/monster/ - The Last Bastion of Romance

>>212522

It was a font (my handwriting is atrocious). And I'm glad you like it, thank you. Also nice dubs.

>>212437

>"If he's such a high ranking paIadin, why does act so..." You tap your chin as you try to think of a polite word to use.

>"Annoying? Maddening? Childish?" Sirius scowls.

>"I was thinking he acts like a clown, but okay."

>Your husband brushes his hair back, "I don't know... he's always been that way since I first met him. He always had to have all eyes on him, and would play pranks on everybody, ESPECIALLY me. He works hard, but despite his years of experience, ascension to paIadinhood, and to his current position, he's only gotten worse... if he wasn't such a valuable talent, I would have ejected him from the ranks years ago..."

>"Sounds like he cares about you." You say as you idly stir your food.

>"Yeah, right... like the time he put horse shit in my helmet..."

>"How did you not know-"

>"-while I was putting it on! I swear there was nothing in there when i picked it up!" He says, gripping a handful of hair in embarrassment.

>"That's pretty impressive!" You laugh, "...My brother... he used to play pranks like that on me all the time..."

>"And it drove you crazy, didn't it?" Sirius says with a sympathetic smile.

>"A little bit... but despite that and the frequent fights, we still cared about each other... Can't imagine how expensive it must have been to get all the sailors in this city drunk... just to keep us safe."

>"He's lying." He says bluntly.

>"What?"

>"He was lying, his eyes have an obvious tell. He may be a spy, but he's never been able to sneak a lie past me." He says before taking a sip. "I'm not going to argue with him, and there's no reason to stress about it any more. I'm going to have a crew arrested, put them in cells for the night so they can sober up. We'll be able to leave by morning."

>"But what about the blizzard?"

>Gaelyn, there is no blizzard, this is just one of Lightbringer's pranks. Trust me, it's better if you just don't take anything he says at face value... speaking of which, what did he put in your pocket?

>"I don't know. Let me..." You fish it out, and find a little tied up pouch.

>"Give me that!" He says as he snatches it away, "Could be a smoke bomb or something..." Your husband warily opens it up and looks confused, "It's just a bunch of seed..." He takes out a pinch of grains and sprinkles them back into the pouch before closing it up and throwing it half way across the table.

>You take the bag of seed and tuck it back into your pocket, "Well, maybe we can feed the seagulls at the docks with it? Doesn't that sound nice?"

>"If we have time after getting ready for the final stretch to the Mines, and finish your training for the day... then maybe."

>>212742

Beatus's position as intelligence retrieval gives him more sway than his mannerisms suggest. He has command over the local leadership and any Paladindus stationed there, including generals, so if he wants the naval forces to take a day off and get drunk, then he's within his right to command that. He still has to answer to the Commander, any soldiers in a similar rank to him, any priests of a high rank such as the Bishop, and of course the High King and ultimately God, who can tear away any blessing from a paIadin if they become unworthy. So he really can't get away with doing anything and everything he wants without question, but he has a lot of leeway.

>>212716

>The two of you finish and pay for your meal, and head out back into the streets.

>"Gaelyn, I need to take care of something important." Sirius hands you his coin purse, "Why don't you restock our supplies and I'll meet you by the docks."

>"Sure!… but don't you want me to come with you, though?"

>He leans over and gives you a chaste kiss on the lips, "Of course, but this way we'll be done with everything faster." Your husband lets a hand linger on your shoulder as he slowly pulls away, "I promise you I won't be long.*

>"Oh, okay!" You say, giving a bright smile. "Anything we need in particular?"

>"We're going to need a lot more food than usual for five days of travel, as well as more lard than we usually get. Also a couple of bottles of spirits, any kind will do. Other than that, stock up on the essentials. Got it?"

>You nod, "Of course! I won't let you down!"

>"Good girl. I'll see you at the docks later, then." He says as he walks away.

>"I love you!" You shout and wave as he disappears into the crowd. As you lose sight of him you sigh and turn your head to the shops, looking for where you should go.

>As you walk down the street, the constant streams of people make it hard to stop and look around without getting bumped around. You try to stop someone to speak, but everyone seems to be in too much of a hurry to give you a moment of their time.

>Trying to keep pace with the foot traffic as you search for a store, the gentle sound of the guitar draws your attention away from the buildings, and towards a crowd gathered at the side of the street. You excuse yourself as you make your way through to see the show.

>Beat's sitting on the curb, playing a particularly flowery number as people toss him copper coins. Despite the complexity of his song, he looks up at you and smiles.

>As the number reaches its climax, you reach into Sirius's coin purse to find something to give him for the entertainment, only to find it filled to the brim with gold. You glance back up at the bard, who shakes his head politely before ending the song and beckoning you over.

>"How're ya doin' baby? You look a little lost." He says as he scrapes the coins off from the cobblestones.

>"Oh, I'm just looking for a shop to buy some rations, but I'm having trouble finding my way around…"

>He drops his money into a pouch, "You found it!" Beat exclaims while nudging his head towards the building behind him, the sign of which indicating it to be a general store.

>"Oh! Thank you!" You say gratefully.

>"Any time, Gaelyn." He says, before resuming with another song.

>You search the store for what you need, and bring the items up to the counter a few at a time. After paying for them out of your husbands frighteningly deep pocket, you grab the sacks the shop keeper offered with the large purchase, and trundle towards the exit. You had always been in rather good shape from a life of farm work, and the constant training has only improved that, but the heavy burlap sacks of rations seemed to be a bit too much for you to carry along with your bulky weapon, as you barely make it out of the door before you need to rest.

>As you sit down to catch your breath, one of your bags lifts away and out of your grip. "H-hey! That's mine!" You shout as you grip your poleaxe, but quickly calm yourself when you see Beatus slinging it over his shoulder.

>"Looked like you needed some help." He says with a glinting smile.

>"Yeah, probably should have brought Muffin's along with me…" You say bashfully. "Sorry…"

>"Hey, it's no problem, baby! It's my duty to serve the people as well as our God." He says with a genuine pride, "Walk with me, talk with me!"

>>213080

>The two of you walk down the road, making your way to the stable with your supplies in tow.

>"So, you're a paIadin…?" You ask skeptically.

>"Of course, baby, what's it look like I am?"

>"A bard… I mean, usually the paIadins I see usually wear plate armor… and don't play music on the streets."

>"Baby, I'm a spy! Can't be sneaky or fast in plate armor!"

>You glance over, only to be partially blinded by the studs on his jacket reflecting the sun into your eye. "Uh…"

>"Trust me baby, it works out better than you think." He slows down and ends up trailing behind you, "Hey, hold up. I need to make a quick stop here if you don't mind. Important paIadin business, you know."

>"Oh, sure…"

>Beat goes into a building with a heavenly scent wafting out of it. It seemed to be a bakery… you wonder if Sirius would mind if you got some sweets…

>But before you could finish making that decision, your helper walks back out with another sack in his free hand, "Told you I'de be quick, baby."

>"Looks like someone was hungry." You tease as you continue your walk.

>"You know it…" He sighs, "You want some?" Beat says as he opens the bag clenched in his grip, revealing it to be full of loafs of freshly baked bread.

>"No thank you, I'm full. I just ate, remember?"

>"Right, right…" He says, seemingly distracted by something.

>"By the way, why did you give me a bag of-"

>"Shhhh… Not so loud baby, you wanna give the secret away?" He says with a roguish smirk.

>You laugh nervously, "Secret? It's just a… what am I supposed to do with it?"

>"What do you think you're supposed to do with it?"

>"I don't know…" You grumble, the cogs in your head turning for all they're worth. Gradually your thoughts shift as to why he's being so helpful now, when in fact he's completely impeding the progress of a quest. A quest that could save the world, no doubt! Your confusion begins to turn into anger, and you clench your fist before turning to face him.

>"You're thinking too hard, baby. You've already figured it out, no need to hurt yourself over it." He turns to face ahead. "Looks like this is your stop."

>You find yourself facing the entrance of the stables, and the varied smell of the city replaced with the familiar stench of animal pens. "I… thanks for the help, but why did you stop us from leaving for… I'm talking to myself, aren't I." You growl, turning to see the sack of supplies on the ground with no Beat in sight. :"Yep…" You groan, and start realizing that Sirius probably had to put up with this in a social and professional setting for years, and you were starting to lose patience already.

>Dragging the bags over to Muffin's stable and start packing the supplies into the saddlebags. You have to rearrange everything inside them to get everything to fit, and the buckles are straining a bit, but you finally manage to pack everything inside.

>Feeling quite pleased with yourself, you smile and admire your handiwork, which Muffins seems to reaffirm with a friendly nicker. You giver the steed a few gentle strokes on it's mane, before leaving the stables and back outside. As you look at the docks, you notice the sky is darkening, and wonder if you're running behind and your husband has been waiting for you…

>You break out into a light run, and make your way down the winding roads to the docks.

>>213228

>Your dash back to the docks was easier, as the crowds had lightened up significantly. You found it much easier to run around now, in fact, you had to keep yourself from running to fast, lest people see you leaping about high in the air… It was a conflicting feeling, you missed being able to jump like that, but you haven't been able to since you've been travelling with Sirius.

>As you reached the boardwalk, you slowed down to a casual walk as you huffed and puffed and caught your breath. Moving along, you spied your husband slumped over on a bench. His hair was slightly disheveled, and he seemed a bit tired.

>He notices you approach and waves, "Hey, what too you so long?"

>"Oh, I just had trouble finding my way around… spent a lot of time trying to cram all those jars of lard into the pack." You sigh, as you sit down and cuddle up next to him.

>"The journey ahead will be difficult, and dangerous. I think it's best if we just rest for today, while we can…"

>"You're tired?"

>"Yeah… had to clean up Lightbringer's mess. I can't keep deflecting these problems any more. It doesn't matter if…" He takes a deep breath, "…I'll worry about it later."

>You watch the waves crashing on the horizon, and squeeze Sirius tighter. "Hey, we won't have to deal with him any more once we leave, and we can just skip through town when we return. It's not like he can make it so we can't leave through the front gate!"

>The Commander scoffs, "I still have to work with him… let's not talk about him any more."

>You hear the cry of some seagulls as a small flock of them congregates on the pier a short distance away.

>"You still have that bag of seed he gave you?" He sighs.

>"Yeah, want to get rid of it?" You say as you fish it out of your pocket and place it between both of your laps.

>"Gladly." He says as he takes a pinch of the bag's contents and scatters it across the planks.

>The gulls flutter noisily over towards the the strewn seeds and begin picking at them greedily.

>You take a small pinch of seed and throw them a bit closer to your seat. The birds slowly make their way closer, rather brazenly in fact. One bird in particular stands out as being a different species of bird altogether, and seems to keep looking at you in between pecks.

>Curious, you take some of the seed in your hand and hold it out. Much to your surprise, the seagull flaps upwards and onto your finger tip, and begins picking at the food in your palm with surprising gentleness.

>"Hey! Looks like you made a friend!" Sirius whispers, wary to not scare the bird away.

>The gull finishes off the seed and looks over at you, curiously turning it's head this way and that. You smile nervously, slightly worried it might fly away, or peck out your eyes… "Hey little guy!" You coo.

>"It's a girl" He corrects. "A mockingbird it looks like. Pretty brave to be eating among these seagulls… Guess they're well fed from all the people around feeding them…"

>You let out a weak whine as the mockingbird starts skipping up your arm and onto your shoulder, "Sirius… heeeelp!"

>Before you can completely panic, the bird nuzzles your cheek with its beak,

>"What a sweet bird! It must think your her mama!" Your husband muses.

>You take the seed pouch and upturn it over your palm, but nothing comes out, "Sorry little bird, I'm all out."

>"Chirp!" The bird chirps.

>"No more! I'm sorry!"

>"Chirp chirp!" She chirps again, before jumping up onto your head, snuggling into your hood and roosting

>"I guess she has the final say in the matter. I think the inn charges extra for birds though." Sirius says as he stand up from his seat. "It's getting late… we should turn in for the evening."

>>213456

Mockingbird best pettu

>>213456

>The mockingbird on your head remains rather still and quiet despite your movements. At least not until you check into a room and sit down on the bed, when it flies over to a high up shelf and perches.

>"What a polite bird… kind of wish it didn't come inside with us though…" You mutter.

>"CHIRP!" she chirps, almost angrily.

>"Don't take it that way! It's just I…" You hide your glowing cheeks in your hands and sway coyly, "I just want to make love to my husband, and I don't feel comfortable with someone watching…"

>"Actually, honey could we save that for the boat ride or something? I have a really bad headache after dealing with-"

>"Chirp!" the mockingbird interrupts, before getting up, turning to face away from you and plopping back down.

>Sirius looks over at the shelf the bird was perched on, and cocks an eyebrow, "Did that bird just…?" He turns to you, "Honey…"

>You stare at him hungrily.

>"Honey, no, not tonight." He says as he plops down onto the bed, "Can't we just cuddle? I'm exhausted…"

>His words hurt more than you thought they would, "I… okay, as long as we cuddle…"

>You lie next to him, and turn to your side, Sirius wrapping his arm around you and pressing his body up close to you. "…Comfortable?" He speaks softly, restraining a deep yawn.

>"Yeah…" You manage to hide your disappointment.

>"Goodnight, honey… love you…"

>You stay silent

>"Honey?

>"Love you too… good night…"

>While Sirius fell asleep rather quickly, you could not, no matter how hard you tried. Your body burned with longing, and despite the cool evening, you were sweating profusely.

>Your husband has flopped over onto his back a while ago, so it was nice you weren't being smothered, but still. You close your eyes once more out of frustration, and groan as you wrench them back open, feeling no less sleepy. As you do, you see your little mockingbird friend standing on your stomach. "Hey there, you couldn't sleep either?"

>She trots up to your chest, and jumps up, flapping about wildly.

>"Whoa, you okay?"

>The bird flies up to the door and starts flapping even more.

>"You want to go outside?"

>"Chirp."

>You slide down to the edge of the bed, quickly get dressed. As soon as you do, the bird perches back on your head, and you make your way out of the inn.

>As you step out into the chilly midnight sea air, the bird jumps down to the ground and faces you.

>"So, is this good bye?" You say drearily.

>She flies back onto your head, and harmlessly pecks your forehead, before flying back to the ground before you.

>"Ow!" You giggle, as you stare at the curious bird as she stares at you, "What do you want? I don't speak bird…"

>"Chirp!" she flaps a bit in the air before walking away a few steps, and flapping noisily again.

>"…You want me to follow you…?"

>"Chirp chirp! Chirp chirp!" She exclaims, flapping more excitedly than before."

>"Okay! Okay!" You laugh, "…Guess a walk will help me get my mind off of… never mind. Let's go birdy."

>"Chirp."

>>213650

>You follow the bird through the streets of Watchharbor, largely empty save for the occasionally patrolling guard who eyed you suspiciously before spotting the badge on your cloak and letting you be.

>As the bird trotted about on the ground at a steady pace, you found yourself following her through a winding path of streets, and you begin to wonder why you were even walking a bird to begin with. Looking around, you notice the colorful buildings were giving way to dreary, ramshackle tenements.

>"Birdy… I don't think we should be walking through here…" You say, wishing you had brought your poleaxe with you as you nervously run your fingers across your knife. The street begins to feel darker as the city wall looms closer.

>You see a fire burning in an small, rusty brazier down a dingy alleyway. A few vagrants in ragged cloaks were huddled together against the wall of an adjacent building, splitting a loaf of bread among each other, They notice you walking by and pull their cloaks further over their faces as if ashamed.

>The mockingbird marches on, unafraid of the dingy surroundings and shifty looking derelicts. In fact, her path becomes more certain and straight, until finally reaching a dismal cottage nestled in the far edge of the ghetto, the door window glowing with a hazy light from within. She flies up and perches on the window frame, before pecking at the glass rhythmically.

>"H-hey! What are you doing? We shouldn't start bugging people, they might be asleep!" You say in a hushed tone, reaching to grab the creature before it woke up the people inside. Before you can pull her away, the door swings open.

>"Hey baby, thought you would never come visit!" Beatus says as he leans against the door frame, holding a finger out which the mockingbird perches on, "Did you behave yourself, Esmeralda?"

>"Chirp!"

>"Good girl."

>"This is your bird?"

>"Nah, she's not mine. We just live together!" He says as the bird flies up to his large poof of hair, and disappears inside. "Don't just stand out there in the cold, baby, come inside, take a seat!"

>You look around nervously. You don't really know him that well… but he IS another paIadin, and you don't want to be rude. "Only for a little bit. I have to get back to the inn so Sirius doesn't worry."

>"I won't keep ya baby." He says as he leads you into his home. Despite it's poor exterior, the interior looked no where near run down. One corner of the small home looked livable with a comfortable looking chair and a small table upon which a lit oil lamp lie. But the entire home had an acrid smelling fog, that made breathing a bit unpleasant. Looking further inside, you saw a large workbench with complex alchemical tools and devices scattered about, vials filled with a variety of suspect and deadly looking substances. The table was also cluttered with a variety of exotic looking knives and blades that would seem more at home on the appendages of massive beasts. A large bookcase crammed with tomes of all sizes stretched across the far wall, and a small stool stood next to it with a stack of even more books on top and his double-necked guitar leaning against the adjacent wall.

>"I take it Sirius wasn't in the mood to visit again?" Beat says, sounding disappointed.

>"Chirp"

>"Oh well, at least you came to visit! I was afraid I had cleaned up for nothing." He says, taking the stack of books off of the stool in the corner, and sitting down. "Go on baby, take a seat!" He says pointing to the larger chair by the entrance.

>If this was clean, you were worried what it must have looked like before… "Thank your your hospitality, I hope I didn't wake you."

>"Aw, it's no problem baby." He sighs, "I wasn't sleepin' tonight anyways." You begin to wonder why he's still wearing those dark glasses inside at this hour, when he pulls out a cloth from his jacket pocket, and takes off the eye-wear to clean the lens. His eyes are terribly bloodshot, and dark bags frame the undersides. He quickly finishes wiping them down and puts them back on, "I'm truly am glad you came to visit, baby. I really don't like being alone for too long." He laughs with relief as he scratches his temple.

>"Sir Lightbringer… why did you impede our quest, lie to us, and do all of this? It doesn't make any sense. Aren't you on our side?"

>"Just havin' fun baby! …and I just wanted to see my best friend before…" He trails off and sinks his head down into his hand.

>"Beat?" You say as you get up and reach out to him. "Is everything… okay?"

>"You're God's chosen hero, right? …I guess I can trust you, Sirius and Esmeralda trust you…" He mutters under his breath before looking back up at you, "You can keep a secret, right baby?" He says, his cool attitude cracking slightly, hands shaking while he reaches into his jacket pocket.

>"Y-yeah. of course!"

>"I knew ya would, baby." He says as he produces a lovingly carved pipe and a small pouch.

>>213715

>Beat takes a pinch of dried leaves from the small pouch and tamps it into the pipe, "This is the last time I'll get to see you or Sirius again, and I just wanted to spend time with my friends one last time."

>"What? Why? Are you really in that much trouble with the Church?"

>"No, of course not! Baby, I know waaaay too much for them to bother with something clumsy like a trial or an assassination attempt. If I was in trouble with the church, God Herself would strike me dead. Himself I mean." He says as he ignites a tinder stick on a nearby candle, and lights his pipe. "Naw, this is far worse."

>"…Worse?"

>Beatus opens a window next to him, "You escaped Towerwood while it was being attacked, right?"

>An anxious feeling tingles at the back of your neck, "Yeah…"

>"It's fallen, the Bishop is dead, and their mayor has betrayed Duskbreach."

>"Jäeger!? He-"

>"Damn straight…" He inhales the pipe, and sighs a plume of smoke towards the window as he slumps back against the corner, "…A shame, but Towerwood has always been a hotbed of Pagan sympathizers. That's why we kept it under such tight control. Worst part is… they're headed here next."

>"T-this place is much better protected, isn't it? You can repel their invasion, right!?"

>He takes another puff from his pipe and lets it linger with a pained expression on his face, before blowing it out, "…We need that weapon, Gaelyn. That Heretic King is the only thing keepin' that riff raff together. Nothing has inspired this much unity among the monsters before… not since…"

>"But you can stop them from taking over Watcharbor until we get what we need, right!?"

>"…There's more than one way to skin a cat, baby. He's got humans among his ranks, and he's doing his best to kiss up to 'em… I have some plans I'm working out." He holds the pipe in his mouth while he grabs a book from the shelf and starts flipping through it. "Still, its likely I'm going to die. Those crazy cats took over that city and they barely suffered any casualties… and that demon fucker… I don't think he's human… not any more…"

>>213746

>You try to piece all of this together, you stare at his eyes, but can't get past his glasses. "How do you know any of this? How do I know you're not lying?"

>Beatus leans forward and takes his glasses off, "Look into my eyes, Gaelyn."

>You stare into his eyes, red and puffy, as if he hasn't slept in days.

>"Has Sirius ever told you about the Eye of God?" He says bluntly.

>"God can see everything, right?"

>He smiles, "You're right, and He also grants a fraction of this gift to all of the higher ranking paIadins, just enough to let them see and speak to each other across long distances, and Him, of course. But me…" He chuckles, "Now I know I don't look it, but when I joined the paIadins, the Church was dazzled more by my intellect than my flashy dance moves. So when I was granted God's blessing… it reacted differently to me, oh God did it ever…"

>"What happened?"

>"My mind had always been a dizzying whirlwind of thoughts, but ever since that day… I've heard God's voice whispering in my head constantly. Course, one person talking I can take, but this… this is like hundreds, thousands, all trying to whisper into my head at the same time. I easily handled it at first. Hell, if I listen carefully, I can understand everything it's telling me." He leans back and squeezes the bridge of his nose, "And it tells me almost everything happening everywhere at every given time. But it never goes away and it's drivin' me crazy, baby!" His laugh turns halfway into a sob, "So I gotta keep busy all the time, distract myself from all this noise! That's why I'm always movin', always doin' somethin', always schemin'… when I'm among crowds, the torrent of voices just seems natural, but when I'm alone… well I have my music, and other things… hopefully I can sleep tonight…"

>You're not sure what to say, but after hearing what he must be going through, you try to say something, "I… um… I had no idea… have you told Sirius about this? Maybe if you just told him instead of going about it through these round a bout ways, he wouldn't have such a low opinion of you…"

>He frowns, but forces it back into a smile, "…You're right baby. Here…" He digs around his shelf for a piece of paper, runs to his work bench, and starts scrawling madly.

>"Beat… I promise-"

>"Here's what I want you to promise me, Gaelyn." He says as he folds up the letter and hands it to you, "I want you to give this to your husband, and promise me you'll take good care of him, keep him on the straight and narrow, and watch his back like I did, okay?"

>You nod, and safely tuck the letter away. "…I promise."

>"Thank's baby…" He says, resting a hand on your shoulder. "It's REALLY late, don't like kicking guests out, but you really should get goin' before Sirius wakes up."

>"I'll see you again, Beat. I promise!" You say full of determination.

>He gives you a smirk, "… I know you will, baby."

>>213747

>As you walk through the ghetto back towards the better part of the city, you notice the transients from before, who crane their heads towards you and wave. You think you can even see a slight friendly smile from under their hoods.

>The sky was still dark, and you finally felt your eyelids tugging closed during your walk though the quiet city streets.

>You entered the inn, careful not to make any noise as to avoid waking the other guests as you slink back into your room. Sirius still lie sound asleep, wrapped up in the sheets. Sleep was looking pretty good right now…

>Making slow and methodical movements, you gently slipped underneath the covers and adjusted your position until you were comfortable. Sleep seemed to favor you now, and you steadily drifted off. Until you realized you forgot something. Sliding up against your lover, you reach an arm around, and firmly embrace him, pulling him close.

>Your senses relax as they're softly overwhelmed, cushioning your mind in a fog and lulling you into sleep…

>Sirius pulls away, swinging his feet down to the floor as he lets out a great big yawn.

>Your eyes angrily tear open to see your husband looking at you happily.

>"Good morning honey, did you sleep well?"

>You remain silent and nod as your eyes start to burn from the strain.

>"That's great! I didn't get around to it yesterday, but we just need to take care of a few more things before our ship is ready in a couple of hours." He says, sounding almost chipper.

>"O-okay…" You mumble as you begrudgingly sit back up

>He looks at you quizzically, "You're already dressed?"

>"U-uh… yeah! I got up early, and must have dozed back off…" You try to laugh off your fatigue nonchalantly.

>"Oh… well good! Just give me a moment and let me get ready… would you mind helping me with my armor? I can put it on myself, but this will speed things along."

>"Sure!" You say as you get up onto your feet. He walks you through strapping his armor, making sure every plate was securely tightened to it's other half. At last you hand him his great helm.

>He takes the helmet from you and looks at the incredibly deep dent in the temple, before securing it to a strap from his belt, "Still need to get this fixed…"

>Your walk about town did a little to wake you back you up, and the sound of street vendors noisily setting up their stalls kept you alert.

>The horizon over the ocean gradually begins burning red, like an inferno was raging over the sea as the sun slowly peeked over the surf. The two of you stood and enjoyed the beautiful sunrise for a bit before returning to your business.

>Sirius drags you along through town, ducking into different shops, looking around, and leaving to go to another store. You didn't pay much attention, spending most of your focus on staying awake. That is until he finally made a purchase and hands half of it to you.

>"A knapsack?" You ask, turning the treated leather back over in your hands.

>"Of course, I forgot to tell you, we need to carry these supplies ourselves. Muffins would really be able to handle the climate we're going to travel through, not to mention how frustrating it would be to get a horse onto the boat…"

>"O-oh…" You get a little nervous, you bought enough to cram the saddlebags full…

>When you reached the stables, Sirius looks at what you had bought with a satisfied look. "This looks like more than enough, going to be a bit difficult to pack it all in, but better we be prepared for anything." He opens up his pack, which you just now notice is significantly larger than yours.

>He takes things out of the saddlebags one by one, and hands something to you every so often. The two of you take your time carefully arranging the supplies into the bags as compactly as possible. The task takes you quite a while, but you manage to get everything divided among both of your packs.

>Sirius slung his knapsack onto his shoulders with no apparent trouble, turning to face you. "Ready to go?"

>You grab your pack, and heft it onto your shoulders. "Yep, I'm…Nnnng!" You struggle for a bit to stand up, but manage, chalking it up to your lack of sleep.

>"You want me to take some of that off your hands…?"

>"No no! I'm… good!" You give a grin and a thumbs up.

>He looks at you suspiciously, "You sure?"

>You groan and start pushing him towards the barn exist, "Yes, I'm fine! Let's go!"

>"W-wait! I need to say goodbye to Muffins!"

Beat is going to have a bird waifu isn't he

>>217033

If he doesn't go and get "blessed"

Although Beat seems a bit too smart to do that. Would the false god's all-seeing-eye blessing show him the awful tentacles and such that come with a blessing? Do higher ranking church members know and just ignore the fact that the shit's clearly evil out of fear or faith?

>>217057

I see Beat going crazy from his enhanced God-vision and opening a vein before too much longer. Doesn't seem like his cheese is too firmly on the cracker.

…Unless some monster can take up the burden of protecting his smile. (snail plz)

>>217057

well, he has basically been tortured by god's 'gift' so he might be willing to hear Anonson out.

>>217057

He knows what he must do. He's going to sacrifice himself to fight back the monster army. He knows he will die. He's just trying his best to cope with it.

>>217102

assuming he doesn't die I would have thought he'd end up with faggot cat

>I just came online and checked snails thread to see if there had been any updates.

>There hasn't been.

>Apparently it's been 20 days since the last update.

>Nobody has expressed their concern that there hasn't been a peep out of snail since then.

>About to ask how you were doing when I realize the tread may have hit the bump limit.

>There's been a new thread for a while and I never bothered to check for it until now.

It's official snail, I'm retarded.

I'm deeply sorry for the long hiatus. I've had too many distractions recently.

>>217032

>You awake, lying slumped over in the corner of your cell, the cold stone surfaces your only companion, save for the occasional groan or whine of the occupants of the other cells. All for the past several days… weeks… months? You lost track a long time ago,

>…No, that's not it… you were just holding onto Anonson moments ago… why are you here again!? No… no no no, you need to get out of here before-!

>Suddenly the sound of grinding mechanisms shake you out of your daze. Springing up to your feet, you trip up a bit, having not walked properly at all for a long time. But you don't have time to waste, you force yourself to walk out of the cell and out into the sprawling underground prison complex.

>No sooner as you step out, you hear liquid rushing through the piping running through the overhead machinery. You begin to panic and start running down the aisles as quickly as your stiff legs will carry you, but as the cavern comes alive with the gnashing of gears, you know it's too late.

>The countless clinking of mechanical latches deafen you, spurring your feet to move faster, but the complex is so vast and uniform, everything looks exactly the same and you can't find the exit!

>Tears begin welling up in your eyes as you see the prisoners stumble and lurch out of their cells. Thousands upon thousands of them slowly swarming out into the halls. As if they could smell you, they all turn their heads towards you, red, glassy eyes staring blankly and slightly gaped mouths drooling mindlessly.

>"N-no! Stay away! I don't…" You shriek as you feel a hot clammy hand grasp as your shoulder, before tearing away.

>They're significantly slower than you are despite your legs being numb, but their sheer numbers manage to block off your progress, the brain-dead mob encircling you completely.

>You look around for any sort of escape, any sort of thinning in the throngs entrapping you, to no avail.

>As they close in, you fall to your knees and cry, "Please! Stay away! I-I don't… I don't want to hurt you again!" Your pleas fall on deaf ears. You didn't want to admit it but… they were too far gone. Your efforts all those years… had been in vain…

>"Anonson… please… help… where are you…" You mutter as you feel them start to grab at you awkwardly, getting a firm grip as they start trying to force you down. Their emaciated bodys made this difficult for them, but there was no way to fight them all off without…

>You begin to panic, words subconsciously running through your head, a rush of warmth courses out from your core and out to your fingertips, the air around you begins to crackle, smelling of ozone. Your hands reflexively rise up in front of you, a small sphere of warped space forming between them, a rippling force radiates inwards, drawing in the air around you.

>Small arcs of lightning begin crackling around you, connecting to moist areas around you, and making them evaporate into steam. The gasses wisp in the air before being drawn into the singularity in your hands.

>At the feeling of something probing your back, you instinctively rear up and slam something with your shoulder. A pained groan, followed by a forlorn sob stabs your heart despite the perverted intent. "Please! I'm begging you!"

>The sphere in your hands gains mass is it continues sucking in gasses from the room. More words rush through your mind, and in a flash, your skin feels almost freezing cold. Soon after the spell in your grasp shudders, and the center sparks, making a sphere erupt into searing hot plasma with an awesome roar disproportionate to its size.

>The horde begins piling on to you, "GET AWAY! I BEG YOU!" You try to press down, but the atomic engine withing your grasp exuded a pressure to great for you to fight back against. You tried to will it down, but another part of your mind wouldn't stop reciting the spell…

>>219648

>The vacuum draws in more and more fuel from around you, quickly stoking the inferno in your palms and increasing in size wildly. Despite the human's drugged stupor, they seemed unable to deny the mortal danger emanating from you, and tripped over themselves and each other trying to get away from you, grunting and moaning in fear.

>"Y-yes! Thank you! I knew I could finally… reach you…" You utter tearfully, almost hopelessly. You knew it was too late… it always happened the same way… all these times and you still could not stop it…

>The small sun you had conjured explodes in a violent inferno, disdainful of your pleas of mercy, and fills the room in a deadly storm of all consuming fire. The arcane chill coating you like a second skin completely protecting you from the barrage of searing heat.

>Countless human howls of despair are drowned out by the roar of the flames before promptly being snuffed out forever.

>"God… please… forgive me…" You sob, as you collapse over in sorrow and exhaustion, "…please…"

>"PLEASE!" You gasp as you jolt up from your bedroll, catching your breath. You suddenly felt reinvigorated, if not a bit weary as you regained your bearings.

>A groan besides you as Anonson turns over and gets up sleepily, hair matted awkwardly in a flat plane where his head met the cushion. "Honey… everything okay?"

>"Y-yeah…" you utter as you look outside a crack in your tent, the cool night air wafting against your face and nipping you awake. "J-just… just…"

>"A nightmare?" He finishes.

>"Yeah…"

>He grasps your arms gently, and nuzzles his scruffy cheek against the nape of your neck, "Everything's going to be okay Maggie. I'm here."

>"I know." You sigh, before getting up.

>"Where are you going?" your husband says as stops his lazy descent back on to the ground

>"Just need to freshen up… you can go back to sleep, I'll only be a moment."

>He looks at you with concern for a moment, "Okay, just have Naomi…" He yawns drowsily, "…go with you, okay?"

>"Sure…" You say, peeking out to make sure she's not there before stepping outside.

>tfw this song comes on right when you open snail's thread to more Anonson

A propos or what?

>>219716

C'mon Snail, like Anonson isn't a Luciferian figure to begin with…

Like we need any other God but Ammit in the first place though

>>219649

>As you walk down the street, you hear Naomi's familiar clinking armor join your footsteps.

>"Working late again, my Queen?"

>"Mhmm…" You grunt a little impatiently, trying to hide your annoyance.

>"…Nightmares again?" She says with a hint of sympathy.

>You stop for but a moment before resuming your walking pace, "Yeah…"

>The two of you walk together in awkward silence for minute, before Naomi speaks again, "…Is it the same one agai-"

>"How do you know about that!?" You snap, turning to face her.

>"I'm sorry, my liege. I did not mean to impose. I merely overheard you telling your husband and…"

>You grasp her by the shoulders and shove her down a nearby alleyway, pushing her against the wall, "Have you told anyone!?" You hiss directly into her ear.

>"N-no my liege! I swear by my life!"

>"No one can know about that Naomi… NO ONE!" You say with an increasingly weakening voice as you fight back your tears.

>"My liege… a lot of the recruits from Conchport have also been complaining of recurring nightmares… I simply thought…"

>Shame bubbles up in your head as you realize your error, before releasing your grip and backing away, "…I'm sorry Naomi… I didn't mean to act so rudely to you…"

>"Think nothing of it…" She says as she gives a gentle bow.

>You shyly turn away and head back down the road, "…You said they're having nightmares too? Think it could be because of seeing combat?"

>"No… even the uh… regiment… I haven't put in battle yet are having them." She says nervously.

>"I see… just keep an eye on them for now, let me or Anonson know if things get worse."

>"Yes, ma'am."

>You reach your destination, the dark war room tent, and step inside. Sitting down at the desk, your eyes adjust to the darkness and focus on the lantern nearby. You hesitate for a moment, recalling your dream, but push those thoughts back as you twist the knob and extend the wick out a little bit.

>Focusing on the small sliver of exposed white cotton, you point at it with your extended finger. "[I-ig]…" The howls from your nightmare echoes in your mind, "Dammit, you can do this… you need to get past this… [Ignite]!" countless runes speed through your mind as you recall the chemical reaction needed in the desired location, and you feel a slight drain on your body. The lantern flickers to life with a small, steadily grown flame, until the tent is filled with a gentle glow.

>With a heavy sigh of relief, you grab the chain around your neck, and use the key on it to unlock the lockbox on the floor. You pull out a stack of bundled documents and drop them on to the desk before undoing the twine binding it.

>You set to work sorting through the recruitment forms, giving the information a cursory glance for any errors before making sure they're accounted for. It takes you the rest of the night to update your records and calculate the new soldiers' pay.

>You were glad that so many people were willing to join your cause, but you still reeled at the costs. Thankfully most of your soldiers were being paid with seed and the promises of mates… but you wonder if they thought they'de be rich when they get home. The thought of the effects of your kingdom's seed based economy meeting an influx of human men made you shudder, but that would have to be dealt with after the war.

>The paperwork is eventually finished, but there was still a lot you needed to do. You suppose you could prepare more healing reagents while brushing up on centaur biology… If you had just spent more time studying you could have saved that soldier…

>Fatigue tugs at your eyelids, making you slump over on the desk and lament at your uselessness. Glancing through the tent flaps, you see the morning sun faintly streaking through the forest canopy in the distance. Dammit, you needed to get back to work. You couldn't let your people down… but it wouldn't hurt to just rest your eyes for a moment before you went out…

and once upon a time, this whole thing was started because some Anon wanted to know what a monster girl matriarchy that used cum as a form of currency would look like

If anyone has any requests for me to draw a specific character, feel free to ask.

Also trying to update more regularly, sorry.

>>220104

>Your soldiers had spent the wee hours of the morning packing up camp, Towerwood's streets were soon clear of tents, and your troops had assembled outside the city walls. Oddly enough, Jäeger was no where to be found. Odd, considering you couldn't walk two steps without him trying to chat you up. He had spent the last couple of days asking about all the different species among your ranks… Admittedly you had to ask your wife more than once for help identifying them, you felt too ashamed to ask your soldiers outright.

> Horst and his friends walk through the, wearing significantly nicer clothing than the beer stained furs they did before. "Good mornin' my liege." He says with a short bow.

>"Good morning, everyone."

>"Where's your wife? I wanted to say goodbye…"

>You give him a knowing, unamused look, "Magdalene is sleeping in one of the carts right now. She was up late working, and I found her passed out on her desk."

>"Well, tell her I said bye in any case. By the way, we have the lumber you wanted ready and loaded some carts, along with some of our special heat resistant woodworking tools." He says pointing behind him, soldiers pulling carts full of large, ironoak beams. "Should be enough for what your wife had written on those plans of hers.

>As the carts rolled by, you gave them cursory examinations, and felt confident in their quality. "Thanks for all the help guys… By the way, why are you all dressed up?"

>Horst proudly adjusts the lapels of his fine, albeit slightly old and dully colored jacket. "Well, me and the guys think its about time for us to take the reigns of the city away from Jäeger, and take our places back in office, we've even sworn to…" He grimaces, "…Cut back on the booze…"

>"Did you even discuss this with him? Or with me for that matter?" You say a little dubious of their decision behind your back.

>He shifts about nervously, "Aye, we talked about it with Jäeger, it was his idea actually… Uh, I guess we should have asked you first though…"

>Your glare shifts behind him, towards Jäeger approaching you with a pack slung over one shoulder, greataxe resting on the other, and several hounds following behind him excitedly.

>"Hey! Sorry I'm late, I was just getting my things together…" He looks towards you, "…What's wrong?"

>"…What are you doing?"

>"I'm coming with you! I joined your army… don't tell me you lost my recruitment form…"

>You walk over to his side and stretch up to his ear, "Don't you think you should stay here to defend your city in case it's attacked by Duskbreach's forces?"

>"No way, these guys have got better heads on their shoulders than I do. Besides, you have some good soldiers staying here, Towerwood should be safe in their hands."

>You grumble in defeat, "I guess I can't decline your service… I'm sure the new recruits will be more comfortable if they have their leader in their ranks…" You step back and grasp as much of his large hand as you're able, "Welcome to Ebonthorn's military, Jäeger. Naomi will put you through basic training with the rest of the recruits, so you'll report to her as of now."

>He salutes you solemnly, "Yes sir!" he states firmly before running off, looking almost too excited.

>Horst walks up and puts a hand on your shoulder, "I know it's not something you can promise during a war, but try to keep him from killing himself. Him and his family has always been like blood to us, and we couldn't stand losing our best friend again."

>You look towards your troops, "I'll try… that's all I can promise you."

>>220986

>If anyone has any requests for me to draw a specific character, feel free to ask.

Gwen

>>220986

Draw Gaelyn pls

>>221011

I can't ignore those JUSTICE dubs, so I'll start working on a picture of Gwen with Kenneth if skelecane Matthew doesn't kill me.

>>221015

Once I'm done with Beardicus's request I'll do a picture of Gaelyn Possibly with Sirius

Neither of them will be particularly lewd though, sorry. Unless you think enjoying each other's company is lewd.

>>220986

>After new recruits said goodbye to their loved ones, and you gave your final orders to the soldiers who would stay behind in Towerwood, your army left the city, once more delving back into the thick forest that surrounded it.

>Knowledge of how to efficiently fell the ironoak trees made keeping off the path a much simpler affair. Jäeger helped you and the other soldiers clear the way whenever a tree stood in the way of your caravan.

>Your progress was significantly faster than than before, though still somewhat slow, given how your formations had to maneuver around the dense woodlands.

>Eventually, you stopped in a less dense stretch of forest, where camp could be set up more comfortably. It was a fair distance from any settlements or roads, and you were confident that the enemy wouldn't be able to pinpoint your location easily.

>With camp established, your generals led your more well established soldiers in training the new recruits. You walked through the training grounds, watching the new additions to your forces put through hell with a contented smile. A lot of the hunters, lumberjacks, and even some of the guards that had joined almost seemed right at home in the gauntlet of sparring and exercises. Amidst the sound of spirit grunts and shouts, you heard yelling that stood out among the din of practice.

>At the edge of the grounds, you saw a company that mostly consisted with female human recruits. It seems that in addition to the ones from Conchport, their numbers had doubled from ones brought in from Towerwood.

>Naomi was sparring with one woman, who came at her with heavily swung fists, that the agile lizard woman dodged easily. The recruit snarled ferociously and yelled insults at your guard captain, who didn't seem to even pretend to be phased by her onslaught.

>"You haughty, scaled slut! I'll fucking kill you!" She screams with unbridled defiance, "STAND. STILL!!" Her hook catches on to Naomi's helmet, but glances off with a slight clang.

>Before the woman can even recover from her desperate swing, Naomi quickly reels back, punching her square in the jaw, and promptly knocking her out.

>You wince at the audible blow, but walk over to the two of them as the woman comes to. Seeing her struggle to get back up, you reach down and firmly grasp her hand before hoisting her up to her feet. "That was a mighty fine fight you put up, soldier! Your passion for battle is impressive!" You tell her proudly before turning to Naomi, "But uh… fists won't do well against armed infantry…"

>A woman with frizzed, blonde hair, that seemed to have been unceremoniously cut short, glared at you with angry green eyes. It was hard to tell with her body covered in padded infantry fatigues, but her body seemed bulkier than the other recruits in her squadron. "Would have won, if that bitch didn't cheat…" She grumbles as she gets up, ripping her hand out of yours, "Get the hell off of me."

>"We weren't sparring, sir. This soldier did not like her placement in the ranks, and decided to… 'prove herself' out of turn." She says calmly, her eyes seeming to glower with immense impatience.

>You notice the woman storming off back to camp, "Hey! Get back here soldier!" You shout as you run up and grab her shoulder, roughly turning her to face you. "Just what is your problem, recruit!?"

>"Why the hell was I put with all those pathetic cunts!?"

>You forcibly walk her back to her squadron, where Naomi stood dutifully, "What makes you say that? Naomi here has done an excellent job training these soldiers into a well honed group of warriors! Isn't that right, General?"

>"Sir I…"

>"You there!" You say happily, cutting Naomi off as you point to one of the women recruited from Conchport, "Come here and spar with…" You look over at the woman beside you patiently.

>"Gilda Axebeard." She huffs impatiently.

>"Come spar with Axebeard, and take her arrogance down a peg." You say with a slight tone of annoyance..

>The soldier you singled out walks over, wielding a quarterstaff.

>You back away, standing beside Naomi, "Gilda, you need a weapon too."

>She quietly scoffs before grabbing a training sword from the barrel.

>"Alright, ready?"

>The woman from Conchport nods, while Gilda waves her hand dismissively.

>"Begin!"

>>221694

>The woman keeps an orthodox stance, keeping her polearm ready to defend.

>Without hesitation, Gilda throws her sword at her opponent, who just barely manages to swipe the projectile away with her staff. But Gilda had already dashed forward before tearing the quarterstaff out of her grip.

>The woman couldn't even react; Gilda strikes her with her own weapon in the side of her stomach, then sharply thrusts the pole into her gut.

>"-Guh!" The soldier sputters, before wheezing breathlessly and collapsing onto the ground.

>You stare at the woman as she lie curled up and coughing weakly, before looking up at Gilda, "Good fight! …When you can get back up, go walk to the medical tent and rest for a while." You tell the defeated woman.

>"Y-yes-" She heaves fruitlessly, "-Sir… thanks…"

>Naomi positions herself in front of you, "Sir I need to tell you-"

>"Which one of the soldiers in this squadron is the strongest?" You interrupt.

>Her claws go slightly limp, before pointing to another soldier, "Ariel, come forward!"

>A familiar redheaded shopkeeper steps forwards, smiling at you nervously as she approaches Gilda.

>"Ready? Begin!" You shout once more.

>Gilda immediately charges in, swinging her quarterstaff violently. Ariel raises her buckler just in time to block the blows, but it's clear that the strikes are too much for her arms to bear. Each successive blow Gilda lands on Ariel's shield forces her lower and lower to the ground until she's practically lying on her stomach with her buckler covering the back of her head as she groans in pain.

>You run up and restrain Gilda, who still thrashed about wildly as you pulled her away. "Whoa! Relax soldier, you won!"

>"See? I told you they were weaklings! You think that just because I'm a woman I'm not strong enough to be with the real soldiers!?" She says, wriggling out of your grip and facing you angrily.

>You stare her down worriedly, "Gilda, you're a good fighter, but that doesn't mean that the others are weak. You need to learn more discipline and respect before I can trust you in the front lines."

>"WHAT!?" She shrieks, "What is this bullshit!?"

>You grab Gilda's collar and jerk her close, growling under your breath, "One more outburst like that and you're sent back to Towerwood, understood?" You look back over to the denizens of Conchport and pick one from random, "You, spar with me and show me how much you've improved!" You say as you grab the quarterstaff from Gilda and approach the chosen soldier.

>She looks at you nervously as she holds her own staff in a death grip.

>"Don't be scared, just give me everything you've got! Don't worry about hurting me!" You say spiritedly as you rap a knuckle on your helmet.

