The threads of a monster unravel and rejoin with the great weave that is Thespia, flowing back into her primordial womb, the monster ceases to exist in this world. Burned, Flayed, stabbed, and finally torn to ribbons once it exhausted its many lives tearing itself apart. The Beast is dead.

As you lay upon the forest floor, you feel the many voices of that monster's threads calling out in a harmonious requiem. The thespians that were devoured, and even the wolves that ate them can now rest. Sucking in a crisp breath of the night's air, you breath out with a deep smile in your face from ear to ear, relieved that it's over.

Odette looks on as the monster's body rapidly decomposes. Spared from the true extent of the battle that felt as though it raged for hours, she cannot know your relief or your triumph... And yet still...

“Did you see that person?” You ask, looking up at Odette from the ground.

She seems confused, furrowing her brow and looking around at the forest, “No... What person? There was someone else here?”

“Yes... They cast a spell and then vanished.” Without much more thought to the matter you roll your body back and spring off of your hands to get back on your feet. “Oh well, I just wish I could've thanked them.” Looking to her, “Did Biz return?”

“No,” Odette looks back and starts down the return path, you follow suit after her. “I saw the flames' glow through the trees. When I heard your call, I rushed here as quickly as I could. I'm just glad I wasn't too late.” Odette smiles at you and you feel a bit warm on the inside.

Snaking your fingers around her arm, you hold onto her arm with an affectionate touch,“So reliable Odette, what would I ever do without you?” You say with a teasing tongue, a mischievous twinkle in your eye.

Odette seems surprised by your gesture, pulling at first yet then relaxing into the touch, (“Sometimes I wonder more what I'd do without you.”) You hear through her true voice, yet her lips simply give you a gentle smile.

>>46230306
You feel your face flush, and heart skip a beat, suddenly letting go. Something about this suddenly feeling wrong to you. Odette notices your troubled thoughts quickly when you stop walking.

“Beli? What's the matter?”

“I...” You look away, still blushing heavily. Your breath a little hot. “I'm not sure. It's nothing, let's get back to the village, okay?”

As you run ahead, Odette watches your back, her smile fading as she mulls over what could have possibly bothered you so.


[…]

By the break of Sol, all the rescued girls are returned to the village by those that are left: The older men and the widows. The wolf you told to bring back the Satire holds the pesky Faeli's foot in jaws, ensuring his captive's stay.

Once everyone's been given the all clear, the villagers gather in the long abandoned ground floor of their community square to give the meddlesome Faeli his judgement.

The beastman's eyes are riddled with worry, pleading with the normally kind eyes of every Arafleur he sees. A young lady stands besides Teraca, the spitting image of her mother. That must be Prescilla, you saw her sitting under the tree in that pocket dimension reading a book.

“Adventurer's.” Teraca calls over to your party, her lips pursed and stern. “You've given him to us to decide judgement... yet it is not in our way to deliver such punishments. I could not bear it upon my heart to do this myself.”

The Satire pulls at his foot locked in the wolf's jaws, reaching out for Teraca. “You, you're Teraca aren't you? It's me, Rumpy Frumpy! I... You... Gave me a crown of flowers, I've loved you from that day. Please, all of this was for you.”

“Be quiet!” Teraca screams, her entire body trembling as she stares at the half-man in contempt, “If I'm to understand by the adventurer's story, you deceived the wolves to spare your own life at the expense of ours. How am I ever supposed to forgive such a thing?”

>>46230327

>[“Give him a chance... Maybe hear him out?”]
>[“I'm not one to end lives either... Odette?”]
>[“Would exile not be sufficient?”]
>[“You people can deliver your own justice. The terms of our quest is finished.”]
>[“What of the wolf?”]
>[Write in]

>>46230353
>What is your verdict?
>[“What of the wolf?”]

>>46230353
>[“You people can deliver your own justice. The terms of our quest is finished.”]
I would deliver your judgment for an additional fee though

>>46230353
>Do what ever you want with him, his life is in your hands

>>46230353
>[“What of the wolf?”]
No unexpected issues this night?

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15 KB JPG

>>46230493
No, hell no. I felt so bad about last week. Everything is A-okay tonight.

>>46230353
>[“You people can deliver your own justice. The terms of our quest is finished.”]
>[“What of the wolf?”]

>>46230353
This >>46230385

>>46230525
2 weeks in a row streching it

>>46230656
*was streching it

>>46230353
>[“I'm not one to end lives either... Odette?”]

>>46230353

Biz steps forward, looking over the mob as he walks with his own poet's swagger, his lute at the ready in his arms as he idly strums some chords, “I feel as though I'd like to hear the Faeli out at the very least.” He gave a half-smile as his eyes rested studiously upon the beastman. “Though I doubt that it'd be good material for a ballad, if anything this whole event is a catastrophic tragedy.

The voices of the mob murmur in a restrained agreement. Yet still, they hold fast, reluctant to serve the brutal justice that parts of them feel that they should take.

Rumpy seems a touch relieved, though the sweat doesn't stop glistening upon his forehead and hair despite the cool breeze running through the woods, sending a subtle uplifting chill down your spine. “It was twenty years ago, she was wandering through the woods, I a wee little lad and she a wee girl. I saw it that she was lost and I held her hand, told her of a fun place we could go. We went to my tree, the one that I was born from... the one that is now burnt down... and I showed her my secret meadow. We played for many hours. Teraca, you remember me don't you? You'd even invited your friend, Teri.”

Teraca looks down, her eyes obscured by her black mourning hood. You can feel the conflict within her.

“I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I used your husband, saved him from a fall and demanded payment. I just wanted to find a way back into your life after all these years. Then I was cornered by the wolves-” Rumpy's captor snarls, tightening his vicious grip on the Satire's leg, causing the beastman to wince, “How am I supposed to plead besides apologizing, for everything?”

