>>5351830
You understood where Bucklin was coming from. To have your life controlled directly by a higher power. It was a prospect you didn’t care much for.

One last wooden clack echoes across the stone corridor. “Here we are.” Bucklin steps out into the open.

A room similar to the one you slept in. Instead of cafeteria tables, there are even more weapon racks. A pit sits in the center covered in dirt and sand, sprinkled with indents and footprints. It must be the city watch’s training room.

A blonde boy sits across the room, covered in sweat and bruises. Welts seem to be forming on his face. His breaths are haggard and drawn out. “Is he going to be okay?” You point.

“It’s just some training.” Garland says, wiping a tingle of sweat off his own brow. “Nothing to worry about. How are you faring, Miss Lufaine?”

“Just Lorelai is fine.” You turn toward Bucklin. “I’m doing pretty well. But, one of your prisoners isn’t.”

Garland slowly nods. “I’ll be right there. Lieutenant, take a break.”

“T-thank you, sir.” The lieutenant struggles to even get his words out. You’re a little concerned, but there were more pressing matters at hand. Once he’s ready, you and Bucklin accompany Garland to his office.
__________

Nestad, Citywatch Tower - Captain’s Office

You spend most of the time seated as Bucklin explains his findings. Garland listens intently, jotting down notes at various intervals. It was reminiscent of last night when he interrogated you. He was observant, never asking Bucklin to repeat what he just said.

“I’ve seen my own share of aetheric degradation.” Garland crosses his arms, leaning back in his large chair. “But its progression is much slower than what you’re proposing. This seems almost erratic.”

“Meaning he was exposed to a vast amount in a short span of time.” Bucklin paces back and forth, tapping his chin. “But that doesn’t add up. The people of Nestad -- no, the environment would surely be warped with such a high aetheric density. It wouldn’t be natural.”

“What kind of problems would arise from that amount of aethercite?” It was something you wanted to know. Would it compare to any of the knowledge you had from back home?

“I’ve seen it before.” Garland leans forward. “Feral monsters, a warped landscape of crystal and ash. Aetheric ailments of all kinds.”

>>5351835
“What Garland says is true.” Bucklin interjects. “It’s not pretty, which makes this man’s condition altogether strange. There’s something else at play here.”

“If I remember right.” You raise a hand. “We had something similar to this ‘aethercite’ where I’m from. Prolonged contact with the substance would cause a similar sickness. Instead of aether, it affected the physical body.” You recall the general symptoms. “General malaise, fatigue, fever, skin damage. More severe cases could even develop into a coma.”

Bucklin nods. “What precautions did you take to fight it?”

“It was your general safety protocol.” You draw a box in the air with your hands as you explain. “Being in a controlled environment, minimizing exposure with protective clothing and proper distancing. Those sorts of things.”

“Hmm… what about treatment?”

“Well, our ‘aethercite’ is kind of … sticky. Once it’s in you, it’s hard to get it out.” You make that generalization based on what little you knew of aethercite. “Decontamination is the first step, of both the materials and the body. Afterward, it’s recovery and dealing with excess symptoms.”

“It sounds like there are as many similarities as there are differences.” Garland takes a drink from his mug. “But given our current circumstances, there’s not much to be done for our prisoner turned patient.”

You wince. You wanted to help in whatever way you could. It seems like your limited knowledge is working against you.

Bucklin stands in a corner of the room. His eyes are downcast, deep in thought.

“So, what are we going to do?” You break the uncomfortable silence.

“You gave us food for thought, Lorelai, and I think… there’s something there. But as I said,” Bucklin says, shaking his head. “There’s not enough time.”

That was Bucklin’s response. Garland remains quiet. What could you do?

>Try to speak to him, help him in whatever way you can. You had magic, perhaps you could figure something out.
>There’s not much you can do. It would be better to find some other way to help.
>Write-in

>>5351839
>>Try to speak to him, help him in whatever way you can. You had magic, perhaps you could figure something out.

>>5351839
>>Try to speak to him, help him in whatever way you can. You had magic, perhaps you could figure something out.

