You awaken as the first light of dawn peeks through your window.

Melissa is still clinging on to you in around the same position she was in last night, with her arms and legs wrapped around you and her head resting on your shoulder.

Her breath blows softly across your chest, causing what little hair you have there to stand on end.

You run your fingers through her soft, curly hair, and attempt to pry yourself free so you can get up. You kind of want to be dressed before she wakes, and you still want to talk to Kuma.

But when you try to pry one of her hands off, she tightens her grip. A lot.

“No…” She whimpers. “don’t go…”

She tightens up some more, to the point where you have some trouble breathing…

>[ ] Try to console her

>[ ] Wake her up

>[ ] Squeeze back, see how she likes it

>[ ] Other

>>39655443
>[ ] Squeeze back, see how she likes it

Establish Dominance.

>>39655443
>[ ] Squeeze back, see how she likes it

>>39655443
>Attempt to free yourself without waking her

>>39655443
>>[ ] Squeeze back, see how she likes it
inb4 Melissa loves being submissive, in bed...
Hopefully this option isn't sexual.

>>39655443
>>[ ] Try to console her

>>39655443
>squeeze back
cue Laura/Selene/Marcy/Eleanor walking in

>>39655443
> Wake her up
Nope.

>>39655443
>[ ] Squeeze back, see how she likes it

>writing

Alright then, two can play at this game.

You wrap your arms around Melissa and squeeze with all of your might. She squeezes back even harder, so you tighten up in turn…

After a few seconds, her eyes shoot open and she loosens up. She gasps for air as you also loosen your grip.

“Giles what the hell?” She asks.
“You were trying to kill me in your sleep” You say.

She stares at you and blinks a few times. “I was not!” She says.
“You were so! I saw my life flash before my eyes… all the way from when I was born, to this moment” You say.
“Really?” She asks.
“Really” You say.
“So what does your mom look like?” She asks.

“Ouch Melissa. That was low. I can’t believe you said that” You say in mock offense.
“Oh, how ever can I make it up to you?” She fakes a pleading tone.

>[ ] You can let go so I can get up.

>[ ] Never try to outdrink the king again.

>[ ] I’ll think of something (suggestively)

>[ ] Other

>>39656092
>[ ] Never try to outdrink the king again.

>>39656092
>[X] You can let go so I can get up.

>[X] Never try to outdrink the king again.

>>39656092
>[ ] You can let go so I can get up.

>[ ] Never try to outdrink the king again.

>>39656092
>>[ ] You can let go so I can get up.
>>[ ] Never try to outdrink the king again.

>>39656092
>[ ] You can let go so I can get up.

>[ ] Never try to outdrink the king again.

Seriously though the king can fucking hold his liquor

>writing

“You can let me go so I can get up” You say.
“Is that aaaall~?” She asks, running a finger down her chin suggestively.
“No” You say.
She smiles seductively, and you flick her in the forehead.

“You can also promise never to try and outdrink the King again” You say.

Melissa releases you and holds her head, her face wrenched up in pain.

“Fuuuuck ooowwwww” She says. ”Just what the hell was I doing last night?”
“I told you: trying to outdrink the King” You say.
“Gods, why?” She asks. “I didn’t do anything else stupid did I?”

“Other than puking all over the floor in the baths, no. Though I’ll admit that getting you from there to here was a hassle and a half” You say.

“From the baths… But I’m-“ She looks down at her clothes. “Giles, did you dress me?”
“Yes” You say.

Her face turns bright red and she whips the covers over her head.

>[ ] Offer to get her some water so you can meet with Kuma

>[ ] Try and downplay the whole ‘naked’ thing

>[ ] Other

>>39656406
>[ ] Offer to get her some water so you can meet with Kuma

>>39656406
>>[ ] Try and downplay the whole ‘naked’ thing
Hey, it's not like we saw much more then what we saw in the bath.

>>39656406
>[ ] Try and downplay the whole ‘naked’ thing

>>39656406
>[ ] Offer to get her some water so you can meet with Kuma

Time for some business.

>>39656406
>>[ ] Offer to get her some water so you can meet with Kuma

>>39656406
>[ ] Offer to get her some water so you can meet with Kuma

>writing

“What happened to the whole ‘you’ve seen me naked’ spiel?” You ask.
“That was-“ She begins.
“-different, yes.” You say, rubbing her shoulder over the blanket. At least you hope this is her shoulder, you don’t really want a repeat of last time…

“Stay put, okay? I’m gonna get dressed and go grab you some water” You say.
You hear a weak ‘thank you’ from under the blanket as you hop off the bed and find your clothes.

You quickly get dressed and sneak down to the storage room where you first met Kuma, and you whistle…

Kuma almost immediately comes in through the window.
“I thought I said to come and see me in the morning” You say.
“I did. I saw that you were asleep and not alone in that, so I left” She says.

You sigh. “I did say to come and see me, not talk to me. Didn't I?” You ask.
“You did.” She says.

You sigh again. “So what have you got to report?” You ask.
“Quite a bit” She says.
“Give me your report” You say.
“Now may not be the best time, your alibi for leaving your room is a temporary one” She says.

“You were listening to that?” You ask.
“Yes”
“Please, don’t eavesdrop on me like that” You say.
“Yes master” She says. “But there is still the matter of your alibi. If you’d like, I could write this all up for you and give it to you later.”

>[ ] Tell me now

>[ ] That sounds good

>[ ] Other

>>39656792
>[ ] Tell me now
though limit it to the most important parts
anything in writing could be found, and that's probably bad

>>39656792
>[ ] That sounds good

>>39656792
>[ ] Tell me now

We can make up an excuse for taking longer than usual.

