The advancing garou were halted before they could do too much damage, especially now that Dama is calling the shots for them now. Lars has been stripped of a potentially dangerous of his in an instant with Ahua's defeat, especially since the manakete Arion was captured alongside her.

Though you in particular didn't see them in action, the small, elite group of Tarvosian nomads who were supposed to pick up Salia were largely responsible for halting the wolves' advances, at great loss to their own number. Quidel's elder brother and sister were leading this group in question, and he and Salia were just delighted to see them alive.

Eva and her wyvern reappeared fighting, apparently having been captured thanks to the unexpected additions of Canis and Arion, and busted herself out. She had to literally be informed that the battle was over, much to her embarrassment ("It was still going on when I busted out!").

Of course, Ahua also quickly revealed why she was so confident that there wouldn't be outside interference from Neir's knights: Lars was leading the Emperor's Flight on a campaign throughout the Eastern Cord region of the nation.

Unbeknownst to you at the moment, forces had already gone out to suppress this, among whom being Gorman, Mikhail, and the Great Miles members besides Devon and Laurina.

>A. Remain Ellen anyway
>B. Take over someone headed East (like the Tordo events of 28, not required)
20 minutes voting time since this is a path-choosing opening.

>>42385287
>>B. Take over someone headed East (like the Tordo events of 28, not required)
I want to be the manakete.

>>42385287
>A. Remain Ellen anyway
We hardly play as ellen anymore.

>>42385460
You're right... but... I wanna play as a manakete.

>>42385494
We will probably have an opportunity later, It would be nice top lay as Ellen for more than a single thread though since she is you know the main character, It just doesn't feel like that anymore.

>>42385406
Change this vote to Ellen then. I would like to know more of her heritage if we're able to touch upon it soon.

>>42385287
>A. Remain Ellen anyway

>>42385628
>>42385616
>>42385460
You're concerned for whatever's happening over there, and don't even know that Gorman and the Great Miles had trouble up in the mountains, let alone that they're already fighting again, but it's not like you can just BECOME one of them for the moment.

Dama entrusts Vaga and Ella with keeping watch over the Garou in person, apparently feeling it would be better for relations with Neir and the Tarvosians if she, as their new leader, coordinate directly with the other leaders of the groups. Vaga and Ella are going to be leaving very soon. The rest of you are heading back to Rakche later this afternoon, but... It's happening almost immediately for the wolves.

>A. Go and see them off
>B. You're busy with other things at the moment.

>>42385805
>A. Go and see them off

>>42385805
>A. Go and see them off

>>42385805
>>A. Go and see them off

>>42385825
>>42385924
Of course you plan on seeing your friend off.

There's a bit of a line, though, as he and Ella are currently addressing Eva.

"Er... Hey, no hard feelings about whatever happened to you, right? If I may speak on behalf of all of us..." Ella is addressing the princess.

"As long as you guys can overlook my daring and badass escape, absolutely! Honestly, just... Forget it ever happened. It was a fluke!"

"Mhm." Vaga just nods, and Eva turns and leaves.

Quidel, Salia, Garrus, Dama, and Stefyn all still seem to already have been here waiting for their chance to talk to Vaga once more.

>A. Wait your turn
>B. Pass by all of them and talk to Vaga now
>C. On second thought, follow Eva
>D. Write-in

>>42386080
>A. Wait your turn

>>42386080
>A. Wait your turn

>>42386080
>>A. Wait your turn

>>42386106
>>42386156
>>42386189
Politely, you wait. Dama has some pretty standard goodbyes to say, and after Vaga and Ella return the gesture, he turns towards his sister's boyfriend, looking Stefyn in the eye and saying, very casually, "if you pull anything horrible, I'm sure our sister won't be opposed to letting us sic our entire village on you." He chuckles, patting Stefyn's shoulder, "course, I'd probably tear you apart myself in the event of."

As opposed to the cowardly whimpering you would expect, the Swordmaster just recoils a bit before nodding uncertainly. "Er, with... All due respect, she would probably be able to take me down first, then."

