You awaken in the dark.
Well it’s not really dark, just kind of dim. And a little damp.

Damn your head hurts.

You groan as you sit up. You’re surrounded by three walls of stone and one of iron bars.
It dawns on your slightly addled mind that this is indeed a dungeon. But why are you in a dungeon?

You were with Laura when you woke up (a bit close, but you weren’t complaining), you tried to leave the city, the Lord was greeting people, Laura freaked out, you tried to leave and-… ah yes. That also explains why your damn head hurts so much.

You get up off the bed- well, it’s more of a board than a bed –and try to stand. Your left leg screams in protest. Strange, you don’t remember injuring it. Despite your leg’s complaints, you manage to stand up straight.

You limp up to the bars and leaning on them, you look around. There don’t seem to be any guards present, but all of the things you had on you are on a table against the far wall. Everything except your cloak, which they were kind enough to leave on your person.

So you aren’t exactly unequipped.

In fact everything you have other than your cane has a replacement in your cloak.

You could just escape right now, but with your leg in whatever condition it’s in you might not make it far…

You’re worried about Laura too. Perhaps you could call one of the guards down and try to steal some info about what’s going on outside, as well as how long you’ve been out for.

On the other hand, most of these things can wait until you’ve taken a look at yourself and assessed just how badly hurt you were.

>[ ] Call a guard

>[ ] Try to escape

As well as:
>Check your injuries before any of this? [Y/N]

>>39134160
Y
call a guard

>>39134160
>>[ ] Try to escape
y

>>39134160
>try to steal some info about what’s going on outside
That does sound like something we should do.
>Y
>[ ] Call a guard

>>39134160
>[ ] Call a guard

>Y

>writing

Yeah, all that other stuff can wait.

You limp from the bars back to your “bed”. Damn this hurts… why couldn’t they have left you your cane?
No, stupid question. You did kind of beat the hell out of them with it…

You sit down and give yourself a once over. Everything is still attached, though there is an alarmingly large gash on your forehead. You’ve got a few scrapes and bruises, including a big one on your back, but otherwise you’re still in one piece.

You leave your left leg for last. You even put off looking at it because you know it’s going to be bad.
Your boot is gone. Chances are that it’s on the table with the rest of your stuff, or in the garbage because it’s so damaged. Your calf is wrapped up tight, but you can still see blood seeping through. Carefully, you unwrap the bandages and- oh fuck…

It looks like someone skewered it with a sword, and then pulled the sword out downwards. There are stitches keeping the wound closed, and it thankfully doesn’t seem to be festering, but fuck it looks worse than you thought it would.

You take a deep breath and rewrap your leg. Then you limp back to the door.

“Oi!” You call out, and then you wait.

And wait…

“OI!” You call again.

“Shaddup down there, I’m comin’” A gravelly voice comes from somewhere off to the left of your cell. “Fuck you want?” A big man in a guard uniform asks. You can’t see his face under his helmet, but you don’t think that he’s smiling right now…

Okay, it’s time to see what you can wring out of this guy. First up is-

>[ ] –what happened to your leg

>[ ] –whether Laura made it away

>[ ] –what they plan on doing with you

>[ ] Other

>>39134866
Leg

>>39134866
>[ ] JEEZ, I was calling for a healer, not Bubba the Love Troll!
>[ ] –what they plan on doing with you
>[ ] –whether Laura made it away

>>39134938
Okay I'm backing this.

>>39134866
>[ ] –what they plan on doing with you
>[ ] –whether Laura made it away

>>39134938
I am not sure antagonizing the guard is a good idea. At least not before we tried being polite to no avail.

>why couldn’t they have left you your cane?
I know we are asking this question to ourselves retorically, but it probably has to do with hitting them repeatedly with it.

>writing

>>39134938
I'm going to regret it later, but supporting now.

“Well aren’t you just a breath of fresh air this morning?” You ask.
“Aint mornin’. Ain’t been mornin’ for a while.” The guard says.

So you’ve been out of it for at least a few hours. “I was just pondering what my fate was going to be now that you’ve got me all locked up down here.” You say.
“Don’t. Palace is sendin’ someone over t’ question ya. Lord Roderick’s assistant or sumthin’. Then we’ll probably tie a rock to ya and toss ya into the moat.” He says. If you weren’t mistaken, you’d think he was looking forward to that…

Wait, Roderick’s assistant? “You mean Cassandra?” You ask.
“Sumthin like that.” He says.
That may work out in your favour, and it may not. You still aren’t sure what to think about her, and if she actually tries to interrogate you, you doubt that it will be ab enjoyable experience…

“From the sounds of it, I’m alone down here.” You say.
“Like we’d house a lady down here.” The guard says, kicking your injured leg before walking away. “Time to go get the Lord. You stay put, he wanted to see you.”

You grit your teeth and smile at him. If he wants to see you in pain, you can at least deny him that…

The guard could be lying, but it sounds like you were unsuccessful…

>[ ] Stay put and talk to Lord Melvitch

>[ ] Wait until he’s gone and try to escape

>[ ] Other

>>39135355
>[ ] Wait until he’s gone and try to escape

Then we look for Laura and escape.

>>39135355
>[X] Stay put and talk to Lord Melvitch

>>39135355
>>[ ] Stay put and talk to Lord Melvitch
We are not gonna get klaused before Cassandra shows up, so we might as well hear what he has to say.

>>39135355
>[ ] Wait until he’s gone and try to escape
Fuck waiting for that guy.

>>39135355
>[ ] Stay put and talk to Lord Melvitch

>writing

You watch the guard walk away, then limp back to your bed. With a pained groan, you sit down. The guard’s kick hurt quite a bit more than you thought it would…

After waiting for a while, you shift your position and lay down with your left leg hanging off the ‘bed’. You may as well close your eyes for a bit…

Your eyes shoot open when you hear footsteps. You listen carefully. There’s one set of larger, heavier footsteps, and one set of footsteps that sound like they belong to a child…

You close your eyes again, and wait for them to approach your cell.

And approach your cell they do. You hear the door being unlocked, and then Lord Melvitch speaks. “I told you I would take you to your friend.” He says.

“Giles!” The smaller steps rapidly close in. You open your eyes to see… Selene?
“Selene, what are y-GUH!” You grunt as Selene bounds off the floor and lands on top of you, sending a newfound pain into the bruise on your back.

“Get up. You’re leaving.” Lord Melvitch says.

>[ ] I’m doing what now?

>[ ] Why is Selene here?

>[ ] Not on this leg.

>[ ] Other

>>39135941
>[ ] I’m doing what now?

>>39135941
>[ ] I’m doing what now?
>[ ] Why is Selene here?

>>39135941
>[ ] Why is Selene here?
>[ ] I’m doing what now?

>writing

Selene hugs your chest an cries, while Lord Melvitch grabs your things from the table.

“I’m doing what now?” You ask, sitting up stroking Selene’s hair.
“Leaving. Take this.” He says, throwing you a roll of bandages. “It’s been enchanted with Mending Touch. You’ve got 2, maybe 3 hours at most before Cassandra arrives. I want you and her to be well away before that time comes.”

“Why are you doing this?” You ask.
“King Mercutius was a friend. I have known Lady Laura since she was but a little girl, and Selene I have known since she was born. None of these rumours feel right to me, Mr. Giles. As far as I see it, there is only one person with anything to gain from all of this and I tell you now I will NOT bend the knee to that man!” He says.

“So why did you try to capture us in the first place?” You ask, shifting Selene to one side so you can work on your leg.

“Public appearances. My city is far too close to Analask to support a ‘rebel cause’ without any real backup. Things are too chaotic right now to appear to be on any side other than Rodericks.” He says.

