You lean your head back onto the couch and stroke Selene’s hair with one hand, as the little girl quietly coos in her sleep.

It’s been half an hour now since Marcy went into the bedroom to change.

You had time to stitch yourself a less ornate cloak, and make Selene a simple dress. And Marcy is still changing.

Okay, no. There’s no way in hell that she’s still changing. But what else could she be doing?

>[ ] Call out to her

>[ ] Go check

>[ ] Sit tight and wait

>>39994809
>[ ] Go check

>>39994809
>[ ] Call out to her

>>39994809
>[ ] Call out to her

>>39994809
>[ ] Go check

>>39994809
>[ ] Call out to her

>writing

“Heyyyy Marcy!” You call out. “You about done in there?”
“Uhhhhhhh… yes?” She calls back. “G-give me a second, I’ll be right out”

Marcy comes out of the bedroom after a second, as she promised. She’s blushing furiously, but she’s wearing the dress and she… she actually looks pretty good.

Even though it was just something you threw together to see where you would need to adjust the actual one, this one seems to fit her almost perfectly. You must’ve underestimated how slender she is.

“There, I put your stupid dress on” She says.
“What the hell took you so long?” You ask.
“N-none of your business!” She says.

You raise an eyebrow at that. There’s no way she was just changing…

>[ ] Press the issue

>[ ] Move on to other topics

>>39995555
>[ ] Move on to other topics
no need to anger marcy than we already have

>>39995555
>[ ] Press the issue

>>39995555
>[ ] Press the issue

>writing

“Y’know, you were in there an awfully long time…” You say.
“I had to…” She stops and thinks. Which is not obvious at all. “… figure out how to wear a dress again!”
“Really?” You ask.
“No…” She says.
“So what were you doing?” You ask.
“Can we please not talk about this?” She asks.
“Once you stop acting so suspicious” You say.

Marcy clenches her eyes shut and pinches the bridge of her nose. “I was… admiring myself…” She says.
“Admiring yourself?” You ask.
“Yes! It’s been almost 8 years since I last got to wear a damn dress and I was ch-… uhh… checking myself out… in the mirror…” She says.

“Well, you certainly do look good” You say.
“I’ll take that as a compliment” She says.
“Good, because it was meant as one” You reply.
Marcy looks up, her face still bright red. “Tha-… uhh… th-thank you…” She stutters out.

>talk about

>[ ] Further disguises/covers

>[ ] Sleeping arrangements

>[ ] Where in Laust you’ll be going

>>39995949
>[ ] Where in Laust you’ll be going

>>39995949
>[ ] Where in Laust you’ll be going
>[ ] Further disguises/covers

>>39995949
>[ ] Where in Laust you’ll be going

>>39995949
>[ ] Where in Laust you’ll be going

>writing

Marcy sits down on one of the other chairs and hangs her head to let the steam blow off.

“So” You say, drawing her attention back up. “Any ideas on where in Laust to go?”
“I dunno… Catisse maybe?” She says. “Melvitch was okay with us, maybe he’d even be willing to help us out”
“No dice. Melvitch is dead” You say.
“What?” Marcy asks. “When? How?”
“I don’t know. But I saw him among the spectres in the hall” You say. “We’ll have to find somewhere else”

“We could still go to Catisse” Marcy says. “It’s pretty well situated for whatever it is you’ll be doing. And I doubt anyone would expect us to go there”
“Still, it’s a little close for comfort” You say.

Marcy shrugs, and the two of you spend the next while discussing your options.

>[ ] Catisse
Dangerously close to the capital. It would make work easier, but you’d have to constantly be on guard.

>[ ] Searise
At the very least, this place is one you know is friendly to your cause. It also puts you near your father, a man who you have many questions for, and someone you could go to for advice

>[ ] Cotune
A small town around Laust’s centre. Low risk, but very disconnected. Any and all information about the war will have to come from your assassins.

>[ ] Analask
The crown city itself. If you want to be close to the action, there is no better place to do it. Getting in will be difficult, and staying there will be risky. But there is no better place to be should you have to take any action.

>feel free to ask questions about different locations/details or info I might have missed

>>39996410
>[ ] Searise

>>39996410
>[ ] Searise

>>39996410
>[ ] Searise
Lets start there.

>>39996410
>[ ] Searise

>writing

“To start, we’ll head back to Searise” You say.
“And no one will think to look for us there?” Marcy asks.
“They will, but by the time they will have found us, we’ll be long gone” You say.

“Staying mobile?” Marcy asks.
“At least at the beginning” You say. “I’d like to settle somewhere along the line”
“How will we be getting there?” She asks.
“Probably on foot, or by horse if we can get some before we leave” You say.

