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File: Witch Apprentice.jpg (385 KB, 1024x1365)
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"So uh, now I just.. jam it in?"

She nods. "Right where I showed you, remember?"

"How hard should I..?"

"Hard as you can." She says.

"I see.. Gotta get it in there good and deep, huh?"

I take a deep breath. I can do this. It's not weird or anything, I can do it.

"So..?" She asks, her tone impatient.

"Are you sure it's okay?" I ask, feeling the size of it in my hand. "It seems pretty big. I'm not sure we should do this.."

"Just do it already!"

"O-okay.. I'm going to put it in now!"

Deep breath..

"Three!"

Steady..

"Two!"

And..

!!

-+-+-

"Haha, wow! That was really amazing! I feel really great right now!"

Even Amalia can't keep herself from smiling a little after that. "Was pretty good." She mumbles under her breath.

"Just pretty good?! It was the best! Everything went just right!"

She has no idea how nervous I had been about this test! After how troublesome that poison was to brew, I had absolutely no idea if it had gone right or horribly wrong!

I was even more nervous when I saw that poor bear she had caught. It was all tied up and looked so frightened! Have you ever seen a bear look afraid before? I sure haven't! It's crazy enough that Amalia managed to catch it all, even more so without killing it or anything like that stuff hunters usually do. But I swear, that bear was crying! Can bears even cry?!

Even Amalia must have felt a little sorry for the poor teddy. She didn't really show it, but then, when does she actually show what she's feeling? I'm so happy it all worked out though. For a moment back there I had considered only using a half dose to test the tranquillizing poison on it since I wasn't really sure about whether it was too weak or maybe so strong that it would kill the poor teddy.

In the end though, I figured that if we're catching this poor animal and restraining it, and then injecting it with a poison, even if it's only meant to knock it out for a while, then we owe it to the bear to make the most of it and do the test right and proper. Otherwise, isn't it just pointless cruelty? At least this way, there was a reason for what we were doing to it..

And it worked out! Perfectly! It only took a few seconds for the bear to fall asleep, but it kept breathing and everything all the while. No damage at all, just like what I wanted the poison to do! And that's why I'm so happy! Not only is the teddybear unharmed, we untied it and everything while it was out, but what's more, I brewed it just right! Without Mistress showing me how to do it first or anything, I did it all on my own!

Just like a real witch!

"Hey Amalia, before when we were about to do the test injection, why were you blushing like that?"

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>>1254343
"GRORAGHL!"

A sudden, thundering roar pulls me away from my happy reverie.

"Oh no! Mr. Teddy sounds angry! What do we.. uh, Amalia? Why are you laughing like-"

Another rumbling roar! But this time, looking where Amalia is pointing, I realize where the sound was actually coming from.

"Eheh.. Sorry! I guess I am getting a little hungry."

She snickers mischievously. "Wanna go back for the bear?"

"Whaaa-? Mr. Teddy?! That's horrible, Amalia!"

She shrugs. "'s just a joke.."

".. Well it's a mean joke, then."

She lets out a long sigh. But not an angry one. "Ya know, I'm a little impressed."

Impressed? Amalia is impressed with me?

She turns towards me and puts my hand in hers. For a moment, she looks directly into my eyes before quickly looking to the side. And there's that blush again..

"I ahm, that is I.. I didn't think you'd actually do it. Figured I'd hafta take the needle from you and do it myself, ya know? But you ah.. I really think you've uh.. that you're.."

Wait a minute, she thought I wasn't going to do it? Just like when we were talking to Lily and she said she thinks I'm too nice to be a real witch!

"That is uhm.. I uh.."

She keeps fumbling over her words like that. But it doesn't matter anymore. I know what she's trying to say! And it just makes me so.. So angry!

"You don't believe in me!" I yell as I push her away from me. "Just like you told Lily, right?! You think I'm too nice, don't you?!"

She stares at me, mouth agape and eyes widened as I let loose on her. She probably also thought I was too stupid to understand what she was trying to say! Well I'll tell her, then!

"Is that why you asked Sis to teach you how to fight with swords too?! Because you think I'm so nice that you have to protect me and do everything for me, huh?! IS THAT IT?!?!"

"That's.. you, uh.." She stutters even more. Probably trying to make up some story to avoid telling the truth again!

"TELL ME! IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK?!"

A lot of fidgeting and avoided eye contact later, she finally whispers a barely audible reply.

"Yes."

That's.. That's..

I didn't want to know that. I asked, but now I.. Now it hurts. Amalia really thinks that way about me..?

No, no way, I can't accept that! To have my best friend think about me that way.. It hurts too much..

I have to do something! Something big!

>Surprise her with a shrinking potion to the face. That'll teach her not to underestimate me again! [Wicked witchery!]
>Hit her! I'll prove to her that I'm tough too and can handle myself in a fight! [Let Amalia feel how angry I am! That'll show her!]
>"Then I'll prove to you I can handle myself! By completing the mission WITHOUT YOU!" [Uninvite Amalia from tonight's mission and prove my ability beyond any doubt!]
>Something else? [Write-in!]

>As promised, we will try an extra long voting period for the first post, to let everyone get here. Voting closes in one hour.
>>
File: Nadja Stuff.png (44 KB, 701x500)
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>OP Paste:

>Seal Value: 70/100

>Nadja's Seniors:
>Mistress' current opinion: 45/100
>Lily's current opinion: 25/100
>Camille's current opinion: 10/100

--

>Nadja's Witchy Skills:

>Core Skills:
>Herbalism : Initiated (Potions and such!)
>Pencraft: Fledgling* (Hexes and wards!)
>Infusion: Uninitiated (Making things be magic/enchanting!)
>*Nadja has proven to be naturally talented at this set of skills. She learns more quickly and has a chance to intuitively understand this type of magic simply by looking at it.

--

>Communication:
>Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendQM

--

>Archives:
>4plebs archive (thread 1-24): http://archive.4plebs.org/tg/search/subject/Witch%20Apprentice%20Quest/order/asc/
>moe archive (threads 25+): http://archived.moe/qst/search/subject/Witch%20Apprentice%20Quest/type/op/order/asc/
>Suptg archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=witch+apprentice+quest

--

>Resources:

>Summaries. Brief descriptions of the most important events in the quest, enough to give you a rough idea of what's going on:
>Chapter 1 (Threads 1-31) Summary: http://pastebin.com/g3i9AMgP

>Timeline. A much more detailed day-by-day account of previous events. Not mandatory reading by any means.
http://pastebin.com/xMiP9nYf

>Nadja's Notebook is intended to serve as your reference material for witchy things and other stuff related to the quest. REMEMBER: YOU CAN ALWAYS REQUEST TO HAVE SOMETHING ADDED TO THE NOTEBOOK. It's divided into the following categories:
>1. General Witchcraft: Intro to Nadja's Notebook as well as any witch-related topics outside of the three major arts will go here when Nadja learns about them:
http://pastebin.com/FvemAzKN
>2. Herbalism: Everything about herbs and how to use them to make potions:
http://pastebin.com/vMWeFhd0
>3. Pencraft: Hexes and wards that Nadja knows of and how to make them:
http://pastebin.com/BTUR8F94
>4. Infusion: The art of bestowing magical properties to items that otherwise had none. For example, the creation of wands or flying brooms. Pastebin will be added once Nadja actually learns about any of this.
>5. Nadja's Notes: Where Nadja writes her notes about various things.
http://pastebin.com/76btWGte
>6. Characters: Nadja doesn't actually keep a written list of people she knows, but you may find it useful to have:
http://pastebin.com/GbRsNuw3

>TO-DO LIST:
>Tullian Fire
>Enlarging Potion
>Shrinking Potion
>>
>>1254343
This is too lewd!