Hell, melissa is hungover. She might not even notice our tardiness

>>39656792
>[ ] Tell me now

"I'll think of something."

>>39656792
>>[ ] Tell me now
Could easily say there was a bit of a que for water, considering there are probably a few hangovers.

>writing

“Tell me now” You say.
“Are you sure?” She asks.
“Yes. Melissa, of all people, I can trust to be understanding if I do something suspicious” You say.

“Must be nice to be able to trust someone like that” She says.
“Hey now, I never said that I trust her with everything.” You say. “But that isn't the topic of discussion right now”

“Correct” She says.

Kuma begins her report about the status of the Brotherhood of Night, and the political situation in Laust. Beginning with the location and status of her brothers, and suggestions on how best to use them, and ending with the lists of the lords who can or can’t be swayed.

It’s a lot to take in, but you’re pretty sure that you get the gist…

But right now, you have some decisions to make…

>[1/2]

After talking with Kuma for a while longer, you’ve narrowed down your options to a few choices…

>Assassins:
You have 23 assassins under your employ. They are skilled in killing and sneaking, but not much else.

>[ ] Disrupt the flow of information
This is an obvious one, and possibly a necessary one if a war should break out. Have your assassins spread out around Laust, killing scouts and messengers and sending their reports to you.

>[ ] Get rid of Roderick’s allies
Have the assassins work in cells to plan and execute assassinations of Roderick’s support among the Military and Nobility of Laust.

>[ ] Stir dissent among the populace
A Kingdom is nothing without its people. You stand to gain much if Roderick has to pull his focus off of Harth to deal with internal uprisings.


>Spies: There are 7 spies in your employ. These are your cornerstones. Your spies can open new avenues to attack your enemy’s position, depending on where you send them.

>[ ]Infiltrate the Palace
The Palace is on high alert. The guard has been tripled, making any missions there definite suicide missions. If you can get a few of your spies on the inside, that will change very quickly.

>[ ] Infiltrate the Military
Having your men get close to prominent military leaders comes with its own benefits. In addition to feeding information back to you whenever they get the chance, they can also alter outgoing information and try to sway said prominent leaders to your side.

>[ ] Infiltrate the Nobility
See above.

>NOTES:

You can choose more than one option for each, but keep in mind that it will involve splitting your manpower. Having all of your spies working to infiltrate the Palace will make it happen more quickly, and with less risk.

Your employees can and will die if their missions are unsuccessful, and their numbers are finite.

>Forgot the damn saboteurs...

There are no jobs available to them yet. As new information comes in, there will be jobs that require their skills.

>>39657403
>[ ] Disrupt the flow of information
>[ ] Stir dissent among the populace
>[ ] Infiltrate the Military

>>39657403
>[ ] Get rid of Roderick’s allies
>[ ]Infiltrate the Palace

>>39657403
>[ ] Stir dissent among the populace
>[ ] Infiltrate the Military

The mob and the sword, getting them on our side will make a coup and our possible invasion that much more effective and hopefully as bloodless as possible

>>39657403
>[ ] Disrupt the flow of information
>[ ] Stir dissent among the populace

>[ ]Infiltrate the Palace

>>39657403
>>[ ] Disrupt the flow of information
>This is an obvious one, and possibly a necessary one if a war should break out. Have your assassins spread out around Laust, killing scouts and messengers and sending their reports to you.

and

>[ ] Infiltrate the Military
Having your men get close to prominent military leaders comes with its own benefits. In addition to feeding information back to you whenever they get the chance, they can also alter outgoing information and try to sway said prominent leaders to your side.

One thing at a time, we don't split our manpower yet.

Screwing with his little war is the first step.

>>39657403

>[ ] Stir dissent among the populace
>[ ] Disrupt the flow of information

>[ ] Infiltrate the Military

>writing

>Infiltrate the military
>Infiltrate the nobility
>Get rid of Roderick's allies

These ones should work together. Have the spies identify targets and the assassins take them out, while the spies give those assassins that seem fit for it a chance to see how spycraft works

>Disrupt the flow of information
Do this only for things our spies identify as priority targets

>>39657649
>>39657617
Swear to god, every damn time I post in these threads I'm somewhere between a few seconds and a minute late.

You think you’ve worked this out.

You’ll have the assassins split between spreading dissent and disrupting information, while your spies infiltrate the military.

This will make the prospect of a war an attractive one. While Laust’s army has its head between its own legs thanks to the assassins running disruption, your spies will move in and capitalize on the chaos that’s sure to follow.

After that, the assassins will continue to work away at Lausts information network while also getting its people riled up.

Once that picks up, your spies will work at playing up the oncoming revolts, forcing Lausts armies to split themselves between suppressing the internal enemy and repelling the external one.

“Is that all master?” Kuma asks.

>[ ] Give my best to your leader

>[ ] Yes, that will be all

>[ ] Other

>>39657788
>[ ] Give my best to your leader

>>39657788
>[ ] Give my best to your leader

>>39657788
>[ ] Give my best to your leader

>writing

“Give my best to your leader” You say.
“Your best what?” She asks.

You sigh. “Just… tell your brothers that I wish them the best of luck” You say.
“Very well” She says.

You say farewell to Kuma and leave the room. You’re going to need to get used to dealing with her very literal way of taking everything at some point…

As you promised, you grab Melissa a large glass of water from the kitchens before heading back to your room. There, you find her still huddled up under the covers.

“Hey there” You say.
Melissa groans. “What took you so long?”

>[ ] Business

>[ ] Tell her that you’ve hired spies

>[ ] Other

>>39658141
A bit of a line for water, there are a few hangovers, today.

>>39658141
>[ ] Tell her that you’ve hired spies

>>39658141
>>[ ] Other
"Just hiding some cards in case we need them later."

