B. There are two kinds of lying: lying to others, and lying to yourself. Kalez respects the former.

C) You already know how trusting your enemy ends. He won't put any planning into betrayal - planning would make him spout red flags out his ass. No, he'll wait, and assist, and help, and even be your friend, and then one day at random a little dice roll in his head will say "welp now's a good time as any" and he'll push you off a cliff or throw you in with the other zombies.
It's going to suck, admitting to Kalez what you've become, but whatever fate she has in store for you doesn't compare to starting a zombie outbreak in what is effectively the nation's capital.
... Maybe you'll admit it while standing on a ledge so you can escape into the woods.

A. Honestly, i believe this is what Kalez wants us to do to get closer to Diavola, and a breakout will trick him into thinking we trust him enough to betray Kalez.
Why else are we locked in with him?

C. The crazy bastard is lost. He already brought more trouble upon you and letting him out is asking for him to do more damage and increase the undead blight.

Go with A to play along. Post-cure you have no ties to Diavola so can defect without issue.

Erm, no. Actually going to Diavola won't work. She'll be able to tell you're going to betray her, and will brainwash you or something.

C.

C

>>1073334
B with a twist. Tell Kalez a lie but hint that you're following up on a lead. She can't fault us for taking some initiative since the alternative is to lay down and die.

Eeyfel 2023/10/07(Sat)12:17 No. 1074228 ID: 9b127b
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Eeyfel shakes her head "You're a fool if you think I'd ever betray <istress Kalez!"

Ulric shrugs "I tried, I really did. but it's your life not mine if you want to throw it away who am I to stop you" he turns and starts looking around the cell testing the bars

Eeyfel decides to ignore the ghoulish man and get more rest
Eeyfel was strong and she'll be rewarded this time she knows it

Eeyfel 2023/10/07(Sat)12:17 No. 1074229 ID: 9b127b
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The next day arrives, Eeyfel tells Mistress Kalez everything she knows from what she experienced personally to what Ulric has said.
Mistress Kalez was pleased, it has been so long since Eeyfel had pleased her mistress.

Eeyfel is dressed in new robes, the finest quality she's ever had. her mistress even offers adornments and accessories.
Eeyfel is given her first staff, she is a true acolyte now. she'd never be the lesser of her peers, never the servant again

Mistress Kalez bids Eeyfel accompany her to the docks, no guards Eeyfel is all the support she needs.

* * *

The sun is warm and the water a refreshing cool, a perfect day Eefel thinks
Eeyfel remembers that Ulric used to do some work here, mistress will need a new grounds keeper, she thinks of potential candidates she'll pick a good one and Mistress will be pleased.

'Are you alright Eeyfel my student?' it is Mistress' voice, but it sounds so strange, there is a kindness Eeyfel has rarely heard and never directed at her.
Eeyfel then realizes the kind words are a question, she's fallen behind taking in the scene.

What does Eeyfel do?
What does Eeyfel say?
What does Eeyfel think?

This doesn't seem right. Is this a dream?

>>1074230

Perhaps, but that same question could be asked of life itself, could it not? Why let it stop us from trying to answer.

Eeyfel responds honestly that she's not quite as focused as she'd like to be, but doesn't feel terrible.

Eeyfel takes a moment to take things in, forcing herself to try and see what is happening around her.

Eeyfel thinks about her condition, and if it can be cured. If not, then what will happen to her? Even if her mistress offers such lovely rewards, for how long will she enjoy them? Does she even have a year left? Months, weeks, days? Will she die, or be changed to something not quite herself?

Diavola Channler could cure her. That is what Ulric said. It would have been in Eeyfel's report already.

Eeyfel may speak again, asking her mistress if she believes the mongrel's claims about Diavola. Both her survival and her supposed possession of a cure.

This does not seem right. She wouldn't let out an infected person and promote them. Try to fight the mind control or dream and break out of it.

"...Please save us."
Start crying.

