“So how is Laura doing with all that’s been going on?” Melissa asks.

The two of you are still sitting on the side of the bed in the infirmary, leaning against each other for comfort.

“I’d like to say that she’s handling it well, but she’s a bit of a wreck right now.” You say.
“I thought she might be…” Melissa says. “Hopefully I can get her to open up a bit. The stress of all that she’s going through must be driving her insane.”

“Speaking of Laura, did you get that message off?” You ask.
“Yeah. I was going to say that when I came in, but you were… y’know…” She says.
“About that… could you maybe keep that to yourself?” You ask.
Melissa giggles and nuzzles your shoulder. “That- like all of your secrets –is safe with me.” She says.
You smile. “Thanks… again.”

“Speaking of secrets. There’s a rumour that the Gambler pulled off a pretty big heist in the palace. You think it’s true?” She asks.

>[ ] Who do you think started that rumour?

>[ ] I’m not sure what you’re talking about.

>[ ] I absolutely do.

>[ ] Other

>>39245183
>[ ] I absolutely do.

>>39245183
>[ ] Who do you think started that rumour?

>>39245183
>[ ] Who do you think started that rumour?

>>39245183
>>[ ] Other
Pull out the crown
"I dunno, you tell me."

>>39245183
>[ ] Who do you think started that rumour?

>>39245183
>>[ ] Who do you think started that rumour?

>>39245183
>>[ ] Who do you think started that rumour?

>writing

“Just who do you think started that rumour?” You ask.
“Heh, I should’ve guessed.” She says. “I’d tell you what a bad idea it was, but it’s better for you to have the crown than Roderick.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just started the rumour, I never said anything about having the crown.” You say.

Melissa laughs and grabs your sides, digging her fingers in and causing you to jump a bit. Then she stands up and grabs your hands. “I think I’d like some tea. Do you like tea?” She asks, pulling you to your feet.

“I don’t hate it…” You say.
“Good!” She says, pulling you by the hand out the door and into the hallway.

>[ ] “When do you think the others will be here?”

>[ ] “Kevin says that you cried about me”

>[ ] “So how fast CAN you turn your fleet into a navy?”

>[ ] "When is this get-together in Harth supposed to be?"

>[ ] Other

>>39245829
>[ ] “When do you think the others will be here?”

>>39245829
[ ] “So how fast CAN you turn your fleet into a navy?”
>[ ] "When is this get-together in Harth supposed to be?"

>>39245829
>[ ] “When do you think the others will be here?”
>[ ] "When is this get-together in Harth supposed to be?"

>>39245829
>Does Roderick know about the get-together in Harth cause his bitch is quite shadow walker, you think Roderick might a trap set there

>writing

errr....guys kinda of quite here

>>39245829
>[ ] “When do you think the others will be here?”
>[ ] "When is this get-together in Harth supposed to be?"

and
>>39245954
I think it'd be good to chuck this in, too.

>>39246090
After last few threads? I'm perfectly content.

>>39246121
Same here lets keep the peace.

“So when is this little get-together in Harth?” You ask as Melissa leads you through her manor.

“A few days from now. I was going to leave for Harth tomorrow by carriage, since I’d rather not have to sail all the way around Laust given the… political environment.” She says. “Once everyone else gets here, I’ll see if they want to join me.”

“You aren’t worried about the danger?” You ask.
“I am. That’s why I’ll have a few other carriages worth of my men with me.” She says.
“Well… when you put it that way, it sure beats walking all the way to Harth like sitting ducks the whole way.” You say. “but we’ll leave any actual decision making for when the others get here, which will be… when exactly?”

“Not long. Assuming that they aren’t over-cautious and think it’s some sort of trap, it’s not too far of a walk from the location you gave me to the mainland town. I had Coswell take one of the larger ferry boats back, rather than my personal one, to bring them here.” She says.

Smart. She really knows how to cover her bases.

Melissa leads you into a little courtyard with a table and a few chairs. Like the area behind the Manor, the gardens back here are absolutely stunning.

“Do you think Roderick knows about this get-together?” You ask, taking the seat offered to you as Melissa sends a butler off to get her tea.
She laughs. “His sources would have to be pretty weak if he hasn’t. Though I doubt he’ll interfere.” She says.