“He could have come clean, to tell you all of what was going on at any time.” Odette interjects, clearly holding resentment toward the Satire's actions, “He chose to let it all carry on and get worse. A coward, fearful of reprisal.”

>>46230984

Biz seems to smirk at Odette's opinion, yet only just a touch. “A coward in love that stayed true over a decade.”

“He told me how much he loved you mother...” Prescilla whimpers, tugging her mother's robes. “And he kept me safe from the wolves, all of the girls...”

“Prescilla! Because of him, your father is dead.” Teraca turns away, fists clenched and body trembling.
“Good adventurer's, please. Deliver the justice that our hearts could not bear.”

“What of the wolf?” You ask out, gesturing to the beast as it looks back to you, fear suddenly glinting in its eyes.

“The beasts were led. We won't scorn a follower for doing as it was told.”

You shake your head slowly, “I'm afraid I don't care to get my hands so dirty either. I'm supposing your verdict is death?”

“Yes.” Teraca bites down in one harsh word.

You sigh deeply, “You people can deliver your own justice. I'm not the one that was wronged. “

Teraca stops trembling, looking down to her hands in silence. “We... Do not have any weapons here. The trees protect us.”

“Not even a bow and arrow to hunt?” Odette asks, perplexed by the idea.

“No.”

>[“Biz, your sword?”]
>[“I've a knife here.”]
>[“Well, use your bare hands then.”]
>[“Give the command to the wolf.”]
>[Write in.]

>>46231006
>[“Give the command to the wolf.”]
What could possibly go wrong

>>46231006
>[“Biz, your sword?”]

>>46231006
>[“I've a knife here.”]

>>46231006
>[“I've a knife here.”]

>>46231006
>[“I've a knife here.”]

>>46231006
>[“I've a knife here.”]

>>46231006
>[“I've a knife here.”]
She has to take responsibility

Hm. So you've all gone for the semi-brutal method.

Alrighty.

>>46231047
Oh, you.

>>46231006
>["If you lack the will to deliver a justice of death, then it is not 'your' justice. Search yourself for another."]

wonder what the trees have to say about the whole thing.

>>46231204
>Oh, you.
I just can't resist options like that.
It's like the big red button
>>46231212
Pretty sure this is about what weapon we give them to deliver "justice"

>>46231267
it goes hand in hand. If lacking a weapon is an EXCUSE, then they better be willing to do it now.

Besides, that their entire culture lacks a weapon is rather enough evidence that they should reconsider.

>>46231316
Well yeah but there's really no reason not to lend them a weapon for this.

>>46231382
I'm not necessarily against the other votes?

>>46231444
Seems I missunderstood your point

>>46231466
I'm perfectly find with my vote either only being a "supplement" to the majority or outright ignored.

although: what happens if they have to dispense "justice" again and we're not around? Where will they find their weapon?

>>46231494
Changing the ways of entire arche seems like too big a goal here.

>>46231006

You reach into your satchel and withdraw simple carving knife. “I've a knife... here.” There's a squirming, nagging feeling within you as Beli feels sick to her stomach on this subject.

Teraca looks to you, peering up from her mourning hood before looking down, her skin blanched as she stares at the knife. She takes a hesitant step at first, clenches her fists again, and then raises her head up high, snatching the dagger out of your hand as she stares you in the eye. Without stopping, she stomps up to the Satire in the square, his face suffers pallor as his eyes go wide with fear, tears beading at their corners.

“Please, no, Teraca. I'm sorry. I love you. I'd do anything to make this right. Please!” Teraca grabs the Satire by the beard of his chain, pulling his neck out. It's there that she stops, knife in hand, staring the begging Faeli in the eyes. She visibly trembles and you feel your body turn away, reflexively covering your mouth to stifle your own whimpers.

(“I can't bear to watch this.”) Beli whispers. (“I hate killing... That wolf certainly had to die, but...”)

There's a silence through the morning breeze as Sol's rays start to stream through the forest's leaves.

“This... Will be the last dawn you see.” You can hear Teraca bite out every word as though she's spitting venom.

“Mother, please! Don't!”

“Teraca ple-” The Satire's words are cut short by the sound of blood splattering upon the ground and the following sick gurgle from his throat as he chokes upon his own blood. You turn back to see Teraca throw the knife away, holding the blood upon her hands at arm's reach as she slowly backs away.

The wolf, understanding that the Satire is dying, releases his grip, and stands over the beastman, forcing him down under a paw to diminish the flailing of his death throes.

>>46231661

Teraca stands there, trembling, finally bringing her arms down to her sides. “Adventurers, your reward. What do you want? For the wolves, we've left coin payment with the guild at Pruden, yet I promised you anything that you might ask of me. Ask it now so I can be rid of my debt and this unpleasantness. Please.”

>[“Your most treasured possession.”(A family relic?)]
>[“Whatever you think is fitting payment.”(coin)]
>[“I'd prefer to ask you in private...”(Ask for her face.)]
>[“I'll take the dire wolf.”]
>[Write in.]

>>46231691
>[“Your most treasured possession.”(A family relic?)]

>>46231691
>[“Your most treasured possession.”(A family relic?)]

>>46231691
>[“I'll take the dire wolf.”]

>>46231691
>[“Your most treasured possession.”(A family relic?)]

>>46231691
>[“I'll take the dire wolf.”]

>>46231691
>[“I'll take the dire wolf.”]
Finally a disposable "ally"

>>46231691
>[“I'll take the dire wolf.”]

>>46231691
>[“I'll take the dire wolf.”]

>>46231691

Teraca's gaze does little to give you time to think, and considering her place in this small village, you can't much think of what she could really offer. You'd played at asking for her face before, yet that wouldn't sit quite right with you, let alone your friends.