It makes sense… kind of. “And why is she here?” You ask, indicating the crying girl currently on your lap.
“Laura got away, but not before leading my men to the rest of your group. They escaped, but she fell behind and they were forced to leave her.” He says.

Selene continues crying while you awkwardly wrap the new bandages around your leg with one hand.

>[ ] What if someone finds out that you let me go?

>[ ] How am I supposed to get out?

>[ ] Other

So I take it we dropped the ball, and Melvitch isn't an ass hole even though he seemed ready to kill us?

>>39136500
>>[ ] What if someone finds out that you let me go?
>[ ] Do you have any clues where they might have gone? I know where we planned, but plans change.

>>39136500
>[ ] What if someone finds out that you let me go?
>[ ] How am I supposed to get out?

>>39136500
>[ ] How am I supposed to get out?

>>39136500
>[ ] What if someone finds out that you let me go?

>>39136500
>[ ] What the hell happen to my leg?

>writing

“What the hell happened to my leg?” You ask.
“One of my men did that when you went down. He is being reprimanded.” Melvitch says.

You finish tying off the bandage and activate it. “Mending Touch” you say, and you immediately feel it start to work. The bandage glows a faint green and it soothes the pain.

“What about you? If someone finds out that you let me out…” You say.
“Please, we went through your stuff. I’m not so blind as to think that you took that risk without a backup plan. You were hoping that Laura would make it away, and then you could simply escape on your own. And it would’ve been a good plan, until we caught Selene.” He says.

“And how am I supposed to escape?” You ask.
“That I’ll leave to your discretion. But I’m certainly not going to tell you about the secret exit hidden in an unused cell two cells that way.” He says, pointing down the hall to your right and winking. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to make ready for Cassandra’s arrival.” He says, walking off towards the stairs.

>Anything further you’d like to ask him?

>>39136960
Just give him a casual thank you, and that we'll keep Laura and Selene safe.

>>39136960
Thank him, at the very least. We're not bloody savages.

>>39136960
Thank him and also apologies about the fact that we thought he was a dick.

>>39136960
"Let the guard know I mention his name."vthe face he'll make when he hears about our escape.
Thank him

>>39136960
thanks

>>39136960
Can we get a POV segment, at one point, of how butthurt Roderick is over the Crown deal? One can never have too many tears.

>>39136960
Thank the man, then tell him the rumor we started about Roddy not having the crown. Tell him we heard it in the pub.

>>39137149
Probably not. I've wanted to do interludes from other character's perspectives at several points, including one from Laura's at the start of this one.

It feels a bit cheap narrative-wise though, so I'll probably be keeping to Giles's POV for the foreseeable future.

Also
>writing

“Lord Melvitch!” You call after him.
“Yes?” He turns around.
“Thank you.” You say.

“Think nothing of it, good man. You will have more allies out there than you think you will, they just won’t want to be seen as your allies publically. Not yet, at least. Perhaps once Harth becomes a part of it, people will decide whether they want to be black or white rather than various shades of grey.” He says, then he walks away and out of sight.

Now you have another problem. Selene is still clinging to you for dear life and crying. You won’t be able to make it out like this, especially considering that you still have to carry your half of the supplies you got…

You could leave them behind and carry her, but then what was the point of all this?

>[ ] Take a minute to calm Selene down

>[ ] Ditch the supplies

>>39137376
cant we stow the supplies in our cloak?

>>39137376
>[ ] Take a minute to calm Selene down

>>39137441
This

>>39137376
Comfort loli.
Melvitch said we have about 2 hours, so we should be able to at least do this.

>>39137376
>[ ] Take a minute to calm Selene down
We need the supplies, remind her about the story you told her.

>writing

“Hey kiddo, what’s wrong?” You ask, stroking Selene’s hair. It has an odd feeling thanks to the black dye, but it’s still quite soft.
“Scared” She says.
“Scared of what?” You ask
“Scared of… lots…” She says.

You sigh and pull her away so you can look at her face. “Do you want to know a secret?”
She looks confused, but she nods.
“So am I, and so is your sister, and Marcellus, and Eleanor.” You say, wiping the tears from her cheek. “Everyone has a lot to be afraid of right now, but they keep moving forward. Do you know why?”
She shakes her head.
“Because when you let fear take a hold of you, the things you’re afraid of win. So you have to be strong, okay?” You say.

Selene nods reluctantly. “What if I can’t be strong?” She asks.

“Then me, or Laura, or any number of people who love you will be there to help you.” You say.
“But Laura is gone…” She says.
“She’s not gone, she’s just a bit farther ahead than we are. We’ll catch up to her in no time at all, and then I can tell her all about how brave you are.” You say, ruffling her hair.
Selene smiles at last, and you put her down on the ground.

>[1/2]

You get up from the bed and test your leg. The pain has lessened, but you should still try to keep off of it.

Taking Selene’s hand, you walk out of the cell to the table where your things are. You place your knives back in their positions and pull a few more out of your cloak to replace the ones you threw. You take your cane and affix a new wooden tip on it, then switch it over to your left hand.

One of the few advantages of using a cane as a weapon, is that it’ll be there when you happen to need a cane…

Then there’s the matter of your supplies…

You could simply carry them, at the risk of slowing yourself down. Or you could stow them all in your cloak, and reveal to Selene it’s magical nature…

>[ ] Carry them

>[ ] Stow them

>>39138131
>[ ] Stow them

>>39138131
"selene look over there!"

>>39138131
>[ ] Stow them

It's just another magic trick, obviously.

>>39138131
>[ ] Stow them

>>39138131
>Stow them
Kids love shit like this. Who knows? She might have to save our ass, one day.

>writing

You don’t relish the idea of lugging all of that around…

“Hey Selene, can you keep a secret?” You ask.
She tilts her head. “What kind of secret?” She asks.

You pull a bedroll out of the bag and stow it into your cloak. You can’t just shove the lot of it in at once, as the false seam is only so large.

Selene’s eyes go wide with wonder. “How did you do that?” She asks. “Is it another magic trick?”
“Sorcerer’s trick, more like.” You pull the cloak up and show her the false seam, and how anything that goes into it ‘disappears’. You might as well share this with someone, in case you’re ever in a situation where someone else needs to get into this thing.

After showing her the trick and telling her a little about how you got it (leaving out the part where you stole it from a sorcerer’s workshop) you stow the rest of your gear and get to finding that secret exit.

The cell that Melvitch indicated is empty. But more than that, it looks like it’s never been used. Of course, why put a prisoner in the escape route?

You try a few things that might set off a secret door, and eventually you find it in a false brick like the one in the royal palace.

The pathway is short, probably just long enough to go underneath the moat. It comes out under a false rock just outside the wall. It’s night time, so you can definitely get away without being noticed…

The question is where to go now?

>[1/2]

To answer that, you need to figure out how Laura plans on getting to Harth…

There are only 2 good ways to get there by road, and any number of ways if they intended to backwoods it the whole way.

>[ ] Take the south road
The south road follows the coast of the Degran sea up to the border with Honoue, from there they would have to head north to Harth. As far as natural dangers go, it’s the safest route right now. It would also lead them past the home of the only person in Laust who you could truly say is an ally right now: Melissa.

Unfortunately, this area is also highly populated. Which means that there would be more chances for them to get recognized, especially now that people know to look for them in disguises.

>[ ] Take the north road
The north road is bound to be perilous right now. The autumn storms are just starting their assault, and with them come the raiders from what remains of Delemur. It’s dangerous, but that danger comes with a few bonuses.

No one would expect them to take the north road, so they would probably be able to get most of the way to Harth unmolested. And any pursuit that does follow would have to contend with the storms and the raiders as well.

