>>3446864
You wave over Helen and the old Steward, instructing them to carry Laura's litter upstairs and to take her to the left on the landing and into the multi-room suite that you and your father would share when staying here many years ago, in what feels like a different life.

Next is Sabrina, who is a much less engaging conversational partner seeing as she's still unconscious. When you're finished you hand off what remains of her uniform to be washed, wrapping her instead in clean linens.

“Well,” you declare. “Satisfied?”

The commander of the garrison nods grimly. “I am... though I have to admit the whole thing's way too crazy to accept so easily.”

“A long-lost princess reappears after having spent about a decade as a monster hunter,” you summarize. “Anyone would be skeptical. But that being said I am here now, and I'd ask that you exercise some caution in how you deal with that fact.”

“So what do you intend to do next?”

>Rest, recover, then continue our yōma suppression missions as usual.
>We need to secure our present situation. I'll be discussing the details with Helen.
>I'm looking to carve out an area of influence, create someplace safe for those like us.
>Other?

>>3446865
>I'm looking to carve out an area of influence, create someplace safe for those like us.

>>3446865
>>We need to secure our present situation. I'll be discussing the details with Helen.

>>3446865
>>We need to secure our present situation. I'll be discussing the details with Helen.

>>3446865
>We need to secure our present situation. I'll be discussing the details with Helen.

>>3446865
>I'm looking to carve out an area of influence, create someplace safe for those like us.

>>3446865
>>>We need to secure our present situation. I'll be discussing the details with Helen.
don't leak stuff

>>3446865
>>We need to secure our present situation. I'll be discussing the details with Helen.

>>3446865
>We need to secure our present situation. I'll be discussing the details with Helen.

>>3446865
>>We need to secure our present situation. I'll be discussing the details with Helen.

>>3446865
>>I'm looking to carve out an area of influence, create someplace safe for those like us.

>>3446865
>We need to secure our present situation. I'll be discussing the details with Helen.

>>3446865
“We may be alive,” you sigh, “but that's just the beginning of our troubles. We'll have to decide together how to go about finding long-term security and stability.”

You're careful not to divulge anything to this man... not who your fellow warriors are, not what your mission was or why you've ended up seeking refuge here, and not what the dynamic within your group is. He already knows one dangerous detail, no sense giving away anything else just yet.

“To that end, I need your word,” you frown at the commander. “Knowledge of our presence and my identity does not leave this place. If you consider the issues of your pay and supplies, I think you'll agree it's in the interests of you and your men to cooperate.”

The commander is quiet for a moment. “I think I get your meaning, ma'am.”

“Good,” you nod. “Keep up standard guard patrols, keep the gate locked down, keep your eyes open for single infiltrators. We'll discuss updating the fortifications in due time, father had a few ideas for improvements and all of them are relatively simple.”

“Got it,” the commander nods grimly. “Well, I guess... goodnight, ma'am.”

“Carry on, commander,” you insist, returning your previous task.

Sabrina and Laura are both placed with their litters propped up in what was once an outer reception room for the state bedroom beyond, but which was converted into a bedroom for your use while staying here at the castle. It's much as you remember it: warm and inviting, without too much in the way of hanging art or gold leaf, which litters other noble homes. There's a small hearth built into one of the walls which currently sits empty, a large bed with fresh linens, a desk, a chair, drawers, and so forth. All somewhat mismatched, but each showing the finest craftsmanship.

The litters are leaned up against the low-slung couch, with Laura and Sabrina's swords laid out on the floor under one narrow window along the outer wall.

You wash up with what remains of the hot water, oiling your skin and scraping away the blood and sweat and grime, before returning to your room. You pass through what was your father's room both ways, moving quickly and wordlessly without pause as you do.

“There was a woman here,” Laura greets you when you return. “Left you something.”

Dominica did? Ah... a clean negligee to sleep in. As late as it is, and as sudden as your appearance, she can't help but try and dress you up.

“What are your plans for tomorrow?” Laura presses you quietly as you set about turning off the lamps.

>I want to head back into the mountains. Recover the bodies and the swords for burial.
>I need to go out and arrange some details. This castle's defenses are years out of date.
>We need to have a discussion together first thing... hopefully Sabrina will be awake by then.
>Other?

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327 KB JPG

>>3447576
Shit, forgot I had this.

>>3447576
>>We need to have a discussion together first thing... hopefully Sabrina will be awake by then.

>>3447576
>>We need to have a discussion together first thing... hopefully Sabrina will be awake by then.

>>3447576
>I want to head back into the mountains. Recover the bodies and the swords for burial.

>>3447576
>>We need to have a discussion together first thing... hopefully Sabrina will be awake by then.

>>3447576
>We need to have a discussion together first thing... hopefully Sabrina will be awake by then.

>>3447576
>>We need to have a discussion together first thing... hopefully Sabrina will be awake by then.

>>3447576
>We need to have a discussion together first thing... hopefully Sabrina will be awake by then.

>>3447576
The smell of the lamp-oil is sweet as you put out the one over the small desk. "We'll all need to talk... no more secrets. Not after this."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Laura presses quietly. "None of the others knew Sabela before she awakened. They may not feel so accepting towards her offspring."

"Serana already knows and couldn't care less about it," you sigh tiredly, catching a floral whiff of rose and thistle as you snuff out the lamps on either side of the bed before collapsing onto it. So your old Lady of the Bedchamber still scents the lamp oil after all these years... how nostalgic.

