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>/qst/ Thread Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Beyond%20the%20Gate
>QM Twitter: twitter.com/SmileytheQM

After Ilica shows you the proper way to hold a baby, and how to angle the bottle, and several other important details you need to know when feeding a baby, you finally give Hella the bottle that she's been eyeing the whole time it's been here.

You'd never thought that this would be so involved. You're starting to think that you might not be qualified for this...

"There you go" Ilica says. "Wow, somebody's hungry"
"Yeah, I am pretty hungry" You reply.

Ilica sighs. "Not you" She says.
Gabriella lets out a quiet giggle. If you weren't looking at the two of them, you would have missed it.

"I'm probably hungrier than she is" You say.
"Why don't you try taking the bottle away and asking her?" Ilica asks. The smile on her face tells you that it is not an innocent suggestion.

Still, you look down at Hella, and she meets your eye... and then she tries to smack you. Luckily her arms are too short to reach your face, so she just clumsily flails around.

You look up to see Gabriella whispering to Ilica.

"What's up?" You ask.
"She says that eating and running around are Hella's two favourite things" Ilica says.
You nod and look back down at the baby. "It's a good balance" You say. "Run until you're hungry, then eat until you have the energy to run again. I think I could learn a thing or two from her"
"Except you have to do a bit more than just run..." Ilica says, with a troubled expression.
"Something wrong?" You ask.
"I dunno... I'm still worried about the Commander's plan..." She says. "Are you positive you want to go through with it?"

>You're welcome to take my place

>Pawsitive

>I try not to think about it

>Other
>>
>>283775
>>Pawsitive
>>
>>283775
>Pawsitive
>>
>>283775
>>>Pawsitive
>>
>>283775
>Other
"Is there anything about it that bothers you, or do you not like the idea that I could get hurt?"
>>
>writing
>>
"Pawsitive" You say.

...

"Get it? pawsitive?"

Hella tries to smack you again.

"I think she gets it" Ilica says. "But seriously..."
"I'll be fine" You say. "Derrick will be with me, and so will Pip"
"Yes, because the mouse being along for the ride fills me with confidence..." Ilica says.

"It'll be okay" You say. "We'll blow up the prison and be out in no time. Then there'll be no prison, and the country will be safe... er"

"Just promise that you'll be safe, okay?" Ilica asks. "I don't want to hear that we brought you all the way here from that darn place only for you to go back and get k-... hurt"
"I'll be fine" You say.
"Are you sure?" She asks.
"Probably" You say. "I know I'll have at least 3 of my limbs when I come back"

Gabriella giggles.

"Not helping" Ilica says.

Before she can continue, the staffer comes back and puts down 3 plates of food in front of you, Ilica, and Gabriella.

You move to reach for a fork, but you have a baby in one hand and a bottle in the other...

>You don't need hands

>Ask Ilica for some help

>Other
>>
>>283895
>>Ask Ilica for some help
"Help"
>>
>>283895
>Ask Ilica for some help
"So...can we swap at some point?"
>>
>>283895
>>Ask Ilica for some help
>>
>>283895
>>Ask Ilica for some help
>>
>>283895
>Ask Ilica for some help
>>
>>283895
>Ask Ilica for some help
"Speaking of at least three limbs..."
>>
>>283895
>You don't need hands

Lets do this!
>>
>writing
>>
"Speaking of at least three limbs... I only have 2 hands, and they're both full" You say.
"So?" Ilica asks.
"I have no hands, but I must eat" You say. "Think you could help me out?"

"Can you wait maybe 5 minutes?" Ilica asks.

Your stomach growling answers that question for her. It also startles Hella, who pops the bottle out of her mouth.

"Issa bear, kitty?" Hella asks Ilica
"No, it's not a bear" Ilica says. "Now's a good time, try shifting her like..."

Ilica reaches over again, Hella in your lap so she's positioned in a way that you no longer have to hold her up.

"... that" She says. "Better?"
"Yes" You say. "Do I still need to hold the bottle?"

Hella answers that by trying to fumble the bottle up to her mouth. So with your left hand you hod it up for her, while your right grabs a fork.

At last... food.

>cont
>>
>>283994
>"Issa bear, kitty?"
I think I just got diabetes.
>>
With nothing further in your way, you dig in.

The food itself is not amazing, but it is food. So it is good.

You keep talking to Ilica between mouthfuls, and Hella tries to whack you every time you make a bad joke. But eventually, the meal finishes.

"Man, I needed that" You say.
"I can tell" Ilica says. "All that action worked up an appetite?"
"Yes" You say. "I think I might have died of starvation on the way here if the devils hadn't shared their cookies with me..."
"Aww" Ilica says. "I wonder where they'll be staying?"
"We'll have to ask if we see them" You say. "Should we get going?"
"Probably. We're not the only ones who are hungry after all" Ilica says. "What about you, Gabriella. You ready to go?"