>[ ] Head towards Harth and hope for the best
If they’ve decided not to follow the roads, then your chances of running into them are slim. But the woods would provide both you and Selene with cover, and it would make the two of you harder to track than you are normally.

>>39138948
>[x] Take the south road
Gives us an excuse to check in on Melissa too.

>>39138948
>[ ] Take the south road

>>39138948
>[ ] Take the south road
We just need to make a new disguise for Selene and I doubt they'll be stopping us since it's only you and Selene

>>39138948
>>[ ] Take the south road
I think it's more likely they took the north road, but this way at least we might pick up Melissa along the way.

>>39138948
>[ ] Take the south road

>writing

>>39139170
Regardless of the route she took I don't want to bring Selene on the dangerous one

>>39139277
I guess that makes sense. Though now that our party is reduced to those skilled in stealth, at least the raiders shouldn't be a problem.

You’ll keep to the south.

You don’t know what Laura would do, but she would want you to keep Selene as safe as you can. Crowds and disguises you can deal with, storms and raiders not so much.

“Come on kiddo. We’ve got a day’s worth of ground to cover, and I’d like to be as far away from Catisse as we can get before dawn.” You say.

The two of you head off into the woods, keeping a generally south-ish direction. You don’t think you’ve ever been more thankful to have a cane on hand in your entire life…

You can’t help but notice Selene eying the woods around you cautiously.

“What’s up?” You ask.
“Scared…” She says.
“Of the dark?” You ask.
She nods.

>[ ] Try to alleviate her fear

>[ ] Pull out a light source

>[ ] Other

>>39139502
>[ ] Pull out a light source

>>39139502
We're alleviating her fear by pulling out a light source. We're the magic man that can keep her safe.

>[ ] Try to alleviate her fear

>39139502
Can't pull out a light, if we get spotted it's over.

Maybe tell her that there's nothing scarier than us out here.

>>39139620
Although... Maybe we also have something in there that can keep her mind off things. Candy stolen from babies, perhaps?

>>39139502
>Give her a good dicking

>>39139502
>[x] Try to alleviate her fear

>>39139502
Explain to her how advantageous the dark is for sneaky types

>writing

>>39139751
this definitely this would help her out right now.

"And we gotta be Extra sneaky"

“Hmm, and here I thought you wanted to be a master sneaker…” You say.
“I do!” She says.
“Then remember this” you say, getting down to her level with some difficulty “if you’re willing to claim it, the darkness can be yours. There isn’t a single thing out here that scares me right now, do you know why that is?” You ask.

Selene shakes her head.
“Because there isn’t a single thing out here that’s scarier than I am.” You say.
“But you aren’t scary” She says.
“Not to you. But that’s because I like you. Anything else out here that tries to hurt you is going to find out just how scary I am.” You say.

Selene nods, and you stand back up. She’s still afraid, but you expected that. One little pep-talk would never be enough to cure a child of everyone’s deepest fear.

But still she takes your hand, and the two of you keep moving.

Now all you have to do is find some way to deal with your watchers…

You noticed it shortly after you left the rock. Someone has been following you in the shadows…

They don’t approach, so they’re either waiting for you to sleep or they’re going to follow you and see if you meet up with Laura.

Either way, you need to deal with them…

>[ ] Call out to them.

>[ ] Try to lose them

>[ ] Throw daggers

>[ ] Other

>>39140104
>[X] Other
>[X]Double back and sneak up on them.

>>39140104
>[ ] Try to lose them

>>39140223
I'm going to back this. considering it's what I was going to put.

>>39140223
Sure, have Selene hide

>>39140223
This but a bit of this >>39140321

>sorry, got called away for a bit. Now tat I'm back I can get to

>writing

Alright, you’ve just said that you own the dark. Now it’s time to prove it.

Even on a bad leg, in this uneven ground, you’re still the best at this. You sidestep silently into a hiding spot, and make a few more quick jumps into other hiding spots before you sit Selene down.

“Remember what I said about there not being anything scarier than me?” You ask.
Selene nods.
“I need you to wait here, and be very quiet. There’s someone out there that I need to teach that lesson to.” You say.
Selene doesn’t look happy at the prospect of being left alone, but she nods.
You ruffle her hair and dart back out into the woods.

From your hiding place you listen. Whoever they are, they’re good. You can just barely hear them, but there’s definitely something.

A shadowed person wearing a dark cloak steps over to where you were standing when you first jumped into hiding. They’re smaller than you are, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous.

If at all possible, you’d like to get some info out of this guy.

>Sneak up and-

>[ ] Talk

>[ ] Attack

>[ ] Other

>>39140855
>Hello Cassandra

>>39140855
>[ ] Other
Subdue

>>39140855
>[X] Talk

Not convinced it's Cassandra though.

>>39140855
>[ ] Other

Incapacitate or subdue them.

>>39140855
[x] Talk

For all we know this could be one of our companions. Though unlikely.

>>39140855
>[ ] Attack

>>39140855
>[ ] Other
Subdue/capture
use a rope or cloth to gag them

>writing

You pull a length of rope from your cloak. Usually you use this for climbing, but it will work for this purpose as well.

You dart out of the shadows, moving as swiftly and silently as your injured leg will let you. As you close in, you sweep their legs with your cane.

“Kya-“ The cloaked figure squeaks as they fall to the ground. You quickly pin them and bind their hands and feet. Then you turn the man over and place a dagger at his throat.

Err… not a man… not even a boy. Fuck, this girl is younger than you are.

She looks up at you in sheer terror.

“Who are you?” You ask.
She jumps a bit when you speak. “A-a brother of the night!” She says, straightening up and answering you like it was an order and she was a servant.

This is more than a little strange.

>[ ] Ask if she’s alone

>[ ] Ask why she was following you

>[ ] Ask her name

>[ ] Other

>>39141335
>[ ] Ask if she’s alone
>[ ] Ask why she was following you

>>39141360
I'm with this

>>39141335
>[ ] Ask if she’s alone
>[ ] Ask why she was following you
Threaten that you're not in the mood to play and you'll leave her tied to the tree if she tries anything funny

>writing

“Are you alone?” You ask, keeping your voice forceful.
“A brother of the night is never alone!” She says.
“Answer me plainly, or you’ll find out just how much I hate playing 21 questions.” You say, pushing the dagger a little bit closer to her neck.
She gasps when the point of it touches her throat. “I am…” She says.

“Why are you following me?” You ask.
“Not you. I was charged with bringing the child back to the Palace.” She says.
“Not to kill her?” You ask.
She shivers, and tears form in her eyes. “No. She was to die in the palace on a night when the moons were dark. She was spared of it the first time, but another such night is approaching. Our employer wishes for her to be within the Palace walls when it arrives.” She says.

“And just who is your employer?” You ask.
“C-confidential” She says.
You press the dagger a little more.
She squeals. “Roderick! It was Roderick! Please don’t kill me!”

You smile. If they have an employer, then they can be bought…

>[ ] I have a business proposal for you…

>[ ] Kill her

>[ ] Leave her tied up

>[ ] Other

>>39141695
>[ ] I have a business proposal for you…
Cant exactly kill her in front of the girl

>>39141695
>[x] I have a business proposal for you…

>>39141695
>[ ] Kill her

>>39141695
>[ ] I have a business proposal for you…

>>39141695
>[ ] I have a business proposal for you…
Double agent!
>>39141769
Remember she's hiding

>>39141695
>[ ] What is this brotherhood of the night you people keep mentioning?
>[ ] Why is it so important that Selene dies on that particular night?
>[ ] Kill her
My patience for people who conspire to murder little girls is fairly limited and there is no way we could coerce her into playing double agent for us, without her turning into a triple agent.