>>1254346
>"Then I'll prove to you I can handle myself! By completing the mission WITHOUT YOU!" [Uninvite Amalia from tonight's mission and prove my ability beyond any doubt!]
This is a smart and well-considered decision guaranteed not to backfire.
>>
>>1254346
>Surprise her with a shrinking potion to the face. That'll teach her not to underestimate me again! [Wicked witchery!]
>>
>>1254346
>Surprise her with a shrinking potion to the face. That'll teach her not to underestimate me again! [Wicked witchery!]
I'm not sure this'll really prove anything but it's witchy and gives us small cat.
>>
>>1254346
>"Then I'll prove to you I can handle myself! By completing the mission WITHOUT YOU!" [Uninvite Amalia from tonight's mission and prove my ability beyond any doubt!]

I don't want to shirk her that's mean.. and we couldn't hit her!
>>
>>1254346
>"Then I'll prove to you I can handle myself! By completing the mission WITHOUT YOU!" [Uninvite Amalia from tonight's mission and prove my ability beyond any doubt!]
>>
>>1254384
>>1254435
I admit shrinked Amalia would be cute, but indeed this should serve its purpose the best!
>>
>>1254456
Cute but possibly in danger because she's smol. It's also a bad precedent. You can't just shrink people when you're mad at them!
>>
>>1254461
Not even if you're a witch?
>>
>>1254479
Nope! We've met a few now and made them upset (probably) and they didn't shrink us!
>>
>>1254482
But Cinnamon did get turned into a frog which is both small and useless. Seems witchy to me.
>>
Time's up! Uninviting Amalia wins! Somehow!

>>1254360
>This is a smart and well-considered decision guaranteed not to backfire.

I am genuinely surprised to see it get voted for at all, let alone winning. I guess you have a lot more confidence than I thought.

>>1254384
>and we couldn't hit her!

As long as she doesn't see it coming you can! After that though, it'll be a lot more difficult. Not impossible, but you guys all seem to know already that Nadja wouldn't stand a chance in a fair fight.

>>1254500
>But Cinnamon did get turned into a frog which is both small and useless. Seems witchy to me.

Frogs have plenty of uses!
>>
>>1254546
We can do it! Gotta prove ourselves now.
>>
>>1254546
That is not what I meant! Friends don't hit friends!
>>
>>1254346
"Then I'll prove to you I can handle myself! By completing the mission WITHOUT YOU!"

"Wha.. Wait up!" She grabs me by the arm when I try to walk away dramatically and super-confidently. "Don't be crazy! You can't do that!"

Again, I try to push her away though this time she holds on tight and refuses to let go of my arm. "I know! Because I'm too stupid and weak, right? Dumb Nadja will get herself killed, right?"

"I didn't say you were-"

"YOU WERE THINKING IT!" I turn on the spot and lock my eyes unto hers, giving her as angry a glare as I know. She does not look away this time, not for a moment.

"I'm NOT an idiot, Amalia! I DO notice how people look at me, how they talk to me. They think just because I try to be nice, just because I try to be good and make people happy instead of always worrying, because of that I must be stupid. That I don't know any better and I can't take care of myself. But so what if they think that? If the way I behave makes them smile then that's all I wanted to begin with. The rest doesn't matter, not with them. But with you.."

This time she doesn't try to fight as I push away from her.

"I just thought you understood. That just because I try to be nice to everyone doesn't mean it's all I am. That all I'm good for is cheering people up. I thought you knew all of me! But if you really think that way.. I know that tonight is very dangerous and that it sounds dumb, but if you're there then now I'll be able to think is "my best friend doesn't believe in me" and so.. It'd be a lot better if you weren't there at all."

Though the glitter in her eye tells me she is none too happy about it, she does confirm with the slightest nod.

"I guess in a way, that just means it's my turn to show you the rest of me, just like you showed me the real you. So then.."

My second attempt to walk away does not fare much better, as she suddenly jumps forward, holding me tight and pressing her wet cheek against mine. And even if I am still angry, this might just be the least awkward hug I've ever gotten out of her. And this time, she started it! It just would be a little too cruel not to return the gesture this time.

As I turn away for the third time, I hear her weakly whispering behind me.

"See you tomorrow."

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>>1254842
Even before catching sight of town it becomes evident that something is not as it should be. The noise is overwhelming, even from this far away! What could everyone be doing?

The answer does not become much clearer as I hit the edge of the forest and see all of the people in town standing in two long lines, forming a corridor of people leading further into town. Townspeople, guards, travelling merchants, everyone seems to be gathered. And they all seem to be so preoccupied talking loudly among each other, they don't notice me coming out of the forest at all, thankfully.

What is going on though? I've never seen anything like this! Is it some kind of ceremony or something?

"Excuse me!"

Not really recognizing any of the people in the immediate area it seems the best course of action is to simply yell loudly (but politely, of course!) until someone notices. It doesn't take long either until one of the men in the crowd turns toward me.

"Yes?"

He's a bit oddly dressed, which means he's one of the many travelling merchants that pass by here. His clothes are as colorful as a rainbow, much more than you'd ever see any man around here wear, and he has a beard almost as long as I'm tall! He's not speaking a language I don't even understand though, and he looks friendly enough, so that's just fine.

"Excuse me Mister, but could you tell me what is going on here? Why are so many people gathered like this?"

It takes a while for him to respond, and when he does respond very slowly it becomes apparent why. Seems he doesn't know the language as well as I thought. Not a big problem though, Amalia didn't know the language either when she came here but that didn't stop me!

"You no hear? Last night Baroness die. Here soon."

"What?! Oh no, that's horrible! Uhm uh, thank you sir!"

The man nods briefly, then turns to talk in a strange language to what I assume is a travelling companion of his. But these news.. They're bad news in so many ways.

I had heard the Baroness had been ill. That's why it was her daughter that I met with not so long ago, instead of the real baroness. But now she's..? Poor Lucia! She's even younger than me and now she's going to be..

And on top of that, I'm supposed to meet with Mistress and Camille in the church tonight, but if they're taking the body there it'll surely be guarded! Funerals only happen on Sundays, so they're not going away soon. How are we going to deal with that?

And what about Papa's contract, what's going to happen to that now?

And I'm still hungry! What should I do?