>>5351839
>>Try to speak to him, help him in whatever way you can. You had magic, perhaps you could figure something out.

>>5351839
>Try to speak to him, help him in whatever way you can. You had magic, perhaps you could figure something out.

>>5351839
There had to be something that you could do. With the power of ‘magic’ the sky seemed to be the limit. It may be presumptuous of you to attempt to heal an ailment you knew little about, but at the same time, you had to at least try. There’s no telling how much time the poor man had left. You clench your palms, frowning. “I want to see if I can help him.”

“In what way?” Bucklin approaches, taking the empty chair next to you.

You feel ambient aether surging through your body. “Maybe I can heal him? I don’t know, I at least want to try. It’s better than watching him suffer.”

“Lorelai, as gifted as you seem to be in Black Magic, trying to heal, especially with your inexperience, may cause more harm than good.” He smiles wryly. “If we’re to try magic, then I feel that Ceci may be our best option. I’ve never heard of a White Mage being able to heal an ailment such as aetheric degradation, but if there’s one capable of doing so, it’s her.”

It was hard to argue with that logic. You look to the floor.

“Sir Garland, did you ever find out anything from the prisoner? A name, a residency, family? Anything?” Bucklin presses Garland for more answers.

“No.” Garland shakes his head. “We thought he may be a resident returning from a trip, but he has no family in Nestad. He speaks of a son, but there was no one around to confirm his story. No documents with a picture or name. Nothing.”

“So, a man with no name or family? Was he lucid when you spoke to him?”

“No discernible changes from the time I questioned him to now.” Garland takes a second sip from his mug. “His words have little in the way of meaning. Even with a measured approach, I didn’t manage much. The only thing we got him to do was eat. He ate as though he was starved, as if he was a wild animal.”

“A wild animal?” Bucklin repeats Garland’s words as he swirls around a vial of purple miasma. “Something about this has been bugging me for a little while. Ever since I sat down to observe the nameless fellow.”

“What would that be, Durancap?” Garland sits up in his chair, interest piqued.

>>5353231
“Aetheric degradation symptoms. They’re more in line with what Lorelei described. Fatigue, exhaustion. Physical symptoms don’t start showing themselves til later on.” Bucklin stares as the beaker. “I imagine it could present with rabid behavior in later stages, but I doubt that’d be it for an aetheric degradation case this isolated. The body would have undergone more obvious changes if that were the case. Enough for any guardsman to notice.”

“What are you proposing?”

“It may not be specifically aetheric degradation we’re dealing with.” Bucklin sighs. “This is just conjecture, just as this entire discussion is, but I feel as though there’s something more to it. Something that we’re not seeing.”

“So there might be something we can do after all?” You perk up.

“I’m… not saying that specifically, but it’s another way of looking at this.” Bucklin smiles. “These sorts of things isn’t so cut and dry. It’s eliminating every other possibility before making any sort of diagnosis. At least that’s what Ceci says all the time.” He shrugs.

A tinge of heartache follows those words. They were familiar. Too familiar.

“I apologize if I scared you a moment ago.” Bucklin scratches the back of his head. “This is a complicated matter. And, it’s something I’m not well versed in.”

“Oh.” You sit up from the chair. “It’s fine. We got wrapped up in our own conclusions. It happens to the best of us.”

Bucklin wears a delightfully devilish grin. “I do have another theory.”

“What would that be?”

“I’d like Ceci to confirm a few things before I enlighten you. I don’t want to seem the fool if I end up being wrong.”

And, almost as if on cue, a knock on the door. A soldier calls out from the other side. “Sir, the surgery is finished.”
__________

File: ceciimg2.jpg (590 KB, 1269x2004)

590 KB JPG

>>5353234
Nestad, Citywatch Tower - 2nd Floor, Hallway

Sarasiel sits down beside the doorway, barring it from any unwanted intrusions. Ryke lays on the floor, curled up with his tail touching his nose. Stratos stands across the hall with Garland at his side. You stand down the hall, tightly gripping your cloak in hand.

“It’ll be alright.” Bucklin places a firm hand on your shoulder. “He’s in Ceci’s hands.”