>>39141821
You never know if she can see us here while hiding and I dont want her to hate us, slow poison death but no knife

>writing

>>39141903
The part where she is younger than Gilles would almost make HER a little girl...Not sure about the murder.

>>39141695
Changing>>39141903 to this >>39141821

>>39141952
whoops, meant the other way around. Doesn't matter anyways.

>>39141695
On phone, voting for business.

“Kill you?” You ask, pulling the dagger away from her throat just enough so it’s not pressing. “Why would I kill you?”

She looks up in astonishment. “You… you aren’t going to-… to kill me?” She stutters out.
“Of course not! Who then would take my little business proposal to your boss?” You say.

The brothers of the night are a group of assassins, spies and saboteurs. The public at large remain mostly unaware of them, but one such as yourself can’t really consider himself a member of that group. If you recall correctly, it has always been beholden to a master.

“Business proposal?” She asks.
“Yes. I wish to meet with your master.” You say, unpinning her and helping her stand back up. “Tell him that Giles wishes to purchase his services, in fact if you’ll hold on for one moment…”

You pull paper, a quill, and a bottle of ink out of your cloak. Then you find a nice flat spot, and write up a letter.

“Take this to your master.” You say, handing her the letter.
She looks from the letter, to you in confusion.
Right, bound hands. You untie her hands and feet, and she takes the letter. She still looks confused by this turn of events. “You want to hire us…?” She asks.

“Yes.” You say.
“Even though our brothers killed the king and queen?” She asks.
“And I intend to work you all to the bone for that.” You say.

The assassin eyes you strangely, and then leaves.
She must’ve thought you were insane, and you’ll admit that you feel a little crazy. But you lack one very important thing right now: information. And at the very least you can use these ‘brothers of the night’ to get it.

>[1/2]

You twirl your cane and put it back into your left hand for support. Now, where did you leave Selene?

You retrace your steps back to the spot where you left her, and you find her fast asleep… So much for being afraid of the dark.

She may have the right idea, though. This is as good a place as any to camp, but if that assassin was only pretending to leave it might be a bad one.

>[ ] Sleep here for the night

>[ ] Wake Selene and relocate

>[ ] Other

>>39142299
>[ ] Wake Selene and relocate
We can't die in our sleep now, set some traps too.

>>39142299
>[ ] Wake Selene and relocate

Hell we can carry her if we have to I just don't trust her.

>>39142299
>[ ] Other: Gently pick up Selene and move to a safer sleeping position, making sure we aren't followed.

>>39142351
>>39142357
Guys remember we are hurt, I doubt we'll be able to carry her even if we did it would be a difficult task.

>>39142412
I know but still we need to move. I don't trust that assassin chick and we still have to find Laura.

>>39142448
Wake her ass up then, but trying to carry her is a bad idea.

>writing

>>39142299
>[ ] Wake Selene and relocate

will nap when there's less of a chance of us dying in our sleep.

“Alright you, up you GUH-Hoooo-“ You attempt to lift Selene, but your back screams under the extra weight. It takes everything you have not to drop the poor girl.

“Mommy is it morning already?” Selene says, waking slowly as you put her back down.
“No Selene, it’s just me. We need to move somewhere safer, okay?” You ask.
Selene’s eyes open all the way. “Oh. Okay.” She says.

You rub your sore back for a moment while Selene stands. Maybe when you find Laura you can ask her to teach you Mending Touch…

If you find Laura…

You take the still groggy Selene by the hand and lead her deeper into the woods, until you reach a clearing with a boulder in it. It won’t provide much cover, but it’ll keep your back safe in a pinch.

You nod and pull out a bedroll for Selene. When you reach in for another for you to use, you come up with nothing.

Right, Laura was carrying most of that stuff… Well, it’s not like you haven’t slept on the ground before… Of course, you doubt Selene would mind the company.

Either way, sleep is quickly becoming necessary. Even though you spent just about all day resting, your eyes are feeling a little heavy at the moment…

>Any preparations you want to make?

Also
>[ ] Sleep with Selene

>[ ] Find a different spot

>>39142715
>Rig a quick tripwire+noisemaker perimeter
Then
>[ ] Sleep with Selene

>>39142715
>Any preparations you want to make?
Traps any kind that'll tell you someone is nearby
>[ ] Sleep with Selene
I fell for the bait..

>>39142715
Set a couple alarms/traps

File: phrasing.png (1.13 MB, 1024x936)

1.13 MB PNG

>>39142715
>>39142770
What he said.

>>39142715

>>Any preparations you want to make?
>>39142770
What he said.

>writing

You take a look around. While it may be a defensible spot, it’s also kind of open.

You throw the bedroll down next to the rock, and search around in your cloak for some wire and bells.

You stick your cane into the ground just next to the bedroll and tie the wire to it. Then you run the wire out to the nearest tree, around the clearing and back to your cane. You attach bells to the wire, and test it out a few times.

It works. The bell should be enough to wake you, and when it does you’ll just have to pull your cane from the ground and you’ll be ready for a fight.

Once you’re satisfied, you head back to the bedroll. Selene is already asleep, but she’s left room for you.
You smile and pat her head as you lay down. Sensing the warmth Selene attaches to you shortly after, much in the same way that her sister did. They may have more in common than they realize…

You pull a blanket from your cloak and pull it over both of you as your mind wanders.

What that assassin said about her mission bothers you. It means that other people know that Selene was supposed to die, and that somehow all will be well if she is killed in the palace on the ‘darkest night’.

You look up at the moons, and sure enough they have but a sliver of light showing. Catha and Ferri do not often go dark together, and the few times that they do are known as ‘dark nights’. A rare occurrence, normally it only happens once every half a century or so.

If what the assassin said is true, then there is another happening soon. They’ll want to have Selene in the palace for that, and you can’t let that happen…

Your mind brims with plans to hide her or defeat Roderick and any number of other options as you fall asleep.

>[1/2]

You awaken as the first light of dawn graces the sky.

Or at least it would be, if it weren’t for these damned clouds. You really hope that it doesn’t rain. You hate the rain on a good day, and today is likely to be anything but.

Selene is still asleep, and it’ll probably take some work to wake her.

You lift yourself up onto your left elbow, careful not to disturb the sleeping child. Your back begins its protests anew, and your leg screams in unison. If you can’t find Laura today, you’ll just have to find somewhere to buy some damn healing bandages. This is un-fuckin-bearable.

Now that you’re awake, you set about striking your camp. You take your cane out of the ground and continue to use it for support while you gather up the wire and the bells.

Nothing seems to have bothered you last night, hopefully that means the assassin actually brought your letter to her master like you asked her to.

With most of your stuff packed back up, right now you-

>[ ] Wake Selene so you can get moving

>[ ] Check your injuries

>[ ] Other

>>39143482
>[ ] Check your injuries
>[ ] Wake Selene so you can get moving

>>39143482
>[ ] Check your injuries

>>39143482
>[ ] Check your injuries
>[ ] Check the state of your traps
>[ ] Wake Selene so you can get moving

>>39143482
>[ ] Check your injuries
>[ ] Wake Selene so you can get moving

>>39143482
>[ ] Check your injuries
>[ ] Check your treasure bag
We might have something for our injured leg?
>[ ] Wake Selene so you can get moving

>>39143482
>[ ] Check your injuries
>[ ] Wake Selene so you can get moving

How far are we from Melissas place anyhow?

Also, chances Melissa is being watched aswell?

>>39143690
Her manor is a few days away, and it probably will be.

>writing

You pull a hand mirror out of your cloak and take it, and your shirt off. Using the mirror you try to get a good look at your back. And it looks bad.

