>>35453820
>>Go speak to the Man

>>35453820
>Go speak to Edwin

>>35453820
Go speak to the Man

You decide to move to the front of the small crowd, getting quite a few questionable looks and sideways glances from the other followers as you take up a confortable pace by the Man’s side.

“Thank you, child. Company always makes the Long Road more pleasant.” You walk in silence, starting to grow a bit uncomfortable, but the man’s face is still even. You barely see a twitch of a hair on his face as the group goes over hills and valleys. You feel compelled to ask the man something, but you aren’t entirely sure what.

Do you
>Ask about the odd color of his robe
>Ask about himself
>Ask about interesting stories

>>35454191
Ask about himself

>>35454191
>Ask about himself

You ask the man about himself, hearing some of the folks behind you stop their conversations to listen in. He turns to you and laughs slightly, as though more to himself. “I am the Long Road, child. Though heretical I have been called, I am the one who follows the First and Least of all the Gods. I am the prophet of the Pilgrim and Wanderer. You may call me, Mae.” Mae stops speaking, leaving those words hanging in the air. One of the other priests grabs onto your arm and nudges you away, letting the man continue forward.

“We don’t really speak to Mae. The Churches of the Four Gods don’t recognize the Pilgrim and it is heretical to discuss it. We travel with him because he knows the roads to the heathen lands but…just don’t listen to him, Sister.”

Do you
>Agree not to Speak with him
>Say you will speak with whom you please
>Say nothing

>>35454482
Say nothing

You do not speak, and the man removes his hand and continues his march in silence. Charles comes up behind you and taps you on the shoulder.

“Are you ok, Aldan? Things were looking a bit tense there…” You tell him that everything is fine, and he nods, still looking a bit concerned and frustrated at the man who was talking to you. “Good. I just wanted to make sure you were ok. Some of these people can be quite rude.” He says just loud enough for the other man to hear. You and your friend continue on, Charles excitedly speaking about the new things he had learned from trading stories with the other priests. Almost out of the blue, though, he asks you a particular question.

“So, what do you think of Edwin?” You are a bit taken aback, and he won’t look at you with that question strung between you.

Do you tell him
> Edwin is a kind man you met by chance
> Edwin is a noble that crossed paths with you
> Edwin is a dear friend you are happy to know

>>35454755
>Edwin is a kind man you met by chance, who you later found out was a noble during the ball.

>>35454755
> Edwin is a kind man you met by chance

You say that Edwin is a kind man that you met around the city. You mention a connection with nobility, but do not tell Charles any more than that. He looks a bit down-trodden at the mention of Edwin being a noble as well.

“He’s very smart, it seems. And quite well kept. I guess it’s only natural he’s one of those nobles. He talked quite highly of you, you know.” And with that Charles moves away, leaving you walking alone.

---
Several Days pass like this, and Charles still remains uncharacteristically distant to you. On the evening of the fifth day, you reach the town that is mentioned on the map. It is a small village of Seclare, at one of the edges of the Empire. Not even a trading post, and only considered part of the Empire in name, the presence of authority from the capital is scare. There is an inn in the town, where you and your companions could stay for the night, but you are also still invited to stay with the Pilgrims.

Do you
>Camp with the Pilgrims
>Go into Town

>>35455195
>Go into town

>Go into town

The three of you decide to break off and go into the Town. Charles isn’t too pleased, but he follows your wishes. Before you go, Mae asks to speak with you alone and pulls you to the side.

“Another walks on the Long Road, and wishes your feet to no longer tread. Be wary.” You try to press him for more information, but he doesn’t say anything else. You give up and leave with Edwin and Charles.

---
The hour is late, and quite a bit of the town is dark with sleep. The Inn is still open, and the small tavern next to it has a dull roaring laughter coming out of it.

There is also a building that looks like a church that still has lights on, but it doesn’t look like any of the churches you have ever seen. Along the edge of the Northern Jaw Mountains, where forests are dense and there isn’t much ‘value’, the Empire has let local practices take hold. Only the Churches themselves view this as a problem, with the Empire more concerned with consolidating their power and expanding their borders into neighboring islands and continents.

Do you
>Go to the Tavern
>Go to the Inn
>Go to the Church

>>35455501
>Go to the Tavern

>>35455501
>>Go to the Inn

>>35455501
>church

>>35455501
Tavern

The three of you don’t feel tired, so you decide to go into the Tavern. You could get some food that isn’t dried meats and bread and you might be able to ask someone about the surrounding area and where you are willing to go. The inside is filled with men and women drinking and laughing. You feel the contrast between these people and the three of you. Even in your own mountain town, it was a trade route that had visitors from the capital and people kept up a certain level of décor for that. But everyone here had a distinct feel of something wilder.

