>>2636427
>>Why am I holding her legs up?
Let's maybe see if we can use this as learning experience.

>>2636427
>>So how's the flight training going?
>You and Cheska seem to get along pretty well
Divert attention

>writing

"So how's the flight training been going?" You ask.

"Good so far. Cheska already has a strong base to work with as far as magic goes, though her spell repertoire is rather... lacking" Monique says.

You chuckle and turn to Cheska. "And by that you mean 'she knows fireball, and larger, explodier fireball'?" You ask.

"Yup" Cheska says.

"Glad to hear that you're learning new things" You say.

"Lots of new things. I'm doin' this now, and later Fran's gonna teach me how to write properly, then Monique is gonna show me some basic non magic healing stuff" Cheska says.

You can't help but smile. Cheska sounds genuinely excited about all these things, showing an enthusiasm you don't think you've ever seen from her before.

"So... busy day?" You ask.

"Very" Cheska replies.

Hella stirs and starts to open her eyes. "Bwuh's goin' on?" She asks.

"You passed out" You say, helping her sit up as you use your mageblade to make a fan to cool her off... assuming she needs that...

...

Well Monique isn't stopping you, so it can't be harmful.

"Why?" Hella asks.

"Because Yuyu lacks foresight" Pip says.

That confuses Hella further, so you take a minute to explain the situation to her...

"So Cheska got her heart back... then she grew wings" Hella says.

"That's the gist of it, yeah" You say.

Hella claps her hands and smiles. "That's wonderful!" She says, stepping forward to give Cheska a big hug. "I'm so happy for you!"

Alright. That's out of the way.

As you watch what's happening, Pip nudges your side and motions to the stairs. "I've still got work to do" She says.

>Go with Pip to find Lyvia

>Hang around here

>Other

>>2636663
>>Go with Pip to find Lyvia

>>2636663
>>Go with Pip to find Lyvia

>>2636663
>>Go with Pip to find Lyvia

>writing

You nod. "Pip and I have still got some business, so we'll leave you guys to this" You say.

"Going so soon?" Cheska asks.

"I'll be around" You say.

You and Pip head downstairs, using Coral to guide you to where Lyvia is.

"Didn't think you'd tag along" Pip says.

"Probably better if I'm not up there to distract" You say. "Plus, nobody knows how to get Lyvia to want something better than I do"

"That is... true, and I welcome the help" Pip says. "And I see you've taken my drunked advice to heart"

"I'm suprised you remember that conversation" You reply.

"Bits and pieces" Pip says.

Coral point you into a room, and you peek inside. You hear Fran talking... no, she's reading a story, doing all kinds of exaggerated voices. When you get a look you can see her, Lily, Daisy, Lyvia, and Elizabeth all sitting together on the couch. The 4 girls all look engrossed in the story.

>Maybe we should come back later

>Sneak in

>Interrupt for a moment

>Other

>>2636775
>>Sneak in

>writing

You and Pip creep in, taking up a seat on another couch next to Lola, who is here watching the spectacle. Fran briefly removes her eyes from the book and smiles at you, but otherwise doesn't make note of your presence.

You aren't sitting for very long, as Fran was already near the end of the book when you came in. You only catch a bit of what the story is about... something about a dude playing a trick on a god so he can marry a princess...

Maybe you'll have to read this one later.

"-and they lived happily ever after. The end" Fran says, closing the book.

The four girls look startled as Pip starts clapping.

"Hey guys, how's it goin'?" You ask.

"Yuu!" The devils call out, as they hop off the couch and run over to you.

You catch them, lifting them into your lap so you can give themboth a kiss on the cheek, which they return in kind.

"When did you two arrive?" Lyvia asks.

"Around when the dude pulled out the fake crown" Pip says.

Lyvia looks troubled.

"Relax, your majesty. Your senses aren't getting dull, Yuyu and I are just excellent sneakers" Pip says. "Now, if I may borrow you for a minute..."

Pip takes Lyvia to another part of the room to discuss the possibility of training her, leaving you to-

>Ask the Devils what kinda mischief they've been up to

>Ask Lola what happened to playing with Robin

>Ask Fran if you can borrow that book

>Other

>>2636894
>>Ask Fran if you can borrow that book

>>2636894
>>Ask the Devils what kinda mischief they've been up to
>>Ask Fran if you can borrow that book

>>2636894
>>Ask the Devils what kinda mischief they've been up to

>writing

"So girls, what manner of mischief have you been up to lately?" You ask.

The two of them go quiet... suspiciously quiet.

"The three of them made some rather impressive ice sculptures the other night" Fran says. "Lily did the designing, Lyvia did the building, and Daisy..."

"I made the funny faces!" Daisy says.

"For... the sculptures?" You ask.

Daisy nods. "Since drawin' faces takes too long, We made 'em all silly!" She says.

"I'll have to take a look at those later, then" You say. "But before that, I was wondering if I might borrow that book. I've been kinda strapped for good reading material lately..."

"Of course" Fran says.

"Cool" You say.

"Alright, everything is worked out. I'll be borrowing the Queen for a bit" Pip says.

"Aww..." Lily says.

"Just a bit, not forever" Pip says.

Lyvia says her goodbyes to the devils, making a deal that they'll get together to make more stuff later, then heads off with Pip.

>Go see the sculptures

>Hang here for a bit

>Other

>>2637049
>Find Quina and introduce her to Hella so she can talk to her about Stella.

>>2637049
>>Go see the sculptures

>>2637049
>>Go see the sculptures

>writing

"Why don't we all go check out the sculptures?" You ask.

"Yeah!" Lily says, hopping off your lap and dragging you to your feet. "Come on! Come on!"

You allow yourself to get dragged away, as Fran and Lola gather up the other two children to follow along...

It turns out that Robin was there the whole time, taking a nap on a cushion behind the couch. Kind of an odd place for a nap, but Lola says it's her favourite spot.

So you all head up to the room where the girls built their sculptures, with Robin sleepily following along.

When you get to the room, you see 3 sculptures. One is a man sticking his tongue out, one is possibly Lyvia holding her bottom lip down with her fingers, and the last one might be one of the devils holding their nose up to look like a pig's.

They're all very well done. You can see the drawings they're all based off of on the table, and all of the faces definitely look like Daisy... which is a little off putting on the body of a grown man...

>Ask who the man's supposed to be

>Mention how strange Daisy's face on a man's body looks

>Congratulate them on their work

>Other

>>2637144
>>Congratulate them on their work
>Mention how strange Daisy's face on a man's body looks

>>2637144
>Mention how strange Daisy's face on a man's body looks

>>2637144
>>Ask who the man's supposed to be

>writing

"Very good work" You say. "I see you've both been practicing"

Lily smiles, looking away bashfully, while Daisy makes a funny face.

"Although I do have to admit that Daisy's face on a grown man's body is a little disturbing" You say. "Who's this supposed to be anyway?"

"Dad" Daisy says.

"Aww... do you guys miss your dad?" You ask.

They both nod.

Fran steps up a strokes their hair. "He's been writing as much as he can, but..."

"A letter is no substitute for a person" You say, giving them both a squeeze. "Don't worry you guys, soon enough this'll all be over and you can have your dad back. Then we can destroy this Daisy-faced substitute"

"What's wrong with my face?" Daisy asks.

"Absolutely nothing, sweety. It is super cute right where it is... it just doesn't belong on the body of a grown man" You say.

Before anyone can say anything, Liz tries to climb one of the statues only to let out a squeak and have a short freak out upon discovering how cold they are. She slithers around for a moment, eventually coming to a stop behind Lola's legs where she coils up and lets out a warning rattle.

"Aww, did the ice scare you?" Lola asks.

Liz's eyes get watery, but she doesn't start crying. Lola leans down and picks her up, and the little Serpid happily coils around her.

"Reminds me of Daisy the first time she ate a pickle..." Fran says.

"She... cried?" You ask.

"She bawled" Fran says, giving Daisy's cheek a pinch. "The way she was acting you'd think she was dying. But no, just didn't like the way the pickle tasted"

...

>I've never tried pickles before...

>I still need to introduce Hella to Quria...

>Are pickles deadly?

>Other

>>2637282
>>I still need to introduce Hella to Quria...

>>2637282
>>I've never tried pickles before...

>>Are pickles deadly?

