait for her outside. You wouldn't feel comfortable intruding, after all; hell, maybe you can make sure no one intrudes, too. You owe her that much.

We'll be close, at least.

>>36554516
As long as she don't use of those damn adamantine threads.

>>36554516
Dragon Warrior Estelle has constructed a legendary bracelet! The bracelet menaces with spikes of sadness. On the bracelet is a picture of a dragon warrior. The dragon warrior is weeping.

>>36554347
>[ ] [WAIT OUTSIDE] Give Estelle a little privacy, but wait for her outside. You wouldn't feel comfortable intruding, after all; hell, maybe you can make sure no one intrudes, too. You owe her that much.

>>36554347
>[ ] [WAIT OUTSIDE] Give Estelle a little privacy, but wait for her outside. You wouldn't feel comfortable intruding, after all; hell, maybe you can make sure no one intrudes, too. You owe her that much.

>>36554347
>[X] [WAIT OUTSIDE!]

You peer into the temple again; Estelle's shoulders are still shaking. For all you know, she could be crying because she's confessing her sins, or depressed at the death of some comrade long since past, or sad that she never got that toy axe she'd always wanted as a kid. Either way, you'd feel bad about busting on in there with all the social grace of a hippopotamus, since all the comfort you'd be able to offer Estelle would be beer breath and sympathetic anecdotes along the lines of "at least she didn't die from violent exsanguination, like that one time those dwarves died from having all their blood explode from every orifice due to megabeast syndrome."

Still, you can't just LEAVE her there- well, alright, you /could/, but it's not like you're worried for her or anything. You're just still waiting for a comprehensible explanation about this whole ascension business and why it's enough to get Estelle to change subjects faster than a fortress deposes a noble who mandates the construction of adamantine coins.

The closest thing to a compromise you achieve is to just sort of loiter outside the Four Color Pallet temple, leaning against the outside doorframe with your arms crossed, like the world's tiniest and least intimidating bouncer. And so you wait.

... it gets sort of boring, so you check your phone for a bit. No new messages from either Mojang or Maia, which is probably good- no need for anything ELSE that'd cause you undue stress. And there aren't really any immediately attention-grabbing headlines; there's something about how CPU Purple Heart (up in Planeptune, if you remember correctly) hasn't been seen in weeks- some people are worried, others figure that it's just Purple Heart being quirky as usual. There've also been a rash of strange disappearances all along the coastlines of Lowee and Leanbox, but everyone knows to stay the hell away from the coast anyway, since nothing good comes of-

(Cont.)

>>36555357
You snap your phone shut when you notice someone approaching, and straighten up to give this newcomer your best scowl.

... alright, you don't even have to fake it, because this girl's outfit absolutely beggars belief. Even for Gamindustri- GAMINDUSTRI!- what this girl's wearing is an affront to everything you know about coordination and battle wear. The outfit basically consists of some sort of dark red bikini top and a short leather skirt, but even this simple getup is an ode to asymmetry and distracting thingamajigs everywhere, even for someone like you, a dwarf used to people wearing whatever the hell you want. This girl's got an ornate shoulderguard /here/, black arm bandages /there/, belts down on only ONE thigh (but not the other!), fancy tribal tattoos only on one side of her bared skin (but a cheek tattoo on the other side!), frills and laces on the edge of her clothes, a weird blue gemstone motif and some sort of demented pink bunny plush clutching a gemstone wedged between her breasts, what the hell even-

(Cont.)

>>36555374
You realize that this adventurer's been trying to talk to you, so you rein in your autism and zone back in, looking up at her face- alright, she's got blonde hair in a long ponytail but with orange highlights framing her face, why is that even a thing?

"You're blocking the only entrance to a sacred haven of worship," she deadpans coldly, imperiously. "Please move."

[ ] [STEP ASIDE] Fine, fine, Hot Topic girl isn't worth the trouble. Probably. 'Sides, she looks quiet enough that Estelle shouldn't have a problem with her here.
[ ] [HAHA NOPE] Sorry, but the temple's occupied. She'll have to come back later. Estelle sure as hell doesn't need this person being all cold and rude when she's trying to have a moment.
[ ] [GRILL] Alright, so who is this person, why is she here, and why should you let her into the temple? Seriously, who the hell else comes to a temple this old BESIDES Estelle?
[ ] [STALL] Offer the newcomer a drink. Try to be friendly and social. Maybe you can give Estelle enough of a head's-up to compose herself if this newcomer insists on barging in and causing trouble.
[ ] [WRITE-IN]

>>36555374
>belts down on only ONE thigh (but not the other!),
Final Fantasy?

>>36555406
[ ] [HAHA NOPE] Sorry, but the temple's occupied. She'll have to come back later. Estelle sure as hell doesn't need this person being all cold and rude when she's trying to have a moment.

>>36555406
[ ] [STALL] Offer the newcomer a drink. Try to be friendly and social. Maybe you can give Estelle enough of a head's-up to compose herself if this newcomer insists on barging in and causing trouble.


>>36555417
My guess as well.

