- Location
- italy bologna
Well we need someone able to take hard decision if things go wrong!
I ruled the world once, Now I'm training to be a Privateer.(An Isekai Quest)
- Thread starter Princess Scribe
- Start date
- Original Fantasy Romance
But each of them adds something to make "things go wrong" much less likely.
Yep, you don't play the guitar for someone out of guilt.
Vote closed
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
The true debate: do you strive for greatness? Or merely try to avoid disappointment?
Cruel on 1, Grandma on 2
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Wait no! Shit, throwing away this draft, it didn't count Giodan's votes.
e: I just need to count these things by hand tbh, I'm mostly using the voting thing to say when I'll get too something, and that's not really working out because I always end a day or two early.
e: I just need to count these things by hand tbh, I'm mostly using the voting thing to say when I'll get too something, and that's not really working out because I always end a day or two early.
Last edited:
005 - All's well that ends well.
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] The Ally: I need to tell you something...
Chloe and River looked at each other, then back to Nala.
The Ally: Nala bit the inside of her lip, tearing a bit of flesh off. "I... I'm not from here. I don't mean like a far-off land," she paused, gathering her thoughts. "The last thing I remember was a portal, and throwing myself into it. Then, I woke up here, without access to my magic. I can't remember how to use it."
It was River who made the first move. Their eyes softened, their posture became less rigid and unyielding. They let out a deep breath they'd been holding for lord knows how long. With a few gentle steps, they moved into the room. "OK."
Chloe nodded but she was folded in on herself. "I see," she said, pinching her eyes, massaging them with her fingers. "Do you remember who you are? Or were, I guess?"
The Cruel: Nala didn't have time to break down. If she was doing this, she would do it right. "I was terrible, and powerful," she began. "I trudged through leagues of grime and grit."
Both Chloe and River were a little taken aback by her sudden intensity, the coldness of her voice, the way her eyes seemed to simmer with a frozen heat. "There are parts of me that remain, echoes of power, bits of stamina," she continued. "But I sacrificed EVERYTHING to be here," she added, nearly spitting the word out as if it were rotten meat.
With a sigh, Chloe said, "Listen, I saw the boat today. I saw the fighting through my spyglass. A large Drakkenai nearly took the ship out. It makes sense that what you know is a little jumbled up."
River picked up one of the mugs left over and filled it with a clear liquid that smelled acrid and synthetic. "These things happen," they said, not looking at Nala as they drank. "It's terrible."
The Counselor: See? I told you. They think these creatures have done something to you.
The Ally: Stop being so smug.
A pregnant pause hung in the air. River, seeming broken, dragged their feet as they stepped forward with weighted, slumped shoulders. They looked at Nala. "People will understand. It's a miracle you live."
Chloe nodded, "Do you remember? Why we don't look at the monsters? The Drakkenai?"
"I remember the guard, Donnegan, in a trance," Nala bit out. "I haven't been here before; I don't know these creatures."
Chloe smiled at Nala, and Nala felt a slight squeeze on her hand. "That's exactly right. When you look at them too long—when you think about them—you let them inside, and they scramble everything. They eat your memories, and your mind fills those holes using the surrounding thoughts."
The Cruel: This is a wasted effort, and we're so very tired.
"What do you remember?" Chloe asked gently. "Maybe there's something there."
Nala wasn't gentle; she was tired, angry, and felt repugnantly dismissed. "There's little good in my memories, only war." Suddenly, something shifted in her body. She looked at her hands—they were covered in blood. She was elbow-deep, manually pumping a dragon's heart. "Don't die on me, damn you!" There was a knife next to her, and—
Snapping back to reality with a jolt, she looked at Chloe and stated, "Whether you believe me or not, this is my truth. I was a conqueror. A world breaker. Since childhood, I've been an omen bringing hell to those around me, and then doomed a world by abandoning it. There's nothing to mourn here; this shell is empty. I am here for a better life, and I know nothing of this place."
The Counselor: Then she added, "And I'm exhausted. I'm sorry for my intensity, but I must have some rest."
Chloe nodded and said, "Okay, that's valid. I'm sorry you've gone through that," As Chloe waved at Nala, about to leave, she added, "I'm going to leave you be, but I think—"
Cutting Chloe off, River took a step towards Nala and said, "You will find what you're looking for here." The assurance in their voice was palpable, making it hard to doubt them. Nala's heart resonated with their words, and somehow, she knew they were true.
"I will come with Chloe in the morning," River stated. "Together we will get breakfast, then speak to the admiral."
"Yeah, it'll be great, the food here is aweso—"
With a growl, Nala interrupted Chloe, "I appreciate your pity but, I must rest."
She withered under Nala's gaze, and she seemed a bit hurt, "Of course, I'm sorry we'll go now."
With a curt wave, Nala allowed them to leave her presence and crawled under the covers.
Sweetie, it must be done — no way he'll ever — You can't do this it's horrif— so hungry please miss just a bite. — There's nothing you can do, these thi— but you need —
You saved us, you're a hero miss I can't belie—stard, you absolute mongrel! I hope your childr—ou scare me Lena, I don't kno—ease, Nina I can't bear it you have—
I'm so tired.
Wanna know a secret?
[] About Nala
[] About Chloe
[] About River
There was banging on Nala's door. Without thinking, she leapt up in unfamiliar surroundings and reached out with her hand. She felt an intense loneliness in the gesture and grimaced. Calling out, she invited them in.
"We went to the armory and got some new uniforms for you," Chloe said as she walked in and put the pile on the writing desk.
River stared pointedly at Nala's uniform, still covered in sand and sea-water, then at her bed, and finally at her. "Do you remember how to use the shower? You look like shit."
Anybody? Nala said internally asking for help, but in the very ides of the early morning, her mind was silent. "I normally had a servant bring pails of water in. If I was impatient, my castle was also built near a hotspring, but I turned that into a public bath."
River looked at Chloe, who put her hands up and rolled her eyes with a noise of exasperation. "We—the Pirates of Sabryna—have indoor plumbing. It's rare. Public utilities are unheard of outside our home islands." He pointed to a door in Nala's room.
"The bar is soap, the water comes out from the top, and the knob controls the temperature. We'll wait outside," River said before leaving.
Nala then discovered the joys of indoor plumbing and washed off the muck and grime. As she looked in the mirror, wondering what to do with her hair, she noticed castor oil. Another serendipitous multiversal constant. With a few drops, she gently teased her curls into a bun tied with a ribbon, and then left the room feeling refreshed.
"Where do I find things to clean the room?" Nala meekly asked, as she stepped outside.
With a smile, Chloe said, "Oh, don't worry about it. The room resets for the most part, as long as your things are put away on the desk, wardrobe, or storage areas. Everyone pitches in a little energy to keep the spells in the barracks running."
As Nala travelled to the cafeteria, she observed that many things here were communal. People seemed to share energy and resources all over the campus. Chloe showed her the places she could deposit bits of energy that were used to power the numerous spells that kept the facilities running, and River pointed out where she could requisition supplies. Remembering the coins being exchanged in the market—and Chloe's talk about rations—Nala started to worry as she realized she didn't have any coins. The talk of energy transference was a bit confusing, but she realized there would probably be classes that explained the concept more in-depth.
The cafeteria was a large dining hall with round tables and plush seats. There was a bar where someone would write down what Nala wanted to eat, and then hand her a number. This number would get called when her food was ready. As she peeked through the doors, she saw that there were more cooks than she had been used to at the castle, all working in tandem.
In minutes, Nala was handed a piping hot plate of food. The smell of sweet cakes, hot meats, and a strong, peculiar black tea all reached her nose. She scarfed it down at light speed, paying little attention to the two people escorting her. Sweets, bitters, salts, and rich butter blended and melted together on her palate, creating a euphoric experience. Mournfully, she wondered how rude it would be to lick the plate.
The Counselor: Look at River.
Catching River's eyes suddenly, they found themselves staring at each other. The inscrutable facade—now that she wasn't drained and exhausted—revealed slight tells that she had missed before. She could see their eyes widen, by a fractional amount. Their lips almost part. They were surprised.
The Counselor: Finally.
"Is something wrong?" Nala asked. As her posture shifted, she remembered to push her shoulders back, straighten her spine, and rested her arms clasped on her lap.
River shook their head slightly. "No," they replied. Taking out a notebook and a writing implement, they added, "Thinking of music. Not staring." As they opened it, she saw it was filled with tight, neat music notes. The notebook itself consisted of rows upon rows of score sheets that they were filling out by hand.
The Counselor: They're cheating.
The Ally: How are they cheating if there's no game.
The Counselor: There is a game, and they. Are. cheating.
As River looked down and wrote, they said, "Sorry to disappoint." Nala swore she saw a smile.
Chloe gave a polite laugh, and the three of them headed toward the Admiral's office. In the daylight, as they moved towards the back of the campus, Nala realized it was shaped like a pentagon and built jutting out over the dock. She could see defensive placements along the edges and noticed that almost every classroom with city-facing windows had firing slits. When Chloe pointed out the Admiral's office, she noticed a large spire with a domed top along one of the bastions extending from the main campus.
"That's the observatory," Chloe explained. "The giant spyglass lets them chart the stars."
As they were walking, they heard rapidly approaching footsteps. Suddenly, someone running bumped into Nala.
The Cruel: Bracing herself, the person bounced off of her, falling and dropping whatever was in their hands.
Nala started to walk away without looking back, but then she heard a gasp and a sniffle. Turning around, she could see that a young woman was kneeling over the body of a fox. Its bod—
The Cruel: It is dying, there is no need to examine it further, or go into detail about its looks and behaviors.
"My fox," the young woman, who was carrying it, cried. "A wagon got him. I was trying to find a healer, someone who knew magic."
Nala turned to Chloe, who was avoiding staring directly at the fox, and noticed even River seemed unable to look at the tangled mess. "Can this creature be saved? Is that something your healers can do?" she asked.