>>2637282
>>Are pickles deadly?
>I've never tried pickles before...

>writing

"I have no context for this. Are pickles deadly? I've never tried them before..." You say.

"They're evil!" Daisy says.

"They are not. They just have a very strong taste" Fran says. "Too strong for poor little Daisy"

Daisy puffs out her cheeks.

"Oh yeah, that reminds me... I said I'd introduce Hella to Quria" You say.

"Pickles reminded you of that?" Lola asks.

"No, I just remembered it" You say.

"Hella is here?" Fran asks.

"Yeah, she showed up with Pip a while ago. She's up on the roof with Cheska now" You say.

"Can we go see Auntie Cheska, mom?" Lily asks.

"Auntie Cheska is busy, girls. You can play with her later" Fran says.

"Aww..." Lily says.

>Go up and see Hella

>Am I not cool enough for you guys?

>Go find Quria

>Other

>>2637383
>>Go find Quria

>>2637383
>>Am I not cool enough for you guys?
>>Go find Quria

>writing

>>2637383
>>Go find Quria

"Am I not cool enough for you guys?" You ask.

...

"Your silence speaks volumes..." You say.

"It's not that. Cheska's family" Fran says.

"I'm only kidding, you guys know I love you" You say, giving them a squeeze before putting them down. "But I've really gotta go talk to Quria. So I'll see you guys later"

"Bye bye!" Daisy says.

You head out, using Coral's help to locate Quria. You find her in Lianna's room having a chat, and knock on the doorframe.

"Good morning" You say. "I hope I'm not interrupting"

"Not at all" Quria says. "We were just talking about... something"

"... that something wasn't me, was it?" You ask.

"Nothing bad" Lianna assures you.

"I didn't know there was anything bad to say about me" You say. "Though I'm sure a dedicated person could find something..."

That gets a laugh out of Lianna, Quria... less so.

"Were you hoping to speak to the priestess? I can leave if that's the case" Quria says.

"No, I actually wanted to see you" You say.

"What is it?" Quria asks.

"Stella's sister Hella is here. She was hoping to hear about her sister's condition first hand, if you can spare the time" You say.

"Oh, certainly" Quria says.

>Take her up to see Hella

>Give her directions and hang with Lianna

>I'll arrange something for later, then

>Other

>>2637456
>>Take her up to see Hella

>>2637456
>>Take her up to see Hella

>>2637456
>>Take her up to see Hella
>>I'm sure you can tell there's lots of people here I haven't done anything to...

>writing

"I can show you to her, then. If you're free" You say.

Quria smiles and nods, turning to Lianna. "We'll continue this another time" She says.

"My door is always open" Lianna says

You thank the Priestess, and then head up to the roof with Quria.

"So were you guys actually talking about me?" You ask.

"Not entirely. It was more a discussion about the future of Lutain" Quria says.

"Just don't go organizing any coups, okay? If you want me out, just say so" You say.

"You'd... just give it up?" Quria asks.

"The possibility of my lordship being temporary has been a thing from the start" You say. "If someone more fit to rule this place comes along, I'll be happy to step aside. I was only given this position so the Lubrians and Northerners could stop arguing over it..."

"And they were both happy to see it go to you?" She asks.

"I'm the North's Champion, and a Lubrian Prince. That gives me a lot of respect from both sides" You say. "Enough that neither were willing to argue over this position being given to me"

"I did not know that... is there such a divide between the nations?" She asks.

"Not really. They have their disagreements, but in the end they both agree that the Legion needs to be removed" You say. "Anything that doesn't involve the immediate threat can be dealt with later, as I'm sure you'll agree"

"I'm just hoping to win my country back... preferably without seeing it torn to shreds by its liberators" She says.

"I'm sure I could talk the Commander into letting you sit on the council" You say. "At the moment we don't have anyone representing Antolian interests, or anyone that knows the land and its people. Your insights would be appreciated"

"Really?" She asks.

"Of course" You say. "But Hella first. If you have time later, we can visit the Commander... or I could just write her a note"

>1/2

You get to the roof in time to see Cheska give her take off a try. She focuses her magic, then releases it and flaps her wings. It gets her a little ways off the ground, but not enough to get her airborne.

"Well done" June says. "But to get any air, you'll have to learn to do those in succession. That'll be our next lesson"

"So what do I do... charge one hand, then release? How do I do both wings with only one hand?" Cheska asks.

"You'll need to learn to cast with your wings, then you can go wings-hands-wings-hands" June says.

Hella watches them work it out, until her ears turn in your direction making it clear that she's heard you approaching.

"Oh hey" Hella says. "Who's this?"

"Hella, Quria. Quria, Hella" You say. "Quria is the one who brought us the news about Stella" You say.

Hella gets a big smile and takes Quria's hands. "So you've seen her! Is she doing okay? Is she eating well?" Hella says. "I know she seems like a responsible adult, but she'll eat nothing but carrots until she turns orange if you let her"

>One question at a time

>Has that actually happened to her before?

>Leave them to it

>Other

>>2637585
>>Leave them to it

>>2637585
>Wait, can carrots do that?

>writing

You're pretty sure you've heard of carrots turning people orange before, though you aren't sure where... something about a big, magical yellow cart comes to mind for some reason...

So you leave them to it. Despite Hella rapid firing questions at Quria, the Elf keeps her head and answers everything with a calm tone.

Apparently Stella is doing rather well. Her only complaint is that she can't go out and be social, but she accepts her restrictions on that regard, given the situation.

Once Hella is satisfied, she apologizes to Quria for getting so excited.

"It's fine, really" Quria says. "It'snatural to be concerned for one's siblings"

Hella nods. "I wanna bake cookies. Can I borrow your kitchens?" She asks.

"You want to bake...? Now?" You ask.

"I'm really excited. I like to bak when I'm excited" She says.

"O...kay" You say.

"Awesome!" Hella says, taking Quria's hands again. "Wanna come help me?"

"I'm not really much of a-"

"Nonsense. Come on!" Hella says, taking the Elf by the hands and rushing downstairs.

...

"You gonna do something about that?" Cheska asks.

>I'll give it a couple minutes

>Nope

>I should

>Other

>>2637669
>>Nope

Calling it a night here, but I'll leave this vote up.

Voting ends tomorrow at noon-ish, with a follow-up thread starting some time after that.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time.

>>2637669
>>Nope

>>2637669
>Nope

>>2637669
>>Nope

>>2637669
>Nope
And miss out on excitement cookies? Perish the thought

>>2637669
>>Nope

>>2637669
>>Nope

"Nope" You say. "You've had her cookies before. Why on earth would I want to stop her from making them?"

"Not the cookies. Her dragging around the Resistance Elf" Cheska says.

"Oh yeah... that" You say. "I should probably go with them actually... I don't think the kitchen staff has seen Hella yet... and she doesn't know where the kitchens are"

Cheska waves you off, and you leave her to continue her flight training. Rushing down the stairs, you manage to catch up to Hella and Quria a few floors down.

"Coming with us?" Hella asks.

"Yeah, someone has to make sure the kitchen staff doesn't think you're a crazy lady demanding baking supplies" You say.

"I am not some crazy lady..." Hella says.

"Which is why I'm here to make sure the ladies in the kitchen don't think that" You say.

You follow them down to the kitchen, where you tell the maids that Hella will be borrowing the ovens. You think they might even take it as a challenge when you tell them she makes really good cookies...

Something tells you you'll be eating a lot of cookies in the near future...

With Hella all set up, and Quria's assurance that she doesn't mind helping out, you decide to-

>Hang around

>Go back to the devils

>Go out and see your mom

>Other

Voting period will be a bit longer than usual, as I have to step out for a bit. Writing will commence when I return.

>>2640881
>>Hang around

>>2640881
>>Go out and see your mom

>>2640881
>>See if we can get Lianna to tell us why people like Quria are so worried about us (without breaking confidence) and if we could fix that.

>>2640907
I'm down with this.

>>2640881
>>Hang around

>writing

You decide you want to hang around and watch Hella work for a bit... and exactly one bit, as she quickly kicks you out.

It's only after you've already left that you realize it's your house and your kitchen and she lacks the authority to kick you out of anywhere. But by that point you've already accepted defeat, and decide to move on.

Figuring you don't quite want to go outside quite yet, you decide to head back to Lianna's room to see how she's doing.

