As you walk through the halls of the ogrish bastion, you note how busy everyone seems- but none of them need guidance. Kristoph is speaking with Leon and the knights, Belethor is speaking to his rogues and the ogrish seer, and Raziel is talking with Fellwind, over the still unconscious from his. . . 'passion', you suppose.
The ogres are all bandaged and healed, and you can't seem to find Kaliel anywhere. Ell and Kiyara, meanwhile, are up on Sparrow, doing. . something you feel you'd best not intrude in.

>>20482956
See if we can get some training in ogre fighting styles. I'm sure it will be interesting, and it's going to take our mind off things.

Let's go find Kaliel.

>>20482956
>Whoops.
>'over Ezekiel, who is still unconscious from'

>>20482984 here
I'm okay with looking for Kaliel, as >>20482988 suggested.

>>20482988
Yes, why not try and find Kal to check up on her?

>>20483061
>>20483042
>>20482988
Do we have some cake on our ship? I'm sure she could use some right now.

>>20483073
I don't think so. The cakes were all Mari's doing.

You start walking, looking this way and that. One of the lizardmen, half of the scales on his face shorn off, salutes you as you walk by. You run into Jeanne, who's still walking about, carrying medical supplies.
"Did you see Kaliel anywhere?" You ask.
"Uh, I think she went back up to the airship. She looked really out of it." Jeanne said. You thank her, and make your way up the tower, into Jormungandr, and to Kaliel's cabin.

You knock on the door.
"Come in." She said, and you do so.
Kaliel was at the table in her cabin, holding something bright red, and floating in in the air. You give it a closer look. . and it's a beating heart, the output coiling back into the input, as it beats, slowly. Strewn about the desk were limbs, half-built and yet, somehow still alive, twitching or moving- arrangements of tendons and bones twitching as the tendons tense up. . She didn't meet your eyes- instead, her red eyes gleamed with magic as she stared at the still-beating heart. You feel the strange, unnatural life magic that you only recognize from the ankh.

>>20483094
"Can I help you with anything?"

>>20483094
"What are you doing Kaliel?"
Get ready to suppress her magic, just in case.

>>20483094
"The magic you're doing right now is bad. The sort of bad that hurts innocents. Marigold... Sorry. It's dangerous. Anyway, how are you doing?"

>>20483094
"What are you making, Kali?"

>>20483114
Wut.

"What are you making, Kali?"
"I'm not making anything." She said. "I'm. . thinking."

She set the heart down onto a small pedestal, where it stayed beating, and she got up, and sat on her bed.
"I'm still not used to using a bed." She mumbled, looking down at it.

>>20483173
"Neither is Raziel. Why do Kalak usually sleep in?"

>>20483173
How do you usually sleep? Do Kalaks make nests?

>>20483195
>Why
derp, mean to write -what-

"Neither is Raziel. How do you usually sleep?" You ask. "Do Kalak make nests?"
"Usually." She said. "Or we curl up and sleep on our sides- but usually just piles of pillows or swathes of cloth. Except for Azariel, he slept in his throne- if at all, before he died too."
A dismembered, reptilian hand on her desk started twitching, and then started clawing scratches into the surface of the wood. She didn't seem to notice.
". . Did you see Ezekiel?" She asked. "He made hellfire. He was caught within. . whatever it was. I'm kind of surprised- I didn't know he was capable of it."

>>20483245
Neither did I. It was quite impressive though, wasn't it?

>>20483245
"Yes. It was... frightening to watch. I hope he will be okay, Raziel and Fellwind are currently taking care of him.
I saw you helping the ogres, thank you for that."

"It was. . frightening to watch. I hope he will be okay. It was quite impressive though, wasn't it?"
"We're lucky we didn't all die." She said, in a quiet voice. "He must have had. . incredible amounts of control, to keep from hitting the tower."
She looked at the hand, which had crawled it's way over to the heart.
"Different types of magic has their own. . nature." She said. "Evocation's nature is. . destruction. Destroy, destroy. . That's how Azariel called it. The urge to crush all creation."

>>20483301
"I didn't know that. My sorcery is different in that regard. Can I ask you what your magic tells you?"

"I didn't know that."
"Most don't." She said. "Raziel has never felt anything from her necromancy, and Uriel never felt anything from his shapeshifting."
"Can I ask you what your magic tells you?"
She points to the hand- it reaches up, grips the still-beating heart, and starts crushing it. The heart bulges, and then stops beating. The hand, and the rest of the limbs, go completely dead.
"That's what it tells me. My magic is. . mad. Insane. It wants to defy reality, to become an enormous engine of flesh and blood and spell-wrought bone. That *thing* wasn't given a mind. The heart was the source of the power. The hand was it's limb. And it killed itself. It knew it was killing itself, and didn't care. It's mad."

>>20483388
Hug her.
"Even if it is mad, you are still you. As long as you don't let it take over, things will turn out alright."

>>20483388
Sit down next to her, put an arm around her shoulders, "That is... somewhat unpleasant, I'll admit. It felt... it felt much like the magic the Ankh was using."

>>20483388
...
Is there any nice magic?

>>20483388
"It's not you. And Fenrir wasn't mad."

You sit down next to her, and put an arm around her shoulders.
"That is, somewhat unpleasant, I'll admit. It felt... it felt much like the magic the Ankh was using."
"Life magic." She said, and leaned into your shoulder. "But not healing. Life at the cost of hunger. Vim magic, or vitae. Vigor."
"Is there any nice magic?" You ask, after a moment of silence.
"Warding. Cassiel felt his magic, and he said that it wanted beautiful things, like protecting all life, keeping order, keeping safety. . And then there's healing magic."
"Even if it is mad, you are still you. As long as you don't let it take over, things will turn out alright."
"With all of Zeke's control, he couldn't stop from killing Fenrir." She said. "And I don't have near as much control. I have much more connection with my magic than he has with his. It's a matter of time until I make another of those. . things."
She closed her eyes, for a moment, and then ran her hand through your hair- trying to ruffle it, you suppose.

