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-Prologue. Raging flame, Silent whisper-

I am Tiara Kokinos, Guard novice, former thief and, right now, in deep deep trouble.

"Formation Six!" The Captain's bellow makes me zip across the beaten-down dirt of the courtyard, Will flaring as I speed towards the target, twin blades at the ready to sink into the training dummy only to-- I stumble, the unfamiliar power causing me to - once again - overshoot and what would have been a lethal takedown turning into a series of squaks as I find myself facefirst in the muck. I scramble upright, standing to attention as the Captain stalks towards me, his tall frame casting a shadow over my face.

Saints and sinners, that face might as well be hewn from stone.

"Explain yourself, youngling".

"I slipped…sir?" I offer, trying to remember that trick Maria taught me to keep from flushing, but all it does is make me even more lightheaded than I am already.

"Nobody 'slips' in my class. Do better".

"Yes, s-sir!"

"Something funny?

"No, Captain Andros!!"

"Good, because that performance almost made me cry. Again!" I nod, fighting tooth and nail to keep that obnoxious grin off my face. I don't even know why it keeps creeping up on me when he talks to me like that, but it sure hasn't made things easier.
---

1/2

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---
Two attempts later I finally succeed, the puppet almost snapped in half by the attack.

The Captain nods, throwing me a tinder block to stand on.

"Better! You've got five minutes. No sitting down; I won't have you growing roots!" With a sigh I climb atop it, the small surface forcing me to stand on one leg.

Captain turns to walk away, then looks back one last time signing 'Fall and you'll be here till midnight' before leaving.

He doesn't mean it. The insults, that is. He DOES mean it when he pushes us. I steady my breathing, giving myself over to the feeling of emptiness they taught us to seek.

"Tia?" I turn my head, looking at the new arrival with half-closed eyes. Jonathan's not supposed to be here, but his mastery Cloudwalk makes it hard to keep him out of the girl's training yard - or anywhere else for that matter - if he sets his mind to it.

"Hm?"

He looks down on me, playing with the lapels of his uniform.

"Seen Maria?" I flail, almost falling off. Kind, determined and, yes, handsome he might be, but when the gods doled out brain the boy seems to have hidden under a rock.

I shake my head, trying not to glare. Man seems incapable of taking a hint so short of flaring my Killing Intent it's pointless to try.

"Really?"

"What do you mean, 'really'? Captain's not said anything and she's his daughter so--"

"Johnathan?"

"Yes?" He steps closer, anger obvious in the way he carries himself.

"Let it go. Really".

"But Tia, I'm worried, really!" I sigh, making my voice as soft as I can manage.

"Gone, but she'd have wanted us to work hard in her honour. Will you do that?" Saints, please…He nods slowly, understanding dawning behind those striking eyes.

"Alright, Tia. See you!" I wave him good by - carefully as to not upset my balance - and close my eyes again.

2/3

Glad to see your witchy ways again, Hex!

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She saved our lives. We owe her to go on. Always strive for more, always push ourselves further and further.

I not to myself, wiping away a tear I didn't know I spilled. Stupid emotions. She always had them way better under control.

I will make her proud.

No matter where she is.

--Prologue end--

>>42309929
what is this madness, Maria has friends?!

we totally need to catch up with them sometime

>>42309964
>Maria has friends?!
Had.

>>42309964
We knew she had guy friends at least, though to be fair they could easily have been more acquaintances.

Sounds like she and Tiara met at work though, probably on opposite sides.

>>42309964
Dead people can't have friends anon

>>42309983
B-but what about Helena and Sora and Eva and Eri and and and!?

>>42309983
then we'll just have to get them again!

>>42309994
sure they can

>>42309983
You have no idea how depressing that is. Maria and this quest need things to brighten up a bit for them.

>>42309983
>>42310014
>then we'll just have to get them again!
I am all for that.

>>42310014
>>42310041
Abducting people is bad, anons.

>>42310070
Who said we would abduct them, just sneak in in the middle of the night and gently wake them up to say Hi, then sit down and relax with some tea.

>>42310070
Making friends =|= abducting them anon.

>>42310086
That's breaking and entering.

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[X] Whaa-
[X]Yes. I mean.... I really don't know...

"Wha--" I must be looking a little stupider than normal right now because Eriadne's eyes and mouth twitch a little, golden flecks swirling together with greens and blues.

"Huhu~ I am certain you understan what I desire, Lady Maria". Well uh, I /kind of/ do buuut it just seems so UNLIKELY!!

"Uuh, maybe? But really I don't know too much about those things and all that…" Ghh, I wish I wasn't so unsure of myself all the time, but I guess in this case it's kind of ware…warren…not out of place. I catch Sora's gaze, but all it does is make her shrug and look at Eriadne, who in tern nods slightly and starts off towards the far end of the shop.