"Good morning" You say at her door.

"Hello again" She says. "Not here to pry, I hope"

"No... not really" You say. "Okay, maybe a little"

"I knew you were curious about my conversation with Quria" She says.

"Not so much the meat of the conversation, as its topic" You say. "I get the feeling she doesn't like me..."

Lianna motions to the chair across from her, when you sit down she replies "She is wary, as any would be"

"About me?" You ask.

She nods. "And who can blame her? Finding a person who truly wants to make the world a better place is a rare thing, and often times there is some alterior motive for it" She says. "I believe she is searching for it"

"Is having a better world to live in not motive enough?" You ask.

"For some, I'm sure. But many would rather see it better for themselves, at the cost of others" She says. "Give her time. She'll come to see you the way I do, it may just take her while"

>Any way you could help that along?

>It didn't take you a while...

>Ask about her robe

>Other

>>2641087
>>It didn't take you a while...

>>Ask about her robe

>>2641087
>>It didn't take you a while...

>>2641087
>>It didn't take you a while...
>>Ask about her robe

>>2641087
>>It didn't take you a while...

>writing

"It didn't take you a while..." You say.

"Because I do not go looking for flaws, I try to look past them" She says. "Finding the good in people is my job"

"That makes sense..." You say. "Well... maybe I'll try to talk to her some more. I can't have her constantly distrusting me if we're going to be working together..."

"That's the spirit" Lianna says.

You nod. "So how's the robe coming along?" You ask.

"It is finished" She says.

"Really? I figured you'd be wearing it" You say.

"I don't wear the robes all the time..." She says. "Only when I am at church, and even then only during daylight hours"

"So on your off time you wear... very lose sweaters?" You ask.

"Not normally... this actually doesn't fit me at all. I believe it belongs to Lola" She says. "But she was very insistent that I keep it, and it is rather comfortable..."

"Yeah, if anyone knows anything about being comfy, it's bunnies" You say.

"And you mentioned that there is another here?" She asks.

You nod. "Hella. She's a friend" You say. "She used to work for the Guild, but she quit so she could come with me and Pip when we went north"

"And now she's come all the way here?" She asks.

"Yep" You say. "She's in the kitchen baking cookies at the moment"

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you have a fan" She says.

>She's just a friend

>I have lots of fans

>Does that surprise you?

>Other

>>2641207
>>I have lots of fans

>>Does that surprise you?

>>2641207
>>I have lots of fans

>>2641207
>>I have lots of fans
>>Soon you'll be one too!

>>2641207
>>I have lots of fans

>writing

"I have a lot of fans" You say. "Does that surprise you?"

"Not really" She says. "You're easy to get along with, and I assume you're at least somewhat handsome"

"Me too" You say.

"You... assume you're handsome?" She asks.

"Yeah. I'm not a girl, so I can't really tell what they like" You say. "But they seem to like me, so I must be handsome in some way"

Lianna laughs. "Your logic is sound, at least" She says. "Have you had time to work through your... other issues?"

"Not yet" You say. "I'm kinda putting it off because I can avoid its effects by not going down into the dungeon..."

"You should not put it off forever" She says.

"I know... it's just kinda scary and I'd prefer to have a few people who I can trust, and who can possibly stop me around when I try" You say. "But enough about that. How is the church coming along?"

"Nearly finished, from what I am told" She says. "Quria says you can see the steeple from the window"

You get up and look out, towards where the church should be. Sure enough there's a tower there.

"She's not wrong" You say.

Lianna smiles. "I would love to visit and get a feel for its new shape..." She says.

>I'm sure one of the maids would be happy to help

>Why don't we go now?

>Maybe later

>Other

>>2641288
>>Why don't we go now?

>>2641288
>>Why don't we go now?

>>2641288
>>Why don't we go now?

>writing

"Why don't we go now?" You ask.

"Right now?" She asks.

"Right now" You say. "Unless you need some time to get ready, then in a few minutes"

"I should at least put on something more presentable if I'm to be out and about, so I'll need a few minutes" She says.

"Cool. I'll be right outside" You say.

"I won't be long" She says.

You get up and head for the door, but Lianna stops you part way.

"And... thank you" She says.

"Not a problem" You reply.

She laughs. "And here you were wondering why I came to like you so easily" She says.

You step out and shut the door behind you, spending some time playing with Coral while you wait.

When Lianna emerges, she's not wearing her robes. Instead she's just wearing something more casual, but still better suited to walking around outside.

"Set to go?" You ask.

She nods, and you hook your arm under hers so you can guide her around, then get going.

>Ask if there's anything she wants in the new church

>Ask how she usually gets around

>Ask if she's met Cheska yet

>Other

>>2641375
>Ask if there's anything she wants in the new church

>>2641375
>>Ask how she usually gets around
>>Ask if there's anything she wants (needs?) in the new church

>>2641375
>>Ask if there's anything she wants in the new church

>>2641375
>>Ask how she usually gets around

>>2641375
>>Ask how she usually gets around
>>Ask if she's met Cheska yet
Of if she's met any of the other little devils.

>writing

"Anything you're hoping to find in the new church?" You ask.

"I merely hope it will be similar enough to the old one that committing its layout to memory won't be too difficult" She says. "And I suppose cushioned pews would be nice... for the older churchgoers"

You reach the front entrance and let the maid there know where you're off to, then head outside.

"I take it the older folks make up a good portion of your congregation" You say.

"As it has always been" She says. "The young have no patience for sermons, though I do try to keep them as brief and interesting as I can"

"I take it that's not an easy task" You say.

"The Tomes of Eternity are full of valuable insight, yes. But page turners they are not" She says.

"Yeah, I've read plenty of those" You say. "Research texts. Always filled to the brim with the most interesting stuff, presented in the most boring of ways..."

Lianna laughs.

"So has Cheska spoken to you at all?" You ask.

"Your former demon friend?" She asks. "Only once, and she asked that the topic be kept secret"

"I wasn't going to pry" You say. "What did you think?"

"Of her? I found her quite intriguing" She says. "Her viewpoint is unique, being quite possibly the only ex-demon ever to exist. I feel as though I learned just as much from her as she did from me"

"She certainly is unique..." You say. "How about the other devils?"

"I have heard the little ones. They are hard to miss" She says. "But they are children, and happy ones at that, all things considered. Kids like that have little use for a priestess"

"Let's hope it stays that way..." You say.

>1/2

"So how do you usually get around?" You ask.

"I know the paths between the church, and most places where I need to go" She says. "And most of the time I can find someone willing to aid me, as you are now"

"And when you can't?" You ask.

"I make myself a cup of tea. Nothing I do is so important that it cannot be done at another time" She says.

"See, that sounds all wise coming from you, but coming from anyone else it might sound a bit lazy" You say.

"Everyone is allowed to be a little lazy from time to time..." She says.

You chuckle as you come up in front of the church.

"Oh, here we are" You say.

"That was quick" She says.

"Time flies when you're having fun" You say.

It sounds like work is still being done inside, but nothing too major. So you lead Lianna up the stairs and through the door.

She takes a deep breath in through her nose. "Smells like new wood" She says.

"Looks like new wood too" You say.

That gets a giggle out of her, which draws the attention of one of the builders. He's an old man with tan skin who looks to be the boss of this operation.

"Well if it isn't the Priestess herself" He says as he walks over.

"Ahh... is that Oski?" She asks. "I thought you had retired"

"I came out for a bit to manage this project, once I saw the mess my old apprentice was making of it..." Oski says.

"I was not making a mess, you're just a big control freak" A younger man calls back, most likely the apprentice.

Oski bites back with some carpentry jargon that goes way over your head, then turns back to the two of you.

"I don't think I've seen this lad before... is he one of the newcomers?" He asks.

>Let her do the talking while you check the place out

>I'm lord of the newcomers

>I suppose I haven't made much in the way of public appearances...

>Other

>>2641488
>>I suppose I haven't made much in the way of public appearances...

>>2641488
>>I suppose I haven't made much in the way of public appearances...

>>2641488
>>I suppose I haven't made much in the way of public appearances...

>>2641488
>>I'm lord of the newcomers

>>2641488
>>Let her do the talking while you check the place out

>>2641488
>>Let her do the talking while you check the place out

>writing

"Well I... haven't made much in the way of public appearances" You say, patting Lianna on the back. "But I'll leave the talking to her so I can check this place out, if that's okay"

"That will be fine" Lianna says. So you nod to Oski and head into the church.