“Why do you say that?” You ask.
“Because just about all of the Laustian nobles who are going are vets from the Delemuran war, and they’ll be bringing a small force with them like I am. Not to mention the fact that Harth’s army just about dwarfs what will be left.” She says.

Well, at least she’s confident.

>[ ] Who does the gardening here?

>[ ] Do you think there’ll be war?

>[ ] Other

>>39246436
>[ ] Do you think there’ll be war?

>>39246436
>[ ] Do you think there’ll be war?

>>39246436
>[ ] Do you think there’ll be war?

>>39246436
>Do you think there’ll be war?Cause Rodick has hired some "guns" after the princess like her teacher/ex-lover Salem

For some weird reason I am expecting a red wedding type shit with Salem holding Melissa

>>39246660
We did teller that bit, though; it's why she's pissed at Laura.

>writing

>>39246725
I though we just told her Laura nearly killed us and nothing more

>>39246831
We told her the choice Laura made between us and Salem. She said "Not feeling the excuse" with that slasher smile of hers.

You put your talk on hold as the butler comes in and serves the two of you tea. Melissa may trust her staff, but it’s pretty sensitive stuff you’re talking about.

“Do you think there’ll be war?” You ask once the butler has left.
Melissa looks down and furrows her brow. “I’d like to say no, but it’s all in Roderick’s hands now. I don’t think he’ll hand Louis over quietly, so King Julian’s hand will be forced.” She says.

“Are there any other options?” You ask. You happen to know a secret way into the palace, a sneaky guy like you could-
“I know what you’re thinking, and no. Even if someone were to bust the Prince loose, I doubt King Julian will change his mind.” She says.

Damn… there goes that plan.

“Will you take part if it comes to that?” You ask.
Melissa nods solemnly. “I’m willing to close down my business and put my fleet at King Julian’s disposal if I must.” She says. “Though I can’t say that I’m too happy about the prospect.” She says, sipping her tea.

>[ ] What do you think the outcome will be?

>[ ] Change the subject to something less depressing

>[ ] Other

>>39247103
>[ ] What do you think the outcome will be?

>>39247103
>>[ ] Change the subject to something less depressing


or we can help plans to kill Roderick

>>39247103
>>[ ] Change the subject to something less depressing

>>39247103
>[ ] Change the subject to something less depressing

>>39247103
>[ ] Change the subject to something less depressing

So I've been teaching Selene how to be a sneak Thief.

>writing

You take a sip of your tea. It’s good. Not that you have much to compare it to.

“So who does the gardening around here?” You ask.
Melissa smiles. “Me” She says.
“For the whole place?” You ask.
“A girl’s gotta have a hobby” She says, lifting her cup back up to her lips.

“And yours is gardening?” You ask
“Yes. Not as disruptive or dangerous as your hobby, but I think I like the change of pace.” She says.
“You’d be hard pressed to find anything as disruptive or dangerous as my hobby.” You say.

Melissa giggles. “Though it seems that you’ve decided to take a quick break.” She says.
“From being disruptive and in danger? Heavens no. If anything I’m being even more disruptive and the danger has increased considerably.” You say.

“At least you aren’t alone anymore.” She says, smiling to herself as she sips her tea again.
“Cheers” You say lifting your teacup with one hand, and rubbing your shoulder where Laura shot you with the other. Not even a scar is left over. You may have to ask Father Pitre how he does that…

The rest of teatime passes with little of note happening. Though Melissa does seem perkier than you’ve ever known her to be.

The arrival of Melissa’s butler signals the end of your time alone together, as he brings word that your friends have arrived.

Melissa looks to you. “Shall we go out and greet them?”

>[ ] Have them come here

>[ ] Head out to the entrance

>[ ] Other

>>39247756
>[ ] Head out to the entrance

>>39247756
>[ ] Head out to the entrance

>>39247756
>[ ] Head out to the entrance
dont make a scene melissa

>>39247756
>>[ ] Head out to the entrance
prince ali style

>>39247756
>[ ] Head out to the entrance

>>39247756
>>[ ] Have them come here
Against the tide and all that.

>writing

>>39247853
Buddy, we're on her home turf, she's gonna make all the scenes she damn well pleases lol

“Alright, I guess we should go greet them.” You say, standing up and heading to the entrance.

Melissa gets up and follows you out, but when you reach the door you turn around. “Just promise me you won’t try to murder Laura, okay?”