>"O-okay…" She mutters, raising her weapon. She swings clumsily, and you easily sweep her attack away. You could barely even feel the impact.

>"T-that was good, soldier. But don't be afraid to really give me a beating! I can take it!" You cheer.

>She closes her eyes and swings as hard as she can, leaving herself completely open in the process.

>Without even trying, you parry her 'heavy' strike away and tap her in the stomach with your staff. The impact makes her wince and recoil back slightly. "S-soldier…" You say nervously, "…Why don't you go rest for the evening… You've… earned it."

>"Yes sir, thank you sir." She says, before fearfully running back towards camp, tossing her staff into the barrel along the way.

>Gilda glowers at you, poorly restraining a smug smirk.

>"You. I want you to return to camp and cool down for the evening." You command the obstinate woman.

>"Yes sir…" She says dismissively as she turns and walks away.

>You turn back to the rest of the women, and clap your hands together as you look at them optimistically, "Alright…" You sigh before giving a patient smile, "Why don't we try something else?"

>>221695

>Human women

>Fighting

Many keks! Is Mrs. Axebeard Jager's wife? That's the vibe I'm getting, that or she's a Scott.

>>221714

well, maybe he'll turn them into monsters.

I had an update nearly ready for last night, but the last stretch of the hurricane knocked out power in my area. Authorities say it won't be back up until tuesday night. I apologise for the delay.

>>222072

well at least your internet and computer didnt die

still patiently waiting on the Gwen art

>>222099

God dammit Beardicus, stop getting dubs, and it'll take me like 12-15 hours to do, so be patient.

>>221695

>You spent the next several hours subjecting the squadron to a training regiment that your old General would have been proud of. You had them paired up and running laps around the grounds, where they would then return to spar with their partner until one of them gained victory over the others. Victors would then pair with other victors, while losers with other losers, and repeat the process over again.

>At least… you had PLANNED to spend the next several hours training them in this fashion. Some couldn't even run the first lap before collapsing in exhaustion. Those that managed to make it, could barely put any strength behind their sparring match. Swings were slow, and the impacts between their weapons were barely audible. The few that could actually come to a clear and concise conclusion in their matches, argued and bickered over who actually won, and complained who would have to pair up with who.

>Your patience quickly ran thin trying to micromanage every single soldier into following your frequently repeated instructions, until you finally gave up and dismissed them for the evening. Most of the other squadrons had already turned in for the night anyways…

>As you watched the female recruits limp off, covered in dirt, bruises and vomit, Naomi stepped to your side and sighed deeply, "I'm sorry sir, I failed you."

>You think for a moment, not really sure how to approach the matter. It's not like you could say she was an inept leader, you knew better than that. But could you really place the blame on dozens of people? And if it was her fault, it was your fault as well. You could barely lead this squadron at all when it came to even simply coordinated instructions, how would they even manage on a battlefield when under the pressure of mortal danger-

>"Sir?" Naomi says interrupting your thoughts.

>"-H-huh? Oh…" You mumble as you take off your helmet and brush your hair back, enjoying the cool air on your sweat dampened head. "It's not your fault, it's mine…"

>"My liege, I…"

>"I… I don't know what we're going to do with them, Naomi. They haven't made any progress at all since they were recruited?"

>"No sir… ignoring the fact that some of them can't seem to follow instructions, most of them would need to train for years before they would be strong enough to join the ranks…"

>"I see…" You turn and face her. "Thank you for your hard work Naomi, we'll discuss the matter later." You turn to leave back towards camp, trying to hide your worry from passing soldiers with a stoic facade.

>>222988

>A rhythmic, metallic cacophony draws your attention to Perri's workshop as you walk by, acrid smoke billowing out from her massive furnace.

>The promise you made to the small smithy a few days crosses your mind. Feeling bad for allowing it to slip your memory, you walk into blistering heat permeating her work area. There you found Perri hunched over her anvil, hammering a spearhead into a point.

>As she carries the hot steel back to the furnace, her eye catches yours, "Oh, hi Anonson… How are you today?"

>You turn your head and see a woman slump by back to her tent. "Uh… I'm doing great. Just thought I would drop by to help you out… if you still need it."

>"Oh!" She gasps, fumbling to pick the spearhead back up in her tongs after dropping it, "…Y-yeah, I still need to catch up making arrows… the broadheads are already cast… they just need to be sharpened before they're attached to the shafts…" Perri points over to a grindstone with a barrel heaped with dull arrowheads, "Have you used one before?"

>Days as a squire spending countless hours sharpening kitchen knives for the chef and swords for the knights comes flooding back, "Uh yeah, a little." You say as you straddle the really low stool next the stone wheel, and awkwardly position your foot on the tiny pedal.

>Perri runs up and pecks your cheek, "…Thank you so much, this is so much help for me…"

>"No problem…" You say as you pull the wheel towards you, and keep the momentum going with the foot pedal. After you thoroughly whet the stone, you take the first arrow head and begin grinding the sides into a sharply bladed edge before placing it in the empty barrel beside you.

>After watching you intently for a moment, she seems contented with your performance and returns to her own work.

>"Perri," You say as you finish another arrowhead, "Why haven't you taken on an apprentice? I could assign some soldiers to help you if you like."

>Her next stroke with the hammer flattens the glowing metal so thin, the end hanging off the anvil snaps off. "I… I… uh… I don't… like working closely with people I don't… know…"

>"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to distract you…" You say, putting your nose back to the grindstone in shame.

>"It's… fine… Besides, my techniques were passed down from my mother… and her mother… yeah…" She picks up the broken bit and stacks it on top of the remaining form before hammering it back into single piece and putting it back into the forge, "…I can't just give that knowledge to anybody… it's… special… it's…"

>"So it's a family tradition…."

>"Yeah… although, I consider you family… if you want me to teach you that is… if that's alright with you…" Her face glows brighter than the fire in her smelter as she quickly keeps her eye on the furnace so doesn't have to face you.

>You smile, but keep a close eye on your own work as you imagine a simple life with your wife and kids, making tools and nails and what have you for the village you live in… but then you remember your surroundings, and your enthusiasm drains, replaced by thoughts of the grand responsibility set on your shoulders. The possibility of a simple life seemed impossible…

>"…It's alright… it was a silly thing to say…"

>"No it's just… I don't know if I could learn a trade right this very moment… But uh… maybe after all is said and done?" You say, finding that you're starting to take a strange comfort in the menial task at hand.

>"Oh! Of course… I didn't expect to make you a full fledged smith now! Y-you could just help me around the shop whenever you have spare time… If you want… I'm not… forcing you…" She murmurs before shaping the lump of steel out with a flurry of precision strikes of her hammer.

>"I would be honored to, Perri." You say as you re wet the grindstone between arrowheads.

>>222988

nah, still gonna get digits

>>222989

>mother to daughter smithing tradition(s)

time to find Perri a husbando

>>222996

>time to find Perri a husbando

this

>>222989

>Your task is interrupted by your stomach rumbling hungrily, almost audible over the scraping of metal on the grindstone and the forging of steel on Perri's anvil. Ignoring the hunger, you resume sharpening the arrowheads. At least you try, but your stomach isn't appreciating being ignored, and responds with an almost painful churn.

>A clatter behind you makes you turn your head to the source, and see a plate with a small pile of hardtack on it. Standing up a bit, you look around to see who left it there. "Hello?" You call out, seeing no one around the workshop, before your hunger spurs you to take a piece of the dry cracker. As you bring it to your mouth, you see a small bite had been taken from the corner. "Hey Perri! Is this yours?" You shout over the din she's making.

>She glances over and cocks her head, before shaking it and returning to her job.

>Letting your hunger get the best of you, you ignore the bite mark and cram the dry, tasteless biscuit into your maw, chewing it as you work.

>Eating the last bite takes great effort, your mouth had become so dried out you almost choke on it. You cough and wheeze, looking for something to drink, but find nothing save for the bucket water you had been using to wet the stone… and looking at the murky fog within, it didn't look too clean.

>"Hey Perri…" you gasp thirstily, "I'm going to get something to drink, do you want anything?"

>"No I'm good…" She stops what she's and walks over, "…You sharpened this many already?"

>"Huh?" You look over at the barrels, and see that you only had a couple of handfuls worth of broadheads left to finish, "Oh, I guess I did…"

>She takes a couple finished arrowheads out, and inspects them.

>You reflexively flinch.

>"…These are very well done… all consistent and sharp edges… how did you get this good?"

>You sigh heavily in relief, "Oh, just… practice…" You say wistfully as your mind wanders back to your days as a squire.

>The Captain jams his knife into the cobblestone wall dangerously close to your head, embedding the blade halfway to the hilt. Objects on adjacent shelves are jostled off and crash to the ground from the impact, "YOU CALL THIS SHARP!? I COULDN'T EVEN CUT BUTTER WITH THIS!!!" He screams, red in the face, veins in his neck throbbing angrily, "YOU'RE GOING TO SHARPEN EVERY SINGLE KNIFE, AXE, CHISEL AND SWORD IN THIS TOWER UNTIL YOU GET IT RIGHT!!!"

>"…Lots of practice…" The memories make you shiver, though you can't say you didn't miss those days… at least, most of those days anyway.

>"I think I can handle the rest… thank you so much for the help." Perri says sweetly, shocking you out of your reminiscing, before giving your leg a quick hug.

>"Just let me know if you need help again." You say as you step out of her workshop, the evening chill creeping in once you leave the overbearing heat of the furnace.

>"I will!" She shouts to you, before stifling herself, and looking around nervously before returning to her work, embarrassed.

our crow loli followed us

>>224548

>>The Captain jams his knife into the cobblestone wall dangerously close to your head, embedding the blade halfway to the hilt.

He rammed a knife halfway into a stonewall?

>>224550

>inb4 crow loli teaches the girls that can't fight to magic instead

Snail-bitch nigga sempai, this isnt very cash money on you holding out on us

>>225820

I'm sorry Anon. I kept having to rewrite this scene because I'm bad at conversational dialogue. Once the action picks up again. I'll be less finicky.

>>224548

>Your walk through camp is uneventful, as most of your soldiers had already turned in for the evening. You make it to the canteen tent, and see it mostly empty, save for a handful of people at the bar.

>Cree waves at you before filling a mug and placing it at an empty spot for you.

>"Thanks!" You say, taking your seat, and taking a quenching swig of the beer. As you sigh contentedly, you notice an armor clad woman on the seat at the end, hunched over the counter with her claws covering her head, and Jäeger standing up from his seat near the center, cheeks and nose red as he gets up and walks over to you. "Hey Jäeger. How's training been treating you?" You exclaim.

>"It's rough, but I think I'll manage." He says as he sits down next to you, stool creaking under his immensity, and leans in close to your ear, "Helps that I get to watch some cuties while I train!" He laughs boisterously as he straightens back up and grabs his own mug, "So what are you up this late for?"

>"I could ask you the same question… but I was just helping Perri with her smithing. You?"

>"I don't sleep much." He says flatly as he stares at the tent wall, "Feels like a waste of time, you know?"

>"Not really… I love to sleep."

>"Would imagine you don't get much sleep with that wife of yours." He says with a low chuckle.

>You ignore that remark and look around the tent, noticing the woman at the end of the bar again looking back at you, "…Naomi…?"

>She quickly turns and covers her head again, tucking her mug away within her arms.

>"She's been here all evening sulking… pretty weird considering she seems to always be stalking you. Didn't think she would leave you unattended like that…"

>Naomi's knee jerks, loudly banging into the bar.

>You get up and walk over to the seat next to her with your own drink, putting a hand on her back, "Hey, you okay?"

>She tenses at your touch, and begins to shiver slightly, "…I'm sorry sir…"

>"Um… why? You haven't done anything wrong?"

>"Ever since you came to Ebonthorn… I've done nothing but fail my duty as the crown's retainer." She laughs, "I couldn't even protect the late Queen or her only daughter, how do you expect me to protect you? As if you even need my protection… I just get in your way."

>"Naomi, that's not true and you know it… I don't think I would be alive if it wasn't for you."

>She whines under her breath, "You should never have been in danger in the first place… and I should never have… attacked you like that back then…" She hides her face in her claws, "Oh god, I'm a disgrace to the crown…"

>"Huh?" You say confused, before remembering about a month before, "Oh that! You're still worried about that? I haven't even heard the more chatty soldiers talk about that for a while."

>"I don't care… I can never live down such an abhorrent loss of self control… its no wonder I can't train those troops, I can't even stay disciplined myself…"

>"Naomi… you have a problem, but it's not your lack of discipline." You pull away and rest an elbow on the bar, resting your cheek on your fist for a moment, before realizing how uncomfortable that side of your gauntlet is and settling for your palm instead, "Remember all of those times we all went out to have fun? And if we managed to keep you from running off to go train by yourself, you would stand aside to keep guard?

>She sniffs, "I always had several guards stationed around the perimeter when I went off to train, I swear-"

>"That's the point, Naomi! You never stop! I don't think I've even seen you sleep before! And I know that Mrs. Ebonthorn had the same problem with you…" You trail off, swirling your drink around in it's mug as you fondly remember your in-law. "…I think that's the only order you ever flat out refused, or lied about. Why?"

>She stares down her drink, "I-I'm sorry sir… but my duty is my life…"

>"Naomi, you're no good to me like this. You NEED to give yourself some rest, relax just a little bit SOMETIMES… You're going to snap under all this pressure you put yourself under.

>Her grip on the mug tightens, claws shaving away curls of tin. "…Sir, I respectfully disagree. I have spent my life forging myself into a weapon of war, to protect the rightful ruler of my fellow monsters. I know my limits sir, and I am no where near them, I promise you." Her lips curl into a slight smile, "You of all people should understand. Your whole childhood was spent training for military service, to dedicate your life to protecting your own people"

>You groan silently in frustration. "That's true, but-"

>>226037

thought you were kill

>>224604

Dude the Captain was fucking built. He could chew nails up into a fine dusty paste with his teeth.

>>226037

>Jäeger interrupts your thoughts with a loud "WOO!" sighing sharply as he slams his empty mug down, "That's some good stuff Cree! One more before I turn in for the night!" He says holding a finger up, which promptly goes limp, "Hold that thought, I need to have a private conversation with a bush."

>"I…" You try to recompose yourself and regain your train of thought as you bring your gaze back to Naomi, "All I mean is, I still had other things I enjoyed to wind down from my training. There has to be more to life than just fighting, right?" Your own words start making you feel uncertain. "Don't you have anything else in your life? Something you're fighting so hard for?"

>She looks at you blankly, "I enjoy training, and getting stronger so I can-"

>"A-anything other than training or your duty? I always visited my parents when my training was over for the week, don't you have anyone back home? Friends? Family?"

>Her face sinks slightly, "My sisters… and brothers in arms, and the Royal Family… I…" She begins to look somewhat troubled before hardening her expression. "I need to go, sir. It's getting late, excuse me." Naomi quickly gets up and bows, unsteadily walking quickly towards the exit.

>"Naomi, wai-… damn it…" She was already walking out the door, bumping into Jäeger as he was coming back inside.

>"W-woah! Sorry bout that!" He says, stumbling out of her way before walking towards the seat next to yours, "So is she okay?"

>"I don't know… she's always been kind of pensive, but not like this… She's beating herself up just because she's had trouble training the recruits…"

>Jäeger almost chokes on his beer, but manages to swallow it down, "What are you talking about? She's a slave driver! Scarier than the paIadins that trained Towerwood's guards even."

>"No, I mean the regiment of human women. Most of them seem to be having trouble getting up to speed."

>He looks at you uncomfortably, and slowly takes his time with a long sip of his drink. "Women, huh…"

>"Yeah, neither me nor Naomi can seem to get them ready for combat at all…"

>"You're trying to make women into soldiers? You do know women aren't like the monsters you brought with you… right?" He says slightly nervous.

>You think for a moment, "Well yeah… whats your point?"

>He looks at you incredulously. "My point is women can't fight… most of them anyways. They're not built as sturdy as men, or these monsters of yours. Most of the ladies in Towerwood spent their time raising children or looking for husbands, while their husbands, fathers, and brothers hunted did woodwork or enlisted in the military. Both have important jobs, but… one has to face a lot more danger than the other, so its only natural the men would be better built for this."

>"I don't think that matters here. This crusade is too important to give us the luxury of denying anyone who's willing. And anyone can become stronger if they work hard and have the will, right? Besides, this one recruit from your city is really good! …If a bit hot headed."

>"Look, all I'm saying, is maybe you should just have them handle things like the cooking and cleaning around camp if they want to help out so bad." He says with a slight smile.

>"Are you just trying to get out of doing your own chores?"

>"N-no!" He hides his face behind his mug, "Of course not… Besides, it's your army, I can't tell you what to do. alright? Just offering my suggestion is all."

>"They really do want to fight along side their husbands… I don't want it to come to that though… But even if they stayed in camp the whole time, what if enemy soldiers managed to ambush us? …If I could just get them to be as strong as Axebeard-"

>"Oh no, you didn't recruit the Battleaxe, did you?" Jäeger takes the last swig of his beer and sets his mug down carefully, "…You might want to keep an eye on her. She's nothing but trouble. No one would hire her after she pulled a knife on her last boss, apparently she doesn't like to be told what to do for too long… no idea why she enlisted into your army to be honest."

>"Yeah, I noticed that… But I don't think she'll be a problem. I'm fairly certain I've handled worse." You say confidently, trying to keep yourself from looking too cocky.

>"I'm going to tell Mags you said that." He says with a snicker.

>"H-hey! That's not what I meant!"

>Jäeger bolts up from his stool, "Too late! I'm going to go tell her right now!"

>"Dammit Jäeger don't! It's too late to go horsing around like this!" You yell as you chase after him as he runs outside.

>>227839

>You blinked slowly and methodically, trying to squeeze the fatigue and crust from your eyes. The early morning was cold and foggy, making it difficult to look up at the still dark sky for the returning harpy cartographer. She departed an hour ago, and you were still starting to worry already.

>You're startled out of a deep, sleepy yawn to your wife nudging you. "Hey sleepy head, I brought you some tea." She says groggily as she hands you a tin mug full of hot steaming liquid.

>"Oh thank you Mags, you're a life save." You sigh, before gingerly bringing the mug to your lips.

>"WAIT STOP!" Magdalene yells, ripping the mug out of your grip.

>"Hey! I was drinking that!"

>"That's not tea, I accidentally gave you the medicine I was working on. I needed it to react with tin for a few hours, and at this stage it might… give you an aneurysm?" Her lips curl into a nervous smile.

>You have no idea what that means, but it sounded bad. "…It's a good thing you stopped me then!" you say, laughing it off.

>"Sorry, I-I'm just tired, and I checked on my work on the way here…" She says while rubbing her eyes. "I'll go make another cup for you."

>"It's fine, Mags. I'll live without it."

>"I need to go check my work again still… if I have this, then that means I have a cup of tea ruining my work somewhere. Excuse me." She says before running off hurriedly.

>You huff tiredly, and resign to looking back at the sky before your eyes wander back down towards camp, locking onto Naomi, who stood ready nearby.

>"Naomi, I need to talk to you for a moment."

>She walks over to you, bowing politely before looking you in the eyes, "Yes, my liege?"

>"Go find and escort Jäeger back here to me."

>"Yes sir!" She turns to a nearby minotaur soldier, "You there, bring Jäeger-"

>"Naomi… I asked YOU to bring him here."

>"…Yes sir…" She points back at the soldier, "You! Stand guard here!"

>"Yes ma'am!" She says as she salutes her superior.

>Minutes later, Naomi returns with Jäeger in tow, who looks at you guiltily, "Look, if this is about knocking over your wife's alchemy stuff while I was running around the other night, I told you, I was drunk, and it was an accident!"

>"No, it's not about that Jäeger, it's about your position as my bodyguard, Naomi."

>Naomi attempts to stay cool, but her irises visible contract in response, "A-are my services insufficient sir? Did I not bring him here fast enough?"

>You shake your head, "No, quite the opposite. I've been thinking about your exemplary dedication, and feel that you work far too hard on your own."

>"I… thank you sir, but I don't quite understand why you-"

>"Jäeger, you're to be my dedicated body guard alongside Naomi, understood?"

>He snaps back to attention from picking his nose, "W-whoa what? I'm promoted? What for?"

>"Who better to be Naomi's squire than a man who's spent years surrounded by nature, and has honed his senses and intuition to an edge keener than any blade?"

>"S-sir, I must object, this man tried to kill you a little over a week ago! And besides! He's a drunken, undisciplined oaf!"

>"No objection here!" Jäeger says a little too enthusiastically. "Yeah, sorry kid, I have to side with her on this one. Why don't you have Kenneth be your second bodyguard? I imagine he'd be good at it with that huge shield of his…"

>"Absolutely not. This is an order, and it's final, end of discussion. Naomi, I want you to teach Jäeger so he's prepared for his new role, and stay by his side at all times unless absolutely necessary. Jäeger, like before, you'll answer to Naomi to the letter. Understood?"

>Jäeger nods, "Understood sir!"

>Naomi stares at you, mortified. "Yes… sir… understood."

>"Good! I hope this will alleviate some of your heavy burden, Na-"

>A loud smattering of flapping wings interrupts you, as a heavily injured harpy scout collapses onto the dirt nearby.

>>228757

>After fetching the medics, you helped them carefully transport the scout to the medical tent and onto a cot.

>Her body was skewered with arrows, and while they hadn't hit any vital organs, and miraculously, no vital arteries, they were still in deep and removing them recklessly would make her bleed out. The nurses worked tirelessly to keep the bleeding to a minimum as they waited for Magdalene to prepare reagents for her fleshweaving.

>Your wife had already studied harpy anatomy in case Becky ever got injured, so she was confident in her ability to revive her.

>Only it wasn't that simple…

>The scout lay unconscious in her cot, skin pale, and dripping with sweat as she breathed unevenly.

>"We're ready to begin the procedure, ma'am."

>Magdalene approaches, with a few vials of reagents between her fingers, "I have everything prepared… somethings wrong." she goes between the other medics, and feels the harpy's forehead, "She's burning up!"

>"It might be an infection… she was fine a moment ago…" the arachne nurse utters nervously.

>"That shouldn't be too much of a problem… lets begin." Your wife says, gently grabbing the patients cheeks and squeezing her mouth open before carefully pouring the reagents into her lips one by one. Gingerly placing her fingers on her temples, Magdalene leans over her, and begins chanting quietly under her breath. Her fingertips flash with light, which pulses through the harpy's body in steady pulses. "Okay… begin." She presses her lips against her forehead, as the other medics set to work.

>The medics slowly and carefully pull out the arrows from her body one by one, the wounds healing shut as they're pulled out, and placing the bloodied missiles on a nearby tray until eventually they were all removed.

>"And now to clear up the… Unhh…" Your wife groans weakly, "S-something is wrong… this isn't a normal infection… I need to stop." She pulls away, traces of mana arcing between her and the patient's body before fizzling away.

>You wrap an arm around her waist and help her stay steady as she sways from the exertion, "What's wrong?"

>"I can't purge it from her system… the reagents I gave her were for a general infection but this… Let me see those arrows." She steps away from you and over towards the tray, picking up the arrows and inspecting the tips closely. "Where did you remove this one?"

>"From her wing, ma'am."

>She holds the arrowhead up to you to see, "See that residue? I think this one was poisoned."

>"Can't you cure her with your magic?" You ask, becoming slightly anxious.

>"I can… if I knew what this poison is. I-it's not like any poison I've read about before though. I need time to run some tests on it, but…"

>"There's no time, her condition is worsening, and she'll be long gone by then." The nurse says sternly.

>Magdalene lowers her head, and walks to the harpy's side once more, placing her hands on her wing, closing her eyes and concentrating, slowly moving her hands up the limb and to the chest. "…It's spread through her entire wing, but if we… remove it… and soon… we could save her…"

>A heavy silence permeates the tent.

>Your wife looks up determined, "There's no time to hesitate. We need to do this now."

>>229027

is she that cute harpy that drew the map with her mouth?

We Katawa Shoujo now

Also where did the hellhound go?

>>230088

Yes, I should probably give her a name at this point.

>>229027

>The medics retrieve aprons and masks, and as your wife hurriedly puts her set on, she turns to you, "Honey, we're going to need to keep the tent clear, since this is a delicate procedure."

>The arachne medic lifts up a sturdy looking bone saw and inspects it carefully.

>"Would you mind leaving a guard at the entrance so we can have some privacy?" Magdalene says as she looks over the assortment of equipment on a nearby table.

>"Yeah, sure…"

>Her hand recoils from an empty spot on the table, "Damn it, I left my alembic in the cart. Would you mind getting it for me?"

>"Of course!" you say eager to help in any way you could.

>"Thanks! It's in the cart behind the food storage." She covers the lower half of her face with a white cloth mask, "Please hurry, but be careful. I don't want to have to ask Perri to make a new one."

>As you walked along the caravan of supply carts, you peeked into the back of each wagon, giving the contents a cursory glance. Extra tents rolled up around their poles, uniforms folded up in crates, spare weaponry hanging on racks and stuffed in barrels, barrels and crates filled with dried, salted, and pickled foods softly illuminated with candlelight. So it stand to reason the medical supplies are in the next cart. As you peek inside, you hear a slight giggle from the food cart and think nothing of it as your eyes rest on a slightly dusty alembic sitting in an open crate, padded with several layers of cloth.

>"Oh, that's not the worst one I know! …But I don't think you need to hear that one."

>You climb inside, and gingerly grab the alembic, slowly recognizing the murmuring nearby as Lucy's. Setting the equipment back down into the cloth, you crawl back out of the cart and walk briskly back to the previous wagon.

>As you look inside, you hear some slight scuffling under Lucy's voice, "…Alright I'll… uh… uh… oh…" She stares at you blankly, as she sits cross-legged by a small candle which illuminated her, paw holding onto a half eaten piece of hard tack, crumbs covering her lap. An open book lie beside her, along with more crumbs, and another half eaten cracker, and two mugs.

>"Lucy what in the world are you doing?" You ask incredulously.

>"I uh…"

>"So this is where you've been hiding?" And you've been the one stealing the hardtack!? If you were hungry, why couldn't you just ask!?"

>"I-It's not like you're hurting on supplies…" She mumbles.

>"That's not the point, you know I can't just have people eating our supplies without rationing them out." You sigh and reach over, grabbing Lucy's collar firmly, inspecting the mess as you pull her out of the cart, "You couldn't even finish what you had eaten before taking another?"

>She looks down at the ground, avoiding your gaze.

>"The moment I think I can at least trust you to leave my side and you pull this… I'm really disappointed in you, Lucy."

>Your pet merely remains silent.

>"You're going to explain this to Maggie, she's been pulling her hair out trying to figure out what was happening to our supplies, and she has enough to worry about as it is. Do you understand?"

>"…Ysmmrr…" she grumbles as she barely manages to keep up with her legs as you pull her along back to the medical supply cart.

>"Also, it's time you actually started pulling your weight around here. Of course that's my fault for spoiling you…" You pull out a long coiled strip of leather, and show it to her. "I'm going to have to go back to this until you prove I can trust you again.

>She merely nods, not even looking at you as you tie it around the ring on her collar and tie the other end to the cart.

>You climb inside the wagon and grab the alembic, carefully cradling the cloth swaddled, glass alembic in your arms as you gently climb back out, "That reminds me, when Magdalene isn't busy, she needs to give you a check up… I had no idea her fleshweaving had done that to you."

>"…It's getting better, I'm not as numb as I was before." She says quietly.

>"I meant the… infertility."

>An awkward silence passes before she looks up at you tiredly, "That wasn't her… don't worry about it, okay?"

>"Oh… Lucy, if you told us, I'm sure Magdalene would be able to-"

>"NO!" She shouts, before tilting her head back down in shame of her outburst, "…I mean… she can't. Don't worry about it."

>"I-"

>"Please M-… Anonson… just… drop it and I'll be a good girl, okay? I'm sorry."

>You look at her as she looks up at you with a stony face, lips pressed tightly into a line as if she's struggling to hold something back.

>"Alright." You resign, as you undo the leash from the wagon and loop it around your wrist, "This doesn't excuse you for your poor behavior, though. I'm going to work you to the bone to make up for your slack, understood?"

>"Yes… understood…"

>>231513

>You returned to the medical tent with Lucy in tow, and the alembic wrapped in cloth. The guard you stationed at the entrance saw you approach and saluted you, before peeking into the tent and shouting, "Your husband has returned, ma'am!"

>A series of labored grunts, punctuated by a triumphant, "Got it alright quick, we need to close this up!"

>"Alright, send him in, quickly!" She shouts out.

>"Here, hold this." You say as you hand the human guard your leash, turning to it's wearer, "I?"

>The guard steps aside for you, and you quickly walk inside, a slight iron tang hanging in the air. Magdalene suddenly walks out from behind a canvas curtain, smock covered in spatters of blood as she holds a severed wing in her hand, "Quickly, set the alembic down on the table and leave! I need to run the tests quickly while it's still fresh!" She says with urgency.

>You do as you're told and carefully set it down, "She'll be okay right? When can I talk to her?"

>"I'll let you know, now leave! I need to work!" She shouts, before gently turning you towards the exit and pushing you out. "Sorry, I just… I'll explain later. No time right now!" She says, her eyes wide with stress. "I love you, I'll send for you when we're done."

>You lean in to give her a kiss, and see her face mask slightly flecked with blood, making you think better of it, "Love you too."

>A slight smile is noticeable from behind her mask, before she quickly turns around and runs back into the tent.

>As you walk back outside, the guard hands you the leash, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Thank you. She didn't give you any trouble did she?"

>"N-no sir? She just stood there…" He says, stealing nervous glances off of Lucy as she stands there looking slightly annoyed.

>"Good. Come along Lucy. I've put this off for a while, but we're getting you an actual uniform." You say, gently tugging on the leash as you walk to the smithy.

>"What's wrong with what I'm wearing now!?" She pouts.

>"You're practically in rags."

>"I'm wearing enough! It covers what's important! Besides, it would be a crime to cover-"

>"You're in my army, you're in uniform. End of discussion." You snap, "Besides, I don't want you getting sick in this colder weather."

>"I…" She looks away and remains silent for a moment, "…I'm attuned to the fires of hell. The cold doesn't bother me."

>"Better safe than sorry." You say shortly, half expecting her to continue complaining. But much to your surprise she remains quiet.

>>231552

>Perri's workshop still billowed with a steady stream of smoke, and the heat emanating the area made it feel as if you had never left the desert at all. A tall, red woman towered over the already diminutive blacksmith, who handed something small to Natsuko.

>"Thanks, littlest buddy! It's perfect!" She says, before lifting Perri up into a powerful hug.

>She could only speak in muffled groans as she looked over the oni's bust, eyeing at you desperately for help.

>"Hey Natsuko! What are you doing?" You call out as you wave.

>She turns her head and smiles, dropping Perri from her grasp and walking over to you. "Never better! I haven't been this happy in a long time, honestly!" She says, a large smile plastered on her face.

>"Oh, why's that?"

>She digs in the pouch on her belt for a moment, before handing a few vials to Perri, craning her neck as she looked around, before kneeling in front of you. "Promise you wont say anything?"

>"Of course!"

>Natsuko holds out her clenched hand, and slowly opens her fingers, revealing a small, glistening silver ring, with a tiny ruby in the center. "I-I… I'm going to propose to Erdrick!" She whispers excitedly.

>"Really? That's great, Natsuko!

>"I'm still really nervous though… but he makes me so happy, Anonson! I don't think I've ever felt this way about a man before!"

>Lucy snorts, "More like manle-OOF!"

>You gently elbow her in the ribs and shoot her a dirty look, "I wish you the best. Let me know when the wedding is!" You tease.

>"I will, I will…" She chuckles, her smile slowly shrinking as she stands up, tucking the ring into a pouch as she looks down at you, "What's wrong, little buddy? You look a little down."

>"I'm just worried about the scout that returned this morning…"

>"Ohh… It's that bad? Is she going to make it?"

>"I think so… but they had to remove her wing. One of the arrows that hit her wing was poisoned and they weren't able to cure it… so they had to cut it off before it spread."

>Natsuko's gentle smile spreads thin, "Oh… well… she'll be in my prayers."

>For some reason, her response only makes you feel worse. "Thank you, Natsuko. That means a lot."

>"No problem, little buddy." She says, heaving a heavy sigh, "I'll see you at the canteen later?"

>"Yeah? Where else would I be?" You say, trying to find your smile again.

>"Smart ass." She laughs before walking away.

>You turn away and stare at nothing in particular, distracted by the morning's events, until Perri tugs at your hand.

>"Hi." She says quietly, "Need something?

>>231553

>"Oh, I'm sorry Perri, I didn't mean to get in your way."

>"…You didn't…" She says quietly, eye darting between you and Lucy nervously. "…S-so…"

>"Oh, I need a uniform for my dog. Something warm but easy to move in."

>She blinks at you before turning around, "…I think I have something she can use." she mumbles before walking over to the back of her steam-powered cart, waggling her short legs as she clambers up inside. A few terrifying clangs and crashes later, she comes out unfazed holding a bundle of leather garments in her arms. "…You left this at my workshop when you visited me…"

>You take the clothes from Perri and unfold them, draping them out in front of you, before pressing them against Lucy, who looked at you grumpily as you compared the size. "Hmm, they look a little big for her. Could you make it smaller?"

>"…Yeah…" She says before taking a roll of measuring tape from her apron pocket, and walking over to your pet. The smith stretches out the tape, and quickly measures Lucy with little regard to her personal space or comfort.

>"Ow! Careful you monoeyed little-" She lets out a sharp inhale as Perri turns away, a hammer on her belt swinging recklessly and hitting her in the shin, "Shhhhiii-!!! You did that on purpose you-"

>You grab Lucy roughly by the ear and tug her head down a bit, "Now now, I'm sure it was an accident, right?"

>"…Of course…" Perri utters, chuckling under her breath.

>She lays the garments flat on an empty work bench, and pulls a knife from her belt. With a swift, accurate motion, she slices down the seams of the garments layers, measuring, and remeasuring, and cutting off strips of material. Perri's hands moved with dizzying speed and precision.

>You sat down on a nearby barrel and watched quietly, thoughts guiltily slipping back to the injured scout.

>Lucy scoffs and walks about, looking at the weapons on the racks, before picking up a spear and inspecting it.

>"Lucy, put that back." You scold, watching her out of the corner of your eye.

>She whines in boredom as she sets it back on the rack.

>Perri pulls out a bolt of thick, woven wool, and cuts pieces out of it, laying several layers of it between the lining and the leather, before sewing it together. She does the same with the leggings, and several minutes later, she finishes up and holds them up for you, "…Done, and I added more padding so it should be… safer." She says with a slight smile and a gleam in her eye.

>You take the armor, and hand it to Lucy, "Go ahead and put this on, see if she got it to fit right."

>"Fine…" She takes the jacket, and looks it over, and then at you, "Don't watch me get dressed, you're making me feel self conscious…"

>"Says someone who was fine strutting about half naked!" You exclaim, "Just put it on…"

>With a huff, she slips into the leggings, before donning the gambeson. "Uuugh, this makes me look fat!"

>"Stop complaining!" You reach over and start fastening the belts until the jacket fits snugly. "…How's that, can you move alright?"

>"I look stupid, don't you have anything sexier?"

>"Hey, this was my old armor!!" You say defensively, "Besides, if you don't wear it, don't blame me when enemy archers make you a pin cushion when you're on the front lines with me."

>"F-front lines?" She says nervously.

>"You're a hellhound, aren't you? Thought such a dangerous criminal from such a proud race would make a good war hound… Or was that all just talk?" Perri hands you a folded up crimson tabard, which you unfold and drape over Lucy's head, tucking it through the belt on her waist.

>Her face contorts into a scowl, small puffs of flames flicking out from her eyes, "I'll show you! I'll bring back a dozen of those paIadins' skulls! You'll see!"

>"Good! Now lets help you break into that armor and do some laps!" You start walking briskly, pulling Lucy along on her leash. "Thank you for the uniform, Perri!"

>"You're welcome…" Her voice softening as you jog towards the camp's border.

>>231911

>You ran across the perimeter of camp, joining the other recruits in their exercise.

>Naomi and Jäeger caught up and ran beside you and Lucy. Jäeger, despite his heavy frame, ran with a paradoxical grace, long strides that allowed him to effortlessly keep up with Naomi as she sprinted at a steady pace.

>As you picked up the pace, you made sure Lucy had enough slack on her leash, before paying attention to the path in front of you. Once more, your thoughts drifted to earlier in the morning, but you quickly shook them away when you realized you were running too fast, slowing back into a reasonable pace, and focusing on the present.

>But the monotony took it's toll, and images of your battle with the golem in Towerwood crawled it's way into your mind, it's caustic breath reducing your soldiers to puddles.

>"Hey! Slow down! I can't keep up!" Lucy gasps,

>"Sorry…" But your mind drifts back to all the death you've faced, the world around you fading away as the memories begin to feel as real as they did when they happened. Your heart raced as you tried to shut the thoughts out of your mind

>"-Grkrkkrkkk-! …Anon…son… Stop…" You hear choked out behind you.

>You freeze in place and looked back, Lucy clutching at her collar in a deathgrip as she lie on the ground, covered in dirt and grass stains. "Oh my god! Lucy, I'm so sorry!" you say as you help her up to her feet.

>"Can't you at least… give me a longer leash!?" She wheezes out.

>"Yeah… Are you able to keep going, or do you need to rest?"

>"…I'll live. Let's keep going… just pay more attention this time!" She chides, before her face softens slightly, "Please…"

>After a few hours of distracting yourself with training, your patience ran out, and you found yourself returning to the medical tent.

>"My Queen! Your husband is back, shall I let him in?" the guard calls out.

>"Y-yeah, you can come in, honey!" She calls out.

>You walk into the tent, and towards the back where your wife sat at a table, hand clutching at her head as she pored over an open tome.

>"Is she going to be alright?"

>"Magdalene remains quiet for a moment, before tearing herself away form her reading, "Huh? Yeah, she'll be okay… we had complications. Trace amounts of poison remained in the rest of her body. I-I had to create an antidote with the samples I extracted from her amputated limb. I don't know how I managed it, to be honest…" She turns back to the book and flips it back a few pages, stopping on a page with a sketch of an exotic looking fungus, "The poison was made from an extract of this mushroom… which doesn't grow anywhere on this side of the world. It spreads quickly, and necrotizes flesh as it's fully absorbed into the body. The only reason I even know what it was, was because I remembered reading about it when I was upset at my mother after an argument we had…

>"You were going to poison your own mother!?"

>"N-no! I was seven at the time… and I was researching how to give her the runs because she wouldn't let me eat dessert for reading at the dinner table! I didn't want to listen to her gossip with the other members of The Circle! I wanted to finish reading the ending of Sabbath Sisters!" She pouts.

>"Isn't that still… never mind… so will she be okay?" You ask.

>"Well… she'll live… She's awake now, and should be able to talk to you, if you like."

>"Yeah… we need to find out what happened since we're going to invade Watchharbor the day after tomorrow.

>Magdalene looks at you grimly, "Just… don't push her okay? She might be in a fragile state of mind right now, and we don't know how she'll react to being barraged with questions after losing her wing…"

>You nod, "I understand."

>>232089

>Magdalene led you to the curtain enclosed area where the scout was being treated. She lie on the bed, upper body propped upright, and seemed to be asleep

>You slowly walked over and sat down on the stool nearby. The creak of the wood seemed to rouse her from her slumber, and she sleepily turns her head to face you and smile. "I made it, sir."

>"Good job, soldier." You sigh in relief, "…How are you holding up?"

>Her smile widens, "I feel great sir! Thanks for asking!"

>"That's good!" You say, feeling the guilt weighing down on you alleviate slightly, "Would you mind telling me what happened?"

>"Yeah, sure thing, sir!" She rubs her chin with her remaining wing's thumb-like appendage, "I have no clue how, but as soon as I was able to see the city's wall, I starting getting shot at by archers." Her brow scrunches up in thought, "There was no way they should have seen me at the height I was at though. It's like they knew I was coming…" I thought I could dodge them while I got a better look of the city… but before I could even make a decision, I got shot in my wing, so I immediately tried to escape, and while I fled, I started getting dizzy, and my wing felt like it was on fire…" She grimaces and reflexively grabs at the space where her wing was, "…doesn't hurt as much any more, though!" She laughs, patting her bandaged stump.

>"You think they knew you were coming?" You clasp your hands together and lean forward. They might have seen her fly here…

>"Did I do something wrong, sir? Are you upset that I couldn't get you a map?"

>"What?…No of course not. You did a fine job! I was just thinking…"

>"Well… I do remember some things, like the wall being made of stone brick, and they definitely have archers on the ramparts!" She says in a joking tone. "…I think the wall extended out a fair distance into the ocean, so I imagine you're not getting around it without a boat."

>"Hmm… anything else?"

>"Yeah…" Her eyebrows arch with worry, "…Will I still be allowed to serve in your army, sir?"

>You look at her, and force your frown back into a grin, "Of course! I mean, you're free to retire as well, if you want…"

>She stares at you uncomfortably.

>"B-but you can still help at camp, obviously! I'm sure we have a job we can give you, right Mags?" You turn to your wife, pleading her to help you out with your eyes.

>"RIght! How are you with mathematics? I could use help with the record keeping!"

>"I uh… that's the thing with numbers… right?" the harpy says with a scratch of her head.

>Magdalene knits her brow, "Uh… that's okay, uh, how about… I…"

>"How about…" You put a hand on Magdalene's shoulder, "…You get some rest, and we'll give you your new duties when you're fully healed. Those are your new orders."

>"Right away sir!" She says with a salute, sinking back into her pillow.

>"If you'll excuse me, then." You get up and walk out.

>Magdalene keeps pace at your side as you leave the tent.

>"She seems like she took it well… how did she seem when she woke up?"

>"Surprisingly calm… she didn't seem bothered at all…" Magdalene says with uncertainty in her voice.

>"Is that bad?"

>"No… but I think we should keep a close eye on her. She might be in a lot of pain, and simply hiding it well… I hope I'm wrong, though."

>"I'm sure she'll be fine, she seems pretty tough if she managed to fly back here injured like that."

>"I hope so…"

>>232089

We've got to kill her before she turns into a mushroom girl, and tried to enslave everyone.

>>232307

>The sun was setting after a long, stressful day. Soldiers were returning from the training grounds, groaning and complaining as they rubbed at their sore muscles.

>You yourself were feeling more winded than usual as you trudged to the canteen, where you had promised to join your friends at the end of the day. Camp was crowded with soldiers, all gnawing at food and upending drink while they conversed among their squadrons.

>It only got livelier as you approached the canteen. You had to squeeze and weave your way through the crowd, craning your head to and fro, looking for your companions.

>"Hey Champ! Over here!" Kenneth calls out, waving has hand about.

>You navigate over, and sit down next to Magdalene. All of your friends greeting you as settle into your seat.

>Iris lazily floats over the crowd, gently landing by the table with several bowls cradled in her eyestalks and arms. She set one down in front of everyone, setting hers down last next to you and licking one of her fingers, "Hope everyone likes it! I helped that young ghost girl make it from an old family recipe." She looks over at Erdrick, who yelps as he nearly drops his bowl. "Oh, careful deary, it's still hot!"

>As Naomi wipes down Erdrick's face, you turn to Naomi, who looks irritated as Jäeger keeps sliding a mug of beer over in front of her, which she promptly slides back away.

>"So, Naomi, how has your new understudy been on his first day? Have you been getting along alright?"

>Naomi opens her mouth to speak, "He's absolutely-" She turns towards him, "We're still on duty! No alcohol!" She looks back at you poorly hiding her frustration, "He's still learning."

>"Aw come on, Naomi, you've got guards surrounding a tent of heavily armed soldiers, I'm sure we'll be fine." He says before chugging the entirety of Naomi's mug in one fluid motion.

>"Glad to hear things are going smoothly, keep up the good work you two…" you become distracted by the increasingly loud chanting by the crowd of people surrounding the next table over, punctuated by the rhythmic striking of wood. Curious, you get up and look between the excited throng.

>A badgerwoman sat at the table, hand laid out on the table with fingers spread apart, as the knife in her other hand danced slowly between them, gradually picking up speed.

>"FUCK! GAAH! DAMMIT!" She shouts, the crowd groaning in empathetic pain as the soldier clenched her bleeding hand.

>A human woman, who you immediately recognize as Gilda, laughs and reaches over for the discarded dagger, "You call THAT being good with a knife!? This is too easy…" She grabs the discarded dagger, and lays out her own hand. The slow, careful stabs quickly pick up pace, until the blade is a blur, rapidly rapping on the wood.

>The crowd starts getting rowdy, cheering on the impressive display.

>She starts getting fancy with the order, still maintaining her skillful speed and accuracy, until eventually looking satisfied with herself and embedding the knife into the table triumphantly. "Alright, pay up."

>Her opponent grumbles angrily as she fishes into a pouch hanging from her belt, pulling something out and placing it into Gilda's open palm with a crystalline tinkling.

>Gilda looks at her prize and scrunches her brow, "What the hell is this?"

>"It's a week's worth of my pay, like we agreed." She says plainly.

>The woman looks at her slyly, "Oh I get it, this is some of the good stuff, isn't it?" She says in a whisper, as she uncorks the vial, "Wonder how strong you monster's make it…" She upends the tiny glass vessel and sucks out the viscous fluid, before coughing and groaning in disgust, "Eugh… Tastes like salty mucus… better be good shit."

>"Oh yeah, it's really good, its supposed to be from the King himself!"

>Your cheeks feel unsure to be drained or flushed with blood as the realization hits you, and some of the men start snickering.

>"Wait, what kind of king pays his soldiers in drugs?"

>"Drugs? Nooo, that's semen." The badgerwoman says with no hint of shame.