>Look for someone I know to attend with when they carry the body to the church. It would be disrespectful if I didn't!
>No time for formalities, I need go look for a sneaky way into the church before it gets even more crowded!
>Look for some food first! It'd be a real bother if my stomach started growling again, even worse than being late to the ceremony.
>Something else? [Write-in!]
>>
>>1254849
>>Look for some food first! It'd be a real bother if my stomach started growling again, even worse than being late to the ceremony.
>>
>>1254849
>>No time for formalities, I need go look for a sneaky way into the church before it gets even more crowded!
>>
>>1254849
This is a mess!
>Look for someone I know to attend with when they carry the body to the church. It would be disrespectful if I didn't!
Poor Lucia indeed. On top of this she's had no screen-time!
>>
>>1254849
>Look for some food first! It'd be a real bother if my stomach started growling again, even worse than being late to the ceremony.
Look.

Even if it delays us, it's better to be uncertain of what to do and full of delicious food than committed to something we think is right and hungry. We'll think more clearly after eating.
>>
>>1254849
>>Look for some food first! It'd be a real bother if my stomach started growling again, even worse than being late to the ceremony.
>>
>>1254849
>Look for some food first! It'd be a real bother if my stomach started growling again, even worse than being late to the ceremony.
Let's hope Nadja and Amalia learn some valuable lessons.
>>
>>1254849
>Look for some food first! It'd be a real bother if my stomach started growling again, even worse than being late to the ceremony.
We should be able to find someone to attend with while we're at it.
>>
>>1254912
And risk finding lower quality munchies? Are you insane?
>>
Priority number one is of course, food!

>>1254871
>Poor Lucia indeed. On top of this she's had no screen-time!

The burden of nobility is a heavy one.

>>1254875
>Even if it delays us, it's better to be uncertain of what to do and full of delicious food than committed to something we think is right and hungry. We'll think more clearly after eating.

When in doubt, start with the basics! What could be more basic than eating?

>>1254889
>Let's hope Nadja and Amalia learn some valuable lessons.

About the price of skipping meals?

Perhaps Nadja might have actually let Amalia finish what she was saying if she had some food in her stomach?

>>1254912
>We should be able to find someone to attend with while we're at it.

Huh. That gives me an idea. Might be fun. Will see.
>>
>>1254930
>About the price of skipping meals?
About refusing the help of a trained assassin capable of tying up a bear! And about the mysterious hearts of cute girls.
>>
>>1254962
Nadja could have tied up that bear! She'd just hit him with a shrink potion and then struggle with him for an hour or two!

Also what's so mysterious! She thinks Nadja is dumb and that's mean!
>>
Oh right, consider the "Amalia meets Nadja" flashback interlude officially teasered now. Looking forward to seeing when you unlock it!
>>
>>1254968
>Also what's so mysterious! She thinks Nadja is dumb and that's mean!
She didn't really think Nadja was dumb, just soft as fuck.
>>
>>1254968
The heart part was Amalia's lesson!
>>
>>1254983
I want it. How do we get it?
>>
>>1254985
She totally did/does!
>>
>>1254991
Nuh-uh!
>>
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>>1255024
Yuh-huh!
>>
>>1254849
If there's any upside to this entire mess, it's that people are being so loud that nobody is noticing the ruckus my stomach is making right now. I am however noticing the twisting pain it's beginning to make. I'd rather not see what it's going to do if I ignore it any longer. Besides, trying to make decisions on an empty stomach is just irresponsible. So that means job number one is:

Food!

And that's definitely not what I'll find here. Well, unless I were to start begging strangers for food, and that would make Papa look like a very bad Papa if I did that. And he's not a bad Papa, so I won't! I don't have any money on me either, and even if I did it wouldn't help since everyone is here instead of at their stores. Which means, I'm heading home. That's probably a good idea anyway, since I might find Papa or Sis there, and even if not it's on the way to the church from here, so no matter what I decide to do I'm going the right way!

Except of course that..

"Excuse me! Coming through! Please stop pushing!"

Going anywhere at all is a bit of a challenge. I'm not tall enough to even see where I'm going past all these people, I just know that I have to go through them since that's the only way further up into town. Normally it only takes a few seconds to get up to the second level of town from the "ground" level, but today it's taking me several minutes.

Finally I hit the first set of stairs upwards. At first I'm relieved to find that these have been kept completely clear, probably to make sure the procession could get past. That's only until I realize that I am now in sight of everybody, both above and below, and they are all staring at me! So embarrassing!

Of course, it only gets worse as I hurry perhaps a little too much to get up the stairs and out of sight, stumbling over the steps and falling to forwards! I manage to break the fall so I only hurt my hands a little, but the laughing is just.. it's too much! I feel my cheeks begin to burn and my head starting to spin.

I think I'm going to..

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>1/3
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>>
>>1255496
"I have you, Sweetroll." A gentle voice speaks as I feel myself lifted off the ground and carefully carried away from all the staring eyes.

Though, that voice.. And that name.. There's only one person who calls me that!

"Mrs. Hasel!"

The familiar smile warms my entire body as she sets me back down a few moments later.

Mrs. Hasel is the best baker in the town by far, and she's always been nice to me. In fact, she's nice to everyone. Even when Papa was a child she was the best baker in town, and she was sweet to him too he says. I haven't seen her much lately though, since the troubles with Papa's business means we haven't been able to afford to buy from her a lot..

"Causing trouble for that poor father of yours again, Nadja?" She says with a chuckle.

Even though she's joking, you can always tell that there's a layer of truth underneath, a lesson to be learned. I am making him look bad by embarrassing myself like that! And probably also with the rather impolite noise my stomach is making, though only one person besides me seems to be noticing for now. When she says such a thing though, there is only way to answer.

"I'll try to do better, Mrs. Hasel!"

From the creases and wrinkles on her face to the long-grey bun of hair and the flour-covered apron she's wearing, Mrs. Hasel has always been exactly what I imagined when a fairy tale told of a kind and wise grandmother. She never had any children, but I think in a way she still managed to become a grandmother.

She insists that we call her Mrs. even though she has been alone since before I was born. She says it's because when she married her husband, they skipped the "until Death do us part" bit. I think when I get married I'd like to skip that part too.

She pulls me close to her, lowering her voice to a near-whisper. "You're not a child anymore, Sweetroll, you're a young lady now. And yet the sounds you are making right now are not very ladylike at all!"

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Hasel." I reply instinctively.

"And you know," She continues as she pulls the fluffiest-looking bun I have ever seen out from the pocket on her apron and waves it teasingly in front of my face. "If you keep skipping meals you will never have any buns of your own. And with a face like yours, it would be a crime against nature not to have the body to match."

She laughs, but I'm not sure I understood the joke at all. Does it mean I can only have the bun if I don't skip meals? Does she want me to promise?

"I'm sure the boys would agree with me." She says, still laughing, as she puts the soft bun in my hand. It takes everything I have to not gulp the entire thing in one bite, but I know Mrs. Hasel would simply scold me more if I did so.

"What boys?" I ask, still not certain what she's trying to say, even if I am appreciating every sweet and filling bite.