You three take your seat in a far corner, none of you quite sure what to do. Eventually, a drunken man comes over and stumbles into a seat. He’s a large man, you could almost believe he’s 7 feet tall.

“Eh, you!” He’s pointing at Edwin. “I see whats you have there! ‘S a zitter...a Zether…it’s an instrument! Do’ya play?”

“Well, y-yeah.” Edwin replied, trying to hide inside his own clothes.

“Play somethin’!” The man demans.

Do you
>Tell the Man to Go away
>Try to Charm the Man
>Tell Edwin to start playing

>>35456028
>>Tell the Man to Go away

>>35456028
Try to charm the man

>>35456028
Charm the man

(Sorry, I was having some internet problems. Typing up the next part now)

You scoot between Edwin and the large burley man. You lay a hand on his arm, and hold back blanching at the alcohol on his breath and put on a pretty smile.

“My friend is a bit shy, sir. But maybe I could give you some company?” Edwin and Charles both look at you in confusion. He laughs a bit and sits closer, nearly falling off his chair as he tried to lean towards you.

“Th’ name is Ket. S’a pleasure.” He slurs. You give a comforting glance to the other two and get to work try to draw some useful information out of him. Ket is a farmer, as that is the very few jobs anyone could have around here in such an out of the way and awkward part of the country. He complains about nobles stopping by and the occasional garrison wanting their food.

When a woman comes over after a while asking if you all wanted anything to eat or drink, Ket threw a few silver pieces at the woman (all of the tumbling to her feet) and asked for food and drink for his ‘new friends’. You are introduced as ‘Ala’ since Ket seems incapable of pronouncing your name. Charles and Edwin stay back as the other men and women drunkenly shake your hand and roar in applause when Ket starts singing.

Suddenly a man comes in, looking a bit shaken and covered in grass. “There’s a soldier or somethin’ comin’.”

“A? A soldier? Not a group?” Someone calls out.

“Nah, just a soldier. But he got this weird sword and th’ look of the dead in his eyes. Was asking for some travelers.” Everyone turns to your group. There’s a moment of silence before Ket speaks up.

“Put ‘em in the cellar. We’ll say we ain’t seen no new travelers.”

Do you
>Accept and go down to the cellar
>Decline and sneak out the back
>Decline and stay in the tavern

>>35456677
>accept

>>35456677
>ACCEPT
It's the dead eye-ed guy.

>>35456677
>>Accept and go down to the cellar

You all accept the offer and all of you funnel down behind the bar table and into an earthen room. Above you, between some holes in the floor, you can see into the tavern. The mood is tense, and very few people speak until the door is opened. You hear the clink of armor as the man walks over to the bar and stands. You can’t see much, but an incredibly uneasy feeling falls over you.

“Pardon me.” The man says. “I’d hate to have interrupted you lot.” Edwin’s eyes open wide, but he covers his mouth to avoid making a sound.

“’S Fine” the bartender replies. His voice is even and stern and he doesn’t give anything away.

“I’m looking for someone. Some travelers. They departed from Faran-Ra 6 days ago. A girl, a priest of Varsa and a particular black haired boy. The Girl and Priest are charged with high treason to the empire and are to be brought to justice.”

“We haven’t seen any travelers.” The Bartender replies. “Have we men?” The whole crowd chimes in with different negations.

“You see, it would be nearly as treasonous to hide them. The pilgrims outside the city claim they went into this town after traveling with them. They are charged with kidnapping the Third Heir to the Empire, Edwin Vor Alduwan.” The room murmurs a bit, but soon it dies down.

“We. Have Not. Seen Them.” The bartender emphasizes, a threat laced into his voice. “Now, we don’t take kindly to Imperial Whores like yourself, willing to bend over for the Emperor at a word.” You hear a sword unsheathe, and the entire room erupted in a moment of noise before silence.

“Do not insult the Emperor.” The man replied, before you hear the sound of a sword being return to it’s case. “I’m willing to pay 50 gold coins to anyone who can give me information leading to their capture. I’ll be staying at the Inn tonight. I hope you make the right choice.” The door opens, and you hear the sound of armor disappear into the night.

Cont.