"Helen also knows, and seems willing to work with it... I just hope Sabrina is awake by then..."
>1/2

>>3449426
You're slow to rise the next morning after slipping off to sleep, only eventually committing thanks to the smell of bacon.

"Our hosts cooked," Laura informs you, proffering a half-eaten plate. "They made too much of course. The others are finishing up outside."

"Thanks," you grumble, accepting the plate and fork. "Call us if Sabrina wakes?"

"Of course."

Outside the door there is a small room not dissimilar to a walk-through cloak room in intent, which you pass through like a sleepy wraith before settling into one of the couches in the sitting room between the royal rooms and the guest quarters.

"You slept late," Valentina observes. "Some of us were wondering if you planned to sleep all day."

A tattie scone, haggis, two tomato slices, bacon, and probably an egg and a half with goats cheese and basil disappear as you essentially tilt the plate and shovel it into your mouth.

"Here," Valentina passes you a ceramic mug with warm spiced tea in it. "That nice old lady makes it great. Who is she to you again?"

>Explain to the group that you were raised as a princess.
>Explain the whole thing, both sides of the family included.
>Ask how much the relative newcomer, Lucia, knows.
>Other

>>3449466
>>Ask how much the relative newcomer, Lucia, knows.
>Explain the whole thing, both sides of the family included.

>>3449466
>Explain the whole thing, both sides of the family included.

>>3449466
>Explain to the group that you were raised as a princess.
We'll wait until Sabrina wakes up to tell about the other side.

>>3449466
>>Ask how much the relative newcomer, Lucia, knows.
>>Explain the whole thing, both sides of the family included.

>>3449466
>ask the newcomer
Tell to wait at least till midday, if she doesn't wake then, we have to tell them, in case there are any time sensitive issues

>>3449466
>>Ask how much the relative newcomer, Lucia, knows.

>>3449466
>Ask how much the relative newcomer, Lucia, knows.

>>3449466
>Explain the whole thing, both sides of the family included.

>>3449466
>>Explain the whole thing, both sides of the family included.
Just get everything out of the way.

I sense a comeback for Noel's original nickname in the near future.

>>3451715
When all her friends die?

>>3449466
"How much do you know, Lucia?" you ask the rookie calmly. "Has Helen explained to you the situation we're in?"

Lucia nods quietly. "She explained what a half-awakening is, at least the basic idea of it at least."

"Then you know about as much as we do about it," you sigh. "As Helen and Serana already know my situation is even more complicated."

"Thing is, I'd prefer to wait until Sabrina is able to join us," you admit. "The last thing I want to do is make one of our very limited number feel alienated by proceeding without her. So I'm inclined to give her until noon."

Helen nods thoughtfully. "I agree with the sentiment."

"So what are we supposed to do until then?" Valentina counters. "We can't exactly parade ourselves around like this."

For perhaps the first time, you actually pay some attention to your compatriots' state of dress...

"Your uniforms are still being cleaned, aren't they?"

Justina nods sagely. "Thus, the underwear."

>The keep has a map table. We could consider long-term strategy.
>We could have the soldiers avoid the lochside defenses, train down there.
>Maybe I should scrape together an outfit and buy you some clothes in town.
>Other?

>>3452149
>>Maybe I should scrape together an outfit and buy you some clothes in town.

>>3452149
>>Maybe I should scrape together an outfit and buy you some clothes in town.

>>3452149
>>Maybe I should scrape together an outfit and buy you some clothes in town.

>>3452149
>other: go on a fashion overdrive on your need to dress your companions in fashionable clothes. You need their sizes, measurements what patterns they prefer, and most importantly, perfume.

>>3452149
>Maybe I should scrape together an outfit and buy you some clothes in town.

>>3452212
hue, this is good too.

>>3452212
Heh, definitely this

>>3452212
Simply yes!

>>3452212
Supporting this. A little fun to light up the mood.

>>3452149
this>>3452212

>>3452040
Err, no. The one before that: Pink Princess.

>>3452149
>3d10 best of four

Rolled 6, 10, 9 = 25 (3d10)

>>3454270

Rolled 3, 2, 6, 1 = 12 (4d10)

>>3454270

Rolled 6, 2, 5 = 13 (3d10)

>>3454270

Rolled 8, 7, 4 = 19 (3d10)

>>3454270

Rolled 7, 2, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>3454270

>>3454270
You quickly excuse yourself, leaving your sisters in arms rather confused and concerned at your abrupt departure. But you return just as quickly with a measuring tape and pen and paper.

"Here, stand still," you order Serana as you measure her height, the length of her remaining arm, her natural waist and the size of her hips, the length from waist to ankle, the distance between the base of her neck and her crotch, and finally her size below the bust and right around her at the nipples.

"Respectable," you mutter for her ears only as you take your final notes. "I want to take all your measurements, get each of you some nice, fitted clothes. That way you can get into town without drawing too much notice."

The others are fairly enthusiastic about the idea of getting new outfits, even Justina who tries to explain away her interest in terms of having a better chance at blending in. It takes a fair amount of time, more so when you add in Sabrina and Laura who are less able to move around to facilitate your work. But you eventually finish the task.

Next you throw on some clothes you find in one of your father's drawers; simple britches and a plain shirt, with a belt to hold it all together.

The flowers are in bloom and the sun is shining when you get away at long last, riding Alysheba slowly down the road to Scaithness.

>Find a tailor, go all out on this one round of gifts.
>Pick out nice, premade items to suit each warrior.
>Make it a full shopping trip, get some premade clothes and some other niceities.
>Other?

