>>18872357

Been waiting for this!

Bout time we skip to the departure, I believe. Do we have some sort of ceremonial dagger?

Need to pass it to Athena, telling her its a loan for her duel and that we expect her to return it herself.

--------

INH, if you have time, perhaps a SOON post on your twitter would be cool. Like a few hours before hand, to let us know if its on.

>>18872393

Noted, You have no such dagger, however yo udo have the 'Order of Xenon' given to you by the noble of the same name, a ring symbolising eternal friendship between your families

>>18872413

Or maybe invert the whole thing.

Tie some sort of kerchief to her sword.

She IS our knight.

Bump for MGQ.

>>18872453

Ideally it should be something important to us but if not, a simple token should be sufficient. It is the though that goes into the gesture that counts.

The evening was pleasant, greatly so in fact, the bath was uneventful but relaxing nonetheless, with Tsukiyomi never letting go of your hand, as the time continued to advance, you resolved yourself to try and give Athena some sort of memento tomorrow, when you’ll be facing her before everyone depart for good.

But soon everyone departed, one by one, with various comment due to your presence in the women bath (even if it was an unisex outdoor one), leaving you alone with the Queen-Mother who stopped her smoking, but the odor of the herbs still lingered, leaving a spicy yet sweet mix that could mount to your head.

‘’Siegfried’’

Her voice is resolved, even though she truly seems fatigued.

‘’Would you like to retreat back to your quarters, or wait some more? I would like to show you something, a bit of the magic of the land of Zipangu, but I would understand if you wish to rest’’

She doesn’t seem eager, if anything, her voice is completely stoic.

>>18872542
You have piqued my curiosity. Stick around.

>>18872542

"Would it not be worse off for you? You sound tired yourself.

If not, yes. I would like very much to see this land's magic."

>>18872413
that ring seems like a good idea, give it to her

>>18872603

But the ring is a political token, granted to ask.

I'm not sure letting it get damaged would be a good idea.

oh yeah, go off with her to see some magic

>>18872542
"It sounds as if you are in far greater need of rest than I, my lady.
"If you wish it, I would be glad to accompany you."

"Would it not be worse off for you? You sound tired yourself.’’

For you to be able to hear her fatigue is more than telling enough, she must be bordering complete exhaustion.

‘’It is something that I wish to do’’

Her answer makes you…well you try to stare at her but the blindfold just makes you face her general direction, but her hand squeeze just enough to give you some comfort for her condition.

‘’Then I would gladly accept, Lady Tsukiyomi’’

--

Thus, the two of you departed the bath and ,after clothing yourselves, you followed her lead into the forest of the castle, the crunching of leaves producing a familiar sounds that give you some comfort, the night is extremely black you notice, but the Queen-Mother is walking ahead drabbed in a long sleeved kimono, able to see ahead of her without any apparent problem and, soon enough, the two of you stop at a familiar clearing near what seem to be an artificial, small lack that could probably be best described as a puddle.

Then the Youko sit on her knee and you proceed to make yourself a bit more comfortable, but still stay at her side.

‘’Siegfried, do you know anything of the magic of Zipangu?’’

She isn’t facing you, her eyes are forward, but you do notice her reaching in the middle of her garb so you quickly avert your gaze.

>>18872728

IC, what do we know of it?

I guess we respond truthfully based on what we already do know from our time in the college.

>>18872728
Respond with whatever we recall about the magic of Zipangu that we learned from our time at the College. As players, we don't know this information, but Siegfried presumably does (unless that's another hole in his memory).

>>18872755

Frankly, nothing. The only exemple of monster magic you saw was with the witch and the succubus, both of whom used corruption

"'nay, not really"

Before she goes to bed we need to ask if we really are married.

>>18872728
>>18872781

"Not much, unfortunately.

I have seen corruption based magic used in practice but I hardly believe that would be commonplace here in Zipangu. Especially when even you work so hard to suppress your's."

‘’I have seen corruption based magic used in practice but I hardly believe that would be commonplace here in Zipangu. Especially when even you work so hard to suppress yours.’’

She doesn’t nod, merely continue to look forward, into the nature of trees, leaves, grass and dirt, but you do see what it is she grabs out of her regal clothing.

A…quill? That you’re first thought, the object is long, and thin with a metallic end ending in a delicate sharp end. But what truly surprise you is how the item itself is covered in… runes? Words? Or maybe symbols? The color is black while the nature of the object seems white; its entire surface is full of those strange words, each written with the care of a master.

‘’The most precious artifact of this land, Siegfried I doubt there is any other of my, or my daughter, talent. If you ever find yourself in front of a monster mage, the best way to neutralize it would be… and overwhelming offense, one that is extremely quick’’

She grab the object between index, major and thumb and now you witness something unusual, her tails seemingly grow, her quarter half envelop you in a soft embrace, making you smile at the tickling sensation but that is not all, a choir is singing, voiced of boys and girls in a low volume to be comparable to whispers.

>cont

Then you feel magic, Tsukiyomi is at your side, her fair skin of beige is alight, her veins are glowing in the most brilliant and glorious of gold, but you can’t help but see something different. It’s as if there is… something, right at the edge of your vision, something hidden beneath the light, a pattern, and several ones, you frown as you look, her eyes are bright and mystic, if not plainly those of a god.