"Right answer." Vaga laughs again at his sister looking somewhat embarrassed at his comments, and ultimately the couple turns back with one final hug goodbye between siblings.

Quidel and Vaga exchange some sort of in-joke which neither Ella or Salia is privy to, and the princess asks the haremite, "are you sure people loyal to Ahua won't be spiteful that she was uprooted? It... seems like a real possibility."

"Unlikely. Most of us aren't schemers like that," Ella reassures Salia.

Some more conversation later, and those two leave with Garrus.

"Worried about me, boss?" Vaga asks, certainly getting your attention. You'd nearly forgotten about his sarcastic nickname.

>A. You can stop calling me that
>B. Yes
>C. I forgot what I came to ask
>D. Just thought I'd say goodbye
>E. Say something else (specify)

>>42386548
>B. Yes
>I still prefer the butcher of osrin(Jokingly)

>>42386548
>>B. Yes
>D. Just thought I'd say goodbye

>>42386548
>B. Yes
>D. Just thought I'd say goodbye

>>42386656
>>42386673
>>42386694
"I'd still prefer 'Butcher of Orsin,' but... Well, yeah. You did almost die."

"Oh, yeah, that's right... Thanks for reminding me."

"Still, I just wanted to say goodbye as long as you were still here."

"It's a pretty popular idea," Ella remarks.

"Hey, though... Don't end up freezing up if something big happens again, alright?"

Vaga shakes his head, "I wouldn't dream of it. Elisa, Fidelia, Andrea, Nina, even Bela... I think I understand what they died for now. They all thought... This was for the greater good of the garou."

Ella nods, "every one of them trusted you as much as I do, Vaga. Well, dunno about Bela, but... Anyway, we wouldn't just follow you and die for you because of what you did for us is what I'm saying."

>A. Say something else (specify)
>B. Alright, you're done here
>C. Until we meet again
>D. Write-in

>>42386983
>>C. Until we meet again

>>42386983
>Try not to die or get locked up again
>C. Until we meet again

>>42386983
>C. Until we meet again

>>42387026
>>42387030
>>42387053
"Don't get killed or locked up, alright?"

"I'll promise to try."

"Then... Until we meet again, I suppose."

Shortly after that, Ella and Vaga leave with the rest of their people, bar Dama and the still-MIA Canis.

You'll be starting the journey back towards Rakche in about an hour, but in the meantime you head back towards your group's camp.

You find Victoria and Eva on the edge fo the camp, giving each other particularly nasty looks. An air of vitriol surrounds the area.

>A. Listen to what's going on before thinking about making a move
>B. Ask Eva what the hell she's doing
>C. Ask Victoria what the hell she's going
>D. Say something (specify)
>E. Ignore it. This is their beef
>F. Write-in

>>42387249
>A. Listen to what's going on before thinking about making a move

>>42387249
>>A. Listen to what's going on before thinking about making a move

>>42387249
>A. Listen to what's going on before thinking about making a move

>>42387281
>>42387294
>>42387308
Eva is the first to speak when you're present. "Oh, sorry for my rude introduction, duchess. I just didn't realize we had tyrants on our side."

"T-Tyr-You're one to talk, considering just who your family is, you imperialistic lout."

"Hey, hey, I'm not proud of my ancestry, but taking Malva out of your hands, out of Noba's hands in general, even, but yours especially, was the best thing that we'd ever done. Why do you think there we had such an easy time of it?"

"Overwhelming numbers and the indifference of Phile and Fathom."

"No, you completely tanked your people's morale by running the country with a damned iron fist. How dense must you be not to recognize that?"

"I was... hard on them, not to that extent, but admittedly, but it was hard times! I was a new ruler, and you were just... Your family was just eyeing Malva like a piece of meat."

"Paranoid as ever, too... I felt BAD when I'd heard about the conditions of your capture, but you clearly haven't changed a bit. I don't know what that old general saw in you..."

That sets Victoria off. She pretty much throws herself at Eva, fists flying.