There’s a large purple spot like a blurred line that runs horizontally across the right side and partway onto the left side. It looks like someone hit you with the edge of a shield. You hope that there’s no internal damage. But if there was, there isn’t much you can do about it right now.

Your leg is coming along better than your back is. Thanks to the enchanted bandages the wound that would have taken weeks, if not months to heal is already starting to close. It still hurts like hell, but you’re not at risk of losing the damn thing.

The gash on your forehead still hurts, but the swelling has gone down. With the mirror you can see that it’s just a scab with some purple discolouration around it now.

You look for other injuries that you might not have noticed with the help of the mirror, but thankfully you find nothing major. So you redress yourself and go over to wake Selene.

“Selene” You say, shoving her lightly.
“Mmmm…” She says, rolling over and opening her eyes. That was easier than you expected. “Breakfast?” She asks.

“Alright” You say, rummaging through your cloak for some food.

>[1/2]

When the two of you have finished eating what you felt was enough to sustain you until lunch, you pack up the bedroll and head out.

You knew which way was south last night, and you continue heading in that direction. Before long, you reach the south road an start heading east.

If you remember correctly, there’s another town called Bolere not too far up the south road from Catisse. Chances are that word of your escape from Lord Melvitch’s dungeon will have spread by the time you get there, but there may also be something about where Laura and the others are.

Going to the town and avoiding it entirely both have their own risks, but they also have their own rewards. You should decide which you want to do now, so you can plan your path accordingly.

>[ ] Head for the town

>[ ] Go around it

>>39144033
>[ ] Go around it

>>39144033
>[ ] Go around it

>>39144033
>>[ ] Go around it

>>39144033
>[ ] Go around it

>>39144033
>>[ ] Go around it

>writing

While there are things that you’ll be needing in Bolere, you’d rather not risk a repeat of what happened in Catisse. Once the town is in sight, you head back into the woods and give it a wide berth.

The day passes with little of note happening. Selene strides quietly alongside you, you attribute her silence to the fact that she is either worried about or misses her sister.

It isn’t until near dusk that something interesting happens. From the road, you can hear shouting and the clash of steel on steel.

You vaguely recognize the only voice you can actually hear from where you are, it’s a deep, male voice. “No! You need to feel it in your HEART Cedric! Like this! UUUUOOOOOOOH GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY SISTER!!!!!”

Wait… Cedric? It couldn’t be…

>[ ] Go check it out

>[ ] Keep moving

>>39144535
>[ ] Go check it out

>>39144535
>Go check it out
I see a button, and I must press it

>>39144535
>>[ ] Go check it out

>>39144535
>[ ] Go check it out
stick to the shadows stay out of sight

>>39144535
>[ ] Go check it out

Use caution, as he may be under the impression that we kidnapped his sister. He might act before thinking.

>>39144535
>[ ] Go check it out

>>39144535
>[ ] Go check it out
but stay out of sight, don't just go walking up there. He might think we're one of the bad guys.

>>39144629
Or worse, he might think before acting, then we'd all be doomed.

>writing

Selene looks up at you. “That was Dalen!” She says.

Yeah, that was Dalen. And he brought Cedric with him… and judging from what you’ve heard, they found Eleanor.

“Come on, let’s go check it out. Quietly.” You say, taking Selene by the hand and leading her back into the woods.

You move as quickly as your leg will let you. You doubt you’ll be all that useful in an actual engagement, but if you can stick to the outside of whatever is happening and use your knives you should be fine.

The sounds of fighting become more pronounced as you get closer, and you can pick out other voices. Most of them you don’t recognize, but a few of them you do. More specifically, Marcellus and Cedric. Though you don’t hear Eleanor or Laura…

You reach the edge of the clearing where it sounds like the combat is taking place. You see Marcellus, Cedric, Dalen, and the Honouen Prince Zen in a circle around Eleanor. Surrounding them are mercenaries you don’t recognize.

But you don’t see Laura…

“Selene, wait here.” You say “and stay hidden until I call you”
Selene nods, and hides under a bush. Then you-

>[ ] Stay hidden and throw knives
The safest option for you, but not for them. It would mean letting them stay surrounded while you position yourself and pick them off with knives. The only other foreseeable issue is that you don’t trust your aim right now, with your injured back…

>[ ] Go out and engage
Unexpected reinforcements could draw the attention of the mercenaries long enough for the others to turn the tide, which they hopefully will. You don’t think you could withstand a prolonged engagement…

>[ ] Ignore this fight, try to find Laura
It bothers you that she isn’t here. She could simply be at a vantage point, getting ready to pick off the enemy combatants from cover. But there are any number of other scenarios that do not bode well for her…

>>39145099
>[ ] Ignore this fight, try to find Laura

>>39145099
>[ ] Ignore this fight, try to find Laura
If you dont find here, get back and knife some doods

>>39145099
>[ ] Ignore this fight, try to find Laura

are you sure they won't die if we leave them?

>>39145099
Try to make enough noise to distract the mercs then throw knives

>>39145099
>>[ ] Ignore this fight, try to find Laura

>>39145099
>[ ] Go out and engage

Not far, enough to make a small distraction and hopefully give them an element of surprise if they can get it. Should make the fight faster and hopefully safer.

>>39145099
>>[ ] Ignore this fight, try to find Laura

>writing

They can handle it. Marcellus is easily one of the best swordsmen in the kingdom, and from what you’ve heard of Dalen and Zen they’re no slouches either.

Cedric is there too, but it never occurred to you before that he could actually fight…

You circle the clearing, listening all the way. If something happened to Laura, she’d no doubt be making some noise.

“What are you doing here Salem?” You hear her voice, and breathe a sigh of relief. But wait… Salem… Isn’t that…?
“It’s nothing personal kid. Come quietly and this doesn’t have to get bloody.” ‘Salem’ says.

You edge closer as you listen to their conversation. Laura is standing at shooting distance from a blond man, and they both have their bows nocked, drawn and pointed at each other.

“And why isn’t it personal?” She shouts.
“Just come quietly Laura.” He says.
“Do I mean nothing to you?” She shouts again, this time tears start to drip down her cheek. "Does... Does she mean nothing to you?"

“This isn’t about us, kid. This is about what I’ve been ordered to do, now put your weapon down or I will shoot.” ‘Salem’ says, and you see his draw arm tense…

>[ ] Listen a bit more

>[ ] Engage

>>39145517
>[ ] Engage
Before either does something dumb

>>39145517
>[ ] Engage.
Preferably with a knife to the bowstring again. Not sure if it will work though.

>>39145517
>[ ] Engage

5 bucks says he's her teacher.

>>39145517
>Engage
Backstab (or Back-smash-his-skull-from-behind)

>>39145576
I believe he was her previous guardian.

>>39145517
>>[ ] Engage

>>39145608
Who also taught her how to do the magic arrow shit.

>>39145608
Which is what he said.

>>39145634
And, consequentially, the fag who's gonna have our cane lodged in his skull.

>>39145665
I suppose I should have just said "Yes, that's him."

>writing

You take a dagger into your right hand. Snipping his bow string could work. Even if you miss, worst case scenario here is that you just miss. No collateral damage to be had.

You wind up and throw. The dagger flies true, and just like it did back in the ambush on the shore outside of Analask, it snaps his bowstring.

“Shit…” He drops the arrow he was holding and holds his bow away from him so the string doesn’t hit anything important. Then he pulls out a new arrow. “Blinding Flash!” He says, and the arrow does just that.

You look away in time, but the flash persists. When it finally goes away, ‘Salem’ is halfway through restringing his bow.

