Thread 6285142

Welcome boys and girls, to the third part of Rey's newly busy life. Your new home is quite the place indeed, not exactly welcoming now that you've started to rub your nose into people's business... I do apologize for not being able to post last month; my health wasn't doing so well.

For the previous threads, check this archive https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Character%20driven

You are Rey Vesperus, half-elven daughter to a Cleric of the Path and a lady ranger, apprentice to your mother's trade, and newly adoptive mother? Caretaker? To a strange slimy lifeform. You've recently survived an attack on your home by a wave of undead dogs and one peculiar humanoid entity without being able to learn anything substantial... So you've decided to elucidate the case of Olin Aurora, a ten-year-old boy who died in mysterious circumstances and the son of your first friend, Augustine Aurora.

You've learned something quite frightening from the city Bishop, and your search for answers led you into the Mamono village condition, where you've witnessed firsthand the appalling conditions over there; it's one bad day away from a pandemic.

For general communication outside the thread, see this twitter\X https://x.com/TaleOfMonsters

Important information

The Baron of Eichenwald's chief duty is to safeguard the Elemental Tree of Earth in his domain and collect its produced Pearls of Power. These are given to a representative of your king and an inquisitor of the church each month.

Eisenhart was built on top of a magical leyline that has grown hyperactive; this is causing all kinds of magical anomalies and thinning of the veil between the prime world and the various branches of the World Tree, which might even allow Outsiders to slip into the city unnoticed.

This is causing the Elemental Tree to produce even more Pearls of Power, increasing from one or two a month to one each week.

During the afternoon of your meeting with the baron, you and your father were accosted by a strange elven man calling himself Armin White whose very existence seems to cause pain in your psyche and holes in your memory.

Thibault (the heir of Eichenwald) is a mage capable of using and producing fire innately. He was tutored by the elf Armin White until recently.
You have decided to become friends and try to help him handle the growing unrest in the Monster village

Confronting the bishop of the city, Belmont, about his failure to uphold the ritual of Last Bells made him reveal that he's spending most of his time and efforts safeguarding the lives of a hundred comatose patients See Thread 02 for proper details.

The situation in the Mamono village is going to become untenable soon. There's a very real risk of diseases spreading, and the mercs' abuses are escalating since your parents' stunt with saving Shigeko and Seyraphal.

Mysteries

Recently, some Acorns of Earth have gone missing.

Your new friend, Augustine Aurora, lost her son last month. The circumstances of his death are suspicious: the boy fell from one of the church bell towers, and he was often seen in the company of Thibault, the 17-year-old son of baron Bram Eisenhart.

The boy was a squire to an exiled knight. The man is convinced his death was no accident; according to him, Olin wasn't brazen enough to try climbing a church tower.

After the attack on your home by undead dogs and one peculiar humanoid entity, Seyraphal uncovered odd memories by consuming their flesh. The dogs (a combination of hunting hounds and pets from surrounding farms) were lured into the forest near your home by a strange hypnotic song. The humanoid was a monster that was killed there by people your druid friend couldn’t identify.

General information with Usha body. Rey also knows everything here, acting on this knowledge won't be metagaming.

The little blue entity's body was carved from a piece of the leyline and molded by Mother Earth to become a proper shell for Usha's crippled soul. Her body is naturally highly resistant to physical trauma because of its slime-like nature, but not immune. Consistent deformations will eventually shatter her soul. Usha is a thorough shapeshifter who might struggle to adapt to a proper humanoid appearance, she will naturally adopt a feminine form because that will allow the best synchrony with her soul.

Her diet is highly unusual since she consumes magic, Holy, and Corruption, but that does not mean she is immune to these forces (only highly resistant like physical traumas). Finding a balance between all three will be vital for her long-term sanity and help her define herself as human. Too much of one source will momentarily cause her body and mentality to align with her surplus.
For example, feeding her too much magical fire may cause her body to erupt with flames at random. Her personality will shift dangerously between high passion and low energy until this surplus is gone.

It is imperative to help her see herself as a genuine human being. If Usha starts to doubt her humanity, this could have horrific consequences for how her body manifests. While she -might- not harm the people closest to her, she'll become a terrible danger to anything else.

As a newborn, Usha is quite vulnerable and may be an unwilling bait for Outsiders. Her soul is nearly naked, making her an irresistible prey for these vile entities. Thankfully she should grow out of this vulnerability quickly: expect her to become teenage-size by winter's end. Her growth and maturity should plateau around that time, becoming similar to regular humans; until then, she will grow bigger and smarter far, far quicker than any normal human or monster.

You can expect three hours of activity per day in her current state; she'll be seeking food during that time. She will need to eat 4 portions of your daily Focii per day. That quantity will increase as she matures, but there will be ways to mitigate that once she understands how to handle her body.

Nyct stressed -and repeated- that little Usha has the potential to become incredibly dangerous. Encouraging and maintaining her growing humanity will be crucial. An intense enough depression could extinguish her life spark until she's old enough to handle her unusual body properly.

Augustine stands alone in a small, comfortable office with a window that offers a direct view of the village plaza.

The afternoon sun casts a strong light across the lovely features of your pink godstouched friend, so lost in thought is she that she doesn’t realize your presence, and as she ponders something over her notes, Augustine gives you the impression of being incredibly lonely.
A painful squeeze in your heart makes you wince. Don’t pity her, Rey… Gods, don’t make me fumble this.

''Goodness me, I didn’t realize you were there.'' Your friend acknowledges your presence while stretching, the long sleeve of her light blue dress crumpling downward. ''Rey?''

''Augustine.'' The smile that settles on your face isn’t forced. ''You look tired. Tense, too.''

''I am.'' She fiddles with the notes on her desk. ''I’ve been having the worst sleep of my life lately, this mess…'' She gestures at the window. ''…isn’t helping. The village isn’t a good place for an Elder.''

''Are things that bad?'' You sit on the chair next to her, and Augustine smiles and leans closer, almost brushing shoulders. Mother’s mercy, how do I breach Olin’s topic?

''The community is on a tipping point with a potential epidemic.'' She brings a pen to her mouth and nibbles on it, fidgeting with a note on her desk with her fingertips. ''All the kids downstairs share dysentery symptoms, thankfully I had the medicine to help them, adult Mamonos tend to be a sturdy lot when it comes to diseases, but the conditions here make it impossible to stay optimistic.'' Tension makes her tighten her fists, and the pen falls from her lips to clatter on the desk. ''I feel like… ever had one of those moments where you’re balancing an invisible edge? Where if you don’t act, you’ll regret it?''

''…No.'' Your past had its moments, but you can’t recall something so specific.

''That’s how I feel with this damn Mamono-Mercenaries situation.'' Augustine scratches deeply into her scalp, extracting a few strands of pink hair. ''If everyone starts getting sick, nobody will last the winter because the girls will riot and be violently put down, maybe even massacred. Nipping this disease in the bud is good, but only a temporary reprieve because of the conditions here, the girls need the bathhouse to keep their community clean. Sometimes I feel like an eruption of violence might be the only possible solution.'' She heaves a weary sigh. ''At least Shigeko and Seyraphal are out of here.''

''They’re doing well!'' You speak a little too loudly. Calm down, damn. ''In fact, Shigeko accompanied me here, though I have something important to tell you, so she’s waiting in the corridor…'' Breathing in and out, you find it difficult to shoulder Augustine’s stare.

''I…ugh, I…I’m not sure how to begin. You’re my first friend here and I feel like I’ll be stepping where I shouldn’t, cause we’ve only recently met…'' You fiddle with your sweaty hands.
''Hey, now, it’s okay.'' She brings a hand on top of your head for a gentle pat. Ugh! The concern in those pink eyes is so nice… But it’s only making you more nervous.

Closing your eyes helps. ''I was made aware of your son.'' You hear her sharp intake of breath and her chair creak as she leans away, you decide to look at her dress. ''And a few days ago, his spirit manifested in my home because of the opening in Mother Earth’s web made by my father.''
You chance a look, Augustine’s expression shows something forlorn, tense as she pointedly looks into the window. Please don’t let this be the rupture of my new friendship…

''I’ve investigated what I can.'' You continue, speaking at her lonely back. ''I’ve questioned the bishop today and he didn’t have any explanation about his botched ritual, though I’ll admit he did manage to distract me with something else…'' Your fingers clack gently on your friend’s wooden desk. ''…and I spoke with that knight who mentored Olin an-''

''Rey, it’s okay.'' Augustine lazily turns around to look at you with a mask of contentment, resting her chin on a fist. ''I didn’t want to hide this from you, I just…'' Words flow to silence as murky thoughts shadow her lovely face.

You reach out to hold her hand. ''You don’t need to justify yourself, Augustine. I’m too nosy and curious, I’ve gone and looked into your son’s circumstances without your permission…''
''Because his spirit came to you.'' She rests her second hand on top of yours, and you quickly feel a strong squeeze that reverberates right into your heart.

''…Yeah. You see, my father can do the ritual of Last Bells. We expect Olin to manifest again today or tomorrow. I’d like to invite you to stay at my house until then.''

''W-what…? The ritual can succeed, he’s…?'' A rush of emotions makes her breathing uneven, you are torn between giving her space or hugging her, and ultimately opt for giving your joined hands another squeeze.

''I don’t know if Olin has any regrets or messages to pass on. I wanted to let you know about this because you’re my friend and his mother.''
Shadows of feelings cross Augustine’s lovely face, and for a full minute, her gaze remains locked onto your joined hands. She seems…sealed? I’ll give her time.

''I…Okay.'' Her voice is soft, not quite breathless, more overwhelmed and disbelieving than her usual gentleness, and she slowly untangles your joined hands. ''I don’t… I don’t have anything with me now, my bag is empty, so leave it here and, huh, I think I forgot my money at home, so I…'' She fiddles with objects on her tidy desk, a few pencils audibly drop down that she completely ignores, and grabs the bag she just mentioned.

''It’s okay, Augustine. You’re my friend and guest, I won’t go and make you pay for your food and lodging!'' The very notion is insulting.

''Okay…'' She leans closer to you, and you hold onto her arm with a tighter grip, having to suddenly support her away from her desk. Is she in shock?

She feels warm to your touch, with noticeable eruption of sweat all over her body. Without knowing if she needs anything, you decide to walk her out of this office; her freed hand keeps rubbing something in her bag as she mumbles a few incomprehensible remarks. Mother’s Mercy, Rey. Who goes to a grieving mom to talk about the spirit of her dead son without cushioning the blow!? Stupid!

When you emerge into the tight wooden hallway, Shigeko stops making faces with Usha, and your little blue blob immediately stares at the godstouched hanging on you.

''She’s okay.'' You preface before your friend can ask her question. ''A bit overwhelmed, let’s give her a little time, yeah?''

''Of course.'' Keeping Usha firmly in her palm, Shigeko silently leads the way down, as your doctor friend doesn’t acknowledge her tall, once-patient’s existence.

Upon re-emerging in the clinic's main hall, the atmosphere immediately strikes you as odd. The cute, short, wise fox-woman isn’t behind her counter anymore; she stands in front of a noticeably broad new arrival that dominates the scenery.

A bull woman stands by the counter, with a long and thick, curly mane of reddish-orange hair and two massive upward-curved horns on her face, giving her a fiery presence indeed. The golden hues inside her orange eyes tell of an uncomfortable amount of Corruption deep within; upon witnessing your arrival, her strong jaw splits into an ominous smile. A warrior species indeed, she has fullness befitting her species; you wouldn't be surprised if she could punch through a wall here.