"You may help us" she says, voice cool in a way I haven't heard in a while.

"So yer not gunna pretend I ain't there?"
"Do not push your luck"

"Whoo scary-- sorry Maria" Sora smothes over her expression - barely - at seeing my face. Interesting, somehow I almost feel…disappointed, really. Calm down, me. You can't just go and begin a fight here. Well, could, but could and should are two things Pa taught me to never confuse, so it's best if I don't start now.

Sora shrugs, catching up with Eriadne and starting to talk as if nothing ever happened.

"Right, you's tha dignified type so imma need to getcha a bit ovva more refined look, though to be honest I ain't too experienced in howa princes gotta look"

"Do you not hail from a kingdom yourself?"

"Ya sure, but s' notta same deal as 'ere y'know. We's got tha Balance - light on his soul - and there ain't mucha royalty 'side from that".

"Your place is most peculiar"

"Eh, we manage. Now is you gunna tellus whatcha got in mind or am I guna haf'ta pull it outta yer nose like whicha certain otha gloomy gal?"
1/?

>>42310121
Only if they report it anon.

>>42310135
Sora please, Maria was almost on the hook.

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riadne stays silent for a while, half-shaded eyes quickly changing colours. It's kind of interesting, when I make myself remember each time I've seen them together it seems like she really doesn't like Sora much. Hmm.

Maybe less "not like" and more "not know what to do with" maybe? Hmm. Not sure if that makes sense, but I'm kinda stupid and it's really the only idea that seems to make sense when I think about all the things I know. Will have to think on that some more. Really I hope it doesn't become a problem. It would be pretty terrible if they got into a fight because of me!

"I am none too familiar with assembling my wardrobe, but I desire something whose qualities would harmonize well with my current attire".

"Alright' so lemme think--

"--I shan't overtax your capabilities" Did she just…no. Eriadne would never make that kind of joke. I must be not understanding right.

---
Time passes quickly as we try on this and that, altough my mind tells me at least 15 minutes must have passed since we began until we finally settle on a small number of things neither too expensive or otherwise unfitting.


[] A new choker with a small black glass cross with a red stone where the two arms meet. Seems like the type with a straight arm instead of a loop at the top exists too. Interesting. The way it twinkles and shines is all mysterious and stuff. Really seems fitting for her.
[] A silvered bow that holds a bunch of her hair together. It's set with moonstones. Clasp Sora calls it? Something like that, but really it's a bow. Weird foreigners have weird names for things. A clasp something you put on a belt, come on. Anyway, it seems to give her hair a little something extra when it catches the light.
[] A bracelet in the form of a two-headed dragon. It seems quite fitting, their snarls giving a strong contrast to her calm behaviour.
[] Free (No. Bonnets).
2/2

>>42310135
>"Wha--" I must be looking a little stupider than normal right now because Eriadne's eyes and mouth twitch a little, golden flecks swirling together with greens and blues.
Saved

>>42310135
>>42310254
After the train incident I'm mildly surprised Eri's even engaging her, and by their more natural conversation it seems she's either really good at not letting that kind of things affect her, or Sora just has a talent for defusing things and making conversation pleasant.
>[] A silvered bow that holds a bunch of her hair together. It's set with moonstones. Clasp Sora calls it? Something like that, but really it's a bow. Weird foreigners have weird names for things. A clasp something you put on a belt, come on. Anyway, it seems to give her hair a little something extra when it catches the light.
Don't tempt me to custom like that.

>>42310254
>[] A silvered bow that holds a bunch of her hair together. It's set with moonstones. Clasp Sora calls it? Something like that, but really it's a bow. Weird foreigners have weird names for things. A clasp something you put on a belt, come on. Anyway, it seems to give her hair a little something extra when it catches the light.
Something pretty for Eri's pretty hair.

It'll go well with her already white hair too.

>>42310254
>"--I shan't overtax your capabilities"
Snappier than I'd expected from her! Not quite hitting the mark I'd say but still, a good effort.

>>42310254
I kind of want to say >All of them, but I'll restrain myself to

>[] A silvered bow that holds a bunch of her hair together. It's set with moonstones. Clasp Sora calls it? Something like that, but really it's a bow. Weird foreigners have weird names for things. A clasp something you put on a belt, come on. Anyway, it seems to give her hair a little something extra when it catches the light.
so we can play with her hair, save the choker for a special occasion

>>42310254
>[] A bracelet in the form of a two-headed dragon. It seems quite fitting, their snarls giving a strong contrast to her calm behaviour.

((6 minutes to close))

>>42310359
>so we can play with her hair
What a devious plan, anon. Maria would just need to ask though.