Most of the work on the inside is finished, with the only things missing being the windows, altar, and benches.

Further back is the space where Lianna will be living. It's bigger than it was before, but not to an extreme. She is still the only person living here, and the closer she is to a wall at any given time the easier it is for her to navigate.

There's a smooth railing running along each wall, along with a few other oddities that you figure must have some use for a blind person.

Her food storage is a good deal larger than it was before, and it's already stocked with a few things. Most of it looks like preserved stuff that will keep until she actually moves in... or it could just be the construction worker's food that's being temporarily kept here.

The bedroom is simple but comfy looking, with a bed, a desk, and a nice chair.

With your tour complete you head back to Lianna, stopping briefly to help one of the workers haul in some wood. It's heavy stuff, but you're much stronger than you look.

"So you're the new lord?" Oski asks.

"Yep" You say, putting the wood in the pile with the rest.

"I see you're not afraid to get your hands dirty" He says.

"Getting my hands dirty is basically what got me the job..." You say. "You don't earn the North's respect by being averse to hard work"

"The way people talk about you, I wasn't sure if you were a saint or a monster" he says.

>Ask what people say about you

>Neither opinion is entirely wrong...

>Other

>>2641570
>>Ask what people say about you

>>2641570
>>Ask what people say about you

>>2641570
>>Ask what people say about you

>>2641570
>>Ask what people say about you

>>2641570
>>Ask what people say about you

>>2641570
>>Neither opinion is entirely wrong...

>writing

"Neither opinion is entirely wrong... but out of curiosity, what do people say about me?" You ask.

"As I said, you're either a saint or a monster... some people say you're turning the manor into an orphanage, that you personally lead the charge to drive away the Legion and all that. Some say you're in league with the demons, and that you feed on blood, which is why you're accepting orphans in the first place" He says.

"Feed on blood...? Does anyone even do that?" You ask.

"You do, apparently" Lianna says with a cheeky smile.

You chuckle. "Most of that is true, though... except for the thing about the blood" You say. "I've only got one orphan right now, but I'm looking for more. I wasn't leading that charge, but I was first into the fray. I consort with demons when it benefits our efforts, as it did when Cheska gave us the information we needed to end the civil war back in Lubars... but I definitely don't feed on blood"

"And you trust him?" Oski asks Lianna.

"I do" She says.

"Then you've got me on your side" Oski says. "If you were out there fighting, you must be quite the fighter"

"I'm not the best, but I am very hard to kill" You say. "What do you do?"

"Ah, how rude of me" Lianna says. "Yuu, this is Oski. Up until... I think about a year ago-"

"Year and a half" Oski says.

Lianna nods. "Up until a year and a half ago, Oski was the town's master carpenter" She says. "He was the one who put in the rails and other aids when I first took up residence here"

"You paid for every bit of that work when my daughter... well... I'm sure you remember" He says.

You tilt your head.

>Leave it

>Ask

>Other

>>2641636
>>Leave it

>>2641636
>>Leave it

>>2641636
>>Leave it

>>2641636
>>Leave it

>writing

You look between the two of them, then shrug. If they aren't going to say more, then it's none of your business.

"Well you certainly do good work" You say.

Oski waves you off. "My old apprentice is doing all the work, I'm just making sure everything is as close to the original as we can get it" He says. "After watching this place go down for so long, finally getting to do something about it is... refreshing"

"And it will be nice to have a roof that does not leak..." Lianna says.

"And food that isn't rotting, and a toilet that actually works, and a floor that doesn't have holes in it" He says. "Gods I can't believe we let you live like this..."

"It was my comfort or your lives" She says. "A single death for my sake would have been too much"

"And now you don't have to worry about that, so you can properly make amends" You say. "You know what they say abouthow dark it gets before the dawn"

Lianna tilts her head. "What do they say?" She asks.

"It's... always darkest" You say. "Before the dawn- have you guys never heard that one?"

"Can't say I have" Oski says.

"Huh..." You say. "Well it's a good one. Very hopeful message"

"Indeed" Lianna says.

>Anything else?

>>2641686
>>Ask Oski to let us know if we can help facilitate the city's reconstruction in any way from his perspective. Otherwise, no.

>>2641686
Nope

>>2641697
supportin

>writing

"Well, let me know what I can do to help the city rebuild" You say. "I understand it wasn't hit as badly as some others, but that doesn't mean that there wasn't damage"

"Most of the damage is on the people" Oski says. "Having Lianna back will help, but it'll be a while before they learn to... well... hope again"

"Would it help to see their lord personally strike out and annihilate the Legion?" You ask.

"Couldn't hurt" He says.

"Then I know what I'm doing for the next couple months" You say.

Oski chuckles at that, then him and his old apprentice show Lianna around. Since Oski knew how the place was earlier, he tells her all the things that have changed.

Once the tour is done, the carpenters have to get back to work.

"Back to the manor?" You ask Lianna.

"Perhaps..." She says. "I was wondering if we might take a walk around town. You did say you hadn't made much in the way of public appearances"

>Sounds like a plan

>Maybe some other time

>Other

Calling it a night here, but I'll be leaving the vote up again.

Next thread will be tomorrow.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time.

>>2641737
>>Sounds like a plan

>>2641737
>>Sounds like a plan

>>2641737
>>Sounds like a plan

>>2641737
>>Sounds like a plan

>>2641737
>>Sounds like a plan

>>2641737
>>Sounds like a plan


Thanks for the thread!

>>2641737
>>Sounds like a plan

>>2641737
>>Sounds like a plan

>>2641737
>sounds like a plan

"Sounds like a plan" You say. "It was a pleasure meeting you Oski"

"Feel free to call on my skills if you need them. I may be retired, but supervising is still something I can do" He says.

"I will" You say.

"Take care of yourself" Lianna says.

"You as well, Priestess" Oski says. "I look forward to the day when you can finally move into this place"

"And I look forward to having a proper home once more" Lianna says, holding a hand out to Oski.

The old carpenter takes it gently and kisses it, giving it a pat before letting go. "It was good to see you" He says.

"I wish I could say the same" Lianna replies with a wry smile.

Oski chuckles. "You know what I meant" He says.

"I do" She replies, waving to the man as the two of you head out.

"You two get along rather well" You say.

"As he said, Oski has been a friend for a very long time" She says. "I helped resolve some issues he had with our church when I first arrived, and for that he has always been grateful"

>Was that the thing with his daughter?

>Ask if she wants to go anywhere in particular

>Other

>>2643450
>>Ask if she wants to go anywhere in particular

>>2643450
>>Ask if she wants to go anywhere in particular

>>2643450
>Ask if she wants to go anywhere in particular

Hey Smiley, thought you might be to caught up in e3 to run

>>2643450
>>Ask if she wants to go anywhere in particular

>writing

>>2643476
I don't tend to watch the presentations. Mostly I leave it until later so I can get the condensed version and watch the trailers at my leisure.

>>2641737
I did actually have a lore question, Smiley, although I dunno if this is the place to ask it. So far we know that blood demons can make people see an illusion of dying with their eyes, demons of body that fell to lust can pick out someone's fetishes with their eyes, what about demons of body that fell to gluttony? Or demons of mind? What do their eye powers do?

>>2643535
Demons of body can tell someone's desires, regardless of how they fell. That means even a glutton can do it, even if it isn't quite as useful to them.

Demons of mind can read a person's status and intentions, which is helpful because the most common sin among them is greed (swindling, robbery, etc.)

>>2643554
Oh awesome, thank you. It's a question that's been bugging me for a while but I kept forgetting to ask while you were around.

"Anywhere in particular you want to go?" You ask.

"Just go left out of the church. Many who I have not seen in some time live that way" She says.

You do as she requests, heading away from the manor into what looks like a residential area with a few shops here and there.

The two of you get stopped often, as people come out to greet the Priestess. She introduces you to each one, then does some catching up with the parents while you keep the children occupied.

And there are a lot of children, to the point where you have to ask about it...

"It is... was... a popular area for new parents to settle" Lianna says. "A couple nice parks, useful parent-oriented stores, far enough from the main marketplace that the bustle doesn't disturb, and there was going to be a school here as well"

"Was?" You ask.