>A. Let this play out
>B. Hold her back
>C. Victoria, were you really that bad?
>D. Eva, what the hell is your problem?
>E. Say something (specify)
>F. Leave this situation
>G. Write-in

>>42387561
>Go over and conk them BOTH on the head

>>42387561
>B. Hold her back
>What's wrong with BOTH of you?

>>42387561
>>G. Write-in
Com'on, now. None of that matters any more. That's all in the painful past, and we're all in the present. We can't change our past, but we can dictate how we move forward in the present.

>>42387697
>>42387725
You hold Victoria back, a decision which saves her from what looked like a very nasty preemptive strike from Eva's vantage.

"What the hell are your problems?!"

"I've said my piece on this princess, Ellen!"

"I dunno what she's told you, Ellen, but given the sort of person that she's shown herself to be... I've SEEN the effects of her rule with my own two eyes."

"And I don't care!" You shout, letting go of Victoria when she stops struggling. "I'm not saying anything hypocritical, telling you you have to forgive each other after... Whatever was in the past, but we can't change it. There's no time like the present, and if you can't be adults around each other right now... I don't know what I'll do, but no one will be happy with either of you."

Victoria closes her eyes. "I... You're right. I've been so immature, even after your earlier advice." She walks towards Eva again, this time with no hint of malice, and extends her hand. "Should we start over?"

Eva turns away and huffs, balling up her fists. "I didn't defect to work alongside another tyrant... We're gonna have trouble if you speak to me again, but I'll leave you alone as long as we're on the same side."

She walks off.

>A. Eva! (try to go with her)
>B. Ask Victoria what just happened
>C. Leave both of them be
>D. Say something else (specify)
>E. Write-in

>>42387901
>A. Eva! (try to go with her)

>>42387901
>E. Write-in
"Don't let her words get you, Victoria. Otherwise, your pride will get the better of you."

>A. Eva! (try to go with her)
Let's see what's up with her attitude.

>>42388059
Seconding

>>42387974
>>42388059
>>42388080
"Eva!" You exclaim with annoyance as you start after her. You turn and see Victoria, staring at the ground, and take a moment to speak to her first, though. "Er... Don't let her get to you. She wants you to prove her point."

"I... I know. Go on, though, I can manage another dent in my pride after so many, and I know you want to speak with her."

You nod and go after Eva.

"Hey, Ellen. Sorry about that, there... That got pretty ugly, I admit."

>A. Don't apologize to me
>B. What was that about
>C. Where are you going
>D. You alright
>E. Write-in

>>42388142
>A. Don't apologize to me
>B. What was that about
Victoria is a dear friend of mine so you better have a good reason for trying to pick a fight with her.

>>42388142
>>E. Write-in
"I'm not upset. I just want to listen on why you corrected her with your side of the story. It sounded like you were as upset as Victoria."

>>42388184
>>42388252
"I'm not the one to apologize to... I'm not even upset, really. I'm just... What was that, back there? I mean, Victoria is a good friend of mine, and I've never seen you mad in general, but... I'd like to hear whatever you have to say about this, too..."

Eva sighs, sits back, and leans against a rock, arms folded behind her head. "Might wanna sit down for this one, then. First off, what's she told you about her brief tenure as duchess? I don't imagine it's all that much."

>A. ...next to nothing, really
>B. She said she was afraid of your country
>C. She said she was inexperienced
>D. She said she wasn't the nicest ruler
>E. Write-in

Shit... I can't remember on what she told us. Anyone else?

>>42388355
>>B. She said she was afraid of your country

>>42388460
(I don't remember either so...)

>>42388355
>A. ...next to nothing, really
I don't recall much about what she said. Most of the time when I was with her, we were escaping from a dungeon.

>>42388496
>>42388480
"Well, not much. She was... very vague. All I remember in particular was that she was... Well, that she was afraid your country would take over from the moment her dad died."

"Well, I'm not a mind-reader, but that sounds sort of valid... Either way, figures that she'd spare you the ugly truth."