"No, I'm sorry, I don't think so," Chloe said, still having trouble looking at the pitiful creature. It was whimpering now.
Her mind flashed back to the dream of her healing The Beast inside. Pushing the memory away, she stared back down at the fox, trying to steel her heart for what must be done.
[] She offered to take the fox away, and handle it Caretaker
[X] She did what must be done, without waiting longer than necessary. The Cruel.
The Ally: Looking at the young woman, Nala asked gently—
The Cruel: She is grieving, do not prolong this. "There is something that must be done," she said. "What is your name?"
"I'm... Tamil," she responded quietly. "How long does it have?"
Nala looked down at it. "Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes," she estimated, then locked eyes with the creature. "I would recommend against waiting that long."
Tamil nodded and sniffled.
"Do you have a knife?" Nala asked. Her tone was not gentle, but quiet, not wanting to alarm her or the fox.
Tamil nodded again.
"Do you know how?" she inquired. Deep down, Nala hoped Tamil knew; she didn't want to be the one who had to do it.
Tamil shook her head.
"Hand me the knife," Nala said, holding out one hand for the blade. With the other hand, she gently repositioned the fox to make things easier.
The Ally: She pet it, trying to soothe it.
The Cruel: You are hurting it, there is nothing soothing about a gentle touch on open wounds.
Tamil handed it to her, and Nala wrapped her hand around the implement. No one was looking at her now; even Tamil had turned her head.
She was quick, it was over in seconds.
[X] Cursed Empathy
[X] Kindness
The Cruel & The Counselor: Tamil was quietly sniffling, River gave Nala a quick nod, and Chloe seemed at a loss for words. Everyone was so hurt, so sad, because of this creature. Nala was too; deep down, it tore at a small part of her. Death was not uncommon, and she had already seen so many horrors, but... genuine compassion had always drilled a pathway through her walls.
The sheer stupidity of her next actions was overwhelmingly incredulous, tearing at her core. Despite the voices' combined shrieks urging her to stop, she couldn't. She remembered the pet she once had and lost, how much she wanted it back, how much she missed it. The Witch's voice crawled into her ear Stupid girl, compassion will get you killed. Decisions had been made long ago, foretelling that this moment would come to pass.
Grasping the blade itself, Nala made a quick jerk with her hand, causing ruby rivulets of blood to trickle down.With her hand gently resting on its fur, she felt her body growing weak. She was starving again, as the sustenance of breakfast left her. Now, everyone was staring at her, not just River, Chloe, and Tamil, but also those walking by. She was performing a magic that was unseen, possibly even forbidden, but she didn't care.
It wouldn't have been able to come back, of course. Even if it had, it wouldn't have alleviated the thick emotions surrounding Nala. Using her bloody hand, she wrote runes beneath the creature, runes that slipped from her mind even as she stared at them. She touched them, and her blood lifted, then dissipated. As Nala pushed her life force into it, she grasped something tangible, exchanging her feelings for the few moments of life she stole back for the creature.
There wasn't a flash of light or a spark, no slight chill in the air, no shivers running down spines. Her magic was not showy or flashy; it was quiet, morose, and private. The dead had no need for showmanship; their mere presence demanded attention on its own. A small ethereal fox crawled out of the tangled mass of gory crushed bones.
It was a silhouette of itself, with slight shadows to denote form. Through that silhouette, Nala saw shifting, shimmering forests. When the shape opened its eyes, they were bright and shiny. They glowed with the warmth of a love-filled life. It barked, and the sound was like mischievous laughter.
"Tamil!" it said excitedly, jumping on the young woman.
"Rufus?!" she screamed back, equally excited, picking up the small ghost.
They embraced, and tears ran down both their faces.
"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to get hurt," the fox, Rufus, said loudly, pushing its cold wet nose into Tamil's neck.
Tamil cried back, "It's okay, you can talk! It's okay, you're back now."
At this, Nala growled, loud and low, a rumble resonating with bass inside people's chests; the sound reverberated. "You have five minutes. I would recommend saying goodbye first. People often forget when they leave it for last."
She vomited up black ichor.
"Rufus, I love you so much," Tamil said quietly, squeezing him. "I love you, you're my only friend. I'm so sorry I couldn't get you more food. I'm sorry I could—"
Rufus gave that laughing bark again. "I was happy, I was warm, and I was safe. You're okay, you did great, kid."
"I'm going to miss you so much," Tamil said.
More ichor flowed from Nala's lips and now her eyes. She stood up and stumbled away. Long black splotches of greasy ink flowed down her face, and it dripped small stains onto her white uniform.
The Cruel: We are incredibly stupid.
Nala smiled at Tamil and ignored both Chloe and River, walking just far enough to get out of sight. Unaware of her surroundings, Nala collapsed just as she turned the corner. She hoped she'd gotten far enough away not to ruin Tamil's tender moment.
A wet nose pressed into Nala's palm, and she was filled with determination.
[X] Cursed Empathy
[X] Kindness
[X] Ally
Familiar: Fox
The room Nala woke up in appeared to be a medical hut of some sort. She was on a soft bed, partially shielded by a green curtain, which provided a modicum of privacy. A small crowd surrounded her, including a healer, Chloe, River, and a new man.
Nala assumed he was the admiral, given the array of buckles, badges, and ribbons adorning his chest. Her eyes squinted as his bald umber head caught the light. The way he had it tilted, his hexagonal glasses appeared opaque white. A scar ran across the top of his head, over his right eye, and ended just at the corner of his lip. His beard was thick and wiry, complementing his extremely wide frame, with strong shoulders and arms like tree trunks.
When he noticed Nala was awake, he gave her the smallest of wry smiles. "Good morning, Nala," he said. "I'm Admiral Miller. You're making quite the show." Nala wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an admonishment.
He looked to the healer. "Is she fine?" he asked.
The healer was a small, wiry woman with tight curls. She was ancient and diminutive, almost doubled over with age. "She is awake, and as far as I can tell, she hasn't been hurt," the healer replied, shaking her head. "But Nate, I wouldn't call anything that happened this morning fine."
"In fact," she turned on Admiral Miller, poking a finger into his solar plexus, having to reach upwards to do so. "Why wasn't she sent to me sooner!?"
She continued to poke him and let loose an angry tirade. "Allowing her to roam around, clearly memory-sick, casting higgledy-piggledy on anyone she passed by! She could have been hurt! Someone else could have been hurt! The poor thing is lost and confused."
The Cruel: "I am awake. I am not lost or confused," Nala's voice declared, akin to the slamming of a portcullis, causing everyone's head to snap towards her. "I am in the port city of Sabryna, a while away from Queenston, in a nation whose name I do not know. This," she continued, gesturing around herself, "is a military training facility of some sort."
As she rolled her neck with a few audible cracks, she continued, "This nation operates on communal effort, providing basic commodities and employing a labor system to earn currency for extra luxuries."
She tried to remember her conversation with Chloe. "Magic in your society is conducted through rune-writing and involves a combination of lingual and mathematical formulas. You're under constant attack by the Drakkenai, which eat your memories. This means you must prepare massive defenses. This is especially true for the New Moon, an occurrence that happens once a year. Education here is peer-to-peer focused, aiming to create empowered, decentralized units capable of autonomous deployment."
Sticking a finger under her ribbon to scratch her head, she mused, "You acquire some supplies through raiding, indicating you are at war, or at least have enemies. The decentralization must aid this in some way." She thought back to River. "I am here for a new life, a sentiment that seems to resonate with many here who also seek new beginnings. These individuals, at least in part, are willing to risk the wrath of your enemies for this opportunity."
Her eyes were frosty, filled with cold, steeled determination. "I am not a child. Do not coddle me."
Admiral Miller listened intently, his eyes scrutinizing her every word and gesture. Once she finished, there was a brief silence. Then, he leaned back against the window behind her, his expression thoughtful.
"Very well, Nala. I respect your clarity and resolve. It's rare to see such determination, especially under these... unique circumstances." He paused, then continued, "A minor correction: this is not a military facility. This is a place of learning that happens to include military tactics as a potential curriculum. We foster strength, resilience, common sense, and adaptability. You've shown strength, but the jury is still out on the others." As his gaze stiffened, he added, "Especially common sense."
"Normally, the first classes you take are basic education - a simple set of courses setting you on your path, introducing you to various possible fields. Just a check on reading, writing, and basic magic. I loathe the idea of you spending the entirety of your coursework here playing catch up, and waiting for more ships could bear no fruit. I need to skip you into the next year with Chloe and River."
Nala nodded, paying attention to each and every word he chose.
"I apologize for this part, but Chloe and River have been assigned to keep tabs on you. Full disclosure, this is not only to help you acclimate. The manner in which you've shown up here is questionable at best. Clearly, the Drakkenai have meddled with your mental state. You exhibit unknown power that has terrified people on campus and need direction on even the most basic tasks. I need to know if you're a potential danger - to this place, this community, and possibly even to yourself."
"Here are your choices, you will start today:"
Voting
[] A.) Tutoring
"If you feel you have the time, and aren't as interested in socializing as much," the Admiral continues, "many of our teachers have more free time with the loss of your wave, and you could spend extra hours with them to help you catch up."
[] B.) Work study
"A more balanced approach, the work-study program, might better suit you. You'll assist in various departments, from the archives to the shipyards. It gives you a chance to learn the ropes while meeting people from all corners of the academy. Then you'd gain more information on how your knowledge might be directly applied."
[] C.) Peer-Study
"Alternatively, you might consider just working with your peers for the extra help. There are fairly large study groups, some specialized, some not, where you might find interest, and people who would be willing to help you."
[INFO] This is a significant choice, Nala can request more clarification and I will write it as diegetically as I can. I'll be watching the thread very closely for any info requests. As she may have noticed, decisions can have far-reaching consequences lol.
(Reminder about Vote at the beginning of the post.)
Want to know a secret?
[] About Nala
[] About Chloe
[] About River
Nala can hold onto an infinite amount of voices, but she can only take 3 with her at a time.
