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>>42498321

And the recipe itself? Child's play! Counting leaves and seconds, what could be easier? 383 seconds later I am serving Mistress her steaming hot cup, making sure to flash a big smile and strike my best curtsy, just the way Kerstin taught me to do it. Sadly, Mistress does not appear to be impressed.

"Will you cease that nonsense, already? You're in my home, not at court!"

But I thought it was always good to be polite? Mistress is so confusing!

"Besides, haven't you forgotten something?"

"Bwuh?" I followed the recipe exactly!

"where's your cup, apprentice?" She rises to her feet, and somehow once more her sheer size manages to amaze. "No matter, I'll get it for you. It's a big day for you after all. Take a seat now!"

Apprentice? I thought I was still just her servant? Is it normal to have tea with your servants?

Mistress returns a moment later, not just with a cup in her hand, but also with a small box shaped object wrapped in dark blue paper and crimson red tape tied in a cute little bow. She places the cup in front of me, then sits down, smiling confidently as she fills my cup.

"Have a taste."

Cautiously I lift the cup under my nose, a curious scent of... Magic, is the only word that springs to mind.

"Is this an adult drink? Because Papa says th-"

"Have a taste." She repeats.

>Taste it.
>Don't taste it.
>"Is that a present for me?"

>>42498333
>Taste it.
I'm sure it'll be fine.

>>42498333
>Taste it.
Let's play nice!

>>42498333
>Taste it.

>>42498333
>As you say, mistress.
>Taste it.

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Looks like a unanimous vote in favor of trust!

>>42498585
>tfw she keeps intentionally putting us in almost-mortal peril as a means of getting us to grow a backbone and stand up for ourself with pride befitting a proper witch
>tfw we think she's being careless and air-headed, but she's actually a true bro for putting up with our half-hearted but increasingly silly demands every time this happens
>tfw she one day she slips us and leaves us forever scarred, or worse, and she swears off ever taking another apprentice, instead devoting the rest of her life to righting the wrong she has inflicted on us

>>42498642
Anon please no grimness

>>42498775
>tfw throughout everything we're still happy-go-lucky and cute as fuck, even with only one hand, one eye, no voice and no legs, always encouraging our mistress and trying to reassure her that everything's okay, even while she runs through every last trick she's ever learned, desperately trying to find a way
>in the very last thread, we use all the knowledge we've passively picked up from watching her work, and help our mistress in a grand ritual to finally undo all the damage to our body
>and the very last words of the quest are:
>And through your streaming tears, through your long-unused voice, and through the tightest hug you've ever felt, you manage to choke out:
>"Thank you, mistress."
>"No - thank /you/, my daughter."

>>42498333
Well, if Mistress says it's alright, it's probably alright. Just a sip couldn't hurt, right? Once more the strange, unplaced scent fills my nose as I raise the cup, bring it to my lips, take just a brief sip, and...

Ack, so bitter! Instinctively I swallow the bitter liquid as fast as I can, an action I immediately regret as a burning rises from my stomach to my throat. I begin to cough involuntarily, desperate to rid myself of the suffering. I look to Mistress for help, but she just keeps sitting there, smiling. Did she know this would happen..?

Distressed as the lack of results, I drop to my knees, pleading gravity to come to my aid but to no avail. My vision begins to blur, colors whirl all around me, before finally, all becomes black.

-

When I come to, I am met once more by the dark brown floorboards below my face. I turn to my side to see Mistress, still carrying the smile I'm slowly beginning to hate, a pocket watch in her hand.

"Ah! Seven minutes and three seconds. Fascinating!"

My body weak, I can do little more than whimper. "Why..?"

She takes a sip herself, as if to mock me with the complete lack of effect it has upon her. "Well how else would I test the effects of my rejuvenating tea upon a young subject?"

I don't know what hurts more, my stomach or my heart. I trusted you, Mistress...

She stands, strolling over to one of the countless shelves lining every wall to bring out a small black book. "Complete and violent rejection. A shame. Still, it could've been worse."

Shutting the book with a loud slam, she idly returns to her seat. "You may open your present now, apprentice."

>"You're horrible!"
>"...Thank you, Mistress."
>Say nothing, just glare at her.

>>42499033
>Say nothing, just glare at her.

>>42499033
>Say nothing, just glare at her.

>>42499033
>"You're horrible!"

>>42499033
>Other
>"...Don't do that again, please."
Gotta show some backbone, because we're legitimately upset and also we know that's what she wants. But not too much, because we're a good girl.

Being a witch is confusing.

>>42499033
>Say nothing, just glare at her.
Jiiiii-

>>42499033
>"...Thank you, Mistress."

>>42499033
>>Say nothing, just glare at her.

>>42498321
I'm so glad that both the game happend and I've managed to be here to take part in it today.

>>42499033
>Write-in
>"B-but I was good! Why am I punished?"

>>42499033
>Say nothing, just glare at her.

Oh woops, got distracted there. Please roll d100 to test the effectiveness of your glare!

