File: Princess Ellana Crowmond.jpg (25 KB, 256x300)

25 KB JPG

And it did never hurt to have extra protection. Better to be safe than to be sorry, and you take to your duties with the vigilance of a hawk and the subtlety of a specter. There are too many hiding places for someone to hide in if they ever made it into the keep proper, but they also work to your advantage. Yours is a duty you treat with the proper gravity it so deserves.

“Don’t frown all the time!” Ellana chastised you one time upon midday meal.“I heard that if you make that kind of face for too long, you’ll be stuck like that forever!”

…you can’t help it. A flat, neutral expression is your automatic front. Seldom are the occasions when it shifts to something else.

But you digress. When you’re not actively guarding the Princess, the last three days of meals and scant free time have found you...

>Choose one:
>Exploring the castle. (Random Encounter?)
>Conversing with Magister Ansell.
>Talking with the kitchen serving girl.
>With your fellow Crowngard.

>>47291566
>>With your fellow Crowngard.
Get to know our co-workers more. Our lives will be in each other's hands now and then after all.

>>47291566
>>With your fellow Crowngard.

>>47291566
>>With your fellow Crowngard.

>>47291566
>>Conversing with Magister Ansell.

File: Crowngard at Lunch.png (1.66 MB, 2234x1304)

1.66 MB PNG

>>47291594
>>47291606
>>47291634

…with your fellow Crowngard. It made the most amount of sense, since you’d be soon sworn into their esteemed company. Even though the three that you’ve met on that day serve different members of the royal family, it’s enough of a courtesy to extend to them. Not that you’re much of a talker in their presence, anyway. The wounds left by the Black Alley Locusts’ departure from this world still have yet to heal.

>You spent time with the Crowngard.
>You got to know the members of the Crowngard.

You’ve met your fair share of unladylike women, but Bellatrix Lupine, who hails from the Western Borderlands, comes closest to the woman to end all men. The only thing ladylike you’ve ever seen from her is a polite nod and wave. In all other things, she behaved and carried herself without any regard or care for her appearance. Tomboyish would be putting it lightly.

In the absence of Princess Adrianna, her mouth was a tempestuous as a sailor fresh back at port. The Dance requires you to consume large amounts of food, and even then, you’d be willing to swear that she out-eats you at every meal. Her combat is a far cry from the graceful flow of fencing, instead a merciless onslaught of sword and spear. Gods have mercy on the broken training dummies left in her wake. You have little doubt that a solid hit from her would either break your wrist or your blade.

In sharp comparison, the Ingulan was everything that Bellatrix wasn’t. He was stoic and patient, even-tempered and a veritable font of self-control. His inability to speak the common tongue did nothing to hinder himself. In light of a background, his skills spoke mounds for him. Plucking eight apples from the air in less than ten seconds, he is, without a doubt, the most skilled archer you’ve ever come across.

(cont.)

Raleigh did not require too much of a preamble. A scion of House Silverow, he stuck out among the Crowngard in that he was the sole noble in its ranks. Lupine doesn’t know too much of the details, but what she did share with you was that he chose duty to Prince Allanus over an illustrious position in the Ivory Tower. With his name and apparent power, it would have been an easy choice to pick a position of relative ease.

Not so for him. And he was steadfastly stubborn on saying why. But it doesn’t matter too much. It’s just like Palme said: everyone had their fair share of dead bodies in their closets. You yourself are no exception. Even Lupine, for all her blunt mannerisms, had enough insight to not violate that rule.

>You are regarded by the Crowngard as [Trustworthy].

The sound of the aforementioned knightess smashing another practice dummy into splinters jerks you violently out of your thoughts. You try not to wince as she sets off another muttered litany of insults to the shattered equipment as she goes about trying to clean up the mess. You’ve lived in the slums your whole life, and even you’ve never heard of language that colorful.

Silverow is absent from the barracks, apparently working in secret in order for your next ‘duel’. You do not look forward to that in the slightest. As for the Ingulan, he merely regards Lupine with an exasperated look before returning to his wood carving.

>Compliment her strength.
>Help her clean up the mess.
>Tell her about self-control.
>Custom option.

>>47292141
>>Tell her about self-control.
Bitch, calm down.

>>47292141
>>Compliment her strength.

>>47292141
>>Compliment her strength.
>>Help her clean up the mess.
Meat shield friends are best friends

>>47292141
>>Tell her about self-control.
Unless she is a barbarian using rage buff.

>>47292141
>>Help her clean up the mess

>>47292141
>You’ve lived in the slums your whole life, and even you’ve never heard of language that colorful.
I'm genuinely curious about what she is saying. Are there that many variations to fuck and shit?

>>47292298
Aside from insulting the dummy proper, she goes on in great detail to insinuate the incompetence of the carpenter is brought on by his mother having copulated with an entire milita's number of village idiots, as well as various other slurs that detonate someone of mental retardation and other birth defects like two left hands, narrow eyes, etc.

Writing...

>>47292387
She's the Fitz, Archer is Mackay, Silverrowe is Brady?

>>47292524
And Pixie is roleplaying the princess.

>>47292524
>>47292563
So bloodbound retainer is their pathfinder campaign then?