She kisses you on the cheek. “Aww, so thoughtful. Relax, I promise I won’t kill her.” She says, cheerfully stepping past you and out of the courtyard.

When you reach the entrance you find everyone is indeed waiting for you there.

“Melissa!” Laura says, running up to her.
“Laura!” Melissa says, opening her arms wide to embrace Laura. But then-

SLAP!

- she brings her right hand sharply across Laura’s face. “That was for Giles” She says, and then she throws her arms around the dumbfounded princess.

>[1/2]

>>39248417
dammit melissa

>>39248417
>SLAP!
I admit, I expected more

“Melissa, what-“
“Don’t ask questions. You earned that slap as much as you earned this hug.” She says, tightening her embrace. “I heard about your parents Laura. I’m so sorry…”

Laura’s shock wears off, and she plants her face into Melissa’s shoulder as she tentatively returns the hug. “I still can’t believe they’re gone…” Laura says.

Everything is quiet for a moment. Until someone they’d forgotten was here speaks up.

“Did something happen to mama and papa?” Selene asks, a look of childlike confusion on her face.

>[ ] Bring everyone inside and tell her the truth

>[ ] “Don’t worry about it kiddo”

>[ ] Other

>>39248545
>[ ] Bring everyone inside and tell her the truth

We can't hide it from her

>>39248545
>>[ ] Bring everyone inside and tell her the truth
Anyone seen Nadia: Secret of Blue Water?
Gotta break it to the little girl at some point...

>>39248545
>[ ] Bring everyone inside and tell her the truth

>>39248545
>[ ] Bring everyone inside and tell her the truth

>>39248545
>[ ] Bring everyone inside and tell her the truth

>writing

>>39248545
>Bring everyone inside and tell her the truth.
>Well, ask Father Pitre for help first. He probably knows how to do this without fucking it up.

>>39248545
>>39248738

>>Well, ask Father Pitre for help first. He probably knows how to do this without fucking it up.

THIS

>>39248819
I'm gonna have to agree on that one

>>39248738
Nah he doesn't have anything to do with this

>>39248930
We're not asking him to tell her for us, we're asking him for advice on how to break it to her.

Well, you were waiting for a good time to say it. At the time you were still very much in danger, but now you’re relatively safe. Even better, the sheer amount of support here is amazing. Not just you, but Melissa an Father Pitre all have experience dealing with children who have lost their parents.

Err… grandparents…

“Come on kiddo. We’ll talk about it, but not out here.” You say, lifting the little princess up and carrying her. “Melissa, could you go and grab Father Pitre?” You ask.

Melissa releases Laura and smiles sadly. “Sure thing” She says. “You can take everyone into my living room. It’s just down that way. Lots of couches, you can’t miss it.

Melissa heads off to find Pitre while you take Selene and the rest of the group to the room Melissa indicated. Laura sticks close to you, holding one of Selene’s hands the whole time.

You find the room easily enough, and everyone takes a seat. Laura takes Selene from you as she sits down, placing her on her lap and holding her close.

Selene seems to have clued in that this won’t be good news. She looks around at each of you with a worried expression.

“Did mama and papa die?” She asks.

>[ ] Try to break it to her gently

>[ ] The truth is hard sometimes

>>39249052
>[ ] Try to break it to her gently

>>39249052
>>[ ] Try to break it to her gently

>>39249052
>[ ] Try to break it to her gently

>>39249052
>[ ] The truth is hard sometimes

I dunno, I figure it'd respect her more just to come out and say it, considering she guessed it on the button.

>>39249052
>>[ ] Try to break it to her gently

>>39249052
>[ ] The truth is hard sometimes

Best to give it to her straight. We can be gentle once the hard part is done.

Maybe throw something in there about how we beat the guy who did it.

>>39249052
>The truth is hard sometimes

The fact that she asked that question means we can tell it to her straight.

>>39249052
>[ ] The truth is hard sometimes

>>39249052
>[ ] Try to break it to her gently

>writing

>>39249052
>The truth is hard sometimes

>>39249240
"but giles why were you in the king and queens room?L"

>>39249373
A fair point

This is gonna suck way too hard on all accounts.

Time to grow up, Selene. Sorry the alarm clock went off early.

>>39249373
"The king wanted me to help enhance the queen's experience bedroom..."

>>39249531
Like Mother like daughter, eh?