‘’Consider this… a boon, a reward for your company’’

She’s about to start, you feel corruption leaking out of her, an amount tiny but noticeable, unable to contain it.

>>18872990

Continue watching, silently and respectfully.

A master is displaying her craft. Anything less than our full attention is an affront to her skill and position and highly unbecoming of us.

Tsukiyomi let out a breath, her eyes closed as she concentrated, entering the Trance, expunging the corruption, absorbing the spiritual energy, her tails stayed solid and true, not even rubbing you in some kind of mischievous comfort.

‘’Entering Trance was easy…’’

She talked to herself, arm held upright, never turning to look at you, never letting herself be on guard, the pen in her hand starting to leak a brilliant powder of the greatest gold, falling crystal by crystal, then you notice that the end of the quill, the sharp and delicate end used for writing is the center of a long spiral extending to the left and right, alight in gold and losing spark that extinguish themselves as they reach the ground, the center of something cosmic, your breath is short and awed. And then it entered the artefact, absorbed in silence as the Queen-Mother simply stared ahead, the words of the artefact washed away the dark and lit themselves in gold.

Thus, the creature began writing.

Bright words of the sun, the tip of the quill seemingly ripping apart the very fabric of the air, conquering whatever law made this place whole and placing symbols upon symbols in a horizontal line while sometime creating columns, an alien orthography and grammar, yet each of the words evoked emotions in a raw, true and unhindered form.

Her hand moved, her concentration without equal, she wrote while glowing in gold, the choir was methodic, never changing, but then… the pen stopped and she looked at the words glowing at her front, a seemingly long page written in unknown alphabet.

The spiral at the tip of the quill reappeared and then the voice of Tsukiyomi bellows.

‘’Oh Mother Earth, hear me! Witness the struggle of your children!’’

>cont

She gently put the artefact on her palm, then turned to you and nodded with a smile that quickened your heartbeat.

Then at yours and her side, seemingly out of thin air, appeared two phantoms holding flute whose silhouette were nothing but female while face and body were obscured beside one, long and fluffy tail of blue, floating in the air and dancing around your position, they’re hands holding a flute to their mouths. They started music, blending in the choir with the most perfect of ease, and then Tsukiyomi voice began to sing.

Words disappeared at her front, the melody of flutes, hymn, and chant created an atmosphere out of this world, but then one of the large tail of the creature disappeared.

There, at your front, stood one lone figure in the most pure of white, sitting alone, seemingly forgotten. He patted his belly and a gray circle appeared, and great terror was his for he flailed, only for two others forms to grasp his shoulder.

One in green and white, whose wrist had two curved scythes attached, the other in red and white, sword at her side. They nod, so did the white form and the circle spread to them, but its diameter was much, much smaller.

Already, all the tails of the singing Youko were gone, but never was she fazed, she read each of the words, singing while standing upright, as her work consuming itself syllables by syllables.
>cont

The silhouette of pure white and his companions started to walk, the gray circle in their bellies augmented in strength, the music became morose as they encountered something in black, but with stripes of white.

The pure form was holding another with a blue hue that slowly disappeared, as the one in black offered it a hand, every single one nodded and thus, music regained vitality.

Three new forms were introduced; one looking eerily like a spider, white and pink, while the second stood tall, proud with a crown of tails at her back, white and golden, and the last had a spear and wings, in a pale white seemingly of gray.

Each of them formed a circle around the pure one, gray circle spreading one by one, while the one in black went ahead, sat and faced them.

Then, one of the form died, then another, another… only to leave the Pure alone, who came storming to the Black.

Both of them nodded, the chant of children ceased, the flute became whisper as Tsukiyomi voice lost strength.
There in front of Tsukiyomi stood a form of pure white with a grey circle in its belly, great surprise did it have when it notice, but two hand on his shoulders…

And the spectacle was the same, even if the form of White would embrace another one, sometime two, even three, sometime the one touching his shoulders were different but the circle of distance between each of them was large, yet closed in seemingly an instant.

Only the one in black with stripes of white sat and watched, away from the warmth.

>welp that a long one alright

The flute stopped, the two silhouette holding them bowed and vanished without a sound, only to leave Tsukiyomi in solo, singing without a loss of courage, the words at her front were almost completely consumed. In the palm of the Black, was a small rock of extreme white and a deep blue hue, shining brilliantly before the scenes and puppets disappeared entirely once the last word of the ritual extinguished itself and, in the blink of an eye, the large, fluffy, blond tails of the creature were back and she took in a breath, her veins of gold ceased to glow, her skin came back to its original, fair state.

But she stayed silent, her head fell as she looked at her legs, her ears twitched, she looked down never voicing anything, the artefact found itself in her kimono once more as she placed it where it belonged.

‘’I don’t…’’

The emotions in her voice produce a crack, this woman support a weight you can’t even begin to imagine.

‘’A simple show of puppetry, I do hope you were pleased’’

Yet she simply lifted her head and stared ahead.

>>18873291
"I enjoyed it very much"
And pet her head.

>>18873291

So many questions but all would ruin the mood right now.

"Thank you, it was beautiful."

Take her hand if we actually let go of it on the way here.

"Now, if you'll allow me the honour of escorting you back. You must exhausted and it would not do for you to collapse here."