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>2/3
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>>1255498
She sighs. "Ah, that is true, isn't it? Young Klemens really is the only boy around your age. Such a lucky young man. Or perhaps quite the opposite!"

I'm still not sure why she's laughing, but she's not wrong. I do think sometimes he's a little lonely since the only other boys in town are at least 6 years younger than we are. He seems to enjoy his books, but is that enough?

"Ah, quiet now." She says, motioning toward the train of armored soldiers coming down the path into town, every single one of them fully covered in metal and the colors of the Barony.

Everyone around us quickly follows suit, and in a few moments the town has changed from deafening noise to complete silence.

It really is a strange sight, so many soldiers and so many green banners. If I didn't know better, I would think it was an invading army. There's so many of them, you almost forget the coffin at the centre of the procession. And even though it only lasts a few moments until they've once again passed out of sight the atmosphere of quiet reverence seems to remain.

My thoughts however are only occupied with one thing: Why didn't I see Lucia anywhere?

Several more minutes pass before anyone dares to make even the slightest move, but once that does happen it takes mere moments for the entire crowd to disperse, each returning to their stalls, workshops, and so on. Though the air.. is definitely changed. It feels.. stiller? Even the midday sun seems to shine less brightly even though there are no clouds to be seen.

"Life carries on." Mrs. Hasel whispers while stroking her hand across the top of my head. "Your new hair suits you quite well. Come by the shop soon, Sweetroll, and I may just have one for you."

And with that, she too returns to her business, leaving me all alone. Or at least as alone as you can be in the middle of a busy marketplace.

I suppose.. I should get to business too? But was this really all? It doesn't feel like it's enough.

>I should go home and talk to Papa. After all, I didn't come home last night and after these news too..
>A gift! Lucia must be so sad! I need to find her a gift to cheer her up with! And then I need to find her!
>The job comes first! I need to find a way into the church!
>Something else? [Write-in!]
>>
>>1255501
>>I should go home and talk to Papa. After all, I didn't come home last night and after these news too..
>>
>>1255501
>A gift! Lucia must be so sad! I need to find her a gift to cheer her up with! And then I need to find her!
We're not in a hurry for the job, I assume. Let's get her some flowers.
>>
>>1255501
>>The job comes first! I need to find a way into the church!
>>
>>1255501
>I should go home and talk to Papa. After all, I didn't come home last night and after these news too...
>>
>>1255501
>I should go home and talk to Papa. After all, I didn't come home last night and after these news too...
They're all important, but papa first
>>
>>1255501
>I should go home and talk to Papa. After all, I didn't come home last night and after these news too..
>>
..I really need to start writing some shorter updates, don't I?

Looks like Papa trumps everything else. Even crying little girls. Poor Lucia.

>>1254962
Don't forget magenetically enhanced.

>>1254990
Isn't it obvious?

>>1255034
>>1255024

She kinda does. While wishing she was the same.
>>
>>1255586
>Looks like Papa trumps everything else. Even crying little girls. Poor Lucia.
I tried!
>>
>>1255586
Crying little girls don't complete missions to prove Nadja isn't stupid! uh.. unless Nadja starts crying!
>>
>>1255586
Maybe Lucia has other people consoling her? I'm sure if Nadja saw Lucia was crying in front of her no force on Earth could stop Nadja from making her feel better.
>>
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>>1255501
Ah! I just remembered, I didn't even come home last night and I never said anything about that! He must be so worried! Not good, not good! Especially not so soon after he got mad at me for keeping my apprenticeship secret from him! Bad bad bad!

"Papa!" I call out as I swing the front door open.

No answer comes from within, but the rhythmic clanking of metal coming from the workshop speaks its language. He's back to work as well, just like everyone else. He must have simply not heard me call him because he was so busy working. Haha!

"Papa-a-a! I'm home!" I call again as I run towards his workshop, only to stop dead in my tracks as I see what he's working on. Badsword! Bad!

"Welcome home." He speaks calmly and indifferently, not looking away from his work for even a moment.

"Uhm, sorry about.." I take a few more steps backwards. Just to be safe. "Sorry about not coming home last night, I was-"

"That is to be expected now, is it not?" His tone doesn't leave anything uncertain. That question was actually a statement. "I'm sure you had important work to attend to."

"Well uh, I guess but-"

"And that will certainly happen many times again. That is the way it will be from now and I accept that. Now, did you need something, Nadja?"

Amazing.. Such an oppressively hot workshop and yet, such a cold and flat voice..

"Papa.. are you still mad at me?" I ask from across the doorstep.

"I am not mad." He states in the same tone.

"You're.. disappointed?"

"I am not disappointed."

"Then.. what has changed?"

Finally, he turns his eyes away from his work. They quickly make me wish he hadn't, as he utters the words that shroud the entire house in silence.

"You did."

His hammer does not fall against the unfinished blade again. His eyes do not turn away again. In this moment, nothing exists in my world except for the look he gives me. It's a new one. Or at least, it's one I have never seen before, though its meaning is immediately evident to me.

Surrender. Defeat. Acceptance.

And then the moment ends. Loud clanks fill my ears once more, and sparks fly through the air as metal meets deadly metal.

"You're an adult now Nadja, like it or not. You've begun forging your place in this world, and that place is not in this house."

I hate that word. It keeps coming back again and again, and every time I hear it, it takes something away from me. Adult. When is it going to start giving back?

"..I understand."

The words don't feel like my own, but they're true. I do understand. I don't want to, but I do. And so I step forward. Slowly, very slowly.

The badsword is still there. It screams at me, tries to scare me. It doesn't understand that I'm already much more afraid of something else. So I keep walking, ignoring it.

I place my arms around his waist, and the clanking stops.

"I'll do my best, Papa."

The clanking resumes.

"I know."

-+-+-+-
>1/2
-+-+-+-
>>
>>1255966
"Oh, Papa, I wanted to ask, what do you think is going to happen to your contract now that.. That the-"

"Nothing, I imagine. The competition for that contract will surely continue. It would be improper for the young Baroness to overturn a decision made by her mother so soon. And I doubt she has any reason to do so besides. But you would know better than I Nadja. You did meet with her, after all."

His words are calming, just as his change in tone. It's slight, but definitely a little warmer than it was before. I'd prefer if it was exactly as it used to be.. But this will do.

"You're probably right. She seemed very proper, the kind that doesn't break the rules, or a promise. But isn't there anything I can do to help you win..?"

"You already know my stance on that matter."

That's a no, then. He does not want me to help him, at least not with witchcraft. Maybe I could talk to Luc- to the Baroness, but that's about it.

"Then.. I guess keep up the good work, Papa?"

That's not the kind of thing you tell your father! It's what fathers tell you! Why would I say something so awkward? He doesn't comment on it though.

"Ah, before you go Nadja, have you seen your sister today?"

"Huh? Sis? No, why?"

"She did not come home last night either. But then, that is to be expected of her. No matter, then."

No matter, then..

I wonder what she could be doing, but I have a lot of things to wonder about today.