>>42310425
Trying for some snappy updates then? Good luck Hex!

>>42310359
>I kind of want to say >All of them
Even Eri has a budget. Probably.

((Closing and Writing))

>>42310566
Bow seems quite pretty, but why's the accessory image cut off half the bottom picture?

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>>42310583
((Really wish I knew. I must have messed up cropping in the final iteration somehow))

>>42310604
A bit tough to say how it'd be on hair with Eri's coloration, but think it'd be nice.

So what are the odds on Maria and Sora liking different accessories and Eri picking the Bow?

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[X] Signing A Fate Of Glitter And Gems The Travveler Choses A Clasp That Shall Bind Destiny!

I point to the bow.

"Maybe this one?" Sora grins.

"Oi, I was more leanin' toward's the dragon bracelet, but this one ain't too shabby either really. I knew ya had sum sense in ya. Whatcha thinkin' Lady Whitehair? Pretty fancy choice for miss gloomy over there, eh?"

Eriadne nods, slowly., giving me a long steady look. Admiration? Why would she admire me for something simple like that?

"Yes, I believe this would be quite pleasing. Lady Maria, if you would?" I blink before getting what she means, shakily putting her hair into a tail and clasping the bow shut.

"Does it hurt?"

"No, Lady Maria. You did just fine". It's odd, but somehow it's easier to /hear/ her smile than actually see it when you're looking at her. Must be one of those noble things, though perhaps it's more of an Eriadne thing especially. She's really interesting and not like anyone I've met in so many ways. Then again, most of my new friends - because that's what they are - are kind of, well. Different.

The way the gems catch the light gives the impression of ancient fires trapped in ice, their power contained yet not extinguished, their radiance and the subtle luminescence of my companion's hair creating a fascinating esemble of light and shadow whose mesmerizing spectacle makes me hardpressed to look awa--

1/2

HOLY

SHIT

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"Why hello, hope hope you didn't start feelin' too lonely--" Sora, Eriadne and I whirl around just in time to see Liliana and the shop owner emerge from wherever they were hiding, Liliana's hair slightly messier than I remember, some strands sticking to her forehead from the steam streaming off of the tablet of tea she's carrxying in front of herself like an assault shield.

"Excuse our disappearance. My name is Yana Kadmon. Welcome to my store. Would you like to share a cup before you move on?" Again with that voice, like distant waves and ringing bells...

[] Stay a while, try talking to Peroneia about (The city/Herself/Other?)
[] Stay a while, stay mostly silent.
[] Try to wriggle out as soon as possible.
[] Other
>>42311128
((?))

>>42311139
>[] Stay a while, try talking to Peroneia about (The city/Herself/Other?)
((*Yana, sorry, last minute renames))

>>42311139
FORTY MINUTE UPDATE TIME MAN (OR WHATEVER YOU ARE), HOW CAN I NOT SHOUT ATOP MY METAPHORICAL LUNGS?!

>>42311139
>[] Stay a while, try talking to Peroneia about (The city/Herself/Other?)
The city, stuff was going on right?

>>42311139
>[] Stay a while, stay mostly silent.
Observe. Observe the fuck outta everybody. Information must be gathered. Always. Facts are important, and it's best if others spill them while we slip out from their minds.

Let them speak.

Listen.

Yep, they fugged.

>>42311139
>>42311202
I'll back this, let's ask about the general goings-on around here.

>>42311238
We all knew. You didn't really have to spell it out.

>>42311139
>Yana Kadmon2.png
Huh, for some reason I thought she was an old lady last thread and I spent this whole time thinking Lilliana was doing some extreme age gap here

>>42311112
>"Yes, I believe this would be quite pleasing. Lady Maria, if you would?" I blink before getting what she means, shakily putting her hair into a tail and clasping the bow shut.
Lucky, Maria!
>>42311139
>[x] Stay a while, stay mostly silent.

>>42311292
Wonder if it was just religious observance or their lewd auras clashing or something else.
>>42311311
Still like 20 years difference.

>>42311112
>Oi, I was more leanin' toward's the dragon bracelet
Sora's taste a shit
Sorry Hex, it was nice too but not Bow-nice

((Closing, counting, writing))

>>42311371
Guess we're doing some general questions, mostly staying out of the limelight, then.

>>42311139
Nice of her to offer tea, really. Would be quite rude to try and escape.

>>42311465
inb4 it's spiked.

>>42311485
But Liliana has basically vouched for her, anon. Liliana would surely tell us if-
...yeah I guess it might be.

>>42311501
She might find it funny to give everyone Deviance Poisoning from getting high as balls.

