Maidens of the Kaleidoscope

~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: DracoOmega on December 23, 2015, 01:56:38 PM

Title: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on December 23, 2015, 01:56:38 PM
>You are Nazrin, a newly inducted member of the Seeker's Guild, and you are... you are... where are you, again?

>Oh, right, the flower. Need to bring the flower to Yuuka. That's why you're here. That's why you're still walking. Always walking. Need to make the cure before you... before you stop...

>It's already too late, isn't it?

>Accept the canteen.
>Do we thirst still?

>You accept the canteen from Kyouko again. If she gave it back to you, it must be yours, right? Then why was she looking at you like that?
>Catching your breath, you take another sip of water. Though your stomach lurches again, the sweltering heat all but compels you to keep drinking. Just... not too fast.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on December 23, 2015, 06:01:03 PM
>Can we accurately gauge if we are hungry?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on December 23, 2015, 06:09:37 PM
>Can we accurately gauge if we are hungry?

>Don't want food. Should probably still eat something anyway. Maybe.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on December 23, 2015, 06:28:10 PM
>Can we accurately gauge much of anything anymore?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on December 24, 2015, 06:00:21 AM
>Can we accurately gauge much of anything anymore?

>You can... you can tell that the sun's up. That you're still in the woods. That it's still summer - damnably hot as it is.
>That's... that's not very encouraging, is it?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on December 24, 2015, 09:22:59 PM
>Heat.... Hmmm...
>"'zit hot, or that just me?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on December 25, 2015, 04:40:37 AM
>Heat.... Hmmm...
>"'zit hot, or that just me?"

>"I actually think it's pretty-" Kyouko trails off with a frown, then leans in and puts a shockingly cold hand on your forehead. The frown only deepens.
>"You're burning up!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on December 25, 2015, 05:07:20 AM
>Are we on fire?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on December 25, 2015, 05:25:01 AM
>Are we on fire?

>For a brief moment, you consider the possibility, but you don't think you're that hot.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on December 25, 2015, 05:48:58 AM
>Could be worse then.
>"Yeah. Kinda feels like it, too."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on December 25, 2015, 07:58:47 AM
>Could be worse then.
>"Yeah. Kinda feels like it, too."

>"Let me get you a cool cloth," she says, moving over to her pack. "Or, um, well... a cool towel? I don't think I have anything smaller, except my clothes."
>She dribbles some water from her canteen onto the towel and carries it back over to you.
>"Just lean back a little."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on December 25, 2015, 07:28:13 PM
>Obey.
>Hopefully without falling over.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 02, 2016, 02:45:55 PM
>Obey.
>Hopefully without falling over.

>You shift back against the rock and Kyouko leans down and places the towel across your forehead. The damp chill of it against your skin is bracing - for a moment, even a little painful - but it slowly grows to feel soothing instead. At least that's... not so hot as the air in here.
>Kyouko examines you with a concerned frown, though tries to sketch a smile when your eyes meet hers. Well, you think that's a smile, anyway; everything's so hazy now.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 02, 2016, 10:39:21 PM
>"Not the prettiest picture, huh."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 02, 2016, 10:47:36 PM
>"Not the prettiest picture, huh."

>There is a pause before Kyouko replies, and when she does, it is with that same sad smile.
>"No."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 02, 2016, 10:53:34 PM
>"Then, we should move. Not getting... any prettier here."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 02, 2016, 11:08:47 PM
>"Then, we should move. Not getting... any prettier here."

>"Are you... sure you're up to it?" she asks. "Maybe we should take the day off - or the morning, anyway - and try to rest up a little?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 02, 2016, 11:17:17 PM
>"Don't know if I have the time. No more days to take off."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 02, 2016, 11:29:45 PM
>"Don't know if I have the time. No more days to take off."

>"Well... pushing yourself so hard can't be good, either."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 02, 2016, 11:52:15 PM
>"Don't know if there's a choice. Don't know how close we are. How long I'll last."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 02, 2016, 11:58:19 PM
>"Don't know if there's a choice. Don't know how close we are. How long I'll last."

>Another pause. "...yeah."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 03, 2016, 12:02:13 AM
>"Uh... Where are we?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 03, 2016, 12:19:51 AM
>"Uh... Where are we?"