Say "Why are we here alone?" Think "She knows that undead overpowered me so why are we alone?" She casts an anti-illusion spell.

>>1074260
this

Eeyfel 2023/10/24(Tue)09:23 No. 1075432 ID: 0d1c28
File 169816460984.png - (1.12MB , 657x858 , Pentacle264.png )

Eeyfel is convinced this is dream. she pinches herself but the pain is real.

then it must be mind control! Ulric, the mandrake or someone anyone must have used dark magic on her, trapped her in an illusion of beauty, Laterna can do that, others must as well.
but then, why doesn't she feel any pull any influence at all? she still hasn't answered answered Kalez's question and doesn't want too.

Kalez waits, never before seen patience on her faces and maybe sadness? her mistress repeats herself, not annoyed somehow but... worried? 'Eeyfel, are you alright?'

Eeyfel knows this must be trick, but she's just too stupid, too weak and too useless. She can't figure out what's happening here, she just can't. Eeyfel is a sack spilling grain through a hole, there's less and less left of her with each passing moment.

'...Please save me' Eeyfel cries out for salvation.

Kalez nods and holds out one of her hands 'That's why we're here, trust in me and come this way, show me the loyalty Garrin has always seen in you.'

"Wake me up when the Lords have fallen."

"Yes... Yes, I am loyal. Please allow me to comtinue serving you."

>>1075432
No evidence of a dream, no evidence of mind control. Could still be an illusion; is there a way to tell if that's really Kalez? Follow for now.

>>1075432
Kalez? Not annoyed? It can't be her.

Eeyfel 2023/11/03(Fri)09:39 No. 1076340 ID: 0d1c28
File 169902954885.png - (1.14MB , 657x858 , Pentacle265.png )

Eeyfel is hesitant, but takes her mistress' hand.

Kalez guides Eeyfel into the passage. 'Garrin, spoke very highly of you.'

Eeyfel has trouble believing that, Garrin never spoke too her, let alone of her. Eeyfel would sooner have believed Garrin didn't even know she existed. Really? what did he say? Eeyfel manages.

Kalez turns away still guiding Eeyfel by hand 'He told me Your loyalty was unmatched and that you were an invaluable asset we couldn't afford to lose'

Eeyfel tries to laugh at the ludicrous lie Kalez just spewed forth but all she chokes out are a series of wheezing coughs

Kalez doesn't seem to take notice 'it took me far longer than it should but I have come to believe he is right, he'd be lucky to have as strong an advocate.'

Eeyfel wonders, is this a game her mistress is playing? perhaps a test?

It's a dungeon. You're to be locked away with the others she could not help, waiting for the day a cure can be found. For those not paying attention, this is the same dungeon we visited last thread.

If Eeyfel can recognize this, then she may know what's coming. There's no point in fighting it, not in her condition. It's for the best she stay with the rest, as if a cure is ever found, she'd be in a position to receive it among the others.

If Eeyfel cannot, then she must simply go off her faith in Kalez. She had the perfect chance to turn away from her mistress with Ulric before, and she rejected it. Eeyfel wants to believe in Kalez. Despite her doubts, she should follow her will.

Whichever it is, here's a question Eeyfel might ask: "Do you think there really is a cure?"

>>1076340
Yes, it's probably some sort of illusion but as long as 'Kalez' is being nice? Kiss her. See if that breaks the illusion.

Well that is what we said to the Duchess. Someone could have heard that though or the Duchess might be trying to see where our loyalties lie. Tell her that yes, you would do anything for her as you are her loyal servant.

LonelyWorlds 2023/11/22(Wed)11:36 No. 1077838 ID: 0d1c28
File 170068179156.png - (779.03KB , 657x858 , Pentacle266.png )

Eeyfel doesn't know if it's a trick a lie or a test, but maybe she doesn't care.
This kindness is the only thing keeping a cold hollow feeling away
Distrust drains from Eeyfel 'yes, I would do anything for you Mistress, I am your loyal servant.'