Finally, your eyes rest upon the direwolf. “I'll take that.” You say with a point and everyone follows the direction of your finger.

Biz goes from poetically composed to flustered and troubled, “Um, Lady Beli, you don't mean the corpse, whatever do you mean to-”

“The wolf, I'll be taking the Dire wolf as payment. It's an appropriate reward for my services here and will serve as a reminder of what I've done for Prudenia. Besides.” You find purchase to curl you lips into a knowing smirk, “What will you all do with a lone wolf wandering about?”

The Arafleur look to each other, confusion ripe upon their faces. Teraca seems taken aback herself, “Do you...” She closes her eyes, exhaling, “Take the beast. I don't care. I need to wash... Wash my hands.” The woman walks away, her daughter lingering, staring at the deceased Faeli.

Odette walks up to the corpse. The wolf stepping down and promptly sitting, avoiding her eye contact. Kneeling, Odette closes the eyes of the Faeli, “You were a coward and a bastard. You shall not watch us as you return to Thespia.”

“What of my reward? Don't I have a say?” Biz asks about, as the crowd disperses. “I'd like a love potion! Or flowers for a sweetheart. Does anyone hear me?”

Laying a hand upon Biz's shoulder, “You didn't officially take up the request, you were just dragged along for the adventure.”

>>46232387

“Risking my neck...” Biz sighs.” For nothing but the sweet gaze of the damsels I rescued. “Biz lifts up a hand to the sky, letting Sol's light filter through his fingers, “Yet there is a ballad of tragedy to compose... I will take this as my reward!” Leaping to his feet with renewed vigor, “My friends, let us go! We are heroes this day and nothing shall stop us now!” He marches off, strumming his loot experimentally as he toys with the verses of a new ballad in the works.
“I shall call it, The Beauty and The Beast!”

With Biz full of Namour passion, you linger beside Odette as the wolf obediently sits, panting at the sight of you. {I am yours, master. To name and to run with. My life is for your purpose!”

>Give the wolf a name...?

>[“Good boy. Come, we're leaving now. To bigger and better things.”]
>[“Don't act so familiar. I still hold you accountable in part for this mess.”]
>[“Give me paw... and then play dead!” Give the wolf some belly rubs.]
>[Stare at the wolf for a moment and then walk on.]
>[Write in.]

>>46232471
>[“Don't act so familiar. I still hold you accountable in part for this mess.”]

>>46232471
>[“Give me paw... and then play dead!” Give the wolf some belly rubs.]

>>46232471
>[“Give me paw... and then play dead!” Give the wolf some belly rubs.]
>[“Don't act so familiar. I still hold you accountable in part for this mess.”]
In this order

>>46232471
>[“Give me paw... and then play dead!” Give the wolf some belly rubs.]
>[What did you think of the Satyr, wolf?]
I dunno, make a name out of his answer to the question.

>>46232471
>[“Give me paw... and then play dead!” Give the wolf some belly rubs.]

>>46232471
>[“Give me paw... and then play dead!” Give the wolf some belly rubs.]
Call the wolf Fuse

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91 KB JPG

>>46232471
>[Stare at the wolf for a moment and then walk on.]
>>46232590
>Fuse
Oh you

>>46232590
>>46232629
That a reference to something else? Or the fact that all the other wolves fused?

>>46232664
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade.
You should watch it

>>46232664
Name of the main-character in that movie

>>46232684
Sub or dub? Also, I like the name.

>>46232721
I'd watch the sub

>>46232721
>watching dubs
It's a great film though

>>46232471
You feel a glint of mischief in your heart as the wolf swears its loyalty to you in its true voice. Standing beside the large wolf, you put out your hand, “Give me paw.”

The wolf seems confused for a moment, then lifts its large paw to place on top of your own hand. Its wide paw covers your hand and even part of your arm, his claws like long curved daggers.

“Okay, now roll over and play dead!” You say as you slip your hand away from his paw. The wolf promptly rolls over and acts limp, those his tail curls between his legs submissively.

“Aww!” You put your hands on the wolf's belly and give him belly scratches. “Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?”

{“I'm a good boy! Oh please let it be me! I'm a good boy for master!”} The wolf flails about gently, though seems to have a bit of a crick in his leg from where he suffered burns from Belfors.

Stopping suddenly, you stare at the wolf. “Don't act so familiar with me. I still hold you accountable for this mess,” You say as you walk off. The wolf and Odette stare after you, clearly confused by the sudden change in tone. “Odette, can you speak with some of the villagers? I'd like something that can help the wolf...” You look back to the black direwolf, “Fuse. Your name will be fuse. Help Fuse get better. I worry for that leg.”

By late morning, Fuse as a poultice on his haunts, numbing his pain. His tail wags happily as he trots along after your party down the road to Pruden.

Looking back on the wolf, you realize that he's rather sizeable, to the point that he could be ridden. It might put a bit of pressure on his leg, but it would certainly be faster than walking. Or at least less tiresome.

>The direwolf stands just over 6 feet high at the shoulder, a large and imposing beast. With fur that can resist blades and teeth that can crush iron their packs are feared as much as they are valued for materials.

>>46232994

>[Ride Fuse lazily, spare your feet the efforts of walking.]
>[Have everyone mount up on Fuse and have him run down the road.]
>[Continue walking, let the beast have his respite.]
>[Write in.]

>>46233020
>[Continue walking, let the beast have his respite.]

>>46233020
>[Continue walking, let the beast have his respite.]

>>46232994
I don't get it. Why the obviously contradicting behaviour? Does Beli not like the wolf?

>[Continue walking, let the beast have his respite.]

>>46233020
>[Continue walking, let the beast have his respite.]

