>>3912347
Homicidal intent threatens to cloud your vision and judgement. A trickle of blood weaves through the vice you have on your holy symbol. Celegwen's ring nicks your skin, the gems on the interior of the band drawing forth no pain, no pleasure. You're far too distracted by the unconscious bodies of your friends at your feet, and by the demons before you.

It's all you can do to put yourself between them.

This is impossible.

There is no conceivable way you can protect your companions. Not while facing down an archdemon and five of her children. It cost the last Father of Mercy his life to take down a demon of lesser power than this, and he had the entire church behind him.

This woman- this demon- is a creature of legend. You have never contended with one so influential.

You've certainly never dealt with one so calm.

The air is warm. A faint breeze drifts past, the smell of grain making a mockery of childhood memories. There's no comfort in the association, as it only serves to unsettle you further. No stars hang in the sky, and the red moon leering over the field before you casts little light in comparison to the demon and her procession.

You can practically feel the heat and power emanating from the figure before you. The archdemon's patience is unsettling in its completeness. She neither moves nor gestures towards you, keeping her children at bay while you grit your teeth in agony.

There is no fear in your heart for yourself. You reserve your fear for your friends.

No timidness creeps into your voice, no hint of the usual insecurity or doubt. There is nothing you are more confident in than your hatred of this creature, their kind, and anyone who dares to harm those under your protection. Your voice cracks, raw in its intensity as you hold your ground.

"Not another step closer. I don't want to see you move. If your claim is true, answer me-"

You can't help but look back to your friends. They still haven't moved, their breath faint. Crimson catches in your vision, pools behind your eyes, sticking as hot and fast to your memory as it has to their hands. The image lingers after you've torn away, the heat in your voice rivaling that of the archdemon as you implore her. "What have you done?"

Gold and light remain entirely static before you. It seems that the woman is taking you seriously enough to respect your wishes, as she makes no movement. Her dripping shoulders and immaterial bosom do not heave, nor does any breath falls from her lips as she replies.

"I have done much, Father Anscham, but I have not harmed your friends. I assure you, they will be fine. This is a place of healing. If you wish, you may take the time to tend to them. I will not disturb you."

(1/2)

>>3912349
Your brows knit with stress. It's impossible to get a read on the archdemon's intent. An intangible cascade of gold and light stares back at you without judgement. She has no motion to discern, no tension, no indication of any sudden violence. The minor demons accompanying her are as small as children, strangely clad but no doubt possessing enormous power to be so close to her company.

>A) Don't let the demons out of your sight. Your friends are still alive, and you trust that they'll be alright while you determine how much danger you're all in. This demon not only claims to know what you seek, but to be willing to answer any question you might ask. Demand answers. (Write-in what you wish to know.)

>B) Pray to Mercy for Her protection, Her healing, and Her light. Keep your guard up while you tend to your friends. You spent an unprecedented amount of time with Mercy when you last invoked Her name, but you're willing to risk whatever might happen to ensure that everyone stays safe.

>C) Pray to Spirit to deduce this demon's true intentions. The Goddess can and will, no doubt, reveal whether or not this woman is lying to you. The risk of attempting any action against a demon this powerful is extreme- but you're not willing to say another word until you know who you can trust.

>D) Write-in.

>>3912352
>A) Don't let the demons out of your sight. Your friends are still alive, and you trust that they'll be alright while you determine how much danger you're all in. This demon not only claims to know what you seek, but to be willing to answer any question you might ask. Demand answers. (Write-in what you wish to know.)
How can you help me... why arent they awake...why are you so different from the other demons. Speak plainly or i swear to the gods i will tear this place down with all of us in it... what do you want from me?

>>3912352
This

>>3912352
Seconding everything >>3912363 except the part about tearing shit down.

>>3912363
>>3912364
>>3912370
Locking the vote here, writing now.

>>3912363
Sure why not

>>3912398
"Disturb me? How do you think you can even help me? Why aren't..."

It's worth the risk to hazard another glance at your companions. Their still forms and shallow breaths drive a blade through your heart and lungs as you struggle to articulate yourself. "W-why aren't they awake-"

The archdemon does not move or gesture to interrupt you. Her words are soft, despite her interjection.

"Father, I can help you in every conceivable way. I know what you seek. I know of your pain. I know of your journey, of your suffering. In order to help you, I needed to speak with you, and you alone. ...I have granted your companions reprieve from what is, no doubt, a distressing experience. I assure you, they will rise again."

This demon's tone has every nerve in your body on fire. Nothing about this seems right. Demons are universally homicidal, violent, unable to control their impulses- yet this one is attempting to exhibit Mercy? You couldn't hold back the question even if you wanted to.

"You are nothing like any demon I have ever encountered. I don't understand. Why? What about you- what do you even want from me-"

The demon interrupts again. "My Catalyst was my empathy, Father."

What?

There's no movement towards you, no sign of a threat. The grain waves slightly in the breeze, unaffected by the heat emanating from the archdemon. You reel for a moment, but manage to stutter, "w-what?"

"I have remained the Mother of this place for many an age. I tend to my children, as I always have. You know I cannot speak about this at length- but I implore you to understand. I wish to end their suffering, much as you do. I need your help, Father Anscham. The ages wear on me, on my mind, on my home. You know this, as I know this."

With absolutely no motion, the steady gold coursing over the woman's frame remains the only indication that she is even alive. You scrutinize the minor demons around her, your pulse so high you fear you might collapse. The faint light radiating from the minor demon's faces and slight twitch of their hands tells you that they are more than metal, but little else. Their discipline is absolute.

You clench your hands, trying to steady your breath, trying to get a hold of yourself. The archdemon continues. "I understand that this is too much to ask of you now. I understand that you have been hurt. I wish to help, to heal. I will give you a week."

"What?! Wait-!"

(1/2)

>>3912496
You take a step forward, bristling. The archdemon makes absolutely no indication of moving, yet her words are faint. "This is a place of healing- you may partake of anything here you so wish. I will give you one week, to decide if you will show me and my children that which you love. Learn of them. Meet them. Kill them if you must. I wish for you to understand, to exhibit that which you have utterly failed to do so, time and time again. Show us that which you claim to love, Father Anscham, and I will give you what you seek."

That which I love? ...Mercy?

"Wait!"

>A) Stop her at any cost. You aren't done with her. You have no idea how to leave this place, and you doubt you'd survive a fight- but you will not permit this demon to leave your sight. (Write-in anything else you may wish to know)
>A1) You don't trust her enough to stay willingly. Pray to Mercy. Ask for the archdemon's restraint. Implore her to show you at least enough compassion to stay.
>A2) Tackle her. You don't need the Gods to show how desperate you are to not be left alone in this place. Insist that you won't hurt her or her children- so long as they stay long enough to answer you.

>B) Let her go. See to your friends, and ensure that they're actually alright. You can wait. You need time.

>C) Write-in.

>>3912502
>A) Stop her at any cost. You aren't done with her. You have no idea how to leave this place, and you doubt you'd survive a fight- but you will not permit this demon to leave your sight. (Write-in anything else you may wish to know)
Ask her what in bloody fuck her connection with Mercy is. The fact that even her underlings are familiar with Her litany is highly suspicious; failing that, ask her about what sets her apart from normal demons. They all vary in behavior, (see Malimos, who was amused by Richard enough to not attack him) but this is exceptionally weird.

She did say she wanted to answer all our questions.

>>3912502
>A) Stop her at any cost. You aren't done with her. You have no idea how to leave this place, and you doubt you'd survive a fight- but you will not permit this demon to leave your sight. (Write-in anything else you may wish to know)
You wish to help? i still have many more questions, how am i supposed to "heal" if the weight of the unknown is a burden upon my mind. Why should i trust you? Are you doubting my devotion to the gods...to mercy... after all ive been through?

>>3912502
first this >>3912531 then this >>3912524

>>3912502
Do we remember Mercy's exact orders?

>>3912502
Also ask what happened to Ostedholm for it to fall this far? What is there that the records you know do not contain?

>>3912557
You guys have that shit memorized. You would be able to write it down or repeat it, verbatim. Likely something you'll never be able to forget.

>"Too long have you suffered."
>"Gather Our Children, Father. Though the only cure to The Catalyst is death, the afflicted themselves need not be abhorred. Gather Our Children, and find one that appears taken by their weakness. Find one that still possesses kindness in their heart.
>"Grant them Our blessing. Grant them peace, through Our symbol. You cannot do this alone. You must seek Our Relic, Father. Seek Our symbol. Deep, deeper still within the lands lies an answer to your pain. We entrust you with this mission- this most Holy mission- to obtain not the cure to the Catalyst, but the cure to your pain. The cure to the pain of so many others. Seek Our Relic. Do this, and go forth with Our blessing."
>"You are never truly alone, Father."

>>3912563
Looks like we found the kind one she was talking about but i have no fucking clue how we can show her out blessing when she is more powerful than us, i say we just play along and try to take a brake like mercy wanted, after all if she wanted us dead we wouldve been dead.

>>3912524
>>3912531
>>3912556
>>3912557
>>3912562
>>3912567
Going to incorporate all of this, great shit guys. Locking the vote, writing now.

>>3912574
Mercy's visit, Her mission, Her embrace- it all flickers through your mind rapidly as you take another step forward, and another. Blood slicks against your palm as your grasp on Her symbol crushes against your scarred and worn skin. You can feel your panic tilting over into something worse. The crushing fear of what this demon wants to do with you is unbearable.

I can't make a deal with a demon.
I can't ignore Her words-
I can't leave my friends here to die.
She could take them hostage. They could kill me here and now. I have to buy us time.
I need answers.

Your scream is hoarse, raw with worry and strain.

"Wait!!"

Immediately, a hand comes to your lips as you try to take back the outburst. The climax of your panic has you even more terrified than before.

"Mercy, forgive me. ...wait. Please. I- I'll listen. I'll talk. Just, please, don't go. You said you wished to help me- I still have so many questions-"

The form of the archdemon remains material, her voice taking on its luster once again as she replies. "Very well. What is it you wish to know?"

"The weight of the unknown, it's- it's a terrible burden. I can't possibly heal anyone like this. How am I supposed to, given this-"

You look around, so wide-eyed that the sage of your irises are fully exposed. The low grade headache behind your temples, the rapid beat of your heart, the red moon overhead- it's all impossibly close. The bodies of your friends behind you serve as another constant reminder of how vulnerable you all are.

Your voice comes out so on-edge that you doubt anyone could question your sincerity. You question hers, instead. "Why should I trust you?"

"I do not expect you to- hence, why I was quick to leave. You do not trust me or my kind, Father- much as we are reluctant to trust yours. I cannot hope to undo lifetimes of mistrust in a single conversation. I can only hope to make the most of the time that is left to me."

A long silence passes between you two. Anger catches in your throat, drowning out reason. It's impossible to not take offense to this creature after everything she's implied. The longer you think about it, the more uncomfortable you are. You've given everything in the name of the Gods. "Are you doubting my devotion? After everything I've been through- do you seriously question my connection to the Gods? To Mercy?"

"Yes."

A disgusted sound emerges despite your best efforts to contain it. You feel physically sick. The stress of dealing with this archdemon is making it unbelievably difficult to show any sort of restraint. Under normal circumstances, you could easily deal with someone questioning your faith. You know beyond any shadow of a doubt that you are unwavering in your conviction- but this demon has you questioning everything. Your accusations are as ugly as you feel, but you can't stop yourself.

(1/3)

>>3912693
"What connection, then, do you claim to have to Her? The fact that your children are familiar with Her litanies is questionable, at best- and your forms are a blatant mockery of Her light. What do you presume to know? What are you? Speak, demon. Tell me as best as you're able. I know you can't even utter the name of Mercy."

"I've already attempted to tell you, Father. I was once a Mother of..."

Righteous indignation further discolors the brewing storm of emotion in you as you finish her sentence. "Mercy."

"Yes. You, no doubt, are familiar by now with our home. I served this place, and-"

Though no breath rises from her lungs, it almost seems as if the archdemon's words catch in her throat. Her struggle is deeply satisfying, and you let her butcher her words to accommodate her meaning.

"...my- children. I fell, after witnessing the fall of our- home, my people. I could not bear to endure their suffering any longer. Many of them are still here, contained to the best of my ability, as I've-"

A terrible smirk crosses your face as you can't help but interject, "prayed?"

"...yes. For a time when we could heal, could learn, could leave this place. I suspect the world has only grown darker in the ages that have passed, without hope, without light. I have taken this form... no doubt as a reflection of what I felt most."

You stare at her, the smirk long gone already. This woman is raising more questions than she's answering. "What happened to Ostedholm for it to fall this far? I have learned so much of this place, but many of the records had omissions... what do you know of the information they did not contain?"

The archdemon's voice remains soft and unwavering, but a slight darkness creeps into her words as she speaks. "I strayed too close to the light, Father. Many of us did. They could not strike everything from the records before we were contained, and destroyed. There are so few of us left. ...so much was lost."

Her voice resumes its usual lightness. There's still absolutely no movement from any of the demons as the woman- the fallen Mother of Mercy- finishes speaking. "I suspect you must still have questions. If you swear to me to not bring me or my children any harm, I will remain here, for a time. It is incredibly taxing for me to remain in this form, but I swore to answer you. I can leave my children here as well, to provide food and healing for you all. ...you did not accept my gift previously, but I assure you, I mean you no harm. I wish to help."

(Overestimated, options in next post)

>>3912702
>A) You're at a loss for words. Nod noncommittally, and permit the archdemon to leave her minor demons with you all.

>B) You still have questions- this is the first time you've ever gotten anything in the way of answers since you entered this Gods-forsaken place. (Write-in anything else you need answers to.)

>C) Tell the archdemon you've heard enough, and insist that she and her children leave you all alone. You'll take her time to think on what she's said. You still have no idea what to make any of this.

>D) Write-in.

>>3912705
>>B) You still have questions- this is the first time you've ever gotten anything in the way of answers since you entered this Gods-forsaken place. (Write-in anything else you need answers to.)
-So what caused the Catalyst? Is it true that death is the only cure?

>>3912702
>>B) You still have questions- this is the first time you've ever gotten anything in the way of answers since you entered this Gods-forsaken place. (Write-in anything else you need answers to.)
You said you know of my mission, how did you come by that knowledge? It is ironic to hear of failure in devotion from someone like...you. Mercy has blessed me with her light, yet she has abandoned you and your children, maybe it is you who isnt worthy, maybe it is you who should prove herself. i came too close to the light many times, i counted. yet here i stand in her light not disgraced as you. Even so, what would you have me do?

>>3912705
Seconding both >>3912718 and >>3912736 if possible.

The information she's given so far is very interesting, by the way.

>>3912736
why not, sure , not like she can kill us if angry :^)

>>3912786
if she wanted to she would, its clear she is chasing another goal here that requires us to be alive.

>>3912718
>>3912736
>>3912754
>>3912786
>>3912791
Duly noting all of this, locking the vote to write.

>>3912754
Oh and thanks man, glad you're enjoying it! Appreciate your guys patience in between updates here, trying to give everyone a solid opportunity to vote and stuff.

>>3912811
The fear of this demon killing you and your friends outright stills the brewing turmoil in you for the briefest of moments. There's something that you came down to the ruins for. Your obsession- the very thing that has ruined the life of this demon and countless others.

"Don't go. Not yet. I need to know. How exactly- what caused your Catalyst?"

The steady drip of gold onto the soil beneath your feet is the only reply for several long moments. You've been so stressed, you hadn't even realized that there is no stone at this level of the ruins. Your eyes glance along the field, the hundreds of doors stretching out into the horizon, the gray walls climbing up towards the impossible abyss.

"Emotion," the archdemon finally replies. "It was my emotion. I fell too deeply into myself, Father. I professed to- serve, but I did not live up to the tenets of my station. I did not uphold my vows. I did not show restraint. I felt for my children, I felt for our home. I could not withhold all of the love in my heart, and it consumed me. It utterly destroyed us all."

The same ugliness is back in your throat, the urge to let out your spite, your insecurity, your utter lack of self-worth. For this demon to have questioned the one thing that you value about yourself is more than you can stand.

You lash out. "It's ironic. ...to hear of failure in devotion, from a former Mother of the Church."

You know how badly your words must sting her, but the archdemon shows no sign of responding. You dig deeper, desperate to assert yourself in this situation. The threat of these demons is intense, and your prolonged helplessness is more than you can stand. You want a foothold- anything that might help you not feel so weak.

"Mercy has blessed me with her light, yet, she has abandoned you and your children."

The scathing remark actually makes the archdemon recoil. The motion would be imperceptible, if you weren't staring her down. Her radiance catches on the bags under your eyes, the pockets of emaciated skin drawn taught over your prominent cheekbones. The pockmarks and old scars scarcely move, as you mutter, "maybe it is you who isn't worthy. Maybe- it is you who should prove herself. I've come close to the Catalyst many, many times. I remember each one vividly, yet here I stand..."

Your voice drops even lower, glaring at the archdemon. "...not as disgraced as you."

Something in the archdemon stirs. You can't tell if it's pain, or a threat, but it stills your voice for a moment.

There's a pull, deep in the pit of your stomach.

This is still a demon. She could kill us all at any moment.
What am I doing?

With a hard swallow, you try to quell the nausea, your racing heart, the frothing anger and the lifetime of strain to even your voice.

Take a deep breath.

To live is to serve. To serve is to be Merciful.

(1/2)

>>3912899
"You said that you knew of my mission. How did you come by that knowledge?"

The archdemon's voice is still soft, despite your cutting remarks. You know she must be hurt, but she isn't showing it as she levelly replies, "Malimos. His webs extend through the ruins, as I know you are aware. Our children have brought me word of your journey, your travels, and your mission- though I am aware that it has changed in your time here."

"You knew of my search- for the cure...?"

"Yes."

A sudden desperation seizes you. You can't stop yourself. "You must tell me. Is it true? Is death the only cure?"

"I do not know."

You invoke Her name rather than spill the myriad curses that rise to your lips. "Mercy...!"

"I understand how important this must be to you, but in all my many years, none of my children wished to change form. I could not attempt to bring them away from the Catalyst, even if they wished for me to try."

"What...?"

"I have conducted my own research, Father. I have a tremendous gift, from my service in life- something that I know you seek. I cannot give it willingly, but..."

The same urgency spills over, your anger rapidly giving way to the same desperation. "...what? What- what would you have me do?"

"It is as I said before. Speak with my children. Meet them. Show them..."

"...Mercy."

"Yes. See if you can sway their hearts. Their minds. Their forms. I suspect there may be a way to reverse what has transpired here. If nothing else- I wish to help you, to pass on this gift before I die. I know you wish to prove yourself, Father. I know you have suffered. ...I would see to it that you continue my work, as you already sought to do of your own volition."

Your mind races, as you struggle to internalize the implications of all of this. The demon's voice picks up, painfully radiant.

"Would you permit me to move, to awaken your friends, and grant you rest? I can grant further entry to my children's chambers, if you would see to them. ...though I cannot hope for them to show you the same- courtesy that I have. I suspect that you can contend with the mildest of them without issue."

"What other choice do I have?"

"You can certainly remain here, until the week is out. The new moon will come, and with it, the end... of our discussion. I will not wait here indefinitely. My form will not persist much longer. I wish to answer your questions, but I cannot waste my time."

For the briefest of moments, the light in her voice is utterly searing, "I may be disgraced, but I will not be trifled with."

The archdemon's voice softens again, the light dimming. "I understand the difficulty of your position, Father. You are not the first to suffer in this way. I implore you to exhibit that which you love. Please."

(Options in next post)

>>3912911
>A) Permit the demon to move. Stay on your guard, and stay right beside your friends. Let her waken them, and if she doesn't keep her word...
>A1) Invoke Mercy, to protect everyone to the best of Her ability.
>A2) Pray to Vengeance, to strike down the Archdemon with everything you have.

>B) Let her leave. She said that your friends were alright, and you have your own means of healing. Let her go, keep the doors closed, and tend to your companions. You'll figure out a way to move forward on your own time.