>>47292596
>Pathfinder campaign
>we didn't pick a caster
We fucked up.

>>47292596
>Adrian is edgy as all fuck with bullshit stats
>everyone else is pissed as fuck with him for his good rolls
>the reason Bellatrix keeps on breaking dummies is because Fitz keeps rolling ones on control
Oh fuck, my sides.

>>47292662
>>47292642
>>47292563

Pixie wanted to play a princess, didn't care if it was an NPC

Now pixie won't stop doing the princess voice

File: Bellatrix Lupine.jpg (196 KB, 500x667)

196 KB JPG

>>47292178
>>47292183
>>47292253

You push yourself off of your pillar and approach her without any preamble. You offer Lupine a wary look as you help her pick up pieces of broken wood and perforated metal. This is not the first time this has happened, apparently, as a large cart with ruined equipment stands innocuously to the side.

As soon as you both toss the ruined practice dummy into its proper receptacle, you exhale slightly. “That’s quite the sword and spear arms you’ve got there. You must have worked quite hard to achieve such feats of strength.”

The irritation on her face gives way to a crooked smile. If it weren’t for her tone of voice, it would’ve been a sneer on someone else’s face. “Some women like to practice their needlework and cooking. Me? Not in this age or the next. And I’m not that much of an enigma. If those simpering little dolls ever got off of their cushioned chairs and laid down their porcelain, they’d be just as strong as I am.”

“Do you really think that?”

She adopts an introspective look before shaking her head. “Nah, you’re right, Painel. No woman can ever get as strong as I am. They’re welcome to try, though,” She finishes with a challenging smirk, and a sideways look to the broken equipment. “They’re most certainly welcome to try.

“You yourself are no slouch either. I didn’t get the chance to tell you the other day, but the way you kicked Raleigh’s ass? The way you just danced around him…hell, you’ve got the hair for it. If I didn’t know any better, I’d peg you for a woman.”

That stops you in your tracks, but her smirk returns in full force. “Just a jape, is all. Kind of our tradition to give the newest recruit a friendly ribbing now and again. I’m fairly certain you’ve got all the proper bits underneath your uniform.”

(cont.)

>>47292712
>didn't care if it was an NPC
She is a non-combat PC

>>47292732
Well she just made this weird.

>>47292732
>this
GoldJerryGold.gif

>>47292732
Twenty bucks says she's a lesbian.

>>47292732
>3 votes to compliment
>2 to help clean up
>2 to self-control
>only does the first 2
Shame on you

>>47292889
>(cont)
There is a character limit numbnuts. Be patient.

>>47292916
>character limit
He should've moved to /qst/ :^)

>>47292732
You can’t help but snort even as your lip twitches in slight discomfort. What an unrefined woman. The fact that she’s the first retainer to Princess Adrianna of all people is nothing short of baffling. Both women were polar opposites in every literal sense. By what cosmic accident brought the two of them together?

“Still…” She continues, casting a look towards the now-empty Floor. “Apparently, Prince Emeron is still hours away from the capital, and a far distance from the Keep proper. Plenty of time for us to have a go at it. Your…whatever that is,” She emphasizes her words with a dismissive wave, “Against my sword and spear. You may have bested Silverow, but he’s just a mage.

“Up against a proper fighter,” She pauses to crash her weapons together, sending a metallic hum reverberating across the stone walls, “I think you’d definitely have the disadvantage. Care to prove me otherwise?”

The words are biting, but little more than a challenging tone meant to incite you. And she’s doing a decent job at it. You’re nowhere near the apocalyptic rage on the night Princess Ellana saved you, but the Song in your blood slowly begins to set a tempo…

>“More than willing to take you on.”
>“Not today during the Prince’s return.”
>Custom option.

>>47292935
>>“More than willing to take you on.”

I know it's bait but....

File: bait1.png (66 KB, 625x626)

66 KB PNG

>>47292935
>>“Not today during the Prince’s return.”

>>47292935
>>“More than willing to take you on.”

>>47292935
>“More than willing to take you on.”
But
>“Not today during the Prince’s return.”
Also I'm still keeping an eye on my wounds. Fighting a mage wasn't so bad, but I'd imagine if I get touched by that swing of yours they'll all open up again, on top of getting new ones.

>preparing images for when the dice turn on us

>>47292935
>>“Not today during the Prince’s return.”
How about we show we have some self-control?

>>47292935
>“More than willing to take you on.”

>>47292978
I seriously hope we get a 1

>>47292935
>“Not today during the Prince’s return.”
Don't press our luck

>>47293073
Too late anon, /tg/ wants to impress their waifu.

>>47293085
>implying my waifu isn't dead

>>47293085
But our waifu is deadfu

>>47292935
>>“Not today during the Prince’s return.”
Eh, you know what. I'm not going to bite it after all.

>>47293085
Our waifu is DEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>47293114
Character's waifu is dead but not /tg/'s waifu.

>>47292935
>>“Not today during the Prince’s return.”

>>47292969
>>47292976
>>47292989
>>47293073
>>47293116
>>47293170

The tempo in your blood eventually fades away to a quiet silence, leaving only the sound of your breath and the gentle pop of the torches and braziers.