''So, finally good enough to stand on your feet huh?'' She isn’t looking at you. Her legs audibly clomp on the wooden soil as you notice her entire lower half being equine, though much more humanoid than a centaur’s half.

''Oi, don’t go starting a brawl inside my house of healing.'' The much smaller fox nags behind her. I think that’s Aryel glaive peeking out from behind that woman’s shoulder, too.

''Branka.'' Your blue bodyguard growls and gently lets the fascinated Usha rest on top of your head. Mother’s Mercy, things feel tense now.

''…What in the world are you doing with a newborn slime?'' Asks the warrior-bull, so completely confused she stops moving.

''Doesn’t matter, we’re out of here.'' Answers Shigeko while crossing her arms under her chest; both women are of similar height and build. Everyone around them will suffer if they start to fight.

''Yeah? Where’s your bug friend, anyway? I'd like her back-''

''She’s healthy, has completely recovered from her illness, and is under the protection of my house.'' You answer firmly. I’ll pretend that Shigeko being in front of me isn’t the source of my courage.
Your interruption brings Branka’s attention to you; you feel a pit in your stomach as she takes a few steps closer, but Shigeko puts a stop to her stride quickly by remaining in her path.

''You’re the daughter of them two who pulled that stunt a few days ago?'' She’s not asking; it’s an accusation.

''Indeed, and I’ve no intention of apologizing for my parent’s good judgment.''

''Branka.'' Beside you, Augustine speaks angrily. ''Today’s not a good time for everyone else to suffer your mood.''

''I ain’t seeking quarrels with Elders…'' Her gaze strays toward Shigeko. ''…or those with the graces of mankind’s saviors. Gotta deliver a message because our oppressors want to flex and have me play errand girl.''

Taking a step back from Shigeko, Branka crosses her heavy arms and speaks after sighing. ''Their leader wants a word with you, elf, so you shouldn’t leave the village until he’s back.''

''And if I say no?''

Branka shakes her shoulders and turns around, her equine tail angrily swaying. ''Not my problem, message delivered.'' She grouses, her foot loudly clomping as she walks out, producing a heavy, stunned silence in the clinic.

Hanabi, the fox wise-woman is the first to move; she silently jogs to follow in Branka’s wake.

So that is the leader of the Mamono village. She looks… tired.

You feel the weight of Augustine on your shoulder lessen as the activities allow her mind to resettle.

''Don’t worry, I’ll escort you back the way you came.'' The knightly man, Aryel, keeps himself measured as he walks near your group. ''If the men at the gate protest, my glaive has a blunt end for a reason.''

''Seems the guy didn’t like us giving him the slip back in the church.'' Shigeko comments and walks near you to gently pluck the motionless Usha off your head. Dear me, I completely forgot she is there!

I guess… Respecting that summons is a bad idea. But confronting this leader of those mercs abusing the women here is… Your fist tightens. Maybe it could be my way to give people here some hope.

>Make like the wind and leave. You came here to fetch your friend and accomplish an important ritual; getting involved in local politics will come later.

>This is a good opportunity to finally put a face on the organization of those damn mercenaries.Go ahead and meet this ''leader'' face to face.

>Free

>>6285158
>This is a good opportunity to finally put a face on the organization of those damn mercenaries.Go ahead and meet this ''leader'' face to face.

I'll wait for another vote until around 2pm

>>6285158
>This is a good opportunity to finally put a face on the organization of those damn mercenaries.Go ahead and meet this ''leader'' face to face.
Welcome back

>>6285482
Thanks, hope everyone is here for the long haul.

Looks like Rey isn't going to scurry back home, huh?

''If this man wants a meeting so badly, then I'll tell him exactly why his men's actions here are unacceptable.'' You didn't need to look at your allies to know they immediately disapproved of your sentiment. ''If I'm to help the monsters here, this is a good time to start.'' You look at the empty rows of seats that had previously been occupied by the group of mothers with their children.

Branka's arrival motivated their swift exits.

''That man isn't exactly... stable,'' Aryel spoke first, his metal equipment clicking with his approach.

''Then hope he's brazen enough to strike me, that'll force our baron to react immediately.'' The elven near-extinction has mankind almost treat us like prized pets... But that attitude can be a valuable tool.

''...I'm not going to sit still if that's what you're going for, Rey.'' Shigeko radiated disapproval, her blue eyes now coldly looking at you.

''Either way!'' Usha wiggling around in your palms was a good excuse to avoid looking at anyone else. ''I've made my decision. I met the bishop today. I want to finish by seeing the chief oppressor.''

Aryel and Augustine exchanged a wordless, worried look while Shigeko gave a curt nod. If it was -that- bad of an idea, they wouldn't... No, this is my decision. Be courageous, Rey!

With the clinic remaining empty, your friends helped you get better acquainted with this ''Jules Manzke'' you'll be meeting (while also playing around with Usha).

He's not the actual leader of the Brazen Tusk company that has been giving people here so much grief; he's been put in charge of everything going on in the city, so he is one step removed from their actual leader, who, it seems, nobody here met because he hasn't left the duke manor.

He allowed his men to indulge in all kinds of vices in the village, but none of your friends saw him directly delight in anything suspicious outside the few times Thibault came to oversee something here.

Aryel and Shigeko personally witnessed them inviting(coercing) a handful of the prettier villagers inside the bathhouse. Branka would know more about his various demands, but the Minotaur lady has been, predictably, a completely closed book.

--

''Hey, elven lady? A...Some men are waiting for you outside our village.'' One of the mothers you remember seeing here proclaimed the end of your peace of mind and made a swift exit.

You looked into your bag one last time, making sure Usha slept peacefully inside her wooden protective box. She had lots of fun playing around with Aryel and Augustine while you were waiting around.

''Maybe this is a good idea after all.'' Aryel spoke quietly, as if afraid to be overheard when your group walked toward the exit.

''Really?'' Augustine protested, her hand had been firmly clasped around yours now.

''Quietly enduring won't change anything.'' Says the handsome knight, growing silent when your group walks outside.

The sun had just begun its descent, casting increasingly large shadows throughout the surrounding plaza. We'll probably be back by late evening or nightfall.

No escort awaited you, the open main doors of the village saw a handful of mercs coming and going with two caravans being pushed out by hardy Mamono under the supervision of Branka with a pipe in hand. She sat beside Hanabi on the steps of her luxurious home.

When your group crossed the threshold of the village exit, she gave you a nod.

The headquarters of the mercenary company wasn't far, barely a minute's walk outside. A reinforced stone building the size of the clinic awaited you, a place built to oversee the monster community. A handful of men waited near the entrance, not the kind with ramshackle gambesons or wearing their father's swords.

They wore metal armor with tabards portraying the head of a boar resting on a shield, each of them wielding halberds and swords without any white fabrics to cover blades and handles. A yellow standard planted on the ground with this self-same emblem rested next to the entrance. Brazen Tusk, huh?

Surrounded by your friends, you walked toward this place, doing your best to ignore the nervous twisting of your guts. A man walked out from inside the stone structure, undoubtedly the infamous ''Jules'' that had everyone so intimidated.

While not rivalling Branka's or Shigeko's height, the man possesses an impressive stature. His entire body was covered in a mixture of chainmail and gambeson with a tabard showing his company; even his neck bore a prominent mail protector. His face was completely covered in a metal helmet and war mask, two prominent holes revealed cold blue eyes, while several more in the plates helped his breathing.

Something in his movement whispered dread in your mind. His limbs seemed just a tad too long, lanky and creepy, but the heavy crescent moon-shaped axe he hefted effortlessly dispelled all illusions of fragility. Two locks of silver hair peeked out of his helmet, the only hint of humanity you can see in this walking display of...of... Iron.

''Jules.'' Augustine's terse greeting had him rest his axe on his shoulder.

''I asked for an elf, not a troupe.'' His voice, slightly warped by the metal on his face, came out young and boyish, a total contrast to what he seems to be.

''You're lucky to be getting anything at all.'' There's a fire in you, an anger you can't place. ''Elves answer only to nobles, and last I heard, your blood isn't blue.''

''Feisty.'' He chuckles while waving away a pair of approaching men. ''Still sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, mister vigilante?''

''All I hope.'' Aryel replies through gritted teeth. ''Is to be a good brother to my fellows and a good son to Mother Earth.''

''You and your men -really- need to leave the Mamonos in peace.'' You could almost feel the heat of Augustine anger despite her lack of magical gifts.

The sun had just begun its descent, casting increasingly large shadows throughout the surrounding plaza. We'll probably be back by late evening or nightfall.

No escort awaited you, the open main doors of the village saw a handful of mercs coming and going with two caravans being pushed out by hardy Mamono under the supervision of Branka with a pipe in hand. She sat beside Hanabi on the steps of her luxurious home.

When your group crossed the threshold of the village exit, she gave you a nod.

The headquarters of the mercenary company wasn't far, barely a minute's walk outside. A reinforced stone building the size of the clinic awaited you, a place built to oversee the monster community. A handful of men waited near the entrance, not the kind with ramshackle gambesons or wearing their father's swords.

They wore metal armor with tabards portraying the head of a boar resting on a shield, each of them wielding halberds and swords without any white fabrics to cover blades and handles. A yellow standard planted on the ground with this self-same emblem rested next to the entrance. Brazen Tusk, huh?

Surrounded by your friends, you walked toward this place, doing your best to ignore the nervous twisting of your guts. A man walked out from inside the stone structure, undoubtedly the infamous ''Jules'' that had everyone so intimidated.

While not rivalling Branka's or Shigeko's height, the man possesses an impressive stature. His entire body was covered in a mixture of chainmail and gambeson with a tabard showing his company; even his neck bore a prominent mail protector. His face was completely covered in a metal helmet and war mask, two prominent holes revealed cold blue eyes, while several more in the plates helped his breathing.

Something in his movement whispered dread in your mind. His limbs seemed just a tad too long, lanky and creepy, but the heavy crescent moon-shaped axe he hefted effortlessly dispelled all illusions of fragility. Two locks of silver hair peeked out of his helmet, the only hint of humanity you can see in this walking display of...of... Iron.

''Jules.'' Augustine's terse greeting had him rest his axe on his shoulder.

''I asked for an elf, not a troupe.'' His voice, slightly warped by the metal on his face, came out young and boyish, a total contrast to what he seems to be.

''You're lucky to be getting anything at all.'' There's a fire in you, an anger you can't place. ''Elves answer only to nobles, and last I heard, your blood isn't blue.''

''Feisty.'' He chuckles while waving away a pair of approaching men. ''Still sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, mister vigilante?''

''All I hope.'' Aryel replies through gritted teeth. ''Is to be a good brother to my fellows and a good son to Mother Earth.''

''You and your men -really- need to leave the Mamonos in peace.'' You could almost feel the heat of Augustine's anger despite her lack of magical gifts.

''Ever had to handle a stubborn ox, doc?'' Replies the lanky marauder, his boyish voice makes you wince. ''Leather lash ain't enough, you need to grab the bastard by the horns and make him kneel, you oughta go make that cow in there understand instead of bothering me.''

''How does that excuse letting di-''

''Shut up, I'm not dealing with you.'' Jules takes a step closer; you feel Shigeko move behind you. For a tense moment, he and your blue bodyguard exchange a silent look... and he doesn't move closer. Damn... I held my breath.

''You're related to those two who nearly caused a riot, yeah? I've been hoping to find you in the church.''

''Yes, and my parents judgment was sound, I would have helped if I were here, and before you ask, know that Bram Eisenhart himself gave my family the blessing of housing Shigeko and Seyraphal, so any coercions of yours will fall on deaf ears.'' Words flew out before you could stop. At this distance, you can clearly see his blue eyes now.