Makes no sense but it sounds cool to me.

>writing

“Oh, you know me. I feel uncomfortable without a few aces in my sleeve, so I was busy stuffing them full of the damn things.” You say.
“Acceptable” She says. Then a hand pops out from under the blanket and makes a grabbing motion. “Water. Gimme”

You roll your eyes and place the glass into her waiting hand, and then the hand disappears back under the blanket with the glass.

“Thank you” She says.
“Yeah, yeah. Just try not to spill it, okay?” You ask.
“Okay” She says.

You hear her down the contents of the glass, and then the hand shoots back out and gives it back empty.

“You’re a lifesaver Giles” She says.
“Ah, finally the appreciation I deserve” You say.
“Really, I mean it. The massage last night, your help getting me back here… thank you” She says.
“You’re welcome. Now, I’d like you to remember this the next time I do something to piss you off” You say.

“I make no promises” She says.
“Good enough” You reply.

>[ ] Leave the room so she can get ready

>[ ] Ask if she’s going to be okay for her business today

>[ ] Other

>>39658533
Ask if she remembers anything else in particular from last night

>>39658533

>[ ] Leave the room so she can get ready

>>39658533
>[ ] Ask if she’s going to be okay for her business today

>>39658533
>>[ ] Ask if she’s going to be okay for her business today

>>39658533

>[ ] Ask if she’s going to be okay for her business today

>writing

“You gonna be okay for your business today?” You ask.
“I should be fine in a little while” She says.

“You sure? You drank an awful lot last night…” You say.
“I did, and my head is killing me. But I slept really well last night, so I’ll live” She says.
“Hmm. If you enjoyed it that much, perhaps I’ll have to share your bed more often” You say.

Silence. You aren’t sure whether she’s mad or…

Melissa pulls the covers down and wraps them around her so you can see her face. “I wouldn’t mind that…” She says, looking away bashfully.

That went in an unexpected direction… you figured that she’d get all flustered.

Damn it, why isn't she getting all flustered?

“W-well, I should get going! Lots to do for both of us, little time in which to get it done.” You say, beating a hasty retreat out the door.

Outside, you take a deep breath. You still have no idea how to deal with her little… affectionate moments.

On one hand, she’s grown to be a VERY attractive woman. On the other, you still don’t want to be Klaus’s replacement…

Maybe you’re just being petty… but you’ve left the room now, so it’s time to-

>[ ] get breakfast

>[ ] find someone (specify)

>[ ] go back in and speak your mind

>[ ] Other

>>39658875
>[ ] get breakfast

>>39658875
>[ ] Find Selene and see if she wants to learn a new trick.

>>39658875
>[ ] find someone (specify) Selene
we are going to be watching her today

>>39658875
>>[ ] find someone (specify)
Wouldn't mind finding Selene, THEN getting breakfast.

>>39658875
>find breakfast
>be found by Selene

>writing

Well, you are supposed to be taking care of Selene today. You should go find her first.

Now, where to look?

Stupid question. Where there is breakfast, there will be Selene. You head down to the dining hall, and sure enough Laura and Selene are already there.

They’re both sitting with their backs to you, facing the table: Selene in the front and Laura in the back. Selene bounces impatiently in her chair, while Laura runs a brush through her long blond hair.

“Good morning ladies” You say.
Laura looks back. “Oh, good morning Giles” She says.
“Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Giles!” Selene says, staying completely still.

“Aww, no hugs?” You ask.
“I hafta stay still until Laura’s done brushin’” She says. “She says that if I’m a good girl I’ll get something cool!”
“Preposterous! I couldn’t imagine you being anything but the best girl” You say.
“That’s what I said! But I still have get get brushe- ow! Mo- Laura that hurts!” She says.
“Stay still sweetie, it’s been a while so you have a lot of knots” Laura says.

You sit down beside Laura, and you get the distinct smell of soap and shampoo. Now that you’re closer, you can see that their hair is still wet.

“Just back from the baths?” You ask.
“Yes, we went early to avoid the other guests” Laura says.
“And did you?” You ask.
“Not as much as I would’ve-“ Laura stops talking and lets out a big yawn. She looks pretty tired. “-liked, but there were few enough people in there” She says.

>[ ] Ask Selene what she wants to do today

>[ ] Ask Laura if she slept well

>[ ] Ask about breakfast

>[ ] Other

>>39659326
>[ ] Ask Selene what she wants to do today

>>39659326
>[ ] Ask Selene what she wants to do today

>>39659326
>>[ ] Ask Selene what she wants to do today
>>[ ] Ask Laura if she slept well

>writing

>>39659326
>[ ] Ask Selene what she wants to do today

>[ ] Ask Laura if she slept well

I don't see why we can't do both.

>>39659326

>"But I still have get get brushe- ow! Mo- Laura that hurts!” She says."

...I'm not gonna lie here- I thought she was about to say 'motherfucker' for like two seconds before I remembered. Was gonna make a comment about finally using those grownup words she keeps hearing.

>>39659552
In fact, I'll be up front. I think it'd be hilarious if at some point she belted out a swear of some sort. Just because I'm easily amused.

“So Selene, is there any-“

Laura whips her head around and shakes it. ‘That’s a surprise’ she mouths.

You smile slyly at her. “Is that the cool thing?” You ask.
Laura puts a finger over her mouth and winks.

You laugh.

“So what-“ another yawn “-brings you down here Giles?” Laura asks.
“Breakfast” You say.
“Breakfast!” Selene echoes, throwing her hands up, kicking her feet and giggling.

You and Laura both smile, then Laura yawns again.
“Damn” She says under her breath.

“Tired?” You ask.
“A little. I didn’t really sleep well last night” She says.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing, there’s just something bugging me.” She asks.
“That kind of goes without saying now, doesn’t it?” You say.

