>>397467
yeah, asking now would just get a derisive sort.

Suggestion 2012/03/31(Sat)21:29 No. 397479 ID: 832169
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Deciding it would be best if he found out how prayers went in this land, Felix asked Cassandra for some more information. “So, is there some sort of ritual I need to perform? I don’t really know how the prayers around here go.”

Cassandra gave a dismissive wave as she went back to petting Shumai. “Nah, just do whatever you want. There’s no real official prayers or anything for that sort of thing. As long as you give some sort of prayer and really focus on it, you should be fine. It’s not hard or anything. Personally I hate having to go to the shrine to pray or something stupid.”

Seeing her frown, Felix could tell that Cassandra really didn’t want to talk about it anymore. He changed the subject. “The doll in the shrine. Do you know anything about it? We don’t have anything like that back home. Is there a soul in it?”

Shaking her head, Cassandra smiled, back to her old self. “No, don’t be silly. Just a little bit of magic to make them work and all. I guess it’s sort of like a soul, kinda, because they can remember things, but they can’t feel feelings or anything.”

“So, where’s your father this morning? And Olivia?”

A knowing grin spread across Cassandra’s face. “I think father left to go meet with some people in the army. Olivia is with her husband this morning, having breakfast with some of his army friends. I’ll bet they’re having a really fun time.”

The sarcasm in Cassandra’s last sentence was so thick that Felix felt a little embarrassed for Olivia. Having such an obviously unhappy marriage must have been awful. That, in turn, made Felix think of how Bianca left without even telling him. Thankfully, the maid showed up with a cart, and served both Felix and Myrin their requested meals. The maid hovered near Myrin for a moment after dropping off her food, as if deciding whether or not to say something about her feet on the table. She gave up however, delivered a cup of tea and a small plate of cookies to Cassandra, and left.

As the three began eating, Shumai wandered up to Felix and sat down, staring up at him for a scrap of food. “Wan! Wan!” she barked when Felix tried to ignore her, and began licking his hand. Irritably, he dropped her a slice of venison.

Finishing her cookies with relish, Cassandra began to sip at her tea. “Well, I think I’ve got to get going soon. I have my philosophy tutor coming by today. I hate philosophy. I was supposed to read this book and I haven’t even opened it yet, so I might just go find someplace to hide until he gives up. What are you guys doing today?”

“Starting Blondie here with his training” Myrin cut in suddenly. She had finished her meal in nearly record time, and was even now tapping her fingers on her chair, as if for something to do. “Are you about ready, by the way?”

Felix finished off the last couple bites of his meal hurriedly. “Yeah, I’m ready.” As Myrin stood up and started to leave, Felix looked to Cassandra, who was watching Myrin go with a slightly annoyed look on her face. “Thanks. I’m just glad I got to see someone at breakfast.”

“No problem. Most days are probably going to be boring for you around here. Everyone’s usually off doing things, so you’ll have to find ways of entertaining yourself.” Finishing off her tea, Cassandra waved goodbye to Felix. “Good luck.”

Suggestion 2012/03/31(Sat)21:29 No. 397480 ID: 832169
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When Felix finally caught up to Myrin, she was nearly out of the manor. He was a bit concerned at her attitude towards Cassandra, but for the time being decided to ignore it. He had a feeling she wouldn’t care much for his opinion at the moment. “So, what’s this test I have to perform anyhow?” he asked as they wandered past the shrine.

Myrin reached down and picked up a strange-looking club that was laying against the wall of the shrine and continued towards the woods, swinging it lazily in one hand. “I’m sure you know what a Vassal is, don’t you?”

A frown crossed Felix’s face. “They’re the foot soldiers of the Gentry, yes.” He had just remembered the first time he saw a Vassal, dragged back to Northgate a month ago by a scouting party. It had been quite dead, but the cold grey skin and white staring eyes had haunted his dreams for quite a while.

Stopping with a smirk, Myrin turned to face Felix and brandished the club she held out easily. “Good. Well, then you should also know that the skin of a Vassal is like stone. Blades don’t pass easily pierce their flesh, and their bones resist crushing blows with surprising ease. You see Blondie, to get you to the point where you can actually do something to them, we’re going to need to work up those little chicken arms of yours.”

Feeling his face flush red, Felix was about to respond when Myrin casually threw the club to him. He caught it, but nearly dropped it as his whole body sagged. He could hardly hold it up with two hands, let alone one. “Wh... what the hell? Is this thing made of lead or something?”

Rolling her eyes, Myrin snorted. “Who cares? Look, the point is that it’s heavy. My test is simple. When you can wield that mallet one-handed, maybe perform some fancy sword maneuvers or whatever with it, then we can start dueling.” Taking a seat on a nearby flat rock, she took a long drink from her bottle and waved at Felix dismissively. “Alright. Go. Start.”

Straining with the mallet, Felix weighed it in one hand. He could hold it, but the idea of wielding it was quite daunting. Reaching down to his sword with his other hand, Felix intended to set it off to the side before he really began.

A loud, disapproving noise from Myrin stopped Felix. “Leave it.” Obviously considering her job done for the time being, she lay back and closed her eyes, sliding her hands under her head. “Wake me when you’re exhausted” she said sleepily.

>>397479
Do as she says, but be incredibly stubborn about it.

As in work yourself well past where you feel tired, past where you feel exhausted, and past where you feel ready to drop, because A) this is a matter of pride, B) this is training, and you need to be the best you can be if you want to survive a real fight, and C) you want to impress her.

So be a really stubborn dude, right now, and keep training with that club no matter what happens, even if you can't even feel your arm anymore.

switch them up. otherwise you will become off balance as one arm gets stronger then the other. just keep working until YOU pass out.

Don't actually do anything with it, but put it on the ground, and just sit around for a while, maybe watch the clouds for a while. When Myrin wakes up, tell her you did actually train with it.