You lean over and put a hand on her shoulder. “Selene, sometimes these things happen, and the people we love go somewhere you just can’t follow them.” You say.

Selene’s eyes tear up. “Will I ever see them again?” She asks.
“Maybe one day. But only if you’re a good girl and do lots of cool things first. Then when you see them, you can tell them all about how awesome your life was.” You say, drawing on something Father Pitre used to tell the younger kids that came in.

“But…” She sobs “I miss them…”
“I’m sure they miss you too, kiddo.” You say.

You hear another sob, but it doesn’t come from Selene. Laura is crying too.
Then they both start bawling.

Melissa comes back into the room, and gently puts a hand on your shoulder as she sits down next to the crying princesses.

Out of the corner of your eye, you spot the rest of the group getting up to leave.
“We’ll give you guys some privacy” Marcellus says.

>[ ] Head with them

>[ ] Stay here

>>39249690
>[ ] Stay here
Loli needs comfort!

>>39249690
>[ ] Stay here
must comfort best daughteru

>>39249690
>[ ] Stay here

>>39249690
>>[ ] Stay here

>>39249690
>>[ ] Head with them

I feel like this is a personal family thing. I don't want to intrude.

>>39249690
>Stay here

...huh. So that's what it's like to piss against the tide.

Odd feeling.

>>39249770
well it seems that both princess' want us to be family, but in different ways

>>39249690
>[ ] Head with them
Laura can comfort her daughter

>>39249824
Well, Selene wants a daddy and Laura seems romantically interested.

>writing

>>39249877
Salem is her dad

>>39249909
Salem is also an asshole.

>>39249909
biological sperm donor.

Not a dad.

>>39249909
i believe that anon meant selene wants a father figure in her life

>>39249877
and yes that is what i was getting at

>>39249909
And he's a complete douche.

Whatever your feelings about Laura, you have to admit that Salem is still the second most douchiest douche in the cast.

>>39249944
Especially considering he fucked an 11-12 year old

>>39249909
We try not to think about the pedo-ex-bodyguard.

>>39249967
Yeah, man, he's neck and neck with Roddy at this point.

>>39249944
We don't know him, going by how batshit Laura is he could've been raped for all we know. We only know the questionably sane individual's story.

>>39249918
I don't mind being Selene's friend, but I don't want to raise somebody else's kid unless she's been orphaned.

>>39249944
It's hard to say who's worse when you compare Roderick and Salem...

>>39250018
>he could've been raped

She was fucking 12.

>>39249996
i still think that roddick is worse i mean yeah salem is a pedo and absent father but roddick hired assassins to kill the king and queen and plans to killl a child for his own gain so fuck that guy

>>39250046
She has magic you dumb nigger. Not to mention any poisons.

>>39250018
We're not going through this shitposting bullshit again.

>>39250018
>>39250046
Seriously, I mean he was a badass mage-archer, I highly doubt he could be overpowered by a 12 year old girl.

>>39250082
>other peoples view are shitposting
Fuck off

>>39250018
nice b8 m8

>>39250104
0/10

>>39250105
Meh, I'd rate it 0/8.

File: 1362096345246.gif (1.68 MB, 235x190)

1.68 MB GIF

>>39250104
You're literally bringing the same fucking argument from last time.

You fuck off.

>>39250097
It wouldn't be hard to slip something in his food are magic him when he was asleep.
We literally know nothing about him except what we've been told. I don't see how Laura is anymore trustworthy than Salem.

>>39250018
So let's orphan her of a dad.
captcha: Overseer heeneva

>>39250144
I have no idea to what you are talking about. I haven't talked about Salem before.

>>39250057
>We don't know him, going by how batshit Laura is he could've been raped for all we know.
I'm pretty sure quite a bit of that insanity is Salem's fault.
>>39250057
But Salem is one of the people he hired to kidnap and murder Selene, who is Salem's own daughter. That has got to earn him extra points on the shit list.
>>39250078
Are you seriously trying to argue that case?

...you have got to be shitting me.

The sheer, unadulterated, pure refined HATE some people have for Laura is incredible that they'd go to these lengths.

>>39250205
it completely slipped my mind that he was part of the assassins, so on second thought yeah i think they are about even on assholishness

>>39250078
Salem was the one who TAUGHT her magic, you dumbfuck.

