No Zela, You will get to see the princess naked, which is far better!

Also, Maybe you should tell her to calm down and breathe, it almost looks like she could get an heart attack any moment now.

>…actually, speaking of doorways, you’re actually surprised that Bri hasn't gotten stuck in one yet…
Aaand now you've jinxed it, which means that it's going to happen now. Poor Bri. But at least you get to touch her butt when you have to shove her through whatever door she gets stuck in.

>Starstruck Zela.
Well, at least you know that you've got a fan now. I actually feel kinda bad about having to tell her who actually painted those pictures and who she's actually going to see naked. Hope she doesn't get too upset when you tell her.

Restrain Bri before she reduces your new friend to bug juice.

Zela, Breath Zela, Take deep breaths and count to three. Need to have you a bit calmer when it comes to painting.

As far as criticism goes that's... Pretty accurate, Bri isn't a full fledged painter and only does it for hobby and enjoyment reasons.

Anyways, no she isn't painting you.. yet, maybe. Bit irritating that the royal painter considers it crude, the natural form and self is one of the most glorious temples in existence!

>You didn’t mean those kinds of feelings!
Oh, sure. No way Belseth will ask nicely and you'll oblige, it's not like that's happened twice before or anything.
>You meant that if trusted you enough to listen fully to you!
I'm sure you'll have quite the conversation about how important trust and communication is, you libertine.

Well Zela, it's true I'm the one who hired you, but I'm not the subject. I've already had my portrait taken, and I'd like to return the favor... I'm curious though, why won't your master do figure painting? I didn't know it was controversial.

>>748275
Tell her sorry to disappoint, but she'll be painting your fiance.

Also hey, that was good criticism! She thinks Bri has skill, but just needs more experience. Ask Briannah how long she's been painting.

Turn to your fiance and, with a straight face, ask her aloud if she'd mind if you were to bone the painter's apprentice.

Then correct Zela on her assumptions about whom it is she is going to paint or who's art she has been observing.

>>748413
she looks like a mantis more than an ant person.
a female mantis...
sex with a female mantis...
... nope getting the fuck out of here,

>>748418
Hivers don't do that.

>>748413
Let's not make this weird.

I mean Bri would be up, she likes seeing things goo up your tail

Kaktus 2016/09/18(Sun)15:27 No. 748470 ID: 65a774
File 147423764686.png - (59.38KB , 686x526 , 90.png )

>Restrain Bri before she reduces your new friend to bug juice.
Bri’s keeping to herself at the entrance, seemingly more annoyed that Zela here is almost fainting at your presence than anger for any slight she might have done.
>Hey, that was good criticism! She thinks Bri has skill, but just needs more experience.
It does ring rather true, yes, which can make the criticism sting even more, can’t it?
>Well, at least you know that you've got a fan now.
You’re pretty sure you’ve had fans before, just not… one that seem to worship the ground you stand on.
>Aaand now you've jinxed it, which means that it's going to happen now.
You’ll have to remind Bri to keep away from thin doors, then.
>But at least you get to touch her butt when you have to shove her through whatever door she gets stuck in.
She’s your fiancé, you can touch her butt whenever you want to. In fact, she would probably be delighted if you touched her butt more often.
>Oh, sure. No way Belseth will ask nicely and you'll oblige, it's not like that's happened twice before or anything.
You’re not saying things will happen, you’re just saying that you won’t put all the eggs in that basket.


>Zela, Breath Zela, Take deep breaths and count to three.
O-oh gosh… h-he c-c-called me b-b-by name…
Just calm down and breathe…
I… I… I’m f-fine… r-r-really… err… y-y-your h-high- err… e-exalted h-high… um… heh… haha… ha?
>Tell her sorry to disappoint, but she'll be painting your fiancé.
W-w-what!? B-but… I… … …oh… o-of course… I… of c-course, m-my p-p-prince… stupid! Of course s-something like t-this would h-happen! Don’t g-get your h-hopes up n-ne- *Cough* I m-mean, I w-would be delighted t-to p-paint y-your w-w-wife! Um… I m-mean… serpents like h-her a-are quite… err… I mean… hah...?
That’s my bodyguard, Sisah, my soon to be wife is the Sakkilian behind me.
…greetings.
OH HAHA…hah… err… I mean… I’m… it’s just… I… h-haven’t… err… just… h-h-heard that… um… I didn’t… ha… err… haha… ha? …s-s-sorry…
>She isn't painting you... yet.
EEEH!??
I mean, if your work is satisfactory, it would be prudent to commission you for another painting, no?
…err… …o-o-of course! I… I’ll p-paint t-the most a-amazing painting… err… oh gosh, I mean, my h-handy w-w-work is… err… my p-p-paintings a-are… err… hah… um… ha?
>I'm curious though, why won't your master do figure painting?
Oh… err… it’s j-just… h-he mostly d-does p-portraits for a-all the n-noble families and… err…
Indeed, I do remember that he’s already painted me three times, at different ages.
S-so… err… h-he’s kind of set in h-his old w-w-ways and… um… h-he’s and old fart that d-doesn’t- NO I MEAN- err… hah?
And I do remember him being an old fart too, yes…
Oh… err… y-yes… h-h-he’s just bit… old f-fashioned…

>Ask Briannah how long she's been painting.
A few years.
Oh? OH! Oh, it’s y-your paintings!?
Does that change ye opinions on them?
Oh no! Nonono! Of c-course not! I… I mean… they a-are still… y-you h-have talent but… err… y-you’re not a… um… by trade… … …PAINTER! I mean, a p-painter by... err...
No, I’m a ’obbyiest like yah said.
W-w-well, k-keep on p-painting, a-as t-t-there is still… um… potential and… err… I mean, maybe I c-can give you a few… p-pointers and… err… oh gosh…
>Turn to your fiance and, with a straight face, ask her aloud if she'd mind if you were to bone the painter's apprentice.
W-W-W-WHAT!? Y-you w-w-w-want t-t-to… w-with… err… me and… prince… t-t-the prince want to… oh… oh gosh…
Well, I’ve said that yah can’t bone anyone yah want as long as I can do the same, eh?
…oh gosh…
But with a ‘iver gal? Really?
Oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh…
Well, she is kind of cute…
OH GOSH OH GOSH OH GOSH!
And I’ve always wa-
OH GOSH! T-THIS CAN’T B-BE… IT MUST B-BE S-SOME J-J-JOKE AND… I-I-I N-NEED T-TO… to… err… l-leave… I NEED TO L-LEAVE! Because… I… oh gosh!
*Door slam*
…
…
…well, that ‘appened.
…do you think I scared her away?
*Sniff* while I’m no expert on ‘iver smells, I’m pretty sure she made this whole room stink of arousal. So no, she probably wasn’t scared, eh?
Oh…
…now the question is, did yah say that to mess with ‘er, with me, both of us or were yah actually serious?

>sex with a female mantis... ... nope getting the fuck out of here.
While Hivers might resemble mantises a bit, they aren’t the same species. In fact, you’re pretty sure mantises don’t even bite the head off their partners anyway! After all, your friend the librarian has been engage for two years now and he still got his head, no?

Bit to mess with both, along with a bit serious...

Jeeze though you've never seen a hiver go complete red like that though, not something you've certainly see before!

>>748470
can't it be all of the above, we get to fluster two women for the price of one comment and if open to the idea i also get to explore a new heavenly body

started as a curiosity that just turned out to be to fun to stop.

>>748470
Dang. Knocked her hat right off.

All of the above really.

Please Bri, I'm never serious.

Eh, a little of column a, a little of column b, and a little from all the rest of the columns to boot. She was acting so incredibly adorable that you just couldn't resist!

WEAR THE HAT

>>748470
Semi-serious. It could make Briannah more comfortable around hivers if she got to bring one low in the bedroom, though... Plus she's got an ass to rival Briannah's! (say that while grabbing Bri's ass)

>You’ll have to remind Bri to keep away from thin doors, then.
No, that won't work because you jinxed it. It's going to happen no matter how careful you are.

Speaking of butts stuck in narrow doors, you might want to go check on Zela real quick. She was in such a hurry to leave, I think she might've not been paying attention and is currently stuck in a narrow door.

Semi-serious.
Also Zela can give Bri advice while they both paint you naked, and then Bri can put those tips to use by painting you and Zela when you fuck her.

>…now the question is, did yah say that to mess with ‘er, with me, both of us or were yah actually serious?
>>748472
Exactly. Messing with the two of them and ensuring it's a possibility in the future.

Keep in mind Bri is seriously grossed out by Hivers and may not take your suggestions in her usual good humor. Make it abundantly clear that if Bri doesn't want any part of it, you're fine being just a tease.

Kaktus 2016/09/20(Tue)11:01 No. 748753 ID: 65a774
File 147439450008.png - (52.41KB , 686x526 , 91.png )

>Keep in mind Bri is seriously grossed out by Hivers and may not take your suggestions in her usual good humor.
Then you’ll just have to tread a bit more careful and watch her reaction. So far she doesn’t seem to mind too much. Of course, you can also consider this a bit of a revenge for every time she made you squirm.
>I mean Bri would be up, she likes seeing things goo up your tail.
Zela is quite clearly a lady Hiver, which means you’re the one who’s going to goo up her… tail? Abdomen? Eh, maybe you’ll just goo all over those big glasses of hers…
>You might want to go check on Zela real quick. She was in such a hurry to leave, I think she might've not been paying attention and is currently stuck in a narrow door.
She’s long gone and you have no idea where she went… besides, while tall, she wasn’t that wide. The doors here in the palace are rather big, after all.