There a moment of silence, the cold air of the autumn night enter your laugh and wash away the awe, only to leave respect and admiration as you remember the… show? The ritual? How could you call that? The sounds and these various forms of lights…

It gave you an impression of déjà vue.

You close the distance with her and grab her hand softly, forcing her to turn her head as you lock eyes with her, you notice the color is back to a pale, exhausted, gold that lost its shimmer.

"I enjoyed it very much; it was grand, beautiful, if not mystical."

She takes a breath and closes her eyes, not doing anything else, so you take the opportunity.

"Now, if you'll allow me the honour of escorting you back. You must exhausted and it would not do for you to collapse here."

Your remark make her look back at you and she, slowly, mark a negation with her head.

‘’Two days now that I am awake, I have enough stamina to… continue’’

Yet her next actions is far from convincing as she let out a brief grunt and hold her forehead, eyes half closed.

‘’Slight nausea, but I have no time for rest, you need it more than me, Siegfried’’

>>18873512

"The both of us will require rest for our duties to come. Is yours so dire right now that you cannot afford to rest, even for a few hours?"

If she still wants to be stubborn, give her a massage as a compromise.

"The both of us will require rest for our duties to come. Is yours so dire right now that you cannot afford to rest, even for a few hours?"

She avert your gaze, your tone more than insistent enough, the Queen-Mother let out a fatigued sight before letting go of your hand, only to grab your shoulder, her tails swinging lightly from… emotions? Well maybe, she’s hard to pinpoint.

‘’I often said that a warrior need rest as much as preparations… then if you so please, carry me, for my legs are going to betray me.’’

>>18873646

"As you wish."

Princess carry her back. Make some small joke about her weight.

>>18873646
"Of course." Enjoy her fluffy tails tickling your face.

"As you wish."

Her eyes close as you stand make sure no leaves are stuck to you, then you gently pick her and find yourself surprised by her weight, not that you were expecting much but she is very light, even with the tails (who are so incredibly fluffy and soft...). You braced yourself to lift something requiring your two hands, but the ease at which you lifted her made you stare at her for a moment, you notice her face is growing slightly redder but she put her head near your heart and say nothing.

‘’Your weight truly has nothing in common with gold, milady’’

Poor joke maybe, but as you continue to walk the lack of rebuttal make you look at her and… her eyes are closed, her breathing is deep and regular, arms on her belly, head near your beating heart, the goddess of night is asleep, defenseless in your arms.

>Timeskip to departing? Y/N

>>18873784
What would we be missing?

>>18873784

Sounds like a good idea.

>>18873801

At this point, pretty much nothing, everyone already retreated and is either alseep or doing some last minute preparation. If yo uthink you can still do something tonight, then you can try.

Ask about the marriage

>>18873842
She's asleep. We can ask later.

The circle of teleportation is exactly the same as the one you saw back in lord Xenon secret passage, or at least that what it seemed to be back then, the slightly elevated stone platform is covered in symbols that are eerily familiar to Tsukiyomi writing yesterday, but you keep such thoughts to yourself.

The group is rather numerous, but in your guts you would have liked some more people to at least accompany the queen, for she is departing with Athena and that alchemist named Garrett while you are going with Sylphis and the angel Hadraniel, both of whom are already standing by your side while you look back down at the sprawling city, the capital of the Queen, many a monster reside here and you even saw a fair amount of human children. The castle reside in a lonely spot, a small plain before the constructions of the city start to encroach, and in the south of the fortress lie a sprawling forest.

Tsukiyomi had yet to wake up, the one that ripped apart your dream land was Sylphis when she, again, climbed on you.

Your preparation were already made, a good amount of funds, backpack with traveling foods with something easily perishable but delicious enough for a first meal (apparently made by someone that wanted you safe), you also found a belt for your sword as well as a scabbard.

And now, 6 persons stood near the stones after the checkpoint guarded by two lamias, Yuria expressed her will to come but the Queen refused for now, she was to watch and administer the lands in her absence.
>cont

‘’I’ll be sending you ahead first, Siegfried’’

Ame said, smiling with a resolute smile, the two escorts at her side are looking at your own group in solemn silence, only for the man to suddenly walk toward you.

‘’I know that you are heading for the Rahal domain, if you have the chance to see the queen… could you please give her this?’’

He extends to you a letter, sealed, and all the eyes of the company fall on your duo

>>18874047

"With pleasure. Would you like me pass any other message along?"

Pocket the letter safely.

Don't forget to pass a token to Athena. Just perhaps not the ring. Those things aren't made anymroe and I don't think we can afford to have it damaged or lost.

>>18874047
"Of course. If it is possible for me to reach her, I will see that she gets it."

>>18873842
dude, there is no marriage. are you thinking of when siggy mentioned marrying the queens mom in the last thread?
cause she just offered to marry him when they first met a while ago and he refused.

say, what did that flashy vision mean?
for a second i thought it was a premonition or something but it was kind of confusing to me

LEND her the ring

>>18874308
there was no refusal.

"Of course. If it is possible for me to reach her, I will see that she gets it."

The alchemist nod and once you picked the letter in your robe, he give you a warm and strong handshake, his eyes peering in yours with a will of steel.

