These thoughts were like a nettle in your boot as you marched over the rough, rocky hills of Antioch, heading south through its scrubland wilderness. It wasn't the spares empty land of the deeper Palastine, but it was far from the thick green woods of home. Still, Raymond had grown in these lands and knew the stalking of them from days spent lost in the hunt, with spear and falcon. You followed him and hoped he was guiding you true.

Constance's hand was in your sword hand, slender and frail. The girl struggled along beside you, though you felt too weak to stride or run and moved at a hobble, the little princess still struggled to keep up. Had she ever walked so far in her life? You doubted it. The girl complained of blistered feet at every rest. If you'd had the strength you'd carry her, but you didn't, and Raymond lacked the inclination to do so.

"We should find horses," Raymond said, "I 'spect there should be some Bedu here abouts." They had little coin and about as much coin. You did not know what he might trade for a pair of horses.

You'd stopped upon a bluff looking down upon a little valley. Date palms drifted in the cooling wind of a coming winter. It was a green little valley with a bubbling stream through it. Raymond scarce waited for you as he skidded down to that stream, and you manfully struggled after him with care for the girl you towed.

You squatted by the stream and drank deep the cool water. Raymond filled a pair of leather sacks.

"Mind the girl, I'll fetch us some food," he said, slinking off to harvest the dates. You rested on your haunches, feeling your own blisters. The sun had beaten your bare chest brown. The princess was a match for you, turned near dark as an Arab. She sat in an upset sulk, drawn into herself.

> try to cheer her up
> leave her to brood

>>44414797
> try to cheer her up

The least we can do

>>44414797
> try to cheer her up
>"Did I ever tell you about the time me and my brother saw a lion up close?"

What the fuuuuck did you guys do last thread? Why????!

>>44414935
>What the fuuuuck did you guys do last thread? Why????!

It seemed like a good idea at the time!

>>44414797
>> try to cheer her up

>>44414797
> try to cheer her up
this is fucked

>>44414797
> try to cheer her up

Hugo learns Kung fu when?

>>44414948
Did it really though?

>>44414948
This has the potential to spark a war between Jerusalem and the Byzantines

If this isn't handled perfectly everything we've been preparing for is going to be totally derailed

Raymond is literally the WORST influence on young Hugo.

>>44414797
>> try to cheer her up

Wilhelm will need to have a serious talk with the Queen and Alice.

Can you just imagine the look on Wilhelm's face when he reads the letter about what his brother has done, his reaction. He may actually be so angry he doesnt even wana shag Chiri for a whole day.

>>44415020
>Mathilde gets word of it
>She laughshard

Hugo very probably will be executed

>>44415008
>This has the potential to spark a war between Jerusalem and the Byzantines

only if Nobles end up dead or in custody otherwise nope

>>44415020
Wilhelm should learn all he can about the situation and distance himself from Hugo's Agency

>>44414797
> try to cheer her up
>"Hey, did I ever tell you about the Carrot Cart incident?"

>>44415049
>Wilhelm should learn all he can about the situation and distance himself from Hugo's Agency

Only in public. Wilhelm should make sure to learn and understand what the hell he has done and try to help him not get his head chopped off,

>>44415070
of course politics requires that much at least

>Cut constances hair
>Change her name
>Raymond disguises himself
>So does Hugo
>dress as Pilgrims until Edessa
>Swap for Farmers clothes at Edessa
>Travel via Damascus to Bethany
>Have Iovetta smuggle Constance into Jerusalem

>>44414797
> try to cheer her up
Tell her another princess did the same trip before

>>44415127
I don't think Wilhelm's talked about her location to us IC.

>>44415054
>the Carrot Cart incident
Oh yeah, Constance and Giselle are of a similar age, aren't they?

>>44415127
well shit

>>44415127
Hugo still has a broken arm.

You moved a little closer to Constance, offered her your water skin. The girl sniffed as she took it. Drank a little. No doubt she'd had enough of water after her near drowning, but the body would always thirst. It must be difficult for her, alone and far from the life she knew.

You enjoyed it, to be true, the rough life that came with such travel. Hiking over rough wilderness with few people for company. No people at all even. Just you, your horse, a spear and the world.

Still, this was not the way you'd introduce anyone to the life of a rover. Least of all a tender high born girl-child.

"Let me see your feet," you said, gesturing for her to take off her slippers. They'd been meant for the palace, red moleskin things built for comfort. They'd split and frayed, worn near completely through. When she took them off they near came apart in her hands. The toes and bottoms of her feet were red, cracked, and indeed had large ugly blisters forming. One oozed with a slight pus. The sight of them made Constance whimper.

You took her feet and washed them in the cool stream. It made the girl give a little gasp of relief as you massaged out some of the pain.

You looked up at the wilderness around you and wondered what might be out there, man or beast. You hoped there were no large cats, lions or others. It was a bit too northerly for such things, but not impossible. From a bag that Raymond had left you took a linen shirt and tore it to strips with fingers and teeth. These you wrapped around Contance's feet and ankles, a little binding against the pain.

"Why'd you steal me?" Constance asked.

That was a question with a dark answer. 'Because I didn't want you to be raped' was not something you wished to tell the child.

"It's not safe in Antioch," was the best you could muster. Then you turned to her. "Have you seen much of the countryside my lady?" you asked.

Constance shook her head. It made her blonde curls bounce.

>break arm
>abandon Orlando
>kidnap child
>turk it up
Merry Christmas, Crusader Quest

You took up beside her and pointed. "It's a rough land," you said, "But prettier 'en you might think at first. Not as empty neither. It's no German forest, but it has its secrets if you look. Big lizards and birds, sandy coated little critters that come at at night and early morning. You might even see a wild dog or large cat. Lions, even leopards."

"You've seen them?" she asked.

"Hunted them," you said with a nod, "My brother and I have hunted lion and leopard both. Got the pelts back in Ramla to prove it. You don't need to fear beasts princess, if I'm with you."

She looked a while out at the wilderness. "What about Saracens?" she asked, "Saracens cut off my father's head."

"I've killed plenty of Saracens too," you replied, though with a hand to your broken arm.

You were not sure if you cheered her much, but she sat closer to you when Raymond returned. He had berries and dates which he shared out in careful portions. You tried not to stuff your face immediately.

"There's a place not far," he said, "Little Moslem place, a rest house for travelers. If we're careful we could take a mule or pony. Maybe even a horse. What do you think?"