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Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>42499379

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>42499379
Laserlike.

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>42499379
Jiiiiii~

>>42499394
>>42499402
>>42499422
Wow. We mad.

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Congratulations on the first high rolls of the quest! Guess we've found Nadja's talent.

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>42499379

>>42499464
Puppy eyes, +4 to ke'ai?

>>42499464
A somewhat submissive girly girl with the kind of disapproving stare that can melt steel. I quite like what Nadja is shaping up to be.

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>>42499464
Intimidating people through sheer oppressive silence?
Getting mad and channeling that inner rage at others?
Sulking petulantly?

>>42499497
Was going to write this, but well, you did that already

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Long one incoming, please be patient as I try to cram all of this into 2000-character posts.

>>42499033
This isn't fair. It's not right, I did good, I did everything right. I don't deserve to be punished, and I definitely don't deserve to be a test subject.

I pick myself up from the floor, very slowly, gathering all of my willpower toward not crying as I drag myself back into my chair, making sure not to look at Mistress, facing down to hide my eyes from her. The timing needs to be just right. Timing is half the battle when it comes to these things. Nobody taught me that, but I know it's true.

Mistress takes another casual sip from the tea, closing her eyes as she does so to fully experience the taste that she, apparently, does not "completely and violently reject." This is the time. I lift my gaze unto her, channeling both my anger and my hurt towards her. She brings her cup back to the table, the slight clink of the cup meeting its plate seeming to ring much clearer in this one moment.

Finally, she opens her eyes. Immediately her casual smile evaporates and her eyes widen in shock. I even hear her let out a small gasp, before...

[Mistress' current opinion has increased by +5]

"So cuuuuute!" The gasp of shock is replaced by a large grin I have not seen from her before. In a swift, unrestrained move she lurches forward, grabbing me with both arms and pulling me over the table and ,knocking over both her cup and mine in the process and placing me on her lap.

"Such a sweet little apprentice! Oh how I wish the tea would work on youths so you could stay like this forever!" The pitch of her voice continues to grow ever higher while she, contrary to the effect I was hoping for, begins pulling on my cheeks.

"Stop that! I'm angry at you!"

"Oh, I know that, little one! You actually frightened me for a moment there! Ah, you are going to make a great little witch, my sweet fury."

But I'm angry at her! And yet... I can't help but feel happy, Mistress' praise washing away all the negative emotions.

>1/??

>>42500147
After that brief display of emotions and being ordered to clean up the mess that apparently I made, I'm finally permitted to open the present. I carefully untie the bow, I woudln't want to damage the wrapping after all! Next, I slowly unfold the paper, revealing...

A book? Small enough to fit in most pockets, though the pages are impressively thin, thin enough to allow what must be hundreds of pages despite its size. The cover is hard yet light, and pitch black.

"Open it." Mistress states, a very slight hint of masked glee detectible in her voice.

>[Nadja's Notebook is now available]
>Nadja's Notebook will be updated with every new thread, if necessary, and be linked in the OP as a pastebin.

-

Preface

This is the private notebook graciously bestowed upon the Witch Apprentice Nadja _______________, by her kind and generous mistress, Chevalier Julie de Vite, The Raven, Student of Redwing, Slayer of Velithis, Bane of Lents, Mediator of Esaille, Ender of William Blackfoot, Ender of Émile Leblanc, Ender of Anton Trudeau, Ender of Stefan Richter, Teacher of Weeping Lily, Teacher of The Sparrow, and Warden of Burchwald.

The apprentice is to use this book to store and remember the lessons and secrets taught by her mistress. The apprentice is to keep the contents of this book away from the eyes of all others. The apprentice is not to use this book as a diary.

The structure to be used for proper keeping of notes is provided by the kind and generous mistress. The section on Witchcraft is also provided by the kind and generous mistress to give the apprentice an overview of general information relevant to her craft. The section Additional Pages is intended for anything the apprentice feels is also deserving of a place in her notebook.

-

Contents
Witchcraft
Three Pledges
Rite of Initiation
Herbalism
Penmanship
Infusion
Additional pages

>2/?

>>42500179
Witchcraft

Three Pledges
These pledges must be taken by all witches during their Rite of Initiation. A witch who fails to adhere to her pledges is no better than the vilest wizard and is to be treated as such. The pledges are as follows:

The Pledge of Ambition
The witch pledges to use the power granted to her to its greatest extent so that it may serve her purposes fully.

The Pledge of Secrecy
The witch pledges to keep the knowledge and arts granted to her secret from all who have not taken the pledges.

-

The Pledge of Vengeance
The witch pledges to actively hunt down and torment any wizard foolish enough to trespass on her domain or otherwise make him- or herself known to the witch. She will unleash every ounce of cruelty she can muster upon the wizard until such a time as the wizard's life comes to an end, either by his own hand or by forcing the hand of the witch.