“I’m more than willing to take you on,” You begin, and her smirk turns into an all-out grin as she starts walking towards the Floor, only to nearly stumble at your next words. “But not today during the Prince’s return. Not to mention…”

You pause mid-sentence, taking a moment gesture to your wounds underneath your Crowngard leathers. “I’m still trying to keep an eye on these. Fighting Silverow with these wounds was manageable enough. But one swing from you might just open them up again, and give me some new ones.”

She frowns, squinting at the indicated area as if she could see through the leather. “…so you mean to tell me that you fought Silverow with a handicap…and he still lost?”

“Yes, but that’s beside the point,” You retort. “I would think that it’s bad form to present myself to the princess’ brother covered in bandages and scrapes, wouldn’t it?”

Lupine shrugs. “If it was me, I’d be impressed. Then again…” She pauses to sheathe her sword and set her spear against the rack. “Fine. Then I’ll wait for this day to be over, wait for your wounds to heal. As soon as that’s finished, then it’s you and me on the Floor, your daggers against my sword and spear. Understood?”
...you’re not sure whether or not she had a clue of her risqué word choice, but you nod in agreement. “Then I’ll see you then.”

The two of you shake on it, the sharp clash of your gauntlets coming together sending an echo across the area. For the second time that day, the Ingulan sends a resigned look to the sky, mutters a few words in Tathal, and returns to his wood carving…

(cont.)

File: Queen Melianna Crowmond.jpg (98 KB, 752x1063)

98 KB JPG

>>A few hours later…
Even in the keep, you can hear the shouts and exultations from outside of the walls. Prince Emeron and his knights had been spotted, and the gates have been lowered to allow their access into the city. The shouting only grew louder when you assume the man finally entered the capital proper.

You find yourself standing behind Princess Ellana, along with your other members of the Crowngard and their respective charges. Silverow and the Ingulan deign nods at your presence, while Lupine casts a sharp grin. Adrianna’s mouth twitches in amusement while the young Prince Allanus tries and fails to hide his unabashed curiosity.

Ellana fidgets, tugging at the fur coat that gently comes over her shoulders. Apparently, it itches something awful. But a quick look from Princess Adrianna sets your charge-to-be at an ease. Though her face suggests that she desperately wants to scratch her neck. By her side, Ser Palme flashes her a look of understanding and pats her shoulder sympathetically.

His Majesty was unable to attend due to his fever. In his place, Queen Melianna stood by her children with a well-rehearsed smile on her lips. She was dressed considerably more lightly than her ladies-in-waiting, as well as her offspring. Formerly of House Tarmond, it was little wonder why she had more resistance to the cold, given their holdfasts to the distant north.

The entire retinue gathered in the courtyard, magisters and advisors, lords and ladies, Crowngard and militia alike, all of them bow respectfully as soon as Prince Emeron rides through the Gryphon’s Gate, with armor that caught the light reflected by permafrost and lingering icicles adorning the battlements. His armor is only polished to bare minimum, not blinding in any way, shape or form.

He acknowledges the bowing with a wave of his own, the signal for everyone to straighten themselves. The Silver Knights file in behind their leader with a respectful silence.

(cont.)

>>47293554
So whose crownguard is the Ingulan?

File: Prince Allanus.jpg (740 KB, 596x812)

740 KB JPG

>>47293598
Young Prince Allanus'.

Writing...

>>47293554
>>His Majesty was unable to attend due to his fever
[shadowrunning intensifies]

>>47293710
But we've known about that. That's why the Prince is in charge right now.

>>47293710
Honestly so long as the plots don't affect our little princess who cares

>>47293710
Dude's been ill and infirm for a while. Hence why the kingdom is fucked.


>>47293730
yup


>>47293738
A noble is going to try and kidnap her eventually to make a bid for the throne.

>>47293772
>A noble is going to try and kidnap her eventually to make a bid for the throne.
And for their efforts they'll get a pair a daggers absolutely free!

>>47293802
>absolutely free!
Janitors will visit him?

>>47293860
.......eventually they'll find the rancid trash that' making the place smell.

>>47291472
>Nobility (Aderaveth): Take a flat 50 to Knowledge rolls concerning this subject.
This implies the character is nobility. Last I checked, that's almost as far from true as is possible.

File: Prince Emeron Crowmond.jpg (135 KB, 502x628)

135 KB JPG

>>47293554
Before the stablehand can run forward with the stool, Emeron dismounts without any further preamble. The second his boots touch the slush of the courtyard, he’s already begun making his way to his family.

“You’ve returned successful, once more, my son,” The Queen observes, even as her son plants a kiss on her cheek. “Words cannot describe how proud your father and I are of you.”

He releases her from a quick embrace. “Thank you, mother, but I did not carry the day all by my lonesome. You praise us all with your words.”

He moves through his siblings, giving a mock bow to Adrianna before fully embracing her, much to her apparent surprise if her undignified squeak was any indication. He lifts Allanus in his arms, the two of them roaring with unrestrained laughter as they spin among the slush.