>>42311519
I think Liliana is more on the weed or a little booze side of things than the hard drugs or aphrodisiacs one. Remember, she's the RESPONSIBLE loli in our coven.

>>42311544
It's all kinds of fucked up the wild pleasuregodloli is the responsible one.

>>42311576
I think it says more about our prejudices anon, there's nothing inherently irresponsible in pleasure after all.
Excess pleasure perhaps, but even then it's a more benign sort.

[X] Stay in the background, investigate city and general circumstances

"Uhm, that sounds kind of nice?" I say, at the same time as Evangelyne says "--worried, dear you shouldn't--" and Helena says something fast and hard to understand before - almost - causing Liliana to splill the tea by trying to hug her. I tap my wrist and bring up a few memories. Interesting, if I didn't know better I'd think she gets more active the more you force her to stay in one place. Like, she's kind of normal when moving, but two days ago she talked like a waterfall after sitting down silently for who knows how long, but later on she's been quite calm at times.

=FileThis=, I think, and a small boop in my mind confirms I'll remember it in a similar situation. In a way it's weird I can remember so many more things now EXCEPT the time before I did. Ah well, I know it was a happy time at least. Right, two heartbeats over, I should pay attention to things again.

Yana beams at us as Liliana sets down the tray on a small glass table she's taken from /somewhere/ and we take whatever we can find to settle down around it. Hmm. Let's test something.

I settle down between Helena and Sora, watching Eriadne's face to see if there's any-- hmm. No. Not sure what I expected or why I did this, really, but I kind of regret it already. Oh welll. Maybe the reason will come to me later.

"So..." Yana begins, looking each one of us in the eye briefly.

"Tell me, what brings you here?"

Putting my finger to the corner of my mouth I tilt my head a little and smile, just like I've seen Ma do and say one of those things Pa always said.

"All manner of things, but I'm afraid we're far less interesting than you might hope. Please, give us the honour of going first". Right, that's the kind of stuff I should NEVER try to say again, but Yana just smiles.

"Oh my, that is quite the speech. Very well..."

[] Try to get her to talk about the current situation in the city.
[] Too direct. Ask after the city generally.

>>42311980
>I tap my wrist and bring up a few memories.
>=FileThis=, I think, and a small boop in my mind confirms I'll remember it in a similar situation.
THAT's what's interesting, Maria. Interesting indeed.
>[] Try to get her to talk about the current situation in the city.
It's Maria's sense of duty and problem-solving that's speaking up!

>>42311980
>[] Too direct. Ask after the city generally.
Am I being a diplomancer? I'm a diplomancer, right? What have I become?!

>fastHex
What is this.

>>42311980
>[] Try to get her to talk about the current situation in the city.
Talk damn you

>>42311980
>[x] Try to get her to talk about the current situation in the city.

>I settle down between Helena and Sora, watching Eriadne's face to see if there's any-- hmm. No. Not sure what I expected or why I did this, really, but I kind of regret it already.
Maria going full insecure crush trying to figure out if she has a chance is cute.

>>42312113
The world of tomorrow.

>>42311980
>I settle down between Helena and Sora, watching Eriadne's face to see if there's any-- hmm. No. Not sure what I expected or why I did this, really, but I kind of regret it already. Oh welll. Maybe the reason will come to me later.
It's called a Shit test, Maria.

((4 minutes then close))

>>42312113
It's our new reality.

>>42312213

How often do Yulemai clerics take normal jobs?

>>42312276
((Fairly often. Theirs is a cult whose nature is to be in the world among the people. In general it's in fact encouraged for those believed mature enough to handle it. Of course whatever profession a Yulemai Cleric will take will be as much in-line with their faith as possible. You'll find very few to no followers of Liliana's cult as secretaries, for example))
((Closing, counting, Writing))

>>42311980
[x] Try to get her to talk about the current situation in the city.

>>42312332
So would you say Yulemai has (one of) the most put-together, reasonable and mentally well clergies in the setting?

>>42312459
((It really depends. Madness too can be a form of worship and it is written that those whose minds have been touched by the divine will never seem quite sane to the mundanes around them. That being said, balanced might be a somewhat decent term though Athra's servants might be ahead. Some of them at least. Everyone who follows Sharsee is, at least to some degree, coocoo, though the majority manage to deal with it quite well. Koshari's cult is... well)).

>>42312519
Further evidence Yulemai is bretty cool.
>though Athra's servants might be ahead. Some of them at least.
Not ours though.

>>42312661
>Not ours though.
((How rude...))
>Further evidence Yulemai is bretty cool.
((He tries))

What a wonderful sight to wake up to.

>>42312721
1, 2, 3, 4! Four updates anon, in less than three hours.

>>42312743
Yeah.