>Make it abundantly clear that if Bri doesn't want any part of it, you're fine being just a tease.
A tease? Now really, Kronos, it’s starting to sound like yah’re just trying to mess with me, eh? I’ve told yah, I don’t care whom yah pound with that fat cock of ye, as long as yah are nice enough to tell me before ‘and. ‘iver or not, she is of one of the seven sentient races, thus she is fair game, eh? Just don’t fall in love, love.
>Dang. Knocked her hat right off.
Yah’re going to return that, right?
Of course, when I see her again.
…why not just send a servant?
And relive myself of a reason to meet with her in private? Never!
Heh… yah’re starting to sound a bit like me.

>Can't it be all of the above, we get to fluster two women for the price of one comment and if open to the idea I also get to explore a new heavenly body.
When yah put it like that… but are yah really interested in a ‘iver body? Even calling it ‘eavenly?
While I admit I’ve never had experience with a hiver before, I’ve had fantasies about them before. They are just so… different, I guess?
Exotic, eh? Hmm… I guess that I can at least give them.
>She was acting so incredibly adorable that you just couldn't resist!
She was blushing and shaking like a virgin at an orgy, heh… oh, I bet she is one! A virgin that is! Or at least very inexperienced!
Really?
Let’s see… rather young, only nineteen or twenty tops… acting all flustered when a ‘andsome little prince walked up to ‘er... panics as soon as the word bone was thrown out, yeah sound like inexperience to me.
Well, then I guess we can teach her a bit?
We? Really?
Please, like you could keep your hands away from something like this. It’s probably been her dream since she was young that some rich, handsome prince or knight would come riding and save her from her boring, normal life. She’s probably gotten of fantasizing that something like this would happen a million times by now.
…yah ‘now, when yah put it like that… this is starting to sound rather interesting, yeah…

>Plus she's got an ass to rival Briannah's!
Now yah’re really just messing with m- H-hey!
Though, I don’t think anything can beat this magnificent thing! Oooh… so soft yet so firm…
Yah just said that to ‘ave a reason to grab my bum, didn’t yah?
Well, yes, but it’s true. She did have a nice rear.
She got an abdomen! That’s not even close to an arse!
But it was so big and round…
Eh…
>Zela can give Bri advice while they both paint you naked.
Hrrn? I guess… though… I don’t ‘now if I want to sit next to a ‘iver while painting something like that… hmm…
>and then Bri can put those tips to use by painting you and Zela when you fuck her.
…fuck, that would be hot. Dammit, why did yah ‘ave to get a ‘iver painter! If she was anything but, I would be all for something like that but now… now I’m all conflicted! On one ‘and, that sound really fucking hot, on the other… she’s a ‘iver!
What’s wrong with being a hiver anyway?
She’s a giant insect!
…and I’m a giant bird… and you’re a giant lizard?
That’s not the same!
And Sisah here is a giant four eyed snake with no mouth and telepathic powers.
And a dick that shots eggs, sir, don’t forget.
Okay, they are a bit odd, but still…
and I assume you’ve had sex with those giant hairless ape things… and… um… cibics?
And an Uredo, yes.
So you’ve had sex with a parasite whom embedded itself into the spine of an giant amoeba… as well as a living bush? I don’t know how you have sex with something that don’t have a gender but… still, my point stands. Hivers are far from the oddest thing you’ve orgasmed too.
…fine, fine… I’ll guess I’ll try to… not be disgusted by her.
Good… now, what time is it? It’s almost ten isn’t it? We probably should prepare to meet general Thalia?

Well, there is one thing before that, speaking of fucking around.
Hmm?
Seeing as yah’re going to ‘ave a date tonight, yah won’t mind if I ‘ave some fun while yah’re gone?
…with whom, exactly?
Oh, I’ll probably not be on the mood to ‘unt and I barely know anyone ‘ere… probably just Doxan. Oh, and maybe Xarrin, ‘e’s ‘ere, eh?
Xarrin?
When I called ‘im the biggest arse kisser in the empire, I meant it both figuratively and literally… of course, that would mean that I need to unplug myself. Do yah mind if I remove the butt plug yah made me wear tonight, ‘un?
Oh right…that thing… err…
And yah won’t mind me plowing both of them, eh? I mean, yah’re going to plow both Belseth and the painter sooner or later, right?

>>748753
I suppose that would be fair... though tell her you're not as used to this sort of thing as she is. Maybe we should slow it down some? How about we drop seducing the painter for now, and you don't know Xarrin very well so that's not as comfortable either.

>>748753
Sure!

I guess you could call it a "plow-share", right?

Huff about her trying to weasel out of her favors.

>>748753
leave it in there, give that ass kisser a special treat.
lol

Yea, she can remove it. Still, it should stay in until right before.

Hey, remember when Bri suggests things? We're not even planning on any porking, given the nature of the questions we have for Belseth. Maybe we can play with fire some other time.

>And yah won’t mind me plowing both of them, eh? I mean, yah’re going to plow both Belseth and the painter sooner or later, right?
I don't remember ever saying I was going to Fuck Belseth. As for the painter, I thought it was a "We" are going to fuck her.

But I guess it will be alright... As long as she promises to not let her nymphomania get the best of her. Or to go back into thinking that a relation is only about sex.

Kaktus 2016/09/22(Thu)14:20 No. 749145 ID: 65a774
File 147457922997.png - (43.68KB , 686x526 , 92.png )

>Hey, remember when Bri suggests things?
Right, right… you’ll tread carefully…

>Huff about her trying to weasel out of her favors.
It was until tonight, no? Either way, that thing back will probably starting making itself ‘nown tonight anyway…
Fine, fine, it it’s getting to uncomfortable, sure.
>Leave it in there, give that ass kisser a special treat.
As fun as that would be, there is a thing called ‘ygiene?
>I suppose that would be fair... though tell her you're not as used to this sort of thing as she is.
Ah… I guess I can slow down a bit for yah, then?
>and you don't know Xarrin very well so that's not as comfortable either.
And Yah’ve seen the painter ‘ow long? Ten minutes? But sure, I guess I can just ‘ave fun with Doxan tonight, eh?

>How about we drop seducing the painter for now…
Hey, don’t chicken out now! I saw that yah liked ‘er, so go for it! Besides, yah can’t leave the poor gal ‘anging after yah teased ‘er like that, eh? Are yah really going to ruin ‘er dreams like that?
>I thought it was a "We" are going to fuck her.
I’m still not sure about the whole “we” thing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for yah banging someone yah find cute, it’s just… I’m not so sure I want to be present when yah do the painter, that’s all.

>We're not even planning on any porking, given the nature of the questions we have for Belseth.
Porking or not… wait, did yah really just call it porking? ‘ave some class, Kronos. At least call it fucking or plowing or something. Porking just sounds… so unsexy. But as I was saying, no matter what ye intention is, I’m pretty sure yah referred to it as a date? I ‘now that Belseth did, at least when I talked to ‘im.
You talked to him about it?
Well, ‘e talked to me. Told me “Don’t ruin the date I have with Kronos, or I swear to the five…”. So, either it’s a date or someone will be sorely disappointed, eh? So, yah got a date that might go further while I get a quick fuck… fair, no?
>As long as she promises to not let her nymphomania get the best of her. Or to go back into thinking that a relation is only about sex.
‘ey, don’t worry. I love yah for way more reasons than that yah’re good in bed.

and I love you too, Bri. Now, could we start heading to the meeting?
Hrrn? We? Didn’t she specify to come alone? As in, just yah and ye guards?
I guess? So you’re not coming?
I have a few things I need to do before the trial, so sorry, yah’re on ye own, dove.
See you then, love.
See yah then! Oh… and maybe yah’re bringing a bit to many guards? Twelve of them feel a bit like an overkill?
>Hey, remember when Bri suggests things?
…
…no, I think I need the extra, just to scare away any potential threat.
If yah say so. Good luck, eh?

…

-is ready. He just needs to make sure it works, ma’am.
Good, then we just need to wait for… ah, and here he is. Prince Kronos, it’s an hon…

General Thalia seems a bit shocked when she sees the guards that are escorting you, as her breath seems to fail her for a moment. As on instinct, she grabs her sword and pulls it close to herself before catching herself and calming down. The two soldiers next to her are also on edge, keeping their weapons ready and almost ready to strike on a moment notice. You spot her gesturing with her eyes to the third and last soldier present, whom starts to discreetly trying to slink around your group of guards, as if to… surround you? No, more as if he’s trying to get into position to run?

My prince… not skipping on the guards, I see? Well, I’m sorry to say that my office is a bit… small to accompany all of them. Might I be so bold as to ask you to leave a few out here while we talk in private? Well, more private than this.

First Sigh.

Then inform her, this is the second or even third meeting in as many days and ALWAYS someone tried to off you, abuse you or something along those lines. So no, your trust in anyone is a bit shaky these days and the guards stay here.

And for crying out loud, you even just heard murmering sounding like a conspiracy again. These days, when someone calls you paranoid you can actually say "But they are after me!". So if she could just quickly explain what she wants, that would be nice. Because if this is, once again, a scheme, you would like to leave with your other eye intact.

>>749145
No. There's been an attempt on your life recently so you aren't going to skimp on protection. She should keep her guards present as well (don't let that guy run off).