When he comes to Ellana, she shrinks back at his height, at least nearly twice the size of her with armor on. But his smile softens into something more affectionate, and that’s what pulls her away from you and Ser Palme’s legs. “Hello…brother…” She says, curtsying politely, “…it’s been…too long…”

He kneels down to her eye level, unfastening a gauntlet from his forearm to give her hair a gentle ruffle. “You don’t need to be so formal, my little Ellana. True, it’s been many years since you’ve been fostered with the von Roies, but you are still my sister. I’m always Emeron to you, and you know that.”

The familiar smile comes back to her face as she gently embraces him. Tries to, apparently, given his armor. He accepts it regardless, and turns to Ser Palme, offering a gauntleted hand. “Lord Commander Palme. I’m glad to see that my absence has not made you fat.”

The Knight grins, shaking the royal’s arm. “I’m more concerned about you, milord. Surely you must realize that cleaving through bandits are barely a good source of physical exertion.”

(cont.)

>>47293914
No, it's a take a free 50 on nobility trivia.

>>47293914
I think its supposed to be.
>Knowledge Nobility (Aderaveth): Take a flat 50 to Knowledge rolls concerning this subject.

>>47293929
Yeah, you're right. Fuck, that's a typo. I'll watch out for that next session.

Writing...

File: Ser Palme.jpg (180 KB, 800x1203)

180 KB JPG

>>47293916
Hold on a moment. Their banter is drowned out by the sudden revelation of Ser Orici Palme’s standing in the knighthood. You’ve had a gut feeling that he was of great standing, if not a true and born noble. Even a high ranking member of the Crowngard to be able to command everyone’s respect.

But Lord Commander Palme? Lord Commander of the Crowngard.

Huh…now there’s little wonder as to why the others accepted his judgment regarding your joining.

Because he was the man in charge of the whole damn thing. You cast him a dirty look, which he returns with a sly grin. That information would have been very nice to know beforehand.

Emeron breaks away from his friend’s embrace, turning to you with a critical eye. “You must be the new Crowngard…the one my sister saved and the one that comes so highly recommended. I had my doubts, but now I can understand. I can see by your gait that you are no stranger to combat, and well-versed in its eloquence.

“Know that as you hold Ser Palme’s trust, you now hold mine as well. I give you my most heartfelt thanks that you have chosen to protect my beloved sister.”

>“No harm shall come to her as long as I breathe.” [Protective]
>“They’ll die before they hurt her.” [Aggressive]
>Custom option.

>>47294073
>>“No harm shall come to her as long as I breathe.” [Protective]

>>47294073
>>“No harm shall come to her as long as I breathe.” [Protective]

>>47294073
>>“No harm shall come to her as long as I breathe.” [Protective]

>>47294073
>“No harm shall come to her as long as I breathe.” [Protective]

>>47294073
>“No harm shall come to her as long as I breathe.” [Protective]

/tg/ will fail to protect her smile

>>47294073
>"So has she saved my life, so have I sworn it to be her shield." [Honorable]
insert joke about swearing life oaths here

>>47294073
>Custom option.
I OWE HER A LIFE DEBT

MY LIFE IS HERS

>>47294139
got you m8.

>>47294120
But they won't fail to murder the fuck out of whoever breaks it.

>>47294073
>Custom option.
"You say that like she let me have a choice in the matter. I don't know what it was that her foster family taught her but you should watch your back."

>>47294089
>>47294090
>>47294098
>>47294102
>>47294139

You cast your eyes downwards to regard Ellana with an expressionless look. She tries her best to stay still and ignore the bristles of the fur poking at her neck. Tries to, since her tiny little fist tightens, contracting as her face struggles to maintain a dignified front.

Eventually, her urges get the better of her, and she darts a quick hand to her neck to alleviate the irritation. At the relief, she smiles. It is nowhere near the pure elation, the radiant expression she had when she saved your life so many days ago. But it is enough to set your troubles, hesitations and concerns at ease and solidify your new resolve.

And you would be damned before you let anything happen to that smile.

You salute in the Crowngard fashion, with a fist over your heart, and meet Emeron’s gaze with one of your own. “As she has saved my life, so have I now sworn to be her shield. No harm shall come to her as long as I breathe.”

The prince blinks, surprised at the vehemence behind your words, before his face relaxes into a kind smile. “Then I leave her in your care, Marucs Painel of the Crowngard. Do whatever you can, give what you can, in order to protect Ellana Crowmond.”

>>Later

Once everyone had dismounted and settled down, Queen Melianna led the procession to the great hall, where a feast had been laid out for the nobles of the court and the officers of the Silver Knights. The royal family sits at their high table, overseeing the festivities with nods and pleasantries from their upraised seats. The room is full of life and the sounds of celebration.

Music and wine flow from minstrel’s tongues and wine skins alike as the festivities go into full swing. This is the most festive that you’ve ever seen anyone in the last few years. Emeron really is the turning point of the Empire that everyone sees him as.

(cont.)

>>47294073
So does Palme have that metal claw thing as well?

>>47294416
No. For the love of the gods, I cannot figure out what compelled the artist to attach that to his arm, let alone what the heck it is. A claw? Hell if I know. But no, he does not have whatever the heck that thing's supposed to be.

Writing...

>>47294416
The claw makes me think he's Knightmare. I'm half expecting him to pull out Soul Edge and start cutting everyone.