>>3454454
>Make it a full shopping trip, get some premade clothes and some other niceities.
We need the clothes ASAP, but maybe one special item per warrior would also be appropriate

>>3454454
>>3454467
I'm in with this

>>3454454
>Make it a full shopping trip, get some premade clothes and some other niceities.

>>3454454
>>Make it a full shopping trip, get some premade clothes and some other niceities.

>>3454454
>>Make it a full shopping trip, get some premade clothes and some other niceities.
shopping! Like normal girls!

>>3454454
>>Make it a full shopping trip, get some premade clothes and some other niceities.
They all deserve a treat for that clusterfuck of a battle.

>>3454454
>>Make it a full shopping trip, get some premade clothes and some other niceities.

>>3454454
>Make it a full shopping trip, get some premade clothes and some other niceities.

Just caught up from the archive, don't usually post in current threads.

How's the quest's source material? Never even heard of it before this quest but it seems interesting, but that could be the quest's quality overshadowing it.

>>3454467
Down for this. It'd be hard to be personal with the girls we don't know very well, though.

>>3455775
It's a fairly dark setting where humans aren't at the top of the food chain, and a small standing force made up entirely of women trade away part of their humanity for power and are thrown into the grinder again and again until they either die or go insane, becoming the very sort of monsters they were sworn to destroy.

It leans a little towards Noble though, since the main characters constantly succeed in maintaining their humanity even when their entire existince is basically torment, and the main character has a nice complete arc in the manga.

The anime diverged from the manga and finished way earlier, so the ending kinda fell flat.

>>3455849
>3d10 best of three

Rolled 2, 2, 5 = 9 (3d10)

>>3456208

Rolled 2, 5, 8 = 15 (3d10)

>>3456208

Rolled 8, 4, 9 = 21 (3d10)

>>3456208

>>3455775
It has a special place in my heart. The source material does a lot of things right in terms of both interesting characters and setting. VERY competent storytelling.

Even what I see a lot of people complain about, the male deuteragonist, exists for a clever purpose as an audience surrogate to help keep supernatural shit in perspective and feeling poignant. He also is way less overdone in the manga and follows a good character arc.

>>3456208
You find yourself wandering around the small town, poking your head into the various shops. A sundress here, a shrug there, some breeches here there and everywhere. An hour or two later you've assembled quite the collection, with many of the tops being unfitted so as to be fair game for any warrior who takes a fancy to it.

It's around noon when you find yourself ducking quickly around a corner, more out of instinct than immediate need.

"What the hell are they doing here?" you hiss to yourself, as you watch three men clearly dressed as Inquisition agents march past on their way to the church.

"Up to no good I bet," a voice surprises you from behind, giving you a start.

"Dominica!" you sigh dramatically, "don't DO that to me!"

"Doing some shopping?" she asks inquisitively.

You nod. "Clothes for my friends. Sabrina is still sleeping it off, and I can't have my guests running around in their underthings. So I figured it was a good chance to do something nice for them."

Dominica's tired, careworn cheeks crease as she beams at you. "I was worried at first when I realized what you've become, but you're still the same girl as you were. A little rough around the edges perhaps, but you still have that kind, caring soul. I'm so relieved."

"One other difference," you add. "I'm even more uncomfortable with compliments... but thank you for your kind words."

You glance at the bag you've just noticed in her left hand. "What's that?"

"Oh, just indulging myself..." she grins at you. "It's been so long since I dressed you up. I've had so little use for fashionable clothes since you disappeared."

>I'm sure you got something nice... you really don't have to buy me things though.
>You know it IS possible to buy things for yourself, right?
>I'd like to ask you to refrain from treating me like a princess around my comrades, though... I'll allow it once, for old times' sake.
>... no slippers.
>Other

>>3456288
>You know it IS possible to buy things for yourself, right?

>>3456288
>>... no slippers.
This amuses me deeply.

>>3456288
>>... no slippers.

the crocs of this world! or any other for that matter

>>3456288
>You know it IS possible to buy things for yourself, right?

>>3456288
>>... no slippers.
I *need* this.

>>3456288
>>... no slippers.

>>3456288
>>... no slippers.

>>3456288
>>... no slippers.

>>3456288
>... no slippers.
best grandma and best family member (besides dad) we've met so far
sabela's neat and all but she's batshit

>>3456288
>... no slippers.

>>3456288
>... no slippers.

>>3456288
>I'd like to ask you to refrain from treating me like a princess around my comrades, though... I'll allow it once, for old times' sake.

So what's our game plan lads? Are we in full revolt? Are we gonna be on the run now? Do we try and feign trust in the organization (which seems dumb considering they just tried to kill us and everyone who knew us)?

>>3457024
I think multiple individuals have mentioned needing to pick a side: now might be that time. No way in Hell will the org just let us be if they know we're still mostly alive. We are going to need help.

And why is it that people are shitting on Sabela while Constanzia gets ignored? That bitch's minions were the ones who killed our friends, but all people care about is purging Sabela? That sounds downright suspect.

>>3457152
I'm of the opinion that if we get the chance to kill any of them, we take it. The more abyssal ones dead, the better.

But, I think we should have an open door situation with the girls - if they can't stomach going against the org, I think they should have the choice to go. But that might mean fighting them later. I hope we can talk down Zoe if we ever need to, I like her

>>3457152
Because there's no disagreement on whether Constanzia must be purged.