> okay
> no more crime

>>44415371
>> no more crime

>>44415371
> okay
gotta do it for the girl. I can't believe how hard you guys fucked us last thread though.

>>44415371
> okay

>>44415371
>> no more crime
I like building a badass back story for Hugo

>>44415481
We're not well. Hugo already said he lacks the strength to carry her right now.

>>44415502
>I like building a badass back story for Hugo

Just hope Constance isnt going to suffer for it.

Since Constance and Hugo are both blond we can go with them being siblings.

>>44415371
> okay
Do you guys intend to let Constance keep walking on infected blistered feet?

>>44415371
> okay

>>44415546
we could barter for the horse.

We did get gifted one vagarian's worth in equipment.

>>44415502
>I like Hugo becoming an outcast and disappearing in the desert for his troubles

>>44415371
> no more crime

>>44415580
and leave an obvious trail for our pursuers to follow?

Fucking hell people. Do you want the princess to catch a fever ?

>>44415581
Yes. Then in 10 years, the black crusader, true identity unknown, shows up and enters into the service of Count Wilhelm

>>44415371
>> okay

>>44415630
>Yes. Then in 10 years, the black crusader, true identity unknown, shows up and enters into the service of Count Wilhelm

The only way for Hugo to survive and stay in the Holy Lands is getting out of Jerusalem and team up with Malik for a while.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

I'm going to roll for it

1 is okay
2 is no more crime

>>44415371
> okay
mule is gud

>>44415617
Fair enough. You make a compelling point.

Have recasted my vote.

I guess Hugo will becoming more worldly.

Maybe he'll make a internal promise to return some funds to them in the future.

>>44415371
> just buy one with your noble monies, Raymond

>>44415663

I think some votes changed that its no longer a tie.

Fair point.

Going with 'okay'.

>>44415697
Too fucking late. Enjoy our 10 year old princess falling ill on the road while on the run.

>>44415609

wont stealing leave a trail too.

>>44415742
Only if we fuck up

>>44415371
> no more crime

Crime is likely to get noticed

File: eva5.jpg (69 KB, 454x681)

69 KB JPG

I am new to this thread, and it has made me sad.

Also, I propose this is Constance.

You consider your options. The sight of Constance's sore, bandaged feet decide it for you, even if its with much misgiving.

"Alright," you said, "But we only take what we need and no one has to get hurt."

Raymond shrugged. "Fair enough," he said, "I have a plan."

It was simple. You and Constance would go into the traveler's rest as lost pilgrims, brother and sister begging for food. While you made a distraction, Raymond would slink into the adjoined stable and take a horse or mule, whatever he could find. No one need be hurt, and it would not take long. Done right and you'd be a meal stronger as well.

"Besides," he said, "These are Muslims. It hardly counts as stealing."

And then he set off with the two of you behind him.

As you approached sight of the little hostel, Raymond skulked away with a wink, trusting you to carry out your end of the plan. You gripped Constance's hand tightly, look the girl in her eyes.

"Remember," you told Constance, "I'm your brother Alain now, and you're my sister Marie. Our parents were taken by fever on the road to Edessa. I broke my arm falling from a wagon."

"I'm Marie," she said, "And you're my brother Alain. Our parents were killed by fever."

"If they even suspect who you are, we could end up being carted off to a Saracen lord. Zengi even. Understand?" you said. She nodded.

You looked to the fat little house. It sat by a dirt road. It was a round house with a sloped roof made from thatch. Smoke curled up from within. You gripped her hand tight, and hoped your lies would carry you.

> roll 1d100 best of three

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>44415903

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>44415903

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>44415903

>>44415909
>>44415912
>>44415913
Impressively not bad

>>44415941
>>44415913
Woooo! No one gets hurt!

If there was any doubt over who's the superior sibling, that's been laid to rest now.

Mathilde:
>Catches spies and traitors while Wilhelm's away
>Saves Sabeen's life
>Only one to completely win over Chiri

Hugo:
>Murders a peasant boy in steroid rage
>Leaves his alcoholics anonymous bro out to dry
>Kidnaps a princess
>On the break of starting a war with the Byzantines

>>44416063
>>On the break of starting a war with the Byzantines

Nigga wat?

>>44416063
Mathilde also holds onto a potato, three jews and her brother's concubine.

>>44416090
You just know that Hugo's going to trip and accidentally drive his sword into Alexis's face in coming threads.

At least we didn't try to rescue what's her face

>>44416063
What ABOUT the Byzantines?

>>44416162
The Byzantines are trying to get with the girl so they can control Antioch

Why do you think these idiots kidnapped her?

Do you think that the empower is just gonna accept losing their chances of gaining Antioch? They can even pretend to be doing it FOR Antioch, because of the way this was done, because anons gave into peer pressure
In case I'm not being clear

>Hugo captures Constance
>Jerusalem gives them shelter
>Alice is pissed, Byzantium is pissed
>The Byzantines declare war on Jerusalem, nominally on behalf of Antioch, for Constance
>Marry Constance to their emporer

>meanwhile Zengi fucks everything up

You hobble toward the building. It was only a little affected, your feet were truly sore, and your arm hadn't ceased to throb for days on end now. Constance certainly wasn't affecting her own hobble, and you wished you'd had the strength to carry her.

You pushed on the door. It was dark inside, smokey and warm from a low cooking fire under a big iron pot. A woman, barefoot and pregnant, tended the stew bubbling within, stirring it careful with a long iron ladle.

Some other travelers, dark and turbaned Saracens, looked up from their corners of the room. Not just Saracens though, there were a few Franks in as well. A red haired man who dozed in the corner, sword across his lap and broad brimmed straw hat drawn down over his eyes, long legs kicked out and boots crossed. With him was a droop eyed fellow with rings on his fingers and trinkets around his neck.

The woman, dusty skinned and grey threading her hair, looked up from her pot.

"Frankish children," she said, and waddled over with a hand to her belly. She spoke a flavourful Greek, and had a gap toothed smile. "You poor things look half dying. Amir!"

"What?" a man called from a backroom. He waddled out, fat as a sausage, balding pate fast hidden by a thrown on cloth cap. He saw the two of you and his irritation turned to concern. "Children. Come, sit, eat."

He ushered you to your own table. Fetched you water. Brought you bread.