Gabriella looks sad, as she whispers to Ilica.

"Well we can go find you a change of clothes" Ilica says.
"What's wrong?" You ask.
"She dropped some food on her clothes" Ilica says.

You look at the shirt that Gabriella's wearing, and see a red stain. Probably from the pasta...

"Aww, don't worry about it Gabriella" You say. "It's all in the past-a now"

...

"Weird. Hella usually smacks me for making jokes like that" You say.
"Yeah, I was waiting for that" Ilica says.

You look down to see why Hella isn't hitting you. She's sound asleep, only stirring when the hunter next to you lets out a loud laugh...

>Tell them to be quiet

>Head somewhere else

>Other
>>
>>284065
>Head somewhere else
Is there any reason to stick around?
>>
>>284065
>>Tell them to be quiet
>>
>>284065
>>Head somewhere else
we still need to replace our cloths as well dont we
>>
>>284065
>Tell them to be quiet
>>
>>284065
>>Head somewhere else
>>
>writing
>>
"Shh!" You say to the hunter next to you in a harsh whisper. "The baby is sleeping"

He looks kind of mad when he turns around, but calms right down when he sees Hella.

"Oh, sorry" He whispers.
"What's wrong, Grant?" The hunter he was talking to asks.
"Shh!" 'Grant' says. "Baby's sleeping"

The other hunter quiets right down, even shushing another loud hunter. After the shushing goes around the table, the whole dining room is almost silent.

"Maybe we should go elsewhere" Ilica says.
"Shh!" One of the hunters responds.

You look over to Ilica and nod. Then Gabriella slides off her lap, and she reaches over to pick Hella up.

"Here, I have the softer hands" She whispers.

Looking at her fluffy paws, you really can't argue with that.

As you get up to leave, a few of the hunters wave goodbye, so you wave back.

Once you've left the dining room, Ilica turns to you. "Where to now?" She asks.

>Let's find Hella's mom

>I still need to replace my stuff

>Get Gabriella a change of clothes

>Other
>>
>>284198
>>I still need to replace my stuff
>>Get Gabriella a change of clothes
>>
>>284198
>>Let's find Hella's mom
then
>Get Gabriella a change of clothes
then
>I still need to replace my stuff
>>
>>284198
>>I still need to replace my stuff
>>Get Gabriella a change of clothes
>>
>>284216
Seems about right. I'm sure mommy could point us to where we could get a change of clothes for a little girl while we're there.
>>
>writing
>>
"Let's see if we can find her mom" You say.
"Good plan" Ilica says, as she turns to Gabriella. "Any idea where we could find her?"

"Mom should be in the back" Gabriella says. "This way"

Gabriella heads off away from the dining room, and Ilica follows. You stand there for a moment wondering why she can talk now, but couldn't before. Then you follow as well.

She leads you back through the guild hall, past where you remember the baths being, to a row of rooms in the back.

"In here" She says.

You head into the room she pointed at, and 3 pairs of rabbit ears point in your direction.

"Hello" You say. "Stello, Daniello"

"Hey you guys" Stella says in a hushed tone. It's easy to see why she's speaking quietly, as little Hella doesn't seem to be the only sleeping baby. The other baby, Michael you think his name was, is asleep in a crib next to the desk in the center of the room. "What brings you all here?"

"We brought sleeping baby" You say, stepping to the side so Ilica and Gabriella can come in.
"Awwww..." Stella says. "Somebody's tired"
"I am a little tired, yeah" You say.

Ilica flicks your head. "She wasn't talking about you" She says.
"But I am tired..." You say.

Daniella stands up and walks over to Ilica. "Give her here. I'll put her next to her brother" She says, as she takes little Hella from Ilica.

>We also need clothes

>Ask how the hunters are settling in so far

>Other
>>
>>284367
>>We also need clothes
>>
>>284367
>>We also need clothes
>>
>writing
>>
"We also need clothes" You say.
"We?" Stella asks. "I know about the big hole in your shirt, who else... oh"

Daniella sets little Hella down in the crib next to Michael. Her eyes linger on them for a moment, and she smiles before turning to the rest of you. "Stella, you know where Gabby's room is. You mind bringing her up and getting her changed into her pajamas?"

"No problem" Stella says, as she walks over and takes Gabriella's hand. "Come on, Gabby. I wanna see how cute your PJ's are~"

"As for you... what did you need?" Daniella asks.
"A hat, a cloak, and a shirt" You say.
"Right, I remember those" She says. "How'd you lose them?"

"My hat got stuck under a monster, my cloak got burned by a demon, and Carthac stabbed me" You say.
"Oh my goodness, are you okay?" Hella asks.
You shrug. "I gave it as good as I got it" You say.