>>35457122
Oh boy, we're in trouble.

Cont.

Your group lets out a collective sigh of relief. Edwin turns to you and he looks scared.

“Aldan, that was Geoff! I, I don’t know why he would be sent. He’s not supposed to be out here on his own.” You ask Edwin if there is a reason that Geoff would be making that claim.

“Well, I mean, you two didn’t kidnap me. But I didn’t…I didn’t tell anyone that I was leaving. I didn’t think it would be a huge deal! Everyone goes on and on about how useless I am as an heir. I though that maybe if I did leave, that they’d just give up and I could make something of myself…”

“You idiot!” Charles yells, startling you. “Now we’ve got a price on our heads and some crazed man with a sword after us! We’re going to be killed because of your stupidity!”

Do you
>Comfort Edwin, He didn’t know better
>Chastise Edwin, but Charles as well for overreacting
>Agree with Charles

>>35457252
Chastise Edwin, Charles may be overreacting a bit, but this can still be salvaged.

>>35457252
>Chastise Edwin, but Charles as well for overreacting

>>35457252
>Chastise Edwin, but Charles as well for overreacting
>Tell them you think Geoff is using Ed as an excuse to go after you

You tell Edwin that it was terrible to leave like that and that he has put all three of you in danger because of it. But you tell Charles that he isn’t making the situation better with yelling at Edwin about it. Both of them seem frustrated with the other, but calm down at your urging. You’re all let back into the main area and the eyes of the whole room are on you.

“Is what that crazed bastard said true?” The bartender asks, nursing a small cut along his throat.

You explain the situation, how it is a mistake and Edwin vouches that he just wanted to escape and it is no ones fault.

“Ya’ hear that?” Ket says. “Even th’ Imperials don’t wanna be in that fucking city.” There’s a little laughter, lightening the mood. You pull out the map and say that you need to get to a certain area. Ket calls over another large man and shows him the map.

“Aye, I know the place. But it’s a dangerous area. No plants ever grow and no animal goes near it. There’s something dark about that place.” You explain that you are trying to find and contain whatever is inside. You offer to pay him, and that changes the tune. After buying everyone a drink and giving the man several coins, you are ready to set out.

Do you
>Wait for daylight, hiding in the cellar and making the trip up a bit safer
>Go now under cover of darkness

>10 Gold Coins removed from your inventory.

>>35457563
>Wait for daylight, hiding in the cellar and making the trip up a bit safer

>>35457563
>wait for daylight, hiding in the cellaer and making the trip a bit safer.
He's champion of the god of war and bloodlust, god of war means he does at least have some tactical sense, and only a moron would not have someone watching this place.

You ask to be taken in the morning, and the owner allows you to stay in the cellar for the night. You rest on some shoddy blankets he brings down, and though they are incredibly uncomfortable you don’t complain.

You are shook awake, the man you paid is standing over you and telling you that the sun has just started coming up and that the Inn Keeper confirmed that the man is still in his room. In minutes Charles and Edwin are awake as well and you are set to go. You all sneak out the back, and are in the woods in moments. The climb is difficult, but by the time the sun is blazing overhead, you reach a large cave. The men in Seclare weren’t kidding about the bad aura. There isn’t a hint of grass within ten feet of the cave and despite the glare of the sun, everything within the cave’s lips is pitch black.

The man leaves as soon as you are there, saying that he refuses to be around this place any longer than necessary. You don’t feel comfort as the three member of your party are alone. You need to go in, but you aren’t sure if you should go alone or together.

Do you
>Go in alone, leaving both to guard
>Go in with just Edwin
>Go in with Just Charles

>>35457811
>>Go in alone, leaving both to guard

>>35457811
>Go in with Charles

>>35457811
Go in Alone

You tell the two to stay outside and watch for Geoff to come, and that you will go in alone. They try to argue, but you cut them off and insist that this is what must happen. They agree and stand by the trees, staying out of sight where they can.

You enter the cave, and despite the darkness you are able to see just fine, another minor gift from Lord Varsa. You descend into the cave, the air thick and permeated with some kind of moisture. The stench is horrible, like rotting flesh, but you press on. As you descend deeper into the cave, you hear a yell from further in. As you reach the source, you see two children, a boy and a girl. The little girl has her leg trapped under a rock, with some blood on the floor, and the other is holding onto her hand.