>>20483498
Ruffle her hair back, but don't say anything.

>>20483498
"Oh Kal, it's not as nice if you do it yourself."
Ruffle her hair for her.
"Zeke's magic killed Fenrir? I... I did not know that." Hug her again.
"I'm sure all of us will be able to help you controlling your magic a bit. We may not be experts, but I am sure each one of us will be able to give you some advice that will at least help a bit. Hopefully, the sum of it will be enough."

>>20483498
"You can't make another Fenrir. Fenrir, the Destroyer of Worlds is dead. We're having a funeral, is tomorrow all right with you?"

>>20483498
Give her a squeeze, "Well, we'll just have to deal with that when it happens."

>>20483538
She's trying to ruffle OUR hair, not her own.

>>20483547
Whoops, ignore that bit, then.

"Well, we'll just have to deal with that when it happens."
"When it happens, before I put it down. . I want you to see it." She said. "The reason it's sad. . is because it's so beautiful. But it's not meant for here. It isn't meant for a place with other living beings."
"Zeke's magic killed Fenrir? I... I did not know that." You say, and give her another hug.
"I don't blame him." She said. "He likely saved more than he killed."
"We're having a funeral." You decide, and ruffle her hair back. She freezes, and her face went red "Is tomorrow all right with you?"
She pulled away.
"For Fenrir? Don't." She said. "It would be. . an insult. Wrong. A mockery."

>>20483583
"If Fenrir was enough of a friend to mourn, then he was enough to have a funeral for."

>>20483583
"Well, I won't force you if you don't want to. But it's clear you miss him, and he was alive. I know I'll miss him. I think he deserves it, but it's your choice."

>>20483603
"But if you insist, we won't."

>>20483583
"He was alive. He was your friend. He was cute. He deserves one."

>>20483635
I'm not quite sure "cute" is the right term for a slavering murder beast.

"Well, I won't force you if you don't want to. But it's clear you miss him, and he was alive. I know I'll miss him. I think he deserves it, but it's your choice."
"Funerals are for. . national heroes." She said. "People loved by hundreds, where everyone there had something good to say. If I have a funeral for him, it'll be on my own- because I was the only one he knew. But. . thank you for offering."

>>20483649
"Huh? I don't know much about Kalak culture, but on Arcturus funerals are usually held by those who miss the departed. I guess different planets do these things in different ways. Just do what will make you happy. It's better to break conventions and be happy, than to keep in line with them just to end up sad."

>>20483649

funerals are for those we care about, they can be as large as a grand ball or as small as two friends sending off someone they cared about.

If you want to have it between just you and your family that's alright. If you want to send him off by your self that is also ok. Whatever you want to do for him is what matters.

"I don't know much about Kalak culture, but on Arcturus funerals are usually held by those who miss the departed. I guess different planets do these things in different ways." You say, and shake your head. "Just... do what will make you happy. It's better to break conventions and be happy, than to keep in line with them just to end up sad."

She nodded. "I'll take some time off in a few days, then." She said. "If that's okay with you. But. . let's change subjects. I don't like talking about this. I don't know what to, though..."

>>20483744
"Well what would you like to talk about?"
if nothing in particular,
"In that case, let's talk about what you'd like to make next."

>>20483744
"Well, I know very little about you. What do you do when you're not researching things? What are your hobbies? Or, if you don't want to talk about it, we could see how Zeke is doing."

>>20483744
If we fuck all your problems will go away and you will fell way better
And then we will hcange into kalak and will have hot sex with her

>>20483744
Could we try summoning fluffy wyvern for her to have a look at? I'm not sure whether we're only meant to call him when we really need him but we should at least introduce ourselves before dragging him into stuff later.

>>20483765
Seems legit.

>>20483744
"The squirrel you made was brilliant. I'm still surprised you managed to get it right despite only seeing it for a few minutes, at best."

"Well, I know very little about you. What do you do when you're not researching things? What are your hobbies?"
"Uh... not much." She said, going slightly red. "Sometimes I like to read orcish poetry, and. . write a little, but let's not go there."
"In that case, let's talk about what you'd like to make next."
"Living armor." She said, her blush already fading. "I'm planning on giving it a thick carapace, a bladed tail and claws, and just enough of a mind that you don't need to learn how to wear it."
"The squirrel you made was brilliant." You say. "I'm still surprised you managed to get it right, despite only seeing it for a few minutes, at best."
"I. . I wear that glass you made me." She said, and pulled the enchanted glass shard out from her top- it was chained to her neck, like a necklace. "So I could see most of the way it's body worked, and extrapolated the rest from similar creatures."

>>20483846
>that glass you made me
Didn't we pretend that was a gift from Raziel for some reason?

>>20483846
"Ah, I'm glad it's still useful. Does it work for you when you're not actively looking through it?"

>>20483877
Yep. Because Kal was really weird back then.

>>20483877
Pretty sure we said we made it, though. But because Raz was worried.

>>20483846
"Still, that was really impressive. Have you ever thought about bringing back species that died out? You could give them a second chance. I think it would be a wonderful way to use your talent, although the way you healed these ogres was very impressive as well."

>>20483898
Dinosaurs.
An Allosaurus for Kal to ride.