-

Rite of Initiation
On the night of the Joining, the apprentice will proceed to an appropriate location appointed by her kind and generous mistress and await the beginning of the Joining. She will enter the clearly marked ritual area, unburdened by clothes or other belongings. She will then present her personally prepared oath to the Sisters Joined. The oath absolutely must include the Three Pledges, and should be kept brief so as not to test the patience of the Sisters.

Once the oath has been spoken, the apprentice will remain within the ritual area until the Day Star releases her from her plight. If the apprentice fails to stay alive during this time, her mistress is required to administer an appropriate punishment.

>3/?

>>42500200
Herbalism

Herbalism is divided into two fields, both of which the apprentice is expected to achieve at least basic aptitude within before being released from apprenticeship. Those fields are non-magical potions and magical potions. The first rely entirely on the natural properties of plants, whereas the second also makes use of magical Sparkles to achieve greater effects.

Non magical

Magical

-

Penmanship

Herbalism is divided into two fields, both of which the apprentice is expected to achieve at least basic aptitude within before being released from apprenticeship. Those fields are hexes beneficent and hexes maleficent. The former can be crudely summarized as hexes that benefit the target, whereas the latter are hexes that harm the target.

.

Infusion
No division exists within the study of Infusion. The apprentice is expected to achieve at least basic aptitude within this study before being released from apprenticeship. Infusion is the art of granting magical properties to inanimate objects, mainly objects of wood though exceptions exist, through the application of sparkles.

---

"Now," Mistrss begins the moment I finish reading, somehow aware even before I've put down the book, "We have plenty of time before your Rite. And I'm sure you still have many questions."

>[Write-in] Ask questions!

>>42500208
>[Write-in] Ask questions!
What will I have to do for the ritual

Man, that looks so terrible with the limited formatting tools available. Oh well, you can read it, right?

>>42500208
>Why are hexes under herbalism?

>>42500223
Don't worry

>>42500245
Because I am thoroughly awful. This will be corrected promptly.

-

Penmanship

PENMANSHIP is divided into two fields, both of which the apprentice is expected to achieve at least basic aptitude within before being released from apprenticeship. Those fields are hexes beneficent and hexes maleficent. The former can be crudely summarized as hexes that benefit the target, whereas the latter are hexes that harm the target.

-

>>42500179
>The apprentice is not to use this book as a diary.
Awww...

>>42500208
>[Write-in] Ask questions!
It said that the three pledges must be included in the oath in the rite of initiation. What else would some include and why?

>>42500208
>[Write-in] Ask questions!
Do we gotta kill the wizards even if they flee with tails between their legs after a stern glare? Because that sounds like a lot of work.

>>42500208
>[Write-in] Ask questions!
What's that bit about hunting down wizards?

>>42500208
What did wizards do to Witches that requires such a pledge?

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>>42500200
>She will enter the clearly marked ritual area, unburdened by clothes or other belongings.
This is my fetish

>>42500179
>Chevalier Julie de Vite, The Raven, Student of Redwing, Slayer of Velithis, Bane of Lents, Mediator of Esaille, Ender of William Blackfoot, Ender of Émile Leblanc, Ender of Anton Trudeau, Ender of Stefan Richter, Teacher of Weeping Lily, Teacher of The Sparrow, and Warden of Burchwald.
>[This Particular Anon's current opinion has increased by +5]

>>42500208
>What other things should be included besides the pledges?

>>42500388
Being wizards is generally enough, really.

>>42500208
Why the wizard hate and what are all the titles about? Also if I die how can I get punished?

>>42500312
>>42500400
>Write-In
No point really, just following those two posts

>>42500427
>Also if I die how can I get punished?
She snorts your ashes like coke.

>>42500200
Starting to feel like we joined the bad guys here.

>>42500511
>Starting to feel like we joined the bad guys here.
We are a witch. At least we aren't biologically and legally dead or soulbound to a goddess cursed to see everyone we ever get close to drift away the way these things normally go.

>>42500511
We're a goddamn witch, not some sunshine and rainbow magical girl that meets her enemies with friendship.
That aside, it really isn't that bad, all we have to do is be hostile and cruely torture wizards to death and i'm sure they deserve it.

>>42500208
Do I really have to be naked for the initiation?

>>42500511
Being named witch wasn't enough of clue?
Also that asshole of boy is a wizard

>>42500208
"So, how much of this is real and how much is things you made up to test me?"

>>42500562
Let me answer that for you: Yes.

>>42500511
This is WITCH apprentice quest after all. So we are not the good guys. Not bad per se, but definitely not the good ones

>>42500570
I don't think so, he talked about being send back, so I assume more he was summoned.

>>42500388
>What did wizards do to Witches that requires such a pledge?
Maybe Witches are a misandrist dyke club?
>>42500570
>Also that asshole of boy is a wizard
So he's the Shaoran to our Sakura?

>>42500580
Good doesn't mean nice.
>Wizards, no sense of right and wrong!

>>42500562
If anything, I would be really surprised if we wouldn't have to be naked during initiation or more important rituals.
We are going to be a witch, remember?

>>42500208
"If you're supposed to keep knowledge secret from people who haven't taken the pledges, does that mean you're in trouble now for the lesson you gave me yesterday?"