>Gilda's face nearly turns green, "What… the fuck, sick fucks are you!? You fucking scammed me! GIVE ME MY FUCKING MONEY!" She grabs the dagger from the table and attempts to climb over it before being restrained by the other soldiers. "YOU MONSTERS ARE FUCKING SICK! GOD DAMNED PERVERTS!"

>Naomi bolts out of her seat and shoves soldiers out of her way as she storms over to the soldiers holding Gilda back as she thrashes about, "Take her into solitary! Maybe a few days in irons will give her time to cool off."

>>232706

What are you talking about?

>>232851

I think he is saying those were mushroom poison was made from matango

>>232839

I am interested to see where this goes. What 3DPD will think of monster girls' needs?

I like it.

Spoilers: The mushroom isn't matango. Not sure if I'll ever get to it in this story, but matango aren't biohazards in this canon.

>>232839

>"…S'cuse me, guys… gotta go help the boss out." Jäeger says as he gets up from his seat, awkwardly attempting to politely maneuver his large frame through the crowd.

>As Naomi and Jäeger took Gilda from the crowd's grip and out of the canteen kicking and screaming, you sat back down at your seat at the table. Everyone looked at each other in awkward silence, before looking down at their meals, slowly taking bites until the discomfort began to fade, and the other soldiers slowly returned to their business.

>"…Such a little firebrand that girl is." Iris says, breaking the silence.

>"That's an understatement." Kenneth huffs.

>The old priestess chugs her beer, sighing contently after a long draught, "It's probably just a phase. I was just like her when I was around her age."

>"Gramma… you've been a priestess since childhood… I couldn't even imagine you swearing." Magdalene says incredulously.

>Iris stares into her empty mug, longing for it to be full again, "…I've never told anyone this before, but I supposed I've got enough liquid courage to remember…" She absentmindedly My father left me and my mother when I was barely a young lady, and while my mother was a strong woman, his abandonment absolutely devastated.her. Though, I suppose it was because she was strong, it hurt her all the more…"

>As if she read her mind, Cree floated over and sympathetically refilled her mug.

>"Thank you, dear…"

>"What kind of scumbag would leave their wife and child like that!?" Natsuko shouts, Erdrick whining in discomfort as she reflexively held him too tightly.

> Neither of us had any idea why father would just leave like that… neither did anyone in the community at the time. He could be a little brooding, and some people thought he was scary, but he was just a big sweet teddybear at heart, and was beloved by most for his tireless and selfless work to help people around him… When he left, everyone in the city was confused why he would just disappear like that, when everyone assumed that my parent's had a storybook marriage. And all these years, of trying to remember any reason at all why he left, and I still for the life of me can't remember anything. They never fought, there was no tension between them, their passion for each other was… less than subtle, even to the end." Her face warms slightly as she chuckles sadly, " And he just… left… disappeared…" She takes a hearty chug of her beer, recomposing herself as she cradles a red-eyed eyestalk in her arms, "The whole village was at a loss, he was such an important keystone to the village, and… My mother stayed strong for me… but I could tell she was still hurting, even when she trained me and loved me with more passion then ever, it was as if she was trying to make up for father's absence… And at the time, I thought she was going to get better and move on with her life… until… one day…" She chokes and sniffs, as she pets the eyestalk and dabs it with a hankerchief, "…she took her own…" Iris bit her upper lip, before drowning it in booze, her face returning to normal, despite her eyestalks still remaining moist.

>"Oh my god… Gramma, I had no idea…" Your wife said as she reached over and clutched Iris's hand.

>She returns a smiles, "I-it's alright dear, it's not your fault… but at the time, I was overwhelmed with grief… and, it didn't help that this was when my only lover, my beloved, Erdrick, was taken from me… I was so angry… at everything… I made a lot of mistakes… and hurt others that were close to me because of it. I felt I was justified for my actions back then, I thought everyone I loved was gone, and that the people I was hurting weren't people I should care about, simply because we weren't bound by blood. I was so quick to throw away my parents' lessons as soon as they were gone…" Her eyestalks go limp, as she stares down at the table clutching her mug so tightly her already pale hands went white-knuckled.

>>235229

>"What did you do?" Erdrick asks with show of concern that took you by surprise.

>Iris's fogged, center eye seemed to lose even more focus as she remained completely quiet.

>You reach over and pat her hand gentle, "…Iris? Are you okay?"

>"H-huh?" She says, jolting upright and looking around, "Oh… I'm here… sorry… I think I've had too much to drink. I've gone and ruined the mood." Iris says, salvaging a motherly grin.

>"It's fine Gramma, you don't have to apologize for that!" You say, trying to reassure her with a smile of your own.

>"Thank you dear… I think I'm going to go to bed early tonight though. My weary old bones are giving me trouble again… Everyone have a good evening."

>"Do you need me to walk you to your tent, ma'am?" You ask.

>"No, it's okay. I'll be fine by myself, thank you."

>Everyone told her goodnight as she slowly shuffled off outside, but Magdalene remained quiet, seemingly troubled by something.

>"Honey? Everything okay?"

>"I think… I'm going to go to bed too. Would you mind coming with me?"

>"Oh, sure. I'm feeling a bit tired myself, honestly." You say as you take her hand, and help her out of her seat before sliding her chair in, "Goodnight every one."

>"Goodnight, champ! Don't you two love bird be too loud this time!" Kenneth exclaims, before whining as Gwen pulls at his ear.

>"Goodnight sweeties, don't mind him." Gwen says.

>The two of you leave the canteen, and start walking back to the tent.

>As soon as you leave the dense throng of soldiers eating their supper, Magdalene looks around suspiciously, before leaning in close to your ear, "Did what Gramma say seem weird to you?"

>"Yeah… I can't believe her parents were that selfish…" You grumble.

>"That's not it… Anonson… my grandmother has lived in Ebonthorn since birth…"

>"And? Lots of people live in the same place their whole life."

>"No! You don't understand! Humans haven't had equal rights in Ebonthorn until you took the throne… That's been the case for at least SEVERAL centuries. Only the elite could afford male human slaves… And IF that's the case, how did she have a father everyone respected, AND a lover as well?"

>"Maybe her family was rich?" You deduce thoughtlessly.

>"But… how could she be? Her parent's were priests too… and only until recently, the Temple of Light has barely had any followers… even now with the temple regularly packed in, all of it only goes to basic living essentials, while the rest goes to the less fortunate… and even if her family could afford it, how was her father respected as anything but a sex slave? None of this makes sense…"

>"…I guess not… but I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation, right?" You ask uncertainly.

>"I'm sure there's an explanation… but I can't think of any way it could ever be reasonable…"

>>235230

>It was early in the morning. So early that the sun had yet to begin to rise, and yet the camp was still bustling with activity as soldiers prepared themselves for the coming siege.

>You and Magdalene helped each other get into your armor, giving each other a kiss before putting on your helmets. A familiar rush of flames pierces over the din of work and chatter.

>"Everything feel snug? Did you make sure to go before we put the armor on? What abou-"

>"Honey, I'm fine, everything is ready." You laugh.

>"Well excuse me for worrying about you!" She huffs.

>"Deary, why aren't you wearing the cloak I made you? You'll catch a cold." Iris says, as she hobbles over.

>"It gets in the way of my wings, Gramma." Magdalene says a bit sternly. "Besides, this armor is warm enough on it's own with all the padding."

>"…Fair enough, deary." She turns to you, "Please stay safe, both of you."

>"We will, ma'am." You assure her. Magdalene has still been a bit cold towards Iris since the other night, but neither of you were willing to talk to the old priestess about it.

>"Thank you… by the by, you still haven't given your pet something to defend herself with." Iris says, looking at Lucy as she tugs at her brigandine uncomfortably.

>"She's got claws, doesn't she?" You say.

>"Deary, those flimsy claws could barely scratch wood, much less chain mail." She says, tightly gripping Lucy's paw, which makes her let out a soft whine. Iris hikes up her robe with a free hand, and grabs a pair of stilettos that had been strapped to her thigh. She hands them to Lucy, and forcibly squeezes her paw closed around the ornately decorated hilts. "Keep those safe, won't you?" She leans in uncomfortably close to her face, and speaks in a low whisper, "And if another drop of my children's blood is spilled at all, by you or anyone else…" Iris's clouded eye flashes, "…Understood? She says in a chipper voice.

>Lucy shudders fearfully, still staring where Iris had been despite her coming over towards you and Magdalene for a group hug.

>"May the Gods watch over you both! If you excuse me, I'm going to go make some tea before getting a good seat somewhere…" She says before floating off, mumbling to herself about what tea she should make.

>You marched through the sparsely wooded field, the synchronized stomp of boots and jingling steel from the legion of soldiers at your back.

>Kenneth and Natsuko had both gone ahead of you, leading their own regiments poised to flank the sides of the city in the hopes that the archers on the walls would have their focus split trying to take on an attack from all sides.

>At least you had hoped.

>Going in this blind should have worried you. The flat terrain and lack of natural cover should have worried you. And while they were concerns that you were keeping in mind, you felt much calmer than you did on the last siege. Were you already getting used to this?

>The sun began to rise in the horizon to your right, and the walls of Watchharbor loomed in the distance, and just as you were told, the polished white marble masonry gleamed in the morning sun.

>You could see the soldiers atop the walls spot you and begin to panic, shouting at each other for a moment before taking positions. They all lined up on the walls all nock arrows onto their longbows in a unified and clockwork motion, all trained directly and only at you.

>You begin to feel tension in the air thicken. but you remain calm, step forward, and speak out in a clear, authoritative voice, amplified by your helmet's visor.

"City of Watchharbor! The Kingdom of Ebonthorn has come to form peace between humans and monsters! Surrender and open your gates, and let us avoid this senseless bloodshed!"

>Silence.

>>235979

>Feeling a bit nervous by the lack of reply, or even retaliation, you speak again.

"Look at my troops! Among them are humans from different cities, and they fight for this cause of their own free will! Does this not prove we mean no… harm…"

>The sun begins glaring off of… something you can't quite make out, up on the ramparts over the city's gate, making it hard for you to see. You try to ignore it, but the glare becomes more and more intense, to the point where it feels like its even burning your eyes even when closed. You raise an arm to block the light, when you hear the twang of a single bow break the silence, and a powerful impact strikes your vambrace with a loud ring echoing through the field.

>Jerking your arm down you see an arrow falling in an arc. Heart racing from the shock, you snatch it in mid air and glance at the tip, noticing its caked in a familiar looking sickly residue. You throw it down onto the ground with an angry snarl, and your helmet erupts into flames as you yell.

"SO BE IT!"

>You let out war cry that stings your throat, slinging your warhammer from your back, and into your tightened grip as you charge forward.

>The rest of the soldiers fire their arrows at you, but with a clatter of armor, the shield line behind you rushes to your aid and deflects them all behind a wall of steel.

>Running between the soldiers who defended you, you lead your army in the charge towards Watchharbor's wall. Looking up, on the ramparts, you look to try to find the source of the glare, but see it's since disappeared…

>Your own archers begin firing volleys of their own towards the ramparts, forcing the paIadin archers on the defensive.

>You run up to the wall, and without hesitation, swing your hammer, slamming it into the masonry with all of your might. The impact feels incredibly solid, and rattles the bones in your arms, but you see a crack form in several large bricks.

>Human and humanoid cavalry, as well as your friends, run to your side, brandishing pickaxes and hammers of their own, and begin battering the sturdy wall with all of their might while the shield line stand at the ready to defend them. Some of the winged soldiers make great leaps up onto the walls, and begin skirmishing with them up there.

>"Look out! Get away!" A soldier shouts, as you look up, and see hot oil begin splashing down from the machicolations.

>Soldiers begin running away from the wall, but Lucy seems lost in swinging her pick at the bricks. You grab her by the collar and drag her away just as the oil splashes onto the ground, sizzling loudly as it pools. the troops raise shields as they flee back a short distance, and you yank Lucy in front of you as arrows impact your backplate.

>Several soldiers let out piercing cries of pain. Lifting up an arm defensively, you look back at the wall, and see them running away all too late, screaming in agony as they desperately clutch at their armor in a vain attempt to rip it off for some kind of relief, before collapsing on to the ground.

>Looking around, you see a path back to the wall not covered in a slick sheen, and run through it. Much to your luck, it leads to a well damaged section of wall with a good chunk of the huge bricks mined away, which you resume attacking furiously.

>With a dull crack, the bricks begin to crumble and loosely settle. You continue to hack at the stone harder, prying out the pieces periodically, when you see something the terrifies you.

>The wall was filled with rocks and dirt, and digging through with your hands showed no signs of the of the other end.

>Your mind races, but is interrupted by the sound of rending steel, followed by fearful shouting. You look up, and see your soldiers thrown from the wall, the winged ones recovering from their falls, while the others land with sickening crunches.

>"CHAMP! OVER HERE!" Someone shouts a fair distance away, and you see Kenneth on top of the wall near a guard tower as he lowers a rope down.

>You scramble up the rope, cursing how high the wall is half way. Kenneth runs off towards an incoming paIadin as another one comes in from the other direction. As he raises a battleaxe, poised to cut the rope you clung to, you hear Lucy yell as she quickly climbs over your back and shoulders, leaping up onto the wall and brandishing her stilettos. With agile movements, she sidesteps the paIadin's attack, and jumps up onto his back, stabbing deeply into his armpits, jumping off as he drops the axe, and stabbing both back sides of his knees, felling him completely.

>Making it up onto the top of the wall, you look over into the city. Beautiful, old clipper ships were docked, slowly bobbing in the ocean, the sun dazzlingly glittering off the waves. Brightly painted buildings packed into the rocky cliff face, forming a winding maze of roads. Along the interior of the wall, soldiers and paIadins flooding the street, clashing in bloody combat.

>>235980

>Magdalene leaps up onto the wall in front of you, and aims her auto-balista towards you. Your heart stops, as she squeezes the trigger, and with a grating crunch of cogs, a number of bolts erupt from the contraption.

>You feel your heart resume pumping as you hear the sound of a struggling gurgle. Behind you, one paIadin desperately gripped at a burning hot bolt pinning him to the wall by the throat, while the other one was slumped, bolted to the wall through the chest.

>"You need to pay better attention!" She shouts angrily.

>"I love you too…" You say, as you look over the crowd, and see Kenneth separated from the other soldiers, and struggling to hold of the enemy ganging up on him. Taking a few steps back, you adjust your position until you feel satisfied, and heft your war hammer at the ready.

>"Honey, what are you doing?"

>You say nothing, and sprint forward, skipping up onto the rampart, and pushing your feet hard against the stone.

>"ANONSON, WAIT!!" She shouts, her voice muffled to you by the sudden rush around your ears.

>You sail through the air, a few arrows ricocheting off of your plate, before a sudden drop, gut wrenching drop onto a paIadin who was about to get the drop on your master, but ended up breaking you and your hammer's fall instead. You quickly recover, and turn to face the other soldiers unfortunate to see their comrade crushed into a pile of steel and blood underneath you, some getting the hint and shoving their friends aside as they run away.

>A braver paIadin screams out, as he swings a mace in a heavy arch towards your head. But you raise your weapon in time and block it, only for your opponent to keep pressing down, growling angrily as his strength catches you off guard. Ichorous wings burst from his back, and he redoubles his efforts with a renewed, inhuman force, and starts weighing down on you with his morning star.

>You could feel his spiteful eyes piercing your own from behind his great helm, when a blade of white fire embeds halfway down his skull, and his relentless pressure gives out as he collapses dead. Gwen grunts as she pulls the halberd out of the corpses head, smiles at you as she whips back around to face the incoming enemies.

>Magdalene drops down next to you, carrying a shaking hellhound in her arms, dropping her before the five of you stand back to back, facing off the horde of enemy soldiers. "Don't scare me like that! What were you thinking!?"

>"About you." You say, as you scan your surroundings, feeling relieved as more of your own troops manage to catch up with you.

>"You're so shameless… Love you too… She sighs, letting out another flurry of bolts, before swapping out the empty cartridge for a full one from her belt.

>"What do we do now champ?" Kenneth shouts out, grunting as he bashes a paIadin with his shield, his wife stabbing the dazed warrior with her polearm.

>A fair distance from the gate, you saw Natsuko and Erdrick leading soldiers from their own regiment, trying to gain ground towards the main gate. "Head to the gate! We're almost there!"

>Your squad makes their way towards the crowd of soldiers who were making a last stand at the gate, and stood between you, Naomi's squadron, and the

>"OUT OF THE WAY!" Kenneth yells, shoving you out of the way and deflecting incoming crossbow bolts.

>>235981

>You see crossbowmen up inside the guard towers fall back inside to reload their weapons.

>"Lucy!" You shout, your pet looking terrified, "Snap out of it Lucy, sic 'em!"

>She seems to shake out of it, look of determination on her face, and bounds into the tower on all fours. One of the archers aims out of the fortification, before getting yanked back and letting out a short bloody scream.

>You advance towards the gate. Kenneth barrels ahead, his shield a wall of holy light, plowing through the enemy. Lucy sprints after him, and starts weaving around and under soldiers, stabbing them in any weakness she could find and exploit in their armor, jumping to the next enemy one before their friends could retaliate.

>You charge last, and crush the stragglers into crumpled heaps of steal and gore while Magdalene covers you with suppressing fire, Gwen watching her back in turn.

>"Good for you to join us!" Natsuko says as she picks up a soldier, and clubs others away with the helpless man, before discarding him with a violent slam on to the ground.

>"We're almost there!" Erdrick shouts as he runs up, before charging ahead towards the gate. "You guy's cover us, we're going in!"

>The oni and short warrior charge ahead towards the gate, while you look over and see more enemy soldiers coming your way.

>You immediately charge towards the reinforcements, screaming in a fiery rage as you raise your maul up, poised to strike.

>Loud metallic clattering, followed by a clang that makes the oncoming enemies go pale, "They've opened the gate! They've opened the gate!" One of them screams.

>You let out a triumphant, booming laugh as you zoom towards the now retreating soldiers, a colorfully dressed, unfortunate looking bespectacled man holding up his hands as he tries to keep himself from cowering.

>"W-WAIT! STOP! WE SURRENDER! WE SURRENDER!" He shouts as you swing your hammer, nearly tearing your arms off as you struggle to halt the attack, the spiked head stopping just inches away from his shiny, balding head.

>Your visor retracts back with a snap, "You do?"

>"Yes! As long as you promise not to kill me!" He squeaks.

>"Tell your soldiers to drop their weapons and surrender, then!" You shout.

>"Anything! Anything! SOLDIERS! STAND DOWN! WE'VE SURRENDERED!" He shouts, voice cracking, surprising you that he was even capable of shouting that loudly.

>Watchharbor's soldiers, and even the surviving paIadins drop their weapons immediately, and raise their hands in surrender, before being restrained by your forces that were flooding through the gate.

>"I-I'm willing to speak to your leader about his terms of surrender." He stammers, collapsing on to his hands and knees as your soldiers approach and organize rank and file behind you. "J-just please don't eat me…"

>You look around, wary of any ambushes or surprises, before walking forward and extending your hand out to him, "Sure, how about we discuss it over drinks?"

>"T-that's okay! I'm not thirsty… I don't really d-drink blood…"

>"I was thinking more like beer…" You sigh, as you walk up to his side, turn him around to face the same direction as you, and put your arm around his shoulders, his entire body shaking violently. "Remind me won't you. Humans drink beer, right?" You say sarcastically.

>"I-I-I can't remember…" He squeaks.

>>236005

>>

what ever happened to the Gwen picture?

>>236033

Whatever happened to that cute Hellhound story?

The one where the mom is a ruffian and her daughter is a goody two shoes?

>>235980

You can't just walk up to a stone wall and "hack it down". The wall is too fat and solid for that. Siege engines were used for that. The movie "Ironclad" has some decent siege scenes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4-MkDLJJeA

Here's a jewtube video of a faggot analyzing the movie's mistakes/unrealistic parts.

How big is the paladin army anyway? Shouldn't they be rather few and good fighters due to recruitment standards?

>>236033

Because I'm a lazy piece of shit that hasn't drawn anything after a constantly crashing computer made me lose hours of progress twice.

>>236049

>I should update qthound story

>But I really should update SitL first, since I've been late on updates

>Keep rewriting the same paragraph over and over because I fucking hate how it comes out each time

>This update took three days, I should update SitL again so I can catch up to a better pace before updating other stories.

Every time. Sorry…*

>>236056

Well, they WERE unable to hack it down, that was the point. It was a poorly thought out plan from an inexperienced leader with little information, and it got people needlessly killed, while his teacher had the right idea from the get go (getting the monsters with aerial mobility to get up on top and create ways to climb up and over it. Though monsters, at least when supplied with semen, are significantly stronger than humans And despite it being in the worst part of this story so far, Anonson WAS able to collapse a massive cavern with berserker strength after being in captivity for months. Would've been inconsistent if I suddenly just said, never mind, that was a fluke., which is why I wrote it the way I did, anyways. Regardless, sorry for the glaring inaccuracy, and thank you for the correction. It's becoming glaringly obvious I'm out of my element here, isn't it?

The brunt of the soldiers are merely foot soldiers and guards, usually recruited locally, with some brought in from other cities as needed, while paIadins themselves are a separate, and more like their special forces that operate with higher privileges and their own rules (and lack thereof). While the normal soldiers have their own hierarchy, paIadins, no matter their rank, supercede the soldiers. All of the soldiers aren't paIadins, but Watchharbor had a higher number of paIadins than in Towerwood. Anonson fought against more paIadins, because the rank and file soldiers were more likely to shit their bricks and run away when faced with a horde of monsters, since the only thing really deterring monsters from approaching human settlements was the infamous brutality of the paIadins.

And while the paIadins are special forces, they're a lot larger than you would think (Enough for a small army if the forces are amassed in one place rather than spread out among every human settlement within the Kingdom). While combat prowess is important, the defining trait that is used to choose recruits isn't how well they can fight. That will be explained later in the story, but consider how the Church operates, and Kenneth's time in service to them, and it's already been explained how most of the paIadins were recruited.

I think that explains enough of my thought process. I hope I didn't say something too retarded or inconsistent.

Thank you again for the critique.

Sorry updates have been slow.

>>236060

I always look forward to your updates! Keep on writing!

>>235982

>You hum thoughtfully, "Very well, then. Please tell me you at remember where in your city would be a good place to treat the wounded would be?"

>"I-I don't understand…" He mumbles.

>"Medicine, bandages, cots, an apothecary, anything." You look over to your troops and affirm they were taking care of fallen soldiers, "We need to get these wounded taken care of immediately before anything else."

>"There's a hospice in the church…"

>You recall the soldiers hands being burnt to cinders from the cathedral in Towerwood, "Anywhere that isn't in a church?"

>"Y-you could try the barracks by the northwestern tower-"

>"Take the injured to the northernwestern tower!" You repeat loudly to your troops. "Thank you. Now, what's your name?"

>"Mayor D-Dominic."

>You take his hand and clutch it firmly, giving it a hearty shake, "Nice to meet you, I'm-"

>"The Demon King! …R-right?" He blurts fearfully, weakly attempting to pull his hand away until you let go.

>"…Right… But you can just call me Anonson." You look back over, to see Magdalene run off with the soldiers being carried away towards the barracks.

>"W-wait! Where are you taking those men!?"

>"…To try to save as many of their lives as we can. What else would we do?"

>Lucy runs up to you, and stands around at your side looking tentative. Taking the looped lead off your belt, you hook it to her collar and ruffle her hair. You think you saw her lips curl up slightly before she turns away from you and scowls.

>Dominic looks at you with great discomfort.

>"Do you want to pet her? Don't worry, she doesn't bite." You say as she hands you the pair of stilettos Iris loaned her, which you tuck into your belt..

>He shakes his head frantically.

>"Fair enough." You say as Jäeger and Naomi approach, taking position behind you. "Why don't you lead the way?"

>"T-to where?"

>"Wherever we can talk where you'll feel comfortable. As I said before I was so rudely interrupted…" You catch yourself from sounding as infuriated as you really were (and looking at your soldiers being carried away wasn't helping), "I… and my people, only want peace."

>"Y-yes, but of course! We can talk in my office… i-if it pleases you, of course!"

>"Sure…"

>>236381

>You had just finished telling him your story, and despite your efforts to be as calm and friendly as possible, he still seemed nervous, eyes mostly down on the floor, darting this way and that. "…And that's how it came to… Dominic, are you okay?"

>"Y-yes, of course. I just- So… you're saying… Duskbreach attacked your Kingdom first? I-I'm sincerely sorry about that, truly I-"

>The door to Dominic's classically nautical decorated home opened, Magdalene lurching inside, smock over her armor, splattered with blood, her eyes framed with dark bags, and her hair messy and frizzed.

>"Oh, you're here! Dominic, I want you to meet my lovely wife." You say, getting up from your seat and taking her side, wrapping an arm around her waist.

>She musters up a friendly smile, and weakly waves "Hello, sorry I'm late. I just finished helping the injured…" She rests her weight on you, "…I've never done so much fleshweaving at one time before, I'm exhausted honey."

>"I'm sure you did a good job, though!" You say proudly squeezing her tight.

>"…I guess… we still lost too many good people… Some of those burns were horrible! How could you let your soldiers use such torturous methods of warfare!?" She shouts at Dominic.

>He recoils and hides behind his desk, "I-It wasn't my decision! It was-"

>A scuffle is heard outside, and Lucy stirs from her nap, ears folding back as she growls lowly at the door until you nudge her with your foot.

>"Hey, get offa me! You're messin' up my threads, man!" Someone outside shouts.

>Jäeger comes inside, holding up a tall, dark bespectacled, tan skinned man with an obnoxiously glittering leather jacket, and an outrageous hairstyle, by the arms. "Hey, he says he's a friend of the mayor… I think he might be insane, no way anyone in their right mind dresses like this." He says, trying not to laugh.

>"You're one to talk, baby! What kind of man wears clothes matching his old lady's!" The man says, calmly hanging from Jäeger's hold.

>"She's not my wife, she's my superior in rank!" He says defensively, Naomi's face looking slightly proud for but a moment.

>"The way she's got a grip on your balls, it could have fooled me." The man laughs coolly.

>"Beatus, t-that's no way to treat our… beloved and esteemed g-guests… that said, I would a-a-appreciate if you let him go. He IS a close friend of mine, and he'll be much better suited at helping you than I am, if what you say is true."

>"Let him go, Jäeger." You command.

>Your guard releases Beatus, who rolls his shoulders and cricks his neck, "Thank's baby, started feeling like a pretzel… Nice grip though." He says, giving Jäeger a thumbs up as he went back outside to guard the entrance.

>"What do you mean, he can help us? Aren't YOU the mayor?" Magdalene says, slightly annoyed.

>"Ah, barely anyone knows who I am. I'm get too caught up and work and rarely every go outside… but Beatus here is something of a local celebrity! Everyone around here loves him! If you really want the people of Watchharbor and your hor- uh… lovely monsters to get along, no one will make that go smoother than Mr. Lightbringer!"

>Beatus flashes a cocky smile, "That's me, baby." He steps towards you and stretches out a hand.

>You shake his hand, a significantly more confident grip from the bard. "Good to meet you, my name is Anonson."

>"And I'm Beatus Lightbringer!" He shouts, punctuating his sentences with outrageous dance poses, "The most bodacious bard! The most magnificent musician! The coolest cat on this side of Duskbreach Kingdom and one bad ass mother-!"

>Dominic audible clears his throat.

>"…Well, I guess now it's… uh…" He leans in close to your ear and whispers, "What's the name of your kingdom, again?"

>"Uh, Ebonthorn." You say, grinning at his ridiculous display.

>He pulls away, staring at you straight-faced, before flashing another toothy smile, "'Course, brother."

>>236382

>"If you're quite done, Mr. Lightbringer. My husband and I need to take care of something important." Magdalene says.

>"Isn't this important?" You ask.

>"Yes, but we need to attend to the burials." She says somberly.

>"Yes… yes of course… Dominic, Beatus, would you join us to pay respects for the fallen?" You ask.

>"O-of course." Dominic says, bowing nervously. "Beatus, will you come along?"

>Beatus crosses his arms and nods silently.

>As you begin to make your way out of Dominic's home, you look over at Lucy as she glares at Beatus with ears folded back, before giving her a tug on her leash to snap her out of it. "Come on Lucy, you can ask him out later."

>She tears her eyes off of him, giving you a slightly cynical look before looking down at the ground.

>You stood in the graveyard, where the corpses of local fallen guards and paIadins lie, lined up before you. All of them were covered in sheets, and you made the mistake of looking under one of them.

>Sometimes you forgot how violent you got in the heat of battle. Looking at the results of your conquests in a 'relaxed' state still made you feel a bit sick to your stomach if you thought about it too much.

>And much to your sorrow, there were no souls left around when you focused your sight on them. You pray for their souls to be at peace, even though you doubt they will be.

>Some of the bodies of your own soldiers were being buried alongside them, while others were being prepared to be sent back home to next of kin, depending on their last wishes detailed in their recruitment forms.

>Citizens of Watchharbor gather around a safe distance from you in an uncomfortable silence. You're slightly startled as Magdalene quietly grasps your hand, quickly finding comfort in her company.

>>239060

>You simply look on in somber silence as some of them come forward and look steal furtive glances under the sheets. Beatus plays solemn music on his odd looking guitar, which helps break the tension.

>Your heart sinks as you hear a woman shriek and break down into tortured sobs. She's turned away and runs into the arms of her presumed husband. The crowd gradually begins muttering among themselves.

>You decide to wait until the people have calmed down before giving the eulogy, but the chattering increases, while crying and wails rise in frequency.

>Jäeger and Naomi both position themselves behind you, while your wife grips your hand tighter.

>Feeling as if you should continue, you step forward and clear your throat. speaking in a clear, respectable manner, "Good people of Watchharbor, we've gathered here to pay our respects for the brave soldiers who lost their lives today. They fought bravely, and were excellent warriors, worthy of-"

>"You bastard! What gives you the right!?" Someone shouts.

>"I merely wish to express my regret for the losses suffered here today. If you wish to speak of a fallen loved one, I humbly invite you to do so." You say, as you extend a welcoming hand out to the man.

>"Go back to hell, abominations!!" He spits, before throwing a rock at you, the projectile sailing harmlessly over your head

>"YOU MONSTER!"

There's more update, but its like 8chan is shrinking the amount I can post at a time with each post I make. Might wait until this shit is fixed, since I want to be able to archive this thread.

>>239061

>"BASTARD!!!"

>"WHY DID YOU KILL MY POOR BABY!? WHY!???"

>Rocks, bottles, and venomous words begin flying from the angry mob, and you and your wife are pulled back while soldiers quickly move out and form a shield line in front of you.

>"Hey, comon peeps! My brother Anonson here didn't want there to be bloodshed!" Beatus says, setting down his guitar and walking up to the crowd, squeezing between the soldiers with his hands up, "He's tryin' to do right by the dead, and he's lost good men too. Can't we all just chill for a moment, and give the fallen the respect they deserve?"

>And yet the crowd, in their raging frenzy, ignore his words, and a flung rock cracks against his skull, making him reel back and dizzily retreat towards you.

>The soldiers advances on the crowd, quickly subduing the rowdier rioters as the others goad the troops on.

>"Damn, baby… what hit me…?" Beatus groans as he clutches his bleeding head.

>"Are you okay?" Magdalene shouts as he ducks behind your guards where Dominic stood cowering.

>"Yeah, I've had worse than this…" He grumbles, wiping the blood from his brow and looking at the stain on his hand.

>You can only stand there mortified, watching quietly from behind your soldiers as they arrest the troublemakers. You so desperately want to apologize, to say you truly felt sorry for all of this… but this isn't your fault. Why should you grovel to them when it's all the Church's fault?! Can't they see you're trying to save them all from the horrible fate they all fear!? What's wrong with them!?

>"Honey? Honey, please calm down, you're looking kind of scary…"

>You relax your face and take a few breaths, trying not to focus on the angry mob as your soldiers disperse them. Breathing out a deep long exhale, you whisper, "I'm sorry." to your wife, forcing yourself to look as unwavering as possible.

>The funeral finished without further hitches, but with far fewer in the attending wake. I few people came back to see their loved ones off, but most remained back in their homes.

>A lot of young women among them as well, which confused you because they didn't seem particularly mournful either. Instead they all seemed to be eyeing Beatus, almost wistfully in fact, as he played his songs for the lost souls. Giving them a suspicious glance with your aether sight didn't reveal anything off either… guess he really was popular. But ogling your idol during a funeral?

>As the already thin crowd thinned out completely, only you and your friends remained, until they too resumed their business, and Dominic having left to help gather city records for your wife to look over. Your wife, bodyguards, Kenneth, Gwen, and Beatus remained.

>”Hey, sorry I couldn't keep the crowd cool, brother.” Beatus sighs as he slings his guitar over his back.

>”It's okay, thank you for standing up to them for me… I mean, at best I'm a complete stranger. You really didn't have to do that… Is your head feeling okay?” You say.

>”I keep tellin' ya, I'm fine. Quit worryin' about me, 'dad'.” He says with a slight laugh. “Besides, we're all family in this world… even when we have our little differences.”

>”You make it sound so simple…” You sigh.

>He simply shrugs, “Sometimes it doesn't help to dwell too much on things, you'll give yourself too many headaches that way… Anyways, I'll catch you around brother, gonna leave you and let you do your thing. Just shout if you need me.” He says, holding out his fist about stomach height.

>You look at his outstretched fist, and look back up to see him smiling at you patiently. Feeling slightly confused, you grip his balled up hand and shake it.

>Beatus laughs, “You're alright, Anonson. See ya.”

>As he walks off, you look over and see Lucy's tail whipping to and fro, looking as if she's trying to burn a hole in his back with her eyes.

>”See someone you like, Lucy?” You tease, giving her a scratch behind her ear.

>>242649

>She growls and snaps at your hand, which you reflexively yank back. “I- I'm sorry…” she whines, immediately looking repentant at her outburst.

>”What's gotten into you?” You chide.

>”I don't know… I don't like him. He smells weird…”

>”Yeah, he wears way too much cologne. It was pretty hard to breathe around him.” Magdalene says, waving her hand in from of her nose. “And I think whatever he puts in his hair might be… toxic.”

>Kenneth scratches the stubble on his chin, “Who exactly is he again?”

>”A friend of the mayor's, he offered to help us with our relations with the people.” You say.

>His brow knits thoughtfully, “That was awfully nice of him…”

>”Yeah, how nice of him to just offer like that out of the blue…” Lucy grumbles.

>”Lucy, the Church has hurt a lot of people, its not unlikely that a lot of humans are jumping at the chance to escape them. Most are just afraid because of all of their threats and lies, so it's not going to be easy to win everybody over.” You say.

>”…I still don't like that man… something about him rubs me the wrong way…” She grumbles.

>”Well, I'm not going to turn down his help just because you're paranoid. We really need as much help as we can get. Isn't that right?” You turn to Kenneth, who seems lost in thought.

>He looks up, “Huh? Yeah, yeah no need to look a gift horse in the mouth I guess… but uh no reason you can't be wary though.” He looks down and rubs the back of his head, “But I'm with your dog on this one, he's really weird… and is anyone else bothered how… easily the city surrendered?”

>”Yeah, in Towerwood, even though we took it over easily, a lot of their soldiers resisted arrest pretty violently afterwards. But here they just sort of… gave up.” Magdalene sighs. “I mean, I'm glad for that though, enough people suffered from this, but still…”

>”We've confiscated their weapons and armor, so I can't imagine them doing anything at this point.” Naomi says confidently.

>”I think we're worrying too much.” Kenneth says. “We should just be glad our conquests have come with such little bloodshed.”

>”Your war camp had settled among the walls, occupying the areas closest to Watchharbors military infrastructure as to keep the civilians as unobstructed as possible in their daily lives.

>As you oversaw and helped set up, two guards approach you with Gilda, still clad in chains. “What do you want us to do with this prisoner, sir?”

>You look at the woman, and she glares back at you, eyes full of fire and rebellion.

>”Unchain her, leave her with me.” You command.

>The two soldiers nod, before unlocking Gilda's manacles. They look at you patiently until you dismiss them.

>Gilda also starts walking off until you quickly step forward and firmly grab her shoulder and turn her around, “Not you! I want you to come with me.” You put your free hand on her other shoulder as you step behind her, and begin walking her towards a slightly quieter road.

>”Yeah, I've had enough of that from you, to be honest. All fhe booze in the world isn't gonna wash out that taste.”

>”I didn't make you eat it, and I only pay my human soldiers in gold, that was all on you.” You say as you let her go and cross your arms.

>”Whatever.” She huffs. “What do you want?”

>”To give you one more chance, now that you've cooled down.”

>”No thanks, I don't want to fight alongside a bunch of spineless women, and I don't trust my life with a horde of cum-guzzling freaks. “

>”Then why did you even join my army!?” You shout angrily.

>Her lips droop into a slight frown, “I… owe a lot of people money… and now that the church isn't around in Towerwood to watch us jerking off… they might…” Her lips waver as she clenches her teeth and leans her head on a balled up fist, “Dammit… I don't have much of a choice, better I die in battle…”

>”Look, if you have a debt to pay, you should pay it. But under my rule, I'm not going to let someone harm you over it.”

>>242653

>She turns to you and glowers, “Yeah? So are you going to give me a bodyguard like you have following you? Or should I just call for the guards when they start breaking my legs in a back alley?”

>”…I… see your point…” You admit, ”But I can't give you charity if you're not going to fulfill your duty. Either you stay in my ranks, and show respect to your brothers and sisters in arms, or you go back to Towerwood… Or if you really are in such deep trouble back home, I could give you refuge in the monster capital…”

>”FINE! I'll stay! Just… please, put me with the men… better them than those… freaks.”

>”You know my wife is one of those 'freaks'.” You say impatiently. “Maybe I should put you in an all 'freak' regiment until you learn to deal with it.”

>You see her begin seething with rage, but as you stare her down, she eventually exhales and calms down, “I'm sorry… I didn't mean to insult your wife.” She grumbles under her breath. “Please… help me…”

>”I need you to help me if I'm going to do that. I need you to stop being argumentative with your superiors, and follow orders. If you can do that, you can stay. Can you promise me you'll do that? You're a good fighter, and I don't want to see your talent wasted.”

>Gilda closes her eyes for a moment, before nodding, “Yeah… I promise… boss…” Her voice a little uncomfortable at the last word.

>”Good!” You exclaim, as you walk her back towards the more populated are of the camp, “Don't make me regret this decision, okay?”

>”Just as long as I'm paid in the gold standard and not the pearl standard, I'll behave.” She says as the two of you stop by a cart.

>”I'm glad we came to an understanding. I want to hear only good things about you!” You say as you let go of her shoulders, and heft a heavy crate off of the back “You can resume your duties by helping us haul camp into the city!”

>Gilda lets out a less then amused groan as you hand her the crate, which she begrudgingly takes from you before hauling it away.

>That evening you sat in your tent with your wife, as she lectured you on runic syntax. Learning the runes themselves was one thing, but this felt like it was a whole other level of complicated. Despite the fact that the energy she poured into her lesson would lead one to believe this was the most exciting thing ever, your increasingly heavy eyelids begged to differ.

>”So now that we've covered binary variables and comparison operations, lets move on to conditional statements. If you turn to page seventy two, you'll see an example of a basic conditional-”

>Lucy rouses from her sleep and growls, ears folding back as she stares suspiciously out the door.

>”Hey Anonson-OOF!” Jäeger grunts as Naomi elbows him in the stomach, “I mean, 'my liege'.” he says with a hint of sarcasm.

>”You can just use my name, Jäeger.” You say, as you silently thank the gods for the distraction.

>”Yeah, someone's here to visit you. That poofy haired guy from earlier.”

>”Let him in.” You say,

>”Honey, we're in the middle of a lesson!” She whispers.

>”The lesson will still be there…” You whisper back as Beatus' ridiculous hair pokes through the tent flaps.

>”YO! What's shakin' brother?” He says as he crawls inside and sits before you.

>”My wife was just teaching me the basics of magic.”

>”Witchcraft!?” He says, feigning shock.

>”I-it's not witchcraft, it's actually a very involved science-” Your wife stutters, before being interrupted.

>”Calm down, baby. I'm just messin' with ya! I know a little bit of magic myself, actually.”

>”W-wait, really? How is that possible if you've lived under the church's rule? Isn't it highly illegal?” Magdalene asks.

>Beatus simply grins and reaches behind her head, pulling a full bottle of beer out of thin air before uncorking it and taking a swig. “See, magic!”

>Magdalene silently looks at him looking underwhelmed.

>”So uh… why are you in this tent? Would imagine the paIadins would have some cozy barracks ya'll could sleep in. Isn't it cold?”

>>242654

>You and your wife look at each other for a moment, and shake your head, “Nah, we're fine. If we get cold, me and Mags just bundle up together.”

>”Besides, we wanted to be sure the injured soldiers were given warm beds first.” Magdalene says.

>”Cool… cool… so hey, I was wondering why you two cats were hiding here when the city's waiting for you, baby!”

>”Waiting for us to leave, more like it.” You sigh. “Besides, I feel like it would be best to let people cool down for the night, have time to mourn.”

>”No way, baby! You gotta have fun! Have a night out on the town! Mingle with the people, baby! Show them you're just a bunch of regular guys that like to have fun like them!” He says, dangerously flicking his beer about to erroneously illustrate his point.

>”Oh, that reminds me, is there anyone that sells flowers around here? I wanted to send bouquets to the next of kin… would that be insensitive if I'm the one that does that though?”

>Beatus stares at you slack-jawed and eyes half-lidded, “Oh for the love of- and I thought the paIadins were boring! Come on, live a little! Lets go out to the bar, I'll buy you two a drink! We'll have fun!”

>”I don't really feel like drinking tonight.” Magdalene says.

>”Yeah, I'll pass.” You add.

>The bard sidles up between the two of you and puts an arm around your shoulders, “Look, I promised my brother Dominic I was going to help you, and I'm going to do that the only way I know how…” He pulls the two of you closer and gives you a jovial shake, “BY PARTYING!”

>”I'll have to decline. At least for tonight. It is a bit late.” You say with a polite smile

>The bard pulls away and looks at you both with disappointment, “At least let me give you the grand tour so ya don't look like a bunch of rubes rubberneckin' around town.”

>“I guess a walk does sound nice.” Magdalene says as she closes her book shut and sets it down.

>”Sure, I could stretch my legs.” You say.

>”Groovy. I'll meet you outside your camp then.” He says before crawling out of the tent.

>You stroll towards the edge of camp, where you see Beatus waiting, tapping his foot to a beat only he seemed to hear.

>Magdalene hung off of your arm, clinging closely to you while bundled up in her cloak. “It's chilly…”

>”You probably wouldn't be so cold if you didn't hold on to me while I'm wearing armor…”

>She merely responds by tightening her grip on you.

>”Took you long enough, brother.” Beatus says impatiently, “And what's this? I thought you didn't want to party!”

>”Huh?” You grunt.

>”You got three other cats with ya!”

>Lucy huffs.

>”Uh, two cats and a dog.” He corrects nervously.

>”Ah, these two are my body guards, and I can't leave her out of my sight, or she'll start causing trouble again. Won't she?”

>Your dog grumbles and crosses her arms.

>”I see… fine with me, baby! The more the merrier!” He spins and stops when he's facing away from your group, beckoning you two follow with a wave of his hand.

>Beatus struts down the streets, all lit up with lanterns and lamps, their light dimly gleaming off of the black armor of your soldiers patrolling the streets.

>The streets were mostly empty considering their size, but much to your surprise, quite a number of stalls seemed to be open, and people were actively doing business with handfuls of customers. For the most part, it seemed to be overzealous foreign and local traders, giving the hard sell to nervous looking customers. Smoke and steam billowed out from a number of the carts, accompanied by the mouth-watering smells of fried meats, boiling soups, and frying fish. It reminded you of the market place in Ebonthorn.

>”This here is the market place. Traders from all over the world come here to hawk their wares. But my favorite stalls are the ones that sell food. Only place in the kingdom you can taste the whole world in one street!”

>>242995

>Magdalene closes her eyes and inhales deeply, “Oh, that smells just like my father's cooking! I wish I hadn't eaten dinner…”

>”Don't worry, baby. It's not like he's going anywhere!” Beatus calls back.

>”He's right, we can try it tomorrow… surprised people are still open and not hiding in their homes, though…” You muse.

>Beatus laughs, “You've never met the merchants round here. The world could be ending and they would be too stubborn to leave if it meant missing out on making one more copper!”

>He continues leading you around town, through the winding streets, tall, garishly painted buildings lit up by the abundant number of lanterns. Between his practical descriptions of local places of business, he even went describing places where he saw interesting people or where something fun happened.

>”And over here is where I play most of my gigs on the weekend. It's a bit of a dive, but the owner is cool. I bet you like a good drink, don't you big guy?”

>”You know it!” Jäeger shouts excitedly, pumping his fist.

>”We should all hang out there some time before you go, it'll be fun!” He says as you come to a corner in the road that leads to the next tier down. His pace quickens slightly, and you notice that the alleyways between these buildings look a lot more drab and decrepit than the others.

>A ragged coughing fit echos out from the alleyways, followed by a horrible retching sound.

>”Down here on this level, it's mostly a bunch of homes. Almost all of the residents here get a lovely view of the ocean! How awesome is that?” Beatus says, speaking over the hacks and wheezes.

>Magdalene pulls way from you and runs down the alleyway, “H-honey! Where are you going!?” You say as you run after her.

>”I just want to make sure that person is alright!” She says.

>”W-whoa baby! There ain't nothin' back there! You don't need to worry about it! They're fine! Probably!” Beatus shouts.