File: Queen's Guard.jpg (71 KB, 640x966)

71 KB JPG

>>47294413
You and your fellow Crowngard stand behind your respective charges, with two new additions to your ranks: a thin man with a sharp goatee maintains a stoic front behind the queen, dressed in the raiment of a master sorcerer; to his adjacent left, a hooded figure keeps a sharp vigil behind the prince, its face and gender obscured by the shadow cast by the cowl against the torchlight.

Ser Palme had earlier promised that the kitchens had saved a sizable portion for the Crowngard, and it would be awaiting them in the barracks as soon as the festivities were over and done with. A good thing too, since Lupine had a wild look in her eyes at the food placed on varnished tables of mahogany and oak. You wouldn’t put it past her to suddenly swipe a bread roll from Adrianna’s plate.

You feel Ellana tugging at your sleeve, and you turn your attention towards her. With a mortified expression on her face tinged slightly red by alcohol, she pantomimes the need to…

…note to self: when feasting with the nobles, keep a sharp eye on the princess’s liquid intake.

With a resigned exhale, you politely excuse yourselves from the rest of the table and follow your charge towards the chamber pots. Her dress doesn’t look too complicated, but then again, you speak from the perspective of having never worn one. Hopefully she’ll alleviate herself without too much trouble.

The room was a little bit a ways from the main hall, where the privies are located. After checking your surroundings, you let the Princess enter, gingerly closing the door behind you as quiet as you can. As soon as you hear the lock sliding into place, you start to hum an old melody the Locusts used to sing, anything to drown out the noise…

>Roll 1d100 Perception.
>Best out of three.

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>47294594
Check out my 1

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>47294594

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>47294594
No, check out MY 1.

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>47294594

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>47294594

>>47294617
WE SEE EVERYTHING

>>47294617
Nice roll... wait, does this mean we can hear her use the washroom? Awkward

>>47294652
Somehow I don't think Marcus really cares.

>>47294652
It's just piss.

You get used to it in the slums.

>>47294594
Why is the 8 year old drinking alcohol?

>>47294617
And Amelia said unto anon: 'fuck that, you're critting.'

>>47294699
It's medieval times, safer for her than the water or likely rancid juice.

>>47294711
Fiiiiiineee.

Stupid sexy punchy goddess.

>>47294699
Because it's on the table

>>47294699
Well in ye olde dayes you couldn't really drink water. So you drink alcohol instead because it was the only other option. Milk went off to quick and juice wasn't invented yet.

>>47294711
Amelia a shit YHVH4lyfe

File: Gabby.png (589 KB, 612x726)

589 KB PNG

>>47294745
He's dead Jim.

Praise Gabby instead.

>>47294763
London was shit anyway

>>47294742
>juice wasn't invented yet.

Bruh. How many centuries do you think it takes to figure out you can crush a fruit and drink what comes out?

File: 1457544025042.png (169 KB, 1280x960)

169 KB PNG

>>47294769
>Salty Lawfag detected.

>>47294776
Keeping it fresh and not spoiled took work.

>>47294776
Have you ever tried to make juice? you need 70 oranges jut for a single glass of OJ. Juice has a whole bunch of other shit in it as well. like shit tonnes of suger.

>>47294794
>because preservatives don't exist in medieval times

Sure it'll only manage to last you a week, but they had ways.

Virtually nothing you could drink was safe unless fresh, and even then a lot of fresh stuff could still make you sick.

Just drink alcohol. Beer was healthier than water back then.

File: law vs chaos.png (199 KB, 992x1856)

199 KB PNG

>>47294792
>chaosfag memester detected

File: hallway_by_independentlyc(...).jpg (181 KB, 1280x853)

181 KB JPG

>>47294605
>>47294614
>>47294617

Scritch.

Your senses snap immediately into overdrive at the sound of the foreign noise. Three meters to your right, approaching from the western corridor. The faint sound of metal scraping against metal. It could’ve been anything, from the dry noise of armor against armor, or even a goblet shifting on a metal tray.

Your mind races at the possibilities, and you go over the scenarios that Lucien drilled into yourhead. A servant, perhaps, sent to check on the princess? It could have been one of the castle guards, just doing the rounds for the night’s watch while everyone was feasting. Another noble, in search of the elusive chamber pots.

…or an assassin, come to kill a member of the royal family.

But you don’t want to jump to conclusions just yet. Assuming something and passing judgment without sufficient information was almost always a definite path to ruination. You could afford to take chances in your old life, but now? Not with the Princess’ life at risk.

>Approach the sound and investigate.
>Hide yourself in the darkness and wait.
>Custom option.

>>47294814
>not sure if bait or retarded

>>47294835
>>Hide yourself in the darkness and wait.

>>47294835
>>Hide yourself in the darkness and wait.
Can't leave the Princess by approaching the sound.

>>47294835
>>Hide yourself in the darkness and wait.

>>47294835
>Hide yourself in the darkness and wait.

>>47294835
>>Hide yourself in the darkness and wait.
Don't leave it could be a distraction.

>>47294835
>>Approach the sound and investigate.

>>47294835
>Hide

Stealth that shit.