‘’Accomplish your duty’’

And with that he walk back toward the queen, you examine the gears in his waist and see that he has daggers, swords and various pouch, he seem almost overloaded.

‘’Be safe, all of you’’

Athena voice is also clear, she look at Hadraniel for a moment but her eyes fall on Sylphis and, after a moment, the both of them nod, knowing all too well the danger of this mission and the likely consequence.

‘’Athena’’

Your own voice force her to look at you, you see her put her clawed palm on the pommel of her sword as she stare and wait, only to suddenly catch the gem you threw at her, a small sapphire that she grab between index and thumb, shinning slightly beneath the sun.

‘’We’ve won that fair and square back in the North, I’ll be expecting it back’’

A laugh, a short one but it’s there, she smile as she put it in her fist.

‘’Maybe it’s simply payments for being a bodyguard.’’

‘’I’ve got others’’

‘’Fine fine, I’ll give it back, be sure of that’’

Ame look at you, her expression is worried but still as resolute.

‘’This I simply the beginning, I'll need you after that’’

So she says, you feel Sylphis grab your hand in silence, the three of them wave at her knowing that actions are much louder than words for the Mantis.

‘’Siegfried.’’

The angel speak, clad in her beautiful blue armor, you wish you could have seen her back in the bath…

‘’It would be for the best if I am back in my shrine, for my presence will spawn problems.’’

>>18874329
really?!

send her back in the sword, give everyone a warm good bye and set off for adventure

>>18874343

"If you say so. I trust your judgement, though I would still appreciate your counsel in the politics to come. Will you be able to hear what is being discussed?"

"If you say so. I trust your judgment, though I would still appreciate your counsel in the politics to come. Will you be able to hear what is being discussed?"

The resolute shaking of her head make you frowns, you feel the hand of Sylphis tighten but you simply stare at your angel.

‘’Once in my shrine, I am all but cut off from the world, the only outside interference will be the link we share, I will monitor your feelings closely, Siegfried, if something intense enough happen then… I will be forced to act’’

Then she hold her spear upright with both hand, large wings at her side flapping, her whole body become powdery and, as she clank her weapon on the ground with strength, she disappear entirely leaving a small amount of pure, white powder, the link tell you of her calm and watchful gaze, she seem to already be peering at the link.

Thus you and Sylphis are sent on your way, the teleportation is as strange and uncomfortable as ever, but the two of you never let go of each other’s hands.
>cont

‘’Kyaah! Kyaah! Kyaah!’’

As soon as you warp in, the small scream and the slither of movement from the young monster make you stare as she immediately hide behind a taller form.

‘’I wasn’t exactly expecting that’’

Sylphis is ready, she’s nervous and looking at the visitors, two lamia looking identical, white in everything but skins, both having the same lengths of hairs, they could be twin, maybe they are, and behind the one at your front down the two stairs is a smaller lamia of the same specie peering at you with frightened eyes.

‘’A man and a… bug monsters, welcome to the lands of the Rahal, I guess?’’

introduce selves and ask them their names

>>18874775

Do a formal bow and greet the two.

"Forgive me for startling you, little one.

My name is Siegfried Shieffler, special envoy to her Majesty, Queen Ame-no-Uzume.

On her behalf, I am here to negiotiate with the Regent of Rahal."

>I hope I got the titles and names right.

You give a slight bow of the head while squeezing slightly the hand of the Mantis who isn’t relaxing, you don’t look at her but it’s easy to expect her to be staring at them with her usual stoic attitude.

"Forgive me for startling you, little one.’’

You try to give her a warm smile but she simply hide back behind, who you think, must be her mother and you don’t let yourself sight, you simply stare at the monster, only for your eyes to divert when you hear the second one slither at the side of her, you noticed that she’s overall smaller, but still very similar looking to the one before you.

‘’My name is Siegfried Shieffer, special envoy to her Majesty, Queen Ame-no-Uzume.’’

Those two give a ‘’oh’’ in perfect synchronization, going as far as looking at one another.

‘’This platform is not often used, for a young male to travel almost alone with such a mission…’’

The one speaking is the one whom the little one is sought refuge, her eyes details you up and down and she nod at you, probably convinced, at least you hope.

‘’On her behalf, I am here to negotiate with the Regent of the Chief clan."

The smaller lamia peek at you again, but the one whom you now suspect to be the mother slither forward, her red eyes giving you a bit of a unnerving feeling.

‘’Then you wish to proceed for the capital, fortunately this shrine to the Water Dragon is right beside the main road, the only thing you need to do is proceed West. Unless you would like to stay here, I would welcome a traveler’’

She bow slightly and, with a bored look, you see the other lamia advance toward, what you think must be, the temple.

>>18874947
This is one of the few times I'd tend to agree with the overt formalities. We're a diplomatic envoy, and we should act like it.

Although we should be careful not to bow TOO deeply. It's intended as a show of respect, not of subordination.

>>18875149

"I would be honoured, however our mission is of urgency and we should make our way there as soon as possible.

I bid you good day, Miss...."

pause to have the mother offer her name.

"I would be honored, however our mission is of urgency and we should make our way there as soon as possible.
I bid you good day, Miss...."

Calculated speech and pause, speaking is something you’ve gotten to master.