>>397493
i am willing to bet she will have a way to test us for lies

>be incredibly stubborn about it.
That would be childish, you are above such childish behavior.
Besides, this isn't some boring poetry, this is combat training, the stuff you enjoy the most.

>>397480
Do as the lady says. Nothing more nothing less.

Lift it like a lop sided bell weight, or use it's weight against itself by swinging it around. Use momentum to carry it for you.

Economy of motion: A small twitch of the foot, a tiny pivot of the hip, a twist of the shoulders, and so on to add up to enough force to do something. Request a target that's adequately durable or disposable as well since you have to be ready for those blows that connect as well as the ones that go sailing through air and miss. Remember to take breaks to read.

>>397480
Time to start building those muscles! Oh, and remember to stretch properly afterwards, don't want to get all stiff and stuff.

Also ask her for a full body training regimen later, don't want to just have freakishly large arms or something like that.

Just train until you're exhausted. Then go back to the shrine and pray for a bit.

Consider going to find Olivia after the prayer. Maybe we can have another garden walk with her.

When you're done training, ask Myrin why she seems to be so critical of religion. Maybe you can find out more about her.

Oh, and WHAT is she? (don't ask her that, tell us)
I was thinking she is wearing weird armor but her eyes say differently.

>>397482
There's a point at which exercise stops being helpful and starts just causing injury. I'd try to stop before that rather than after.

And on that note, exercising without something else to concentrate on can get really boring. If we're just trying to work out our right arm, we can use our left hand to read. Two birds with one stone, am I right?

>>397931
do you mean beyond this?

>Felix recognized her as one of the soldiers that had come out here with his father, one of the bug people he had hired for their strength of arms. Though she wore black, Felix noticed the colored favor shown proudly on her belt that marked her as a mercenary of Northgate

On topic, I vote to train until you can't keep your arms up.

>>398123

I'd also like to know more about Myrin's people than this. Is there more that Felix knows about the bugs?

Suggestion 2012/04/03(Tue)20:29 No. 398574 ID: 832169
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Deciding it would be best it he just got to it, Felix began the slow and clumsy process of wielding the club. At first he felt like he was making no progress; his swings almost always threw him off balance and the sword at his side was doing nothing but getting in the way. After taking a quick break to stretch and think however, Felix began again with renewed purpose. Using the momentum of the hammer to his advantage, he gave up trying to think of the club as a sword and started getting used to the weight itself. Every now and then he switched hands, bringing the club through a series of slow, deliberate movements. Within the first half hour he could already feel his muscles aching a bit, but he pressed on, determined to not seem weak again in front of Myrin.

The thought of his bodyguard made him look over his shoulder at her prone form. Her eyes were closed, but Felix was somehow sure that she was wide awake, listening to everything that went on. It occurred to him that he didn’t know much about the origins of Myrin’s people. His father, when Myrin’s people had showed up in Northgate as refugees, called them bugs. Felix remembered asking if they thought that was racist or offensive, but the Baron had just shrugged and said that was what they told humans to call their species. Felix knew that the bugs were excellent warriors, and that they were generally a bit stronger than humans, but now that he really thought about it he knew little else. He wasn’t even sure the exact reasons they had fled their own native country, just hearing that there had been a political upheaval in their land.

It was nearly two hours later that Myrin finally got up again. Sitting up and stretching languidly, she smiled to herself for a moment before speaking. “Wow, it feels great out here. Best napping conditions I’ve ever felt.” She looked Felix over as he continued to go through his motions, sweat trickling down his face. He got the feeling she was judging his progress. “You can stop now. You might hurt yourself if you go on too long.”

Gratefully, Felix dropped the club to the ground with a thud. Putting his hands on his knees, he took some slow and deep breaths. His arms felt like they were on fire. “So... we continue doing this tomorrow?” Felix asked, trying not to sound tired.

The smile that Myrin gave back was the most genuine he’d seen so far, though she still had that lightly mocking edge to her voice. “That’s the plan. Tomorrow you’re gonna carry that with you as we take a little jog through the woods. It’d be kind of silly if we made you do the exact same thing every day.” Slapping him on the shoulder hard enough to make Felix wince, Myrin laughed heartily. “Don’t worry, you did fine for your first day. Honestly Blondie, I was expecting to hear nothing but whining from you, being a spoiled noble and all. But, I guess your father has faith in you for a reason.”

Not sure if he should be offended or not, Felix nodded. “Thank you. I take all of my training seriously” he responded simply.

Seeming satisfied with his answer, Myrin led the way back to the shrine, leaving Felix to heft the club and follow behind her. “So, are you really going to pray?” Myrin asked suddenly, a touch of incredulous disbelief in her voice. “To the shrine, that is.”

“Yeah. For a little while, at least. I mean, I guess I am technically here for a religious experience after all.” Felix was surprised to see Myrin snort and look away, a frown of disappointment crossing her face. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“I guess I just don’t see much of a point to praying.” She considered further for a moment, as if deciding how to phrase her concerns properly. “I don’t like the idea that I have to beg someone more powerful than me to get things done.”

Deciding to leave it at that, Felix shrugged, and nearly groaned at how sore his muscles were now that they had a moment to rest. “I can understand that. I’ve never given religion much thought in the past myself. I prefer to make things happen.”

“Yes, your father mentioned that about you once.” There was a noticeable touch of approval in Myrin’s voice that surprised Felix. It was possibly more than she intended, because she quickly scowled as she continued. “Of course, he also mentioned how you were a little too clever for your own good. Let me tell you Blondie, I hate clever people.”

“Then I’ll just never be clever.” Felix said, in a voice he hope sounded sincere.

Myrin actually stopped and narrowed her eyes at Felix for a minute over her shoulder, but seeing his blank and innocent expression, continued walking inside the shrine. “Well, while you’re praying, I’ll be setting up my room in the shrine. And drinking. Just yell if someone tries to stick a knife in you.” With a casual wave, she broke away from Felix and walked off down the hallways towards the shrine’s other bedroom.