>C) You still have questions. Fuck, you have so many questions. It feels like it's been months since you got a straight answer out of someone. (Keep the write-ins coming if you still need answers.)

>D) Write-in.

>>3912914
>>A) Permit the demon to move. Stay on your guard, and stay right beside your friends. Let her waken them, and if she doesn't keep her word...
>>A1) Invoke Mercy, to protect everyone to the best of Her ability.

>>3912914
>>C) You still have questions. Fuck, you have so many questions. It feels like it's been months since you got a straight answer out of someone. (Keep the write-ins coming if you still need answers.)
There is a relic of mercy here , you as a mother should know where it is, please guide us to it, and i will see to your children

Going to get some coffee and then I'll close the vote, leaving it open for another 10 minutes or so but I'd like to keep the ball rolling for a bit longer tonight.

>>3912918
>>3912928
Coffee acquired. Going to combine these, locking the vote and writing now.

>>3912984
You gesture with your head, hands still around your holy symbol. You're beginning to wonder if you could pry your palm away from the gold if you tried. Your voice is level, no doubt left in your mind as you state, "There is a relic of Mercy here. You, as a Mother, should know where it is."

The confidence wavers slightly through your desperation. "Please, guide us to it... and I will see to your children."

It seems as if the archdemon was waiting for you to finish before moving. She merely raises a limb, revealing the rotten bone and gold that protrudes through her veil of light. Though you're far from squeamish, you recoil slightly at the ancient form and its mockery of Mercy's gift.

With an almost imperceptible wave of her fingers, you feel a wave of heat course past you and into your companions. Simultaneously, they all begin to stir. You can't help yourself, and immediately go to Ray's side as breath fills his lungs. It looks as though everyone is still unconscious, but the life seems to come back into them. There is a faint glow around all of their forms that deeply unsettles you, but the blood and wounds around their bodies seems to abate through the light.

You dare to glance back up at the archdemon. Her head is tilted back. You recognize the ecstasy when you see it.

The sight makes your stomach turn. Your grip on Mercy's symbol tries to tighten further, but the metal is already dug deep into your skin. Instead you hold the pendant against your chest, demanding, "stop it. ...that's enough. Keep your word, demon. The relic-"

A sigh escapes from the archdemon, her form and the light around your friends relaxing. Your eyes dart between them, bracing for some sort of trap.

"Don't try anything. You know I won't hesitate-"

The archdemon sounds as if she's smiling as she sighs again. She brings a hand to her chest as well.

Your heart drops.

She plunges a hand deep into her own chest, the light and gold eclipsing her rotten form.

You don't hesitate. There's no need to invoke Mercy's name for Her to hear your plea, but you want the archdemon to hear. You want her to know what it means to call upon Her name.

"My restraint is my peace, but my peace shall be broken-"

The bone and decay emerges from the archdemon's bosom. You know the light of whatever she's produced would absolutely have blinded you, were it not for Her protection. You pull one hand away from her symbol regardless, shielding your eyes and crying out.

"Goddess of compassion! Mother of relief! Come unto me! Grant me your protection-!"

The light of the Goddess fills your vision, eclipsing that of the archdemon's and whatever she holds. You lower your hands, looking out with abject radiance.

"Mercy."

(1/2)

>>3913044
The archdemon is holding forth an item in her outstretched hands, searing with such light that it is impossible to look upon it with mortal eyes. In her palms lies a locket of two hands, pressed together in prayer. Each drop of gold is immaculate, as it congeals forth from the archdemon's body, nestling perfectly in between her own intertwined fingers. There is no chain, no indication of this item ever being worn. It is untarnished and so utterly flawless that you do not doubt it's origin or purpose for a second.

She has Mercy's relic.

You take a knee, and keep your hand to your holy symbol, afraid your heart may stop. It's beating so quickly you suspect you might pass out. It's all you can do to utter your thanks to the Goddess, your head light, every beat in your chest skipping. You can feel it against your own palm, against your quickened breath, against Her symbol, against the light and gold.

"The Gods are Merciful."

The archdemon looks to you, slowly. "I have shown you this under the pretense that you will honor your word. You will see to my children."

It's hard to breathe. It's harder to see. Your friends are breathing behind you, and you know they will likely waken again soon- but you don't want to waste a second. This is Her symbol. Her Relic. This is the reason you've suffered, the reason you've endured.

>A) Don't let the relic out of your sight. You are sworn to uphold your word, to never break an oath you've made to another- but you can't permit this. Attack the archdemon, and her children. Maintain your connection to Mercy, and take it by force. You can't risk half-measures here.
>A1) Invoke Flesh. You'll need His strength.
>A2) Invoke Spirit. To know your enemy is to conquer them.
>A3) Invoke Agriculture. You're surrounded by grain- let this demon's lair consume her.
>A4) Invoke Vengeance. He may be at odds with Mercy, but Her compassion will certainly help you endure the strain of channeling Him.

>B) Keep your word. It is your bond, and you fear deeply for your ability to maintain your connection to the Goddess while committing sacrilege. What's more, you're confident that fighting these demons would mean certain death. You may have an unprecedented connection to the Gods, but you know when you're outnumbered. Permit the archdemon to put away the relic, and uphold her tenets. See to this demon's children, knowing that she is beholden to help you in turn.

>C) Write-in.

>>3913050
>>B) Keep your word. It is your bond, and you fear deeply for your ability to maintain your connection to the Goddess while committing sacrilege. What's more, you're confident that fighting these demons would mean certain death. You may have an unprecedented connection to the Gods, but you know when you're outnumbered. Permit the archdemon to put away the relic, and uphold her tenets. See to this demon's children, knowing that she is beholden to help you in turn.

Going to leave this open for a bit, got to make dinner and do some homework. I'll get in at least one more update tonight though. Thanks for the awesome write-ins and reception so far guys.

>>3913050
>B) Keep your word. It is your bond, and you fear deeply for your ability to maintain your connection to the Goddess while committing sacrilege. What's more, you're confident that fighting these demons would mean certain death. You may have an unprecedented connection to the Gods, but you know when you're outnumbered. Permit the archdemon to put away the relic, and uphold her tenets. See to this demon's children, knowing that she is beholden to help you in turn.

>>3913050
>B) Keep your word. It is your bond, and you fear deeply for your ability to maintain your connection to the Goddess while committing sacrilege. What's more, you're confident that fighting these demons would mean certain death. You may have an unprecedented connection to the Gods, but you know when you're outnumbered. Permit the archdemon to put away the relic, and uphold her tenets. See to this demon's children, knowing that she is beholden to help you in turn.

>>3913054
>>3913192
>>3913285
Back, looks unanimous! Locking the vote now. Might take a bit longer than usual as I've got a pretty wicked head cold, but I'll be writing.

>>3913293
Mercy courses through you, the Goddess of compassion leaning hard into every inch of your frame. Your pulse skyrockets, pleasure wrapping itself around the searing heat and light. Despite your fear- or perhaps because of it- your forgiveness for this demon's transgressions falls from you like so much rain. There is no blood. Gold drips from your lips, reunited as you are with the Goddess. Looking upon Her works, your voice is scarcely your own, intermingling with Her light as your prayer ends.

"We will. You have Our word."

The archdemon pulls her hands back, placing the Relic back into her form, the gold blending with her rotten flesh, soaking into her radiance. It seems dark, compared to your own.

"Father. ...you have abused Her gifts, have you not?"

You can scarcely answer, your vision clouding over with light. The sensation of the Goddess wrapping Herself around you, intertwining with your body, your soul, is almost more than you can stand. You asked for Her protection. She clearly does not intend to leave you, faced with such a formidable enemy.

The archdemon takes a step forward. You have no fear in your heart as she leans forward, extending her hands in the same gesture you've seen the clergy use so many times before.

"I know you cannot speak. Take as much of the- blessing- as you need. I know you have not asked," she pauses, pulling her hands back, and gesturing to the minor demons around her. "...but you may call me Idonea, if you wish. I do not presume to carry the title of "Mother" for much longer, but these are my daughters: Philomene, Delara, Esme, Freya, and- you have already met Aurelius."

Her words are faint through the all-consuming light and ecstasy of Mercy's blessing. The archdemon cannot come near you- Her radiance is blinding in its intensity. Idonea takes a step back, seeming to know her place, though her golden face seems to linger on you.

Is it jealousy?

"I will return. If you must seek my aid, my daughters will know how to find me. Do not abuse my kindness, Father. Do not abuse them. I wish to heal, to help, but even my patience knows its limits. You... have clearly not shown restraint."

It's fear, isn't it?

The archdemon takes another step back, this time waving her hand in a much broader motion. Three of the doors swing open on the outskirts of your vision. Though the night is dark, you can see the entire field with the utmost clarity through Her light. Your breath hitches, the slightest use of Her blessing sending another wave of elation through you.

(1/2)

>>3913373
Idonea seems revolted, turning away from you with a sound that you don't particularly care for. You'd like to defend yourself, but she speaks over the rising gasp in your throat, clearly bothered. "Once you have finished, you may see to my children. Beyond here lies the chambers of Yech, Beltoro, and Remigius. You have met them all already in some capacity. Please treat them with the same tenets you claim to have upheld with all of your children. ...I cannot promise they will show you the same courtesy that I have, though they will certainly try."

Through the haze of elation, nerves aflame, you struggle to suppress the sounds that Mercy is eliciting from you. A reply entirely escapes you, despite all of your brewing questions. You knew that something wasn't quite right since you last invoked Her, but the reaction you're having to Her blessing is more than you can stand. It's difficult to even think.

What you presume to be Idonea's face remains turned away from you, and the rest of her turns to walk away. She places a hand to the back of Freya's golden hair, turning the minor demon's face away as well. She seems to be the youngest. You don't stop the archdemon. Her voice grows faint, as her light fades completely. Her words to you hang in the air behind her, as she fades completely out of even Mercy's sight.

"...do not disappoint me further, Father."

There's a lingering sensation of heat and gold as the archdemon completely vanishes, back into the field.

You gasp, falling forward onto your hands and knees. Relaxing even slightly from the tension of being near the archdemon sends another wave of relief into you- you can scarcely stand it.

The forms of your friends stir almost the moment that Idonea fades from view. Her children are still standing a fair distance away, keeping their eyes off of you in a welcome display of Mercy. You're still deeply concerned for your friends. There's still blood streaked over their hands, over Ray's teeth, and they didn't seem to be breathing properly for some time.

Another gasp rises to your lips as you turn to face them. The Goddess is with you, in you, on you- your right hand is completely caked in blood, yet the gash from clutching onto your holy symbol slowly mends itself through Her. The opposite hand clutches onto the soil, desperate for something to hold onto through the intensity of it. You can hardly breathe, gold flowing from your lips, your hands, into the soil around you.

(Options in next post)

>>3913380
>A) Try and release Mercy. No matter how much healing your friends need, this is too much. You're not ashamed- and you're sure that they'd understand- but you're scared of losing yourself. If you can't, they'll have to help you out of it.

>B) Release Mercy, even if you have to do something a little desperate. She will certainly forgive a minor transgression- but you need to get a hold of yourself. You'd rather have a few demons see you sin than to have your friends see you like this.
>B1) Swear a little. Your word is your bond- but a few expletives probably won't hurt. (Write-in something crass if you really want.)
>B2) Hurt yourself. You're sworn to protect, to heal- but there's nothing explicit in her tenets about self-harm. (You've done plenty worse and seemed to enjoy it, haven't you?)

>C) Stay with Mercy, and completely heal your friends. Let them see you, show them that you can use Her gifts for something more than merely surviving. Try to release Her once you're sure they're alright. It will no doubt be harder, but it's far more important to you that they're safe than to preserve your own sanity.

>D) Write-in.

>>3913383
>C) Stay with Mercy, and completely heal your friends. Let them see you, show them that you can use Her gifts for something more than merely surviving. Try to release Her once you're sure they're alright. It will no doubt be harder, but it's far more important to you that they're safe than to preserve your own sanity.
>C-Extra) Cling to the idea of freedom and the future to preserve your own sanity. Remind yourself that while with the Relic right here, you still need to get your friends out of the Aerth back to the surface. Supplies are low as it is, and partially healing them might still cause issues down the line, ones they cannot heal easily on their own power alone. Losing sight of the bigger picture is foolishness. Simply achieving the Relic right now will not end your mission. You MUST survive to see the Merciful gold of true sunlight again alive, sane, and intact - with your friends by your side, much the same. Everything is going to be all right.

>>3913383
>>A) Try and release Mercy. No matter how much healing your friends need, this is too much. You're not ashamed- and you're sure that they'd understand- but you're scared of losing yourself. If you can't, they'll have to help you out of it.

>>3913383
>>A) Try and release Mercy. No matter how much healing your friends need, this is too much. You're not ashamed- and you're sure that they'd understand- but you're scared of losing yourself. If you can't, they'll have to help you out of it.

>>3913452
>>3913489
>>3913495
Going to head off to bed soon, leaving this open until the morning. You guys seem to be at odds here, I'll leave you all to work it out until the morning. If there isn't a consensus the majority will determine your decision.

As always, I'll try to update 1-2 times at least each around the afternoon/evening EST. Thanks again for reading and voting everyone! I'll be back soon.

>>3913489
>>3913495
Am I ignoring something here, guys? Why release Mercy again?

>>3913501
why keep her in the first place? We are clearly an asset to this demon and she has a logical reason for keeping us safe, she said the gang is fine, the blood isnt probably even theirs. Keeping our favor with mercy is more important for the trip back when stuff is actually trying to wreck our shit. This is the last hurdle before we can gtfo of this shitty ruins, we arent going to have a way to resupply, abusing mercy like this is wasteful and pushes richard even closer to the edge.

>>3913504
Alright then. I'm convinced.

>>3913383
Changing my vote from >>3913452 to
>A) Try and release Mercy. No matter how much healing your friends need, this is too much. You're not ashamed- and you're sure that they'd understand- but you're scared of losing yourself. If you can't, they'll have to help you out of it.

>>3913489
>>3913495
>>3913501
>>3913504
>>3913509
All duly noted, going to incorporate all of this. Locking the vote, writing now.

>>3913828
Through the overwhelming relief, you hear a rush behind you. A long cloak being tossed aside, a wooden staff digging into the soil, the whines and whimpers of a dog who fears for your life.

In moments, your friends are on their feet and right beside you. You remain on your hands and knees, clutching onto the Aerth, utterly taken by Mercy. The voices of your companions is filtered through a haze of euphoria and building tension. The gold is blinding.

"Richard?! What's wrong with- are you okay?! Stay back- we got this-"

"Ofelia, stay your hand. They do not appear to be attacking. Something has happened. ...Father? Father, please-"

Celegwen and Ofelia both kneel down beside you. It's apparent that they could not see the gold pouring from your hands and lips at a distance, as they both recoil the moment they get closer. Ray's whining is constant, though he's right beside you.

You can't speak to reassure them. You can scarcely see or hear anything, every nerve alight with Mercy.

You try and release Her.

Typically, the Gods are eager to remove themselves from your frame. It always feels so fleeting- their intangible blessing pouring out of you like so much water from your broken vessel.

Mercy does not want to leave you.

Another surge of pleasure threatens to drop you even from your knees. You clutch harder into the soil, letting her gold pool under your palms. Your wound is completely healed, the breath back in your lungs, the vision of Her relic seared into your memory- but you don't want this.

It's getting harder to think.

"M-Mercy..."

Some time passes. It's hard to say.

Ray's soft and reassuring form scampers over. Through the gold you catch his ears down, his tail behind him, as he growls at what must be the minor demons ahead of you all. He does not attack. The mastiff nudges himself against you, unafraid, and lays down to better support you as you kneel in the dirt.

You're afraid to touch him. You can't get your limbs to cooperate, seized as they are with Mercy. Everything is so soft, the edges of your mind growing intangible. You can't quite repress your breath, a gasp, clutching onto the ground beneath you, trying to find something solid, something real. Ray leans harder into you, almost as if to reassure you that you're still with him.

"Snap out of it, Richard. It's okay- come on. We're right here. You don't gotta do this."

"Father, if you can speak- tell me what we need to do. Do not leave us. Please."

We have to get them out of here. We have to make it back to the surface.

(1/2)

>>3913900
check your brackets
[i]and[/i]

>>3913901
Fuck, thank you. Just a moment, will fix this right up.

>>3913904
>>A) Tell your friends plainly what's happened, including how badly you abused Mercy. Don't mince words, and reassure them that you are somewhere safe. Ask them what they saw as well- you were entirely incapable of discerning your surroundings since your last prayer. Clean up Ray as best as you can, and command him to rest.

>>3913895
It's impossible to avoid curling into yourself, hit hard with another swell of gratification. Restricting the moan rising to your throat is the best you can do, acutely aware of the stares boring into you from your friends. The light of Mercy sears into you, hotter than the sun- you want to lean into it, to stay with her. Every inch of you is begging to stay with the relief, to nurture, to heal. You know that She loves you, that She wants you, that She needs your vessel- that She wants you to be free of your pain.

We have so many more hurdles to face. This is so wasteful- this isn't right.

We've abused Her.

You can't suppress the moan that rises to your lips. Though it is muffled by the gold dripping forth, you recoil further, completely ashamed of yourself.

"...M-Mercy...!"

"Father-"

"Richard?"

Reaching the Relic is not the end of Our mission.

"...nnn..."

We must survive.

The light is utterly blinding before you. It reminds you of something you haven't seen in weeks, and fear you'll never see again.

...to see the Merciful gold of TRUE sunlight again...

It's helping. The thought seizes you, turning your eyes skyward. The red moon lances the gold in your irises, giving you a glimpse of something other than Mercy for a moment.

To be alive...

The relief begins to fade. You manage to still the moans and gasps pouring from you, drawing into yourself, clutching onto your robes.

To be sane- intact-

You can feel the fear on Ofelia and Celegwen, but knowing that they haven't left you- that Ray is right by your side- fills you with hope.

With my friends by my side, much the same...

You cough, hard, gold spilling forth from your heart and mouth onto the floor below you. Mercy parts from your frame, leaving your body ravaged with tremor. The heat abates, though the warm air around you keeps the chill from becoming overwhelming. There is darkness, and demons, and your companions right beside you.

Your words surprise you as the coughing subsides. You look to your friends, the gold still lancing the green for the briefest of moments. "Everything is going to be alright."

The pounce from Ofelia nearly knocks you over as she takes you into a hug. You catch a glimpse of her freckles and the blood still on her hands as she embraces you. Her voice cracks slightly from the strain, and you don't miss her glancing repeatedly towards the minor demons standing across from you all.

"You fucking lunatic-!"

Ray immediately begins to snarl and bark at the halfling. Sheepishly, she pulls away. Worry is wrought all over her face. You glance away as you get back to your knees, shaking terribly.

"Okay, okay- easy. Richard, the fuck was that for- where are we-"

(2/3)

>>3913911
Celegwen looks to you with an equal measure of worry. It's a bit harder to tell the emotion on her face, but you've seen it often enough by now to recognize it. She isn't saying anything, but looking around with enormous concern at your surroundings. Her eyes settling on the minor demons across from you all as well.

As usual, Ray cannot demand any explanations, nor does he seem interested in anything but you. His whimpering is incessant, his tail and ears down, blood congealed on the corners of his teeth. He seems to be hurt- but you have no idea where your equipment is, and you are not about to call upon Mercy again.

>A) Tell your friends plainly what's happened, including how badly you abused Mercy. Don't mince words, and reassure them that you are somewhere safe. Ask them what they saw as well- you were entirely incapable of discerning your surroundings since your last prayer. Clean up Ray as best as you can, and command him to rest.

>B) Tell your friends to stay on their guard. Try to not get too into the details. Inform them that you've found the relic, but that you can't trust the archdemon and would appreciate if they do the same. See if they can search the area with you before setting out. Maybe you can find your things.

>C) Don't say anything, and try to gather yourself for a moment. You're still shaking pretty badly, and could use a moment to gather your thoughts. You've never experienced a blessing from the Gods in such a way, and can feel the strain on your body and mind even after Mercy has left you. You have to look after yourself.

>D) Write-in.