Now, what did she want to talk about?

Mmm, having people on the defensive feels nice. We should roll around with an entire section of guards more often. Be calm and confident, but not accusatory, for we have more firepower and superior taste in hats. Pull yourself a seat, or otherwise make yourself comfortable.

There's been.. Well, I seem to be losing track of how many attempts on my life there have been. The last assassin who tried, I had to bludgeon her to death with a table leg after she stabbed me in the face. Not an incident I'd like to repeat, you see, So I decided to start bringing deterrents. I see you've similarly protected yourself; I tell you, it's dark days when someone has to wear full plated mail in their own office.

Now, I'm not quite sure exactly why you've summoned me, but I understand it has something to do with my brother, yes? Something you needed to discuss before the trial?

>No, more as if he’s trying to get into position to run?
Gesture to him jokingly; he got someplace he needs to be?

You see this? *point to eyepatch* This resulted from me being reckless and underestimating just exactly how racist my brother was. I lost this eye because of him trying to frame me for murdering Hiver prostitutes, when I thought we were just going to have a nice friendly conversation. So, please forgive me if I suddenly feel like being a little extra careful when I'm meeting with anyone. You can blame my brother for this lack of trust I've suddenly developed.

>You spot her gesturing with her eyes to the third and last soldier present, whom starts to discreetly trying to slink around your group of guards, as if to… surround you? No, more as if he’s trying to get into position to run?
And just because I'm missing an eye doesn't mean I didn't see you make a gesture to those soldiers! So, what did you tell them to do? Did you tell them to surround me and my guards? Or did you tell them to look for an opportunity to run?

Wait, what's she got behind her back? Maybe she's telling them to run because she's got a bomb? She could be so loyal to her cause that she's willing to kill herself to take you out. Or maybe it's just a gun.

In either case, how about you get Sisah between you and her?

>>749145
respond to her as such
"from the sounds of what I heard while approaching, everyone in your retinue seems to already be aware of your plans which just leaves me and my guards in the unknown, but by simply knowing my guards if i only take a few of them they will inevitably tell the others when they meet back up, we may as well have this meeting right here in the open with everybody in the open."
don't go anywhere more secluded. period

Kaktus 2016/09/23(Fri)10:17 No. 749324 ID: 65a774
File 147465106361.png - (34.19KB , 686x526 , 93.png )

>Wait, what's she got behind her back? Maybe she's telling them to run because she's got a bomb?
She has had her hands behind her back since you came here, only moving one to grab her sword from a nearby table. You’re pretty sure you would have seen if she was holding something as big as a bomb when you got here, as she had her back turned to you.
>In either case, how about you get Sisah between you and her?
Sisah is already at your side, ready to protect you.
>It's dark days when someone has to wear full plated mail in their own office.
While she’s wearing armor, that isn’t a full plate. In fact, you’re pretty sure it’s the same wear she had when you met her in the strategic meeting a few days ago, so it seems to be her normal working gear.
>Pull yourself a seat.
You’re standing in the middle of a small hall, surrounded by plotted plants on all kind of surfaces, but there are sadly no chairs in sight.
>We have more firepower and superior taste in hats.
More fire power, yes. But as for taste in hats? The beret was sadly rather cumbersome to wear, seeing as it was designed for Hivers, so it’s currently resting snugly in your jacket pocket.


>First Sigh.
*Sigh*…
*Sweat*
>Then inform her, this is the second or even third meeting in as many days and ALWAYS someone tried to off you, abuse you or something along those lines. So no, your trust in anyone is a bit shaky these days and the guards stay here.
I can understand your paranoia, as yours isn’t the only life that has been threatened recently. But, you are right, it was foolish of me to beg for trust when I don’t have any to give myself.
>Just because I'm missing an eye doesn't mean I didn't see you make a gesture to those soldiers! So, what did you tell them to do? Did you tell them to surround me and my guards?
Surround you? You walk in here with a dozen guards, all of whom are swayed by your bribes and you expect me to surround you with two soldiers and a messenger? No, he is to flee and spread the word that you truly are a traitor if you decide to actually use those guards of yours to murder me in cold blood.
Murder? Traitor? What are you talking about?
Oh please, you walk in here with half an army and the smug grin on your face… you know what you are doing here.
I’m not planning on murdering anyone.
…as you would say, yes.
>From the sounds of what I heard while approaching, everyone in your retinue seems to already be aware of your plans which just leaves me and my guards in the unknown.
My men do not know the exact details of what we’ll discuss, no, but if you are determined to stay out here… private, go get our special guest out here and bring that carpet of his with you.
Ma’am!

>Now, I'm not quite sure exactly why you've summoned me, but I understand it has something to do with my brother, yes? Something you needed to discuss before the trial?
:ThailaSB: Trial? Oh please, there won’t be one.
There won’t?
:ThailaSB: After his arrest, I started hearing rumors of an jailbreak, so I gathered some forces to act as extra guards at his cell, but do you know what I found when I got to the prison tower?
…him sitting in his cell?
:ThailaSB: I found nothing. His cell was empty, the guards had no idea anyone would be jailed there, there very no records of his stay. It was as he’s never been there at all… and when I brought it up to the queen she simply dismissed it.
And why are you bringing this up to me?
:ThailaSB: Because I have my reason to believe that you know where your brother is currently hiding… and are aiding him.
>You see this? *point to eyepatch* This resulted from me being reckless and underestimating just exactly how racist my brother was.
:ThailaSB: Indeed, as we’ve been told. The only problem is, every last witness of the event that wasn’t under your brothers payroll was under yours… and every last one of them got a rather large bonus, nearly twice their usual salary, right after these events.
…are you implying that I bribed my guards for their silence?
:ThailaSB: Seeing as all their stories vary wildly, I might make some implications, yes.

General? Why aren’t we using… err… w-wait, the Prince!? We’re going to interrogate the Prince!?
We’re going to ask him a few questions, that’s all.
A torturer!? …and a carpet?
I’ve heard you’re supposed to be rather intelligent, prince, I’m sure you can figure it out yourself.
…you have one of those runes of truth etched on the carpet? You’re going to use one of the tortures to make sure I speak the truth?
Indeed I am. So, if you would make yourself useful…?
…oh! Err… of course… I mean… um… I’ll just… put this up…
So, Prince, are you willing to stand on the truth itself and answer the simple question of “Do you know where your brother currently is”? …or will you just strike us all down and prove that you do?
Stri- w-wait, what?

No problem. Seriously, this is the first I hear of my brother missing. And considering that his bullshit cost me an eye and would most likely use me as a scapegoat.

Easy. Stand on the carpet and settle this right now.

>>749324
You will do neither. Leave. Tell her that she will have to take your word for it that there will indeed be a trial. It should be pretty obvious you're not aiding your brother, because he tried to kill you AND he's a horrible racist, which you are not. I mean did she hear about what you did last night with your fiance? Who is a sakkilian?

She is quite likely to ask questions more specific or more numerous than "Do you know where your brother is". Even if answering that one question would likely get them off your ass (since you don't know the exact location, only that it's a secure place) you probably shouldn't give them any opportunity to pull one over on you.

Laugh... Laugh like a maniac! Why? Because this has to be the funniest thing that you could have ever witnessed! Of all the people that she could have interrogated, she picked you. Why? Because you are easy to lure out, and if you are easy to lure out, You aren't reliable for keeping secrets! That's simply too funny for not to laugh at!

Let the torturer know he can leave if he wants to. I'm sure he is not planning on torturing a member of the royal family... Right? He may leave the carpet here if he has to.

So, captain, how will it be? I can answer some questions if you will, but hear me well, I don't know where my brother is right now, after all, I was under the impression he was on his cell until now. But for all I know you are the one lying to me in order to get other questions answered... Thus, and with every guard here as a witness, if you ask something that doesn't have anything to do with my brother it will be the end of her questioning, without "buts" or "ifs". Does she still want to go through with this? Because I'm very angered by the simple idea that you wanted to interrogate me with a dammed torturer.

I will say it again, I don't know where my brother is right now. I was told that he was on his prison cell waiting for his trial.

Just out of curiosity, Kronos, what is the punishment for using torture on the nobility? Also, she may need to say how many questions she intends on asking, after all, You have other matters to attend to.

If nothing else, ask that the torturer unfurl the carpet on both sides so that sisah can inspect it for tomfoolery like fire magic runes or something.

>Brother not in cell.
How do I know you didn't break him out and just claim you didn't find him in there? I know for a fact that both you and him have had quite a few private meetings of your own, so I have reason to believe you are aiding him!

>Murder me in cold blood.
Oh, please. If I wanted to do that I wouldn't be making a spectacle of it here in the hall! And why would I come in person? That just increases the chance of me getting killed instead of you!

>Aiding brother.
If I was, then I wouldn't be going through with my marriage with Briannah! Times are changing, but my brother is stuck in the past of "Kill the Sakkilians!" Both sides are tired of fighting and my marriage to Briannah is our chance to finally end the war. Why would I put that at risk?

>Step on carpet.
Ooooh, no you don't. Just because you said it's a truth rune doesn't mean it actually is a truth rune. For all I know, as soon as I step on there, it could kill me or make me say whatever you want me to say and you can just say I'm telling the truth!

Also, there's a flaw in your plan, even if the rune did make me tell the truth, it's only what I believe to be the truth. Someone could've told me a lie and I wouldn't know it was a lie, I would think it was the truth. So, when I tell you my answer, it'll just be a lie that I think is the truth.