Marcy cringes. “By horse?” She asks.
“Don’t like horses?” You ask.
“It’s not that… it’s just… I’ve done long trips on horseback. Not good for your back, or your butt” She says.

“What do you suggest then?” You ask.
“If it were up to me, I’d go back the same way we came” She says.
“By carriage?” You ask. “A little too conspicuous”
“I know…” She says. “You’ve travelled a lot, how do you usually get around?”
“I walk a lot” You say.
“Really?” She asks. “But you’re like… rich, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, but ‘rich’ and ‘pampered’ are not the same thing” You say.
“I guess you’re right” She says.

Then Marcy lets out a long yawn, stretching herself out.
“Tired?” You ask.
“It’s been a long day” She replies. “I’m gonna hit the hay. Looks like that bed is big enough for the three of us, just don’t make too much noise”

>[ ] Go to bed

>[ ] Ask Marcy about ________ before she goes to sleep

>[ ] Read the letters that Kuma gave you

>>39996910
>>[ ] Read the letters that Kuma gave you
Let's figure out what we should pass to the king and through whom. I would say Melissa, as I generally trust her more. Perhaps write a missive to both her and the king to accompany the contents.

>>39996910
>[ ] Read the letters that Kuma gave you

>>39996910
>[ ] Read the letters that Kuma gave you

>writing

>>39994809
God-fucking-dammit, I just get into the thread and I fucking missed voting for peeping in on an "I feel pretty" moment...

>>39997207
Son of a bitch I didn't even think of that.

>>39997207
And NOW I have to leave for about an hour... DON'T let opportunities for Moe Marcy pass you by!!

“Sleep well” You say.
Marcy yawns again. “Yeah, not too worried about that” She says. “I’m more worried about being able to wake up on time tomorrow”

“I’m sure you’ll manage” You say.
“You’d better hope so. You’re the one that’s gotta do the waking if I’m not up” She says, entering the bedroom and closing the door. Then you hear her flop down on the bed and rustle around a bit before settling.

Once she’s down, you reach into your cloak and pull out the letters and orders you got from Kuma.

It’s mostly old news now that Cassandra’s been to Castle Harthren. The messages are mostly to do with the whereabouts of your princesses. It’s the commands that carry some interesting info.

One pertains to mobilizing the current force that Laust has to muster and bringing them to Harth’s border.

The other was going to the province of Feldown, ordering them to mobilize as well.

The lord in Feldown is known to you, and he’s not a friend. They say he’s the best in the business when it comes to warfare, and Feldown’s standing army is second to none within Laust. If Feldown joins the fray, things could become… problematic.

But you have the order for them to mobilize here, so the chances of that are slim… unless you sent it along…

>>39997516
How is Giles at forging? could we re-write the letter and send Feldown in entirely the wrong direction? even better if we can convince them to move fast. by the time anyone finds out what's happened he'll have tired his men out.

>>39997566
Not a bad idea. We could also try to direct them into a possible ambush if we can convince Harth to participate.

Feldown is situated on Lausts southeast corner, separated from the rest of Laust by the mountains you crossed on the way to Harth, and there would only be four ways its army could take if it wanted to join the war: A small ravine that leads into a river where they could take ships into Laust, a mountain pass that has treacherous weather this time of year, or by going further east into Honoue and then north around the mountains, and a port on the Degran sea.

If you really wanted to, you could ask Melissa to mobilize her navy to blockade their ports. The Ravine could possibly be blocked off with the proper application of explosives.

This would force them to choose between moving their forces into Honoue, which would no doubt provoke them into joining this war, or taking the mountain pass, which could end badly depending on how the weather holds.

You look at the order once more. The handwriting is simple, and signature basic. You could forge new orders and send those along pretty easily, if you so choose.

>[ ] Send nothing
Feldown never receives the orders to mobilize, which would delay their joining of this conflict until someone realizes that they never got the message

Or…
>Seal the ravine, blockade the port, and-

>[ ] Send them a letter urging them to join the fight immediately
This might force them to take the mountain pass. Best case scenario, they get locked down by bad weather. Worst case scenario, they move on forced march to join the fray and arrive tired. Or possibly have them mach straight into an ambush...

>[ ] Send them a letter saying the Honoue will grant them passage
If they think Honoue is a safe route, they will take it without fail. If Honoue joins this fight, it would make things inifinitely easier

>>39997642
or have them attack an otherwise loyal lords holdings after his own troops have mustered and left

>>39997671
>[ ] Send them a letter saying the Honoue will grant them passage

>>39997671
>[ ] Send them a letter saying the Honoue will grant them passage

>>39997671
>[ ] Send them a letter saying the Honoue will grant them passage
Send a letter to Harth telling them of the information we've intercepted and what we are doing.