>You follow Magdalene as she goes through the narrow passage, which seem to be in more advanced states of rot and disrepair the further you go. Along the walls behind the buildings, people huddled up in tattered rags, campfires made from burning debris littered the alley.

>Across a cramped, dingy courtyard, an old man leaned against a wall, coughing his lungs out as he doubled over.

>”Oh my goodness, are you okay?” Magdalene says, as she helps support him up while patting his back.

>He lifts his head up and looks at you pleadingly with exhausted un focused eyes, wrinkled face pale and covered in sweat, despite the chill in the air. As he squints to look at you, his entire body begins to quake, turning to face your wife for protection, only to see her face, tear away, and fall to the ground. He twists to face you, and tries to slide away from you, only to corner himself against a wall.

>”Hey, we're not going to hurt you…” You say, looking around warily at the numerous homeless people in case they retaliated. But they seemed to merely turn away and do their best to ignore what was happening. You take the man's hand and help him up. “We're only here to help.”

>Your words only serve to make him more panicked, and he weakly tries to tear away from you, only to overexert himself and get caught in another coughing fit.

>”Naomi, go with my wife back to base so she can help this man.” You tell your guard, “Jäeger will stay here with me.”

>She looks like she's going to argue, but concedes and nods her head, taking the man from you, “Come with us, don't struggle.” Naomi says bluntly.

>As they go back to camp, your wife attempting to console the man and assuage his fears, you look around and take in your surroundings. Dreary, unpainted, and dilapidated buildings that completely contrast with the colorful and welcoming appearance of the rest of the city. What concerned you was just how large the slums seemed to be, spreading out several blocks long all the way back to the front and side city walls. Worst of all was the sheer number of transients sleeping outside.

>>243951

>”I don't understand…” You utter quietly. “How could so much of this city be this bad?”

>”Yeah, it's a damn shame…” Jäeger says as he steps to your side.

>You tear your gaze away from the tenements and back to the alley you entered through, “…Beatus? Where did he go?”

>”I don't know, he didn't come with us. Guess he's still on the main street.” Your bodyguard sighs, “Any others that look like they need help?”

>”Other than all of them?” You say as you turn and begin walking back out of the slums. “Nothing we can do in one night… we'll have to talk with Dominic about this tomorrow.” You return to the street, and look around. “Now where did he run off to…?”

>”I hear footsteps over there boss.” Jäeger says, pointing in the direction of the boardwalk.

>You walk briskly in that direction, until you hear gentle footsteps, and see a shadow move down an alley further towards the coast.

>”Hey… Anonson, I don't really like this feeling I got… I think we should just head back. Just… something's got the hair on the back of my neck standing on end, like back in the cathedral.”

>”You can head back to camp if you want, I'll be back soon… besides, the church is on the other side of the city, why would you be getting that feeling here?”

>”I don't know… but Naomi would probably castrate me if I left you alone…” He says, sticking close behind you.

>You continue walking towards the ocean, seeing no sign of anyone around until you finally reach the piers. Massive, beautifully constructed ships of all shapes, sizes, and origins, bob slightly with the sea's gentle waves. You scan the area, still devoid of live until you see a flicker of light at the end of an empty pier, and a faint curse.

>”Dammit…piece of… come on already…”

>”Beatus, why did you leave!?” You call out as you run up to him.

>He jumps in surprise at your approach, “O-oh! No reason… uh, just needed a smoke… Sorry…” Beatus says holding up a pipe in one hand and a match in the other, “Accidentally dropped my matches in a puddle and I'm having a hard time… d-do you have a light?”

>”Sure.” you say with reflexive politeness, before realizing you don't, actually. But you take the pipe from the bard anyways, his hand surprisingly shaky for someone who was gallivanting about so confidently earlier. You turn the pipe around in your hands, inspecting its simple construction of polished hardwood, unsure of what you should do. “Hey Jäeger, do you have anything I can light this with?” You whisper.

>”Dammit, no. I left my tinderbox back at camp…” He seems to think for a second, “…Why not just use that thing? The uh… Woosh!” he says dramatically, spreading his hands out from in front of his mouth.

>”Oh…” You really didn't want to, but… you guess you did say you would light it. You turn facing away form everyone, and cup the pipe carefully in your hands, bringing your lips up close to the bowl. You focus on your anger, and inhale slightly, before puffing lightly, a tiny wisp of fire licking out onto the dried leaves in the pipe and leaving a speckling of smoldering embers. You quickly hand the pipe back to him before they die out, 'Here you go.”

>He takes it with you, his shivering worse than before. “T-thanks brother.” He quickly brings the pipe to his mouth and takes a deep, slow draw, before coughing a few times and putting it back in his mouth, resuming with more modest puffs. His shaking seems to calm down slightly as he stares out at the ocean, blowing out puffs of smoke.

>”…Why does Watchharbor have such a large ghetto?” You ask, unable to contain your question.

>Beatus simple takes another deep puff from his pipe, saving the smoke before blowing it back out. “…Why do we do things we know we're going to regret?” he sighs.

>”I'm sorry?”

>He remains quiet, his normally cocky expression replaced with one that's sunken and sullen as he stares north.

>A strong chilling breeze whips past, even managing to seep the cold past your armor. And then you see something odd twinkling in the light of Beatus' pipe.

>”…Snow… A cold wind is blowing in from the mountains.” He says, closing his eyes tightly, “…Must be a blizzard…”

>>244094

It's not a bomb, it's just falling snow being illuminated by the burning pipe. Am I really bad at describing a scene? People seem to have misconstrued a lot of things I write.

>>243952

>You leap back, barely avoiding the thrust blade. Gripping the haft of your weapon, you raise it defensively, waiting for your opponent to continue his assault.

>Smatterings of cheers and hoots coming from the sailors as they watch your duel while they work.

>Sirius keeps his distance, slowly circling around you, eyes scanning you up and down, trying to read your next move.

>You look everywhere, trying to be aware of your surroundings as you move to avoid allowing Sirius to gain ground on you. But the fog makes everything hard to see far ahead.

>But as your eyes wander, he charges and swings. You just bare manage to catch it with your polearm, swiping it to the side. Taking advantage of his break in defense, you step forward and twist your arm around his, locking it behind you, and bringing the spike of your poleaxe up to his throat.

>He looks at you with surprise, and drops his weapon onto the planks. His lips curl into a smile, “Good job.”

>His simple response fills you with a sense of warmth and pride, despite your heavy breaths stinging your lungs with chilled air.

>The onlookers cheer and holler excitedly as you pull your weapon away and give Sirius a quick peck on the cheek. “T-thanks.” you say, before crossing your arms and rubbing them with a shiver.

>He walks behind you and puts his cloak over your shoulders, “It's getting cold. We should be reaching the mountain docks in a few hours.”

>”That's good, I'm getting sick of this boat, feels like we've been on it forever…” You groan.

>The wind picks up suddenly, knocking the breath out of you with it's force.

>The sailor up in the crows nest shouts something out, but you can't quite hear it over the gusts.

>Everyone starts running about, nearly knocking you over.

>”What's going on!?” Sirius yells out over the winds.

>”Storm, sir! Big one!”

>”What!? Where the hell did it come from!?”

>”North West sir! Coming down from the mountain docks!”

>”Dammit.. Quickly we need to-” Sirius is cut off by a powerful gust of wind, followed by the growing sound of hail clattering on the deck. “Gaelyn! Quick! Go below deck, NOW!” He says, grabbing you by the hand and dragging you to the hatch.

>He quickly shoves you down below where the supplies were stored, “Sirius, wait what about-”

>”Find something sturdy and hold on tight, we're going to be alright, I promise!” He shouts before slamming the hatch shut.

>You look around and see a beam, that you promptly grab on to.

>Suddenly the boat lurches and rocks, making you hold tighter in fear. Barrels and crates get tossed around, miraculously missing you and smashing apart as they crash into each other, spilling and flinging their contents around.

>You had been holding on for what felt like hours, but you weren't entirely sure.

>The ship had been undulating wildly, and you could still hear the occassionally shouting from the sailors above.

>Everything slowly begins to turn, until you were gripping the support beam to keep yourself from falling down onto the wall.

>It holds like this for several moments. Screams drowned out by the crashing waves above deck ring out and abruptly go silent when everything sharply rocks the other way, and you're nearly thrown off of your sturdy wooden lifeline, hanging upside down.

>”SIRIUS! ARE YOU OKAY!?” You scream desperately. You just wanted to be in his arms more than anything in the world, you wanted to live past this night! “PLEASE! PLEASE DON'T DIE I'M BEGGING YOU! GOD PLEASE HELP!” You cry.

>The boat shifts back to a mostly flat orientation, and the hatch opens up, wind howling, ocean roaring, hail crashing, when Sirius drops down and struggles with the hatch until he shuts and locks it tight, silencing the ongoing din from outside.

>”Oh thank God you're alright!” You cry, letting go and running to him.

>But he quickly grabs you and pushes you back to the beam, wrapping his arms around you and clutching it with all of his might.

>”What's going on!?”

>”Most of the crew got washed away… We couldn't reef the sails… we're at the storm's mercy…”

>”W-what's going to happen!?” You turn to face him, and see him completely drenched, skin pale and lips blue as he takes a deep shuddering breath. “What are we going to do!?”

>”We pray, Gaelyn.”

>>244407

he's memeing at you

>>244407

I took Beatus' extreme nervousness and fumbling with his matches as him about to aloha snackbar Anonson even though he really didn't want to kill him or die himself in an enormous fireball

>>244407

When I heard this line;

> And then you see something odd twinkling in the light of Beatus' pipe.

I thought it was Beatus using that chaos god shit the other paladins have been using.

>>244480

No, he was just smoking his pipe to suppress his blessing/insanity/mental voices/general stress, as he did when he spoke privately with Gaelyn.

>>244407

>”P-p-please God…” You gasp, your lungs stinging from the freezing cold, “Help us…”

>You stumbled blindly through the snow, the blizzard making it impossible to see your surroundings at all, even if the harsh winds didn't make it painful to open your eyes. Your head was pounding painfully, your limbs were numb, and you couldn't feel your right arm at all. You had broken it when the ship crashed ashore and threw you hard against the wall.

>With your left arm, you held tightly onto Gaelyn, bundled up under your cloak and the furs you managed to salvage. When the ship was flung on to shore, you had no idea how you had survived the impact, but save for being unconscious she seemed otherwise unharmed.

>You could do nothing but trudge forward, you had to find some sort of shelter, and fast. The storm was only becoming more intense, and you had no idea how much longer you had until sun down. Just somewhere to get out of the wind so you could start a fire. But you didn't know where you were, and your body was quickly weakening from the cruel cold and unyielding winds.

>”P-please God, g-grant me your bless-s-sing… So I can protect your c-c-champion…” You whisper.

>You continue your slow march forward, listening and feeling carefully for the familiar rush of God's power.

>But your prayer went unanswered. You couldn't even hear God's voice any more like you usually could.

>For the first time in a long time, you felt alone and helpless, and the last of your strength and warmth was quickly being sapped away by the wind.

>Your head throbs, and you feel like your whole world is spinning. You try to clutch at your head to relieve the pain, but there's absolutely no feeling, and you look down to see it not moving no matter how much you will it to, “God… please…” You groan as you lose your footing and fall to the ground, unable to move without feeling nauseous and dizzy. You shift Gaelyn so her body lie as close against your torso as possible, using your body to shield her from the wind.

>”I'm s-s-so sorry, Gaelyn… It's-s-s all my f-fault.” You whisper to her, clutching her tightly to your chest, “You d-don't deserve this-s fate… God… p-please… if it m-means she can live, t-t-take my life ins-s-stead.”

>You blink open your eyes, and see a large figure walking towards you from within the blinding blizzard.

>”H-help… her…” you wheeze to the figure as your vision fades away.

>>244496

I hope they'll enjoy somelemon…you know…

>>244493

>You came to and opened your eyes, your vision still too unfocused to see anything but blobs of color. Was this the Pit? It was a lot warmer than you had expected.

>You realize you're on an amazingly downy bed, bundled up in silky soft furs. Did someone from the docks get you?

>As the world comes into focus, you see a gently crackling fire in a hearth nearby. The building you're in was made of pelts stretched across a wooden frame, secured to a floor made of solid polished stone covered in more pelts. This wasn't the docks… and this definitely wasn't the mines either… Where were you?

>You sit up and look around. Hanging from the wooden framing was an abundance of dried herbs, small game, flowers, and totems made of carved bones and feathers. There was a smell of a savory soup, mostly covered up by another one with the smell of some strong, alchemical concoction that burned your nose hairs with it's powerful odor.

>”Ah, you're finally up.” says an elderly female voice that sounds as warm and inviting as the hearth.

>Turning to look at your host, you come face to face with what looked like an older woman in her early forties, with a mane of wild grey hair that nearly went down to the ground. Her body was covered head to toe with a hooded cloak that seemed to be made of the white furred hide of a massive beast that you would expect only to be found only in legend.

>She gives you a gentle smile, that you can't help but return.

>Until you look up and see the black, perfectly curved antlers that curled up from her head.

>You glance around nervously and see your sword in it's sheathe, lying neatly beside your bed to the right. You look back at the monster who seems completely unaware of your intentions as you reach for your blade!

>When you realize you haven't yet grabbed your weapon, you look over and see nothing to grab it with.

>Your right arm is gone, with only a painfully burning stump remaining.

>”W-what did you do to my arm!? Where's Gaelyn!?” You shout, twisting so you can reach your sword with your other hand, muttering a prayer for God's blessing.

>Your entire body is wracked with pain, and you collapse back into your bed clutching your stomach and gasping for breath as the spasms slowly subsides.

>The woman leans over you and gives you a sympathetic look as she tenderly cradles your cheek in her surprisingly soft, warm hand, “I can assure you, your wife is safe. Your arm on the other hand is not. You had lost it to the cold, I'm afraid, child.”

>You feel like you should lament your ailment. But you find yourself unable. If anything, you're surprised you've been unscathed this long in your line of duty

>”Where's Ga- …where's my wife?”

>She reaches down and gently cradles your neck and back, helping you sit back up. She points across the room to another bed, where you see Gaelyn lying comatose. “She is alive and in one piece, but she hasn't woken up yet.”

>Glancing back at the monster for a moment, your heart beats faster as your eyes dart back to your sword, and you contemplate going in for the kill…

>She looks at you and smiles sweetly, “Are you hungry? I have a pot of soup ready on the hearth. It's my late mother's recipe.”

>…But you simply collapse back into your bed, feeling pent up frustration, hatred, and confusion burning in your mind.

>”You must be tired after all you've been through.” She sighs, place a hand on your head and gently stroking a lock of hair from your face, “I can't imagine how hard it must have been to be a paladin falling in love with one of our kind. Your wife is truly lucky to have someone care so deeply about her, to sacrifice so much to be with her.”

>Her words cut you like a knife, and the gravity of just how wrong this all was began to fully sink in. How many lies have you told at this point? This was for the greater good, but…

>But why did you have to drag innocent people in to this? Neither Gaelyn or Erdrick deserved this. Any of this.

>>244988

>”…But don't worry, you're among family now.” She coos.

>”H-huh?” You grunt inquisitively, “Where are we, anyways?”

>”You're in Frostheim, dear. We are a small village of monsters and humans living equally together in peace.”

>”I… see… So, you are subjects of the Demon King, then?”

>”We owe no allegiance to the Ebonthorn Crown, if that is what you mean. Our ancestors came here centuries ago to escape the tyrannical rule of the Demon Queen. They were disgusted by her abandonment of our Gods' teachings, and enslavement of humans.” She says, getting visibly angered.

>”I didn't know… I'm still ignorant of all of this, please forgive me, I didn't mean to open old wounds.” You say, careful of your wording, lest you get Gaelyn and you killed. “I don't believe I've asked your… name? Monsters have names, right?”

>She looks at you blankly, before covering her mouth and stifling a laugh, “Of course we have names! Your wife has one, doesn't she?” She turns to Gaelyn, “Though I must ask how she knew of this place to begin with. We've never had a frogwoman living here before, and we try to keep this place hidden from the city. It is not uncommon for men to be stolen away there, never to be seen again.”

>”It's that bad?” You muse, feeling further justified in your quest.

>”Oh yes.” She says, before shifting a bit tentatively, “Though word on the wing is the newly crowned King is trying to heal the divide between human and monsters. Though I will believe that when I meet him. He is apparently on his way near here, if what I've heard is true.”

>You remain silent.

>”I sense hostility. Do you and the Demon King have a history?”

>”Yes… he… hurt my wife… and… killed her brother… and father…” You say.

>She knits her eyebrows and scowls, “That doesn't surprise me in the least. And of course he would be lying about peace just to fulfill his warped ambitions, the Crown may have changed bloodlines, but it seems their wickedness hasn't.”

>”Yes… She still has nightmares over it… and I'm all she has left.” Your stomach growls, awkwardly interrupting the heavy silence.

>”How terrible…” She says as she turns to the pot on the hearth, and starts scooping it into a bowl. “What of your family? They must be so worried about you…” She takes a small stool and slides it over to you, placing the bowl of soup on top of it,” Here, you need to eat, I can hear your stomach from here!”

>”Oh, thank you but I really-” Your stomach protests once more. You really were hungry, but you were worried about what was in the stew. It smelled REALLY good though, and it looked just like what you would have in a human settlement.

>”It's yak meat, potato, and turnip. I'm sorry if it's not as nice as the food you got in the city, or in the human cities, but-”

>”N-no, it's just… hot.” You say, trying to hide your nerves with a forced smile, You've killed so many of these creatures… but you've never been this close to one for so long before… much less talk to one! And the fact that you still can't hear God's voice is starting to scare you.

>The monster looks at you with a patient smile.

>You sip some of the broth from the spoon, expecting to immediately keel over from poison. When you feel no worse for wear, you eat whats left from the spoon before going for more, your hunger spurring you own to quickly devour the whole bowl.

>”You're welcome to have more, if you're still hungry.” She says happily.

>”No thank you, I'm fine, thank you.” You say as you hand her the empty bowl.

>”Of course.” She says, taking the bowl from you, “My name is Ingibjörg, but you can call me Inga, if you like.”

>”Sirius.” You look around and sigh, feeling more and more uncertain by the minute. “…Thank you for saving me.”

>”What kind of wendigo would I be if I just left a couple to die in a blizzard like that?” She says proudly, before getting up and walking over to a table, where alchemical supplies stood. various bubbling tinctures brewing over small flames. “If you need me, just call. I'm making more salve for your amputation, for when I change your dressing.”

>”Oh, okay.” You say, carefully lying back into your bed. But your mind races, and your heart beats restlessly. This is wrong. You need to run, to fight! But you can still hear the blizzard roaring outside, and Gaelyn is still unconscious.

>And you're still much too exhausted.

>>244990

>You shout in terror, bolting upright, and feeling more unbearable pain in your arm stump. You thrash back into your bed and clench your teeth, breathing sharply as you're once more overwhelmed with the pain in your shoulder.

>”Everything is okay! Do not worry, child!” Inga says, as she runs over to you.

>”G-get back monster! Get back!” You scream, ignoring the pain, jerking up, reaching over to grab your sword, and pointing it threateningly at the wendigo before you. Except the scabbard was still on and you weren't sure how you were going to remove it with one hand. You shake it a few times, grunting in frustration, before tucking it between your legs, and yank at it, the blade inching out with every tug.

>The monster looks at you sadly, and with a firm but gentle motion, places it's claws on your hand and weapon.

>You struggle against it, but it's strength makes your resistance a futile effort, showing no visible struggle to keep you sword arm completely still. She pushes your sword back in it's sheathe, and pulls it from you, setting it back beside your bed. “I am not going to hurt you. You're safe here.” She lets her fur cloak open, revealing her body clad in a modest wool dress, her white hair in two long braids that go down to her waist, tail slowly waving back and forth, her lower, hoofed legs exposed, her arms outstretched as she looks at you with sweet, blue eyes.

>”I… I…” Your mind draws blanks as you hyperventilate and look desperately for a way out.

>She reaches around your back and head, being careful to avoid touching your injury, and embraces you. “You are okay, please relax child.” Her voice in a soft comforting whisper. She holds your head against her bosom, wrapping her cloak around the two of you, as she nuzzles the top of your head with her cheek and strokes your hair.

>Your breath quickens, and for the first time since you were a young child, tears begin to well up in your eyes.

>”Shhh, it's okay, it's okay, child, shhhh.”

>You start to burn in shame, and feel afraid. You're not supposed to show weakness like this to any one. You're supposed to be a warrior of God! Then why do you feel this way… Why are you showing this weakness to an abomination!?

>Why are you returning it's embrace?

>Why does it feel like something you've been missing your whole life?

>”You were having such an awful nightmare. Tossing and turning through the night, crying out for your mother… and… you were… begging your father to stop…?”

>You choke and slacken your grip.

>”You miss her, don't you?”

>”…How can I miss her… She was never there for me…” You say, against your better judgement… you had never told anyone about that before… why now…

>”She left you?”

>”Died. When I was born… And my father… blamed me for it.” Why are you confiding in this monster…

>”You poor thing…”

>The two of you stay this way for a while, and the worst part is, you realize that you don't want it to stop.

>”Hey mom! We brought you some more firewood!” Says a young man as he walks inside. He stood with a rather tall stature, and icy blue eyes like his mother, framed with a shock of shaggy greyish brown hair.

>You go cold, and feel like you've been caught doing something terribly wrong.

>Inga pulls away and stands up, “Good morning, dear! Thank you so much, just set it down by the hearth.”

>The man walks in and looks at Gaelyn, and then you, his face draining of color. “You brought a paIadin into our village!?” He hisses.

>”Of course, dear. He and his wife nearly died in the blizzard yesterday. Luckily I was on one of my morning strolls and found them.”

>”Does he know where our village is!? Mother, how could you be so reckless!?”

>”Dear, his wife is right there.” She says, pointing to Gaelyn, still lying comatose in her bed.

>He stares hard at your wife, before glaring at you, “I don't like this. Something about this feels wrong.”

>”Memaw!” Two childish voices chime, followed by their sources charging in with with tiny armfuls of firewood, quickly abandoned as run for Inga.

>”Oh hello little ones.” Inga says, kneeling down and group hugging the two little girls.

>One of them turns her head towards you, and smiles widely, “Memaw, who's that?”

>”That's Sirius dear, why don't you two say hello?”

>The other one's head turns towards you as well, looking slightly older than the other, but with the same overeager expression. They run for you in unison, and before you can even react they've both tightly clung on to you with white fluffy paws, humming contently.

>You go stiff as they hug you, surprised that they had the decency to avoid your injury. “Uh… hello.” You say nervously, as Inga's son stares daggers at you. You notice his hand is dangerously close to an ice axe hung on his belt.

>Giving the younger child a small pat on the head, you notice the large, floppy, fur covered ears on the sides, “A-and what's you little…" You catch yourself, "…princesses'… names?”

>>245526

>”Adele!” Says the youngest.

>”And I'm Hilda! I'm older than her by two years!” She says with a smile that was missing a single tooth.

>”Nuh uh! One and a half! I counted!” Adele pouts.

>”Alright girls, why don't you leave Sirius alone. Go see if your mother needs help with anything back home.” He says, with a voice with barely contained anger.

>”Aw, okay.” Hilda whines, before letting go and heading for the door.

>But Adele remained wrapped around your waist.

>”Adele.” The man says sternly. “Now.”

>She pulls herself off, slinking slowly out of the house, peeking her head out to look at you before her father gives a disapproving grumble.

>”Is something wrong, dear?” Inga asks.

>”I'll tell you what's wrong, why did you let this bastard into the village!?”

>”Falk! Watch your mouth!”

>”He's a paIadin, he can't be trusted. They're all soulless murderers, of your kind, and mine.” He says with a low, quavering voice.

>”I know he's a paIadin. Besides, I know in my heart, he's different. He cares so deeply for his wife, who is also a child of Orn”

>”Oh yeah? Look at his armor. He must be really high rank. The ones I've seen aren't nearly as decorated as him.” He says with grim triumph as he sneers at you, “If he stays here, who knows how many paIadins will be looking for him, and kill us all in the process! I say we kill him now and drag his body far aw-”

>”That's enough!” Inga shouts, “You may be my son, but I'm still Frostheim's chieftess! And you'll show respect for my guests! It's this exact attitude that drives humans and monsters apart in the first place!”

>He stares down Inga, and then you, glancing over at Gaelyn, before settling back on his mother. “So be it.” Falk says bluntly as he turns towards the door and begins storming out, 'I have work to do.”

>The home was deathly silent. Inga stared out of the flaps of the door, visibly upset.

>You struggled to find your voice, “H-he's right, you know.”

>Inga looks at you, with the same caring expression.

>”I've killed… countless… I have more blood on my hands than one man should ever have.”

>”You cannot change your past, Sirius. But we can always learn from it. And I saw what a caring and selfless man you can be.”

>”Thank you, but… Your son is right you're being far too trusting of me.”

>”Dear, you don't live to be eighty-five in these mountains by being dim.”

>You look at her incredulously, marveling the only wrinkles on her face being slight crows feet by her eyes when her grin widens. and suppress the urge to push the matter of her age.

>She flashes a proud, almost cocky, grin. “Now, no more worrying, alright child? You need to rest. And don't mind my son, he's just overprotective of me. He's such a momma's boy, he would get a grey hair over me walking in the snow, worrying that I'de slip and break my hip or something. As if Orn didn't create the wendigo to traverse these very mountains!” She laughs.

Wait, I can't remember whether Sirius already knew that his wife was a monster. He didn't have any notable reaction.

>>245531

While Sirius has not been shown by Gaelyn, he does know. He was already briefed on what he was supposed to do and why. He simply hasn't said anything because he knows shes self conscious about it and didn't want to push her while shes in a delicate mental state, while at the same time not wishing to rouse suspicion to the fact his entire partnership with her is merely an order from God.

>>245545

>While Sirius has not been shown by Gaelyn, he does know. He was already briefed on what he was supposed to do and why. He simply hasn't said anything because he knows shes self conscious about it and didn't want to push her while shes in a delicate mental state, while at the same time not wishing to rouse suspicion to the fact his entire partnership with her is merely an order from God.

Erm, that wasn't written at all. There's never any reveal to him that she monsterized. And thus, no reaction from him.

Also, what's an "ice axe"?

non-bump for moar!

>>245527

>You laugh half-heartedly, not really understanding what she was talking about, simply trying to be polite. Feeling a slight tickle on your side, you look over, and see blood trickling down from your bandaged stump.

>”Anyway… oh goodness…” She says as she looks down at your shoulder, “Looks like I'll need to redress your wound sooner than later. You need to promise me you'll be more careful, though.” She sighs as she approaches you with a roll of bandages and a stack of rags.

>She takes her time to carefully clean and redress your wounds, trying to keep it as painless as possible. She tried making small talk to distract you, asking about your life.

>Her questions certainly distracted you. It was difficult to think about the pain when you were trying to be more careful not to reveal too much more about your self.

>”So, how did you meet your wife? I imagine she must have been special to be the first one you stayed your hand for.”

>”Oh well… I met her when she was mourning for her father and brother. It was the first time I saw a monster cry, and I uh… I didn't know they could feel emotions like humans could.” You avert your eyes away from hers, feeling ashamed for your lie.

>”You don't have to be ashamed. You didn't know before.” She says, her caring expression only serving to shame you more.

>”Doesn't change the thing's I've done…”

>”But it changes what you'll 'do', and that makes all the difference. Just as it says in the Book of Light.”

>”I… what?” You don't remember that line in the Holy Book of Light. You practically had it memorized by now.

>”The Book of Light, the book the God of Light gave us with their teachings. Hamay was adamant that even the worst person can become a good one if given a second chance, that's why she married him.”

>”I… see…”

>”…There. All better! Well, better than it was, anyways.” She says as she finished wrapping your wound with fresh bandages. “Now, are you going to be more careful now?”

>”Yes, of course, ma'am…”

>”Good boy!” She says, giving you a gentle hug, pulling away sooner than you would like. “I'll let you rest now, alright? Feel free to make yourself at home, if you get hungry, need anything at all, just let me know.”

>”Thank you so much for your hospitality… Even after knowing what I a- …was…”

>”Do not worry yourself so much, child. Rest. I will see you in the morning.”

>You could not sleep that day. You tried, but Falk's words kept echoing in your mind. He was right…

>Staying here would only put Inga in danger. And… if any monster deserved to live, it was her. You look over at her sleeping soundly in her bed, and feel warmth bloom in your heart, that quickly turns sour. You wish you never met her, it made you too confused.

>Night had fallen, and Inga had gone to be hours ago. Listening carefully, you makre sure she's sound asleep, before carefully sitting up, and get off of your bed. Careful not to make a sound, you meticulously put on your padded-jack before strapping your plate armor to your body, doing your best to make no sounds. It was difficult, to say the least. It was tricky to do this with two hands, but at least you still had your teeth to secure the straps.

>You were left with a useless gauntlet, vambrace, and rerebrace, which you stow away in your pack. Last, you strap your sword onto your belt, and look around, making sure you had everything.

>You walk over to Gaelyn's bed, where she still slept peacefully. Her pale green skin gleaming in the light of the hearth. Your stomach sank as you looked at her, and reached for her cloak that was folded up next to her. As you hold it in your hand, you can't help but notice it seemed a bit darker than before. Shrugging it off, you wrap it around Gaelyn's body and secure it's clasp.

>With a dim shimmer dancing across her face, it's skin color and texture shifted back to her normal smooth, pale complexion. Expression unchanging from her peaceful slumber.

>You sigh as you look at her now human face, feeling guilt creep up your neck. You couldn't imagine how she's felt all this time.

>It's all your fault she's gone through all of this. But you're going to make this right, no matter what.

>>250402

>You squat down, and sling her over your left shoulder as carefully as possible. Once you got her in a comfortable position, you made you way to to door and stop.

>Regrettingly, you turn to look back at Inga, who was still sound asleep, wrapped up in the same fur cloak. Forcing yourself to tear your eyes away, you walk outside.

>The air was frigid, but still, making the cold bearable. You looked around and gathered your surroundings.

>You were in the middle of a large valley within the mountains, all around the edge of the flat expanse were fur covered buildings like the one you came out of. From here, if looked no different from a human village…

>Looking around at the sheer rock faces surrounding the village, you eventually find a break in the cliffs that seemed to be the only exit out of the valley.

>You made your way out of the village, looking around in case any one saw. You didn't want to have to explain yourself, or worse, gain any more attachments.

>”Going out for a midnight stroll?”

>You look up and see Falk standing before you, arms crossed as he glares at you. ”I'm leaving, don't worry. You're right… I shouldn't be here.”

>”Good, I'll escort you out. The mountain pass beyond the valley can be really dangerous.”

>”Thank you for the help, but I think I'll be…” You hear snow crunching behind you, and tense up. You reach for your sword, only to feel a sharp pain in your stump. You curse under your breath when you remember you don't have that hand any more, and quickly reach for your blade with your left-

>Something strikes the back of your head, and your faculties fail you, making you collapse onto the ground limp, the world feeling like it's spinning.

>Falk approaches you, and you feel yourself being bound by rope. “It's no trouble. I insist… wouldn't want you telling your paIadin friends about us, would we?”

>You try to struggle, but are deterred by your injury and head splitting dizziness. A sack is roughly put over your head, and tied until it was uncomfortably taut against your neck.

>”Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you… but I can't let you know where our village is… I have a family, and they mean more to me than some stranger.” Falk says, before grunting, a sharp crack against your skull before everything fades away.

>Your head was pounding, as you blinked your eyes, trying to focus on the world around you, 'W-what happened?”

>Ricki grabs your hands and helps you up to your feet, “How did you manage that!?” She laughs.

>”Huh?”

>”You ran head first into that swing!” Ricki sighs, “I guess it's a good thing I just had the stick, then.” She says, flipping the roughly carved branch about in the air and catching it.

>You blink, and look down at the ground, the blade Ricki had let you use was covered in mud, 'Oh, sorry… I didn't mean to get it dirty.”

>She looks at you and tries not to laugh, “Trust me, that sword has survived much worse than a little dirt. It's a weapon, not a piece of jewelry.” Ricki says, staring at you with a kindly smile.

>You look back at her, and realize you're still clinging to her hands. In a panic, you let go and pick up the silver blade, feeling sheepish at your stupidity as you hand it back to your mentor.

>”No, hold on to it for now. I'll feel better if you have something to defend yourself with.” She says, taking off the belt she hung it from and handing it to you.

>”W-wait, I still barely know how to use this!” You blurt as you nervously put the belt around your waist. “W-what if we get in real fight!?”

>”Didn't say I'll stop teaching you.” She says as she flips the stick again, staring a little too hard at it as it spun in the air. “Besides, survival is the best teacher. How's your arm feeling?”

>”Still a bit stiff.” You say, carefully flexing your arm until you feel a twing of pain from your injury.

>>250410

>”Anyways, we should be safe from paIadins attacking us. They don't typically stray this far from human settlements or trade routes…” She turns her back to you and starts casually walking forward, with you following close behind, “Still should be on the look out for wildlife, or other monsters. Ever since the crowning of the Demon King, they've been a lot more bold lately.”

>”I… I thought you said monsters didnt attack other monsters…” You say while looking around nervously as you walk faster in order to keep closer to Ricki.

>”You're a human man. They'll attack us merely because you're here. Well, not eat you or steal your valuables of course, but… well some monsters let loneliness get the best of them, and they live out in the wild for so long well… they forget basic manners.”

>”B-because of… my uh… my uh… seEE-!” Your voice cracks, and nothing more than a squeak comes out.

>”Semen, yeah. It's easy to go without if you've never had it before… but once you have… you get cravings… It's enough to drive weaker willed monsters mad.”

>Your face begins to burn at the thought, so you try to distract yourself on the scenery around you. The trees, foliage exploding with reds and browns, leaves gently fluttering down around you, Ricki's tail flicking back and forth excitedly as her shapely hips sway with each step. You gasp in terror, and tear your eyes away, locking them to the side and mustering as much inner strength within you to keep it there.

>”What's wrong?” She says, peeking over her shoulder without stopping.

>”Nothing! Nothing's wrong, just saw a squirrel, and it uh, it uh… spooked me…” You lie.

>”Squirrel!?” She shouts, stopping in place, her ears perked up in alert as she looks about. Her eyes narrow in suspicion, before slowly resuming her hike. “Must have gotten away… Crafty bastard.”

>”Sorry…”

>”It's not you're fault, we'll get him next time.” She says, with a confident smile.

>You both walk silently for a while, while you make sure not to look at her behind, and failing. “U-uh, aren't you cold? Why don't you put your jacket back on…” You say, trying not to sound desperate.

>”Nah, I like the cool air sometimes. Makes me feel more alive, you know? More free! Like in the summer, sometimes I'll just run in the fields near home wearing nothing at all.”

>You nervously laugh, hoping to drown out her words and the mental image it gave you, ”Y-yeah… uh… where are we going, anyways?”

>”We're going to find an angel.”

>”My mother's notes say it's supposed to be a weapon created by the goddess of men to combat the god of monsters. But, apparently was sealed away before it was ever used…”

>”W-wait! Wouldn't this be locked away in one of the Church's temples or something? We'de be killed before getting any where near it!”

>”No, no… the OLD goddess of men, not whatever it is you humans are worshipping now. The one who created humans in the beginning. Besides, my mother was the only one to figure out where the weapon was sealed, there's no way the paIadins would have gotten it.”

>”Wait, slow down, whats this about a goddess-” You try to as her, before she continues on.

>”This 'angel' was created by the goddess of men to fight against the god of monsters, before they made peace, and then you know…”

>”No, I don't know…” You sigh, resigning to her rambling.

>”That's when the God of Light came into being… I'll explain more next time we make camp I suppose. It's a long story.”

>>250412

>”Wait, if this was a weapon to fight against monsters… why are you looking for it?”

>”Well, I figure that spears can be used in warfare, hunting game, and fishing, right? Then what's to stop me from using a god's weapon created to slay monsters, and use it against the paIadins? Whatever kills monsters, should be able to kill most anything else just the same.”

>You were beginning to feel a bit scared of her blood lust, “Do you really have to kill paIadins…?

>She stops and turns around, looking upset, ”Did they really have to open fire on you for trying to help them like your father did?” Ricki snaps, before her face softens with empathy, “…I don't know what you were expecting, Maurice. If you became a mercenary, you would've had to kill monsters like me… or humans like you right now… that's just the world we live in… And that's why I need to find this angel. If I have that weapon… maybe I won't have to kill them all… maybe I can stop this madness with less bloodshed.” Her eyes gaze hard into yours, burning with righteous passion. “…I can finally finish my mother's mission…” She turns away, and starts continuing along the path.

>You guess it never occurred to you that you would have to kill people if you followed your father's footsteps… of course, if you had succeeded him, you would still think monsters were just evil beasts and not people…

>”Maurice… if you want… once we've found this angel… I can take you to Ebonthorn. I don't want to force this dangerous life on you, and I won't judge you harshly if you want to duck out now, and live a quiet life.” She says, without looking back at you, a hint of regret souring her voice, “You would like living there now, I think. You would be treated a lot better than you were in Towerwood-”

>”No.” You affirm, “I… this is what I chose… and it's a lot harder then I thought it would be, I'll admit… But I'm not going to run…” You jog ahead and stop in front of her, looking her in the eyes, “…I finally got someone with enough patience to teach me how to be a warrior… I can't just throw that away.

>”It's going to be dangerous… and… I can't promise we'll live past it all.”

>You're hit with a sudden realization, “Is… is this because I'll drag you down? Is that why?”

>”No!” She says, a little too loudly, “I couldn't judge you like that… I mean, you're inexperienced, of course… but I've been there… and, I've never met him, but your father was in the same position as well at some point.”

>”Then, I'm going to stay!” You say adamantly with your hands on your hips, “Besides, my father taught me I should always protect a lady from harm! As a man, I can't let you charge into danger alone!” You say, firm and authoritatively, at least, as authoritative your voice could muster.

>She looks at you quietly, each passing second of silence making you realize how foolish you must have sounded.

>”I… just pretend I didn't say that… maybe I should just go…” You turn and try to hide your face in shame as you start to walk away.

>Ricki runs up and grabs you hand, firmly turning you to face her, “Why? I think it was sweet.” she says with a small smile, that slowly widens to a more smug expression, “But you'll have to train hard, since last time I checked, it's the other way around, here.”

>”Uh… I… okay…” You say, trying to suppress your own grin, as you nervously try to pull your hand away. But she keeps it in a light grip, slightly rubbing her thumb against you palm. “Heh… heh…” You wheeze out, nervously trying to pull away, her fingers hooking and lingering as they separate from yours.

>”Hey, the training hasn't been for nothing, Your grip feels a bit stronger now.”

>”W-wait, today is the first time you've h-held my hand, isn't it?”

>”Well, last time I felt your grip was when I removed that arrow from your arm, remember?” She says, cupping her chin and furrowing her brow thoughtfully.

>”But I didn't hold your… Oh…” Your ears feel like they're on fire as you remember that short glorious moment that was instantly ruined by impromptu 'medical care'.

>”Hey, you coming!? Get a move on! We got a long way to go, still!” She shouts from the distance.

>”Dammit… Yeah, coming!” You shout back.

>”That doesn't sound like running to me!” She taunts, before running off further.

>>251088

I second that.

>>251088

Actually, the book Ricki keeps with her is her mother's diary chronicling the mission she was on before her husband was kidnapped and she died saving him. The Book of Light is more of a religious text (Anonson has one on his person at all times). Well, the OLD book of light, as was described before, which is essentially just a basic set of moral guidelines, and practical lessons for every day life and love letters. While the new one used by the Church is about what you would expect: Guilt trips and divine wrath.

Unfortunately, this glimpse into Maurice's and Ricki's journey won't have any exposition dumps of the world's meta this time.

I might write some excerpts from the Book of Light Anonson keeps with him, but I'm waiting for a good time storywise because it might be a bit spoilery.

>>250803

>Just as she's done since you came under her tutelage, she worked you to the bone along your journey, going out of her way to take the more grueling paths, bounding ahead with ease while you struggled to barely follow. And where there was no harder path to take, she made sure to find ways to make it harder…

>Her chain whip collided straight into the small deer's skull with a sickening crack of bone, it's body immediately dropping like a rock.

>”W-wait up!” You gasp, having run after her for god knows how long as she relentlessly chased after her quarry with inhuman speed. As you approach, you slow down and buckle over, dry heaving from the ordeal.

>”You're getting faster!” She says in astonishment.

>You barely manage to look up at her smiling face and give her a dirty look, feeling as if she was patronizing you.

>”I'm being honest!” She shrugs, “Since you're here, you can help me carry this to camp!”

>”C-can't we just… butcher it here and take what we need?” You say, still catching your breath.

>She seems to think for merely a second, before shaking her head, “Nah, lets bring it to camp.”

>”But we haven't MADE camp yet.”

>She ignores you as she starts to pick up one side of the corpse, noticeably struggling, “Come on, you going to help or just stand there talking?”

>You open your mouth, but think better of it, going to the other side of the deer carcass, and start lifting it up.

>”Higher.” She says, lifting it up chest height.

>You lift it up so your side is level, your breath becoming labored.

>”Higher.” She insists.

>”Uhh.” You groan, having a little trouble holding it this high, and your arms start to feel weak.

>”Higher! Now shift it this way… there we go!” She says triumphantly as she steps back.

>Your legs were wobbling as the entire deer sat securely draped over your shoulders.

>”I knew you could do it!” She praises.

>”Do… what?” You say, struggling to stand.

>>252581

>”Carry it to camp!”

>”W-why can't we camp here!?” You cry, the weight already feeling like it would snap your legs like twigs.

>”Elevation here is lower than the nearby river, and it might rain tonight, we need to get to some higher ground on the off chance it floods over… Don't worry, there's a good camp spot not too far from here.” She starts running off again, “Just follow me and we'll be there as soon as you know it!”

>You sigh, and remember when she made you carry the firewood before… it wasn't that hard, just… just put one foot in front of the other…

>You take a step.

>”Huh?” You mutter, realizing it's not as hard as you thought it would be. Well, it still felt like your knees were about to explode, and your lungs felt like they were filled with salt, but you could actually walk! Albeit very slowly, but still!

>Feeling redetermined, you start trudging ahead, each successful step reinvigorating your spirit as you headed towards Ricki, who would wait patiently in the distance before running ahead again farther and farther until she vanished from view.

>When your boost of self confidence began to wane, and you could no longer see her as you crested the hill, your burden began to weigh down more heavily, and you felt tempted to drop it to the ground.

>You almost did give up, but you saw a slight trail of smoke curling up into the orange, sunset painted sky, and soldiered on, ignoring the burning pain in your sides.

>You came across a steep hill, like the one you had saw before, and stop at its foot, remembering the pain in the back of your head that lingered for days afterwards. In your moment of brief hesitation, you recall when you were younger, your father coming home after a long trip. It just occurred to you how frequently he came home wrapped in bandages or bound by a splint. He must have suffered so much… just to put food on the table, and let his family live comfortably… you weren't going to let a little pain stop you!

>Setting aside your fear and doubt, you push yourself to climb the hill with all the strength you could muster. The pain in your body seeming to melt away, as every step came faster and faster, until before you realized it, you had crested the top of the hill, and only a short distance away, you could see Ricki tending a campfire, with the tent set up nearby. She looks over and sees you, her tail wagging wildly as she stands up and waves.

>”Just set it over here by the fire, and we can start eating! Well… I might dig in while you're butchering it honestly, I'm starving!” She says, excitedly rubbing her paws together

>”…Got it…” You say, exhausted as you drop the deer carcass behind you with a thud. “That was easier than I thought it would be, I don't even feel sore anymore!” You step towards Ricki and realize you not only don't feel sore, you don't feel your legs at all. You misstep, and fall, just barely manageing to break the fall with your arms.

>”You okay, Maurice?” She says with concern in her voice.

>”I can't feel my legs…” You groan, when suddenly, the feeling returns in full force, an intense, burning pain that's almost as bad as the arrow in the arm. “Uuuuugh, dammit, nevermind, I can…”

>”This is great!” She exclaims, kneeling beside you and placing the side of her head on your rump, ear flopping on one of your cheeks.

>”What are you doing back there!?” You squeak.

>”You hear that?”

>”What are you talking about?”

>”Shh…” She says, before going silent for a moment, “…It's the sound of progress.”

>”Get off of my butt, please.” You huff.

>Ricki stands back up and moves in front of you, squatting down to your level and looking at you with her friendly smile, “Need a hand?”

>”Please.”

>She grabs your hands and helps you back up to your feet, holding you still when you sway unsteadily. “Are you injured? Are you about to die?”

>”I don't think so…”

>”Good! Then cut me some meat!” She laughs, handing you the knife.

>>252583

>The two of you sat around the fire, listening to the meat sizzle as it cooked, the sun setting behind the treeline and the rest of the world beyond the flame's light fading away.

>Between rabid gnaws of bloody, raw, meat, Ricki told you about the creation of the world, the respective creator gods of humans and monsters, how they united, and then vanished, leaving both races to fight and eventually divide.

>”Wait, so… what happened next?” You ask.

>She shrugged, “I was… actually going to ask you if, if humans had history of that age. My mother's diary says historical records during the the century after that are kind of… non existent apparently.” She takes a bite and chews thoughtfully for a moment before swallowing, “I haven't really checked for myself… but I doubt my mother would take note of this if it wasn't an issue.”

>”Well… our history was taught in the weekly sermons…?” You say, Ricki giving you an uncomfortable look, “…I guess that's not what you're looking for though.”

>She shakes her head, “It's okay. All I can gather is that after a century after the gods vanished, humans and monsters had mostly gone their separate ways, and now they are how they are now.” Ricki looks down at the ground and rubs her temple silently.