"Ah, I'm glad it's still useful. Does it work for you when you're not actively looking through it?"
"No, but it works with scrying. I had Neiriel help me with a spell to look through it without holding it up to my eye." She said. "Didn't want to scratch it with my talons."
"Still, that was really impressive. Have you ever thought about bringing back species that died out? You could give them a second chance. I think it would be a wonderful way to use your talent, although the way you healed these ogres was very impressive as well."
"Healing magic is easier." she said. "It. . knows how to heal them itself. While with my magic.. you need to tell it what to do."

>>20483970
"You're incredibly talented, then. I didn't notice the slightest different. I'm glad you decided to come with us."

>>20483970
It's still better to have you there than leave the wound. Healers can't be everywhere.

>>20483970
We already made those rings that allow us to send magic through them. Would it be possible to create a wand, or something, that allows Kaliel to use her magic from range?

"You're incredibly talented, then." You say. "I didn't notice the slightest bit different. I'm glad you decided to come with us."
She nodded. "I'm glad to have come, too." She said. She looked down at the glass crystal around her neck. "I. . never thanked you for this. You told me it was from Raziel, when I molted, but she couldn't have made something like this."

>>20484081
Or two wands, because Ishelda could really use that too. Or wands for everybody. Or just build it into the rings' enchantments. Sounds incredibly useful, so we probably can't. Powers have restrictions for a reason.

>>20484126
"Well, it was her idea, because she was concerned about your... learning process. I'm just glad it's useful."

>>20484126
"We wanted to give you something, show you people care about you. And you seemed so... focussed on your research back then. Just because I made it doesn't mean Raziel didn't spend a lot of thought on it as well. But I am glad you like it."

"Well, it was her idea, because she was concerned about your... learning process. I'm just glad it's useful."
"I think it's part of . . how I changed." She said, looking down at it. "Back when I was. . cutting them apart, there was a.. clinical, disconnected process to it. Like if I were taking apart a machine to see how it worked. Like they weren't living beings. And with this, I was able to. . see them how they really are. Not just organic machines, but. . living things with hungers and happiness and everything that makes up what we are. I think ... living, sapient beings are the source of all magic."

>>20484292
Really? The Galadriel's Light isn't sapient, is it?

>>20484292
"Oh my, what about the flowers I use for tea?"

>>20484292
"I think... I could see that."

>>20484292
"Quite possible. So this living armor thing, would the outside be made of bone or chitin?

>>20484344
And then Ishelda was a serial killer.

"Really?" You ask. "The Galadriel's Light isn't sapient, is it?"
"That's different." She said. "Those are just. . converters. They turn sunlight into magic power, that's it. But there's some. . strange virtue that comes from living beings, that doesn't come from those plants- something that makes magic power from nothing. I can't put a word to it. The moment I saw that, my connection got stronger. The elves have it wrong." She said, and her eyes gleamed, flashing amber for a moment, before going back to scarlet. "Magic isn't a . .a power source you can trade and swap as you will, but it's something. . more. The circulatory system of the universe. A cycle, made up of emotions."

>>20484410
"A... cycle? I wonder if it's related to the cycle Grayson talks about, about it being out of balance, or something. I do wish he could explain it better."

>>20484410
"Wow, Grayson says the same thing. Although he claims he can't describe it, you know. Kaliel, you may be on to something."

>>20484410
What about the Heart? That made magic from nothing, and it wasn't a living creature.

>her eyes gleamed, flashing amber for a moment, before going back to scarlet
Uh, is that normal?

>>20484410
I really like Kaliel.

"A... cycle? I wonder if it's related to the cycle Grayson talks about, about it being out of balance, or something. Although he claims he can't describe it, you know. Kaliel, you may be on to something." You say. She nods, still beaming.
"Uh. . are your eyes normal?" You ask.
She nods. "My eyes have always been switching between amber and red." She said. "Uriel's did it too, just. . more often. I think it's related to shapeshifting. Or being kalak."
"What about the Heart? That made magic from nothing, and it wasn't a living creature."
"The Heart was different." She said. "I never saw it, but it could have done a lot of different things. It could have felt, or it could have taken magic from the void, or converted something else into magic, like heat."
She closed her eyes and shook her head. "I don't know a lot about the nature of magic. It isn't my specialty, and I can't say anything for certain."

>>20484571
"Still, you have some very impressive and plausible theories, Kal."

>>20484571
It looks like we're going to see the Ogre mages soon, I wonder if they know anything useful.

"Still, you have some very impressive and plausible theories, Kali."
"The more you. . work on, and think about magic, the less it makes sense." She said, and closed her eyes. "I-I-I've been having. . dreams, lately, of something enormous. Some ... creature, larger than belief. It's appearance was. . blurred, as if it was always changing. It. . gazed at me, and in it I saw something that. . . shouldn't be. It's what my magic wants to be." She shook her head again. "I don't even know. . I don't even know why I'm telling you this."

>>20484750
"It's because we are friends Kaliel."

>>20484750
"Because sharing things that worry you with your friends helps you deal them. And I'll help you any way I can."

>>20484750
If all magic is from sapient creatures, and it wants stuff even though it doesn't have a mind, does that mean that it's some sort of collective will? People want to destroy stuff, and protect stuff, and make big freaky monsters...

>>20484750
Because it's something you want to talk about and I'm here to listen. It's because we're friends. Because you're the mad scientist little sister I never had.

Now move in for the kiss

>>20484856
>>20484864
Good thing she's used to siblings fancying each other.

"It's because we're friends, Kaliel." You say. "And because sharing things that worry you with your friends helps you deal with them. And I'll help you any way I can."
She nodded, and gave you a hug.
"Thank you, but. . they're only dreams." She said. "Those- And Fenrir's death- are things I'll have to learn to deal with on my own, or I'll never be independent."

>>20484750
"I think that's what I almost saw, trying to scry Magic."

>>20484988
What we saw was the ogre seer.