[] The Cruel - Strong-willed
[] The Ally - Socialite
[] The Counselor - Clinical
[] The Caretaker - Grandma
Chloe and River looked at each other, then back to Nala.
The Ally: Nala bit the inside of her lip, tearing a bit of flesh off. "I... I'm not from here. I don't mean like a far-off land," she paused, gathering her thoughts. "The last thing I remember was a portal, and throwing myself into it. Then, I woke up here, without access to my magic. I can't remember how to use it."
It was River who made the first move. Their eyes softened, their posture became less rigid and unyielding. They let out a deep breath they'd been holding for lord knows how long. With a few gentle steps, they moved into the room. "OK."
Chloe nodded but she was folded in on herself. "I see," she said, pinching her eyes, massaging them with her fingers. "Do you remember who you are? Or were, I guess?"
The Cruel: Nala didn't have time to break down. If she was doing this, she would do it right. "I was terrible, and powerful," she began. "I trudged through leagues of grime and grit."
Both Chloe and River were a little taken aback by her sudden intensity, the coldness of her voice, the way her eyes seemed to simmer with a frozen heat. "There are parts of me that remain, echoes of power, bits of stamina," she continued. "But I sacrificed EVERYTHING to be here," she added, nearly spitting the word out as if it were rotten meat.
With a sigh, Chloe said, "Listen, I saw the boat today. I saw the fighting through my spyglass. A large Drakkenai nearly took the ship out. It makes sense that what you know is a little jumbled up."
River picked up one of the mugs left over and filled it with a clear liquid that smelled acrid and synthetic. "These things happen," they said, not looking at Nala as they drank. "It's terrible."
The Counselor: See? I told you. They think these creatures have done something to you.
The Ally: Stop being so smug.
A pregnant pause hung in the air. River, seeming broken, dragged their feet as they stepped forward with weighted, slumped shoulders. They looked at Nala. "People will understand. It's a miracle you live."
Chloe nodded, "Do you remember? Why we don't look at the monsters? The Drakkenai?"
"I remember the guard, Donnegan, in a trance," Nala bit out. "I haven't been here before; I don't know these creatures."
Chloe smiled at Nala, and Nala felt a slight squeeze on her hand. "That's exactly right. When you look at them too long—when you think about them—you let them inside, and they scramble everything. They eat your memories, and your mind fills those holes using the surrounding thoughts."
The Cruel: This is a wasted effort, and we're so very tired.
"What do you remember?" Chloe asked gently. "Maybe there's something there."
Nala wasn't gentle; she was tired, angry, and felt repugnantly dismissed. "There's little good in my memories, only war." Suddenly, something shifted in her body. She looked at her hands—they were covered in blood. She was elbow-deep, manually pumping a dragon's heart. "Don't die on me, damn you!" There was a knife next to her, and—
Snapping back to reality with a jolt, she looked at Chloe and stated, "Whether you believe me or not, this is my truth. I was a conqueror. A world breaker. Since childhood, I've been an omen bringing hell to those around me, and then doomed a world by abandoning it. There's nothing to mourn here; this shell is empty. I am here for a better life, and I know nothing of this place."
The Counselor: Then she added, "And I'm exhausted. I'm sorry for my intensity, but I must have some rest."
Chloe nodded and said, "Okay, that's valid. I'm sorry you've gone through that," As Chloe waved at Nala, about to leave, she added, "I'm going to leave you be, but I think—"
Cutting Chloe off, River took a step towards Nala and said, "You will find what you're looking for here." The assurance in their voice was palpable, making it hard to doubt them. Nala's heart resonated with their words, and somehow, she knew they were true.
"I will come with Chloe in the morning," River stated. "Together we will get breakfast, then speak to the admiral."
"Yeah, it'll be great, the food here is aweso—"
With a growl, Nala interrupted Chloe, "I appreciate your pity but, I must rest."
She withered under Nala's gaze, and she seemed a bit hurt, "Of course, I'm sorry we'll go now."
With a curt wave, Nala allowed them to leave her presence and crawled under the covers.
Sweetie, it must be done — no way he'll ever — You can't do this it's horrif— so hungry please miss just a bite. — There's nothing you can do, these thi— but you need —
You saved us, you're a hero miss I can't belie—stard, you absolute mongrel! I hope your childr—ou scare me Lena, I don't kno—ease, Nina I can't bear it you have—
I'm so tired.
Wanna know a secret?
[] About Nala
[] About Chloe
[] About River
There was banging on Nala's door. Without thinking, she leapt up in unfamiliar surroundings and reached out with her hand. She felt an intense loneliness in the gesture and grimaced. Calling out, she invited them in.
"We went to the armory and got some new uniforms for you," Chloe said as she walked in and put the pile on the writing desk.
River stared pointedly at Nala's uniform, still covered in sand and sea-water, then at her bed, and finally at her. "Do you remember how to use the shower? You look like shit."
Anybody? Nala said internally asking for help, but in the very ides of the early morning, her mind was silent. "I normally had a servant bring pails of water in. If I was impatient, my castle was also built near a hotspring, but I turned that into a public bath."
River looked at Chloe, who put her hands up and rolled her eyes with a noise of exasperation. "We—the Pirates of Sabryna—have indoor plumbing. It's rare. Public utilities are unheard of outside our home islands." He pointed to a door in Nala's room.
"The bar is soap, the water comes out from the top, and the knob controls the temperature. We'll wait outside," River said before leaving.
Nala then discovered the joys of indoor plumbing and washed off the muck and grime. As she looked in the mirror, wondering what to do with her hair, she noticed castor oil. Another serendipitous multiversal constant. With a few drops, she gently teased her curls into a bun tied with a ribbon, and then left the room feeling refreshed.
"Where do I find things to clean the room?" Nala meekly asked, as she stepped outside.
With a smile, Chloe said, "Oh, don't worry about it. The room resets for the most part, as long as your things are put away on the desk, wardrobe, or storage areas. Everyone pitches in a little energy to keep the spells in the barracks running."
As Nala travelled to the cafeteria, she observed that many things here were communal. People seemed to share energy and resources all over the campus. Chloe showed her the places she could deposit bits of energy that were used to power the numerous spells that kept the facilities running, and River pointed out where she could requisition supplies. Remembering the coins being exchanged in the market—and Chloe's talk about rations—Nala started to worry as she realized she didn't have any coins. The talk of energy transference was a bit confusing, but she realized there would probably be classes that explained the concept more in-depth.
The cafeteria was a large dining hall with round tables and plush seats. There was a bar where someone would write down what Nala wanted to eat, and then hand her a number. This number would get called when her food was ready. As she peeked through the doors, she saw that there were more cooks than she had been used to at the castle, all working in tandem.
In minutes, Nala was handed a piping hot plate of food. The smell of sweet cakes, hot meats, and a strong, peculiar black tea all reached her nose. She scarfed it down at light speed, paying little attention to the two people escorting her. Sweets, bitters, salts, and rich butter blended and melted together on her palate, creating a euphoric experience. Mournfully, she wondered how rude it would be to lick the plate.
The Counselor: Look at River.
Catching River's eyes suddenly, they found themselves staring at each other. The inscrutable facade—now that she wasn't drained and exhausted—revealed slight tells that she had missed before. She could see their eyes widen, by a fractional amount. Their lips almost part. They were surprised.
The Counselor: Finally.
"Is something wrong?" Nala asked. As her posture shifted, she remembered to push her shoulders back, straighten her spine, and rested her arms clasped on her lap.
River shook their head slightly. "No," they replied. Taking out a notebook and a writing implement, they added, "Thinking of music. Not staring." As they opened it, she saw it was filled with tight, neat music notes. The notebook itself consisted of rows upon rows of score sheets that they were filling out by hand.
The Counselor: They're cheating.
The Ally: How are they cheating if there's no game.
The Counselor: There is a game, and they. Are. cheating.
As River looked down and wrote, they said, "Sorry to disappoint." Nala swore she saw a smile.
Chloe gave a polite laugh, and the three of them headed toward the Admiral's office. In the daylight, as they moved towards the back of the campus, Nala realized it was shaped like a pentagon and built jutting out over the dock. She could see defensive placements along the edges and noticed that almost every classroom with city-facing windows had firing slits. When Chloe pointed out the Admiral's office, she noticed a large spire with a domed top along one of the bastions extending from the main campus.
"That's the observatory," Chloe explained. "The giant spyglass lets them chart the stars."
As they were walking, they heard rapidly approaching footsteps. Suddenly, someone running bumped into Nala.
The Cruel: Bracing herself, the person bounced off of her, falling and dropping whatever was in their hands.
Nala started to walk away without looking back, but then she heard a gasp and a sniffle. Turning around, she could see that a young woman was kneeling over the body of a fox. Its bod—
The Cruel: It is dying, there is no need to examine it further, or go into detail about its looks and behaviors.
"My fox," the young woman, who was carrying it, cried. "A wagon got him. I was trying to find a healer, someone who knew magic."
Nala turned to Chloe, who was avoiding staring directly at the fox, and noticed even River seemed unable to look at the tangled mess. "Can this creature be saved? Is that something your healers can do?" she asked.
"No, I'm sorry, I don't think so," Chloe said, still having trouble looking at the pitiful creature. It was whimpering now.
Her mind flashed back to the dream of her healing The Beast inside. Pushing the memory away, she stared back down at the fox, trying to steel her heart for what must be done.
[X] She did what must be done, without waiting longer than necessary. The Cruel.
The Ally: Looking at the young woman, Nala asked gently—
The Cruel: She is grieving, do not prolong this. "There is something that must be done," she said. "What is your name?"
"I'm... Tamil," she responded quietly. "How long does it have?"
Nala looked down at it. "Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes," she estimated, then locked eyes with the creature. "I would recommend against waiting that long."
Tamil nodded and sniffled.