Another flaw is that someone could've switched the rune when you weren't looking and when I step on it, it'll kill me and frame you for my murder. And because of that, I'm not going to ask you to stand on it because then you'll get killed and I'll be blamed for it!

>Answer the simple question of “Do you know where your brother currently is?"
If my sister won't tell you then she probably knows and doesn't trust you won't break him out yourself. And just so you know, she still treats me like a child, so if I were to walk up to her right now and ask her, she'd just say something like, "Oh, silly brother, you don't need to know that." So she wouldn't tell me either! And even if she did tell me, I wouldn't tell you because then you'd know where he was and go break him out yourself!

>Strike us all down.
Why would I do that?! You can't get a confession out of a corpse! If anything, I'd restrain you for questioning!

>What to do?
*frustrated sigh*
Well, we've reached a standstill, I don't trust you to do what you want and you don't trust me to do what I want. Is there someway we can both help each other find the truth, without threats and magic?

Really? You brought me here to force information out of me, and then act like I'm in the wrong for bringing in guards?
>forces to act as extra guards at his cell
My ass, you were a possible suspect for that potential jailbreak. The Queen had him moved to an undisclosed location. I wouldn't tell you where it is, even if I did know.
>are you willing to stand on the truth itself
No games. I don't care if you believe me or not, I don't answer to you or owe you a damn thing.

>We’re going to interrogate the Prince!?
To the contrary, I've got questions for you. Who ordered those two assassins tortured to death?

>>749331
Err, by last night I mean two nights ago. The night of noisy lovemaking.

>>749324
first thing you do
pull your eye patch up and go sure looks like I'm faking it don't it and stare at her in the face.

not really sure what those things are for but if they are like a lie detector test things request that Sisah examine for no booby traps and that its not rigged to give false positives.
if its an actual torture device refuse outright.

just say it outright we have a vague idea where he is actually being held but I'm not going to tell you because you are on the top of the list of people that would be suspected to break him out, which is the other reason for the large guard

there is literally no reason to be subtle about this, the trial is happening right now isn't it while we are talking.

>>749332
i'm pretty sure we were told that our brother wasn't in his real cell to befuddle any real "rescue" attempts

Trust has to start somewhere... If Sisah can't see anything more than just the Truth rune, then stand upon it and tell her the Queen had him locked up somewhere else to start with.

>>721600
inb4 we get the horrific news that our sister was sided with our racist brother all along, we get the news that our dads "health" is the sister offing him so no real contention to her rule occurs, we get the news that our sister and brother are in an incestuous relationship and would rule as king and queen only after kronos is dead, we find out that our only possible choice of being saved in these few moments where we tell her everything.

OH WAIT

If the thing isn't a trap, why don't we force her to stand on the carpet first, and ask her if she has any loyalty to your brother? Either of them.

Is it possible that there's an enchantment on the room or the floor that would override the carpet's? Or alter its functionality? We can't discount the possibility that this room was prepared beforehand to screw us over even if we check the carpet. If that's worth worrying about we can switch rooms. Thalia can veto a room if she wants.

>>749522
they wanted to switch rooms to begin with, staying there is best option....
if she isn't up to no good...
well fuck
this seems like a good tragedy story
>>749518

>>749526
Fate has had a habit of revealing new information just so we can be wrong, but it's more likely This is just as it appears- a mutual misunderstanding, or Thalia trying to weasel out of a situation where she's in over her head.

The trial is in a few hours, we'll see who owes who an apology then.

Kaktus 2016/09/24(Sat)10:52 No. 749560 ID: 65a774
File 147473957336.png - (47.53KB , 686x526 , 94B.png )

>Just out of curiosity, Kronos, what is the punishment for using torture on the nobility?
Death? Of course, it’s a bit irrelevant, as it doesn’t seem like she wanted to actually torture you.
>Is it possible that there's an enchantment on the room or the floor that would override the carpets? Or alter its functionality?
Of what you remember of magic theory, no, there wouldn’t be something like that.
>We can't discount the possibility that this room was prepared beforehand to screw us over even if we check the carpet.
First off, we’re not actually standing in the room she wanted us in. Second, if she has something like that she would have sprung it by now.
>Even if the rune did make me tell the truth, it's only what I believe to be the truth.
That is indeed correct and is the biggest flaw of the usage of the rune. That’s why you always have to take everything people say with a grain of salt.
>inb4 we get the horrific news that our sister was sided with our racist brother all along.
…it wouldn’t actually surprise you anymore… wait, that would mean… you would become king? Oh gods no, you don’t want to become king!


>Let the torturer know he can leave if he wants to.
Wait, is that an actual suggestion or a more forceful “suggestion”?
Actual suggestion. I’m not going to force you to do anything.
Oh… then… um… I guess I need to stay? I mean, the general did commission me to do some work and… err… you know…
>I'm sure he is not planning on torturing a member of the royal family... Right?
Oh, I’m actually not the one who… um… torture people. I’m more of a truth mage, someone that makes these runes and is used as a conduit for them. Now, if you want someone tortured you have to talk to my partner Jerry, he’s a real professional. In fact, it’s been ages since he actually needed to hurt anyone, as he can get people to talk just by explaining what all his tools does. It’s quite something watching him do… his… um… I’m sorry, I’m rambling, aren’t I?
>Who ordered those two assassins tortured to death?
Who? Oh, those servants that attacked you? No one did, sire. We never had to lay a finger on them before they spilled their guts… figuratively, of course. But you know how those nobles are, they jump on even the smallest chance to have some old fashioned, traditional fun, eh? Especially after your sister started to make laws against hunting and hurting the lower classes… or, well, started to enforce the already existing laws on the noble families.
Wait, the nobles are torturing people for fun?
Well, according to them they aren’t people, but oh yes. Why, I remember under the war it was quite the spectacle. Now all they do are complaining about how your sister dares making the law affect them. After all, “they are of noble blood, laws shouldn’t concern them”! Why, I didn’t go to school for years just to hear those born lucky, never worked a day in their lives “high born” complain all day, no sire… which reminds me of a funny story about that one time in torture camp… err… Oh, but I’m rambling again, aren’t I?
I’ve heard that these truth runes have a feedback effect… but you’re not even using it yet?
Oh, you know, after years in the business there will be side effects, eh? This is why I have to bind my beak when we work, but oh well…
>If nothing else, ask that the torturer unfurl the carpet on both sides so that sisah can inspect it for tomfoolery like fire magic runes or something.
That is indeed a rune of truth… and its newly drawn too. I can’t find any other magical traces, sir. It’s clean.
Of course it’s clean. I quite literally fished carving it a few seconds ago.
Are you done interrogating my… “interrogator”?


>Is there some way we can both help each other find the truth, without threats and magic?
Seeing as neither of us trust each other…
>If I wanted to murder you I wouldn't be making a spectacle of it here in the hall! And why would I come in person?
To gloat? I know firsthand that some in your family loves gloating in person before killing someone.
>Why don't we force her to stand on the carpet first…
…I guess it would only be fair…
Err… actually, I can’t reuse the same rune on multiple people and… um…
…and that thing took an hour to carve. We don’t have the kind of time to carve another one.
…you know, this is quite a coincidence…
Actually… again… I do have a solution… kind of. If you stand on at the same time when I activate it you both should be under its spell and… err… as long as you don’t leave the rune circle it would still be… working?
You want us both to stand on it at the same time? But… it’s rather small?
If we stand back to back we can-
You both need to face the c-center of it… actually… err… so… you have to face each other, I guess?
…why is the universe always against me?
I ask the same thing all the time.
>Trust has to start somewhere...
There… is it working?
Let’s test it out. Tell me your name, age and that you’re a Sakkilian.
I’m General Thalia, 27 and I’m a Sakkilian.
I’m Prince Kronos, 23 and I’m a Sakkilian?
Truth, truth and a lie… yes, it is working. Now then, go on. Ask each other questions.
>and ask her if she has any loyalty to your brother?
I do not have any loyalty to your brother, you sister or anyone else. My loyalty lies with the kingdom, no matter who leads it, and I will do anything to protect-
Errt! A lie!
Almost anything to protect this country. Your brother is a clear threat against it… so I need to know his location before he does anything to threaten us again.
I don’t know my brother exact location, no… nor do I know anything about a jailbreak. In fact, I hold no loyalties to him.
Ert!
…I hold no loyalties to the man he has become… but I still remember him as he was and are loyal to his memories.
>How do I know you didn't break him out and just claim you didn't find him in there?
Then I wouldn’t be asking where he was? I, too, have had nothing to do with any kind of jailbreak-
Ert!
Any kind of jailbreak not concerning war prisoners under the war, so I haven’t been aiding your brother. Are you conspiring against the crown and / or our kingdom?
No, I am not. Are you?
No. Hmm… are you against Sakkilians?
>I wouldn't be going through with my marriage with Briannah!
Which might be a rather big motivation to do something stupid if you don’t like Sakkilians, no?
I’m not against Sakkilian, I’m all for this alliance we have and I love my soon to be wife!
Err…
Don’t tell me I just lied.
It’s a bit complicated? Parts of you assume it’s the truth while others… do not? You’re kind of split on the whole love thing… and… there is someone else who also holds your heart?
As fun as it is to hear about your love life let’s move on. While my thoughts on Sakkilians are less than pristine, I know for a fact that this alliance is more important than any personal feelings I might have.
>I know for a fact that both you and him have had quite a few private meetings of your own, so I have reason to believe you are aiding him!
I was trying to find something I could use to prove his guilt! I’ve known for a long time that he did… horrible things, but I was never able to find anything concrete. But he caught on just a few days ago and… well, let’s just say I’m lucky he likes to gloat. Now, I must ask, why did you bring so many guards with you?
To protect myself and make sure you wouldn’t dare to do anything rash.
…then I had you pegged all wrong. You are not your brother, no. I must apologize for how I have acted. While it doesn’t absolve me completely from blame, understand that I had a similar run in with your brother the day before his arrest, where he came to me with a plethora of guards with the aim to silence me permanently. It… clouded my judgement a bit when you did a similar entrance. That, combined with that horrible nightmare I had… So my apologies, my prince.
So… are we done here or?