"Right, Castor mentioned you when he came by" Daniella says. "Hella, would you mind?"
"Me? S-sure" Hella says.
"I wouldn't normally delegate, but..." Daniella says.
"You're busy, I know" Hella says. "Come on guys, let's get your stuff"

Hella heads out the door, and you turn to follow.

"Oh, and Ilica?" Daniella says.
"Mmm?" Ilica replies.
"Thank you so much for your help today" Daniella says.
"Don't sweat it" Ilica says. "They're good kids. If you want, I could come by tomorrow as well"

"I was going to ask about that..." Daniella says. "How would you feel about... more children?"
"More children?" Ilica asks.

Daniella pauses while she thinks about how to phrase things, and you-

>Listen in

>Go with Hella

>Other
>>
>>284471
>>Go with Hella
I'm sure she's just going to babysit more kids.
>>
>>284471
>>Listen in
>>
>>284471
>>Go with Hella
>>
>>284471
>Listen in

This somehow feels like it could be a factor in the Ilica route. How many kids *Does* she feel comfortable with/want?
>>
>>284471
>>Go with Hella
>>
>>284471
>Go with Hella
>>
>writing
>>
"I'll be back" You say.
"Yeah" Ilica replies.

You head out of the room, where Hella is waiting. When she sees that you're following, she starts leading again.

"There's been a rumor going around that the Archer's Pride picked up someone who took on the Legion alone... that wasn't you, was it?" Hella asks.
"Not just me, no" You say. "There were some other people there"
"But you were fighting the Legion" Hella says.

"That much is true" You say.

Hella seems bothered by that.

"What's up?" You ask.
"I'm just... worried" She says.
"You too?" You ask. "I keep telling everyone that I'll be fine..."

"N-not about you!" She says. "W-well... yes, about you, but it's not just that. You know?"
"So what's up?" You ask again.
"I just... I heard the stories that came out from when they conquered Antolia..." Hella says. "None of them were good... but the invasion started just like this, with a few border raids"

"You think they're winding up?" You ask.

Hella nods, and you pat her shoulder.

"Carthac can't even get past me" You say. "If he can't manage one teenager, how is he going to take on the whole country?"
"Carthac isn't the one I'm afraid of" Hella says.

>Who are they scared of?

>Change the subject and ask if she's happy to see her sister

>Change the subject and ask how she's adjusting to Locke

>Other
>>
>>284550
>Who are they scared of?
>>
>>284550
So I met your Dad, He seems nice

>Didn't like my other post after I thought about it
>>
>>284556
I'm guessing that she, and her sisters, don't want people to treat them differently.
>>
>writing
>>
"If not Carthac, then who?" You ask.
"The Legion's real leader, Mahron" Hella says. "Even if you take half of what you hear about him as made up... he's still terrifying"
"He can't be that bad" You say.
"Don't say that too loud" Hella says. "A handful of the hunters here, and a pretty big portion of Locke's population are refugees from Antolia. They got to see him in person..."

"Well... does he have a punchable face?" You ask.
"If you can punch through a steel mask" Hella says.
"He wears a steel mask?" You ask. "Why?"

"No one really knows" Hella says. "Word is that he never takes it off"
"How does he eat with it on?" You ask.

Hella starts to answer, but comes up with nothing.

"Maybe it has a hole in it, and he drinks everything through a straw" You say. "Well, either way it's probably not good to talk about it here. I'll have to ask Carthac about him next time I'm taking one of his spears"

Hella giggles.

"What?" You ask.
"You're probably one of the only people I've met who'll crack a joke about the legion" She says.
You shrug. "Being serious about something all the time only makes it scarier" You say. "Fear is a good motivator when push comes to shove, but there's no sense in letting it control you when push isn't coming to shove"

Hella looks surprised. "That's... oddly profound" She says. "You seem like you've matured a bit since I first saw you"
"You mean since like... 2 days ago?" You ask.
"Yeah" She says.

You shrug. "I learn fast" You say. "So I met your dad. He seems like a cool guy"
Hella smiles. "You don't become the Huntmaster by being mean" She says.
"I'm surprised neither you or Stella mentioned the fact that your dad was basically the most powerful man in the world" You say.

"All of the Hunters know" Hella says. "We're not-"
"Not used to dealing with non-hunters" You say, finishing her sentence. "Stella said the same thing"
"Well... it's true" She says.

>cont
>>
"Here you go" Hella says as she hands you a bundle of clothes. "Hat, cloak, and shirt. Now, I don't think these are exactly the same as your old ones. But..."

"I'm not picky" You say, as you strip off your shirt to put on the replacement.

"Oh, wow" Hella says. "Are you sure you want to do that right now?"

You look around, and notice some of the other people around glancing at your chest. Then you shrug. "Too late now" You say, as you throw on the new shirt. "Snug"
"You might as well make sure the hat and the cloak don't droop too..." She says.