>>3913913
>A) Tell your friends plainly what's happened, including how badly you abused Mercy. Don't mince words, and reassure them that you are somewhere safe. Ask them what they saw as well- you were entirely incapable of discerning your surroundings since your last prayer. Clean up Ray as best as you can, and command him to rest.

>>3913913
>A) Tell your friends plainly what's happened, including how badly you abused Mercy. Don't mince words, and reassure them that you are somewhere safe. Ask them what they saw as well- you were entirely incapable of discerning your surroundings since your last prayer. Clean up Ray as best as you can, and command him to rest.
Get our bearings straight first.

Petition to boycott prayer to mercy because she is starting to act like a mind breaker bitch and we could use some space.

Got a lot of homework to do today, vote will be open until I get back. Will get at least 1-2 more updates out before tonight though.

>>3913947
Noted

>>3913913
>>A) Tell your friends plainly what's happened, including how badly you abused Mercy. Don't mince words, and reassure them that you are somewhere safe. Ask them what they saw as well- you were entirely incapable of discerning your surroundings since your last prayer. Clean up Ray as best as you can, and command him to rest.

>>3913947
She's not Spirit or Agriculture shit. Yet. I hope not, because I'm not sure who we should even go for, if anyone at all. Mercy is only for the demigod race endgame, but I cannot deny both Ofelia and Gwen have their strong points. Time is an instant NO WAY FAG, 100%

>>3913915
>>3913916
>>3913947
>>3914315
>>3914428
Taking a quick break from the homework slog, let's knock this out. Locking the vote and writing now.

>>3914709
Back on your knees, you don't even bother standing upright. Your entire body is shaking, still ravaged from the prayer to Mercy. There is no pain- you're simply overwhelmed from the intensity of Her working through you. The gentle breeze on the air sends another chill down your spine. The faint scent of the harvest drifting across the wind, the sound of each branch swaying, the faint light of the moon overhead all lets you fall into a reverie.

I'm losing myself. ...but who else can I rely on? Agriculture destroys my body each time I call upon Her. Spirit wears on my mind, my soul. I'm so scared of Time, I have never even met the Mother of Her church...
I have to trust in Mercy. I love Her so dearly- I need Her.

Taking your holy symbol again, you close your eyes. "Mercy-"

There's a hand on your shoulder. You dart your eyes up, wide with love and relief. Celegwen is looking down at you with extreme concern. She picks up your free hand- the one that isn't clutching onto your holy symbol- and wraps it in her own.

Dried and caked blood from her palms grates against your sensitive skin, sending another chill up your arm.

Her voice is methodical and light as air, but you can recognize the worry in her words. "Father. Please. Stay with us. Where are we? What has transpired?"

There's little use disguising your own concern as you try to ground yourself, to gather your thoughts. You look up, beyond the red moon. Stone and an impossible sky leers overhead, seeming to be too close to exist. It felt like you fell, but you're uncertain which way, or how. Your voice is level, confident in your assessment after everything the demon has told you. It's much easier to talk about demons and Gods than it is to speak about yourself. "We've reached the lair of an archdemon. A fallen Mother of the Church of Mercy. She claimed her name is Idonea. She wished to..."

You look over to the minor demons, who have turned back towards you. They're entirely static, staring at you with unblinking light. Though their faces are obscured, you cringe at the scrutiny and try to avert your gaze. You catch Ofelia, Celegwen and Ray looking at you intently as well.

The blood around Ray's mouth is unbearable. His whining is incessant, though you could scarcely hear it moments ago. Your heart gives way, at your neglect and the crushing guilt of bringing him into the ruins to begin with. Taking the mastiff into your arms, you entirely lose your train of thought while trying to reassure him.

"It's okay, boy. It's alright. Come here, Ray. Lay down, Ray. Rest. It's okay. Let's get you cleaned up-"

(1/3)

>>3914920
Ofelia sniffs, holding out a handkerchief in front of you. You hadn't even noticed that she was standing so close to you still, but you gladly take it from her. Gently, you try to assess the damage. It looks like the mastiff had something pull firmly at his teeth. His gums are tender, but no teeth are missing, and he seems to be able to move his mouth without issue.

"You'll be alright, boy. Rest."

There's another sound from Ofelia. She finally interrupts, her voice cracking again.

The fear in her voice is so intense that you can't bear to look at her.

"Richard. What did you do?"

The conflict between your current position, finding the relic, and enduring such a mixed blessing from Mercy produces an awkward tone, distressed and entirely uncertain of how to feel. You struggle to convey everything you've learned. "Idonea has it. Mercy's Relic. Malimos has been watching us. He's told her everything. The archdemon knew of the Catalyst- of my mission- of our travels. I agreed... I agreed to show her children Mercy in exchange for the Relic."

Alarm crosses Celegwen's face, tightening her grasp on your hand. "You made a deal with a demon? An archdemon?"

"It's alright," you insist. "I'm not doing anything that's against my order- Her tenets. I was able to invoke Mercy to protect myself from the Relic's light..."

You have to close your eyes, to take a deep breath, to try and compose yourself. When you open them, Ofelia is right beside you as well.

"Richard, you're..."

You pry your hand off of your holy symbol for a moment to wipe your face. Embarrassed, you thought you were crying- but there's a streak of gold on the back of your wrist.

Your eyes were leaking gold.

Celegwen's grasp on you tightens even further. "Father, I swore to help you. ...but I cannot stand by while you destroy yourself."

She places her head on your shoulder, paying no mind to how bad you're trembling. "Please. Let us help you. ...so we can all leave this place together."

You take another deep breath, trying to gather your composure, to engage in some normalcy, to at least put on the appearance of someone sane. Having Celegwen on your shoulder isn't helping your heart rate, and you can't quite answer her, either. You can't make that promise. ...but you can at least try to talk to her.

"...while I was with Mercy- did you two see anything? Do you remember how you came to be here?"

Ofelia's voice is low. She sounds at least slightly relieved to hear a reasonable question from you. She looks over her hands, wiping off the blood gently. Her hands are scuffed, but it looks like the wound has partially healed. "Everythin' happened so fast. I think I mighta' been knocked out from the fall. ...there was a light. Not really sure, but when I came to, we were here. I thought those demons over there were gonna mess you up, Richard, but I think they were more nervous than we are-"

(2/3)

>>3914924
Celegwen's distaste is immediate. She lifts her head off of your shoulder to glare at the halfling. "Ofelia."

"Sorry. You looked real messed up though, Richard- no offense- but all that gold wasn't nothin' like I'd seen before. This Goddess of yours..."

The rogue tightens her hands. Anger tilts into her words, clipped and accented with something you can't quite identify. It's not the usual sass. It's not jealousy.

"...I don't like it. You promised to take care of yourself. I don't care how good it might feel, Richard. She's not treatin' you right."

You turn away from both women, staring intently at Ray. He's clearly on edge, laying down as you've commanded, but obviously unable to rest. His low whining and growls are constant, clearly directed at the minor demons standing across from you all.

Your voice is low, your eyes downcast. "I know I abused Her. I know this isn't right. I'm sorry you had to see me in such a way. ...I need some time, some space. We will be alright-"

You look up, trying to be reassuring. The looks on Ofelia's and Celegwen's face cuts you deeply, but you persevere.

"We're safe here. Idonea needs me. I am bound by my word- I will uphold my oath, take the Relic away from this place, and we..."

The earnestness in your voice cuts through the strain, lifting your eyes and body. Trembling, you manage to get to your feet. Celegwen keeps your hand in hers, standing with you.

It's a struggle, but you manage to look straight at Ofelia and Celegwen.

"We will see the sun again."

Two pained smiles shine back at you. You try and sear the image into your memory. The stress on Ofelia's face is apparent, and Celegwen looks like she expects you to collapse at any moment- but they're both looking at you with hope and that is more than you could ever ask for.

You look towards the doors ahead of you, the minor demons, the moon hanging overhead.

"We have a week."

Ofelia instantly starts. "What?!"

"I know-" you sigh, "but the archdemon is ancient. She seems to be at the limit of her strength. She gave me a week. We can't afford to linger."

Celegwen stiffens her lip, clutching tightly onto her staff and looking at you with an expression you're entirely unfamiliar with. "...I cannot abide by your continued suffering, Father. We must end this."

The elf's voice is soft, her eyes glancing over your frame, and finally to the field beyond. "...what must we do?"

(Options in next post)

>>3914930
>A) Begin by scavenging the field, to see if your scarce supplies are scattered anywhere.
>A1) Leave Celegwen with Ray. You don't trust him alone. Not with the minor demons lingering.
>A2) Leave Ray alone, and have everyone spread out to cover more ground. The minor demons seem to have an insane degree of discipline- it would be foolish for them to attack one of your allies.

>B) Forget finding your gear. You don't need cartography tools or lock picks. Immediately scout out the doors that Idonea opened. There is no time to waste.

>C) Take a brief rest. You're really, really out of it, and you want Ray by your side.
>C1) Have Ofelia search the field, while Celegwen inspects the doors.
>C2) Have Celegwen conjure food and water for you all, and have everyone rest. You all marched for a day just to get here.

>D) Write-in.

>>3914932
>>C) Take a brief rest. You're really, really out of it, and you want Ray by your side.
>>C1) Have Ofelia search the field, while Celegwen inspects the doors.

>>3914932
>>C) Take a brief rest. You're really, really out of it, and you want Ray by your side.
>>C1) Have Ofelia search the field, while Celegwen inspects the doors.

>>3914932
>>C) Take a brief rest. You're really, really out of it, and you want Ray by your side.
>>C1) Have Ofelia search the field, while Celegwen inspects the doors.

though I feel the other option may be better...searching can't hurt r-right

>>3915058
>>3915514
>>3915517
Gonna call it here to get one more update out before I crash. Vote is locked, writing now.

>>3915524
Still on your knees, you slide to the ground, sitting down properly next to Ray. The mastiff's breath is hard, his nerves shot. Gently, you place a hand on his side and try to reassure all of your allies.

"Celegwen. Please. Will you inspect the doors that Idonea opened? She claimed that they were the chambers of demons by the name of Yech, Beltoro, and Remigius, though I am... uncertain of what they contain. I fear something may come for us, if we leave them open and unattended-"

Celegwen doesn't hesitate. "I will see to it. Get some rest."

The elf turns and leaves before you can stop her, darting out into the field. She takes a wide path around the minor demons, who seem to pay her little mind.

You look to Ofelia. Her face is pale, and the start of bags under her eyes is evident. Your voice softens.

"You must be exhausted."

"...yeah. What about you?"

Despite your best efforts, you can't quite repress the tremor running through your body. Ofelia comes next to you, kneeling down and softening her expression as well.

"You don't gotta answer. You really pushed yourself, didn't you?"

A nod, a glance away, and an apologetic face is the best you can offer.

Ofelia offers you a small smile, backing up and straightening out her blouse. "Thanks. I knew you wouldn't let anythin' happen to us. I'm gonna kick yer ass if you don't take it easy, though. You need somethin'?"

The pained expression on your face threatens to make itself permanent. "I hate to ask, but what happened to all of our equipment? I noticed Celegwen still had her staff-"

"She grabbed it the second the rope started to give. I think she was gonna try to save ya', but we all got pulled in pretty fast. I swiped at our stuff, but it was no use. ...yer shield's a little big for me, and all. But don't worry about it. I'll go look around. Maybe it's near the edge."

You both look towards the enormous field stretching out around you. Ofelia pauses.

"...any idea which way might be best?"

Looking to the moon overhead, the colossal walls and endless stone, you keep your hand to your holy symbol. You want guidance- but you're terrified of praying again so soon.

Ofelia closes the distance between the two of you once more. She reaches out, to take your hand-

The hand on your holy symbol.

You pull back, recoiling from the motion.

"Don't-"

Her hand draws back, but she remains near you, the hurt in her voice evident.

"You can rely on yerself sometimes, too, y'know? ...it's okay. I'll start searchin'. Take care of yerself, Richard. Maybe get some sleep. Seems to help ya' more than most things."

The halfling surprises you, turning towards the minor demons leering at you all. Her voice rings out as she shouts to them. Despite her size, you know her threat has weight to it.

"Don't you dare lay a finger on him! So help me, he'll be the last thing you ever touch-!"

She turns, offering you a smile before her cloak and small form vanish into the grain.

(1/3)

>>3915698
https://youtu.be/x6rZ6ziUDGw

You're alone, once again, with Ray.

"Hey, boy. You holdin' up alright?"

Ray's constant whining eases up for a moment as you direct your voice at him. He turns his attention from the minor demons, looking to you with evident distress.

You lean in, hands trembling, and scratch the mastiff behind the ears. His whining practically stops, nuzzling up to you and placing his head gingerly in your lap.

"We're gonna be okay. It's alright. Come here, Ray. ...good boy."

You take the mastiff into a hug, taking extra care to hold his jaw away. His whining ceases after a few minutes.

Before long, he drifts off to sleep, as you continue to gently nuzzle against him.

"You deserve better than this, big guy. We'll get you out of here. Everything is going to be alright."

Looking around, you see no trace of Ofelia or Celegwen for some time. The minor demons keep their distance, though what you presume to be their eyes hasn't left you for a moment.

You can't quite sleep, but you do drift off, the warm air lulling you into some sense of security. Ray's weight is heavy against you, but the warmth of something other than a God or Goddess is a welcome change. You absent-mindedly continue to pet him, letting your mind wander. You can't remember the last time you had a moment just to think.

I came down here to die. ...and I've found so many reasons to live.
Mercy loves me, knows my devotion, knows that I am always with Her.
She has blessed me, blessed me with this knowledge, this mission. Taken me to the ends of the Aerth to serve Her mission, to make something of myself...
...and there may yet be a cure to the Catalyst.
Maybe this demon is lying. Maybe she has no intent of surrendering the Relic.
...but what if she's speaking the truth? What if all of this- this pain, actually can be relieved? What if a demon can be Merciful?

Your eyes fall on the doors ahead. Celegwen is picking her way back through the grain towards you. She looks excited.

I have more than myself to worry about.
What can she possibly see in me?
Does she have no idea how much I stand to lose, if I were to return her affection?
I swore to get us all out of here alive.
...I swore to save myself for the Gods.

The elf's smile beams out towards you. "Father! You will not believe what I've seen-"

I have to protect her.

Looking down to Ray for a moment, your thoughts flicker to him, to Ofelia.

I have to protect them.

You look back up. To your immense relief, the tremor seems to be subsiding slightly. You may have just needed to rest. "What have you found?"

"There is running water. One of the doors leads to a forest. It is- absolutely breathtaking. There is more. A strange red building, and-"

(2/3)

>>3915705
Celegwen closes the distance between you. Seeing that Ray is asleep in your lap, she lowers her voice. Looking around briefly, her tone takes on a hint of bewilderment. "Where has Ofelia gone?"

You glance up, completely unable to see anything past the stalks of wheat. "She went searching for all of our equipment. ...though I do not know how she expects to find it, given the size of this place."

There's a slight sound from Celegwen.

Alarmed, you look up to her, only to see that she's laughing. There's a few tears mixed into her outburst. She sits down next to you, placing her head in her hands for a moment, wiping away the emotion.

You're stunned.

The elf's composure seems to be a little fractured as she smiles at you. "You let her go off, alone, in this place-"

Looking around at the field, Celegwen laughs slightly again. "She is miraculous. Almost as much as you are, Father. I suspect she will be alright."

Her silver hair bobs slightly as she turns towards you, the purple and black in her eyes sparkling as she seems to regain her composure completely. You marvel at her race's immaculacy, and question if it may just be her. Her voice is light, as always. "We should wait for her return, should we not?"

>A) Ask Celegwen to fill you in on what she saw while you wait for Ofelia. The halfling has unparalleled skill in evading detection- you know she stands a better chance of avoiding trouble. More importantly, she'll probably be impossible to find if she's trying to not be seen.

>B) Call out for Ofelia. Go look for her. The archdemon has ultimate authority in her domain- you know her children will not attack you. You're better off searching together, anyways. Leave Ray with Celegwen, and let her rest for a moment as well.

>C) Get some rest with Ray and Celegwen while you wait for Ofelia. You are extremely pressed for time, but you do need to sleep eventually. Better now than to press on, exhausted, later. Ask Celegwen to keep an eye on you and Ray, and to wake you the second anything suspicious happens.

>D) Write-in.

>>3915708
>A) Ask Celegwen to fill you in on what she saw while you wait for Ofelia. The halfling has unparalleled skill in evading detection- you know she stands a better chance of avoiding trouble. More importantly, she'll probably be impossible to find if she's trying to not be seen.

>>3915708
>>A) Ask Celegwen to fill you in on what she saw while you wait for Ofelia. The halfling has unparalleled skill in evading detection- you know she stands a better chance of avoiding trouble. More importantly, she'll probably be impossible to find if she's trying to not be seen.

Just finished the backlog. Holy shit this quest is awesome

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>>3915881
Shit dude, thank you so much. Means a lot.

>>3915881
Hope you didnt forget to vote the archived thread!

>>3915819
>>3915828
>>3915881
>>3915903
Aight, locking the vote here so I can get out an early update today. Writing now.

>>3916082
"Of course we should," you murmur, shying away from Celegwen's stare. She seems to glance away as well, evidently remembering how nervous the eye contact makes you. Your gaze falls to your hands. The faded burns, pale cuts and old abrasions don't catch against the light. Your sleeves hang loose against your emaciated wrists, the fabric frayed from weeks of travel without reprieve. A few flecks of gold cling to the soft weave, and you inwardly cringe, reminded of the gold trim that's expected to be worn by someone of your station. You've always hated the gaudiness of the clergy leader's attire. The plain black suits you far better.

You nervously pick at the gold, murmuring again. "Ofelia is- extraordinarily capable. We can spare a few more moments to wait for her. I'm certain that she'll be alright."

There's a pause as you manage to get the gold loose. A stray thread comes with it, only serving to fray the fabric further. You grimace, giving up on fixing your robes and glancing back towards Ray. He's sleeping soundly, snoring blissfully on your lap. "Can you please let me know what you've seen, Celegwen?"

"The archdemon opened three doors, did she not?"

"...that I could see. Yes."

"Each was inscribed with an initial. It is safe to assume that they corresponded to each of the names she gave you. The chamber of "Yech" housed the forest. The fresh air, Father! It may only be an illusion, but it is invigorating. I- I am not certain if we should attempt to resupply there, but there is running water, and trees. Trees, and birds, and flowers-!"

You almost catch yourself smiling. Celegwen's voice is lighter than you've ever heard it, her eyes sparkling as she looks to the doors beyond. She bows her head slightly.

"You will have to forgive me, Father. It has been months since I last laid eyes on anything so green."

"It's alright," you reassure her.

She's looking at your eyes again. The sudden recollection of their color brings a flush to your face as you stammer, "and- what of the other t-two?"

"Ah- they seem to be under equally heavily enchantments. The one that houses "Remigius" appears to house a strange, red building. The structure is entirely unlike anything I have seen before. A heat and pulsing- sensation- was coming from it, though I did not sense anyone outside, nor hear anything distinctly coming from within..."

The elf puts a finger to her chin, clearly thinking at length. "The other- "Beltoro's"- seemed to stretch outwards infinitely. Though the structure was contained by the door, the stone and devices within defied my comprehension. It was quite unsettling."

You don't reply, deliberating over this information. You both pass several moments together in silence, before Celegwen speaks again.

"...Father. I am deeply troubled that you have made an agreement with this archdemon. I understand how pressing our need is, but-"

(1/3)

>>3916135
"Celegwen- I am bound by my word. To serve Mercy is to uphold Her tenets, to abide by Her compassion."

It's so much easier to speak of the Gods. You rapidly get caught up in the moment, in the heat of invoking Her name. "...to show restraint even in the face of the undeserving. I heard it, Celegwen- I heard Her blessing, Her mission- not just to seek Mercy's relic, but to find one of Our children that still possessed kindness in their heart."

There's a fire in your eyes, a warmth in your voice. The timidness is scarce, replaced with fervor, devotion and love. "I cannot turn away from my calling."