Suggestion 2012/04/03(Tue)20:30 No. 398575 ID: 832169
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Approaching the statue in the main area of the shrine, Felix gratefully flopped down, finally giving his legs a chance to rest. There was a few minutes as he just sat there, staring forward and giving his body and mind time to wind down. It was only then that he realized he didn’t know how exactly he was going to pray. Whenever he’d be forced to go to religious services in the past, he had mostly just recited the prayers by memory while his mind wandered. There had been one time where he had prayed sincerely, but that had been near the end of his first week of survival training, when he’d been so hungry he could hardly think. Even then he had just prayed for food and to stop being cold for a few minutes, he had never really prayed for guidance or anything like that. Religion was just something that he never consciously thought of.

Nearly a quarter of an hour passed as Felix remained motionless, looking up at the statue in front of him with a blank expression as he thought about how best to proceed. Cassandra had said just making a prayer and focusing on it was all there was to it, but Felix was just conflicted on what to pray for in the first place.

Pray for shrinewife.

Just kinda think it for a bit, more meditate than give into this hokey shrine nonsense, Myrin's right, and in a sense, you're right too, it's better to make things happen yourself than beg a higher power to do it.

Sure, you're here for a religious experience, but when people say that, they really mean enlightenment. You're here to discover who you really are, and if you're heart's not in this in the first place? Maybe praying at the shrine is not for you.

So yeah, meditate, spend enough time to where you won't appear rude, and then head on out. Little too soon to check back on Myrin though, don't want to be a creepy stalker.

You don't have to pray. You can mediate or use the time for a half hour sitting nap.

If you're going to pray for anything, just ask for guidance. Besides that, just quiet your mind and meditate.

Praying is easy. You don't even have to ask for stuff if there's nothing you want. Most higher powers don't like it when people treat them as magical wish granters anyway, whether they are gods, kings, judges, or teachers. Praying is just like talking to someone you can't see.

Here's what you do. Greet whatever spirits or deities might be listening. Thank them for allowing you to stay there. Ask for wisdom. It is low impact, general purpose, and you can never have too much.

>>398575
Pray for a happy marriage.

Well, we seem the patriotic and honorable sort. Pray for the wisdom to best help our country in this position of ours. Or just, "wisdom" in general, maybe.

pry for help getting bianca in the sack.

>>398575
Pray for the wisdom to live uo to your families expectations and to be able to do your duty. Pray for their saftey back home. You know, regular stuff.

praying is a form of meditation. just clear your mind. get your thoughts in order.

...maybe pray for your harem to get even bigger.

Suggestion 2012/04/04(Wed)09:17 No. 398678 ID: 832169
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It was some minutes before Felix did anything at all. To clear his mind at times like this, Felix would always think of snow. Just as snow would cover the countryside, leaving the world a blank canvas, he imagined that same white powder slowly covering his thoughts. Soon his mind was unhampered, and even the pain in his arms seemed to fade as he gave himself over to the contemplation of nothing.

After about a half hour of this peaceful quiet, Felix finally opened his eyes and allowed thoughts to flow back into his mind. Feeling a bit more clear-headed, Felix reconsidered the prayer he would give to the shrine. There was a moment where he considered praying aloud, but he would feel quite embarrassed if someone happened to walk in on him.

Clasping his hands together, Felix began by greeting any spirits or gods that were around. He wondered if he should also pray to nature, but then decided that was stupid. It would be like praying to gravity, he couldn’t see the point. He thanked whoever was listening for letting him stay in this shrine, and asked for guidance and wisdom to deal with his upcoming ordeals. Remembering Bianca and how cold she’d been towards him since he got here, he also wryly prayed for help with his marriage and Bianca.

Not sure if there was much else he had to do, Felix hesitated once his makeshift prayer had finished. He felt a bit better now that he’d been able to think about things. Maybe that was why Cassandra had recommended he do this, because it was good to give the mind time to unwind. Before he could contemplate further, a strange blue light finally caught his attention. Before his eyes, a suggestion of flickering blue flames started to appear slowly out of thin air, reminding him of Camilla from earlier. These flames became more and more solid until they made a circle on the ground, and a tongue of blue flame rose up like a snake from the center, slowly taking form. Felix was tempted to back away from the flames, but felt no real danger from these curious flames. Indeed when he hesitantly reached out and touched them, they felt strangely cool, like freshly dug earth. There was also a sudden pervasive smell in the room, like tobacco smoke mixed in with a bit of mud.

All at once the tongue of blue flame disappeared, leaving a huge and smiling creature behind. It had what looked like a human torso, albeit about twice as big, but in place of legs there was an enormous tail that reminded Felix at first of a snake. On closer inspection however, he could see that she had no scales. The fleshy texture reminded Felix of a huge worm or eel, though she didn’t seem to be slimy, and he felt the urge to touch her and see what she felt like. It also occurred to Felix that she was staring right at him, expectantly. He cleared his throat. “Hello. I am Felix Northgate. May I ask your name?”

Taking a long, easy puff of her pipe before speaking, this woman seemed amused with what he had said. “Well, that’s a much nicer welcome than I was expecting. I guess humans aren’t so easily spooked, huh?”

Felix shook his head, and felt himself saying the truth almost against his will. “Oh, I’m a bit spooked right now, don’t worry.”

Rather than being offended, the woman chuckled to herself in obvious amusement. “It’s to be expected. You’re taking it much better than many who have seen me for the first time, if it’s any comfort. By the way, my name is Anne. I am the spirit of this shrine, and of the lands around the manor. I’m pleased to meet you, Felix.” Settling herself down a bit, so that Felix didn’t have to crane his neck up quite so much, she took another long drag from her pipe. “So, you wanted some wisdom and guidance. That’s a service I can offer in abundance. I like to talk after all, and you look like you need someone to talk with. We could even discuss the problems you’re having with your little lady if you’d like. Don’t worry, whatever we talk about will be our little secret.”