>Taking advantage of the pause, you take one of the more charred looking slab of meat off of the fire and cut it open, confirming it's grayish brown interior, and try to take a bite of the searing meat. “Ahh!” you gasp, breathing sharply to cool the burn.

>”Why do you even bother with that cooking thing? Just eat it raw!” Ricki says as she tears a chunk of meat in her fangs.

>”Because I could get sick if I don't!” You say defensively, before blowing on your meal.

>”Humans are weird.” She says with a lighthearted grin. A light gust of wind blows through, and she turns upwind, staring at the horizon..

>As you carefully try once more to eat the venison, you watch Ricki's ears twitch as the cold breeze blows through them. You tended to forget they were there, but you were increasingly curious as you watched them perk up and down… just like a dogs…

>Feeling compelled, you slowly reach over with your free hand, glancing over to be sure Ricki isn't paying attention to you.

>As your fingertip brushes the fur, her ear spasms wildly, “Pfftt!” She spits, laughing as she pulls away and covers her ear with her hand, “Maurice, what are you doing!? That tickles!”

>”S-sorry!” You say as you recoil back, fruitlessly hiding your hand behind your back., “I just… sorry…”

>She looks at you and chuckles, “It's fine, Maurice.”

>A drip of water hits your nose, drawing your gaze up towards the sky, dark clouds slowly rolling in, “Oh… you were right, it's raining…”

>”It's the way the wind smells.” she says, proudly sticking her nose up in the air, “We should get in the tent so we don't get too wet, it might get cold tonight.”

>You nod, grabbing the rest of the meat skewers and scrambling into the tent after Ricki.

>The rain starts to come in slowly, and you and Ricki watch the campfire die out, leaving nothing but a pile of steaming char.

>The storm begins pouring down harder and harder, bringing with it a chilling wind that cut through the canvas of your shelter.

> You shiver, and you feel a soft, furred hand grasps yours. You look over just as Ricki leans against you. “A-are you okay?” You stutter as your heart skips a beat.

>”Yeah. Just thought you looked cold.” She hums, resting her head on your shoulder.

>”O-oh… thanks…” You say, feeling your cheeks start to burn up as you try to remain calm, distracting yourself as best as you can as you eat more of your meal.

>The roar of the rain hitting the ground drowned out all else, and soothed the pain throughout your body with it's sound.

>”Maurice?” Ricki says, just loud enough for you to hear.

>”Yeah?”

>”Thank you… for saying you'll stay.”

>>252586

>You were running down a large marble hall. At least, you think you were. Your head was throbbing, and you had no idea what you were even doing here. Everything felt out of focus and surreal, even your own footsteps seemed distant.

>As you ran, you began to vaguely hear screams, dozens of people panicking in terror. It must have been coming from outside, because as far as you could tell, this hall was completely empty.

>Until you turned the corner.

>A woman, skin as fair as marble around you, only her silken robes were whiter. Her long flowing hair went halfway down her legs, and seemed to be of spun white gold. Her arms were held aloft, an ornately crafted staff, with intricate, straight, metered lines, like geometric veins, running down its length, leading up to a cap made of crystal cut into a four pointed star. From where her hand gripped the staff, light pulsed out through the veins, and seemed to feed the crystals inner glow.

>Beyond the beautiful woman, was a wall made of glowing runes, that seemed to flow and shift frantically as the woman chanted them in a song like voice.

>”My love, why are you not in the inner chambers!? You need to run!”

>Why are you here? You look down and your hands, which grip a spear. It doesn't look very reliable, it looked like it was just a hoe that had the head bent, snapped into shape, and roughly sharpened into a dull blade.

>A deafening blast, and the sturdy walls beyond the ward explodes into shards of rock.

>”Run!” She begs you.

>But you step forward, gripping your makeshift weapon tightly, and walk through the ward.

>The priestess tries to revise the ward, but it's too late, “VERCINGETORIX! NO! COME BACK!” She screams.

>A hulking, black beast, entire body darker than shadows, only it's burning, violet eyes could be seen. It rushes towards the ward, swatting you out of the way without a second thought.

>Your body slams into the wall. It should hurt more, but the pain feels so distant.

>As your vision comes back into what little focus you originally had, you see the beast slamming into the ward, cracks slowly growing across it's surface.

>You get up, body feeling sluggish. But you still run forward towards the beast, and jump onto it's back. It doesn't even seem to notice you climbing it as it unleashes its wrath on the slowly breaking barrier.

>Suddenly it's thrashing stops, and you stop, worried that it's noticed you.

>The beast steps back, and takes in a deep breath, and with an ear splitting boom, blinding purple flames erupt from it's maw and obliterates the ward.

>You hear the woman let out a blood curdling shriek, gasping only for a moment, before continuing her tortured wails.

>Feeling anger welling up inside you, and you recklessly scramble up the beasts back, getting up onto your feet and running up to it's head. You leap up with your spear, landing on it's head, and skewering your weapon straight into it's burning eye.

>The beast roars, it's voice rattling your skull.

>As it thrashes about, you wrap your legs around it's neck, and use every ounce of your strength to drive the spear further and further into it's eye, gritting your teeth as it's screams grow louder.

>…And then turn to… laughter?

>It's uproarious laughs unnerve you, but you steel your resolve, and twist the spear, only for it to snap, the head still embedded into it's eye socket. Without a sturdy handhold, you're quickly flung off, landing next to the priestess.

>The beast's laugh lowers into a satisfied growl, and you can hear the woman beside you, still sobbing and crying, exhausted and weak as her life begins to fade away. She lie curled up on the ground, facing away from you, her head completely charred to cinders.

>Looking around, you see her staff, and scramble over towards it. As you pick it up, you brandish it like your spear, only to just barely jump out of the way as the monster charges for you.

>You get up and turn around to see the monster turning back to face you, bloodstained fangs gleaming in a malicious smile.

>You run towards him, staff raised in the air.

>He charges towards you, teeth bared. He swipes at you with his claw.

>You jump back, and then charge ahead, running it's paw with the staff.

>But before you can pull it out, the beast backhands you with same paw, knocking you over onto your back. Before you can even react, it pounces, the staff in it's paw stabbing into your leg, and pinning you in place, an intense burning searing into your flesh..

>The monster snarls victoriously with a self-satisfied smirk, it's left eye dripping blood of glistening cyan, that burned and melted your flesh as it dripped onto it.

>It's head drops down onto you, and with a quick snap of it's jaws-

>>253294

>”Sir, wake up. It's an emergency!”

>You bolt upright and grab your war hammer, accidentally flipping Magdalene off of you who was still clinging to you from the night before. “What's wrong!?”

>Jäeger looks at you with uncertainty, “There's been a murder.”

>”One of ours killed?” You say as you start slipping on your brigandine.

>”No… I… I think you need to get there as soon as possible. Things look pretty ugly.”

>Jäeger and a handful of guards escort you and your wife through the city, you see a crowd of locals surrounding a wall of guards encircled around an alleyway, keeping the riffraff at a distance.

>As you're let into the area, you see Naomi kneeling next to the corpse of a familiar old man. His stomach looked like it had been torn wide open, organs spilling out from the gaping wound. Blood splattered across the walls and pooled out into the streets.

>”…What in the world happened…” You utter.

>”One of the guards saw him during this mornings patrol.” Naomi says as she stands up to face you.

>”Did they see who did it?” You ask.

>”No sir. I didn't see or hear anyone when I found him.” A grizzly woman soldier standing nearby says.

>”There were no witnesses, and I can't find anything that would point to the culprit… How can a murderer kill his mark this messily and get away clean?” Naomi growls.

>”Anonson… I think…” Magdalene approaches the body, looking visibly disturbed as she scans it up and down, “Anonson, that's the sick man we brought in from the ghetto the other night.”

>The crowd begins to quiet down, making you feel a bit nervous.

>”Are you sure?” You whisper.

>”Yeah… but what was he doing here?” She whispers back. “Last I saw him he was left in the infirmary under the medics' care… But what could have done this…?”

>”It looks like a bear got it's claws into him… but what the hell would a bear be doing around here?” Jäeger says, before looking over at the soldier who found the body with a cocked eyebrow.

>”Jäeger, if you don't know what you're talking about, I suggest you keep your mouth shu-” Naomi stops, and looks back at the guard. “Soldier, let me see your claws.”

>She starts to look nervous, but is given no time to think twice before Naomi grabs both of her hands and pulls them up for her to see. Large hooked claws tipped each of her fingers, blood coating nearly the entirety of both appendages.

>”Soldier… why is there blood on your claws!?” Naomi hisses.

>”I-I… when I saw him, it was still dark… I thought he might still be alive, and tried to grab him to rush him to the infirmary. That's when I saw just how injured he was. I-”

>”Shut up soldier, not another word.” Your guard snarls, looking at the onlookers who had gone completely silent. “And what are these people doing here!? Move along!” She shouts, prompting your soldiers to start shooing them away, before turning to your wife, “My Queen, you say this man was a vagrant from the slums?”

>She nods, ”I'm fairly certain, yes. He didn't really seem to have his full faculties, but that might have just been delirium from fever.”

>Naomi groans and rubs the bridge of her nose, “Alright. I want two of you to escort this soldier back to camp. I'll question you further, later.”

>The grizzly shrinks back, looking sick. Two other soldiers approach her and tell her to come along before taking her away.

>”You don't think it was her, do you?” You ask Naomi.

>”It doesn't matter, sir. Your wife said he was delirious, and a homeless man. Not uncommon for people like that to be touched in the head, unstable.”

>”Ma'am, why would a heavily protected monster need to react that way around an unarmed, sickly old bum? I doubt she would have needed to react that way towards such a weak old man, even if he was threatening her.” Jäeger asks.

>”Yeah, and… I didn't notice any blood on her weapons.” You add.

>”I don't know, that's why I'm going to question her in private, sir.” Naomi sighs, “Regardless, I don't recommend any disciplinary action against her. If it wasn't her, he might have just died in a gutter from over drinking anyways. I've seen it happen more times than I can count..”

>Magdalene looks like a blood vessel in her head is about to pop, "So what, he's just not important enough to care because he's down on his luck!?" she shouts, getting up in Naomi's face.

>>253296

>”Honey… please calm down..” You say, holding your wife back, “She means that this isn't the capital, Naomi, and if word spreads about one of our soldiers slashing a defenseless man to shreds on the streets, homeless or not, it might cause an uproar. We're trying to show them they can trust monsters, remember?”

>She looks down at the ground, eyes darting back and forth as she thinks, finally looking back up at you, “Understood, sir. I'll get to the bottom of it and keep you updated.”

>”Thank you, Naomi.” You say before turning to Magdalene, who was still stewing in her anger. "Are you going to be okay?"

>"No… I'm going to go to the infirmary, and try to find out what happened. There was no reason for him to be out of care that soon, not in the shape he was in."

>A simple tune being strummed on a guitar draws your attention to the street, where you see Beatus approaching, tuning his instrument, “Hey, brother. Dominic wanted me to see what all the hubbub was about.”

>”It's under control, Beatus. Let us handle it.” You say.

>”What is?” He says, stopping, and leaning to the side to see around you. His eyes widen, and he whistles in shock, “Damn, son… What in the world happened here…?” His casual attitude starts to fade, and the color drains from his face as he stares at the corpse.

>”We're still trying to figure that-” But you're cut off by Beatus charging past, shoving you aside as he runs to the corpses side.

>”N-no…” He gasps, as he reaches out with shaking hands.

>”Beatus, did you know this man?” Magdalene asks.

>”I did… know him… Kazmir… He used to come around and listen to me when I performed, and I would always listen to his stories afterwards…” He stops himself from touching the body, clenching his fingers in a shivering fist. “Rest well, old man…”

>You and your wife give him a moment of silence, waiting until Beatus stand back up.

>”Did he have any family?” Your wife says, as she rests a hand on his shoulder.

>”Nah, man. His family died a long time ago… he… he didn't have anyone else.” He turns to you, and puts his hands on your shoulders, “I'm going to ask around, see if I can't find out who did this. I'll help you bring them to JUSTICE, alright?”

>”Well… if you can find out anything, that would be appreciated, Beatus. Just… leave the rest to us. I don't want you doing something rash out of anger.” You say, feeling more than a little hypocrital.

>Beatus shakes his head. “Nah, man. I wouldn't step on your toes like that.” He takes a deep breath and sighs.

>”We'll be sure to give him a good burial, Beatus.” You say.

>He glances up at you, but shies away back towards Kazmir. “Thanks, man…” He turns away, puts his hand on his forehead, “I… I'm gonna help, but first… I just need to take a walk first. I wasn't expecting to wake up to this shit.”

>”Take your time, Beatus. If you need someone to talk to, we're here.” Magdalene says.

>Beatus says nothing as he walks away, raising his hand in a halfhearted good bye with his head slumped down between his shoulders.

.

>>253646

>You took Lucy over to the training grounds set up outside the city walls, several other soldiers sparring and exercising vigorously.

>Gilda catches your eye, who seemed to be thrashing violently at a training dummy with her bare hands, wearing nothing but padded trousers and bandages binding her chest and forearms. Countless scars cover nearly half of her upper body.

>”Hello Gilda, doing well, I trust?” You call out as you approach her.

>She jumps and turns around to swipe at you, stopping just short of your face.

>You blink in surprise, seeing a row of nasty bladed claws jutting from her knuckles, bound securely together with bands of steel and tightly wrapped around her hand with leather straps. Her eye twitches slightly, before she brings her hands down to her side, and avoids eye contact, “…Don't sneak up on me like that.”

>”You didn't answer my question. Are you doing okay?”

>”Yeah, why? You gonna toss me out because I attacked you?” She grunts before turning around and continues attacking the dummy.

>”No of course not! Sort of expected when I walk around here. Besides…” You rap your helmet, “That's why my wife makes me wear this anyways.”

>”That's what scared me.” She grunts between swings.

>”Sorry about that, but you can see why I keep it on. Had too many close calls without it.” You say jovially, “So… why are you not in uniform?”

>”I was hot. Took it off.” She says still hacking away.

>”In this weather? Aren't you a cold?” You say, feeling the chill blowing in from the north on your face.

>She growls and whips around, “Look is there a reason for all these fucking questions!?” She looks guilty for a second, and forces her face into a less rebellious expression, “…Sir…?”

>”Nothing wrong, Gilda. Very good work. I expect good things from you when you do group drills with your new squadron today.”

>She looks at you, stilted smile relaxing slightly to something more a little more genuine, “…Thanks.”

>”And I want to see you in uniform by then, too, understood?”

>She returns a less than amused look, "Crystal. Sir."

>"Thank you. Carry on." You say, before returning to your previous business.

>As you walk to an emptier part of the field, Lucy leans in close to your ear, “Hey… something felt off with her scent.”

>”Yeah, she did reek of booze, didn't she? But as long as she's-”

>”No no, not that… I could have sworn I smelled blood on her…”

>”Well, her arms were bandaged up, she must have hurt herself earlier while training.”

>”I guess…” She says, craning her neck to look back at her.

>>253647

AROUND DYKES

KEEP 'EM IN YOUR SIGHTS

>>253647

>too obvious

>>253915

I personally suspect Beatus

>>253647

>”You, Magdalene, Naomi, Jäeger, and Christi sat at a table in the canteen. The large tent bustled with activity as the soldiers came back from training to enjoy a warm meal, and a mug of strong drink-”

>”Christi, do you have to say everything you write out loud? We're trying to have a conversation here.” You say a little impatiently.

>The vampire looks up from her papers, “Oh! Sorry, it's a bad habit. I didn't even realize I was going it.”

>Magdalene gives Christi a curious look, “And why are you writing it from my husband's point of view from a second person perspective? Isn't that a bit awkward to read?”

>”No no no, of course not. It's very popular these days, I assure you.” She says not even looking up as her quill scrambles across the page.

>Both of you stare at her blankly, not really buying it.

>She glances up at you, looking more and more unsure until her resolve cracks, and she snaps back angrily, “Alright alright! I started this experimentally using that point of view, and it's fucking horrible, I admit it! Are you happy!?”

>”Why don't you just write the rest in third person, then?” Naomi suggests.

>”Or just start over and write it that way?” Jäeger adds.

>”I'm already over three-hundred-and-fifty words in! I'm not going to start over now!” She lifts a stack of sheets up, pretending to read over them as she hides half of her face, “…Besides I've already published and released the first three books back in the capital…”

>”Of course.” You sigh.

>Jäeger scratches his chin, “So, how much does Anonson make off of that?”

>Christi laughs nervously, “W-what do you mean?”

>”Well, if it's about what he's doing, shouldn't he make a portion of the profits? Seems a bit fair, don't it?” Jäeger says thoughtfully, smiling nervously and rubbing the back of his head, “I could be wrong though, I never was one for merchantry…”

>”Actually, that's a good point…” Magdalene says, squinting her eyes suspiciously at Christi.

>Naomi stands up, hands planted on the table as she leans towards the writer, “And how do we know these transcripts don't have sensitive information that the enemy has intercepted?”

>”I-I promise you they haven't, my maids have always been discreet! I… I…” She fumbles around under the table and produces a full leather purse, “Ahahaha! I was only fooling around, of course! Here's your royalties!” Christi says, before tossing it towards Naomi, who catches it and tosses it to you before sitting back down, looking somewhat satisfied.

>You look inside and see if nearly overflowing with gold coins. “Thank you for contributing so much to the war effort, Miss Barkmont.” You say with genuine appreciation.

>”Of course, any time!” She says, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice, before going back to her writing, defeated.

>You feel someone lean on your shoulders, “Hey, brother. How's it hangin'?”

>You jump with a start, and Naomi springs up, drawing her rapier, flames rushing along the blade as she points it at the interloper. “How did you get in here!? Answer!!” She shouts, the entire tent going quiet, save for Lucy, who growled from under the table.

>Beatus raises his hands in the air, “Whoa, baby. No need to be so uh…” he swallows nervously, “…hot headed.”

>You raise your hand towards her, ”Naomi, I think you need to calm-”

>”ANSWER ME! HOW DID YOU GET PAST THE GUARDS!?” She screams.

>”I just walked in here, baby. What else do you want me to tell you?”

>”Beatus, why don't you sit and join us?” You say, trying to diffuse the situation.

>Naomi glares at him, before standing up and walking to the exit, “…I'll have to have a talk with the soldiers stationed outside. Please excuse me, sir.”

>”Geeze.” Beatus says, leaning an arm on the table and glancing at everyone with a wry grin, “She got another sword sheathed in her ass or something?”

>”She's always been a bit uptight, don't mind her.” Magdalene says.

>>258447

>”Actually I'm glad you're hear Beatus.” You say, leaning over and lowering your voice, “Did you find out anything?”

>”Most people I talked to said… uh… They said you guys did it.”

>Everyone stays quiet for a moment.

>”B-but hey, I know you guys didn't! It's just a little misunderstanding, I'm sure!”

>”What did you find out, honey?” You say to your wife.

>She looks apprehensive for a moment, “I uh… they don't know what happened to him. When they went to check up on him, he was just gone.”

>”At any rate, we've prepared the body. We were going to go get you before we performed his funeral rites tonight.” You say.

>”Guess it's a good thing I dropped by then… saved you the trouble… You got anything to drink around here?”

>You flag Cree down, and signal her for some beer for your guest.

>As she comes over with a mug, Beatus pulls out a satchel and upends it over his hand, a couple of copper coins and a piece of fuzz falling out into his palm. “Uh… nevermind.”

>”Put your money away, Beatus. It's on us.”

>”I don't mean to pry, but I thought you were famous around here?” Jäeger says after swigging from his mug.

>”Jäeger, that's rude!” Magdalene chides.

>Beatus raises his hand as he gulps down his drink, “Ahh… naw, baby, it's okay. That kind of thing don't bother me. But yeah, man. I tend to be broke a lot. Just because I'm famous, doesn't change that I'm a bard, baby! And uh… not typically the most well paid profession, unless you're kissing some noble's ass.” He growls. “And I don't fly like that, ya feelin' me? Rather write songs I love, than what some inbred blue-blood loves about themselves.”

>You nod in agreement, and your eyes wander towards Christi, and back to Beatus, eyes focusing on his fingers until you confirm a lack of rings on them. “So uh… have you met Christi? She's a writer herself.”

>”Huh?” She says, looking up from her work, “What's that?” Christi looks at you motioning towards Beatus, and turns to face him, her mouth parting in surprise for a moment, before curling into a hungry grin, fang just barely biting down on her bottom lip, “…Well, hello handsome.”

>Beatus leans away from her, and glances at you with an anxious smirk, “H-hello, so uh… you write?”

>She giggles lustfully, “Oh yes, I've written hundreds of books (self) published. Perhaps you'de like to read one of my most popular ones?” Christi pulls out a familiar looking book and writes something inside the cover, before handing it over towards Beatus. “I have a signed copy you can have if you like.”

>He takes it, and opens it up to the cover, his face going deadpan, before closing it back up and forcing a polite smile, “T-thanks! I'll read it tonight! Uh, hey, Anonson, I need to uh… have a smoke, I'll uh, meet you outside.” Beatus says, standing up and quickly walking out.

>Christi stares at the bard as he leaves the tent, before shrugging and returning to her work.

>”Christi… why did you have to give him a copy of THAT book?” Magdalene say exasperatedly.

>”Yeah, most humans aren't that comfortable with that sort of thing…” You say. “And aren't your stories mostly written for women to enjoy?”

>Christi looks back up at you, “I still think he'll enjoy it if he gives it a chance. It is my best work after all” She says with a proud grin, “Besides, we both have the same tastes.”

>”Whatever you say, Christi…” Magdalene says as she gets up. “You ready, honey?”

>”Yeah… let's get this over with.” You say, getting out of your seat and walking around the table, stopping by Christi's seat, “Hey, are you doing alright? About Ricki, I mean…”

>”I… as long as I keep writing I will be.” She says, stopping for but a moment before resuming her work. “B-besides! She would run out and about all the time! She can take care of herself!” Christi says, trying to maintain a cheery tone. “…I just wish she would come back… So I can tell her I'm sorry…”

>>258448

>The funeral was small and simple. You, your officers, and Beatus were the only ones who came to see him off.

>The bard played what he called Kazmir's favorite song as you and Jäeger lowered his simple coffin into the grave, and began filling it back in. The music had a somber, exotic feel that you couldn't quite recognise.

>When his grave was filled, you kneeled and said a silent prayer, wishing you could have at least been there to save his soul. You stood back up and looked to Beatus, who seemed to be holding back tears as best as he could, hiding his face behind his sleeve.

>”Thanks brother. Always thought I'de see him off on a mass burial at sea.” He sniffs.

>”It's my fault. It happened under my rule… I'm sorry I couldn't keep him safe-”

>Beatus puts his hands on your shoulder, “Brother, Anonson… You did more for him than anyone else has… and… it's not your fault. I know it's not your fault, you shouldn't be apologizing. Don't beat yourself up over it.”

>You stop yourself from protesting, and simply nod.

>”Actually, would you guys mind doing one more thing with me? If you're not busy, or anything doing king stuff.”

>You look at Magdalene who shrugs and nods, “Sure, Beatus, what is it?”

>”Me and Kazmir would always go to the docks, and fish, just… chill, you know? I want to do that one last time, in his memory.”

>”Sure Beatus.” You say, “I'de be honored.”

>He laughs and slaps your backplate with a dull clank, “It's just fishing man, don't have to act all stuffy.” Beatus says before walking off towards the docks.

>As Magdalene starts to follow, you grab her shoulder and turn her to face you, “Mags… what did you find out from the medics?”

>She looks at you anxiously for a moment, “No… the medic on the night shift walked out for a moment, and when she came back, he was gone without a trace…”

>”And none of the guards tried to stop him!?” You say in a hushed shout.

>She shakes her head, “No, none of the guards reported seeing him…”

>”…I guess it doesn't matter at this point.” You sigh.

>”Yo! You guys comin'?” Beatus calls out.

>”Y-yeah, we'll be right there!”

>Everyone walked down the winding road towards the docks, passing group of soldiers who were off duty, and going to the local taverns to meet men.

>”Hey ladies!” Beatus calls out, “Lookin' for a good time?”

>Almost immediately, the monsters surround him, hungrily gazing at him and cooing with affirmation.

>”Oh, you could show me a good time…”

>”No way, Anna! I saw him first!”

>”Please, he was looking at me!”

>Beatus laughs, “Sorry, cuties. I'm hanging out with my friend right now.”

>The soldiers moan and whine, begging him to come with them.

>”Sorry, babes! But hey. if you want to meet some guys, a bunch of young, lonely sailors frequent the Rusty Lyre on the next street down. Tell 'em you know Beatus, and they'll open up to you for sure!”

>They still look dejected, but end up thanking him and running ahead, looking back wistfully at him before going around the bend.

>>258449

>”You're really popular with the ladies.” You muse. “Surprised you're not married.”

>Beatus chuckles nervously, “Bit odd to hear that from you, brother. Is that why you tried to set me up with that lady with the… uh, nice teeth?”

>”Well, our soldiers have never really met men before. They're all desperately lonely.” Magdalene says.

>”Woo… the boys at the Lyre are going to be thrilled to hear that.”

>”How about you, though? Surprised you're not married yet.” You say.

>Beatus rubs his neck, “Geeze, you too huh? I get that way too much. I… There's already someone in my life.”

>”Oh? Who is she?” Magdalene asks with a gleeful curiosity.

>He mumbles uncertainly, ”Uh…”

>The tavern doors next to you burst open, startling you all into silence, as you see a woman stumbling out. “Whoo! Only three more to go!”

>”Oh, it's just you Gilda.” You say as you recompose yourself, “Behaving yourself, I hope?”

>She looks around with glazed eyes, before squinting at you, “Huh? Oh itsyou bossss…” Her voice slurred, breath reeking of alcohol even from this distance. “Yeeeaaah… I'm bein' a good… girl!”

>”Good!” You say, feeling a bit relieved, “By the way. I spoke with Corporal Isabelle…”

>She seems to immediately sober up at mention of her superior officer, staring at you nervously.

>”She said you were spectacular in today's exercises. You worked well with the rest of your regiment. Keep up the good work, soldier!”

>Her body relaxes, and a slight smile flashes before she tries to look aloof. “Yeah… of coursh I wuj… shoulden be a suprishe…”

>”Of course, carry on soldier.” You say, you and your friends continuing along. But she seemed to be following you, “You coming with us, Gilda?”

>”Huh?” She mutters mindlessly.

>”Nah, brother. She's doing the Watchharbor Crawl, ain't that right!”

>”Oh yeah!” She cheers, holding up a crinkled, beer-stained piece of paper.

>”It's an old sailor's tradition around here. Starting from the Stonegate Pub, you have a drink at every bar, working your way down to the docks, having the last drink at the Crusty Barnacle Bar,” He looks over his shoulder at Gilda in concern, “Uh, usually it's done in that direction because they crash at the sailor's quarters down at the docks though. Probably should have done it the other way, in your case.”

>Gilda scoffs dismissively at him before stopping, and turn back around to duck into the bar she nearly missed in her stupor.

>The rest of your stroll is uneventful, and Beatus invites you all to sit down on the edge of the docks, listening to the ocean, periodically punctuated by a cawing gull. He reaches around and under the boardwalk, pulling out a pair of fishing rods and a battered old tackle box from a hidden compartment beneath.

>He hands one to you and sets the tackle box between you, “Sorry, guys. He only had two to his name, so you'll have to share.”

>After a few minutes of fumbling to put bait on the hook, you hand the rod to Jäeger and deign to simply hold your wife's hand and enjoy the scenery instead.

>After Beatus and Jäeger cast their lines into the sea, everyone simply goes quiet and looks out at the sea.

>The bard pulls the book Christi gave him out from his jacket, and opens it up with his free hand.

>”Please don't tell me you're going to read that… and here right in front of us no less…” You sigh.

>”Hey, I've never been one to reject a gift from a lady.” He says proudly, as his eyes scan the pages, “…Hmm, I bet I could write a song about this scene…” He says with a wry smirk.

>”Please don't.” You beg.

>”So Beatus, you never answered my question. Who's the girl!?” Magdalene says with cheerful curiosity.

>>258450

>The book slips from his fingers, and nearly falls into the water below. But much to your dismay, he expertly kicks it back up onto the dock next to him. After catching his breath, he sighs, ”…They're someone I've known for a long time. But… they found someone else.” He sighs, “…Even then, I don't think I could love anyone else as much, and it wouldn't be fair to her, you know? She found a man that makes her happy, and I'm not going to try to take that away from her.”

>”Oh…” Your wife says sadly, “I-I'm sure you'll find another woman who you can love just as much! Maybe a nice gandvarva, they love music! Oh, oh! We know a cute sand worm who plays the guitar like you! Maybe we could introduce you-”

>You pull Magdalene close, “Honey, I think his mind's made up on this girl. I don't think you're going to convince him.”

>”But, he said she's moved on with someone else…”

>”Well… if I lost you…” You shudder at the thought and hold her tighter, rubbing your cheek across her horn until it settles on the top of her head, “…I don't think I could ever love anyone else.”

>He chuckles softly, “See, he understands. But I appreciate the offer, Mags. They sound like lovely girls… but my hearts set.”

>”I mean… I could never love anyone else either, but… surely you're lonely?” Your wife says.

>He shakes his head, “Nah. I never feel lonely… honestly, I value silence and solitude more than anything in the world.”

>”Seems a bit odd considering you're a bard.” Jäeger says.

>”Is it? Well, you wouldn't be the first to call me odd.” A small bird flies up in front of Beatus, who holds his finger out for it to land on. “Well hey, Esmeralda. I missed ya girl.” He says, gentle rubbing his cheek on the bird, who reciprocates the affection. “How's your friends up north doing?”

>The bird chirps several times in a rhythmic fashion.

>Beatus' smiiles. ”Whoa, slow down there! You're talking too fast for me!”

>”Aw, what a cute little bird!” Magdalene coos.

>Esmeralda jumps over to Magdalene, landing on one of her horns before perching there.

>”Oh my goodness! Anonson look!” She says in hushed excitement.

>”Oh yeah, she's a sweet little thing, isn't she?” Beatus says, reaching into his pocket and producing a handful of seeds, “Here, see if she'll let you feed her!”

>He pours the seeds into your open hand, which you then bring towards the bird,

>She promptly hops off of Magdalene's horn, and hides behind it, peeking out at you fearfully.

>You look at it with an uncomfortable grin, and pour the feed into your wife's hand.

>”Don't be scared little thing, he's not going to hurt you…” Magdalene say's sweetly as she holds the food up for the bird.

>The bird warily pecks at the food, and even seems to shoot uncomfortable glances at you between bites.

>You groan in defeat and raise your hands up, deciding to stretch your aches away while you're there.

>”MR. LIGHTBRINGERRR!” You hear sung by several female voices. “We heard about your friend and wanted to make sure you were alright!” “And maybe comfort you~!”

>Beatus jumps in his seat, jerking his head towards the source of the call: a small horde of local women walking towards you, all in tackily colored dresses. He quickly looks left and right, before dropping his fishing rod, and bolting upright. “H-hey, brother. I need you to help me.”

>You stand, “Help with what?”

>”I can't stand those girls, I need to lose them… just… go talk to them for me, distract them!” He says, ducking behind you and pushing you towards them.

>You stumble a bit before regaining your footing, ”Hey wait a minute, what-?”

>The women stop in their tracks and stare at you, shifting their glances to the man standing behind you.

>You raise a hand and wave, “Hello, ladi- er… citizens. Can I help you with anything?”

>>258451

>They stare at you uncomfortably before turning around and walking off, looking back at you uncomfortably. When they're close to the end of the street, they all break out into a run further into the city.

>”Guess it's a good thing they're so spooked by you!” Beatus says in relief, “Seriously, you're a life saver.”

>”Yeah… I really wish people were less creeped out…” You look at him in the eye and smile anxiously, “You don't think I'm scary, right?”

>He pauses for an uncomfortable amont of time, seemingly unable to look you straight in the eye, before responding, “…Course not.”

>”Honey…?”

>She smiles her same sweet smile and shakes her head.

>”Jäeger?”

>He turns to face you, when his fishing rod buckles, “Oh! Looks like I caught something!” Standing up, he started to pull, straining to reel it in, “Holy… this is huge!”

>Every one crowds around him, ready to help. You could practically hear the dock's boards creaking under the strain, as Jäeger grunted and growled.

>At least, something gives, and his catch launches out from the sea with a huge splash, nearly drenching you all. A wet splat hits the boardwalk.

>”What…?” Jäeger mutters, visibly confused as he looks at his prize.

>A deep blue heap of wet silken cloth lie on the end of his line, hook latched into the fabric. Beatus takes it and opens it up, showing a white, eight pointed star embroidered on the center of it, a silver badge of the same shape pinned to the fine fabric.

>”What is it?” You ask.

>”It… it's just junk…” Beatus whispers, before tossing it back into the sea.

>”Darn, was looking forward to some fish…” Jäeger says.

>”Yeah… me too…” Beatus says in a hushed voice, before sitting back down on the edge of the dock and clutching his head in his hand.

>”You going to be alright?” You ask.

>”Yeah… I… I just need some time alone…” He laughs, “…I… I'm just having trouble believing he's gone.”

>”Will you be alright by yourself? What about that killer?” Magdalene says worryingly.

>”I'll be fine… I hope I see that son of a bitch, though…” He growls.

>”My soldiers are on high alert. If they try anything again, they'll be brought to JUSTICE before the sun rises.” You say confidently. “There's no reason to worry anymore.”

>Your soldiers did everything to hold back the crowd, to keep them from seeing what had happened. But their increasing agitation was starting to worry you.

>Several corpses lie on the street, ruthlessly eviscerated. At first glance, it was difficult to tell where one corpse ended and the other began. But the shredded, blood stained dresses helped let you know how many there were.

>”What the hell is going on!?” You growl to Naomi. “NO ONE SAW THIS!?”

>She looked away from you, “No sir…”

>”…Double the soldiers on patrol. I don't want any street or alleyway unsupervised at ANY time until we catch the bastard responsible.”

>”Understood.”

>”Champ, we should probably set a curfew too. People shouldn't be outside their homes at night while a murderer is loose.” Kenneth says, looking over the carnage. He lifts up his boot and curses when he notices the pooling blood on his boot, “Dammit… We need to get this cleaned up.”

>”Yeah… Naomi? Do we have all the details we need recorded?”

>”Yes sir. I'll have the street cleaned up as soon as possible, and the bodies prepared for burial.”

>”Just remember to treat the corpses with respect…” You look over the crowd behind the soldiers, the people starting to get increasingly angry and bold. “We can't afford more strain on relations right now, I don't want to leave, and worry I'll come back to my soldiers' heads on pikes!”

UPDATE DIS

Update when?

>>265755

Fuck forgot to sage

>>265756

>>265755

I would rather him take a year, and any updates be good, then for him update every day, and they be shit

Is this the Duke Nukem Forever of Monster Girl stories?

>>268800

Where it takes forever to come out update and when it does come out and you're playing it you just want it to be over with the pacing is shit ? Yeah i'd say so

Sorry everyone for my long absence. I've still been eyeing the thread, I just didn't want to respond until I had an adequate update (IE: this current plot arc finished.) Unfortunately, the threads about to be bumped off, so I have to update with something. I'll have more tomorrow, and time willing, finish this plot arc tomorrow.

>>268800

It couldn't be the Duke Nukem Forever of MG stories. Because this isn't the sequel to Shining in the Light that I have planned to write immediately after this is finished.

>>258475

>”I understand, my liege.”

>”I know you do… I trust the rest to you, I need to-” You stop as something tugs on your cloak. When you turn to see Dominic looking up at you, face contorting between heart wrenching fear, and… well you think anger, but it's like his fear was making that impossible.

>”W-what is going on here!? I thought you said you had this under control!?” He shouts, voice cracking nervously.

>”We do-”

>”Then why are your monsters killing my citizens!?” He says, courage slipping through, before diving back into his throat as if he has trouble keeping himself from cowering. “Y-you promised me a peaceful takeover if I surrendered!”

>”I assure you, none of my soldiers are killing anyone under my orders, and whoever is responsible for this, be it man or monster, will be brought to JUSTICE, swiftly and surely.”

>He looks at you, and seems to mull your words over, deciding to remain quiet.

>”I was kind of hoping this had been happening since before I got here…”

>”N-no, this didn't start happening until you took over… I-” He goes silent and looks away from you, glancing at the carnage before recoiling away in terror, “Oh, God… Those poor girls. Beatus is going to be heartbroken.”

>”Wait, he knows them?”

>”Oh yes. They were his biggest admirers. I always told him he should marry one of them. No idea why he never seemed to give any of them the time of day.”

>Suddenly it dawns on you: these were the girls Beatus had you scare away from last night. You think twice about saying so, though… the last thing you needed was more suspicion cast on you. “Have you asked around? Did anyone see what happened?”

>”E-everyone is still adamant that your soldiers have done it…”

>You give him an uncomfortable look.

>He starts twiddling his fingers anxiously, ”B-but uh… no one has SEEN anything, of course… w-well some said they saw it, but everyone's account was different… so…”

>You hold your hand out in front of him, ”Nevermind… Have you seen Beatus around?” You ask, “He was really down last night, and we wanted to check up on him.”

>”No, I haven't… do you want me to go get him?”

>”I'll just send a guard to find him. I've just been worried about him since we left him at the docks.”

>Dominic jumps, “U-uh, worried? About what? There's nothing to worry about!”

>Your wife stares at him suspiciously ”…Of course there's reason to worry. He stayed behind at the docks last night, and he said he wanted to get revenge for Kazmir… We were worried he would do something stupid and hurt himself.”

>”Aren't you worried about your friend?” You ask.

>”Y-yes! Well… no… he can take care of himself… I mean… I'm still-” He stammers.

>”Alright, we get it… I'll just…” You say, motioning over a soldier, “I need you to go find Beatus and-”

>”I'll get him for you!” Dominic blurts out, smiling nervously.

>”Actually, sir, let's have a soldier do it. Probably safer for you to stay with us until this is sorted out.” Kenneth says as he firmly grips a hand on Dominic's shoulder. “We don't know why these murders are happening, but since you're a high profile target, we're going to assign a soldier to be your bodyguard at all times until it's safe, is that alright?”

>He looks up fearfully at Kenneth, before his eyes dart to the lamia approaching him, “I-I… a-am I being arrested?”

>Kenneth seems taken aback, “What? No!”

>”He's just worried about your safety, sir. You're free to come and go as you please, Just as long as a soldier is with you.” You say, giving him a friendly smile.

>”If I could interject, would you mind if me and my husband discuss something important with you?” Magdalene says sternly.

>”I… sure… ? I thought I already handed the city's records over…”

>”No, it's something more important than that.” She says with a slight growl.

>>275555

>Dominic sat in his chair, looking stiff and uncomfortable as your wife stared him down. ”I-Is there something wrong?”

>”Aside from the murders, yes, actually.” She says impatiently, “Why is there such a large amount of transients in your city?”

>”Y-you mean 'your' city.” He says with an uncertain grin.

>”Well, we just thought it's odd. The city from the main street looks bright and successful, and then there's a dreary crowded slum behind it.” You say. “A… worryingly LARGE slum.”

>”Oh that! Don't worry, they won't bother you, they're not allowed out of their part of the city unless they're escorted by a paladin.”

>Glancing over, you see the violet skin of your wife's face turn a deep burgundy as her teeth audibly grit.

>”I-I mean… one of your soldiers?”

>You lay a hand on Magdalene's clenching fist, “Why did the paladins not let them out of the slum?”

>”W-well, they scared the traders and merchants who visited, not a good look for Watchharbor, or the Kingdom of Duskbreach. W-we're the city many immigrants first see when they come to this country, have to keep a good appearAAH-!” He shrieks as the papers on his desk bursts into flames.

>Your wife breathes heavily, each exhale carrying an annoyed growl with it. Dominic's desk creaks forebodingly as she clenches the side.

>You and Dominic hurriedly pat the flaming documents until its safely extinguished.

>”How can you… treat… your own citizens… like trash…” She snarls, poorly concealing her rage as she leans over stiffly.

>Dominic shrinks back, ducking down so half of his face is concealed behind the desk, “W-well, they're not really citizens…” He squeaks, “T-t-they don't even work… or even try to contribute to society…. If they did, we w-w-would treat them better…”

>Magdalene says nothing, her face completely blank. She gets up from her seat and walks over to the exit, gently opening the door, walking out, and slamming it behind her. The building shakes, causing a bottled ship fall off of it's shelf and smash onto the floor.

>You try to smile politely, but you don't think he can see you from under his desk. “So, do you know why they don't want to work?”

>”I don't know! I just did what the paIadins told me!” He moans.

>”Then could you tell me who WAS in charge?” You say, starting to feel slightly annoyed.

>Silence.

>You stand up and lean over his desk, ”…Dominic?”

>”I…. I-I-I… he's… dead?” He says with a stiff grin, his skin pale and clammy, I-I-I saw you crush his head…”

>”Did he have an office, or somewhere he kept his records, or a name-”

>”LITTEGER!” He yelps, “…General… Robert… Litteger…? …A-a-a-and I don't know where he k-kept his records! I swear!” He says, as he climbs back on to his chair and starts fiddling with his thumbs.

>You wrack your brain, trying to remember that name, “I… don't remember him…” You started to feel guilty, you tried to remember all of their names of the fallen when you gave the funerary service the other day… were you really growing so cold? You get up from your seat, and walk to the door. As your hand grasps the knob, you turn and look back at Dominic “…Thank you for your time.”

>”N-no problem! Please… stop by… any time…” He says as he fumbles with unlocking a cabinet, pulling out a crystal bottle of liquor from inside.

>You pretend you didn't see that as you step outside back into the street.

>>275555

nice 5s

>>275557

>Stepping inside the war room tent, you see your wife hunched in her chair, death grip on her hair while she writes frantically in a tome on the desk.

>”Honey? You okay?” You say, resting your hands on her shoulders.

>”No.” She says sharply, before tearing a drawer open, and pulling out a sheet of paper. “…But I will be.” After another bout of scrawling onto the page, she brings her thumb and forefinger to her lips, and whistles loudly.

>Immediately, a soldier steps inside and salutes, “Yes, ma'am?”

>”I need you to give this to Cree, she should be in the canteen. Get her whatever she asks for.” She hands the soldier the document, rolled up and bound with some twine.

>”Yes ma'am, right away!”

>After you watch the soldier bolt out of the tent, you turn to Magdalene, who seems slightly relieved now. “Uh, what was that all about?” Putting a finger on your chin, you think for a moment, “…Wait, was that you who caused the fire in Dominic's office?”

>She avoids your eyes, and sits back down in her seat. “I just… I just want to do it right this time…”

>”Sweetie… it's not your fault. I keep telling you-”

>”It wasn't their fault either!” She shouts, “…It… they didn't deserve that…”

>Pulling her into an embrace, you gentle stroke her hair, “Mags… you did all you could. Nothing will change what happened.”

>”I know… that's why I want to do this… I never want any of that to happen. Never again.” She says quietly, clutching you tight.

>The tent flaps quietly rustle open, James peeking his head inside, “I didn't come in at a bad moment, did I?”

>”Not at all, James.” Magdalene sniffs as she pulls away and puts on a happy face. “Please. Come in!”

>”Everything alright?” You ask him.

>”Aye, just wanted to let ye know that my boys have been getting the ships ready te sail. We should be able te leave by tomorrow.”

>”Thank you, James.” Your wife says thankfully, “…Which reminds me. We need to figure out what we'll be bringing along. If you could help us with that tonight, that would be fantastic.”

>”Say no more, ma'am.” He says, turning to you, “Sir.” he acknowledges, nodding his head as he ducks back out.

>Magdalene sighs, and twiddles her fingers together for a moment, before perking up and looking at you cheerily, “So, mind giving me a hand?”

>You look at her curiously, “With what?”

>The slum bustled with activity, as soldiers carried baskets of ingredients to the tables set up in one of the more open areas among the dilapidated structures.

>Cree, Gwen, and a handful of other soldiers are busy prepping the ingredients to make more food

>Your wife stood behind one of the tables, with a large pot of stew on one side, slowly simmering away over a gentle wreath of fire Magdalene had summoned. She happily served bowls of the stew to the vagrants that had nervously lined up to her.

>You stood beside her, cutting off a thick slice from a loaf of hot steaming bread. You gently hand it to the old woman, who accepts it reluctantly, before shuffling away at a quickened pace.

>”Have a nice day, ma'am!” Magdalene chimes, waving goodbye.

>The old lady ducks her head and walks off faster in an alleyway out of sight.

>”You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?” You say as you cut another thick slice of bread, handing it to the next person in line.

>”Yeah…” She sighs, “…I missed doing this.”

>”They're hardly… I mean…” you lean in close to her and lower your voice, “…They all seem to have their faculties.” You nod to another vagrant as you give them food.

>”…I know, but… I just like helping people in need.” She sighs.

>You look at the throng of disheveled people, and fight back a grimace. “How will this help them, though?”

>”It- Here you are, sir.”

>”T-thank you…” Mutters a gruff and weathered looking man in a thick accent as he takes the bowl from her with a slight nod.

>”You're welcome!” She says, turning back to you, “Well, for one, most of this town hasn't treated them like… like…”

>”Humans.” You finish for her as you continue serving bread.

>”I was thinking 'people', but that works. I imagine being treated like scum for so long, being welcomed must be nice, no?”

>>275559

>”I guess… but still. Just feel like… I don't know. Something about it just feels…” You close your eyes and try to think of how to describe the feeling you're having, growling in slight frustration when you fail to do so.

>The young boy waiting for his bread steps back, looking at you fearfully.

>You notice the others behind him seem to be eyeing you nervously as well, “I… sorry, it wasn't at you!” You plead, leaning forward to hand him his share.