Oh, there is one last question. Do you know what the church is up too?
The church?
The grand temple. They are hiding something… planning something. Their priests have started training for combat and gathering weapons, the messages sent between the temples have increased tenfold this last year and they seem to be gathering in the grand temple, as if something big will happen soon. So, you don’t happen to know anything about that?

>>749560
just tell her "I know some of what they are doing but in order to retain some semblance of sanity to my reputation I should talk about it publicly. though you might want to be prepared for an coup by them in the coming days"
if she presses i guess tell her the rest

>>749560
Yes, the church is trying to create a new god, and you don't think it will turn out well.

Ask her about her nightmare. Did it seem like a vision of the future? You had one of those too... a vision of a god on the throne of gods, who killed everyone on the planet.

The carpet doesn't detect when you leave out information, only when you say something we don't believe is true. So let's tell her enough that she'll be against the church, but not enough that she'll side with them. After all, in the end the church is acting towards the apparent benefit of the empire.

>Oh, there is one last question. Do you know what the church is up to?
You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say something like that. Because for a while, I thought I was the only one that noticed that. I was starting to think I was just getting paranoid and started to doubt myself.

>Church is starting to act like a small army.
.....ok, I'm less happy about you saying that.

>What to say?
I honestly don't know how to explain this where I don't sound like I'm crazy, even with the truth rune. But here it goes.

*ahem* Tell her everything you've learned, but leave out the part about creating a god. And then tell her that you're worried about Belseth, your wife's brother and your future brother-in-law, and how you're trying to save him from the church.

"I do. And I'm working on thwarting them."

Then walk off the carpet and don't say ANYTHING else in front of all these guards.

>No one did, sire.
Hm, remind me how we caught flak for that again? any idea who was involved?
>Do you know what the church is up too?
Yes! Maybe we should go someplace more private? or send people out so I can stay on the rune, this might be difficult to believe.

Tell her everything, trying not to sound like a conspiracy theorist. Gods are dead (sorry to drop that bomb but there's no gentle way to say it), with the exception of one that's completely insane. Archbishop is trying to create a new one using Belseth, results will be dire in any number of ways, to fucking up the cycle of souls from the mortal coil to the mana river and back, to just conquering the world unopposed. They're doing it in the catacombs, particularly under the strange growth in the garden. There's a supernatural figure who can destroy the soul cradle needed to create a new god, but he's a douchebag who may not care about collateral damage. I'm going to try and convince Belseth to back out, but other than that I can't do much of anything. Also, mention Elete as a person of interest and that you've brought all of this to the queen.

I like him, he's a nice guy. Give him a bonus.

>That, combined with that horrible nightmare I had
Woah woah woah tell us about thus nightmare

Kaktus 2016/09/24(Sat)17:27 No. 749637 ID: 65a774
File 147476325064.png - (33.04KB , 686x526 , 95.png )

>Tell her enough that she'll be against the church, but not enough that she'll side with them. After all, in the end the church is acting towards the apparent benefit of the Kingdom.
Of course, if they are actually doing this to benefit the kingdom and the consequences won’t be as dire as you’ve been led to believe, you have no reason to oppose them in the first place?
>I like him, he's a nice guy. Give him a bonus.
Who? The torturer? Well… he is a nice guy, especially considering what he works with…

>You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say something like that. Because for a while, I thought I was the only one that noticed it.
I’m surprised other’s haven’t noticed it either…
>I do. And I'm working on thwarting them.
You do? What do you know? Wait, thwart them? How?
>Maybe we should go someplace more private? or send people out so I can stay on the rune, this might be difficult to believe.
You’re the one who brought all the guards, not me.
…right. Can I have your word that you won’t try anything if I ask them to leave?
As far as I can see, it seems that we’re on the same side. So you can have my word.
Guards, go guard the corridor outside. Sisah, you’re staying.
Of course.
Men, you heard him. Move it.
…I guess I’m… staying here as well, or…?

>Ask her about her nightmare. Did it seem like a vision of the future?
My nightmare? Why would you want to know about that? And no, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a vision.
>You had one of those... a vision of a god on the throne of gods, who killed everyone on the planet.
That sounds a bit... out there, to be honest. But I did dream something about a throne as well. I saw the throne room, with a hideous deformed beast sitting on it while mutilating the corpse of the queen, even using her as a puppet.
Really…
>Also, mention Elete as a person of interest.
Ah, yes, Elete. I’ve already been keeping an eye on her. I do believe she is an agent for the Archbishop herself… she might even be one of her body doubles. She is indeed part of this somehow.
>and that you've brought all of this to the queen.
I’ve tried to get her attention as well, but she simple told me to drop it and let her deal with it. Now, you said you had information about their plans?
>Tell her their plans…
…they are what?
He isn’t lying…
I can understand if you don’t believe me but-
While I admit I don’t believe they can create a god, yes, but that isn’t what’s important here. What is important is that they believe they can… do you know how much power something like that would require!? It doesn’t matter if they can or cannot… either way the consequences might be catastrophic! This combined with their other actions… are they trying to conquer the whole… world?
We can’t let something like this play out in secret! We need to work together to do… do something!

>>749637
Well, we know where the corpses of the gods are. With her help we could just barge in here and expose them... or sabotage everything once we're inside and make it impossible for them to carry out the plan. For instance we can destroy any infinity runes to reveal their operations to Life.

That premonition about the queen being manipulated by a monster certainly sounds foreboding. Can we get a more detailed description of the monster? Was it perhaps, a skeletal avian?

FINALLY! Someone in high command who realizes the consequences of this threat.

This isn't your ordinary cultist problem. These guys are literally the church; they have resilient fighters with fanatical morale, they can hinder political movements with public condemning, and the ability to hide their assets in public gives them enough wealth and the connections necessary to throw the highest bribes.

All of this gives them an extreme defensive force, and their end goal is a ticking time bomb in the heart of their base.

We can't use an overwhelming force, backhand politics, or corporate strategy, except as distractions. Which leaves us with three main strategies.

1) Sneak in and disarm or controlled explosion
2) Hack into the bomb's systems from the outside
3) Convince members of the church to switch sides

General, what's your opinion?

I don't know what to do. But there is one thing I know I have to stop. They're going to do something to Belseth and since he's family, er, I mean, he's going to be family once my wedding to Briannah has taken place, I'm not going to let them hurt my family! I just need to think of a way to convince him that what the church is telling him isn't right.

>with a hideous deformed beast sitting on it while mutilating the corpse of the queen, even using her as a puppet.
Was it a vaguely Sakkilian skeletal thing with four arms, or an undoubtedly Sakkilian skeletal thing with crap posture and/or a halo?

>We need to work together to do… do something!
Belseth is the one they're trying to turn into a god. I think it's some kind of predisposition, but he could be chosen because the Archbishop found a way to manipulate him. Either way, I'm going to try to convince him to back out. Hopefully it's the former case and it'll put a dent in their plans, but... do you have any other ideas?

Storming the church won't be any good, there are golems in there and they'll be defending a tunnel system we don't know anything about. We don't have the authority or manpower to finish the siege it would become. If the Archbishop has body-doubles as you say, a coup will be impossible, and I'll bet she's got the unbending resolve only insanity can give to boot. Sneaking in and destroying the rune that keeps the Old Man out so he can destroy it, if you're right about the energy buildup, will turn the city into a crater. An appropriately biblical end given some people's idea of entertainment, but kind of shitty for whoever draws the short straw. And the whole situation is far-fetched enough that nobody will believe us if we try to go public.

Maybe if I get Belseth to bring what he's seen to the queen she'll take action, but it's possible she's already planning something and doesn't want us to know about it. I think her reaction when you told her my brother was missing might just be how she does things.

>We need to work together to do… do something!
Unless we can get to the corpses before them to retrieve them and burn them in a pyre, I'm not sure what we can do. Forming distractions to slow them down to have the time to learn how much of this is fact and how much is just conjecture may be the best we can achieve.

Kaktus 2016/09/26(Mon)11:07 No. 749841 ID: 65a774
File 147491326467.png - (47.41KB , 686x526 , 96.png )

>That premonition about the queen being manipulated by a monster certainly sounds foreboding.
You hope it was just a dream. You don’t want to lose even more of your family…

>Can we get a more detailed description of the monster? Was it perhaps, a skeletal avian?
The monster? Why are you so interested in my dream? Hmm, I think it was… kind of like a Varkian?
>This isn't your ordinary cultist problem. These guys are literally the church!
While I admit they have power, I don’t think the whole church is in on it. If other parts of the church knew the truth, then maybe…
>With her help we could just barge in here and expose them...
Attacking the church without any proof in this rather fragile political climate? We’ll turn it into a civil war the kingdom won’t survive! No, attacking right on is only viable in the most desperate of times. There has to be another way.
>We can get to the corpses before them to retrieve them and burn them in a pyre.
Except for all we know that might turn the capital into a crater. I rather we have someone that actually have studied magic for years deal with the corpses… not to mention, how are we even supposed to get in? It’s bound to be well guarded.
>Hack into the bomb's systems from the outside.
…err… what?
>Form distractions to slow them down.
Hmm… I believe I can do that, yes.