>>3457311
To be honest Constanzia seems dumb as a bag of bricks. She's the one who only wanted a good fight, right?

>>3457323
Not a reason not to purge her though.

>>3457324
I'm down for purging them all, but I get that qm's trying to go for a redeemable angle. But a demon's gonna demon, you get me?

Using meditation, Hindu principles of the Chakras, and achieving enlightenment with the inner yoma when?

>>3456288
Your response is as quick as it is simple.

"... no slippers please?"

Dominica stares at you for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Don't worry, I wouldn't dare dream! Besides, the riding boots you turned up in are of fantastic quality."

"So what did you get me, then?" you ask, playfully peeking into the bag as you and Dominica begin to walk back to the stables.

This way you are all but certain to avoid attention, since two shoppers chatting together are far less suspicious than a lone woman with pink hair.

"A lovely white riding dress," she informs you, letting you take a better look at the contents of the appropriate bag. "With a blue sash and a nice, broad-brimmed hat. Very stylish."

The style of dress is a purely Hazari adaptation, meant to be paired with short breeches that come to just above the knee. One side, normally the right side to remain opposite a sword when one is worn, is lined with buttons from hem to hip so as to facilitate riding a horse. Unlike in the east Hazari women have refused to take up riding side-saddle.

"Thank you," you smile to Dominica. "It's exactly what I would have asked for."

"I bought it because I knew you would never ask," Dominica sighs. "Just like you."

>Ask about what happened that night. You were a little preoccupied trying not to bleed out.
>Ask her what she and her husband did to get themselves sent out here. Were many other cabinet members kicked out of the Capital?
>Focus on the future, ask about the castle's financial situation and the soldiers garrisoned there.
>Other?

>>3457967
>>Ask her what she and her husband did to get themselves sent out here. Were many other cabinet members kicked out of the Capital?

>>3457967
>Ask about what happened that night. You were a little preoccupied trying not to bleed out.

>>3457967
>Ask her what she and her husband did to get themselves sent out here. Were many other cabinet members kicked out of the Capital?

>>3457967
>>Ask about what happened that night. You were a little preoccupied trying not to bleed out.
>>Ask her what she and her husband did to get themselves sent out here. Were many other cabinet members kicked out of the Capital?

>>3457967
>Focus on the future, ask about the castle's financial situation and the soldiers garrisoned there.

Let the past sleep for a bit

>>3457967
>>Ask about what happened that night. You were a little preoccupied trying not to bleed out.

>>3457967
>>Ask about what happened that night. You were a little preoccupied trying not to bleed out.

>>3457967
>Ask her what she and her husband did to get themselves sent out here. Were many other cabinet members kicked out of the Capital?

>>3457967
>Focus on the future, ask about the castle's financial situation and the soldiers garrisoned there.

>>3457967
>>Focus on the future, ask about the castle's financial situation and the soldiers garrisoned there.

>>3457967
>Focus on the future, ask about the castle's financial situation and the soldiers garrisoned there.

>>3457967
>Focus on the future, ask about the castle's financial situation and the soldiers garrisoned there.

>>3457967
"There are a few things I'd like to ask you though," you admit. "Speaking of things that are 'just like me', I'm trying to think ahead to help ensure that my comrades and I remain safe and secure. And I'm wondering if the castle might factor into that."

"How so, ma'am?" Dominica slides into a more formal tone, to indicate without calling attention to it that she is now treating you not as the girl she used to wait on all grown up, but as a serious player in Hazari politics who was born above any need to earn a certain degree of respect.

While you never doubted that you still had Dominica's heart on your side, it comes as a relief to know that neither her fondness towards you nor her joy in your return have compromised her ability to serve as a reliable retainer. As much as you were glad to see her too, what you NEED is what she can do for you.

"I need to know about the castle and its condition," you admit quietly as you unhitch Alysheba and lead him out of the stables. "Anything you can tell me about funding, supplies, troop movements and training. Things that will give me some indication of whether or not we can take up residence here long-term, and if so under what sort of deals and provisions."

"Well it isn't that bastard Sigmunt's favorite troops posted here," Dominica scoffs with a rare curse. "Low-performing soldiers, a drunk with a fancy name commanding them, and a couple of old troublemakers from the palace."

"As for funds and supplies, Sigmunt's first inclination was to slight the place. But your uncle Lord Andrei Tiberius allied with Marshall Noventus to oppose the plan. Argued it was too important to regional security."

And not incorrectly... the keep may not be designed for warfare involving cannons, but it commands such a naturally inassailable position that cannons could only fire on it from the loch. That in turn requires a barge to be built large enough to carry a gun heavy enough to damage the walls... the logistics behind that make such an undertaking an act of madness.

"They aren't wrong," you summarize your thoughts. "If Scaithness is the gateway to Eastern Hazaran then the Blackthorns of Castle Scaithag are its portcullis."

"Many of the Blackthorn thistles were burned out after..." Dominica begins before shaking her head. "Too much of a heraldic symbol they argued."

The conversation lasts until you've arrived at the castle.

"Hope I've helped, miss Noel," Dominica inclines her head, before taking your own bags off you as well.

"You most certainly have," you reply with a small smile. "In more ways than one."

>Head in as well, you want to return to the others quickly.
>Find the Commander, order him to help Dominica prepare to replant the thistle hedges that once served as part of the castle defenses.
>Find the troops themselves, have some of them prepare inventory sheets and compile basic records for the men serving here.
>Other

>>3460163
>Head in as well, you want to return to the others quickly.