>>47294835
>Hide
maybe not in the darkness, but just behind a corner, "protecting the princesses' modesty"

>>47294835
>>Custom option.
Remain where you are but prepare for trouble. You're aware there might be danger

File: the stranger.jpg (15 KB, 460x288)

15 KB JPG

>>47294858
>>47294860
>>47294864
>>47294865
>>47294870

Distractions are one of the most versatile tools in any assassin’s arsenal. Most of them are minimalist, minor things for short diversions, while others range to the complex and long lasting. Throwing stones at a wall, jars of oil set to burn upon the sundering of a trip wire. The possibilities were only limited to the assassin’s imagination, and your mind far from that of a dullard.

Even if it wasn’t a distraction, and was in all actuality the sound of someone approaching, you’d be a fool to leave the princess all by her lonesome. Especially on the first day of your new appointment.

So you hide, leaping into a corner to blend into the shadows. You pull your hood down and raise the bolt of black fabric on your collar to cover up your mouth. In the dim lighting of this section of the castle, it would take a torch to see you, aimed at the correct direction. And even then, all they would see is your eyes.

>You automatically pass with no external stressor.

Your eyebrows narrow at the sight of what is unmistakably a man making his way towards the privies from down the hallway. Even from this distance, your nose twitches at the smell of alcohol that clings to his clothes like a thick perfume.

His attire is that of a high-ranking knight, but he was everything but: unshaven, pock-marked and a crooked nose broken too many times. Scars run down along his face in messy loops, the most recent of them a cut along the eye that has yet to heal.

He looks around, as if to make sure no one else is there, except for him, and the humming Princess Ellana. The stranger must be hard of hearing, because he opens the first stall, and raises an object as if to strike, a silver sheen of metal that catches the torchlight.

A dagger.

>Choose one:
>Attack to kill.
>Attack to subdue.

>Choose one:
>Tell Ellana to run back to the great hall.
>Tell Ellana to stay inside the privy.

>>47295098
>>Attack to subdue.
>Tell Ellana to stay inside the privy.

>>47295098
>Attack to subdue.
>Tell Ellana to stay inside the privy.

>>47295098
>>Attack to kill.
>>Tell Ellana to stay inside the privy.

>>47295098
>>Attack to subdue.
>Tell Ellana to stay inside the privy.
At least until we know there aren't more.

>>47295098
>Attack to subdue.
>Tell Ellana to stay inside the privy.

>Attack to kill.
>Tell Ellana to stay inside the privy.
There might be more so we should keep her closeby.

>>47295098
>Attack to subdue.
this reeks of manipulation, drugged assailants rather than proper assassins.

>Tell Ellana to stay inside the privy.
so it could be a distraction

>>47295115
>>47295120
>>47295123
>>47295128
>>47295144

Dead men don’t have stories to share. Especially those sent to kill members of the royal family. It would be only slightly more difficult than to just killing him outright, but the benefit would be much greater. Then again, you have the ability to puzzle out information from dead men’s wounds, so purely on a technicality…

But you can puzzle out the semantics at a later time.

You are silent as you descent from the rafters, drawing out two standard-issue Crowngard daggers with a hiss of steel against steel. The intoxicated assailant looks momentarily surprised and shocked at your arrival, but that quickly gives way to an infuriated, bloodshot look of pure hatred.

Not that he has any time to act on it. Even as you leap forward and go for non-vital spots, you shout to the princess, “Ellana! No matter what you hear, you mustn’t open the door, do you understand me? Keep the door closed until I tell you to open it! It’s not safe outside!”

Your charge lets out a surprised yelp that quickly gives way to a terrified scream as the other man roars a challenge towards you. In spite of the scent of alcohol clinging to his body, his movement is unimpaired and natural enough. He must not have indulged himself in the drink that the feast had to offer.

But is he sharp enough to dodge your attack?

>Roll 1d100 + 30 Combat
>Best of three.

Rolled 25 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>47295257
Ez

Rolled 61 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>47295257

Rolled 11 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>47295257
Here comes the snow!

Rolled 40 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>47295257

Rolled 74 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>47295257

>>47295272
>>47295277
wow. I think that's the lowest we've rolled in this quest.

>>47295276
91 is good.

>>47295272
>>47295276
>>47295277
Let’s try streamlining combat…

The Song sets the tempo once more, and your body moves with the ferocity of the Dance, this time at a slower pace. You batter through the stranger’s pitiful defense and strike, leaving a nice pair of lacerations across his chest. They’re deep enough to cause no small amount of damage, but shallow enough to prevent him from bleeding to death.

He retaliates, swinging the dagger towards you as you step away from him. You actively pace your steps carefully, never ceding more than a few inches. You want to keep close to the door Ellana is behind. Retreat too far back, and even with the lock, it was an unthinkable thought.

But you digress. You easily dodge the maneuver and counter attack, knocking his blade to the side in order to place two more lacerations, this time on the hand gripping the dagger and the arm it was attached to.

The stranger howls as your blade opens a wide cut on his weapon hand, causing him to drop the dagger. Cursing in a heavily accented tongue, he withdraws his good hand into his pocket and pulls out a vial. The contents of said container are unknown to you, but even in the dim light available, you can see that it glows with a soft intensity.