“I guess, though I wish it didn’t” Laura says.
“Don’t we all” You say.

>[ ] “So what is it this time?”

>[ ] “When is breakfast anyway?”

>[ ] Other

>>39659708
>>[ ] “So what is it this time?”
>>[ ] “When is breakfast anyway?”

>>39659708
>[ ] “So what is it this time?”

>>39659708
>[ ] “So what is it this time?”

>>39659708
>[ ] Other

"Hopefully it's just the expected issues." Then let's chill and wait.

>>39659708
>>[ ] “So what is it this time?”

>writing

>>39659708
>[] "So what is it this time?"

“So, what’s bugging you this time?” You ask.

Laura stops brushing and looks at you seriously for a moment.

“Not here, and certainly not now. I’ll tell you later, and in private” She says.
“O… kay… I guess.” You say. “Is it that secret?”
“You’ll see” She says.

That’s a strange look she’s giving you… Part suspicion, part something else. You may not like what she has to say…

Laura’s gaze lingers on you for a while before she turns back to Selene to keep brushing. Selene hums a tune and swings her legs back and forth, oblivious to what’s going on around her.

You sit back in your chair, and let her work.

Shortly after, a servant comes in with breakfast for the ladies, then after taking your order for breakfast he leaves.

Now you have to wait…

>[ ] Ask where everyone else is

>[ ] Wait for the ten seconds it will take for Selene to eat, then show her a trick

>[ ] Other

>>39660113
>>[ ] Ask where everyone else is

>>39660113
>[ ] Wait for the ten seconds it will take for Selene to eat, then show her a trick

>>39660113
>Show her a trick
>Ask what trick she uses to make so much food disappear so quickly.

>>39660113
>>[ ] Other
Whisper to Selene "Bet you a silver Selene polishes her plate off in less than 30 seconds."

>>39660175
Whisper to Laura, sorry.

>>39660113
>>[ ] Wait for the ten seconds it will take for Selene to eat, then show her a trick

>>39660113
>[ ] Ask where everyone else is

>>39660113
>[ ] Wait for the ten seconds it will take for Selene to eat, then show her a trick

>writing

You cross your arms and watch as Laura starts eating. She’s not the proper image you’d expect from a princess, but her etiquette is miles better than Selene’s.

Gods, Father Pitre would make you soap out your mouth if he saw you eat like that…

In no time flat, Selene is finished her breakfast and she looks at Laura impatiently.
“Don’t give me that look. It isn't my fault that you eat like a bottomless hole” Laura says.

Selene pouts angrily, so you pat the chair next to you.
“C’mere kiddo, I’ve got some time to kill. How about I teach you a card trick?” You ask.
Selene drops the pout and switches into happy fun times mode, hopping off her chair and skipping over to the one next to you, where she sits and looks at you expectantly.

Laura rolls her eyes at you, and you shrug in response.

Then you pull out your deck of cards and get to work…

>[1/2]

“Iiiiiiiiiiiis this your card?” Selene asks, holding us the jack of clubs.
“Why yes it is. Good job!” You say, ruffling her hair while she smiles proudly.

She’s been at this for about half an hour now. Your breakfast arrived a while ago, and you ate while she practiced on Laura. Once you finished, you corrected a few of her mistakes and now she’s got it pretty much down.

“Well, it’s about time for me to be going” Laura says.
Selene pouts.
“What’s wrong?” Laura asks,
“I don’t wanna go to those silly meetings” Selene says.
“Who said you were going?” Laura asks.

Selene looks confused. “I thought that I’d have to go with you, ‘cause I’m a princess” She says.
“Nope” You say, standing up and lifting the little princess. “You’re with me today”

Selene looks between Laura and you. “Really?”
“Mmhmm!” Laura says. “Now, you be a good girl, okay?”
Selene nods enthusiastically, and Laura gives her a kiss before saying her goodbyes and leaving.

>[ ] Ask Selene what she wants to do

>[ ] Take Selene into town

>[ ] Take Selene to the practice yard and show her how to defend herself

>[ ] Take Selene somewhere private and show her some theifier things

>[ ] Other

>>39660622
>>[ ] Ask Selene what she wants to do
I fully expect her to grab her cloak and say
>show me some sneaky things

>>39660622
>[ ] Take Selene somewhere private and show her some theifier things

>>39660622
>[ ] Ask Selene what she wants to do

>>39660622
>[ ] Ask Selene what she wants to do

>>39660622

...the temptaaaaaation.....the thiefy temptaaaaaation.

>[ ] Take Selene to the practice yard and show her how to defend herself

because let's be honest, at this point, it might be practical. Shit's been happening, don't want the littleun to get kidnapped again. At least not without putting up a fight of it.

>>39660697
>>39660622
This

>>39660697
She's six. At that age, "how to defend yourself" is pretty much the same as "how to hide really well".

>writing

>>39660782
Fair point.

So what else CAN we teach her if she wants to be sneaky? All that's left that we haven't at least gone over the basics with her (as far as I can think) is breaking and entering, trap detection, and pickpocketing.

“So kiddo, what do you want to do?” You ask.

She ponders for a moment, before feeling around under your cloak. When she comes out, she has one of your knives.

“I wanna learn to use this!” She says.
You snatch the knife back. “Moving a little quick there, kiddo.” You say. “Why don’t you tell me what these are for?”

“Cutting?” She asks.
“Nope” You reply
Her face scrunches up in thought, but she eventually gives up and shrugs.

“Killing” You say.
That seems to scare her a bit, but it doesn’t turn her off of the idea. “Still want to learn” She says.
“Why is that?” You ask.
“Wanna be useful” She says.
“You’re plenty useful, kiddo.” You say, rubbing her head. “You don’t need these for that” You twirl the knife before putting it back where Selene got it.