>>42500580
Look at the opening image anon, doesn't that look like a good guy (well, girl) to you!?

>>42500609
That was probably stuff a herbalist could have known anyways. Unless she was stupid enough to break a pact like that.

>>42500596
Wizards can be women in this setting anon, as the pledge itself notes.

>>42500573
I just want the character to worry about it. It's better if she's flustered.

>>42500642
Compared to everything else that hardly seems like an issue.

>>42500642
Sure, you can want that. It's just that we'd seem like we weren't actually prepared for what being a witch entitled and since we were already prepared about the joining and everything from day one i wouldn't like that we're so... undetermined? Or whatever word fits that best.

>>42500208
"Are all those 'Ender of' bits in your title wizards you've killed?"

>>42500714
I didn't think of that. That's pretty impressive of her.

>>42500179
>Chevalier Julie de Vite

>>42500726
Genuine question here: What else could it mean?

>>42500746
Thought it was just random evil/powerful people that were famous or something.

>>42500745
What's your point? It's a honorary title, unrelated with gender as such. But it takes to do something really badass to be woman AND Chevalier (the one with capital C)

>>42500208
This... is a lot to take in. I guess that's why she wrote it down.

"Uhm, this third pledge, the uhm.." I flip back the page to remember. "Pledge of Vengeance. Why do you hate wizards so much?"

Mistress turns visibly sour at this question, her frown making our previous exchange look like ancient history.

"Wizards are reckless. They have no sense of right or wrong. They practice the magic granted by the Sisters Joined without taking the pledges, but that is but a symptom. These men and women are absolutely mad, driven entirely by their lust for power and would happily bring entire nations to ruin if it furthers their studies. And some have done so in the past, actually. No mortal punishment is enough for them, but as witches we have the necessary power to achieve at least a semblance of justice."

"That is why we are only permitted to kill a wizard in self-defence. Death is the end of their punishment, which by definition is never complete. It must be prolonged as long as possibly."

She gives me a stern look. "You WILL honor your duty. With my assistance of course, as long as you are my apprentice."

I quickly turn my eyes back to the book. I don't like that look at all and I hope to see it as little as possible.

"It says here, I must include the Three Pledges in my oath. What else should I include?"

Thankfully, something resembling a smile returns to her face. "Anything goes. Consider what kind of witch you want yourself to be. You don't even have to say anything else if you're not sure. Really, many don't, after all it's difficult to imagine how your life will turn out. Just make sure it's something you're completely serious about. They will know if you're not."

>1/2

>>42501097
"Why all these titles?"

She chuckles. "Awfully boastful when you put it that way, isn't it? The point is to impress upon you that, while your senior witches make no specific demands of you or what you should be other than the three pledges, we absolutely expect you to do great things. Which things is entirely for you to decide, but you WILL leave your mark upon the world."

"Are all those 'Ender of' bits in your title wizards you've killed?"

"No. I ENDED them. The kill was theirs." Her grin twists, plainly revealing her mischievous intent. "I could share the... juicy details, if you like?"

Juicy..? Does she mean that... "No! No thank you!"

There's only one word for her response to my distress: Cackling. I hope she doesn't expect me to do... juicy things, because I just can't imagine ever doing that!

"But... if you're supposed to keep knowledge secret from people who haven't taken the pledges, does that mean you're in trouble now for the lesson you gave me yesterday?"

She shakes her softly. "You're sweet to care, but no. I made sure not to teach you anything that can really be considered a secret. A common huntress or woodsman could identify the plants of the forest, and they're quite welcome to the knowledge. Truthfully, they should be encouraged."

"Now, is that all of your questions?"

>More questions? [Write-in]
>No more questions.

>>42501113
>No more questions.

>>42501113
>No more questions.

>>42501113
>More questions? [Write-in]
One more thing... There was this boy that tried to attack me last night talking about some strange things.

>>42501113
>Write-In
>How many other witches will be present during the initiation?

>>42501113
>>42501179
Yeah, let's bring him up.

>>42501113
>No more questions
There's gonna be a wizard that's all fed up with these damn Witches getting in the way of their research, and they're gonna start hunting Witches down.

>>42501113
>No more questions.

>>42501113
>>42501179
We should bring this up if there's no other questions about the book.

>>42501113
>No more questions.
Time to prepare, I suppose.

>>42501179
>>42501113
Fourthing

>>42501113
>No more questions.

>All those "no more questions"
It's like you are not curious at all

>>42501342
There's enough questions anyway, so I'm going for a second round.

I should have guessed /tg/ would pick mystery box, but whatever. That works too.

>>42501522
What mystery box?

>>42501573
Posted in the wrong quest, sorry.

>>42501179
Oh yeah, this.

>>42501113
More questions
"Do common huntsmen know that tea recipe too?"

>>42501113
Wait wait wait, I didn't even notice this!

"I have to be NAKED?"