‘’My given name is Min, my priesthood name is Kal, be safe on the road ahead, young man, for there is lawlessness in the clan domain, fortunately concentrated away from the capital but… I wish you luck nonetheless’’

The smaller lamia flee back in the temple and, now alone, the mother accompany you and Sylphis toward the exit as you take in the sight of the temple, a rather small location but the nature is strong and well-kept giving a sense of serenity that would be perfect for meditation.

You take a look at Sylphis and notice that she is drabbed in heavy clothing, masking her entire identity beneath a cow led cloak while supported her traveling bags without a moment of pause, soon the two of you find yourselves on the dirt road, perfectly comfortable for travelling as you stare at the temple, with Min waving at you.

Sylphis is still staying completely silent, simply holding your hand.

>>18875488

"...A penny for your thoughts Sylphis, whats on your mind?

Afraid of what we'll find in their realm?"

‘’You are obviously concerned, Sylphis, speak your mind’’

The two of you start walking at your insistence, although the mantis let go of your hand, she doesn’t extend the distance.

‘’Afraid of what we'll find in their realm?"

You hear her sigh, a soft one, but as you look down she shake her hand and you catch yourself with your hand resting on the pommel of the sword Hadraniel is currently residing in, you’d like to be able to see her…

‘’Not exactly, but I don’t think I should show myself to anyone’’

She look to her right, the trees aren’t numerous, probably in the process of being cut, beside the temple behind you there isn’t a single soul in the landscape, the vision isn’t great thank to the various hills and again ,the trees.

‘’Mantis are rather infamous, after all, beside the Queen had this mission in mind with the barest amount of people, I think that if new of the diplomat arrival would be known, we’d probably not be able to reach the capital’’

she say in a low voice, examining the surroundings

>>18875742
"I see. What do you think will happen when we reach the capital, then? Shall we remain concealed even there?"

>>18875742

"That bad? Are we being watched right now?

And if the mantises knew you were here, would they still attack? You seem to be rather important to them."

can we go into our magic thing and detect people around us?

>>18875929

Doesn't going into trance make us flare up like a light bulb at night to every magic user in the area?

>>18875940
Pretty sure it does, yes.

>>18875940
Yes.

"That bad? Are we being watched right now?’’

You look to the other side, glaring at the nature and colored trees but there not a single movement, the link tell you that Sylphis seem reassured, even if she is alarmed.

‘’No, thankfully not, I didn’t expect any Intel from the queen operation to be leaked’’

Thus you resolve to stare ahead, you see that the road curve while going up a small hill.

‘’And if the mantises knew you were here, would they still attack? You seem to be rather important to them."
As you look back you see that she shake her head, she proceed to look in front as well, satisfied from her inspection.

‘’I don’t know, I was… too young when my mother fled this land, I’m as new to this place as you, Siegfried’’
You rub your chin as you ponder, you wonder, how old could she be? She’s speaking as if all of this is recent.
‘’What do you think will happen when we reach the capital, then? Shall we remain concealed even there?"

All this secret and underhand tactics is getting under your skin and you barely even set foot in this place, that’s quite a lovely first impression.

‘’Remaining concealed until you can literally drop on the guards with the queen token and the sealed letter would be the best of scenario, they would have no excuse to refuse you and… no time to prepare’’

>going to go for about 20 minutes gents, sorry for the delay

>>18875940
The proper meaning is Focus, Trance is something related to the monsters~

>>18875992
Well then, I'd guess Sylphis is better at stealth than we are. We'll follow her lead.

>>18875992

Sounds like a decent plan to follow.

>>18875992
Yeah, we really need to play it subtle here.

>>18875992
Sounds like a good plan. Are they merely looking out for diplomats? Or would it be foreigners in general I wonder.

have we ever asked syl about her mom?

>>18876218

No idea if they even know we're coming.

>>18876379

Don't think she remembers very much. At least Amy said so.

‘’Surprise visit? I think that a good plan, we don’t know much about them so returning the favor is probably for the best’’
You feel some pride coming from her and you can’t help but smile and feel slightly happy yourself, the fact that you accepted a plan coming from her is enough to really impress her and give her some confidence.

And so, silence fall as the two of you travel in the early morning, the sun only half up, your pleasant mood is enough to give reassurance to both the mantis and the angel blinded from the world that is, as ever, watchful of the link.

--

‘’Siegfried’’

The journey never stopped, the sun is now more than high up to be considered midday and you were starting to wonder if now would be a good time for a stop and eat, the voice of Sylphis was solid and the link told you of something serious so you approach her, the road is soon to exit the small little clearing of tree you both found yourselves in, there is a lot of trees in this area.

She’s looking while taking cover behind the largest one, so you approach with caution and duck.

The tree does clear and out there, you see a wooden bridge guarded by a group of… 4, no 5, catfolk. Each armed, sporting no tabard or any kind of heraldry as they seem to be watching the area, sometime teasing and moaning about a lack of profit, but its hard to identify anything due to the distance, but nobody seem to expect any visit soon.

‘’Are those… highwayman?’’

Your bug companion asks in her whisper, you feel concern coming from the link; you did become serious when witnessing this.

Also sorry again for my delay

bridge the only way to cross?

we can always use the water under the bridge to freeze or cripple them

>>18876613
Is there another way around? Or is the bridge the only way?