>>39997671
>[ ] Send them a letter saying the Honoue will grant them passage

>>39997671
Does the brotherhood have a dedicated forger? It seems like we should get one of those if not.

>>39997829
You don't really need one. While he can't draw, Giles is pretty good at forging.

>>39997902
That works I suppose.

And I forgot to add

>writing

You gently slip away from Selene and lay her gently down on the couch, before heading to the table to get to work.

You write up your letters to the King and Melissa first. The first is a report on what you’ve learned about their troop movements, the second is a letter asking Melissa to blockade the ports of Feldown.

Once those are done, you study the order in question. After a few practice sentences, you think you finally have this guy’s handwriting down. That should come in handy, since from the looks of things a lot of these orders will be coming from him.

Then you write out the new letter to Feldown’s lord in the handwriting of the original and seal it up. With all that done, you whistle for Kuma.

Kuma comes back in through the window. “Yes master?” She asks.
“Here” You say.
“What are these?” She asks.
You hold out each one in turn as you hand them to her. “This one is to go to King Julian, this one to Lady Melissa, and this one to the Lord of Feldown” You say.

“It will be done” She says. “Will that be all?”
“No…” You say.

You and Kuma spend a few minutes working on the details of the job you have for the saboteurs. Once she knows what it is you want them to do, she bows and begins to take her leave.

“One question before you go” You say.
“What is it master?” She asks
“Where exactly do you sleep?” You ask.
“Just outside the window” She says. “Why do you ask?”
“Have you been doing that this whole time?” You ask.
“Yes master” She says.

>[ ] Tell her she can sleep on one of the couches when she returns

>[ ] Tell her to be on her way

>>39998288
>[ ] Tell her she can sleep on one of the couches when she returns

>>39998288
>[ ] Tell her she can sleep on one of the couches when she returns

>>39998288
>[ ] Tell her she can sleep on one of the couches when she returns

>writing

>>39998288
>>[ ] Tell her she can sleep on one of the couches when she returns

“Kuma, from now on no sleeping outside” You say. “When you return from your errands, you can sleep here on the couch”
“But that’s im…” She says, but she stops and looks at you curiously. “Would that be improper?” She asks.
“No” You say.
“Then it shall be” She says, bowing to you and hopping out the window.

You watch her make her way across the rooftops from the window she jumped from. “How in the hell did I end up with such a weird assistant?” You say.

Once Kuma is out of sight, you close the window and walk over to where Selene is laying on the couch. “Come on, let’s get you to bed” You say.

You take Selene into your room and lay her on the bed, where she immediately latches onto Marcy.

>Anything further before you go to sleep?

>>39998630
Tuck Selene in?

>>39998630
When are we making Marcy's actual dress? The floral one was a throwaway, yeah?

>>39998700
She's sleeping with us and Marcy anyhow
>>39998630
Leave a spare pillow/blanket for Kuma?

>writing

You peer through the door at the couch, and then pull out an old travel blanket and pillow from your cloak. With them in hand, you head over to the couch and leave them there for Kuma.

Then you let out a long yawn yourself, and head back into the room.

You didn’t manage to make a real dress for Marcy, but the throwaway can do. It actually suits her pretty well. You’ll have to do something about her man-ponytail… but that can wait until tomorrow.

You leave your boots, cloak, and hat at the side of the bed and slip in next to Selene. From the looks of things, Marcy decided to snuggle Selene right back in her sleep. It’s a cute sight, to say nothing else about it.

You get comfortable and pull the blankets up over the three of you, and close your eyes…

>[1/2]

You get up as the first light of dawn creeps in through the window. You aren’t sure when exactly you went to sleep, but it can’t have been too long ago.

You roll over and shake Marcy awake.

“Whu-…” She says groggily. “What time is it?”
“Almost dawn” You say.
“Too early. Go back to sleep” She replies.
“Marcy, we actually have to go” You say.
Marcy groans, then she shoots up. “Yes! Right! Go!” She says, the situation finally having dawned on her.

Selene yawns, having been woken up by Marcy’s sudden movements. “Mommy is it breakfast time?” She asks.
“Laura’s not here, kiddo” You say.
Selene rubs her eyes before opening them fully to take in her situation. “Oh…” She says. “Good morning.”
“Good morning” You say, kissing her on the forehead. “And don’t you worry, we’ll have you back to your mom in no time”
“Okay…” She says.

Marcy pops out of bed, still wearing the dress from yesterday. Only now her shoulder-length hair is down. It looks right, like that was the missing piece to this disguise. “How do I look?” She asks.
“It works” You say.
She smiles and starts gathering up her things. “Damn…” She says, holding up her sword. “How am I going to carry this?”