Felix felt his face redden. While he was very grateful for the offer of someone to talk to, suddenly he felt at a bit of a disadvantage. Anne was looking at him with a gentle smile on her face, as if saying she’d listen to whatever he had to say.

Talk to her about Myrin, if she has any advice for how to approach her. Tell her you like Myrin, but she somewhat worries you, as she seems to keep to herself a lot and seems to have quite the drinking problem. Tell her you don't want to just barge in and tell her to stop drinking or otherwise try to "Fix" her or anything immediately, or even at all, just talk about how she thinks you should deal with her.

Tell her you're dead set on her being a friend though, and maybe more than a friend if it's possible.

being able to appear like that speaks of power. and if she has been around here for a long time she would know a lot of things.
if you aren,t sure just talk about something less important then your marriage, like how to deal with people like Deluca, who want to make you a fool.

>>398678
Guess we could start by asking stuff about elven marriages and how they usually turn out, see if she has any pointers. As well as how to tackle druids and possible assassins sent by courtiers or stuff like that.

Oh, and it would probably be considered rude to stare at her breasts in the hope of getting a peek through that very open robe. Yeah lets not do that.

Oh lawdy.

Ask her how to get the harem ending I actually can't think of anything to ask that wasn't covered here, so seconding that.
>>398694

Ask her more about herself. Are spirits like her common here?

>>398678
Ask if mistresses/consorts are a thing that happens around here. It would be awfully convenient for most arranged marriages... and it would mean we wouldn't have to worry so much about Bianca's happiness, or ours.

I bet she's really wise. because she smokes a pipe. you pretty much have to be super old and wise to smoke a pipe.

I'm thinking ask about her. what is Anne? I thought we were praying to gods, not skimpily-clad mammalian blue flame nagas.

Ask about how to become a better warrior as well, and what skills make a leader.

Ask if you can touch her.

I bet she is squishy.

Ask for help with connecting with Bianca. You aren't really sure, well, how to act around her, frankly.

>>398694

This but stare at her tits when she's not looking

>>398678

"Since I have your confidence, I will ask about Bianca. I understand it will take time for her to warm to me. I accept that. The two years I'm to spend meditating here will give us time to get used to each other. But what I worry about most is that I'll accidentally do something she finds unforgivably stupid or insensitive or offensive, and that I'll accidentally poison things to the point that the entire relationship is forever soured."

"So what I am asking, I suppose, is for advice on what not to do. What is too taboo to bring up ever? What are the social and cultural pitfalls that, as an outsider, I may not recognize?"

Asking about Bianca is a good idea. Anne probably knows a lot about her. Also, compliment Anne on her beautiful skin and looks.

>>398678
If you feel like you're at a disadvantage, you should figure out by how much. Ask some basic questions about HER first:
- Does she know everything about the people in the area, including you, or will you have to explain things in detail? Or does she find things out on her own over time?
- Since you've never been a very religious person, kindly ask about what exactly she is, as a spirit. You've already met a ghost, but those seem totally different. Did she used to be alive, or was she always this way? How common are spirits, and especially those who would aid human? Is there a special thing you should do to summon her? Are there time limits on how long you can talk?
- Thank her for being willing to help you, and ask if there are any restrictions on when she'd like to be summoned. Ask her if she only gives advice, or if she would enjoy just chatting from time to time. Point out that you would *enjoy* simply chatting with her sometimes, as you think it would be rude to only talk to her when you needed help.
- Ask her all of your other important questions about Bianca/Shumai/Camilla/Myrin/the Gentry/etc.
- Finish it up by thanking her again, and commenting that while you were originally a little spooked, you feel a lot better now, and appreciated the help.
- If you feel extra brave, complement her on her aesthetically pleasing shape~

Very basics:
"To be honest I'm totally unprepared for this. I've never previously had anything I'd consider a serious religious experience and I'm at a loss for protocol. If I may I'd like to know what your purpose is, and what is fair return for your information and favours. I'd like to have a friendly relationship where we're both glad to see the other but I don't know much about what you like or don't, or what our common ground is... besides apparently that you also respect courage and politeness.
"As far as information and advice I know I could use goes, that's actually a pretty long list. I am certainly curious about you, and I know I could use a great deal of information and advice about the D'Amuri family, elven society in general, my current and future enemies, and how I can best make use of my time here. I'm also sure there are things I need to know that I'm unaware of as well."

This was expected.

Along with the other stuff, ask if all shrines around here have spirits.

Suggestion 2012/04/16(Mon)20:37 No. 401888 ID: 832169
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“Actually, I’d like to ask you a few questions about yourself first, if that’s alright. I’ve never met a spirit before, for one. Maybe you can tell me a little more about what exactly you are?” Reviewing the last few words in his head, he added a bit sheepishly, “I’m sorry if my questions come out sounding rude. There’s no malice meant.”

Seeming not to be bothered in the least, Anne let out a slow trail of smoke rings into the air before responding. “I won’t be offended if you intend no offense, I promise. I’m quite good at sensing people’s motives. To best answer your question, I would say that I am an elemental. An anthropomorphic personification of the surrounding landscape’s soul. There are certain places in the world where my kind occur naturally, like in volcanoes or far up north, but they’re usually not very concerned with the rest of the world at all. Spirits such as myself are formed at shrines like this all over Estronel through the use of powerful druidic rituals, usually so the locals can offer prayers and sacrifices directly to the land. We accept the prayers and give boons unto the populace.”

Finding the idea fascinating, Felix probed for more details. “So, before this ritual you weren’t alive? How does that work?”

With a smile, Anne began to uncoil herself a bit, and Felix got the impression that she was making herself comfortable. “Of course I was alive. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say I wasn’t sentient before the ritual. Everything on this planet has a soul, though the soul of a human, animal and plant are all vastly different. Even the earth itself is a living thing, and as such has a soul too. What the ritual basically did was take a portion of the planet’s soul and build a body for it to live in and reshape.”