>>39250205
She was mentioned to be obsessed with him before.
>>39250254
That doesn't make him immune to sneak attacks.

File: no dreams now.gif (458 KB, 250x250)

458 KB GIF

>>39250146
Please. I'm begging you. Stop being retarded.

Please.

>>39250278
Do you really hate Laura that much.

I mean, I like Melissa more, but this is fucking ridiculous.

You scoot closer to Laura and look Melissa in the eyes, and then the two of you hug them from both sides.

The four of you stay huddled together on the couch like that until the crying finally subsides.

“Thank you Giles, Melissa. I’m not sure if I could’ve done that on my own.” Laura says, sniffling.

Melissa reaches over with a handkerchief and wipes away Laura’s tears. “That’s what you have friends for.” She says.

Selene, her tears and energy spent, is asleep against her mother’s chest. Laura absentmindedly strokes her hair.

“And sorry for dropping that ball… I didn’t know that she hadn’t been told.” Melissa says.
“Don’t be. We had to tell her eventually, we were just waiting for a good time.” You say. “And what better time is there than when she could be surrounded by friends and family.”

Laura smiles, looking very tired suddenly. “I think I might need a nap…” She says.
“Come on then, you can rest in my room for now. Probably tonight as well.” She says.
“I couldn’t… our camp isn't that f-“ Laura says.
“No excuses. The lot of you are staying here tonight.” She says, helping Laura and Selene off the couch and taking her out of the room.

“See you” You say awkwardly as they ignore you and leave the room…

>[ ] Go talk to Pitre

>[ ] Go find Kevin and get vengeance

>[ ] Go find the others

>>39250308
After you.

I'm not defending Salem, all I'm saying is we don't know what happened.
>>39250319
No, see above. I'm neutral towards Laura.

>>39250320
>>[ ] Go talk to Pitre

>>39250320
>[ ] Go talk to Pitre

>>39250320
>[ ] Go find Kevin and get vengeance

Fuck that little shit.

>>39250320
>>[ ] Go talk to Pitre
Then
>[ ] Go find the others

>>39250341
It still doesn't change the fact that Salem is working for Roderick, and wants to take Selene.

>>39250320
>[ ] Go find Kevin and get vengeance

He won't see us coming until it's too late.

>>39250398
Hey, I am too. Some folks just aren't as vitriolic as others.

>>39250320
>[ ] Go find Kevin and get vengeance

>>39250381
I'm not saying that it is, he still is a cunt.
>>39250398
Are you actually trying to tell me that I hate Laura? Fuck off

>>39250436
Your argument of how a 12 year old was able to drug, carry back to her room, and fuck a presumably grown man begs to differ.

>>39250320
>>[ ] Go talk to Pitre
I hope this vote still goes in before we go and take revenge on a 13 year old for a kick we probably deserved.

>>39250320
>[ ] Go talk to Pitre

>writing

>>39250470
What? I'm saying we don't know the whole story. I'm not accusing her of that, because we don't know the story. She could have drugged him, its not hard. 12 year olds are perfectly capable of being psychotic.

>>39250341
>I'm not defending Salem, all I'm saying is we don't know what happened.
For all I know you could be the Zodiac killer, but actually arguing that case would mean that I am fucking mental.

>>39250587
i dont know... that anon seems pretty shifty to me

>>39250587
Reading comprehension is important in life. I've restated my point multiple times. If you're to retarded to not get that I'm just using it as an example that we don't know the story, than fuck off.

>>39250547
But we already know that Salem is a bastard, so I find his side irrelevant. Laura, despite her instability, seems to be willing to trust us, so I would rather double-down on her than remain open minded. For our own sake, if nothing else.

I still plan on romancing our fiery, red headed not-sister regardless.

>>39250667
I'm okay with being nice to Laura, I just want the whole story.

>>39250719
He's not wrong IIRC there were those girls that killed a classmate for Slenderman...

>>39250758

I thought those were teenagers. like 16ish?

>>39250773
Both 12

>>39250773
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/slender-man-stabbing

You sigh and hop off the couch.
While you want to exact sweet revenge on Kevin for nailing you in your wounded leg earlier, that can wait. It’s still going to happen, just not now.

Instead you go and look for Father Pitre. You never did get a chance to thank him for his help.

You find him again where you first found him, sitting on a bench watching the children play. Those little bastards are still at it, huh?