''Right social animal ain't cha?'' He laughs. Urk! Bastard! ''You three can make like scarecrows and wait, miss here will be getting inside with me.''

''What!?'' you flinched when Aryel screamed. ''You think of imprisoning an Elder!?'' He stepped forward, gripping his glaive with both hands: a gesture quickly mirrored by the men a few feet away.

''Whatever you have to say can be out here in the open.'' Augustine took place beside him in front of you.

''Mother's tits. Leave it to the only animal here to have some manners.'' Jules moved his axe to his side. ''Elders ain't above the law.''

''Your law!''

''Shut up, you pissant failed knight. No noblemen gave you any authority here.'' This time, Jules gripped his axe with both hands. Had Aryel not taken a step back, hostility might have erupted.

''I can't let a peacekeeper being kicked into a near coma go without a... reaction.'' He says while looking at you. ''Gives people bad ideas, you'll be coming with me, little lady, so we can talk.''

He's not asking... Wait, the Mamonos from the village are looking, too. Doors are still open. Indeed, while too far to hear anything, Branka and quite a few ladies were looking at what's happening here...

>Agree to his demand. Surrounded, outnumbered... Provoking him seems stupid. Go and see what he wants to talk about in private.

>Whatever it is he wants with you can be put out here in the open for everyone to witness.

>Refuse. Plain and simple, you've heard him, and that's that. Your parents were right to save people in need; you won't give this man any satisfaction.

Woops, forgot the ususal
>Free

Woops, forgot the usual
>Free

>>6285594
>Agree to his demand. Surrounded, outnumbered... Provoking him seems stupid. Go and see what he wants to talk about in private.
considering how confident he is, he won't say shit in the open. If we wanna know what he has to say, we'll need to go in.

>>6285594
>>Agree to his demand. Surrounded, outnumbered... Provoking him seems stupid. Go and see what he wants to talk about in private.

>>6285594
>Agree to his demand. Surrounded, outnumbered... Provoking him seems stupid. Go and see what he wants to talk about in private.

Pride isn't one of Rey's failings.

>>6286112
a cute, cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute

Perhaps I can turn this into a good learning opportunity. If that guy is one step below the big commander of his outfit, surely... You've seen many monstrous communities, from villages, towns, and cities. Eichenwald case is growing more and more odd by the day.

''Fine, only if I keep my sword.'' I have my Focii and two of mom's magical arrow-wands, too.

''Rey!?'' Augustine and Shigeko speak over one another.

''It's okay.'' You quickly turn to face them, grabbing your pink friend's hand in the process. ''This shouldn't be too long.''

Jules doesn't comment on your remark, remaining listless.

''Late night is the proper time for... my promise.'' You continue, releasing Augustine's nervous hand and handing her your bag, where Usha sleeps. ''I'm just taking a little detour, getting a look for myself why men here seem to be eager to make the village people miserable.''

A few dismissive scoffs from nearby listening mercs make you grimace.

''Rey, I've promised your parents...'' Shigeko seems almost ready to leap into battle, but the reality is that'd be suicide: there are a dozen well-armed men here, and they aren't random thugs who crawled out of the street.

''Move already.'' Jules boyish voice comes out hoarse from impatience, becoming almost inhumanly warped by the metal covering his face.

What a detestable man.

With a hand on the handle of your sword, you fiddle with the white cloth covering it, tempted to remove it to display your intention, but ultimately, you follow Jules creepy back.

''There's a fire in this girl.'' You hear Aryel comment as you leave your friend's protection.

The men inside the headquarters appear to exhibit a modicum of discipline in their duties as peacekeepers. You catch a glimpse of a large group of men gathered around a big map of the city, and you're led past several bookkeepers, an infirmary with a man being treated for a cut. Everyone who acknowledges your existence is surprised to witness you following the automaton that is Jules.

He leads you on the second floor, into a lonely room with a table, two chairs, and one window giving an appreciable view of the northern houses. A few more men are lingering in the nearby rooms, their discussions creating faint echoes of activities... and giving you some amount of comfort because you're not wholly isolated with this creepy marauder.

''Sit there.'' He gestures with his free arm toward the seat on the other side of the table.

Does he think I'd try running away? While you do walk toward your seat, you remain standing, staring into his empty blue eyes.

Jules grows impatient and walks to let his heavy axe drop on the table. It slams loudly upon landing, causing a few alarmed men to peek inside and leave as quickly as they came.

''You have me where you want.'' You break the silence once the onlookers leave. ''Be quick about it.''

''You claim to have met our baron?'' He says while closing the door.

''Two days ago, I even shook hands with Thibault because we want to improve the community here.'' You pause long enough to grind your teeth. ''They clearly need it.''

''Right, too bad some rat merchants or blue blood came yesterday to be settled in our luxurious northern expansion, so news travels slowly.'' His metal equipment clicks as he moves closer without sitting. ''So you'll stay here tonight. Even if you've got noble privileges, people will know that harming a peacekeeper isn't free.''

A rush of angered protest nearly makes you scream. Don't. Don't give him that satisfaction, Rey. The way he's looking at me... He's trying to get under my skin.

''Bad day?'' Jules continued, his warped boyish voice growing amused. ''Always is.''

''You lied, then? No talks?'' He doesn't react when you briefly grab your sword. Gods. ''I aim to improve the lives of the Mamono community here, Jules Manzke, once I get out and call your people for the rapists and abusers they seem to be, how do you intend ot handle that?''

''Re-''

''I've heard plenty!'' You interrupt, slamming your hand on the table. ''Plenty of reliable women-''

''Monsters.'' Urk! Dark Hells!

''Women. Many witnessed your men and even -you- indulge in reprehensible acts, I'm growing more and more motivated to speak directly with them and report to our baron.''

''...and that is why nobody trusts the lies of a community of scheming monsters, if you want to provoke a scandal, then, by all means, start tomorrow.'' His reply is as cold as his eyes. ''I've heard those rumors; they implicate our shared benefactor. I'm sure your baron will be happy with an Elder rousing a potential inquisitorial investigation targeting his son in this mess of a city.''

Complete dismissal. The Mamonos are completely isolated; out of sight, out of mind.

''Augustine managed to curb a potential disentery outbreak today, but the conditions make it impossible to avoid a similar spread.'' You decide to shift to another topic. ''The women won't even have time to worry about their coming cleansing ritual with this bloody stranglehold you've got on them! Are you waiting for them to riot?''

''Only giving them a bit of a squeeze after your mother nearly brained one of my guys,'' Jules emphasizes his statement by holding out a metal fist. ''Those monsters aren't the angelic community you're deluding yourself into believing; your big blue dog is living proof of that. Already forgot she was only skin and bones, and that bug was going to be sacrificed? Ain't my guys who done that.''

''Good brothers and sisters of Mother Earth do not sit still upon witnessing the abuses of their children.'' As you look into Jules barely moving from, you restrain the urge to spit.

''Animals are no children of Mother Earth.'' His cold reply and his young voice extract a cold chill out of your spine.

''Before my company established itself here last month.''

Last month? Didn't they come here with Thibault two weeks ago? Hold on, that's a bit weird... Maybe people only established a timeline after the mercs went into the city as official peacekeepers?

''...she kept pushing for more.'' Good thing he hasn't noticed your lapse in judgment. ''Monsters kept fleeing into the forest during woodcutting expeditions, young lads here snuck into the village for unholy communion, and the ox went far enough to demand more space as more and more of their ilk kept popping up like bad seeds. So, like taming an ox, my guys had to grab their community by the horns and make them kneel.''

This kind of mingling isn't unusual. Branka might have been too ambitious with outright requesting more lands for the village, but this gods damned oppression is far too strong a response. Mamonos are a workforce that nearly all communities use during the summer.

''You sound like one of those fools who misunderstand the message of the Closed Fist.''

Unity.
The Closed Fist is one of two popular sects of the faith that believe in the perfection of mankind. Men and women are the clay of their excellence, and the strong have a duty to shape themselves in as perfect a form as they can be.
Unfortunately, far too many take this as a message of outright superiority.

''My faith is my own.''

''I question its existence.''

Your remark might have struck somewhere sensitive because the tall, lanky form of Jules gets close enough to be uncomfortable, but you stand your ground, even as you need to crane your neck upward to look into his eyes. This proximity gives no hints as to how he looks beneath that metal mask.

Your hand goes to grab your Focii hanging from your neck. It occurs to you now that he hasn't even asked your name yet.

''I've entertained you long enough. It's time I go tell your friends outside to leave.'' He feels like a mannequin with how motionless he is.

Just one more squeeze, right?

If this is the length of his talk, then... You're ready to blanket this entire mercenary company as irredeemable, power-tripping scums.

>No. You're walking out of here. He'll have to physically stop you.

>Question him if his group also handles escapees Mamonos. Reveal the fact that a dead monster has been found on your land, right when his group started this ''squeezing'' of the village.

>Free

Be careful.

Starting tomorrow, I'll be going on a family trip until Monday or Tuesday. I'll still have a laptop and internet to write, but I can't promise consistent updates until I'm back home.

>>6286273
>Free
Give him the okay, and sit down. Let him leave and go out / through the window when he goes to address the others, and we hear his steps fade.

He's going to have to openly escalate things if he won't actually give a proper reason for us to hang around. And even the "attempted" kidnapping of elves for no reason seems like a blatant slam dunk with basically everyone having seen us go in, and whatever bullshit he's going to feed to the others as long as we're there to deescalate the immediate fallout we can most certainly get an bring this to Bram's attention to have to them reel in their actions. Since this kind of conduct is blatantly unacceptable.

It does seem like a fairly odd interaction, there's obviously something deeper going on. Makes me wonder if its a cry for help


If we get pursued it's probably best to make for the Baron's Estate immediately, since I doubt he would respect the Church and any claims to asylum that we make. and heading home may just means a platoon turns up later in the night to take us into custody or ambushes us on the road, and I don't know if the local guard post or Barracks would have the numbers to fend them off on hand.

>>6286604
>Give him the okay, and sit down. Let him leave and go out / through the window when he goes to address the others, and we hear his steps fade.
Hm, Rey has her sword, so quickly carving the wooden frame is doable, and she's small, short, and nimble enough to get out. The roof below isn't too big of a drop either... Your ranger training makes it so that I won't need a roll.

>>6286273
>>Question him if his group also handles escapees Mamonos. Reveal the fact that a dead monster has been found on your land, right when his group started this ''squeezing'' of the village.

I'll roll for a tiebreaker tomorrow, so feel free to let your voice be known.

Test
Test
Test
Test
Test

>>6286273
>Question him if his group also handles escapees Mamonos. Reveal the fact that a dead monster has been found on your land, right when his group started this ''squeezing'' of the village.
forgot to check here yesterday.

I think I can combine both choices.
I'll try to answer tonight, though no promises.

>>6287313
Waiting warmly

>>6288710
Thanks. Sorry for the delay, I'm back from my trip and can concentrate on writing now. My slow ass will likely update this evening or tomorrow; this update might need some time to ponder.

Take a step back, you creepy bastard.
You managed to keep the nervousness buzzing in your bones from shaking your limbs as you stared at the much taller man in metal. His mask made it impossible to judge whether your remark had truly struck a nerve or if he was being dramatic.

''Tell me, does your group also handle Mamonos' escapees?'' you spoke when he finally gave you space. Your attitude won't work on me, golem-man.

''In the few cases it happened, we brought them back.'' His answer took far too long. He went to pick up his axe, clearly intending to leave you rotting there.

''Then explain why my family found the corpse of a Mamono in the forest around my home. A girl who died around the same time your group established itself here.''