"Do you have a knife?" Nala asked. Her tone was not gentle, but quiet, not wanting to alarm her or the fox.
Tamil nodded again.
"Do you know how?" she inquired. Deep down, Nala hoped Tamil knew; she didn't want to be the one who had to do it.
Tamil shook her head.
"Hand me the knife," Nala said, holding out one hand for the blade. With the other hand, she gently repositioned the fox to make things easier.
The Ally: She pet it, trying to soothe it.
The Cruel: You are hurting it, there is nothing soothing about a gentle touch on open wounds.
Tamil handed it to her, and Nala wrapped her hand around the implement. No one was looking at her now; even Tamil had turned her head.
She was quick, it was over in seconds.
[X] Cursed Empathy
[X] Kindness
The Cruel & The Counselor: Tamil was quietly sniffling, River gave Nala a quick nod, and Chloe seemed at a loss for words. Everyone was so hurt, so sad, because of this creature. Nala was too; deep down, it tore at a small part of her. Death was not uncommon, and she had already seen so many horrors, but... genuine compassion had always drilled a pathway through her walls.
The sheer stupidity of her next actions was overwhelmingly incredulous, tearing at her core. Despite the voices' combined shrieks urging her to stop, she couldn't. She remembered the pet she once had and lost, how much she wanted it back, how much she missed it. The Witch's voice crawled into her ear Stupid girl, compassion will get you killed. Decisions had been made long ago, foretelling that this moment would come to pass.
Grasping the blade itself, Nala made a quick jerk with her hand, causing ruby rivulets of blood to trickle down.With her hand gently resting on its fur, she felt her body growing weak. She was starving again, as the sustenance of breakfast left her. Now, everyone was staring at her, not just River, Chloe, and Tamil, but also those walking by. She was performing a magic that was unseen, possibly even forbidden, but she didn't care.
It wouldn't have been able to come back, of course. Even if it had, it wouldn't have alleviated the thick emotions surrounding Nala. Using her bloody hand, she wrote runes beneath the creature, runes that slipped from her mind even as she stared at them. She touched them, and her blood lifted, then dissipated. As Nala pushed her life force into it, she grasped something tangible, exchanging her feelings for the few moments of life she stole back for the creature.
There wasn't a flash of light or a spark, no slight chill in the air, no shivers running down spines. Her magic was not showy or flashy; it was quiet, morose, and private. The dead had no need for showmanship; their mere presence demanded attention on its own. A small ethereal fox crawled out of the tangled mass of gory crushed bones.
It was a silhouette of itself, with slight shadows to denote form. Through that silhouette, Nala saw shifting, shimmering forests. When the shape opened its eyes, they were bright and shiny. They glowed with the warmth of a love-filled life. It barked, and the sound was like mischievous laughter.
"Tamil!" it said excitedly, jumping on the young woman.
"Rufus?!" she screamed back, equally excited, picking up the small ghost.
They embraced, and tears ran down both their faces.
"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to get hurt," the fox, Rufus, said loudly, pushing its cold wet nose into Tamil's neck.
Tamil cried back, "It's okay, you can talk! It's okay, you're back now."
At this, Nala growled, loud and low, a rumble resonating with bass inside people's chests; the sound reverberated. "You have five minutes. I would recommend saying goodbye first. People often forget when they leave it for last."
She vomited up black ichor.
"Rufus, I love you so much," Tamil said quietly, squeezing him. "I love you, you're my only friend. I'm so sorry I couldn't get you more food. I'm sorry I could—"
Rufus gave that laughing bark again. "I was happy, I was warm, and I was safe. You're okay, you did great, kid."
"I'm going to miss you so much," Tamil said.
More ichor flowed from Nala's lips and now her eyes. She stood up and stumbled away. Long black splotches of greasy ink flowed down her face, and it dripped small stains onto her white uniform.
The Cruel: We are incredibly stupid.
Nala smiled at Tamil and ignored both Chloe and River, walking just far enough to get out of sight. Unaware of her surroundings, Nala collapsed just as she turned the corner. She hoped she'd gotten far enough away not to ruin Tamil's tender moment.
A wet nose pressed into Nala's palm, and she was filled with determination.
[X] Cursed Empathy
[X] Kindness
[X] Ally
Familiar: Fox
The room Nala woke up in appeared to be a medical hut of some sort. She was on a soft bed, partially shielded by a green curtain, which provided a modicum of privacy. A small crowd surrounded her, including a healer, Chloe, River, and a new man.
Nala assumed he was the admiral, given the array of buckles, badges, and ribbons adorning his chest. Her eyes squinted as his bald umber head caught the light. The way he had it tilted, his hexagonal glasses appeared opaque white. A scar ran across the top of his head, over his right eye, and ended just at the corner of his lip. His beard was thick and wiry, complementing his extremely wide frame, with strong shoulders and arms like tree trunks.
When he noticed Nala was awake, he gave her the smallest of wry smiles. "Good morning, Nala," he said. "I'm Admiral Miller. You're making quite the show." Nala wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an admonishment.
He looked to the healer. "Is she fine?" he asked.
The healer was a small, wiry woman with tight curls. She was ancient and diminutive, almost doubled over with age. "She is awake, and as far as I can tell, she hasn't been hurt," the healer replied, shaking her head. "But Nate, I wouldn't call anything that happened this morning fine."
"In fact," she turned on Admiral Miller, poking a finger into his solar plexus, having to reach upwards to do so. "Why wasn't she sent to me sooner!?"
She continued to poke him and let loose an angry tirade. "Allowing her to roam around, clearly memory-sick, casting higgledy-piggledy on anyone she passed by! She could have been hurt! Someone else could have been hurt! The poor thing is lost and confused."
The Cruel: "I am awake. I am not lost or confused," Nala's voice declared, akin to the slamming of a portcullis, causing everyone's head to snap towards her. "I am in the port city of Sabryna, a while away from Queenston, in a nation whose name I do not know. This," she continued, gesturing around herself, "is a military training facility of some sort."
As she rolled her neck with a few audible cracks, she continued, "This nation operates on communal effort, providing basic commodities and employing a labor system to earn currency for extra luxuries."
She tried to remember her conversation with Chloe. "Magic in your society is conducted through rune-writing and involves a combination of lingual and mathematical formulas. You're under constant attack by the Drakkenai, which eat your memories. This means you must prepare massive defenses. This is especially true for the New Moon, an occurrence that happens once a year. Education here is peer-to-peer focused, aiming to create empowered, decentralized units capable of autonomous deployment."
Sticking a finger under her ribbon to scratch her head, she mused, "You acquire some supplies through raiding, indicating you are at war, or at least have enemies. The decentralization must aid this in some way." She thought back to River. "I am here for a new life, a sentiment that seems to resonate with many here who also seek new beginnings. These individuals, at least in part, are willing to risk the wrath of your enemies for this opportunity."
Her eyes were frosty, filled with cold, steeled determination. "I am not a child. Do not coddle me."
Admiral Miller listened intently, his eyes scrutinizing her every word and gesture. Once she finished, there was a brief silence. Then, he leaned back against the window behind her, his expression thoughtful.
"Very well, Nala. I respect your clarity and resolve. It's rare to see such determination, especially under these... unique circumstances." He paused, then continued, "A minor correction: this is not a military facility. This is a place of learning that happens to include military tactics as a potential curriculum. We foster strength, resilience, common sense, and adaptability. You've shown strength, but the jury is still out on the others." As his gaze stiffened, he added, "Especially common sense."
"Normally, the first classes you take are basic education - a simple set of courses setting you on your path, introducing you to various possible fields. Just a check on reading, writing, and basic magic. I loathe the idea of you spending the entirety of your coursework here playing catch up, and waiting for more ships could bear no fruit. I need to skip you into the next year with Chloe and River."
Nala nodded, paying attention to each and every word he chose.
"I apologize for this part, but Chloe and River have been assigned to keep tabs on you. Full disclosure, this is not only to help you acclimate. The manner in which you've shown up here is questionable at best. Clearly, the Drakkenai have meddled with your mental state. You exhibit unknown power that has terrified people on campus and need direction on even the most basic tasks. I need to know if you're a potential danger - to this place, this community, and possibly even to yourself."
"Here are your choices, you will start today:"
Voting
[] A.) Tutoring
"If you feel you have the time, and aren't as interested in socializing as much," the Admiral continues, "many of our teachers have more free time with the loss of your wave, and you could spend extra hours with them to help you catch up."
[] B.) Work study
"A more balanced approach, the work-study program, might better suit you. You'll assist in various departments, from the archives to the shipyards. It gives you a chance to learn the ropes while meeting people from all corners of the academy. Then you'd gain more information on how your knowledge might be directly applied."
[] C.) Peer-Study
"Alternatively, you might consider just working with your peers for the extra help. There are fairly large study groups, some specialized, some not, where you might find interest, and people who would be willing to help you."
[INFO] This is a significant choice, Nala can request more clarification and I will write it as diegetically as I can. I'll be watching the thread very closely for any info requests. As she may have noticed, decisions can have far-reaching consequences lol.
(Reminder about Vote at the beginning of the post.)
Want to know a secret?
[] About Nala
[] About Chloe
[] About River
Nala can hold onto an infinite amount of voices, but she can only take 3 with her at a time.
[] The Cruel - Strong-willed
[] The Ally - Socialite
[] The Counselor - Clinical
[] The Caretaker - Grandma
Last edited:
Wanna know a secret?
[] About Nala
[] About Chloe
[X] About River
[X] B.) Work study
"A more balanced approach, the work-study program, might better suit you. You'll assist in various departments, from the archives to the shipyards. It gives you a chance to learn the ropes while meeting people from all corners of the academy. Then you'd gain more information on how your knowledge might be directly applied."
[X] The Ally - Socialite
[X] The Counselor - Clinical
[X] The Caretaker - Grandma
Lets leave the cruel in storage until we start to expect fights.
That facet of our old live can stay dormant until we need it.