>>36555406
>[ ] [STALL]

>>36555406
>[ ] [STALL] Offer the newcomer a drink. Try to be friendly and social. Maybe you can give Estelle enough of a head's-up to compose herself if this newcomer insists on barging in and causing trouble.
Piece of cake. If we can handle the Elven trading delegation, we can handle Fashion Disaster here no problem.

Well, we've never ACTUALLY run trade negotiations, but I'm sure we could if we had to.

>>36555406
>[] [KNOCK] Knock on the door to give Estelle time to get ready for company.
>[ ] [STEP ASIDE] Fine, fine, Hot Topic girl isn't worth the trouble. Probably. 'Sides, she looks quiet enough that Estelle shouldn't have a problem with her here.

>>36555406
>[X] [STEP ASIDE] Fine, fine, Hot Topic girl isn't worth the trouble. Probably. 'Sides, she looks quiet enough that Estelle shouldn't have a problem with her here.
>[X] [WRITE-IN] "Sorry, just waiting on a friend to finish up. . . I just. . . Sorry if this seems rude, but what look were you trying for?"

>>36555406
>[ ] [STALL] Offer the newcomer a drink. Try to be friendly and social. Maybe you can give Estelle enough of a head's-up to compose herself if this newcomer insists on barging in and causing trouble.

>>36555406
>[ ] [STALL] Offer the newcomer a drink. Try to be friendly and social. Maybe you can give Estelle enough of a head's-up to compose herself if this newcomer insists on barging in and causing trouble.
I guess, I wonder what she's doing here, FF should be Lastation now shouldn't she?

>>36555406
[ ] [STALL]
Move slightly out of the way to make it look like you made an effort, be friendly as hell, Ask her who she is blah blah, apologize that you were blocking the way, you were just waiting on someone, all that.

>>36555406
>[ ][BLUFF]
"Sorry, I can't right now, the door's... broken. Yeah. I'm fixing it. Soon. You should come back later. When the door's fixed."

>>36555406
>[X] [WRITE-IN]
My friend is having a moment inside, could you wait a little bit? I'll check on her soon.
>[X] [BOOZE]
Dealing with rude people you're not allowed to hurt is hard.

>>36555406
>[x] [WRITE-IN]
"My friend's inside having a moment. Can you give her a moment?"

>>36555850
But anon that would be sensible

>>36555871
Yeah! We can't be sensible! We're Moe and Drunk!

>>36555871
We can be sensible once in a blue moon. Our friend (and pocket healer) being emotionally sensitive is not something we should disrupt with dorfing it up.

>>36555850
Supporting this. Estelle's been somewhat annoying but she's been a really good friend to Urist and hopefully this person has enough sense to give someone a moment of privacy.

>>36555850
>having a moment
>give her a moment
'Give her some time' would be better.

>>36555749
>>36555850
Are we even capable of being that socially adept? I'm supporting these choices in the hopes of some development beyond autistic murder-hobo, spaghetti sperge lord.

>>36556021
We have graduated from Dabbling Conversationalist to Adequate Conversationalist.

>>36555406
>[x] [WRITE-IN]
"My friend's inside having a moment. Can you give her a moment?"

>>36555850
Yeah, alright. Supporting.

>>36556076
I hope so, we've been doing that convensu...list stuff pretty much by now.

>>36555406
>[x] [WRITE-IN]
"My friend's inside having a moment. Can you give her a moment?"

>>36556171
>My friend's inside having a moment.
>friend's inside
Oh my

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>>36555406
>[X] [WRITE-IN: EXPLAIN!]
>[X] with a bit of [STALL!]

You grind your teeth together. Everything about this girl rubs you the wrong way, and her lack of social grace is only the icing on the top. You're just about to snap at this girl, tell HER to get the hell out of the way before you bury your foot in her face-

But then, in a flash of inspiration and understanding, you come to a stunning, truly revolutionary realization.

You certainly don't have to needlessly let a stranger disturb your friend's peace, but maybe- just maybe- you don't /have/ to needlessly piss off a stranger. Even if she's a rude-ass motherfucker, even if she dresses like she's trying to be unique and special, and even if it would break the monotony to trade thinly veiled insults like a dwarf and an elf. Hell, you don't even have to dip into the great big bucket of cliches and take the circuitous route of stalling this girl for no apparent reason.

There's no other way to put it. You... you've suffered from a flash of common sense. And the sad thing is, you can't even fight it.

>Congratulations! You've become a Novice Conversationalist! You've participated in far too many socializing thingamabobs to turn back now, huh?

You let out the breath you didn't realize you've been holding, and force yourself to stop scowling (although you keep your properly dwarfish frown in place) and meet the newcomer's green eyes. Right. Well. It wouldn't be right to let her in, because you see, your friend's in there and she's having a... a moment, you grumble gruffly. Maybe give her a little time?

The newcomer's expression doesn't change, but she blinks and looks up- looks past you through the open doorway and into the temple. For all your attempts to read her, the girl's face may as well be stone, but you DO note that she hesitates for just a bit too long before turning back to you. She stares down her nose at you, as elegant and imperious as any elf-

But then she opens her mouth to speak.

(Cont.)