The constant clicks of metal accompanying him slowed to a whisper as he turned to look at you.

''You know what my parents do. Sometimes the dead wish to speak.'' That was a mighty stretch of the truth, but you decided it was better not to reveal Seyraphal's capabilities. If he has any knowledge of the church's capabilities, then I want him to assume we're communicating with that woman's spirit.

''Can't say I know what you're talking about,'' came his warped, metallic, boyish voice as he rested his heavy axe on his shoulder. He's not dismissing me outright and leaving; there's something here.

''Unfortunately, our king elevates these peculiar animals enough that only noble authority can sentence life and death. Unless that one resisted, then my men would have caught her and brought her back.'' Jules stepped back from the table, and you rounded it to get closer. ''End of story, little lady. If she was killed so recently, then it's a crime I do not know.''

His boyish voice, his straight sky-blue eyes, and that damnable mask covering his face made it impossible to get any hint of potential lies.

''Yes, a crime is a crime, much like holding an Elder on bogus charges.''

Your statement drew a hoarse exhale from him, and he turned around to leave.

''The duty of a Cleric of the Path.'' You elevated your voice when he put his hand on the door handle. ''It's not only to maintain the shrines of our parent Gods, but also to uphold the harmony of our Good Mother when local priests are unable or unwilling to do so.''

''This is why you are reopening the fresh wound of a grieving mother?'' There was a break in his young voice that finally betrayed a hint of humanity.

''All I hope is to be a good sister.''

''Why? Why Augustine?'' The steel man fully turned to face you, and you took a few more steps closer to him, bridging your distance to three arm's lengths.
Indeed. Why? Because it was the right thing to do? Because the strong nourish the weak? Because good brothers and sisters of Mother Earth elevate the less fortunate? Maybe pieces of it all could explain your motivation. Inaction cost lives.

You had never felt so afraid and yet so confident.

''For the same reasons that push men to believe they can rape women with impunity.'' Better speak his language. ''Where's your soul, Jules Manzke?''

Enough time had passed for you to pay attention to your breathing as he stared at you motionless. Then Jules opened the door and closed it with a wild, loud swing; you were already upon it and put your ear to the wood before he took a few steps away. Elves always had good ears.

''Prepare the vapor,'' Jules's muffled voice filtered through the wood.

''Keeping an elf is going to be-'' came the increasingly quiet voice of a man.

''Fallouts will be a bitch, but this being our first major transgression will give us some leeway; this is too good-''

Unfortunately, that's the end of it. Vapor? What in the Gods' good name..?

All of your confidence was gone, replaced by a very real fear that nearly made you panic. Of course, coming here was a bad idea! Gods above, why prepare a vapor? Having me here isn't really to flex some authority!

Panic will kill you. Your mother's face briefly materialized, and with it you pushed back the fear like acidic bile crawling up your throat and rushed for the window.

Not a bad drop. The opposite roof wasn't flat nor was it steep enough to make you slide and break your neck after landing. One backward glance at the tiny window on the door revealed nothing; you unfastened the white cloth around the handle and slide your sword out as quietly as you could.

Father and mother always ssay I'm good at running away... and these men underestimate small ladies. With a solid two-handed grip, you swung at the wooden frame covering the window, causing audible cracks and snaps, nearly breaking the whole thing as your blade almost carved through it.

One more! Down went your only obstacle.

''Stop!'' a man screamed, but your blade was already in its scabbard when you heard him open the door, and with panic in your limbs you barely felt the weight of your body and equipment as you hoisted yourself and jumped out without looking back.

''Kuuh!'' Pain shot from your ankles straight into your head and you nearly lost your balance because of the odd angle of the roof, but the tiles provided a firm enough grip and you awkwardly side-climbed as far as you could, which, unfortunately, wasn't much. Even if the fall would break your legs, there was a way out.

After getting far enough away, you heard the distinctive thunk of a pursuer landing a few meters behind you. An older man with grayish hair and a solid build nearly faceplanted after his knees buckled from the landing because of his equipment; he wasn't the rabble of thugs that made up the bulk of these boar-men.

Below, you heard faint echoes of an angry voice. Augustine was yelling at someone who wasn't Jules because he hadn't made it outside yet. A few halberd-wearing soldiers had seen you and were pointing. Aryel and Shigeko stayed protectively behind your pink friend.

''Help! Heeelp!'' you screamed your master plan, and many heads turned your way. ''These men want to imprison an elf without cause! They are spitting upon the sacred friendships and sacrifices of our ancestors!''

''Don't get excited now, girl!'' your pursuer said as he slowly but inevitably got closer and closer. ''Nobody wants a pretty lass like you opening her skull on the pavement so- kuh!?''

Something smashed into his armored shoulder. The man grunted in surprised pain and immediately lost his footing from the impact, but by the grace of Mother Earth he managed to hold onto a part of the roof strong enough to halt and maintain his weight.

Four men lay on the ground in a confused daze where Shigeko had once stood. Aryel had pivoted to put his body between the lowered halberds of the mercs and Augustine.

''Rey!'' Shigeko stood below with open arms. Father's Eye, she's fast! ''Jump!''

Eichenwald's streets weren't an isolated forest; the men could have tried to intercept her, but clear hesitations rooted them in place. The more you waited, the likelier it was that one of them would be motivated enough to ram his halberd into your blue bodyguard's spine.

One last look back the way you had come revealed Jules's intensely blue eyes glaring at you.

So you jumped. You didn't even have time to scream before landing in Shigeko's arms.

''Ooof! H-Hey!?''

You caught a glimpse of multicolored pantaloons from nearby men behind your savior, then she took off in a desperate sprint that sent the nearby houses and storerooms whizz by from your blue savior's unnatural speed.

''Shii! Aryel and Augustine!'' They'll be fine! Tonight we have to contact Olin!

''I promised your parents!'' the reminder forced her to slow; she had sprinted down the minute-long street leading into the village in a single bound. Aryel, Augustine, and an increasing crowd of onlookers disappeared when she rounded a corner.

''But-''

''I promised your parents!''

There wouldn't be any convincing her. Her hardened expression made it obvious.

>Go into the church, surely Augustine will find you here. She has no idea where you live, after all.
>Run straight home. There's no telling what can happen after this confusing mess. Go where it's safe.
>Finding the militia headquarters shouldn't be difficult. Go report this incident immediately.
>Free.

>>6289449
damn, that was nice
>>6289453
>Finding the militia headquarters shouldn't be difficult. Go report this incident immediately.

>>6289453
Probably not quite as clean as I envisaged, but at least revealed something we could potentially raid their over, since whatever produces these Vapors, may not be above board. and or point to potential multitude of nefarious uses.

>Finding the militia headquarters shouldn't be difficult. Go report this incident immediately.
For all we know a riot may have just started, things may well get out of hand. This needs to be reported ASAP to minimize casualties, and avoid them disposing of evidence.

Hopefully they are in a position to at very least check their activities for a while.

Also making sure Usha isn't "too" excited may be wise if we get any down time since it may be bad for her sense of self.

Might also be worth investigating a counter to gasses of some fashion, since if they had this to hand who knows what else they have laying around, since I doubt that they were referring to would be a "basic" riot control agent

>>6289453
>>Finding the militia headquarters shouldn't be difficult. Go report this incident immediately.

''Okay, okay, just get us to the marketplace.'' Your wiggling around just motivates Shigeko to tighten her grip. You won't be walking until she calms down.

''Let's find the militia headquarters! For all we know, a riot might erupt!'' Your direction is exactly what your blue friend needs as she takes off running at a steadier pace instead of rushing through streets without a plan.

--

The sun has almost completely disappeared behind the horizon when you find your destination. A large mansion fortress surrounded by a shoulder-length wall and outside barracks to house far more men than are currently available. A single middle-aged man sits near the gate, garbed in the usual chainmail with the lightning-horned ram beige tabard of the city watch.

''I need to report a serious crime, preferably to your commander!''

He lazily takes his eyes away from his book as he looks at you, then straightens himself upon seeing your ears.

''You're in luck, he's in the training yard right now.''

His gaze briefly strays to Shigeko standing behind you, but he makes no remark and walks away to let you both in. The big yard of the militia is a busy little hive of activity, but the space is far too much for the number of men present. Around fifty tabard-wearing young men are dueling under the stern gaze of a familiar mountainous older man, and that's all the activity you can see outside, servants coming and going out of the barracks or main manor.

''One last for the day, come on you lazy bums!''

A booming voice fitting for the giant of a man a hundred walks away, almost makes you wince. You remember him well indeed. With Shigeko close behind, you jog near the big man.

''Mysir!'' You call to his back. Gods above the stature of him! He's just as big as Shigeko!

He turns like a moving stone, his bald head and naked chin emphasize his hairy brown eyebrows and prodigious mustache, and after a second of looking at you and Shigeko in curious suspicion, his face splits in a wide grin.

''If it isn't the newly arrived young lady-elf! Always in prodigious company, I see! This is your second week here now, yes?''

Huh? What? No, or is it?

He nods to Shigeko, who politely returns the gesture.

''You... You're the city watch commander?'' You can't help but ask. This is the man who gave you and your mom a helping hand during your first day in Eichenwald.

''Ayup.'' He winks. ''Tis my belief that doing grunt work once every few moons is important; older men have this tendency to forget perspectives.''

He kinda makes me think of a friendly grandpa, but he's way too big a man for that.

''Mysir, I need to report an incident.''

His demeanor turns serious as you speak.

''Those boar-headed mercenaries tried to imprison me not even an hour ago for the supposed crimes of my parents extracting Shigeko here.'' You gesture to your blue friend. ''And the mothgirl Seyraphal out of the village that kept abusing them.''

''What!?'' A man listening to the conversation screams in anger.

''Imprisoning an Elder?'' Growls the commander, his strong voice causing all the nearby recruits to stop their evening training.

''My friend here carried me to safety, but I saw the once-knight Aryel and Augustine in possible peril as we left.'' Your fingertips keep tingling, so you rub your sweaty hands together, but the feeling doesn't go away. ''And I think quite a few Mamonos in the village witnessed this...''

''Hrm!'' The big man suddenly turns to look at his compatriot a few feet away. ''Round up the lads here, we'll put the entire monster district on lockdown until his Lordship comes to sort out the mess! You!'' He points at a random young man. ''Inform our baron! His rams are gonna make a few pigs squeal!''

His big hands clapping together sound like tumbling rocks.

''Go! Go! Time to show a bunch of rapists they don't get to spit on the sacred friendships and sacrifices of our ancestors! We'll be pulling double shift and stay up all night, so go take a shit now!''

All one fifty young men start running around in a sudden frenzy of activity that intimidates you. The older members of the militia start herding this burst of activity; halberds are hefted, men rush for their uniforms, and a strange dread you can't explain causes endless chills in your spine.

It's like a prelude to war, but that's not at all what's happening.

''I-I'll be going now. If you or any of your men see Lady Augustine, please tell her that her friend will wait for her near the church.''

The big man nods and, after looking at Shigeko for an uncomfortably long while, he waves at your duo as you walk into the courtyard to retrace your steps toward the exit.

''I think he wanted to offer you to stay here, your home is more than adequate security.'' Shigeko comments after you exit the gate.

''Yeah... Violence against elves is always a messy thing because it happens so rarely.'' You gently pat your back where the weight of your bag isn't there.

''...!'' Your throat constricts, air cannot enter your lungs. I gave my bag to Augustine before following that creepy Jules!

''Shii! My bag, Usha! We have to-''

''I have it.'' Your beautiful blue protector pulls your bag off her shoulder and hands it to you. ''I asked Augustine to give it to me, made me feel less nervous.''