>Character limit, continued next post

>>42388729
"In order to consolidate her rule, she... Well, she didn't tolerate anybody speaking out of turn, had guards and soldiers and the like conscripted left and right, execution rates soared, all while she was insisting it was to keep Dain out. People didn't buy in for long, word got out despite her best efforts, and, admittedly, grandpa did have his eyes on Noba, figured that their weakest link would be the easiest to break. Sent me and dad and a bunch of wyvern riders down there, and most of Malva turned on her a week or so into our invasion, soon as word got out. And clearly, Duke Kilos didn't give a crap about Malva, and Philemon's a nervous old wreck even before his son died... Really, the only people who minded a change in their national flag were a minority. She gained some steam for building up a revolution when she told everyone how this beloved general was cut down-not my proudest moment, killing General Isaac. Nice dude, seemed to think of her like another daughter-but none of us had any illusion that her rebellion would be much more than a nuisance that would wear itself out. 'course, a nuisance in the grand scheme of things could still put a lot of innocent people's lives at risk... Wound up paying out my own pocket to hire a ton of mercenaries to stop 'em at every turn. Not sure if you're familiar with the Wulf Company, but they're a HUGE deal out West. They did most of the legwork tearing down her revolution, but she got away with a lot of money. Hired this smaller-time, lower-profile group to deliver the final blow. Never heard from them after they caught her."

>A. And what about that Phineas guy?
>B. That can't be true
>C. Victoria was kind of terrible, huh?
>D. Why didn't she say all this?
>E. Write-in dialogue

>>42388746
>A. And what about that Phineas guy?
>C. Victoria was kind of terrible, huh?
>Keyword there though Eva, WAS, She's changed.

>>42388746
>A. And what about that Phineas guy?
>I don't suppose the smaller group you hired to finish off the rebellion had a red armored and green armored knight did it?

>>42388746
>>E. Write-in dialogue
Sounds like she wasn't ready to lead, and her own inexperience caused her to worry about many things that ended up biting her in the ass.

>>42388916
I guess I'm too late with my write in.

>>42388814
>>42388838
>>42388916
"Wow, she really did used to be a piece of work..."

"Yeah, and you should hear how the surviving pirates said she treated them. Least one jumped ship in the middle of the last stand, apparently when a couple of those mercenaries talked her out of fighting them. Think I've actually seen both of them around, all... Red and green."

That'd be Biff and Byron, then. "The, uh, dead son you mentioned... What about him?"

"If you know about Lord Phineas, you probably know everything he was like. He was super in love with Victoria and not the brightest of noble souls. Without even knowing where she was being kept, he went on this vaguely-defined rescue mission, just sort of assuming he'd find answers in Gravern. Wound up taking him down personally too. Didn't want to kill him, really hoped he'd just take the hint and retreat, but in the end my guys had to kill all his guys but his tactician. Had to capture Phineas, wasn't proud I did it, but proud that I could beat such a famous warrior, if that makes any sense... Anyway, that tactician of his, she wound up retreating all the way to Heim and we lost track of her there. Think her name was Maria or something."

"I see... Look, though, she might get... abrasive still, but Victoria really has changed."

"You wouldn't be defending her if you knew her back then."

>A. You're probably right
>B. You're wrong
>C. Respond with silence
>D. Write-in dialogue/action

>>42389066
>A. You're probably right

However...

>D. Write-in dialogue/action
"She was imprisoned in an underground dungeon for a very long time. From the sound of things, her warden was more cruel than her. And when I found her, she was pretty much broken."

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>42389229
>>42389130

>>42389066
>B. You're wrong
If we held everyone accountable for their past actions, even if they're trying to make up for it, then I don't think you'd be standing here talking to me. Someone's actions right now should define them more than what their actions in the past.

>>42389297
Second

>>42389297
This is actually pretty good too.

>>42389283
>>42389297
"Honestly, Eva, I don't think you're right." She is probably right (you'd certainly think differently of her, even if you still became friends), but you can tell yourself whatever you like. "She was stuck in dungeon after dungeon for years, without anyone even knowing her location... Gods, Eva, Captain Willow was the warden. She was practically a broken woman by the time I met her. I used to be a lot like you, refusing to forgive, and I know it's not easy to get over things, but... Deliberately holding onto your distaste is only going to ruin you. If everyone was defined purely by their past transgressions... Well, you wouldn't be talking to me about this right now."