>[ ] Reveal magic cloak

>[ ] Take the sword, pretend it’s yours

>>39999323
>[ ] Reveal magic cloak

>>39999323
>>[ ] Reveal magic cloak
She knows we're a damn Devil, and carrying a sword'll look suspicious, if we're trying to pass for average.

>>39999323
>[ ] Take the sword, pretend it’s yours

>>39999323
>[ ] Reveal magic cloak

>>39999323

>[ ] Take the sword, pretend it’s yours

Carrying a sword won't look suspicious because we're supposed to be travelers. You need some sort of weapon to defend yourself from bandits and other shit.

>>39999323
>[ ] Reveal magic cloak

>writing

“Give it here” You say.
“I’m not letting you use my sword” She says.
“I won’t use it, I’m just going to put it away for safe keeping.” You say.

“Put it away where?” She asks.
“In here” You say, showing her the inside of your cloak, and the hidden pocket there.
“Huh” She says.
“Really? That’s all you have to say?” You ask.
“No… I mean, it’s impressive. I just… I had been wondering where you got all of your knives from” She says.
“Of all the things about me to ponder, you got stuck on where I keep my knives?” You ask.
“No. It bothered Laura after we first escaped the palace. She said she felt nothing from your magic dagger until you pulled it out and caught her by surprise.” She says. “But if you kept them in something like that, then it would make sense”

“Why didn’t Laura ask me?” You ask.
“Might’ve slipped her mind, or gotten buried by other things” She says. “I don’t claim to understand how that girl’s brain works.”

“I don’t think she understands how her brain works” You say, stowing Marcy’s sword in your cloak.
“I’d believe that” Marcy replies.

The two of you make your way out of the room, where you find Selene poking Kuma’s face as she sleeps on the couch.

When did she even get out here?

>[ ] Tell Selene to stop poking Kuma and let her rest

>[ ] Wake Kuma

>>39999895
>[ ] Tell Selene to stop poking Kuma and let her rest

>>39999895
>>[ ] Tell Selene to stop poking Kuma and let her rest

>>39999895
>[ ] Tell Selene to stop poking Kuma and let her rest

Don't poke the bear.

>>39999895
>[ ] Tell Selene to stop poking Kuma and let her rest
First lesson of staying alive as a Royal: don't bully the assassin.

>>39999895
>[ ] Tell Selene to stop poking Kuma and let her rest
pls no bully.

>writing

“Selene stop that” You say, picking her up off the ground.
Selene pouts.
“Don’t give me that look” You say. “Let Kuma rest, I gave her a lot of work to do last night”

“What will she do when someone comes here looking for us?” Marcy asks.
“She’ll probably be long gone by then” You say. “And we still have a few things to do here”
“Like what?” Marcy asks.

“Well, there’s still Selene’s hair to deal with-” You say.
“Nooooooo” Selene says, clutching her head “Don’t cut it! I like my hair!”

“-and we still need to figure out our mode of transport” You finish.

>[ ] Dye Selene’s hair black

>[ ] Tie it up so it looks shorter

And

>[ ] Go by foot
This gives you the most freedom when it comes to choosing what path you take, as it will allow you to more easily forego paths and leg it into the woods.

>[ ] Go by horse
You’ll move faster and not tire as easily this way. But it will mean having two more mouths to feed, and though you’ll still be able to leg it out into the woods, it won’t be as easy

>[ ] Go by carriage
Say screw it and find a fast, comfortable carriage. This will be conspicuous as hell, but it will beat walking or riding

>>40000406
>[ ] Dye Selene’s hair black
>[ ] Tie it up so it looks shorter
>[ ] Go by foot

>>40000406
>[ ] Dye Selene’s hair black
It worked in asoiaf
>[ ] Go by foot

>>40000406
>[ ] Dye Selene’s hair black

>[ ] Go by foot

>>40000406
>>[ ] Dye Selene’s hair black
>>[ ] Tie it up so it looks shorter

>[ ] Go by foot

>>40000406
>[ ] Dye Selene’s hair black
>[ ] Tie it up so it looks shorter
>[ ] Go by foot

>writing

You set Selene down in one of the chairs and pull a bottle of black hair dye out of your cloak.

You aren’t really sure how long you’ve had this, but it’s not like this stuff goes bad… right?

You put gloves on and pour a bit of the thick liquid into your hand, then you start working it into Selene’s hair.

“It tickles” She says.
“Just hold still” You say.

It takes a while, and pretty much the whole bottle of hair dye, but you get the job done. Afterwards, her hair is a little oily, but it looks natural.