Not that I doubt our ability to take them, but if they see us they may mention it to someone.

>>18876847
Or go downstream, go into focus, and make an ice bridge.

>>18876852
>>18876847

Water seem shallow, probably up to your thighs, tough there is a rather fair distance between both end of the river, expect to slug through for a few moment if you decide to step in it.

No current.

>>18876894

Forgot mah trip

>>18876613

Well, judging by their conversation and general lack of care. I'd place them as bandits.

Bandits are stupid, silly things

Highway men are professional thugs. If they were highway men they would be waiting on either side of the bridge for us to start crossing and then spring the trap.

>>18876894
Can we deviate from the road and go far enough downstream that we can cross without being noticed?

>>18876930
Sounds best for now. I don't like the idea of being outnumbered, and I don't like the idea of word getting around about a mage and a mantis.

go downstream away from the cat folk and find a big chunk of wood to float over the river

>>18876930

Unfortunatly not, the river continue to the right until you lose sight near the closest hill while the left end in lake of a good medium size.

ok, just head to the bridge and have syl and our angel ready

>>18876978
My vote, then, is to be as smooth as possible. When they demand our money, simply reply "No, thank you," and then push past like we simply can't be bothered.

Hopefully they end up confused enough that they either let us past, or are thrown off-guard enough that a sudden offense would overwhelm them.

As time pass, both of you watch the group activity who keep talking amongst themselves, the distance make it impossible to hear anything however, the group of 5 catfolk are all armed with basic weaponry and at least one of them is clad in steel armor, the rest are sporting leather, all of them without helmet, they’re probably lamenting the lack of travelers.

Then the one in steel suddenly talk in a loud voice.

‘’When the hell is she coming back!?’’

Sylphis tense, you then look behind you, anywhere, but thankfully that missing individual doesn’t seem to be nearby.

Hadraniel is also starting to be seriously worried, at this rate she’s probably going to come out.

‘’Do you think a direct confrontation is the only option?’’

Sylphis ask while observing the group that started to spread around the bridge.

>>18877054

they are bandits so it might just work. or say something else like we are the inspector of the bridge and have to make sure it will stand up to the large waves headed down river, and prompt them to the side we came from while inspecting it.

>>18877254

lets do this and then run after we get by.

If they doubt us claim that who else but a man could have such an important but safe job.

>>18877254
I'm on board with this. If they don't buy it, we'll just have to finish them off quickly.

>>18877054
We need to have something prepared for when they finally snap too. I have a felling these catgirls are going to be fast.

i say talk or fight them

>>18877473
If we want to use our magic, we can probably immobilize them easily with ice. Otherwise, Hadraniel will probably be able to distract them with flashy angel things.

>>18877481
That certainly narrows it down.

‘’I believe so, or maybe we can fool them, but bandits or highwaymen aren’t exactly the kind to look anywhere else but the potential profit in front of them…’’

You ponder a bit more, but then shake your head.

‘’We’ll have to be direct, I’ll pretend to be someone employed by the Rahal, you’re already my bodyguard so I guess… be even more stoic?’’

She gives you a slight jab, one that make you grunt playfully.

--

‘’Oi oi!’’

The first warning come from the leftmost one, she’s pointing at the two of you who continue walking casually to the bridge, your face is now a mask as you glare at each of them with the authority of a warlord, but soon each of them band together in a line and you stop at a 4 meters distance, cross your arm, and resist glaring at Sylphis as she maneuver right at your front.

You hear several version of ‘’it’s a man’’ form each of them before the one in steel take a step, in her head is a battle axe in rather poor condition, Hadraniel link is awash with worry, but you simply put a hand on the pommel of your sword.

‘’Not every day we see a man here, not every day…’’

She lick her lisp, her nose also twitch.

‘’We can do this easy or hard, tough from your glare I can see you’ve got some spunk, hell we can take your girl and do nothing at all, a man is much more precious willing’’

>>18877564
All I can think of are variations of "KNEEL BEFORE ZOD."

What would it make sense for us to be? Some sort of minor lord?

oh yeah, we're a human in monster land.
i don't think the bluff will work.

i say fight.
try not to kill them though

>>18877614

No knowledge of how this land work, so you've got no idea at all

>>18877627
oh, i got it!
challenge them all to one on one combat, they win, we go with them willingly. they lose they let us cross peacefully and/or join our party

>>18877654
I seriously doubt they would accept that.

>>18877549
>>18877564

"You need to vacate this bridge ladies, there is a huge flood coming this way from up river and the regent sent me to check every bridge for stability issues. Now if you'll just move over there I can begin to inspect this bridge and be on my way."

i think it'd work better than our bridge maintenance bluff

plus siggy would totally do something like this, turning hostiles into allies, he'll have to use that diplomacy of his a bit to get their affection but im sure he could do it

At her words, you cross your arms, lift your chin and give her the most intense glare you can muster, before speaking in a bellowing voice, certain to crush any doubt, for such is the voice needed for someone of the Shieffer blood.

"You need to vacate this bridge, there is a huge flood coming this way from up river and the regent sent me to check every bridge for stability issues. Now if you'll just move over there I can begin to inspect this bridge and be on my way."