>>42312676
>((How rude...))
Not as rude as Helena would have been if Liliana didn't stop her!

>>42309929
Now did Maria figuratively or literally save these guys lives?

>>42312969
Why not both?

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[X] Try to get her to talk about the current situation in the city

"When we came here there was a Code Ora-- I mean, the Enforcers said there was some kind of trouble going on and… well. Do you know something about that, Miss Kadm--" The woman raises a finger "Yana, please" before motioning me to continue.

"Uh, right. Yana, what's going on here?" She shrugs.

"They blew up several Sparkwire stations couple of days ago. Region's been in all kinds of upheaval since and..."

"--Really?" She looks at Helena suddenly, squinting. Or, well, it /would/ look like a squint on anyone else. On her it's more like a half-sleepy half-questioning smile with the slightest tinge of disapproval mixed in. It's just been three days and I've already seen more varied expressions than I did in an entire year.

Helena squeeks, the air suddenly heavy with a mix of smells I can't quite place.

"Sorry, she's…iunno" Liliana's glares at Helena before turning back to the older woman.

"No, it's…you keep interesting company" That makes the cleric grin, her mood switching from slightly sour to proud like a flipped coin.

"Ey, they's alright folks". Hey, it feels like I'm totally losing track of what's going on here! Is it really okay if I butt in like that? Hmmm, it seems Helena's in trouble so it would serve two purposes to get this back on track! I raise my hand.

"Uhm…has there been anything /in/ the city itself?"

Yana shakes her head.

"Not that I know, stricter curfew aside. Speaking of which, I'm quite amazed you two even got in here armed like that--" NONONONONO--

She narrows her eyes again, inclining her head as if listening to something and /something/ seems to faaaaaintly touch me.

"--you're not very human, are you?" Whaaa-

"Aren't ya being a lil' hy-po-critical, Yana?" Liliana's voice is suddenly steel wrapped in velvet, and I shudder.
1/2
Apologies, I got distracted.

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"They started it!" Yana says, and if I didn't know better I'd say she sounds almost…petulant, I guess the word was? Evangelyne sets down her glass and nods.

"It had to come out sooner or later. Will you keep this confidential?"

Yana nods.

"Sure, sure"

"Right, uh". I can feel my control slipping again, and it's annoying.

[] "Do you know where the temple to Athra is?"
[] "How long have you had this store?"
[] "W-wait. Not human…oh. How could you tell?"
[] "How long until things are normal on the streets again?"
[] Other/Combine (2 pregen tops or 2 custom + 1 pregen tops)

2/2

>>42313205
[x] "W-wait. Not human…oh. How could you tell?"
[x] "How long have you had this store?"

>>42313205
>[] "Do you know where the temple to Athra is?"
>[] "W-wait. Not human…oh. How could you tell?"

>>42313183
> Miss Kadm--"
At least we didn't use Misses.

>Kadmon
I wish my eyes stopped narrowing like that, but really, I can't seem to control myself.

>>42313268
Of course not hat's for Eriadne.

>>42313205
>[] "W-wait. Not human…oh. How could you tell?"
>[] "How long until things are normal on the streets again?"
Hmmm, Yana and Liliana do have some similarities, huh.

>>42313269
I don't get it.

>>42313295
Gnostic/Kabbalah stuff.

>>42313283
>Of course not hat's for Eriadne.
Anon I...

>>42313283
Eri might look nice in a hat.

>>42313294
Well they are followers of the same god and we know the effects that has.

>>42313317
>and we know the effects that has.
Smugness? Yana doesn't seem that smug.

>>42313315
Anon no bonnets!

>>42313349
Hat, anon. Maybe a nice sunhat.

Wait, fuck I just got that.
Athra.
Fucking.
Damnit.
Helena.
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

>>42313344
Lewdness anon, lewdness.

>>42313372
I still don't get it.

>>42313365
Eriadne in a sundress almost feels silly to me. Though it would be really nice.

>>42313205
>[] "How long have you had this store?"
>[] "Do you know where the temple to Athra is?"

>>42313268
>At least we didn't use Misses.
What do you mean?

>>42313397
>I still don't get it.
She Soulscanned Yana and because Yulemai clerics are more sensitive to soul bullshit she got us discovered after Yana soulscanned back.

>>42313454
How in proper.

>>42313410
>What do you mean?
Misses is for married women. She's obviously not married.

>>42313454
Why does Helena have no manners?

((5 minutes. Any questions in the meantime?)

>>42313507
How did Maria meet her friends?

>>42313507
Seems like both Lilina and Yana change their mood quickly, is that a Yulemai trait or just a coincidence that I'm reading too much into for their personalities?