“But what if the big guy comes back?” She asks.
The big guy? Oh, right. From the palace. “I got rid of the big guy” You say.
“But I still have that dream… Sometimes it’s the big guy, sometimes its someone else… I don’t want the big guy to get me…” She says.

>[ ] Teach her to use a knife

>[ ] Find some more kid-friendly defensive weapons

>[ ] Refuse. If it comes to that, you’ll just have to stop the big guy again

>[ ] Other

>>39660946
>>[ ] Other

Teach her some ways to defend herself, and a little bit about knives. Tell her not to tell Laura or anyone else.

>>39660946
...honestly, I'm just impressed at this point. Like. All the shit she's been through and she's still not backing down a step. Might be some remnants of naivety, but still. I'm just flat out impressed. I think we should respect that.

...It's still a knife, though. We'll work up to it. Shouldn't take long.

>[ ] Find some more kid-friendly defensive weapons

>>39660946
>[ ] Find some more kid-friendly defensive weapons

>>39660946
>[ ] Teach her to use a knife

>>39660946
>[ ] Teach her to use a knife

>>39660946
>>[ ] Find some more kid-friendly defensive weapons

At first.

She proves skilled at those, THEN we move onto the knife.

>>39660946
>[ ] Other
Teach her how to hide and avoid, with where to hit someone as a last resort.

inb4 we roll for Selene's skill in whatever and bam, nat 20.

>writing

>>39661098
New Master Thief, "The Noble"
Infiltrates High Society; no one knows she's a child.

Her logic is sound… You may not like it, but you can’t be there to protect her 24/7.

You know what they say: give a man a fish…

“Alright” You say.
Her eyes light up. “Really?” She asks.
“But no knives” You say.

“Why not?” She asks.
“Remember what they’re for” You say. “When I take one of these out, I am prepared to end the life of whoever I point them at. I’ll be teaching you to use other things”

“Like what?” She asks.
“Go to your room and get your cloak. I’ll tell you when you get back.” You say.
Selene nods and runs off, and you start rummaging…

You come up with some promising stuff, but what to choose?

>[ ] A baton, like your cane

>[ ] Try to teach her magic

>[ ] A restraining weapon (Like a bola)

>[ ] Other

>>39661238
>>[ ] A baton, like your cane
Once she's older, we'll give her a rapier.

>>39661238
>[ ] A restraining weapon (Like a bola)

>>39661238
>[ ] A baton, like your cane

Break an important joint, run away.

>>39661238
>Magic

You know, the option that doesn't require physical abilities?

>>39661238
>>[ ] A baton, like your cane

Then we can REALLY match

>>39661311
You mean the thing we're not all that hot at ourselves?

>[ ] A baton, like your cane

>>39661238
>Magic

>>39661238
>Try to teach her magic

>>39661324
We're good at the kind that let us escape fights, IIRC

>>39661238
>[ ] Try to teach her magic

>writing

Seems we have a tie.

I'll vote for magic to break it.

>>39661422
The last vote literally came in a second before Smiley posted. He didn't see a tie.

You don’t really have anything that will work for this purpose on you, but if you head down to the practice area outside there’s bound to be something.

You consider teaching her magic, but she actually has a better teacher than you for that in her mother. Maybe when Laura’s done with whatever ‘serious talk’ she wants to have, you can try to convince her to help you out there.

Selene runs back into the room wearing her cloak, flushed and out of breath. “Okay… I’ve got it” She says.

“Good, let’s go” You say, getting up and leaving the room.
Selene walks along beside you, and when you’re about halfway to the practice yard she reaches up and grabs your hand. God damn why is she so cute?

Maybe when you go into town you should grab a hat in her size, get her a pair of fencing boots like yours and get her a cane made. Then you can really match.

You reach the practice yard and find two relatively lights sticks, tossing her one.

“Alright kiddo, lesson one: go for the knees” You say. “Try to go easy on me”

>roll 1d20

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>39661551

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>39661551
c'mon dice don't fail selene

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>39661551

>>39661422
>>39661461
Fuck, no I didn't.
Either way, magic was addressed. I'll give you guys a chance to do more with that later

>writing

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>39661551

and selene gets shit training

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>39661551

>>39661623
Either that, or Giles gets his ass kicked.
Please let it be this; it would be hilarious.

>>39661654
Well, anyways, hopefully we get another chance.

>>39661654
Hopefully

You’re going through basics like how to move when you’re striking when it occurs to you that you never actually learned how to handle a weapon…

Still, she gets the basics of it and you get started with actual practice.

Or not… her footwork is terrible, but it’s only after you get started that you notice.

She goes to make a swing at your knees, which you would normally block. But she trips, and your reactions are torn between ‘block’ and ‘catch’. In the end you do neither, taking the hard jab to the knee with Selene’s full weight behind it as she falls flat on her face.

You both have to rub off your injuries, with you comically hopping on one leg for a while as Selene rubs her face and chokes back tears.

“What are you guys doing?” Marcy asks, approaching you from the entrance to the training ground.

You fall back on your butt next to Selene, and take a look at her nose. “Trying to teach Selene how to defend herself” You say.
Marcy raises an eyebrow.
“I never said I was succeeding” You say.

>[ ] Ask Marcy to help

>[ ] Try it again yourself

>[ ] Other

>>39661781
>[ ] Ask Marcy to help

>>39661781
>>[ ] Ask Marcy to help

Lil help, o master swordsman?