>He didn't ask me to, but I'm a little worried. Go ask around if anyone has seen Sis.
>Luci- I mean the Baroness! Young Baroness or whatever! I need to find her! And something to cheer her up with! Maybe flowers..?
>The church! I still need to find a way we can get in there tonight, and the sooner I have that out of the way, the better. Right?
>Something else? [Write-in!]
>>
>>1255975
>>Luci- I mean the Baroness! Young Baroness or whatever! I need to find her! And something to cheer her up with! Maybe flowers..?
>>
>>1255975
>Luci- I mean the Baroness! Young Baroness or whatever! I need to find her! And something to cheer her up with! Maybe flowers..?
>>
>>1255975
>Luci- I mean the Baroness! Young Baroness or whatever! I need to find her! And something to cheer her up with! Maybe flowers..?
Sis can handle herself!
>>
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I really should've made shorter updates tonight, because I am totally spent already. So instead, let's go over what's going to happen next!

I am hoping to be able to run again tomorrow night, but I cannot quite promise yet that I will be able to. It is quite likely that I will be able, though! In the event that something prevents me from doing so, I'll still try to put out at least one update for you guys.

And after that, I'd like to take another stab at the whole 1 update per evening business that I tried last time. It didn't work out all that great last time due to Life(tm) occurring, so I'd like to try it out again and see if I can actually make it work this time. That said however, I can almost guarantee that you will not from me Monday or Tuesday due to exams. Once that is out of the way, I should be much freer though!

And on that note, I'd already like to hear what you guys thought about that arrangement when we tried it last thread. I'm going ahead with the plan I already outlined regardless, but I'd like to know so I can consider it for future threads. So PLEASE, take a moment to let me know what you guys think so I can make everything work better in the future!

>Did you like or dislike the 1 update per evening arrangement? And why?

>Would you want it to continue in the future? Why or why not?

>Would you like to see something changed about it to make things more smooth/enjoyable for you guys?

Lastly, I tried to post the thread earlier than usual today with a longer initial voting time to go with it. I did kind of fail that due to having had a busy week, but normally I'd have the OP written already days before so it should generally not be a problem. So I'd like to know:

>Did you find this practice helpful and would you like me to continue it in the future?

Finally finally, thank you very much for playing tonight, and thank you the active discussions! I absolutely love seeing you guys do that! I hope to see you again tomorrow! As always, my twitter is the best place to stay updated about whether or not something is happening.

Oh, and questions and such are welcome as always! They'll probably be answered some time tomorrow!

Good night!
>>
>>1255975
>Luci- I mean the Baroness! Young Baroness or whatever! I need to find her! And something to cheer her up with! Maybe flowers..?
Sis should be fine, we can worry about everything else later.
>>
>>1255975
>He didn't ask me to, but I'm a little worried. Go ask around if anyone has seen Sis.
>>1256081
I liked the once-a-day update schedule just fine.
>>
>>1256081
Thanks for running Friend.
I enjoyed the once a day update, you should keep doing it.
>>
>>1256081
Thanks for running! I'm fine with however you want to do things.
>>
>>1256081
Nadja is a good girl and very smart! Amalia will learn that the hard way!

Schedule wise whatever is good for you man. I may not always be able to attend but I always like reading the updates. Some are better than none.
>>
>>1255975
>Luci- I mean the Baroness! Young Baroness or whatever! I need to find her! And something to cheer her up with! Maybe flowers..?
Thanks for writing, daily sounds good
>>
>>1256081
It was a little bit more troublesome to follow the updates across an entire week, because of doing a variety of other things concurrently, so I kind of disprefer it continuing.
>>
>>1256081

WHY THE HELL HAS NADJA NOT EATEN YET? JUST A SINGLE BUN IS NOT ENOUGH! HER STOMACH MUST BE WAKING THE NEIGHBOURS BY NOW!

WE VOTES FOR FOOD! WERE IS THE FOOD GM?
>>
>>1257055

Hunger makes ya angry?

Dis little witch needs a nice hat don ya think?
>>
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>>1255975
But the most important thing to do next has obviously got to be finding Luci- I mean the Baroness! Or.. young Baroness? I don't actually know what I'm supposed to call her in my head. I should ask her so I don't get it wrong. Once I find her that is. Oh, and before I find her I should-

"Grab some food from the kitchen."

"-Eh? Did you say something, Papa?"

"Oh, I'm sorry." He answers with a laugh. "I suppose it is difficult to hear my voice over that growling of yours."

Ah! I guess I got so used it I stopped noticing.

"Eheh.. I guess I am still a little hungry!"

I can still hear him laughing all the way back in the kitchen as I scour the cupboard. That makes me a little glad, when I hear Papa's laugh. It makes me feel like everything will be just right in the end.

Pickings are a bit slim today, but it looks like we still have a good batch of that delicious strawberry jam left. I should make sure to enjoy it as much as I can, because now that the Fall is here it'll be a long time until we get any more of that. So I think I'll take two slices of bread today! Oh, and I should make one for Papa too.

"Okay, I'm heading out again. Papa, I made you a slice too, so make sure you come eat it before it goes bad!"

When I make lunch for Papa I always make sure to tell him I left it in the kitchen instead of bringing it to him, that way he's forced to take a break and stop overworking himself. Clever, right?

-

Well, that's the food situation taken care of! Next was.. Oh right, Lucia! I hope she doesn't think it's weird when we've only met once but I just need to make sure she isn't too unhappy. Besides, that whole thing today, just watching some soldiers walk past and then going back to normal, that just doesn't feel like it's enough at all, even if I never actually met the old Baroness.

Some flowers seems like it'd be a good start. You give people flowers in a situation like this, don't you? And even if not, flowers are pretty and make everyone happy. Even Amalia! Well, not always with her, but sometimes at least. I still don't have any money though, and I don't have time to do any chores to earn some either. Who needs to buy flowers, though? I can find my own! I know plenty of the forest from Amalia, and on top of that what kind of witch can't even find a few pretty flowers? Not this one, for sure!

Come to think of it, I don't know what kind of flowers Lucia likes. Well, I'll just look for a bunch of different things, then. We're still only a few days into the Fall so I should be able to find a lot of colorful late summer blossoms!

-+-+-+-
>1/2
-+-+-+-
>>
>>1259243
Heehee, just as I thought! I don't know the names of half of these but that doesn't matter. I've got just about every color here, so she's sure to like one of them. Now, the question is.. Where do I find her? Ah, but I can just ask one of those soldiers from the castle, there's a whole bunch of them near the church still.

"Excuse me Mister Soldier!"

He doesn't move, just stands there looking serious and dutiful, but he does at least acknowledge me with a curt "What?"

"Hello, Mister! I was wondering if you could tell me where to find Lu- I mean the Baroness! Because I got her these and I wanted to-"

"Inside." He answers in a gruff and macho tone. "The Baroness is not meeting anyone. Move along."

"Oh, but-"

"Move along, girl."

Rude! Though I guess maybe he's just very serious about his job. But what should I do now..?