Leaning back on his hands, Felix’s mulled over this strange information about spirits. It would be like if, in church, the priest just brought out an angel and let the congregation ask it questions. Of course this was different, there being no actual divine being above Anne, but it was still true that there was a physical apparition here that represented what the people prayed to. It would probably be a great comfort to have that kind of certainty in one’s religion. “Are all spirits as friendly towards humans as you are?”

“It depends. We vary widely in form and attitude, so it’d be no surprise to me if there’s some that hate humans. I think that most who hate humans probably hate elves as well though. I’ll wager that most local spirits like myself will respond well as long as you offer them a sincere prayer however.” Anne leaned forward while she spoke, leaning her elbow against her sprawling tail and her hand against her face. “Well? Do you want to ask me about Bianca yet?”

Figuring that it might be nice to talk with someone about his relationship issues, Felix relented under Anne’s persistent gaze. There was such an understanding look in her eyes that he found himself speaking before he could stop himself. “Sure. I’d like that a lot. Well, I suppose you know about our engagement.” Seeing her nod as she drew in deeply on her pipe, he went on, “I just don’t really know how to connect with her. I seem to be getting along just fine with Olivia and Cassandra, but I can’t make any headway with Bianca at all. I don’t really know what to do around her.”

“Well I’ll tell you one thing, be prepared to not make any headway with that girl for a while. Bianca’s so like her father sometimes. She’s always been a bit too headstrong. Politics and the reconstruction of the D’Amuri name are what most concern her. Even if you were an elf, I assure you that she would be acting the same way. There have been a number of young men coming to call for Bianca’s affection in the past, and every time she has rebuked them. She is a true classical elven noblewoman, not much concerned with certain earthly desires. Therefore, my advice to you is to be patient. Continue to prove your mettle and worth to her. She is practical if nothing else, and I am sure if you continue to prove yourself that she will warm to you over time.” Anne gave Felix a sympathetic look as she finished, as if apologizing for delivering the bad news.

Thinking back to the list of terribly boring sounding books, Felix nodded glumly. “I see. I guess it’s good I’m here two years, isn’t it?”

“Well, a couple not quite getting along at first isn’t all that uncommon. That’s one of the reasons that the fiancee lives with his potential bride a year before an arranged marriage around here, to get better acquainted with one another. It’s like you just have twice the amount of time to try working with Bianca, if you think about it.”

Letting out a long sigh, Felix took a long minute to think before asking his next question. “What is elven society’s stance on... consorts? If I can’t make her happy... maybe that’s a route we should consider.” He really didn’t want to think about such things, but if the worst happened it might help to make their marriage more bearable.

Anne laughed out loud, probably at the expression on Felix’s face. “Yes, elven society does have consorts. A married couple can agree to take on a consort, though there’s a whole series of rules for that as well. Somehow, I don’t think Bianca would want one.”

Suggestion 2012/04/16(Mon)20:37 No. 401889 ID: 832169
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Deciding it would be best to change the subject, Felix was about to bring up Myrin when he caught a glimpse of Anne’s tail. He stared at it as it undulated slowly, and once again he found himself wanting to touch it and feel the texture.

“You can touch it if you want.” Anne said with a smile, extending the end of her tail slowly towards Felix. “You don’t have to be so shy around me, Felix. We’re friends. You just have to ask.”

There was a moment where Felix was going to turn down her offer, but his curiosity got the better of him as he reached out and touched her gently. He was surprised that her skin felt like cool freshly dug earth, but also slightly spongy like real flesh. After a few pokes he ran his hand down the side of her tail, still intrigued at the texture. She was so smooth, like a worn stone in a river.

“I take it you approve” Anne commented lazily, smiling down at Felix.

Without even thinking, he responded. “Yeah. You’re quite lovely.” After another long stroke, he seemed to realize what he said and dropped his hands into his lap. “Well, what I meant was...”

With a long shushing noise, Anne silenced Felix. “Felix. A lady never dislikes a compliment like that. Thank you.” He could see that she looked genuinely pleased.

Suggestion 2012/04/16(Mon)20:38 No. 401891 ID: 832169
File 133463388429.jpg - (124.23KB , 800x615 , 920911-ZN69WQS.jpg )

Once again Felix found himself changing the subject. “Well, if I want to speak with you in the future, is there anything I should do to summon you quicker? It took awhile for you to appear this time.”

“Next time, just think of me and say a little prayer. I’ll be able to come right away. My advice has always been highly prized.”

“What if I just wanted to summon you and talk? Would you have any problem with that?” Felix asked hopefully. He found that he enjoyed talking with Anne.

The question seemed to both entertain and slightly confuse Anne. “Of course. I’d like that. Nobody really ever stops by just to speak with me anymore.”

“Well as long as I’m staying here, we should probably get to know each other better. It makes sense to me.” Felix grinned and tried to push himself onto his feet. When his hands touched the ground however, Felix winced as pain throbbed through his arms.

A hand came out and gently gripped Felix’s right cheek. Anne slowly turned his face up to meet hers, and for just a moment Felix thought she was going to kiss him. “You’ve helped me today. It’s only fair I help you too” Anne stated, and before he could argue she drew in a huge lungful of smoke and blew it directly in his face.

Tensing, Felix was sure he was going to cough up a storm. He had never liked tobacco smoke at all. He was quite confused, therefore, when he didn’t even feel a slight twinge in his lungs. Instead, there was a sweet scent that made Felix eagerly breathe in until his lungs were full. As he held the breath in, the pain in his muscles seemed to just melt away, and when he finally breathed out he felt like he just woke up from a long rest. While his muscles were still sore, it was the ache that came after a night of rest. Already it was much easier to move his arms. “Wow... that’s amazing! Thank you, Anne!”