With a curious look, Mistress looks me up and down. "It's not as if you have much to cover up. You will present yourself to the Sisters exactly as you are and nothing else, you will bare your wishes and your soul to them, and they will judge you worthy. Or not."

"But I-"

"This is not negotiable, apprentice."

Geez... this is going to be even worse than I thought.

"At least tell me... how many other witches will be present during the initiation?"

"None. You will go alone. The Rite is between you and the Sisters. Besides, nobody would willingly go outside during the Joining. It's far too dangerous."

"Except me?"

The twisted grin returns. She must really enjoy this. "Your choice has already been taken away."

"Okay.. Just one more thing, then. There was this boy that tried to attack me last night talking about some strange things. Something about being sent back, or something like that."

No longer grinning, Mistress' face turns as expressive as a stone. "And what will do about this?"

What will I... I wanted her to tell me what to do! "Uhm... I don't know? I thought maybe you would know what's up with that?"

"I have no involvement in this matter, so I know nothing. Hinde has its own its witch and so is not my domain. If a wizard is involved, she will do her duty. Otherwise, well, I'm sure she'll be curious enough to investigate anyway. As for you, you are free to do what you want about this matter. Investigate it or leave it alone, but if you DO find evidence of wizardry you will report it to me immediately."

I nod, not quite satisfied but it's clear I'm getting nothing more. "Understood, Mistress."

>1/3

>>42502086
"Now, I do believe it's my turn."

"B-wuh?"

"It is only fair that I ask you a few questions as well, is it not? Particularly..."

Mistress raises her hand to her head, twirling her hair with her finger while smiling... a smile that's definitely new. Kind of like the one big sis has around Kerstin.

"About your dear father."

She wants to know about Papa? I know lots about Papa!

"Oh Papa is the best! He's super smart and strong and he's always really nice and when I have nightmares he lets me sleep in his bed even though he says I'm really too old and he always works hard to make money but still makes delicious food on his cooking days and-"

"He sounds wonderful, little one,"

Were her eyes always this shiny?

"But tell me now, what of your mother? I know he is single now, but what was she like? Did he love her?"

"Uhm... I don't really know a lot about her. She died before I was born so-"

"Pardon?"

"Uh, I mean, she died before I can remember."

What a strange thing to say. Where did that come from?

"I see... Then I shall ask no more." She stands from her seat, casting a glance out of the window. "I think it is about time for you to leave regardless."

Leave... Suddenly, the memories from yesterday return.

Extremely.

Dangerous.

Mistress continues, still looking at something outside. "Have you been taught the four cardinal directions?"

North, South, East, and West. The path leading out of Hinde faces directly North, and Mistress' home is West of Hinde. She's looking away from Hinde, so right now, she's facing West!

"Mh." I summarize.

>2/3

>>42502106
"Good. Then you are to head Nortwest and look for a large clearing adorned by four black pillars. It is near the edge of the forest. Do not cross the edge of the forest, the valley beyond belongs to Weeping Lily and she has not invited you."

She steps away from the window and into a side room. Moments later, she returns with a small backpack that she places on the table in front of me.

"Lest you believe that your mistress does not care about your wellbeing. You will find water, a small meal, spare clothes, and a compass within. You have several hours yet to lcoate the spot. You managed to locate my home, so you should have little trouble with that bit. Best not to take chances however."

She looks away from me again. "Good luck, little one."

>Leave wordlessly.
>Thank her, then leave.
>Hug her, then leave.
>[Write-in]

>>42502125
>Thank her, then leave.
>Hug her, then leave.

>>42502125
>[Write-in]
>Yes Mastah!

>>42502125
>Thank her, then leave.

>>42502125
>Hug her, then leave.
This is secretly match-maker quest huh.
How many couples will we have to force together, demon!?

>>42502125
>Thank her, then leave.
Don't know if we're really familliar enough for random hugs yet, but a thanks is in order.

>>42502125
>>Thank her, then leave.
>>Hug her, then leave.

>>42502125
>Leave wordlessly.

>>42502106
>She died before I was born so-"
>What a strange thing to say. Where did that come from?
Huh. Well, that's ominous.

>>42502125
>Hugs!
>"Thank you, mistress. I won't let you down."
>"And if I do, please look after my Papa."

>>42502194
Yeah, maybe we aren't just an ordinary human...

>>42502218
Maybe our mom was a faerie...

>>42502251
Or our son is our mom

>>42502125
>>Thank her, then leave.

>>42502125
>Hug her, then leave.
I just hope all wizards are appropriately creepy, evil, and/or insane so that driving them to suicide won't make us feel too guilty.

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>>42502194
>died before I was born
>not after
>not when
>before
What are the odds Cesarean sections exist in this fantasy world?

>>42502251
Can faeries do that? die and then give birth later? Is that a thing?

>>42502347
Maybe? They're weird as fuck

>>42502335
I wouldn't quite call it Cesarean section, but when mother dies in childbirth you still have about a minute to get the baby out before it asphyxates,

>>42502125
>Thank her, then leave.

>>42502125
>>Hug her, then leave.