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>>42313566
>God of Rapidly Cycling Bipolarity

>>42313534
>>42312969
((Tiara is a former small-time criminal who ended up in a bit of a blackmail situation that most likely would have culminated in becoming a hitman. Jonathan's someone whom Maria found a new home with the Trader Lamere. Tia took ages to get over the fact she was wayyy worse than him at Thief Disciplines.

>>42313587
((What, doesn't sound fun to you?))
>>42313566
((Towards which interpretation are you leaning right now?))

((Closing, counting, writing))

>>42313680
>((Towards which interpretation are you leaning right now?))
I dunno, it feels like Liliana definitely changes mood willy-nilly but too early to say for Yana I think.

>>42313566
>>42313587
>>42313722
Cleric creepiness is way more unsettling than twin creepiness because it's subtler.

>>42313767
I appreciate the twins openness with their strangeness.

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[X] "W-wait. Not human…oh. How could you tell?"
[X] Do you know where the next temple of Athra is?

Right, there is way too much that I don't get at all here! Well at least the city seems safe enough at the moment so that's /something/ that's going right for once.

-Walls and stone cannot protect you forever- The thought seems to come from someplace else, but I stuff it away as soon as it appears. It's true of course, but it's also the kind of super obvious thing dumb people say to seem smart. Like, Sure I am pretty stupid but at least I don't pretend! I try to ask when I don't understand somethijng unless it annoys others. That's really the best way to deal with that. Like right now.

"Not human?" Yana nods.

"But…oh". Right. Guess I'm really not. Really I haven't thought about it too much yet. Probably because I don't really feel that different and it's a bit scary to try and figure out what that means exactly.

"How could you tell?"

Yana and Liliana share a look that goes on for /far/ too long before the merchant looks at me with a tiny smile.

"Haaah, well. Suppose I'm not quite all that human myself. You've told them about the basics, Liliana?" The cleric nods. Well this doesn't help-- oh. OH! Saints, I am /stupid/!

"--anyway, I'm similar to her, in a way. We see things".

"Things?" I echo, feeling suddenly very uncomfortable in my new clothes. Well, even more uncofortable, really.

"Ah, she'll tell you in time. Isn't that right?" Liliana nods again, and I feel like I'll not get much more out of them. Not that I really want to. It's getting kind of late.
1/2

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"Uhm. Alright, thanks. Do you know where we could find a temple to Athra, perhaps?" That makes Helena perk up and she beams at me. ...actually beams, I'm almost sure, but that migh be just imagination.

"Why yes. Follow the road until you hit the disused air tower, then go sharp right and you should feel it"
---
[8,5 hours until Curfew]
We say our thanks, pay and leave, the store owner telling us to come again any time. Somehow, I both look forward and dread that time.

[] Athra's temple
[] That can wait, go buy the ingredients for tonight. Curfew is soon-ish.
[] Actually, we should get to dragonheart. It's not a big rush, but who knows how long we'll need to barter there
[] Other

On the way I
[] Keep quiet and focus on getting this BLASTED dress to move like I want.
[] Squeeze Liliana for information, because COME ON!
[] Rant at Sora about things.
[] Walk alongside Eriadne and try to strike up a conversation.

((Hurr what is pacing))

This might take a bit longer to close, I need to fetch something))

>>42314331
Hmmm...
>[x] Athra's temple
It's close so.
>[x] Keep quiet and focus on getting this BLASTED dress to move like I want.

>>42314331
>[] Athra's temple
Temple markets the dragonheart. How does that sound?
Also
>8 hours
>Close to Curfew
Pls
[] Walk alongside Eriadne and try to strike up a conversation.

>>42314331
>[] Athra's temple
>[] Walk alongside Eriadne and try to strike up a conversation.

>>42314331
>[] Actually, we should get to dragonheart. It's not a big rush, but who knows how long we'll need to barter there
>[] Walk alongside Eriadne and try to strike up a conversation.

>>42314412
Anon going all the way to Dragonheart then all the way back to town is a waste of time especially when we can teleport from Dragonheart to Mooncrest as I understand it.

>>42314331
[x] Athra's temple
[x] Rant at Sora about things.

>>42314313
>"Things?" I echo, feeling suddenly very uncomfortable in my new clothes. Well, even more uncofortable, really.
But they look so comfy!

>>42314730
They're really comfy.

>>42315177
Maybe Maria isn't used to this type of comfy?

((Closing, Closing, Closing!))
((Thank you for your patience))

>>42315392
Hex are you going to survive the invasion?

>>42315392
You're fast today Hex, what patience?

>>42315433
He knows that his world is ending so he wants to write as much as possible.

>>42315433
((The decrees of Fast must be adhered to the full extend the Law))
>>42315420
((Probably not, but is that of any concern?))