>He carefully reaches for it, tearing it from your fingers before running off, nearly spilling his food in the process.

>Exhaling sharply, you firm slap on your pauldron.

>”How're things going champ? You seem troubled.”

>”Oh, nothing's wrong, sir. I'm just… I don't know how to describe it. I feel like… all this…”

>”We can't be here feeding them forever?” He hums grimly.

>”Y-yeah…”

>Magdalene's expression sinks slightly before she smiles at the next person in line as she serves them.

>”Welp… I can hardly most of these people enjoy being here. Do we even know why they're in the situation to begin with?”

>”I…” You look over to Magdalene for the answer.

>She shrugs, “I… I guess we could ask since we have their attention…”

>A younger man in ratty clothes apprehensively approaches the table.

>”Good day, sir!” Your wife exclaims, scooping soup into another bowl, “How are you doing this fine day?”

>He smiles nervously, and simply says, “Hi.”, waiting expectantly.

>”I was wondering… could you tell us why all of you're all… down on your luck?” She says careful with her choice of words.

>He looks around confused, before asking a question in another language and moving towards you, another person in line taking his place in front of Magdalene.

>”Here you are sir.” You say, as you hand him food.

>The young man bows slightly as he graciously takes the food and leaves,

>”I guess he didn't understand…” Kenneth utters in slight disappointment. “Not sure I'm familiar with that dialect…”

>”Well, I'm sure some of them speak the same language as us…” You assure your wife.

>You made seemingly one-sided idle chit-chat with the people in the breadline as they got their food, but most of them kept quiet. You weren't entirely sure if they couldn't understand you, or were simply refusing to speak out of fear or shame.

>As a middle-aged man approached, you grabbed Magdalene's arm as she went to hand him a bowl, “Wait, before we give you some, do you understand our tongue? Can you speak to us for just a moment?”

>He looks at you nervously, before nodding in confirmation, “Y-yes, I speak your tongue…” He says in an accent that forced you to listen carefully so you could understand what he was saying.

>”Oh that's wonderful!” Magdalene cheers, “We were wanting to know… if it's not too forward… why so many people here live in such a dismal condition.”

>”Ah… well… we don't have much choice.” He says, chuckling darkly, “The uh, people here… they do not trust us. Because we are not from here. So we cannot find work. We would leave to find our fortunes elsewhere, but it is illegal to do so unless we pay the… what do you call them… the pulley… pollo…”

>”Paladins.” You say.

>”Yes! The church makes us pay to escort us. So we cannot even find work because we need to pay to do so…”

>”I… see.” Magdalene says as she thinks his words over.

>Kenneth approaches him, ”How would you like to join our army? Our soldiers are paid well, and you could travel beyond these walls and help us make this countr-”

>The man's face immediately scrunches up in disgust, “NO! Leave me and my kinsmen alone!” He shouts, ranting in his native language for a few sentences before slipping back, “…You can keep your food!” He spits before storming off.

>A sizable chunk of the rest in line stare at you sorrowfully before dispersing back into the alleys, muttering and moaning in despair, some even throwing their food to the ground as they do.

>Soldiers helping your effort stop what they're doing and look at you as if unsure how to continue.

>”Kenneth, what did you do?!” Your wife exclaims in a hushed tone.

>”I… I'm sorry.” Kenneth looks over at the man as he leaves from view. “…Must have struck a nerve. Hmm…” He scratches the scruff on his chin. “I wonder…”

>”You didn't mean it… I guess we should finish helping the ones who're still here at least…” You say, smiling at the handful of people remaining.

>>275560

>As you finished cleaning up the food, your soldiers began carrying in tools and lumber, quickly setting to work to repair the rotting buildings.

>You turn around to head back to camp and leave your soldiers to their task, you see Beatus walking your way. “Beat! Hey! Where have you been?” You call out to him before running up.

>He doesn't seem to hear you, or even notice, until he lazily picks his head up and sees you, seeming startled at your appearance.

>”We've been so worried about you!” Magdalene says, catching up with you.

>”H-huh? …What?” He says groggily, leaning in to get a good look at you through his shaded glasses.

>”We haven't seen you since the other night…” You say, craning over to glance behind his eye wear, catching a glimpse of dark bags before he jerks up straight.

>”Yeah, baby. Never better!” He says, mustering up his usual flair. “So uh… what're you doin' here, brother? This ain't no place for royalty like you!” He laughs, hooking an arm around your back and walking you back to the main street.

>”We were just taking care of some important business. But seriously, are you okay, Beatus? You seem tired.”

>”You're taking those girls deaths hard, aren't you?” Your wife says.

>”W-whoa whoa, slow down there babe. What are you talking about?” He says

>You look at him and tighten your lips worriedly, “Beatus… you don't know?”

>”I'm gonna lay some truth on ya, brother. I'm a biiiit…” He drags the syllable dizzily, looking like he's trying to remember how to finish the sentence, ”…hungover right now. I kinda just woke up…”

>You look at him, and race your thoughts to try and figure out how to tell him, ”…Beatus… this morning…”

>”We found the bodies of those girls of yours… the ones who seemed to dote on you a lot?” Your wife adds quietly, “…We're so sorry…”

>He stares at her blankly for a moment, and before hanging his head, running his hand through his bushy hair. “So… you think the culprit was hiding in there?”

>”Huh? No… no… we still have no clue who it is. We were just- mmf!?” You grunt in surprise as Magdalene slams her hand over your mouth.

>”We were just taking a walk!” She corrects with a nervous laugh.

>”(Honey, half the town saw our soldiers hauling food there. You don't have to act coy.)” You say, completely muffled by her palm.

>”Well, I guess you two would need a lot of soldiers around to keep you guys safe.” He chuckles before sighing, pulling a pipe from within his jacket, quickly filling it with dried leaves and tamping it with his thumb, “What with this psycho still on the loose… light?”

>Magdalene whispers and points at his pipe, which erupts in a glow of gentle embers.

>”Thanks.” He says, taking a few, shaky puffs. “Ahhh… gotta teach me that sometime, baby… hnngg…” Beatus doubles over and clutches his head. “Unghh…”

>”Hey! What's wrong!?” You ask as you walk over to him and rest a hand on his shoulder.

>Beatus gently takes your hand off of him and waves you away, “I'm fine…”, he says, laughing it off as he straightens back up. “…Sorry… this is all… just a little too much for me to handle right now…”

>”You should probably get some rest.” Magdalene says as she digs through the pouches on her belt, “I have something great for…”

>He interrupts her with a finger in her face as he downs a flask, tucking it away in his coat pocket.

>”…Hangovers… At least drink plenty of water.” She huffs, putting her hands on her hips.

>”Sure thing, babe. …Anyways, I think I'm going to… walk this off I guess…” He says, turning to you and grasping your hands, “Hey, promise me you'll catch this bastard, okay? And…”

>”Yeah?” You ask.

>”Come see my show tonight? I got a gig down at the Rusty Lyre, and it'de be great if you could be there… There's an empty seat where Kazmir used to sit, and it would throw me off if a friend wasn't in it…”

>”Beatus, of course we'll be there!” You say, grasping his hand firmly, beaming at his kind words.

>”Thanks, brother. ” He steps away and starts walking off.

>”He seems to be taking this hard.” Magdalene says.

>”Yeah, I'm surprised how understanding he's been though.” You say as you start walking back to camp.

>As you wife catches up beside you, she grabs your hand and sighs, “If everyone just gave us a chance to talk things out, this would be so much easier-”

>A dull splat interrupts your conversation. Looking down at the source, a rotten tomato harmlessly slides down your cuirass, falling to the ground with a wet plop. You look back up, and find a handful of angry locals staring you down, wielding more rotting produce, rocks, and tools brandished as weapons.

>>275561

>You could already hear the clatter of armor as your soldiers rushed in from the distance.

>”What do you hope to accomplish by doing this?” You shout as you step forward.

>A middle-aged balding man in fine silken clothes, eyes bloodshot and puffy, separates from the crowd, shakily gripping a butcher knife. “Y-you… you killed my daughter, you… you disgusting abomination!! And we're going to make sure you can't hurt anyone else!”

>Magdalene steps in front of you, ”Good sir, we haven't hurt any -gck!”

>”My son was killed in your raid you lying whore!” Another man yells, “How dare you act like you're not guilty!?”

>”I… I didn't…” She steps back in recoil, slowly reaching up to her face to wipe the moldy fruit off it, and spitting out what had gotten in her mouth.

>Without a second thought, you stomp a step closer, putting yourself between them and your wife, snarling as your hand reaches for the morning star on your hip. “Who… who threw it!?”

>The mob shrinks back, but becomes emboldened by their numbers and stands their ground.

>As you stare them down, Beatus casually strolls between you, rubbing his temples as he groans softly in discomfort, “Hey guys, you mind keeping it down?”

>”You… you bastard, I always knew you were no good!” The bald man growls, “You may have fooled everyone with your music, but not me! It's not enough that you had to seduce my daughter and her friends, but you defend their murderers, too!?” He turns around to the crowd and raises his hands, “Of course, he's always been a filthy mutt! The foreigners blood in his veins, he probably wanted to rape their corp-”

>With a quick flip into a hand stand, Beatus twirls his feet, swiftly cracking his boot against the man's jaw, knocking him down onto the ground, unconscious. The bard readily jumps back onto his feet, casually adjusting his jacket before fluffing his hair. “You cats alright?”

>Your temper still cooling, you sigh heavily and look to your wife, who had finished cleaning herself with a handkerchief, “Yeah, we're fine.”

>Beatus catches a rock whipped at him from the crowd before throwing it back at the assailant, crowning them hard in the skull.

>A handful of people rush forward

>Before the situation can escalate any further, your soldiers swarm in and begin subduing the rioters, tearing their rudimentary weapons from their hands, and standing at the ready, “What are your orders, sir?”

>”…Place them under house arrest for the night.”

>As your soldiers begin to walk them back home, you look at the well-dressed man, “Except him… and the man who threw the tomato at my wife. Put them in a cell. I want to talk to them.”

>”You bastard!” He screams, before turning to Beatus, “And you, you disgusting traitor! You philanderer!! I'll kill you both! When I get out I'll kill you both!!! You hear me!?” His thrashing rendered fruitless by the large ogre gripping his arms.

>”Take them away.” Your voice cold, as you desperately try to distance yourself emotionally from the whole situation.

>”Honey, do you really have to arrest them? They're just scared!” Magdalene pleads

>”There has to be some kind of punishment for this behavior… besides, it's not like we're hurting them, just giving them time to cool down. And thank you Beatus, you didn't have to do that for us.” You firmly shake his hand in gratitude.

>”It wasn't for you, brother. It was for him… and me.” He says, head sinking as he shakes it sadly, “Honestly, it looked like you were going to kill him. Thought it would be better if I ended it than you.”

>Realizing your hand was still hovering over your sidearm, you shamefully force your arms straight at your sides.

>You struggle to explain yourself, ”I… I wouldn't have… I just… Sometimes it's…”

>”Don't sweat it brother, I get it, you wanna protect your lady. No shame in that.” He says wistfully, as he watches the last of the mob being escorted away. “…There goes a quarter of my regulars tonight, though… Oh well, guess that just means more room for my brother's friends, huh?”

>Beatus snaps you back to reality with a firm slap on the back, giving you an expectant smile, “Y-yeah, of course.”

>”Groovy. See ya later, then. And try to stay out of trouble this time?”

>”Don't worry, Mr. Lightbringer, I'll make sure he's a good boy!” Magdalene teases as she held you tight.

>>212470

D

>>275564

>You ran towards the edge of camp as fast as you could, your wife waiting for you, impatiently tapping her foot. Lucy stood next to her quietly, tail wagging slightly as you approached, and Naomi was behind them both, ever alert, “Honey, what took you so long? We're going to be late!” Magdalene scolds.

>”Sorry, it took a while to pull Perri away from the forge…” You glance over the the diminutive cyclops hanging limp under your arm.

>”I'm not properly dressed…” She cries.

>”You said that before, and ended up hiding in a crate.” Jäeger pants as he catches up with you, out of breath.

>”B-but I have to finish uh… polishing the spears!” She blurts out unconvincingly. “They're so big to me, it'll take me all night!”

>”Perri, what are you talking about? I inventoried your stores, and you've been ahead of schedule for days!” Magdalene says

>”You need to get out of that workshop sometimes, Perri. It's not healthy holing yourself up like that.” You add, setting her down on the street.

>The cyclops merely responds with a pitiful whine.

>”Sorry we're late!” Natsuko calls out as she runs up to you, wearing a simple, but elegant white dress that didn't seem to fit quite right around her musculature.

>”Uh, Natsuko… we're going to a bar. Why are you dressed up so nice?” You say as you eye her up and down.

>”N-no reason! I just… can't a lady look nice when going out for once?!” She says defensively, crossing her arms in a huff.

>”Well I think you look lovely, Natsuko.” Magdalene says sweetly.

>She scratches the back of her head with an embarrassed smile, ”Thanks, it was my moms. Couldn't believe it fit me, she always looked so much bigger back then…”

>”I'm coming!” Erdrick exclaims as he approaches, out of breath. He too was dressed up to the nines, although his choice of fashion was… questionable. A crimson leather jerkin over a white undershirt, sleeves so puffy they doubled the thickness of his arms. A ruff so widely folded around his neck, it looked like his head was sinking into a sea of fabric. Upon noticing your stares, he glares back and snaps, “What are YOU looking at!?”

>Trying your damndest not to snicker, you turn around, only managing to safely say, “Nothing.”

>”You look…” Magdalene pauses, trying to find the right word, “…Handsome…?”

>”Shut up.” He says, sounding defeated.

>”You look so cute!” Natsuko squeals as she cups his cheeks

>Erdrick giggles dumbly, melting from her touch, “Heheh… thanks.”

>”Oh my, are we going to have to chaparone for these two?” Gwen jokes as she walks up, arm in arm with Kenneth, both wearing casual plainclothes with a sidearm on their belts.

>“Aren't you two a little over dressed?” Kenneth says.

>They both look at him in annoyance.

>Kenneth defensively reels his head back a bit, ”Never mind.”

>”Let's just go already.” Erdrick says impatiently, grabbing Natsuko's hand and walking briskly down the road.

>>276013

>At the corner of the street, stood a tavern, that despite looking as if it was constructed from rickety driftwood, upon closer inspection would reveal it to be much more sturdy and timeless than the buildings around it. It's drab, earthy appearance clashed violently with the bright, pastel colors of the rest of the city, but despite this, it still had a sizable group of patrons crammed inside, spilling out the front door, all laughing and having a good time.

>Until someone saw you and your group approaching, silently nudging one of his friends and drawing other's attention to you.

>One of the largest of the group walks up to you, nose red, and boldness high from deep intoxication. “Whadda fuck do ya freaks want?” He grunts, breath reeking of alcohol.

>”We're here to see our friend perform, sir.” You say, holding out a hand with a friendly smile. “How are you this fine evening?”

>”Don'tchu talk down ta me! “ He slurs angrily, clumsily slapping your hand away.

>The man who first saw you takes the large man's side, “Why don't you and your band of freaks go back to that little camp of yours? We don't want you or your kind here.”

>Before you can even respond, Beatus steps between them from behind, pulling them apart just enough to hang his arms around their shoulders, “Hey! You came! About time too, I was just about to start!” He looks to the man on his left, then the one on his right, “…See ya met Dirk and Zack, two of my favorite regulars! You're all getting along, right?”

>”Whatever…” The larger man angrily shrugs him away, and storms off into the streets, his friend following close behind.

>The bard shrugs, “Huh, guess they had a bit too much to drink already. Anyways, come inside! I saved you some seats!

>Ignoring the glares from the rest of the drunks outside the door, you follow him through the door. It's bright and very well lit despite it's dingy outward appearance. In the rear of the dining floor, a small stage stood dark and empty. Tables are full of sailors, laborers, and even some wealthy looking individuals, all happily, drinking, chatting, shouting, joking, singing…

>Until your party's presence became known. The jolly din quiets down, not enough to have a conversation without having to speak loudly, but just enough for a discomforting tension to hang in the air. Eyes all over the room nervously steal glances your way.

>Beatus leads you all to a large booth table over in the corner right next to the stage, “Made sure you got to be right next to the action, brother!” He holds his hands out as everyone takes a seat, “Ya'll just sit tight, I'll go get Duffy, let him know you guys are here. I'm going to go back stage and get ready.”

>As he runs off to the back, you see the patrons at the tables next to you get up, grumbling angrily as they walk out the door.

>”Well… it's better than the riots…” Magdalene says with bitter optimism, “…right?”

>”Do you want me to have more guards surround the perimeter, sir?” Naomi says.

>”No, I don't want them to think we're going to raid the bar or something…” You say as you scan the room, catching people jerk their head away when they see you facing their direction.

>”Champ, I think you're expecting too much too soon. A lot of people aren't going to trust monsters for a long time, if ever.” Kenneth says, before resting his cheek on his fist, “It'll take generations before this rift heals. Don't beat yourself up over people being stubborn.”

>Gwen lays a hand on yours and gives you a sweet, motherly smile. ”I think you're doing a fine job-”

>”OH GOD! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT THING!?” Someone screams, making you, and everyone else at the table jump out of their seats, hands reaching for weapons.>A smack echos out, “How rude, did your mother ever teach you how to speak to your elders?” Iris says to a man rubbing a red mark on his face before floating over to your table, diners near her path bolting to the door as she passed. “Why didn't you invite me, deary?”

>”Sorry gramma, you were sleeping when we went to invite you.”

>”Just slap me awake, next time dear.” She says shortly, “There's no way I want to miss that hunk on stage.” Her voice dripping with unrestrained lechery.

>>279611

>A portly, balding man in a grease spattered apron waddles over to your table. “So yer the weirdos Beat was yammerin' on about, right?” He says, cocking an eyebrow as he looks over your companions, before heaving a sigh and putting a hand on his hip, “You guys are costing me a lot of business, you know.”

>”Duffy, right?” You presume, the man confirming your guess with a nod, ”We don't expect anything free, sir. We'll gladly pay for-”

>”Damn right you're going to pay, don't care if the Holy King himself came down here, I'de still make him pay!” He says angrily, “What I'm talkin' about is servin' a bunch of murderers is scarin' my regulars away!”

>”We're not the ones committing the murders!” Lucy snarls, slamming her paws onto the table, “How many times do we have to tell you people this!?”

>Duffy looks at her stony-faced, “A lot of paIadins frequented the place before you and your lot killed half of them.” He produces a notepad from his apron, “Just take your god damned order before I change my mind.”

>Something in the back crashes loudly, followed by angry shouting.

>The owner looks over, and curses under his breath, “…I'll be right back. Look, I'll just have one of the barmaids take your order. Just try not to kill this one, they're already understaffed, and I just mopped in here!” He shouts as he runs off to investigate.

>”We should have just drank at Cree's before coming here. They're just going to spit in our drinks.” Kenneth says, slightly annoyed.

>”Well, I brought milk, if anyone want's some.” Gwen says as she starts unbuttoning her coat.

>You reach out and shout, ”Gwen, no! Not in pub-!”

>Before you can finish, she pulls out a bottle from her coat pocket, “Oh, do you think we would be kicked out from bringing our own drinks?”

>You sit back down, “…Never mind.”

>She gives you a worried look before passing a bottle of milk to Kenneth, “Anyone else want some?”

>Everyone else gives a polite decline.

>Muffled shouting, coming from outside has everyone craning their neck to the nearby window, you see a few men carrying instruments with them storming off, Beatus walking after them.

>One of them turns around, and starts arguing with Beatus.

>Beatus holds out his hands pleadingly as he tries to approach the man, who only recoils in disgust before running off. Beat slumps his shoulders in defeat as Duffy comes up behind him and puts a hand on his shoulder, speaking inaudibly before pointing his thumb back to the rear entrance.

>”Wonder what that was about.” Jäeger says, “And when is the barmaid getting here?” He slams his hand down, “Let's get some service over here, huh!?” his voice booming so loud the bar goes quiet for a moment.

>You scan the area near the kitchen, and see a trio of girls huddled together, looking over towards your table apprehensively. They whisper amongst each other before shoving the more diminutive of the three towards you.

>She breathlessly stammers nonsense as she stumbles over, her eyes darting everywhere but towards any one of you directly.

>”Just a round of drinks for everyone but those two, please.” Magdalene says patiently as she points at Ken and Gwen.

>”Hey, what do you have to eat around here!?” Jäeger says, slightly irritated.

>”I… I… me, I… don't…” She squeaks.

>”I'm fine with anything you got, really, as long as it's got meat.” He finishes.

>Her eyes wander towards Iris, who's staring at her with all of her eyes, unblinking.

>The waitress' expression seems to go blank for just a split second, before a peppy smile spreads across her face, “Sorry about that, folks! What was your order again?” Her voice filled with mirth.

>”Uh… beer for everyone except those two, and whatever food you got that has meat.” Jäeger repeats.

>”Our tavern is famous for our crab cakes! Made with crab caught fresh right here in Watchharbor! How does that sound?” She says, fully invested into her spiel.

>You look at her curiously, confused by her sudden change in demeanor. “Yeah… that sounds good, I'll have some too. Mags?” You look over to her, and see her staring daggers at Iris, who's waggling her fingers at the barmaid.

>”Just get us enough for everyone, dear! It'll be my treat, how does that sound?”

>>279612

>”We're not the ones committing the murders!” Lucy snarls, slamming her paws onto the table, “How many times do we have to tell you people this!?”

I bet it was the elves.

>marathon story, missing sleep and reading at work

>finally done

>get back home

>update

mah nigga!

>>279622

Pretty sure the elves would just smash a window, strip down and chain themselves to a lamppost as "punishment"

I call Beat's bird as the murderer

>>279612

>Everyone but Magdalene voices gratitude.

>”Alright, guys! I'll be back with your order in just a bit!” Your server chimes, before skipping happily back to the kitchen.

>You lean in close to your wife and whisper ”Maggie, you okay?”

>She looks over at you, face straining to hide her anger, “I-”

>”How are all of you doing tonight!?” Beatus shouts excitedly from on stage, double-necked guitar slung in front of him.

>The tavern buzzes with excited murmuring.

>The bard holds a hand out, and quieting the audience down. “Tonight's show will be a little… different, than usual. The uh… rest of the performers left…”

>The excitement dies down considerably.

>”But the show must go on, am I right?”

>”Whooo! Take it off!”

>”Gramma, please restrain yourself.” You tell Iris in a hushed tone.

>Her words whip the women in the establishment into a frenzy, all begging for the same thing.

>Beatus laughs it off, “If you stick around, maybe later, ladies! But before I get started, I just want to thank some very special friends tonight!” He walks to the edge of the stage and motions his hand in your direction, “My brother from another mother, Anonson Morningglory: the Demon King!”

>'Morningglory' Your mind starts to race. Why did he call you that? The only other person to call you that was-

>”And his lovely wife, Magdalene… uh…” He kneels down and speaks normally to your wife, “So did you take his surname or…”

>”I'm… not sure…” She says, clearly confused. “Honey, you didn't tell me you had a surname.”

>”I… I don't… Surnames were only given to noble bloodlines or awarded to-”

>Beatus gets back up, “It's not important. But what IS important is thanking him for freeing us from the tyranny of Duskbreach, and for treating all of you here tonight to a round of beer on him!”

>Your wife's eyes widen as she turns to you, ”Anonson, when did we agree to that!? Did you do this!?”

>Her concerns are drowned out by excited shouting as Duffy and the other barmaids come out from the kitchen, trays crammed with full mugs, and begin passing them out to the patrons.

>”While you're all getting' relaxed, why don't I start with a crowd favorite: One Remarkable Port!” Beatus begins playing a whimsical, relaxing tune on his guitar, and singing in a rich baritone.

>Magdalene still looks at you impatiently.

>”Mags, I didn't order it, it wasn't me!”

>”That creep better not have tried to rip us off…” She grumbles as she flags down Duffy.

>The owner walks over, “Yer order's almost ready, alright!? Gimme a break!”

>”Just how much do you expect us to pay for all this!?” She says angrily.

>Duffy mutters numbers under his breath, “Eh, about four silver. I rounded down since yer all friends of Beat's.”

>”For this round of beer for the whole tavern!?” She says incredulously.

>”Nah, for your order. Beatus already paid for the beer. Look, I gotta get back to the other customers.” He snaps before walking off.

>”Oh… that was really nice.” She says as she relaxes back into her chair.

>”Yeah, I'll say…” Kenneth says in a slightly dissatisfied tone. “Surprised he could afford this.”

>”Why are all of you worrying? This'll let us leave on a high note!” Iris says happily.

>Naomi grunts quietly, arms crossed tensely as she tirelessly scans the room.

>”Oh, by the way, dear. Could you give me back those daggers I gave you?” Iris says, “They're a gift from my father, you see, and I like to keep them close.”

>You pull the stilettos out of your belt, admiring the beautifully carved motif depicting a pack of raging hellhounds bounding from the center of the hilt, outwards. The amount of detail was staggering, down to individual furs being meticulously carved to an impossibly fine degree, “I didn't notice how beautiful they are.”

>”My father was a blacksmith.” She says proudly, “It was his passion second to me and my mother.” Her smile dampens as she looks at the weapons, “They're almost all I have left of him.”

>”I feel a bit bad for using them…” Lucy says, “They're too pretty to be stained with blood.”

>”If you didn't use them, then you wouldn't be standing here, talking.” Iris says with a hint of malice that chilled you to the bone, before cheering back up again, “Besides, he would be happy that it was used to protect someone.”

>>279675

>As Beatus was on his third song, and the tavern felt slightly more lively, the waitress came back to your table with your order, still as chipper as ever. “Here you are, folks. Sorry for your wait!” With practiced poise, she serves your drinks and food from her tray, perfectly balanced on her hand, even as she leans to and fro, and the weight of it's load shifts.

>You look at the plate of crab cakes, steaming hot, and glistening with the oil it was fried in. “Thank you very much, ma'am.”

>”You're welcome sir.” The waitress gushes before giving a small bow. Her eyes lock onto your wife, and seem to glisten excitedly, “Oh wow! Your hair is so beautiful! You have to tell me your secret!”

>Magdalene seems taken aback as the barmaid runs her fingers through her hair. “Oh gosh, no it's not!” She laughs nervously, “I've been too busy to properly bath in a while… but when I can, I wash it with diluted vinegar and after rinsing that out, let it soak in holstaurus milk for a while before rinsing that out too.”

>”I'll have to try that!” She says, before tilting her head and resting a finger on her chin thoughtfully, “Wait, you said… what's a holstau-”

>”Here, dear. Fresh from the farm!” Gwen says, handing her a full glass bottle of milk.

>As she graciously accepts the bottle, she looks confused again, “I… didn't see any livestock brought with your soldiers-”

>Iris sighs loudly, slamming her mug down, ”Excuse me, miss. Would you mind…?” she says, waving an empty mug about.

>”Oh, right away, ma'am!”

>As she bolts off, Magdalene absentmindedly digs at her food as she looks over at Iris suspiciously. “Sure is weird how she seemed to get so friendly so fast…”

>”It's probably just Anonson's winning smile that calmed her down.” She says casually.

>”Mags, I don't understand. Why are you upset?” You ask in concern.

>”It's nothing…” She forces glares at Iris once more before forcing a smile. “It's nothing!” Her voice less dark, as she looks back up at Sirius.

>Despite his lack of back up, he seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, dancing across the stage with impressive acrobatics while still playing his guitar, all while still singing loud and clear for the whole building to hear.

>Glancing around the room once more, you see a few of your soldiers sitting at another table across the floor.

>And sitting alone over at the bar was Gilda, leaning back as she knocked out a full mug in a single draught.

>”I'll be right back.” You say as you get up and push in your chair. After a quick walk over to the bar, you sit down next to her and try to lean forward far enough to get in her field of vision. “Hey.”

>”Hey.” She says in a low voice, staring groggily at a drop of condensation slowly working it's way down her empty glass.

>”Why are you here alone instead of your squad mates?”

>”What's it to you?” She grunts.

>”Well… you've been performing flawlessly with your squadron. It's like you were born to do this!” You say, calming down your excitement a bit when you see her scowling at you. “Just, seems weird that you're not spending time with them. Did you get in an argument with someone?”

>She scoffs in annoyance, “I don't need to be all buddy buddy with people who might die tomorrow. Better I just keep a professional distance.”

>As you watch her chug the rest of her booze, a bout of laughter slips out from your lips.

>”What?” She snaps.

>”You never struck me as the professional type, honestly.”

>”Ass.”

>”That's no way to speak to your king.” You laugh.

>”You sure don't act like one.” She says, slumping lazily on to the bar.

>”Thanks.” You say, feeling a bit happy to know that.

>”Wasn't a compliment, really.”

>You rub your chin, “Fair enough. Anyways, do you want to sit at our table?”

>”Fuck no, leave me alone.”

>”Come on, we have food, we'll share with you!”

>”I already tried the food here, it's shit. Least I can stomach the semi-opaque bitch's food.” She sighs, “Look, I'm going to go. Just want to try to beat the crawl here at least once before we leave.” Gilda gets up from her stool, and starts walking towards the door..

>You watch as she leaves, until she turns her head, and walks back to you.

>”…Look… I'm sorry. I just don't…” She shakes her hands in front of her, as if trying to jostle the answer free. “…I just… I just don't… like, people. Alright? It's nothing personal, okay? I just… sorry.” Her eyes lock on to the floor by your feet. “I'm sorry. I can't help it….”

>”It's fine.” You say with a smile on your face, “I'll see you tomorrow, then?”

>”…Y-yeah…” She says, seemingly taken off guard. “See you.”

>>279676

>”Alright folks, I'm going to take a small break. So enjoy your drinks, and I'll be right back!” Beat shouts, before jumping off of the stage and grabbing a glass of water from a giddily waiting barmaid. “Thanks, babe.”

>Erdrick jumps off of his chair and quickly runs up to him, beckoning him to lean down so he could whisper something.

>After a short silent exchange, Beatus nods and give him a small thumbs up before the two of them walk back to your table.

>”What was that about?” Kenneth asks.

>”Nothing.” Erdrick snaps.

>”So you all enjoying yourself?” Beatus asks, leaning on the table before grabbing a nearby crabcake and taking a bite out of it.

>”Hey! That was mine!” Erdrick exclaims.

>Beatus shrugs as he voraciously stuffs his face, “Hrr, id's prrmrnt.”

>”Payment for what?” Natsuko asks him.

>”N-nothing… it's nothing.” He says, shyly looking down at his empty plate.

>Natsuko takes the last cake from her plate and splits it, handing him the other half with a warm smile.

>”So what was up with your band mates? You were having some sort of argument?” Gwen asks, “Is everything alright?”

>He looks over and gives a false smile, “Everything's fine, baby! They just uh… had to…”

>”Beatus, is it because of us?” Magdalene asks, reaching her hand across the table.

>”N-nah baby, don't worry about it. It's fine. He says, waving it off.

>”Also, just curious, but why did you think my husband's surname wa-”

>”Whoa! Look at the time, I gotta get back on stage!” Beatus says, leaping from his seat and grabbing Erdrick's hand before rushing back to the stage with him in tow.

>”W-wait! I didn't finish my food!” He exclaims as he fruitlessly reaches for the table.

>”Ladies and gentlemen, I have a special friend here, who wants to make a VERY special announcement. Erdrick?” Beatus steps aside, leaving Erdrick center stage, staring out at the patrons of the bar.

>”I… uh… um… I uh…” He yammers, gazing blankly ahead, before looking over at Beat, who merely responds with a smile and two thumbs up. “I… I just wanted to… uh… Dammit, why're all of you staring at me!?”

>The patrons start muttering and whispering, some choosing to go about their own conversations.

>”Come on, you can do it man!” Beatus whispers loud enough for him to hear.

>Natsuko gets up from her seat and climbs up on stage, approaching Erdrick before kneeling down to look him in the eyes. “Erdrick, don't be nervous. What is it you wanted to tell me?”

>His face contorts angrily, as he struggled to hide his tears, “Dammit… you must think I'm a total coward… Can't even… can't even…”

>She pulls him into an embrace, engulfing him in her large body, “You don't have to tell me right now if you're too nervous.”

>”No!” He says, pulling away, “I…” He starts fumbling around in his pockets, before pulling out a small box, “Natusukowillyoumarryme!?” He shrieks in a pitch higher than usual, eyes tightly clenched shut.

>The bar goes silent, awkwardly silent, save for confused murmuring and a belch.

>”Erdrick…” She chuckles, “I was going to ask you the same thing, to be honest… but I was too scared… I… I guess I was worried I would screw it up somehow.”

>”Dumbass.” He mutters, before sliding the ring on her finger, grabbing her head and bringing her in for a kiss

>Their displays of affection are met with groans of disgust and annoyance from the regulars, while your soldiers cheer and applaude louder to try to drown it out.

>”Ain't that sweet folks, lets all have a hand for the happy couple!” Beatus says, walking back center stage, and patting Erdrick on the back, “We should all be so lucky to find someone special to spend our life with, am I right?”

>Despite the accolades from your peers, some of the regulars get up and leave.

>”Don't worry about it guys, they're just jealous of you two!” He assures them before gently guiding them to the edge of the stage.

>Natsuko sits back at the table, beaming serenely, while Erdrick looks at his feet, face red as a beet as he smiles sheepishly.

>”Congratulations, you two!” Gwen says ecstatically.

>”So what made you decide to tie the know, boy?” Kenneth says, a toothy grin spreading on his face, “Did you knock her up and want to take responsibility?”

>Erdrick's face turns a deeper reddish purple, his lips curl up into a snarl, teeth grit angrily, “N-NO SHUT UP!”

>”You don't want me to bear your child?” Natsuko says, feigning hurt.

>His face reverses expression, becoming instantly apologetic, “T-thats not what I meant! I-I-I I just…”

>She laughs and pulls his head into her bosom, “I'm just joking, relax!”

>He relaxes in her arms for a moment, before trying to pry himself away, “N-not in front of everyone!” Erdrick huffs, taking a few breaths to calm down, “…Hey, Anonson…”

>”What's up, Erdrick?”

>He looks at you for a moment, before shaking his head, “…Nevermind, I'll tell you later.”

>>279677

>”Thank you! Good night! You've been a wonderful audience tonight!” Beatus yells over the cheers from the women in the bar.

>In fact, a lot of your own soldiers had come in since the show started, chatting up some of the younger sailors who were too drunk care what species they were.

>Beatus climbs down from the stage and walks to your table, “How did you guy's like the show tonight?”

>”It was great! Your music is really amazing!” You say.

>”Thank's brother, that really means aloAUGH!” He shrieks, jumping forward as he grips his bottom.

>Iris giggles as an eyestalk suspiciously whips back behind her back.

>”Beat, you didn't have to do that for us.” Magdalene says.

>”Do what, baby?”

>”For the kind words, and for treating everyone here on our behalf! You really didn't have to go through all that trouble.” Kenneth says.

>”It was no trouble, baby. Just used a favor Duffy owes me.” He says with a sly grin, “He'll never admit it, but I've saved his ass too many times to-WOAH!” Iris careens and clings onto into Beat, but he manages to keep his balance.

>”Oh, sorry, young man.” She giggles drunkenly as she drapes her eyestalks over his chest and shoulders, “Would such a… strong… man like you, mind carrying a poor old woman home?”

>”Uh… s-sure, Miss. I'd be glad to.” He says, attempting to hide his discomfort.

>A bell echos out from the streets.

>”…What's that, brother?”

>”Curfew bell.” Naomi informs, before walking to the center of the tavern, “EVERYONE FINISH YOUR DRINKS AND GO HOME! YOU HAVE HALF AN HOUR OR YOU'LL SPEND THE NIGHT IN A CELL FOR QUESTIONING!!”

>”Until this murderer is caught, people need to be safe in their homes at night.” You elaborate.

>”I can dig it, baby.” He says as he follows you and your friends outside.

>The cool night air was refreshing after being in the crowded, muggy bar. The sun had set, and the moon shone beautifully over the ocean, waves glistening with moonlight.

>”Hey… Beat.” You say.

>”Yeah, brother?”

>”…If… what that man earlier said was true… one of your parents was a foreigner?

>”…Yeah.” He says, growing quiet. “My dad.”

>”Isn't that sweet! Just goes to show you, even people from different worlds can come together!” Magdalene says, gaining a bit of skip in her step.

>”Y-yeah, you're damn right, babe.” Despite returning a grin, his eyes seem troubled. Before you could dwell too much on it, Jäeger speaks up.

>”Hey, do you guys smell that?” He says tentatively.

>”Wasn't me!” Kenneth laughs.

>”Ken!” Gwen says failing to hide her amusement, “That's rude!”

>”No, really! It smells like…”

>Soldiers run up to you, faces pale, “Sir… we have a problem.”

>>279678

>Two bodies slumped against the blood stained walls of the alley, their location only discernible by passerby from the blood pooled and running down into the streets. Their faces were contorted in torturously pained expressions, stomachs torn open and organs strewn out on the cobblestone.

>You could hear Naomi's teeth crunching together with the force she grit her teeth, the smell of sulfur wafting in the wind. “I'll take care of this, sir…”

>”Ma'am, we didn't-”

>”See anything, I KNOW!” She screams, clearing her throat as she straightened her composure. “You go on ahead back to camp, sir. I'll feel better if you're iin a secure location.” She says as she approaches the corpses, and kneels down for a better look.

>”Understood, Naomi. I know you'll have this taken care of.”

>You see Naomi's claws gripping at the hair on her head in frustration.

>”Naomi…?”

>”Nothing, sir. I have everything…. everything under control. Just go, I've got it from here.”

>”I'll send one of my hounds over for you, okay ma'am?” Jäeger calls out to her.

>She nods and beckons him over.

>As Naomi whispers in his ear, his eyes go wide and dart towards the bodies, before nodding his head and heading back towards you.

>As you leave Naomi to her investigation, you look at Jäeger, who face is drawn with worry, “Is she alright?” You ask.

>”She's just a bit frustrated. There's been… problems with the corpses.”

>”Other than them being there at all?”.Kenneth sighs.

>”Well… for one, blood isn't exactly easy to clean off, at least not with time, elbow grease, or failing that, fire. Even then, there's no way they could do that without someone noticing something off. Just a regular murder can be pretty messy, leave a trail. Following me?”

>”Yeah…” You mutter.

>”Well… I don't think I have to tell you whoever's doing this is… deliberately being as brutal and painful as possible. Probably to make a point. All that blood, yet no trails, no foot or hand prints, hounds can't even find any scent trails leading from it…”

>”How is that even possible!?” Magdalene says incredulously, “Are you sure you aren't just mistaken?”

>Jäeger huffs and looks insulted, “Lady, listen, I've been hunting since I was old enough to draw a bow. The same concepts apply here, only… well, even for human standards, this one is tricky…” His confident demeanor wavers, “Besides… this time we have a problem…”

>”Jäeger that's a bit obvious-”

>”Those victims were the individuals we arrested earlier.”

>Everyone stops and goes silent.

>”Anonson… tell me you released them earlier…” Kenneth says cautiously.

>”I… I hadn't even spoken to them yet… last I knew they were still in a cell.”

>”Y-yeah… which is why we kind of want to put you guys in a more secure location for the night…” Jäeger says nervously.

>>279679

>You wake up to shouted orders muffled through the thick window panes by your bed.

>”Ungh… what's going on?” Magdalene grumbles as she gets up.

>The door to your room swings open, slamming into the brick wall, “Anonson!” Jäeger shouts, “Sir, we have a problem!”

>”Another murder…” Your voice disenchanted.

>”Yes… but that's not the problem…” He says anxiously.

>”Are we being attacked by the Church?” You say, hurriedly grabbing your warhammer.

>”No… We caught the killer.”

>You drop the weapon in relief, and sit back down on the edge of the mattress, “Oh, that's great!”

>”No… sir… the whole town knows who it is now… and now nearly everyone is about to riot.”

>”Jäeger I don't understand, why are-”

>”We need you at the holding cells, sir. Quickly.”

>”Alright, alright, let me and my wife get ready. We'll be right there.” You say, dismissing Jäeger outside.

>As you and Magdalene helped each other into their armor, there's a light knock on the door.

>”Jäeger we're almost done, just give us another minute!” You shout groggily as you're sloppily attempting to thread a leather strap through one of the belts of your wife's cuirass.

>The door slowly creaks open, and a few eye stalks poke through and look around, “I'm not interrupting anything, am I?”

>”No, gramma, you can come inside.” Magdalene says, still half asleep.

>”Thanks, deary. I just came to ask if you still had the daggers I loaned you. I seem to be missing one of them…”

>”I gave them to you last night, remember?” You say.

>”Honey, I don't really remember much from last night… your dear old gramma had one too many drinks… before I stopped by the tavern to spend time with you.”

>”Is that why you enthralled the waitress?” Magdalene grumbles.

>”I didn't ENTHRALL her, dear! I simply persuaded her to stop being so afraid. There's nothing wrong with-”

>”You FORCED her to! I'de say that's wrong!!” Magdalene retorts.

>”You know I can't force anyone to do anything they don't truly want.” Iris sighs.

>”No one wants to be afraid! But it's a vital defense mechanism for living creatures! You can't just go tinkering around with that, it's immoral! Unnatural!”

>Iris gives her a frustrated look, before sighing in defeat. “I'm… I'm sorry dear, your right. Your right! I did a terrible thing, I'm sorry… I was only trying to help.”

>”Magdalene rubs her forearm with a shameful expression, “It's okay gramma… just don't… you know. Just leave this to us, it's not your fault they hate us. You just spread the word of Light, and we'll take care of the rest, okay?”

>Iris was staring into space, completely still, her eye convulsing as if struggling to focus on what was in front of her.

>”Iris? Iris!? Are you okay!?” You shout, before running over to her and jostling her as gently as you could.

>She grabs her forehead and buckles over, before putting herself upright, her grin shining brightly, “Right as rain, dear! Just a bad hangover. That's all.” She nods at you and steps back, “Well, I'll leave you to it, there's a horrid mess out there right now… hope I can find that knife soon…”

>You watch as Iris leaves, before resuming the task of strapping Magdalene into her armor, “So… she can hypnotize people?”

>”More or less. Gazers have an ability to submit people and animals to hypnotic suggestion. It's one of the reasons the species is so reviled and distrusted by others.” She explains sadly.

>”Oh… wait, could she have been hypnotizing us?” You say, suddenly feeling uneasy.

>”No… I probably overreacted a bit, honestly… Their hypnotic ability is honestly over exaggerated. They really can't make you do something that you don't want to do, and even then, the process isn't perfect. Unless it's something you really want changed, the suggestion usually gets rejected by the mind after an hour or so. Repeated exposure also makes it harder to use on someone until it becomes impossible… honestly their innate ability with magic is much more dangerous than this."

>”I see…” You say as you secure the last piece of armor on. “There, ready to go?”

>She turns to face you, looking extremely worried, “Not really, no. I have a bad feeling about this, Anonson.”

>>279703

>As you walked out into the camp, you heard a crowd, collectively yelling and screaming angrily as they tried to get past the wall of soldiers holding them back. Rocks and bottles occasionally sail through the air, crashing harmlessly into the empty road.

>Jäeger led you to the prison, to a cell where Naomi stood watch, an grim expression, barely concealing anger marring her face. “Here she is, sir. The murderer, caught them at the scene of the crime…”

>”I told you, I didn't do it you stupid bitch!”

>You look inside the cell, and see Gilda hunched over on the cot, arms and legs chained up to a ring of iron mounted on the wall. A horrid stench permeated her cell, the source, blood coating most of her body, and bits of dried gore stuck to her arms.

>”It… it was you…?” You say, feeling hurt and confused.

>Her face softens slightly, before glaring at you, “No, it wasn't me! I… I…”

>”She claims she doesn't even remember doing it, as if it would absolve her.” Naomi says harshly glancing towards the prisoner. “She was found passed out, drunk, next to the victim's corpse…” She points to a bloodied claw weapon on a nearby table, “This was strapped to her hand… intestines were tangled up in it when we found it. I don't know why she had it, it's not even a standard issue weapon… unless the smith was experimenting again.”

>”I told you before, some merchant gave it to me! How is that a crime!?” She says, jerking against her bonds.

>”No, but murder is.” Naomi says coldly. “Which is why we don't have any control over the people any more. They've all gone crazy ever since they saw that little girl shredded to pieces

>Magdalene gasps, “What the hell is wrong with you!? How could you kill a child!?”

>”I told you, I didn't do it! I would never… I couldn't! I'm not that heartless!”

>”Then why are you covered in…” Your wife looks away, her face pallid as she covers her mouth.

>”…And this…” Naomi continues, seeming to be ignoring Gilda's objections as she reaches into her pocket and produces a couple of small keys. “This was on her person as well. They were to the cells to the two uncivil protesters we held here yesterday.”

>You stare sorrowfully at the evidence, and then at Gilda as you gently pat Magdalene's back. “Naomi… I want to speak to her alone. Please.”

>Without a word, Naomi nods and leaves the hall.

>You grab a nearby stool, and slide it directly in front of her cell, before sitting down.

>”Anonson, I didn't… you know I didn't do it… right?”

>”How could you do this to me, Gilda?” Barely able to get your voice up past a whisper, “I… I tried to look past your flaws… I thought you were a good woman despite it all…”

>”I… I promise… I didn't do it…” She says, her eyes glistening in the dull torch light as they looked at you pleadingly.

>”Gilda… I'm sorry. I don't even know what to say. I… I thought if I gave you a chance, you would be a great soldier In our ranks, accomplish great things… but…”

>”I… I can still fight for you! Just put me on the front lines! I'll die either way!” She laughs nervously, “Please… just give me another chance!”