''Gods above, thank you.'' If you were tall enough to reach her cheek, you'd have kissed her. Inside is your money, your flute, and Usha's protective casing that, thankfully, shows no signs of activity.

Little one is a hard sleeper.

--

The light of sundown has nearly completely diminished under the horizon, and you and Shigeko will be walking back home in complete darkness once Augustine meets back with you. Mother Earth's golden shield will be all the illumination your group needs to avoid losing its way.

You take a few more mouthfuls of the delicious, juicy sausage on a stick that makes your supper. Shigeko already finished her three ones (you had to insist on buying her this much) in a few mouthfuls.

The only hints of what is happening in the Mamono village here in the city's main square are the lack of city watch. Nobody is there to oversee good law and order, yet people remain calm and orderly, although more than a few throw glances at your odd duo.

Mother's mercy, the last few days were busy. What did he mean by vapors?

''I still find it difficult to believe how quickly the city watch mobilized,'' Shigeko comments, turning around to look down at you over her shoulder. ''They reacted as if you were a princess.''

''I'll admit, seeing their reaction did surprise me too.'' You gently peck at your supper. ''You're aware of the protected status of the dwarves and elves, right?''

''Indeed, the Demon Lord signed a treaty with all the kings here and the Old World alongside the Patriarch and Matriarch of the faith.''

You finish your food as Shigeko talks. ''But seeing it enforced is another experience.''

''It takes more than a piece of paper to make people do that.''

Gulping down the last mouthful of fresh water from your gourd, you look at the sky, briefly remembering your studies.

''It is said that Demon Lord Damian's war of extinction killed a third of the entire population of the Allied Kingdoms. No blue or red-blooded families escaped intact, entire houses went extinct, most noble houses survived only with women...'' Shigeko leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she listens to you.

''...During the worst of the conflicts, after Mother Earth invaded the heavens and descended with thousands of angels to stop the demonic hosts, the dwarves and elves opened their magical cities and accepted thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of human refugees. These people weren't abused or starved, oh no.''

You feel a strange sense of pride buzzing in your belly as you look at Shigeko. You weren't alive back then, this is old history that has nothing to do with you, yet knowing it, retelling it, and seeing its effect today somehow feels good.

''They were armed, educated, and trained in the ways of war while the dwarven and elven hosts set out to reorganize the surviving human forces.''

Once the conflicts ended, the surviving kings swore an enduring oath of eternal friendship. Dwarves and elves spread all over the Allied Kingdoms afterward to rebuild and advise the realms.

''Then, that awful event a hundred years ago...'' Shigeko does not need to elaborate. Your people barely survived their extinctions; you've seen firsthand how the dwarves are all cursed to turn into stone, and a deep depressive shroud has ensnared their souls. They've stopped trying to leave descendants, unlike the elves.

''Perhaps when people see my ears, they're reminded of this history... Though being treated like a doll or a pet gets old mighty quick.''

''Bright flame burning in a small package.''

''Hey!'' You gently slap Shigeko's arm; her skin is surprisingly soft despite the living weapon that she is.

What a day. Hundreds of comatose patients in the church, near pandemic in the Mamono village, nearly walked into my kidnapping... And we got Olin ritual tonight.

Maybe this is a good time to get to know your blue savior better.

>Ask about Shigeko past, her childhood in Zipangu, the big island far beyond the swamp, cutting off the Allied Kingdoms from the Old World.
>Ask about the culture of her people, the Onis.
>Ask her about her capabilities, her training. She fought Risen dogs barehanded and killed the entity that nearly ended you with a chokehold. Your friend seems reluctant to display her power.
>Ask about her journey to reach the Allied Kingdoms. She mentioned journeying into the Cursed Swamp instead of the safer, longer trip on the water...
>Free

This is mostly a choice for a friendly small discussion until we move on to other things.

>>6290435
>Ask about Shigeko past, her childhood in Zipangu, the big island far beyond the swamp, cutting off the Allied Kingdoms from the Old World.

>>6290435
>Ask about Shigeko past, her childhood in Zipangu, the big island far beyond the swamp, cutting off the Allied Kingdoms from the Old World.

>>6290435
>Ask about Shigeko past, her childhood in Zipangu, the big island far beyond the swamp, cutting off the Allied Kingdoms from the Old World.

Hm, I can't quite find a good, quick spot for choices/interactions, so this coming update might be on the longer side since Olin ritual will be happening next, so I'll move things along.
Sorry for the delay! I'll probably post tomorrow, I have lots to write and trim.

''Hey, Shii?'' Looking at your blue friend's broken horn, you find yourself observing her surprisingly pretty face as she keeps a forward lookout. ''You grew up in Zipangu, yeah? Was it... difficult?''

''Hm?'' She leans back on the bench to look at you as she digests your question. ''Not any worse than growing up here, I'd say. Different place, different people.''

Following the direction of your gaze, she gently touches her broken horn, and her expression softens. ''That happened shortly after my capture here in the Allied Kingdoms.''

Your heart squeezes. ''Sorry, I don't want to make you remember bad memories.''

''We haven't known each other long, but I know you'll never want to twist any knife in a person's wound, Rey.'' Urk. Praises that don't come from my parents are hard to handle.

''Describing my people, their circumstances, and how everything works within Zipangu will take a while.'' She continues, directing her gaze away from you to look into the dark blue sky. ''My name is Shigeko of the Takara clan, my people live in a fashion not too dissimilar from the village here. I was raised amongst a group of orphaned girls and moved all over the territory of my clan to follow any teachers willing to help with the Path I eventually chose. Elderly matriarchs handled my education, and our shamans attuned us to our ancestors to make us understand a family is a whole community and not a dot amongst many others.''

Whoa. That's a lot to take in. You've seen enough Mamono villages to know that communal living is the norm amongst them, but you've always wondered if it was because of the conditions in the Allied Kingdoms. Spaces in the villages quickly become a problem; families share homes out of necessity.

''I've never known my mother, only the words of others have given me an idea of who she was... or is.'' She continues, and the face of your mom inevitably conjures itself in your head. ''She came back pregnant, gave birth, stuck around a few years, and her wanderlust never waned, so she set out to continue her Fool journey.''

''I remember you mentioning something like that yesterday.'' How could a mother leave...? That's a sensitive topic I won't press.

''Do you know the tarots?'' Shigeko turns her head to look down at you.

''Only by reputation. It's a set of fortune-telling cards used by travelers that aren't native to the Allied Kingdoms.'' You came across caravans of these gypsy travelers parked near smaller towns during festivals, but were far too shy to try discovering what kind of people lived like this.

''Indeed. Far before our times, my people used them as a base to create a method of communication with our Ancestors' Cauldron.'' Oh, now that sounds interesting ''And eventually, our Paths grew from the cards and messages that we could cobble from the spiritual remnants of those who walked before us.''

''Paths?''

''The guiding road an Oni chooses to walk to find her strength.'' There's a lonely expression on Shigeko's face as she turns away. ''Strength, true strength, is what all young girls must cultivate, and the Paths are guides toward that end.''

''Yours is that of the Fool... as in Fool's journey, huh?''

''In essence, yeah.'' Shigeko chuckles after you two exchange a glance. ''Twelve years old is when every Oni girl undertakes a soul-searching trial inside our Ancestors' Cauldron, my vision eventually settled onto a journey of experience; at first, I wanted to be a cook.''

''That's cute!'' A big apron around her would look nice... ''If it is still something of a hobby of yours, I'm sure my parents could show you how our alchemical oven works.''

''Slow down.'' Shigeko chuckles again. ''We've barely known each other a week.'' Yet you've already saved my life...twice. ''Oni put a surprising importance on what we eat. The clans are no gourmet chefs, but there is great honor in preparing good, healthy food. Although one too many get adventurous and tamper with drugs in the pursuit of answering our riddle of strength, I'm not touching that pitfall.''

Shigeko has been almost silent and undeniably dutiful from the moment you became companions. She's been vague about her childhood and past for now, but the little glimpses she shared are fascinating. For someone who grew up so far away, shaped by a culture you can only consider alien, she doesn't look chained down or crippled with a narrow perspective.

''A Fool Journey...'' She's here in the Allied Kingdoms to make memories, gather experiences, and hopefully gain something worthwhile to bring back to her clan. ''...I suspect there's quite a lot more to the woman known as Shigeko Takara.''

''I'll wager my health there's quite more to the little lady known as Rey Vesperus.'' Yeah, the kind of girl who stood by while a baby lamia got dragged into the street to be... No, better not think like this. Shigeko's good mood doesn't deserve to get soured.

''Look who it is.''

Coming from the general direction of the Mamono village is the distinctive pink silhouette of Augustine Aurora holding a newly acquired lamp. She spots your duo and gently trots to meet you a few walks from your bench.

''You've warned the militias, didn't you?'' Comes her greeting. ''They arrived in force, put the entire district on lockdown before things could degenerate.''

''It got that bad?'' Looking her up and down reassures you that she hasn't been manhandled.

''Holding an Elder hostage might just have been the one drop to spill the cup. Branka became very heated, the girls gathered to protest...'' Her eyes stray to a point beside you for a moment. ''...I think that awful Jules might have escaped shortly after your exit because I didn't see him. Once big Klaus arrived with his men, I found a good enough excuse to slip away.''

''Interesting, the entire Mamono village on lockdown?''

''Interesting, the entire Mamono village on lockdown?''

''Who?''

''Mom!?''

Somehow, your mother in the flesh has snuck right beside you without Shigeko or you noticing. Garbed for war with chainmail, leather, her Ironwood bow with a visible filled quiver, and her sword without a cover of white cloth, her firmly neutral expression heralds nothing good. Oh dear... Her face is sweaty, too. Did she run here?

''You were taking a mighty long while,'' she says, resting her free hand atop the pommel of her arming sword while holding her bow. ''You've gone and provoked a riot in the Mamono village?''

''It's a bit more complicated than that, and I'd say I prevented one, thank you very much!'' When she's in this mood, the best thing to do is to move along! ''Had a loooong day and more importantly, I brought my friend Augustine with us for, you know... the ritual.''

Canaan noticeably softens upon looking at your pink doctor friend.

''I see. I've been made aware of this... situation. Space might be a bit tight in our home, but my family will be honored to host you if tonight proves inconclusive.''

''Y-yes, I... thank you. I don't think I'll be able to lift that shadow of dread over my heart.'' Augustine squeezes her bag. ''Walking will clear my head, as would supper, I'll admit.''

Darkness quickly shrouds your world once your group sets out on the long, lonely road that leads into Eichenwald's southern countryside and farmlands. Augustine's lamp quickly has you huddle with Shigeko and your pink god-touched friend while your mother walks a few feet ahead, somehow scouting for threats while simultaneously remaining actively listening to your day's activities.

Originally, you set out with Seyraphal (who came back home without incident) and Shigeko to question the bishop about Olin's suspicious death, but things quickly changed.

An unknown phenomenon has struck around one hundred twenty inhabitants of Eichenwald, putting them into a coma. They sometimes awaken to die, apparently witnessing some kind of entity. During her time in the baron manor, Augustine also lent her burgeoning expertise to her teacher to help resolve this incident, but nothing conclusive could be found.

Olin's knightly master, Aryel, is convinced the boy died from foul play. It's difficult not to agree after what you've learned about him, especially with his recent newfound appreciation of the Mamono plight.

The Mamono village is one bad day away from rioting and a pandemic. But that might change as soon as tomorrow, thank the gods.

The mercenaries are genuine, irredeemable scums. You've tried your best to be somewhat open to a dialogue, to learn their perspective, but getting intimidated by their second in command, and potentially jailed for one night for no good reason, is more than you can tolerate.