>"Well could you maybe give these to her for me, then?" [Compromise]
>Pretend to move along, then sneakily start looking for a sneaky way to sneak inside. I needed a sneaky way to get in there sneakily tonight anyway. [Sneaky]
>Wait a minute, the Baroness doesn't own the church! Kerstin and Klemens' father does! Maybe if I find one of them they can let me in? Though Kerstin is probably still mad at me so that's kind of a scary thought.. [Face scary Kerstin]

>Things are sort of busy tonight after all. I'll definitely do at least one more update tonight, hopefully more, but expect things to go very slowly. In other words, don't wait up for me. Just a fair warning.
>>
>>1259248
>"Well could you maybe give these to her for me, then?" [Compromise]
>>
>>1259248
>Pretend to move along, then sneakily start looking for a sneaky way to sneak inside. I needed a sneaky way to get in there sneakily tonight anyway. [Sneaky]
Gotta practice stealth! Scary Kerstin is very scary, and we need to get Lucia some screentime already.
>>
>>1259248

Oh!

Very important! I forgot to ask for rolls. All 3 options require some d20s to see how well Nadja performs!

Please roll d20s too!
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>1259273
>>1259266
Here we go then!
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>1259248
>Pretend to move along, then sneakily start looking for a sneaky way to sneak inside. I needed a sneaky way to get in there sneakily tonight anyway. [Sneaky]
Nadja just wants an excuse to use sneaky in a sentence.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>1259248
>"Well could you maybe give these to her for me, then?" [Compromise]
Although we do still need a way to get in there.
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>1259248
>Wait a minute, the Baroness doesn't own the church! Kerstin and Klemens' father does! Maybe if I find one of them they can let me in? Though Kerstin is probably still mad at me so that's kind of a scary thought.. [Face scary Kerstin]
Do it all proper like
>>
>>1259248
>>"Well could you maybe give these to her for me, then?" [Compromise]
>>
Looks like Nadja is going to stick to her specialty: Puppy eyes!

>>1259282
>Nadja just wants an excuse to use sneaky in a sentence.

It would have been a good way to show Amalia that Nadja can do anything she can!

She can't, though.
>>
>>1259529
Wow, rude! Nadja totally can do Amalia things!
>>
>>1259539
Like be cute! And uhh be tough!
>>
Very sorry to have to do this, but tonight is simply not working out as intended. It doesn't look like I'll be able to finish writing tonight, so I'm going to have to delay that until tomorrow. I'll of course notify you on twitter when the ongoing battle between steel discipline and puppy eyes gets resolved.

Again, very sorry to disappoint you guys, and thanks for being patient.

See you tomorrow!
>>
>>1260056
Take care
>>
>>1256081
>>Did you like or dislike the 1 update per evening arrangement? And why?
I liked it! I also didn’t mind the days without update in between.
>Did you find this practice helpful and would you like me to continue it in the future?
…The last few times I noticed the thread roughly half an hour to an hour after it started, so it would have been helpful then, I think. This week, well, I’m reading it just now.
>>
>>1260056
Night!
>>
>>1260056
Thank you for the session. Sleep well!
>>
Soooo...
How about that apprentice witch, huh?
>>
>>1268203
>>1260056

..Wait, what?

Oh shit, what is this?

I.. well, fuck. Sorry, it looks like the sleep-deprived me from two days ago said stupid things without knowing what he was even doing. I have not had any spare time, and already knew that when I promised to get back Monday. Hell, I even mentioned earlier in the thread that I would be too busy with exams both Monday and Tuesday, so I am honestly a bit amazed that sleep-deprived me somehow managed to forget that. That was exceptionally dumb of me. Many sorries!

Good news though, exams went very well and are over with until Summer! And I'll be picking this thread back up tomorrow, the day that I would have actually given you had I been in a lucid state when I made that dumb post.

Damn it, why do I keep putting myself in situations where I force myself to make promises I can't keep?

TOMORROW!

PINKY SWEAR, CROSS MY HEART, AND SO ON! FOR DOUBLE-REALSIES!

Sorry again.
>>
>>1268374
Congratulations on your successful exams then.
>>
>>1268374
Congrats with your exams.
>>
>>1268374
>exams went very well
Neat.

>I'll be picking this thread back up tomorrow
Neat.
>>
>>1259248
"But uhm, Mister Soldier?"

Is he looking at me? I can't tell when he has his visor down like that. It doesn't work if he doesn't even look at me!

"I picked these out by hand just for her so it would really mean a lot to me if-"

"Still not getting in." The gruff voice repeats.

"But then do you think maybe you could give these to her for me?"

>Rolled 14 (1d20)

He doesn't respond.

"Please, Mister?"

Nothing! What kind of a man is this? How can he not care at all? How can he be so mean?!

It just makes me want to..

Want to..

"Oh for crying out," The soldier-man grumbles loudly, then roughly yanks the pretty flowers out of my hands and turns for the door. "FINE! BUT DON'T TRY ANYTHING FUNNY!"

"Yes, Mister Soldier! Not a single joke, pinky promise!"

Huh? Why did he stop?

..

..

Why is he staring at me like that? Is he trying to make sure I really won't tell any jokes while he's gone? That's such a silly rule anyway, we've always been allowed to tell jokes here, just like everywhere else. But rules are rules, even if they're crazy.

I try to reassure him by holding my hands in front of my mouth to let him know that absolutely zero jokes will be coming out of me, but he just shakes his head slowly, grumbles something I can't quite make out, but at least he continues inside, so that's fine. Now I just wai-

Oh no! I forgot to tell him my name! Now how will she know who the flowers are from? Now they may as well have come from some stranger she's never even met instead of from a stranger she met one entire time!

Oh well, at least she's getting them..

-+-+-+-
>1/2
-+-+-+-
>>
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>>1271560
When the heavy doors of the church slowly swing open again, Mr. Soldier does not come alone. Nor does he acknowledge me in any way and hurriedly returns to his post. I do briefly catch him nervously glancing backwards at the elegant woman following him out of the door.

Angeline meanwhile, wastes no time and quickly passes the soldier by, no visible shred of attention paid to him as she makes a beeline toward me. She only pauses very briefly to give me a polite and, as always with Angeline, perfect curtsy. No words are spoken as she takes me by the arm, somehow both forceful and gentle, and leads me away from the church and over to one of the benches overlooking the market below. Then, with the slightest shift of her hand, she motions for me to sit beside her.

"It would be highly inappropriate for my lady to meet with you in public at a time like this."

The statement is given in a tone that doesn't seem to be either warm or cold, but rather simply is.

"I uhm, okay, but did she like the flo-"

"I would not presume to know what my lady thinks. You would have to ask her yourself."

"But you just said that-"

"I said exactly what I meant."

"Huh? What do you.." This conversation is moving way too quickly for me, I haven't even finished a single sen- "Oh I get it now! Because you only said it would be inappropriate in-"

"Your friend is not with you today?"

Hey! She definitely did it on purpose this time!