"Legionnaires burned it down" She says. "A shame. There weren't many like it in Antolia"

>You guys don't have schools?

>Can we check it out?

>I'll add it to my to-do list

>Other

>>2643580
>>Can we check it out?

>>I'll add it to my to-do list

>>2643580
>>You guys don't have schools?

>>2643580
>>You guys don't have schools?
>>I'll add it to my to-do list

>>2643580
>>You guys don't have schools?
>>I'll add it to my to-do list

>writing

"You guys don't have schools?" You ask.

"Not so large as this one" She replies. "Most children only get a basic education from their parents and never go beyond that. This school was going to be big enough for every child in the city, with teachers for every level. In 5, maybe 10 years the average person in Lutain could have equalled a scholar in knowledge"

"Impressive" You say. "With people that smart, Lutain could be the world's center for innovation"

"Alas, as I said the Legion destroyed the building" She says.

"We can still build it" You say. "I'll add it to my to-do list"

Lianna seems pleased by that, as the two of you continue on.

You make a few more stops, before Lianna tells you she needs a break. So you find a bench to rest on.

"Not used to walking so much?" You ask.

"Not for a long time" She replies. "I just need a couple minutes"

"Take all the time you need" You say. "I'm in no hurry"

The place you've chosen to stop is right by one of the parks she mentioned. It looks like it's seen better days, as the grass is charred in places and many of the play areas are wrecked. But nonetheless there are children here.

They appear to be playing some kind of ball... sport, creatively using one of the damaged structures and a charred spot as goal areas.

Just like with the hunter's children in the courtyard back in Locke, the few girls who can fly appear to have a distinct advantage over the rest. And you watch one of them swoop down and snatch the ball away from a Felid. The Felid manages to jump up and take the avian down as she tries to fly away, giving everyone that all too familiar 'innocent kitty' look as the avian starts to cry and parents rush in to get involved.

"Enjoying the show?" Lianna asks.

"Just marveling at how the kids here are so similar to the ones back in Lubars" You say.

"The differences don't show until we grow up" She says.

>Ask if she's every been to Lubars

>Ask about the game they're playing

>The adults are fairly similar too

>Other

>>2643668
>>The adults are fairly similar too

>>2643668
>>Ask if she's every been to Lubars
>>Ask about the game they're playing

>>2643668
>>Ask about the game they're playing

>writing

"The adults are fairly similar too" You say with a chuckle.

"I suppose so" She says.

"Any idea what they're playing?" You ask.

"Probably Bassa" She says. "The rules are simple: get the ball into the goal. If you get taken down, the ball goes to whoever did it"

"Simple" You say.

"A bit brutish, if you ask me. But perfect for kids, with their inexhaustible stores of energy" She says. "Antolia used to have a league for it, where the most skilled players from each region would form teams and compete"

"Sounds like a fun time" You say.

"Again, a bit brutish. Player careers are short, and injuries happen often enough that each team needs a healer. But I'm told it's a quite the spectacle to see" She says.

"I can't imagine listening to a game would be as entertaining as watching one" You say.

"In that, you are right" She says. "Thogh I do hope that last girl is alright..."

"The birb? She's fine. Couple scrapes is all. A few tears and a loving tousle from her parents and she's back in action" You say. "Aaaand she's down again... you'd think she would learn to avoid that Felid after last time"

Lianna giggles. "Just learned the rules and already commentating?" She asks.

"It's a simple game" You say. "And that Felid is quick with the pounce. Doesn't take an expert to spot that..."

>Stick around and watch a bit more

>Go somewhere for lunch

>Go talk to some of the parents

>Other

>>2643733
>>Go somewhere for lunch

>>2643733
>>Go somewhere for lunch

>writing

"Good to go?" You ask.

Lianna smiles and gives a slight nod, so you stand and help her up to her feet.

"I'm gettin' kinda hungry. Know any good places for lunch?" You ask.

"Hmm... back the way we came, I think. Remember the frog woman we spoke to?" She asks.

"I thought I smelled something good there" You say. "Let's go"

You walk back towards where you met the frog lady. If you remember right it was about half way between here and the church.

"Have you played many games, Yuu?" Lianna asks.

"Not really" You say. "Nothing that could be officially considered a game. I've spent most of my free time training or studying. Though I did get roped into an hour long game of peekaboo once"

Lianna laughs.

"But I'll have time to find a hobby when the war is won" You say. "Until then I'm mostly fine with putting my time into it"

"Does this trip count as time spent on the war effort?" She asks.

"If you must know, it kinda does" You say. "The people of Lutain trust you, and I need that trust on my side. We'll be striking out from the city soon, and I'd like to be sure the gates won't be shut when we come back"

"I think you're past that point now" She says. "Say what they will, the people here owe you a lot even if they don't know it"

>I'll take your word for it

>Yeah but try telling them that

>Just trying to be thorough

>Other

>>2643832
>>I'll take your word for it

>>2643832
>>I'll take your word for it

>>Just trying to be thorough

>writing

"Just... trying to be thorough" You say.

Lianna smiles. "Well if you being thorough involves further days out on the town, then by all means" She says.

"I didn't think you'd mind... but I'll have to take your word for it" You say. "We've based in Lutain too long, enough that we've lost the element of surprise. I have no doubt that the next time I talk to the Commander, the first thing she'll tell me is when we'll be moving out"

"Isn't the commander your mother?" She asks. "Odd conversation starter for your son..."

"We keep the family talk for when we run out of important things to share" You say. "After all, our relationship was military before it was familial"

"You mentioned that... why did she choose to adopt you again?" She asks.

"Because I do good work, but lacked a place in the world" You say. "Plus her Lieutenants were antsy about my allegiances"

"At least her heart was in the right place" Lianna says. "She sounds like an interesting woman..."

>That she is

>Would you like to meet her?

>Other

>>2643883
>>Would you like to meet her?

>>2643883
>That she is
>Would you like to meet her?

>writing

"Would you like to meet her?" You ask. "I could set that up"

"If she has the time. I understand that she is a busy woman" Lianna says.

"I'll pitch it to her then" You say.

You arrive at the place where the frog lady was, and she happily invites you in. It's a restaurant, albeit a small one.

The food is similar to that south antolian place you went to with Pip, though a bit less spicy. You chat with Lianna and the frog lady, whose name you never end up getting, until the meal is finished.

You have to insist upon paying for the meal. The way you see it a free meal isn't worth much to you, since you have more money than you actually know what to do with. You tell the lady to pay it forward to someone who needs it.

"Shall we head back?" Lianna asks.

"Done already?"

"I could keep going, but my legs and feet cannot. So I must compromise" She says.

"That's fair" You say.

>Anything else?

Also I'll be stepping out for a bit. Writing will commence when I return.

>>2643933
>>Escort back and talk on way - have we found out whether there is any (presumably opposing) relationship between the church deities and black god / demons?

>>2643933
>Tell her that she can ask anytime she wants to go out again

>>2643933
We can princess carry her

>writing

"I could always carry you" You say.

Lianna's cheeks turn bright red. "N-no, I think that's fine" She says. "My own two feet will suffice, thank you"

You chuckle and take her arm, heading back in the direction of the manor.

"This was fun" You say. "We should do it again"

Lianna hums. "Maybe next time you'll actually talk to the adults a bit more" She says.

"Unlikely" You say. "I am a fan of the small ones. The are cute, and easy to entertain. But definitely call on me next time you'd like to get out"

"I will, if you are not busy" She says. "Though it sounds like you won't be in the city much soon"

"That's... true" You say. "But I'll still come back and visit"

"I look forward to it" She says.

You get a little further, before a question occurs to you.

"So hey... in the uhh... what was the holy book called again?" You ask.

"The Tomes of Eternity?" She asks.

"That's the one" You say. "Is there any mention of a Black God?"

"None" She says. "Even I have only heard the term recently. Which I thought was strange"

"Indeed" You say. "It seems like nobody had heard about it until it started giving the Legion weapons, and even then I had to wring that info out"

"You had to... wring it out? From who?" She asks.

"From Cheska" You say.

"I thought you were friends with her" She says.

"I am. But I had to give her cake, and pillows, and keep her shackled to me for like a week" You say.

Lianna takes a breath. "I thought you were talking about... torture" She says.

"Oh, goodness no. My interrogation methods are much more pleasant" You say. "So pleasant that she decided to just stick around..."