>>39661781
>>[ ] Ask Marcy to help
Maybe it'll give us a bonus?
So long as we still contribute, I don't want her hogging the glory

>>39661781
>[ ] Ask Marcy to help

>writing

“Okay, I guess I’ll leave you two alone then” She says, turning to leave.
“Wait” You say.
Marcy turns her head back. “What?” She asks.
“You wanna help out?” You ask.

“Seriously?” She asks.
“Yes.” You say.
“Why me?” She asks.
“Because you’re an actual proper trained fighter” You say.

“Why are you teaching her how to fight anyway?” She asks
“Necessity” You say. “It’s not the fine art of killing, but hopefully she’ll know how to quickly and cleanly nail someone in the gonads and leg it by the end of the day”

Marcy starts laughing, slowly increasing in intensity until she’s in tears.
“Was it that funny?” You ask, as Selene looks on in confusion.

Come to think of it, you haven’t ever really seen Marcy break her composure. Other than that one time. Y’know, the time when you walked in on ‘him’ changing…

“Alright, you got me.” She says. “Come on, let’s get started”

>roll 1d20

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>39662007

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39662007

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>39662007

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>39662007

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>39662007

>>39662051
>>39662052
>>39662058
What?

File: Freddie.png (126 KB, 600x749)

126 KB PNG

>>39662051
>>39662052
>>39662058

>>39662051
>>39662052
>>39662058
There's a joke about sweet sixteens in here somewhere...
But I'm too busy coming up with jokes for Giles to tell to think of any for myself, so-

>writing

>>39662051
>>39662052
>>39662058

That HAS to count for a little something, late or not.

>>39662092
damn it Smiley you will make the 16x3 count as a 20!

You and Marcy go through footwork with Selene. This time you make sure she’s got it before making any attempts at practical tests.

Eventually you get into simple guarding and countering, how to spot openings, where to strike if you want to disable, and finally…

Selene swats Marcy’s attempt to strike her away, then moves in and hits her in the ‘gonads’. Marcy fakes being in extreme pain and crumples into a ball on the ground. Then Selene turns to you.

“Woah there kiddo, let’s not be too-HWUH” You say.

No mercy. Whatever it is she wants to be when she grows up, she’ll be great at it…

Marcy is lucky right now. Fuck. Why did they have to let such an important and sensitive part of the body dangle where just about anything can hit it? Oh gods this hurts!

“Uhhh… Hey… guys…?” Laura says.
“Laura!” Selene exclaims, running up to her mother for a big hug.

Well, she’s got the ‘nail them in the gonads and run part down at least…

“Hey Laura… how’s it going?” You ask, your voice still pained.
“Better than you two, apparently. Just what are you doing?” She asks.

>[ ] Me and Marcy couldn’t decide on something, so we roshambo’d for it

>[ ] Teaching Selene how to defend herself

>[ ] Taking a little dirt nap

>[ ] Other

>>39662293
>[ ] Me and Marcy couldn’t decide on something, so we roshambo’d for it

>>39662293
>>[ ] Me and Marcy couldn’t decide on something, so we roshambo’d for it

>>39662293
>>[ ] Other
Regretting my life's decisions.

>>39662293
>[ ] Teaching Selene how to defend herself

>>39662293
>[ ] Me and Marcy couldn’t decide on something, so we roshambo’d for it
what roshambo means anyways

>>39662373
Punching each other in the nuts, and the one still standing wins.

>>39662373
Japanese way of saying Rock Paper Scissors.

>writing

>>39662402

Wait, really? Geez, I got my stuff mixed up.

>>39662406
thats jan ken pon

“Marcy and I couldn’t decide on something, so we roshambo’d for it” You say, sitting up and hunching over. “But in all honesty, I’m kind of regretting my life’s decisions right now…”

“I learned how to nail someone in the gonads and run!” Selene says.
“You what?” Laura asks. “Giles, what did you teach her?”
“Self-defence” You say. “Nothing lethal or dangerous. Just how to get out of a hairy situation so she can run and hide”

“I’d like to be mad, but I don’t think I can argue with that…” Laura says. “After all, these are dangerous times”
“Which is precisely why I taught her.” You say, standing up carefully. “Meetings over already?”

“Already? Giles it’s like 5 o’clock” Laura says.

Whoa, seriously?
You look up at the sky, and the sun is indeed lazily hanging on the horizon. “Damn” You say.

“Wow, I didn’t think that much time had passed” Marcy says.
“Laura, I’m hungry” Selene says. Oh sure, now she says something…

“We’ll get you something to eat then, sweetie” Laura says, but she stops before she can leave. “Actually, Marcellus?”
“Yes Laura?” She asks.
“Could you take Selene down to the dining hall?” Laura asks. “There was something I wanted to talk to Giles about”

“Uhh… sure, I guess” Marcy says, taking Selene by the hand. “Come on Selene, I’m starving too”

Laura then looks at you…

>[ ] Try to weasel out

>[ ] Go with her

>[ ] Other

>>39662545

>[ ] Go with her

>>39662545
>[ ] Go with her

>>39662545
>[ ] Go with her

>>39662545
>>[ ] Go with her

Captcha: kshes

4chan, you cheeky son of a bitch

what are the chance of Selene run away from an army of unsullen or dickless army

>writing

>>39662611
The gonads wasn't the only thing she learned to go for.

>>39662545
>>[ ] Go with her

You nod to Laura and follow her out of the training yard. She leads you back to her room, where she locks the door and pulls out an arrowhead.

“Silence” She says, and you feel the spell take hold in the room.

You’re feeling a bit put off by her precautions… Just what the hell is it that she wants to talk about?

“So… what’s up?” You ask.
“Giles…” She says, but the words catch in her throat. She stops there, and it takes her a while to build up the courage to continue. “Giles isn't your Name… is it?” She asks.