You nod, taking solace in Bucklin’s words.

The guard said that the surgery had finished, but that didn’t necessarily mean that Ceci did everything she needed to.

You wait and wait.

Whispers sound from inside of the room. One of the voices was definitely Fredric. The other was stern, almost distant. Aloof. That was probably Ceci.

Your knuckles turn white as your grip tightens.

The doorknob turns. Metal grinds against metal as the door creaks open. Ceci steps out with Fredric. Pale, white hair and piercing red eyes. You didn’t get a good look at her the first time. Now, she was a few feet away from you. She was mesmerizing. So much so that you nearly forgot to breathe.

She turns toward you, a smile pulling at her cheeks. “Raen will make a full recovery.”

Raen? That was a new one. Was that his name? “Raen?”

“Yes. It’s the name he chose.” Ceci looks over to Fredric. “With Fredric’s help.”

“Y-yes. He said he wanted a name, so I came up with one.” Fredric tries to hide his glee. “He liked Raen, so… it sort of stuck.”

“Raen?” Garland says, a hand on his chin. “It’s a nice name.”

“I agree.” Bucklin nods.

“Thank you for saving him.” You bow in thanks.

“It’s quite literally my job.” Ceci laughs. “No thanks necessary. Honestly, if it weren’t for you and Sarasiel, there’s no telling what could have become of the boy.”

You shake your head. “No, it was a group effort. We wouldn’t have made it back if it wasn’t for Fredric and Ryke.” You bend down and pet the wolf hound behind the ear. He nuzzles his head into your palm.

“A job well done all the same.” Ceci says as she steps down the hall. “I’m going to go take a break. If you need me, I’ll be eating dinner.”


“I’ll keep watch over Raen.” Fredric says as he enters Raen’s room.

“I’ll help.” Bucklin moves forward, grabbing the door before it closes.

“O-oh. Are you sure? Um, Mr.Bucklin?” Fredric says, eyes wide in surprise.

“Of course.” He grins. “I wanted to help before, but Ceci sort of kicked me out.” Bucklin shrugs.

“Oh, then, I’d be happy to have your help.” Fredric gives an affirming nod. “Ryke, keep watch.”

Garland follows after Ceci. “Lieutenant, you’re free for the rest of the evening.”

“Yessir.” Stratos musters what energy he has left for a salute. He walks after his commanding officer with a slight limp.

Sarasiel sits, still guarding the door. Quiet as usual.

>Go check on Raen with Bucklin and Fredric.
>Introduce yourself properly to Ceci and speak to her about healing magic.
>Talk to Stratos about Bucklin.
>Write-in

>>5353246
Slapping magic on without a plan sounds like a bad idea.

>Check on Raen
We have too many people who can't remember anything to not investigate

>>5353339
Spitball about prisoner guy

>He's been bit by an aetheric vampire
>He's currently in the middle of a spell actively sucking his juices out
>He's not a living being, he's a ghost forcibly willing himself into existence, and failing

>>5353246
>>Go check on Raen with Bucklin and Fredric.

>>5353246
>>Introduce yourself properly to Ceci and speak to her about healing magic.

>>5353246
>>Talk to Stratos about Bucklin.

>>5353246
>>Go check on Raen with Bucklin and Fredric.

>>5353246
Going to make an update here. Some things have come up and I ended up getting employed. I will make a post either today or tomorrow after work. Sorry for the slower update schedule, folks.

>>5356375
ah, a job change. Make sure to earn that JP

>>5356375
Just checking in Cid

>>5353246
Your concern for Raen took priority. The worry never stopped even after getting him proper care. As you step toward the door, a thick arm bars your entry. “Huh?” You pivot to see Sarasiel shaking his head. “Can you let me through?”

“They’re working.” He says.

“Right.” You wanted to protest. Though, that was true. Fredric’s talent in alchemy and Bucklin’s knowledge made them invaluable in Raen’s care. And, if that was the room you stayed in, it wasn’t particularly large. Three people running the room with a recovering patient could hinder more than help.