"Shirah," the woman introduced herself. Constance was fast to eat, all gentle manners gone before her appetite.

"Alain," you said through mouthfuls, "Thank you."

"The girl has no shoes Amir, go get her shoes," the woman said, pinching her husband's ear.

"I'm doing it, I'm going!" he said, waddling off.

"And a shirt for the boy!" she called after him.

Shirah reached out and felt your forehead. "Oh, you are not well," she fussed, genuine concern upon her brow, "What are children doing alone out here?"

"Our papa and mama died," Constance sniffed, "Fever took them a week ago. We were heading to Edessa. My brother's been taking care of me."

Shirah smiled. "Oh what a good boy you are," she said, ruffling your hair. Her husband came back with leather shoes and a linen tunic.

"These should help," he said, placing them upon the table.

"Are you two still headed for Edessa?" Shirah asked as she fetched you hot stew. You nodded. "You've family there?"

"Our uncle," Constance piped in.

"Oh, if you like you can stay here," Shirah said, "We can send our lazy boy up that way to fetch him. Or I can get some of the boys to escort you there. It's a dangerous road this time of year."

"Turks!" Amir spat the word. You saw a slight shift in their Saracen guests, and Shirah slapped her husband's arm. He gave those turbaned men nervous eyes. They were armed, swords at their belts.

"Whatever you choose to do," Shirah said, "Stay the night. Rest in a proper bed. Much more time outdoors and that fever will take you same as it did your parents."

It was a generous offer. You looked to Constance who chewed her bread quite happily. She could use the rest. And it might be a little suspicious to say no.

> alright
> no thank you

Do we trust the Muslims? It wouldn't seem out of place for Christians to be suspicious of Muslims, they wouldn't like it but they'd understand if we just left

>>44416352
>> no thank you
Don't stop when you're running
Rincewind taught me

>>44416352
>> alright

Okay, I'll bite.

>>44416352
> no thank you

>>44416352
>> alright

>>44416352
Raymond's going to fuck up, isn't he?

File: resolution.png (611 KB, 699x699)

611 KB PNG

>>44416352

>> no thank you

Get us out of this ambrosian nightmare.

>>44416352
> alright
I have no idea what to do in this quest anymore

>>44416352
>> no thank you

>>44416352
> no thank you

we must be on our way

>>44416554
let's run until the arc is ogre, anon

>>44416352

crap is it to late to change >>44416629 to
>> alright

"Thank you, but no," you said.

She frowned at you, but made no argument. You finished your water and stew.

Constance pulled on her new shoes. They weren't the greatest fit, but they were better than linen bandages. You pulled on the tunic. It was cut in a Syrian fashion, and seemed a little loose upon you, but it would do. They really had been more than generous.

"Perhaps you can sleep in the stable," Amir said. You couldn't rightly say no to that.

The Turks in the corner eyed you suspiciously, as did the pair of Franks in the opposite one, that is, except the man that was sleeping. It put a chill in your belly. You wondered if word had reached them of Constance's abduction. No doubt such extraordinary new traveled fast even to back waters like this.

Rather than remain seated under the gaze of strangers, you made an excuse of emptying your bladder and got up to go to the stables. No one questioned you taking Constance with you, girls should not be left without a male escort and you wren't trusting her alone with anyone.

As you went the Turks fell into muttering in their alien tongue, and the bejewelled Frank rose to speak with Amir. You hurried out to the stables.

It had horses, and a mule. Not as many as you thought. Riding animals, no war beasts as you were used to. Raymond was checking the markings of the beasts, those stamped in saddles and burned into hide.

"These are from Damascus," he explained, "I thought we might head there. They are not unfriendly to Jerusalem. We might find shelter."

You looked at Raymond take stock of the beasts he meant to steal and felt your belly curdle. These people had been kind to you, and you were repaying their kindness with theft.

"Do you know how to ride?" Raymond asked Constance.

"Side saddle," she replied.

"She can ride with me," you said. No need to steal three beasts.

He took out two good looking horses, mares both.

"I'll burn the stable as distraction, keep them from chasing us," he said.

> no!
> okay

>>44416765
>> no!

Goddamit Raymond you truly are mad!

>>44416765
> no!
Low profile

>>44416765
> no!
can't we just be quiet?

>>44416765
> use our good arm to punch him

>>44416765
free a mule and weaken the stocks, people will notice when the animals wander

>>44416765
>> no!

What the fuck, Raymond. We should have just stayed in bed

>>44416862
>free a mule and weaken the stocks, people will notice when the animals wander

this let the animals wander

>>44416765
>free a mule and weaken the stocks, people will notice when the animals wander

>>44416765

>> okay

Kill the other horses, prevent them from chasing us.

>>44416960
No!

"No!" you pushed him with your good hand. He looked down at you in puzzlement. "No one gets hurt. Even the animals."

"You're putting a risk on our head boy, with that soft heart of yours," he said.

"I don't care," you replied, "These people don't deserve hardship just for our sake. It isn't right."

"They're Saracens," Raymond looked at you with disgust, "They deserve everything they get."

"What if we just free the animals?" Constance asked, "They'd be spending more time gathering their beasts than looking for us."

The two of you exchanged a look. "Is that fair?" you asked. Raymond rolled his jaw but nodded. The two of you went about freeing the horses from their stables, unhitching mules. You even skirted out back to open up the chicken coop.

Once you were done Raymond led to horses by hand. One for him, one for you and Constance. You hitched up into the unfamiliar shape of a Saracen saddle, then pulled up Constance behind you. She wrapped her arms around your belly and held tight.

Raymond led and you followed, galloping fast for distance. It wasn't long before you heard a cry come up from the road side house. You spurred your horse faster. Dust kicked up and land flying beneath you, the house was soon gone. Disappearing into the hillside scrub behind you.

When you made camp that night Raymond seemed unhappy. He had strangled a chicken and stolen some eggs while you had been inside. He gave you an egg to share with Constance and you sucked up some of the yolk. Gave the rest to her.

He wouldn't permit a fire lest it betray you to prying eyes, even out in this lonely no where.

The cold of the night set in and you felt a terrible shiver. Sweat cropped up on your brow and upper lip, which you licked off tasting the salt. You felt awful, and thought back to that offered bed. Constance lay close to you seeking warmth against the chill. You did not push her away, you barely had the strength to move.