>>20484983
"Dreams and visions can be very scary. I know that from my own experience."

>>20484983
I know you want to be independent, and while you should learn to rely on yourself never forget that you've got friends and family to help you no matter what.

There are somethings that no one should try to shoulder alone, I would know.

"I know you want to be independent, and while you should learn to rely on yourself, never forget that you've got friends and family to help you no matter what."
"I won't forget." She said. "Unless Sardriel breaks his Geas somehow and makes me forget."
She sighed, and frowned- then looked up, meeting your eyes. "Hey. . After this, may I have some land of my own in New Arcturus? That way, I won't have to go back. . there."

>>20485160
"Sure. We have more land than we know what to do with anyways."

>>20485160
Of course. So long as the land is used for something you can have it. If you want some quarters in the royal palace I can set that up as well.

Nepotism HO!

>>20485160
"Hmm, I can't really see why not. We could see each other more often too, which would be nice."

>>20485160
"Of course. I'd hoped you'd stay around after this is over. I enjoy your company."

"Of course." You say. "So long is the land is used for something, you can have it. If you want some quarters in the royal palace, I can set that up as well."
"Having quarters would be nice, but I might need the land, after all." She said. "I'm thinking of starting work on plants, instead of animals. That way I could make new sorts of food, and such."
"I'd hoped you'd stay around after his is over. We could see eachother more often, too, which would be nice. I enjoy your company."
"I- I think I'm going back to my normal form, now." She said. "Could. . could you turn around?"

>>20485335
Blink
"Uh... Oh. Oh!"
Blush, turn

>>20485335
"Sure. It's not like I'm a man though."

>>20485335
"Oh.... of course."
Turn around as quickly as possible. Hope our blush won't light the room.

>>20485335
Sure, it's not going to be anything I haven't seen on myself before, either human or kalak.

Then turn around blushing slightly.

>>20485335
Sure, but why? Raziel transformed Kris in front of people and he magically had clothes. Is that not normal?

>>20485335
"Sure."

>>20485368
>>20485386
She wants some privacy for the transition, and there is nothing wrong with that.

>>20485414
Seconded.

>>20485414
We've transformed in front of Kaliel. If we let her see ours she should let us she hers, right? That's how this teenager thing works.

>>20485436
I don't follow.

But seriously, that exchange was never proposed before, so it's not the same at all. Unless you want to say it now.

"Oh... of course." You say, and turn around. You feel your cheeks burn, and then you feel the force of a shapeshifting spell.

"Okay." She said, and you turn around. Her feathers are subtly different than last you saw her- most of them are red, with a brown feather here or there- most notably on her crest. She was taller than you now, but hunched, so that her eyes were at the same level as yours. In her arms were her clothes from her human form, including the earthy brown cloak she'd had. Still chained around her neck was the glass crystal you had made for her.
". . Why? Raziel transformed Kris in front of people and he magically had clothes. Is that not normal?"
"Uhm. . It's normal, uh, most of the time." She said. "Like when you went squirrel. This was different, because kalak is my real form, so I can't keep the clothes transmuted. and part of me"

>>20485524
"That makes sense."

>>20485524
"Ah, I would have never guessed that. I don't know very much about the limitations of regular magic."

>>20485524
Give her a hug, ruffle her hair feathers.

I'm going to go check on everybody else but if there's anything you want to talk about let me know.

>>20485524
"Did I ever show you my kalak form?"

>>20485524
"Oh, I see." then >>20485602

>>20485595
This.

>>20485595
>ruffle her hair feathers
No, they don't like that.
And preening her is too lewd.

>>20485602
Let's do this shit.

>>20485602
This
then >>20485595

>>20485641
We probably aren't going to actually transform. We're just asking if we ever showed her our kalak form.

>>20485636
Agreed. We'll have to brush her hair and she'll have to brush Ishelda's next time Kal's human, though.

>>20485636
Shhhhh
I know.do it anyway.

>>20485666
Why wouldn't we actually transform?

>>20485686
If we have excess energy from the ship, then it's fine. Otherwise it's just a waste of energy.

>>20485636
Except that it isn't. Not that we know it isn't.

Do it anyway!

"Oh, I see." You say, and give her a hug.
"Uhm, I already explained. . " She said, as you ruffled her crest. "... Nevermind."
"Did I ever show you my kalak form?" You ask, and she nods.
"I did, but that was two years ago. You were flying around. You were marble, it looked like, before Neiriel loaned me more books on kalak breeds. Like how Kris resembles an onyx, but isn't really."

>>20485702
She said that preening is sexual the last time we tried.

>>20485702
She personally told us in the last quest. So let's not do that.

>>20485707
"I might look different now actually. I haven't used that form in a while."
If we have spare energy then transform.

>>20485707
So not actually a Marble Kalak? Oh well. I guess I'll just have to find some fancy human heritige to show off.

>>20485707
"Well, if he's not an Onyx when shifted, what is he? He seemed sort of like some kind of... Terror-bird. Nasty, murderous, flightless things, legends from the most primitive parts of Arcturus, but as a Kalak."

rolled 60 = 60

>>20485707
"Not really, huh? I wonder how it looks now."

>>20485707
Kris was some kind of fighter kalak and I was a ruler kalak. It's weird how you can transform into a completely different species and it still sort of looks like you.

>>20485702
I know that saying it was sexual was a joke but preening is still more intimate than hair-ruffling just by its nature.

>>20485707
>"Uhm, I already explained. . " She said, as you ruffled her crest. "... Nevermind."

"Oh.."
Blush.
"Sorry, I remember..."

>>20485802
Second. Have some shame people!