>>42502335
Well, pretty good, actually, since those have been around in our world for thousands of years. Admittedly, the mother usually died, but it was a known technique. So it's not entirely outside the realm of possibility. But something tells me that's not what's going on here.

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>Leave wordlessly.
1 vote.
>Thank her, then leave.
5 votes. Since the intent of this prompt is to specifically NOT hug (because I know /tg/ loves hugs), posts including hugs are counted below instead.
>Hug her, then leave.
6 votes.

And here I was thinking I made a mistake even making this a vote because it'd be one-sided in favor of hugging. I'm kinda proud of you guys right now.

>>42502536
I don't like it. Feels out of place to hug the person sending you out on a dangerous mission after poisoning you.

>>42502536
>>42502582
/tg/ is full of stupid hugsluts. Even when said hugs are OOC and may actually be detrimental.

>>42502658
U wot M8? How is it OOC?

>>42502678
See >>42502582

>>42502678
I wouldn't say it's OOC as much as a bit stretching it that we're hugging her in a situation where random hugs seems a bit out of it, especially since we barely know her.

>>42502125
>Thank her, then leave.
>Hug her, then leave.

This finally begs the question, do we get a hat after initiation?

>>42502770
It shall be as wide as we are tall

>>42502784
Great idea! Then we can use it as a tent!

>>42502678
>U wot M8? How is it OOC?
Not trying to harsh the vibe here but ARE YOU REALLY THAT STUPID?

>>42502827
Get some poles for it and it can double as a party tent

>>42502875
Chill dude, I wasn't being serious. I was kinda just messing with the anti-huggers

>>42502875
>Hugsluts
>Smart
Pick one

>>42502900
I like hugging, but /tg/ is full of hugsluts who will do it even if it's stupid. Like headpatting or diplomancing.

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>>42502125
Why does she keep looking away like that? She said it was very dangerous and now she's treating me like a complete stranger. Doesn't she want to say goodbye properly?

Well... "Mistress?"

I do!

But she's still odd, even as I wrap my arms around her and press my head against her belly - some day I should ask her how she became this tall - she's just tensing up, feeling like a statue.

"Please leave, Nadja."

"But I just wanted to-"

"Please." She twitches. "Just leave."

I don't understand... But if that's what Mistress wants.

"Thank you, Mistress."

I pick the backpack off the table and head for the door. All the while, Mistress remains completely unmoving.

"I won't let you down, Mistress!"

She says nothing as I close the door behind me.

For the first time today, I actually notice my surroundings. As expected of the day before the Joining, the sky is completely clear, and the birds have fallen quiet. Everyone knows to seek refuge on this night, people, animals, even the clouds do not dare to get in the way of the will of the moons. I'll be even more alone than I thought, it seems.

Now let's see, northwest should be... that way, just follow the edge of the bog. Just to be sure, I pull out the compass, promptly confirming my conclusions.

As I set off, I hear the distinct sound of smashing glass from Mistress' house. I wonder if she needs help... But I guess she doesn't want me to delay any more just to help with a bit of glass.

THREAD FOUR END

>>42503023
Thanks for the run boss, see you next time.

Shit we just reminded her of her daughter....

>>42503023
>"Please leave, Nadja."
>
>"But I just wanted to-"
>
>"Please." She twitches. "Just leave."
Hugsluts caused this

>>42503023
Thanks for running again.

>>42503023
Aww, we triggered whatever issues she has about her daughter. I feel bad, now. I mean, I vote for not hugging, anyway, but still...

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Hope you enjoyed this emergency thread. It really needs to end here, since there's no way we can cover the entire Rite before I pass out, but I think we still got to have some fun?

Next thread will either be Friday or Sunday, depending on how I feel at the end of the week. If things are really good, we'll have a thread both days, but no promises.

Please watch the twitter for info on scheduling so you can watch me fail to keep my own schedule!

>>42503023
And that's why you don't randomly hug people unless you know them enough.

>>42503105
Thanks for running.

>>42503122
I still don't regret the decision, it's a good way to learn more about her as a character. I doubt she'll hold anything against us either.

>>42503105
Thanks for running!

>>42503105
Did Mistress have a sister who died in childbirth?

>>42503151
>>I triggered her trauma! Don't worry about it though, it'll be a bonding experience!
>Neckbeards actually believe this

>>42503193
That's how you develop relationships, you have to be able to understand where people come from. It almost sounds like you've never had a real relationship with anyone before.

>>42503151
>I still don't regret the decision, it's a good way to learn more about her as a character. I doubt she'll hold anything against us either.
Oh for FUCK'S sake. This is why my QMC has issues with touching.
>>42502919
True.

>>42503168
No, she fell from the tree swing and that's why Papa is depressed, Nadija got a hunch (or so she claims) and the garden is so neglected
Please tell me you get the reference... please

>>42503105
I wish my regular threads were as good as your emergency

>>42503193
>Being this bitter
>About pointless stuff
Not to mention being completely wrong and lacking any real experience with alive human beings

>>42503225
You sound like you never have dealt with people who actually has suffered any sort of serious trauma.
I've worked with rape victims and you can't just hug their problems away. If you approach any of them with a hug from behind like we just did they're likely to just break down, and that's why you just don't do it to anyone unless you fucking KNOW that they're ok with it.