Celegwen meets your eyes. The silver and flecks of the ethereal have the same fire in them.

"I never meant to question it."

The spark between you two is almost unbearable. You find yourself, glancing away to see the tension in her shoulders, her delicate fingers toying with the hem of her dress. There's that cloying worry again in Celegwen's voice.

"I understand completely."

There's a rustling in the grain. You both turn your heads quickly- Celegwen instantly springs to her feet, staff in hand, while you tense against the weight of Ray on your lap. He's so much heavier than you are, you can scarcely move with him on top of you.

Fortunately, the source of the disturbance is merely Ofelia. Her petite frame emerges from the field adjacent to you both, clearly exhausted. With a sigh, she drops both of your packs to the floor. Your shield is nowhere in sight.

"Back-" she groans, splaying out on the soil and looking to you with a grin. "...got yer stuff, Richard. Didn't even go through it this time."

Celegwen looks mildly irritated. "You could have come and asked for our help, Ofelia. There was no need to go off alone-"

"'Course there was." She smirks, looking between the two of you.

She makes no indication of finishing her sentence.

You glance away from both women, flustered and murmuring. "Thank you, Ofelia."

"...Richard, are you stuck under Ray?"

"...he needed to rest."

Ofelia's snickers are unbearable, but she picks herself up and drags your backpack over to you. You give her an appreciative look, taking the hand-sewn satchel from her hands as gingerly as possible so as to not wake your dog.

Everything is broken.

The chalk, all of your candles, the daggers you pilfered from the imps within the catacombs, your remaining torch, and even the pens. You murmur thanks to Mercy momentarily for having emptied them of ink before stashing them inside the bag. The only thing that isn't completely battered is your water skin, journal, and the demon's diary you took from the library of Ostedholm. The leather and parchment seems to have held up well, despite whatever they went through to get where you are now.

(2/3)

>>3916136
The halfling's face is absolutely crestfallen when she sees you eyeing the broken candles. "Ah, fuck. ...should have helped you with some of that, huh? Probably wouldn't have done much good. Most of my things are busted, too. We've got another day's worth of food left, at least. ...and some more liquor, but I'm not lettin' ya near that til' we're back somewhere safer."

Celegwen's voice is level, but you can pick up on her strain regardless. "What of the artifacts, Ofelia?"

"Fine, of course. That cookbook ya' gave me Richard- thanks fer that by the way- got the worst of the broken waterskin."

The elf's face tightens. "How much is left?"

Ofelia gives her an apologetic look. "Not much. Between the four of us, at the rate we're going, not enough for two days. Definitely not a week. Hopin' we're not here that long, anyways, but-"

You look between the two women, acutely aware of how delicate time is for all of you.

"Celegwen, you had mentioned recalling conjuration...?"

She gives you a weary look. "Yes, Father. It is an incredibly taxing spell. Far more so than dissipation. I would greatly prefer to save my strength, and for us to find a safe supply of water elsewhere- but I will do what I must."

>A) Take this time for Celegwen to conjure food and water. Have everyone rest. You can scout out the chambers once everyone has had time to recuperate.

>B) Immediately scout out the chamber of Yech for a clean supply of water. Celegwen stated that there was running water, birds and trees there. If the enchantment is merely an illusion, you'll at least confirm if you have no other resources as soon as possible.

>C) Ask Aurelius about the gigantic field of grain you're sitting in. She had offered you her bounty once before, claiming it could heal. While the thought of imbibing anything from a demon directly is revolting, the field you're occupying seems real and organic enough.

>D) Pray to Agriculture, to bestow food and water upon you all. Her blessing can stave off an entire country's famine- invoking Her name to feed you all during your time here is minor in comparison. You are horrifically thin, and while you shudder to think of any further injury to your form, you need to look after everyone.

>E) Write-in.

>>3916138
>>B) Immediately scout out the chamber of Yech for a clean supply of water. Celegwen stated that there was running water, birds and trees there. If the enchantment is merely an illusion, you'll at least confirm if you have no other resources as soon as possible.

>>3916138
>>B) Immediately scout out the chamber of Yech for a clean supply of water. Celegwen stated that there was running water, birds and trees there. If the enchantment is merely an illusion, you'll at least confirm if you have no other resources as soon as possible.

>>3916138
>B) Immediately scout out the chamber of Yech for a clean supply of water. Celegwen stated that there was running water, birds and trees there. If the enchantment is merely an illusion, you'll at least confirm if you have no other resources as soon as possible.
Lessen the god-invoking to a necessary level. We need water more than we need food.

>>3916155
>>3916292
>>3916318
Unanimous, alright. Noted. Locking the vote, writing now.

>>3913373
>>3913380
>when even the fucking demonic Mother of Mercy sees you as repulsive and fearsome while you channel her dear deity, who she is fallen away from, right in front of her to give you one hell of a divine erection
>when even she can sense through her Catalyst that Mercy is into it as much as you are
Holy shit, talk about NTR

>>3916517
>when she fucking turns and walks away from a Richard openly convulsing in pleasure, and stops to turn the head of the youngest demon girl so she doesn't see the perverted man getting off both to and with her goddess
I didn't notice this when I was reading the first time, but wow. When are Richard and Mercy going to stop holding back and actually fuck? And what are the chances of it actually killing Richard via heart attack or something else? Because I think that's where all this is going to go if he isn't careful.

>>3916450
"Save your strength, Celegwen. We'll scout ahead. ...I hope you're right, Ofelia. I do not wish to stay here any longer than necessary, either."

An incredibly relieved and immaculate smile beams at you, as Celegwen glances from you to the doors beyond. "To the forest, then?"

"Yes. ...just a moment."

With a murmur and a pat on his side, you lean next to Ray's ear and try to rouse the mastiff. "Up, boy. ...sorry to wake you so soon. Come on."

A huge yawn immediately greets you. Your dog immediately, albeit blearily rolls off of you, slumping onto the soil with little grace or any care beyond staying asleep. He obediently manages to rouse himself, despite the weight of his sleep. You notice his ears are still back, his tail down. He clearly needs to rest.

Your voice sounds far more hurt than he likely feels. "Here, Ray. It's alright, boy. ...not much longer now, okay? Up."

The mastiff licks the sides of your robes, starting to wrestle his way back onto your lap. It breaks your heart to pull away from him, but there's no time to give him the attention he's sorely craving. You settle on lightly tapping his nose, ruffling a hand through his fur, and scratching his ears affectionately.

"I love you too, big guy, but we need to move. Up. Come on. Take it easy. With me, Ray."

You rise, giving a pained looked to your companions. Ofelia groans, getting back to her feet and slinging her pack over her shoulders.

"Think I could just, you know, ride on 'im for a little while, Richard?"

"...I'm not going to dignify that with a proper answer, Ofelia. Come on, boy. Stay close. Easy."

"Maybe another time, alright. ...one day, Gwen. Mark my words."

Celegwen lets loose a small laugh, already setting off. With more difficulty than usual, you manage to lead Ray right after her. Ofelia brings up the rear, trailing slightly behind as she keeps her eyes out. She makes an incredibly rude gesture at the minor demons as you all pass them by, heading for the expanse of doors across the field.

A huge sigh of relief escapes from Celegwen as she brings you nearer. The particular door she's waiting in front of is made of iron, with a collection of heraldry inscribed in the bars. The work is that of a master craftsman- and surely enough, you catch an emblem in the center with a large "Y" inscribed into the face.

The elf is hardly smitten with the door. She's gazing, longingly, out a black expanse ahead. You peer around the curve in her hips, unable to see anything at all other than darkness and smoke.

Ofelia clears her throat. "Gwen? You alright there?"

"Do you trust me?" She replies, looking to you both intensely.

It's the same look you saw in her before. The one you couldn't place.

(1/3)

>>3916547
It's desire.

You stammer, complete caught off-guard. "Of c-course."

Ofelia winks at her in an extremely sarcastic fashion. "Sure, sure. Far as I can throw ya'. Where the hell does this lead, again?"

"A forest, Ofelia- the chamber of a demon by the name of "Yech.""

"Really? Yech?"

"That is what Richard told me-"

The elf looks to you quizzically, almost as if she's expecting you to say this is all some sort of joke.

You can't help but shrug. "Names hold greater significance to some demons.... some more than others. I do not know with any certainty what lies beyond- but I trust you, Celegwen."

Ofelia sighs, nodding.

You all step through the door, together.

(2/3)

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>>3916550
https://youtu.be/r2DG5-sjqso

A harsh rush of brisk air greets you. The smell of grass, a slight rain, and a fine mist covering the rocks and forest beyond hits you with such intensity that you stagger backwards for a moment.

Ray immediately begins barking, his weariness momentarily forgotten by the water and birds flying overhead. You look around, bewildered.

Behind you lies an extraordinarily tall gap in the rock face. It looks like a natural break in the stone- and the door is nowhere to be seen.

Celegwen immediately takes the end of her staff and draws a huge circle in the soil before the stone. Her voice is as light as air. "I nearly lost sight of the exit, last I entered here."

You step back and call Ray back, quickly. With a surprising amount of force, the elf jabs the end of her staff into the side of the rock, making another marking in the soft stone.

Ofelia is literally twiddling her thumbs alongside you both, grinning cheekily. Her hair is frizzing slightly from the humidity, the light rain hitting her freckles as she looks skyward. "I could get used to this."

"Don't get too comfortable," you caution her, slinging off your bag and taking out your water skin. It takes a few seconds to give Ray a drink, and to choke down a mouthful yourself before propping the empty flask next to Celegwen's markings. The rainwater immediately begins to fill the canister.

The steady stream, the trickling of water. You tense, acutely reminded of collapsing in the darkness. Of being lanced by an orc chieftain's weapon. Of tremor, and lightning, and looking upon a God after hours of drowning in the midst of demons-

"Richard?"

Ofelia's tapping on the side of your leg is jarring. You glance towards her, wide-eyed, your arm twitching as it takes hold of your holy symbol.

"Come on, hotshot. We're gettin' outta here soon as we can."

Ray is right beside you, the last of the blood having washed clean of his face. The rain is picking up. The sound has you on edge, but your mastiff leans into you, licking your free hand and panting. The rain may be an illusion, but so far as you can tell, it's not hurting him. It might actually be safe.

You scratch behind his ears, looking to the forest beyond, the hue in your eyes nearly identical to that of the canopy beyond.

(Options in next post)

>>3916557
>A) Gather as much water as you can here, and let everyone rest. You're nervous, but water is your top priority, and there's no telling how long this will last for. Set off the minute you've filled your water skins. Celegwen seems extremely eager to head for the treeline. Let her indulge her curiosity.

>B) Double back to Idonea's lair, and get some sleep before properly embarking. See if you can talk to any of her children about what you might find here. You don't want to waste time, but everyone is clearly exhausted, and this place has you on edge.

>C) See if you and Ofelia can work together to track the movement of anything through this area before the rain gets too intense. Streams will no doubt gather- you can resupply once you have an idea of where you're headed. There's no time to waste.

>D) Write-in.

>>3916517
>>3916524
Didn't mean to drown this out with the update but what can I say? Glad you caught how utterly fucked it was to want to invoke Her in any capacity, given the situation. Not that you guys could have known just how bad it would get, but man. Man.

>>3916561
>>A) Gather as much water as you can here, and let everyone rest. You're nervous, but water is your top priority, and there's no telling how long this will last for. Set off the minute you've filled your water skins. Celegwen seems extremely eager to head for the treeline. Let her indulge her curiosity.

>>3916561
>>A) Gather as much water as you can here, and let everyone rest. You're nervous, but water is your top priority, and there's no telling how long this will last for. Set off the minute you've filled your water skins. Celegwen seems extremely eager to head for the treeline. Let her indulge her curiosity.

>>3916919
>>3917297
Slow day for everyone, got time for one more update at least tonight though. Let's do this thing. Vote is locked, writing now.

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>>3917384
https://youtu.be/T-f_FTadkD0

The steady downpour picks up quickly, as you look out onto the horizon. You leave your water skin propped against the walls as Ofelia quickly places several more next to it. Within minutes, the rain is coming down in sheets.

"Shit," Ofelia murmurs, pulling up her hood and looking to you all. "Come on."

It only takes a few moments to find an outcropping of rocks nearby to seek cover under. Ray gets extremely close next to you as a peal of thunder breaks out from growing clouds overhead. You kneel down, holding him closely beside you- but you keep your eyes skyward. The peals of thunder and subsequent lightning arc through the sky, dancing along the trees ahead.

Your heart goes out to the God of the Tempest.

"It's okay, boy. Storm is with us. There's nothing to fear."

Celegwen wrings out her hair slightly, and Ofelia tosses her hood back. They both slide down next to the stone and settle next to you. The outcropping is fairly large, rain coursing over the stone behind and before you. Despite the beautiful shelter, they both seem nervous.

You lift your eyes for a moment to a flock of birds that passes by, settling across from you all for protection from the rain.

Ray tenses further at the sight of them. You hold him close, murmuring, demanding his attention. "Stay. Good boy, Ray. It's alright. They're not going to hurt anyone. ...lay down. Come on now. You're not a puppy anymore, big guy. What's gotten into you?"

Your companions both speak to each other in low voices as you work to reassure Ray. The mastiff is shaking like a leaf. After what feels like a half an hour, or maybe more, he finally settles down.

Ofelia whispers to you, once he finally rests. "Scared of storms, huh?"

"Ray's always hated Him," you whisper back, properly settling next to your boy. "It's been at least a year since I've seen him so worked up over thunder, though."

It's hard to not think back to your time with the God. It feels like a lifetime ago.

"I never had the chance to ask you both before-"

Both women look to you earnestly as you continue. You settle your eyes on the water pouring overhead, as nervous as it's making you feel.

"Back in the waterway- I was certain I had drowned. Ray managed to escape, but I... I have no idea how long we were apart for, or what had happened to him."

Another peal of thunder cracks across the sky, shaking the stone behind you all. You don't flinch, though the tremor seems to startle both Ofelia and Celegwen.

"...I still am not entirely certain what happened to me."

A dawn of realization seems to come across Celegwen's face. "He was badly wounded. I was able to heal him, to the best of my ability, but he was so hostile I could not do so with his cooperation. It is as I told you before- I had to place a charm on him, to keep him from attacking us."

(1/3)

>>3917469
Ofelia's voice is still quite low, and the apology that creeps into her voice is more gentle still. "We didn't hurt him or nothin'. Was weird as shit seein' a dog in the ruins, to be honest. No way we coulda' thought he was a demon, but he sure seemed like he'd dealt with 'em. We figured his owner had to be around somewhere, but it was- well, it was awhile before we found ya'."

You remain silent, listening to the cascade of water as it flows down the stone around you all. You take a hand off of Ray to hold your own form steady. Though you're hardly shaking with fear, the tremor in your limbs hasn't left you in weeks. It's only seemed to worsen.

Celegwen leans in a bit further, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her staff propped up behind you all. "The way you fought against the demon beneath the waterway..."

Her eyes are shining. It's hard to not look her way, with the tone in her voice, but you don't want to meet her gaze. Instead you merely catch a glimpse of worry, a hint of strain. "No sorcery could have rivaled the power you exhibited, Father. We suspected the effort would have killed you. Yet-"

Another bolt of thunder breaks out, so close that it utterly deafens Celegwen's next words.

You don't jump, holding onto Ray as he stirs in his sleep. Once you're sure he's alright, you do at least glance up. Ofelia is clutching onto Celegwen. The halfling's face is white, her hair practically standing on end.

She huffs, "this is bullshit."

The two women clutch onto each other as another clap of thunder erupts.

You look to your water skins and flasks, lined up haphazardly, at least mildly concerned that they might be taken away by the building current. They're filling rapidly.

At least another hour passes in near silence. You can't help but murmur your thanks to Storm as you all regain your supply of water. There is no need to invoke the God- you know He's looking upon you all.

The sky overhead remains gloomy and full of mist, but the clouds do gradually part. The rain doesn't completely subside, but the itch to keep moving has you on your feet before long.

Ofelia is sound asleep in Celegwen's arms. She must have been far more exhausted than you realized. The elf looks up to you with a slight smile.

It's strained, but you manage to offer her one back.

"We should keep moving." You murmur, glancing to the tree line. "Do you suspect we'll have better luck in the woods...?"

The elf's smile breaks out fully. "I would hope so. I will have a far easier time navigating the forest than this storm and stone."

You gently rouse Ray from his slumber. "Hey, boy. It's alright. He's giving you a break. ...consider yourself lucky."

The mastiff's eyes fall on you, a great deal of anxiety parting from them once he recognizes the thunder has stopped. He licks your hands, getting up of his own volition and pacing around you.

A terrible pang of guilt hits you. He's hungry.

"...Ofelia. Ofelia, wake up."

(2/3)

>>3917471
The halfling's eyes flutter open, grinning sheepishly at you as she pries herself off of Celegwen. "Isn't that a nice change of pace- wakin' me up for a change. Whaddid I miss?"

"Storm has departed. He's seen fit to bless us- but, Ofelia. You said we had enough food for another day? At least?"

She immediately seems to wake up, looking between you and Ray. "Oh. Right. ...right. Yeah. About that. We can ration it, but it's gonna be tight. I can go without for a while, and I know Gwen can too. I'm more worried 'bout you two. Hold on a sec-"

With a skip, pulling up her hood, Ofelia dives out from the cover you're all under and swipes up the water skins and flasks you've all set out.

She looks a little nervous, skipping back quickly, and offers one of the containers to Celegwen. "Checks out?"

The elf scrutinizes the water, and to your surprise, she takes a sip. The face she makes is entirely not what you'd expect.

It's almost as if she's had a stiff drink.

"This... this is potato liquor."

You and Ofelia simultaneously balk at her statement. "What?"

She takes another sip. "...very, very strong liquor. Even I can feel it. Strange."

Ofelia looks to you skeptically. "Storm, eh?"

A nauseating blend of confusion and indignation worms itself into your drying robes, your damp hair, the steady trickle of the rain.

"...Mercy."

>A) Refuse to touch the liquor, and continue on your way. You'll abstain for as long as you need to. You have places to go, an oath to keep, and you need your wits about you. You'll ration what you can for Ray from the food that's left. You'll have to do without for now.

>B) Pray to Agriculture, to remove all trace of the alcohol. This is an affront to the Gods, and you need to take care of your dog. You won't stand for this. Give him your share of food, and share the water. It's evident that you can't trust what you find here.

>C) Ask Celegwen to conjure clean water for you and Ray. You'll ration the food between you two, when you absolutely need to. Her and Ofelia may not respect your deities, but they certainly respect you. Hopefully the sorceress can endure the strain well enough to keep you both on your feet.

>D) Write-in.

>>3917472
>A) Refuse to touch the liquor, and continue on your way. You'll abstain for as long as you need to. You have places to go, an oath to keep, and you need your wits about you. You'll ration what you can for Ray from the food that's left. You'll have to do without for now.
Removing all trace of the alcohol is gonna leave shit for water in the skins, since I suspect it's like 80% alcohol 20% water, and it will also piss off Ofelia. Conjuration will drain more out of Gwen than Agriculture might drain out of Richard. No, we promised to minimize invoking unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. We can hopefully find some actual water somewhere else in this section, perhaps a river or small stream or anything at all, but liquor rain is not what we need right now.

>>3917472
>>A) Refuse to touch the liquor, and continue on your way. You'll abstain for as long as you need to. You have places to go, an oath to keep, and you need your wits about you. You'll ration what you can for Ray from the food that's left. You'll have to do without for now.
We can handle it, we havent explored that much, maybe we could filter it thru some moss we find in the forest?

>>3917516
>>3917537
Some seriously astute observations. Noting all of this, locking the vote. Writing now. Updates will be a little slow today but I can get quite a few out if we keep a few votes rolling in.

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>>3917695
"I suppose you won't be having any, then?" Ofelia frowns, obviously scrutinizing your thin, long limbs and gaunt face.

"This is the last thing we need right now," you frown back. "I would like to ration some food for Ray, but I can do without."