You throw on the cloak and the hat as well. They're not exactly the same colour, but they're close enough. "Also snug" You say.
"Good" Hella says. "Did you need anything else?"

>Do you?
>>
>>284668
A pouch to clip to our belt for snacks and other things
>>
>>284668
Any chance you could spare a sheath for my spears?
>>
>>284668
>Tell Stella to drop by the training ground, if she wants to see us getting our ass kicked.
>>
>writing
>>
"Is there any chance I could get some sort of pouch?" You ask.
"For what?" Hella asks.
"I dunno. Probably snacks and stuff" You say. "I mean, I can go for a while without food, but I don't really enjoy it"

"Ah, you mean a trail pouch" She says. "One moment"

Hella heads behind a counter, and you hear her doing something underneath it. Then she comes back out with a small pouch and hands it to you.

"Thanks" You say. "What's in it?"
"Nuts and dried fruit" She says. "Not exactly a meal, but if you really need to eat something it does the trick"
"Awesome... now where do I put it?" You ask.

Hella helps you clip the pouch to your belt. "Anything else?" She asks.
"Do you guys have sheaths for spears?" You ask.
"Not any that would fit under that cloak, no" She says. "And I thought you couldn't use that one spear"
You shrug. "Doesn't mean I can't carry it around" You say. "But if it won't fit, I guess I'll just keep them as a collection... and I guess that's it"

"Alright" She says. "Let's head back then. My aunt is bound to need me for something..."

The two of you start on your way back to Daniella's office.

"Keeping busy?" You ask.
Hella gives a tired smile. "More like 'run ragged'..." She says. "We only found out that everyone would be coming here at around noon... it's been completely hectic ever since"

You chuckle. "And I thought I was having a rough day" You say.
"It only got worse from there" She says. "the original message only said that they were bringing in personnel from Leon. We got another one later on that said that everyone from Contique, Sherton, and Bell's Run would be coming too"

>Why the change?

>Things seem to be quieting down

>Anything I can do?

>Other
>>
>>284769
>>Why the change?
>>Anything I can do?
>>
>>284769
>>Anything I can do?
>>
>>284769
>Why the change?
>Anything I can do?
>>
>writing
>>
"Why the sudden change?" You ask.
"Apparently there was a long and heated discussion on the Archer's Pride as they were heading to Contique" Hella says. "In the end the dangers of leaving all those hunters behind outweighed the organizational nightmare of setting them all up here..."

"Is there anything I can do?" You ask.
"It's pretty much handled now. Besides, aren't you busy at the castle?" She asks.
"Nah, I'm off today" You say. "Which is why I was in the woods fighting demons"

"You and I have different ideas on what to do when you have a day off" Hella says.
"To be fair, I didn't go out there to fight demons..." You say.
"I know, I'm just teasing" She says. "I think the most you could do now is help set up the camp ground outside the wall, but we've got a bunch of arachnids on that"

"Like Ariadne?" You ask.
"It was her idea. She's... very enthusiastic" Hella says. "But Aunt Danny was the one who had us round up every arachnid in the city and have them help out"
"Neat" You say.

"All that's left to do for us is equipment and personnel logs... every hunter and piece of gear that came in needs to be recorded so we can make sure it all goes back out again..." She says. "But I know you're not the best at reading, so I'll spare you from that"
"Thanks" You say.

With that, you both step back into Daniella's office. Complete with sleeping babies, Gabriella in her Pjs, and Stella admiring said sleeping babies.

"Lookin' good" Ilica says with a smile.

>Ask what they were talking about

>Offer to let them come watch you get your butt kicked

>Say goodbye and head back to the castle

>Other
>>
>>284875
>>Ask what they were talking about
>>Say goodbye and head back to the castle
>>
>>284875
>>Offer to let them come watch you get your butt kicked
>>
>>284875
>Ask what they were talking about

>Offer to let them come watch you get your butt kicked
Whenever they wish, of course.
>>
>writing
>>
You smile back, as Ilica stands up from where she was sitting on Daniella's desk.

"Ready to go?" She asks.
"Pretty much" You say.

"You guys are heading out?" Stella asks.
"Yeah" Ilica says. "But I'll see you guys tomorrow"
"See you" Gabriella says.

"And hey, if you guys have a minute then feel free to stop by the castle and watch me get my butt kicked for a bit" You say.
"Why would we want to watch you get your butt kicked?" Stella asks.
You shrug. "It'd give me an excuse to take a break from getting my butt kicked" You say.

That gets a giggle from the rabbits.

"Maybe" Stella says. "I'll be sure to send a sprite ahead if I do"
"Alright" You say. "By everyone"
"Bye!"

With that, you and Ilica head out of the office and into the hall.