>>42503245
No, sorry.

Well, what's done is done, just please don't hug people we barely know in the future...

>>42503344
Meta knowledge is a bitch isn't it? Explain to me how a 12 year old girl, one who is incredibly nice btw, would know this? IC Nadja would do it because she's sweet, she doesn't have any life knowledge that would make her not do what she thinks is a nice sign of affection.

You guys are overacting, she was trying to distance herself before we hugged her.

>>42503064
>>42503122
>>42503230
>>42503344
>>42503376
It isn't an aversion to physical contact, it's that she's upset because she's trying not to get attached because the Rite is dangerous so it's not a sure thing that we're going to make it back. This isn't about being spiteful or trying to emotionally manipulate her, it's just a consequence of Nadja being a child who wears her feelings on her sleeve.

I've got no idea where in the world you're getting this interpretation from.

>>42503400
Meta knowledge and speculation me thinks. They gonna sperg about something anyway, might as well be this.

>>42503355
Seriously never heard about "The Secret Garden"?

>>42503432
Old book is old

>>42503400
You know that this works even if they're not traumatized or whatever, right? Going around hugging people you barely know can make them uncomfortable so it's best to actually have seen them for more than two days before you're acting like she's our mother or something.

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Please don't forget to be nice to each other while discussing the quest!

I'm awake for a while yet probably, so I'll gladly answer any questions that aren't spoilers or otherwise belong in the category of "play the quest to find out."

>>42503485
You know most kids wouldn't think about that, right?

>>42503400
>I've got no idea where in the world you're getting this interpretation from.
I'm not interpreting any kind of trauma, I'm saying it's a terrible-ass habit to practice both IC and OOC.

>>42503432
I've never read it.

>>42503485
>12 year old girl
>very cheerful
>trying to be nice
You seem to be not reading the same thing I am.
>>42503507
Moefags are ruthless Friend, I doubt most of them mean anything by any of this.

>>42503507
>Please don't forget to be nice to each other while discussing the quest!
Chill. It's just banter.

>>42503510
Well, it also helps that the situation really didn't seem like one where you suddenly hug.

>>42503507
If Hinde is another witch's domain why did we come to Mistress?

We'll probably play the quest to find out.

>>42503507
I've got more or less personal question.
What are the chances for next game to be held on Friday? It's kind of important for me, as I might not be exactly present on Friday, just like I was unable to get here last Saturday

>>42503485
Hey, we get it, YOU don't like hugging. Kids usually like it a lot. Especially as a sign of affection. So can we finally end this pointless argument? So far the quest was going all nice and without any idiotic brawls. It would be really nice to keep it that way

>>42503536
So it's no longer obligatory in schools? Man, I feel old in such moments...

>>42503507
Do the divisions that exist in the fields of Herbalism and Penmanship have anything to do with the duality of the two moons?

>>42503584
Yeah, yeah, sure. Not like it'll do anything arguing about what's already happened anyways.

>>42503627
Right there with you man

>>42503581
I'd imagine that since one of the titles she gave was that she was the Teacher of that other witch, that the Mistress is probably kind of a big deal as far as local knowledge/folklore is concerned.

Going right to the biggest, best-known, most witchiest witch in the area sounds like exactly the sort of thing I'd expect out of a little girl deciding she wants to go learn how to be a witch.

>>42503581
Might be Mistress lives close to the border of her domain, while Hinde lives near the centre of hers.

>>42503715
That seems like a good theory, or maybe Nadja already tried the witch in town?

>>42503627
The books mandatory in schools in one country might not be in others.

>>42503766
Hell in the U.S mandatory books for reading vary widely by district, so you can have two people from the same county who were obligated to read very different things from each other, except for probably some Shakespeare.

>>42503766
So an absolute classic is out of the list? Or, alternatively - how it is even possible to not read it for own pleasure. Or end up with parents reading it to you as a kid.
Or you are going to tell me parents don't read their kids anymore and if - only bedtime stories and not actual books

>>42503810
Had to read some extracts from Shakespeare, but not anything full.
Watched that Romeo and Julie flick with Leonardo DiCaprio in High School.

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>>42503581
Nadja has never heard of one being there.

>>42503584
It basically comes down to whether or not this week of studies leaves me too drained to run a thread Friday.

Saturday will be unavailable to me, otherwise it would be my usual day.

Sunday I'm likely to be tired from Saturday's events, so I'd prefer Friday.

If I have to make a prognosis though I'd say the chance of a thread on Friday is high. Sorry if that means you miss out, but I do have to put my own schedule first to try to make this thing work.

>>42503652
The divisions are artificial constructions meant to make understanding the craft easier.
It's a keen observation, but in the case of Herbalism the division is between non-magical and magical, but both moons are magical.
In the case of Penmanship, the division is between harmful and helpful, but both moons encompass both aspects.