The halfling moves to get her supplies, but the face that she gives you immediately has you putting your hands up, trying to reassure her. "I promised you- I want to take care of myself. I won't invoke the Gods unless it's absolutely necessary. I'll be fine. ...perhaps we'll find a stream or better resource within the woods."

The paltry amount of greens that Ofelia sticks your way and her lack of protest stresses to you just how low supplies have dwindled. She doesn't need to say anything, but you appreciate the sincere look that she gives you. She seems to take your words to heart.

Once Ray has been fed, and you've consoled him that you'll find something in the way of steak as soon as possible, you all set off into the mist.

Now that you're aware of the heavy atmosphere bearing liquor, you are even more reluctant to linger. Alcohol is hardly forbidden to members of the clergy- it's safer than most water, after all- but you're terribly light, and concerned about the effects that this place may have on you all in the long term. You simply can't afford to let your guard down. The slightest break in the branches, the crunch of the grass underfoot, and the chirp of birds off in the distance all would be soothing, were you not so wary of what may lie in wait for you all.

https://youtu.be/va2cs3VDOA8

Celegwen seems utterly unphased, practically skipping ahead as you all proceed towards the forest. It takes nearly another hour, by your best estimates, to reach the tree line. Descending away from the slick rock and stone is slow going after the heavy rain. Regardless, Celegwen takes a deep breath in, looking about you all with childlike wonder once you reach the timbers. Taking her staff in one hand, and placing a hand to one of the colossal branches before you all, she beams.

You let out a small shout as she jumps up, deftly climbing onto one of the higher branches. The elf looks down to you all with an enormous grin. "This will only take a moment. It will be far easier to get the scope of the woods from the canopy."

Ofelia puts a hand to her temples, sighing, "she would. We'd better take the ground, eh, Richard?"

With a mutual sigh and a nod, you gesture towards Ray to follow you. The three of you cut into the dense underbrush, the overgrown trees, and the gray fog.

There's an abundance of resources to scavenge. Ofelia immediately unsheathes a dagger, but as she goes to cut into a patch of moss, she lets out a gasp.

You rush to her side, hand to your holy symbol. "What's wrong-"

(1/2)

>>3917798
There's blood on her hands, but it's not hers. She's staring, wide-eyed, at the patch of greenery that she's cut. It contracts and writhes as if it were something alive, shaping and twisting from a harmless patch of greenery into a shrieking bundle of flesh-colored sponge.

The halfling stares at the red liquid pooling down her dagger, flicking it with extreme distaste onto the soil beneath your feet. "Fuckin' bullshit-! Oi! Gwen!"

Ofelia glances upwards. You cringe at her calling out when you have no idea what could be in the woods, but you can't imagine any other way to quickly get the elf's attention.

It takes a moment, but Celegwen reappears quickly enough. A few twigs are sticking out of her hair as she drops down next to you both, her face flushed. Elation and something more sinister graces her expression as she looks to you both- yet her delight falls as soon as she sees the crimson across the floor. "You've seen it, too, then?"

Ofelia nods, grimacing.

The elf looks around the woods, settling on you both with a little less enthusiasm. "The canopy stretches outwards almost indefinitely. It looks as though a fine mist covers the reaches of the horizon. Ofelia, you may be able to see further, but I suspect it is unnecessary. There is a large cavern near the center."

You tighten your hand around your holy symbol. "The demon is surely using the forest to wear on anyone that enters his domain."

Ofelia glances down to her dagger, making a slight sound as she cleans off the rest of the blood. "So it's alive, Gwen?"

She begins to gesture broadly, muttering to you both, "in a way. It is ancient, and imbued with a potent sorcery. It is at least a day's march to the center. ...I could not dissipate this effect on more than a small area at a time."

Celegwen places both hands on her staff, gesturing for you both to step back. You call Ray to your side as you oblige. The sorceress strikes her staff down on a bed of moss beneath her feet. A dust of starlight bursts forth, rapidly retracting back into her weapon and taking in all light with it. In the darkness that remains, the greenery draws into itself, morphing before your eyes from plant life, to flesh, to decay.

Only a desiccated patch of rotten flesh remains. Celegwen frowns. "It is as I feared, then. Something is actively controlling the illusion."

Your grimace could not be any deeper. "Someone."

>A) Make a break for the cavern, as quickly as you all can travel together. Ofelia, regrettably, can only make about half of your pace- but a day's hard march is managable, even without food or water. You all need to stick together.

>B) Make camp, and let your companions save their strength. If Yech is beholden to the archdemon, he's likely expecting you. Demons can rarely resist an opportunity to feed- and you're as good of bait as any. Risking a smoke signal or some other method of attracting attention might be too risky, given the volatile atmosphere.

>C) Write-in.

>>3917799
>A

While we still have some food.

>>3917799
is there anyway we could start a fire and burn whatever these things are? If not
>A

>>3917799
>>A) Make a break for the cavern, as quickly as you all can travel together. Ofelia, regrettably, can only make about half of your pace- but a day's hard march is manageable, even without food or water. You all need to stick together.

>>3917834
>>3917875
>>3917882
The volume of alcohol in the air is thin enough to breathe without immediate negative effects- you could certainly try and start a fire.

Locking the vote to get an update out in between some more homework. Writing now.

>>3917993
The thought of being utterly surrounded by screaming, deadened flesh has your skin crawling. Itching for a torch, you look between Ofelia and Celegwen. Fiddling with your holy symbol brings you some comfort, but it's not enough.

"We need to keep moving, but I'd like to burn what we can. These woods are our enemy, so long as it can bring any harm to us-"

Ofelia interjects your statement by tastelessly driving her dagger into another pile of moss. The same shriek as before ushers forth, the pooling blood, the thrashing. A spark of disgust crawls up your spine, causing you to twitch your arm around Mercy's symbol even more tightly. The halfling shrugs. "Fine by me. Gwen? You alright?"

The elf's flush hasn't entirely left her. She absently picks a few leaves out of her hair, straightening her dress out. There's a slight dew on her arms and legs- and it occurs to you that she's the only one among you with any majorly exposed skin. Her voice is light as she looks to you both. "Yes. The air here is far lighter than it should be. It should not pose a threat, if you wish to destroy the illusion."

Ofelia unclasps her cloak, looking to Celegwen with extreme annoyance. "This demon knows how to party, I guess, but we don't got time fer this."

To your complete surprise, the rogue gently hands the over-sized swathe of blue fabric over to her friend. "Cover yourself up, and don't you dare get this caught on nothin'. Mind your face and ears, too."

Sheepishly, Celegwen takes the cloak and clasps the fabric over her bare shoulders. The hood seems to immediately accommodate her long ears and much taller frame. You'd marvel at the sorcery, but your concern for everyone's safety is much more pressing. You note that Ofelia's taken out a few more handkerchiefs from her pack as you start to work on a makeshift torch. She thrusts one at you with a slight smile.

"Hey. Lightweight. Keep yer face covered best as you can, 'kay?"

You frown at her comment, but accept the slip of fabric, tucking it away for a moment to successfully strike a spark. The bed of moss and leaves you've gathered flare up, screaming as the flame rapidly kindles. You stoke the mixture, plunging another handful of twigs and branches in before working at your torch. Occasionally you nudge Ray away from the flames, reminding him to keep his distance. Celegwen seems mildly uncomfortable, but you make quick work of the illusion.

"Not bad," Ofelia muses.

"Thank you. ...this is far from my first time away from the church," you reply, stamping out the cinders as best as you can. Taking up the smoldering, softly screaming wood, you notice that the flame isn't burning nearly as quickly as it should. It's clear that the air isn't quite right.

Mist licks at the bottom of your robes and around your friends as you turn to them all. "Let's keep moving. Celegwen, can you still guide us?"

(1/3)

>>3918051
The elf offers you a light smile, out from under Ofelia's hood. "Of course. This way. ...take care to not start too many fires, Father. The mist was far heavier, deeper into the woods. I do not trust this place either."

With a nod, you call Ray to your side, and you all set back off.

The pace you keep behind Celegwen is clearly is straining Ofelia, but not a single complaint falls from her. You all silently pick your way through the branches and underbrush, keeping close to one another as the light behind you fades from sight. Celegwen frequently whispers to you all to mind upturned roots, pitfall and other hazards lying in the increasing darkness of the wood.

You make quick work of any large patches of moss you come by, not slowing the pace for a moment. Your long legs easily keep up with the two women, but the screaming of your torch has your nerves aflame as well. The fire dwindles after only an hour or two, the wood untreated and your skill with the craft wanting. You discard the item as the flame threatens to catch on your fingers, leaving the shrieks to fade back into the depths of the forest.

The mist closes in on you all, coating the trees with a fine sheen of dew, sticking to your robes and searing your sight. You had nearly forgotten about it, but you take out Ofelia's handkerchief before long, doing your best to cover your nose and the corners of your eyes. Fatigue wears on you, your head light, as the hours climb on- you're on edge to an extreme, practically jumping at the slightest crack in the twigs and foliage underfoot. It's exhausting to be so on guard, but you're relieved that you are, as Celegwen's voice rings out.

It's been hours. Her comments have grown gradually lighter as you all have proceeded forward, to the extent that it sounds as distant now as she does when in a trance.

"...up ahead," she murmurs, "is a clearing. Be on your guard. We are nearly there."

You nearly jump out of your skin as your eyes catch on a figure slumped against a nearby tree. A spear is dug deep into its emaciated chest, its ribs visible through the torn fabric around its skeleton.

Barricades surround it. Wood, lashed together and sharpened into spikes, jut out around the fallen bodies of several dead soldiers. The flesh is long gone from their forms, but their heraldry is still untouched by time. You do not recognize the emblems, though you assume they are for a long-forgotten King.

Your hand hasn't left your holy symbol in hours. Though your palm aches, you tense even further, squinting, to try and discern their shapes better. It looks as though there are three skeletons of fallen soldiers immediately ahead, and the clearing beyond looks to have even more. Many of them are wielding shields, maces, and a few even have swords. It's growing difficult to even see through the mist, as much as your eyes, throat and nose are burning- but you see them clearly.

(2/3)

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>>3918062
It occurs to you how odd the make of their armor and cloth is. You've never seen anything entirely like it before. The make looks excellent, far cleaner and of higher grade than anything the church has ever gifted to you. Some of the soldiers even have solid pieces of exotic metal adorning them, in hues you're entirely unfamiliar with. It's like they're from another time entirely.

"Stay back," you whisper. The command is directed mostly to Ray, but you pray that your companions will heed your caution as well.

>A) Insist that you all take a longer path around. You have a terrible feeling about this place. So long as you're concerned about the mist, your growing discomfort, and Celegwen's well-being, you'd rather not take any chances here. There's no telling what befell these soldiers, and you aren't about to find out.

>B) Have Ofelia scout ahead, while you keep an eye on Celegwen and Ray from the rear. Ask her to signal you if there's any danger at all. You don't trust this place. No matter how pressed you are for time, you want to exert caution, and she's best equipped for stealth.

>C) Stick together, and plunge ahead. You have the Gods- and you are not afraid of a few corpses. See if any of them have any weapons or shields suited to you, while you're at it. Your mission here is peaceful, but you could use something less divine to hold onto. You'd rather see what lies ahead with your own eyes and your friends by your side.

>D) Write-in.

>>3918069
>>A) Insist that you all take a longer path around. You have a terrible feeling about this place. So long as you're concerned about the mist, your growing discomfort, and Celegwen's well-being, you'd rather not take any chances here. There's no telling what befell these soldiers, and you aren't about to find out

>>3918069
>A) Insist that you all take a longer path around. You have a terrible feeling about this place. So long as you're concerned about the mist, your growing discomfort, and Celegwen's well-being, you'd rather not take any chances here. There's no telling what befell these soldiers, and you aren't about to find out
Stay safe. Stay alert.

>>3918088
>>3918116
Homework's finished! Staying safe and alert. Writing.

>>3918283
All of your companions look to you as you tense. You eye the edge of the clearing with enormous hesitation. Your knuckles are white against your holy symbol, looking around for any alternative paths. The darkness and mist shrouds the denser forest completely, but it seems like a far safer option.

"I have a terrible feeling about this place. We need to stay safe. ...let's go around."

Celegwen shrugs her shoulders, clearly not minding, but Ofelia balks.

"Are ya' sure? Seriously? I don't mind goin' ahead-"

"I couldn't be more certain. We need to stay alert. Something killed these men, and I don't intend to find out what. ...not if we can help it."

Celegwen looks over her shoulder to you both, obviously disoriented from the liquor in the air. Her smile is whimsical, her eyes misty. She shows no sign of exhaustion from marching for nearly a day, but there is something decidedly off color about her. She looks down at the halfling, no condescension in her voice, but her words rub you the wrong way. "The path around is far more difficult. Shall we have Ofelia go forth on Ray now, or would you prefer a ride on my shoulders...?"

Ofelia punches her softly on the side of her leg. You can't help but notice how red her eyes are, and wonder if yours look just as irritated. "Shuddap. I'll be fine. ...can't say the same 'bout you, though. Fuckin' lush. You sure you even know where we're goin'?"

"Of course," the elf beams. "This way."

"...Ray. Just a bit further, boy. Come on."

Cutting deeper into the woods still, you can't help but look back at the edge of the clearing as you all hook sharply away from it. The corpses of the fallen soldiers linger in your mind for some time after you leave the barricades and fallen men behind. It's hard to not think of the clergy, of Father Edmund.

You shake your head and catch up to your companions.

It's rough going. You have to literally pick up Ofelia from time to time, to help her over the far denser underbrush. She makes a huge fuss about it at first, but after an hour or so of plunging through the harsh terrain, she stops complaining, and seems relieved for the hand. Ray, as always, is valiant, keeping up with you without complaint. You're mildly disturbed by how quiet he's been, but it's safe to assume he's simply tired as well. You all have been marching for hours without rest, food or water.

The fog is unbearably thick. There are no pangs of hunger or thirst, as always, that accompany your excursion- but you're unable to avoid noticing the inebriation taking hold of you. The harsh physical demand of picking through the rougher course only seems to aggravate the building haze.

(1/2)

>>3918337
Despite the gloom, Celegwen fearlessly keeps up the pace, leading you all deftly through the vines and moss as if it were second nature to her. Her voice is weightless as she looks behind to you all for what seems like the hundredth time. "The Verdant Dominion's woods are much more untamed. This demon could stand to learn a thing or two of the wilds-!"

Ofelia groans, picking a huge bramble out of her hair. "Don't encourage the bastard-! What if he can hear us? Seriously," she looks up to you, the exhaustion on her face evident. "I'm goin' to kill her when we get out of here, Richard."

It's hard to not at least try to defend her, though your patience is wearing thin as well. "She means well."

Looking ahead to the elf, you find yourself actually slowing down. Your breath is heavy, a flush in your face from more than the excursion. The mist is suffocating, heavy and cloying in the air. It seems to hang most thickly over a break in the treeline, where a sharply protruding series of stones scrapes against the woods. "Stop. Everyone."

Longing for a shield, you take a few steps ahead, pushing through the thick vines and trees to move past your allies. Ray obediently stays in place, but Ofelia and Celegwen both start. The elf in particular seems unaware of any imminent threat. "Is something the matter, Father?"

Gritting your teeth, you squint through the darkness. The edges of your vision are hazy, but you can discern the opening of a cave just ahead. It's less than a stone's throw from you all. "Is this it, then, Celegwen? The center of the woods?"

Blissfully, she beams at you. "Certainly. See, Ofelia, I knew where I was going-"

The halfling punches her again. "Yeah, and you nearly walked us straight into it. You know I'm too tired to be much use, you nut job."

As you're all talking, you strain your ears, trying to pick up anything on the outskirts of the woods. Over the women's bickering, you almost miss it, but certainly enough- there's a soft rustling in the bushes ahead.

Ray isn't growling, but your pulse skyrockets. It might be your lowered inhibitions, but you dive to the side, grabbing onto Ofelia and Celegwen. "Get down-!"

Both women let out a shout, as you all tumble into the dense underbrush. Ray dives right after you all without hesitation. Wide-eyed and panicked, you clutch onto your holy symbol, putting yourself in front of everyone.

A loud thunk announces something striking one of the trees, past the underbrush.

The rustling stops completely.

"Father, you could have told us to simply get down-"

"What gives-"

Disheveled brown hair peeks out from the underbrush as you dare to glance out at whatever threatened you all. You don't pay any mind to Ofelia's and Celegwen's complaints as your eye catches on something, pierced into a tree where you were standing seconds before. You bow your head for a moment, thanking your Goddess for Her protection.

(Underestimated, 2/3)

>>3918345
"...the Gods are Merciful."

It's an arrow, stuck so deeply into the wood you couldn't imagine pulling it loose. A letter is tied onto it with an ancient black ribbon.

>A) It might be a trap. Leave it alone, and proceed towards the cave with the utmost caution. Keep ahead, and break off a tree branch as a makeshift shield, if you need to. You need to protect your friends, no matter the danger.

>B) Ask Ofelia if she can discern anything about the letter. She may be tired, but this is only a few feet away. She's proven herself far more adept with this sort of thing than anyone else among you, and this might be a message. Trust her abilities.

>C) Pray to Spirit for Her wisdom. If this demon is powerful enough to manipulate an entire forest, you aren't about to enter its lair blindly. Your friends will have to understand- and you are not about to invoke Mercy again so quickly.

>D) Write-in.

>>3918352
>>B) Ask Ofelia if she can discern anything about the letter. She may be tired, but this is only a few feet away. She's proven herself far more adept with this sort of thing than anyone else among you, and this might be a message. Trust her abilities.

>>3918352
>B) Ask Ofelia if she can discern anything about the letter. She may be tired, but this is only a few feet away. She's proven herself far more adept with this sort of thing than anyone else among you, and this might be a message. Trust her abilities.
She's the rogue, this is her job.

>B) Ask Ofelia if she can discern anything about the letter. She may be tired, but this is only a few feet away. She's proven herself far more adept with this sort of thing than anyone else among you, and this might be a message. Trust her abilities.

Ignoring this is a bad idea, invoking anyone is a bad idea.

>>3918359
>>3918377
>>3918410
Fuck yeah let's keep this ball rolling. Locking the vote, writing now.

>>3918419
A simple look to Ofelia is all it takes for her to understand the situation. She makes a point of shoving Celegwen down properly into the underbrush as she rises. The elf barely protests, and the smaller woman speaks over her regardless.

"I'm goin', I'm goin'. You all sit tight. 'Specially you, knife ears."

You can't help but notice how endearing all of the leaves caught in her hair looks, as she cautiously sneaks through the underbrush. She must have caught you watching her as she glances back to you all, though she doesn't acknowledge it.

"...seriously, stay back."

Crouching in front of Ray and Celegwen, it's impossible to not peek out from behind the bushes and trees to keep an eye on your friend. Though she approaches the arrow with extreme caution, and you don't doubt her skill for a moment, it's hard to not worry for her safety.

To your relief, she doesn't immediately touch the item. Ofelia darts behind a few nearby trees, checking the surrounding area and, to your surprise, removes several strands of wire from across the branches. It's difficult to see the angle she comes up behind the arrow from, as only a branch and a strand of the thread is visible from her carefully extended hands. She seems completely covered as she hooks around the item, but you still let out a shout as something explodes forth from the tree and arrow within it.

"Ofelia!"

Ray makes a sound for the first time in hours, barking at the sudden popping noise. You hold him down, looking around for the halfling as a faint afterimage of light, paint and something colorful hangs in the air. The little strips of paper dance for a moment, painting an explicit message that is not nearly as festive as its presentation.

FUCK OFF

Ofelia comes out from hiding, looking extremely irritated. The arrow is completely gone, a wall of paint and color smeared along the tree where it was a few seconds ago. She pulls on her gloves, picking the letter gingerly off the floor. Confusion is written all over her face as she looks to it, followed swiftly by intense anger. She calls out to you with abject hatred in her voice.

"It's safe. ...er, much as it can be. You're not gonna' like this, Richard, but you'd better come take a look. It's for you."