"So what did Daniella want to talk to you about?" You ask.
"A promotion" She says.
"From babysitter to...?"
"I dunno... daycare worker?" She says. "Point is, Hunters brought their families. Most of them will be busy getting settled over the next few days, so I'll be watching their children"
"Alone?" You ask.
"Nah, I'll have help" She says. "And hey, maybe I could bring the tots by to watch you get your butt kicked"

"Whoa, I was inviting guests, not an audience" You say.
Ilica shrugs. "Just a thought" She says. "Plus it'll be entertaining to see Hella try to join in on the fight when you make one of your bad jokes"
"They are not bad jokes" You say. "And what does a 1 year old know about humour anyway?"
"More than you, clearly" Ilica says.
>>
That's all for tonight!

Next thread will likely be on Wednesday, but that's kind of up in the air as I'm currently hunting for an apartment.

As always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time.
>>
>>284989
thanks senpai
>>
>>284989
Thanks for running Smiley, Best of luck finding a decent place
>>
>>284989
Great thread, Smiley!
>>
>>284981
>More than you, clearly
"How catty of you, Ilica."
>>
>>284989
Are you looking with Sue?
>>
>>284989
Thanks for running
>>
I think Yuu might be turning into a Dad
The puns, man
>>
"She does not know more about humour than me" You say. "I'm hilarious"

"Hilarious...ly bad..." Ilica says. "At comedy"
"For one year olds" You say.
"For everyone" She says.
"People think I'm funny" You say.
"Oh yeah? Who?" Ilica asks.

"Uhh... Gabriella was laughing" You say.
"She was probably laughing because Hella was trying to smack you" Ilica says.
"Well then... Hella and Stella laugh at my jokes" You say.

"They're being courteous" Ilica says.
"Cour-tee-ous?" You ask.
"Being nice, because you're a friend" She says.
"Oh... why don't you do that?" You ask.

She thinks for a second, then shrugs. "I dunno. Probably because you're fun to tease"

You furrow your brow in thought. "So it has to be someone who isn't a friend, and isn't nice enough to laugh out of courtesy, and there couldn't have been anything else to laugh at..." You say.

>There was that demon girl earlier...

>Does Madelaine count?

>You've laguhed at my jokes before...

>Other
>>
>>There was that demon girl earlier...

>>You've laughed at my jokes before...
>>
>>295872
>>There was that demon girl earlier...
>>
>>295872

>You've laguhed at my jokes before...
>>
>>295872
>There was that demon girl earlier...
>You've laguhed at my jokes before...
>>
>>295872
>There was that demon girl earlier...
>>
>>295872
>>There was that demon girl earlier...
>>
>writing
>>
"You've laughed at my jokes" You say.
"Only when I'm in a good mood" She says.
"Does that make it not count, too?" You ask.

Ilica nods.

You frown. "I'm starting to think that this game is rigged..."
Ilica gently paws your head. "He catches on quick. Got any others?"

You furrow your brow and think. "Well... there was that demon back in the woods. The one that was burning everything" You say.
"Was she laughing with you, or at you?" Ilica asks.
"I dunno" You say. "She thought it was pretty funny when I started talking about starting a collection of Carthac's spears"

"Why would she find that funny?" Ilica asks.
"I dunno" You say. "She also kept calling me cutie"

Ilica raises an eyebrow. "Are you sure she was an enemy?" She asks.
"She was shooting fireballs at me" You say.
"Huh..." Ilica says. "Was she cute?"

>I guess...

>I'm not answering that

>Why do you want to know that?

>Other
>>
>>296006
>I guess...
Didn't have cute ears though.
>>
>>296006
>>I guess...
in a fire slinging demon kinda way
>>
>>296006
>yes.
>no.
>maybe.
>what was the question.
That or
>1,000 eye stare and hand stroking invisible wizard beard as we contemplate if she is cute.
>>
>writing
>>
"I guess... in a fire slinging demon sort of way" You say, as you reach over to poke Ilica's ear. "She didn't have cute ears though"

Ilica's ear flicks, and she swats away your hand. "What kind of girl was she?" Ilica asks.
"A devil... a red one, like Lily" You say.
"Huh" Ilica says. "Those are supposed to be pretty rare. Odd that you'd end up meeting more than one"

"Maybe I attract them" You say. "Like a magnet"

Ilica gives you a strange look, then she shrugs. "I wouldn't say so. 2 could be coincidence. If you meet a third or fourth, then we can say that you attract them"
"I should go looking for one then" You say.
"That's... not how that works" She says.
"Oh" You say. "I guess I can wait for them to come to me then"
"Why are you so set on this?" She asks.
"I think their tails are cool" You say. "On the airship, Fran was using hers to write things down"

"That counts as cool to you?" She asks.
"Yeah" You say. "It's like having a third arm. Imagine how many things you could do with a third arm"
"One more" She says. "Exactly one more thing"
"That's one more thing than you can do with 2 arms" You say.