There's more news.

Your dad and mom found the sprout of the earth tree near your home. With the tunnels inside still intact, this means you could potentially sneak into the baron manor or voyage toward one of the others faraway sprouts should the need arise...

And with tonight being the ritual of Last Bells for Augustine and young Olin, you have to wonder if you'll be able to sleep at all.

--

Augustine Aurora, Shigeko Takara, Seyraphal, your parents, and your small self all sitting around your family table for a hearty supper was a new, wonderful experience.

Of course, during your travels, you've eaten on bigger tables with many more folks. This is the first time where you not only know everyone, but genuinely appreciate them.

Augustine dominated the conversation as she talked about who was who in Eichenwald: blacksmith Griswold, a short, grumpy man who only missed orders when he lacked materials. Grocer Carrie, who established herself in the first residential western district, known for supplying the Mamono village. Midwife Olmann from the Wildland, who currently heads the woodcutter guild...

''I have to go prepare, it's getting late.'' Your father announced once the conversation entered a lull. He gently got up with his dishes to place them near the oven. ''I'll come back soon.''

He exited outside, his form illuminated by a handful of candlelamps your parents had placed earlier tonight for this ritual.

''Phew... Yeah, I'm getting nervous.'' Augustine rubbed her trembling hands together. ''I've... been ignoring what's about to happen, to be honest.''

''It is never easy... but I fully believe this communication can help you heal.'' Your mother spoke gently; she had considerably warmed up to your godtouched friend during supper.

''I believe there is great strength in doing this, despite the pain.'' Shigeko commented, and Augustine kept her gaze firmly on her empty plate. ''No souls handle grief similarly. I've witnessed many cases where people seem to become... static, where all they do is survive instead of living.''

''You think that's how I am now, Shigeko?'' Augustine didn't look up as she asked.

''Not yet. Perhaps knowing you missed a chance to say goodbye because of whatever excuses the bishop will give to justify himself could poison your grief. Even if all that result from this is failure, you know people around you do care.''

''Hm...'' Beside you, Seyraphal's antennas twitched.

''There is one thing I'd like to ask before emotions likely make it impossible for me to talk.'' Heaving a long, wary sigh, Augustine nervously rubbed her hands together and looked to you, then your mother. ''You have the ear of the little lordling who failed to manage the Mamono village, yes?''

''I'll know tomorrow. Since the militias locked down the entire district, Thibault and maybe even his father will have to arbitrate so... I guess we'll see.''

''Autumn Solstice will happen in two weeks. I want to celebrate it inside the Mamono village and invite the inhabitants of Eichenwald to come mingle before everyone retreats to endure our lonely winter.''

The Allied Kingdoms always held four celebrations at the end of each season, once temperatures noticeably changed.

''That's...'' Your mother is the one to comment. ''...a difficult endeavor, but I've seen similar things happen.''

''The women have been out of sight and out of mind for a long time. Eichenwald folks aren't heartless, perhaps a little too easily distracted, and eager to maintain their status quo, but they have good souls... I think if the mercs influence wanes, many would welcome a day of festivities and mingling.'' Augustine interlocks her fingers and keeps her back rigid as she speaks, keeping her turmoil well hidden.

''That would cost a pretty penny.'' Seyraphal comments.

''Indeed, which is why, perhaps, our baron could be open to the idea... otherwise I have a few ideas of my own. Still.'' She awkwardly cleared her throat. ''I've come to live here since Eichenwald inception five years ago. I am an herbalist and will likely stay an apprentice doctor. I want to believe people have come to appreciate me for who I am... but I am no Cleric of the Path, no elf.''

''Had I been the one to flee out of a window and jump into Shigeko arms, the militias wouldn't have mobilized so swiftly.'' She continues. ''I think this celebration can only happen if you help me prepare it, Rey.''

Your eyes wander to your mother.

''Aren't you a grown woman now, Rey?'' She says rather coldly.

''...can I still ask the help of my parents?''

''We haven't even started to get any ideas on how to use this new land of ours.'' Canaan looks away and breaks into a sudden giggle fit. ''Father's Eye, I can't be a cold bitch. Of course, you'll always have our help, darling. You don't need to ask permission for what you want to do, I can't remember you ever doing anything when we were on the road.''

Is it me, or does she sound proud?

Commit to helping Augustine's ambition. A festival like this would do wonders to dispel some of the bad blood that has been brewing.

Remain non-commital. Tomorrow, you'll likely fully understand if Thibault is someone you can count on. A festival like this without the lord help will be... complicated to accomplish.

You cannot commit to such an endeavor. With all the dangerous mysteries in Eichenwald, the walking deads and a sprout of the elemental tree so close to home... Your energy is needed elsewhere.

>Free

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZWd_7Ud-Lc&ab_channel=EroSennin

>>6292714
>in the pursuit of answering our riddle of strength
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2EQ0FlVks4
>>6292718
>Commit to helping Augustine's ambition. A festival like this would do wonders to dispel some of the bad blood that has been brewing.
we need to help her

>>6292718
>Remain non-commital. Tomorrow, you'll likely fully understand if Thibault is someone you can count on. A festival like this without the lord help will be... complicated to accomplish.
Only in so much to the degree of work(s) that will need to be undertaken, We've got a lead on making headway with the potential of material support from Belmont.

If we could ensure that Thibault was on side it makes it a near certainty that things will at least be able to go ahead. or at least reveal the temperament of his character, I wonder what his reasons for employing these mercenaries are. It's not like there is an apparent lack of character within the guards.

>>6292718
>Remain non-commital. Tomorrow, you'll likely fully understand if Thibault is someone you can count on. A festival like this without the lord help will be... complicated to accomplish.

I'll leave this vote open for a while longer, as Rey can be afforded some time to make up her mind, and it'll take me a bit of time to post the next update, as important things will happen, and I need to review my notes.

I'm impressed at how good a person you guys made our little elf into. A pure soul like that might even make undead souls gather close to feel the warmth...

>>6292718
>You cannot commit to such an endeavor. With all the dangerous mysteries in Eichenwald, the walking deads and a sprout of the elemental tree so close to home... Your energy is needed elsewhere.

>>6293181
She needs a humie boyfriend

>>6293437
>She needs a humie boyfriend
Positively scandalous!
We'll see what happens later on. I haven't approached that side of Rey's life for now.

Outside, it was a clear night with a strong, not-quite-full moon, with the darkness of the field of your home illuminated by seven candlelamps on sticks installed by your parents. The sight of the nearby woods made them look like a sleeping beast, as the trees shook gently in the soft night wind. One of your dad's Focii (Father Sky eye, in the shape of a dagger) was planted on the ground with your mother sitting beside it. Your dad knelt near your shed where the spirit of little Olin slept, positioning himself in prayer as he held onto his glowing Focii of Mother Earth.

The cold wind of coming autumn was the only noise to disturb the assembly; silence was not only a sign of respect for this ritual but vital to its success because right now, your father was thinning the great protective veil of the divines to make it easier for the boy's manifestation.

Your mother took the place of a trained nun, reducing the intensity and individuality of her soul so his spirit could pass through her to regain vitality. A few walks ahead stood Augustine Aurora, mother to the deceased Olin Aurora, holding onto a fist-sized bell. Her soft blue and pink colors stood out sharply against the darkness of night, her expression closed, resolute... ready to crumble.

Having emerged from the bathroom after submerging herself in herbs and a bath to cleanse body and soul, the way her wet, pink hair framed her face made her look gorgeous; yet, the quiet sadness she kept locked up squeezed your heart painfully.

You and your Mamono friends kept a healthy distance to witness the ritual. No great manifestations or miracles occurred, except for brief increases of golden flashes emanating from your father's Focii.

Eventually, your dad lifted his head, moved his long hair out of his face, and nodded to Augustine. One delicate shake of her wrist; one ring spread into the night. Father Sky uses a bell of his own to guide souls into the beyond, the great mystery of existence after a soul leaves its body. This ritual was a simple replica of his sacred duty to help those lingering -but not damned- souls find peace.

The young mother slowly, insistently rang the bell to invite her wayward son.

Ring.
Time passes.
Ring.
Silence.
Ring.
The night remains quiet.
Ring.
''Olin?''
Ring

Eventually, staying so still in the increasing lateness of night had you sit on the grass with Seyraphal imitating you. One of her thin, long white wings buzzed near your back; she allowed you to use it as a makeshift blanket. Fuzzy and comfy.

The light of your father's Focii eventually dimmed. ''I'm sorry, I've misjudged the proper timing for his manifestation.'' He said while getting up. Your mother followed afterward, rubbing her eyes, looking groggy and absent-minded from her trance.

''It's okay, thank you so much for trying.'' Augustine sniffled, and the bell in her hand rang awkwardly as she dried her moistened eyes. ''I think it's better this way, it gives me a little time to will myself better for tomorrow.''

''Indeed, we ought to go rest.'' Canaan lazily got up, smacking her forehead a few times as she resettled herself. ''Dawn is still a while away, let's reward ourselves with a late morning.''

Right. Sleep. After everything that happened today... Well, I need to go rest. I can't afford to be tired.

You rubbed your cheek with Seyraphal's wing one last time before letting it go. ''Say, Shigeko, would you be confident with moving the desk in our room?'' asked the druidess.

''Yeah?''

''That'll give us enough space for four people to sleep. How about it, Rey? Augustine?''

You feel the gentle prodding of her antennas caressing your face as she greets your gaze with a sincere smile.

''I'd like that.'' I've never...This isn't a slumber party, but close.

Augustine seemed too stunned to say anything. Shigeko went next to her and guided her away from the field.

''If there's noise, keep it down, yeah?'' Your mother's comment carries your parents' agreement.

I can't remember ever doing this. Sleeping with friends... Wait, no, this isn't for me. I think Augustine could use the distraction.

As you looked at your herbalist friend, she didn't give you the impression of someone a step away from crumbling. Shigeko's earlier comments seem truer by the moment: Augustine seems stuck in time, her face showing no real emotions yet barely attentive to the world around her.

--

Sleeping in your friends' room, amongst people you've grown to trust, was a medicine you dearly hoped that'd work for your sleeping trouble, and, by Mother Earth's grace, you did fall asleep a few seconds after setting your head on a pillow.

But you couldn't maintain it. In the dead of night or perhaps early morning, you awoke to a dream you couldn't remember. One that sent your body shivering with cold sweat covering your spine, while your forehead grew wet enough to make your hair stick to it.

A dream I can't remember? Stress?

Light from the lamp in your living room gently filtered into the room where all three of your friends slept peacefully. Augustine faced you in her slumber, and you had to resist the urge to caress her cheek; she looked gorgeous and vulnerable in her quiet slumber.

I don't know if it's empathy or pity...Gods, how can I help her handle this tragedy?

A familiar lethargic fatigue slowed your limbs, but there was no chasing sleep now; you know that damnably well. Getting up quietly was second nature to you, so you got up to make yourself a little more comfortable with a drink of water and a bathroom visit...

!?

After finishing your business, you came face to face with a small silhouette surrounded by a white ectoplasmic glow. Olin, that brave young boy, sat on your family dining table, next to your bag, and Usha peacefully slumbering inside her open protective casing. Gentle and fair, he remained, his hair appearing a cute dark blue with a large streak of gold on its front.

''You...you...'' You whispered, shock chasing all lethargy out of your head. ''...Your mother called for you, Olin.'' You didn't want to admonish the boy, yet the words escaped your mouth.

He looked at you and silently nodded, his expression changed into a lonely guilt as he looked at his mother sleeping inside the occupied guest room you've left open.

Unity.