She seemed pleased to see him happy. “Of course.” Felix could notice that Anne’s eyelids were starting to droop a bit, and she yawned loudly. “Like I said, you helped me and I helped you. It was nothing more.”

"...yes, you did say that, but I am a little confused. What did I do to help you?"

Ask Anne if she's tired, we don't want to overstay our welcome.

If she's NOT tired...!
>I don't see how I've helped! Mind explaining?
>Tell us about the surrounding lands!

>>401891
daaaawwww

Ok, thank her for her time and promise you will chat with her again soon.

we helped her by giving her someone to talk to. to just talk.

Yeah, let her get her rest. The questions can wait until next we speak.

I'm really glad I'm not something like Anne. she must be really, really lonely.

>>401891

Why does Anne have short hair. Aren't spirits supposed to let it grow?

I think you helped by cheering up the ghost lady. Anne probably has to put up with her a lot and is happy to have her in bearable mood.

Let her have her rest and bow out respectfully.

>>401942
it's probably representative of something.

>>401958

This. Also, go up to the house so you can try to find Olivia.

"You've already given me a fair bit to think about. I suppose I'll have to ask you what other help you need or want next time. Thank you again, I'll speak to you later."

>>401916
I think this is the case. Maybe this would be a time to go the library, or maybe meet up with Olivia.

don't actually look for anyone, just wander until someone come to you.

Suggestion 2012/05/24(Thu)17:55 No. 415811 ID: 046f13
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Unsure what Anne meant with her remark, Felix inquires about it. “Not that I’m complaining, but how did I help you anyhow? I haven’t done anything but speak with you.”

Stifling another yawn, Anne smiled at Felix. “That’s what you did that I’m thanking you for. Like I said, I don’t get many who just want to come and have a conversation with me. Trust me, it’s a fair exchange.” Closing her eyes, Anne took one last drag on her pipe before laying back and fading away into blue flame. “Until next time.”

Felix took a few moments to think about Anne before doing anything else. There was something sad about her situation here, living in a haunted shrine with nobody to come and talk to her. He supposed that was probably the job of the resident druid back in the day, before Camilla’s untimely death. Finally standing up, he decided to leave the shrine for a bit and head towards the house. Perhaps he’d see Olivia and they could have another talk, or maybe even Bianca if he was lucky.

Suggestion 2012/05/24(Thu)17:55 No. 415812 ID: 046f13
File 133790735816.jpg - (65.95KB , 717x700 , 978721-X97TE2N.jpg )

Entering the house, Felix began to search the first floor for a familiar face. Finding nobody but a few servants going about their chores, he decided to move up to the second floor and see if anyone was in the library. It was when he got to the second floor landing that his plan abruptly changed. There was a faint scream of anger from down one of the halls, which had obviously come from Olivia. Against his better judgement, he walked down the hall a bit and towards her voice. Down the hall Felix could make out her door, cracked open and allowing a slight view into the room.

“I just don’t see why you continue to lie to my face. Haven’t I been shamed enough?!” Olivia’s voice yelled, and Felix was sure she was close to tears. “Just put me in a different room! I don’t care at this point!”

An elf who Felix could only assume was Olivia’s husband spoke smoothly and with a touch of guilt. “Please, I assure you that the manor is in no fit state for a lady, let alone my own wife. Be patient a bit longer, my dove. We will not let this continue any longer than we have to.”

Laughing derisively, Olivia stood up and started to pace the room by the sound of it. “Oh yes, I’ve heard that before. If that were in the least bit true then I would be living there now, Antony. I’m starting to wonder if you just have a perverse pleasure of coming here and telling me it’ll be ‘just a bit longer’.”

A third voice, also male, joined in. It was drawling, and obviously held little respect for Olivia. “Trust me, there is no pleasure to our coming here. Maybe if you would have bothered to clean yourself up a bit for your husband...”

“And WHY is he here? Or even present for this discussion?!” Olivia’s fury sounded near breaking point, and Felix was shocked that this was even the same woman he had been walking with yesterday.

Antony spoke sharply to the unseen third voice. “Please, calm yourself. My wife is correct, if you cannot keep a civil tongue I will ask you to leave.”

Felix stood rooted to the spot. He could somewhat see Olivia’s face through the crack, and he couldn’t tell if she was going to scream more or cry.

Apologies for the long hiatus. Updates should resume at a semi-reasonable rate

you can ether stay out the way or burst in and angle yourself so only she can see one of your eyes and say like "olivia your father wants to see you" and wink. will give her a reason to leave.

>>415812
Be on your guard for any signs of a physical altercation. At the occurrence of such, burst through the bloody wall like the Koolaid Man. Elsewise, remain outside, ready to assist her. Even if she's married to a despicable bastard who deserves to be fed to the Gentry, we cannot interfere in another man's marriage at such a politically fragile time. All we can do at this time is offer her our friendship and protection in private.

If he actually hurts her, on the other hand, we can challenge the fucker to a duel.

I say we back off before we're accused of rudely eavesdropping

>>415812
I am glad your finals are over and you are feeling better.
Not your business not your business not your business. You don't want to be caught eavesdropping, especially when this third guy sounds like he's about to leave the room. Keep walking.

I think Olivia would appreciate a way out. The library is also on this floor, so why not go there, open and close the door loudly so they hear it, and then walk over to ask Olivia about books or where Bianca is. In other words, make it seem like you just got through doing some book work of some kind and just happened to stop by and see how Olivia was doing.

>>415817
>>415841

Both of these guys have decent ideas. Do something loud, then tell Olivia that her father wanted to see her earlier.

>>415817
>>415953
I don't think he should lie about her father wanting to see her... there are too many ways that could fall through. We don't know for certain if he's actually here, for example.

Coming by to ask a question might work, as long as you're appropriately polite about interrupting. However, even then I'd worry about it looking bad for Felix or the D'Amuri family when he comes bumbling in.

stay outside. wait for her to leave, then ask her if she's okay as if you'd just arrived.