>>46233020
>[Have everyone mount up on Fuse and have him run down the road.]

>>46233020
>[Continue walking, let the beast have his respite.]

>>46232519
I thought it was amusing.>>46233073


And it seems like the sort of mind games that Beli would play.

>>46233020

The walk is long and hard, especially without much in the way of rest from all the action last night. Eventually every step causes a slight ache in your feet and your body feels like your flesh is turning to lead.

Despite that, you're thankful that the road to Pruden from the little hamlet is only half a day away, though it springs to mind worry within you that the apparent lord must have either not known of the Arafleur's troubles or simply not cared. In either case, the thought is troubling that they had to ask for help from the guild out of their own expense. Then again, you doubt that anyone less than one qualified as a “Hero” could've taken down that monstrous wolf.
However had they reacted sooner, it never would've gotten that bad.

As you walk the road, you can feel the trees leaning in and the whispers of their voices saying “Thank you.” On behalf of the Arafleur.

The road however, groans about how it's going to be frequently trampled upon again. Though you can't help but think that it enjoys being stepped on.

Pruden's outskirts and wall come into view by evening and the guards check you in, seemingly surprised to see you alive, and then bewildered when they see the wolf. Raising their spears at the beast, ready to lay down their lives to defend the town, they shout out, “A Dire wolf! Has it somehow bewitched you? You walk with that beast?!”

Fuse snarls at their threat, placing himself between you and their spears, not seeming to realize that the spears are for him.

“Woah, woah, woah! Calm down!” You shout from behind his furry mass.

Odette steps around calmly, “The rest of the wolves are dead. This is the sole survivor and he's become our... leader's pet.”

>>46233585

“That's right!” You yell, coming around, flustered at the guards. Stepping up, you slap away their spears and push out your chest. “I figure, he can't come inside the city. But Ode is correct, he is mine. Don't you dare threaten him before he threatens you!” Turning back, you glare at the still some-what snarling wolf and yell, “Fuse, play dead for these good men!”

Lowering his lips, the wolf stares you deeply in the eyes and promptly rolls over, tail wagging like a puppy.

With a flourishing gesture of your hand, “See?”

The guards stare, dumbfounded. “My wife won't believe it when she hears this...”

The other adjusts his posture, eye still on the wolf, “He must also stay away from the stables. If we have an incident, it's on your hands.”

“Thank you. Fuse, wait for my call. The rest of us will be sleeping here tonight.”

{“Yes master.”} The Dire wolf rolls back up to his feet and trots off into the woods, his golden eyes glimmering with the fading light, sending chills down the spines of the guard.

One of the guards clears his throat, staring at you, “Excuse me, you are Lady Beli, correct?”

“Depends on who's asking.”

“Right... Carry on. The City of Pruden is open to you.”

Biz whispers low, “City of Pruden my left cheek, this is but a town... Now a real city...”

>[Go to a cheap tavern and spend the night laughing and making merry.]
>[Head to the guild to check in concerning your reward for the wolves.]
>[Go to an inn and fall into bed, damn everything else.]
>[Write in.]

>>46233603
>[Go to a cheap tavern and spend the night laughing and making merry.]
>[Head to the guild to check in concerning your reward for the wolves.]

>>46233603
>[Go to an inn and fall into bed, damn everything else.]
Fuck it I'm tired

>>46233603
>[Go to an inn and fall into bed, damn everything else.]
Hopefully there'll be dreams

>>46233603
>[Go to a cheap tavern and spend the night laughing and making merry.]
>[Head to the guild to check in concerning your reward for the wolves.]

>>46233603
>[Head to the guild to check in concerning your reward for the wolves.]

>>46233603
>[Head to the guild to check in concerning your reward for the wolves.]
>[Go to an inn and fall into bed, damn everything else.]

>>46233603
>[Go to a cheap tavern and spend the night laughing and making merry.]

>>46233603
>[Go to a cheap tavern and spend the night laughing and making merry.]

I loved Overhuman but I couldn't get through the dense-ass rhyming bullshit early on in this quest.

Did it ever get better?

>>46233953
It stopped at some point.
Don't remember when though

>>46233971
Few threads in really, was terribly hard to keep up.

>>46233953
How far did you make it

>>46233603

As you enter Pruden, you notice the guards eyeing you carefully, if not for the Dire wolf, then likely for something else. Perhaps for your beauty? Making eye contact, you flip your long red hair at them with a seductive wink. They flush and look away promptly. Horny fools, you think to yourself with a bit of a chuckle.

“My ladies,” Biz stands before you and Odette, walking backwards, “I propose we celebrate our successes at a tavern. Surely this is a good night to laugh and make merry, non?”

You consider the idea with a finger to your lips, “Well, I do love to make merry. What say you, Ode?”

Odette looks to you and shrugs, “I could use a drink after all that mess. An idiot Faeli, a bunch of wolves, pacifist arafleur. By Luna, I can't get that scene out of my head.” Odette winces, placing her fingers upon her eyes.

“Then it's settled!” Biz exclaims, twirling about on a heel, “I know a fine place that serves good cheap drink!”

“Isn't that a bit impossible? Good and cheap don't quite suit each other you know.”

“Trust me, this establishment is great! And we might even drink for free if they enjoy my song and your dance.”

“You expect me to dance drunk?”

“You expect to dance sober?”

“Well, I'm not letting Ode drink alone.”

Odette smirks, “Oh, I'll most certainly drink alone if I have to.”

“You won't drink alone.” You insist, staring down Odette with your glare.

“My, aren't you two close?” Biz chuckles. “The way you quarrel, I'd almos think that the two of you were lovers... Say again, how do you two know each other?”

>[“We've known each other a long time...”]
>[“Not long, but we've become fast friends.”]
>[“Well the truth is... I saved her life.”]
>[The whole truth.]
>[Write in.]