>>36556743
"There can truly be no rest for weary sojourners caught in the endless fantasy over countless cycles," the girl deadpans, "save for when our insignificant struggles inevitably culminate in the final end."

For a few seconds, you can't really do anything else but stare at her in mild disbelief. Is... is that a yes? Is that a no? Is that a declaration of war or a villainous monologue?

"..."

She doesn't answer you (unless needless ellipses count as a response), and she merely leans against the other side of the doorframe, her arms crossed underneath her chest in an approximation of your pose. There's no wind, but a breeze still ruffles her hair. "Even if eons shall pass, I can only wait for my time to come around once more," she intones quietly, staring straight ahead.

... you are so ill-equipped to handle this... this /this/, and all the booze in the world can't help you. After you take a long enough pull to empty your flask, you offer your tertiary flask to this girl. Maybe a drink, to pass the time? A little light conversation never hurt anyone, with an emphasis on /light/.

The girl turns her head to regard you and your flask. For a moment, you're convinced that she'll turn you down, and then it may or may not be on like Donkey Kong- but then she shrugs and takes the flask in her gloved hands. "So few decent souls in this mad, decrepit world," she murmurs. "As destiny foretold, they stand out as beacons against the umbral night."

You turn that over in your mind as she takes a pull from your flask. Well, she either gave you her thanks or cursed six generations of your ancestors, so it's probably-

You almost jump out of the skin as the girl doubles over with a cough, her delicate face scrunched up in shock. She hands the flask back to you as quickly as humanly possible. "Too strong," she croaks out after a moment. "S-Sorry. Not bad, though."

(Cont.)

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>>36556763
... oh, good, she stopped it with the horrifically flowery language. Seems she IS capable of talking like a normal human being. You mention as much to her, though not quite as bluntly, and the girl actually colors a little. "Speaking in riddles will not absolve your sins or mine. Staying true to oneself-"

Right, right, a simple "I don't know what you're talking about" would be fine. Really. Anyway- you stick out a gloved hand, and in lieu of anything else to talk about, you introduce yourself. You're Urist Twelfthbay, and you're an adventurer. Probably.

The girl once again does that thing where she looks you over like you're a strange curiosity- maybe she doesn't mean anything by it?- and eventually takes your hand. "Ain," she simply murmurs.

You were honestly expecting a ridiculously long title, but this is fine, too. Now that you're looking at her, though, you're getting the strangest sense that in some very fundamental ways, Ain's not too different from Estelle. Same messy sort of hair, similar green eyes, and she's got a sort of weight on her shoulders, too...

A quick glance into the temple reveals that Estelle's no longer kneeling in front of the altar with her shoulders shaking; instead, she's walking around the place, touching the walls every now and then. While you can't see her expression, you get the sense that she's being an average tourist.

[ ] [GO IN TOGETHER] Well, Estelle's done having a moment. There's no more reasons to dick around outside, so you may as well go in, fetch your friend, and maybe do more social things.
[ ] [AIN] Keep talking to Ain. You've not met many people like her before, and you might as well see what else you can learn from this adventurer. Besides, Estelle could use some alone time to... reminisce, or something.
[ ] [ESTELLE] Excuse yourself and duck in to talk to Estelle alone for a bit, maybe let her know that there's someone outside waiting to get in. Also ask if she knows an "Ain" person.
[ ] [WRITE-IN]

>>36556763
Oh God, not a damned chuuni-
>"Too strong," she croaks out after a moment. "S-Sorry. Not bad, though."
You know what? She's alright.

>>36556763
>on like Donkey Kong
I want to see that moe personification
>>36556779
[x ] [GO IN TOGETHER] Well, Estelle's done having a moment. There's no more reasons to dick around outside, so you may as well go in, fetch your friend, and maybe do more social things.

>>36556779
>[ ] [GO IN TOGETHER]
Party member acquired? What kinda panties is she wearing? Skirt that short there's no way we can't see.

[x ] [GO IN TOGETHER] Well, Estelle's done having a moment. There's no more reasons to dick around outside, so you may as well go in, fetch your friend, and maybe do more social things.

>>36556779
>[ ] [GO IN TOGETHER]
Let's do this one. Also, is there a Moesonification of Vagrant Story?
Also, tell her to stop dressing like a whore and to go back to dressing like she did when Amano was the main designer.

>>36556779
>[ ] [AIN] Keep talking to Ain. You've not met many people like her before, and you might as well see what else you can learn from this adventurer. Besides, Estelle could use some alone time to... reminisce, or something.
I like this kid. She's got style. She's doing her own thing. I respect that. Not many people 'round here understand that.

>>36556779
>[ ] [GO IN TOGETHER] Well, Estelle's done having a moment. There's no more reasons to dick around outside, so you may as well go in, fetch your friend, and maybe do more social things.
Time for Urist to find out she's still the youngest person she knows

>>36556779
>[X] [GO IN TOGETHER] Well, Estelle's done having a moment. There's no more reasons to dick around outside, so you may as well go in, fetch your friend, and maybe do more social things.

Alright, looks like she's done. Time to go in, get her, . . . and probably get sidelined into them talking. Man, and this festival sounded cool, too.