With building dread, you pick yourself up out, calling Ray to your side. Celegwen blissfully comes after you, admiring the fallen slips of colorful paper. They rested on the forest floor in the exact same pattern as they exploded into the air in. You kick your foot across the message, frowning as you make the letters unintelligible.

Ofelia holds the letter firmly out to you, looking like she scarcely wants to touch it. You pick up the paper and immediately understand her revulsion.

It's the rudest thing you've read in your entire life.

(1/2)

>>3918533
"I would rather not read it aloud," you murmur, looking over the parchment. You feel more than a little sick, and it's not just from the liquor hanging in the air.

To the shameless peasants and perverted arsonist who dares to enter my domain,
Unsolicited, unannounced, and entirely unwelcome,
To the forsaken bastard who decided to turn his nose up at my generosity, snubbing my enchantments and thinking himself better than I,
To the bitches who presume to upset my gardening and desecrate the canopy of my woods,
To "Father" Anscham, though I highly doubt you deserve the fucking title,

You can't help but frown at the expletive being underlined multiple times, the "i" dotted with a heart, and your name literally spit on. You hold the letter at further length.

You're not welcome here. Idonea can mind her own fucking business. She asked me to be courteous- here's your fucking courtesy. Get out. I don't want any help a bunch of degenerates like you could give. I'm not being a hypocrite- you're that abhorrent.

-Lord Yech, the Disgusted.

P.S. Really don't appreciate what you did in front of Freya and the rest of the girls. Try that shit here and I'll drape your intestines over every square mile of this place. See your whore try and "bless" that.

Shame and fury sticks to you, hot and fast. You tear up the parchment, crumpling the letter in your hands. You glance to Ofelia, wondering just how much she read.

She doesn't look crestfallen. She also looks pissed. The rogue's eyes glint with something extremely sinister, as she looks to the cave beyond. "No one- no one speaks to you that way. We oughta' show this asshole what for."

You grimace, clenching the letter even more tightly. Celegwen, despite her inebriation, seems to pick up instantly on what's transpired. She tightens her grip on her staff, looking fairly irate as well, but she shows far more restraint. She doesn't say anything, looking to you expectantly.

(Options in next post)

>>3918542
>A) You're going to be the better person. This is a demon. You didn't expect this to be easy. Don't sneak up on Yech- see if Ofelia can scout ahead and announce that you're coming. This demon called himself a Lord. He might appreciate some formality and courtesy in return for... well, everything. You can prove that you're worthy of your station just fine without falling for a demon's games.

>B) You've been badly bullied before, but this is something else. You won't stand for this kind of abuse, and you're unbelievably pissed. March up to the cave and demand that Yech see you. Don't punch him just yet- but at least try and assert yourself. You've made a career out of killing demons. You're not about to bend over backwards to accommodate one, no matter how powerful they may be.

>C) Let your feelings be a little hurt. You're pretty ashamed of your behavior as well. Demons may have no place judging a man- but you're pretty hard on yourself as it is. See if Celegwen and Ofelia have any suggestions on how to win over this demon, when he seems dead-set on hating you and everyone you're with. You certainly have no idea how you're going to show him Mercy when you can't even do the same for yourself.

>D) Write-in.

>>3918545
>>A) You're going to be the better person. This is a demon. You didn't expect this to be easy. Don't sneak up on Yech- see if Ofelia can scout ahead and announce that you're coming. This demon called himself a Lord. He might appreciate some formality and courtesy in return for... well, everything. You can prove that you're worthy of your station just fine without falling for a demon's games.

Tons of updates today, going to let this one sit overnight and get some rest. You guys are stellar. I'll be back tomorrow.

>>3918751
Seeya soon! Getting tense!

>>3918545
>A) You're going to be the better person. This is a demon. You didn't expect this to be easy. Don't sneak up on Yech- see if Ofelia can scout ahead and announce that you're coming. This demon called himself a Lord. He might appreciate some formality and courtesy in return for... well, everything. You can prove that you're worthy of your station just fine without falling for a demon's games.

>>3918533
>FUCK OFF
>>3918542
>that entire letter
He's literally an edgy big bro demon in his edgecave in the middle of edgewoods with edgevodka raining from the sky.
And wow, every single one of them is gonna be mad at Richard that he did that with Mercy right in front of them, aren't they? Maximum seethe.

>>3918906
Absolute maximum over-seethe.

Going to make some breakfast, vote is open until I get back.

>>3918542
>>A) You're going to be the better person. This is a demon. You didn't expect this to be easy. Don't sneak up on Yech- see if Ofelia can scout ahead and announce that you're coming. This demon called himself a Lord. He might appreciate some formality and courtesy in return for... well, everything. You can prove that you're worthy of your station just fine without falling for a demon's games.
Also pull out some parchment if we have any and pen him an apology letter, after we are done stab it into a tree with one of ofelias knives.This thing takes itself for a lord so using a very apologetic tone would help feed its ego and get it to chill the fuck out.

>>3919017
"To The Lord Yech,
I, Richard Anscham, on beahalf of Ofelia Banks, and Celegwen apologize for our rude intrusion into your territory, let it be known that your sentiment toward Idonea and the minding of her own bussiness is reciprocated by me and my companions.
I also want for it to be crystal clear that our intention was never to disturb our harm, alas, the impossibly long trek here has made us weary and impolite, our bodies are on edge and overly sensitive to the gifts you have graciously offered us, Ofelia knows her spirits well and im sure you could have plenty to discuss, as for Celegwen, her home land is one of impressive verdancy, aptly named too, i hope you could draw some inspiration from her memories as a trade for the damage we have caused. I know you can find it in your heart to understand, and if not forgive us, at least grant us an audience.

-Richard Anscham "

>>3918545
>B

Square up bro. I'll have sex in front of as many kids as I want. Still better than the Catholics!

>>3919037
Appreciate the enthusiasm but

>>3918606
>>3918906
>>3919017
>>3919022
We'll be going with the majority on this one. Locking the vote, writing now.

>>3919043
Yech's behavior has you reminded more of a misbehaved teenager than a Lord. You know you don't need to justify yourself to anyone. Not only have you been traveling for hours without rest, in the lair of a demon, but you've merely been trying to protect yourself and your friends. Although you're not surprised that the children of the archdemon are offended by your behavior, you feel like you're far from overstepping your boundaries.

There's no shame in invoking the Gods.

Still, you pull off your backpack and start fishing around for some parchment. Everything is bent and beaten, but fortunately your journal, paper and ink seem to have survived the fall.

Your friends look to you with curiosity, as you rapidly fill a pen and scratch out a response. Your handwriting wavers slightly, your limbs heavy, your eyes stinging from the constant haze of liquor. It takes a bit longer than usual, but the neat script manages to fill the page in a matter of minutes.

Lord Yech,

I apologize for our intrusion into your territory. Let it be known that your sentiments towards Idonea are reciprocated in full. I speak not only on my own behalf, but for Ofelia Banks and Celegwen, as well. Your business is your own.

I must stress that we never intended to disturb or harm your domain. The trek here has worn on my manners, and I must profess to being overtly sensitive to the gifts you have offered. Ofelia has a far greater tolerance for spirits, and possesses a wealth of knowledge regarding them. I hope you two could discuss them with more vigor. Likewise, I hope you could draw inspiration from Celegwen, as her home land is one of impressive verdancy. She shares a love of all things green- perhaps her memories could offer some respite from the damage we have caused.

I do not expect you to forgive us so quickly for these transgressions, but if you cannot find it in you to understand, please: at least permit us an audience.

-Father Richard Anscham

While the ink dries, you try to grab Ofelia's attention. "Ofelia, if it isn't too much to ask-"

Her blue eyes snap up to you, lanced with red, fury weaving between the haze that you know must be on all of you by now. She softens her look as your eyes meet hers for a moment. "Can I read that?"

You nod, offering the letter forward. "The demon called himself a Lord. He may have been one in life, or he may regard his position in the hierarchy with more weight than most. ...either way, I'd rather extend some courtesy."

Your voice drops to a murmur as you say mostly to yourself, "I'd rather be a better person."

The halfling's face falls as she rolls up the letter, looking to you with no small amount of distaste. "Don't say I never did nothin' for ya', Richard. Suppose you want me to go introduce us?"

(1/3)

>>3919104
Looking to Celegwen, who is entirely preoccupied with admiring a nearby outcropping of foliage, you can't help but sigh. "If you could. ...please, be careful. I saw you disarm a few trip wires already. This demon obviously did not want to be disturbed. If there's any trouble, call for me."

With a firm motion, Ofelia stashes the letter and swipes her cloak back off of Celegwen. The elf scarcely responds, blinking at you both.

"Sorry Gwen, gonna need this. Sit tight. I'll try to not take too long."

The elf is even more quiet than usual, offering not much more than a smile and a wave. You can't help but notice how red the tips of her ears and whites of her eyes have become. It was much more difficult to discern while she was leading you all, but a sick feeling seizes you as Ofelia turns to leave.

You're left with Ray and Celegwen in a matter of moments, the halfling's footsteps nearly impossible to hear as she slinks off towards the stone up ahead.

A very large part of you wants to offer a cloak or something else to Celegwen to help cover herself, but all you have is the handkerchief Ofelia gave you earlier, and your robes. The elf blinks, obliviously, as you hold out the small slip of fabric towards her.

To your extreme dismay, a familiar spasm seizes your arm as you hold it out. It's not exhaustion. The liquor is getting to you.

"Here," you murmur, holding your arm steady and offering the cloth out again to Celegwen. "Try to cover your face, at least."

She looks to you with a huge smile, taking the fabric and holding it over her nose and mouth. Though her voice is muffled, you can make out what she's saying without effort. The woods are unbearably silent, save for Ray's panting beside you. "Your eyes are so red, Father, I can barely see the sage."

You can't help but dart your eyes away, looking towards the cave beyond. It's so dark on the outskirts that you can't fathom seeing anything inside, and your eyes are burning intensely. You don't reply to Celegwen, kneeling down to try and look after Ray instead.

The mastiff seems completely fine. Exhausted, and probably hungry- but the haze seems to be having no effect on him.

You balk for a moment, trying to make sense of this.

The Gods reserve their blessings for humanity- does this demon not care for animals, either?

"Is something wrong, Father...?" Celegwen muses, her voice drifting away from you as she speaks.

"No," you murmur, "it's nothing. ...good boy, Ray."

Ofelia seems to be taking an exceptional amount of time getting back to you all. You don't question her ability, but your lowered inhibitions have your neuroticism peaking. It's hard not to wonder if she's gotten lost, or hurt, or if she even wants to come back. Unable to stand still, you pace, permitting Ray to tail behind you as you mull over whether or not you should have all stuck together. The spasms in your neglected and waifish body rise with the motion, but you can't bear to sit idly by.

(2/3)

>>3919105
Just when the wait feels like it's become unbearable, Ofelia reappears. Silent, as always, she seemingly materializes out of the darkness next to you. You practically jump out of your skin, taking a step back with a hand over your heart and holy symbol.

She lets out a slight laugh. "Sorry, Richard- didn't mean to scare ya'. Wasn't sure if there was gonna be anythin' else out here. This guy is one paranoid customer, couldn't even count how many traps he'd left."

"Are you- are you alright?" You ask, your heart rate decreasing only slightly. You can't help but notice more slips of colorful paper stuck to the halfling's clothes and hair.

Ofelia gives you a frown. "I'm fine. This demon is a real fuckin' character- had me yell yer damn note to him, said he didn't want to look at me. But he wants to see you. ...you just say the word, Richard, I'll-"

The gesture the rogue makes almost elicits a laugh from you. It's so violent that you can't help but pull at the collar of your robes, looking down to her with appreciation. "Thank you, Ofelia. Hopefully that won't be necessary."

With an entirely clumsy gesture, the halfling sweeps off her cloak and loosely fastens it back around Celegwen- who seems to be bordering on a trance. Despite their size difference, Ofelia still gets next to her friend and manages to help shoulder her. It's comical, but you don't dare make fun of the attempt to help.

"We'd better get going. Gwen's a tough cookie, but she's not gonna be of much use at this rate."

"You said that he didn't want to see you...?"

"Yeah, I don't give a shit. We're stickin' together- and at this point I'm wonderin' if this asshole even has any other drinks. Come on."

>These options are mutually exclusive. Majority vote will decide.

>A) Insist that Ofelia stay outside with Celegwen. This demon is obviously temperamental, and you don't want to hurt your chances by immediately disregarding his request. Your friends could probably use the rest, anyways.
>1) Have Ray guard them both. You don't know how long this will take.
>2) Take Ray with you. You know you're never truly alone, but you'd feel better with his company.

>B) Don't argue, and have the women come with you. You are all stronger together. If things go south, you would rather have your friends by your side.

>>3919107
>>2) Take Ray with you. You know you're never truly alone, but you'd feel better with his company
He doesnt seem to care much about animals, an even split guarantees to keep both parties safe, finding a slight loophole like this might make him treat us with more respect and not a total pushover

>>3919107
>>2) Take Ray with you. You know you're never truly alone, but you'd feel better with his company.

>>3919121
>>3919219
Going to lock this a little early while I make some coffee. Will write soon.

Going to be able to update pretty frequently today but things might taper back off to 1-2 posts a day for the rest of the week. Really appreciate you guys.

>>3919300
Coffee acquired, chores done, writing now.

>>3919349
It's difficult, but you step in front of Ofelia. "No."

"No?" She looks up to you with a fair amount of annoyance.

"Stay here, and keep an eye on Celegwen. This demon is obviously temperamental. I can't risk you both getting hurt... or jeopardizing the mission. He explicitly said he didn't wish to see you, did he not?"

The sorceress looks to you with a gloss over her eyes, raw as they are. She's completely out of it. Ofelia glances up to her, shaking her head. It's immediately evident that Ofelia realizes how right you are, easing her friend back onto the forest floor. There's a heavy sigh and a heave of her small shoulders.

"I hate to say it, but yer probably right. I can barely keep goin' as it is... and she's not gonna be much help." The halfling settles down next to Celegwen, looking up to you with worry. "Don't you dare get hurt. ...and hurry back, okay? I cleared a straight path through the traps. You'll see 'em from a mile away. Even Ray should be alright if you keep him near ya'."

"I won't leave you for long. Get some rest, and please- stay safe. Find me if anything happens," you clench your hands over your holy symbol, looking down for a moment. "May the Gods watch over you both. ...here, Ray. Stay close, boy."

A glance behind you as you turn to leave is soul-crushing in its brevity. The forest is dark and clouded. The silhouette of Ofelia and Celegwen waiting for you fades from sight all too quickly.

You set out, carefully stepping through the dense wood and underbrush. Ray stays right at your heels, panting hard from the exertion of the day. Your breath matches his, heavy from the oppressive mist and cloying alcohol. Though your vision swims, you can clearly see a pattern on the forest floor.

Ofelia seems to have disarmed a colossal amount of traps. Confetti and wire is haphazardly strung about the floor in a parody of a bridge leading up to the cavern's entrance. You keep to the cleared floor, wondering how tedious it must have been to have set off or disarmed hundreds of feet of paint and explosives. There are strewn javelins, spears, arrows and spiked wood protruding on the outskirts of your vision- and you strongly suspect the soldiers you'd seen previously met their fate from something similar.

"Stay close, boy. Come on."

The opening to the cave looms out, mist obscuring your view. Your voice rings out. You're no coward.

"Lord Yech! I have requested an audience with you. It's Richard- Richard Anscham. I come alone, save for my pet dog."

A cloying, decrepit and ancient voice answers you back, from the darkness and looming mist. His accent is impossible to place, but sarcasm and disdain drips from every word.

"How appropriate. You brought another mutt. Fine. Come in. Let's get this over with."

Head tilting, desperately wishing you had your shield, you enter the lair of the demon lord.

(1/2)

File: Lord Yech, the Disgusted.jpg (51 KB, 564x705)

51 KB JPG

>>3919415
The mist almost seems to intensify as you step inside. Ray's growling is immediate. You don't see the source of his concern at first, your eyes falling on countless barrels of liquor stacked to an impossibly high ceiling. Stairs wrap around the walls, stretching up towards the ceiling. A sense of familiarity takes you. The cavern is moist, dew clinging to the walls and floor. It's slick as your scuffed shoes take a few more hesitant steps forward, scanning the cave for the source of your dog's distress.

Near the back wall, adjacent to several stacks of plants and decaying wine bottles is a man- or rather, was a man. The body looks to be the corpse of an ancient lord, yet the demon's face is entirely decayed. You're acutely reminded of the shrouded demon's skull, yet this lord is not covered in blood. He's dripping in wine, his cloak stained with the same hue. He's utterly still, so still that you mistook him for another corpse in the ruins. Webs cling to his frame, as if he hasn't moved in an age.

There's movement, and a death rattle.

Lord Yech leans forward, the empty sockets of his skull glaring at your own emaciated and sunken eyes with more disgust than you ever thought a creature could convey. As he looks up to you, you can't help but hold onto your holy symbol.

"Ray. Stay. Stay, boy."

The demon lord's gaze cuts into your soul. His voice croaks out, as hollow and wavering as the mist around you both. "What the fuck do you want with me?"

>A) You honestly have no idea what you're doing. Explain that you're entirely uncertain what Idonea's request might entail. Ask Yech in turn what's troubling him. Better to let him speak than to make matters worse.

>B) Apologize formally for burning Yech's woods and for the incident in the abyss. A letter is one thing, but this demon doesn't seem hostile. Verbally abusive, yes, but not hostile. If anything, he seems lazy. Try to get on his good side before you get any further.

>C) You're still pissed. Confront Yech about his attitude towards you, and insist that you're only here on behalf of Idonea. ...which you're entirely uncomfortable with, and would rather not deal with. See if you can get this over with quickly. You've wasted an enormous amount of time just getting here.

>D) Write-in.

>>3919420
>C

This big boozer wants to complain about other people? 50 bucks says the one he's most disgusted with is himself.

>>3919420
>>B) Apologize formally for burning Yech's woods and for the incident in the abyss. A letter is one thing, but this demon doesn't seem hostile. Verbally abusive, yes, but not hostile. If anything, he seems lazy. Try to get on his good side before you get any further.

>>3919420
>A) You honestly have no idea what you're doing. Explain that you're entirely uncertain what Idonea's request might entail. Ask Yech in turn what's troubling him. Better to let him speak than to make matters worse.

Don't think we'll be able to get on his good side since he seems like an all around bastard - might as well be upfront with him.

>>3919425
>>3919463
>>3919529
Got some mildly conflicting choices here. Going to leave this vote open for a bit, you guys feel free to discuss how you'd like to approach this dude. If there's no consensus I'll find a way to work this together.

>>3919420
>B) Apologize formally for burning Yech's woods and for the incident in the abyss. A letter is one thing, but this demon doesn't seem hostile. Verbally abusive, yes, but not hostile. If anything, he seems lazy. Try to get on his good side before you get any further.
I want to do this first before we get straight to the heart of the matter. Displays and gestures go a long way with things like this.
Richard should still keep this in mind for when the talk turns to the task at hand >>3919425
>the one he's most disgusted with is himself

I feel like at one point, Richard really needs to take a big gulp of Yech's finest alcohol. As a way to get on the same level as him, of course, and to help the giving of Mercy work out.

Going to make some dinner and then I'll knock out one more update for the night. Vote is still open until I get back.

>>3919425
>>3919463
>>3919529
>>3919708
>>3919714
Wew, this is gonna be interesting. Locking the vote, writing now.

>>3920031
"I would like to apologize. Formally. ...my companion, Ofelia, informed me that she read my correspondence back to you-"

"Blow it out your ass. You're sorrier in person than you even were on paper. I knew this was going to be a joke, but seriously? You think-"

Ray's growling intensifies as the demon slowly leans back, rolling his head around to glare at you even more intensely. The wine dripping off of him seems to cling to his voice, the sour vineyard hanging in the air, sticking to the back of your throat. His words reek of uninhibited revulsion.

"-you seriously want me to believe that you're sorry for anything you did? You came in here to get in good with Idonea. That's fine, she can mind her own fucking business- but you have the nerve- the fucking audacity to try and appease me?"