You sigh, taking a seat across from Sarasiel. You waited this long, another few minutes couldn’t hurt.
__________

Ten grueling minutes pass. Any knock on the wood, any low whisper was enough for you to stir. Dreadful anticipation tempts you forward with the unturned doorknob. You stay in your seat, not wanting to press on Sarasiel’s empathy more than you had. You sigh, hanging your head, tightening your grip on your knees.

It was a boy you had just met, yet your heart aches. His life had been saved. Relief should wash away any uncertainty, yet the stirring maelstrom of anxiety remains. A gifted White Mage, one with Buckln’s own praise, should assuage the rest of your worry. Yet it didn’t. Why? Surely that would be enough for anyone.

Wood creaks.

You stand up.

“Lorelai?” Fredric pokes his head out. “Oh, you’re still here!”

“Yes.” You nod frantically. “Is he okay?”

“Oh, yeah. Miss Cecilia said that, didn’t she?” Fredric scratches his head.

“She said he’d make a full recovery, but… didn’t elaborate further.” You were definitely reading too much into her words.

“A-anyway,” Fredric smiles. “Raen wants to see you. And Sarasiel too.”

Sarasiel nods wordlessly as he vacates the seat. He walks past you as you stand there, frozen, unsure. You could walk forward. Forward, on the other side of the white wall, into the white room, and hear--

“Miss Lorelai?” Fredric calls your name.

You weren’t in a white, sterile hallway. It had the distinct smell of a wooden cabin in a midsummer heat. “Sorry. I zoned out for a second.” You walk into the room right after Sarasiel.

“There you are, the heroes of the hour!” Raen says in a high, chipper voice. It wasn’t what you expected from him. Though, the only words he managed to speak were muffled with pained groans.

“My effort amounted to me breaking my quarterstaff.” Sarasiel offers a hand toward you. “The real credit should go to Lorelai and Fredric.”

File: raen1.png (226 KB, 900x900)

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“Freddie here tells me if it wasn’t for you guys, I’d be pushing up daisies.” Raen says with an apparent smile. You couldn’t tell if he was or not, you were mostly just guessing.

“F-freddie?” Fredric tilts his head. “I’m… not sure if I like that one.”

Bucklin grins. “Radiates a sort of empyreal quality. I don’t know, I quite like it.”

“I think it’s cute.” You say, agreeing with Bucklin.

“Well…” Fredric pales. “Then I guess it isn’t so bad.”

“Hey, back to me, back to me. I’m the patient here.” Raen adjusts his hat as he sits up. “Ouchouchouch.” He fails to quell his anguish.

“Hey, not so fast!” Fredric moves over to press him back down into the bed. “You need bed rest.”

“Agreed.” Bucklin steps over to Raen’s bedside. “It’ll take a few days for you to recover, even with Ceci’s expertise in White Magic. From what she described, I’m surprised you’re even alive.”

“What can I say?” Raen grins. Wait, those are teeth. He definitely has razor sharp teeth. Why didn’t you notice those before? “I’m made of some tougher stuff.”

“... Yes, yes you are.” Bucklin frowns.

“What?” Raen’s eye ‘orbs’ blink in and out of existence. Was he blinking? “Did I say something you didn’t like? Because if I did, I’m not sorry.”

“It’s nothing you said, no, just a thought is all.” He sighs.

“What? Not my fault you’re made of flesh.” Raen falls back onto his bed, his arms tucked behind his pillow. “Take that up with whoever designed you.”

Designed? You and Bucklin exchange glances. “That’s an odd way of putting it.” Bucklin creeps closer, taking a seat at the foot of the bed. “Designed? Now, who would that be?”

“I dunno. Don’t you Humes got gods or something?” Raen scoffs.

“Yes and no,” Bucklin says. “I don’t, personally, but gods aren’t the common denominator here, my steeple-hatted friend. Do you remember where you came from?”

“Nah. Not a clue. The white-haired girl asked me the same thing. I don’t know squat.”

“Lorelei, where did you find Raen?”

“A a mil-... a malm or two behind Fredric’s cabin, near a waterhole.” You say. “I don’t know exactly where, though.”