>>3460163
>Find the troops themselves, have some of them prepare inventory sheets and compile basic records for the men serving here.

>>3460163
>>Find the Commander, order him to help Dominica prepare to replant the thistle hedges that once served as part of the castle defenses.

>>3460163
>Head in as well, you want to return to the others quickly.

>>3460163
>>Head in as well, you want to return to the others quickly.

>>3460163
>Head in as well, you want to return to the others quickly.

>>3460163
>Find the Commander, order him to help Dominica prepare to replant the thistle hedges that once served as part of the castle defenses.

>>3460163
>>Head in as well, you want to return to the others quickly.

>>3460163
>Find the Commander, order him to help Dominica prepare to replant the thistle hedges that once served as part of the castle defenses.
>Find the troops themselves, have some of them prepare inventory sheets and compile basic records for the men serving here.

If we are careful we can claim that the plants grew back by themselves.

>>3460163
>Head in as well, you want to return to the others quickly.

>>3460163
>Find the troops themselves, have some of them prepare inventory sheets and compile basic records for the men serving here.

>>3460163
You follow Dominica in, before taking the bags. Before you take leave of her, you issue a quiet order.

"Please gather as many Blackthorn seeds as you can," you insist under your breath. "Tell no one."

Once upstairs, you drop the bags unceremoniously in the middle of the sitting room before noticing a change.

"Sabrina, you're awake," you greet her calmly. "I'm glad. Please, try to come to an agreement on what you want to wear, and remember we have the funds to pay for a small wardrobe. So there's no urgency."

The others begin to pull on clothes, only going so far as to coordinate colors... so the mishmash of different styles is sometimes a sight to behold. You also carefully turn away as you change into the white riding dress that is now your own.

"There," you declare, as the other warriors return to their seats now dressed. The dress and sash Dominica bought you fit perfectly, of course. She hasn't lost her touch over the years.

"Have you said anything?" you ask Helen.

She nods and gestures to Sabrina, who answers. "I'm still working on it... it changes the way I've always thought of us warriors, of myself."

"I'm shocked. Not angry, just shocked."

"Then it's a good thing you're sitting," you sigh dramatically. "My full name is Noel Tiberius di Hazaran, and I am the daughter of the deposed "mad" King Tiberius and..."

You take a deep breath. Valentina looks at you strangely.

"... and the Abyssal One, Sabela."

The room is so silent you could hear a pin drop.

>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.
>Admit that this means you were never fully human, as they were, but reiterate your dedication to them and to your shared goals.
>You tried to avoid sharing the identity of your mother because you were afraid of how far the Organization might go to suppress that knowledge.
>Write In

>>3462367
>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.
>Admit that this means you were never fully human, as they were, but reiterate your dedication to them and to your shared goals.

>>3462367
>Admit that this means you were never fully human, as they were, but reiterate your dedication to them and to your shared goals.
>You tried to avoid sharing the identity of your mother because you were afraid of how they might react to it

>>3462367
>>Admit that this means you were never fully human, as they were, but reiterate your dedication to them and to your shared goals.

>>3462367
>Admit that this means you were never fully human, as they were, but reiterate your dedication to them and to your shared goals.

>>3462367
>>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.
>You tried to avoid sharing the identity of your mother because you were afraid of how far the Organization might go to suppress that knowledge.
our humanity is defined by our decions in life, not by blood

>>3462367
>>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.
>>You tried to avoid sharing the identity of your mother because you were afraid of how far the Organization might go to suppress that knowledge.

>>3462367
>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.

>>3462367
>>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.
>>Admit that this means you were never fully human, as they were, but reiterate your dedication to them and to your shared goals.

>>3462367
>>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.

>>3462367
>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.
>Admit that this means you were never fully human, as they were, but reiterate your dedication to them and to your shared goals.

We're certain that Sabela had us after she awakened right?

>>3462367
>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.
>>You tried to avoid sharing the identity of your mother because you were afraid of how far the Organization might go to suppress that knowledge.
Copy and pasted wrong post..... Ignore my earlier one mistake here >>3464483
please.

>>3462367
>>Apologize. Some of them you never had a chance to open up to, but others perhaps you should have.
>You tried to avoid sharing the identity of your mother because you were afraid of how far the Organization might go to suppress that knowledge.

>>3462367
>3d10 best of four

Rolled 3, 2, 5 = 10 (3d10)

>>3468819

Rolled 7, 2, 5 = 14 (3d10)

>>3468819

Rolled 9, 4, 5 = 18 (3d10)

>>3468819

Rolled 8, 1, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>3468819

>>3468819
"I can only apologize for springing this on you," you sigh, "and try to explain myself. I encountered Sabela for the first time on a mission near Accerrae, where she seemed to immediately take me for her daughter. It wasn't until teasing some further details out of my handler, and Laura's unprompted declaration of my parentage, that I had sufficient reason to believe it myself."

"It was because I was unsure that I was unwilling to mention it, at least initially, and after careful consideration of my situation I chose to continue keeping it to myself."

"Why?" Sabrina demands sharply. "Afraid of what we'd do if we knew what you are?"

You shake your head quietly. "Considering the facts, I had to conclude that the Organization staged a coup in my nation, killing my father and overthrowing the government just to get hold of me. That left me concerned about what they might do to anyone who found out about the events surrounding my..."

You briefly struggle to strike the right tone.

"... recruitment."