Polite, yet strong and authoritative, the cats start talking amongst themselves but don’t move from they’re spot, the leader simply stare at you, her vertical pupils shifting from your gaze to fall on your sword, then she look at Sylphis who is probably hiding her face the best she can.

‘’Never heard of any flood, hell the undines don’t usually do that kind of stuff, still, this might not be too far from home but you are too much of a golden opportunity, like really’’

She pauses and smiles while hefting her axe on her shoulder.

‘’I mean really, the only other bridge is around Milag and we’ve been lurking around here and the village for a while now, the new of a flood would have come. Beside, a male would be MUCH better guarded’’

You feel bloodlust coming from Sylphis, one sudden move…

>>18877870
"You only see one of my guards. That is as I wish it. It is not my business if you wish to drown. It is my business if you prevent me from doing my job. I will inspect the bridge. Continue to stand where you are and I will inspect the bridge anyway, after tossing you in the river."

>>18877870
"...need I explain the penalty for interference with official business? The Regent would be most displeased, as for all intents and purposes, my word is as hers."

"Stand. Aside. NOW."

>>18877870
"Don't worry, this is all the protection I need. All I could ever ask for."

"Don't worry; this is all the protection I need. All I could ever ask for. After all, a male is to be protected’’

You speak with self-confidence and complete faith over Sylphis capabilities, you’ve learn very quickly that being absolutely certain of yourself and relying on others martial prowess is what make or break a leader, and above all you must not appear arrogant, simply confident, the line is thin but your words are more than enough to shake some of the cat, they’re eyes tell greed and lust, but there is also the very basic need of self-preservation.

There no such thing as a living being that simply charges ahead regardless of risk, none of those monsters are brainless.

‘’It is not my business if you wish to drown. It is my business if you prevent me from doing my job. I will inspect the bridge. Continue to stand where you are and I will inspect the bridge anyway, after tossing you in the river."

You don’t draw your sword, but you do put a hand on the handle, every single one of the cats is looking with mixed expression, beside the one in steel, she’s looking at you, while paying attention to Sylphis.

"Stand. Aside. NOW."

As a commander of men, your voice is an incredibly useful tool, thus it bellow with authority, making some of them jolt in surprise, but again the leader keep her composure.

‘’…how can I be certain that you won’t be reporting us once your business is done?’’

>>18878219
The queen gave us quite a bit of money, right? Couldn't we simply hire them to prop up our numbers to dissuade other would-be bandits from attacking us?

>>18878219
"How often must I repeat myself? I am here to inspect the bridge. I care about you only so far as you prevent me from doing my job. If you hinder me further I will have no need to report you, because I will have dealt with you myself."

"Are you going to continue giving me trouble?"

>>18878286
They see more than monetary gain from us. We are a man, in a land of monstergirls. Not everyone is a civilized as the ones we've dealt with.

>>18878286

You do indeed have quite a fair amount of cash, probably so you can look the part for a true envoy or jsut for pleasantry, but you've got around two pouch full of silvers, going around to 100.

That's alot

>>18878306
I think they just want to save their own hides by now.

We have a group of bandits who are
a) Blocking our way
b) Bothering everybody else who comes this way

If we find something useful for them to do, all the better.

>>18878286
Let me get this straight:

These people camp out on a bridge and rob people who want to cross. They want to capture us, pin us down and rape us till we die.

You want to give them money and trust them to watch over us as we sleep?

Never leave white surburbia. You'd never survive outside.

>>18878365
>Quest thread
>Equals real life

I think you just went full retard.

>>18878410
The point is that poster is making a ridiculous suggestion. How could he even come to the conclusion that hiring them would be a good idea? He's either trolling or stupid. The latter is more likely.

>>18878431
No idea. For what it's worth, I think both of you are faggots.

We don't need to hire ruffians. We're an official diplomatic envoy. Walking into ANYWHERE being escorted by brigands would be stupid.

If they won't leave, beat them down. We can handle these rabble.

>>18878219
"Because if you step aside, then you will no longer be a problem. If you don't then I will simply remove you from the equation, and it won't much matter whether I report you or not."

"Now, if you please, you have wasted enough of my precious time already with this nonsense."

"How often must I repeat myself? I am here to inspect the bridge. I care about you only so far as you prevent me from doing my job.’’

Both sentences were said with a brief pause, both this evolved into a staring contest with they’re, and that’s a good thing.

‘’If you hinder me further I will have no need to report you, because I will have dealt with you myself."

There some stiffening amongst them, grabbing swords, axes and spears, the distinct breath of an angry cats, but they seem more intimidated than anything, with, again, only the one in steel keeping a brilliant composure.

However they’re movement forced Sylphis into a position of battle, but thankfully her scythes are still hidden, she simply assumed a stance that would allow for a jump and all of them realized that.

"Are you going to continue giving me trouble?"

You press the advantage, Sylphis intimidation is evident, and it’s a golden opportunity. There also the fact that Hadraniel is increasingly worried, you’re seriously afraid she’s going to come out.

‘’We have a comrade that we sent in the village to gather supplies, as much as I want to whore you out for cash losing my friends here won’t do anyone any good. But I can’t say I’ll leave, I want to wait for her’’

That armored catfolk is a tough nut.

>>18878614

>both this evolved into a staring contest with they’re, and that’s a good thing.