“I can show you when we have time, Mr.Bucklin,'' Fredric says, doing another once over on Raen’s bandages.

“I’d like that,” Bucklin sits up. “Well, our patient is alright, so I suppose the only thing left for you to do is rest.”

>>5359685
“Not really sleepy, chief.” Raen shrugs. “But I’m getting what you’re putting down. You got things that need doing.”

“I’m glad you understand.” Bucklin says, moving over toward the door.

Nothing really came to mind about what you wanted to say to Raen now that you're here. You had a few things you wanted to speak to Bucklin about. Some ideas popped into your head about the prisoner being bitten by an aetheric vampire, or perhaps he’s under the effect of some sort of spell?

They were crackpot theories, but you honestly had nothing else to go on.

Fredric was taking care of Raen, so you didn’t have to worry about his well being.

What else could you do?

>Stay in the room and assist Fredric with whatever he needs help with.
>Talk to Sarasiel and see how he’s holding up. He may have some insight on your current predicament.
>Speak to Ceci about her healing magic. Maybe there’s something that she can teach you.
>Follow after Bucklin to see what he’s thinking about.
>Write-in

>>5359579
Doing okay, work is sort of throttling me after a weekend shift. Hard to muster motivation to write after work, but I'm making it a priority to write on my days off since it's something I enjoy doing.

>>5359685

>>5359688
>Talk to Sarasiel and see how he’s holding up. He may have some insight on your current predicament.

>>5359688
>Speak to Ceci about her healing magic. Maybe there’s something that she can teach you.
It's good to have white magic handy!

>>5359688
>Talk to Raen and swap stories about who/what you two are

>>5359970
+1

>>5359970
+1

>>5359688
>>Follow after Bucklin to see what he’s thinking about.

>>5359688
>>Speak to Ceci about her healing magic. Maybe there’s something that she can teach you.

>>5359690
That's great

>>5359688
Some complications came up with the job. Dealing with the fall out. This quest isn't abandoned, just going to need a few days of reprieve to figure things out on my own. Thanks for being patient, everyone.

>>5363823
Good luck

>>5363823
No problem, looking forward to seeing you get back

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>>5359688
Raen’s no longer in danger. Your trepidation and anxiety subside for the moment. It was as if Raen was never injured to begin with. Was this the power of White Magic? Bucklin was right to endorse her skill. Quite literally a miracle worker. If Ceci was capable of utilizing magic to help others, that meant that you could do the same, right? “I’m going to step out for a moment.” You step toward the exit, nodding to Sarasiel as you pass by. Fredric and Raen bid you farewell as the door closes behind you.

“Oh, Bucklin!” You sprint after Bucklin before he descends the stairs.

“Lorelai?” He pivots toward you. “Didn’t you want to speak with Raen?”

“I did and I didn’t. I felt there were more pressing concerns.” You scratch the back of your head. “He seems to be in good health. Ceci did an amazing job.”

“Right?” Bucklin puffs his chest out with pride. “She’s the best White Mage I know. Honestly, it seems like a pity to use that as her job title. She’s deserving of something much more profound.” He steps down the stairs as you follow after him.

“Like what?”

“Angel.”

You laugh. “Right, I forgot. You have a crush on her.”

“Crush? No. Such a juvenile term can not describe our relationship.” Bucklin raises his arms into the air. “It goes much deeper than that.” He protests, punching his open palm.

“Do I need a shovel or can I get by with a pail?”

“Harhar.” Bucklin mimes your jabbering mouth with an open hand. “Listen, Ceci does great work. You can learn a lot from her.”

“That was my intention, actually. I came down to speak to her about her White Magic.”

“Oh ho.” Bucklin claps in delight. “She’s the best around when it comes to the healing arts. No better person to ask.”

“I honestly thought you would say you were.”

“No no no,” Bucklin vehemently shakes his head. “Not at all. I have rudimentary knowledge when it comes to White Magic.” He shrugs. “While Blue Magic has some healing arts within it, White Magic is an entirely different beast. The same theories and practices do not apply to both schools.”