"You expect us to believe that?" Sabrina presses.

You glance at Lucia, who just as quickly glances away. "You're the daughter of one of those monsters who slaughtered our friends."

You slowly reach up to tug at the sleeve of your sundress, tilting your head to expose your neck.

"If you cannot accept my sincerity, then take my head. See for yourself what color I bleed."

Your glare meets Sabrina's. She stands, somewhat shaky on her feet but well enough to lift her blade.

Serana takes half a step forward, reaching for her own sword, but Valentina stops her with one arm barring her way.

The two stare straight at each other, with Valentina shaking her head silently.

Sabrina begins to swing, and you shut your eyes.
>1/2

>>3469235
man, what a time for a cliffhanger

>>3469235
"Why won't you move?"

You calmly open your eyes. "I may talk too much for a warrior, but when I say something I mean it. Otherwise what I said could never be believed."

Sabrina slowly lowers her sword. "I wish I could blame you. But it's not that easy, is it?"

You shake your head. "Show me your black card."

She stares blankly at first, so you repeat yourself. When she finds her hilt empty you frown.

"My mistake was believing I was the limit of their experiments. That was hubris," you admit. "We're all test subjects, toys for them to experiment on. Half-Awakened, fully Awakened, unawakened, half-Abyssal... we're all in this together."

"I nearly cut your head off," Sabrina points out flatly.

"Families have arguments sometimes," you shrug.

"Alright..." Valentina sighs, lowering her arm. "No more secrets?"

>None that come to mind.
>Nothing that I can make sense of yet.
>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.
>Other

File: dumbass.png (1.71 MB, 1436x1070)

1.71 MB PNG

>>3469257
>PhoneQueen
>Less than 10 minutes since the previous post

>>3469277
>>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.

>>3469282
jesus, calm down, it was a joke

>>3469282
>He is improving, learning the ways of the phoneposter

>>3469277
>>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.

>>3469277
>>Nothing that I can make sense of yet.
>>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.

>>3469277
>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.
>>3469294
I thought your computer wasn't borked

File: laughing.gif (2.9 MB, 290x189)

2.9 MB GIF

>>3469294
>>3469289

>>3469277
>>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.
>>3469298
https://twitter.com/QMKingofHearts/status/1119371413624950786

>>3469277
>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.

>>3469277
>>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.
Well that went better than I expected!

>>3469277
>Nothing that I can make sense of yet.
>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.

>>3469277
>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.

>>3469277
>I saw Inquisitors in the market this morning.

>>3469277
"Not a secret, more like news," you sigh wearily, finding a seat for yourself. "Bad, of course. I spotted Inquisition agents in the market this morning."

There's a quiet round of cursing in the room before Justina speaks. "Why here?"

"There's only one reasonable assumption," Helen declares. "They're looking to expand their influence."

You nod in agreement. "That would be consistent."

"Will their ideas find much acceptance here?" Lucia wonders aloud.

"Hazari aren't known for taking kindly to foreigners demanding stuff," Valentina shrugs dismissively.

"Hazaran is in a more uncertain place than when we were children," you observe. "And Scaithness is far from the Capital."

"You think this will become a problem?" Helen presses.

A gesture from Serana catches your eye.

WE HAVE TWO HAZARI WOMEN HERE.

You nod in immediate understanding. "The people here may be more likely to side against the Inquisition if they knew two of the warriors sheltering near their homes are daughters of their own kingdom. We would suddenly become people in their eyes."

"Then we should leave the situation in your hands," Helen nods. "In the meantime I suggest that the rest of us should divide ourselves between the tasks of securing our new home and planning our first scouting missions in the area."

"Agreed," you nod.

Justina is the first to her feet.

"Where ya going? Valentina asks.

"Map room," Justina replies tersely.

"Serana, may I ask you to please examine the main stores adjacent to the keep?" Helen asks politely.

OF COURSE. THANK YOU FOR BEING SO POLITE.

"Noel?"

"She appreciates your politeness," you shrug. "Also you'd know if she disagreed with you."
1/2

>>3472278
"So..." Valentina asks you awkwardly as you leave the castle. "What now?"

>We recover and bury our fallen. They deserve it and it gives us reason to approach the local clergy.
>We coordinate with Dominica, use her network and connections to learn more about the situation.
>We spread rumors about the Inquisition. I know they've done some suspect things in their self-righteous crusade.
>We approach the priest and show him who we are... including my ties to a man named Vigilus.
>Other

>>3472305
>We recover and bury our fallen. They deserve it and it gives us reason to approach the local clergy.
>We coordinate with Dominica, use her network and connections to learn more about the situation.

>>3472305
>>We recover and bury our fallen. They deserve it and it gives us reason to approach the local clergy.
>>We coordinate with Dominica, use her network and connections to learn more about the situation.

>>3472305
>We recover and bury our fallen. They deserve it and it gives us reason to approach the local clergy.
>We coordinate with Dominica, use her network and connections to learn more about the situation.

>>3472305
>>We recover and bury our fallen. They deserve it and it gives us reason to approach the local clergy.
>>We approach the priest and show him who we are... including my ties to a man named Vigilus.

>>3472305
We recover and bury our fallen. They deserve it and it gives us reason to approach the local clergy.
>We coordinate with Dominica, use her network and connections to learn more about the situation.

>>3472305
>We recover and bury our fallen. They deserve it and it gives us reason to approach the local clergy.
>We spread rumors about the Inquisition. I know they've done some suspect things in their self-righteous crusade.