>>46234221
>[“Not long, but we've become fast friends.”]

>>46234221
>[“Not long, but we've become fast friends.”]

>>46234221
>[“Well the truth is... I saved her life.”]

>>46234221
>[“Not long, but we've become fast friends.”]

>>46234221
>[“Not long, but we've become fast friends.”]

>>46234221
>[“Not long, but we've become fast friends.”]

>>46234221
>[“We've known each other a long time...”]

>>46234221

“We haven't known each other long. We met through the guild, and simply hit it off as fast friends.”

“Right, friends.” Odette seems to say a touch nervously, touching the back of her neck under her tied white hair.

Biz crosses his arms, obviously not believing your story,“Really now? The story must be better than that. Ode treats you like a Hylon princess. Certainly there's not something more?”

“Nothing more.” You say with a smile.

“Nothing less.” Odette bites her lip, looking away.

“Hm,” Biz turns around, cocking his head side to side, “I'll write a ballad for the two of you. The Dancer and the Swan I'll call it.”

“Why the swan?” Odette asks, furrowing her brow at the suggestion.

“Why, if i'm not mistaken, your full name is Odette, non? Like the fabled Namour princess that fled from her marriage by turning into a swan and flying away, never to be found.”

Something about that story makes you feel weird inside as Belinda squirms at hearing it. {Oh, please change the subject.}

“Are we almost at that tavern?”

“Indeed!” Biz tromps on ahead, undeterred to make that ballad he proposed, yet clearly distracted. The tavern he led you and Odette to is in a much shabbier part of town. Upon approach you can smell spilled alcohol and hear the people inside already laughing as music plays. Clearly the party's started even before your arrival.

Nearing the swinging doors, you hear a man shout, “Coming through, clear the door!” and the three of you step to the side as a drunk fool is thrown out by a particularly large Danhor. “We don't charge much, but if ye can't pay even that, ye can drink dogpiss fer all we care!” The bouncer bellows before barging back into the establishment.

>>46235101

The drunk fool brushes his tunic free of dust as he gets up. You catch a glint of his eyes bearing the diamond shape that you know of Hylon. With a drunken stance, he pulls his collar and pushes out his chest, “This piss is beneath me anyhow. Though I will tell you sir when my name is known, I'll come for you. And when I do, everything you hold dear will be kissing my bloody arse you hooligan, trollop.”

“Aye, aye, an ye poor arse's barely fit t' be Hylon. Get yer misshaped pride out o' me sight before I call th' guard t' put ye in yer place.” The bouncer bellows back, flipping the Hylon the bird as the doors swing closed.

The Hylon spits and walks off with a wobbly swagger, bubbles drifting from the thoughts he's gotten from the bottom of his mug.

“What by Luna was that about?” Odette whispers with her expression a little twisted up in disgust.
You notice that the Hylon dropped something after he was thrown, a purse glittering with a jewel...

>[Snatch the purse. Finders keepers!]
>[Grab the purse and chase after the man.]
>[Ignore it and have some fun in the tavern.]
>[Write in.]

>>46235128
>[Snatch the purse. Finders keepers!]
Live gives, Live takes

>>46235128
>[Snatch the purse. Finders keepers!]

>>46235128
>[Snatch the purse. Finders keepers!]

>>46235128
>[Ignore it and have some fun in the tavern.]

>>46235128
>[Snatch the purse. Finders keepers!]

>>46235128
>[Grab the purse and bring it to the bartender]
The Hylon can come back for it, or it can serve as his payment.

>>46235128

The pettiness within you from Belinda seeps through as you nonchalantly walk up to the bag, hook it with a foot, kick it into the air and catch it by the string upon a single figure, drawing the purse closed with a little twirl before being pocketed.

Odette sees your little “Find” and smiles at the expense of the Hylon that lost the valuables...

The three of you enter the tavern, ordering the taps to start without care for the end. With the tables full of people cheerily singing along to a playing bard, the three of you take the bar. Promptly, you and Odette throw back drink after drink until you each feel warm in the bellies and you feel the need to take off your excess clothing and spring up into a dance.

Odette sits firmly at the bar, looking back to you. In the noise of the establishment, you pull her arm, “Come on Ode, let's dance, it'll be fun!”

“I... I don't much dance. Haven't done much since I was a girl.”

“Oh come now, you're still a girl! At least I think so. Dance with me, just feel the spirit! It'll be fun!”

“I don't know Beli...” Odette seems particularly nervous about dancing in front of others.

Biz has made it a point to go up to the stage and outshine the musicians by playing the same songs they're playing, only with a... erm... “Creative flair.”

>[Insist that Odette dance with you.]
>[Dance alone in front of everyone.]
>[Take Odette out back and teach her how to dance.]
>[Write in.]

>>46235596
>[Dance alone in front of everyone.]

>>46235596
>[Insist that Odette dance with you.]
this isn't dance dance, but drunk dance

>>46235596
>[Insist that Odette dance with you.]
If necessary insert alcohol until she agrees

>>46235596
>[Take Odette out back and teach her how to dance.]

>>46235643
Hm, 4th option.

>Stay with her and drink.

>>46235747
Changing >>46235643 to that then

>>46235747
>Stay with her and drink.

>>46235747
>Stay with her and drink

>>46235596

Sliding back into your seat beside Odette, you grab your mug and resolutely say, “Well, if you're not dancing then neither will I.”

“Please, you love dancing.” Odette averts her gaze, knocking her mug back for a small drink. “You should do what you love, don't worry about me.”

Sloggishly, you swirl the drink in your cup, eyeing Odette with a sidelong gaze, “But, I'd rather do it with you. Even if you're bad. That- that's what friends're for right?”