>>36556779
[x] [ESTELLE] Excuse yourself and duck in to talk to Estelle alone for a bit, maybe let her know that there's someone outside waiting to get in. Also ask if she knows an "Ain" person.
>[x] [GO IN TOGETHER] Well, Estelle's done having a moment. There's no more reasons to dick around outside, so you may as well go in, fetch your friend, and maybe do more social things.

We should tell her that we're going to check on her, and will let her know if she can come in. If not, we'll come back out and talk a bit more.

>>36556779
>[ ] [AIN] Keep talking to Ain. You've not met many people like her before, and you might as well see what else you can learn from this adventurer. Besides, Estelle could use some alone time to... reminisce, or something.

>>36556779
[x] [ESTELLE] Excuse yourself and duck in to talk to Estelle alone for a bit, maybe let her know that there's someone outside waiting to get in. Also ask if she knows an "Ain" person.
I do not want to associate with a game which lies in its title.

>>36556779
IN TOGETHER] Well, Estelle's done having a moment. There's no more reasons to dick around outside, so you may as well go in, fetch your friend, and maybe do more social things.

>>36556779
[X] [GO IN TOGETHER] Well, Estelle's done having a moment. There's no more reasons to dick around outside, so you may as well go in, fetch your friend, and maybe do more social things.

>>36556763
>Congratulations! You've become a Novice Conversationalist! You've participated in far too many socializing thingamabobs to turn back now, huh?
Congrats Urist, you just became less of a failure of a person.

[ ] [GO IN TOGETHER] Well, Estelle's done having a moment. There's no more reasons to dick around outside, so you may as well go in, fetch your friend, and maybe do more social things.
Her name is definitely Ain right?

>>36557067
>Her name is definitely Ain right?

I really really really really REALLY hope so, but we won't know until NIS America fills in its character roster page for Hyperdevotion Noire.

>>36557067
She is a dwarf, this was a failure

>>36556779
I think I've figured out what happens when Urist blacks out and her friends get really terrified and weirded out, but I do not want to spoil it; on the other hand, I do wish to know if I am correct.

>>36557253
>Urist blacks out and her friends get really terrified and weirded out
When did this happen?

>>36557322
First thread, anon.
>Urist Twelfthbay gives in to pain.

>>36557253
what's your theory?

>>36556779
>[X] [GO IN TOGETHER!]

You wouldn't mind shooting the breeze with Ain a little more, but at this point, you're not confident that you'll be CAPABLE of holding a prolonged conversation with the walking thesaurus. Besides, if Estelle's done, you /would/ like to start making your way toward Leanbox (although knowing the all-too-peppy Dragon Warrior, she'll probably end up convincing you to dick around at the festival for a bit).

... well, you'll lower that drawbridge and crush the screaming goblins when you come to it. You look up to Ain and realize that she's once again been studying you rather intently, like you're a puzzle she can't help but try to figure out. Well, looks like your friend's done. Why don't the both of you mosey on in and get to doing... whatever it is that people do in temples like this?

Ain nods. You feel your hopes rising before she immediately dashes it by opening her mouth again. "Impenetrable mysteries of the elements await us within, coupled with the camaraderie of one who sought to harness the bountiful potential of the wilds. I am the Warrior of Light; it is my duty to go and honor her legacy as best as I can."

R... right. Yeah, she motherfucking said it, spot on.

As you step into the little temple, you realize that the layout is almost exactly the same as the ruins you saw earlier, complete with bookshelves and alien laboratory equipment that manages NOT to look intimidating or terrifying. The main difference (other than the fact that it isn't a monster-infested hellhole in need of repairs) is that everything feels /newer/, somehow. There's still that feeling of history weighing you down, but it's not nearly as strong as the aura exuded by the rest of Lowee, not by a long shot. Even the drawings of monsters on the walls seem newer.

(Cont.)

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>>36557904
Rather than standing as a timeless unchanged monument from days long past, this place is more of a faithful reconstruction. It's like someone tried to capture the memory of a place with both mechanical precision and nostalgia-infused feeling- and actually succeeded.

You stop examining the decor just in time for Estelle to see you. She quickly wipes at her eyes with the back of her hand and gives you a double-strength dose of her usual grin- which quickly fades when she sees the adventurer standing behind you.

There's a sort of sinking feeling in your stomach when Estelle's expression hardens to the point where it nearly matches Ain's own poker face. "... Ain."

Ain doesn't give an inch, her back ramrod straight and that imperial glint in her cold eyes. "... Estelle."

Your finely honed sense of self-preservation causes you to quietly sidle out of the way as the Dragon Warrior and the Warrior of Light slowly close the distance, their steps appearing to echo even in this small, silent chamber. They stare each other down, wary and cautious, for at least a minute or so. Are... are they blinking? They aren't blinking. Holy shit, they aren't blinking.

Estelle's the first to break eye contact, pursing her lips; she looks Ain up and down without even a hint of an expression before crossing her arms over her breastplate. "You've changed again," she says quietly, not meeting the other adventurer's eyes.