>Belseth is the one they're trying to turn into a god. I think it's some kind of predisposition, but he could be chosen because the Archbishop found a way to manipulate him. Either way, I'm going to try to convince him to back out.
Belseth? …the Sakkilian priest? Hmm… why choose a Sakkilian? If he is as crucial to them as you claim, convincing him to join us would be invaluable.
>Maybe if I get Belseth to bring what he's seen to the queen she'll take action, but it's possible she's already planning something and doesn't want us to know about it.
The more proof we can find the better. As for the queen… I know from experience that she has a tendency to… well, wanting to personally deal with everything. It’s possible she has already started to take action… if only there was a way to convince her to let us in on her plans.
>General, what's your opinion?
I do believe you’re on the right path with this Belseth you mentioned. Try to convince him about what might happen and get back to me with the results. Meanwhile, I’ll have my men try to find more information and proof of their misdeeds, as well as to find ways to slow them down.

Well then… now, I do believe I have a lunch with my fiancé at eleven to get to.
Err… it’s only ten o’clock, sir…
What? Really?
You did get here rather early…
Well, if we have the time… let me tell you again that I’m sorry for… acting so impolitely, what with the truth rune and the like, even before you surprised me with your guards. So… is there any way I can make it up to you, my prince?
Hmm… well… I’m sure I can come up with something…
Oh, and speaking of your fiancé, is she privy to this? That the church is…?
I’ve told her, but I’m not sure if she’s taking me seriously.
From personal experience I can say that while she might act like it isn’t serious, she tend to take even things that sound outlandish into consideration. If she isn’t too busy hitting on people, that is…
Oh, I know how she is…
She even tried to convince me to join both of you in the bedroom, but I didn’t even consider it, of course.
…err… actually…
THE GODS DAMN IT, I forgot about this blasted carpet!

Now kith.

> I do believe you’re on the right path with this Belseth you mentioned. Try to convince him about what might happen
To be honest, before I even found out about all of this, he was talking to me and he sounded like he was already starting to doubt the Archbishop on his own.

>Oh, and speaking of your fiancé, is she privy to this? That the church is…?
I had to tell her because Belseth is her brother and I'm sure she'd be very upset if something bad happened to him.

>She even tried to convince me to join both of you in the bedroom, but I didn’t even consider it, of course.
>THE GODS DAMN IT, I forgot about this blasted carpet!
Snrkt! Pffft HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! XD

>Now what?
Try not to trip on the carpet, where you fall forward onto her and then your beak ends up touching her beak for an accidental kiss! Because then Bri will just so happen to see that and/or hear about that and then you will not hear the end of her teasing you about it!

>>749841
>why choose a Sakkilian
They are really good at eating large quantities. The ascension plans involve the consumption of five or six corpses, so yeah, gonna need a Sakkilian, even if the corpses are reduced in mass because of decay or something.

As for the last thing she just said tell her you wouldn't be opposed to that yourself, but you're trying to limit that sort of thing to one a day so she'll have to wait.

>Why are you so interested in my dream? Hmm, I think it was… kind of like a Varkian?
They've been going around. That enough would be enough to take notice, but one even predicted the attack where I lost my eye, so I'm a bit keen to hang on them.
>You did get here rather early…
Only like, ten minutes...
>THE GODS DAMN IT, I forgot about this blasted carpet!
Tease like a schoolboy for as long as you can refrain from laughing, or until she steps off the rug in a huff before you relent. I want to see how pink this one will turn.

Thalia, How Lacivious! Just think of the gossip! Well go on, tell me! Is it my roguish eyepatch? My boyish charm? Could it be, a woman of you stature is into married men? or maybeee...Married women? Or has it just been a while? Oh, but how much truth is in that lie? Did you just bounce it around a bit, or have you been unable to push it out of your head?

Oh, I'm teasing. Bri brings that out in people.

>>749883
Don't forget to ask her if she's into scars, or if she accidentally spoiled a big surprise.

Also waggly eyebrows.

Realize that, if General Thalia feels the situation is becoming dire, she may make decisions based on this knowledge that we may not like.

Such as having Belseth assassinated so he's much less likely to become a god. Compared to the Archbishop, he's an easy target, you know..

>She even tried to convince me to join both of you in the bedroom, but I didn’t even consider it, of course.
I can only say that if you did agree, it would really just be a fling for fun. There's no--Only one person I could see myself having a serious relationship with aside from Bri.
> …err… actually…
And, uh, if you ever do take the offer you should probably make it on a day off. She has ways of making things wild, and it would be awkward to go back to work without time to recuperate.

> Why choose a Sakkilian
Because their extremely high birth rates and acceptance of cannibalism mean that less people are going to stare when they order multiple sacrifices of the same race to be consumed by a single anointed member. This is a huge opportunity for the church to perform a highly controversial ritual in public on normally restricted sacred ground. Overall, it lowers their profile in what are otherwise blasphemous and outright illegal conspiracies.

Not to mention, there are more test subjects they can take from the same background. Worst-case scenario, they can make multiple Chosen Ones and do the ritual from anywhere at a lowered success rate. For whatever success in their favor actually means.

Now for lunch. General, do you have a spare regiment on break so that I can go to the city and get some chocolate fondant orbs? They do these funny little skits where they make small golems wrapped in chocolate fondant kill themselves.

Kaktus 2016/09/27(Tue)09:34 No. 750034 ID: 65a774
File 147499409145.gif - (118.60KB , 686x526 , 97.gif )

>Only like, ten minutes...
And we’ve only been talking for fifteen…
>Realize that, if General Thalia feels the situation is becoming dire, she may make decisions based on this knowledge that we may not like. Such as having Belseth assassinated...
She said it herself; she doesn’t like taking action when she doesn’t know the consequences. After all, assassinating Belseth might not even do anything!
>Also waggly eyebrows.
Waggly eyebrows engage! Full speed ahead, captain!
>Now kith.
Tempting… if only to mess with her…
Err… someone is lying to themselves…
Shush.


>Thalia, How Lacivious! Just think of the gossip!
“General decks the Prince”, yes, I can hear it already.
>Well go on, tell me! Is it my roguish eyepatch? My boyish charm? Could it be, a woman of you stature is into married men?
You’re the rich, handsome prince. I’m sure there is a lot of woman who desire you for that alone. Of course, I’m sure most of them change their minds when they get to experience your personality first hand.
Ouch…
>Oh, but how much truth is in that lie? Did you just bounce it around a bit, or have you been unable to push it out of your head?
The only thing I can’t get out of my head is the image of me strangling you.
… … …hey, don’t look at me, she isn’t lying…
>Don't forget to ask her if she accidentally spoiled a big surprise.
What? No!
>Oh, I'm teasing. Bri brings that out in people.
Yes, I know. I got to work with her… gods…
>Tell her you wouldn't be opposed to that yourself, but you're trying to limit that sort of thing to one a day so she'll have to wait.
…I know I shouldn’t be insulted… but somehow I am.
>If you did agree, it would really just be a fling for fun.
If I agree, yes. Which I’m never going to do.
…
Okay, that’s it! Fuck this carpet! I’m stepping off it now!
I didn’t even say anything…
And if you don’t stop waggling those eyebrows, I swear to the gods…!
>I want to see how pink this one will turn.
…well, she got more red than pink… which is a… bad sign?

Kaktus 2016/09/27(Tue)09:35 No. 750035 ID: 65a774
File 147499413364.png - (23.87KB , 686x526 , 98.png )

>They've been going around. That enough would be enough to take notice, but one even predicted the attack where I lost my eye, so I'm a bit keen to hang on them.
You had an actual vision? Hmm… and others have had these nightmares? We need to look into this more, then.
>To be honest, before I even found out about all of this, he was talking to me and he sounded like he was already starting to doubt the Archbishop on his own.
Then you could be able to convince him easily. Just use… your “boyish charm” or what you called it.
>They are really good at eating large quantities. The ascension plans involve the consumption of five or six corpses, so yeah, gonna need a Sakkilian.
Wait, you were literal about that? I thought it was just something symbolic!
I’m not sure if it’s symbolic or not, actually…

>Now for lunch.
Well, thank you for your time, General.
…Likewise…
But I guess I-
Prince Kronos?
VARK!!
Where d-did…?
Dammit, Doxan, don’t sneak up on me like that!
My apologies, sir, I will try make more noise next time.
So… why are you here?
Ye fiancé sent me, sir. Wanted to make sure Thalia didn’t try to assassinate yah… or yah trying to assassinate ‘er. Or check if yah were making kissing faces with ‘er… or ‘er ASSassin...
Kissing faces!? Why would she think we would-
If yah were, she wanted to invite yah to some fun tonight, when Kronos is busy elsewhere.
Gods… give me strength…
That sounds like Bri, doesn’t it…
So… it looks like there weren’t any assassinating going on… neither the normal kind nor the one that starts with three capital letters?
Of course not!
…so… any other orders, sir?