Odette doesn't say anything to that. Tipping her mug all the way back, she slams it back down, empty. “Barkeep, anything stronger?”

“Stronger eh? We've got pure Lunshine fer the peoples that ask fer that.”

“If it burns and makes me go blind, I'll have it.”

As the bartender reaches below the counter to pull out a gourd marked with a series of crescent moons, you put your cup down. “Odette? Is something th'matter?”

“I don't know.” She says, with a drunken slur to her words, watching the barkeep pour a shimmering brew into her cup that fizzes, casting a silver glow not unlike Luna herself.

The barkeep smiles, the green scales marking his cheeks creasing, “Drink up.”

Odette grabs the flagon and knocks it back, pounding the table with her fist before she breaks for a breath, but a quarter of the drink gone. “Fucking Luna, what in the Scaffos is this?”

“Y' wanted a stronger drink.” The tender smiles obnoxiously

>[Ask for the same drink, show Odette some camaraderie at the bar.]
>[Put a hold on your tap, one of you needs to be even remotely sober for this one.]
>[Insist that Odette drink no more of that.]
>[Write in.]

>>46236124
>[Ask for the same drink, show Odette some camaraderie at the bar.]

>>46236124
>talk to the drink

>>46236124
>[Put a hold on your tap, one of you needs to be even remotely sober for this one.]

>>46236124
>[Ask for the same drink, show Odette some camaraderie at the bar.]

>>46236124
This >>46236207

>>46236207
This

>>46236207
This

>>46236207

>When the barkeep knows that he should stop your tap.

>>46236315
n-noooo, don't take my drink away! This lunethingie is just so looONely, needs someone to talk to...

>>46236124

Finishing off your mug, he push it to the barkeep, “I'll have what she's having.” You point to Odette.

The man's eyes sparkle with mischief and he promptly fills your cup with the same shining spirits.

Lifting it up to take your first drink, the power of the alcohol burns your nose before it ever makes it to your lips. “Oh, by Luna what in the-”

Odette knocks back another swig, slamming the bar the entire way.

“Perhaps I should make smaller cups, for something like this... Call them draws perhaps?”

Ignoring the Drezhar-touched Danhor, you stare deeply into your mug before knocking back your first sip. As soon as it hits your tongue you know exactly why Odette's pounding the table. It's like liquid fire pouring over your tongue and rushing down your throat to throw fireworks at your thoughts. You draw in a deeper drink and it only gets worse as you bring the cup down, flushing heavily and sweating with how much it burns. Your vision starts to double despite your attempts to focus and you find one of your hands flailing to touch Odette's shoulder.
“Ode, Ode, there's two of everything. By Luna's curves what...”

Odette holds onto you so that you can steady yourself. Yet as she holds you, her hands slide over your chest, causing your back to straighten suddenly in surprise before you relax a little.

Odette takes her hands off of you immediately, returning to her cup for another drink, her four sets of cheeks flushing heavily.

“Wh-what's ermatter with her?” You whisper quietly, obscured by the rowdy sounds of Biz outplaying the band and the band steadily getting more pissed off at the upstart bard.

>>46236649

{There is a great deal of sexual tension in this immediate air my friend. Come, drink more deeply of my draught and you will understand the answers to all of your problems.}

Your eyes go wide as you hear a true voice. Looking around, you stare at the barkeep, thinking at first that it's him.

{No, look no further than the cup in your hand.}

Looking at the sparkling silver brew, you can hear it speaking to you. “You know th'answers to all of my problems? Who am I, why am I here?”

{Indeed I do. As I said, you need only drink deeply of me and everything will become clear.}

“Enlighshen me oh shilver shpirit.” You raise up the draft as though religiously and knock back another sip as it burns all the way down your throught.

{You just need to kiss her, it will all become clear.}

“K-ki...” Your cheeks flush red as the hot sweat of the drink fills your brow. Your eyes drift to Odette, and her eyes meet yours, though she quickly averts her gaze and teeters drunkenly in her seat.

“Another.” The three Odettes push their mug forward and you can't believe that she's even prettier when there's more of her. The subtle wrinkles that hint at her maturity, the heft of her bosom telling of her liveliness, her strong arms taught through hours of practice with her vicious bow each day... The parting of her lips that shows her fierce dagger-like teeth. And the marks upon her face that's begun to come in, red stains at the corners of her eyes and just below her white eyebrows.

You find your hand slowly reaching for her waist, you run your tongue over your red lips to let them glisten with the fullness of their deep passionate color...

>[Kiss her. It's the truth.]
>[Resist. What good could come of it?]
>[Pass out. You're done for the evening.]
>[Write in.]

>>46236666
>[Pass out. You're done for the evening.]
Nice quads

>>46236666
>[Kiss her. It's the truth.]
Check 'em

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>46236666

>>46236707
>>46236718
>>46236725
glorious

>>46236666
>[Pass out. You're done for the evening.]

>>46236666
>[Pass out. You're done for the evening.]

>>46236666
>[Kiss her. It's the truth.]
The alcohol knows all.

>>46236666
>[Kiss her. It's the truth.]
The drink wouldn't lie to me

>>46236666
>[Pass out. You're done for the evening.]
We're clearly done for the evening

File: Image018.jpg (27 KB, 656x398)

27 KB JPG

Hm. Interesting.

>>46236666
>>[Kiss her. It's the truth.]

>>46236666
>[Resist. What good could come of it?]
>[Pass out. You're done for the evening.]
Do not trust the booze.
Speaking from experience here

>>46236666

You reach out for her waist, just to put your arm around her, just to get closer... To feel her. Tipping further than your seat can handle, your chair fails to support your endeavor. Scrambling to grab something, anything to keep from falling you grab Odette by her jerkin and the two of you fall to the floor together.