>>42315711
I quite enjoy your witing Hex so having you blown up or beheaded by Muslims would be a disappointment.

Whole quest is a video game confirmed.

>>42317341
>Whole quest is a video game confirmed.
((Yer a video game))

>>42317363
You're bad at videogames.

>>42317389
How rude, anon!

>>42317457
It's only the truth!
He's a total scrub.

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[X] Athra's temple
[X] Walk alongside Eriadne and try to strike up a conversation.

Alright let's see. We might want to get Helena's thing done first. Everything else isn't all that important right NOW so it's best if we keep it all in a good and tidy order, Pa's always been very sure to tell me that sometimes the most important thing is the thing you don't notice, and really I haven't been noticing Helena enough to last a lifetime.

"Helena?"

"Yes Maria what is it can we go to the sanctuary now can we?" I nod.

"Hmm-hmm. Yes that might be good!"

"Thank youggmf--!!" Liliana takes her friend's sleeve and shakes her head. Oh my, she wanted to go for the hug again, didn't she. Really, she's been swinging from quiet to off-the-wall happy all day now so this must be important for her. Guess this was the right decision.

---
Well, we got lost. On our way back I catch up with Eriadne, trying to catch her gaze that's been firmly on the road for a while now.

"Sssooo..." I begin.

"Yes, Lady Maria?"

"What did you think of her?"

"Whomever do you mean?" Is she doing that on purpose? I SWEAR she's doing that on purpose.

"W-well. Her. Yana. You know..." Eriadne shrugs, waving her hands vaguely.

"She had good wares". Yup. Totally playing with me now. Damnation.

"O-oh. Nothing else?" I might need ot change my method here.

"Why, I would not know" We walk on in silence for a while. She isn't tired of me, is she…Just then, that now-familiar pet of hers comes down screeching from wherever it was hiding and lands on her back.

"What's with that thing anyway?" I ask, hoping I'm not asking something too weird.

My friend shrugs.

"It is…a messenger, Lady Maria".

"By...?"

"Could be any number of people" She seems oddly uninterested in the question, but with her that's probably just for show. Eriadne cares about everything even - or especially - when she pretends she doesn't. I think I know that much about her by now.
1/2

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Just then a grove surrounded by a moat of crystal-clear water comes into view. Helena squees - that's the only way to describe it - and runs towards it and… onto it. She turns to us, feet barely sinking into the surface.

"Are you coming along?!" I just shake my head. Walking on water. Sure. Why not. Not the strangest thing I've seen.

[] Enter the temple the way Helena did. Hey, I can swim so...
[] Look for a more normal way insidde.
[] Wait outside
[] Other.
2/2

>>42317881
>[] Enter the temple the way Helena did. Hey, I can swim so...

Why not.

>>42317881
>[]Enter the temple the way Helena did. Hey, I can swim so
inb4 falling into the water

>>42317861
>Well, we got lost.
B-but the instructions were so simple!

>>42317881
[x] Look for a more normal way insidde.

>>42317881
>>[] Enter the temple the way Helena did. Hey, I can swim so...
At least try, you know that hesitant tap of the foot

>>42312113
A fleeting dream. Relish in it, for nothing gold can stay

>>42317881
>[] Wait outside

>tfw your girl won't notice you

>>42317881
[] Look for a more normal way insidde.

I assume that Maria considers parkour, swinging on ropes, or pole-jumping to be perfectly normal ways to get into places.

>>42318086
Yeah, normal ways are normal anon, obviously.

Really though, if Maria made her new outfit wet by swimming, what would Eri think?

>>42318209
I have to agree can we not ruin the 50 crown dress within hours ot buying it.

>>42317881
>[] Look for a more normal way insidde.
New clothes and all

>>42317881
[] Look for a more normal way insidde.

>>42318264
I bet the moat isn't even clean!

>>42318350
>crystal clear water
It's cleaner than the water you get from taps. Goddess approved.

>>42318706
It's probably the cleanest water in the city.

Well I have to say goodnight Hex, hope you'll get some sleep too.

Well, I'm beat. Thank you all who were here for this journey. I'll work hard to be faster again once I wake up.

Thank you so very very much.


Good night, may your paths and mine meet once more.

>>42319631
So bump or let the thread die?

>>42319692
Both works! I hope I did not give a bad impression of Pa in the prologue!

>>42319862
Best pa, best drill instructor.

>>42319862
He's just grumpy that a dragon has taken his treasure.

Also doesn't Maria's religion respect all gods?

>>42319995
The Goddess. And deities are basically people in the business of running the world, in their understanding. You respect and work with or even for them, but as even they are under the law of the Way a much smaller spiritual significance is attached to them and their worship.