>”…All I can do is give you a trial, Gilda… and the way things are… I'm sorry…”

>Tears begin streaming down her cheeks, before her face twists in rage, ”Bastard!” Gilda spits, “Fuck you! I told you I didn't do it!” She screams, jumping from her seat and fruitlessly attempting to reach the bars. “You dumbass! Limpdicked faggot! Why don't you believe me!? I'm innocent!!!”

>”Mags, lets go…” You say as you put an arm around her shoulder and leave the hall, Gilda still shrieking profanities at you.

>As you walk out into the next room, Naomi steps in front of you with her arms crossed. “What did she say?”

>You look at her and awkwardly grin, “That she didn't do it.”

>She simply scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Of course. So, should we prepare the execution?”

>”W-wait, we need to give her a trial, first!” You blurt.

>”A trial?” Jäeger says, “Why even bother? Half the town saw that little girl strewn about the-”

>”Jäeger!” Magdalene interjects uneasily, “…Please spare me the details…”

>”Sorry… anyways… what would be the point? Everyone know's she's guilty.”

>”To prove that we are a civilized society. We can't simply resort to mob JUSTICE immediately… even if a trial at this point is merely a formality.” Kenneth says with conviction. “…Assemble the people of Watchharbor, any witnesses, any soldiers who've had any sort of relation with her, even if it was just someone in her squadron to give their testimony.”We'll begin the trial as soon as possible… with your permission, of course, champ.” He looks over at you and awaits your answer.

>”We'll prepare a trial, it's our only choice at this point, right?”

>>279711

>The trial was hastily arranged on and around the city gate, where there was the most open space in the otherwise cramped city.

>Despite attempts at a civilized resolution to the issue, the citizens of the city still did not take kindly to you and your force's presence. Several squadrons of soldiers had to cordon off the area just to keep the mob at bay.

>You stood atop the ramparts, overlooking the throng below with unease.

>”Sir, we're ready when you are.” Naomi says as she approaches.

>Two soldiers come out of the adjacent guard tower, walking Gilda along, who's wrists and ankles are clapped in irons. While she did her best to keep a stern face, you could see the bags under her eyes, and her cheeks stained with dried tears.

>You raise your hand towards the raging crowd, to no avail. Refusing to show any fealty, they continue pushing against the line of soldiers, lobbing threats, curses, and whatever object would fit in their hands.

>Sliding your visor down, you look out to the people, and speak sternly, voice amplified by the helmet's enchantment. “People of Watchharbor. We come before you with a woman accused of murdering your countrymen, your friends, your children. Today, we will determine if these accusations hold true.

>”Just hang her already!” “We all saw her do it!” “Burn her!”

>Ignoring their cries, you turn to Naomi, who had gathered witnesses to the crime, a handful of soldiers, and a few citizens. You wish you weren't so amazed that she somehow got locals to volunteer. “We're ready sir.” She says, stepping up to the parapets and facing the crowd.

>”Naomi, if you please, present the evidence against her.”

>She nods, and raises a claw up for the people to see, “This weapon was found fastened securely to her hand. It's blades match the victim's wounds, and is consistent with every single victim found previously.” She produces the keys and vainly presents them to the crowd, despite being too small to see at that distance, “We also found these keys on her person, which were used to unlock the cells of two other victims. These are the only copies of the keys.”

>”Thank you, Naomi. Gilda, do you have any objections to this evidence?”

>She gives no response, her gaze unfocused and empty.

>”If you have no objections, then we'll allow witnesses to give their account of the crime. First witness?”

>A middle aged woman faces the crowd.

>”Ma'am, would you please tell us what you saw this morning?” You ask.

>”Sure can! Saw that lady right there, pullin' that poor little girl to a back alley, mumbling crazy talk to herself, bout how she was gonna sacrifice her to a demon!” She says with certainty in her voice, before pointing to your wife, “Think she was talkin' about sacrificing her to that one right there!”

>”Alright, alright, you're done.” Naomi growls as she hands her off to another soldier to escort her away.

>”Next witness, please.” You say with little enthusiasm.

>A young man holding and comforting a young woman who was choking back sobs as they approached.

>”Would you please-”

>A miserable wail from the woman interrupts you.

>”Ma'am, if you're able to, would you please tell us what you saw this morning?”

>She responds with more sobbing.

>”It's alright honey, I'll do it.” The man says, giving her a gentle squeeze, “If that's alright?”

>”Of course. Sir can you tell us what happened?”

>”Well, yesterday afternoon, our little girl asked if she could play outside. …Of course, we told her she wasn't allowed.”

>”Because of the murderer on the loose?” You ask.

>His eyes dart down to the ground, “…Y-yeah…?”

>You look at him sadly, “…Understood, continue.”

>”Well, we think she snuck out of her room, because the window in her bedroom was open. She's uh… done this a few times before…. We spent all evening looking for her, but we couldn't find her.”

>”Naomi, did we have any reports of a missing child yesterday?”

>She shakes her head, “None that I'm aware of, sir. But I can check the recor-”

>”We… we didn't report her missing…” The woman whispers.

>”May I ask why not?”

>”We… we didn't want the soldiers looking for her because we thought something like this would happen!” She says, her voice wavering as she attempts to shout. “And now my baby girl is DEAD!”

>”H-honey, maybe you shouldn't…”

>”Oh PLEASE, Alex! You spineless worm! They killed our daughter and you're just going kiss their ass!?”

>”Honey that's not what-”

>”Don't HONEY me, my dad was right about you! You ARE worthless!” She cries. “You always said you wanted a son, I bet you never even loved her!”

>”How could you say that!? I loved her more than anything in the world!!" He yells.

>”Thank you for your testimony, I think that's enough.” You say, motioning to Naomi who has them escorted away, both of them near about to go at each other's throats.

>>279717

>And older man walks up and clears his throat, “I take it it's my turn, then?”

>”Yes, please go ahead.”

>”I was goin' on my mornin' walk to the docks, when I smelled somethin' worse than the fishin' boats comin' in on low tide, I did.” He sniffs and wipes his nose, “Then I saw blood poolin' on the street, and when I went to look down the alley it was comin' from, I uh… I saw that there lady passed out in that poor girl's remains… and I think what was her own vomit… lass looked smashed to hell and back.”

>”So, you didn't see her actually commit the murder?” You ask.

>”Well… no? But I don't see why that's relevant. Ain't no man or woman who can get drunk enough to just take a nap in that mess, no sir.”

>”Very well, thank you for your time. If you would escort him back down.” You ask your soldiers. “And would the next witness come forward?”

>A mothwoman in your army's light raiments steps forward. “Marcy of the Dustwing Clan, Regiment Thirty-Four, reporting, sir.”

>”She was stationed for guard duty in the area the night before the body was found, sir.” Naomi says.

>”Very well, tell us what you saw.”

>”Well, it was near the end of my shift, when some drunkard was stumbling down the street.”

>”Was it Gilda?” You ask almost excited for a turnabout.

>”No, it was a man sir. Either way, he was out after curfew. I would have arrested him, but before I could even say anything, he told me how pretty I was…” Her face tinges pink for a moment.

>Naomi shoots an unhappy look her way and groans disapprovingly.

>”U-uh, so I was going to just let him go with a warning and escort him home, b-but, when I told him he needed to go home because of the curfew, he started getting belligerent and attacked me! After a few attempts, I managed to subdue him without bodily harm, although he has already threw up all over me and-”

>”Soldier, does this have anything to do with the murder at hand?” You ask impatiently.

>”Well… by the time I finally dragged him to the holding cells, I came back to my post, and saw blood leaking from a nearby alleyway… and that's how we found the body, and Gilda, sir.”

>”Have we questioned the drunk you arrested?”

>”Yes sir, he had allegedly passed out drunk behind some crates at the docks when the curfew bell had rung, and he was simply trying to get home after coming to.” Naomi explains. “We still have him in the cell and plan to give him a trial at a later date for breaking curfew and assaulting a guard.”

>”I see… Well, if that's all the witnesses, does anyone have anything else to add?” You look around, to see everyone remaining quiet, before turning to Gilda, “Gilda, do you have anything to say in your defense?”

>Her tired scowl remains glued to the floor.

>”You're free to say anything you want. Anything at all we should know that could cast doubt on these accusations?”

>She inhales, and for a moment you think she's going to say something, but she merely sighs and nothing more.

>”Could you at least give us your side of the story?” Magdalene adds, trying to speak as kindly as possible.

>”Don't remember anything, no point to it.” She quietly drones.

>”Honey, shouldn't we have gotten someone to speak on her behalf? She's not being helpful at all…” Your wife whispers to you.

>”No one was willing to… and Gilda hasn't been willing to cooperate.” You respond, turning back to the crowd, “Unless anyone has any objections…?”

>The crowd raucously calls for her blood.

>”…Then we will adjourn to discuss her sentencing before announcing it here within the hour.”

>>279719

>Everyone stood around in the guard tower, anxious for anyone else to speak first.

>”This feels wrong.” Kenneth sighs.

>”I thought I was the only one.” Magdalene says, “I… I don't know… maybe she didn't do it?”

>Jäeger scratches his beard, “I uh… I have no idea honestly. She actually seemed a bit more even tempered after joinin' your ranks, Anonson… but uh… Yeah… she's been pretty bad before, I wouldn't be surprised if she did all this. She once gave a kid a black eye…”

>”By the Light, Jäeger, are you joking!?” You shout.

>”Well, it WAS a boy.”

>”That makes it better!?” Magdalene exclaims.

>”…And he did try to grab her ass. Think his friends dared him to do it.”

>”Let's get back to matter at hand.” Kenneth interrupts, “We're just beating around the bush at this point. Doesn't matter if she's the type to do it or not. The fact of the matter is, there a whole city out there that wants JUSTICE dealt, and… and we need to keep moving on. We don't have this luxury, Anonson. If circumstances were different, we could be more thorough, but right now… right now, we need to get this city under control and move on. We don't know how much more time we have until the sleeping giant that is the Church is going to take to wake up. Hell, they're probably half way here by now.”

>”She's the only one who could have done it, sir.” Naomi says.

>”Yeah, no one in their right mind would just decide a corpse would be a good spot to take a nap. At least, I don't think anyone could ever be that drunk.” Jäeger says nervously, “Although… nevermind.”

>”So… we have a consensus?” You ask everyone in the room.

>”Yeah.” “Yes sir.” “Of course.” “Let's get it over with.”

>Magdalene grasps your hand, “I'll trust your judgement.”

>You nod to her, and everyone else. “Alright… I've made my decision.”

>The people were restless as you came out. They cried out for JUSTICE for the fallen.

>”People of Watchharbor.” You shout, “Judgement has been passed on the accused. If you would bring her out, please.”

>You waited for a moment, when the soldiers came out from the guard tower with Gilda in tow. Her face held the same tired expression as before as she stumbled along.

>”Gilda of Towerwood, for the crime of several counts of murder, and for jeopardizing our mission to bring peace to this land, we find you guilty.”

>The horde below cheered wildly, goading you on to expedite the execution, as well as suggesting inhumane ways to carry it out.

>Gilda's face didn't falter, but still seemed even more listless as she was dragged closer to the center of the gate.

>”Gilda, do you have any final requests before you're put to death for your crimes?” You ask.

>She merely glances over at you, tears in her eyes betraying her stoicism.

>You motion Jäeger over, “Get her the stiffest drink you can find.”

>”Can do, sir.” He says, before starting to leave.

>”Wait, come back for a moment.” beckoning him back.

>”Yeah?” He says, leaning over.

>”Get it from the Crusty Barnacle Bar.”

>”Understood, sir.”

>>279722

>Naomi exited the guard tower carrying a chopping block, while Jäeger followed her, is greataxe resting over his shoulder with a bottle of whiskey in the other hand.

>Taking the bottle from Jäeger, you hand it to Gilda, who barely manages to give you a frustrated look.

>”Oh, you can't uh…” You look at her bound hands, before uncorking the bottle yourself, and lifting it up to her mouth, “If you still want it.”

>Without a hint of reservation, she grasps the bottle neck in her lips, and you tip it up slowly. She easily chugs the whole thing down without spilling a drop, when you pull it out of her maw with a pop.

>”It's from the Crusty Barnacle… so… looks like you finally completed the Watchharbor Crawl.” You say with a hollow, short-lived grin.

>Her eyes soften, and for a second, she looks at you sadly before looking away and towards the ocean in the horizon.

>Your bodyguard set the chopping block down in front of Gilda, before tearing her from the two soldiers' grips, and throwing her over it, pressing a boot down into her back to keep her head down securely over the end.

>Jäeger hands you his axe, his face dour and bleak as he looks away.

>”Any last words, Gilda?” You ask, unsure if you were simply trying to be fair, or if you were putting this off as long as you could.

>”Shtop pussyfooting around and… jusht… do it… fugging goward.” She says in a weak and slurring voice. “Sprised this hasn'd happened… sooner…”

>You sigh, and lift the heavy axe up, lining it up to the nape of her neck, before raising it up high.

>She clenches her eyes shut, squeezing tears out onto the floor.

>You swing the axe down, and with a wet chop, her head is lopped off and falls to the floor. Blood spurt out from the neck, splattering against the axe head and pooling out onto the stone bricks.

>Naomi unceremoniously kicks the headless corpse over and lets it bleed out.

>As the realization of your actions settle down on you, the crowd below erupts into cheers and jeers,

>You feel disgusted.

>With yourself.

>With the people below.

>With Gilda.

>A weight on your foot draws your gaze down to see her head had rolled over onto it.

>Her eyes turned to face you, a regretful frown on her lips.

>You jerked your eyes away, and saw a small sphere of light rise from her corpse, an ethereal human form materializing from it's rays, until it assumed Gilda's appearance.

>The soul turned her head your way, and wore the same look as the lifeless head below did, until her eyes set on you.

>For but a moment, she cocked her head curiously, as her spirit began to slowly rise, gradually gaining speed before streaking into the heavens in a flash of light.

>”Anonson, are you okay?” Magdalene asks, taking your hand in hers.

>”No…” You say, looking at her sadly, before looking back at where the soul used to be. You guess it's not surprising she didn't have much faith in the Church, and you should be somewhat relieved, but… “I don't think I am.” A glowing fleck flutters down from the sky, and without thinking, you reach out and grab it. It disappears in your grip, and as you turn your hand around and open it up, you see nothing within.

>Something nags in the back of your mind, as if you had forgotten something.

>Looking out once more, you open your mouth to speak, “Let it be known, that under my rule, any one who threatens the safety of my people will not be exempt from JUSTICE!”

>The crowd was already dispersing before you had even finished,

>“…Be they man, or monster, friend or foe… I…”

>No one was even listening to you.

>Why even bother. None of the people here care.

>”I'm going back to my quarters.” You tell your companions, “We leave for the mountains up north in the morning.”

>”Honey, are you going to be okay?” Magdalene calls out as she walks after you.

>”I just want to go back to bed! Is that so much to ask!?” You shout angrily, immediately feeling guilty of your outburst.

>Your wife looks at you, hurt.

>”I'm… I'm sorry.” You say as you turn to leave, “I just… I just need some time alone.”

>>279724

>After an hour with some grain alcohol and a lot of elbow grease, you had finally gotten the blood off of your armor, and was now thoroughly polishing the plates.

>The door creaks open, instantly disrupting your attention to the task at hand. Magdalene peeks her head in, “Hey, can I come in?”

>You pick up your head and look out the window, seeing the sun had long since set. Guess it was a lot more than an hour… “Yeah, come in.”

>She sits down on the edge of the bed next to you, ”Did you sleep well?”

>You resume polishing, “No… not really, no. I couldn't sleep.”

>”Oh…”

>Neither of you say anything, the only thing breaking the silence is the occasional sound of working outside through the open window.

>”Aren't you cold?” She asks as a chilly breeze blows in.

>”A little… but I'm so used to sleeping outside, it felt stuffy in here.” You explain, before feeling her slowly wrap her arms around you from behind, gently kissing the nape of your neck before resting her head on your shoulder.

>”Do you want to talk?” She hums.

>You stop working for a moment, and heave a heavy sigh, “Nothing really to talk about… I've killed dozens of people… and I'll have to kill… God knows how many more until this is over… hell, if it's ever over… this one death isn't any different…”

>”Do you want to stop? We could always just go home, let our generals handle it. They're more than capable of this, and no one would fault you for it.”

>”You know I can't. I cant… I just can't force people through what I'm not willing to do myself. It wouldn't be fair… I can't be that kind of person who just… just…”

>She breathes in, and tenses slightly, before relaxing and putting her full weight on to you, “I know… and I'll follow you, wherever you go.”

>The two of you sit there for a while, wordlessly enjoying each other's company while continue your task.

>All too soon though, Magdalene lets go of you and gets up off the bed. “I'll be back in a bit, okay? I need to go store and dispose some of my experiments before we start travelling again. Will you be okay?”

>”Yeah, I'll be okay.” You say without looking up.

>Your wife lets out a quiet, warm giggle, “Alright. If you need me I'll be downstairs, okay?”

>You nod your head, and manage to smile just slightly.

>After strapping your armor back on, you unroll your bedroll and lay it on the floor next to the bed, before laying down. You didn't really want to go through the trouble in the morning… could sleep in a bit longer… as if. You had a bad habit of doing that… maybe if you were more reliable, none of this would have happened in the first place.

>As you lie on your back and stared at the ceiling, you felt your eyelids closing shut as your thoughts slowly quieted.

>>280147

>The world was spinning, and it was making you sick. Desperate, you grabbed on to the building nearby to try to keep the world around you still.

>It slowed down, but not much. Just kept spinning before snapping back into place, only to spin again and for the whole nauseating cycle to repeat without end.

>Your stomach churned. You tried to keep it down, but it churned harder and harder until it came up and out, all over the street.

>You felt a bit better.

>Everything was still spinning, though. But you had to get back to your cot soon, or you were never going to hear the end of it from your superiors…

>”Halt!”

>You instinctively duck behind a corner, heart pounding, gut and throat burning.

>”Dumbitch, I jush wanna go home! Hey! Getcher hans offa me!”

>You peek out, and see what you're guessing is a soldier wrestling with some fat guy. Good thing she didn't see you… for a second there…

>You're wasting time, gotta go home…

>Just… one foot in front of the other…

>Too fast… just… just need to rest for a moment.

>You stumble into a nearby alleyway, and sit between a couple of barrels, clutching your head to try to keep it from splitting open.

>”Mr… I don't think this is the way home.”

>”Don't worry sweetheart, it's just a shortcut.”

You hear footsteps coming towards you and jerk your head up against your better judgment. Your brain feels like it's about to melt out of your nose…

>…Wait a minute… is that… what the hell is up with that guy's head? Why is he bringing a little girl down here…

>A faint ring and a flash instantly sobers you up just in time to see him shove the little girl down into a small alcove out of view from the street.

>”Ow… Mr. why… wuh…?”

>Your heart pumps hard as you see him gripping steel claws and slowly cornering the small girl.

>”Sorry, sweetheart. I promise you it won't hurt.”

>Your veins start to burn as you quickly grasp your own claw and jump forward.

>His head jerks to face you, eyes obscured behind black glasses, but you can see his teeth grinding into an annoyed scowl. Without even hesitating, he grabs the girls head and throws it hard against the wall, her body quickly going limp onto the cold ground.

>You grunt and charge forward.

>The world turns upside before you even know what's happening, and everything goes black.

>>280149

>A crash and splintering wood violently jolts you from your sleep.

>”HONEY WAKE UP! I NEED HELP!” Your wife shouts as she wrestles with a man clad in black.

>Your door practically explodes open, Naomi and Jäeger barging inside, “WHAT'S GOING ON!?” She screams.

>Magdalene locks the man in place atop the crushed remains of the bed, his features obscured behind a cloth mask showing only his eyes. Without even a single twitch, a cloud of smog explodes from his entire body.

>”Guards! We have…” Jäeger starts coughing from the smoke, ”…an intruder! S-someone is… trying to kill the King!”

>”What in the…!?” As the smoke clears, Magdalene jumps to her feet with a large pillow in her hands.

>”Mags, what is… what is that?” You say, completely confused and at a loss for words

>On the front of the pillow, was a wonderfully embroidered, full-body likeness of your attacker, except he was lying seductively, lifting his shirt to reveal a toned, muscular torso, tan in complexion with a touch of body hair on the chest.

>”He's playing with us!” Magdalene growls, the pillow bursting into flames, quickly reducing to ashes.

>”That's the real murderer.” You say as you grab your helmet and war hammer, and start climbing out the open window..

>”Anonson, wait!”

>Without a word, you jump out, grabbing on to a rain gutter to slow your descent down to the streets. Soldiers were scrambling this way and that looking for the intruder when one of them shouts, “Over there!”, pointing at a rooftop.

>The man stood there, staring directly at you, before running off towards the sea.

>As you run after him, you hear a deafening boom in the distance, the vibrations noticeable from where you stood. As soon as you saw a plume of smoke billowing in the distance, you heard more blasts go off one after the other, all throughout the city.

>You turn to your soldiers and point towards the carnage, “Go! Get the civilians to safety! I'll handle this!”

>They glance over but look back at you hesitantly.

>”NOW! THAT'S AN ORDER!” You shout, before running where you saw the assassin escape.

>Sprinting in to an alleyway, you saw his silhouette, waiting for you at the end.

>As you tail him, a snap sounds out, and as you look up for the source, you see a large log swinging down. You stop on your heels and slip, falling backwards, when the log rushes inches away from your face before arcing back up.

>Growling angrily at the setback, you scramble back up, and sidle along the wall between the log as it swings back and forth, slower and slower.

>As you run out into the next street down, you barely catch a glimpse of the man running into another alleyway.

>Catching on to his game, you quickly spy another alley, and run down that instead. As you barrel through, you feel a slight tug on your foot, followed by another snap. As soon as you can even realize what you had heard, an immense pressure slams into your back, throwing you forward off of your feet as a loud boom pierces your ears.

>Just barely able to get back to your feet after tumbling over, you look around for the attacker, incessant ringing in your ears fading away at an infuriatingly slow pace.

>You see the man staring at you again in the distance, and give chase, screaming wrathfully as you brandish your war hammer.

>He weaves into another alleyway as you're about to reach him.

>Not wanting to deal with any more obstacles, you take a deep breath, charge in, and swath the entire path in an inferno. Another tripwire releases a large pile of timber that's promptly rendered into a pile of smouldering charcoal that rained harmlessly around you.

>As you reach the end, you see you've reached the docks, your quarry running down the end of one of the piers.

>You run to the pier as fast as you can and stop once you reach the entrance to catch your breath, knowing you've got him cornered.

>>280151

>”You have no where else to run! Give up and come quietly.” You shout, feeling winded and trying to catch your breath.

>He remains silent with his back to you, watching the horizon as the sun slowly peeks over the ocean, illuminating the waves in a dazzling array of colors.

>”All of this death, all of this violence… and for what? You pretended you were my friend, and yet you caused all of this misery!”

>Without a word, he starts stripping off his black clothes and tossing them into the ocean.

>”ANSWER ME, BEATUS!!!”

>”It's nothing personal, brother. I'm just doing my job.” He says casually as he peels off his mask, hair springing out flamboyantly.

>You stare at him, grinding your teeth, “…You're a paIadin…”

>Beatus pulls his glasses out from his jacket, and puts them on. “Maybe.” He says before turning to face you and drawing a rapier from it's sheathe, hilt shaped as an ornate star of light cast in gleaming silver.

>You step forward, feeling rage building within you, “You've been lying the whole time…”

>He smirks, giving a small glimpse of his teeth as he takes a step as well. “I'm also the one who shot down that scout of yours.”

>”You… she'll never fly again because of you!” You step closer.

>Beatus reaches into his belt and pulls out a familiar stiletto, gripping it tightly in his off hand as he walks closer.

>”You murdered a child, women, men… even one of your friends. Unless you just lied about Kazmir, too!”

>He stops, his grin faltering into a scowl before taking a fencing stance. Beckoning you with a tilt of his head, he patiently waits for your move. “You think you have it all figured out, don't you?”

>Remembering your sparring matches with Naomi, you drop your hammer, which slams on the planks with a worrying creak, and reach for your morning star.

>Visor snapping shut, and with an eruption of flames, you charge forward, rearing your weapon back as you reached out with your off-hand.

>He steps, thrusting a blow towards your eyes.

>With a flick of your wrist you deflect his strike, and put your body weight into a side swing.

>Quickly leaning back until body is parallel with the ground, jumping back onto his hands before flipping back over onto his his feet, quickly sprinting towards you.

>You respond by charging in turn, gripping your mace in both hands as you hold it high over your head, screaming.

>As you bring it down, he parries your attack to the side, sliding his hand down to yours, tucking his head under your arm and deftly flipping you over onto your back.

>Before your he could make his next move, you swipe at his ankles, hopping back to your feet after he jumps back to avoid it.

>He takes a breath as he shifts to a more defensive stance, “Good to know you're not just a pretty face, brother… Maybe you can show me a good time…”

>”How do you even plan on killing me with that blade?” You pant.

>”You're right, brother. This can't pierce that tin can of yours.” He says, adjusting his glasses with the hilt of his blade, “But this dagger I borrowed from that sweet old lady of yours can.”

>”What do you-”

>In one quick motion, and holds the stiletto against the edge of his rapier, and scrapes it,shavings of metal coming off. He holds the weapon up for you to see it's edge and point glittering cyan in the low light.

>You take a more aggressive stance, and tense yourself to charge.

>”That's right, brother, this sucker is one-hundred percent pure silver-plated adamantite.” He says cockily.

>”I don't intend to bring you in dead, but if you force my hand…” You growl.

>He spins and place and poses, “I was just warmin' up, baby! Now the spotlight's on me, and it's my time to shine!”

>You yell and charge towards him.

>The sequins on his jacket begin glistening in the sun, brighter and brighter, making it hard to see until you're completely blinded by the glare.

>You blink your eyes and see he's gone.

>>280152

>A board behind you creaks.

>Swinging around, you're met with a boot to the head, knocking you backwards and leaving disorientated.

>He lunge's forward with his blade.

>You swing your mace to parry it, but he feints, and grabs your swordarm with his off-hand, locking it in place before punching you in the temple with his rapier's hilt, dizzying you further.

>You impotently swing your off-hand at his head, but he quickly leans back, letting go of you as he kicks you in the stomach. Stumbling back, you raise your arms defensively again.

>He dashes at you, and slashes at your vambraces with Iris' stiletto.

>The strike rings beautifully like a crystal.

>But with another thrust of his rapier, the tip catches on your vambrace, and with a sickening crack and a crunch, pierces through.

>He pulls his sword away, tip dripping with blood.

>As soon as you look at your arm, vambrace crumbling away, you feel an intense, searing pain from the inflicted wound.

>You look up at Beatus, who returns with a smug smile.

>Growl rising into a roar, your vision tunnels and goes red, and the sound of fire intensifies as you rush your opponent.

>You unleash a barrage of crushing blows, but each one is deflected or dodged.

>But his infuriating tenacity only serves to deepen your rage, fueling your strikes with more ferocity as the world seems to slow.

>His confident demeanor quickly vanishes as a sheen of sweat forms on his face.

>Suddenly, a blow connects with a dull crunch, making Beatus jump away and stagger back, dropping the stiletto on the pier as he grips his now limp left arm.

>You see the city behind him, fires burning, smoke rising into the sky, and your wife jumping across the roof's of the buildings until perching on the edge of one near you, readying her auto-ballistae

>”You can't win, Beatus. End this insanity, now!” You shout.

>”I can't, brother. I have no choice. I HAVE to kill you, for the good of mankind, no… for the fate of the world!”

>”How can you buy that garbage!? You've spent enough time with me! You should know I'm not trying to destroy or kill anything! If it wasn't for paIadins like you, I could have done this peacefully!' You glance over at Magdalene, who was taking aim. “And even though I KNEW you would all zealously try to kill us, I STILL gave you a chance to talk this out!”

>”You… you think this is the first time we've stood against God?” He gasps and winces in pain, “…Do you have any idea how much damage you're going to cause if you-” In a blur, he vanishes into thin air as searing hot bolts tear through the pier that was in front of him, wisps of steam snaking out of the holes and mingling with the smoke.

>”What the…” You cautiously glance behind you, before in another blur, Beatus quickly reappears a few feet away from where he was standing.

>He looks behind him at Magdalene crouching on the roof, and then back at you, lips curling into a smile and laughing, “You crazy son of a bitch, you almost had me there!” He kicks the stiletto up off the ground and catches with his good hand, tucking both blades into his belt. “But two against one is hardly fair, isn't it?” He twists his neck around, spine cricking, before he takes his crippled arm, and while yelling in increasing volume, pulls harder and harder until there's a crunch, arm jolting into back into his shoulder.

>You hear Magdalene's weapon rev up in the distance

>Beatus starts mumbling under his breath, and chills go down your spine when you realize what he's doing, “BEATUS, NO!”

>You start running to try and stop him, but it's too late. He doubles over, groaning in pain.

>Magdalene lets another volley of bolts fly, a few sinking into his back.

>The air starts to feel wrong, and Beatus chuckles darkly, his voice warped, as if hundreds of voices composed it. “Hehehe… too late, baby.” He brings his head up to face you, his eyes twitching and turning wildly, red with yellow sclera, ichor seeping out around them and spreading halfway across his face. His entire body seemed to be convulsing, and with a disgusting splitting of flesh and bone, the bottom and backs of his feet burst open, black tendrils writhing under and back like fire under his soles.

>You dart towards him, hyping your berserker trance as deep as you can and swing, expecting heavy resistance.

>But nothing connects.

>>280153

>Looking up in doubt, you see Beatus standing a few feet away, dancing to a beat in his head, “You know I got canned heat in my heels, brother.' He taunts before brandishing his weapons again, “Now lets see how you fare with two against a dozen!”

>Despite him staying mostly still, his body began to blur out of focus, duplicates dancing out until there were twelve in total, when they all solidified, wielding their own weapons.

>The instant you grab your war hammer, the horde of Beats come down on you with a storm of relentless attacks. You just barely managed to keep them in bay with the haft of your hammer, but you were starting to tire…

>Magdalene starts peppering the pier with bolts, only stopping to reload another magazine into her weapon, but they all seem to just pass through the Beats harmlessly.

>”Can't touch me, baby!” They all laugh in unison, before one of them clashes both blades into your weapons haft, five more of him joining in to push back against you. “Can't let you have all the fun though, let's see how your old lady likes fighting someone on even ground…” Half of them leap high, landing on top of the roof and going after Magdalene.

>You snarl and push hard, flinging them all back before bum rushing the closest clone. With a devastating overhead blow, your hammer careens straight for his head.

>But as it does, the clone disappears, making you stumble, and destroy a large chunk of pier, broken planks falling into the surf below.

>”What are you doin', brother!? I thought you weren't trying to destroy everything?” He jeers.

>You charge for another one, and swing again, only for the clone to disappear once more.

>”STAND STILL DAMN IT!!!” You bellow, spittle flying from your clenched teeth. Your eyes dart from Beat to Beat, and it seemed like even more had surrounded you. You step back nervously, and feel the pier beneath you start to sink under your weight, and decide to step further back until it felt more solid.

>They start closing in on you. “It's over, brother. Just save us both the trouble and let me put you down like the rabid dog you are.”

>You hear a board behind you creak, and almost turn around to attack when you feel Magdalene press her back against yours

>”I'm here, Anonson!” She whispers back to you, her ballista whirring loudly.

>Your war hammer becomes wreathed in pure, white flames, “I know.”

>”Which one is which though?” She says nervously.

>The copies charge in on you and attack.

>>280156

>One of them strikes your cuirass with the stiletto, that dreadful crystalline song echoing over the waves, punctuated by a crack and a crumble when he strikes the same spot with his hellish heel, bruising your stomach, impossibly sharp shards of adamantite piercing readily through your brigandine, and slicing into your flesh with every motion. If Magdalene hadn't stood strong, you would have been thrown back.

>”Anonson…” Your wife says anxiously.

>Getting desperate, you focus, and peer past the veil into the Aether. You see Beatus' corrupted soul, streaming around you in a circle, stopping for but a split second to where his clones were.

>”Augh!” Magdalene shouts in pain as a rapier manages to slice deep into her cheek before she swipes it away. “A-Anonson, what do we do…?”

>You pay attention to his moves, and notice they seem to be repeating in a simpler pattern than before. As you start noting his steps, you get an idea, and silently nudge your wife until you both move backwards in unison. When you feel satisfied with your position. You quietly mutter to your wife, “On the count of three…”

>”Anonson, what are we-”

>Focusing as hard as you can on his feet while keeping his offensive at bay, you see your chance and shout ”ONETWOTHREE!” at the top of your lungs, before dropping your weapon and raising your hands to the air. “I GIVE UP!”

>Beatus's charges for the death blow when your war hammer crashes through the pier. His foot falls through the hole, making him trip and fall face first, his clones vanishing instantly and his groans in confusion.

>”NOW!” You shout, before you and Magdalene take each other's hand, and rest your hands on Beatus before he can react.

>Your touch roars to life with holy fire, causing Beatus to screech shudder, and spasm horribly as the corruption started melting and burning away from his body.

>”Mags, quick!”

>She looks at you in confusion, “What?”

>”Heal him!” You shout impatiently.

>”Oh!” She says, quickly digging through her belt and selecting a few vials.

>You quickly pull him out from the hole and flip him over, your wife forcing the contents of vial after vial of healing reagents down his gullet, before you both laid your hands on him again.

>Magdalene utters a spell fervently under her breath, and sets to work restoring his body as the purged ichor tries destroying it in it's death throes.

>Beatus' face twists and contorts in pain, the last of the 'blessing' bubbling, sputtering, and evaporating out of his mouth as he screams until he finally stops, eyes rolling back from the back his head before his body relaxes and goes still.

>Both of you stare at him tentatively, until his chest resumes gently rising and falling, when you and Magdalene finally heave a sigh in relief.

>>280152

>>280153

>>280156

>>280157

man, i thought Beatus was cool, but turns out he was just another palaniggerfaggot

>>280165

You seriously didn't see this coming? The guy was setting off so many red flags

>>280183

Fuck forgot to sage

>>280183

not really, i kinda forget a lot of shit in a story after i've read it (unless it's the third+ time i've done so)

plus i havent reread anything from the previous threads about Beatus either, so i've forgotten the shit he's done in those too

>>280152

Must be nice to finally write and post this scene after seven months of having it in the OP artwork, especially since the filename isn't exactly subtle. I still think the elves are to blame.

Now I wonder how Beats will react when there isn't a fuckton of voices in his head.

>>280163

>I'm really glad you're enjoying it. Hope to see you through to the end.

No worries, I'll be there.

>>280157

>>Beatus's charges for the death blow when your war hammer crashes through the pier.

why does it crash through the pier when it was just dropped from a maybe 1 meter height.

>>280232

>Remembering your sparring matches with Naomi, you drop your hammer, which slams on the planks with a worrying creak, and reach for your morning star.

It was weak before he dropped the hammer. And dropping your weapon in surrender can easily mean you put some force into it anstead of just letting it fall.

>>280245

Woods planks for piers would be strong enough to resist a 5 kilo max. hammer being dropped from less than 2 meter height. It would be differnet if the hammer was magically accelerated to hit the ground or something.

>>280255

The battle left several burning holes from Magdalene's crossbow, and Anonson smashed into it full force with his hammer when in a berserker trance. At the end it was rather torn up and broken.

He noticed the part of the pier he was standing on at the end was structurally unsound and sinking under his weight, hence why he was more careful with his own footing, and baited Beatus into stepping on a weak part that he had felt with his foot, dropping the hammer as he charged forward so the weak plank he chose would break.

Sorry if it wasn't clear, tried to explain it all while keeping with the hectic pace of combat.

>>280157

>You sat down on a stool in the prison, watching the inhabitant of one of the cells closely while your wife finished healing your wounds.

>Beatus was fast asleep, despite his arms bound up over his head in chains. His snoring had long since gotten on everybody's nerves, but past attempts to wake him served only to irritate everybody else further.

>”How long at we going to just let him sleep!? It's been twelve hours already!” Naomi grumbles.

>”If you want to leave, you can.” You say, feeling another laceration in your side close up with a slightly discomforting tingle.

>She stubbornly stays put. After the chaos he put Watchharbor through, can't say you blamed her.

>You yawned and hunched over, resting your chin on your hands.

>”Hey, hold still! I'm not done yet!” Magdalene shouts.

>Beatus lets out a big, long yawn, smacking his lips, sighing contently, and giving a few experimental huffs before clearing his throat. “…Morning…” He says smiling groggily.

>No one had any words. Everyone was still in shock from the events that had transpired that morning.

>”W-wait a minute, was…” He looks around nervously, surveying his surroundings, “Was I…”

>A few of you are about to confirm what you assume to be his response when he interrupts you.

>”Did I fall asleep?” Beatus says incredulously, “H-how long did I sleep for??”

>”About half a day.” You say deadpan.

>”Wow I… wow… that was… the best sleep I've had in almost… almost eleven years… I…” His head perks up, and he tries craning his neck out, as if trying to listen to something. “…It's so quiet…”

>”You're the only prisoner in here now.” Jäeger says, “Of course it's quiet-”

>Beatus chuckles quietly, before laughing. Despite everyone's glares, he didn't seem bothered at all. He smiled ear to ear as tears began running down his face.

>You and your companions all share disturbed looks in concern.

>”Bastard's insane…” Naomi growls.

>”Not anymore!” Beatus shouts in elation, “I can finally… I can finally think clearly! It's so quiet! I slept soundly after so long. I feel great! I'm so happy!”

>”Fifty-seven people died in that stunt you pulled today.” You say grimly, “We've lost count of how many have been injured.”

>His laughter and smile fades. “Yeah, brother… I know…”

>”I put one of my own soldiers to death for a crime you committed.”

>He gives you a dry grin, “Only fair that it's my turn, huh?”

>You nod, before shaking your head, “Why would you betray my trust like this, Beatus? I thought you were my friend…”

>”Hey… Anonson… Brother… I know after all the lies… all I've done… my word is worthless.”

>”You're not going to smooth talk your way out of this. The only reason I didn't kill you earlier was because you're going to pay for your crime.” You growl.

>”Brother, I wasn't going to try to get out of this alive. I'm an assassin… I know too much… far too much… death is the best outcome for me if I fail a mission.” He sighs, “…And… I wanted to thank you, Brother. You've… you've given me a lot.”

>You stare at him quietly.

>”So, I'm going to tell you everything I know about the Church, okay?” He stretches a foot up to his head with unnerving flexibility, and scratches his head with his toe, “…At least, what I remember anyways… now that I can't hear it being drilled into my brain constantly, it's getting kind of hard to recall it… So listen carefully, alright?”

>”We're listening.” You say flatly, folding your arms.

>”I suppose I should explain everything… including my actions… you already know that all paIadins can invoke blessings from God, right? Well, it affected me… differently, and was almost always in a passively activated state.” He closes his eyes and smiles with self-satisfaction, “Now I may not look it, but I've always been intellectually gifted. My brain absorbed knowledge like a sponge, baby! Apparently, the God of Light loves people like this in His ranks. So when they're snapped up into the fold, and given His blessing, their brains are turned into a sort of… processor, for His infinite knowledge. Followin' me? Well, that's all fine and good for Him, but for most of the eggheads subjected to this, they either snap or turn into vegetables-”

>>282264

>”Wait, if this god of yours is real, why would he need other minds to parse knowledge?” Magdalene asks.

>”Oh, the God of Light as the Church knows it is very real, baby.” His face goes bleak. “Very real, very powerful… and very insane… For people like me, who hear His thoughts all day, every day, non-stop, and no matter how many times you try to dull it with alcohol and drugs and just try to end it but can't because He stops you every time it-” He catches himself as he started looking more manic, and puts on a smile once more. “S-sorry.”

>”But, you still haven't answered my question.” Your wife says. “Why would a god need mortals to help think for him?”

>”What IS a god, for that matter? Beatus asks.

>”Divine and powerful beings who created us all!” Magdalene says confidently.

>”You're not wrong, but… what do you think a god is?” He says, turning to you.

>”I… I'm not really sure, honestly…” you admit.

>He returns an uncertain grin, “That's a relief, I thought I was the only one.”

>”Why are you wasting our time! Are you planning something else!?” Naomi snaps.

>”Only to be executed peacefully, baby.” He says. “But I'll move on with another question, this is also for you, Mags.”

>Your wife nods.

>”How many times has God's Will been challenged?”

>Magdalene looks down as she starts to recall, ”I… well, Mr. Stonewall told me about the Pagan Rebellion…”

>Beatus nods patiently.

>”…and I guess our crusade counts too… so twice?”

>He shakes his head, “You're half right, baby. God's Will has been challenged by mortals five times since the world began. This is the fifth… and final time.”

>”Five times? What happened the other three times?” You start getting nervously suspicious. “And what do you mean, 'the final time'?”

>”That's all I know, unfortunately, God always tried to purge any memories of any defiance against His Will… but you know someone who could probably tell you more than I could. As for the finality, the upper crust in the Church has been reminded, ad-nauseum by the Holy King, that if His will is defied for the fifth time…” Beatus looks you straight in the eyes, “…That He will deem mankind too flawed to carry out His Will.”

>”What does that mean…” You say, a bit scared to ask.

>”If that quiet little smith of yours had her anvil crack, how would she go about fixing that?”

>You scratch your head and try to think.

>”You'd melt it down and recast it.” He answers. “End of the world, baby, to be remade anew. In fact, God was certain this would happen, of course, He never seemed to hold us highly in esteem to begin with… But it's the Church's purpose to prove mankind is worthy by keeping this from ever happening in the first place… that's why I did what I did.'

>”Why did you have to kill your own countrymen to stop us!? Why couldn't you have just come after us!? We're all willing to die for this cause, why did you have to get innocents involved!?” You shout angrily.

>”If I had just straight up killed you, you would have been made a martyr among your army. I had to put doubt on your abilities to keep order, to prove your ideals were impossible, and put a strain on relations between humans and monsters. If your wife hadn't surprised me like that, she would have been framed for murdering you by now, and I would have continued marring your goals until the humans in your ranks disbanded.”

>There's an uncomfortable silence.

>”I thought that killing a handful to stop everyone from dying was much better than letting the world end…”

>”So what?” Jäeger scoffs, “You paIadins aren't so tough, we destroyed a golem made out of an entire cathedral! How can the Church hope to even destroy the world?”

>”And the Church doesn't even control this whole country, much less the world.” Kenneth adds.

>”They don't need to control the whole world to destroy it. At this point trying to conquer it is merely a formality… and I won't deny you and your army are formidable…. Which is why I'm glad that I lost… But you're assuming that this is beyond God's abiliti-”

>”What about the ward?” Magdalene interrupts.

>He turns to face her, “The what, baby?”

>”The ward that surrounds the capital, Duskbreach Keep. How do we destroy it? None of our monster troops can set foot inside with that ward in place, unless they want to be disintegrated into nothing.”

>>282265

>”Oh right, the ward… the ward is part of a double edged sword, babe. It's powered by the mana aurae of worshipper's souls, collected by altars in the chapel's they've built, all sent to the altar in Duskbreach Tower and projected as the ward that protects the city.” He holds up a finger, “But it's also used to spread His influence across the country, so baptisms, blessings, and conscripting PaIadins can be performed everywhere…”

>”But, why would this god need these altars to spread influence? Isn't he omnipotent, omnipresent?” You ask skeptically.

>”Brother, you of all people… you should know that you can't believe everything you hear.” He says smiling sadly. “That goes for people you trust, as well. Even someone close to you could have been lying the whole time you've known them…”

>”So have you been lying to us the whole time, then.” You say as you cross your arms.

>”You'de be smart not to take my word for it.” He shrugs with a casual smirk.

>”Fair enough.” you say before getting up.

>“That's about all I know, or what I can remember, anyways. So it looks like that's the end of my usefulness.” He sighs, relaxing in his bonds.

>”Thank you for your cooperation, we'll come get you when it's time.” You assure him as you start walking out of the door, no longer wishing to look at him.

>”I'll be right here when you need me!” He says, his smile friendly and genuine..

>>282266

>The crowd below the city's gate stood deathly quiet, even the inhabitants of the slums mingled among the rest.

>”Beatus Lightbringer.” You call out for all to hear, “You stand accused of mass murder, acts of terrorism, destruction of property, framing an innocent for your crimes, and conspiracy to commit regicide-”

>”Brother, how 'bout I just say I'm guilty, save us some time?” He laughs, “That list isn't even going to cover half of the terrible shit I've pulled.”

>People below gasp, and start muttering amongst themselves.

>”They're just trying to get rid of more humans!” “He tried to stop that heretic earlier! They're just trying to slander him!” “That massacre yesterday wasn't enough, they're not going to rest until they've killed us all!”

>The mob starts whipping themselves into another panic as their speculation runs wild.

>”LISTEN! ALL OF YOU!”

>They slowly go silent and look at Beatus.

>”When the bombs I SET UP went off, who were the ones who tried to protect you!? That's right! These men and women here, risked their lives, to try to rescue you from the wreckage, even though you've spit on them all! …I acted on behalf of the Church that you've all blindly followed, and I accept responsibility for my crimes.”

>You wait for a moment, expecting the crowd to get rowdy, but they remain silent.

>Jäeger hands you his axe, and the soldiers restraining the paIadin begin walking him to the chopping block.

>”Do you have any last requests, Lightbringer?” You says quietly.

>”Yeah, brother. It's actually really important to me.” He says, his voice taking a somber tone. “If… no… when you cross paths with Sirius- …Commander Dawn, will you spare him? Will you free him the his curse like you freed me, brother?”

>You look at him and shake your head, “I can't promise that. He took the life of my mentor's wife, and his arm… If he surrenders, maybe I can convince Kenneth not to kill him. But I cannot make any promises.”