"Oh, you mean Amalia? No, we uh.. Well I kind of yelled at her a bit and.. But it's okay, we'll make up again because we're best friends and that's what best friends do!"

For once, she pauses briefly before replying, seeming to gaze out into the sky as if lost in thought. It's a bit strange, she always seems to be sharp and on point in any situation, but not now.

"..Is she happy?"

"Eh? What?" What kind of question is that?!

"Is she happy?" She repeats, still staring off into the distance.

"Well uhm.. Actually I'm not sure anymore, but.."

>"Honestly? Probably not. She seems to have a lot of problems she's not telling me about and I don't know how to help her.." [Honesty]
>"Of course she is! We have lots of fun all the time so there's no way she couldn't be!" [Less-honesty]
>"Hey wait a minute, why do you care? And why don't you ask her yourself?!" [Doubt]
>Something else? [Write-in!]
>>
Well, looks like I went past midnight after all, but I think it's totally fair to say that it's still Wednesday until I go to bed, meaning I technically still posted this on the day I promised last night. Totally still counts! Right?

Right?

Sorry.

Next update is planned to be tomorrow, hopefully not as far into the night as this one turned out to be, so see you then!
>>
>>1271566
>"No matter what I answer to that it feels like I would betray her trust. Sorry for avoiding your question."
>>
>>1271566
>"Honestly? Probably not. She seems to have a lot of problems she's not telling me about and I don't know how to help her.." [Honesty]
>>1271586
That's okay, we still got a post! Goodnight!
>>
>>1271566
>>"Honestly? Probably not. She seems to have a lot of problems she's not telling me about and I don't know how to help her.." [Honesty]
>>
>>1271566
>>1271589
I kinda agree with anon here. But only in that we shouldn't overshare about her life. I think a yes/no is fine.
>"She has a lot going on right now. But I know she'll be fine! I'll just cheer her up if she gets sad!"
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>1271566
>Honestly? Probably not. She seems to have a lot of problems she's not telling me about and I don't know how to help her.." [Honesty]
>>
>>1271566
>"Of course she is! We have lots of fun all the time so there's no way she couldn't be!" [Less-honesty]
>>
>>1271566

Is the effect of that honesty hex we did to ourselves finally gone?
>>
>>1271566
>"Not always, she has a lot of problems she won't tell me about. But I saw her smile today at least!
>>
>>1271566
>"Honestly? Probably not. She seems to have a lot of problems she's not telling me about and I don't know how to help her.." [Honesty]
>>
>>1271566
"Honestly?" I really hate to admit this, but I can't really deny it. "Probably not. She seems to have a lot of problems that she's not telling me about and I don't know how to help her.."

"Problems? What kind of problems?" She inquires, somehow taking on an even more serious face than the one she's always wearing. No, not just serious. Worried.

"Oh well for one there's the-"

..

..

"Hey wait, I shouldn't tell you that! That's totally private stuff and I'd be a really bad friend if I told you that! I mean, do the two of you even know each other?"

"I suppose we do not." She answers, her look and voice returning to it's usual somewhat cold self. "I apologize for my presumptuousness."

"Oh uhm, that's okay?" I never seem to know how to talk to this lady. She apologizes for such tiny things, it's weird! "I'm just not sure why you care about Amalia if you don't even know her. Why is that?"

"I suppose I find her relatable." She says, quickly continuing before I have a chance to reply. "My lady is grateful for the flowers, but I must urge you to be more cautious in the future."

"Uhm, you're welcome? Or, uh, she's welcome? Is that the right thing to say? Anyway, what do you mean I should be cautious? And why is it inappropriate for me to meet her?"

"Politics."

"Politics? But I'm just-"

"My lady is the sole heir to the Barony. As of last night she is the sovereign ruler of all of Burchwald, regardless of her age. As a result, a long line of opportunists will be looking to gain the ear of what they believe to be a young, clueless, and impressionable child in order to influence her decisions."

..Politics seem really uncomfortable.

"And of course, if such persons came to suspect, for any reasons, that a commoner such as yourself did in fact have the trust of my lady, then that commoner would become an obvious target for those types. Do you understand?"

"Uhm.. I think you're saying bad people would try to bother me?"

"The situation will calm down eventually, but for now you must be discrete." She quickly glances towards the sun, then stands and prepares to leave. "It is about time for my lady to return to the castle. I must go help her prepare, so if there is nothing else I can do for you..?"

Hm. She's saying I should avoid being seen near Lucia. And the easiest way to do that would be to just stay away. I don't really like that, but maybe it's better to be safe..?

>"Well I still want to see her! I need to be sure she's okay, so please help me find a way to do that!"
>"I guess I'll wait until it's safer to see her then, if you think that's best. But uhm, I actually need to get inside regardless so maybe you could help..?" [Tell Angeline about having to meet in the church tonight, hoping to acquire her help]
>"I guess I'll wait until it's safer to see her then. Thank you for the help, Miss Angeline!" [Do NOT tell Angeline about having to meet in the church tonight, start looking for a way without her help]
>Something else? [Write-in!]
>>
Woohoo, actually finished this one before midnight! Yay me!

Next update: Tomorrow!

>>1272576
It's gone, though obviously that makes no difference to Nadja because she is a good girl and good girls don't lie!
>>
>>1274732
>"I understand. When Luci-" Take a moment to collect ourselves for misspeaking. "...When The Baroness has dealt with her politics I'd really really like to meet her again."
>"I'm sorry to bother you more, but I also have business with someone who lives in this church. Can you help me reach her?"
>>
>>1274732
>>"I guess I'll wait until it's safer to see her then, if you think that's best. But uhm, I actually need to get inside regardless so maybe you could help..?" [Tell Angeline about having to meet in the church tonight, hoping to acquire her help]
>>
>>1274732
>"Well I still want to see her! I need to be sure she's okay, so please help me find a way to do that!"
Nadja can't friendship on Amalia today so she needs a replacement!
>>
>>1274732
>"I guess I'll wait until it's safer to see her then, if you think that's best. But uhm, I actually need to get inside regardless so maybe you could help..?" [Tell Angeline about having to meet in the church tonight, hoping to acquire her help]
It probably won't hurt even if she refuses, right?
>>
>>1274732
>"I guess I'll wait until it's safer to see her then. Thank you for the help, Miss Angeline!" [Do NOT tell Angeline about having to meet in the church tonight, start looking for a way without her help]
>>
>>1274732

>"I guess I'll wait until it's safer to see her then. Thank you for the help, Miss Angeline!" [Do NOT tell Angeline about having to meet in the church tonight, start looking for a way without her help]

*If you want help that bad then go to make peace with your friend instead of trusting a stranger!*
>>
>>1274732
>"I guess I'll wait until it's safer to see her then, if you think that's best. But uhm, I actually need to get inside regardless so maybe you could help..?" [Tell Angeline about having to meet in the church tonight, hoping to acquire her help]
It is an important matter.
>>
>>1274732
>"Thank you for telling me all this!"
>"I guess I'll wait until it's safer to see her then, if you think that's best.
>Unless I have something urgent.
> But uhm, I actually need to get inside regardless so maybe you could help..?" [Tell Angeline about having to meet in the church tonight, hoping to acquire her help]
>>
>>1274732
>"I guess I'll wait until it's safer to see her then, if you think that's best. But uhm, I actually need to get inside regardless so maybe you could help..?" [Tell Angeline about having to meet in the church tonight, hoping to acquire her help]
>>
Looks like a solid majority in favor of trusting the maid. And why not? After all, there is absolutely nothing shady or secretive about Angeline! Everything about her is exactly as it appears on the surface! Isn't it?