"Oh..." You say, blushing. "Sorry, I remember..."
"N-no, it's fine." She responded, her wings stretching for a moment. "I know you meant it like I was human and you were ruffling my hair, not. . something like t-that. I don't mind. As long as you don't go against the grain, it's f-fine." She said.
You gulp, and try to change the subject to something less awkward.
"Kris isn't an onyx when shifted, what is he? He seemed some sort of like. . some kind of terror-bird."
"I. . I don't know." She said. "He might have been some kind of. . extinct fighter breed, like slate, or obsidian. The book I read didn't have markings for extinct ones like that."
"So, not actually a marble kalak? I might look different now, actually. I haven't used that form in a while."
"I didn't get a close enough look to tell if you were marble or something else." She said.

>>20485900
"Well I guess you could examine me more thoroughly now."

rolled 42 = 42

>>20485900
"Well, would you like a closer look?"

>>20485900
turn into bird

>>20485900
Then let's find out!

Transform!

>>20485900
We may as well transform, let her take a closer look.

Also we look damn good as a Kalak.

>>20485947
>>20485950
If you know what I mean, wink wink.

>>20485900
"Well, I've got to admit I'm curious about it myself. Let's try it!"

>>20486006
That's the idea!

>>20486006
Not sure I do.

>>20486006
>>20486042
> wink wink.
"Ishelda, is something wrong with your eyes? Do you need to see Fellwind about it?"

>>20486066
Don't worry, our sorcery will give us intrinsic knowledge of kalak seduction.

>>20486092
Squawk like a retard and shit on the desk?

I agree, let's find out.

"Well, would you like a closer look?"
She nodded.
"Well, I've got to admit I'm curious about it myself." You say. "Let's try it."
You closed your eyes, brought forth the remainder of your magic, and what you've regained since the battle, and transform.

Your wings twitch, and your legs feel strange as your talons scratch against the floorboards- It's almost as if you're walking with your toes, and your tongue feels much shorter than normal. Your teeth have stretched out into a beak, and your throat buzzes strangely as you speak- you have a feeling you could say two different things at the same time.
"Well I guess you could examine me more thoroughly now." You say, completely oblivious to any subtext.
She nodded, and started poking and prodding between your wings, taking your talons in hand and examining the tips, and finally, peeking up at your crest- what would normally be your hair, you suppose.
"It's tiny." She said, finally.

>>20486123
Oh. What happened? I have nice long hair.

>>20486123
"What's tiny? My crest?"
Look up at hers.

>>20486123
"HEY! What's that supposed to mean?"

>>20486123
"Kaliel, that's not what people want to hear."

>>20486117
Sounds like a plan.

>>20486123
Uh, is that bad?

>>20486123
"I'm not a beautiful Kalak any more?"

"W-what's tiny? My crest? What does that sort of thing imply in Kalak society? And why does it make me feel embarrassed?"

"What's tiny? My crest? What happened? Is that bad?"
"Well... uh, normally, males have smaller crests, and males prefer that their female mates have. . larger crests." She said. "It's. . not bad, just strange. Your tailfeathers are normal, and so are your talons. . but I've never seen a beak like yours before. It's. . hooked, like Kris's beak was, but it's not serrated. Marbles usually have short, dull beaks, so you're not one of those, either."
"I'm not a beautiful Kalak any more?"
"No, you're *gorgeou-" She said, and then caught herself and slammed her beak shut, making a clicking noise.

>>20486237
This is getting wierd. Time to run off and find Grayson, I think.

>>20486237
...
run away? blush? classy redirect to "SohasGraysonchangedatallsincelasttimeyousawhim?"

>>20486237
Do kalaks blush? We do now.

>>20486237
You're pretty too Kaliel.

I'm going to go check on the rest of the crew, see how everyone is doing.

Don't bother changing back into a human.

>>20486237
"Hey, let's practice flying!"

Really, anything to move on from this topic.

>>20486237
I don't think we can blush in kalak form. Do whatever kalak do instead of blushing.

>>20486271
This.

Let's not waste the magic we used by transforming back. We could see why they all seem to hate beds.

>>20486271
Why would we tell her not to bother changing back?

>>20486334
No clue. I think we should leave that out as well.

>>20486237
Um, thanks. I guess I'll have to ask Azariel what type I am.

>>20486330
It doesn't take magic to undo it. But we shouldn't anyway.

>>20486334
It can be hard to differentiate action and dialog. I thought it was evident that it was an action not something to say.

>>20486334
>>20486350
I'm fairly sure that line isn't meant to be spoken, and that's how I'm reading it.

So it's,
>"You're pretty too, Kaliel. I'm goint to go check on the rest of the crew, see how everyone is doing."
>Don't bother changing back into a human before we do

>>20486373
You should use quotes.

"You're pretty too, Kaliel." You say, as your body desperately tries to figure out how to blush. "I'm. . going to go check on the rest of the crew, see how everyone is doing."
She nodded.
"Y-yeah, that's probably best." She said. "I. . have to work on my armor. Or something."

You say your goodbyes, and make your way out from below decks, still getting used to the strange way of walking.
Belethor is sitting at the tea table, sipping at something, and scratching the squirrel's head as he sips, staring out into the sky.

"Oh! Hello." He said, bowing to you. "I don't believe we've met. It's an honor to meet you."

>>20486387
Yeah, that's exactly what they're for: marking what's dialogue.

>>20486404
"You don't recognise me?"

>>20486404
Should we act like we don't know him or just tell him it's Ishelda?

>>20486404
Play it up for fun. Ask about his opinion of Ishelda when it comes up naturally in conversation, see how long it takes him to figure it out.

>>20486404
Try to suppress that giggle. Fail miserably.
"It's me, Ishelda."

>>20486404
"A pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm Adleshi."

>>20486440
This.

>>20486431
>>20486440
These, make it a game.