“Hey” You say as you approach
“Welcome back Giles. Did it go well with the ladies?” He asks.
“As well as these things ever go, I guess.” You say. “Why didn’t you come?”
“Because you and Melissa were there. You know how to deal with grieving children, and you know them personally as well. I would’ve been unnecessary.” He says.

“Thanks for your faith in me, at least.” You say. “And thanks for fixing me up earlier”
“Not a problem. You know that I’d never turn away an injured person, least of all one of my children.” He says, ruffling your hair.

>[ ] Talk about the orphanage

>[ ] Talk about Melissa

>[ ] Talk about how he’s been

>[ ] other

>>39250812
>[ ] Talk about how he’s been
>[ ] Talk about the orphanage

>>39250812
>[ ] Talk about how he’s been
>[ ] Talk about the orphanage

>>39250812
>>[ ] Talk about the orphanage
>[ ] Talk about how he's been

>>39250812
>[ ] Talk about Melissa

>>39250812
>[ ] Talk about how he’s been
>[ ] Talk about the orphanage

>>39250812
>>[ ] Talk about how he’s been
>>[ ] Talk about Melissa

>writing

“So you seem to have been doing well since I left” You say.
“Yes well, I’ve had less on my plate in the absence of a certain troublemaker” He says.
“Come on now, you didn’t even catch wind of half the trouble I got into” You say with a wry grin.
“And it was already twice as much as I could handle.” He says.

You laugh that off. The old guy’s still got it. “Looks like you’ve got even more kids now. Do you really have that much more free time now that I’m gone?”
“No, I just have more hands. Melissa helps whenever she isn't busy, and the older kids that came with me when I moved here help out too.” He says.

“And how do you like the new scenery?” You ask.
“Searise is a beautiful place now. Melissa has turned it around nicely in her time as Lady here. Did you know this was where she was born?” He asks.

“No I didn’t.” You say. You always tried to avoid the subject of Melissa’s past.

>[1/2]

“This place used to be considered a stain growing on the coast of Laust, now it’s the largest port on this side of the Degran sea.” He says.

That you knew, but you didn’t think that Melissa had any specific reason for settling down here.
You’ll have to actually talk to her about this stuff some time, this conversation’s shown you some glaring holes in your knowledge of her.

“The kids seem to enjoy the place at least.” You say, turning your eye over to where the children are playing. Looks like tag, or some variation on it.

“There is much to enjoy. And I enjoy not worrying about whether they’ll get lost in the slums or run afoul of some less savoury types when they go out to play.” He says.

Ah yes, the slums. Pitre ran his orphanage out of a church in a run-down area of Tulia. Every now and then a kid would get lost in the rougher areas and there’d be a manhunt to find them before someone ‘unfriendly’ did.

Usually you would, but not always… Those were sad days.

You shake your head. All this nostalgia is digging up stuff that you’d like to stay buried, time to-

>[ ] Find Melissa

>[ ] Find the others

>[ ] Check in on Laura

>[ ] Other

>>39251352
>>[ ] Find the others

then

>[ ] Check in on Laura
if possible.

>>39251352
>[ ] Find Melissa

>>39251352
>[ ] Find Melissa

>>39251352
>[ ] Find the others

>[ ] Check in on Laura

>>39251352
>[ ] Find Melissa

>>39251352
>>[ ] Find the others

>>39251352
>[ ] Find Melissa

>>39251352
>[ ] Find the others

>writing

>Sorry about that long post time. 4chan was down on this end.

>>39251377
I'll back this.

>>39251528
>>Sorry about that long post time. 4chan was down on this end.
pretty sure it was down on every end.

>>39251581
That explains a lot.

Yeah, think it was down for everyone.

“Well, I should go see if I can find the rest of my group. I never really got a chance to say hello before Melissa accidentally broke the news to Selene…” You say.

Father Pitre nods with a slight smile, and you take your leave. You wonder what he was smiling about.

It isn't hard to find the rest of the group. All you have to do is follow the sound of Dalen’s voice. That man really doesn’t have an inside voice, does he?

When you reach the room, you’re met by Marcellus on his way out.

“Giles, hey. I was just on my way to check on Laura.” He says.
“She’s probably asleep by now.” You say.
“Ah… I see.” He says. “I should still check in on her”

>[ ] Mind if I accompany you?