"I... you have a point, but don't tell me for a moment that you seriously think you wouldn't think differently if you knew who she was before. I'm still not going to be her friend, but... Maybe threatening her was a bit out of line."

>A. That's acceptable
>B. Eva should aim higher than that
>C. This makes you feel like talking to Stefyn
>D. Say something more to Eva (write-in)
>E. Wait around until you guys leave

>>42389397
>D. Say something more to Eva (write-in)
"I say that's fair enough."

>>C. This makes you feel like talking to Stefyn

>>42389397
>A. That's acceptable
You should try telling that to Victoria though. She'll appreciate hearing that more than me.
>C. This makes you feel like talking to Stefyn

>>42389486
Second

>>42389467
>>42389486
>>42389496
"...fair enough, but I think Victoria would appreciate hearing it more than me."

Eva nods and springs back up. "Yeah, yeah, I'll talk to her... I'll give us both a bit longer to cool off, actually spend some time with my prince in the meantime~." It's impressive how much more cheerful her demeanor became midway through that sentence. "What about you? You gonna have some last-minute romantic rendezvous before we shove back off?"

"Er, no, I... This conversation makes me feel like making up with someone else."

"Ah. I wish you the best of luck with that."

And with that, Eva heads off towards Garrus' tent.

>A. One more thing! (specify)
>B. Just get looking for him
>C. Ask around for Stefyn
>D. On second thought, forget about Stefyn
>E. Write-in

>>42389592
>>A. One more thing! (specify)
"I think you're beginning to warm up with the prince. You didn't hear it from me though."

>C. Ask around for Stefyn

>>42389592
>B. Just get looking for him

>>42389592
>B. Just get looking for him

>>42389646
>>42389658
>>42389730
"You... didn't hear it from me, but he really is warming up to you. Garrus, that is."

"Thanks for letting me know! I wasn't ever sure, because... You know how he is."

You nod and part ways with her, considering asking around for Stefyn for a moment. You opt to look for him yourself instead, and see him helping to pack things up with Mitchell.

"Oh, uh, Ellen. This is... a surprise. Does someone need something?"

>A. Say something (specify)
>B. Never mind.
>C. Just felt like saying hey
>D. Write-in

>>42389831
>C. Just felt like saying hey

>>42389831
>C. Just felt like saying hey

>>42389831
>>C. Just felt like saying hey

>>42389854
>>42389933
>>42389988
"Nothing much. Just felt like saying hi, seeing what you were up to."

"Uh... Okay..." Stefyn seems confused.

Mitchell stares. "Stefyn, man, be cool... I think Ellen's been replaced by a chameleon this whole time or something."

"Mitch, that's... sort of an extreme reaction. I mean, do those even exist?"

"How else would you explain it?"

"I dunno, maybe she's... I dunno if forgiving is the right word, but it's still nice!"

>A. You have the right idea
>B. Nope, Chameleon theory's right
>C. Say something else (specify)
>D. Leave them be

>>42390040
>A. You have the right idea
>I still dislike you though, But i understand i suppose your point of view now, It was a life or death situation, Lambert lost and you won.

>>42390040
>>B. Nope, Chameleon theory's right

>>42390040

>B. Nope, Chameleon theory's right

>>42390040
>B. Nope, Chameleon theory's right (jokingly)
But if the real Ellen was here, she'd say that you don't have to worry about her anymore. Unless we're being attacked by dracozombies again. Then looking out for her would be good.

>>42390087
Second.

>>42390092
>>42390105
Really guys?

>>42390087
This

>>42390092
>>42390105
>>42390155
"Nope, Mitchell found me out. Gonna go... Retreat underground or wherever, now."

"The Northern mountains."

"Right, yeah, that's where I'm gonna retreat! But, uh, first... IF the real Ellen was here, purely hypothetically... You wouldn't need to sleep with one eye open anymore. She... understands why you had to do what you did, even if I'm-er, she's not happy about acknowledging it. Also, uh... Thank you, for... Against the Dracozombies. Yeah."