“H-hello? Is anyone there?” The boy asks, wildly searching the dark. “Please. We need help! Help us! We were just playing…”

Do you
>Help the Children Up
>Wait

>>35458398
> Wait
This is a place where nothing comes and nothing grow. Are you really trying to fool me?

>>35458398
>Help the Children Up

What could possibly go wrong?

>>35458398
>>Wait
>Examine how large the rock is

You feel like something is wrong, so you wait and don’t help.

“Anybody! somebody! Please…oh please. This isn’t working, is it?” Before your eyes, the two kids transform into a single woman. The woman is leaning against the wall, and her legs are indeed trapped under a bolder with strange symbols carved into it. Her skin is gray with the veins below her skin a vibrant black. Two glowing eyes with sideways slits glare right at you in the dark. You have seen old carvings of demon along Church walls when you were a kid, but you never thought you’d actually see one up close.

“So, missy, It seems like you could just waltz right in here and weren’t turned away by the wards. Listen, I’ve been stuck in this cave for at least a few hundred years. It’s really hard to tell when you’re away from the sky. Can you please let me out? I can give you money? Powers? I can kill your ex? Give me a break!”

You contemplate what you could possibly want from her. You always have the option of just draining her power like Varsa said you could, or you could accept her offer to be granted some kind of power. Another option comes to mind, of having her work for you.

Do you want
>To Absorb Her Magic
>To Accept Her Powers
>To Employ Her As A Servant

>>35458730
>To Absorb Her Magic

>>35458730
>Servant

Cool Demon Sex?Slave

>>35458730
>>To Employ Her As A Servant

>>35458730
>To Employ Her As A Servant
It would be good to have more allies.

>>35458730
>To Employ Her As A Servant

The Demon rolls her eyes. “Oh, how utterly unoriginal. You want me to be servant. Ugh.” She twists her body around so that her face is resting on her hands. “Ok, how do we do this?” You’re a bit confused. The Demon just groans. “We have to lay out the contract. What exactly we’re doing. I’m guessing I have to swear my allegiance to you, never to harm you or your allies, all that bull. And you let me go and after you’re dead I get to go free. Sounds fair?”

You remember something about demons, maybe it was one of the small things you and Charles talked about, or a bed time story from your old mentor, but you recall the need for demons to swear on something to make them keep their word. But you can’t exactly remember what it was that they had to swear on.

Do you
>Make the Demon Swear on her Honor
>Make the Demon Swear on her Heart
>Make the Demon Swear on her Throat

>>35458873
>>Make the Demon Swear on her Throat

>>35458873
>Make the Demon Swear on her Throat
It's what the gods did.

>>35458873
>Make the Demon Swear on her Throat

You tell the demon that she needs to swear on her throat that she will work for you. “Damn your eyes! I thought you people would have forgotten about shit like that. FINE! Ok. I swear on my throat to serve you to the best of my abilities. Now can you please just let me out?” You agree to your part of the bargain, and the get to work removing the rock. Once the hand that has your Ring on it touches the rock, it begins to glow and becomes incredibly light. You are able to push it off of her legs without much worry. She immediately stands up, stretching out and laughing.

“It feels SO good to stand again! You people have no idea what 200 years on your ass will feel like the next morning.” After she is done stretching out, she looks at you and bows down. “The name is Nallahudizai, or Nalla. I know you humans are a bit slow so shorter names tend to work better.” You’re about to respond to the insult when you hear yelling coming from the mouth of the cave. You run out, Nalla follow behind. You hide behind some rocks and you can see Edwin is unconscious and bleeding in the dirt, while Geoff is holding a sword over Charles’ head.

You need to act fast.

Do you
>Tell Nalla to save Charles
>Go invisible and try to strike Geoff
>Yell and get his attention

>>35459130
Go invisible, then Shaded Blade on Geoff's neck. Finish this ASAP.

>>35459166
"-Shaded Blade - 1 per day. Summon a blade that goes through armor and instantly kills a single opponent.Does not work if the target is blessed directly from an opposing God."

If he's the War dude's Champion, that won't work.

>>35459205
Is he? Sorry, missed the last thread. Uh, let's just try to stab his hand, then. Take our time, make sure it doesn't miss and hit our friend.

>>35459130
>>Go invisible and try to strike Geoff
Have Nalla distract him.

>>35459130
>Go invisible and try to strike Geoff

>>35459130
>>35459242
This, and have her save charles if possible.