Nah I'm just kidding, she wouldn't intentionally sabotage any attempts to give Lucia some screentime. That would be crazy.

Anyway, unfortunately I have to delay tonight's update until tomorrow. Sorry about that. On the bright side, we should have at least a day or two more until the thread expires, so it's totally safe!

See you tomorrow, when we start planning Nadja's big break-in!!
>>
>>1276317
Take care! I'm looking forward to finding out exactly what her relationship with Amelia is.
>>
>>1276319
*Amalia, sorry.
>>
Why are we asking for Angelique's help after refusing Amalia's? I'll be surprised if Angelique doesn't have the same Nadja can't do anything herself and needs to be protected views that Nadja was pissed with Amalia over, even if they don't hurt as much because Angelique isn't her best friend and is an adult and adults are supposed to protect kids.
>>
>>1277177
Refusing Amalia was a spur of the moment idea which only happened because Amalia is so important to Nadja and Nadja wants to prove that she is not dependent on Amalia.

Nadja does not need to impress Angelique, nor is she upset enough to make a rash decision like that at the moment.
>>
>>1274732
"I understand. But when Lu-"

A razor-sharp glare from Angeline drilling holes through my eyes immediately makes me regret having the misfortune of waking up today.

"I mean uh, the Baroness," I desperately correct myself. "When the Baroness is less busy, I'd love to meet with her again!"

"I will inform my Lady of your wish." She says with a nod. "I believe my Lady is still quite eager to acquire your, ahem, services."

"Oh, oh right! I almost forgot about that! But uhm, how will I know when it's okay to visit her again?"

"You could visit whenever you like, truth be told. All subjects have the right to meet their sovereign.." She replies in a formal and monotonous tone. "..So long as they're willing to wait in line for their turn."

"And that line is going to be very long, I guess?"

"It already is. I'm sure you can imagine how it would look if my Lady were to leave the officials and diplomats waiting in favour of-"

"I get it." I remind her, not quite managing to conceal my frustration with the situation. It's not fair, but there doesn't seem to be much I can do to change it. "Oh, but one more thing, if you don't mind I'd like to ask you a favor, Miss Angeline?"

She nods. "Of course."

"Okay.. How should I put this.." I really hope she won't be offended by what I want to ask her. "So basically, I need to get inside the church tonight, but the soldier-men are making it difficult. Do you think there's anything you could do to-"

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>1/2
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>>1279923
"The building has no back-door, nor any windows on the ground floor. An upstairs window could be left open, if you think you can reach it." She begins to recount a surprising amount of details about the church. "There will be two guards at the door after dark but none indoors; bearing arms inside is forbidden. The changing of the guard will happen at midnight, if that is of any use to you. Once inside, keep in mind that the second and third steps on the stairs are creaky. Will that be sufficient?"

That was... more than I expected. I guess Angeline pays attention to that sort of thing. She didn't quite give me a plan, but I don't think I would have learned this much just by looking around on my own, even though I've lived here my entire life! Maybe I can learn to notice things like she does someday.

Leaving a window open would be a safe way to get around this, since the guards will only be at the door. The question is how to actually reach that window. I'm pretty sure the wall is way too smooth for me to try to climb. With a rope it might be possible, but Angeline is leaving soon and if she left a rope hanging out of a window now someone would notice it right away. But maybe.. Maybe if I practice for the rest of the day, I could get good enough at using one of those flying brooms to get up there? It'd be scary, but if I can pull it off I should be completely safe.

Alternatively, since I know exactly when the guards shift, I could try to use the opportunity to sneak in. I still have one shrinking potion and one enlarging potion, and if I've shrunk myself it should not be too difficult to sneak past the guards. They'd have to be looking down at the ground to notice me! Of course, if I'm tiny then not being noticed could also be a really big problem.. I'd have to watch my steps AND their steps!

And the last idea I can think of.. is to find Kerstin. The church belongs to her dad, so even if these are the Baroness' guards they'd still have to let me in if she tells them to. But that would still look very suspicious AND it means I'd have to face Kerstin. I don't think she's gotten any less mad at me since Amalia and I snooped around in her room..

>"I'd appreciate it if you could leave a window open for me, Miss Angeline. I think I can use that." [Plan: Try to get good enough at flying brooms to use the upstairs window.]
>"That's all I needed to know, thank you." [Plan: Wait until midnight, then use the Shrinking Potion to try to sneak past the guards.]
>"That sounds a little too dangerous. You wouldn't happen to know where Kerstin - that's the priest's daughter - is now, would you? I'd like to ask for her help." [Plan: Find Kerstin and beg her to let me inside tonight.]
>Something brilliant I hadn't thought of yet? [Write-in!]
>>
>>1279930
>"I'd appreciate it if you could leave a window open for me, Miss Angeline. I think I can use that." [Plan: Try to get good enough at flying brooms to use the upstairs window.]
This is the perfect option because it furthers Nadja's quest for witch-improvement!
>>
>>1279930
>"That's all I needed to know, thank you." [Plan: Wait until midnight, then use the Shrinking Potion to try to sneak past the guards.]
Potions make for good fun
>>
>>1279930
>"That's all I needed to know, thank you." [Plan: Wait until midnight, then use the Shrinking Potion to try to sneak past the guards.]
Glad to see you got an update out today as well.
>>
Oh right, I will also need some d20s to see how well either plan works out! You should roll those now, because we're on page 10 and I have no idea if the thread will still be alive tomorrow.

>>1279954
> witch-improvement!

Surely you mean enwitchment?

Sorry, that was bad, I know, but I just couldn't let that opportunity fly.

>>1279984
As long as you remember to drink responsibly!

>>1280022
So am I!

>>1276319
>>1276345
The mistake is totally understandable. After all, Amalia has a lot in common with Amelia! Like uh.. they both have short hair! Oh, and one of them is royalty and the other is nobility!

Besides, I'm learning to not let it bother me when someone gets the names wrong. In this particular case, I just try to imagine stupid interactions between the two characters and then suddenly I'm happy again.
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>1280117
Alright
>>
File: ALCOHOL captcha.jpg (3 KB, 300x57)
3 KB
3 KB JPG
>>1280117
>As long as you remember to drink responsibly!
No can do.
Pic related, captcha I got.
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Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>1280022
>>
>>1279930
>"I'd appreciate it if you could leave a window open for me, Miss Angeline. I think I can use that." [Plan: Try to get good enough at flying brooms to use the upstairs window.]
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>1280117




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