Ain closes her eyes with a sigh, tossing her hair; now, more than ever, you can almost literally see the weight on her shoulders, nearly as heavy as the burden carried by Estelle.

And then she opens her mouth again.

(Cont.)

>>36557253
What? You mean when we're too sober to think rationally?

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>>36557923
"Chance, possibility, destiny; the mortal world trembles when the gods roll the celestial die. Try as they may, struggle as they will, even legendary heroes cannot resist the inexorable push toward the uncaring future; only then will fools reveal their true natures."

You've barely unraveled Ain's latest spiel before you realize that whatever she said hit Estelle like a slap to the face. "Take that back," she whispers hoarsely. "You can't- you can't possibly mean that. You of all people should know better-"

"Endless cycles. Broken promises. The clinging past cannot be remade whole in the unforgiving present." Ain's stare seems to bore right into Estelle's tightening expression- and then her gaze flicks to you, green eyes narrowing slightly. "Chance encounters, fleeting allies untested on the rocky road of life, are no replacement for loveless kinship to those who left behind-"

Oh. Oh, good. Both of them are bristling, and you suddenly realize that you might be better off elsewhere. Like maybe fifty layers beneath the earth and a drawbridge away from this.

[ ] [FLEE TO NOT DIE] Estelle and Ain have to work this out themselves. You're not getting in between them because it's not your place and you also do NOT have the skills for defusing this.
[ ] [NO FIGHTING] Try to defuse the situation the best you can. They're both good, decent people, right? There's got to be some way for them to talk this out, right? Big JRPGs gotta stick together, man!
[ ] [OUTSIDE] Tell Estelle and Ain to take it outside. If they're going to start a big nasty row, better to NOT do it on, say, sacred ground governed by someone who might curse you into a Werepikachu or something.
[ ] [GET A ROOM] Tell Estelle and Ain to get a room. You'll probably get absolutely murdered for insinuating that you think they're going to end up in a big nasty round of unresolved sexual tension-fueled somethingsomething, but hey, at least it'll defuse an ugly argument...?
[ ] [WRITE-IN]

>>36557945
>[x] [GET A ROOM]

Only the dead can find peace from this bullshit.

[ ] [GET A ROOM] Tell Estelle and Ain to get a room. You'll probably get absolutely murdered for insinuating that you think they're going to end up in a big nasty round of unresolved sexual tension-fueled somethingsomething, but hey, at least it'll defuse an ugly argument...?

>>36557945
>[X] [FLEE TO NOT DIE] Estelle and Ain have to work this out themselves. You're not getting in between them because it's not your place and you also do NOT have the skills for defusing this.

>>36557945
[x] [OUTSIDE] Tell Estelle and Ain to take it outside. If they're going to start a big nasty row, better to NOT do it on, say, sacred ground governed by someone who might curse you into a Werepikachu or something.
If the both of you are going to fight, then fight somewhere else.

>>36557945
[x] [GET A ROOM]
Show some decency in this place at least

>>36557945
>[ ] [OUTSIDE] Tell Estelle and Ain to take it outside. If they're going to start a big nasty row, better to NOT do it on, say, sacred ground governed by someone who might curse you into a Werepikachu or something.
Urist is still only a novice, don't expect too much from her.

>>36557945
>[ ] [NO FIGHTING] Try to defuse the situation the best you can. They're both good, decent people, right? There's got to be some way for them to talk this out, right? Big JRPGs gotta stick together, man!

>>36557945

[ ] [NO FIGHTING] Try to defuse the situation the best you can. They're both good, decent people, right? There's got to be some way for them to talk this out, right? Big JRPGs gotta stick together, man!
+
[ ] [WRITE-IN]

The answer is booze. It is always booze. Get them to share a drink. Maybe they will mistake the burning sensation for friendship?

>>36557945
>[X] [BOOZE] In the true tradition of all ancient (and moderns) Dwarven conversationalists, you know that Booze is the better part of valor. Or at least people who won't sure up tend not to hit back so much when you plug their mouths with liquor rather than fists.

>>36557945
>[ ] [OUTSIDE] Tell Estelle and Ain to take it outside. If they're going to start a big nasty row, better to NOT do it on, say, sacred ground governed by someone who might curse you into a Werepikachu or something.

Not here. Not in this place.

>>36557945
[ ] [GET A ROOM] Tell Estelle and Ain to get a room. You'll probably get absolutely murdered for insinuating that you think they're going to end up in a big nasty round of unresolved sexual tension-fueled somethingsomething, but hey, at least it'll defuse an ugly argument...?

>>36557945
>[ ] [GET A ROOM]
YES BECAUSE YES

>>36557945
>[ ] [GET A ROOM] Tell Estelle and Ain to get a room. You'll probably get absolutely murdered for insinuating that you think they're going to end up in a big nasty round of unresolved sexual tension-fueled somethingsomething, but hey, at least it'll defuse an ugly argument...?

>[X] [BOOZE]
>[X] [GET A ROOM]

>[X] [GET A ROOM]
>[X] [WRITE-IN] Drink. You're to sober to deal with their...whatever it is they have.

>>36558074
Shit. I hit paste twice.