>>35459242
This

You tell Nalla to try to distract Geoff while you attack from behind. You go invisible, cause a little confusion from Nalla but she shrugs it off and moves closer to the mouth of the cave. Geoff is standing over a beaten Charles, a gleaming silver dagger in his hands. Before your eyes the dagger transforms into a bastard sword that he can wield in one hand with inhuman ease.

“You have been declared a traitor to the Empire, and to the Gods. It is my duty as a Soldier of the Emperor to execute you. May the afterlife be kind.” He raises the sword to strike, when you hear a thunk. Nalla has thrown a rock at him, and is easily juggling three more. He scowls and is about to attack her when you pull out your knife and are able to stab at his neck. You feel the blade connect, and draw a tiny bit of blood, but the tip of the knife gets embedded in his back like it is made of stone. With your reflexes, you barely dodge a wild swing as he pull the knife out.

“It’s you, isn’t it. I knew you were another champion. SHOW YOURSELF!” He says. The Sword now transforms into a hammer and he smashes the end into the ground. The earth beneath your feet begins to break. You are thrown against a tree, and the moment of sheer pain causes you to lose focus. You are visable again. Geoff is heading towards you.

Do you
>Try to Fight
>Try to Summon the Snake
>Try to Call to Nalla

>>35459464
>Try to Summon the Snake

>>35459464
Summon the snake. No way we can 1v1 him.

>>35459464
Call to nalla

(Going to get dinner. I'll be back soon)

>>35459464
We just secured a demon that has to be at least 500 years old .
Use the demon to attack and get us some space.
We can use the snake once we back up.
> Call Nalla

>>35459464
>Try to Call to Nalla

>>35459464
>Try to Summon the Snake

>>35459464
>>Try to Call to Nalla
Seriously guys why didn't we send Nalla from the start? We KNEW he was the fucking champion of the war god.

You call out to Nalla, and with a snap of her fingers you are back at the mouth of the cave. You see the sword swing down and completely obliterate the tree that was behind you. Nalla merely smirks, twirling a lock of her hair between her fingers. “Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you. I can do that.” Another snap and you, Charles and Edwin are all together slightly further up the hill. Geoff is running up the hill, murder in his eyes. “I suggest you figure out where you want us to go!” Nalla says nonchalantly, every time Geoff got too close you and Nalla would be transported to a different section of the mountain.

You need to pick a place to go.

Do you ask to go to
> Varsa’s Temple in Faran-Ra
> The Emperor’s Hold
>Anywhere that’s not here!

>>35460583
(Not officially back yet, but the stove is still heating up)

And Forgot to Add
-Gained:Ally - Nallahudizai (Nalla) Demon Sorceress

>>35460583
>The emperors hold

>>35460583
> The Emperor’s Hold

>>35460583
>> Varsa’s Temple in Faran-Ra

>>35460583
I was going to agree with Emperor's hold, but I think that could cause a problem for us if we show up with a demon next to us out of no where and Ed hurt.
>Temple

>>35460583
> Varsa’s Temple in Faran-Ra

You tell Nalla to take you to the Temple of Varsa in Faran-Ra. And before you can blink you are all crashing down in the center of the main foyer. Several people run from the building, and the priests are looking down at you in confusion. The High Priest is summoned and all of you are taken deeper into the temple. Edwin and Charles are taken to the infirmary while the High Priest takes you and Nalla deeper into the temple. You’re in his private quarters. It is similar to the other cells, save for a large table in the middle covered in papers. Mostly just affairs of the temple and things to maintain the building, and correspondence to the Main Temple in Tara.

“This is blasphemy!” He yells, slamming his hands down on the wooden table. “The use of demons in the service of Varsa is forbidden. Our Lord drove them out of the land and bound them in their cages to prevent them from working their dark ways on the hearts of man. Varsa protected our dreams and ambition from this corruption, and you have released it back into the world! She must be destroyed.” Nalla looks bored, and is just leaning against the wall and pulling dirt from under her nails.

Do you
>Insist that Nalla is under your control and safe
>Challenge his authority over the Champion of Varsa
>Agree

>>35461217
>>Challenge his authority over the Champion of Varsa
Tell him Varsa is the one who led you to her in the first place.

>>35461280
This.

>>35461217
>Challenge his authority over the Champion of Varsa

>>35461217
>Challenge his authority over the Champion of Varsa

You refuse to be talked down to like this, and you tell him so. You step over and look him in the eye and tell him that you are the Chosen Warrior of Varsa. Your actions are given with his blessing, and that the map was given to you by Varsa himself. You tell him that calling you a blasphemer and saying that you are going against Varsa’a wishes is spitting in the very eye of Varsa and his plans. The High Priest is silent. After a few moments he just waves you out, asking you to leave him be for now.