Kalez smiles and strokes her head. 'I Believe you, and please call Kalez, I will be your mistress no longer.'['i]

Eeyfel voices her thoughts as they come to her [i]'I don't understand, I still wish to serve'

Kalez looks away as she guides Eeyfel down the passage 'you've served me as well as you can, but I failed you in your training, you weren't as strong as you could have been, I was too distracted, I never saw your worth.'

Eeyfel stammers in disbelief 'Mistress, it's not you're fault! I'm just a kobold I-'

Kalez interrupts 'please be calm, I will help you, come it's not much further now.'

They enter a large chamber, Eeyfel knows this place it's the elevator room that leads to the second dungeon. There's a worker she doesn't recognize, this makes sense Ulric won't be performing this duty anymore.

Well this won't end well. If she's no longer our master she's about to put us in a deeper prison. RUN.

Don't run. You've stood by the wisdom of Kalez up 'til now, and you don't have any more outs. If you have any faith left in her, then you will do as she asks of you.

>>1077838
If she wanted to hurt us, she could have done so a thousand different ways. Don't run, let her help you.

"Just let me sleep, Lady Kalez. Let us all sleep this hunger off. I - we will make it up to you when the new future arises. We'll work for an eternity - just make the hunger stop."

>>1077854
This

You know who’s down there, right? This is a bad idea for both of you.

LonelyWorlds 2023/12/23(Sat)17:26 No. 1079696 ID: 0d1c28
File 170338121072.png - (1.08MB , 657x858 , Pentacle267.png )

Eeyful looks to Kalez with trust but also fear.

Kalez leans forward and lookis into Eeyfel with her many eyes. 'Don't be afraid, I know it's frightening up there. but it's a place you can survive in, and if you cling to that loyalty you'll be kept whole.'

her Mistress' baleful glare and cryptic words do nothing to lessen Eeyfel's fear. 'I don't want to go up there, please just help me you said you could save me'

'This is the only way I can... I need more time, I will find a cure. I will save you, I will save everyone.' Kalez radiates confidence and it spreads to Eeyfel.

The former acolyte nods in acceptance and her mistress carefully lifts Eeyful into the elevator basket.
Again Eeyfel is shown kindness, so rarely given by Mistress Kalez,
rare but not unheard of. Eeyfel remembers it.

Eeyfel 2023/12/23(Sat)17:27 No. 1079697 ID: 0d1c28
File 170338127977.png - (862.61KB , 657x858 , Pentacle268.png )

Eeyfel thinks back many many summers ago.

Aebin was very harsh '... The breeding regimen continues to fail in all of it's goals, I don't see why you keep investing coin into it. All I see are failures.'

Kalez turned away from Aiben then and picked up Eeyfel the same way 'Hello there little pup, you're not a failure are you?'

Eeyfel had been so eager to agree 'No Mistress!

Kalez had shown warmth then too 'That's right, one day you might even be an Acolyte!'

No one had ever believed in Eeyfel like that 'Yes Mistress!

'See Aebin? I'm not the only one who believe in the future of the breeding regimen.' Kalez was always so sure

Kalez's faith had always give Eeyfel strength.
and it gives her strength now.

Eeyfel thinks she has the strength for 2 options
A)Ask Kalez for a Pentacle
B)Ask Kalez to ride up with her
C) Ask Kalez to give her minions a message
D) Hug Kalez
E) thank Kalez for everything
F)Curse Kalez and the doom she brought her
G)flee
H)Attack, Kalez has so much strength, it could be Eeyfels

B, F. Kalez... you will run out of time to find a cure. And when you do, the castle will still be crawling with undead.

A and D. A physical item to hold onto and remember your Mistress by, and returning the comfort her hold gave with a hug of your own. A final touch of warmth to stave off the cold washing over your soul.

A and E. Strength and goodwill is what will keep us going.

D and E I guess. We seem to weak for the rest by now.