>>36557945
>>36558037
Booze is always the correct answer

>>36557945
>[X] [BOOZE] In the true tradition of all ancient (and moderns) Dwarven conversationalists, you know that Booze is the better part of valor. Or at least people who won't sure up tend not to hit back so much when you plug their mouths with liquor rather than fists.

>>36557945
Booze
[x] [GET A ROOM]

>>36557945
>[ ] [GET A ROOM] Tell Estelle and Ain to get a room. You'll probably get absolutely murdered for insinuating that you think they're going to end up in a big nasty round of unresolved sexual tension-fueled somethingsomething, but hey, at least it'll defuse an ugly argument...?
Don't be scared Urist, it's not like they can kill you single handedly or anything

>>36557945
>[ ] [OUTSIDE] Tell Estelle and Ain to take it outside. If they're going to start a big nasty row, better to NOT do it on, say, sacred ground governed by someone who might curse you into a Werepikachu or something.
> [BOOZE] Any good fight needs at least one drunk party. Get them both drunk.

>>36557945
>[x] [GET A ROOM]
>[x] [BOOZE]

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>>36557945
>[X] [GET A ROOM]
>[X] [GET A BOOZE]

Well, that's great. You're facing an imminent fistfight, except it'll probably be worse because these two are legendary swordswomen and/or spellcasters and/or bare-fisted knuckledusters and neither this place nor your body will survive unscathed. While you're on the fence about this temple, you're REAL damn attached to your body, because it's the only one you've got.

Earlier, you ended up having a flash of common sense, something that comes rarely to dwarves (if at all). What you're currently experiencing is much more common to dwarves: uninhibited desperation fueled by abject terror.

You're standing between Estelle and Ain, an arm over both their shoulders (well, okay, a hand on both their upper backs, since you're not nearly that tall) before you even realize what you're doing. To your mild horror, you also began running your mouth before your brain caught up, and the words "c'mon, guys, you really ought to get a fucking room" have already slipped out.

THAT gets their attention right quick, and you're suddenly pinned down by the force of their stares; Estelle's eyes are wider than dinner plates and all the blood drained from her face, while Ain looks as uncool as physically possible, with her mouth half-open in shock and her eyebrows quirked as high as they can go.

That's enough to get you even more horrified, so of course, you keep on talking. Stammering and high-pitched, but talking nevertheless, and their scandalized stares of dawning horror only serves to fuel your motormouth even further, much to your OWN horror. It's a perpetual motion machine that will never run out of /why/.

(Cont.)

>>36558712
Because seriously, it sure sounds like they got a whole buttload of unresolved issues to work out. A lot of unresolved tension to work out. Not that you're saying that it would necessarily be of an illicitly sexual nature, of course, NO one's saying that, but they'd have to work it out where no one'll be watching them relieve- /resolve/ their tensions, possibly in bed- no, wait, you meant to say "in a chair." Wait, no, how about top of a chair? /Under/ the chair? Gosh, that's kinky, not that you're insinuating anything, like how they could even do this via magic spores while standing on opposite sides of the fort-

So what you're saying is, they should get a hatefuc- /A ROOM/, you almost shriek. GET A ROOM.

You're so focused on the spaghetti spilling out your pockets that you don't even see the slap coming until your shoulder hits the floor and your head's ringing like a bell. Even now, you can't help but pick it apart- open-handed hit, glanced off your helmet (wasn't aimed at your face?), mild bruising that'll fade in a bit-

Once you get your helmet back on straight and can actually SEE again, you look up to see Estelle frozen in place, her hand outstretched and throbbing an angry pink. What's a HELL of a lot more concerning is the tears threatening to spill from her eyes and her expression- it's not just scandalized. It's hurt.

"Why would you ever think-" Estelle shakes her head and lowers her hand, cradling it to her chest without thinking. "I wouldn't ever do something like that. Not- not to my little sisters-"

"Stop."

(Cont.)

>>36558732
You obey without thinking and stop trying to climb back to your feet, your flask already in your hand- except Ain isn't talking to you. She's staring at Estelle again, her expression actually /emoting/ something for once. You're not sure if it's sadness, pity, or what, but-

"I can't be your little sister anymore," Ain says quietly, her fists clenched at her sides. "Don't bother trying."

As far as Estelle's concerned, it's another slap to the face; she stumbles back, looking between the two of you, before making a small strangled sound and running out the door. Leaving you with Ain, the sound of her rapidly retreating footsteps in your ears, and a half-empty flask of wine uselessly held on one hand.

You take a pull from your flask. For the first time that you can remember, the booze does nothing to make you feel better.

[ ] [ESTELLE] Chase after Estelle. This is probably the worst possible way to send her off, and you can't leave her alone like THIS.
[ ] [AIN] Stay with Ain, and let Estelle cool her head. There's something more going on here, and Ain doesn't have it easy either.
[ ] [NOPE] Leave both Ain and Estelle alone. Let the BOTH of them cool their jets, you need to clear /your/ mind as well. Just you and the festival and the shops and all the revelers.
[ ] [GUILD] Leave both Ain and Estelle alone, let them cool off, and in the meantime, you can go hide in the calm, quiet Guild building.
[ ] [WRITE-IN]

>>36558751
[X] [ESTELLE] Chase after Estelle. This is probably the worst possible way to send her off, and you can't leave her alone like THIS.