Then you tie her hair up into a bun and pat it a few times.

“All done?” Marcy asks.
“Pretty much” You say, removing your gloves. This pair is pretty much junk now…
“Good, let’s get going” She says.

The three of you check your disguises and head out.
“Good luck master” Kuma says from the couch “I will remain close by”
“Thank you, Kuma “ You say as you close the door.

>[1/2]

The three of you make your way back down to the lobby, and the man at the front desk stops you.

“Careful out there, now” He says. “Word is that there’s been some kind of commotion at the Castle”
“When?” You ask.
“Sometime this morning” He replies. “I don’t know the details, but it sounds bad”
“I’ll be very careful then. Thank you for the heads up” You say.
“Think nothing of it.” He says.

You bid the innkeeper farewell and the 3 of you leave the lobby.

>[ ] Talk to Marcy about something that will sound innocent to anyone who overhears

>[ ] Talk to Marcy about possible paths to Searise

>[ ] Ask Marcy how her leg feels

>[ ] Other

>>40001061
>[ ] Talk to Marcy about something that will sound innocent to anyone who overhears

>>40001061
>[ ] Talk to Marcy about possible paths to Searise

>[ ] Ask Marcy how her leg feels

>>40001061
>>[ ] Talk to Marcy about something that will sound innocent to anyone who overhears
>>[ ] Talk to Marcy about possible paths to Searise
>>[ ] Ask Marcy how her leg feels

>>40001061
>[ ] Talk to Marcy about something that will sound innocent to anyone who overhears

>>40001084
>>40001112
>>40001136
And, of course, don't forget to begin with "Sweetie/Honey/Hon/etc."

>>40001204
If we're playing 'happy family', we're playing it to the MAX, damn it!

>writing

“So, dear” You say.
“What is it hon?” She asks, catching on more quickly than even Laura did.
“I wanted to ask you if you had any ideas on which way we should take to Searise?” You ask.
“I was hoping to take the normal route” She says. “But I’d be fine with the way we came here by. It might even work better for us this time”

You catch her meaning there. The whole reason you used the mountain pass the first time was because it doesn’t get used much this time of year, mostly because of the weather. The weather held that time, but there’s not guarantee it’ll be all sunshine again…

And on foot the pass might be a bit of a hassle. But all of these things might be outweighed by the chances of running into anyone being lower on the pass.

Conversely, the road to Searise would be better used. You’d run into more people, but hopefully that won’t be a problem if you can keep to your disguises and covers.

An then there's the woods. You'd have to be careful about not losing your way or getting turned around, and it would definitely take more time to navigate, but aside from the wildlife there is little risk to this path

>[ ] Take the normal road to Searise

>[ ] Take the pass

>[ ] Backwoods it

>>40001629
>[ ] Take the normal road to Searise

>>40001629
>[ ] Take the normal road to Searise

>>40001629
>[ ] Take the normal road to Searise

>>40001629
>>[ ] Take the normal road to Searise

>writing

“We should just go by the roads” You say.
“Fine by me. It’ll probably be easier on my feet that way. Plus it’s safer for our little girl” She says, patting Selene’s head.
Selene giggles, then looks up at you. “Papa, up!” She says.
You smile and pick her up as you and Marcy make your way to the first of two gates between you and the open road.

“So…” Marcy says quietly. “What should I call you?”

>[ ] I’ll let you decide

>[ ] Use the same name that Laura used in Catisse

>[ ] Other

>>40002206
>[ ] I’ll let you decide

>>40002206
>[ ] I’ll let you decide
In before she spites us with a silly name

File: Westley.jpg (44 KB, 1000x562)

44 KB JPG

>>40002206
>>[ ] I’ll let you decide

Hmmm...

>>40002354
Marcy: ... Westley
Giles: As you wish.

>>40002354
>>40002409
And now his pet name for Marcy is Buttercup...

>>40002354
Man, it's been a long time since I've watched that movie.

>writing

While we're in Searise, we can probably hide Selene with the orphans.

We should also probably let Father Pitre know that we got together with Melissa.

...and maybe try to set him and Marcy up with each other, if they're so inclined.

>>40002497
Roderick: As much as I love to see you work, Cassandra, I have a war to arrange, a crown to recover, a princess to murder, and Akla-Habra to frame for it; I'm swamped.

“You can call me handsome” You say.
“Absolutely not” She says.
“Can I call you handsome?” Selene asks.
“No. No you cannot call him handsome” Marcy says.