>>415841
This seems a good idea, but just say that you couldn't find anyone else in the house.

Don't interrupt, and above all don't be seen by Olivia's husband/other guy. In the world of court politics, he would likely assume you would use any information you may have gained as blackmail material, and that this was your intention all along. The elven nobility is already divided about your presence, having a family with a grudge against you would not be a good thing. Better to err on the side of caution and back off until Olivia has left. Then explain to her what you overheard.

>>415812
Don't bother them, don't go in, don't be a target, don't be connected.
Look for a good spot to listen in from. Are there any other doors in the hallway next door that room, or maybe some plain doorways that probably represent broom closets? The walls are thin, and you could probably be a good bit further down the hall and still hear them clearly.
If at all possible, you need to not be seen at all by anyone in that room once they leave. If that means quietly running for it, so be it.

Look around for ninja, and remember to check the ceiling.

Are those sliding doors? They look like it.

Agreed that getting involved right now'd be a bad idea. Too easy to make the situation worse.

>>415812
Sounds like a conspiracy! Stay stealthy, and listen from more of a distance.~

Suggestion 2012/11/21(Wed)08:29 No. 473450 ID: 28ea8b
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After a brief moment of consideration, Felix quietly stepped back from the door and made his way back towards the stairs. While he felt a pang of guilt for leaving Olivia in such a displeased state, their quarrel had nothing to do with him. Stepping in with no knowledge of the situation could not only make himself look foolish, but also change Olivia’s apparently positive opinion of him as well. Antony had obviously upset her in some way, but Felix didn’t get the impression that the elf was going to get violent.

Deciding that he might use this time to get some light reading out of the way, Felix turned at the last minute and swung open the surprisingly quiet door to the library. He let out a sigh of relief as he saw that the room was blissfully empty and silent, and took his time perusing the shelves before selecting a book about the history of the elven royal lineage. Felix had only ever been told the very basics of information regarding the elven kingdom, like the fact that it was older than the human empire by at least five hundred years or so. Figuring it was time he knew a bit more than that, he sat down and began to read.

Though the book was certainly engaging at first, the subject quickly grew tiring. Political intrigue was obviously much less common amongst elves. Every ruler over the past four hundred years had given the crown over to his or her first born, and there was apparently never an issue with the line of succession. While good for the kingdom, this made for a very dull piece of literature.

Suggestion 2012/11/21(Wed)08:30 No. 473451 ID: 28ea8b
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Putting the book back on top of the pile and standing up, Felix stretched wide and groaned as his back cracked. Moving to the door, he opened it to find a much darker corridor waiting for him. Thankfully, Olivia’s door was shut and he could hear nobody else in the house moving about or speaking. Nothing even seemed to make much of a noise as Felix left the house, sighing as a cool breeze hit his face.

The simple joy of that moment didn’t last long. As Felix approached the shrine, a huge figure came suddenly out of the darkness to his right. There was absolutely no warning; he seemed to appear out of thin air, moving as quiet as a ghost. Felix was able to identify his assailant as Deacon, but before he could cry out or even run the larger elf had seized him by the throat. He drove Felix backwards and pinned him against a tree with his elbow, giving Felix just enough slack to breathe.

With his free hand, Deacon drew a knife from his belt. “I told you to leave yesterday. I thought I was quite cordial, but obviously you humans need to have things explained physically. You are not wanted in this land.”

Hey I guess I pretty much told a complete lie at the end of the last post. Sorry.

"i told him what you told me if i'm not here you will be the first suspect"

>>473451
We love you too much to be upset

Hmmmm. Kick this asshole in the nads. Literally every other sentient being (aside from your blushing bride) in the local region has informed you that they like you and enjoy your company in one way or another. If there's a problem here, it's with this guy and his unkicked nads.

If that doesn't work, try praying to Anne. See a nazi druid try to talk his way out of strangling an elemental spirit's friend.

inform him of the amount of shits you give about that statement. zero. then apply liberal amounts of force on his person until he backs the fuck off.

Ask him if he thinks this is really within his power. The elves recognize the threat your enemies pose between the two races, why the fuck doesn't he realize that? This is the only way for the elves and humans to work together for the war that's coming. This is bigger than his little broken heart. This is your fucking duty.
Your sorry that you and your fiance don't get to find the one's they want to be with forever but that's how the world works sometimes. He can't fucking change it. Would he rather his crush die to the Gentry in an assault? Because you sure don't, and this is the only way to protect everyone we can think of.

Point is, unless he's a brilliant tactician the likes of which no one has ever seen, killing you will likely kill everyone he knows and loves. You and your fiance are the only tethers that can hold this alliance together this easily.

Stay silent. If he was just going to kill you with no warning, he would have stabbed you already. He sounds like the 'needs a reason' type, and if you say nothing all he can do is talk himself out of it.

Remember what Lord D’Amuri said, Deacon is a man of honor so you should ask him is it common among druids to sneak up on other people like a thief or a murderer?

Whatever you do don't make any hostile moves against the man who has a knife ready to gut us.

>>473522
I agree with this line of thinking. Use what we learned about him against him, and don't make a move against someone who got the drop on you. Not unless you're a huge badass, and honestly I think you've shown that you aren't one.

Go ahead and talk for now. As soon as he puts that knife away get him.

Call for Myrin! She's your bodyguard!

Seriously, this guy keeps coming back to haunt us, but he's a druid and that implies things about him. I have an idea, someone else please troubleshoot it and check my wording for problems:

"The king himself gave me permission to be in this land so either you're mistaken about me not being welcome in this land or at least one of you two is lying.
"If you were to tell me that it is the king who lied then this possibility needs to be investigated, because politicians are generally more known for such duplicity than druids.
"If, on the other hand, it is you who are telling the lie about me not being welcome here then you should reconsider your actions. Sneaking up on someone with a knife is a very dishonourable action and even if you succeeded in murdering me like an assassin this would stain your honour. I also don't imagine that the murder of a foreign dignitary that was welcomed as a guest by the king would be good for you either; it would be cause for a war that neither of our peoples can afford in the face of the Gentry.
"However, my grasp of the full subtleties and complexities of elven law and tradition is not perfect. It could be that this analysis of our situation here is mistaken or lacking something important, and even if it isn't this is still a serious and difficult problem for both of us. So I have an idea for how to deal with it that you, as a druid, may appreciate. I propose we take this matter to the spirit at the shrine so that perhaps we can figure out who is lying and what should be done about it."