"We can go south, to Damascus," Raymond said, "From there we go to Jerusalem. The only alternative is cutting out across the wilderness. You mightn't survive, the state you're in. I've friends in Damascus who can shelter us, find us support in Queen Melisende's court. What say you?"

You could barely sit up to answer him.

> Damascus
> the wilderness

>>44417141
> Damascus
this quest sure went to shit fast

>>44417141
>> Damascus

>>44417141
> Damascus

Roman Influence wanes where the Moslum prevails

>>44417141
>> Damascus

>>44417141
>> Damascus

Raymond was a mistake

>>44417141
>> the wilderness
FUCK Raymond and FUCK his friends

We do this our way

HF was talking IC about how suited to the wilderness we were

>>44417141

To Damascus!

>>44417317
not with a Fever and a broken arm anon

It just came to me we could've asked the silk route traders for a favor

>>44417360
they work for Profit, handing us over would be a capital choice for them

I'd rather get a Martial arts teacher

You could not fight him on this. Damascus would be your destination. The greatest city east of Constantinople, or so it was reckoned. A place of wonder that filled storybooks. Even though you were weak you were a little excited to see it still. The two of you had reached a decision. The deal was struck, and you turned to sleep. Snoring softly into Constance's hair.

Dawn racked across the hills and mountains. Dark turned to grey turned to light. Your eyes opened upon the chilly scrubland, the thorny trees, the dips and curves of the land punctuated with harsh ugliness by rocky outcrop - like pockmarks on the face of a great beauty it seemed to give highlight to the land around it.

The horses were watered, ready.

Pushing fatigued limbs you managed the saddle. Again Constance was behind you and Raymond took the lead, clucking to the horses as you began down the road.

It was an old way to the great city, one that saw frequent enough use the road was trampled flat from centuries of pilgrims and travelers haunting up and down its broad dusty belly. Here or there was still an old Roman stone that had marked its use in days even older.

Still though you saw few on the road and none that wanted company.

At night you rested, a horse blanket pulled tight around your shivering shoulders. Winter was starting to set in, and your body protested. Raymond's eggs ran out, and the chicken was not well cooked nor did it last long.

"You should rest a while," he suggested the next morning, "I'll go and forage for meat."

Where in this wilderness was meat? Did he mean to feed you lizard, snake or even buzzard? None of it seemed appealing. The thought of it turned your gut.

You looked to Constance. The girl was not troubled now that she had shoes, though her faced was pinched with hunger she was not sick as you were. A strong girl, she looked like a pilgrim born, baked brown and confident in her stride.

Few would guess she was a princess now. With skin both tanned and hair cut rough she looked more your sister than your own blood sisters did.

"We should stick together," you said, struggling and failing to get your feet. Constance helped you settle back down.

Raymond nodded. "True, I'll take Constance with me, but you must rest before we can go on. You'll fall from your horse." He took the girl by the shoulder and gave her a smile.

> Fine, I'll rest
> No rest, not yet
> I'll rest, but Constance stays with me

>>44417446
> I'll rest, but Constance stays with me

I don't quite trust Raymond just yet, he seem Capricious

>>44417446
> Fine, I'll rest
inb4 he leaves us for dead

>>44417446
>> Fine, I'll rest

>>44417446
> I'll rest, but Constance stays with me

She trusts Hugo more than Crazypants here

we shud fed Constance ar am

>>44417446
>> I'll rest, but Constance stays with me

>>44417446
>> I'll rest, but Constance stays with me
As badass as Ray is, he's clearly not right in the brain at all.

>>44417446
> I'll rest, but Constance stays with me
Why would you take a young girl to hunt with you?

>>44417446
> I'll rest, but Constance stays with me

>>44417446
>> I'll rest, but Constance stays with me

>>44417497
Y'might wanna dive through the archives.

tl;dr - Raymond saved Hugo from being murdered in the streets of Jerusalem, which is why we've been indebted to Ray and going along with his madcap ideas 'til now.

>>44417661
yes but we are much more of a liability now then we were then considering he had a place to take us and let us recover in.

not to mention he's a lot less stable than he seemed back then

You couldn't deny the state you were in. "I'll rest," you said, "But the girl stays with me."

Raymond looked at you, his smile odd. "Do you not trust me?" he asked.

Your hand slid a little toward the hilt of your sword. "Do you give me reason not to trust you?" you asked. A long moment between you, eyes locked, hands strayed to pommels. Constance sat between you both, where you lay with horse blanket around your shoulders, and Raymond stood in the dust.

His smile grew, and he dipped a slight bow. "I'll not argue with a friend," he said, "Guard the girl while I am gone. I'll try not to tarry."

He stalked off, and you watched him leave, your own eyes glittering. Once he was gone your hand fell from your sword and you felt sick not just from fever but from your own suspicions. Raymond was your friend, he'd done you no wrong. Yet you no longer trusted him.

Would he abandon you as you slept, slipping off into the night with the princess and leave you to die?

You hoped not.

Still, you waited for his return.

"How are you?" you asked Constance, hugging the blanket around your shivering body.

"Better than you," she said, checking your fever. She gave you some of her water, then dampened a cloth and wiped your forehead of sweat. "We need you in a bed." Her voice had such fright in it.

You gave her a forced grin. "No need. Get me moving and the road'll restore me," you said, but moving caused such an ache in you that you hoped she'd not call your bluff.

You waited longer still for Raymond to return. The day was getting on.

There was a sound upon the road. Of horses. You turned to face north. Two horses, men upon them. You saw the brim of a straw hat, and the glitter of jewels.

> hide
> run
> wait

>>44417812
>> hide

>>44417812
> hide
this shit sucks. wilhelm pov when

>>44417812
>> hide

>>44417854
Probably when Hugo dies in this thread.

>>44417812
> hide

If they don't take us for thieves they'll take a guess

>>44417812
>> hide

>>44417812
> wait

the Innocent has nothing to hide as they say

>>44417812
Keep low, hide away

This is a pretty exciting adventure desu senpaitachis, though it sucks we're feverish and have a broken arm. Do we even have coin, HF?

>>44417963
We're not innocent at all.

>>44417812
> wait

>>44417991
exactly Pretend we are is what I'm saying

if they find us Hiding I suggest we say we thought they were bandits or saracens

>>44418006
These people already saw us right before we stole their host's horses. They were in the house. They're actively searching for us.