"You found out about that? I thought nobody noticed..." Stefyn rubs the back of his head embarassedly.

"Reese counted as nobody back then."

Mitchell lets out an amused-sounding breath. "You're alright, Ellen."

>A. You're honored to hear that
>B. You never got the chance to ask about his knowing Victoria
>C. Say something else (specify)
>D. You can only handle so much speaking to them
>E. Write-in

>>42390271
>>B. You never got the chance to ask about his knowing Victoria
Try to get his opinion about past Victoria too.

>>42390271
>B. You never got the chance to ask about his knowing Victoria

>>42390271
>B. You never got the chance to ask about his knowing Victoria

>>42390293
>>42390299
>>42390316
"Come to think of it... I just remembered hearing about this because of that big fight with Victoria and Eva just now, but..."

"Yeah, get where you're going. I knew Victoria back in the gap. Long story short, her oh-so-noble cause was running short on funds, so she was trying to "liberate" some gold from one of Dain's treasuries. Same day, believe it or not, I was hitting that same place against this old rival of mine. Some great thief who'd been in the game longer than I'd been alive, called himself the Raven-clawed Marauder. Victoria did him in, so I owed her one, showed her how to pick locks. She helped me learn to fire a bow. It was a time when both of us were kinda strapped, both stopped being so picky about the types we'd associate with. She was a bit high-maintenance, had a way fuller figure before a few years in the hole, but we got on well enough. Now we're just... Cool, I guess."

>A. Alright, cool
>B. Is that all?
>C. Say something else (specify)
>D. Write-in

>>42390451
>A. Alright, cool

>>42390451
>B. Is that all?
Small world, huh?

>>42390451
>B. Is that all?

>>42390488
>>42390472
>>42390592
"Is that all there is to it?"

"Huh? What're you implying, Ellen? I said we're just cool. I'm not even into-"

"Alright, my mistake. You're just friends."

"It's not good to assume."

Stefyn interrupts, "a-alright, Mitch, I... Think she gets it."

"Alright, alright, sorry. You're just... not the first person to ask is all."

"Alright, cool, sorry about that." This is embarrassing, but a built-in exit to the conversation arrives with the notice that you would be heading off now.

You, Reese, and Nat all say one more farewell to Jay, and an even more final one to Robert. Quidel's elder siblings lead the group of nomads East towards the Cord region at the sister's suggestion, leaving Salia (and resultantly, Monica and Zoe) in your party awhile longer as opposed to throwing her directly into danger.

>A. Skip to getting back to Rakche
>B. Show a conversation involving a particular party member (specify)
>C. Write-in?

>>42390681
>B. Show a conversation involving a particular party member
Nat, We better be helping her get dme muscles!

>>42390681
I wonder how dinner went with Kay and Jay.

>B. Show a conversation involving a particular party member (specify)
I'm all in the Nat plane.

>>42390714
No one was impressed, but it wasn't really an appropriate time to criticize the meal and none of them are really picky eaters.

>>42390705
Second.

>>42390734
How depressing...

>>42390705
>>42390714
>>42390738
You worked out with Natalie a lot, showing her several of Gorman's axe-swinging techniques and helping intensively build up her strength.

"Do you ever think how weird it is how fast it's possible to learn things. I mean, I haven't been using an axe for very long, but I'm already pretty good at it. Not to. Toot my own horn. I mean I thought the idea of learning something is you keep practicing over a long time."

>A. It is pretty strange
>B. You don't question it
>C. Say something else (specify)
>D. Write-in

>>42390834
>B. You don't question it
>Some people are just naturally gifted at things.

>>42390834
>>B. You don't question it

>>42390870
>>42390950
"I... try not to question it myself. It's a pretty useful weird thing"

Nat nods. "Do you think that you're going to check out that swordsmith and enchanter you heard about. When we get back, that is."