Reminder that nothing is stopping us from killing humans anymore.
Why don't we just purge the inquisition under cover of night?

>>3473387
The fact we could use them as allies now maybe? Also the locals frown at murder and spooky shit is automatically contributed to us.

>>3472305
"Dominica may have the right social connections to learn more about the Inquisition's presence here," you realize. "More so than anyone else here."

"You trust her?" Valentina asks.

You nod. "When I was a child she was entrusted with waking me, being present while I bathed, and helping me dress. So... yes. It'd be hard NOT to trust her."

"Understandable," Valentina nods. "But I can't see you simply waiting on Dominica."

You nod in confirmation. "Please take my request to Dominica and meet me at the stables."

Several minutes later Valentina rejoins you in time to see you walking Alysheba out into the courtyard.

"What now?

"I want to recover our fallen and bury them respectably," you explain, and Valentina's mood immediately turns sombre. "It's something we should do anyway, and gives us a convenient excuse to approach the local clergy. Perhaps even call a ranking priest to the castle."

Valentina is slow to react, but eventually nods in agreement. "You're right on all counts, even if I don't want to go back there."

"It'll be fine," you assure her. "The Abyssal Ones have moved on, and anything else we run across we'll face together."

She offers you a faint smile as she mulls your words over. "Yeah... together. I like the sound of that."
>3d10 best of four

Rolled 7, 3, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>3474000

Rolled 9, 10, 1 = 20 (3d10)

>>3474000

Rolled 1, 1, 8 = 10 (3d10)

>>3474000

Rolled 8, 7, 3 = 18 (3d10)

>>3474000

>>3474000
Too tired after all the travel today, will continue tomorrow with the results of the roll. Hopefully using a computer.

>>3474000
You leave together, passing through the gate tower and heading up into the mountains. After about three hours, having left the shadowy loch behind you, you decide to take a short break and let Alysheba snack and drink.

"So how are we going to... you know..." Valentina asks nervously.

"There are some supplies in the saddlebags," you explain. "Enough to cremate..."

You pause.

"Is something wrong?" Valentina prompts you, poking you in the side of the head when you don't reply immediately. "You still alive, buddy?"

You place your hands on her cheeks, framing her face and gently turning her head towards what you felt. "I need you to focus in that direction."

After a few moments, she squirms slightly in your grip. "Isn't that..."

"Sabela," you agree. "She's returned to the site of battle. Likely to do the same as we were going to."

"Okay, can we go back to the castle?" Valentina asks anxiously. "Please?"

>Of course, though that only means Sabela will come to the castle later. Probably tonight.
>I will wait here for her. If you want to go back that's fine, I promise I won't hold it against you.
>You're a warrior and a dear friend. My mother will not lay a finger on you, that I can promise.
>Other?

>>3475266
>I will wait here for her. If you want to go back that's fine, I promise I won't hold it against you.

>>3475266
>>You're a warrior and a dear friend. My mother will not lay a finger on you, that I can promise.

File: 1556285452152.png (247 KB, 380x366)

247 KB PNG

>>3475266
>You're a warrior and a dear friend. My mother will not lay a finger on you, that I can promise.

>"You still alive, buddy?"
I can't help it.

>>3475266
>Of course, though that only means Sabela will come to the castle later. Probably tonight.
Safer this way, remember there is suppose to be a handler and another claymore watching the battle. They could still be watching the field.

>>3475266
>>You're a warrior and a dear friend. My mother will not lay a finger on you, that I can promise.

>>3475266
>You're a warrior and a dear friend. My mother will not lay a finger on you, that I can promise.
Having someone else interact with Sabela is probably a good thing, it will hopefully lend some credence to our word.

>>3475266
>I will wait here for her. If you want to go back that's fine, I promise I won't hold it against you.

>>3475266
>Of course, though that only means Sabela will come to the castle later. Probably tonight.

>>3475266
>You're a warrior and a dear friend. My mother will not lay a finger on you, that I can promise.

>>3475266
>"I'll wait here. She'll visit the castle tonight if I leave. "

>>3475266
>3d10, best of four

Rolled 2, 7, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>3475978

Rolled 3, 3, 3 = 9 (3d10)

>>3475978

Rolled 6, 3, 10 = 19 (3d10)

>>3475978

Rolled 10, 10, 8 = 28 (3d10)

>>3475978

File: Spoiler Image (1.19 MB, 610x1808)

1.19 MB PNG

>>3476022
Thank you

>>3475978
“Listen to me,” you insist quietly, spinning Valentina round and framing her face with your hands to force her to look you straight in the eyes from inches away. “You're a warrior, and moreover you're a very dear friend of mine. And because those things are true, I can promise you with absolute certainty that my mother will not lay so much as a single finger on you.”

“You are right not to trust her... but I do ask that you trust me. Can you do that?”

After a deep sigh, Valentina nods in agreement. “That... that I can do.”

“Thank you,” you smile.

“But if I end up dead I'm holding you responsible,” she quickly follows up. “Consider yourself haunted.”

“Duly noted.”

It takes until sundown, but eventually a figure emerges from the shadows. Valentina is immediately on full alert, grasping the hilt of her sword with her hand even before she can see Sabela's face to confirm it. Sabela pauses, before setting down quite the load of objects in front of her.

“I see you brought a friend, Noel,” your mother greets you. “I've taken care of things at the battlefield.”

“Were you observed?” you ask.

“By that warrior and her handler?” she muses, before shaking her head. “They left the area yesterday evening.”