You put your finger to your lips to tell Constance to keep quiet. Forcing your body to move, you pulled yourself further off road while Constance led the horses by hand. There was a nestle of rocks you managed to get to, and you pulled Constance in after you. It was a snug little crack for two people to hide in, even those your age and younger.

The sweat that covered your body, soaked your tunic, seemed to stick her to you. You pulled her head to your chest with your good arm and let up a prayer to whatever saint might be listening.

You couldn't see them, surely they wouldn't see you?

You heard the approach of hooves, and hoped they'd move on.

They stopped, and all you heard was your heart beat. Then boots crunched the dirt of the road.

French talk between them. You knew it was the two Franks from earlier.

You whispered to Constance, "What are they saying?"

Her voice soft in your ear, "They must be close."

You heard steel drawn and swallowed.

> stay hidden
> reveal yourself

>>44418071
>> reveal yourself

>>44418071
>> stay hidden

Well fuck

>>44418071
> stay hidden

>>44418071
>> stay hidden

>>44418071
> reveal yourself

>>44418071
>> stay hidden

>>44418071
>> stay hidden
Don't fuuuuck up.

>>44418071
>stay hidden
Be ready to draw steel however

>>44418090
>>44418170

Just why? We're not a noble squire anymore, we're in the guise of peasants. Just fucking hide.

>>44418210
What's the worst that could happen?

>>44418236
We could get stabbed until dead and we could lose the princess. Obviously.

>>44418236
It's uninvested thinking like that which led us to going down this road.

>>44418264
Live a little.

>>44418236
a randumb peasant gets rekt for stealing a good horse

You do not move. You do not shift an inch. The men talk a little more between each other, but then there was just the scuff of their boots upon the dirt, the soft little noise of men breathing, scratching themselves, giving little mutters.

You hugged Constance close.

The horse gave a whinny and your heart dropped. The sound of feet running. They'd found you.

And then a face leered down at you, sun burned and peeling, yellow teeth in a grin, jewels glittering from a band around his wrist.

"Bon jour," he said, and grabbed Constance by the back of her dress.

> roll 1d100 average of three

>>44418272
>which led us to going down this road.
So we should see this through with the same mindset. Who knows, maybe this guy will be a companion?

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>44418308

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>44418308

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>44418308

>>44418318
>maybe this guy will be a companion

Mate, you've not read enough on the Crusades to realize that there's more murderhobos in the Levant than the South Side of Hampton.

>>44418323
>>44418332
>>44418337
rekt

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>44418308
oh no

>>44418350
yep 31.66666667 or so average.

>>44418308
>average
fuck off

How come they didn't have to roll for finding us?

>>44418323
Fuck this guy, stop rolling

>>44418337
wtf Sleepy

>>44418323
>>44418332
>>44418337
Hugo can generate salt like no one else in this quest can

>>44418308
>>44418385

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>44418389
No goddamned clue. this ones gonna be a lot higher though just watch. and ill get trips or quads

>>44418308
HF, this is bullshit. They should have to roll on whether they find us or not.

>>44418417
I'd rather you roll a 100 when Solomon cleaves a guy in half

>>44418454
Since when have the enemy ever rolled under non-duel situations?

>>44418393
>>44418454
cry more shit happens in CQ

>>44418385
And having a horse whinny out of nowhere would have had to be the result of a critfail in any non-bullshit quest

>>44418454
Either he ghostrolls behind the scene or route decision split.

Suck it up and move on ya salty bastard.

so
>Raymond saves us
>we die and the princess is taken
>by the power of the dice and good choices we kill two men in front of Constance
place your bets boys

>>44418454
>>44418490
Here comes the salt

>>44418500
>by the power of the dice and good choices we kill two men in front of Constance

Hugo's luck has always been at it's best when he Murderhobo's

>>44418482
Shit happens to us in CQ, and no one else. Like, take for instance, our arm last thread. You know how in the thread where the Stylianos girl gets raped, HF said it was a "No dice" situation? The aftermath of the duel should have been a "No dice" situation, and in spite of that, HF took our goddamn arm and gave us a fever.

>>44418308
HF, let us roll a best of three for if they find us or not.

>>44418527
>HF took our goddamn arm and gave us a fever.
>Implying that antibiotic medicine was a thing in the Middle Ages

>>44418543
Too fucking late, let the narrative story continue.

If you don't like your choose-an-adventure storybook then move the fuck along and piss off.

>>44418527
Were you the saltyfag who misarchived the last thread?

>>44418527
Like, why would HistoricalFiction think it's ever okay to take away control of our PC so he could manufacture an ambush by one of our opponents? That was the dumbest fucking move he could make.

"No!" you scrambled after her and copped a boot to your face, falling back with a groan. The man yanked Constance away. She kicked and screamed like a frightened cat. The other stood with your horses, leaning upon them lazy eyed but watching.

The man in ornamentation took a hand to the side of Constance's head, shutting her up. Then pushed her to the ground.

"Ey!" the man with the straw hat called at his companion's roughness.

The one who held Constance just pointed at him with a knife, and he fell back with a shrug.

You pulled yourself out of your niche, drawing your sword, leaving behind the horse blanket.

"Leave her alone!" you threw out your blade, cutting at air.

The man looked back at you. "Put up that blade or I bugger you with it," he said, flashing yellowed teeth, "You have a choice. You give up and we sell you in Damascus as slaves. Or we take you back to Antioch, let them hang you for horse thieves." He pushed Constance's head into the dirt the second she tried to struggle. "Bitch!" he drove his knee into her back hard enough she cried.

They did not know who you really were. That much might save you. Your eyes flicked back to the man with the straw hat.

"Or we fight," you said, "And I kill you."

"Haw haw haw," the man who held Constance had a mule's laugh to go with his ugly mule face.

> fight him
> surrender
> play for time

>>44418578
Misarchived? How so? The tags and title are all in order, and there's even a summary of what happens in the thread.

>>44418597
> fight him
If we lose here I will gladly accept death anyway

>>44418597
>> play for time

I guess?

>>44418597
>> fight him
Hugo has a sword and is trained in warfare.

The two guys have a knife, possibly two.

Sword beats knives.

>>44418597
> play for time
I don't know what we'll do, so I guess we'll just watch HF play with himself and his contrived situations that are out to get his PCs.

>>44418633
Actually they do have swords.