>A. You probably will
>B. You're not interested
>C. Would it be worth it?
>D. Maybe they could use this tome I snatched too
>E. Write-in

>>42390995
>>D. Maybe they could use this tome I snatched too

>>42390995
>A. You probably will
>D. Maybe they could use this tome I snatched too

>>42390995
>A. You probably will
>D. Maybe they could use this tome I snatched too

>>42391017
>>42391019
"You know what... Maybe I will. Nadiel and Lara, Cheryl said they were called..."

You resolve to head to Ladney, and more importantly, to see if you can use the Fist of the Wolfkin tome (you keep finding yourself almost saying "Wolf Fang Fist." It rolls off the tongue better) in it. Nat thinks that's a good idea.

Towards the end of the training session, Biff comes in to say hello, and give his girlfriend a hug. She manages to lift him up, and blushes and accidentally drops him onto her when they both notice. Her expression doesn't change throughout until towards the end of the scenario, when she smiles pretty brightly.

You ended up returning to Rakche in a few days' time, of course. What'd you do the first morning you were back?

>A. Immediately try to go to Ladney with Zoe
>B. Check on Devon and Laurina. You all learned about what happened up North.
>C. Nothing. You were held up at the castle on business all day
>D. Write-in

>>42391184
>A. Immediately try to go to Ladney with Zoe

>>42391184
>B. Check on Devon and Laurina. You all learned about what happened up North.

>>42391184
>B. Check on Devon and Laurina. You all learned about what happened up North.

>>42391239
>>42391303
Nadiel and Lara could wait one more morning. Devon was... Well, supremely caring, and Laurina certainly seemed alright too. You visited them in the hospital as soon as you were able.

Devon didn't wake up at all while you were present, but Laurina was sort of up and about from the start. She was in good enough condition to visit Devon herself, anyway.

"I... think that Miles blames me for... this."

By now, you've heard a recount of the details of the events of part 28.

>A. At least you both survived
>B. Don't comment
>C. Maybe it was
>D. Write-in dialogue

>>42391378
>>D. Write-in dialogue
I don't think she would like for you to think that way. She saved your hide after all.

>>42391378
>A. At least you both survived
I think Devon would've done something whether you were there or not. Don't be too hard on yourself.

>>42391405
>>42391403
"I... don't think she would like for you guys to think of you like that. Knowing her, how self-sacrificing she is... It's more that she just happened to save your life before being taken down doing what she would've anyway. And at least you both survived, right?"

"Yeah, that's what I tried to tell Miles, basically."

"Really?"

"I. May have been blunter about it."

After that, you actually wind up getting Zoe to give you the quick ride to Ladney, asking around for Nadiel and Lara and finding their place pretty quickly.

It's a huge building towards the top of the village. You and Zoe can't miss it, and when you're inside, you're immediately greeted by a very short, pudgy-looking fellow with a mask.

In a gruff, yet welcoming voice, he asks, "are you customers?"

>A. Yes
>B. Possibly.
>C. Are you Nadiel?
>D. Are you Lara?
>E. What's with the mask?
>F. Write-in

>>42391560
>B. Possibly.
>C. Are you Nadiel?

>>42391560
>B. Possibly.
>C. Are you Nadiel?

>>42391652
>>42391670
"Well... That's what we're here to find out. Are you... Nadiel, if I'm saying that right?"

He nods. "Yeah, great and powerful enchanter... Course, you don't look too into magic, so my wife's probably the better bet for if you want a sword."

"Actually, we'd heard you two were interested in making an enchanted sword!"

"Eh? Who told you that?"

"Well, there's this Anna..."

"Ah, yes, her... Smart ones you are, getting around her. Normally she sells things cheap, but she does love to overcharge if she acts as our middleman. Buy a sword from us through her, and you'd probably be owing her the difference for years."

"Good to keep in mind. So, er, she... May have specifically mentioned my Curse Ring, Devil Sword, Wyrmslayer... I, uh, got this weird tome if you can enchant things with that, too..."

"Nadiel, is that a customer?"

"Yeah, sounds like it! Clever girl found out who we were, but she's the one Anna was trying to screw over!"