[] About Nala
[] About Chloe
[X] About River
[X] B.) Work study
"A more balanced approach, the work-study program, might better suit you. You'll assist in various departments, from the archives to the shipyards. It gives you a chance to learn the ropes while meeting people from all corners of the academy. Then you'd gain more information on how your knowledge might be directly applied."
[X] The Ally - Socialite
[X] The Counselor - Clinical
[X] The Caretaker - Grandma
Lets leave the cruel in storage until we start to expect fights.
That facet of our old live can stay dormant until we need it.
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
It's 6am on a Tuesday, do you know where your necromancer is?
1 is River, Ally, Counselor, Caretaker
2 is Nala, Cruel, Counselor, Caretaker
1 is River, Ally, Counselor, Caretaker
2 is Nala, Cruel, Counselor, Caretaker
Vote closed
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Alright, see you in a few days.
The dice seem to like me in this quest.
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I would say the dice are broken, but I've been flipping it between the two to try and make sure, and the dice is just like "No, it's Toboe's way."
E: As an avid DM I must respect the whimsy of the dice, lest I be cursed.
E: As an avid DM I must respect the whimsy of the dice, lest I be cursed.
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I had Windows eat my files for the final time, I didn't lose anything, but I spent the next few days making a bespoke custom environment in Arch Linux.
What this means is it's going to be a few more days, sorry in advance! Computers are hard Q_Q
What this means is it's going to be a few more days, sorry in advance! Computers are hard Q_Q
006 - Once again, with feeling.
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
The Caretaker: Alright, lazy bones, up you trot.
Nala pulled herself out of bed and stood firm. She felt something in her pocket and reached for it. The fox, Rufus, had given her some sort of token. A small piece of quartz - prismatic, and when held upwards to the window, it bounced rainbow light across the room. "Did you have something in mind for the work studies?" she asked, her gaze fixed on the split light, absent-mindedly.
The healer, who she could now discern, was clearly wearing a small plaque that read 'Gianna.' stepped forcefully in Nala's path. "Absolutely not," she stated, her eyes blazing, "You look worn out and frail. I'm not going to let you out of here until I know you're alright."
"Well, ma'am, I'll have two escorts with me wherever I go," Nala countered, politely acknowledging Chloe and River. "I had a hearty breakfast; I'll recover. I just overexerted with my magic, that's it. Everyone suffers from mana burn eventually."
But Gianna was unyielding, her gaze pinned Nala where she stood. "Actually, miss..."
"Nala."
"Miss Nala, most people don't faint in pools of tarry vomit. You'll pardon a bit of concern," she gave Admiral Miller a side eye."I think the work discussion was premature. Wouldn't you agree, Miller?"
Tugging at his wiry beard, he examined Nala. "I don't know what I think currently. I'm not in the habit of holding adults against their will. If she wants to ignore your advice, then I can't stop her."
Gianna emitted a sound of frustration, pinching the bridge of her nose tightly. "You're of no help." She refocused on Nala. "Listen, you need to be careful. Not everyone is going to be okay with what you did."
Before she could continue, Admiral Miller interjected. "I would like to take some time to understand what happened to you. How you achieved what you did... Why?"
Of course, he's not here to explain WHY he did it, that would be too straightforward, Nala thought morosely. How did he tap into that magic which had been dormant in her? Could one of the others have done it?
The Caretaker: "It's a tradition passed down to me that I've lost the ability to comprehend fully. Truthfully, I was primarily acting on instinct." With a heavy sigh, Nala poured herself a cup of water and took a small sip, gazing out the window. "It was one of many ways I helped people in my life."
Outside, on the main campus, people were practicing magic, the magic of this world. It was different. It possessed a sharply refined edge, lattices of bright light dancing in perfect arcs. Two of the practitioners held their fingers on books, seemingly manipulating the light with the words inside. Together, they choreographed an intricate light show.
Admiral Miller spoke, "You don't have to decide now, but if you could, we'd appreciate a chance to pick your brain on this. I think with our resources, we could make this little puzzle whole. If you're willing, of course."
[ ] - Decline the request outright: The Counselor
[ ] - Propose a public talk: The Ally
[ ] - Propose a demonstration for the instructors: The Cruel
[ ] - Propose a discussion over a pleasant luncheon: The Caretaker
"That sounds lovely," she responded. "I'll inform you once I've gathered my thoughts more. Oh, is Tamil alright? The poor girl with the fox?"
Admiral Miller pulled back the curtain, revealing the larger part of the infirmary. It was sterile white, with pink lilies painted on the walls, with intricate vines forming runes and letters. He moved a few steps forward and said, "She wanted to speak with you, but I thought it was better to give you a moment's respite."
Once again, the vivid colors of this world threatened to engulf Nala.
"She's in the waiting room. I'm glad you asked, I didn't want to have to send her away," Miller said, locking eyes with Chloe and River, and gesturing with a nod of his head. The two flanked Nala, who gave them a courteous smile.
As she walked away, Miller said, "When you're ready, I'd like you to assist Captain Donnegan."
Tamil is in the next room, her appearance closer to River's than Nalas or Chloe's. She has a thick halo of curly black hair, with spiraling horns coming out of the top. Like River, her nails ended in sharp points, and her ears were adorned with tiny bright pink ankhs. They popped with brilliant vibrance against her sky-blue complexion. She seemed more likely to bounce from place to place rather than walk.
Upon seeing Nala, she yelped with relief. "Death lady!"
It struck Nala that she was young, teetering on the boundary between adolescence and adulthood.
With a gentle laugh, Nala responded, "Oh no, is that what you're going to call me?"
"I wanted to thank you," Tamil said, bursting with energy. "I didn't know animals could talk, and Rufus! He had so much to say!"
"I'm glad that you could say goodbye." Nala couldn't recall the last time her magic truly brought someone joy. "Do you know River and Chloe? They're going to accompany me for the foreseeable future."
Tamil seemed on the brink of tears, but quickly drew in a deep breath. "I think we met once, yeah."
With a nod, Chloe said, "Yeah, I had come down to the kennel to socialize the kits." She touched her chin. "Tamil runs the—."
"I breed pets! I operate a pet store on the edge of town!" She was already reaching into her robes, sifting through her pockets as treats, herbs, and small bits of dried kibble tumbled out. Finally, she retrieved a rigid piece of paper. "It's my trade card," she declared, "It's a new concept; people write down their business information and hand them out! Donny told me about it."
The card was thick, decorated with ornate black ink. The words "The Kit Kennel, and Kaboodle!" were inscribed on a banner, with tiny hatch shading giving it depth. A drawing of a fox, cat, owl, and dog adorned the card. On the back was some sort of code.
Nala examined the card and glanced at Chloe. Chloe explained, "That's a new system we've implemented. Privateers went through the city erecting signs and numbers to aid navigation."
River groaned softly as they rubbed their neck. "It took weeks."
The Counselor: Nala's focus shifted to River as they provided another tell. She scrutinized them, trying to understand why they were so enigmatic.
I'm having a conversation, Nala thought, trying to wrest her attention away from The Counselor.
The Counselor: I need to understand why I can't read them!
The Ally: Really? I'd think you, of all people, would get why you're so... distracted.
The Counselor: Nala hissed audibly under her breath. "Silence!"
River snorted with amusement, "Something wrong?"
Everyone's attention was on Nala. Tamil looked crestfallen, while Chloe furrowed her brow. Only River seemed mildly amused.
"No, sorry, just a verbal tic, haha," Nala said hurriedly, feeling her cheeks flush. "I must still be a bit disoriented. I'll be fine, though; don't worry about me."
With a brief nod, they turned to Tamil. "We're helping Donnegan today."
The smaller blue girl nodded in response. "Oh, cool, I was just about to head home! We can go together."
[X] - Work Studies 1
Together, they left the medical facilities for the main campus. Nala quickly picked up a few treats from the floor on her way out. The size of the academy was daunting. The place where she had first arrived and slept, which she originally thought was the entire school, was actually a small fraction. Far ahead, she could see robust walls, their color fading with the atmospheric distance. They enclosed the entire campus and stretched from the ocean to the mountain behind. On that mountain, she noticed a golden tube protruding from a large building. Whether it was intended for star charting or defense, she couldn't be sure.
The living quarters were intentionally separated from the wider open area behind. Any enemy force intending to invade the school would be confronted by the student body. The institution had been constructed as an impregnable fortress as well as a seat of learning.
The city shimmered in the sunlight as they departed. Seagulls cried overhead, and fluffy pink clouds floated across the sky. Sunlight reflected off the large glass windows of small shops lining the streets. Nala observed her reflection as she walked. Although she'd barely been there a day, everyone had been remarkably pleasant. She'd thought she would be more bothered by having chaperones, but it was nice knowing that there were people looking out for her, even if only out of self-preservation.
The Counselor: To be fair, they have every right to be suspicious, and if they think you're dangerous, is that really unfounded?
You're not wrong, Nala thought as she pulled the quartz out of her pocket, studying it. She wondered when Rufus had managed to slip this to her. Chloe and Tamil chatted the entire time they walked, but Nala appreciated the lack of attention, at least momentarily. She couldn't help but be impressed at how well Tamil had managed to bounce back from the tragedy of the morning.
The Counselor: That's most likely because she's using this to avoid thinking about that. It's the same with you, I imagine.
I just feel, Nala struggled to find the right words, I brought myself here, to not be alone, and already I'm surrounded by people who treat me like an equal. Even my mind now is filled with people. It's exactly what I wanted. It feels wrong, like I didn't earn it.
Chloe and Tamil's conversation had drifted towards Donnegan. "I saw him last night," Chloe said. "He was staring at the Drakkenai."
Tamil gasped, stopping for a moment. "Oh no! Was he okay? He never tells me anything."
"A little bit out of it, nothing major. I got to him pretty quick, I think," Chloe replied, setting the steady pace just beneath a light jog. Everyone there was taller than Nala and moved with purpose.