Your eyes widen. You never knew the formula for how to make it, but you recognize the substance nonetheless. Lucien was sure to have you identify chemicals along with poisons and bombs, just from a cursory glance.

Alchemist’s fire, one of the most flammable substances in the world.

With a maniac edge in bloodshot eyes, he throws the vial directly at the door you’re guarding, cackling “Justice for the Highwaymen!” as he lets the bottle fly out of his hands. For a moment, time comes to a crawl as you lunge towards it with an outstretched hand…

>Roll 1d100 + 30
>Best of three.

Rolled 75 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>47295537
Check this 1

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>47295537
My 1 is better

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>47295537

>>47295559
or not.

>>47294161
underrated post

>>47295550
>>47295559
>>47295563
You manage to catch the bottle right out of the air, delicately enough so that the glass doesn’t shatter and spills the contents stoppered within as it comes into contact with your knife. Then the Dance resumes its frantic tempo once more, and time reasserts itself onto your senses.

The stranger can’t help but stare, surprised at your sudden feat of dexterity. It only lasts for a moment though, and he desperately makes a sudden move. You don’t know what he was trying to do. As far as his body was going, he could have been fleeing or going for his fallen weapon. It ultimately didn’t matter.

Never show your back to the enemy.

You plough right into the stranger, lowering your shoulder to slam directly into the lower part of his back. With a pained choke, the assailant falls to the ground, slamming his head onto the cold stone of the palace hallway with a nasty sound. Disoriented and stunned, you take advantage of his ailments to properly straddle him and put both of your knives to his throat.

It was over.

>Tell Ellana to run and go get help.
>Shout as loud as you can for help.
>Custom option.

>>47295692
>>Shout as loud as you can for help.
Ask Ellana if she is all right.

>>47295692
>>Shout as loud as you can for help.

>>47295692
>Shout as loud as you can for help.

>>47295692
>Shout as loud as you can for help

So how about that subdual?

>>47295704
She's been on the shitter the entire time. Rattled, sure, but that's kind of a ridiculous thing to ask

>>47295692
Shove something in his mouth so he doesn't commit suicide if he has a poison pill and break his wrists or shank him in the leg so he doesn't run off

Presumably we're good enough to make it painful enough that he can't escape without making him bleed out

>>47295692
>>Shout as loud as you can for help.
>>47295724
orrrr she's already been kidnapped, if she doesn't answer.

>>47295724
No its not, asking her does two things. First lets her know we are alright and second lets us know that she is still there and hasn't been snatched by some magic bastard.

>>47295692
>tell Ellana you saved her life
>and that she owes you life debt
>her life is yours because HONOUURRRRRR

>>47295749
This.

File: Ellana3.jpg (234 KB, 800x600)

234 KB JPG

>>47295704
>>47295712
>>47295720
>>47295723
>>47295749
>>47295799

Halfway though shouting for help, your call is immediately answered by the sound of at least a dozen armored footsteps sprinting down the hallway as fast as they can. Now that that’s taken care of…

The stranger is still disoriented, and you take one of your knives to his alcohol-smelling jerkin, tearing a sizable chunk of fabric away from the man’s body. Scrunching it up into a ball, you force his mouth open and jam it in without any hesitation. The possibility of a suicide tablet was highly unlikely, given the state of his clothes and poor Common, but not something that you wanted to risk.

And while the thought of slicing tendons and breaking wrists has a very high appeal…the knights are coming, and it would look very bad for Palme to have them find his recommendation casually breaking limbs. Then again…

You quickly stab the man in his thigh, severing right through the hamstring. The pain breaks him out of his stupor, but his scream is little more than a muffled choke as he struggles against his gag. A quick slam to the floor shuts him up fast enough.

Now that that’s taken care of…

“Princess?” You gently call out to the privy door. “It’s alright, you can come out. It’s safe now.”

For a moment, there is nothing but silence, and you fear the worst. But your worries are alleviated when the door opens and Ellana sneaks a tentative peek through the crack in the door. As soon as she sees you, she immediately runs towards you and grips your back as tight as she possibly can. Even with your leather armor, you can still hear the sound of her crying, little more than quiet sniffles.

“…it’s alright,” you offer her, in the softest voice you can muster. You can’t give her anything other than your back, but it seems to be enough for the princess. “It’s alright…”

(cont.)

>>47295927
we...severed his entire fucken' hamstring? with a dagger? wot

in retrospect, we probably could have just ruptured his achilles tendon with a solid kick and limited his mobility without any mess

File: hamstring_muscles.jpg (52 KB, 450x580)

52 KB JPG

>>47295977
That's a typo. I meant to put "part of" as in "part of the hamstring". Definitely enough to put him on a crutch...assuming he lives that long.

Writing...

>>47295927
The knights turn the corner, lead by Palme and Emeron, and they all come to a complete stop at the sight of you, your prisoner and Ellana clinging onto you as tight as she can. Your Lord Commander gives an approving nod at your actions as the prince moves forward, a look of absolute stone etched across his face.