Lianna laughs.

>1/2

You arrive back at the manor, and Lianna enlists the aid of a maid to help her get back to her room so you can go about your business.

"Thank you again" She says.

"Not a problem. Believe it or not, you're a pretty pleasant person to spend time with" You say.

Lianna laughs, then gives you a polite bow and offers her hand. Just as the carpenter did, you give it a kiss and the Priestess heads off.

You then turn back around towards the city. There's still a bunch of things you have to do...

You need to go see your mom. As you said to Lianna, she's no doubt planning the next offensive. That outpost showing up near the city was a clear sign that your forces have lingered too long.

You still haven't spoken with the merchant from Belladonna's list of influential people. Not incredibly high on the list, but it's still on there.

And last but not least you were hoping to see whoever is in charge of analyzing the Legion's siege engine. You may not be much help there, but you are curious as to how it works...

>Go see the Comomder

>Visit the merchant

>Check out the siege weapon

>Other

>>2644037
>>Go see the Comomder

>>2644037
>Go see the Comomder

>>2644037
>Go see the Comomder

>writing

You let the door maid know where you're off to, then head to the barracks on the Rook.

Rhea is standing in front of the building when you arrive.

"Heyo" You say.

"Hey" Rhea says. "You get the Commander's notice?"

You tilt your head, as a sprite flies around from behind you with a note. It's from the Commander.

...

"I have now" You say.

Rhea chuckles. "She's called just about everyone" She says.

"I take it we're moving out soon?" You ask.

"First you show up without being called, now you're guessing what's up. You've gotten good at this" She says.

You shrug. "I figured it was about time. Heck, I was out for five days and even I feel like we've been here too long" You say.

"You and me both. Lutain's nice, but I'm itchin' to see Kirando... and gore every demon from here to there" She says.

"If I leave enough for you to dig your horns into" You say, bumping fists with her as you head inside.

"You're on" She calls out.

The Commander's door is shut when you arrive, but the guard standing outside tells you to just go in.

"That was quick" Altea says.

"I was already on my way. I think your sprite had to chase me on the Rook" You say. "Heading out?"

She nods.

"How soon?" You ask.

"First thing tomorrow morning" She replies.

You go over and take a seat. "How do the roads look?" You ask.

"Dicey. We've beefed up our recon groups and we'll have aerial support the whole way, but I still expect some harrassment" She says.

"Traps?" You ask. "They've had time to prepare"

"Of course" She says. "Which is why our best spotter will be at the head"

"Me?" You ask.

"You've got the magic eyes" She says.

...

>I do, don't I?

>Am I really our best?

>Ask if she knows about Hella

>Other

>>2644085
>I do, don't I?
>Am I really our best?

>>2644085
>>I do, don't I?

>writing

"I do, don't I?" You say with a grin. "But am I really our best?"

"It'd work better if you could fly, but we'll have to deal" She says. "Pip's report on the Mortifas mission made your trap spotting abilities quite clear"

"Good point" You say. "So ships in the air, beefed up recon, full force march... what are we bringing as far as siege goes?"

"Everything we have" She says. "I've got Gretchen tearing into the Legion's weapon as we speak, but it'll be a while before she can reverse engineer it. Until then we're fighting with what we have, and we have quite a bit"

"Just hoping we won't get stuck like we did in Contique" You say.

"We got stuck in Contique because our resources were limited" She says. "We had a single Dragonfire shot, and some light firepower. Do you know what we have this time?"

You shake your head.

"Enough" She says. "After the last shipment from Lubars, we probably have enough to level Riverhold... but then we'd have to cross some other way"

"Good to hear" You say. "I can probably add my own power to that"

"Keep that up your sleeve for now" She says. "Hold it until you can truly control it, or until it becomes absolutely necessary"

"Gotcha" You say.

"But otherwise, you might want to start packing. Tomorrow morning comes early" She says.

"Not early enough, according to Rhea" You say.

"Trust me, she's not the only one wanting to get moving" Altea says. "Go on. South gate is the muster point. I expect to see you at first light"

"I'll be there" You reply.

That's all for tonight!

Next thread may be tomorrow. Depends on how busy I am.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time.

>>2644111
thanks for running

>>2644111
Damn, missed it live. Thanks for running!

After getting a few more details about your deployment, you let Altea know about Lianna's wish for a meeting. She is, of course, busy for the foreseeable future. But she does seem interested, and says she'll think about it.

With that done you head back outside and ask Rhea where they brought the big siege engine, then hop on the Rook and go check it out.

The massive wheeled structure is still outside the gates, being too large to fit through. Since they can't bring it in, a palisade has been erected around it so it's not just out in the open.

There's only one person inside the weapon when you arrive, and her green skin makes her immediately recognizeable even though her face is buried in the machinery.

"Hey Gretchen" You say.

She's not surprised by your appearance. You learned from the scholars how to 'loudly enter a room' so that even a focused person can make note of your arrival... of course it was a long learning process involving several startled archivists and one near heart attack. But you learned.

"Hey hey" Gretchen says, pulling her head out from the open panel she was looking into. "Trouble with the Rook?"

"Nope. Rook works fine. I was curious about this thing" You say.

"Me too" She says, turning back to the panel. It looks like she's trying to pry something loose, stopping after a second and turning to you. "Hey, you're Mr. Muscles, right? Mind doin' me a little favor?"

"What do you need?" You ask, moving in to look at what she's working on.

She points at a jagged piece of metal jammed into a mana line. "That needs to go. Here're the pliers" She says.

You nod, grip the metal with the pliers, brace one hand on the wall, and pull. It takes some wiggling, put the piece comes loose.

"Nice" She says, pulling out a small blue crystal and sticking it into the gap. The damaged mana line absorbs the mana crystal to repair itself, and Gretchen hops back with a device in her hand, throwing a switch on the nearby wall.

The device lights up with a little pointer that Gretchen follows around... until it shuts down, leaving her thoroughly disappointed.

She bites her lip and growls, taking a deep breath as she turns back to you. "Quick question: Am I allowed to curse around you?" She asks.

>Curse away

>What's the problem?

>Only if you get creative with it

>Other

>>2645450
>>Only if you get creative with it

>>2645450
>>I allow only the king's English in my presence.

>>2645450
>>Only if you get creative with it

>>2645450
>>Only if you get creative with it

>writing

"Only if you get creative with it" You say.

Gretchen nods, takes a breath, and... "This fucking slutty, crotch blossomed, slag eating, xeranisian cuntwaffle of a bastard ratting-" She pauses briefly to chuck the device at the floor for emphasis "-toenail hoarding piece of slimy, racist DRAGON SHIT!"

Her tirade at its end, Gretchen breathes heavily through gritted teeth.

You applaud when it seems like she's calmed down enough to not bite your head off at the slightest provocation. "So what's the problem?"

Gretchen sighs and flops into a nearby chair. "Everything" She says. "I'm tryin' to figure out where the actual central device is on this hunk of junk, and to do that I need to follow the lines"

"But the lines are broken" You say.

"Just about everywhere" She says. "That's the thirteenth time I've had to fix it, and I'm STILL not where I need to be"

"You'd think its design would be simpler than that" You say.

"Nope. Things like this are designed to give gals like me nightmares" She says. "It's a siege weapon. If it gets captured you don't want your enemies turning it on you or building one of their own, so they're built to be overly complex"

"Even yours?" You ask.

"What, the lances?" She asks. "Those pack a bit less oomph than this, but even then you'd have to perfect the firing times to get the same power. That took me a very long time"

"Okay... so what do we know about this thing?" You ask.

"It sucks mana out of the gate's regenerative devices, then uses it to power the weapons on the front" She says. "Drain the mana, gate can't repair itself and it drops faster than a butterfly's britches after exactly two and a half pints of ale"

>That's... oddly specific

>How'd it get so busted up?

>So all we have to do is find the device?

>Other

>>2645542
>>So all we have to do is find the device?

>>2645542
>>That's... oddly specific

>>2645542
>>How'd it get so busted up?

>>So all we have to do is find the device?

>writing

"That's oddly specific" You say.

"You've never met a butterfly before" She says. "I'll have to introduce you to Elphie one of these days. Now there's a girl who really buts the 'butt' in 'butterfly'... but that's totally off topic"

"Yep" You say. "So all we've gotta do is find the device?" You ask.