>>475595
Man he'd probably stick him through halfway into that monologue. Mans an extremist, so don't test him.

>>475608
so basically, shorten it to
"you harm me, you become a Fugitive. you kill me, there's a good chance you start a war."

>>473451
>You are not wanted in this land.
"The King of this land, the Lord of this manor, and every one of it's inhabitants, have all personally welcomed me. Why do you claim I am not wanted?".

Suggestion 2012/12/21(Fri)22:48 No. 480226 ID: 28ea8b
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Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Felix took a moment to gather his thoughts. He was surprised when his voice came out calm and even. "What are you doing, Deacon? What do you think this is going to solve? Lord D'Amuri told me that you were honorable, you have to understand why I can't leave."

"All this talk of an alliance I assume" Deacon shot back with a sneer. "We don't need you humans. We have been a proud nation far longer than your people have. We have weathered worse in the past, and we do not need you in the future. The Gentry haven't even declared war upon us yet, only you humans. Why should anything to do with you concern us?!"

The sheer self-importance of that statement made Felix scowl back. "Are you at all qualified to make that decision for your nation? Lord D'Amuri tells me that you're not even allowed near the palace. Furthermore, I'm pretty damn sure you're not going to kill me. If my father didn't personally kill you himself, from what I understand your nation would if only to stop open conflict." Deacon's eyes widened, but he didn't seem to have a response for the outburst. Feeling the grip on his neck slacken slightly, Felix felt a strange sense of pity for the larger elf. He looked lost, and Felix got the very distinct impression that he hadn't thought this encounter through very well. "Look, I'm sorry about all this. I sometimes wish that things were different too, but we have to play the hand the fate has dealt us. I'm sure that Bianca..."

Sudden pressure on his throat cut off Felix from talking further. "This has nothing to do with her" Deacon replied suddenly, his eyes burning with anger again. "If you don't leave this land..."

Managing to pry the arm away from his throat with one heave, Felix shouted back. "Well, I'm not going to leave! I'm going to stay and marry into this family. You had better just gut me right now if that's going to be an issue." With his eyes firmly locked onto Deacon's, Felix stood silent. He could very distinctly feel the point of the knife against his stomach, but tried to ignore the sensation.

There was a long pause. Finally, with a sigh, Deacon lowered the knife and stepped back. "Very well. I will..."

Suggestion 2012/12/21(Fri)22:49 No. 480227 ID: 28ea8b
File 135615895027.jpg - (90.21KB , 800x658 , 1303589-CRSQQG5.jpg )

Felix caught Deacon completely off guard. Stepping forward swiftly, Felix grabbed the larger elf by each shoulder and drove a knee into his groin. While Deacon stumbled back, groaning in intense pain, Felix reached down into his boot and pulled out the dagger within. "And do not touch me again."

It took a good ten seconds or so for Deacon to respond. Finally, he took a deep breath and looked Felix in the eye. "All things considered, I suppose this is fair. I will depart, even though everything within me is telling me to do otherwise." Lifting the knife, Deacon let Felix inspect the fine craftsmanship before tossing it casually into the soil between them, blade-first. "I won't come back here to harass you again. In fact, I will stay away from their land entirely. You can feel free to wander these woods without fear of attack. I wouldn't want Lord D'Amuri to get too concerned. As long as you continue doing what your honor commands of you I shall not interfere. If you step out of line however you will answer to me. You may keep the dagger. I have many more."

Felix stooped down and picked the blade up. It had a very reassuring weight to it, and felt quite natural in his hands. He didn't know what to say, so he said the first thing on his mind to fill the awkward silence. "Thank you."

"Do not thank me. We are not, nor will ever be friends." Deacon turned and wandered off into the night air. The air around him seemed to blur as he quickly faded from sight. "If given the opportunity I will oppose this union and your presence in our land. By force if necessary."

Suggestion 2012/12/21(Fri)22:49 No. 480228 ID: 28ea8b
File 135615898405.jpg - (104.32KB , 800x658 , 1303590-W707JKS.jpg )

Letting out a long sigh, Felix slid his own knife into his boot and inspected the one Deacon had just given him. The craftsmanship was quite good, and so for the moment he decided to keep it handy.

As Felix was standing around musing, a hail from the darkness brought him back to the present. An elf that looked about as old as Felix's father came within visible range. "Lord Northgate. My apologies, but I heard raised voices. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, my good man, I do believe everything is just fine."

Head back in, I guess. You tired yet, Felix?

>>480228
So now this guard conveniently shows up as soon as the threat upon our life leaves? Awfully convenient. We know that a large amount of elves support your presence, at least publicly, but Deacon has also made it clear that there exist elves that don't... though no-one else has been quite so explicit about it.

So though there's no reason to expect any elf you meet to stab you in the back, recent events have definitely let you know that if your back is being stabbed, you need to be able to take care of yourself.

So for the guard, for now, a non-committal response should be fine. Though you ought to bring it up to Lord D'Amuri when it's convenient, for now the problem has been handled. And keep in mind, there's a reasonable chance there are those among D'Amuri's guard who also would rather not have you around. Druids may move like shadows, but I wouldn't be surprised if some of the guards were intentionally looking the other way.

yeah.

go meditate until you're sleepy.

yes, for now you have no proof any guards are in cahoots, so just say "yeah, discussion got a little heated but we sorted it out"