>[ ] Go talk to everyone else

>[ ] Other

>>39251720
>[ ] Go talk to everyone else

>>39251720
>[ ] Mind if I accompany you?

>>39251720
>>[ ] Mind if I accompany you?

>>39251720
>[ ] Go talk to everyone else

>>39251720
>Go talk to Melissa

>>39251720
>[ ] Go talk to everyone else

>>39251720
>>[ ] Mind if I accompany you?

>>39251720
>>[ ] Mind if I accompany you?

>writing

>>39251720
>Go talk to everyone else.

“Mind if I accompany you?” You ask.
“Uhh, sure? I don’t see why not.” He says, heading off. Then he stops. “Actually, do you think you could tell me where she might be?”

“No clue myself. Want some help looking?” You ask.
He looks disappointed. “No… but some company might be nice” He says.

You walk with Marcellus in the direction you think Melissa’s bedroom might be in.

>Talk about-

>[ ] His job

>[ ] How he became a duelist

>[ ] How he’s been holding up

>[ ] Other

>NOTE: I’ll be vetoing all but the subtlest write-ins involving your suspicions about his gender. You have been warned.

>>39251971
>>[ ] How he’s been holding up

>>39251971
>[ ] How he’s been holding up
>[ ] His job

>>39251971
>>[ ] How he’s been holding up
>>[ ] Other (What this whole mess looks like from his perspective. His thoughts on what has been done and what needs to be done, essentially.)

>>39251971

>[ ] How he became a duelist

>[ ] How he’s been holding up

>>39251971
>So why were the gladiators teaching you if they thought it a joke?

>>39251971
"I'm going to make everyone matching outfits, let me get your measurements." and then we can casually measure his inseam and his chest

>>39251971
>NOTE: I’ll be vetoing all but the subtlest write-ins involving your suspicions about his gender. You have been warned.

Aww. Can we still discuss it outside of votes? I always found it fun.

>>39252028
That wouldn't help too much if flat enough.

>>39251971
>[ ]Are you a girl.
>>NOTE: I’ll be vetoing all but the subtlest write-ins involving your suspicions about his gender. You have been warned.
Dang it.

>[ ] How he became a duelist

>>39252031
Yes

>>39252026
That's actually subtle, we should throw that in.

>>39252050
check it real good, accidentally slip our hands onto him so we can feel for any slight mounds

>>39252069
We should lead into it, though. Don't just throw it out there.

>>39252083
Oh, definitely. Lead up is important on this one.

>>39252083
if we want to throw something out there, i vote for "so you got dick or what?"

>writing

Have we ever talked to Marcellus about his/her upbringing before?
As I pointed out a few threads ago, unless Marcellus is also a devil that is his/her actual name. And parents don't just name their daughter Marcellus, unless there is something odd going on.

“So, how are you holding up?” You ask.
“You’re asking me?” He says.
“… yes?”
He eyes your strangely, then shrugs. “I’m okay I guess. I was freaking the hell out after Catisse, but I feel better now.” He says.

“I honestly couldn’t see you freaking out.” You say.
“I was. Because… it was my fault that they got Selene…” He says.
“Care to elaborate?” You ask. “I don’t think I ever got the full story there.”
He sighs. “We were all running from the guards, Selene fell, they caught her. I had to physically force Laura to keep running, she wanted to go back and take them all on…”
“Not your fault, if you had gone back then you all would’ve been caught.” You say.

“That doesn’t excuse it… I mean, she’s just a kid.” He says.
“I know. And I was a little pissed that you guys left her behind too, but it all worked out in the end. Right?” You ask.
He looks at the ground. “Yeah, I guess.” He says. “I still feel guilty about it though…”
“Good. Because I still feel mad about it.” You say.

>[1/2]

“But on a lighter note, just how did you go from someone working in the back of an arena to being a duelist?” You ask.

He shrugs. “I just took the tricks I had been taught and worked them into my own style. It’s kind of unorthodox, but it did the trick.” He says.

“I still haven’t actually seen you fight yet.” You say.
“I’m sure you’ll get plenty of chances before this is all over” He says. “I’ve yet to see you fight either, so we’re even there.”

>[ ] Then we should spar later

>[ ] It’s really nothing special

>[ ] Other

>>39252343
>[ ] Then we should spar later

>>39252343
>[ ] Then we should spar later

>>39252343
>Then we should spar later.