Clearing her throat, Nala asked, "What does Donnegan actually do exactly? What work will I be doing once we get there?"
With her face beaming with pride, Tamil turned to her and said, "He's a Peace Keeper."
"Like a knight?" Nala wrinkled her nose a bit. The 'Peace Keepers' of her world were malignant brutes with more cruelty than wit.
"No," Tamil laughed, dipping into her bag. "Well, maybe. It's a pretty noble job, and not many people want to do it."
Chloe expanded on what Tamil was saying. "It's a job. I'm actually training for it. Peacekeepers don't enforce the law. They stand on patrol waiting for people to ask for help. One moment you could be lifting furniture, the next helping someone carry home groceries, and then moments later be fighting the Drakkenai."
Chiming in, River said, "Hard job to do. Most give up."
The city appeared slanted as they got closer to the mountains; the houses were now staggered like steps. Walking became difficult for Nala, and she found herself wondering when she last did real physical labor. "Why is there so much training to be a Peacekeeper?"
As Tamil spoke, Nala realized she was the only one struggling. "You could be doing anything. A lot of the time, people are sad or fighting. There are also just longer-term problems that need an even hand and a lot of social skills. The Admiral before Miller, uh..."
"Carter," Chloe said. "People liked him; it was a shame how he went."
Tamil nodded. "Yeah, Admiral Carter. He had been voted Admiral after his work as a Privateer. He basically went around the blue raiding libraries. A bunch of the books he found were studies that sages were doing on how people think and feel. So now, everyone who wants to be a Peace Keeper is strongly recommended to read those books."
The steep road led to a plateau, on top of which sat a large farm. Overgrown and unkempt, the farm seemed to swallow up the space around it, engulfing it in chaos. Animals romped freely to and fro, foxes and dogs nipping at each other with loud laughter and barks. Cats perched on the roof, and behind a fence with a rope on it, a rooster clucked angrily around its hens.
Among the glass buildings and paved roads, the farmhouse had eked out a hard-fought patch of land for itself. It was constructed from logs, painted an eye-searing yellow. Thick, moss-laden roots rippled across the ground, forming a foundation for a plethora of mushrooms. The roots stretched all the way to the road and had started to spill over it. From the roots sprouted thick vines, although they were hard to spot through the patches of clover. Three large faceted crystals—thicker and taller than Nala—floated above the two-tier monitor roof. When she passed the gate, she heard the hooting and screeching of owls.
The Caretaker: Without a second thought, Nala knelt in the grass and opened her arms as dogs and foxes rushed towards her for pets. Wet noses burrowed into her, and she was quickly covered in fur.
"Oh, look at all these wonderful creatures," she murmured, petting as many of them as she could. "Aren't all of you the most precious things?"
"Hi, Donnegan!" Chloe called out. "We heard you needed help today."
The resemblance between Donnegan and Tamil was unmistakable. Both had clouds of hair that perfectly framed their faces. They also shared spiral horns that reached upwards, light blue skin, and rich yellow eyes with green rings. However, Donnegan had a far stronger jawline, as if it were a piece of wood that had its corners smoothed just enough to not be sharp. He wore the same uniform as the four of them, his colored purple with a red trim. Along with the book secured at his side, he wore three vials filled with blue sand, each one corked, each with a green flame flickering inside.
At that moment, he was feeding the chickens, scattering seed on the ground for the small birds. Upon seeing Chloe, he threw the last of the feed wide and started marching towards them from behind the cargo net fence. He was tall; Nala hadn't really taken notice the other day due to his posture. Now, in the light of day, with her full attention, she could perceive a palpable aura of strength radiating from him. Donnegan's long stride brought him to them almost instantly, and with the clover riding so high in the front yard, it seemed as though he was flying through it rather than walking.
"Well, damn, I didn't think Miller would send two of Sabryna's finest!" His voice boomed with a deep rumbling bass. "Chloe, River, how are you both doing today!?"
River had said, "I'm existing."
Simultaneously, Chloe had replied, "I'm fine! Thanks for asking."
She was still making sure that every canidae there got equal attention, adoration, and affection. Scritches and pets were being doled out in abundance. Laughing, Nala pulled a few of the treats she'd picked up off the floor and began to feed the small animals surrounding her. The hyperactive barking and laughter started to reach a manic fervor as the excitement of "New Person" mixed with "Has Treats."
"And who might you be?" Donnegan had asked, clearly amused as Nala continued to play with the animals.
The Ally: She stood up, scooping up one of the larger foxes. "I'm Nala," she said, snuggling into the small creature that let out a giggling bark. "We met last night, for a moment at least."
Chloe nodded. "She's with the last wave. Since it's just her, we're getting her acclimated with work."
Almost unbidden, Nala thought about her dream earlier that morning, and as she did so, she saw something glow in the eyes of the fox. It wore a little dog tag that said, "Crystal."
[x] - Learn a secret about River.
In Nala's arms, Crystal grew squirmy, and she gently set it back down. It immediately started pawing at her legs for more 'uppies'. With a roll of her eyes, Nala reached down to pick it up again, but it shot its face into her pocket and nabbed the prism she had found that morning.
"Oh, uh, shit," Nala swore, as Crystal started to crouch low, its hips wiggling as it playfully backed away from her. "Uh, sir, your fox took a rock out of my pocket. Is that going to hurt it?"
Donnegan looked over at the fox, Crystal, with the quartz in its mouth. "They don't eat anything that will hurt them," he assured. Yet, there was something else in his eyes, an added curiosity, perhaps, as he watched the creature. "Where'd you get it, anyway? Did you come to get a familiar? I think you found one."
"Rufus gave it to me," Nala mentioned casually. "I think, at least, it was in my pocket when I woke up."
Donnegan blinked at Nala for a moment. "What? I thought Rufus was—"
Tamil looked at Nala with wonder, "Uncle, Nala," then she shifted her gaze to Donnegan, "in the end, she comforted Rufus. She made it so he could talk; I got to say goodbye."
The Counselor: He didn't like that at all! His hand reached almost immediately for the vials on his belt. He was playing the situation off, but his posture subtly shifted, positioning himself between Nala and the rest of the group. Nothing overly visible, but a clear tension was detectable. Small beads of sweat dotted his forehead. The only two people who seemed aware of this sudden shift were Nala, and River.
"Wow, that's something really special," Donnegan remarked, grinning broadly. His smile contained an excess of teeth and a lack of genuine happiness.
River's voice rang out, powerful and furious. "She's not a monster, Donnegan. She needs help."
Bewildered, Donnegan turned to River. "I didn't say anything, River," he defended himself, his hand remaining near the flamed vials on his belt. "I just think that's neat, that's all."
River stared intensely at Donnegan, their gaze seemingly assaulting him, before saying, "Ok," and taking a step forward. "Admiral ordered us to watch her."
The Counselor: They know something we don't.
The tension was shattered by a loud crack and a flash of light. The fox had bitten into the stone from before and was illuminating the yard with dancing lights. Tiny points began to twist and turn over each other as glowing fluff spread from Crystal. Her eyes shone with an intense brightness. She floated in a small circle, thick black ichor pouring from her. The darkness seemingly melted away from her fur, turning her snow white. Then tiny rivulets of melted fox began to run down the white fur. The creature had started to decompose, flesh falling away from bone. The pool grew both wider and deeper as every part of the fox—except the bones—disintegrated.
Everyone was struck with horror as the creature's skeleton remained standing in the circle of melted viscera. It scratched a spectral ear and then sat down. The bones were a rough off-yellow, and within the skull two tiny flames flickered. Barking happily at Nala, its mouth hung open loosely, allowing the panting to be heard.
"What did you DO to it?!" Donnegan shouted with fury.
I don't know, Nala thought, widening her eyes in shock. I didn't DO anything. I don't get it.
"Nala had no idea, Donnegan, she didn't do anything!" River yelled, drawing his sword and positioning himself between Nala and Donnegan.
One of the flames in the skeletal fox's eyes flickered out for a moment, only to return. A wink? It tilted its head impishly at River.
The Counselor: Wait... Can River... Can they hear us?
Donnegan unclasped one of the vials on his belt and tossed it at the fox skeleton. The skeleton regarded Nala with tranquil certainty, before it leaped to the side as the vial shattered, spewing gelatinous flame that burned through the field of clover.
Do not hurt anyone, BUT PROTECT THE CREATURE. The Cruel
[ ] - Stop anyone from getting hurt, by any means necessary. Lose Voice The Cruel, gain voice The Coyote.
Jump in the way. The Caretaker
[ ] - Protect the creature, by putting yourself between it and danger until the fight ceases. Lose voice The Caretaker, gain voice The Witch.
--- Commentary ---
The Ally: Chloe and River are our friends; they might get hurt if we put ourselves in harm's way. River almost attacked the guy for what he was thinking.
The Counselor: Agreed, but showing more dangerous magic could also escalate things. We shouldn't be unleashing this part of ourselves every time things go wrong.
The Caretaker: This is our fault; we're the ones who should bear the brunt of it. We have to do something. We should make a stand.
The Cruel: I refuse to entertain this farce. It is not our fault he sees malice in the fantastic. Let him flail against our might.
VOTE RECAP
Share your information later?
[ ] - Deny the request entirely: The Counselor
[ ] - Offer to give a public talk: The Ally
[ ] - Offer to give a demonstration to the instructors: The Cruel
[ ] - Offer to discuss it over a nice luncheon: The Caretaker
[ ] - Wait and See
Protect the fox
Do not hurt anyone, BUT PROTECT THE CREATURE. The Cruel
[ ] - Stop anyone from getting hurt, by any means necessary. Lose Voice The Cruel, gain voice The Coyote.
Jump in the way. The Caretaker
[ ] - Protect the creature, by putting yourself between it and danger until the fight ceases. Lose voice The Caretaker, gain voice The Witch.