You rush towards him, ignoring the pain in your leg. From your right, Laura activates an enchantment.

Salem shouts something you don’t understand as he finishes restringing his bow, and the arrow that Laura had nocked loses its glow. Did Salem just use a counter-activation?

Laura looses the arrow anyway, and Salem is forced to roll to the side and away from you. When he comes back up from his roll, he immediately pulls another crystal arrow out of one of several quivers full of similar arrows, nocks it, draws it, and points it at you…

>[ ] Attack

>[ ] Guard

>[ ] Special

>>39145959
>>[ ] Guard

I'm guessing this is a normal attack for this guy?

>>39145959
Crystal = Special =
>[ ] Attack

>>39145959
>[ ] Guard

>>39145959
>[ ] Attack
it sounds special

>>39145998
That's what I'm worried about. Are all of his special attacks considered normal? But then what is a special?

>>39146004
It said he had a bunch, so I was under the impression that's not special.

>>39146004
They are all crystal.

>>39145959
>[ ] Guard

>>39146023
Actual magic

>>39145959
>>[ ] Attack
At worst it's a draw.

>>39145959
>>[ ] Attack

>>39145959
>attack

>>39145959
>[ ] Guard

>>39145959
>>[ ] Guard

>>39145959
Going back to Thread 9, when we were fighting the other mage-archer, when he pulled a crystal arrow out, [ ] attack blew right past his guard.

>[ ] Attack

>>39146048
he's right
>>39145959
>Attack.

>writing

>Combat round: draw
>Attack=Attack

You keep running and deafen yourself to your leg’s screams. As Salem’s arm tenses you release another dagger, only this time it’s aimed for his face.

It forces him to change his target. His position leaves little room for dodging, so he shoots your dagger out of the air.

Then he ducks as Laura fires another shot at him, this time her arrow explodes in a torrent of water. While he shields himself from Laura’s attack, you close in. Salem blocks your swing with his bow, then tries to catch you with a right hook. You hop back, and he nocks another arrow.

He doesn’t come after you, nor does he draw his arrow. He simply sets his feet, and prepares. Looks like he wants you to come to him...

>[ ] Attack

>[ ] Guard

>[ ] Special

>>39146320
Sounds like a guard to me.
>[ ] Special

>>39146320
>[ ] Special

>>39146320
>[ ] Special
>>39146367
I concur

>>39146320
>[ ] Special

>>39146320
>>[ ] Special

>>39146320
>>[ ] Special

>>39146320
>[ ] Special

>writing

>>39146367
>>39146379
>>39146381
>>39146385
>>39146390
>>39146391
I thought our special was for when we sneak up on someone?

>>39146489
That's when it's most useful. Special in this case is for unorthodox methods of attack, when render guards useless.

>>39146489
Attack beats Special beats Guard. We can also use Special to sneak attack

>>39146489
A special is also used to counter a guard.

>>39146520
>>39146525
>>39146536
Ah, was just making sure.

>Combat round: Success
>Special > Guard

Fine then, you’ll oblige him.

You dart to the side and into cover, as you hear his arrow hit the tree you’re hiding behind.

You’d love to have one of your Dark Fog daggers right now, but you gave all of your crystal ones to Laura. If you’d thought that you’d be in this situation now, you’d have settled for a few metal daggers, even though metal doesn’t hold enchantments as long as crystal does.

You can feel magic from the arrow he fired at you, even though you never heard him activate it. He must be good if he’s able to counter activations and do his own without speaking…

From this tree to the next there’s solid cover you can hide behind, and you use it. As you reach the next tree the one you were behind explodes, sending splinters everywhere. Taking this as your cue, you come out from your new hiding spot and throw several daggers.

He ducks under the first, but the second catches him in his upper arm. He grunts in pain, but he doesn’t relent. Instead he grabs three arrows and draws all of them at once.

You can definitely feel magic…

>Attack

>Guard

>Special

>>39146646
>Attack

>>39146646
>Attack

Beat his ass!

>>39146646
Yeah that's a special if I've heard one.
>[ ] Attack

>>39146646
>Attack

>writing

>Combat round: Success!
>Attack > Special

He looses all three crystal arrows, and you get low and run towards him. The first arrow zips over your head, the second clips your ear, and you swat the third away with your cane.

Each of the arrows makes a different sound as they explode, but all of the explosions happen behind you. And what matters is not what’s behind you.

You finish your dash with a hard lunge, which your injuries tell you was a bad idea. Your lunge is parried by Salem’s bow, and you follow it up by twisting and attempting to strike him with the dagger in your off hand. He does not see this coming, and you’re mere inches from taking his life.

When an arrow takes you in the back.

You stumble, and Salem lands a kick to your gut, which makes you stumble more.

Despite your injuries, you look back to your opponent and prepare yourself for his follow-up. But as you look up, you’re blinded by a sudden flash.

You cover your burning eyes and witch to focusing on your hearing. You hear Laura approaching, shouting apologies, Salem beating a hasty retreat, and some other people approaching from where the battle was.

>[1/2]

>>39146921
And we thought our back hurt before.

>>39146921
Well that's going to leave a mark.

You fall to the floor.

“Laura, are you al- Giles?” You hear Marcellus ask. “Oh my gosh! What happened to him?”

You’re on the floor… again. This is the second time that you’ve found yourself injured on the floor. You don’t think you like it.

“I was trying to hit Salem, but he got in the way! Marcellus help me!” Laura says.

You try to get up, but someone holds you down. “Don’t move yet, we’ve got to get this out…” Marcellus says.

You groan. “But it sucks down here…” You say.
“Glad to see you’re in a joking mood, now hold still.” Marcellus says.

You feel pain flare up in your right shoulder, and then Marcellus starts counting down. Odd, you wonder what he’s counting down to- “AAAAAAAGHHH!!!” You scream in pain as the arrow is ripped out of your shoulder.

“Hold still, I’ll try to stop the bleeding…” Marcellus says, and then the pain worsens as he pressures the wound.

“Giles! Giles I’m so sorry… I never meant…

>[ ] It’s not your fault.

>[ ] I had that handled

>[ ] Who was that guy?

>[ ] Other

>>39147028
>[ ] It’s not your fault, but don't make it a habit
>[ ] Who was that guy?
>[ ] Are you okay?

>>39147028
>I had that handled
>He wasn't that good

>>39147028
>[ ] It’s not your fault.
"I jumped into a fight between two archers. I should expect it to be dangerous."

>>39147028
if its safe now selene is in the woods go call for her

>>39147053
im meaning this as saying it to laura

>>39147044
>>39147052

Supporting these.

>>39147028
>[ ] It’s not your fault.
>[ ] Other
"I'll just blame it on that twat, he won't have a problem with that."
>[ ] Who was that guy?

I've taken time to analyze and compare our waifu choices.

>Laura
- shot us

>Everyone else
+ hasn't shot us

Laura is now on my shitlist.

>>39147028
>I had that handled
>Selene is in the woods

>>39147114
But why wouldn't you want Laura to lovingly care for the wound she caused?

>>39147114
why

>>39147114
I'm kinda suspicious that she wanted to save the guy we were about to stab honestly

>>39147160
same

>writing

>>39147160
Me as well, but we're already successfully wooing her, so she'll probably break down at some point and ask for forgiveness.

>>39147114
As hard as I ship Laura with Giles, I cannot really find a flaw in your logic.

>>39147318
I am perfectly fine with Laura nursing us back to health.

“It’s not your fault. I jumped into a fight between two archers, I should’ve expected something like this. Just… please don’t make a habit of it, okay?” You say.
Laura sniffs. “Okay…” She says.
“Who was that guy?” You ask.
“He was my predecessor, though it seems as though he has gone to less than honourable work since he quit.” Marcellus says.