A + E

A + D

>>1079697
H

It's free real estate

C) Say to those dimwits that if their incompetent asses die while you get fixed up, you will go to hell just to give them a beating.
E) *sniffle* G-goes for you too Kalez. Die before you fix this you'll d-drag her outta hell just to give h-her a beating too. O-or if she gives up you'll kill h-her and drag her back just so s-she doesn't give up. However Mistress p-punishes doing so will be w-worth it so... so... j-j-just don't give up on this! (Eeyfel seems to not do affection though she does do tough love. Obvious bluster while holding back crying seems... appropriate. Especially with these "putting to sleep a loved pet" vibes Kalez is giving off.)

Eeyfel 2023/12/31(Sun)08:59 No. 1080134 ID: 0d1c28
File 170404194365.png - (1.06MB , 657x858 , Pentacle269.png )

Eeyfel feels a bold daring from that internal strength
or perhaps she just knows she has nothing to lose asks for one of Kalez' precious trinkets
'Thank you for everything you've done for me but I need to ask for one more thing mistress, I-I want a pentacle'
she simply must have one, but no sooner has she voiced the words does her confidence falter.
Eeyfel withers under Kalez' judging stare for what feels like eons.

The golden scorpion then detaches a coin from her belt and holds it out 'You want one of these?'
Eeyfel reaches for it and Kalez pulls back a little 'Do you even know what pentacles are?'

'Soul coins'Eeyfel responds mesmerized by it's shimmer

The shimmer is matched be the beguiling glimmer in Kalez' eyes.'Yes, that's right. but there's so much more to them then that.'

Eeyfel tries to recite her studied knowledge but it comes out lacking'they can only be given willing...'

Kalez nods 'If a pentacle is ever stolen, or acquired through deception the thief or swindler is cursed until they return it. should the coin ever leave there person under any other circumstance their life and their soul are forfeit'

Kalez doesn't tell Eeyfel anything she doesn't already know. but the warning is clear. Eeyfel pulls back her hand. 'please, let me have it...' Eyfel pleads

Again Kalez pauses, deep in thought, 'Perhaps I shall, but know this these things are of immense value, people will kill for them, it takes but one expendable body, one soul and a clever master to outsmart the coin, Are you certain you want such a thing?'

a) YES.
b) no...

Yes.

A

Well we asked so A.

Yessssssssss, our preciousssssssss

B) Your mind is going. You will not be able to defend a single piece of gold.
But if you survive to see the new age... you'll want that coin, please.

Eeyfel 2024/01/20(Sat)15:45 No. 1081481 ID: 0d1c28
File 170579435562.png - (1.02MB , 657x858 , Pentacle270.png )

'YES.' Eeyfel says with only the smallest of doubts clawing at the back of her mind.
but the doubts are easy to ignore.

The pentacle is a beautiful thing, so small so precious yet filled with so much power
Eeyfel stares at it taking in it's every facet.
Eeyfel thinks she hears Kalez wish her off, she waves back absent mindedly.

The pentacle glows for Eeyfel, do they always glow? Eeyfel doesn't thinks so, she'd have noticed that on Kalez' belt.
Eeyfel isn't sure if the coins is merely reflecting the light or the soothing warm glow is in her imagination.
Or maybe the pentacle only glows for her. because it knows who it belongs too.
Yes that is definitely it. The glow is her bond to the coin, the only true friend she'll ever have.
Eeyfel feels the elevator move but she gives it little thought.
all the thought she has to give belongs to the Pentacle.
as she should.

Eeyfel 2024/01/20(Sat)15:47 No. 1081482 ID: 0d1c28
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Eeyfel doesn't recall getting off the elevator, but she must have.
The gears grind and the elevator is already heading back down.

Much to her dismay the world returns to Eeyfel, she has to think again.
She needs to protect the pentacle, keep it safe.
The pentacle isn't glowing anymore, maybe it doesn't want anyone else to see.
the peace she felt holding the coin is gone and the dread returns.

Eefel looks upon her new home.
She doesn't like it.

Chapter 5 End