“I see.” You consider Bucklin’s words as you step into what you can only call a wreck room. “So I’m better off listening to Ceci explain it?”

Two knights push each other back and forth, laughing and carrying on. A third looks on, exasperation plain on his face. A miqo'te clerk walks from one side of the weapon wrack to the other, counting, taking notes on a clipboard.

It was rowdier than when you were taking your nap. You thank the powers that be that you were allowed any peace and quiet.

“And speaking of Ceci.” Bucklin places a hand on your shoulder. He guides your vision with an extended hand.

>>5370878
Ceci sits across the room on an open bench. She was eating what looked like a salad mixed with some strangely colored fruit. Her eyes scan the room until coming to a stop on Bucklin. You can see her visibly sigh. “See? Look how happy she is to see me!” Bucklin says, striding forward with all the confidence and bravado he could muster. With each lunge, he covers less and less distance. Eventually his effortful march eases into a brisk walk.

“Oh, Bucklin.” She frowns slightly. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“A simple meeting of the minds, my dear girl.” Bucklin sits down, unprompted, right next to Ceci. “I wish to exchange information that may interest you.”

“On my break?” Ceci heaves a sigh. “It can’t wait? Not a few moments?”

“I suppose it can.” Bucklin waves for you to sit. “You wanted to speak to Ceci, Lorelai?”

You accept the offer, taking the other half of the empty bench. “Yes, I did.” Being put on the spot like this wasn’t how you intended to open up the conversation. You look off to the side, nervously pianoing your fingers on the bench.

“What did you want to speak to me about?” Ceci cuts right through the awkward tension. “Would it be about Raen?”

“Not directly, no. I wanted to know more about White Magic.”

“Oh?” She takes another bite of her salad. “What of it? Anything specific you had in mind?”

“I… didn’t, no.” You shake your head. “I didn’t have anything specific I wanted to ask. I just wanted to know if it was something that I could do.”

“Any particular reason?” Ceci relaxes her posture, resting her chin in hand.

“Seeing Raen in pain. It crossed my mind that maybe, I could use magic to heal him.” You lament your powerlessness. Even in a world in which magic exists, you still feel helpless. You clench your palms. “All I could do for him was what my own knowledge afforded me, however little that was.”

“You’re selling yourself short.” Ceci smiles warmly. “You did wonderfully. Better than most, I assure you.”

“Really?”

“You can be trained for all sorts of things.” She sits up straight. “But training means little if you can’t apply it in the field. From what I heard, you and Fredric took charge of the situation. Dressing wounds, preparing a stretcher, speaking to the victim. Is that all true?”

“Yes.” You nod. “That’s all true.”

>>5370880
“Then stop downplaying yourself. It’s a good way to make me mad.” Ceci takes a sip of her water.

“Oh.” It was an odd feeling. Were you being admonished, or was it encouragement? Probably a bit of both. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize either.” She twirls her white locks in her finger. “You have your own talents to consider, your own worth. Regardless of that, you saved a life. Be proud.”

“Right.” There was no arguing with her. Accepting the fact she had a hand in Raen’s life being saved was hard. Why was that? It was something for you to deal with. It wasn't anyone else’s problem. “Thank you, Ceci.”

“No reason to thank me. I’m just voicing my opinion.” Another sip of water. “Anyway, you wanted to know about White Magic?”

“Yes. I want to learn how to heal with magic, if that’s possible.”

“It is,” Ceci says, finishing off the rest of her food. “But just because it’s ‘possible’ doesn’t necessarily mean you’re capable of it.”

“I’ll try anyway.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm.” Ceci closes her eyes and clasps her hands together. “How does it feel when you cast magic?”

“How does it feel?”

“The aether running through your body, or ‘life force’ if you prefer.” Ceci smiles warmly. “How does it feel? Comforting and warm? Cold and distant? Everyone feels it differently.”

“It feels like… water?” You tilt your head. “Formless. It ebbs and flows through me like a river.”

Ceci narrows her eyes. She reaches into a bag at her waist, pulling out a small knife. “Your name is Lorelai, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’m going to cut the top of my hand here. A clean cut, straight across.”