>all these people wanting to ruin our brand new clothes by getting them wet
>>42317881
>[] Look for a more normal way insidde.

>>42320350
So butthurt clerics incoming?

So Maria respects buildings more than gods.

Well I'm alright with bumping for a few hours until Hex comes back.

Hey if we meet our old friends again sometime maybe we could set one o them up with Sora.

>>42324615
Criminals, criminals everywhere.

((Back))

>>42325629
Welcome back Hex.

So no more fast Hex then?

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[X]Look for a more notmal way inside

Right so…this won't do at all, now will it? Doing this kind of thing might be alright for Helena but I'm not a cleric and who knows what'll happen if I try to do this!

"Eriadne, ah..." I motion between us, the moat and Helena.

"Yes, Lady Maria?" Her eyes are steady - both colour and otherwise - as if the girl still waving to us from the top of a lake were the most normal thing in the world.

"Don't you think we should, uh, try to find a way in?"

"There does appear one to be right ahead, or do you consider this to be an unwise approach to emulate?" Oh great, she /was/ thinking about it.

"Maybe? Like, we don't know if that would even work for us and…well..." My friend just nods.

"Just as well, let us tarry no longer in that case" I'm not sure I'll ever get used to how she sometimes just goes along with what I say. Like, who would ever trust me like that? Anyway, if that's what she thinks is berst I better act on it beffore she changes her mind again. Really I don't want her to think I'm just hesitating ALL the time!

Looking back I see Lililiana close her eyes for a second while pressing two fingers to her forehead and saying something I can't make out before setting a foot onto the water and walking across slowly. Right so it doesn't ONLY work for Helena's kind, that's interesting to know.

The twins on the other hand take two steps forward before immiately shying away, running back to Sora, shivering as they press themselves against her.
1/2

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"You do not mind if I come along, Maria?" Evangelyne's somehow managed to sneak up on us, and I just nod ying to ignore the look Eriadne gives the Northener. Come ON, there is no reason to fight about this.

---
Sure enough, there's a small wooden bridge leading across, but as we arrive Helena is nowhere to be seen. Curses.

Just then, a women in a long flowing dress steps around a tree, bare feet wet sinking into the moss that grows everywhere. Her belly is thick and round, the fabric barely enough to hide any of it. O-oh.

"Blessings upon you, newcomers" She says, voice a melodious sing-song that seems to go far above and below the range a normal woman should be capable of. We must all be staring a bit too openly because she gives a small laugh and continues.

"Are you here to ask the Shining Lady's blessing?" Her /Presence/ seems to envelop everything around her, the fresh scent in the air tripling in intensity.

[] Uh, sure? It's probably best not to cause a stir and this person seems nice enough. Besides, if I remember right Athra's supposed to govern all life and you can't have too much life, right? Helena should be inside anyway.
[] Hmm. We're just looking for our friend. Can you help us look?
[] We're just waiting for someone, is that okay?
[] Other.

2/2

>>42326431
>[] Hmm. We're just looking for our friend. Can you help us look?

>>42326431
>[]Hmm. We're just looking for our friend. Can you help us look?
She looks like a younger you, actually.

>>42326431
>[] We're just waiting for someone, is that okay?

>>42326485
>She looks like a younger you, actually.
>yfw being blonde is an Athra cleric trait
YFW getting knocked up by strangers is a part of Athra worship.

>>42326500
I seriously doubt it.
Athra also wants kids to be raised properly not missing one of their parents.
She's probably just married and has fuck loads of kids.

>>42326500
Getting knocked up is part of Athra worship, period.

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((10 minutes))
>>42326521
>period.
Not really.
Sorry.

>>42326556
dat delicious smug

((Closing, please wait warmly!))

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>>42326639

I WANT TO TOUCH HEX'S BUTT

So Liliana and shop lady were totally gossiping about how comfy Maria and Eri are.

>>42327529
While getting high af.

>>42327543
And also fugging

>>42327543
And having a quick finger bang.

>>42327570
>>42327575
Yana honestly doesn't seem like the kiddie fiddler type.

>>42327745
It's hard to make that judgement from a cultural since since it's a not a crime here.
Eriadne isn't the kiddie fiddler type either.

>>42326431
>[] Hmm. We're just looking for our friend. Can you help us look?
>Updating and closing while I'm watching a movie
Hex pls

>>42327529
>>42327543
>>42327570
>>42327575
Being a cleric of Yulemai sounds exhausting.

>>42328683
Anons are just being lewd.

>>42328723
Liliana is lewd.

>>42329537
Rumors and lies!

>>42329664
Statements and facts!

Guess it's goodnight, Hex? It's been a very productive thread, at any rate! Last night was certainly a lot of fun.