Choose your Voices
[ ] - The Counselor
[ ] - The Ally
[ ] - The Cruel
[ ] - The Caretaker
Nala pulled herself out of bed and stood firm. She felt something in her pocket and reached for it. The fox, Rufus, had given her some sort of token. A small piece of quartz - prismatic, and when held upwards to the window, it bounced rainbow light across the room. "Did you have something in mind for the work studies?" she asked, her gaze fixed on the split light, absent-mindedly.
The healer, who she could now discern, was clearly wearing a small plaque that read 'Gianna.' stepped forcefully in Nala's path. "Absolutely not," she stated, her eyes blazing, "You look worn out and frail. I'm not going to let you out of here until I know you're alright."
"Well, ma'am, I'll have two escorts with me wherever I go," Nala countered, politely acknowledging Chloe and River. "I had a hearty breakfast; I'll recover. I just overexerted with my magic, that's it. Everyone suffers from mana burn eventually."
But Gianna was unyielding, her gaze pinned Nala where she stood. "Actually, miss..."
"Nala."
"Miss Nala, most people don't faint in pools of tarry vomit. You'll pardon a bit of concern," she gave Admiral Miller a side eye."I think the work discussion was premature. Wouldn't you agree, Miller?"
Tugging at his wiry beard, he examined Nala. "I don't know what I think currently. I'm not in the habit of holding adults against their will. If she wants to ignore your advice, then I can't stop her."
Gianna emitted a sound of frustration, pinching the bridge of her nose tightly. "You're of no help." She refocused on Nala. "Listen, you need to be careful. Not everyone is going to be okay with what you did."
Before she could continue, Admiral Miller interjected. "I would like to take some time to understand what happened to you. How you achieved what you did... Why?"
Of course, he's not here to explain WHY he did it, that would be too straightforward, Nala thought morosely. How did he tap into that magic which had been dormant in her? Could one of the others have done it?
The Caretaker: "It's a tradition passed down to me that I've lost the ability to comprehend fully. Truthfully, I was primarily acting on instinct." With a heavy sigh, Nala poured herself a cup of water and took a small sip, gazing out the window. "It was one of many ways I helped people in my life."
Outside, on the main campus, people were practicing magic, the magic of this world. It was different. It possessed a sharply refined edge, lattices of bright light dancing in perfect arcs. Two of the practitioners held their fingers on books, seemingly manipulating the light with the words inside. Together, they choreographed an intricate light show.
Admiral Miller spoke, "You don't have to decide now, but if you could, we'd appreciate a chance to pick your brain on this. I think with our resources, we could make this little puzzle whole. If you're willing, of course."
[ ] - Decline the request outright: The Counselor
[ ] - Propose a public talk: The Ally
[ ] - Propose a demonstration for the instructors: The Cruel
[ ] - Propose a discussion over a pleasant luncheon: The Caretaker
"That sounds lovely," she responded. "I'll inform you once I've gathered my thoughts more. Oh, is Tamil alright? The poor girl with the fox?"
Admiral Miller pulled back the curtain, revealing the larger part of the infirmary. It was sterile white, with pink lilies painted on the walls, with intricate vines forming runes and letters. He moved a few steps forward and said, "She wanted to speak with you, but I thought it was better to give you a moment's respite."
Once again, the vivid colors of this world threatened to engulf Nala.
"She's in the waiting room. I'm glad you asked, I didn't want to have to send her away," Miller said, locking eyes with Chloe and River, and gesturing with a nod of his head. The two flanked Nala, who gave them a courteous smile.
As she walked away, Miller said, "When you're ready, I'd like you to assist Captain Donnegan."
Tamil is in the next room, her appearance closer to River's than Nalas or Chloe's. She has a thick halo of curly black hair, with spiraling horns coming out of the top. Like River, her nails ended in sharp points, and her ears were adorned with tiny bright pink ankhs. They popped with brilliant vibrance against her sky-blue complexion. She seemed more likely to bounce from place to place rather than walk.
Upon seeing Nala, she yelped with relief. "Death lady!"
It struck Nala that she was young, teetering on the boundary between adolescence and adulthood.
With a gentle laugh, Nala responded, "Oh no, is that what you're going to call me?"
"I wanted to thank you," Tamil said, bursting with energy. "I didn't know animals could talk, and Rufus! He had so much to say!"
"I'm glad that you could say goodbye." Nala couldn't recall the last time her magic truly brought someone joy. "Do you know River and Chloe? They're going to accompany me for the foreseeable future."
Tamil seemed on the brink of tears, but quickly drew in a deep breath. "I think we met once, yeah."
With a nod, Chloe said, "Yeah, I had come down to the kennel to socialize the kits." She touched her chin. "Tamil runs the—."
"I breed pets! I operate a pet store on the edge of town!" She was already reaching into her robes, sifting through her pockets as treats, herbs, and small bits of dried kibble tumbled out. Finally, she retrieved a rigid piece of paper. "It's my trade card," she declared, "It's a new concept; people write down their business information and hand them out! Donny told me about it."
The card was thick, decorated with ornate black ink. The words "The Kit Kennel, and Kaboodle!" were inscribed on a banner, with tiny hatch shading giving it depth. A drawing of a fox, cat, owl, and dog adorned the card. On the back was some sort of code.
Nala examined the card and glanced at Chloe. Chloe explained, "That's a new system we've implemented. Privateers went through the city erecting signs and numbers to aid navigation."
River groaned softly as they rubbed their neck. "It took weeks."
The Counselor: Nala's focus shifted to River as they provided another tell. She scrutinized them, trying to understand why they were so enigmatic.
I'm having a conversation, Nala thought, trying to wrest her attention away from The Counselor.
The Counselor: I need to understand why I can't read them!
The Ally: Really? I'd think you, of all people, would get why you're so... distracted.
The Counselor: Nala hissed audibly under her breath. "Silence!"
River snorted with amusement, "Something wrong?"
Everyone's attention was on Nala. Tamil looked crestfallen, while Chloe furrowed her brow. Only River seemed mildly amused.
"No, sorry, just a verbal tic, haha," Nala said hurriedly, feeling her cheeks flush. "I must still be a bit disoriented. I'll be fine, though; don't worry about me."
With a brief nod, they turned to Tamil. "We're helping Donnegan today."
The smaller blue girl nodded in response. "Oh, cool, I was just about to head home! We can go together."
[X] - Work Studies 1
Together, they left the medical facilities for the main campus. Nala quickly picked up a few treats from the floor on her way out. The size of the academy was daunting. The place where she had first arrived and slept, which she originally thought was the entire school, was actually a small fraction. Far ahead, she could see robust walls, their color fading with the atmospheric distance. They enclosed the entire campus and stretched from the ocean to the mountain behind. On that mountain, she noticed a golden tube protruding from a large building. Whether it was intended for star charting or defense, she couldn't be sure.
The living quarters were intentionally separated from the wider open area behind. Any enemy force intending to invade the school would be confronted by the student body. The institution had been constructed as an impregnable fortress as well as a seat of learning.
The city shimmered in the sunlight as they departed. Seagulls cried overhead, and fluffy pink clouds floated across the sky. Sunlight reflected off the large glass windows of small shops lining the streets. Nala observed her reflection as she walked. Although she'd barely been there a day, everyone had been remarkably pleasant. She'd thought she would be more bothered by having chaperones, but it was nice knowing that there were people looking out for her, even if only out of self-preservation.
The Counselor: To be fair, they have every right to be suspicious, and if they think you're dangerous, is that really unfounded?
You're not wrong, Nala thought as she pulled the quartz out of her pocket, studying it. She wondered when Rufus had managed to slip this to her. Chloe and Tamil chatted the entire time they walked, but Nala appreciated the lack of attention, at least momentarily. She couldn't help but be impressed at how well Tamil had managed to bounce back from the tragedy of the morning.
The Counselor: That's most likely because she's using this to avoid thinking about that. It's the same with you, I imagine.
I just feel, Nala struggled to find the right words, I brought myself here, to not be alone, and already I'm surrounded by people who treat me like an equal. Even my mind now is filled with people. It's exactly what I wanted. It feels wrong, like I didn't earn it.
Chloe and Tamil's conversation had drifted towards Donnegan. "I saw him last night," Chloe said. "He was staring at the Drakkenai."
Tamil gasped, stopping for a moment. "Oh no! Was he okay? He never tells me anything."
"A little bit out of it, nothing major. I got to him pretty quick, I think," Chloe replied, setting the steady pace just beneath a light jog. Everyone there was taller than Nala and moved with purpose.
Clearing her throat, Nala asked, "What does Donnegan actually do exactly? What work will I be doing once we get there?"
With her face beaming with pride, Tamil turned to her and said, "He's a Peace Keeper."
"Like a knight?" Nala wrinkled her nose a bit. The 'Peace Keepers' of her world were malignant brutes with more cruelty than wit.
"No," Tamil laughed, dipping into her bag. "Well, maybe. It's a pretty noble job, and not many people want to do it."
Chloe expanded on what Tamil was saying. "It's a job. I'm actually training for it. Peacekeepers don't enforce the law. They stand on patrol waiting for people to ask for help. One moment you could be lifting furniture, the next helping someone carry home groceries, and then moments later be fighting the Drakkenai."
Chiming in, River said, "Hard job to do. Most give up."
The city appeared slanted as they got closer to the mountains; the houses were now staggered like steps. Walking became difficult for Nala, and she found herself wondering when she last did real physical labor. "Why is there so much training to be a Peacekeeper?"
As Tamil spoke, Nala realized she was the only one struggling. "You could be doing anything. A lot of the time, people are sad or fighting. There are also just longer-term problems that need an even hand and a lot of social skills. The Admiral before Miller, uh..."
"Carter," Chloe said. "People liked him; it was a shame how he went."
Tamil nodded. "Yeah, Admiral Carter. He had been voted Admiral after his work as a Privateer. He basically went around the blue raiding libraries. A bunch of the books he found were studies that sages were doing on how people think and feel. So now, everyone who wants to be a Peace Keeper is strongly recommended to read those books."