Ilica sighs. "You have interesting priorities" She says.
"Thank you" You say.
"That wasn't a compliment..."

>cont
>>
You and Ilica continue to chat as you make your way up to the castle.

Locke seems busy right now, though you guess that's because of the Hunters. It looked like just about everyone was helping out down at the docks.

Even at the castle things look busy. You wonder why, until you remember that some of the hunters are going to be living here for the time being.

Maybe some of the ones you know will be there, like Lance and Archer, or that one that you met back in Bell's Run... who had a name, you just can't remember it.

Well, unless he didn't have a name. That would be strange. What do you call someone without a name?

"Yuu" Ilica says.

You jump back in shock at Ilica somehow answering your question for you.

Ilica gives you another odd look, then continues. "Where to?" She asks.

Oh, right. You'd forgotten that Yuu was just what they called you, and Emi figured it was your name...

...

You should probably answer her question.

>Let's go find Derrick

>Let's go find Emi

>Let's hit the baths

>I should probably go see Altea...

>Other
>>
>>296122
>>I should probably go see Altea...

and I am off to work, later Smiley
>>
>>296122
>I should probably go see Altea...
>>
>>296122
>I should probably go see Altea...

Hey Ilica why didn't I have a name?
>>
>writing
>>
"I should go see Altea" You say.
"Ah..." She says. "Need backup?"
"Nah, I should be fine" You say.
"Okay" She says. "You know where she'll be?"
"Nope" You say.

"Come on then, I'll help you look at least" She says.

The two of you head into the castle, and start asking the soldiers and knights where Altea might be.

The first few don't know, but the 4th person you ask tells you that she's in the meeting hall. So you go up there.

When you get there, you find the meeting hall almost empty. The only person inside is Altea. On the table in front of her is a mug, and several papers.

You turn to Ilica, who gives you a thumbs up, before entering.

Altea looks up from what she's reading when she notices you. "Ah, good evening Yuu"
"Good evening" You say.

"I was wondering where you'd run off to" She says. "Do anything interesting today?"

"Sort of" You say.
"Sort of?" She asks. "Do tell"

>Well I was minding my own business...

>I think you might be impressed by this one

>Am I in trouble?

>Other
>>
>>296232
>Well I was minding my own business...
>>
>writing
>>
>>296232

>Well I was minding my own business...
>>
"Well I was minding my own business..." You say.
"I doubt that, but go on" She says.

You let out a nervous chuckle, then continue. "I was minding my own business, taking some friends out to a cave that I found, when these crusader guys attacked us, and then this monster attacked us, and then the Hell's Legion attacked us..."

Altea folders her hands below her chin, and then rests her forehead on them. "Did you consider that maybe leaving the city was not the best idea?" She asks.

"It did not occur to me" You say.
"Look, Yuu" She says. "You may not know this yet, so I'll let you in on something: it is not safe outside the walls. With the Legion getting bolder by the day, the Inquisition looking for new people to feed to their pet prison, bandits, monsters, everything"

>Sorry...

>I can handle myself

>Well the Legion may be a bit less bold now...

>Other
>>
>>296339
>Sorry...
>>
>>296339
>>I can handle myself
>>
>>Sorry...
>>
>writing
>>
"Sorry..." You say.
"Don't be sorry" She says. "Just try to stay safe, alright? If not indefinitely, then at least until after you've destroyed the chaos engine at Mortifas"

"I think I can handle that" You say. "But I must warn you, I'm apparently terrible at being careful"

Altea sighs. "Do I need to post a guard on you? Because I can do that" She says.
"You don't need that... probably" You say. "Ilica watches me pretty closely"

"You mean the Felid whose ears I can see?" Altea asks. "Don't duck back now. You're not fooling anyone"

You turn around to see Ilica nervously stepping into view.

"Eh heh heh... hi" She says.
"Hello" You reply.

Ilica gives you a dull look, before turning to Altea. "Sorry for eavesdropping..."

Altea rubs her temples. "Don't worry about it... there's far too much worry in this place as it is..." She says.

>Something wrong?

>Can I go now?
>>
>>296422
>Something wrong?
>>
>>296422
>>Something wrong?
>>
>writing
>>
"Something wrong?" You ask.
"Oh... just all of the things I mentioned" She says. "Meyu tells me that the monster you took out was to be sent to Locke, most likely for a raid similar to the one on Sherton"
"I did hear them say that" You say.

"Did you hear anything else?" Altea asks.
"Give me back my spear?" You say.
"Something important?" She says, correcting herself.