“What?” Bucklin interjects. “Oh, no no. I don’t think so--”

“Bucklin.” Ceci stares him down. “Sit.” Her attention turns back to you. “Channel magic through your hand onto the open cut. Visualize the wound closing under a warm glow. Keep that image firm in your mind. Don’t let it go, okay?”

That was a lot to ask for after just having learned your name. Though, it might just be best to trust her judgment. She seems to know what she’s doing. “A-alright.”

Ceci cuts the top of her hand with no hesitation. Blood slowly trickles from the slit. She doesn’t react to the cut, she simply watches you.

You hold your hands out over the cut. You press down gently, almost as if you were holding the cut closed yourself.

Aether flows through your body, pushed forth by your lingering regrets. The desire to heal the prisoner, the desire to help Raen more than you had. The lament gives rise to a warm light. A gathering glow that radiates from your palms. The cut that Ceci had inflicted on herself was no more.

>>5370882
It was completely healed.

“I’ll be.” Ceci stares at the back of her hand.

“How did I do?"

“‘Well’ would be underselling it.” She examines her hand more closely. “Bucklin, I think our friend here may be a Sorcerer.”

“That thought had crossed my mind.” Bucklin leans forward. “But given the circumstances, there’s no real way to confirm that without another Mage present.”

“What, exactly, does it mean to be a sorcerer?”

“Acquisition of magic comes easier for you than most.” Bucklin surmises. “That’s all that really means.”

It honestly made sense. You learned how to cast cold magic completely by accident. Lightning came from your desire to fight and protect yourself. Mending Ceci’s wound came from the desire to heal. This might be enough to jumpstart the magic itself, but it’s probably not going to be enough to hone it. That comes with practice and study. “Ceci, would you teach me how to use White Magic?”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Ceci grins. “Not sure how much help I’ll be, but I’ll teach you while I’m here in Nestad.”

“Thank you.” You nod in appreciation. Though, with that topic concluded, what else needed to be done?

>Talk about the prisoner’s condition.
>Talk about Raen’s circumstances and what could’ve been chasing him.
>Talk to Ceci about Bucklin and Stratos.
>Write-in

>>5370883
>>Talk to Ceci about Bucklin and Stratos.

>>5370883
>Talk about the prisoner’s condition.

>>5370883
>Talk to Ceci about Bucklin and Stratos

>>5370883
>>Talk to Ceci about Bucklin and Stratos.

>>5370883
>>Talk about Raen’s circumstances and what could’ve been chasing him.

>>5370883
>Talk about the prisoner’s condition.
dead things

>>5370883
>Talk to Ceci about Bucklin and Stratos.

>>5370883
>>Talk about the prisoner’s condition.

>>5370883
>Talk about the prisoner’s condition.

>>5370883
This post was written back when the votes were leaning more toward Bucklin/Stratos choice.

There were a few other things that you wanted to ask now that you had the opportunity. One of them was about the prisoner, and the others were more personal matters. You open your mouth to speak, but Bucklin interrupts.

“You’ve gotten the best teacher you can possibly have, Lorelai!” Bucklin whirls around the table, placing a firm hand on your shoulder.

“Flattery gets you nowhere with me, Bucklin. You know that.” Ceci shakes her head.

“Oh, it’s not flattery. It’s genuine praise.” Bucklin grins. It was the same smile he often showed you. It was sincere. Warm. “You’re the best at what you do. I told Lorelai as much on the way over here.”

Ceci quirks a brow.

“Come on now.” Bucklin actually frowns. You were taken aback. This wasn’t the kind of behavior you expected from Bucklin of all people. “I mean it.” No, wait, was he pouting? What kind of relationship did they have?


“You really are a child, Bucklin.” She chuckles.

“Agh.” Bucklin cringes. “Now you’re laughing at me? Well, I never!” He crosses his arms in a fit, standing up from the table in silent protest.

“Yes, yes I am.” Ceci leans forward, her chin resting on her palms. “What are you going to do about it? I mean, besides pout.”