"Well, let me see her~!"

Bounding down the steps comes a frankly gargantuan woman, stunning despite (perhaps due to?) towering over even yourself, and being extremely muscular and stacked to boot.

The... difference between husband and wife is staggering, to say the least.

"So," Lara says, "would you mind showing us these items?"

>A. Right away, ma'am
>B. Stare in awe
>C. What are you going to do with them
>D. Write-in

>>42391804
>C. What are you going to do with them
Please like Ellen cares about how tall the enemy is Octo.

>>42391804
>C. What are you going to do with them

>>42391804
>C. What are you going to do with them

>>42391826
>>42391846
>>42391850
You pull yourself together, finally used to the new person so significantly taller than yourself, taller than Gorman, even.

"Well, I mean... What're you going to do with them?"

Nadiel responds, "well, we need to see what we CAN do with them. We won't actually alter them without your permission."

Naturally, as their potential client, you agree, handing the giant woman your swords, tome, and ring.

She and her husband examine them, at one point putting them under some sort of apparatus, and they whisper to each other a lot (Lara needs to lean down a great deal).

Eventually, they return. "Hmm, I've... never seen a tome like this before, but we should be able to enchant a sword with it and the ring without much sweat. The Curse Ring, it's... A very powerful dummy hex did absolutely nothing to it, and it could probably override the Devil Sword's own cursed components alongside performing its duties... And this tome could, quite simply, do whatever it does normally."

Lara continues, "simply having the finished product on your person could negate curses just as well as wearing the ring, we're sure of it. Plus, the properties of the Wyrmslayer... This would be a very fantastic sword, er... Name."

"Ellen."

"Ellen. And if you would provide all of these materials yourself, the cost for the service and the weapon itself would be around..." She taps her chin, "10,000 gold."

"With a down payment of 1,500," Nadiel finishes. "I estimate we would have it ready in a month, assuming nothing slows us down. We're very good at doing our jobs expediently."

Woof, that's... You think you brought about 1,600 on you right now, give or take.

>A. You'll take it
>B. On second thought, no
>C. Try to negotiate a better price
>D. Ask Zoe's advice
>E. Write-in

>>42392003
>A. You'll take it

>>42392003
>D. Ask Zoe's advice

So the curse ring will negate the Devil Sword's negative effects? And the tome would enable us to use magic that draws from our strength. A month without our best weapons is a really long time though, and we're in the middle of a war.

IMO it would be best to leave the Wyrmslayer out of it and use the rest, if that's possible. We might be hurting without the curse ring but we don't use the Devil sword that often and the tome we definitely have no other use for. The Wyrmslayer on the other hand has been immensely useful and we'll probably be fighting a lot more dragons later.

>>42392080
*no other use for for the tome

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>42392080
Ah, but on the other hand, incorporating the Wyrmslayer would make it even BETTER at slaying wyrms.

>>42392025
>>42392080
Guess it's gonna be down to luck whether Ellen thinks this through a bit more or makes a decision, though.

Ending soon?

>>42392100
I hope we're really good at saving up money then.

>>42392100
"You know what... Yeah, I'll take it. Zoe, don't let me spend anything on anything for the next month." You had the first 1,500 over.

Zoe nods. "Will do!"

"Alright. You're based in Rakche, right? We'll send word out that way as soon as we're done. Maybe even deliver it ourselves if we don't have any other jobs."

"Nadiel, honey, this might be one of our most memorable efforts yet..."

"Yes, dear, most certainly..."

You excuse yourselves and let them get to work, returning to Rakche shortly after.

A few days later, the Great Miles, Gorman, and a few other soldiers report back to Rakche.

"Captain, how's the situation back East?"

A soldier you don't recognize responds to Yvette, "things went... Absolutely horribly. Lars has convinced much of the Cord region to swear loyalty to him, and the Emperor's Flight itself seems to have found another few Fire Dragons on the way over."

>To be continued next thread
Thanks for playing. As always, you can follow us on twitter @qmgrandflocto and ask us shit at http://ask.fm/qmgrandflocto

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