For the first time since you can remember, you take your hand off of your holy symbol. The spasm in your arms, back and legs is irritating, but you hold your ground, looking firmly at the demon. His soaking, hateful frame bristles under the scrutiny. You try and soften your expression, aware that your face is hard, the lines under your eyes are deep, and that you likely look entirely disheveled. At the very least, you can soften your voice, and it comes out in its usual, timid tone.

"I would like to at least try. ...Ray, down, boy. Sit. Good boy. Quiet. Listen- Lord Yech-"

The demon rudely groans, lolling his head back further. He sweeps an overturned chalice from the floor, pouring its contents into his outstretched, skeletal mouth and acting as if he isn't listening at all. The wine soaks into his chest, pouring through what you assume to be a decayed cavity, soaking his fine attire. You pay no heed to the immature outburst.

"To be frank- I meant no offense. I mean no offense. I don't even know what Idonea intends to have me do. You clearly deserve my honesty, and I do not intend to mince my words or lead you to believe for a second-"

You catch the anger tilting into your voice, your outrage at the situation you find yourself in. It's probably the alcohol relaxing you, easing your constant repression. "I'm just as furious with her request as you are. I want to leave this place. I want to go home. I hate these ruins- I can't stand it down here, I can't stand working with demons, and honestly, I don't care for the way you've disregarded every attempt I've made at showing you some courtesy."

That got his attention. Yech's head lolls forward, making a grotesque show of running the wine out and over his open mouth as he stares back at you. He swallows, wipes his jaw- and throws his goblet at you.

(1/3)

>>3920119
You dodge to the side. It was a weak throw, obviously meant to annoy and not harm. Despite your exhaustion, you stay on your feet, glaring back at the demon. "You mock me for taking a title, yet you scarcely honor your own. Why do you humor me? Why would a demon not immediately try and kill a man? Why would you tolerate my presence in your domain, when you clearly have the power to kill me at any time?"

Lord Yech stands- but his motions are sluggish. There's no rage in his limbs, no urgency in his motions. Ray is lying next to you as you've commanded, trying to keep quiet, but he can't help growling as the demon lord rises from his throne. You bristle, expecting him to attack, but Yech simply walks to the other side of the cave.

You continue as he walks away from you.

"I'm willing to bet that the one you're most disgusted with is yourself."

He slumps down next to an enormous keg, fishing around in his pockets for something as he looks up to you.

"I'm bored."

You repeat his words with disbelief and no small measure of disdain. "...you're bored."

"Did I fucking stutter?"

"No-"

"Good. Shut the fuck up and get over here. ...didn't want those broads interfering. Keep your dog back, too. Probably wants my fucking bones."

Eyeing the demon with extreme hesitation, you command Ray to stay put, and cautiously step across the cave. You stay standing, looking down at the sluggish, wavering figure before you. The drenched and drunken form would look pathetic, were it not for the knowledge of how much power he commanded.

"I'll eat my cape before I call you Father. Richard, was it?"

"Yes."

"Malimos has not shut the fuck up about you. It's been nearly a month. I'm so sick of it- I swore I'd kill you the second I laid eyes on you. But you might be alright. I'll kill him instead."

The demon lays his head back against one of the kegs, raising a hand over the floor of the cave. From the soil rises a pair of small glasses, seemingly out of thin air. Recalling Celegwen mentioning how strenuous it is to conjure anything, you can't help but wonder what the extent of this demon's ability is. He wordlessly fills the glasses from the spigot. An intensely dark and smoky blend hits you, even from several feet away.

"I don't want you here. I don't want anyone here. I just want some fucking peace. I want to die down here, Richard- fuck, you probably do too- and I don't want Idonea's fucking pity. Take this," he thrusts one of the glasses at you, spilling a healthy amount off onto the floor. You practically expect acid, but it harmlessly falls to the stone.

Arm twitching, you hold it steady with your free hand as you take the glass from the demon.

"I bet you get a lot of it. Pity. Just look at you. Hyped up to be some kinda monster and you're just an angsty looking bundle of scars and repression, huh? Can't even stay still- twitchy little bastard- drink the goddamn thing, don't just smell it-"

(2/3)

>>3920120
You almost feel like you should say something. The peat and smoke coming from the whiskey in your hands puts Ofelia's best to absolute shame. Trusting that this demon genuinely doesn't want to kill you, and craving to get out of his presence as soon as possible, you frown and take a sip of the drink.

There's little burn. The liquid is impossibly smooth, full-bodied, and lingers in your mouth long after you've swallowed.

It's hard to not comment on the demon's words, or his excellent taste in drinks. "I would be lying if I didn't agree with everything you've said. ...and this is excellent. Thank you. I didn't mean to reject your gift previously- I simply have a very low tolerance, and wanted my wits about me when we met."

Another groan. "Stop brown nosing. Stop it. I liked you better when you were pissed."

"...fine. I don't get much in the way of pity, Yech. I don't particularly care for Idonea's treatment of you or her other children, either, if I'm to be perfectly honest."

"There's a reason she's down here, but I'm not gonna' get into it. Look- you wanted to bet on me? Let's fucking bet."

"What-?"

The demon stops fishing around in his pocket, pulling out a pair of dice. They're stunning, carved out of solid bone and studded with gold.

"You show me a good time, and I'll tell Idonea to piss off. We'll bet on it. You win, and I'll let you all get out of here. No fuss, I get a break from the tedium, you get a few drinks."

You're immediately uncomfortable. Gambling is strictly forbidden by the Church of Mercy. ...and that comment about Idonea has your skin crawling.

You take another sip of the whiskey.

"What if I were to lose?"

"You won't. We'll play 'til you win. ...you're on a bit of a time limit, aren't you?"

A sinister tone creeps into the demon's voice that you are entirely not fond of.

"I am."

"And you've already been down here for a day and a half, eh?"

"...by my best estimates, yes."

"Well. I'd appreciate the company. You get to drink, we have a good time- and you get along on your merry way. Sounds fair?"

(Options in next post)

>>3920122
>A) Stop. What was that comment about Idonea? You're not playing anything until the demon elaborates further. He might be dodging the question, and be as temperamental as a teenage boy, but you need answers.

>B) There's no conceivable way you can disobey the tenets of your church, make a deal with a demon, and get extraordinarily drunk all in the same night. Refuse Yech's offer. You have something better in mind. (Write-in what other way you could possibly entertain him with.)

>C) Ask what rules he'd like to play by, at least. This could be an incredibly easy way to get out of his domain, and your friends are waiting. You're the most devout person you know- surely a few games couldn't hurt. You have noble intentions.

>D) Don't hesitate. Agree to gamble with Yech, and keep the drinks coming. You're in this to get the Relic from an archdemon, not to hesitate at the first sign of trouble. He might appreciate your boldness. His lips are loose, too. Ask some more questions while you're at it.

>E) Write-in.

>>3920124
>D

>>3920124
>D) Don't hesitate. Agree to gamble with Yech, and keep the drinks coming. You're in this to get the Relic from an archdemon, not to hesitate at the first sign of trouble. He might appreciate your boldness. His lips are loose, too. Ask some more questions while you're at it.
So let's tell him a bit about Richard's past, a la the drinking with Ofelia and Gwen, and then ask about himself.

>>3920124
>>D) Don't hesitate. Agree to gamble with Yech, and keep the drinks coming. You're in this to get the Relic from an archdemon, not to hesitate at the first sign of trouble. He might appreciate your boldness. His lips are loose, too. Ask some more questions while you're at it.

>>3920124
>D

We're maybe a little too close to Mercy right now. Maybe if we do this she'll stop molesting us. Slightly worried that we'll never win the gamble and thus be trapped until starving but w/e.

>>3920251
>>3920326
>>3920353
>>3920505
Totally unanimous, surprising. Excellent though. Just finishing having breakfast and I'll get to writing. Vote is locked.

>>3920662
Allllright. I'm stuck at home all day, which means I can update quite a bit if we keep some votes rolling in. Writing now!

>>3920711
"Alright."

You don't even look at the demon as you casually agree to his terms, admiring his lair as you wait for his response.

A long pause hangs in the air, as Yech seems to be entirely stunned by your reply. You can't help but smirk at his surprise. Though an itching, cloying, nagging fear at the back of your mind tells you that this is likely just a ploy to waste your time, you don't want to give Yech an inch. It's obvious that he's only going to respect you so long as you assert yourself. You have no problem fighting with demons.

I love Mercy with every part of me, but I could stand to loosen up a little. She's been all over me, through me-
What am I thinking?
How strong is this drink?

The demon laughs with a wet, sickly and altogether depraved sort of satisfaction. "Just like that?! So much for a man of the cloth."

You roll back your cloth, the sleeves frayed as they are, and slide down next to the demon lord. Looking straight at him, you knock back the rest of the whiskey. It's a lot easier to maintain eye contact with creatures who look remarkably worse off than you do. He returns your gaze, shocked and obviously pleased.

You'll play his game, alright. The drink is smooth, and his disbelief even more satisfying as you feel your inhibitions entirely escaping you.

"I'm not as green as you might think, Yech. Don't get the wrong idea about me- I'll do whatever I need for Mercy. ...I mean to say- I'm light but- this is hardly my first time drinking."

The demon is still laughing to himself, seemingly even more relaxed as he pours you another glass. Through his bone and fully revealed teeth, there's visible amusement intermingling with his constant disgust. You don't mind humoring him, nursing the glass as you both speak. It's delicious. It could be that you can't remember the last time you ate or drank anything of substance, but this is almost too easy.

Mercy, for all his talk- is he as desperate as I am for some company?

"I doubt you paid any attention to my note, but I had mentioned Ofelia had an eye for spirits as well-"

"Is that the tall bitch with the nice rack or the short one who decided to fucking stab my garden?"

"...she's the short one."

"Why should I give a shit?"

"...her family seems to be in the business of this sort of thing. You should have given her a chance. She- she knows her way around liquor. And how to look after her friends."

Yech looks at you with no small measure of disgust. "Right. Sure. I'm assuming that's how you're in such fine shape, eh? These babes can't even feed you. You'd probably better slow down if we're going to last more than an hour-"

The demon lord looks to your glass, back to you, and over your spindly limbs.

"You seriously drink?"

"Not often. Last I had in some time was with Ofelia and Celegwen, but it- I-"

(1/4)

>>3920810
Your mind wanders, mid-sentence, trying to remember the last night you drank. It was terribly dark, with blood-red webs lingering on the outskirts of your vision- yet everyone was so eager to share, to look out for one another. You may have been the only man there, but everyone was wonderfully human.

"...they were extremely kind."

"You really can't handle this shit at all, can you?"

The demon lord puts up a skeletal finger, rising for a moment to approach another cask. His movement is unbelievably slow, and his steps seem to tilt. Is it the floor tilting? It's probably just how loose and disorienting his cape is. Surely, you aren't completely intoxicated yet.

He comes back to you with a clear glass.

"More vodka?" you murmur, shooting the demon a smug look as you go to take the cup from him.

The glass is shoved at you uneventfully. "Water. Pace yourself. I don't want you passing out. You look like you haven't eaten anything in an age, and I'm not about to take your sick ass out to dinner."

With little hesitation, you put back the glass. Like usual, the sensation is altogether unpleasant. Agriculture's seen to it that you don't care for much in the way of nutrition, but you suffer through it.

The demon is staring at you with a look that finally gets under your skin. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"I could ashk you the same question," you fire back. The slur is becoming difficult to manage, but you're not necessarily equipped to care.

Yech scarcely moves, seeming to draw into himself. The motion is almost imperceptible, but you catch it through the haze. "Sure, don't answer my question. You know it'd be insufferable for me to talk about them either, so fine, keep your fucking secrets."

There's a slow movement as the demon shakes the dice in his hand, the soft clacking catching Ray's attention. You can't help but feel sorry for the mastiff, neglected on the opposite end of the cave. "Jusht a moment-" you murmur, staggering upright.

Your vision tilts, the cave seeming to come out from under you. You put an arm forward, righting yourself, and make your way over to your mastiff. Yech's laughter doesn't escape your attention as you look down to Ray, trying to reassure him. "Eassy, boy. We'll be out of here s-soon."

Something catches the corner of your eye, sliding across the floor next to you.

It's a bone.

You roll your eyes as Ray looks up to you, begging to eat and play.

"...go ahead. S-stay, boy. ...good boy, Ray."

Staggering back, Yech could not look any more tickled. He thrusts another glass at you, this one a far lighter color than before. There's a small, black item stuck on the side of the glass that vaguely resembles a parasol. You frown at it. He laughs in your face.

"Thought this might be more your speed. Come on."

The demon lord pats the cave floor across from him, condescending and entirely too tickled. You take the glass, and murmur to him, "you didn't exactly respond to me, either."

(2/4)

>>3920811
"What? What's wrong with me? Are you fucking kidding me?"

There's a slow rise and a wet rattle from the center of Yech's frame as he stretches. You catch holes in his noble attire, soaked as it is with wine and decay. The smell is revolting, barely concealed by the alcohol in the air. His voice is off-color as he continues. "Why the fuck do you care?"

You don't reply at first, taking a small drink of the pink liquor in your hands. It smells fruity, and reminds you vaguely of apples and strawberries. You almost want to save the little parasol for Celegwen. "This is exchellent, Yech. T-thank you."

"Look, where would I even start? This is stupid. You're being stupid, you're drunk."

You get a little more comfortable, easing into the floor. You stay sitting upright, but can't help relaxing. The constant strain of repressing tremor and any human emotion is exhausting, and you don't have it in you right now to try. Everything is fuzzy, even Ray blissfully eating in the back of the cave. You spin the parasol on the glass, smirking at the demon lord. "Ishn't that what you wanted...?"

"Well, yes. Everyone's better when they're drunk. Especially you, apparently. How am I supposed to believe you killed dozens of my friends-"

That glare is back again.

I did, didn't I?
I don't regret protecting myself, or my friends, or surviving as long as I have for a second.
Did I enjoy it?

"I want to be honesht with you, Yech. I- I really do."

"Good fucking luck lying to me."

"You sseem more messhed up than me. That'sh ssshaying a lot."

"Gee, thanks, Richard. Aren't you supposed to be compassionate or some shit-"

"Y-you don't have to tell me anything. I jusht want to help."

"Look- I'm not- I'm not worse off than you. That's bullshit. You're- you're a fucking monster- you're a pervert and a killer and obviously sick as fuck-"

This isn't anything you haven't heard before. You stare blankly at the demon, entirely unphased. You take another sip of the cocktail, entirely aware of how anxious your words and the spinning of the parasol is making Yech.

"Y-your point...?"

The demon lord chucks his glass at the far wall, away from you and Ray. It seems his frustration is mostly with himself.

"There's nothing wrong with a soldier needing some space. I just needed some time to think. It's been- what-"

"Oshhtedholm s-seems to have been decaying for s-several agesh."

"...oh. Has it, now?"

"At leasht."

"Probably shouldn't have drank so much."

"It'sh not helping."

The demon lord, nervously, toys with the dice in his hands. "It's not helping." He seems to have remembered them.

"...you know how to play craps?"

"Wh-what?"

"You don't gamble, do you?"

"Do I look- like someone who r-regularly shinsss-"

"Do you honestly want me to answer that?"

"...n-no. How do I p-play?"

(3/4)

>>3920817
"We'll keep it simple. You gotta ante up to play. That means you're going to keep drinking, Richard, and you're going to match me."

You give an entirely condescending look to the demon lord. "S-simple enough."

"You'll win if the first roll is a 7 or 11."

"This sheems too eassy."

"Hold onto your flat ass, there's more. If the first roll is a 2, 3, or 12- you lose. You'll stay here another day, and we'll play again."

You tense slightly. "W-what about the other rollsh-"

"Everything else is a pass. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10- if you get it, it has to be repeated before a 7 is thrown again. So..."

The demon slows his voice down, childishly, obviously wanting to make sure you understand. "If you roll a 4, you'll need to roll a 4 again before a 7 will win."

"Thish could... take awhile, then?"

"That depends. You're a pretty lucky guy, right? Surviving all of us? Making it as far as you have?"

The demon lord slides the dice over to you. The gold studs glisten against the bone, the mist and faint light of the cave, all swimming before you. With a slow motion, Yech reaches over and takes your empty cocktail glass. In a matter of seconds, he produces two shots, both filled with something blacker than the mist or the cave. It smells faintly of licorice.

"Ante-up."

With a grimace, you swing back the shot. The anise is cloying, faintly reminding you of a few herbal remedies you've used to effect.

You sweep the dice into your hands. They feel heavier than they looked. Everything feels fairly heavy right now, in fact. You almost want to say a prayer, but you know now is definitely not the time. There is nothing here with you right now but your trust in yourself.

>(Roll 2d6.)

>(This vote will remain open until a win or fail condition is met.)

>(Feel free to ask questions if you're uncertain of the rules or stakes.)

Rolled 2, 1 = 3 (2d6)

>>3920824
Rules wise, would Yech catch on if we got a bad roll and prayed to Time to travel back so we could redo it?

Also behold this 11

>>3920843
>immediate loss

Oh, oh no.

Oh no.

That's another day down here.

You could certainly try, anon. Do you want to? To pray to Time to reroll?

Are you really sure you want to do that?

>>3920852
I say we stick with the dice. The demon lord will likely not appreciate us cheating.

>>3920872
>inb4 Richard bonds with Yech so hard he becomes an unexpected based bro demon
So this...
Is the power...
Of bros before hoes...

>>3920872
He probably wouldn't. Probably wouldn't jive well with Mercy to drink, gamble and then cheat on top of it, but you guys seem all aboard the sin train at the moment so not sure if that's even a concern.

Not sure if phoneposter or someone else disagreeing. Going to leave this open for another 20 minutes in case there's any opposition.

>>3920852
Do we just hang out for a whole day doing nothing? I hope he can entertain us. Maybe provide food? Otherwise we're praying to Agriculture.

>>3920898
I am on my phone, but that's someone else. Don't want to actually pray to Time, was just a question. Maybe if we roll a 4.

>>3920903
Got it, no worries.

>>3920899
He only explicitly said that you had to stay for another day, not doing what. He's already made an effort to feed Ray, but you could ask for some hospitality for sure.

>>3920912
Yeah ask if there's anywhere for flesh and blood mortals to get food around here.

>>3920897
We'll see, anon. We'll see.

>>3920920
Duly noted. Actually leaving this open for a few more minutes, going to get some food myself and then we'll resume.

>>3920898
>>3920903
I'm a different poster. Late to the party and not sure what the stakes are, but I'm voting against cheating unless it's important.

>>3920965
Appreciate you joining us! Absolutely noted, no cheating.

Going to close the vote, writing now.

>>3920972
Almost in a parody of prayer, you hold the dice to your chest as you shake them.

"A-alright, Yech- you know the Gods are with me! Behold-!"

The bone and gold clatters across the cave floor between you two. As the roll finished, the demon lord breaks out into such intense laughter that he falls over backwards. "Crap!! Fuck, you're terrible-! Ahaha!"

A two. A one. A failure stares back at you.

Yech stares back at you, wiping something wet from his eye sockets. It's almost as if he was crying, but it's merely wine. The demon lord lecherously sucks at the bony, dripping digit before leering back at you. "Tough luck. Looks like you're stuck with me for another day. We'll try again tomorrow night. Oh, don't look so fucking upset-"

Your frown is intense. Yech plies you with another pink cocktail, which you begrudgingly accept. You nearly spill the glass as you hold your arm out, another spasm in the torn muscle and scarred flesh hitting you hard. You hold the arm steady, trying to make the best of the situation. "D-do you at leasht have a-any food, or more water? I'm m-mortal, Yech- I can't ssubshissst off of alcohol alone."

"Did I not just fucking say that I wasn't taking you out for dinner? My aptitude is for liquor, and weapons, and explosives-"

"And treessh?"

"...maybe you can hold your shit better than I thought. Yes, and fucking trees, but I don't want to. It's weird. You're being way too chummy."

"That'sh fine-" you murmur, still frowning. With absolute seriousness, you slur, "I'll invoke Agriculshure if I mussht."