>>44418597
> fight him
at least this awful arc will end when we die

fuck it time to kill

>>44418597
> play for time
>"Fine, just put my sister down, and I'll do likewise with this... thing."

>>44418597
> play for time
> fight him

>>44418597
> fight him
You're a decent writer a but a fuckin awful QM sometimes HF

>>44418655
Well fuck.

Changing >>44418633 to
>> play for time

>>44418597
> play for time
The victor goes to battle only after it has been won.

>>44418597
> play for time
for as long as we can then
>> fight him

>>44418597
> play for time
> surrender

>>44418597
> End the quest, it's not fun anymore when you pull shit like this. Go write a book.

>>44418597
>> play for time

>>44418845
being this much of a salty shit

>>44418845
crusader quest hasn't been meant to be fun for its players in a long time

>>44418895
I miss the days when Star Wars would be quoted.

"Look, let's not do anything okay?" you said, "I'll put up my sword if you let my sister go." You tried to keep the shake from your body. The way the man eyed you you think it was successful. He loosened his grip on Constance. You lowered your blade. "There's no need anyone needs to die, hanging or any other way," you said.

"So you surrender," the man snorted on dust, sneezed.

You shook your head. "We can work something out. What are you two anyway, men-at-arms?"

"Sometimes we are," the straw hat said, "Sometimes bounty killers, sometimes slave catchers."

Mercenaries, in short. The mule-face with the rings didn't like his friend chatting so casually, and cursed at him in French.

"I make no deals with children," Mule-face said.

"I can fight," you said, "My sister can cook and clean. Three swords are better than two, and everyone could use some feminine care."

Mule-Face snorted. "You look half dead. Maybe we leave you, just take your bitch sister. She can show us some 'feminine care'," waggled his tongue down at the girl.

Straw-Hat gave a groan. "Don't be that guy Hugo," he said. You near jumped for the sound of your own name. Mule-Faced Hugo had the grace to look embarrassed. "Look kid, we're just in this for the money. Money says you hang or you go to market. Unless you've got some family some place that'll pay good money for your safe return, that's what it has to be."

He did seem genuinely sorry to say that. Not that he was offering you much comfort. But you did have family, if you were willing to take that risk.

> tell them who you really are
> don't, keep playing for time

>>44418944
> don't, keep playing for time

>>44418944
>> don't, keep playing for time

>>44418597

>> play for time

Don't listen to the h8ers HF.

>>44418944
> don't, keep playing for time

Only tell them when things look really desperate

>>44418944
> don't, keep playing for time

>>44418944
>We have family in Jerusalem.

>>44418944

>> don't, keep playing for time

>>44418944
> don't, keep playing for time

Play to the remorseful one's pity and Hugo's pedo nature

>>44418944
>> don't, keep playing for time

Play on Mule-Hugo's tenderheart and say shit like "... my dead da's name was Hugo."

That'll account for the surprise on our face.

>>44418944
> don't, keep playing for time
God please let something good happen for Hugo

>>44418944
>> tell them who you really are

>>44418944
HistoricalFiction, you suck at making the PC way less competent than your NPCs, and should stop taking away our control so we can get attacked and giving them freebies like a horse whinny. Think about when and when not to use dice based on the mood of things and what players are capable of.

>>44419025
>God please let something good happen for Hugo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYpJ37ulsnk

>>44419018
this

>>44419041
Your criticism will only make him crueler and less reasonable

>>44419122
Well, if HF isn't the biggest dick around, it probably won't.

"We've only got each other," you said, "No one else in the world. Truth, you could kill us both here and no one would weep."

Straw-Hat looked away, but it didn't move him. "Just throw down your sword and let's be done with it," he said, "Either Antioch or Damascus, it's a full ride either way and I want to be gone."

"Please," you said, "We'll be as good as slaves to you. We'll do whatever you ask."

He looked at you and there was a glint in his eye. "Truth is it gets lonesome on the road," he said.

"Hck!" the sound made you both turn to see Raymond's dagger pressed against Mule-Faced Hugo's throat. His hands were up away from Constance, who slid out from under him wiping at a bloody nose and lip. She ran over to you and hugged your arm. You near buckled against her, your body was growing weaker by the minute.

Straw-Hat reached for his sword, but Raymond pressed the tip of his knife so blood began to trickle from beneath it.

"Throw your blades to the boy," Raymond said. He unbuckled his sword belt and threw them toward you, landing in a soft puff of dust at your feet. Raymond gave you his long grin. "What should we do with them my friend?"

> let them go
> kill them
> write-in

>>44419165
> let them go
> they may be mercenaries and slavers, but they're honest mercenaries and slavers

>>44419165
> kill them

>>44419165
>> kill them
no way is he just going to walk away and not want us dead for this

>>44419165
> let them go

>>44419165
>> kill them
at least the damn pedo.

>>44419165
tie to one horse, send them on their way back

>>44419165
Kill them. Child molesters do not deserve kindness and mercy. Bloody pedophiles.

>>44419165
> kill them
Tell Constance to not look.

>>44419165

Bring them with us, we might have some use for them, after all Hugo is pretty weak right now..

>>44419165
If we do let them go, can we at least tie them up so they won't get free for few days?

Like I get the whole sympathy angle, but just letting them go without any guarantees is suicidal.

>>44419165
> Straw Hat may go

>>44419165
> kill them
duh

>>44419165
> they're mercenaries, they'll be of use so long as they have a reward waiting someplace.

>>44419165
> hire them
> kill them if they refuse

>>44419165
> write-in

Straw hat may go or come with us, but Mule face wanted to kill our sister stick him

>>44419165
Tie their hands behind their backs, blindfold them, and leave them to the mercy of the Levant.

We keep our hands clean of blood.

>>44419211
>>44419230
>tfw only one anon thinks like you think

>>44419165
> hire them, they just wanted some traveling companions, didn't they?

>>44419165
> kill them

>>44419165
> hire them

Straw hat was a decent enough dude, but oh well

>>44419165
>> write-in
Come with us. There are places we can go and places where you will get paid.

You are mercenaries are you not? Then come with us. And be paid well at your road's end.

Okay going to do a second round of voting:

> kill them
> hire them

>all these retards trying to hire them
You realize they could get way more out of turning us in for what we've done right? Are you really retarded enough to trust them, even when one of them wanted to fuck Constance and the other wanted to fuck Hugo?