Whoa fatigue is settling, proper sentence is

>this evolved into a staring contest with they're leader, and that's a good thing

>>18878614
"There will be no further delay. If you say anything other than 'you may pass,'"

Draw the sword.

"I'll skin you."

just pull out your sword and summon our angel
we've been messing around on this bridge for too long

>>18878614
"Fine. I only need you to allow me access to the bridge. Just try and stay out of my way until I'm done."

Then make a show of examining the bridge for any potential weak spots, taking measurements, etc. Ultimately, when we're done, we should be on the other side, announcing that the bridge seems secure enough, then move on.

>>18878836
Too much attention that way. We try to do this the mundane way.

So then, needed a bit of a consensus (and probably because this might be my last or second last update)

>Draw sword, intimidate them
>Play it cool, fake measurements, cross the bridge

>>18878915
>play it cool.
No sense going full murder-hobo on our first day here.

>>18878849
flashy, yeah but it wouldn't reveal syl as a mantis and we wouldn't be broadcasting our magic that way

>>18878915
Play it cool.

>>18878849
Play it cool, lets try to draw as little attention as possible.

>>18878915
draw our sword

if it escalates into a fight, don't go for kills, try and stun em

>>18878974
If it escalates, we should probably take out the leader first, the rest don't seem disciplined in the slightest and will at best run for it, or at least make some stupid moves

>>18878974
>>18878998
Or we could, like, you know, NOT escalate it at all in the first place.

If we want to avoid bloodshed, drawing a weapon is THE worst idea.

I wonder if The Legend of Zod the Bridge Inspector could be a popular children's story.

Dammit, our bluff is totally busted. If we backpedal, they'll jump on us.

It's down to fighting. Strike first to get the initiative.

A few less bandits never hurt anybody.

>>18879082
Its not there yet. It is looking that way but we still have a chance.

"Fine. I only need you to allow me access to the bridge. Just try and stay out of my way until I'm done."

She stare at you for a moment as you close in on Sylphis who now stand perfectly upright, you put your two hands on her shoulders and gently tug her to the right of the bridge, you behind her, then the armored highwayman slowly move her hand and ball it in a fist, only to extend her index, this the bandits make a line right behind her and they walk with a rather fair amount of training, not synchronizations but they’re clearly the kind to fight and group and pick the fights they want. The fact that you and Sylphis showed that you weren't afraid to defend yourselves might have been enough to dissuade them.

Both groups walk with the bridge as separation and after you’ve effectively switched place, Sylphis move behind you and face the group who are now looking at you, but not in the good line they had previously, some are even sitting, the tension is nowhere as thick as it was.

You’ve got no idea how to take measurement, so you fake it best you can, leaning over, nodding to yourself as you look at the water and the support, going around the other side, Sylphis sticking to you like glue, it’s not a very professional display at all and they’ve probably saw through it, but it seem you’ve managed to secure passage.

After thirty minute, you are finally on your way pass the bridge, and the link is telling you of the worried irritation of the angel, she want to go out doesn’t she?

>>18879082
Jesus tapdancing christ, /tg/ cannot into diplomacy.

>>18879105
As calmly as possible, be on our way. But stay alert, just in case they come after us.

When we're at a safe distance, we can summon Hadraniel and tell her everything's alright. Otherwise, she might just pop out at just the wrong time.

>>18879105
Lets just act as relaxed as possible, try to reassure her through the link that way.

can we go now?

say something like

i'll be back, try not to get in the way when i return. better yet don't be here when i'm back

‘’Hadraniel is very likely to show herself’’

Sylphis nod in silence, still staring at the bandits, but the distance is reassuring her, you also calm down, tough that doesn’t seem to help the angel humor very much, so you quickly resolve to walk fast on the path and put as much distances between them and you.

‘’Right…’’

You put a hand on your sword and wonder how to summon Hadraniel; well the first step is to draw it out of its scabbard so you do just th-.

The very instant the blade come in contact with the outside world, there a sudden burst of white powder and the angel is right at your side, going as far as bumping into a utterly surprised Sylphis as she hover in the air and pivot, appear held ready to skewer anything in sight and, seeing only trees, she doesn’t relax a single bit, instead she leek straight behind you with her weapon facing nothing.

‘’About time! What in the world happened!? I felt more than enough conflicting feelings to sense confrontations!’’

But you’re simply staring at her as the sword isn’t even halfway out.

….Can she only manifest if the blade is out? What if you drew it while facing the bandits?

The hero of old finally touch the ground, holding the spear with one of her hand but then extend her other one to Sylphis who is on her butt, staring at her in amazement, an angel popping out of nowhere is not a common sight.

>Gonna end it here folks

haha

that woulda been fun to see, our angel popping out like that if we drew the sword

>>18879259
Yeah, unfortunately angelic beings draw attention. Wanna save that trump card for a little.

>>18879233
Thanks for another interesting session

See you next time!

As for when is the next session, I'll try to keep to my schedule of Friday-Saturday but I can't say I feel confident enough with my planning so far so I might just do a single one this week again, once I fully intergrate in my new workplace I'll probably have more energy too.

>>18879310
Good thing you have a twitter. It makes this so much easier to keep track of.

>>18879338

Posting it might be good as well, here goes https://twitter.com/#!/TaleOfMonsters