Selene pouts, and you ruffle her hair. “Honestly, I don’t really care. As long as it isn't something dumb” You say.
“Hmmm…” She says. “Hector then”
“Hector?” You ask.
“My Father’s name was Hector. It’s a good name” She says.
“Are you sure you want a reminder of your father walking around?” You ask.
“Fine then, I’ll call you…” She thinks for a moment. “Roderick”
“Hector it is” You say.

Marcy smiles, satisfied by her victory.
“You’re sneaky. Remind me to watch out for you” You say.
“No” She says cheekily.
“Not as sneaky as me!” Selene says.

>[ ] Ask Marcy how she’s feeling

>[ ] Ask Marcy to teach Selene the name thing

>>40002837
>[ ] Ask Marcy to teach Selene the name thing

>>40002837
>Ask Marcy to teach Selene the name thing

Cue Giles finding out that Selene is just like him.

>>40002837
>>[ ] Ask Marcy how she’s feeling

File: The Shadow Broker.jpg (63 KB, 900x563)

63 KB JPG

>>40002837
>“Not as sneaky as me!” Selene says.

>writing

“You still have to teach her the name thing, by the way” You say.
Marcy slaps her forehead. “Oh, damn it!” She says. “I completely forgot about that”

“You could just do it now” You say. “It’s still pretty early. There aren’t going to be that many people around for at least a little while”
“We should go sit down, this might take a while.” She says.
“You’d be surprised at how quickly Selena picks up on things” You say.

Selene nods determinedly at Marcella. “I can do it” She says.
“Alright…” Marcy says.

Marcy spends the next five or so minutes explaining her trick to Selene.
“I’m Selene-a” Selene says.
“Try it again, but more quickly” Marcy says.
“I’m Selena” Selene says, then she looks between you and Marcy with a huge grin.
“Good job!” Marcy says.

You reach the gates while Selene is still beaming.

Unfortunately, the guards look serious. Hopefully word of Selene’s “kidnapping” has yet to reach their ears.

“Hold” The guard says as you approach.
“Is there a problem?” You ask.
“No” The guard says.
“So why are you stopping us?” You ask.
“Something’s gone down at the Castle. Orders are to check everyone going through these gates” He says.

Damn, so much for that…

>[ ] Take the lead, trust everyone to play along

>[ ] Let Marcy do the talking

>[ ] Dark Fog and leg it

>>40003523
>[ ] Take the lead, trust everyone to play along

>>40003523
>[ ] Take the lead, trust everyone to play along

>>40003523
>[ ] Take the lead, trust everyone to play along

>>40003523
>>[ ] Take the lead, trust everyone to play along

>>40003523
>[ ] Take the lead, trust everyone to play along

>writing

“Yes, the innkeeper mentioned something like that” You say. “Any idea what’s happened?”
“Nothing’s reached here yet, but it’s best to be cautious” The guard says. “What are your names?”

“Hector” You say.
“Marcella” Marcy says.
“Selena” Selene says energetically, still excited that she learned the trick.

“Your business in Harth?”
“We were visiting her sister” You say, indicating Marcy. “She’s been sick lately, and we wanted to come and help her out until she got back on her feet”

“Reason for leaving?” He asks.
“She’s back on her feet” You say.
“Right then” The guard says. “On you go”

“Thank you kindly” You say.
“Bye bye!” Selene says, waving enthusiastically to the guard.

The guard smiles warmly and waves back as the three of you make your way through the gate.

The second gate goes by just as easily. Either they don’t know just what’s happened, or your disguises and covers really are that good.

You’d like to think it’s the latter, but it’s probably the former…

Outside of town, you have some breathing room. Time to

>[ ] Get moving

>[ ] Stop and take stock of yourselves

>[ ] Call Kuma and ask how things went last night

>>40004188
>>[ ] Stop and take stock of yourselves
>>[ ] Call Kuma and ask how things went last night

>>40004188
>[ ] Get moving

Get some distance before anything happens.

>>40004188
>[ ] Get moving

>>40004188
>[ ] Get moving

>writing

“Alright, we should get moving” You say.
“Good idea” Marcy replies. “Get as much distance as we can before anyone thinks to come after us”

The three of you continue down the road, talking about various things. Mostly how displeased Marcy is that Laura didn’t at least hold off a bit on telling everyone that Selene had been kidnapped.

After about an hour, your arm gets tired and you have to put Selene down so she can use her own two legs.

Another hour and you start to notice that Marcy’s breath is getting irregular.

Yet another hour and Marcy stops. “Okay, no” She says. “I need a damn break”

Shit, it looks like it too. She’s absolutely covered in sweat, and she’s breathing heavily after the short bit of walking you just did…

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea” You say.

>Find somewhere with a little privacy to look at Marcy’s wound?

>Call Kuma and ask her how last night went?