That's good news. That means your movements aren't currently being tracked, and your further involvement with Sabela won't come under scrutiny.

You nod to her. “Good. Those are the jars?”

She lifts each jar in turn, placing it on the dirt path in front of you alongside a matching sword. “Each one of them is here.”

“Thank you,” you nod. “I'll see to it they receive a proper burial.

“Happy to hear it.”

Then your mother turns her attention to your companion. “This is a friend of yours?”

You nod. “The others are far more suspicious of you, and the others like you.”

“And rightly so,” Sabela admits. “I see that I'm causing unnecessary tension, so I'll take my leave now.”

“That might be best,” you agree. “Maybe one of these days we'll have a proper conversation.”

“Maybe.”
>1/2

>>3476121
"Oh yes," Sabela adds, turning over her shoulder before she disappears once more into the darkness. "I have a gift for you as well, something I did not have the chance to offer you last time."

"And that is?" Valentina chimes in, her suspicion obvious.

Sabela turns to face you. "You were not the cause of my awakening, Noel. I wanted you to know that."
>TBC

>>3476124
Good show!

>>3476124
>"You were not the cause of my awakening, Noel. I wanted you to know that."
I'm not crying. You're crying!

>>3476124
But, was she already awakened then?

>>3477236
That would be the implication.

>>3477467
>>3476124
Well that explains how Noel's yoki control is insane, as well as the fact that she can go through awakening without actually awakening. It also explains the crown of horns, since it implies that Noel as she is right now was awakened from the start, and her using her own Yoki would just make the Abyssal phenotype more pronounced the more she uses it.

>>3477543
Thing is, Noel's yoki control isn't actually the best around, and she's not the only partially Awakened warrior, so I don't think this would be attributable to her ancestry. Also inheriting Awakening is doubtful in the first place.

>>3477543
It also explains her hair color, since retaining so much pigment is due a lot to Sabela's "contributions". Technically you could consider her a failed hybrid, it's just that the parts of her original makeup that remained dominant were half-Abyssal.

>>3477554
She's pretty damn good at it, she also seemingly can learn techniques easily from other claymores. Given time Noel could probably get to the top 5 or higher.

>>3476124
>3d10, best of four

Rolled 8, 5, 9 = 22 (3d10)

>>3478298

Rolled 10, 6, 4 = 20 (3d10)

>>3478298

Rolled 2, 10, 2 = 14 (3d10)

>>3478298

Rolled 10, 2, 9 = 21 (3d10)

>>3478298

>>3478298
After Sabela has gone and you've loaded the plain ceramic jars, each roughly etched with a symbol which matches one of the swords they've come with, you notice that Valentina is watching you carefully.

“Is something wrong?” you ask her.

She nods quietly. “You're crying.”

“Am I?” you ask, shaking your head. “Sorry, it's just that I'd come to think that my birth had been the cause of my mother's awakening, that it was a curse upon both of us.”

“And now you know that it wasn't,” Valentina finishes your thought, gently pressing against your shoulder to turn you around towards Scaithness... towards what is, for the time being, home. “So, does that mean...”

You sigh, interrupting her thoughts. “It does seem to fit. From what I've been able to piece together she was sent on the same suicide mission that we were, and rather than be killed by her targets she awakened. Based on what Laura has told me about my mother it was likely that, or allow her team to be wiped out.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Well,” you scratch your head, looking for the right words. “I know that because it's happened to me four times now. Once here, once with a group of three trainees, once in Anren, and once on the day I lost my friend Emma. It was done to Serana too, when she lost her arm.”

“My mother simply noted the pattern, and the more I consider it the more often I feel like the Organization has tried to create what is fundamentally the same setup.”

Valentina sighs, clearly not convinced... at least, not entirely. “I guess I just have trouble imagining a need for the Organization to go to the trouble, trying to create some kind of living Awakened weapon.”

>Maybe there's a bigger threat than yōma out there.
>Surely you've had a similar experience yourself?
>How was it exactly that you awakened?
>Other?

>>3478351
>>Maybe there's a bigger threat than yōma out there.
something related to the weird mine?

>>3478351
>>How was it exactly that you awakened?
Let's be open to new evidence

>>3478351
>>Maybe there's a bigger threat than yōma out there.
>>Surely you've had a similar experience yourself?

>>3478351
>>Maybe there's a bigger threat than yōma out there.
>>Surely you've had a similar experience yourself?

>>3478351
>>Maybe there's a bigger threat than yōma out there.
>>Surely you've had a similar experience yourself?

>>3478351
>Surely you've had a similar experience yourself?

>>3478351
>>How was it exactly that you awakened?

>>3478351
>Surely you've had a similar experience yourself?
>How was it exactly that you awakened?

>>3478351
>Maybe there's a bigger threat than yōma out there.
>How was it exactly that you awakened?

>>3478351
>Surely you've had a similar experience yourself?
>How was it exactly that you awakened?

Going to deliberately avoid the other one since I'm biased with meta-knowledge.

>other, IMPORTANT:
Constanzia and one other Abyssal were from a mishap in the org's plan of deliberately awakening one of a pair of twins while the other synchronized to preserve the mind of her sister. If that doesn't prove the organization is interested in making awakened, what will?

>>3478351
>Maybe there's a bigger threat than yōma out there.

>>3478351
>Surely you've had a similar experience yourself?
>How was it exactly that you awakened?
>Other
Ask to see her black card to see if she still has it.