You try to open your eyes, only to find that you’re still a little blind.
“That’ll go away in a while, just keep your eyes closed for now.” Marcellus says. “Help me undress him, I need to clean and dress this.”

“Marcellus, maybe I should go get someone else…” She says.
“Did somebody say… somebody else?” A very loud voice says.
“Dalen! Good, come help me with this.” Marcellus says. “Laura, could you make something to heal him with?”

You’re lifted off the ground by a pair of VERY STRONG hands, and you quickly find yourself feeling a little chilly as they remove your cloak and your shirt.

“What the hell happened there?” Marcellus asks.
“I got a little beat up yesterday. Hurts like hell, but it’s not a big deal.” You say.
“Like hell it isn’t! That looks bad, Laura we’re gonna need more of that.” Marcellus says as he wraps your shoulder.
“You should see my leg. It looks way worse." You say.

Then you feel your pant leg being lifted. "Yeah, why don't you just keep 'em coming Laura." Dalen says.

>[1/2]

>>39147355
The Meriam Webster dictionary defines stab as "to wound (someone or something) with a pointed weapon". This means that Laura just literally stabbed us in the back. If
>>39147160
is right then she also stabbed us in the back figuratively. But she definitely literally stabbed us in the back.

let's let them know Selena's here.

Within a few minutes, all of your injuries are wrapped up tight and the pain is subsiding. You tore the stitches on your leg at some point during the fight, so Marcellus had to handle that as well.

But now everyone is here, including Selene. Most of them are off to the side, having a mini-reunion. You only know this because you can hear it, as you still can’t fucking see.

“Are you okay?” You ask Laura, who you know hasn’t left your side yet.
You hear her gasp. “Am I okay…? How can you ask me that?” She says. “I thought… I thought you were right behind me… that we were escaping together… I didn’t realize that you had stayed behind until Marcellus asked where you were…” She sobs. “And then after you came all the way back... I repaid you by shooting you in the back... I'm so sorry!" Laura cries openly, which draws the attention of the others, as you can hear them slowly stop talking.

“Hey, it all worked out in the end didn’t it? If I hadn’t stayed behind, there would’ve been no one to help Selene escape. ” You say. “And that was an accident, wasn’t it?

Laura doesn’t answer.

>[ ] It was an accident… right?

>[ ] Tell her about your conversation with Melvitch

>[ ] Other

>>39147573
>>[ ] It was an accident… right?

>>39147573
>>[ ] It was an accident… right?
>>[ ] If you're telling me that was on purpose to save an old flame or something, then I feel my trust wavering.

>>39147573
>[ ] It was an accident… right?

>>39147573
>[ ] It was an accident… right?
>[ ] Other
O-oh...
Well...
I-if you wanted to be the one to get him, you should have mentioned it first...

>>39147618
The mistake is referring to Selene being left behind I think.

>>39147573
>[ ] It was an accident… right?
>[ ] Because otherwise you just literally stabbed me in the back

>>39147644
Oh.

>>39147644
That's not the way I am reading it.

>>39147652
>>39147624
>>39147618

Looks like everyone's a bit wary of Laura. I hope we can tack it on, but eh, they stil shouldn't have left Selene

>>39147737
> If I hadn’t stayed behind, there would’ve been no one to help Selene escape. ” You say. “And that was an accident, wasn’t it?

Seems pretty clear to me

>writing

>>39145517
>>39147573
>does she mean nothing to you?
>salem and selene are both blond
>laura was sick for a while around the time selene was born
>salem stopped being her guard around that time too i think

I get the feeling these may be connected...

>>39147763
Isnt she like, sixteen-eighteen if i remember correctly?

>>39147763
I don't think Selene is Laura's daughter.

>>39147763
If that's true then Laura goes straight to bring complete and total shit, especially since she abandoned her daughter and shot us.

>>39147755
I am really not seeing it. There isn't even any mention of leaving Selene behind in the dialogue, apart from Giles having to help her.

>>39147833
>“Laura got away, but not before leading my men to the rest of your group. They escaped, but she fell behind and they were forced to leave her.”

From earlier in the thread, explaining why Selene was with Melvitch to begin with.

>>39147833
>>39147755
>>39147644
He was referring to her shooting him

>>39147883
Alright.

“It was an accident… right?” You ask.
Laura stops sobbing for a moment. “Sorry... what?” She asks.

Oh, she didn’t hear you. You hope…

“Laura, why are you crying?” Selene asks.
“Don’t worry about me sweetie. How are you feeling?” She asks Selene.
“Hungry” Selene says.

You laugh, and then regret laughing. Ow.

Laura takes Selene away to find something to eat, and Marcellus takes her place. “Feeling better?” He asks.
“Not really, but I’ll live. How have things been on this end?” You ask.
“Not so great. We were pretty desperate after Melvitch’s men caught up to us. I’m pretty sure that Laura didn’t sleep all that much last night-“ Marcellus lets out a long yawn “-I know I didn’t” He says.

“And how did this happen?” You ask.
“Dunno. I think they followed us, or ran into us by chance. We dispatched most of the men in the clearing, but a few got away.” He says.
“Yes, I saw you guys fighting. I was going to help, but it looked like you had it handled.” You say.
“So you went to see where Laura had gone to.” Marcellus says. “Thank you for that, I understand that it didn’t end well for you.”

“It honestly could have been worse…” You say. “So-

>[ ] -when did the others show up?

>[ ] -what are you guys planning now?

>[ ] –I spoke to Lord Melvitch

>[ ] Other

>>39147971
>that cop out
So its still unknown if it was an accident.

>>39147971
Giles is really letting that go? Shit. Soon as we get her alone, we have to talk.

>[ ] -when did the others show up?

>>39147971
>[ ] -when did the others show up?
>[ ] -I spoke to Lord Melvitch

I'm gonna play nice guy and give her the benefit of the doubt. Bawling is surprising loud to yourself.

>>39147971
>[ ] -when did the others show up?
>[ ] –I spoke to Lord Melvitch

Note: We should also mention that we found out that Roderick is as big a cunt as we assumed he was.

>writing

>>39147971
>[ ] –I spoke to Lord Melvitch
>[ ] -what are you guys planning now?

>>39147998
I think that is a classic case of her refusal to answer being already an answer.

>>39148003
I would be happy to bide my time and the next time she raises any trust issue we just play the "you shot me in the back"-card. But then again I am a bit of a passive aggressive prick.

I suppose if nothing else she does seem to regret it...

>>39148082
She doesn't seem too happy about it, but I fear that if the situation came up again right now, she will do it again.

“-I spoke to Lord Melvitch.” You say.
“Really? I thought you were in the dungeons.” Marcellus says.
“I was, but he came down to talk to me. And he let Selene and I leave.” You say.
“WHAT?!?” Marcellus yells “What if he only let you out so he could follow you? You’ve damn well led them right back to us!” He says.

Okay, now everyone is definitely listening. That makes this easier.

“Lord Melvitch is not an enemy, he’s just in a bad position. He couldn’t be seen being friendly with us in public, but in private…” You tell him about the rest of your conversation with him. How he brought Selene down to see you, how he told you about the escape route, and what his feelings were about this whole deal. “And before he left, he said that we’d have more friends than we think. But they, like him, won’t want to be seen that way publically.” You say.

You can start to make out shapes in your vision now, and it reminds you that there are more people here than there were when you left.
“So when did all you guys get here?” You ask.
“Shortly before you did” Marcellus says. “And it’s a good thing they did too, we were in quite the rough spot.”
“Don’t tell me you don’t think you could’ve cut all those men down yourself Marcy!” Dalen shouts. That guy really doesn’t seem to have an inside voice…

“I am glad we arrived when we did” Zen says. His voice isn’t quite familiar to you, but it’s the only unfamiliar voice here.