Yech leans forward, grabbing the collar of your robes with sudden violence and terror. "Hold your fucking tongue."

Ray immediately begins to bark hysterically, but you shout out to him.

"Sh-shtay. Shtay back, Ray."

You look down to Yech, realizing he's actually a good deal shorter than you. It's been very difficult to tell, as he's mostly been sitting. He smells absolutely terrible, the reek of decay and stale liquor clinging to his vest and cloak intensely. You try not to gag, keeping a straight face.

His voice is still decrepit, but there's something more to it. It's an almost childlike fear. "Not here. Don't you fucking dare. You... that's your fucking answer to everything, isn't it? You're literally twitching to go again. You- you sicken me, you piece of shit-"

He pushes you back, releasing his grip and making an extremely exaggerated show of wiping off his hands. It's as if you were the one that's disgusting him. "Fucking disgraceful. It'd probably kill you, anyways. You're nearly as skinny as I am. You must have already abused-"

The word catches in the demon's throat. He struggles for a moment to find a replacement, clearly distressed. "...it- plenty. Fucking bullshit... I told you not to fucking bother..."

(1/2)

>>3921097
A pile of expletives fall from the demon's teeth, devoid as they are of lips. He rises slowly, making a haphazard gesture with his arms and conjuring something out of the soil ahead. You try to wipe the clinging wine stains off of your collar where Yech grabbed onto you, to little avail. He continues his cursing, looking to you as he produces something out of the floor.

"You're going to stay put, and you're not going to invoke shit. I'll send your bitches some food and water, if you swear to not call on anyone. ...to think, I was almost enjoying your disgraceful company. Fucking ridiculous."

The demon's conjuring is nothing like Celegwen's deliberate, beautiful motions or starlight. From the soil and his unpredictable wavering rises a pool, a vine, and a series of wooden dishes. The liquid congeals, forming into a veritable banquet. Ray's barking and growls subside as the smell of what you assume to be actual food hits the air.

You can't feel any hunger, but you're aware of how loosely your robes hang on you, and how terribly thin your frame has become. The demon's disgust lingers in the air as he looks out to you, stopping the spell and leaving you to stare. Hands trembling, you set down your drink and try to adjust your robes, rolling back down your sleeves, finding yourself self-conscious even through the liquor. Your countless scars go back into hiding, but your elbows still poke the edges of the hems, your shoulders protruding slightly against the fabric.

"...I take my title pretty fucking seriously, Richard, and won't let someone in my domain go without. Tried to show you some fucking hospitality before and you didn't get it. Here. You look like you need this. Should put some fucking meat on your bones. The dog shouldn't eat it, but you'll be alright. ...and I'll send some salads to your lady friends, or some shit. I don't know. Just don't do anything stupid."

(Options in next post)

>>3921100
>A) Insist on going back to Ofelia and Celegwen with Ray while you wait the rest of the day out. Take some food and water with you. You appreciate the hospitality, but it's severely painful for you to eat, and you don't want Yech to take offense at what will likely be an uncomfortable experience. He didn't want to hear of the Gods, and you don't intend to get into it with him again.

>B) Accept Yech's hospitality. At least let him know what happened between you and Agriculture so he's not caught off guard, but eat what you can. Insist on going back to Ofelia and Celegwen as soon as you're done to ensure that they're alright. You could stand to get some rest, and to try and sober up before dealing with Yech any further. Ask him to dispel the mist around your friend's camp while you're at it.

>C) Double down on asserting yourself to Yech. Eat as much as you can, and spend the rest of the day with him. Send a note to Ofelia and Celegwen along with whatever Yech will provide for them, informing them of your bet, and pray that they'll understand the situation. You don't want to undo all of the progress you've made here. Implore your friends to endure while you finish with the demon lord.

>D) Write-in.

>>3921103
>B) Accept Yech's hospitality. At least let him know what happened between you and Agriculture so he's not caught off guard, but eat what you can. Insist on going back to Ofelia and Celegwen as soon as you're done to ensure that they're alright. You could stand to get some rest, and to try and sober up before dealing with Yech any further. Ask him to dispel the mist around your friend's camp while you're at it.

>>3921103
>>B) Accept Yech's hospitality. At least let him know what happened between you and Agriculture so he's not caught off guard, but eat what you can. Insist on going back to Ofelia and Celegwen as soon as you're done to ensure that they're alright. You could stand to get some rest, and to try and sober up before dealing with Yech any further. Ask him to dispel the mist around your friend's camp while you're at it.

>>3921355
>>3921367
Nice, locking the vote here to keep the ball rolling. Writing now.

>>3921404
Looking between the sickened demon lord and the completely contrasting banquet that's materialized before you, you bow your head slightly. You immediately regret the motion, your vision swimming intensely. Still, you try and act decently. "Thank y-you, Yech. I didn't m-mean to inshult you. Pleashe, if you c-could offer your hoshpitality to my friendssh asss well-"

With a groan and a wave of his hands, a small branch extends from the wall of the cavern. The demon lord murmurs a few words under his breath to the vine, which leaves as soon as it came.

"I'll send the bitches some flowers. See if I care. Just- just come and eat something. You look like you're fading on me, and I'm not explaining shit to Idonea if you die out here."

Yech tosses his cape beside him, conjuring a set of wooden chairs and a makeshift table out of the vines along the floor. You stagger over, looking sidelong at Ray. He's devouring the bone Yech threw at him with delight, and looks up to you expectantly. You offer him a slight smile, though you can't help but worry for your dog.

"You shaid- this isn't alright for R-Ray?"

"Bad for their health. Call me a monster if you want, but I'd never fuck with a man's dog. The bones will be fine. I'm sure you can figure something out for him later. Sit your ass down."

Looking to the demon lord with a sense of complete dismay, you take a seat at the natural table and look properly over it. Though you can't understand how, the food is piping hot. Steam rises from several baskets of hot rolls, fresh fruit and a solid slab of ham at the center of the spread. You look to the display, and bow your head for a moment to pray.

Yech tosses a roll at your head, interrupting you before a single word to Agriculture falls from your lips. You were so distracted you don't even manage to dodge out of the way of the grain, which falls harmlessly to the table. Ray barks at your attacker, but he's altogether too pleased with himself to bother leaping to your defense.

"Don't." The same disgusted glare shoots your way, as the demon lord drives a large knife into the slab of meat in the center of the table. "I gave you this. Don't you dare fucking start. Thank me all you want, but don't-"

You put your hands up, trying to reassure him. Though the digits are shaking intensely, you try to make yourself clear. "H-habits die hard, Yech. Shorry. Th-thank you."

A huge slice of some meat is placed before you. It reminds you vaguely of beef. You gingerly poke at it with the smaller knife that's next to your plate, sliding a few pieces of fruit and cheese next to it. Everything smells incredibly fresh, but you can't help but hesitate. "I undershtand that you d-don't want to hear of the G-Gods, Yech, but-"

(1/3)

>>3921525
"You just don't fucking quit, do you?" Exasperation edges into light laughter. "Are you always this obsessed? Is it the whiskey? What is your issue? Do you not understand the words I'm speaking? Can we talk about anything else?"

"It'sh rel- relevant. You ashked me earlier-"

There's a sigh, and something of a frown. As much of a frown as a skeleton can manage. Yech gets up, slowly, and fetches two enormous goblets of wine for you both before sitting back down. He slams yours on the table next to you before settling down. He's seething. "Fine. What?"

The red chalice sitting before you is robust. You can't help but appreciate how much it compliments everything else set out before you. Your words and gaze are heavy as you try to explain, sipping at the wine through your slurred speech. "Thish wass long after your time- but Corchhaea had a terrible, terrible famine."

"Oh. Is that why you're-"

"No, no. No. Agriculshure blesshed me- I askhed Her for far too musch. The Mother of Her-"

You really stumble, trying not to butcher the next word, but it's impossible. "Her... chsursch. Bethaea washh her name, very- very kind lady, really- but sshe couldn't take it. Took her life inshtead-"

"This isn't exactly appropriate dinner conversation, Richard. I would know. I specialize in inappropriate conversation."

"It'sh important."

"Fiiiine. Go on." Yech impatiently looks to you. You realize he likely can't, or doesn't need to eat any of the food laid out before you, as he works at the goblet before him.

"I... I ashked Agriculshure for her blesshing. Sshe gave ussh the land and the harvesht, and I- I no longer feel h-hunger, or thirsht. B-but it isss... very painful- to partake of H-her giftsh. I wanted you to- to undershtand. I mean no offenshe."

Yech has entirely stopped drinking. He's staring at you with incredible intensity. You almost expect him to be speechless, but of course, he has something more to say.

"How did you not die?"

"The Godsh are M-Mer-"

You really don't want to say Mercy's name with a slur. You stop yourself, looking down at your plate and slowly picking at some of the fruit. Like usual, it's like glass going down.

Yech stares at you, somehow, with even more intensity. "Sure. I suppose living like that is a real treat. What else have- you- done to you, I wonder? You get all those scars on your arms and face from bar fights, you fucking freak? And I'm assuming the liquor doesn't matter since it's not a gift, or some shit-"

The demon lord refills your goblet even though you've scarcely touched it. You take a bigger drink from it the moment it's back on the table, trying to wash down the sensation of seeds in your lungs, of the meat cutting into your throat. Coughing, you try and choke out a few words of reassurance. It takes a moment, but you manage to reply. "M-most of them are from- fighting-"

(2/3)

>>3921527
Decidedly still curious, Yech leans across the table, throwing another slice of meat at your plate. "Most of them, huh? You into some sicker shit than I thought, or what?"

You frown through another mouthful of food, swallowing your distaste with absolutely no amusement. "N-no."

Yech can't help but laugh again. "Haha, oh, wow. Oh, wow. I get it. But really? The high and mighty Father- you've been bullied, haven't you? Can't even stick up for yourself?"

With a firm motion, you drive your own knife into the meat in front of you, glaring at the demon across the table. He shuts up for the first time, properly, since you've met him.

He's clearly still afraid of you.

No small measure of revulsion cuts through the building discomfort as you silently work at your plate. You aren't entirely sure when to stop eating, and the demon keeps plying you with more food. Your head is swimming from the sheer volume of alcohol you've been taking in- and the weight of the meal feels like it's literally sticking to your ribs. You try to push your plate away, and catch a glimpse of your wrist peeking out of your robes.

It actually looks fairly healthy.

Shocked, you can't help but pull back on the fabric, looking over your own skin. It's still scarred, but the vein and bone is nowhere near as visible as before. By the looks of it, you could almost pass for a normal weight. Unrolling the sleeve a little further shows no glaring bone, the slim muscle marred with myriad old blemishes. Yet through the patterns of old wounds, it's hardly emaciated. The pallor isn't nearly as bad as before, either. Sure, you're still aggravated by the periodic spasm in your back, your limbs, your chest- but something feels better.

You may just be flushed from all of the alcohol, but you look up to Yech, utterly floored.

"W-what have you done to m-me?"

"Thought Rem might appreciate it. The sick fuck likes 'em with some meat. Besides, you're of much more use to me if you can hold your drink. Don't look too much into it."

There's quite a few questions brewing in your mind, but it's so fuzzy that it's hard to articulate anything.

>A) Stick to your guns. Ask Yech to dispel the mist, go back to camp, and reconvene with Ofelia and Celegwen. They'll want to see this, and you want to make sure they're alright. You need some time to think.

>B) Ask some of those questions. The girls can wait. There's a lot more to this demon than you thought.
>1) Why is he actually helping you?
>2) What was that comment about Idonea before?
>3) Who's Rem- did he mean Remigius? Should you be worried?

>C) You seriously can't believe that a demon would try and look after your health. Thank Yech, sincerely, and try to do something nice for him in turn. Keep him company a little while longer- you can probably stand a better chance at him dispelling the mist around camp if he's in a better mood and company.

>D) Write-in.

>>3921531
>C) You seriously can't believe that a demon would try and look after your health. Thank Yech, sincerely, and try to do something nice for him in turn. Keep him company a little while longer- you can probably stand a better chance at him dispelling the mist around camp if he's in a better mood and company.
Richard, I think, has never really bro'd it up with anybody in his life. That based orc warrior guy was the closest, and not even that. He better fucking put his arm over Yech's shoulder by the time he's that drunk and completely mentally free.
>inb4 Ofelia and Gwen show up and see them broing it up and lose their shit

Man I imagine Yech's voice being a cross between He-Man's Skeletor, and the type of stereotypical nasally voice belonging to a whiny teenager who unironically shops at Hot Topic.

>>3921741
You hit the nail on the head, literally how I pictured it too lol.

https://youtu.be/DC0X9AyA2f0?t=46

Really though. Having a blast. Working on the last few entries for your guy's journal so I'll be leaving this open for a bit until it's done. Will be sure to share when it's all finished, and should get at least one or two more updates out tonight.

>>3921715
Supporting this.

>>3921741
This is what I pictured too lmao

>>3921715
>>3921741
>>3921784
Fuck it we've got enough votes to press on, I'll finish the journal after this update. On the last two pages but it's taking me awhile.

Locking the vote, writing now!

>>3921814
https://youtu.be/FiMqZmNHU1I

It's hard to not look at Yech with complete amazement. His irritated, fuzzy and entirely drunken frame has your complete attention, for a moment. Unfortunately, it's hard to look at anything at all right now. Through the haze and your swimming vision, you look at your wrists and arms again. You scarcely can believe your eyes. Running a hand along the scarred flesh, surely enough, you confirm that the muscle is firm and healthy underneath.

"I have n-no idea... how to thank you."

"Don't. I'm not doing this for you." Despite his words, the demon lord slides another glass of water across the table to you, and more food.

You take it without complaint, grinning at him. You're far too drunk to care how goofy your smile must look. The motion is so alien to your face that you aren't entirely sure if you're doing it correctly. "That shounds like a lie to me, Yech."

"You calling me a fucking liar? I mean it. There's other demons down here who'd care a lot more than me if you died straight away. It's rare for us to get a new toy, you little-"

A little bit of laughter escapes from your lips as you ease back into your chair. Your old accent is coming out, vastly more rustic than what the church has instilled in you. Though you rarely drink, you recognize how much more relaxed it's making you, and you can't complain. The occasional tremor running through your body fades into the back of your mind. You're far happier to have a full stomach and some heat in your face that isn't from the divine than to worry about a few spasms.

Yech stops himself from berating you, refilling your wine for at least the third time. You seem to have lost count. His voice, irate and disgusted though it may be, has at least some hope in it. "You don't really want to go, do you?"

"You're not half bad, Yech- I might've been too harssh earlier."

"No fucking kidding. That stick is so far up your ass I bet Tsilorm couldn't see it."

Your stomach turns at the name. You aren't entirely sure who he's referring to, but you have a sinking feeling that it's the shrouded demon. Vague memories of blood and flame stick to the back of your throat and the unusually large quantity of food you've consumed.

"Don't go losing all the wine- for fuck's sake. I heard he did a number on you- let's drop it, seriously. Here-"

Another drink gets shoved at you. It's bubbly, and fairly clear. You nurse it while the demon lord continues. It seems to help immediately with your nausea.

"You don't have to stick around. I get it. You've got two bitches waiting for you, and you were entirely right about me. ...I don't know why the fuck I'm telling you this."

Yech lolls his head around, a fair bit of wine spilling out of his lips over the table as he drawls. "You probably think I'm a fucking sucker for letting you in here. Any second now you're going to drop the act, burn my home and pulverize this miserable pile of bones, right?"

(1/3)

>>3921885
A bony finger pokes at your chest. You're delighted by how little of your bone pushes back. You've got some mass on you again.

Beaming, you look down to the skeleton before you, and swing an arm around his shoulder. It almost feels like wine spills from your own lips as you speak, but it's merely the liquor talking.

"I don't n-need to. Really. Thanksh. Thish issss great."

Yech pushes you firmly off of him. You slump back into your chair, finishing off your drink. It's hard to not goad him on. "You th-think pushing me away is going to h-help? It d-doesn't work. I know- better than mosht."

Your smile could not be broader. The self-deprecation is all too easy to slide into, with your defenses so low. "You're af-fraid, right? Of letting anyone c-close? It's... it's terrifying, isn't it? Much s-scarier than a demon, or a p-priest-"

"Shut the fuck up. You have no idea what you're talking about."

Your grin turns to a leer as you lean forward, pointing at your chest.

Mercy, it feels so good to not be so skeletal.

"You're afraaid, and I know why, Yech."

There's an audible clattering of bone as the demon's fist tightens, bone rubbing against bone. "I'd punch you if I didn't know you liked it, you sick fuck."

"Y-you're angry that y-you're powerlesssh, deshpite everything, aren't you? Desspite-"

You take the hand off of your chest, looking again around the cavern. It really does feel like a Dream. Your eyes settle back on the sorcerer, the demon lord, your host. "-deshpite all of your kindnessshh. That'sh not what people sshe. Humanssh are cruel. We're awful to eachsh other."

Bone comes off of bone, Yech's fist relaxing. He puts it on his goblet instead, drinking more heavily. You didn't think it was possible, but he's managing. His voice is watery and wet, nasally and cloying as the overabundance of grapes hanging around his and your breath. "...you said it. But what's your fucking excuse, then? You just decide to help me out, and you go back to killing? I gotta look after my own kind, you know. As much as I fucking hate the lot of them, you've done some pretty twisted shit, Richard."

You don't know how to respond. It's not that you hadn't thought about it- you're simply far, far too drunk to articulate such an important and complex issue.

You settle on shrugging, and drinking. The wine feels fantastic. You feel fantastic. Have you ever been this drunk?

It's hard to not muse aloud. "I've been k-kicked out of a bar before, you know."

"Were you even fucking listening to me?"

"Of courshe I wassss, but thish ish much better dinner convershashion."

"Bullshit."

A long pause hangs in the air between you two. Yech predictably breaks it, probably realizing you have no intent of answering his question. "...what happened?"

(2/3)

>>3921888
It was the second time you went to Anson. The Beggar and Spear was pretty dingy, but you were hoping to not be recognized, and you really needed a drink.

You had several.

It was right before a massive demon outbreak, and you're not entirely sure if you were responsible. You may have saved the town, but the bar...

"The fight wassh probably- definitely- entirely my fault."

It's only been two years, but it feels like a lifetime ago. You struggle to remember the vaguest details, slipping into the edges of the memory.

>A) You ran into an old childhood bully, from Pontos. They tried to kill you, and you acted in self-defense. Things escalated as people took sides.

>B) A member of the clergy tailed you there, and tried to pick you off. You don't regret what you did. It was so ugly, you wish you had done more.

>C) A heathen was slandering the name of the Gods. You picked a fight with everyone involved. You couldn't help yourself! You can't turn a deaf ear to that kind of language.

>D) Write-in.

>>3921891
>>A) You ran into an old childhood bully, from Pontos. They tried to kill you, and you acted in self-defense. Things escalated as people took sides.

>>3921891
>>A) You ran into an old childhood bully, from Pontos. They tried to kill you, and you acted in self-defense. Things escalated as people took sides.

Glass him

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Going to leave the vote open for a minute while I dump these journal entries, took me like a week longer than I expected it to but it's finally done!

This is recent as of your last entry, made right after meeting Aurelius (and before you knew her name.)

Starting from the top, with your inventory and observations in prayer.

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>>3921969
Ofelia's Honeycake Recipe, opposite the tenets of Mercy you found in Ostedholm. Unknown author, assumed to be a priestess of Mercy.

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>>3921971
Start of the record you made of the demons you've encountered. A bit messy, getting the charcoal, ink and pens to cooperate. You were under some time pressure.

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>>3921974
Some heavy hitters here- still reminiscing about who led you to first invoke Storm.

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>>3921977
The biggest threats you've faced in terms of power. You lost a lot to these guys, but came through despite everything.

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>>3921979
From the outskirts of Ostedholm. Fighting the beetle was the first time you dual-wielded deities, to great effect.

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>>3921980
Lastly, the demons you faced within Ostedholm proper. Complete with a self-deprecating doodle of Richard. You probably don't look that bad. Though, after invoking both Flesh and Mercy, you've been a bit worse for the wear.