>>20486404
Smile at him and sit down at the tea table.

"The pleasure is all mine Belethor."

>>20486440
This. Play it up.

If he asks us why we're on board, or what Ishelda keeps us around for, tell him that our speciality is queening.

>>20486440
This!

"A pleasure to meet you, sir." You say, bowing back. "I'm Adleshi."
"My name is Belethor." He said. "Please, sir, have some tea. Pet the squirrel, maybe- I believe it's Kaliel's pet. I'm afraid I was never quite introduced to you- what do you do on the ship?"

>>20486454
Yeah, tell him we've experience with leadership and bureaucracy, and we're teaching Ishelda how to manage a new kingdom.

>>20486491
>sir
>sir
Urk.

>>20486491
"Magic."
Or alternatively:
"Queening."

>>20486491
Choke on the tea, recover, "Oh... All sorts of things."

>>20486491
>sir

Oops.

"I help Ishelda out with matters of state and policy. You are the envoy from Soriasa, yes? What does Soriasa want to gain from this situation with Ishelda?"

Come on guys, we can get all sorts of info now!

>>20486491
"An advisor. Rather, opposing advisor, to question her decisions, to make her think if she does the right one. It's all... hush hush, I suppose, not a lot know about my presence."

Correct the sir, but don't take offense from it.

>>20486491
"I'm no sir, and I do quite a bit actually. I don't come out very often though."

>>20486523
Second this. With the small addendum of throwing in a "Oh I'm female." Don't get all fussy about it though.

>>20486520
This! Be sneaky. Don't reveal gender, time for GUY TALK.

"I'm no sir, and I do quite a bit, actually. I help Ishelda out with matters of state and policy. I've some experience in leadership, and bureaucracy." You say, sitting. "I've been teaching Ishelda how to manage a new kingdom."
"Really? From my impression of her, she doesn't need any sort of teacher. From the speech earlier, I can tell that she's naturally good at that. I choose to believe I'm quite perceptive, Lady Adleshi. Except, of course, when it comes to the gender of a race I know little about. I apologize, of course."

>>20486576
"No offence taken."

Be really bookish in personality, as if a clerk or scribe.

"You are the second son of the king of Sorisa, is this correct?"

>>20486576
"It's not a problem. Most humans can't tell the difference."

>>20486576
"She is quite a quick study, isn't she?"

>>20486576
"Don't worry about it.
No amount of raw talent can make up for experience."

>I'm quite perceptive
Heh.

>>20486576
Dat tiny crest ;_;

>>20486576
It's quite alright. The visual clues are markedly different. I take no offense.

So tell me, what do you think Ishelda? I assure you I'll hold your thoughts in the strictest confidence. Be candid if you would.

>>20486576
"It's quite alright. It took me awhile to figure out the difference between human genders too, especially when the females don't have boobs."
See if we can get him to sputter his tea out at that remark.

"You've probably seen me around in my human form. Easier to be social that way, but I like to be in my true form every now and again."

"I haven't gotten to spend much time with Ishelda recently though, but I've noticed you seem to have been observing her rather closely of late. Would you mind giving me your opinion of her?"

>>20486615
I like this, but it's too overt. We should be sneaky and subtle.

>>20486614
He's only seen Ezekiel in kalak form, and no one ever told him about physical differences in kalak genders.

>>20486576
>>20486576
"High praise indeed. I bet she'd be happy to hear that - I suspect stress has been wearing her down lately, and she's never been one to seek help from others in that respect."

>>20486614
"I get that a lot, my crest is quite masculine."

>>20486638
Ishelda can still be self-conscious about it.

>>20486632
"It's quite alright. It took me awhile to figure out the difference between human genders too, especially when the females don't have... what were they called again? Ah yes, boobs."

>Kalak!Ishelda has a DTC, in case you're wondering.

"No offense taken. I get that a lot- my crest is quite masculine." You say. "You're the second son of the king of Sorisa, is this correct?"
"Yes, it's correct." He said. "I'm the. . talentless one, and thus the one who's had to work harder than the rest. I still don't have as much respect as my brothers, but that suits me just fine. Can you tell me, miss Adleshi, about the queen herself? I'm not asking about state secrets, of course, but about her .. personally."

>>20486679
Delicious Tiny Crest?

>>20486679
"Depends on what you want to know."

>>20486679
>"You're the second son of the king of Sorisa, is this correct?"'
damn, can't call him female anymore.

>>20486679
"I, uh... What do you want to know? I don't want to betray her trust, but I can tell you a little."

Also note, that while Ishelda has said 'no offence taken' I would imagine that she does take pride in her femininity. If he's perceptive he might pick up on it.

>>20486679
You described yourself as quite perceptive. Why don't you start by saying that you've noticed about her and what you think about her? I'll expand from there.

>>20486703
It'd be pretty unbelievable for us to not be able to tell the difference. We implied that we spent a lot of time around people.

Damnit we're supposed to be interrogating him, not the other way around!

>>20486703
Well Adlehsi would know that because he's the new guy on board. But yes, less fun. Not that, of course, Adleshi would treat them that differently, because Ishelda seems to like both sorts.

Oh god, I'm confusing myself now.

>>20486718
I think it's more of "We couldn't tell the difference at first" thing rather than "Still can't tell the difference". Which means it could still come up.

>>20486732
True, so I'll second >>20486718

>>20486718
Yeah, let's grill him a bit.

>>20486692
Diagnostic Trouble Code
Digitally Tunable Capacitor
Direct Torque Control
Delhi Transport Corporation
Diamond Trading Company
Deep Thinking Club

>>20486692
>Indeed.