>[ ] Be evasive

>[ ] Tell the truth

>[ ] Other

>>39662701
>>[ ] Other

Remain calm. Don't confirm, don't deny. Let's feel this out.

"What makes you ask that?"

>>39662701
>>[ ] Tell the truth

We promised to tell her e secret. Time to man up.

>>39662701
>>[ ] Other

Well I was given it by Father Pitre.

>>39662701
>[ ] Tell the truth
what name
with the devil grin

or >>39662718 will do

>>39662708
>>39662730
Gotta reinforce the mutual trust.

>>39662707
>>39662718

Because it's totally our name, our "dad" named us. Can she guess we haven't accepted our name, maybe, can she prove it, probably not, can she afford to kill us, now way in hell.

>>39662701
>[ ] Tell the truth
We can trust her. We have to tell them sometime, and it's better when we can still back our

>writing

>>39662701
>[ ] Tell the truth
If we deny it now, we can never tell them. She's trusted us, why not trust her?

>>39662762
>>39662777
Hope ya spot these too, Smiley

“What makes you ask that?” You ask.

Laura sits down on the bed and fiddles with the bottom of her shirt nervously. “Well first there was that thing in Catisse, and now I find out that Selene died in her dream, and King Julian says that his Fateseers confirmed that she was supposed to die that night at the palace and… I just thought that it might’ve been you…” She says.

Fucking King Julian has FateseerS!? Plural? Holy shit. Laust didn’t even have one, and Harth has multiple.

A Fateseer is a person who was gifted with the ability to dream of other people’s fates instead of just their own. Governments and larger businesses scramble for them so they can see the future and possibly capitalize on events that wouldn’t otherwise directly affect them…

But the fateseers are beside the point. You promised Laura you would tell her everything, and now seems like a good opportunity.

“No. Giles is not my Name” You say.
Laura tenses up. “I’m… not really sure what I was expecting… I kinda figured you’d try to dodge the question or something.” She says.

You shake your head and sit down next to her. “I promised to tell you everything eventually, remember?” You ask.
“You did… but I thought you were just saying that” She says.
“I wouldn’t lie about something like that.” You say.

“S-so what is your Name?” She asks.
You shrug.
“You mean you don’t-“ She starts
“No, not that I know of at least. Giles has always been what people called me, so I stuck with it” You say.

“Does anyone else know?” She asks.
“Melissa does… I think” You say.

>[1/2]

>>39662882
Well I hope you're happy guys, now we have to kill her.

At least it's not superior waifu.

Laura gets quiet.

“You uhhh… You aren’t going to tell anyone about this, are you?” You ask.

“What? No! I would never! They would kill you! I-… I couldn’t… Not after-…” She trails off.

“After what?” You ask.
“I just thought that, if someone truly had the power to do as they pleased in this world… that would be amazing” She says.

“It’s alright” You say.
“And if, instead of trying to rule the world or cause chaos… they used their power to save… to… t-t-to save my… to save Selene… they would be amazing…” She says.

You stare at her, dumbfounded. This is not the reaction you were expecting…

“Giles.” She says, catching your gaze and holding it. “You’re amazing… and I… that’s why I... love… you…” She gets quieter with each word, until you can barely hear the last word.

But hear it you did…

“D-do you think you could… I mean, I know it’s a longshot… but could you maybe… love me too?” She asks.

>[ ] Yes

>[ ] No

>[ ] Other

>>39662976
>>[ ] Yes

>>39662976
>[ ] Yes
Maybe...

>>39662976
>[ ] No

>>39662976
>>[ ] Other
"...I have to admit, this is not at all the reaction I was expecting. As for your question...yeah, maybe so. To be honest, I've-we've been pretty busy, I haven't thought about it much..."

(I have to admit, I kinda just want to wrap this love issue up. I'm losing interest in whether Giles gets with Laura or Melissa, I just want to put a bow on this.)

>>39662976
I mean... damn if someone used there power of fate to stop my little girl's head from being cut off... it's just like she said.

>>39662748
>>39662882
I was wrong they have the evidence needed to charge us, but we are good enough at this game that we might be able to pass the other tests.

>>39662954
Not yet, she is in love with us, they need us to win, and we are one of the few things that can stop Fates chosen so we are the nuclear option.

>>39662976
>>39663023
second
I feel the same way, but of the other three options the only other that works I don't want to chose because we would always feel like a replacement.

>>39662976
>>[ ] Yes

>>39662976
>[ ] No
Shoot her down now to prevent issues later.

>>39662976
>>[ ] Other
I dont know, with all that is happening I just dont know

or
nani?

>>39663023
Thirding

>people voting yes
Jesus Christ why? Do you people not realize how much shit that will cause down the line?

>>39663037
>implying she ever loved Klaus that way
On their first encounter Giles killed a mofo for her and had the courtesy to get her dressed. Klaus did fuck all. Giles was just being dense about who she liked.

>>39662976
>>[ ] Other
Basically this
>>39663023

This is something that I should probably make a bit more clear: this is it for the romance.

Yes or no (not really sure why I decided to put other)

For those of you who want to wrap up the whole romance thing, that is happening now. I want to get it out of the way just as much as you do.

Yes will make it Laura

No will (most likely) make it Melissa

So new vote:

>[ ] Yes

>[ ] No

>>39663061
At least it's better than the people who are voting for maybe.
>>39663082
As stupid as I find the not wanting to be a replacement for Klaus argument, that is just delusional.

>>39663094
>>[ ] Yes

>>39663094
>[ ] No

>>39663094
>[ ] No

>>39663094
>[ ] No

but make it gently

>>39663094
>>[ ] Yes

>>39663094
>[ ] Yes

>>39663094
>[ ] Yes

>>39663094
>No will (most likely) make it Melissa
I think that "most likely" just killed this option.