“Well.” Nalla said “That was a bit awkward. I’m going to check this place out and see if there is anything interesting to do around here.” She vanishes, and now you are alone. You find one of the priests who took your friends and ask how they are doing. It seems like Charles is mostly fine and is back in his cell and Edwin is recovering, though he did suffer a massive wound from being struck on the head.

Do you
>Go visit Charles
>Go visit Edwin

>>35461647
>Go visit Edwin

>>35461647
>Go visit Edwin

>>35461647
>>Go visit Edwin

You decide to go visit Edwin and see how he is doing. The infirmary is an open room with windows open to allow fresh air and light in. Edwin is propped up, and a priest is currently wrapping bandages around his head in order to staunch the bleeding. He winces a bit, but stays collected until the priest is done. Once the other man is out of the way, you sit on the edge of the bed and ask Edwin how he is feeling.

“Well, I’ve definitely been better. I just can’t believe Geoff would do something like this. Assaulting me and trying to kill you and Charles. It makes no sense…” you tell him not to think about it, and that he’ll have to go speak with his family. “Only if you come with me. I don’t want there to be any sort of mix up and I get so nervous trying to approach my father on my own.” He sighs and falls back onto the pillows.

“I’m so weak and stupid! I don’t even deserve to be called one of the Heirs. I’d be better off as some peasant, at least then I wouldn’t have to have the whole world expecting greatness to just fall from me everywhere I go!”

Do you
>Stay silent
>Give him a hug
>Try to encourage him

>>35461898
>>Try to encourage him

>>35461898
>Give him a hug

>>35461898
>Try to encourage him
you got this man.

>>35461898
>Try to encourage him

You stop Edwin before he can continue and take his hand. You tell him that you don’t think he is a bad noble because he is not a political leader, and he is not weak because he does not have military strength. You try to tell him that he means something as his own person, and that it isn’t fair that he should be judged in his short comings when he has so many wonderful things to offer the world that no one in his position or his world wants to see. He stares at you, and you see a little bit of moisture in the corners of his eyes. You believe he’s about to cry, and you lean in to wipe the tear from his face, when he does something unexpected.

Edwin leans forward and kisses you. You’re stunned fro a moment, unsure what to do.

Do you
>Walk away
>Move away and ask him what he’s doing
>Slap him
>Return it

>>35462239
Damn this is an important one, to go all in with Edwin or to back down, possibly forever...

>Return it
Let's go with Edwin.

>>35462239
>Return it

>>35462239
>>Move away and ask him what he’s doing

>>35462239
>>Move away and ask him what he’s doing
Blush when asking

>>35462239
>Return it
...it's probably the best move. Granted if we were a dude this could of been played differently.

>>35462239
Return the damn kiss!

You return the kiss, placing your hands on either side of his head and kissing him deeply. Everything about him seems shy and reserved, and you are forced to take the lead in the kiss, which he doesn’t seem to mind.

After a few seconds, you pull away, and the two of you are left breathless. “I-oh gods, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think and I just-“ You silence him with another kiss. Your embrace is broken when you hear a crash and you see Charles staring at the two of you. He just stares at you in disbelief and runs away. You try to say something, but he is already gone.

“Don’t worry boss.” You turn again and Nalla is crouched on the top of a book shelf eating some kind of cheese. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t get into trouble. Just enjoy yourself.” She grins again and you groan in frustration as she vanishes. You’re starting to think this deal is going to make you pull your hair out.

Edwin feels uncomfortable, and begins standing up. “I’m…sorry about all this. I think I need to go speak to my father soon. There’s still technically a price on your heads, if Geoff is to be believed. And we should talk to my family before he gets back, whenever that is.”

Do you
>Go try to find Charles
>Accompany Edwin to the Emperor’s Hold

>>35462756
>>Accompany Edwin to the Emperor’s Hold
Nalla will take care of Charles. Maybe in more ways than one.

>>35462756
>>Accompany Edwin to the Emperor’s Hold
Though using Nalla for transport for ALL of us would be nice.