“A bit of crying, a pinch of screaming, maybe a dash of profanity.” He begins counting off on his fingers. “Well, no, that last one is more Stratos’ style. I’d like to think I’m a little more mature than that.”

“A little more mature?” Ceci tilts her head. “Not sure that sounds right, given the fight you two had.”

“Ah.” Bucklin freezes up. “I thought we talked about this.”

“No, I talked and you ignored most of what I said.”

“I never ignore what you say, Ceci.” Bucklin slaps the table. “What do you take me for?”

“Today? A fool. Not sure about tomorrow. You’ll have to get back to me on that one.”

“Bah.” Bucklin winces. “I’m…” He huffs, trying to look for the right word to say. His eyes dart from you to Ceci, then back to the floor. “I’m sorry. If I made it seem as though I’m making light of what you said, I’m not.” Bucklin takes his seat. “I've-” He pauses, correcting himself. “We've got a lot on our plates here."

>>5377983
“And I apologize for being overly critical.” Ceci purses her lips. “Still a little exhausted from travel and surgery.”

“We’re all a little tired, I think.” Bucklin exhales. “So much to do with so little time.”

“I agree.” Ceci says, finishing the last of her salad.

It felt as though the conversation started and resolved itself before you could get a word in. You felt more like a third wheel than a welcome guest. You sit quietly, unsure of when you were allowed to speak.

“Lorelei?” Bucklin nudges your shoulder.

“Yes?” You sit up straight.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“I doubt that, considering you’re just staring off into space.” He says, fingers tapping the table. “What do you have on your mind?”

“It’s… nothing really important.” You look between Bucklin and Ceci. “I was mostly just wondering how you guys met. You seem pretty close.”

“Ah.” Bucklin pulls back. “Close? I’m not sure if that’s the word I’d use.” He scrunches his nose, probably thinking of some way to deflect the observation. “Friends, yes, but I feel like our relationship is a bit more nuanced than that.”

“I think ‘friend’ is accurate.” Ceci says. “Certainly a kinder moniker than my brother would give you, that’s for sure.”

“Untrue,” Bucklin interjects. “He called me an ‘acquaintance’ once.”

If his relationship with Ceci was positive, then what could Bucklin have done to earn Stratos’ ire? “What exactly is your relationship with Stratos, Bucklin?” You say, spurred on by your own curiosity.

“A simple question with a complicated answer.” Bucklin sighs.

“Are you not going to tell her, Bucklin?” Ceci chimes in.

“It’s not that I won’t, but I’m not sure where to start.” He stands up.

“From the beginning, perhaps?.” Ceci smiles.

“The beginning? No, that’s not particularly exciting.” Bucklin ruminates over his decision before turning towards you. “Actually, what do you think, Lorelai?”

You are considering Bucklin’s words. What exactly did you want to hear about Bucklin’s relationship with Ceci and Stratos?

>Start from the beginning. Give context for what happens after.
>Bucklin had the right to it. Get right down to the nitty-gritty.
>The story is pointless. Just talk about the relationship.
>Write-in

>>5377985
>A story. Doesn't even have to be true. But one that will color a little bit more on what passes for believable around here.
>Better something entertaining than something exhaustive, unless we just wanted to go back to work.

>>5377985
>>Bucklin had the right to it. Get right down to the nitty-gritty.

>>5377985
>>Start from the beginning. Give context for what happens after.

>>5377985
>>Bucklin had the right to it. Get right down to the nitty-gritty.
>Give a short background if needed though

>>5377985
>Start from the beginning. Give context for what happens after.

>>5377985
>>Start from the beginning. Give context for what happens after.

I wanna join this quest, does it have nu mous? This is important.

>>5379019
Maybe

>>5379019
Yes, there are Nu Mous!

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38 KB JPG

>>5379483
Awesome.
>>5377985
>Start from the beginning. Give context for what happens after.

>>5377985
>>Start from the beginning. Give context for what happens after.

>>5385528

New thread since I needed to use formatting for the next post to be easily read. Also, this one is about to be knocked off. Hopefully can get back to a regular posting schedule soon.