"You described yourself as quite perceptive. Why don't you start by saying that you've noticed about her and what you think about her? I'll expand from there."
"Well..." He put a hand on his chin, thinking for a few moments. "She's rather mature, it seems, and selfless. I don't know what to think of her talent, but that hardly matters. She cares for her kingdom, and her crew. Not. . as a group, like it's an object, but she cares for the people. She seems kind, but not afraid to fight if necessary. I'm actually quite impressed by her."

>>20486801
"Don't you think she's neglecting her duties as a queen? These quests she departs on are something for knights and adventurers, not heads of state."

>>20486801
"Impressive for what a short time you've spent with her. She's rather emotionally closed off, and though she might appear close with her crew she keeps them at arms length. Never consults them on personal matters, you see. I think she views them more as partners, fond of them but not necessarily friends." Wave a hand dismissively. "I think she goes on these quest as a form of escapism. Just to try and get away from herself by being the big damn hero."

>>20486801
"My my, all that in such a short time?"

>>20486837
I love that Ishelda's voice of reason is a Kalak form of herself. Seconded.

>>20486801
Impressed? I hope this won't be an issue with Leon. He was also rather Impressed. But he had a bit of a misstep, just recently.

>>20486801
"Interesting. Go on.

Do you think it's really healthy for her to be so selfless? She doesn't seem to do much of anything for herself. Aside from her childish obsession with tea and fuzzy things.

Look a bit deeper Belethor, keep talking."

>>20486801
"Impressive. There's not really anything I can add to that which isn't more... private."

"My, my, all that in such a short time?"
"I do think my self quite perceptive." He said.
"Don't you think she's neglecting her duties as a queen? These quests she departs on are something for knights and adventurers, not heads of state."
"Of course not." He said. "Think about it- everything she does here, to help these ogres, are only going to help her kingdom in the long run. The ogres will remember that the queen herself helped them. And she knows that. And because of her talent, she can't exactly. . She can't just leave it to somebody else. Too many people would get hurt, too many of her knights or adventurers would be put into harm's way. I couldn't just stay in the palace and let people get hurt for me either."
"Do you think it's really healthy for her to be so selfless? She doesn't seem to do much of anything for herself. Aside from her childish obsession with tea and fuzzy things."
"I have noticed that, but. . I'm not close enough to her, to give her advice." He said, and frowned. "If I could, I'd probably tell her to take some time on her own. The world will keep spinning if she just leaves for a few days on the Jormungandr, with a few friends. She could even do it in the aftermath of the minotaur battle- it's not likely they'll attack a second time. They're not smart enough for that, and even if they were, she has those magic rings."

>>20486951
"More than one person on the ship has noticed your rivalry with Leon. Did you know he has a crush on her? Is that part of your...competition with him?"

>>20486692
(´・ω・)つ川

Preening Delicious Tiny Crest.

>>20486951
I told you all we should go make friends with the Fuzzy Wyverns. It's going to be an adventure.

Adlehsi's eyes should light up.

"Yes, time to herself might help. Thanks, I'll suggest it to her."

Time to run away?

>>20486951
"You'd have to drag her kicking and screaming to get her away from what she considers to be her duty.

That being said you should bring it up with her, she might appreciate having someone worry about her for once. She won't admit it of course and will find some other important thing to take care of, but that's not the important bit.

It was lovely meeting you Belethor. I ought to take my leave. Before I go you aren't quite as observant as you say, write down my name and look at it for a while. Have a nice day"

"You'd have to drag her kicking and screaming to get her away from what she considers to be her duty." You say.
"Possibly." He said. "But it's her own choice."
"Yes, time to herself might help." You say. "Thanks, I'll suggest it to her."
"No need." He said, leaning back. "I just have. I am quite perceptive, after all, your majesty."

>>20487028
"Took you long enough, your highness." See if he can figure out what a Kalak smile looks like.

>>20487028
"Bah! I'm made!"

Throw a transform spell at his face then run up to the main deck.

>>20487028
I was starting to get disappointed in you. I mean Adlehsi.

How long?

>>20487028
"Aww... I was hoping you wouldn't figure it out till I told you."

>>20487028
"Ten points. You probably can't tell because of the beak, but I'm smiling right now."

>>20487028
Neee erk haha tannks then.

(Run away or fail at it and scamper away)

>>20487028
It's the crest isn't it? It just gives me away!

rolled 95 = 95

>>20487048
Make it a general "cloud of smoke" kinda thing, and I'd say it's good.

>>20487069
and then spaghetti starts falling out of Ishelda's armor?

>>20487084
I'll second this, if only so we can disappear in a poof of smoke.

"Aww, I was hoping you wouldn't figure it out 'till I told you." You say. "You probably can't tell because of the beak, but I'm smiling right now."
He chuckled. "I figured it out the moment you spoke. You and 'Adleshi' have the same accent., which isn't native to either sosaria *or* the provinces... not to mention that Ezekiel told me that no white kalak came to this world, alongside Azariel. And finally, the name."
He put a hand on his face and started chuckling more.
"The name is the best part. Just make it 'Adleshiel', and it will be a better disguise."

>>20487084
Why not. Evil laughter as well, please.

>>20487091
We don't have clothes in Kalak form.

>>20487108
"It was off the top of my head. I didn't feel like using more energy to change back to human form, and when you didn't recognize me I decided to wing it and see what I could get out of you."

>>20487108
"That's..... the joke."

>>20487108
It's not my fault I'm not good at thinking of names. Almost everyone I've met has had a name stolen from Cyborg Quest anyway.

>>20487108
What's Ishelda's accent's real world analogue?

"Well then. Might as well inform everyone we're going exploring. Something nice an low key. You like big fuzzy winged lizards? Because I do.

>>20487108
Well I'm glad you figured it out. I would have been exceptionally disappointed in you if you hadn't.