Her mug of Lunashine flies up into the air and splashes out of its mug in a euphoric silver cascade as it gives a pleased moan in the true voice. Liberated from the confines of the mug, it's free to polish the floor everywhere that it lands. Especially all over you and Odette.

As you lay upon the floor, Odette's atop of you, looking down at you, mere inches from your face. The burning scent of the lunashine suffused in her hot breath. The power of the drink ripely flushing her cheeks. As your vision dims, fading to black, the last thing you remember is her coming closer, lips parted...

[…]

You awaken the next day in a bed and as the owner of a murderous headache out to make your day a romp in bad decisions. You notice Odette sleeping on the floor beside your bed and instinctively touch your lips. Warmth flushes your cheeks as you feel like you've forgotten something important, something that may or may not have happened.

>>46237388

Easing yourself back down, you watch the subtle heaves and the gentle ebbs of Odette's body as she breathes through her slumber, white hair in a messy disarray. You find your hand reaching out to touch her cheek, yet end up falling short, clenching your hands into a fist as you feel hesitant about the whole thing.

(Is it even right for me to fall in love the way I am now? Borrowing the identities of others?) You bite your lip in thought, chewing even as it troubles you as much as the headache that has you squirming in agony.

(I'll say this,) Belinda speaks up, (I may be adverse to proclamations of love myself... Though I suppose this is a way for me to experience it vicariously.)

(Did you force my hand?) You growl to Belinda, clenching your eyes shut hard.

(What? No! If anything, it was the drink that drowned out that petty indecisiveness of yours. Honestly, you barely seem to understand a woman's heart. All Odette needs is a little dedication. Don't you see how she's dedicated herself to you? Damn your circumstance, she still follows you even after you've become a woman. By Sol and Luna, she even knows what you are, an impostor, and stays by your side despite the fact that she could be sentenced to death for even conspiring with you.) Belinda sighs within, (And you can't afford her a bit of dedication, a small loss of your guilty chastity to let her have love? A love that's not built on so much a lie...)

You're silent to Belinda's lecture even as the hangover throbs in your head. A part of you understands that she's right. Then again, right now a part of you IS her. And still yet, your thoughts drift to who you might turn out to be...

“A little dedication,” You whisper to yourself, feeling another sense of guilt as you look on to Odette, sleeping at the side of your bed, her lower half splayed on the floor.

>>46237403

>[Touch her cheek gently.]
>[Join her on the floor and embrace her.]
>[Lay in bed staring at the ceiling until the hangover comes down.]
>[Leave the room for a drink of water, you haven't time for this.]
>[Write in.]

>>46237421
>[Lay in bed staring at the ceiling until the hangover comes down.]
>how am I supposed to do that if I don't know who I am?

>>46237421
>[Touch her cheek gently.]

>>46237421
>[Touch her cheek gently.]

>>46237421
>[Lay in bed staring at the ceiling until the hangover comes down.]

>>46237421
>Put her on the bed
>Sit beside her staring at the wall until the hangover comes down

>>46237421
>Bring her on the bed and cuddle.

>>46237421

As you lay back, you finally turn your head to look at Odette, your red hair spilling into your vision as she silently breathes in and slowly exhales at the bedside. Reaching out to her, you feel the skin of her cheek. The subtle beginnings of her gray-silver scales Makoh scales coming in, the coolness to her flesh, and even then the warmth of her breath brushing lightly upon your wrist.

Considering what a little dedication might be, you slide off the bed and pull up Odette, whom stays sound asleep, and lay her in bed. As you pull the blanket over her, you lay your cheek on the same pillow absently, smiling a little. It's easier this way, you think, when you can just do something and not have to admit that it's you.

As you watch her sleep, something else crosses your mind... When she lost her children... The Danhor that killed them said, “Now there'll be nothing holding her back...” And... And the spells she uttered... Lightning...

The realization causes you to jump up, head pounding and cold sweat beading at your brow again. “No... No...” You leave the room, all but storming out to get away from her as you find the room linked to the hallway of an inn. You carry yourself downstairs with quick, deft footsteps.

“Is everything alright madame?” A friendly face smiles, a thespian of a robust and merry stature. Little tusks peeking up from her lower lips and a heart shaped nose, you realize that this one is a Gipporoh.

“Yes.” You say, with a strained voice, trying to hold back your tears. “Just- I need water please. Please.”

>>46237912

You sit down, letting the water cool soothe your frayed nerves. And yet, you still find your body trembling. It was Rava. Rava and Avar. When you were the Reaper, they used the chaos of the night you liberated the labor camp to infiltrate it and destroy the anchors that would keep Odette from following you. She's just become another one of their pawns... But, if they hadn't released you. If they hadn't done what they had and pushed you. She'd have been dead in that forest, either by the Ursarinn or the hunters pursuing them.

>How do you feel about that?

>[I'll need to get answers from Rava and Avar the next time I see them.]
>[I... Don't really know.]
>[I hate them. How dare they manipulate her.]
>[...This is all for the greater good, right?]
>[I can't say that I agree, but I can't quite hate them either.]
>[Write in.]

>>46237928
>[I'll need to get answers from Rava and Avar the next time I see them.]
Ohhh fuck

>>46237928
>[I can't say that I agree, but I can't quite hate them either.]

>>46237928
>[...This is all for the greater good, right?]

>>46237912
wow, it took Faceless that long? I thought that was pretty much taken as fact ever since Oddete switched to Makoh.

>[I can't say that I agree, but so long as I lack the power to stop them, this is merely whining.]

>>46237928

Setting your water down, you take a deep breath and try to steel your rampant emotions. When it comes down to their methods, they obviously have a larger scale in mind that doesn't necessarily save everyone. And though you can't agree, you lack the power to stop them right now.