"That's step one, yeah. Step two is actually figuring out how it drains mana, but that's a 'me' problem" She says. "The device is a 'me' problem too, but I'm sensing that you want to help"

"I'll lend a hand" You say.

"Cool" She says, kicking the device she tossed on the ground away, and pulling an identical one out of a pack on her toolbelt.

"How many of those do you have?" You ask.

"As of yesterday? 1. Now? Enough that I can afford to break a few" She says, turning the device on and flipping the wall switch again.

You both follow where the device points, until it shuts down.

"Behind here" You say, looking for the access panel. "How'd this thing get so busted up anyway?"

"Some of it is obvious sabotage, but the rest was all done by the Pale lady herself" She says. "Powerful as she is, she also lacks a certain... finesse"

"We're workin' on that" You say, popping open the nearest access panel and peering in. "This one's just busted, nothing to pull out"

"Ah, the only good thing about ice damage. It all melts" She says, handing you a crystal. "Pop that in there if you can reach it"

You reach down and place the crystal into the break in the line and as before it gets absorbed, mending the break.

By the time you get your arm out, Gretchen's got the device out again and a hand on the switch...

>1/2

What you originally thought was going to be a quick task turns out to be a monumental undertaking. Mana lines run everywhere around the "control room" of the siege engine. It takes 3 hours to find and get at them all, and you learn many, many new curses in the process.

By the time you think you're finished, you know the engine inside and out. You've been into every side, up on top, underneath... Gretchen even had to crawl into a few places that were too tight for you.

Having just mended what you hope is the last break, you and Gretchen step back inside.

"Alright... pleaseworkpleaseworkpleasework-" Gretchen mumbles as she tosses the switch again.

You both watch the pointer on her device as it tracks the mana flow around the engine... and around... and around...

"Aaany minute now" She says.

And around... and around...

...

"Out of curiousity, did you ever find a start point for the circuit?" You ask.

"Starts right here" Gretchen says, pointing to the switch.

And around... and around...

"Did we fuck this up?" She asks, as she walks over to the info displays. "It's definitely drawing power, but it's not going to a device"

"Kinda looks like an absorbance machine" You say.

"A whatnow?" She asks.

"One of the scholar's pet projects..." You say, grabbing a pen and paper so you can draw out the basic idea. "A device made up of mana lines instead of a simple ring. You run the energy around in a constant loop to create a vortex of sorts"

"I've... never heard of anything like that" She says.

"All the same, Nilhan never did get it to work" You say. "But this machine seems to match his theories..."

"There're some scholars in town, aren't there?" She asks.

"History buffs. They'd be no good to us" You say.

>Know of any other device experts?

>We must be missing something...

>Would taking it apart help?

>Other

>>2645671
>>Know of any other device experts?

>>2645671
>>Know of any other device experts?

>>2645671
>>We must be missing something...
Maybe we need to remodulate the deflector dish

>writing

>>2645684
Nah. Seems like a clear issue with the flux capacitor...

"Know of any other device experts?" You ask.

"A few. None that are close by" She says.

"Hmm... we might be missing something" You say. "Nilhan could never get something like this to work, so what does the Legion have that we don't?"

"Other than the mana eating weapons?" She asks.

"That's it!" You say, turning back to your paper and adding a few scribbles... "One of those boons placed at the center would draw the mana inwards, making it into a proper vortex instead of just a ring"

"So what you're saying is: we can't use it" She says.

"Not necessarily" You say. "Building a device at the center could do the trick for us... and if push comes to shove there are still 2 boons back in Locke's vault that I've yet to destroy"

"I'd rather just scrap it for parts now that we know how it works..." She says. "Those fleshy things creep me the heck out"

>You're right...

>Maybe just a test...

>I think we can use this

>Other

>>2645735
>>You're right...

>>2645735
>>Maybe just a test...

>>2645735
>I think we can use this
>You're right...
IF we could construct a device to get this working, then it would be really useful in retaking towns. However we shouldn't resort to using the flesh weapons.

And if we can't get a device to make this thing work in a reasonable amount of time, then we might as well scrap it for stuff that we CAN use.

>>2645735
>Maybe just a test...

Send the whole thing back there nice and safe and let the scholars try and figure something out.

I may be fuzzy on your lore, but doesn't a soul engine (like the one back in Mortifas or the rook) create a void for normal mana (similar to a battery making a voltage that's a difference in potential energy)? Could that be enough to stabilize the center of the rings? I can't remember if it destroys nearby mana or just pushes it away.

>writing

>>2645757
If it works like that then we could gather soul ourselves and start it. Alternatively we could drag the rook up here.

>>2645780
Nah. If it works like that, you do the next logical thing. Which is use that stage of critically condensed mana and feed it into an even bigger superweapon with even more coils.

"If we could construct a device to replace the boon though..." You say.

"That sounds like a lot of time that would be better spent turning this thing into something more immediately useful" She says. "I'll log its design and ship it back to the bookies in Leon. Maybe they can make something of it that doesn't involve a tentacle sword"

"Alright" You say. "Need my help for that?"

"Oh, I'm not takin' it apart. That's a job for the mechanics who can actually lift half this stuff" She says, gathering up her tools.

"What are you gonna do then?" You ask.

"If we're re-purposing this, then I'll have a ton of parts... there's enough crystal lines and good steel in this bad boy to make dozens of decent toys..." She says, getting a devious grin and cracking her knuckles. "Or one really nice one..."

"How nice we talkin'?" You ask.

"Nice enough to rock a city to dust, leaving all the women in puddles on the floor and all the men feeling impotent in its wake" She says, still grinning.

...

"We talkin' about a siege engine or a sex toy?" You ask.

"A siege engine... probably" She says. "Maybe a bit of both"

>This I gotta see...

>I'll leave you to that

>Other

>>2645806
>>I'll leave you to that

>writing

You give her a pat on the back as you exit the siege engine. "Well I'll leave you to that" You say.

"What, you don't wanna witness history in the making? I'm gonna build a weapon that'll ram straight-" she makes a circle with her finger and thumb, then shoves her fist through it "-through the enemy's front door. A big knobby one that'll completely destroy all those vague battering ram metaphors"

"I feel like that would be the sort of thing the history books gloss over" You say.

"Shit..." She says. "Well I can make a nice weapon, anyway. I'll see if I can't get you to look at the first draft. You seem to know a lot about these things"

"A bit, yeah" You say.

"And be sure to bring the Rook back around" She says. "I think I've got the parts to make some new additions. I just need to find the time..."

"Well let me know about that. The boosters work pretty damn well" You say.

"Yeah?" She asks. "Maybe you can take me out for a ride one of these days. Just make sure it's properly lubricated"

"Not to worry. I take very good care of my passengers, just remember to hold on tight" You say.

Gretchen snorts, then looks suspicious. "Heeyyyyyy... you didn't used to get all my stupid sex jokes" She says.

"I didn't used to get a lot of things" You say. "Take it easy, Gretchen"

She smiles and gives you a polite bow. "Right back atcha" She replies.

>Head back to the manor

>Go meet the merchant

>Other

>>2645860
>Go meet the merchant
We've got time right?

>>2645860
>>Head back to the manor

>>2645860
>>Go meet the merchant

>>2645860
>>Go meet the merchant

>writing

Well that was an interesting way to spend a few hours... you don't think you accomplished all that much, but you did learn some neat new swear words.

You figure you're long overdue to go and pay the town's merchant a visit. Remembering back to Belladonna's notes, his name was... uhh... Frank?

No that doesn't sound right... Definitely started with a 'Fran'...

Frang. Frang Varus was his name, and if you remember right his business is out in the main market. So you hop on the Rook and get moving.

It's still mid-afternoon when you arrive in the market, getting close to dinner time but not so close that you feel the need to eat.

Frang's shop looks to be more of a warehouse from the outside, and a pleasant looking man greets you at the door.

At first you assume he must be Frang himself, but then you notice the nametag...

"Hello there, young man. How can I help you?" The man asks. The name on the tag says... something. It's written very messily.

"Yuu Gallant" You say, offering the man your hand. "I'm looking for Mr. Varus"

The man frowns, but rushes to give you a handshake. "Terribly sorry, but I'm afraid Mr. Varus is out on business at the moment" He says. "With trade to the rest of Antolia cut off, he's in Lubars hoping to make some new deals"

"Oh" You say. "That's too bad..."