Ah, shit.

>>36558751
>[ ] [ESTELLE] Chase after Estelle. This is probably the worst possible way to send her off, and you can't leave her alone like THIS.
And we were doing so well, too.

>>36558751
>[x] [ESTELLE] Chase after Estelle. This is probably the worst possible way to send her off, and you can't leave her alone like THIS.

I love you Blorp. You manage to make even a joke quest feel tense.

>>36558732
>Estelle playing the Little Sister card AGAIN
Oh for fuck's sake.
>>36558751
[x] [AIN] Stay with Ain, and let Estelle cool her head. There's something more going on here, and Ain doesn't have it easy either.
The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

>>36558751
>[ x] [NOPE] Leave both Ain and Estelle alone. Let the BOTH of them cool their jets, you need to clear /your/ mind as well. Just you and the festival and the shops and all the revelers.
Time for a drink. Or two. You know what barkeep, just keep the tap flowing.

>>36558751
>[ ] [ESTELLE] Chase after Estelle. This is probably the worst possible way to send her off, and you can't leave her alone like THIS.
That's more like it, catastrophic failure is way more familiar to a dwarf than success

>>36558770
>>36558801

Was it wrong for me to expect us to not spill spaghetti this update?

>>36558751
>[] [AIN] Stay with Ain, and let Estelle cool her head. There's something more going on here, and Ain doesn't have it easy either.

>>36558751
why did so many people vote to get a room?

>[ ] [AIN] Stay with Ain, and let Estelle cool her head. There's something more going on here, and Ain doesn't have it easy either.
She managed a swig of Urist's booze. Also, we should get her side of the story on this "little sister" business as well as that "inexorable push toward the future" thing.

>>36558751
>[X] [NOPE]
The only thing you can do in a minefield that doesn't involve blowing up is getting out of the minefield.

>>36558751

[x] [AIN] Stay with Ain, and let Estelle cool her head. There's something more going on here, and Ain doesn't have it easy either.

THEN go find Estelle.

>>36558820
Losing is fun. This was always going to be the result.

>>36558820
They were having a serious disagreement on an issue, and avoiding that with a "joke" is not always the right option.

I was banking on sincerity(get them both drunk enough to be completely honest), but it's not like that was likely to work either.

>>36558751
>[X] [NOPE] Leave both Ain and Estelle alone. Let the BOTH of them cool their jets, you need to clear /your/ mind as well. Just you and the festival and the shops and all the revelers.
>[X] [INFORMATION GATHER] What the hell was that Ascension thing about anyways? You have your guesses, but no one has said anything out straight.

>>36558751

Guy who made post
>>36558759
here, changing vote to
[X] [AIN] Stay with Ain, and let Estelle cool her head. There's something more going on here, and Ain doesn't have it easy either.

And after that, we pursue Estelle.

>>36558820

You expected the >Touch Fluffy Tail option to not be full of spaghetti?

>>36558823
>>36558832
>[X] AIN
>[X] STELLAAA!!!

>>36558751
>[X] [BOOZE]

Shit like this is why Armok invented more than one type of alcohol.

>>36558896
really, Estelle tries too hard to get close to others despite keeping all of her issues to herself. Although Miss youtalkfunny isn't helping.

>>36558820
A little bit, I mean the degree to which that affected Estelle was kinda surprising, but they were having a serious talk and they obviously have some sort of rough history together.

>>36558921
At least Estelle's issues are a bit more clear now. Assuming ascending is some sort of leaving Gamindustri forever deal, then she's probably lost a lot of close friends before and she's tried to make up for that by collecting little sisters. It's pretty much abandonment issues spread over however long she's been alive.

Is it bad that I kinda do want there to be a little sexual tension between the two of them?

>>36559058
No, it would actually make everything easier and less MUH DRAMA.

>>36559058
It's not my cup of tea, but both you and Blorp are free to do whatever you want.

>>36559097
Less about it being lesbians and more about there being tension.

>>36559119
There was plenty of non-sexual tension, though.
Like Disney -level family values, only we weren't there at the start of the movie.

Given that all personifications are female given the setting you literally cannot have a non-lesbian relationship. Unless you are willing to dip into the NPC population.

Ugh.

>>36559280
I misphrased. I care more about the sexual tension than the genders involved.

>>36559305
oh. well.

...you know, you're right. I don't think I see a lot of that, regardless of gender. Must be awkward as hell to write.

>>36559323
There isn't much well written sexual tension out there. Lots of badly written sexual tension, though.

hail hydra

>>36558751
>[X] [AIN!]
>[X] And then catch up to Estelle later, Armok willing.

You're far from the fastest dwarf around. You're even /less/ fast when you're flat on your back, when your mind's reeling, and when the person you thought you were starting to understand turned out to possibly have enough skeletons in her closet to give any necromancer piss themselves out of sheer joy.