The steep road led to a plateau, on top of which sat a large farm. Overgrown and unkempt, the farm seemed to swallow up the space around it, engulfing it in chaos. Animals romped freely to and fro, foxes and dogs nipping at each other with loud laughter and barks. Cats perched on the roof, and behind a fence with a rope on it, a rooster clucked angrily around its hens.
Among the glass buildings and paved roads, the farmhouse had eked out a hard-fought patch of land for itself. It was constructed from logs, painted an eye-searing yellow. Thick, moss-laden roots rippled across the ground, forming a foundation for a plethora of mushrooms. The roots stretched all the way to the road and had started to spill over it. From the roots sprouted thick vines, although they were hard to spot through the patches of clover. Three large faceted crystals—thicker and taller than Nala—floated above the two-tier monitor roof. When she passed the gate, she heard the hooting and screeching of owls.
The Caretaker: Without a second thought, Nala knelt in the grass and opened her arms as dogs and foxes rushed towards her for pets. Wet noses burrowed into her, and she was quickly covered in fur.
"Oh, look at all these wonderful creatures," she murmured, petting as many of them as she could. "Aren't all of you the most precious things?"
"Hi, Donnegan!" Chloe called out. "We heard you needed help today."
The resemblance between Donnegan and Tamil was unmistakable. Both had clouds of hair that perfectly framed their faces. They also shared spiral horns that reached upwards, light blue skin, and rich yellow eyes with green rings. However, Donnegan had a far stronger jawline, as if it were a piece of wood that had its corners smoothed just enough to not be sharp. He wore the same uniform as the four of them, his colored purple with a red trim. Along with the book secured at his side, he wore three vials filled with blue sand, each one corked, each with a green flame flickering inside.
At that moment, he was feeding the chickens, scattering seed on the ground for the small birds. Upon seeing Chloe, he threw the last of the feed wide and started marching towards them from behind the cargo net fence. He was tall; Nala hadn't really taken notice the other day due to his posture. Now, in the light of day, with her full attention, she could perceive a palpable aura of strength radiating from him. Donnegan's long stride brought him to them almost instantly, and with the clover riding so high in the front yard, it seemed as though he was flying through it rather than walking.
"Well, damn, I didn't think Miller would send two of Sabryna's finest!" His voice boomed with a deep rumbling bass. "Chloe, River, how are you both doing today!?"
River had said, "I'm existing."
Simultaneously, Chloe had replied, "I'm fine! Thanks for asking."
She was still making sure that every canidae there got equal attention, adoration, and affection. Scritches and pets were being doled out in abundance. Laughing, Nala pulled a few of the treats she'd picked up off the floor and began to feed the small animals surrounding her. The hyperactive barking and laughter started to reach a manic fervor as the excitement of "New Person" mixed with "Has Treats."
"And who might you be?" Donnegan had asked, clearly amused as Nala continued to play with the animals.
The Ally: She stood up, scooping up one of the larger foxes. "I'm Nala," she said, snuggling into the small creature that let out a giggling bark. "We met last night, for a moment at least."
Chloe nodded. "She's with the last wave. Since it's just her, we're getting her acclimated with work."
Almost unbidden, Nala thought about her dream earlier that morning, and as she did so, she saw something glow in the eyes of the fox. It wore a little dog tag that said, "Crystal."
[x] - Learn a secret about River.
In Nala's arms, Crystal grew squirmy, and she gently set it back down. It immediately started pawing at her legs for more 'uppies'. With a roll of her eyes, Nala reached down to pick it up again, but it shot its face into her pocket and nabbed the prism she had found that morning.
"Oh, uh, shit," Nala swore, as Crystal started to crouch low, its hips wiggling as it playfully backed away from her. "Uh, sir, your fox took a rock out of my pocket. Is that going to hurt it?"
Donnegan looked over at the fox, Crystal, with the quartz in its mouth. "They don't eat anything that will hurt them," he assured. Yet, there was something else in his eyes, an added curiosity, perhaps, as he watched the creature. "Where'd you get it, anyway? Did you come to get a familiar? I think you found one."
"Rufus gave it to me," Nala mentioned casually. "I think, at least, it was in my pocket when I woke up."
Donnegan blinked at Nala for a moment. "What? I thought Rufus was—"
Tamil looked at Nala with wonder, "Uncle, Nala," then she shifted her gaze to Donnegan, "in the end, she comforted Rufus. She made it so he could talk; I got to say goodbye."
The Counselor: He didn't like that at all! His hand reached almost immediately for the vials on his belt. He was playing the situation off, but his posture subtly shifted, positioning himself between Nala and the rest of the group. Nothing overly visible, but a clear tension was detectable. Small beads of sweat dotted his forehead. The only two people who seemed aware of this sudden shift were Nala, and River.
"Wow, that's something really special," Donnegan remarked, grinning broadly. His smile contained an excess of teeth and a lack of genuine happiness.
River's voice rang out, powerful and furious. "She's not a monster, Donnegan. She needs help."
Bewildered, Donnegan turned to River. "I didn't say anything, River," he defended himself, his hand remaining near the flamed vials on his belt. "I just think that's neat, that's all."
River stared intensely at Donnegan, their gaze seemingly assaulting him, before saying, "Ok," and taking a step forward. "Admiral ordered us to watch her."
The Counselor: They know something we don't.
The tension was shattered by a loud crack and a flash of light. The fox had bitten into the stone from before and was illuminating the yard with dancing lights. Tiny points began to twist and turn over each other as glowing fluff spread from Crystal. Her eyes shone with an intense brightness. She floated in a small circle, thick black ichor pouring from her. The darkness seemingly melted away from her fur, turning her snow white. Then tiny rivulets of melted fox began to run down the white fur. The creature had started to decompose, flesh falling away from bone. The pool grew both wider and deeper as every part of the fox—except the bones—disintegrated.
Everyone was struck with horror as the creature's skeleton remained standing in the circle of melted viscera. It scratched a spectral ear and then sat down. The bones were a rough off-yellow, and within the skull two tiny flames flickered. Barking happily at Nala, its mouth hung open loosely, allowing the panting to be heard.
"What did you DO to it?!" Donnegan shouted with fury.
I don't know, Nala thought, widening her eyes in shock. I didn't DO anything. I don't get it.
"Nala had no idea, Donnegan, she didn't do anything!" River yelled, drawing his sword and positioning himself between Nala and Donnegan.
One of the flames in the skeletal fox's eyes flickered out for a moment, only to return. A wink? It tilted its head impishly at River.
The Counselor: Wait... Can River... Can they hear us?
Donnegan unclasped one of the vials on his belt and tossed it at the fox skeleton. The skeleton regarded Nala with tranquil certainty, before it leaped to the side as the vial shattered, spewing gelatinous flame that burned through the field of clover.
Do not hurt anyone, BUT PROTECT THE CREATURE. The Cruel
[ ] - Stop anyone from getting hurt, by any means necessary. Lose Voice The Cruel, gain voice The Coyote.
Jump in the way. The Caretaker
[ ] - Protect the creature, by putting yourself between it and danger until the fight ceases. Lose voice The Caretaker, gain voice The Witch.
--- Commentary ---
The Ally: Chloe and River are our friends; they might get hurt if we put ourselves in harm's way. River almost attacked the guy for what he was thinking.
The Counselor: Agreed, but showing more dangerous magic could also escalate things. We shouldn't be unleashing this part of ourselves every time things go wrong.
The Caretaker: This is our fault; we're the ones who should bear the brunt of it. We have to do something. We should make a stand.
The Cruel: I refuse to entertain this farce. It is not our fault he sees malice in the fantastic. Let him flail against our might.
VOTE RECAP
Share your information later?
[ ] - Deny the request entirely: The Counselor
[ ] - Offer to give a public talk: The Ally
[ ] - Offer to give a demonstration to the instructors: The Cruel
[ ] - Offer to discuss it over a nice luncheon: The Caretaker
[ ] - Wait and See
Protect the fox
Do not hurt anyone, BUT PROTECT THE CREATURE. The Cruel
[ ] - Stop anyone from getting hurt, by any means necessary. Lose Voice The Cruel, gain voice The Coyote.
Jump in the way. The Caretaker
[ ] - Protect the creature, by putting yourself between it and danger until the fight ceases. Lose voice The Caretaker, gain voice The Witch.
Choose your Voices
[ ] - The Counselor
[ ] - The Ally
[ ] - The Cruel
[ ] - The Caretaker
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Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I'm dropping this quest. I'm struggling with the second person present tense writing, and while I'm in love with this setting and story, I didn't really think through how it would work as a collaborative fiction piece. Figuring out how to slot in player choice with the story I want to tell proved difficult, and I now think that's the wrong mindset altogether. Elements of this will most likely show up in my next narrative though, as I really liked what I managed to figure out in my time with this one.
I really appreciate everyone who took the time to participate and read my writing. I hope the next project will be just as interesting to you.
I really appreciate everyone who took the time to participate and read my writing. I hope the next project will be just as interesting to you.
Thank you for the parts of the quest you did write.
Will the next project be announced here once it starts?
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Absolutely! It's going to be Castlevania inspired, and revolve around a deck building skill resolution mechanic.
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Princess Scribe
A swelled-headed, gossipy, coquette gadabout.
- Location
- Venus
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Do you ever like... IMMEDIATELY regret a decision? The minute I decided to put this down I couldn't stop thinking about it and wanting to work on it. That's really wishy-washy of me I know, and kind of terrible, but I don't actually think I have it in me to keep this one dead. Instead I'm just going to re-write the previous chapters in third person, and then continue from here once I've done so. I've trained a bot to do most of the heavy lifting, so it shouldn't take too long to do the tense switch.
Finished, yay for robots.
Finished, yay for robots.
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Eh, to err is human.
If I had a penny for every time that someone realized saying something was a mistake right after they did, I'd be rich.
And what better thing is there to do with fixable mistakes than fixing them?