>>44419379
> hire them

>>44419379
> kill them

>>44419379
>> kill them

>>44419379
> kill them

>>44419379
>> kill them

Fuck mercy.

>>44419379
>> kill them

I didn't vote because I was 50/50 on killing them or tying them up, but killing them is preferable to hiring them.

>>44419379
> kill Mule face
> hire Strawhat

hire samefag BTFO

>>44419379
> kill Mule-face
> hire Straw-hat

>>44419466
Not even.

Can just see where the wind is blowing.

"Kill them," you said.

"No!" Hugo cried just as Raymond's dagger pushed into his throat. Blood gushed out over Raymond's hand, and he held the man still has he convulsed, lowered his kicking body down to the earth.

Constance gave a shocked gasp while Straw-Hat gave an anguished cry.

"Bastards!" Straw-Hat was tearing up. Before he could move far your own sword cut him across the throat, blade whipped forth faster than you thought you could manage with your feverish body. He fell to his knees gasping like a fish, shoving fingers into the bright red slit in a vain attempt to stem the flow of blood that came gushing out. The hat tumbled from his head as he collapsed face first into the dirt.

Raymond got off the corpse, drawing out his knife with a contented sigh. Cleaned it upon the tunic of Hugo Mule-Face.

"I brought food," he said, already dismissing the dead men, "Some lizard meat. Not much."

He caught you as your knees buckled.

"Let's rest a while," he said, "Get some of your strength back."

> rest, that sounds good
> no, we need to make it to Damascus

>>44419528
>> rest, that sounds good
hugo needs sleep

>>44419528
>> no, we need to make it to Damascus

Also apologies to Raymond. We sort of lost our nerve.

>>44419528
>> no, we need to make it to Damascus
I'll rest there.

>>44419528

Let's rest a little bit, Hugo's going to die otherwise.

>>44419528
> no, you need to make it to Damascus with Constance

>>44419528
> rest, that sounds good

>>44419528
>> rest, that sounds good

>>44419528
Backing >>44419569

I don't trust Ray to not do something insane/stupid but he's the only uninjured fighter in the party.

>>44419528
> rest, that sounds good
can you idiots really not see what an awful state Hugo is in? We could easily die if we've had a fever this long.

>>44419528
> no, we need to make it to Damascus
we have extra horses, Raymond can say Hugo helped him on the road, explaining the injuries

>>44419528
> rest, that sounds good

>>44419528
> Raymond, you go to Damascus with Constance, I trust you

>>44419528
>> rest, that sounds good

But whatever we do, apologies to raymond.

>>44419528
> rest, that sounds good
Illness like this is way more serious than you think it is in this time period.

Good god it's the fucking Oregon Trail with yellow fever killing Hugo.

>>44419528
> rest, that sounds good

>>44419694
if it is because of the arm sleeping wont help

>>44419734
But falling off a horse due to fatigue can make it worse.

>>44419734
Lack of sleep suppresses immune system function.

>>44419713
Let's ford some rivers on the way to Damascus

>>44419713
At least it's not dysentery

>>44419803
...yet

>>44419528
>Raymond, we can't leave these men rotting here. Could you please give them a roadside burial?

>>44419831
I'd tell Hugo to fuck off if I was Raymond desu senpai

>>44419831
Paedophiles and rapists don't deserve a proper burial.

>>44419831
Yeah good thing he never leaves home without his lucky shovel

>>44419846
>>44419864
dude, the Princess is right there and ripe to be forever traumatized, we have to lessen the blow of this.

>>44419868
He can use our sword.

>>44419881
>digging two graves with a sword
You might be retarded m8

>>44419881
What's the logistics involved behind digging a grave for two men with a sword

>>44419910
We'll be resting.

>>44419923
No, like

How do you physically dig a grave

With a fucking sword

>>44419944
Dedication.

File: image.jpg (32 KB, 247x204)

32 KB JPG

>>44419881

You nodded. Rest. You could use a nice, long sleep.

Raymond gathered all the horse blankets. He stripped off your sweat stained tunic, even your hose. Bundled you up thick in those blankets. You watched him drag away the dead men, stripping them of all their worth first. You lay near useless. He had you tucked up near the niche you had tried to hide in. When he was done he came and sat with you. Gave you his water to drink.

"This is my fault," he said, "Please forgive me Hugo. I led you to this."

You shook your head. "No, I'm sorry. I thought...I thought you might betray me. I'm sorry. You've saved my life again and again." You felt very faint. He gave you more of his water.

"Just sleep," he said, "I'll not leave your side. Not for all the silk in Asia."

You smiled as your eyes closed. Feeling certain of at least one thing. You had a friend that would protect you.
-
You had a dream that there was a snake. It twisted around your body, choked you, crushed your bones. It was killing you. And you felt hot. Blistering hot. The fire of judgement. Your sins visited upon you. Was this the purgatory fires, preparing you for heaven? Had you died in your sleep? The snake tightened its embrace.
-
You woke to sunlight. Your body still weak. The smell of food reached you. You shifted out from under rough blankets. Your back hurt near as bad as your arm. You blinked as you sat up, letting the world come into focus. Raymond had a small fire going, frying lizard on sticks. He'd cooked some pancakes as well on a little pan he'd taken from the mercenaries. A stack waited with some meat beside it.

You drew yourself out from under the blankets over to the food waiting on the metal pan.

You did not pay attention to Raymond or Constance as you ate, wolfing down the batter and meat in equal gulps.

"Easy or you'll puke," Raymond said. You forced yourself to slow.

Constance watched with her knees drawn up, eyes dark rimmed. She hadn't slept much, unlike you. She wore the straw hat of the dead mercenary.

"You think you're strong enough to ride today?" Raymond asked.

"How long was I out?" you asked.

"Just the night," he replied.

You nodded. Your body was still weak, but you could sit a saddle.

You drank a deal of water before trying. When you felt you had your feet he gave you fresh clothes that were a little too big for you. Taken from the dead men no doubt. You had all their goods. Arms and horses, food stuffs and supplies. You took one of their horses. Constance rode with Raymond. The two spare horses you led one each, a change of mounts should you need them.

The road to Damascus waited.

Raymond glared down it, rolling his chin, then looked back to you with a smile.

"Damascus is quite a sight," he said, "You'll enjoy it."