So, how do I look? I know my crest is small.

By the by I was planning on taking some time off. And by time off I mean going to the mountains to investigate an ancient prophecy given to me by a long dead seer. That's about as close as I get to a vacation.

>>20487108
"Hmh. I'll keep that in mind. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll get some clothes."
grab a robe or something light, have a look around

"It was off the top of my head. I didn't feel like using more energy to change back to human form, and when you didn't recognize me I decided to wing it and see what I could get out of you."
"Heh, 'wing' it." He mumbled. "And in response, I tried to pre-empt you and get what I could."
"Well, I'm glad you figured it out. I would have been exceptionally disappointed in you if you hadn't."
"I'm glad I haven't disappointed you, Ishelda." He said.
"So, how do I look? I know my crest is small."
"Well, uhm. Your feathers are very. . white?" He asked. "I can't exactly say, Ishelda- I just see a bipedal bird. I'm not. . xenophelic enough to see any enticement in your current form, unlike normally, your highness."

>>20487228
Lean down and peck him on the head.

>>20487228
"Well, better get used to it. Until we find a way to reverse the spell, it's permanent."
...
"Flatterer." or >>20487247

>>20487228
>unlike normally
>He's normally enticed by our form
Looks like it's blush and babble time again.

"Well, better get used to it. Until we find a way to reverse the spell, it's permanent." You say, and then peck him on the head. "Flatterer."
"Shamelessly!" He said, grinned, and then raised his teacup, as if toasting. Then he took another sip.

>>20487280
Awkwardly pour tea down our throat.

I assume we have cups that Kalak can use, or we'd better get some in stock soon.

>>20487280
"Hmm, time to fly down and see how Zeke is doing."

rolled 5 = 5

>>20487228
"Oh, well, good? I- I Should go see how everyone else is doing."

And make us a nice robe, too.

>>20487280
If I wasn't a bird I'd be blushing rather heavily. It was good talking to you. It's nice to talk about these things to someone other than Grayson.

I'm going to go visit some others, if you see Leon don't tell him about me being a bird, I want to surprise him.

rolled 83 = 83

>>20487317
Queens do not wear whatever horrible, moth eaten thing you're making with that roll.

>>20487338
Don't say anything about blushing! Keep those cards close to one's own chest. Or DTC, in this case.

>>20487352
Seconded.

"Oh. Well. Good? I- I should go see how everyone else is doing." You say, glad that your blush can't be seen through the layer of feathers. You take a step off of the balcony of the ship, spread your wings, and start the slow glide to the ground, quickly manifesting a robe around yourself, landing agily on your talons, ever thankful for the instincts imparted on you with your sorcery.
"Ishelda." The Seer said, nodding. "Kind of you to join us."
Raziel raised an eyebrow. "I like your current form, Ishelda." She said.

>>20487398
"Thanks, been too long since I tried it."

>>20487398
"Too tired to change back. Was trying to cheer up Kaliel."

>>20487398
" I was showing it to Kaliel, and didn't feel like using the energy to change back. Plus flying is fun."

>>20487398
"And here I was, thinking the crest is all that matters. Thank you, Raziel."

>>20487398
It's a nice form and I haven't used it for a fair while. I do like flying.

Raziel, is my crest small?

How are the two of you doing? What are you talking about?

>>20487410
This, also

"We met your ancestor, Seer."

"Thanks." You say, turning in a circle. "Been too long since I tried it. I'm too tired to change back. I was trying to cheer up Kaliel."
Both of Raziel's eyebrows shot straight up. ". . Oh! I- I didn't know you two were. . . so that's why. . ."
"Please calm down, Raziel." The seer said. "You're mistaken.. for the most part."

>>20487436
Make sure there are no other ogres around before saying that.

>>20487398
"Thank you, how is your brother doing?"

>>20487443
"Huh? What are you- oh. Oh! That's not it."
All of the spaghetti falls out of Ishelda's feathers.

>>20487443
Raziel, what are you talking about? Are you thinking of something not suitable for polite company?

>>20487443
Well, time to see how this: ಠ_ಠ - looks on a Kalak.
"What? No. She's just very upset because Fen died."

>>20487443
You took that exactly the way I meant it Exa. Anyway, try our damnedest to blush, and hide our face behind a wing. Oh, and stammer.

>>20487443
Clear our throat (throats?) and change the subject.

"So, Triune is apparently STILL meddling."

>>20487443
This seer, he is perceptive.
"Huh?
I have something I'm only meant to tell you, can we talk privately?"

>>20487443
"I'll just guess cheering somebody up has a very different connotation when it comes to kalak culture..."

"Huh? What are you-"
Then you realize.
"Oh. Oh! T-that's not it." You say, covering your face with a wing. "She's just very upset beacuse Fen died."
"O-oh." Raziel said, and nodded.
"I told you it wasn't that." Skerghaul said.
"I have something I'm only meant to tell you. Can we talk privately?"
Skerghaul turned this way and that. "I believe this is private enough- there are no other ogres in listening distance. What do you have to say, Ishelda?"

>>20487518
There's a second Bastion, in the mountains. Triune paid me another visit and gave me a key. It's our next destination.

Also he gave me the whistle for his Sgragol, those things are just so fluffy.

>>20487518
"Triune is still meddling with things. He asked me not to tell you what he said, but he didn't say anything about telling you that he was still messing with things."

>>20487550
He actually said telling the seer would be okay.

>>20487550
He said not to let any of his kind, aside from the seer, to know about that. This is the seer we're talking to.

We should let him know not to tell anyone else though.

>>20487518
I met an ogre after the battle who said he was Truine. He gave me a key that's meant to let me in to a bastion full of mages in the fluffy mountain.