>He sighs and smiles sadly, “Understandable. He's done a lot he's not proud of, neither I or he will deny that. Can you at least pass along a message for me? …I want my last words to be for him.”

>”If he's willing to listen, I'll try my hardest to fulfill that request. What's the message?”

>”I…” he looks around nervously, “…It's kind of personal… and you're the only person I can tell this to… you're actually one of the only people I trust, brother.”

>You look at him skeptically.

>He chuckles, “I know, it's sad, huh? But, if you could just let me whisper it… in your ear?”

>You close your eyes and grumble, angrily mulling it over before, against your better judgement, “Sure, but if you try ANYTHING-”

>”I promise I won't bite or anything.” He teases. “Come on, brother. Dying man's last wish?”

>You lean in close, angling yourself so you can still keep a close eye out for any tricks, slowly inhaling the mana around you to incinerate him at a moment's notice.

>”Tell Sirius, that he was the only one I ever loved.”

>Before you could even grasp what he has just said, you feel a quick peck on your cheek that makes you jerk your head away in confusion, mana releasing from your mouth from the shock as a small flare.

>Beatus smiles nervously, “I know that it's a lot to ask, but promise me you'll give him the whole message.”

>You blink at him blankly, and feel a discomforting shiver run down your spine as the feeling lingers on your cheek, “…I already promised…” You say begrudingly.

>”Thank's brother, you really have no idea how much this means to me…” He closes his eyes and smiles contently as he faces the horizon, “I'm ready to pay my debt.”

>You motion your soldiers to lean him over the block.

>You bring the axe to the back of his neck.

>A small bird lands on the chopping block next to his face, letting out a chirp.

>”Hey, buddy.” Beatus coos, “Daddy's goin' away for awhile, alright?”

>Esmeralda chirps angrily before flying in your face, making you step back and cover your eyes.

>Your soldiers step forward defensively.

>”Hey! Hey! Stop that!” Beatus scolds.

>She flies back over and lands on his hair, shooting you a dirty look.

>”Hey, now. I want you to play nice!” He says, “…Promise me you'll watch over my brother Anonson here, alright? He's a good man, and he's just trying to do right.”

>She perches, snuggling into his hair.

>He shakes her off, making her fly over and perch on the rampart in front of him, “Hey, you can't be there any more, alright? Don't want you to get hurt…”

>”Chirp!”

>”Don't give me that… you'll get on just fine without me. Now go on, I don't want you to watch this, okay?”

>She turns around, looking back at him one last time before flying off.

>”Sorry about that, brother.” He sighs, “Whenever you're ready.”

>>282267

>You approach him once more, lining up the axe with the nape of his neck.

>Raise it up in the air.

>And bring it down, a dull thud punctuating the silence.

>You set the axe aside, and watch as Beatus' soul rises from his corpse.

>He immediately turns to face you, and walks over smiling. “I guess this is goodbye, brother.”

>You try to respond, but he holds up his ethereal hand, “Nah, baby. I know everyone else can't see me. Don't want to look like you're crazy, now!” Beatus' smile darkens, “…But I wanted to thank you again for giving me peace one last time before I died… which is why I'm sorry for what I have to do.”

>”Wait, what do you-”

>Black shadows form under his feet, dark tendrils snaking up and around him.

>”BEATUS, NO!” You shout, white flames erupting from your hands as you start clawing away at the blackness.

>But despite your desperate purging, the shadows were barely deterred, and covered him up to his neck.

>”Sorry, brother… but I still have a debt to pay.” He says, before he becomes completely encompassed.

>You rip the shadows off of his face, “NO! YOU DON'T DESERVE THIS! NO ONE DESERVES THIS, BEATUS! PLEASE! YOU CAN STILL-”

>”Anonson. Brother. Stop. You're making a scene.” He says calmly. “Just let me go. This is my own choice.” As the blackness creeps over his face, he beams at you, “I know you can do it, Anonson. You beat me after all… I'll be waiting for the day you succeed…”

>You fall to your knees as you watch Beatus' soul melt within the darkness, and seep into the floor before disappearing forever. “Beatus… why…”

>After a moment of gazing at the cracks in the bricks, realizing that he wasn't coming back, you stand back up to see your soldiers staring anxiously at you.

>Saying nothing, you return their concern with a stern glare before walking into the guard tower, wife silently following close behind.

>As you exited the tower on the ground floor, the crowd of locals all stood still, watching you in silence.

>”What are you all waiting for?” You shout, immensely irritated, “You're free to go about your lives, and travel outside these walls. Hell, leave the city and flee back to the Church if you want! See how welcoming and forgiving to you they'll be simply for you having seen the truth!”

>As you walk towards the crowd, they begin to disperse, tripping and running over each other as they try to keep as wide a distance from you as possible.

>After a short, silent walk, you arrive at the chapel, stopping short of the doors. “Wait here,” you tell your wife, clutching her hand for but a moment before throwing the doors open and stepping inside.

>The air within gave you goosebumps, a disgusting, eldritch aura emanating from the marble, silk draped altar in the back.

>Walking down the aisle, gripping your war hammer, a man sitting on a pew was praying fearfully until you passed him, when he climbs over his seat and scrambles for the exit whimpering fearfully..

>You stare at the altar, your heart begins beating more furiously, until your rage boils over.

>Screaming at the top of your lungs, you smash the altar over and over, taking out your frustration on it until it was completely reduced to rubble. Not content as you watched the corrupted presence dissipate, you breathe in, and blast the marble gravel with a stream of fire from your maw, yells warped by the raging inferno that quickly reduced the ruined remains into a pit of molten slag.

>Your wrath didn't let up until the last of your strength was sapped. Even then, your anger persisted, but you had no more energy to express it, panting as you turned from the smoldering crater, and limping back out exhausted.

>>282268

>You wake up to the smell of smoke, tightly embraced, and head pounding furiously. As you blink the crusty frost from your eyes, you see Sirius' sound asleep, face half covered in dried blood.

>Feeling deeply confused, you look around, and see you're in an alcove of snow, the smoldering remains of a small camp fire beside you. Looking outside, you see the sun shining clearly.

>”Sirius… Sirius wake up…” You say worriedly, gentle shaking him.

>He groans, and squeezes his eyes tight before blinking them open, “Uhh… what…” As he focuses more on you, he smiles warmly, “Oh thank God you're okay. I was worried you would never wake up.”

>”Worried about me!?” You cry, “What about you!? What happened to your head!?”

>Sirius sits up and brings his hand up to his face, wiping a bit of the blood off onto his fingertips and inspecting it, “Oh, that… I… it must have happened when we crashed on the shore…” He trails off as the furs on his shoulders slides off to the ground, revealing his right arm to be missing.

>”Oh my God!” You scream, mortified, “Where's your arm!?!?”

>He looks down at his lap, “Y-yeah, I lost it from frostbite. Nothing I can do at this point, really.”

>”HOW LONG WAS I OUT!?” You begin to crawl out of the burrow in a panic, trying to get your bearings.

>”Wait, Gaelyn wait!” He says as he gets out after you, putting his hand on your shoulder, “It's okay, you've just been out cold for… a couple of days. You passed out when we breached land.”

>You catch your breath, and feel your lungs sting from the cold air. “I'm so sorry… if I had been awake, you would have never lost your arm…”

>Sirius wraps his arm around you, bundling you in his furs. “Gaelyn… Gaelyn… you couldn't… It wouldn't have changed anything. It's not your fault, there was nothing you could have done about it. Don't worry yourself about it…” He whispers calmly, before looking out at the horizon, “…In fact we're close to the mines. We should be there in about an hour. How does a warm bed and hot meal sound?”

>”I think I've slept enough already, don't you think?” You say incredulously, when your stomach does an imitation of an angry bear.

>Sirius laughs, “Just some hot food, then?”

>”Y-yeah…” You admit as the two of you start moving. “So what happened?”

>”The ship crashed several miles south of the docks, and we were caught in the middle of a blizzard… and…”

>You wait for him to finish, but he just goes quiet.

>”Sirius?”

>He keeps walking.

>”Sirius?” You repeat.

>He shakes his head and looks at you, “You say something?”

>”You kind of just, trailed off there… are you alright?”

>”Yeah I'm just… just been a bit rough, not going to lie.” He says before flashing a confident grin, “But I've been through worse! And God… God has always guided the way…”

>After trudging through the snow, you finally came across a brightly burning brazier that stood stalwart against the cold of the frozen tundra.

>”We're almost there…” Sirius says, pointing to a crag over in the distance, another brazier illuminating it's entrance.

>As you approached the crag, you could hear the wind whistling and howling between the frosty cliff faces.

“…Gaelyn…”

>”Did you say something?” You ask Sirius.

>”Huh?”

>”Never mind… guess it was just the wind…” You tell yourself, but you couldn't help but find yourself listening more carefully.

>But eventually, you reached the end of the crag, and a small valley carved into the mountains opened up before you, densely packed with ugly, stout brick buildings that would have blended in with their surroundings if it wasn't for the abundance of lanterns and paIadins patrolling and rushing in and out of them.

>A decorated looking paIadin looks over and hurriedly strides up to you. “Commander Dawn! You're alive! We heard your ship had capsized, and we-”

>”Well, as you can see, General Flint, we're both perfectly fine.” He turns to you and smiles, “Just a minor setback.”

>”Sir… your face… your arm…”

>Sirius' eye twitches, and in an instant, storms up and glowers over him, face turning red. “Is none of your concern, General. As you were.”

>His subordinate gulps and salutes, trying as hard as he could to remain formally rigid, “Yes sir!” He shouts, before marching off.

>Your husband takes a deep breath, and releases it sharply, “So, what say we go to the inn, get warmed up by the hearth, and get some food?”

>The freezing wind whistles, and makes you feel antsy. ”Wait! Let's at least go to the blacksmith, first!! Then we'll have plenty of time to eat!”

>”Fair enough…” He says, putting on a tough face, but making it obvious he was rather hungry.

>>282270

>Sirius leads you to a building, sign above the door that depicted the silhouette of an anvil made from cast iron, which blended in with the dark stone bricks it was mounted on, defeating the purpose of the sign.

>He opens the door for you, and a blast of searing hot air comes out. Even in the biting cold, the heat from inside was making you sweat.

>”After you.” Sirius chimes, motioning you inside.

>When you step inside, your path is immediately obstructed by a suit of armor. In fact, you could barely see a foot away due to all of the various armors and racks of weaponry haphazardly displayed about with no regard to presentation.

>Seeing a claustrophobic break in the clutter, you peek through and see a winding path between the hoard of items.

>After navigating the mess, you make it to a relatively open stretch of floor in front of a heavy stone counter. Behind it, a forge glowed with an intense heat, and in front of it stood a large, imposing man in with his back turned to you, broad shoulders draped in a thick, black scaled leather cloak.

>Behind the counter, a stout looking man with short black hair wrapped in a bandana, and a short trimmed beard steps out from a back room, carrying a massive war hammer with ease. As he laid it on the counter, you could see it's over-sized head, instead of having a typical shape, was completely simple and crude. Front completely flat, while the back tapered into a stubby chisel.

>The imposing man grabbed the war hammer, and hefted it over his shoulder easily with one hand, “Thanks.” He grunts, before turning away, his icy blue eyes slowly setting on you as his lips tightened in annoyance.

>His gaze felt like it bore into the back of your head, face crossed by a row of massive scars running from his forehead, and continuing beyond his collar. A mane of dirty blonde hair ran down his back in a tangled mess of barely kept locks. Leather belts and bandoliers spanned over a padded jack stretched across a terribly muscular physique that made him seem more brute than man. His lips curl to reveal snarling teeth, “You're in my way, girl…” He growls, before looking up over your head, “…You…”

>You crane your neck and see Sirius standing behind you quietly.

>”What are you doing here, you filthy bastard? Come to cry after scraping your knee?” The man says in a low, threatening voice.

>”I'm here on church business, sir.” Sirius says submissively.

>The man looks back down at you, “Run along. Both of you. This place isn't meant for little girls.”

>”Hey! Who do you think you are, talking to-” In a flash of color, you find yourself stumbling back into Sirius' arms, feeling a painful welt forming on your cheek.

>The man breathes heavily, barely containing his anger, “Don't you ever… talk back to me… or it will be the last thing you do…” He says menacingly.

>You're absolutely flabbergasted, and can't even think of how to respond.

>”Who is this ill mannered child that would speak out of turn.” He growls to Sirius.

>”Dad…”

>Did he say 'Dad'?

>”This is my wife… Gaelyn…” He says timidly, resting his hand on your shoulder, “Honey… this is my father.”

>Before you know it, Sirius' dad steps closer, looming over you as his stare burns into you even harder.

>”This… is your wife…” He says with silent menace.

>”Yeah! We got married a-'”

>He grips you by the shoulder with a large hand and roughly pulls you behind him, before slamming his other palm against Sirius' throat, pinning him against the wall, “HOW DARE YOU LIE TO ME!?” He howls.

>”Mr. Dawn, stop! He's not lying! I'm his wife!” You shout desperately.

>”EVERY TIME I HEAR ABOUT YOU, IT'S NOTHING BUT DISAPPOINTMENT. EMBARRASSMENT!” He shouts, red in the face, spittle flying with every word. “LETTING ALL OF THOSE SOLDIERS DIE!! …In that godforsaken wasteland… do you have any idea what you've done…”

>Steeling yourself, you clench your hands tightly into fists and charge into him, jumping up and punching him hard in the temple.

>While the blow knocked his head back, he barely seemed fazed at all.

>But it still got his attention.

>He lets go of Sirius, who wheezes as he tries to catch his breath, before stomping towards you.

>As he nears, you raise your fists up defensively, half flinching to prepare for the man's assault.

>”You listen to me, Ms. Gaelyn. You see my pathetic excuse for a son over there?” He says, pointing over to him.

>When he stays silent, you assume he's waiting for a reply, and nod frantically.

>”Leave him. Now.”

>”No! I love him, and he loves me!” You says confidently, puffing out your chest in defiance.

>He frowns, “He doesn't love you. He's incapable of love. That bastard will break your heart. Leave him and go back home.”

>>282279

>”No!” You say, standing your ground, “You're wrong! He loves me with all of his heart! He's a sweet, caring man. More than you ever could be!”

>His face starts to turn purple as he manically grinds his teeth and rears his head. As his rage seems to come to it's peak, he blows out his breath, and seems to relax slightly, “Fine! You know everything, then have it your way. Don't say I didn't warn you.”

>After you watch him storm out of the shop, you see Sirius acting as if nothing had happened.

>”Sirius, what is your dad's problem!? You just let him treat you like that!?”

>”He's my father, and I'll respect him no matter what.” He says flatly, as if he didn't want to mean it. “He's the only family I have left.”

>”And you just let him hit your wife!? And strangle you!? You're the Commander of the paIadins! Isn't that a death sentence!?”

>”Things aren't as simple as that, Gaelyn.” He sighs, “It's best if you just leave it be.”

>”How can I leave it be!? He just…” You realized the blacksmith was staring at you, and start feeling self conscious, “Oh my God, I'm so sorry about the scene we caused in your shop!”

>He simply stares at you with hand outstretched over the counter, when you noticed one of his greenish-brown eyes was covered with an eye patch.

>”I… we actually came here to on Church business!” You say, before reaching for you bag. But you begin to panic as you realize you didn't have it!

>Sirius hands you your bag.

>”Oh! Thank you!” You say in relief, taking it from him, before digging through, and finding the bundle of cloth you kept the divine orb in. It spread a gentle warmth across your palm, and pulsed with a steady glow, as if it were alive.

>The smith didn't look as impressed as you expected, instead simply taking it from you without giving it a second glance. He sets the sphere down on the counter, before ducking under it and rummaging around, producing a yellowed calendar, edges torn and scorched. Setting it down for you to see, and points to the next day, and taps it for emphasis.

>”It'll be ready tomorrow?” You ask.

>He nods his head, taking the orb and disappearing into the back room with out a word.

>”W-wait I didn't even tell him what it was for…”

>”I think he knows what he's doing.” Sirius says. “Wolfram is a bit weird… but he's the finest smith in Duskbreach.” He idly feels the dented helmet hanging from his belt, and seems to remember something. With a bit of fumbling, he unhooks it from it's loop, and sets his head gear down on the counter, “Almost forgot about that.” He taps his head, smiling warmly.

>>282281

>After both of you had your fill of hot food and warmed up in front of the fire, you retired to a room at the inn.

>As Sirius sat on the bed, you helped him take off his armor and padding, and see his torso wrapped in bandages, dried blood staining them where it covered his stump.

>”Oh, God… I can't believe you cut off your own arm…” You say with grim amazement.

>”What? …O-oh, yeah, well… it's better than the alternative…” He pulls out a knife and looks back at you, “Uh… you probably don't want to look.”

>Slicing the bandages, he carefully starts peeling them off, sucking air through his teeth when some of the scabbing comes off with it.

>You turn away, trying to keep yourself from getting sick taking all of your willpower.

>”Sorry… could you hand me that bottle over there?”

>You look around and see a bottle of spirits sitting by your bags, “This one?” You say as you uncork it and hand it to him.

>”Yeah, thanks.” He says as he takes it from you, before carefully pouring it over his wound, hissing in pain as it rinses away some of the fresh blood oozing from it. “God damn it that hurts…”

>”Sirius… didn't you say your father was a mason…?”

>His shoulder jerks, ”…He was a mason… he… he's a mercenary now…”

>You sidle up behind him and gently rest your hands on his back, “Is that why he's like that now?”

>He remains quiet and still.

>”Sirius?”

>”Could you get the bandages from my bag?” He sighs.

>”Sirius, why is your father so cruel!? Tell me!”

>He glares back at you, “I don't-!” Sirius shouts, before cooling down and grimacing, “…I don't want to talk about that… just get me the bandages… please…”

>You look at him quietly.

>”I'm sorry…”

>As you grab the roll of bandages from the bag, you start unraveling it and carefully dressing his wound, trying to keep your gaze from lingering on it for too long, “It's fine… I guess it must have been hard growing up with that.” You reason, “I just can't imagine how your mother must deal with it.”

>He laughs nervously, “Y-yeah… she's a saint…”

>”Oh! When do you think I could meet her?” You say excitedly as you finish bandaging him.

>”When our mission is over, I think. Too out of the way at the moment.” He says, quickly turning to face you, sweat glistening on his brow. “Hey, we have a while till tomorrow, and I imagine neither one of us wants to deal with the snow right now…”

>You chuckle, “Yeah, I've had enough of that!”

>He smiles mischievously, “Well… I have an idea of what we could do to pass the time…” Before you can respond, he gently pushes you down on the mattress.

>Your heart feels like it's about to flutter out of your chest as he straddles over you, staring into your eyes hungrily, “O-oh…”

>>282282

“Gaelyn…”

>You stir from your sleep, and turn to your lover who had his back turned to you. “Sirius?”

>No response.

>He must still be asleep… did he say your name in his sleep? That's so sweet!

“Gaelyn. It is I, your God.”

>You jolt upright and cover yourself in shame. “I'm sorry, I-”

>”Go to the smith, my weapon is ready.”

>As you rest your hands on Sirius to shake him awake, God speaks once more.

”Let him rest, you will do this alone.”

>”Yes, my Lord.” You whisper reverently.

>Careful not to make any sound, you don your clothes and armor before making your way out of the inn.

>As you stepped outside, a light snow fall glistened in the moonlight, making the world look breathtaking despite the hellish chill seeping into your bones.

>Walking briskly to keep yourself warm, you quickly make it to the smithy, and open the door, almost welcoming the sweltering heat, if only for a moment.

>The clang of struck iron rang through the room at a steady pace, before a pause, followed by the sound of bellows stoking a roaring flame.

>After exiting the tangle of implements of war, you found yourself in front of the sturdy stone counter.

>Wolfram was in the corner, taking a billet of red hot steel back out of the forge, laying it on the anvil before working it into shape.

>As you watch him tirelessly hammer the steel, you see a poleaxe resting on the counter, bedded on a bolt of blue satin cloth.

>You didn't want to interrupt his work, but… “IS THIS MY WEAPON?” You shout over the din.

>He looks over, and sets his tools down on a workbench before approaching you.

>Without a word, he picks up the poleaxe and hands it to you with a gentleness that belies his appearance.

>As you look over the weapon, it's head seemed to be made of mundane steel, but when the light hit it in certain ways, you could barely make out an extremely fine grain pattern that looked like veins restricted to uniform geometric angles. You were no blacksmith, but you couldn't fathom how such a feat would even be possible without meticulous engraving, but this seems to be flush with the surface…

>Looking up, you see him holding a box, opening it as he sees he has your attention. Inside, lying on a silken padding, was a small dagger made entirely of the porcelain-like material that the orb was made of. It still pulsed with an inner light like before, and seemed to do so with more intensity as your hand got closer.

“Take it, Gaelyn…”

>You grab the knife, and feel something surge through your body, before disappearing as fast as it happened.

“Now, my champion. You must finish creating the weapon you will use to destroy all who would threaten my world. Climb the peak that crowns the mines. There I will give you your next trial.”

>”Yes, my Lord.” You say, safely tucking the knife in your belt, before looking up at Wolfram, “Do I owe you for the-”

>He was already walking back to his anvil, promptly getting back to work without a word.

>”Thank you.”

>>282283

>Stepping back out into the gold evening, you walked towards the adjacent peak at the edge of the town, where you assumed the mines were.

>As the entrance came in to view, you see Sirius' father standing wait in front of a path that winded up around the mountain side.

>Wanting nothing to do with him, you begin to walk around him, half expecting retaliation.

>But he lets you past without moving an inch.

>”You don't want to do this.” He says bluntly.

>”You're not going to stop me. This is God's Will.” You respond, still looking forward.

>You await for a response.

>But he says nothing more.

>You look back and see he had already started walking off.

>Happy you no longer have to deal with him, you look around, and see a winding path outlined with iced over cobblestones winding upwards around the mountain side.

>Steeling yourself against the cold winds, you start climbing the path.

>As you climb further and further up, the stone gets icier and icier, forcing you to walk slower.

>The sky starts turning pink in the horizon, and you take the time to stop and catch your breath, using your poleaxe to hold yourself up.

>You remember Sirius saying to pace yourself when you were climbing high up a mountain… didn't think it would be this difficult to breathe, though.

>Chattering your teeth, you decide to keep moving.

>You see stairs hewn into the cliff, and gratefully stride up to it, climbing slowly and carefully.

>As you reach the top, you see the whole sky open up to you, the top of the mountain relatively flat. Small braziers burn along path leading to a marble altar at the end. As you approach the altar, you can clearly see out in all directions. The sun starts to rise over the ocean in the east, gradually illuminating God's creation for you to see in all of it's majesty.

>As the sun began to warm you slightly through the chill, you took in the sight, awestruck. Placing your hands on the altar for support, you see straight out in front of you, far in the distance, Duskbreach Tower reaching out into the sky, glowing brightly in the morning sun.

“Lay your weapon down on the altar.”

>Without delay, you carefully lay your pole-arm down on the frosted marble.

“Now, prove your loyalty to me. Shed your blood upon the altar with the blood of your God.”

>Feeling nervous, you pull the knife from your belt, and feel warmth pulsing from it in an almost frenetic pace.

>Taking your empty hand, you pull off your glove and lay it on the altar. Laying the knife on your palm, you clench your hand, eyes, and mouth shut, and with a few sharp breaths, pull the blade out from your grip.

>The burning pain in your hand nearly makes you double over, as your screams echo out from the peak. You open your palm, and feel your stomach turn as you see the sliced flesh pouring blood.

>Steeling yourself as you remember your purpose, you hold your hand over the altar, and allow it to drip on to it.

“Your sacrifice is not sufficient. Prove to me that you will be loyal to me until death and beyond.”

>”How do I do that!?” You gasp.

>But receive no answer.

>'Loyal until death and beyond' echos in your mind, and your path becomes clear.

>Kneeling before the altar, and ignoring the freezing cold stone sapping the heat from your legs, you unfasten your chest plate, and throw it aside. Grabbing the knife in both hands, ignoring the pain, you shakily bring the point to your wildly pounding heart, tears stinging your cheeks as they freeze.

>Out of the corner of your eyes, you Sirius storms up onto the peak, ”GAELYN, NO!”

>You thrust the blade, and for a brief moment, your heart stops cold. The world starts to fade away…

>Then your heart beats one more time.

>And again.

>Faster.

>And faster.

>The world returned to you in a flash of blinding light, but kept going.

>Images, memories, emotions, feelings of all kinds flooded to you.

>It's too much too fast, and you can't even make sense of them, despite them all being burned into your memory. Thousands of voices whispering, screaming, all at the same time. Your body feels like it's exploding and putting itself back together. You saw all the beauty and wonder of the world bloom into life, only for it to rot away. Words in a language you've never heard before are uttered in a growing chorus, more voices joining in, all rising in volume without end. It's so much it feels like your mind is about to shatter, and just as soon as you can feel your sanity reach the cusp…

>>282285

>You climb up the last step up to the mountain top, and see Gaelyn, blood staining the altar and snow around her, dagger brought to her heart.

>”GAELYN, NO!” You scream.

>In a single deft stroke, she plunges the knife into her bosom, and for a moment, stays deathly still, before collapsing on the altar.

>But no more blood spills.

>Her head is thrown back with a thunderous boom, light streams from her chest, eyes, and mouth as her body begins to rise in the air, as it becomes wreathed in lightning arcing from the altar.

>A glow pulses through her veins, radiating out from her heart at a rapidly quickening pace as power hums and crackles in the air, making your hair stand on end as a powerful gust blast stronger than any storm.

>And then, as soon as it reached it's crescendo, it all began to fade as her body slowly fell to the ground.

>As sets down back into the snow, you run up and cautiously bring a finger to her neck. When you confirm a pulse, you cradle her head in your arm, “Gaelyn… speak to me, are you alright?”

>Her eyelids tense up, and slowly open, “Ungh… S-Sirius…?”

>”I'm here, Gaelyn. I'm here…” You assure her while smiling in relief. “You scared me… I thought you were doing something drastic…”

>”I was scared too…” She says, smiling back, “But it's okay! God told me to as a test of faith… and then I saw God! And…” Gaelyn knits her brow as if trying to remember, “And I felt how much She loves us all!”

>”Yes, God truly does love us all.” You repeat warmly. “Now, why don't we-”

>With her smile unshaking, she starts to cry as she clings tightly to you, her voice choking up, “And then I saw how much we've disappointed God, how much we've hurt Her!”

>You nod, “Yes, it's truly sad, that-”

>”She's in so much, pain, Sirius! And so lonely!” She sobs, “None of us want to be with Her, and it breaks Her heart! No one has enough faith in Her, despite all She's done!”

>You bring a hand up to her forehead, and start to worry when you realize she's burning up. “Gaelyn, we need to go back to town, I think-”

>”She says even your faith has been faltering!” She says, looking at you, hurt.

>”Gaelyn, my faith in God is unwavering, I'm just worried because you're running a fever, and-”

>But she smiles widely, “But it's okay, because she said you can join me on my next trial to prove your faith! Isn't that wonderful!?”

>”Yes, that sounds great, Gaelyn. Why don't you tell me about it in our room at the inn. We can go first thing tomorrow morning after you've rested.”

>She jumps up to her feet, looking full of vim and vigor, striding over to the altar, and grabbing the poleaxe. As she gripped it, the weapon sparks to life with an otherworldly hum, light flowing from her hand through the steel in thin, angled veins. “We can rest after the next trial, Sirius! Come on!” Without another word, she starts bounding down the moutainside.

>You reach out for her in vain, before looking back at the altar. Walking over to it, you see snow at it's foot still stained red.

>Kneeling before the altar, you prostrate yourself before it, silently begging God for forgiveness and strength.

>The wind is your only reply.

>>282291

>Walking towards the exit, a large hand roughly grabs your crippled shoulder, and painfully turns you around. You hold in your pained groan when you see your father staring back at you.

>”You goin' after your 'wife'? Dumb kid is going to get herself killed out there.”

>”Wait, another storm is coming again so soon?”

>He shoves something hard into your stomach, knocking the wind out of your lungs.

>Grabbing it in your hand, you see it's your sword still hanging from it's belt, as well as your helmet, repaired so well it was as if it was never dented in the first place.

>”The standards the Church has for it's soldiers has really gone to shit since I left it.” He growls, “And no, the enemy is on it's way here. They've already taken the port down east. Probably not that far off, now.”

>”What!?” You shout, before running into the crag, clumsily attempting to fasten your belt with your one hand.

>As you run out into the snowy field, dotted path of braziers spanning out into the distance, you look around, and can't see Gaelyn anywhere.

>But you see foot prints in the freshly driven snow.

>Plodding along, you follow the trail she had left, amazed at how far apart they were… had she been hopping the entire way?

>Where was she even going!? There wasn't anything out here that you knew of…

>You scan the horizon, and see a wisp of smoke curling in the sky.

>And see her footprints heading straight for it.

>Wait, are the Demon King's forces already here!? I she going to face them alone again!?

>You look up at the sky, and realize the trail goes north. So she's not doing that, they could only be coming from the east… then what…

>Something nags at the back of your mind, and makes you quicken your pace.

>A low rumble echoes across the mountains, and the smoke in the sky grows thicker, the smell of burning wood hanging in the air.

>>282293

>You follow Gaelyn's trail to a sheer cliff face in the mountain, and wonder how she managed to climb it.

>If you still had both hands, you could have probably gone up as well… but…

>You look around, and see a tunnel that took you by surprise. If you had just been passing through, you would have never suspected that it was even there.

>Cautiously peeking inside, you see a soft warm glow at the end. Keeping your hand on the hilt of your blade, you break out into a careful run.

>Coming to the corner, you quickly look down, and see the rest of the way illuminated by torches mounted along the wall.

>A metallic tang sours the back of your mouth, as you feel dread settling down on you. Your pace slows as you walk through the stone hallway, sunlight shining through at the end.

>Stepping outside once more, you blink, blinded by the sun, and start coughing as the ash starts to burn your throat.

>Your sight returns to focus.

>A familiar village lies burning in ruins, corpses strewn in the snow.

>Not knowing how to react, you draw your sword, and scan your surroundings, ready to-

>”Sirius!”

>You snap your sights to the source, Gaelyn running up to you from behind a burning hut. You try to speak, but no words find your way to your lips.

>She stops a few feet in front of you, holding her poleaxe behind her as she rocks her heels excitedly, “Sirius! There was this entire village of monsters and pagans here! So close to the mines!”

>Unable to speak, you just force a smile, staring at the blood covering her all over

>”I know right!? It's a wonder the mines haven't been attacked yet!” She says, looking around and sighing in satisfaction.

>”I… you keep worrying me. I didn't even know where you had gone!” You manage to finally gasp out.

>”Oh… I'm sorry.” She says, looking guilty. “I just… when God spoke to me… She wants us so much to be together, Sirius! And… I have to purify this world before we can do that!” Her face brightens up. “Oh, but don't worry! You can still prove your faith!” She grabs your hand and starts dragging you along, her pull much stronger than you knew her to be capable of, “Come on!”

>As she leads you along, your heart sinks as you see more death and destruction around you.

>”Sirius…?” A kindly old voice groans.

>Inga was knelt before you, arms and legs bound in rope. She lifted her head to see you, look of betrayal burning into you.

>Lined up beside her was her son Falk, covered in cuts and bruises, an olive skinned woman with downy, floppy ears on her snow white hair, with Adele and Hilda at the end, both whimpering quietly.

>”Sirius… why has Gaelyn done this? Did we offend you somehow? Is this why you left in the middle of the night?” Inga says in confused repentance.

>”I knew… I knew I should have killed you both….” Falk says venomously, before spitting out a bloodied tooth.

>”God just want's you to purify these yourself.” Gaelyn says expectantly. “They weren't much of a fight, so I have no idea why she needs you do this, but… She said you had to if you wanted to stay together with me!”

>”Sirius… what god is she talking about? They would never be this outright cruel! I don't understand why you're doing this!” Inga cries. “Please, just take me! Leave my son and his family alone!”

>Gaelyn doesn't even seem to acknowledge Inga's words, “It should be so simple for you anyways! You could probably have taken this entire village with one hand tied behind your back!” Her smile recedes, as she shrinks back slightly, “…S-sorry…”

>”It's… It's fine…” You say, hand shaking as you gripped the hilt of your blade tighter.

>>282295

>”To be honest, Sirius… this village makes me sick… I can't believe there are humans that would actually lay with these abominations!” Gaelyn says, anger quavering in her voice. “Now I see why God weeps for us. We have fallen so far… “

>”Shh, it's okay children, everything will be okay, momma is here, shhh… shhh…” The young woman whispers to her children as they weep.

>”W-why would anyone sleep with such disgusting creatures!?” Gaelyn shrieks angrily, “”How could anyone LOVE such FREAKS!?” Her voice faltering as tears start to well up in her eyes, “Which is why you'll promise you'll stay with me, right, Sirius? We can both purge evil from this world, lift my curse, and make it safe for us to raise a family in, right?” She looks as you pitifully.

>”I…”

>Falk slips his hands from his bonds, gets up despite his ankles still being tied together, and leaps towards Gaelyn, grasping at her poleaxe, desperately trying to wrest it from her hands.

>Your heart leaps, and before you know it, you've run him through with your sword, his wife and daughters' screams rousing you from your trance.

>Despite being impaled, Falk still pulls desperately at her weapon as his strength leaves him, eventually falling to the ground, dead.

>Even through the cold, the air seemed to grow colder, despite the wind growing still.

>Gaelyn grins, and dimly glowing chains shoot out from behind her, wrapping themselves around the dying man.

>”What foul magick is this!?” Inga moans, her face sallowing as she seems to have come to a realization. “No…”

>The ethereal chains tighten around him, but seem to have no affect on his body at all, passing through as if they weren't there.

>As the life dims from Falks eyes, the chains go taut, as if meeting resistance. As they slowly begin receding back into Gaelyn's body, a ghostly form is slowly torn out from the corpse.

>”My child! You tamper with forces you don't understand!” Inga screams, “This can only lead to your ruin!”

>As the entity is pulled further and further out, you see it's form identical to Falk, desperately gripping at his physical body as he's dragged away.

>”You freak! What are you doing to me!?” He screams, voice echoing as if it were far away. As he yells in exertion, he's ripped from his body, and quickly absorbed into Gaelyn, silenced forever.

>Her body jolts, and light shines from her eyes for a moment, before dying back down.

>”Falk!” His mother screams, jumping forward, only for her binds to impede and make her collapse face first in the snow.

>You stand speechless, ”Gaelyn… what did…”

>She smiles, “This is the gift God gave to me. She will have me bring all the corruption of the world unto my self, so when I am done, she will purge it all from my body in one stroke. In the mean time… because I am cursed, the more corruption I absorb, the more powerful I become…”

>”Child, you aren't absorbing corruption! This is a forbidden magick! You are devouring their souls!” Inga cries. “You must stop before it overcomes you!”

>Gaelyn continues staring at you, patiently smiling. “I shall become God's perfect weapon to exact Her will upon Her world. And you will help me, my love.”

>Fear gripped you. You could feel God's power coursing through her, aura pulsing with overwhelming pressure.

>And it terrified you. Even when you felt God's blessing for yourself, it was never this intense… this raw…

>You realized, you didn't even have a choice.

>You never did.

>You close yourself off, and approach the children, raising your blade.

>You could only stare at the blood on your hand, on your sword as it fell to the ground, too weak to keep holding it.

>Gaelyn clung to your waist, nuzzling your chest, seemingly unaware of the carnage you both had wrought, and undeterred by the blood spread between you. “We're going to save the world, together, Sirius. It's like a fairy tale…”

Man what a fucking bitch

dis gon b good

>>282328

come on man, it was soo obvious, maybe your gaydar is on a fritz.

>>282332

Was it? I was just expecting him to grab a couble of zombies and go full Thriller.

>>282336

>grab a couple of zombies and go full Thriller.

God damn it, I wish i thought of putting a scene like that in there.

>>282338

well coulda woulda shoulda. Then Again, you did set him up to be flamboyant bard of sorts, good job in that misdirection. Still woulda been fun.

>>282338

Put it in a recap?

>Hey, remember when Beatus…

>>282351

make it a book.

I'd fucking buy it and I like printed shit

>>282355

Right now it's 390k words long, which by general standards, is the length of 8 short novels, or about 4 good length novels.

Also checked, looks like I'll have to try getting some printed copies of it one day.

>>282351

Story is great, you should try to get it self-published on amazon or something once it's done.

>>282355

seconded

>>282351

When you do go back to rewrite the story, what do you have in mind for Ebonthorn Crag? I know you were dissatisfied with that part of the story, but there were some parts there that I enjoyed, like training the army.

Speaking of, will we cut back to Ebonthorn briefly to see how the city is faring (especially since Iris is with the army now)? Then again, there aren't that many characters left there.

Is Perri going to get an assistant to help her with her workload? Oh, and one more thing I am curious about is the king of Duskbreach. We only saw him briefly in a scene with Commander Dawn, and he seems like just a puppet for God at a glance, but I do wonder what kind of a person he is and what agenda he has.

>>283124

>Meeting with the ushi oni criminal with the japanese bean name ends with him chipping off her horn, and knocking her out before fucking off

>Anonson and friends enter city

>Arrested

>Brought before Queen

>Find out Mags is princess

>After a heated back and forth, and Mags showing the horn fragment to Queen, she decides to give Anonson low class citizenship

>Mags is to stay in the castle at all times though, no explanation

>Anonson, Ken, and Becky end up living in a shitty shack on edge of the city, near the walls in the slums

>Anonson visits Iris, who gives some religious background, tea/cookies/hugs, and an idea of how to get close to Mags again (Aside from her sneaking out sometimes). Anonson will find solace in the temple many times, desperate to find faith in something after becoming so disillusioned from his old faith.

>Anonson starts helping out the senators, starts from doing low tier shit like go-fer work

>Ends up becoming part of the city guard

>Ends up excelling at it, taking down criminals that had given them trouble for years

>Gradually becomes a local celebrity/hero

>Starts being able to see Mags more and more

>Doesn't get accosted or attempted rapemuggings any more, being seen a respected full citizen, but starts getting bad attention from Lucy's 'family'

>Queen allows Mags and MC to spend more time together

>Paladins siege the city

>MC rushes headlong into it along with the Queen and her army.

>Shit heads south quick with a paladin abomination rampaging through their ranks

>They take it down, but Queen is fatally injured

>Hands crown to Magdalene

>Magdalene, being extremely unpopular with the people due to being a busybody who annoyed people by pushing for human rights, gives it to MC instead out of uncertainty of her own ability to lead

>Despite being beloved by the people, a human ruling them perturbs the city

>Lucy uses this to stage a coup of the crown (((legally))) through some loophole

>Lucy tries to have them killed because she seems the royal bloodline as a threat (People still have nostalgic attachment to it)

>They go on the run, stay in the shadows of the city

>Lucy uses her power as Queen (and the corrupted, bought off senators) to benefit her own clan at the expense of the people.

>Naomi, disgraced with the new leadership, quits and goes to join MC and his friends in hiding.

>They end up discovering Lucy has been manipulating the ecumony (why did i write that), by hiding how much human livestock she actually had, tens of thousands instead of hundreds, artificially manipulating scarcity.

>She has no intention of responding to the paIadin threat, finding it pointless (And she has it on (((good authority))) that Anonson was responsible for the attack).

>Lots of fighting and some other shit, they end up bringing proof of her manipulation to the people

>Stage a rebellion against Lucy, and retake the throne

>Lucy, using a Samson option, demolishes the cavern the humans are kept in, killing them all, and fucking everyone over.

>MC save's her life, if only to submit her to trial (She still ends his slave as ironic punishment)

>The corrupt senators are replaced with more reliable people, many of them standing down of their own accord out of shame. (Not executed like before, at worst just disgraced or maybe exiled).

>Due to the state of emergency, the Circle becomes more of an advisory body and power check for the crown, rather than the brunt of power like before, until things are sorted out and the war is over.

That's more or less how I'd like to rewrite it, might change a bit when I get around to rewriting. Also Gwen/Perri/Christi would come visit sooner, and the whole three months leading up to war will be compressed so it's more interesting and less SoL fluff.

I might cut back to Ebonthorn under Advisor Herbert's point of view, but it might be more lighthearted than anything. (Or maybe even Acolyte Michelle's point of view taking care of the temple while Iris is away)

As for the Holy King, I'm going to have at least one more appearance of him before the end. As for who he is, and what his agenda is. One of those will be answered very soon.

testing

>>288574

Update is almost ready.

10k words in length. Just editing it and quadruple checking it for logical consistency

>>282297

>Mountains loomed ahead as far as the eye could see from your left and right, snow fluttered to the ground, as you ran and wove between the trees, the refreshing scent of pine making the cold stinging your lungs almost worth it.

>You trailed right behind Ricki as she bounded majestically, movements still breathtakingly effortless despite travelling all this distance.

>She slows down and turns to you, “We're almost there. Let's rest for a bit.”

>”I… can keep going…” You pant, not sure if you could really back the words up.

>”I know you can.” Ricki says, smiling warmly, before sniffing the air and knitting her brow, “I just don't like the smell on the wind, and I want us to be ready for anything.”

>You keep a hand close on the sword hanging from your belt.

>”Not just yet.” She says, ears perking up and twitching wildly. “Wait here, and stay quiet.” With a mighty leap, she launches up into a nearby evergreen tree and starts climbing it, needles shaking off as the limbs creak and sway under her weight.

>After a few moments, you see her head pop out of the upper boughs, scanning the surroundings.

>Waiting, you decide to lean against the tree, sliding down into a squat as you caught your breath, listening to the whistling of the wind.

>After further rustling, Ricki drops down, squatting down beside you with a heavy sigh.

>”What's wrong?”

>”I don't know, it just… does something feel wrong to you? Like there's a chill on the wind?” She glanced around uncertainly.

>”Well, it is snowing.” You surmise.

>”No I…” She shakes her head before standing up, “I guess it's nothing.”

>Continuing your trek at a more casual pace, you closely follow behind Ricki, her ears twitching impatiently. It became apparent why she's slowed down, the terrain ahead was increasingly rocky. Jagged stone jut out from the hills, making your already icy path ever more challenging.

>”I think we're almost there… keep an eye out for any ruins.” She says, scanning her surroundings as you navigate the unwelcoming terrain.

>You join in the search, carefully peering in the distance for anything that seems suspect.

>Ricki grumbles and pulls off her pack, taking out her tome and a flipping through the pages as she walked, “I don't understand… it was supposed to be around here somewhere…”

>Squinting your eyes, you scan the horizon with determination, but as you get lost in your enthusiasm, your foot catches something, causing you to scream as you're thrown down into the the snow, putting your hands in front of you just in time to avoid having your teeth smashed out by a rock.

>”Unnnggh…” you groan, as you push yourself back up, hands stinging from the impact.

>”You okay?” Ricki says walking over to you, nose still buried in her book as she holds up a compass. “Gotta pay more attention to your surroundings or…” Looking over, she glances down at your feet, and puts her book away. “Good job, Maurice!”

>”I didn't mean to trip you don't have to be sarcastic.” You whine.

>”No! I think you found it! I can't believe I didn't think of that!” She says before kneeling down.

>”Huh?” you grunt quizzically as you scratch your head.

>“You found the ruins!” Brushing off a lump of dirt, she reveals yet another rock, much to your dismay.

>”Uhhh…” You're about to voice an objection, when a second glance shows an obviously unnatural pattern carved into the rock. “What?”

>”Looks like the ruins were buried under a landslide centuries ago…” Ricki says as she glanced back at her mother's notes.

>”Well… we didn't come all this way to give up, did we?” You ask with uncertainty, before mustering up some confidence and zeal “Let's get to work unearthing it! Where's a shovel?”

>”I didn't bring a shovel.” She says, dejected. “…And the closest place we could safely get one is over two hundred miles south…”

>”Then… we can dig by hand!” You say, before clawing at the dirt.

>”Maurice… I think the entrance is down there.” She says, pointing a bit further down the hill.

>”Oh.”

>”Besides, I've pushed you hard today, why don't you set up camp and rest while I take care of this.” She hands you her pack, and starts climbing back down the slope.

>”Yes, ma'am.” You say gratefully, looking for a nearby deadwood, slinging the pack over your shoulders as you follow her down.

>>289472

>With an armful of firewood in your arms, you return to the clearing close by to where you had left Ricki. “I'm back!” You call out, dropping the wood down in to the pile you had been building. “Ricki?”

>You see some dirt fly over a nearby hill, and start running over, “Ricki?”

>As you crested the hill, a clod of dirt smacks you in the face, making you spit and sputter to get the bitter earth out of your mouth, “H-hey! Watch it!”

>Ricki seemed to ignore you as she… 'worked'. She was hunched over in an impressively sized hole, pawing at the dirt in great handfuls that she promptly threw between her legs and out behind her. Despite the hectic pace that she dug, her tail wagged frantically, and her tongue lolled out of her grinning, panting mouth as if she was having the time of her life.

>”Uh… I'll just go make the fire, then…”

>She twists her head to face you, eyes wide before she jerks upright and recomposes herself, “Uh right, of course. I uh… feel free to help yourself to some rations, I'll hunt for food later…”

>”Alright…” You say, slowly walking back. “I'll… leave you to it, then…”

>”…Kay…” She mutters, watching you with an uncomfortable smile as you leave.

>The tent was set up, and the fire was roaring, offering a sanctuary from the icy breeze.

>Your eyes paced lazily between the embers within the logs, to the hill next to you, watching as the occasional flurry of dirt clouds puffed out into the air. For some reason, remembering Ricki's happy expression brought a smile to your own face. Although when you realized you had been just sitting there grinning like an idiot, you felt a bit embarrassed, even though no one was watching you.