Eventually... Eventually they'll give you the power you need, and then it can come to an end. But how many will fall to their schemes in the interim? How many...

You hear a loud yawn as Odette descends the stairs of the inn, Sol's light catching her snow-white hair as she looks at you, her lips pulling up at the corners, and a touch of red upon her cheeks. “Good morning, though I suppose you said that while I was asleep. Did you sleep well?” She winces, “Oh, by Luna, I'm definitely going to need some water.”

“Right away, hun.” The robust woman happily turns behind her counter, grabbing another tall glass.

Odette sits across from you, looking at you, though not quite making eye contact. “About last night...”

>[“Whatever happened... Wasn't a mistake.”]
>[“Wait. I'd like to... I'd like to wait to talk about this.”]
>[“We didn't... did we? Please tell me we didn't.”]
>[Look away in silence.]
>[Write in.]

>>46238256
>I don't know what happened but I sure as hell won't touch that moonshine again

>>46238256
>[Look away in silence.]

>>46238256
>[“Whatever happened... Wasn't a mistake.”]
I.. think.
How long are you going to continue?

>>46238256
>>[Write in.]
Whatever happened, you're my friend. I care for you deeply and want what makes you happy. However you want to approach this, I'll be there for you all the way whether you want to be just friends or more.

>>46238256
>If we're going to pursue this, I have to warn you about a lot of things.
>It's going to be intensely awkward with every face I try on, unless you're into trying completely different biologies. No privacy, so to speak.
Faceless will also need to get over his pointless guilt, but eh.

>>46238256

“Listen, Odette... Whatever happened, you're my friend. I care for you deeply and want what makes you happy.” You swallow, feeling a hard knot in your throat, “However you want to approach this, I'll be there for you all the way. That's to say, whether you want to be just friends or...”
The Inn door is cast open and a number of heavy footsteps entering the inn. In short order, you and Odette are surrounded by guards bearing the sigil of Pruden, an upward turned closed eye that labels these men as the guards to the local regent.

One of the guards clutches a rolled scroll in his hands, none of them have their arms drawn,“We've been told that a certain Silver eyed, Red Haired Namour by the name of Beli has been sighted and that you are she.”

Looking up from your table with a coy girlish smile, “Oh? And whatever could you want from me?” Your jaw twitching tightly from anger as your moment was so rudely interrupted.

The guard's stare trembles, clearly uncomfortable with your gaze and privy to your feigned courtesy disguising animosity, “We've been told to escort you to the lord of Pruden's Manor. His dearest daughter, The Worm has requested the presence of the one with Silver Eyes. I apologize for anything we may have interrupted, however it is urgent that we carry out our orders and that you comply as a guest of Pruden. The chef is working on a breakfast fit for an honored guest as we speak... Your friend may come as-”

“I'm not her friend.” Odette interrupts, her eyes meeting yours. “And it's our choice whether we go or not. That is, unless you intend to fight the same adventurers that slew an entire pack of Dire wolves.

The guard visibly sweats in his helm, clearly not wanting this to become any more difficult, “No, and we've heard of the wolves. All but one that you keep as a pet. I'd sincerely appreciate your cooperation.” The guard politelty bows.

>>46238568

You can't help but to be impressed with how cordial they've been as a whole.

>[“Okay fine, let's go.”]
>[“I'd really rather not.”]
>[Write in.]

>>46238583
>[“Okay fine, let's go.”]

>>46238583
>>[“Okay fine, let's go.”]
can we bring the wolf? Fine food makes for loyal servants.

>>46238583
>[“Okay fine, let's go.”]

>>46238583
>[“Okay fine, let's go.”]
Bring Fuse with us.
Also good night

>>46238583

Rising from the table, you look to Odette and she does the same.

“Right this way ladies. Your friend, Biz is also awaiting. Likely filling the Lord's daughter with his bardly nonsense.”

“The best tales are often the ones that're tall.” You chuckle to yourself as the guards show you out to a horse-drawn carriage. The seating inside is nice, comfortable, telling of the lord and his status of wealth.

Odette sits across from you, crossing over a leg as one of the guards seats himself inside.

“May we pick up my wolf? I'm sure he's awfully bored in your forests.”

The guard removes his helm, a visible sheen of sweat upon his brow as he touches cloth to his face, “I do not believe the lord would permit the wolf to walk within the walls... However you may convince your host otherwise.”


The carriage rumbles on for a while with the horses breaking into a gallop, the whole process rushed as though time to please their master is of the essence. You're shown to a much grander manor than that of Bikel with artistic masonry, and bricks laid for not only function but aesthetic. As you're let in, you and Odette are guided through the grand halls, and as you near your destination you can hear Biz's bardly rhetoric through the door as he tells the grand story of you killing the wolf abomination that you'd only ever described in second hand.

The guard opens the door, and beyond you see a library with books all the way up to the multi-storied ceiling. Lavish golden etchings and not a spec of dust within the room telling of how much this place of knowledge is cared for. As you enter, the guard announces your presence with a regal heralding.

Biz promptly shuts his mouth, and a young lady with long black hair, feathery antennae sprouting from her head, and glasses that frame the diamond-shape of her pupils turns to greet you. Standing up in a delicate black dress, she curtsies as a proper lady,

>>46238880

“Welcome, Miss Belinda, the dancer with silver eyes. I am Victoria the Worm. Daughter to the lord of Pruden, and a lover of all things knowledgeable and true. This is the library that I take great pride in...” She looks up to you, her head cocking to the side as her lips turn into an elegant smile,
“It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, but who are you really?”

>End Scene

Alrighty! Par the course.

>Questions, comments, concerns?

>The Good

>The Bad

>The Weird

Great thread, Things got intense with odette

>>46238899
Thanks for the thread.
Fell asleep at the end sadly.
I want to know who turned the wolf into ash