"Again, terribly sorry" He says. "If you wish to contact him, I can loan you one of our sprites"

>It can wait

>Ask the man about this business

>Sure

>Other

>>2645902
>>It can wait
I think we are better off doing it in person.

>>2645902
>>Ask the man about this business

>>2645902
>It can wait
>Ask the man about this business

>>2645902
>Ask the man about this business

>writing

You wave him off. "It can wait. Tell him I wish to meet when he returns from Lubars. Perhaps we can set something up if there's ever a lull on the front" You say.

"Of course" He says, making a note of that on a small pad.

"So what d you do here?" You ask. "Not just you... like... what's the business"

"Shipping and selling" The man says. "Mr. Varus has a good eye for the ebb and flow of supply and demand. The business is all about buying product where it is plentiful, then moving it and selling it somewhere it's not"

"A good model... I think" You say. "I gotta tell you, I don't know all that much about business"

"It's worked well thus far" He says.

"So what's been in demand nowadays?" You ask.

"Well it's wartime, so weapons and food" He says. "Food has been especially short here of late. That's why he's in Lubars"

"Sherton?" You ask.

The man nods. "How did you know?" He asks.

"Next to Leon and Locke, Sherton's got the largest stocks of food, and with the greenhouses they never really have to stop growing" You say. "Leon's air harbor is a bit of a logistical nightmare right now with all of our supplies coming from there, and if he wanted to make a deal with Locke, her Lady is here"

"Well put" The man says.

>Ask if they did business with the Legion

>Ask if Mr. Varus has heard about the new harbor

>Thank the man and leave

>Other

>>2645945
>>Mention the new harbor and suggest that he come by next time you are both in town to discuss the trade situation.
>>Thank the man and leave

>>2645945
>>Thank the man and leave

>>2645945
>Thank the man and leave

>writing

"Well, thank you for your time, anyway" You say.

"We will be in touch, my lord" The man replies, giving you a polite bow.

You head out and get back on the Rook. Shame you couldn't meet the merchant, but you guess it'll have to wait. You're in no hurry, plenty of time to build a city when there are no demons scratching at the walls.

With your business in the city concluded, you head back to the manor.

It's taken a while, but this place is starting to feel like home... you don't think you'll ever get used to the flock of maids, no matter how helpful they are. But they are making a good case for themselves, and with the way they treat you and each other it feels more like a massive family than a house with staff.

The maid at the front entrance right now is Carrie, the squirrel. "Welcome back sir!" She says. "Goodness, what have you been up to?"

You tilt your head. "Nothing too much" You say.

She gives you a grumpy sort of look, then pulls out a pocket mirror and puts it in your face.

You've got grease on you from the engine.

"Huh... didn't think I got any there" You say.

Checking yourself, it looks like a little got on your clothes as well, and there's quite a bit on your hands.

>Go take a bath

>I'm hungry

>Other

>>2645984
>>Go take a bath

>>2645984
>>Go take a bath

>>2645984
>Go take a bath

>writing

"I guess I should probably go bathe..." You say.

Carrie nods. "Just what were you doing?" She asks.

"I was helping our siegemaster reverse engineer the Legion's siege engine" You say.

"Did it work?" She asks.

You shrug. "We have a way to make it work, but nobody wants to do it, and that's all I should probably say" You say. "Now excuse me while I go cover myself in soap"

"Good plan" She replies.

You head inside and around to the baths. Lola, Liz, Fran, Lily, Daisy, Cheska, and Monique are here. Fran and Cheska are both washing their matching little devil's hair, while Liz angrily avoids Lola's hands.

>See if Lola needs a hand

>I didn't think it'd be so crowded in here

>Comment on the matching devils

>Other

>>2646018
>>I didn't think it'd be so crowded in here

>>2646018
>I didn't think it'd be so crowded in here
>Comment on the matching devils

>writing

"Didn't think it'd be so crowded in here" You say, securing your towel as you slip in.

"Someone upturned a pitcher of juice and it got everywhere..." Fran says.

"And I'm here because updrafts make a lot of heat, and I'm all sweaty" Cheska says.

"So who dumped the paint?" You ask.

Lola points up above her head, where Liz has reared herself up in self defense against the rabbit's hands. She clearly does not like soap.

"What brings you here?" Lola asks.

You gab some soap and start scrubbing the grease from your hands. "I was helping Gretchen, the siegemaster, try to reverse engineer the Legion's weapon" You say.

"Did you manage to do it?" Fran asks.

"We figured out how it works" You say. "It's got a coil of mana lines running around it. They use that and the effect of the boons to create a mana vortex"

"I didn't think you could create a stable mana vortex" Fran says. "At least, Nilhan's never been able to do it"

"Not without a boon" You say. "The mana eater has to be at the center, and stay at the... center"

"Somethin' wrong?" Cheska asks.

"Maybe" You say.

"Good, because I understood like 3 words there" Cheska says. "What's a mana vortex?"

"A complicated theory" Fran says. "To explain it, I'd have to explain 3 other principles..."

"I'll just take that as 'more book stuff' and let you learned people figure it out" Cheska says.

Fran looks disappointed, and gives Cheska a little splash. "Don't be so dismissive. You have a lot of studying to do, young lady" She says.

"I know..." Cheska replies.

...

"Can I just point out how cute it is that you guys match?" You ask.

"Noticed that, did you?" Cheska asks, giving Lily a big hug. "Colour coordination is important. Us red gals gotta stick together. Right Lily?"

"Right!" Lily says.

A sudden splash draws your attention over to Lola, where you see Liz scrambling out of the water and back to the high ground after falling off her perch.

"I... could use a hand" Lola says.

"Mine are still kinda dirty..." You say.

"I've got you" Monique says. "Just hold still..."

That's all for tonight!

Next thread will most likely be Thursday or Friday.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time.

>>2646062
Thanks for the thread!

>>2646062
Thanks for hosting. So Yuu was pretty much discussing business while covered in grease, right?

You sit in the tea room with all the people who were just in the baths with you. Liz is wrapped tightly around your chest, clinging onto you as a means to keep away from Lola and Monique. She seems pretty miffed about the way they gently, carefully, yet audaciously used soap on her.

The little devils are looking through this weird picture book, where there's a bunch of things they have to find... or something. Meanwhile Fran and Lola are discussing tea on one couch, with Monique and Cheska talking about something else on the other.

Cheska seems to realize something, and turns to you.

"So hey... in the baths, I remember something about the siege thing bothering you" She says. "What was up with that?"

"I thought all the technical talk was too much" You say.

Cheska shrugs.

"Well... putting it simply, they would have needed to keep a boon at the center in order to keep the vortex going" You say.

"And...?" Cheska asks.

"Where was it?" You ask. "I kinda passed out after the thing with Mahron, but I don't recall hearing about a boon holder inside the engine"

Cheska thinks for a moment. "Yeah..." She says. "I mean, I can't say for sure either. I was kinda down and out, but you'd think people might talk about an extra boon holder whether they escaped or were killed or... whatever"

"And if they were killed, then someone would have told me about the weapon by now so I could go destroy it" You say. "Something doesn't add up. I'll have to see the comomder and-"

Suddenly Liz perks up, head in the air with her little tongue flicking around.

"What's up noodle, smell something?" You ask.

She slinks underneath your arm, coming around behind you and over your head. Looking up, you see her still "smelling" the air.

"I think she does" Cheska says, sniffing to try and see if she can tell what it is. "And I think her nose is better than mine"

"What do you smell?" You ask.

Liz looks down, tongue still flicking out. She looks excited, so excited that she doesn't seem to know what to do with herself. So she grabs your nose.

"Honk" You say.

Then Hella comes into the room, with Quria, Robin, and Lianna in tow, carrying a an unruly amount of cookies. "Hello everyone!" Hella says.

"That... is a lot of cookies" Cheska says, clearly thinking the same thing you were.

The mention of cookies pulls the devils away from their book, and they rush over to Hella. Meanwhile Liz's eyes are locked onto her target... You figure it would be best to go over yourself before she slithers over on her own. Having her surprise Hella right now would not end well.

You step up and take the heavy container from Hella, and she seems thankful for it.

>Well these are mine now

>Did you guys use all the baking stuff?

>Feed snek

>Other