Regarding the bedroom thing:
Use your personal sense of charisma and decorum to say something like this, but with more elegance and in your personal speech style:
"Regardless of any taboo thoughts that either or both of us may have had, we don't need to be intentionally adding drama to our lives. Until these world-threatening circumstances have calmed down, we don't want to even cause a hint of scandal. Let any hypothetical thoughts remain such, and table any inevitable heart to heart conversations for now, shall we?"

>>750046
...dang it too late.

>…well, she got more red than pink… which is a… bad sign?
Sign nothing, juvenile antagonism is it's own reward. She apparently like you because you're rich too, and that's no good.
> “General decks the Prince”, yes, I can hear it already.
Ooh, catty, aren't we?
> The only thing I can’t get out of my head is the image of me strangling you.
Whatever rocks your boat, I guess.
> neither the normal kind nor the one that starts with three capital letters?
Sorry Belseth, you were minutes too late for the post-ambush purple-prose and sweet-nothing laden flirting. The torturer played a wonderful violin.

Thalia might like you to share what you learned on Reconnaissance inside the temple, but other than that I can't think of anything.

>>750060
>Belseth
shit, I meant Doxan.

>>750035
enjoy yourself tonight Doxan
you did get that wine and cheese right?
is there anything else you might like as a reward?

after we get done wit doxan
thalia on a more serious note, your job is rather stressful and i don't want to see it send you to an early grave, i want to see you enjoy yourself, whether you take bri and me up on some extracurricular fun or find someone else to play the game with doesn't matter. If you already have someone play with them more frequently because you not only deserve it, you need it.

Kaktus 2016/09/28(Wed)10:00 No. 750203 ID: 65a774
File 147508201387.png - (52.76KB , 686x526 , 99.png )

>She apparently likes you because you're rich too, and that's no good.
She didn’t say she liked you because you were rich, she said that a lot of girls like you because you’re rich. Seeing as she’s a general, thus someone that already makes a lot of money… well, gold might not be that big of a factor anymore.
>Sign nothing, juvenile antagonism is its own reward.
Well… it was fun teasing her…
>Ooh, catty, aren't we?
You’re not sure if she is subtle enough to be considered catty…


>Sorry Doxan, you were minutes too late for the post-ambush purple-prose and sweet-nothing laden flirting.
Flirting!?
Things did become a bit exciting, no? The torturer even played a wonderful violin to set the mood!
H-hey, leave me out o-of this.
I’m not sure what reality you’re currently stuck in, Prince, but-
S-should I leave? I mean, I rather not get between these two l-love birds…
LOVE BIRDS!?
Well, the tension between you to is… err… and… I’ll just… see myself out?
>Thalia on a more serious note, your job is rather stressful and I don't want to see it send you to an early grave, I want to see you enjoy yourself.
…I’m fine, thank you for asking. I don’t need to “enjoy” myself any more than I already do.
Err… that’s not... um…
I’m not even standing on the carpet anymore!
Well, there’s still a weak link between you and the rune, what with the P-prince still powering it with his e-essence and… err… g-going by your s-stare I’ll just… s-see m-myself out… bye?
Now, can we please drop this subject and never talk about it again!?

>Thalia might like you to share what you learned on Reconnaissance inside the temple.
…hmm? He’s been inside it? This I must hear. Every little detail!
Every? It’s… been some time so I’ve might ‘ave forgotten some of… I’ll need to get some notes I wrote first, if I might, sir?
Of course.
>Enjoy yourself tonight Doxan… you did get that wine and cheese right?
Wine and cheese? No, I ‘aven’t gotten any-
Sir?
VARK!
GAH!
‘OW!?
Might I remind you that you wished to gift them in person, sir? Also… might I suggest keeping your hugging of ladies to a minimum? People might talk, sir…
H-hey! Let g-go of me! I wasn’t hugging him / her, he / she was hugging me!
He sought protection when you scared him.
She didn’t think who she grabbed when you startled her like that.
Of course, sir and ma’am. But here, the wine and cheese you wanted to give away?
Right… Here Doxan, a token of my appreciation for your dedicated work for me.
Hmm? A bottle of… wait… is that… Dorixhan red, 975?
…is that a good year?
Good year!? T-this thing… it’s… its worth several times more than I make in a whole year! I never thought I-I would be a-able to sample something as fine l-like this and… y-ye are just giving it to me?
…wait, you didn’t pick one of the more expensive flasks, did you Cain?
Of course not, sir. That bottle is one of the cheaper rare ones we have, and is thus for more everyday use, sire. Well… “special” everyday use…
Well then. No, I’m not just giving it to you. I’m paying you for a job well done, Doxan. Look at it as a bonus for your hard work.
I… I… I don’t ‘now what to say…

>Is there anything else you might like as a reward?
Huh? N-no… t-this already too much, master.
Glad you liked it, Doxan.
I… y-yes… b-back to work. *Cough* Is there anything else yah desire, master, or should I just stay ‘ere and discuss my experiences with the lady general? Oh, speaking of a lady general, the mistress wishes to meet yah in the garden, near the big pond, for lunch… she said she ‘ad prepared a picnic?

Well, is there anything else you desperately need to do before the trial? Or should you just head for the garden and relax a bit before lunch? Maybe you should say a few parting words to general Thalia? …or was it something you wanted to ask of Cain?

Right, time to get off the rune.

>I’m not sure what reality you’re currently stuck in, Prince, but-
Oh take a joke, I'm being facetious.

Apologize to Thalia for being a tease- by which of course I mean teasing her- and ask Cain if there's any news on the trial or otherwise.

>Hugged each other when scared.
"Well, at least I didn't grab your butt when we got scared by Cain. Speaking of which, would you kindly remove your death grip from my butt?"

>I’m not sure what reality you’re currently stuck in, Prince, but-
"That's exactly what I'm talking about! Relax and learn to take a joke already!"

>Lunch with Bri.
Let's get going. Don't want to keep her waiting!

>>750203
ask doxan if he has any hobbies (that aren't worshiping your wife's booty, wanting to get eaten, and generally being a spooky bastard.)
i mean we know on a basic level all the guards in our retinue, our cooks and staff and provide a very good living for them because we care, doaxn is officially apart of our house now and we should treat him as family.

we really should have treated him better from the start but to much just kept happening all at once and this is the perfect time to correct that.

maybe we can get him to walk us through our wine cellar sometime and educate us our own wine better since he seems to be very knowledgeable. seriously who ever heard of a prince that wasn't at least a basic entry level Sommelier. wine drinking world tour commences

Kaktus 2016/09/30(Fri)07:13 No. 750407 ID: 65a774
File 147524482098.png - (32.75KB , 686x526 , 100.png )

>Right, time to get off the rune.
The rune has already burned out, becoming nothing more than an oddly shaped stain on the carpet.

>Oh take a joke, I'm being facetious.
And every crude joke you made makes me dislike your face more and more.
>Well, at least I didn't grab your butt when we got scared by Cain.
I grabbed your hip and pulled you close to make you easier to protect. A better question is why you tried to cop a feel when I did?
I didn’t, my hand just slipped when you moved me.
…
…
The torturer really is gone, huh? Err… I mean…
>Apologize to Thalia for being a tease.
Next time apologize for being annoying, please…

>Ask doxan if he has any hobbies.
‘obbies? Why do yah ask about my ‘obbies?
Because I want to know more about you? We’re going to work together a long time and I rather consider you a friend than a stranger? So… except for a fine taste in wine and poetry… as well as worshipping my wife boo- I mean, doing whatever your mistress wishes and generally being a… um… spooky guy, what do you do?
Mistress?
Well… I do love my job, master. Lurking about is always fun… except when my life is on a thin line, eh? Apart from that… I like to read books… and play games with the mistress, I guess?
…games? As in board games?
At times, yes.
>Maybe we can get him to walk us through our wine cellar sometime and educate us our own wine better since he seems to be very knowledgeable.
Oh, that would be exiting! I can’t wait to see what kind of treasures yah ‘ave stored in a palace like this!
>Ask Cain if there's any news on the trial or otherwise.
Well, the trial itself seems to be going on schedule, sir. There are only some minor hiccups with the… ah, attendees. Your sister, the queen, have been hard at work to make sure they don’t accidently offend anyone to much and so far it’s a bit of a bumpy road.
Offend anyone? You mean calling someone a bad name or…?
For example, the Pendleton sisters came with matching handbags, both made out of the finest Sakkilian leather, while some Sakkilian war veterans had to asked to refrain from discussing and trading cooking recipes which main ingredient are Varkians.
Oh… that kind of offense…
So far there hasn’t been any major accidents, but it’s still souring the mood of the queen even more so what with those harsh nights she’s had recently thanks to bad dreams.
Bad dreams, huh? Hmm…

>Let's get going. Don't want to keep her waiting!
Well, I need to get going. Doxan, stay with Thalia here and answer any questions she has about the grand temple.
Yes, master. Should I go get my notes, lady general?
Wait… with mistress… did you mean General Briannah? Do you do anything she asks of you?
Lady Briannah’s wishes are my desires…
Really? I wish my soldiers would have such devotion….

…

You find yourself nearly alone in this part of the garden, with only a servant or two scurrying around as well as guard patrol walking its given path. It’s clear that you’re a bit early… but having some time to relax and appreciate the warm weather has never hurt anyone, has it?