What you're trying to say is that Estelle's long gone by the time you totter back to your feet, one hand against the wall for support. Some friend you are. Or even some little sister you- well, okay, maybe not.

Ain didn't bother helping you up. She hasn't even moved an inch, and she's still just standing there, staring down at the ground. THIS expression you recognize right off the bat, having dealt with it a few times yourself. It's that ungodly mix of frustration, self-loathing and regret that happens when you're convinced that you're right, but still end up feeling like you've fucked up, which just pisses you off because you shouldn't be feeling that way in the first place and what the everloving fuck is wrong with you, brain.

... yeah, Gamindustri hasn't really been easy on you. But hell, that's why booze will always be there for you and vice versa.

Once you're sure of your footing again, you clomp on over to stand in front of Ain so that you're blocking her view of the doorway (while making damn sure you're standing out of arm's reach). Projecting the sort of dwarven confidence you're expected to have (but really aren't feeling right now), you plop your hands onto your hips and meet Ain's gaze-

And stop yourself from just cussing her out, because you just met her and after what you've just seen (and caused), she doesn't deserve you screaming at her. So you take a deep breath, find your center, and manage to work yourself up to "fine" rather than "very unhappy."

Alright. You'd really like to know what the hell just happened.

(Cont.)

>>36559480
It's like a mask falls over Ain's face; even though you've only known the Warrior of Light for a mere five minutes, that's no longer surprising. "Foolish whimsy is easily mistaken for a brave lion's courage, but-"

Seriously, no, you grumble, cutting her right off. Any other time and you'll gladly listen to all the long-winded dramatic soliloquies she can throw at you, but not now. You've got a bullheaded Dragon Warrior to catch up to, eventually, and you'd like answers more than having to play twenty motherfucking questions.

... /please/, you add, after a moment's thought. Estelle's been good to you so far. You don't want one colossal fuckup to crush that all to smithereens.

Ain looks at you. Like, REALLY looks at you, not just look down her nose at you like some sort of cool badass ice queen. "You could always just ask her," she replies after a moment, her customary deadpan blessedly free of her usual flowery language.

You match her stare for stare. Does she really think /Estelle/ of all people would give you a straight answer?

(Cont.)

>>36559526
Ain concedes the point with a noncommittal shrug. "No." She begins walking out the temple at a slow pace, giving you no choice but to follow. "I've known her for longer than you've been alive. At her core, Estelle hasn't changed a bit."

You take your helmet off and examine it for dents and- is it your imagination, or is its surface flatter where Estelle slapped you? Anyway- yeah, between Estelle going on about legendary /this/ and legendary /that/, along with her archaic sound effects and by-the-book gameplay, you've sort of gathered as much. She's as classic as you can get.

It's almost like-

You pause. Ain stops and laces her hands behind her back, glancing over her shoulder. After a moment, she finishes your sentence for you. "Almost like Estelle fears change. But then again...

"The last time the world shifted, our patron goddess went insane and tried to murder us," Ain says, calmer than she has any goddamn right to be. "And Estelle lost her one and only chance to become an immortal legend."

[TO BE CONTINUED NEXT THREAD]

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>>36559545

>>36559545
U wot m8?

Holy shit Blorp, how are you fleshing out this much stuff from freaking video game system history? Is it weed? Cocaine? It's probably weed, isn't it?

>>36559545
>"The last time the world shifted, our patron goddess went insane and tried to murder us," Ain says, calmer than she has any goddamn right to be. "And Estelle lost her one and only chance to become an immortal legend."
Fun times ahead I see, guess this is much worse than it looks

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ALRIGHT YEAH it's 3 am and I should have been asleep about three hours ago, so I'ma stop the thread here and pick up from here next time!

Speaking of which, the next thread will be on Saturday, 12/6, at 7 pm EST; all updates will be at https://twitter.com/BlorpQuest ; questions can be fired off here or over at ask.fm/BlorpQuest !

Apologies for the rocky (nonexistent?) update schedule these past two weeks; thanks for participating, guys, and I hope you enjoyed the thread!

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>>36559545
Well, uh, huh.

I expected very little of that last post.

Wait, what? I'm confused. What the hell is happening?

>>36559594
Thanks for the thread Blorp, can't wait for the next one

>>36559545
yaaaay, truth!

That explains all the yearly rituals.

>>36559592
>our patron goddess went insane and tried to murder us,
Lucky for us, that happens to be our specialty! All we need is to get Project FUCK THE WORLD ready before that happens.

>>36559480
>And stop yourself from just cussing her out, because you just met her and after what you've just seen (and caused), she doesn't deserve you screaming at her.
Making use of that new skill already huh

>>36559621
Yeah, that whole make a fortress thing just got way higher priority.

Thanks for running Blorp. Great thread as always.

And now I'm not having fun any more.
Dropped.

>>36559594
Wouldn't be you if there wasn't a cliffhanger, would it?
See you Saturday, Blorp, and thank you for hosting!

>>36559715
Good luck with your future quest-reading endeavors, anon.

>>36559594
Thanks for runnin', Blorp, your quests are always a great read and I'll stick around so long as you'll keep goin'.