Right. Ghosts are beings of souls; emotions influence them much, much more than any other entity. Olin is ten, a preteen. Dread, hesitation, and shyness could all be the reasons for his absence tonight. I shouldn't fault him.

''Your mother loves you very, very much, Olin.'' You spoke gently, calmly, and carefully walked closer. ''Is there anything you need? Want? A little bit of courage before speaking to her tomorrow?''

He looked tense as he peered at you, almost scared. He leaned down to pinch a fork, brought it to his lips and held it, then began a familiar mimicry with his fingers.

''A flute? Do you want to hear me play?''

He nodded excitedly, the fork clattered on the ground, forgotten.

''...okay. Outside, though, I don't want to wake everyone.''

The boy soundlessly hopped off the table and trotted toward the closed door, mimicking the act of opening it, and filtered through the wood outside.

Okay. If you need a bit more courage, little guy, I'll help you get it.

Bringing out the baron's gift rekindled the ball of stress in your guts. You only know how to play one song, and you've come to accept it as a part of who you are, but you haven't played since returning from the baron's manor, after your so-important meeting with Nyct...

If my song can bring a little peace to this ghostly boy, then it is my duty to do it.

With this resolve in your heart, you wrapped your mother's fur cloak around your shoulder (that she left resting on the door) and exited into either early morning or late night with your flute in hand.

Olin sat near the extinguished campfire at the very edge of what little luminescence your homefield could grasp from the house; his internal light stood out beautifully in the darkness; it also seemed to increase the dreary shadows of the surrounding forest.

''Alright, I might be a bit rusty, but...'' You gently blew into your instrument, extracting an equally soft noise. ''...it's a good one.''

The ghostly boy silently waited for you to begin, and eventually, you placed the correct noises in your mind, imagined the movement of your fingers and the proper cadence of your breath to create the only song you know.

The song of your nostalgia, of the memory that followed your entire life. Someone trapped inside a tiny cavern who, despite her trial, worries only about a precious friend in the mountain of her prison. Slow, melodious, methodic... playing feels right. And it eventually came to an end, bringing a strange feeling of relaxation.

Maybe I should play before sleeping...

''Olin?''

His growing luminescence heralded the pre-teen's approach. The boy had walked close enough to hover his hand above your shoulder.

''You understand that touching others can be... dangerous, yes?''

He nodded, his golden eyes showing a resolved expression.

Unity.

Therein lies the danger of interacting with ghosts. Touching is how their souls can interact with the living, by flowing into you, then through your blood, bones, and skin, they can interact with your soul and attempt genuine possession. Dangerous, treacherous wraiths will attempt to lull people like you into this exact situation. To permit them. To lower the gates of your mind-fortress.

You've investigated this boy today. He convinced Aryel to tutor him, became something of an errand boy in the Mamono village, pushed his mother to establish herself as a doctor for them, and was appreciated enough for a quiet shrine to be built in his honor... You haven't known him personally, but his life didn't leave the impact of a villainous soul. But who can tell how much death could change him?

''Okay. I'll trust you.'' He is Augustine's son. If helping him rest easy means taking a risk, so be it.

Slowly but surely, Olin moved closer. His projected radiance made it difficult to look around, as the white light irritated your eyes. You saw him hover his hand above your arm... and it filtered through your flesh to reach inside.

The feeling of his intention was similar to those moments when your mother inspected your soul. His will was foreign, guarded, scared, and overwhelmed, but strangely insistent, if not desperate. A strange, unique cocktail of emotions; he desperately wanted to show you something. So you let it.

Mom always said to imagine a fortress in my head...Now to open its gate.

You caught the faint taste of iron at the back of your tongue, the scent of wet earth after rain. A flicker of something that wasn’t your memory pressed close: a child’s laughter echoing in a warehouse, a surge of fear swallowed before it broke the surface. It all passed in a breath, leaving only the warmth that lingered where no warmth should be, and the quiet plea carried in his touch.

Your perspective shifted into a vision of your home, someone looking in from a distance; time became this blurry, hard-to-grasp sensation so typical of dreams. The sun changed from early morning to a little later, Shigeko suddenly walked out and started stretching. A few minutes later, Canaan did the same; the two women exchanged no words; they didn't seem to acknowledge each other's existence.

Odd.

Your mother went back inside, and you caught a glimpse of yourself sitting at your family table, eating soup. Shigeko moved to cut firewood without any logs remaining; her axe landed soundlessly against the raised stump.

This went on for the entire day, with only Seyraphal exiting around the afternoon to walk a few paces inside the eastern forest and remain there, standing, motionless...

Then Usha woke up. Having remained on the dining table, she crawled out of her protective casing for a bed and begged for attention as you remained motionless, sitting, eating an empty soup. Soon, your beloved blue slime's demeanor changed into frustration as you continued to ignore her and, inevitably, into distress as she wailed silently for the food she needed.

No. Absolutely no way, I would never ignore her! Neither would my parents! Or my friends!

Yet this nightmare shown to you by ghostly Olin was undeniable. Your family and your friends completely ignored Usha. Even when she angrily stomped her way into your food bowl, all you did was empty it and let your poor little newborn flop on the table, where she began to wail again.

Are you conjuring these hallucinations, Olin? Why?

Eventually, Usha grew silent and went back to sleep, starved and miserable. Canaan, Rikard, Shigeko, Seyraphal, and yourself, Rey, everyone who lived in this house moved like soundless automatons, preparing only the briefest of suppers and eventually retreated to sleep in the same manner you remembered doing yesterday night.

Yet at the very edge of hearing, like a blowing wind from leagues away, you heard voices.

Olin? What is this!?

Yet your alarm met no answer from the boy.

Tomorrow continued much the same. Your mother and Shigeko were stretching in the morning, you remaining sitting at the table, this time reading a book where it took you thirty minutes to turn a page. Your father went on a strange walk as he paced the length of the field, Seyraphal remained in the wood all day...

And Usha awakened earlier than usual. Angry and starved, your beloved newborn slime insistently plopped herself in the middle of your book. At first, whatever wore your skin swatted her away, but after one too many times, you threw her on the floor.

She landed like a splatch of water, her body losing all consistency for a moment. Then slowly but surely, her humanoid self reshaped itself from the slimy fluid, and your mother's shoes nearly trampled her to nothing as she walked in the living room.

Somehow, Canaan stopped her stride to look at the terrified Usha and stepped away soundlessly to walk and stand motionless inside the guest room.

All energy was completely drained out of your beloved slime now. She crawled her way toward one of the table legs and slowly but surely crawled her way up by adding adhesiveness to her body, and once on the table proper, she plopped herself on the corner and looked with this miserable expression of confusion and guilt.

Olin, if this is a trick...

Something hot and ugly burgeoned inside your soul, ready to ignite.

You. Would. Never. Do. This.

Hours passed like this, Usha silently suffering in starved silence, unable to fall asleep, and everyone ignoring her.

It was in the late hours of dusk that something changed; the boy showing you these visions manifested inside your living room, completely ignored by everyone. He walked near the starved slime, extended a finger as she looked at him in helpless fear, then, upon contact...

Olin's inner light diminished ever so slightly.

Usha fed on his soul. The essence of his existence.

He let her do so.

Time became difficult to identify afterwards. Nights, hours, mornings piled together while your friends and family idled away like those automatons you've seen in the university of Alchemists, and every day, without fail, Olin manifested to calm Usha's hunger with the essence of his immortal soul.

Olin...

Something strange began to happen after, perhaps, the fourth day. You stood outside your home during the afternoon and walked near the northern forest, yet stopped for some reason and remained there for hours.

Listening.

To a song.

A man, a woman, a child.

Voices singing a faraway hymn in the northern forest.

Hypnosis?

This situation finally ended when you stood outside your home with your flute in your hands and played your beloved melody for hours. You couldn't hear anything in this retelling of events from Olin.

You must have played long enough to feel sore, for the notes to come out misshapen...

Usha spent another day alone, ignored, helped only by the empathy of ghostly Olin.

Thankfully, yesterday morning started as you remembered. Everyone regained their proper selves and vitality.

What in the world!? Six? Seven? An entire week missing from my, all of my family and friends' lives!?

''Olin!? Olin!''

The ghost had left you in the night. His presence in your soul, gone. You stood from your oaken seat to look around in vain; the white ectoplasmic radiance of his existence had once again extinguished.

I'm hearing something.

A whisper in the wind changed to a crawling sensation on your skin, murmuring voices from the north filtered to your ears like snakes. On the edge of the forest stood a tree like many others, the weak illumination coming from your houses made it impossible to detail it accurately, but the color of this... tree... wasn't bark.

It was skin. Pale skin.

Six arms extended out of the trunk to mimic naked branches, mouths opened and closed without noise, yet this entity sang.

You can feel it.
Outsider.

What. Is. This!?

Realizing you were seeing it, the creature's many mouths closed one by one, its hands moved closer together.

One week. One week lost, one week of neglect.

You didn't hear the heartbreaking noise of Usha distress yet you know that sound. A sensation unlike anything in your life spread from your spine. A molten heat travels through your veins, your eyes fill with tears as hate you observe hate this unexplainable hate singer hate.

In your hands, you imagine your mother's Ironwood bow.

Murder.

One of her Arrow-wand at the ready.

Murder

Its runes are glowing with nature's wrath.

MURDER

The projectile that comes out of your bow is a manifestation of your anger. Your entire house shakes from the impact of its release, straight into one gullet of this damnable entity.

MURDER

--

''Rey?''

''!?'' Your mother's voice gently shook you awake. ''Uuuurk! So damn soooore!''

The colored blue of the sky above tells you everything. You've gone and slept sitting outside, shambled over in an awful position on one of the bench logs near the spot used for campfire.

''I do believe this is your first case of sleepwalking.'' Canaan moved behind you, her hands began to work on your back to undo the painful knots that had built up. ''Don't go fussing now. Want me to inspect your soul? Maybe it's stress, but I think it'll be the best way to communicate.''

''That...''

Was yesterday even real? No, it has to. Olin showed me something very important, gods above, we missed an entire week!? And this singing freak? Usha...

''Is Usha okay?'' You ask, knowing fully well that resisting your mother fussing was useless. She's pretty good at massage, too.

''Of course, little doll is sleeping in her log next to your bag. Today should be magic, right? That could be difficult to provide if my wands don't work.''

''Yeah...''

Outsiders.
Having your mother join your souls in a pathway of communication will mean sharing all of your memories with her again, which could be dangerous.
Some outsiders grow in strength and spread like a plague through memories. As more and more people acknowledge their existence, the more Mother Earth veil weakens around them, giving them agency and the possibility to feed. Or it put a target on their backs.

You've never studied any entity like this. A singing tree-like freak of flesh with six arms and just as many mouths? Never. What in Father Sky's knowledge could it be?

This is a very important choice.
>Agree with sharing what you've learned with your mother and father. Leave your friends out of this, for now.
>It is better if everyone understands they've missed an entire week of life. Share this new with everyone.
+With Augustine?
>Keep this entity's existence to yourself for now. Until you get proper information... it'll be better to be subtle.
>Free
Say hello to the main villain. Rey is such a good person that it got revealed early.

>>6295990
>Agree with sharing what you've learned with your mother and father. Leave your friends out of this, for now.
wait, so it wasn't just a strange vision ? we got king crimson'd for an entire week ? wtf.

>>6296051
Granted, you'll need to investigate to make sure, but Rey is assuming it to be true because she can't see why Olin would lie.
Usha had it a bit rough

>>6296063
man, 1 week as a drone is an insane feat. and we even ended up hurting usha...

>>6295990
>>Agree with sharing what you've learned with your mother and father. Leave your friends out of this, for now.