>>39252343
>[ ] Then we should spar later

>I should warn you, I'm utterly terrible at fighting fair.

>>39252343
>>[ ] Then we should spar later

>>39252382
lol

>writing

“Then we should spar later” You say.
“Really? You think Melissa would let us? This is her house after all…” He says.
“Of course! Any reason is a good reason for her to see my ass get kicked.” You say.
Marcellus laughs at that. “You guys sound like siblings alright” He says.

“Do you have any siblings?” You ask.
“No. Not sure if I’m fortunate or unfortunate for that.” He says.
“Probably a little bit of both” You say.

The two of you finally find Melissa’s room. You know it’s Melissa’s room, because it has a very flowery, girlish sign on it that says so…

You give the door a few very quiet knocks, and after a second Melissa opens it. “Oh hey, what’s up you guys?” She asks.

“Marcellus wanted to check in on Laura” You say.
“Oh, I guess you can come in. Just be quiet.” She says.

>[ ] Talk about the trip to Harth

>[ ] Ask about sleeping arrangements

>[ ] Ask Melissa if she has any practice swords

>[ ] Leave them alone and go do ___________

>[ ] Other

>>39252652
>[ ] Ask about sleeping arrangements
>[ ] Ask Melissa if she has any practice swords

>>39252652
>Practice Swords
>Sleeping arrangements

>>39252652
>Ask Melissa if she has any practice swords afer asking how Selene and Laura are doing.

>>39252652
>[ ] Ask Melissa if she has any practice swords
>[ ] Ask about sleeping arrangements

>>39252652
>[ ] Ask about sleeping arrangements
>[ ] Ask Melissa if she has any practice swords

>“Do you have any siblings?” You ask.
>“No. Not sure if I’m fortunate or unfortunate for that.” He says.
So Marcellus is an only child. That would be a valid reason for her parents to go full lady Oscar mode.

>writing

“So how are they doing?” You ask.
“See for yourself” Melissa says, pointing over to her bed where Laura and Selene are peacefully snuggling. “I’ve had to resist the urge to join them, they just look so cozy”

You shrug. “I’m not stopping you.” You say.
That earns you a flick to the forehead from Melissa.

The three of you sit down a little ways away from the bed.

“You wouldn’t happen to have any practice swords around, would you?” You ask.
“Yeah, the kids use them. Why?” Melissa asks.
“Giles wants to spar” Marcellus says.

“Hoh?” Melissa asks, looking your way with a devilish grin.
“Told you man, any excuse to see me get my ass kicked.” You say.
Marcellus chuckles.
“I guess I could bring them around later, once the kids are done with them. Who knows, maybe they’ll want to watch?” She says.
“I’d be fine with that. I’m used to audiences” Marcellus says.
“I’m not, but I do like to consider myself an entertainer” You say. “Just a warning in advance, though. I suck at fighting fair.”
“That’s okay, I know my own share of dirty tricks.” He says.

You smile. You’re almost looking forward to this now…

“By the way, you guys are sharing a room.” Melissa says.
“What?” Marcellus says.
“When was this decided?” You ask.
“I went down to talk to the others about it while you guys were looking for my room.” She says.

“I’m okay with that if you are.” You say.
“Y-yeah… sure. I guess that’s fine with me...” He says.

That's all for tonight. I hope you guys still enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it!

Next thread will be sometime this weekend.

As always I'll be sticking around for question time.

>>39253031

Ohhhh myyyyy.

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>>39253031

>>39253031
"oh this is going to be so much fun, we can stay up late, do makeovers, and talk about boys"

>>39253047
thanks for the thread

>>39253047
Thank's for the thread Smiley!

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>>39253031
>“By the way, you guys are sharing a room.” Melissa says.
This is gonna be good.

>>39253047
Thanks for running.

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>>39253063

>>39253047
>Next thread will be sometime this weekend.
Does friday night potentially count as part of the weekend for this purpose, or is it definitely not gonna be before saturday?

>>39253163
No, unfortunately I'll be busy tomorrow night.

>>39253178
Well at least that means I can get an actual night's sleep. This quest is fucking with my sleep cycle. I guess you should consider that a compliment.

>>39253221
Heh Glad I'm not the only anon staying up for this. Totally fucking worth it though.