>Other

>>40004720
>Find somewhere with a little privacy to look at Marcy’s wound?

>>40004720
>Find somewhere with a little privacy to look at Marcy’s wound?

>>40004720
>Find somewhere with a little privacy to look at Marcy’s wound?

>>40004720
>>Find somewhere with a little privacy to look at Marcy’s wound?

>writing

You give Marcy your shoulder and lead her off into the woods with Selene in tow. Once you don’t think you’ll be getting intruders, you lay her down and pull her dress up to take a look at her injuries.

“Gods, Marcy. This looks bad. Why didn’t you say something earlier?” You ask. Blood is seeping through the bandages, and the enchantment has obviously worn off.
“We were trying to put as much distance between us and the castle as we could, I didn’t want to be a burden” She says.

You reach up and flick her in the forehead. “Except that now you’re a real burden because we have to stop and change out the bandages, when I could have just re-enchanted them earlier” You say, flicking her a few more times for emphasis.

“Ow, ow! I get it, I get it!” She says. “I’ll be more vocal next tie I’m in pain”
“Is mama going to be okay?” Selene asks.
“Yes sweetie, she’ll be fine” You say.
“How did she get hurt?” She asks.
“She got hurt protecting your real mommy from the spectres” You say.

A realization dawns on Selene. “I forgot!” She says. Then she hops around Marcy to her uninjured side and hugs her.
“What?” Marcy asks as you start to take the bandages off.
“I told mommy I’d give you a biiiiiiiig hug, cuz your mommy and daddy died” She says.
“I-I…” Marcy starts, but she decides not to say what she was about to. “Thanks sweetie” She says instead, putting an arm around Selene.

“Do you feel better?” Selene asks.
“I do” She says.
“Mommy says that a good hug can fix anything” Selene says. “And I gotta get lotsa practice so that I can hug her aaaaaall day in two moths”
“Months” You say, cutting the last of the bandages off. “It’s two months”
“That.” Selene says. “Two months”

You smile.

>[ ] Ask Marcy how she’s holding up

>[ ] Ask Selene what her hug training is going to entail

>[ ] Call Kuma to talk about the thing

>>40005209
>[ ] Call Kuma to talk about the thing

>>40005209
>[ ] Ask Marcy how she’s holding up

>>40005209
>>[ ] Ask Marcy how she’s holding up
>Kuma
>Selene hugging practice; she can give Kuma pointers. She can be her Sensei.

>>40005209
>[ ] Ask Selene what her hug training is going to entail

>>40005209
>[ ] Call Kuma to talk about the thing

>writing

>>40005209
>[ ] Ask Marcy how she’s holding up

As you work on Marcy’s leg, you whistle for Kuma.

Kuma pops out of the bushes and gets down on one knee. “Yes master?” She asks.
“Holy shit!” Marcy shouts, visibly tensing up.
“Calm down, it’s just Kuma” You say.
“A little warning next time then?” She asks.
“Fine” You say. “Kuma, how did things go in the Castle?”

“Quite well” She says.
“Tell me about it” You say, all too used to having to get info out of this girl.
“The King was pleased that you had already started working. Melissa agreed to have her force blockade Feldown’s ports.” She says.

“And the saboteurs?” You ask.
“Already getting into position” She says. “I should be receiving word of their success any day now”
“Good” You say.
"Sounds like you've been busy" Marcy says. "Did you guys talk this all out last night after I hit the hay?"

"Yes" Kuma says, still on her knee. It's like she's afraid to stand or somthing...
“At ease, Kuma” You say.

Kuma stands. “Yes Master” She says.

>[ ] Ask her if anyone is pursuing you yet

>[ ] Ask her about herself

>[ ] Other

>>40005893
>[ ] Ask her if anyone is pursuing you yet
>[ ] Ask her about herself

>>40005893
>>[ ] Ask her if anyone is pursuing you yet
>>[ ] Ask her about herself

>writing

“Is anyone from the Castle pursuing us yet?” You ask. As you begin rewrapping Marcy’s wounds.
“Not that I am aware of” She says. “At the moment they are still searching for you in the city”
“How long do you think that will last?” Marcy asks.
“At least until they suspect that you are no longer in the city” Kuma replies.

“I figured that” Marcy says. “But how long?”
Kuma looks uncomfortable. “A day?” She says.
“That gives us plenty of time. We’ll be in the next town by then” Marcy says.

You tighten up the bandages as you wrap the last of it, eliciting a grunt from Marcy. “That’s only if we don’t have to make any more unexpected stops” You say.
“We were over this already. I won’t try to brave the damn pain again” She says.
You tie off the bandages. “Good. Now hold still while I enchant these” You say.