>>35462756
>Accompany Edwin

>>35462756
>>Accompany Edwin to the Emperor’s Hold

>>35462756
>Accompany Edwin to the Emperor’s Hold

(sorry, I'm typing it out on an auto-saving word document and it didn't all copy correctly)

You sigh and agree with Edwin, helping him put back on his robes and taking care he doesn’t overdo himself as you two leave for the Emperor’s Hold. The walk is not terribly long, but with the tension between you two after that kiss and the fact that Edwin’s head starts to hurt again if you go too fast makes it seem like an eternity. Once you are at the gate, and Edwin takes off his hate, you are immediately swarmed by guards. It’s only after some yelling that Edwin demands you both be taken before the Emperor rather than just thrown in a jail cell.

You are both rushed through the twists and turns of the castle until you are in a hugely lavish room that put the Temple of Varsa to Shame. Gold and gems outline intricate designs of famous points in the Empire’s 300 year history. On the throne at the far end is The Emperor Basch De Alduwan. On his right is his eldest son Auron, and to the right is the second son and Commander Rudolpho.

“EDWIN!” The King’s voice echoed, a huge bellow that would shake most men to their very core. Edwin seemed intimidated, but you keep yourself calm. “What is the meaning of this? 6 days, boy. 6 DAYS. No note, no nothing. We believed you had been kidnapped! Do you know how many enemies our family has? Do you know the danger you could have put us in?”

“Well, yes. Father, a need to-“

“And then I find out that you have run off with some tart and a Priest to those savages in the East? What if you had been killed? How would that reflect on all of us.”

Edwin isn’t getting a word in edgewise. You could speak up on his behalf, or remain silent and let him try to let him find the words.

Do you
>Stay Silent
>Say that Edwin was on a Holy Mission with you
>Mention How it was the Emperor’s Own Man That nearly killed them
>???

>>35463135
>Mention How it was the Emperor’s Own Man That nearly killed them

>>35463135
>???
Color me intrigued

>>35463135
???

>>35463135
>>Stay Silent
He probably does deserve a chewing out

>>35463135
>Mention How it was the Emperor’s Own Man That nearly killed them

>>35463135
>Stay Silent
Let us not draw the ire of the Emperor

>>35463135
>>Mention How it was the Emperor’s Own Man That nearly killed them
Let's get Geoff out of our hair ASAP

>>35463135
>???
doubt silence is golden in this moment and we lack proper influence for the others.

>>35463315
Geoff must die.

You speak up, and say the Geoff not only attempted to execute you and your friend without any attempt at capture, but was also directly the cause of all the injuries that Edwin sustained. Not only did Edwin have the head wound, but various cuts and bruises of all degrees over his body. Edwin confirmed this and asked that Geoff be imprisoned and removed from the Emperor’s Guard.

“Geoff is a fine soldier, and he would never do something like this without good reason father.” Auron spoke up, bowing his head down in respect as he explained this. “If anything, Edwin was probably trying to get in his way of performing the necessary duties to assure his own safe return to the Hold and dealing with those that we assumed were traitors and threats to the crown.”

The Emperor sneered, leaning in his chair and staring right at you. “So, the mysterious little girl is trying to protect my useless son. The little worm over there just blindly agrees, but let’s see what you have to say. What were you and my son doing away from the city and was do you think Geoff would be so interested in harming him?”

Do you
>Say you were on a Holy Quest and Geoff is an enemy
>Say you were trying to Visit Your Father, a Lord and Geoff was drunk and enraged
>???

>>35463505
>>???

>>35463505
We found an old map in our library that promised mysterious rewards to whoever followed it. We went on a quest with our friend and Ed asked to tag along.

>>35463505
>Say you were on a Holy Quest and Geoff is an enemy

>>35463505
>>???
Ok, now I'm curious let's dive in.

>>35463505
>>???

>>35463505
???

>>35463505
I really want to see those question marks are.

It is a little known fact among those that do not study the texts and stories of the Gods, that Varsa is the patron of protective liars. Those that lie to protect themselves or those close to them, will be taken under Varsa’s patronage.

You give Edwin a look, trying to subtly convey ‘Roll with me’ as you took a step forward.

“Edwin and I wanted to Elope.” The entire room goes silent. “We fled the city with a priest, intending to get married under the God of Ambitions and Shadows, since we needed the secrecy kept. I am no commoner, I am of noble birth, so you need not be so cruel to the union. But along the road, Geoff attacked us. He tried to force himself upon me, but Edwin bravely tried to fight him off. Though Edwin was, of course, no match for the elite of the Emperor’s high command, but we were able to escape and return to the city.”