You did not care about Damascus. Or Jerusalem. Or anyplace at all. Weary upon the back of your horse all you wished for was home. And not Koblenz or Ramla. Just your brother, your friends. Even your sister. You had no intention of dying out here. Not when you had so any people waiting for you.

Raymond clucked his tongue and started the horses down the road...
-
> switch to Wilhelm
> switch to Mathilde
> stay as Hugo

>>44420036
> switch to Wilhelm

>>44420036
>> switch to Wilhelm
Time for the freak out

>>44420036
> switch to Wilhelm

>>44420036
> switch to Mathilde

>>44420036
> stay as Hugo

I like being Murderhobo Hugo

>>44420036
> stay as Hugo

>>44420036
Wil, because we can do damage control on a larger scale.

>>44420036
>> switch to Wilhelm

>>44420036
>Constance watched with her knees drawn up, eyes dark rimmed. She hadn't slept much, unlike you. She wore the straw hat of the dead mercenary.

Poor girl must be Traumatised by the killing

>> stay as Hugo

>>44420036
>She wore the straw hat of the dead mercenary.

Little Connie got a souvenir from her road trip!

>>44420036
> stay as Hugo

>>44420036
> switch to Wilhelm

>>44420036
> switch to Wilhelm
check up on the mission
didn't we have a guest coming or staying?

> switch to Wilhelm wins

I'll be back in a sec.

>>44420036
> stay as Hugo

So what's the plan going to be with Wilhelm? Are we going to condemn Hugo? Place the blame on Raymond? Or just blame it on the Jews?

>>44420236
Bought Varangians? Doubt the holy states want to accommodate bizantine power plays

>>44420236
Stall for time and send out search parties

>>44420236
distance himself from his actions while assuring everyone that Hugo is a good guy while getting the full picture of Antioch's politics

>>44420236
Pin all blame on Raymond

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39 KB JPG

>>44420351

HF should utilize more of the Rurouni Kenshin ost for flavor

character sheet: http://pastebin.com/rZQ8vVBd

It is the Year of Our Lord, 1135.

You are Wilhelm, Lord of Ramla.

And you are entertaining one Elinard, nephew to the Prince of Galilee and heir to that domain. He is here for two reasons, as part of your push toward the capture of Ascalon, and as part of a betrothal to your sister Mathilde.

He was a large, bull of a lad, but his shoulders bent inward and he shuffled from foot to foot. When he spoke it was with a stutter, so he had the good grace to keep his mouth shut when he stood before the scrutinizing, cold blue eyes of your dear, dark haired sister.

Elinard had not arrived alone. He had come with a party of young noble sons and lordlings, keen to find favour from the newest lord in the realm, and eager to find a position that would earn them glory in the fighting to come. The true muster would be in Jaffa of course, but everyone knew the invasion was your child, carefully nurtured, so many of the lesser nobility had come calling upon you. Knights and others, with retainers of their own, were fast over crowding the town of Ramla and your own hall. So you were forced to hold more intimate meetings in your private chambers.

Such as this one. You watched your sister more than the boy. So far she seemed unimpressed. Once you dismissed him after some time she turned to you and sighed as she sank into your favourite chair.

"I suppose he will do," she said, "But he strikes me as a bit of a bore."

"I'm sure he'll surprise you in time," you said, though you couldn't disagree. He was hardly one for stunning dinner conversation.

"He's such a boy too," she added, "Surely you could have found me a man."

"I thought you'd prefer a lad closer to your own age," you said, "For when the time comes to...you know."

She grinned at your blush. It was not like you to be disarmed in a match of words, but such subjects concerning your sister were not ones you wished to discuss.

"But that is exactly why a man is preferred," she said, words meant to tease you further.

It was about that time the message arrived from Antioch. At first you were excited to hear what Orlando had wrought in your name, but the grim face that Etienne wore as he presented your message made your heart clench with dread. When you read it you went near catatonic. Only able to hand it off numbly to Mathilde.

Her eyes went wide, face grew pale. She dropped it as it had grown warts.

"What on earth was he thinking?" she asked. You thought she might start crying as she pressed a hand to her mouth. "Oh, they'll hang him!" And then tears did start to run from her eyes.

"Stupid," you said, "Stupid!" What had he been thinking?

You had to do something. A letter. Letters. To all your supporters near and far. But saying what? Everything could be lost on this.

> beg a pardon for your brother but condemn Raymond
> beg a pardon for both of them
> condemn them both, distance yourself entirely
> write-in

>>44420615
> condemn them both, distance yourself entirely

>>44420615
> keep silent, ask Raymond's dad what the fuck

>>44420615
>> write-in
We could always remind the most independent lords about how the bizantines like to throw their weight around

>>44420615
> write-in
Distance from theiractions but write that we will be capturing them to figure out exactly what happened.

That we know and have shed blood with both of these men and that this action was very out of the ordinary.

>>44420615
Beg nothing. Condemn no one. Ask only that rage is stayed until a reason can be gotten out of the two idiots. This is not something to be done as a jest, and clearly, neither had anything to gain from simply running off with a princess.

>>44420660
BYzantines

>>44420615
> question what the circumstances were, say that it will be investigated

>>44420599
>Elinard meeting Mathild

oh dear lord I wish we could play mathilde right now

She is going to eat him Alive

>>44420615
> write-in

distance ourselves from any agency of his but offer token support in Hugo's name stating that whatever his reasons they are of good conscious

WRITE TO MELISANDE AND ALICE ASKING WHAT THE FUCKING SHIT IS GOING ON IN ANITOCH

>>44420615
>> write-in
Counsel patience, but make it very clear that you were not involved in this in any way. We can't let ourselves go down

Sort of like these two >>44420663 and>>44420668

You guys want us to be known as indecisive? Kidnapping a princess is clearly unacceptable to the everyone who matters.

>>44420701
Action is to capture them.

Whats not decisive.

>>44420615
> play as Mathilde, hanging out with this Elinard after this fucking weight drops should be interesting

>>44420668
This guy again. Maybe consider offering up Mathilde as a hostage to show that we had no hand in this

>>44420701
Indecisive is fine so long as we buy time and aren't linked to this dumbass conspiracy

>>44420615
> capture them and send them to Jerusalem to face judgment

>>44420736
This is kind of like when Germany invaded Poland, if someone said, "Hey wait, let's wait and see. They might have a good reason," instead of calling Germany out and declaring war. You can't have a half measure.