A bit early, eh?
Oh, Bri… you brought lunch?
Right ‘ere in the basket. Didn’t ‘now what kind of sandwich yah liked, so I brought everything we need to make our own instead.
Make… our… but… I don’t-
So, ‘ow did it go with the general? Did she try to kill yah? Or were yah on the same page? Oh, there weren’t any kissing, eh? Maybe a slap or two in between but still kissing?
Bri…
Just teasing… but still, what did she want? What did yah two talk about? She’s still alive, right? Always liked that gal… so easy to tease, heh…

>>750203
Okay, that's more than enough teasing. Actually, it was more than enough teasing last update. You didn't like this sort of thing when Bri did it; you shouldn't be taking on her bad habits while she's trying to improve herself.

Try and apologize for disrespecting her. It's clear she doesn't actually want to do anything with you, so you shouldn't act like she did. It's also clear she doesn't appreciate it as a "joke" either, so don't try and act like it's her fault for not "taking" it.

>Bad dreams, huh? Hmm…
Gonna have to ask sister about that later, I guess.

>I brought everything we need to make our own instead.
"There's a reason I'm not allowed near the kitchen anymore. I'm such a bad cook, the kitchen exploded.....and I wasn't even making anything, I was just passing by in the hallway and BOOM the kitchen blew up! So, building my own sandwich is dangerously close to being in a kitchen. Don't ask me how or why, but somehow this is going to literally explode on us right now!"

>Just teasing… but still, what did she want? What did yah two talk about? She’s still alive, right? Always liked that gal… so easy to tease, heh…
Go ahead and tell her about what happened, including the misunderstanding and threats, and what was talked about. Then tell about Doxan scaring both of you. Then tell how Cain did his usual thing and scared you, Thalia, Doxan, and Siash.....and Doxan's upset that he still can't figure out how Cain does it. Just, leave out the teasing and Thalia's slip of the tongue that started it all. She really wouldn't want Bri to find out about that.

>>750407
The meeting went pretty well. You both stood on a lie-detecting carpet and were able to clearly demonstrate to the other that you aren't traitors to the crown or anything, and you ALSO got her on your side when it comes to the church's ambitions.

Ask how her plans are coming along. She must be doing something on her own.

>Make… our… but… I don’t-
Bri I can't make any food I've spent too much time in the hospital already. Once I tried to make stew and the military tried to weaponize the results as some sort of chemical or biological weapon. The generals said using it would be a crime violating the laws and standards of warfare, and the colonel who brought it to weapons trials was nearly put in front of a tribunal.
> questions
She was planning to force information from me with a truth rune, but overwhelming guard presence prevented that and she got indignant thinking I was in league with my brother and trying to silence her. For some reason. Anyway, we both stood on the truth rune and worked out that we're not enemies, and she revealed the church is building up an army and has been increasing communications tenfold.
> so easy to tease, heh…
I learned that too. I also learned she really doesn't like being teased, so no there was no kissing. I also learned, thanks to the truth rune, that she's at least a bit attracted to me so there was no slapping either. Or maybe we just have self-control or the ambiance was lousy, who knows.

Kaktus 2016/10/01(Sat)12:19 No. 750570 ID: 65a774
File 147534957698.png - (17.54KB , 686x526 , 101.png )

>Gonna have to ask sister about that later, I guess.
It can’t be a coincidence, can it? That everyone, including yourself, are being beset by bad dreams?
>You didn't like this sort of thing when Bri did it; you shouldn't be taking on her bad habits while she's trying to improve herself.
…you have to admit, you’re starting to actually appreciate Bri’s teasing…
>Try and apologize for disrespecting her. It's clear she doesn't actually want to do anything with you, so you shouldn't act like she did.
Maybe you should apologize… properly this time.


>The meeting went pretty well. You both stood on a lie-detecting carpet and were able to clearly demonstrate to the other that you aren't traitors to the crown or anything…
Oh? Truth runes? I bet one of yah let something saucy slip?
Err… kind off?
>Go ahead and tell her about what happened, including the misunderstanding and threats, and what was talked about.
So… she’s after ye brother? And the church? I guess she can ‘elp us then, eh? That’s good news, we need more people if what yah’re saying is true. As for the temple army, I’m pretty sure it’s to defend the ‘oly men and ‘ealers out on the border lands.
From what? Why didn’t they already train people to aid in the war instead?
Because the empire ‘ave ‘onor contrary to ye enemies of today. We did try not to kill civilians, which includes the ‘oly men of the temple and the ‘ealers they employ. Yah did the same, no? But the dynasty in the south… and their “brigade” minions? They relish in the slaughter for its own sake, sacrificing anyone they can get their ‘and on to their mad “god”. Suddenly, even those without arms need to defend themselves, no?
>I also learned she really doesn't like being teased, so no there was no kissing.
Really? Oh, yah’re wrong, she loves being teased! …well, as long as she can strike back, that is. Maybe she was a bit careful what with yah technically being ‘er superior?
>I also learned, thanks to the truth rune, that she's at least a bit attracted to me so there was no slapping either.
Oh? So she let it slip, eh? …and yah?
…what do “yah” mean with yah?
I’m sure yah let something slip as well?
Err… well… I admit she wasn’t too bad to look at but… um…
Knew it!
>Ask how her plans are coming along. She must be doing something on her own.
Well, I’ve been a bit busy, sure… but sadly not with anything concerning this.

>Bri I can't make any food I've spent too much time in the hospital already.
…it’s a sandwich! ‘ow can yah end up in a sick bed from a sandwich??
>There's a reason I'm not allowed near the kitchen anymore. I'm such a bad cook, the kitchen exploded!
…really?
…well, I might be exaggerating a bit but… it did catch fire!
>Once I tried to make stew and the military tried to weaponized the results as some sort of chemical or biological weapon.
…exaggerating again?
…the stew did eat through the pot… and the oven… and the floor… and the floor under it..
…wait, really?
I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been hospitalized. That boiling water really caught flames quickly!
…alright, alright, I get it. I’ll make the sandwiches. Just say what yah want on it? ‘am? Chicken? Let me just butter it up first and- FIRE! ‘OW CAN BUTTER SPONTANEOUS CATCH-

Kaktus 2016/10/01(Sat)12:19 No. 750571 ID: 65a774
File 147534958940.png - (39.86KB , 310x751 , 666.png )

-Fire will purge those of sin, as our new god ascends to his throne of the celestial heavens. Even we, so faithful to his will, must redeem ourselves for our deeds. Therefore, I will no longer lead us in the times ahead, instead I will name Belseth of the Light as the new Archbishop, as when he ascend as god he will be the new leader of the grand temple. We are… simply filled with too much corruption from our deeds to lead the world into the age of light he as envisioned. We are-
-king of Risavia! King of the Serene coast! KING OF THE WORLD! GOD! I AM THE GOD OF GODS! I AM THE GOD! THE. ONE. GOD! How dare they deny my true heritage!? My fate!? I AM THE TRUE GOD!! KIRA! BETRAYER QUEEN! I WILL FLAY YOUR FLESH FROM YOUR BONES, FEAST UPON YOUR FEARS, CONSUME YOUR VERY SOUL! YOU WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU’VE DONE! YOU WILL PAY! YOU WILL ALL PAY! You will… all… Kronos? Where… I can feel… you? Brother…?

>>750571
Hahaha holy shit Kronos you're MAGICALLY bad at cooking. So bad at cooking you make other people bad at cooking. This needs research. Maybe you can control it.

>>750571
And the magic triggered a vision too. How about that. Wait are you still in the vision? Get ready to run, but first, tell him he needs to stop. You will destroy his prison and give him a proper burial but he has to stop this. It's not your sister's fault; he should blame Xuv.
(if he is in charge of an undead army, then sending him against Xuv will keep him busy when we go down to start taking apart the prison of souls)

>‘OW CAN BUTTER SPONTANEOUS CATCH-
I WARNED YOUUU!

NOW the archbishop's plans appear more ambiguous, opening the possibility that Belseth's not-so-hypotheticals pertained to things that already happened.

You have a magical curse that makes you, and apparently anyone near you, supernaturally bad at cooking. Agree that this needs research. Does it extend to alchemy or chemistry and other things that resemble cooking? Can it be weaponized? What about using food materials for things like arts and crafts? Can the curse be fooled? How powerful is it's capability to warp reality to cause disaster? What is the range of the effect?

.... You wouldn't have some powerfull latent magic inside of you that is only triggered by experiencing the elaboration of food either by you or by someone close to you, right? Controling such powerfull force capable of bending the rules of reality itself would be quite usefull in the days to come...

Anyway... Is that... Krotos...? I guess that's something that is happening right now... So that means... Your late brother is actually "alive" and may be powerful, and probably dangerous and possibly mad? Well... He seemed to recall you... if that somehow helps.

Wait... If that is a vision and not a hallucination, you brother was the Betrayer God, somehow. But... How? Was he the one who the Archbishop made to consume the corpses of the other Gods? Is that what's turns his body into that? Did the Archbishop realize they did wrong, and that's why they want Belseth to take over?

>Brother…?
VARK!?
"If this is some true vision to another place, and you can hear me, then it seems you have some attachment to the world of us mortals, still. Keep hold of that. You no longer look Varkian, but that doesn't mean you can be one inside. Don a mantle and hide yourself, if you give yourself away, there's a 'Force' that kills even Gods and will target you, whether it was your fault or not."