“And more importantly!” Cedric says. You hear him approaching you. “What the hell did you drag Eleanor into this for?” He asks.

>[ ] We had no choice.

>[ ] Ask her, I’m tired

>[ ] Nice to see you too Cedric.

>[ ] Other

>>39148242
>[ ] Other

"Technically, she dragged herself into it. After she spotted us, I gave her the option to just sell us out so she could hopefully walk- completely seriously. I would've been fine with it. She refused, and decided to come with us. I AM sorry if I made you worry, however."

>>39148242
>[ ] Nice to see you too Cedric
>[ ] We had no choice.

>>39148242
>[ ] Nice to see you too Cedric.
>[ ] She was tracked, I was seen, they had to be dealt with, and she made her choice. The rest is history.

>>39148278
>>39148298
Supporting.

>>39148242
>>39148278
supporting this

>writing

“Nice to see you too Cedric” You say, and then you pause for a beat. “Get it? Because I can’t see shit right now?” You say.

Cedric sighs.

“Seriously, you’re like a greyish blob right now.” You say.
“Just answer the damn question.” Cedric says.
“I was going through town looking for information, she found me, problems ensued, and were dealt with. The choice to come along was hers to make, she could honestly have just stayed in Analask.” You say.

“So why did you bring her?” He asks through clenched teeth.
“Because staying in Analask would have meant selling us out to ensure her safety.” You say “Eleanor, why don’t you tell your brother how you felt about that deal.”
“I couldn’t…” She said.
“There you have it. The only way for us to ensure her safety, was to spirit her off into more danger… which sounds backwards when you put it that way…” You say.

“That isn’t the important thing right now, Boyo!” Dalen says, and you hear the distinct sound of Cedric being slapped on the back VERY hard.
“Yes. What’s important is that we’re all safe.” Zen says.
“That’s… not what I was going to say. I was leaning towards ‘what’s important now is what we’re going to do’, Zen.” Dalen says.
“Ah… yes, that too.” Zen says.
“Short term I’d be perfectly fine staying here and resting.” You say. “At least until I can see again”
“I hate to say this, but he’s right. Night will be coming soon, and I think we’re all tired.” Marcellus says.

>[1/2]

“Great! I’ll take first watch.” You say.

No response…

“Get it? Because I can’t see?” You say.
“Please stop…” Cedric says.

The others start talking about who’s taking which watch, and who is sleeping where.

Eleanor and Cedric talk among themselves as they set up for the night, Dalen and Zen share banter, it sounds like Marcellus is putting Selene down to bed. You can hear everyone but-

“Laura” You say.
She gasps. You knew she was nearby, but you could barely hear her. “He-… Hey…”
You sit up with a bit of difficulty and look at her. By now your eyesight has mostly returned, so you can make out a bit of her face in the dark. “What’s up?”

“Are you really okay?” She asks.
“Well enough to joke around, but that may just be because I’m tired.” You say.
Laura sighs. She can probably feel that there’s something else that you want to say.

>[ ] It isn’t your fault that Selene got caught

>[ ] Cheer up, okay?

>[ ] Laura, why did you shoot me?

>[ ] Other

>>39148694
>[ ] It isn’t your fault that Selene got caught
>>[ ] Laura, why did you shoot me?

>>39148694
>[ ] It isn’t your fault that Selene got caught
>[ ] Laura, why did you shoot me?

>>39148694
>>[ ] It isn’t your fault that Selene got caught
>>>[ ] Laura, why did you shoot me?

As long as we can drill some sense into the girl about letting lost loves go or whatever this situation is, I won't hold a grudge

>>39148694
>[ ] It isn’t your fault that Selene got caught
>[ ] Laura, why did you shoot me?

>>39148694
>[ ] Laura, why did you shoot me?

>writing

>>39148541
>>39148694
I read everything Giles said in those posts in Archer's voice.

“I sense that you’re feeling… guilt?” You say. You don’t get an answer, but you continue anyways. “You know, it isn’t your fault that Selene got caught.”

“I know…” She says.
“But that’s not what you’re feeling guilty about, is it?” You say flatly.
“… No…” She says.

You take a deep breath, and let it out. You probably aren’t going to like the answer to this, and it’s not something you look forward to asking. “Laura, why did you shoot me?”

Silence.

“Laura-“
“I panicked… I didn’t want to see you get hurt… but I didn’t want you to kill him… so I… oh gods, Giles I’m so sorry!” She says, collapsing onto your chest and bursting into tears.

At least she’s honest, though you could’ve done with a kind lie over the harsh truth there…
You've had to deal with crying females way more than usual in the past few days...

>[ ] I’ll forgive you if you promise not to do it again

>[ ] Why is he so important?

>[ ] I’m sorry too… (reject her)

>[ ] Other

>>39148918
>[ ] Why is he so important?

I feel that if her excuse is bullshit, Giles should pull the trust card. We've shown we're willing to put ourselves on the for her, but if she's not doing the same?

>>39148918
>I’ll forgive you if you promise not to do it again
>why is he so important?

>>39148918
>[ ] Except I was already hurt from saving you, and could have died. Why is he so important?

>>39148918
>Why is he so important?

>[ ] I’ll forgive you if you promise not to do it again

>[ ] Why is he so important?

>>39148967
Backing.

>>39148949
>>39148996

Why would you forgive her when we don't actually know the reason?

>>39148918
>>[ ] Why is he so important?

>writing

>>39148918
>>[ ] Why is he so important?

>>39149020
In the grand scheme of thing it's small potatoes. I'm currently more concerned about them leaving selene behind and how our sis is doing.

“Except I was already hurt from saving you the first time.” You grab her shoulders and pull her away. “Laura, what the hell makes this guy so important?”

She looks away. Dammit, that’s never a good sign. Now you’re going to get a half answer-

“He was the first man I ever loved...”

-like that. You sigh. “I guess we’re done here then…” You say, lying back down and rolling over.

“What? Why?” She asks.
“Because you aren’t taking this seriously.” You say.
“I am!” She says.
“Then look me in the eyes.” You say, rolling back over and sitting up again. Your back didn’t like that, but you’ll sleep it off. “Look me in the eyes, and tell me.”

She looks you in the eyes, you think. It’s hard to tell right now…

“I… can’t.” She says.
“Why the hell not?” You ask.
“Please just… I can’t… not right now. It’s personal, please you have to believe me! I’ll tell you why someday, but right now I just can’t!” She says, getting more and more desperate with each word.

>[ ] Then we’re done here…

>[ ] Fine, just promise you won’t do that again.

>[ ] Other

>>39149198
> Then we're done here...

>>39149198
>[ ] Fine, just promise you won’t do that again.

We'll wring it out of her eventually.

>>39149198
>>If it's personal to the point where risking my life multiple times for you, and your friends, and Selene isn't enough for you to trust me, then what will be for you? How about a trade of secrets then.

>>39149198
>"Then we're do..."
hang on...
>“And why isn’t it personal?” She shouts.
“Just come quietly Laura.” He says.
“Do I mean nothing to you?” She shouts again, this time tears start to drip down her cheek. "Does... Does she mean nothing to you?"

"... This has something to do with Selen, doesn't it."

>>39149198
>[ ] Fine, just promise you won’t do that again. And that you will tell me one day

>>39149260
.....
Supporting

And yeah, it's pretty clear this involves Selene, but let's keep that card hidden. She doesn't need to know we know.

>>39149258
This, or
>>[ ] Why can't you tell me after all we've done?