Auron is now highly embarrassed, and the Emperor looks at you and Edwin in a puzzled manner. “Edwin, is this true.” Edwin is startled, and manages to mumble out a ‘yes father’. You pray to Varsa that the lie is accepted, and eventually the Emperor stands.

“If what you are saying is true, and Geoff is responsible for assaulting my son in such a manner, regardless of the pretense you claim girl, then he at least needs to be called in for questioning. I strip Geoff San Cortez of all his ranks and privileges indefinitely, and decree that he must be brought before the Imperial Court for inquiry.” The Emperor descends from his throne and walks past Edwin. Their eyes meet for a second, and the Emperor puts his hand on Edwin’s shoulder before leaving, followed by Rudolpho and Auron.

Cont.

Edwin immediately falls to his knees when the room is empty. “Oh my god….oh my god. That actually worked.” You say you are disgusted with yourself for concocting a lie implicating Geoff in that way, but Varsa’s will needed to be done and Geoff was a dangerous man that needed to be removed.

“B…but why elope?” You say that you just sort of blanked, and felt something snap in your head and putting the words into your mouth. You shrug and say that it seems as though the Emperor respected his son a bit more. Edwin nodded and stood, his fingers lingering on the shoulder that his father touched. “He hasn’t done anything like that to me before…he usually hates touching me it seems…” Edwin is soon to be escorted to his chambers. The Hand Maidens of the Court offer you a room to stay in the castle.

Do you
>Accept the offer
>Decline and Return to the Temple

>>35463899
>>Decline and Return to the Temple

>>35463899
>Accept the offer

>>35463899
>>Decline and Return to the Temple
After getting that close to one of the other champions, let's stay where we will be safe for now. Besides, Charles and Nalla should hopefully be there.

>>35463899
>>Decline and Return to the Temple
We got a homie to speak with.

You decline the offer and decide to return to the temple. You make a quick stop in the front and offer a prayer to Varse before going into the inner parts. You search around for Charles, but Nalla tells you that he is already asleep in his cells (she made sure he was actually in there, though he didn’t notice her). You feel bad for how things went, and opt not to tell him about everything that happened. You change into your sleeping clothes and embrace your bed. After a week of sleeping on the ground it’s like silk and satin to you. You almost immediately fall asleep and enter into a familiar dream scape.

---

Varsa’s domain is significantly cleaner. There is food and drink, though simple in design and presentation, resting on the side tables. The columns are covered in purple and blue flowers against the black stone. You are immediately swept into a dance as Varsa spins you around the room, cradling you in his arms as you are caught in the graceful swirls of his cloak.

“It’s a shame that Rosk’s is the first one you found. He’s the only one that’s guaranteed to try to kill you instead of outsmarting you. The other two are at least a bit couth about themselves.” You are dipped down, nearly to the ground, before you are pulled up again.

“I believe a new power is in order. Or an extension on the old if you so deem it. You’ve more than proven your worth, and you’ll need a fighting chance against him.”

Do you
>Improve Invisability
>Improve Shadow Snake
>Improve Shaded Blade
>New Power

>>35464152
Improve Shaded Blade. Maybe he'll make it so it can work against other champs.

>>35464152
>New Power

>>35464152
>New Power
Shaded blade although good is more of an assassination ability. As Rosk is a warrior and knows of our invisibility power it would be dangerous to try to do sneak up on him again.

>>35464152
>>New Power
More versatility would still be nice at this point

>>35464152
>>Improve Invisability

Also ask if he's okay with Nalla being in our service.

At the Apex of the dance, you ask Varsa for a new power. “This is one of my favorites, though I must admit that I am a bit biased. Let’s see if your Ambitions can match up to my expectations.” You see visions of men of power, working in the shadows to achieve destruction and dominance without the need to hold the knife. “Remember, little Aldan. Words cut deeper and stronger than knives if put in the hands of the clever.”

Gained: Power – Persuasion. – Once per day, you may make any sentence you speak automatically believed by everyone who hears it. They will not question it, and rationalize the belief in the most realistic way possible.

(Ok. I’m calling it for tonight. Tune in (probably tomorrow, check the twitter) to see what happens when the Duke’s been name dropping us to some less savory business partners)

>>35464458
Yeeesssss, that is indeed the best power he could grant us. Followed closely by teleportation, but Nalla has that so we are good.

>>35458873
>Vesa tells us to bring the kid
>We leave them outside when we make a deal with a demon

>>35464458
very nice.