"Oh... uhh... not really" You say. "They seemed to be pretty afraid of the Hunters"
"The hunters earned that" Altea says. "The Antolian branch of their guild did more to hold off the Legion than the Antolian army did. The only reason why they haven't come at us in force is because they're still recouping their losses"

"With... more demons?" You ask. "Where would they find them?"
"The demons go to them" Altea says. "The Legion is strong, and it's a place where demons can practice their sin without being questioned or prosecuted"

"They don't seem that strong" You say. "But I've been told that it I've only seen a weak showing, so... yeah"
"The raids are nothing in comparison to what's coming" Altea says. "The trouble is finding a way to hold it off"

"We can't solve the other problems?" You ask. "With 5 cities worth of hunters, we could definitely dent the monster population"
"If the times were peaceful, yes" She says. "But the countryside is full of demons, bandits, inquisitors, and monsters, so Hunting expeditions are quite a bit more dangerous"

"So we deal with one problem at a time" You say. "Starting with the Inquisition"

Altea smiles. "Indeed" She says. "As for that, your training will recommence tomorrow. Hopefully if we tire you out, you'll sty out of trouble"
"I doubt that, but you're welcome to try" You say.

Altea's smile widens. "Oh, I'm telling them you said that. The girls do love a challenge"

You swallow, and say nothing. Lest your mouth get you into further trouble.

"And if there's nothing else, I still have quite a bit of work to do" She says.

>Ask if you can help

>Find someone(specify)

>Ask if Ilica can bring children here tomorrow

>Other
>>
>>296566

>Ask if you can help
>>
>>296566
>Ask if Ilica can bring children here tomorrow
>>
>>296566

>Ask if it's alright if you bring the little devils to the castle.
>>
>writing
>>
"Didn't you have to ask something, Ilica?" You ask.
"Oh yeah" Ilica says.

"What is it?" Altea asks.
"Well... I'm going to be doing some daycare work for the Hunter's Guild for the next day or so, and I was wondering if I could bring some of the kids up here" Ilica asks. "Not for the whole day, maybe just for lunch or something"

"The castle will probably be relatively quiet tomorrow, with the exception of Yuu's training" Altea says. "So that should be fine, so long as none of them get lost or find trouble"

"Really?" Ilica asks. "I thought that this place would be busy"

Altea shakes her head. "For the time being, this place is going to just be housing for the single hunters and the troops" She says. "Any excercises will be happening in the camp outside the walls, so it'll be relatively empty, with the exception of the staff and guard"
"Awesome!" Ilica says. "I guess that's it then. I'm gonna go hit the baths. Coming Yuu?"

"I'll catch up" You say.

Ilica waves to you and heads out, leaving you alone with Altea.

"Something else you need?" She asks.
"I was wondering if you needed any help" You say.

Altea looks around at the things on her desk, before picking up a stack of pages. "Well, these need to be taken down to the library to be filed, if you'd like to deliver them for me" She says. "Of course, if you don't want to I understand"

>Sure

>I should hit the baths too

>Why wouldn't I want to?

>Other
>>
>>296694
>>Why wouldn't I want to?
>>
>>296694
>Why wouldn't I want to?
>>
>>Sure
>>Why wouldn't I want to?
>>
>>296694

>Why wouldn't I want to?
>>
>writing
>>
"Why wouldn't I want to?" You ask.

Altea smiles awkwardly. "Well, you remember Jade right?" She asks.
"The gel person who I accidentally sat in last night? Yeah" You say.
"Well, she'd be the one you deliver it to" Altea says.

"Oh..." You say.
"So if you want to leave it to someone else, I understand" She says.

>It should be fine

>I think I'll let someone else do it

>Other
>>
>>296775
>>It should be fine
>>
>It should be fine
>>
>>296775
>>It should be fine
>Ask for directions
>>
>It should be fine
>i also want to say sorry for sitting her
>>
>writing
>>
"I should be fine" You say, as you walk over and take the stack of pages from Altea.

"If you say so" Altea says. "You know where the library is?"
"Kind of" You say. "That's the one with all the books, right? I accidentally ran into it when I was looking for the baths"

"Do you know how to get there from here?" She asks.
"Sort of..." You say. "It's downstairs... possibly to the left-"
"Right" She says.
"I am?"
"No. It's a right after the stairs" She says.

"Oh..." You say. "Then what?"

Altea sighs, and gives you the rest of the directions. They're fairly simple, but if anyone could mess them up...

Ah, that's a bit harsh. You've been improving.

"All set?" She asks.

You nod.

"I'll see you tomorrow then. And tell Jade that I owe her a drink" She says.
"For what?" You ask.
"She'll know" She says. "Now get going"
"Yes Ma'am- err... Commander" You say.

There is a long pause, where Altea is giving you a dirty look.

"Coma'amder"
"Get out"

>cont
>>
You make your way down the stairs, and then through the hallway.

The hallway to the right, not the left. Then it's another right, a left, door 1, 2, 3, aaand 4.

You stop in front of the familiar room, and knock on the door.

"Come in!" A female voice calls from the other side.

You try the knob, but find it locked. "It's locked" You call back.
"Darn it..." The female voice says. "Friggin door locks not playing nice with slime hands... hold on, I've almost got it... there!"