Of course, there is a duality thing going on, because why the hell would I make two of them if I wasn't going to do the most obvious thing with the idea. It's just the duality isn't as simple as any of the ideas behind the divisions in each study.

>>42503810
>>42503899
American education never stops to amaze me with it's absolutely awful quality

>>42503898
My mom used to read to me all the time. Usually stuff like the Bobbsey Twins and similar books.

>>42503945
It's private education isn't terrible, but the public education is abysmal.
>>42503944
That magic system is actually really fascinating.

>>42503944
> Sorry if that means you miss out
It's not like that. I'm asking so I can prepare things in advance and thus show up for the game. But I need to know if the game will be here, so I won't end up with massive overhaul at work only to learn we are playing at Sunday.
But since chances are high, then let's hope they will remain as such

>>42503945
Who said I'm American? I'm not from the Northern, Central, nor Southern America.

>>42504005
Who cares about private education, when the only way to educate masses is to have public one.
Sometimes I wonder if burger politicians are aware it's no longer late 18th century and things changed a lot ever since Burgerland was evisioned, created and legislated.

>>42504076
Careful with the insults man, just because one aspect of a country sucks doesn't mean the whole thing does.

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>>42503944
Might I ask if there is such a thing as favoring one of the moons over the other?

>>42504115
That's debatable.

>>42504019
I'll do my best to try no to disappoint you!

>>42503945
American education varies wildly depending on where in the US are are. In Minnesota, your going to get a much better education than in Alabama, for example.

>>42504115
Here we go again - Americans making fun of everything and everyone is somehow ok, but just mention in the same sentence Clappistani and something rotten and they get all twitchy.
Anyway, burger education just sucks. Deal with it. Just like pretty much all "public" services out there.

>>42503944
>Saturday will be unavailable to me, otherwise it would be my usual day.
>Sunday I'm likely to be tired from Saturday's events, so I'd prefer Friday.
#studentlife

>>42504170
So you assume I'm American because I'm telling you to tone the /pol/ shit down? Piss off man, stereotyping is bullshit in a half.

>>42504214
I never said you are American. I'm just pointing out that American public services are shit-tier.
Reading comprehension?

>>42504257
You did in the spoiler text, derogatory names for people don't make you sound intelligent by the way.

>>42504124
In the practice of magic? Each moon and its sparkles is associated with certain effects, so favoring one is quite natural. It's only human to develop a modus operandi.

In worship?
Witches aren't required to worship the moons, as they are not a religion. As far as religion goes it's not unheard of for some faiths to favor one and despise the other. Imperial doctrine values both equally, and the Day Star above both. Obviously Kerstin and Klemens could tell you a lot more about Imperial faith (and a great deal of other topics) so I will cut the answer short, before they get mad at me for stealing their jobs.

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>>42504425
Thanks, the amount of thought you put into your world is greatly appreciated and I'm looking forward to your next run.

>>42504425
How much of this is yours? I could've sworn I heard you got this setting from somewhere. But this is all really interesting stuff Friend.

>>42504425
>Each moon and its sparkles is associated with certain effects
How different are they? Can someone without training tell the difference between the two at a glance (being different colors or something), or does it take a closer examination by someone with a deeper specialization to distinguish which moon a given sparkle originated from? Or is it just a total crap shoot?

>>42504466
I steal a lot from fiction and from RL, then glue it together and modify to better fit my tastes. Telling you where I actually stole each aspect from is obviously not in my interests, but an anon did already manage to point out Fairy Warband Quest as one of my influences. And before you go reading it in hopes of a cheat sheet, keep in mind that I
>modify to better fit my tastes.

Still it was an awesome quest so if you're bored some day, go for it.

>>42504647
Cool, I hope we learn more about the setting, it seems really interesting.

>>42504170
Well, it's really from a broad variety of causes.

The "Year-Age-Grade" system that treats children like batches in a factory.
Heavily resistant to change teachers and parents.
Excessive influence on textbook publishers by regressive school districts in states like Texas.
Standardized-testing based performance penalties that hit the schools that need funding the most hardest.
Grading systems that penalize underperformance rather than identify those who actually need more help.
One-size fits all approach to teaching techniques that forces nearly every class to exist in the Lecture At Group mentality.
Forcing untested experimental teaching methods on students that don't work.
Stubbornly sticking by old, outdated teaching methods.

Note that there was nothing about specific titles on a reading list or any of that other trifling details. Systemic flaws trump those handily.

How does Mistress plan to punish us if we die during the Rite? This seems important and we don't know.

>>42505110
Maybe she'll infuse our spirit into one of her household objects.

>>42505110
Ressurect us as her minion

>>42505132
A healdo?

>>42505153
Why you gotta take it there? But in all seriousness I was thinking a self-serving tea kettle or something along those lines.

What are we going to add to our pledges? Nothing? Something about helping Papa? That definitely passes the "have to mean it" test, right?