>>39663094
>[ ] No

>>39663094
>[ ] No

>>39663094
>[ ] Yes

>>39663105
>being this dense
She's pretty clearly liked Giles for a while, the only person who has said she liked Klaus was Giles, and Giles is dense.

>>39663094
>>[ ] Yes

>>39663143
It'll give you the opportunity to go romance Melissa, but in the end the choice not to will still be there

>>39663094
>>[ ] No

>>39663094
Please don't do this, laurafags are going to samefag so hard.

>>39663165
The problem with that is that it makes voting for Melissa is also a vote against getting this over with.

>>39663094
>[ ] No
Don't be an asshole about it, but make it clear.

>>39663172
Yeah, but so will the melifags. I'm hoping it will balance out

>>39663177
This will be done with by the end of the in game day.

>>39663172
As if you're not samefagging for Melissa right now.

Hell, there's more voters here for this then in the last three votes.

>writing

>>39663094
>[ ] No

>>39663192
I'm not, I don't want to waifu anybody.

>>39663094

>>[ ] Yes

>>39663094
>yes

>>39663094
>[ ] Yes

>>39663197
You gettin' the late comers?

>>39663270
No. Vote's closed once the writing post goes up.
The only exception is if there's a tie, which there wasn't.

>>39663296
It's a little sad. The votes were yes with the others leaning towards yes. Then this vote happens, and the nos start pouring in 'magically'.

Criminey

>>39663320
BS tends to occur, during the recounts

“Laura… I’m sorry” You say.
“Ahhhh… I thought you’d say that” She says. Laura’s head droops and she completely loses her composure.

“It’s not-“

“Don’t… please.” She says. “I know, I had my chance and I blew it because I’m an idiot, so please just don’t”

“Laura, it’s not that… “

“Giles, please go” She says.
“Laura-“
“Go… before I do something weak. Something that I’ll hate myself for whether it works or not” She says.

Laura looks up at you with red eyes, and you do as she says.

You exit the room and close the door behind you. You think you remember now why you started avoiding people… they’re kind of a hassle sometimes.

You wish that it never came to this, that you could have just been friends instead. You hope that’s still a possibility. You like Laura, you really hope that the two of you can still get along. It’s just that everything that’s happened between the two of you has put you off…

You straighten up and head back to your room. You feel really tired all of a sudden…

Maybe this is why you avoided people for so long. They’re fucking exhausting.

>>39663320
>people vote on important stuff
There were a lot more yes votes too.

>>39663350
fan-fucking-tastic

>>39663363
I mean that I'm upset it ended up like this, as I voted yes.

>>39663363
It is, no more having to deal with Laura's come ons.

>>39663363
>>39663374
>>39663375
As I said, I voted yes. I'm upset it ended up like this. Especially after that samefag recount.

I dunno. This whole thing was getting annoying. Laura better not do some bullshit idiocy like she has been just because we don't like her THAT way. Like...I dunno.

>>39663400
>laurafag tears
Like aged wine.

Okay, this has been a learning experience for me.

Next thread will be on Saturday, and big romance vote #2 will be happening pretty early on.

After that there will be no more of these shenanigans, as I'll be moving on with the plot pretty swiftly.

Question time begins now.

>>39663428
Is Laura going to do something really fucking stupid?

>>39663428
do you plan to end the story in 20 thread or so?

>>39663350
Hm. A bit sad about Laura, but Mellissa is a cool gal as well...

Heres hoping that Laura doesn't do something stupid.

>>39663428
Good thread, Smiley! Selene striking gonads was adorable/awesome.

Recount might not have been a great idea. I've been in a few quests where that tends to end up badly.

>>39663428
>retcon
Please no, the vote is done, more samefagging won't help.

>>39663459
I am guess it is for Melissa

>>39663437
>>39663446
No, I think Laura is all out of stupid.

>>39663457
I'll agree with you there, I just felt that the whole 'this is it' thing needed to be made more clear.

>>39663459
no retcon. This vote will be for melissa

>>39663428
If you ever run another quest, can you please NOT have blatant love interests? Your quests are amazing, but the entire romance sub-arc has been a series of low points. You do action and humor far better than romance.

>>39663428
Can we have Selene kick Fate and anything fate related in the gonads?

>>39663476
>I'll agree with you there, I just felt that the whole 'this is it' thing needed to be made more clear.

Sadly, the maybes were more leaning towards yes, but let me think this out.

It's only when the recount happened where everything exploded.

Honestly, I'm gonna vote no for Melissa too. Just to drive it home. I normally don't mind LIs, but this whole particular quest, I personally believe, would've been better served without them. Just keep Laura and Melissa as cool/awesome sister types, even WITH Laura's screwed up backstory, and this would've been a blast. Well, better blast.

>>39663485
I have 2 projects in mind. Once this is done I'll let you guys vote for which one I do next.

One is a darker modern fantasy where spending time trying to romance means not spending time making sure you and your friends aren't brutally murdered by each other

The other is more light hearted, with a blank slate protag that can't into romance.

Both will be fun.

>>39663513
To be honest, who waifus whom doesn't matter too much in the grand scale of things. As I've said before, this is kind of a test run. I now know how not to handle romance.

Progress.

>>39663513
I want to romance -Kuma-

Being alone for about 5 years to finally having people to care about is good enough for character development.
Given the background and the turn of events in this quest, I don't think Giles, as displayed so far, is ready for love.

>>39663576
Sadly, it ain't up to one player.

>>39663592
There's at least two of us.

>>39663592
Such are the system of democracy
But man, I just want to be Selene's master/ dad.
Always reminds me of thief

>>39663639
We are more or less her awesome uncle at this point