You hear the lock click, but the door doesn't open.

"The lock was hard enough, I ain't turnin' the knob for you too" The voice says.
"Oh, right" You say, as you turn the knob and open the door.

"Good morning" Jade says, once the door is open.
"Hello" You reply.
"What brings a young thing like you to the library this early?" She asks.

"Altea asked me to deliver these" You say, holding the papers out to her.
"Ah! Yes... wasn't expecting those so soon" She says. "Just put them on the desk. I'd take them, but Altea doesn't like having a little bit of me on all her precious files"

>I can't imagine why

>It's not morning...

>How are you doing the filing then?

>Ask if she recognizes you

>Other
>>
>>296903
>How are you doing the filing then?
>It's not morning...
>>
>>296903
>How are you doing the filing then?
>>
>>296903
>>How are you doing the filing then?
>>
>>296903
>>How are you doing the filing then?
>>
>writing
>>
"If you can't touch them, then how are you filing them?" You ask, as you put the papers on the table.
"Simple" She says, as she holds out a hand. Her hand starts to glow, and several glowing lights emerge from the library.

"Sprites" You say.
"I've made 8 of them" She says. "They take up a decent portion of my mana, but it's worth it. As someone who loves books, but can't touch them without getting slime everywhere, it's nice to have helpers"

You lean in for a closer look as the sprites all land on Jade's arm. The one sitting on the tip of her hand sees you, smiles, and waves. "Hi~" it says.

"This one can talk?" You ask.
"That's Valerie. She's the oldest" Jade says.
"Neat" You say.
"Now, if you'll give me a moment..." Jade says.

She starts speaking to the sprites on her arm in turn, telling each one which pages they should take, and where to bring them.

When she's done, they each stand up and salute before flying to the stack of papers on the desk. Then each one flies off in a different direction.

"Now that that's out of the way, what can I do for you?" Jade asks.
"That's... I came here to deliver those pages..." You say.
"Oh yeah!" She says, slapping her forehead. Her arm gets stuck in her head, and she seems to have some trouble getting it out. "Damn... hang on"

Jade pushes her arm ino her head, fusing it back into her body. Then a new arm grows out from her shoulder, and she turns back to you.

"That happens sometimes. It's no big deal" She says.
"Oh" You say.

Jade stretches out her new arm, and then looks at you like she's just realized something.

"Sayy... have I seen you before?" She asks.

>I'm that guy... the one who's... been around... yeah

>We met last night. I may have sat in you...

>Other
>>
>>297015
>We met last night. I may have sat in you...
>>
>>297015
>Yes
>>
>>297015
>>I'm that guy... the one who's... been around... yeah
>>
>>297015
>>We met last night. I may have sat in you..
>>
>>297015
>We met last night. I may have sat in you...
>>
>>297015
>>We met last night. I may have sat in you...
>>
>writing
>>
>>297015
>other
"gimme a sprite mold."
>>
"We met last night... I may have sat in you" You say.
"Did you?" She asks. "Hmm... nope I'm drawing a blank"
"You seemed pretty out of it" You say.

"Was it in the baths?" She asks.
"Yes"
"That sounds like me" She says. "Warm water makes me all fuzzy"
"Fuzzy?" You ask.
"Fuzzy" She says. "I probably didn't even care that you sat in me, so you shouldn't either"

"Well... you did take the time to patch me up" You say.

Her head perks up a bit. "I did?" She asks. "Oh I did! That was you, the guy with no heartbeat and the scar that wouldn't damn well go away"
"Yeah, that's me" You say.
"Do you have any idea how frustrating that was as a healer, to see a scar that just wouldn't damn well heal?" She asks. "In fact, take off your shirt. I wanna give it another go"

"I'd rather not..."
"Come on! It won't take long I promise" She says.

"Jade, I found that stuff you were looking for. But... just what do you need this or anyway?"

Jade stops and looks past you to the door. "Oh, hey Emi. Hand that to me, I need it for the potion I'm brewing"
"Emi?" You ask, turning to see who she was talking to.

"Yuu!" Emi shouts, as she quickly wraps you up in her tail and arms. "I heard about what happened out there! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine" You say, remembering what you thought when you met Stella on the airship. "You give the best hugs, Emi"

Emi giggles. "Yeah, you sound fine to me"
>>
That's all for tonight!

Next thread will be like... Sunday or something. I've managed to find an apartment, which means that things will be even more hectic as I get ready to move. I'll try to keep the threads at least semi-regular in spite of that.

And as always I'll be sticking around for question/suggestion time
>>
>>297131
Great thread, Smiley!
>>
>>297131
Thanks for running, This is the first thread i've been able to catch live since the move to /qst/ it's...different.
>>
>>297131
Good luck with your new apartment, thanks for the thread!



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