You picture a body in your mind and have that body receive the same injury as Marcy, allowing the stolen health to flow from the injured body into the bandages.

“There” You say.
“Thanks, I feel better already” Marcy says. “Isn’t Gi-… Hector a good healer Selena?”

Marcy pauses. “Selena?” She asks.

Selene appears to have fallen asleep at some point…
Marcy looks back up at you, and you both laugh.

>[1/2]

Marcy lifts Selene as she sits up, wincing as she does so.

“Easy there” You say, taking Selene from her as you help her stand up.
“Thanks” She says.

“Will that be all master?” Kuma asks.
“No, not quite yet” You say. “I want to know something”
Kuma looks confused. “What would you like to know?” She asks.

“I realize now that I know next to nothing about you” You say. “If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to rectify that”
Kuma looks around nervously. “I-… ummm… o-okay” She says. “What would you like to know?”

>Choose two

>[ ] How long she’s been with the brotherhood

>[ ] Whether she has any family

>[ ] What was up with her little break in character last night

>[ ] What her role in the brotherhood actually is

>[ ] Other

>>40006507
>[ ] How long she’s been with the brotherhood
>[ ] What her role in the brotherhood actually is
lets go easy on her

>>40006507
>>[ ] How long she’s been with the brotherhood
>[ ] What her role in the brotherhood actually is

>>40006507
>[ ] What was up with her little break in character last night

Someone has to push the red button it might as well be me.

>>40006507
>[ ] What was up with her little break in character last night
I really want to know

>>40006507

>[ ] How long she’s been with the brotherhood

>[ ] What her role in the brotherhood actually is

>>40006507

>[ ] What was up with her little break in character last night

>[ ] What her role in the brotherhood actually is

>what is with you guys and tied votes tonight?

>Kuma's role is leading, new vote for the second option

>[ ] Ask about last night

>[ ] Ask how long she's been with the brotherhood

>>40006602
>>40006657
Considering her over literal nature, her clear un-ease at operating outside of her 'script', and her odd moment of disregarding boundaries, I'm detecting hints of autism.

>>40006786
The first ever mention of autism on /tg/ in a context that is totally not shitposting. I am amazed.

>>40006782
>[ ] Ask about last night
Why not. Should be entertaining at least.

>>40006854
Fuck it, that'll be the tiebreaker

>writing

>>40006854
I know it's kinda incredible.

“What exactly is your role in the brotherhood?” You ask.
“I am currently acting as your liaison” She says.
“I know that, but what were you before?” You ask.
“I was… an assassin” She says.
“Just an assassin?” You ask.
Kuma nods.

“Okay… now for a harder one” You say.

Kuma does not look too happy about the prospect of a harder question.
“What about your little outburst last night?” You ask.
“What little outburst?” She asks, very clearly playing dumb.

“When you decided to rub Selene’s head for good luck” You say.
“Ah, that… outburst” She says, letting out a small nervous chuckle. “She… looked soft”

“She looked soft?” You ask.
“Yes” Kuma says.
“And that’s why you went all giggly on me?” You ask.
Kuma grinds one of her feet into the ground and crosses her arms behind her back, looking like a child that’s been caught doing something they shouldn’t. “Yes…” She says.

“I know that you and your assassin are having some quality time, but we really should be moving” Marcy says.
“Yes, right” You say.

Kuma sighs in relief at being released from your questioning. “I will be close by, Master” She says.
You and Marcy head back to the road. “Thank you Kuma” You say.

Quite the bunch you’ve landed yourself with…

>>40007104
I detect an end of thread post coming.

That's all for tonight. I hope you guys still enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it!

Next thread will most likely be tomorrow, starting at around the same time as today's did.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time.

>>40007126
Fucking nailed it

>>40007127
Thanks for running Smiley!

>>40007126
Spot on anon.

>>40007127
Thanks for running Smiley!

>>40007127
Why is it 3am Smiley. You terrible person you. I need to read these in the mornings more often...

>>40007127
thanks for running

>>40007127
Excellent thread, as always!

>>40007126
Damn. Next time I'll have to put choices or a [1/2], and then be all "just kidding! thread's over!"

>>40007174
It's only 2 over here. But if my sleep must suffer for the sake of these threads; so, too, must yours.

>>40007235
You aren't an Australian QM, so your ability to cause suffering is sub-standard.

>>40007235
That would make me your neighbour to the (north)east. Assuming you're american.

>>40007271
I'm Canadian, so my desire to cause suffering is pretty sub-standard too.

S-sorry for running so late guys

>>40007325
>>40007318
Smiley pls, Atlantic Canada is suffering.

>>40007325
Archived.