It softens momentarily when you raise your eyes towards his. He gently traces a gloved hand along Ellana’s hair before placing it on your shoulder. “Thank you,” He whispers, before his voice turns to steel as he addresses the knights. “I want this man chained and thrown into the darkest dungeon we have. By first thing tomorrow morning, I want to know everything you can extract from this scum. Then and only then will he face the punishment for highest treason. And no one leaves the castle until we’ve sorted this mess out.”

He seems to stumble over his words, but you quickly realize that he’s censoring himself for his sister’s sake. Doubtless the words would be harsher had she not been in your presence.

You quickly step off of the assailant, taking care not to disturb your charge. Two of Emeron’s men make no effort to be gentle as they roughly grab the stranger and drag him through the hallway. He struggles, trying to shout, but the gag isn’t doing him any favors.

The soldiers part way for the rest of the royal family, minus the king. You quickly relinquish Ellana from your back, and they envelop her in tearful embraces and tight hugs. Adrianna is trying her best not to cry, while Allanus is just bawling. The Queen gently rocks her daughter in her arms, soothing her with sweet nothings and half-sung melodies.

Eventually, the crowd disperses, going about their duties. You give Palme a quick rundown as to what happened before he heads off to join Emeron. He frowns at the mention of alchemist’s fire, but keeps a stoic front nonetheless. With a final salutation of thanks, he bows and sprints of to find his prince.

(cont.)

File: dove.jpg (60 KB, 600x600)

60 KB JPG

You follow the royal family, accompanied by eight of Emeron’s knights as they move towards the royal suites, specifically towards Ellana’s bedchambers. She fell asleep in her sister’s arms, her breathing now an even and soft rhythm. They lay her down on the bed, still in her best dress, to let her rest for the evening. Servants quickly go about their work to stoke the fires and prepare the room under the intense scrutiny of the knights.

After what seems like hours of staying at her bed, Ellana’s family departs from her chambers. Melianna kisses her daughter once on the forehead before departing, only pausing to regard you with a critical look. Anyone else would have missed it, but you could perceive the slight bow of her head towards you. You return the gesture.

Adrianna seems to choke on her words as she passes by you, but Allanus makes up in his actions. He runs up to you and hugs you tightly around your waist. “Thank you,” is all he says, before letting go and running out the door to join the rest of his family.

The last sight you see before you close the door are the knights’ backs to the wall, standing guard by the entrance. They’re not taking any further chances. Just as you are.

Quietly pulling up a chair, you set yourself down beside your unconscious charge, all the while keeping a sharp eye on the door and high windows. The only things you can perceive is the sound of plate armor rattling against each other and the soft call of birds outside the window. More doves. Spring is almost here.

You absently stroke sweat-streaked hair out of Ellana’s face before returning to your duty. The dawn will eventually come. And with it, the peace and tranquility that belonged to her more than anyone else. But until then, the night, and this silent vigil, belong to you.

====

And that's it for tonight. I've got class tomorrow, but it ends early. If the thread's still up when I get back...continuation? Maybe...but until then, good night.

>>47296263
Thanks Kaz.

>>47296263
Thanks for running Kaz.

Is it safe to say we're the hero the royal family needs, but doesn't want?

>>47296263
Thanks for running. Hopefully I'll be able to participate next time

>>47296263
>be former thug
>trying to turn things around; have discovered a talent for smithing
>life is difficult; my work is quality, but I cannot escape my past
>have a face only a mother could love, scarred and pockmarked, with a crooked nose broken too many times

>spend the last of my savings to bribe my way into the festivities
>hopefully I can make a few connections and maybe even be an official equipment supplier for the royal guard
>I hear the new recruit specializes in daggers, coincidentally that's what I excel at
>can't work up the courage to talk to anyone at the party
>see the new recruit walking to the shitter, maybe this is an opportunity!
>break out my finest work, hopefully he'll be able to see how high quality it is

>fuckfuckfuck i fucked up he thinks i'm trying to abduct the princess
>panic as i thrust my dagger at him for inspection
>shit, he thinks I'm trying to attack
>nigga i don't even know how to fight why would i attack a member of the royal guard by myself
>shit, gotta convince him i'm not a fighter
>pull out the alchemists fire I use to power my forge, try to show that i'm just a humble crafter
>fuck i dropped it oh no
>ye gods, i'm going to go down in history as the idiot who accidentally roasted the princess alive while she was dropping a deuce
>oh thank fuck he caught it
>gods damn it, he stabbed me and gagged me i can't even explain myself now
>now i'm in the dungeon, awaiting interrogation and torture
>life in BBQ is suffering

File: 1365823896302.jpg (247 KB, 990x1400)

247 KB JPG

>>47296443
Well, that's one way to get noticed by the nobility

>>47295927
>For a moment, there is nothing but silence, and you fear the worst. But your worries are alleviated when the door opens and Ellana sneaks a tentative peek through the crack in the door. As soon as she sees you, she immediately runs towards you and grips your back as tight as she possibly can. Even with your leather armor, you can still hear the sound of her crying, little more than quiet sniffles.

Dat Life Debt doing work.

Bump

>>47297272
You'll never stop mocking will you?

bump

Bump for the bump god.

bump

bump

Kaz you better not be dead

ded

rip

bump