>>6295990
>>Agree with sharing what you've learned with your mother and father. Leave your friends out of this, for now.

I'll close the votes for this >>6292718 tomorrow as well, I'll take today to rest my brain

>>6296240
the previous doot vote was still open ? why ?

>>6296377
Because it'll likely be your next goal and likely lead toward the climax of Augustine story, although maybe you guys will pivot onto something else with this new reveal. We'll see. My brain is a bit too mushy today so I'll make better sense tomorrow.

''I'd like to share my memories with you and Dad.'' Your resolution comes after a moment of comfortable silence, where Canaan's massage almost makes you fall asleep again. The lethargy in your limbs is frustrating.

''You are my and your father's blood, it won't be a problem... but.'' She stopped her massage to crouch in front of you. ''Two wills joining your soul will be much more invasive. We'd probably end up seeing more than you want to share.''

''You and Dad have more than earned my trust.'' There's a subtle shift in your mother's expression you can't identify. ''And I don't have the words to explain my... dream? Something bizarre is going on.''

Did I use one of Mom's wands to shoot a lightning bolt? There are no traces of impact, no flesh-tree.

You feel the warm touch of your mother's lips on your forehead. ''I'll fetch him. If our guests are awake, they can make themselves at home.''

--

''...'' Your father grunted.
''...'' Your mother sighed.
''...yeah.'' You ended, your hands still held by theirs.

Your mother's warning had been true; two souls joined into yours was invasive indeed. You could only grasp hints of your parents' feelings and mental state, while in return, your mind was an open, naked book they could have perused at their leisure. From childhood to now, they could have explored every little memory imprinted inside your brain, and you'd have been forced to indulge their whims; yet Canaan and Rikard actively held back despite their intense curiosity.

It would have been so easy for them to look deeper than I wanted... yet they didn't.

Your memories of last night, however, came under the most intense scrutiny of your life. And that little mishap with the mercenaries...

''I don't remember any creatures like that entity during my time in the Rangers.'' Your mother broke the silence, squeezing your hand gently.

''All we can do for now is to be careful until we gain more information.'' Your father said, his grip a little tighter as he covered your hand with both of his.

''I...I don't know if it even happened.'' You can feel your parents' gaze as you look to your knees. ''One entire week, lost? And Usha... she looked unaffected by our collective trance, if it wasn't for Olin...''

''We're in the little lad debt.'' Rikard hands move away from yours as he leans closer to speak comfortably. ''You probably fell asleep in a trance after your souls joined, but I do not doubt the truth of his message. The ritual of Last Bell needed me to diminish the divine veil; simultaneously strengthening the creature and the boy's presences.''

''Which makes me think we should inform our guests.'' Canaan continues, rubbing her thumb on your hand. ''I think you should share these memories with Seyraphal and Shigeko soon because they've been affected just as much as we have, but Augustine...'' Her eyes closed as she kept talking. ''...might need to be observed.''

''But what should I be looking for? I doubt she'll start acting like an automaton.''

Your parents looked to each other.

''Unfortunately, we can't tell if any odd behavior from your friend would be due to grief or the entity influence.'' Your dad extracted his hand from your as he faced you and your mother with a grave face. ''My first instinct is to straight up run away and inform the few people in my order I've grown to trust because we have no idea what this Outsider is and we clearly have its attention, but I doubt you'd accept that, right?''

''I...'' You fight the temptation to look away from his inquisitive blue gaze. ''...think Shigeko would stay behind if we leave, and we should at least help Augustine and Olin.'' You paused to breathe. ''And the Mamonos, too. Yesterday was real, at least. I need to see what Thibault has to say.''

''Right.'' Your dad's expression worsens into a tight grimace of unease. ''I think an inspection of our food reserves will reveal if we truly lost a week; we ate just enough to avoid getting sick, but five frugal people still make a dent. I don't think we should ask people about that missing time.''

''Indeed.'' Your mother nodded and also let go of your hand. ''You've suddenly confronted that entity and likely disrupted its hold on our house; it's impossible to tell now what kind of influence it could have in Eichenwald. Perhaps Augustine is an unwitting victim, too.''

''Those people that Belmont showed me...''

''Looked to be victims, yes.'' Canaan nodded. ''But we only have suspicions. How this disease came about and how Belmont somehow missed seeing something so foul would be interesting to discover... as is the reason why nobody else has fallen into this coma after that initial crisis. If we decide to take the initiative and hunt that freak, if the hundred patients are somehow connected to it, they'll all die.''

''Some Outsiders have been known to be smart enough to rival our minds. Most feed on souls, others on bodies, but the most insiduous ones try to engineer situations through hypnosis or influence on souls to create certain emotions and feed on it...'' You try your best to remember your studies, but there's a fog in your head that makes it difficult. ''...This tree-skin thing could have tendrils all over the city, afflicting all kinds of people.''

''And since we know for certain it can manipulate memories, those afflicted could come here at night and harm us if the creature so chooses, without them remembering anything in the morning. Perhaps it might completely change how hypnosis is supposed to function.'' Your mother continues. ''And that's the best scenario I can think of. It might have genuine cultists.''

You remember Jules' muffled comment through the door. ''Prepared the vapor'' he said...

Didn't I hear a strange whispering voice in the basement of the church, too?

''What we do know.'' Your father's clear voice dispelled the distracting anxiety threatening to swallow you. ''There are traces of intense emotional traumas throughout the manor of baron Bram. Nyct warned you about the potential dangers of Usha feeding, and Risens attacked you during that same day. Ten dogs were lured inside the forest by a strange song; a song, it seems, that has been affecting us for at least a week. Baron Bram gifted you a flute, and playing your song into it seems to have disrupted the manipulation of that Outsider.''

''The creature affects our cognizance.'' Your mother continues. ''We never heard it, never smelled it, not even dreamt hints of its existence. Yet a stubborn ghostly boy and Usha were unaffected by its capability; that, at least, is an undeniable truth.''

I am indeed in the little lad debt... He has the true heart of a knight. A strong brother.

''Perhaps that entity was attracted to Usha.'' Your father's conjecture sends a cold chill down your spine. ''But it's too soon to tell, especially since nothing happened to her during our long trance. I think you need to be very careful about who gets to know her capabilities now. She can also consume souls... many would see her as no different from the Outsider that afflicted us.''

A hot coal of rebellion burns in your breast, your hands ball into fists as you do your best to manage that burning anger. ''I don't want to raise her like a monster I'm ashamed of.'' Raise?

''Nor will I let you. I'm not saying that letting all kinds of people know she exists was a bad thing.'' Your father continues, splashing cool water on your mood.

Shigeko enjoyed parading her on her horn yesterday; that was cute.

''Usha needed a good day after that week. But when it comes time to feed her... Be careful.''

Movement outside catches your attention. Seyraphal walked out and, upon seeing you with your parents, nodded silently and went back inside.

''That lady in the tree, Nyct?'' Your mother asks.

''Yes, Mother Earth, youngest daughter.'' You answer. ''I think she said she'd be returning to her family, I doubt she's still lingering inside the core linking all the tunnels after a week.''

''She gave you a ring that'd allow you to travel through these tunnels... apparently allowing you to cover vast distances should you so need. Right?''

You nod. ''I think she enchanted it only for myself...''

''Alright.'' Your mother gets up, looking outside for a moment as she thinks about something. ''During my time in the Rangers.'' She begins and turns to look at you and your dad. ''I made some friends. A pair of rather special ladies I haven't seen in about nineteen years now, but we've kept in correspondence whenever we stopped somewhere for a couple of months.''

Nineteen years is more than enough time to consider a friendship dead for a man with the lifespan of your father, not so for immortals.

''The central elven forest has been inhabited by a large tribe of Mamonos for years.'' Your mother continues. ''And it just so happens one of my friends is their leader's adviser. If we could make a quick trip down there, then borrowing her help would make me much more confident with confronting that flesh-tree freak.''

Knowledge of outsiders was paid for in blood, sanity, and lives. Provoking an entity you do not know is clearly stepping into the foolish part of valor. But what if more people end up dying in the long run? Then again, if we end up as first casualties, who'd even know there's a singing flesh-tree freak afflicting the city? Who should we tell?

The proper protocol is to always, always inform people of authority. However, your parents are finding Eichenwald's ''authority'' to be lacking.

''There's also a silver lining with losing a week,'' Rikard adds calmly. ''Remember that letter I asked you to deliver? My friend and your uncle Nathaniel should be here...perhaps by the start of the Autumn Solstice.''

Unity.

Rangers are trained to confront, hunt, and kill all kinds of outsiders, even follow them into their lairs to extinguish the threat. Hunters in the noblest sense of the word.

Exorcists are special individuals who, after a grueling training, are blessed by Mother Earth and Father Sky to confront the most dangerous of Outsiders. They go where even the fearless Rangers don't tread and answer threats divined by the holy Parents themselves; there's only a handful of exorcists operating within an entire generation of eager recruits.

''I think I was fifteen since I last saw him...''

''Yeah, he's been busy, but he'll come. He swore to visit the place I'd finally call home.''

That piece of good news brings a comfortable silence to your room.

''I won't be comfortable sleeping here anymore.'' Your parents silently nod.

''I think seeing what's happening with the Mamonos village will be important. Our supposed crime.'' Your father put too much strength into his shrug. ''Needs to be put to rest. And I should meet with the supposed Inquisitor who apparently comes here to collect the Earth pearls, I think I'd get some answers here in the refugee camp.''

''And I want to enter a trance to view my old memories in greater detail.'' You feel your mother's hand gently touch your head before she gets up to stand next to your father. ''Although, since I may or may not have kicked a man into a near-coma, taking care of that matters more.''

''One last thing.''
Your father turns to briefly glance outside the window before returning his attention to you and your mother. ''I believe the hyperactive leylines are having a potentially major effect on the influence of the divine web. Olin has lingered for more than a month and has fed Usha parts of his soul without his mind degrading from so much exposure to our Prime existence. The ritual of Last Bell further reduced that protection around our house, which, perhaps, is how you've been able to witness that creature with Olin's help, Rey.''

''Hm... Nothing we can do about this for now, but it's a good hypothesis.'' Says your mother.

>Your entire household should go see the fallout of what happened in the Mamono village. If anybody has authority to put some squeeze on the mercs outside Thibault, it'll be your parents.
>Your mother should remain behind to investigate her memories.
>Your father wants to confront Belmont and investigate the comatose patients, perhaps all the attention concentrated in the village could give him a good opportunity...
>Free

Sorta assuming you guys will head into the village. If not, suggest something else.

Your parents have now become active investigative participants in the various troubles and mysteries of Eichenwald. Their previous plans about building things on your lands and potentially making a farm are pretty much abandoned now. They can accompany you or pursue other objectives to find precious, precious information. There might be pov change in the future, but I'm not planning any for now.

>>6299599
>Your entire household should go see the fallout of what happened in the Mamono village. If anybody has authority to put some squeeze on the mercs outside Thibault, it'll be your parents.

It'd be so easy to just Garrison the enclave at this point, I'm not sure I'd trust any roof over out head anywhere at this point. And we've now got bigger issues.

>>6299599
>Your entire household should go see the fallout of what happened in the Mamono village. If anybody has authority to put some squeeze on the mercs outside Thibault, it'll be your parents.

>>6299599
>>Your entire household should go see the fallout of what happened in the Mamono village. If anybody has authority to put some squeeze on the mercs outside Thibault, it'll be your parents.

Crashing this Justice of the Peace with your entire crew, huh?

This'll probably take a couple of days because I can't seem to shake off my habit of writing too much.