>"Do you mean, like... how close we are to the garden now?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 03, 2016, 12:21:13 AM
>"Mm." affirmatively.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 03, 2016, 12:29:48 AM
>"Mm." affirmatively.

>"Well, we're... pretty deep now!" she says. "I don't know exactly where we are. But more than halfway, I think!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 03, 2016, 12:39:51 AM
>Try to focus for a minute. Obviously we're in bad shape, but do we feel resting for a bit longer will help, or just make things worse?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 03, 2016, 12:51:59 AM
>Try to focus for a minute. Obviously we're in bad shape, but do we feel resting for a bit longer will help, or just make things worse?

>It's... you don't know? It seemed to help a little, when you were on the boat. But you're also... you're... worse. So much worse. It's hard just to keep yourself present enough to have this conversation. Thinking about the future is harder still. It didn't used to be this hard, did it? It's growing... difficult to remember things. You've been pushing yourself to exhaustion - there's no doubt of that - but you're also...
>Frankly, you're probably almost dead, and that's something no amount of rest will fix.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 03, 2016, 03:21:04 AM
>"No, we need to keep going. I don't... think I have anymore time to rest."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 03, 2016, 03:35:47 AM
>"No, we need to keep going. I don't... think I have anymore time to rest."

>"At least try to have something to eat before we get moving?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 04, 2016, 07:27:42 PM
>Didn't we do that already?
>Oh right, she was gone then, wasn't she?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 04, 2016, 11:33:37 PM
>Didn't we do that already?
>Oh right, she was gone then, wasn't she?

>Didn't you already.... yeah, yeah you must've; don't want any food now.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 05, 2016, 12:08:25 AM
>"Had breakfast while you were out. You eat yet?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 05, 2016, 01:01:33 AM
>"Had breakfast while you were out. You eat yet?"

>She nods. "I did. I've been up a little while now."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 05, 2016, 02:12:57 AM
>Did we manage to find out if we'd written that medicine recipe down?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 05, 2016, 02:36:15 AM
>Did we manage to find out if we'd written that medicine recipe down?

>Yeah, you wrote... Wait, no. You were going to, but you never did - couldn't find the pencil, and then Kyouko came back, and... where was that pencil anyway....?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 05, 2016, 02:56:35 AM
>"There is something, though, we should do first. I'm starting to think that I may need to change my plans when.... If we get to Yuuka's."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 05, 2016, 02:59:14 AM
>"There is something, though, we should do first. I'm starting to think that I may need to change my plans when.... If we get to Yuuka's."

>"Change them how?" she asks softly.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 05, 2016, 03:07:10 AM
>"Back in the city, I didn't want you anywhere near Yuuka. But now I don't know if that's the best idea. I might need you, when we get there. By that point, I'm not sure I'll be able to see, let alone mix the medicine."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 05, 2016, 03:13:25 AM
>"Back in the city, I didn't want you anywhere near Yuuka. But now I don't know if that's the best idea. I might need you, when we get there. By that point, I'm not sure I'll be able to see, let alone mix the medicine."

>"If you need me, I'm there. I've come all this way, haven't I?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 05, 2016, 03:20:41 AM
>"And that means that, if the need arises, you'll need to know how to do it. And I think I should tell you now. Before I lose what little focus I have left."
>"But, I hope that it doesn't have to come to that. I'd still feel better keeping safe distance between you and her."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 05, 2016, 03:40:04 AM
>"And that means that, if the need arises, you'll need to know how to do it. And I think I should tell you now. Before I lose what little focus I have left."
>"But, I hope that it doesn't have to come to that. I'd still feel better keeping safe distance between you and her."

>"Before I lose what little focus I have left...." she repeats somberly.
>"You can trust me!" she insists. "I'll be okay!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 05, 2016, 03:56:55 AM
>Walk her through the steps for making our dose of cure.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 05, 2016, 04:42:38 AM
>Walk her through the steps for making our dose of cure.

>With concerted effort and unsteady cadence, you walk Kyouko through the instructions you found buried in the library's archives. As feeble as the remnants of your mind are, that is one memory you refuse to relinquish.
>"Oh, that's easy," she says, once you finish. "I used to work at an herbalist's, you know! Well, mostly I just handled customers and kept things tidy, but I saw potions being brewed all the time! I even helped with a few of the simple ones, every now and then. Emberdraught was my favorite, I think. Smelled kinda like cinnamon, but with more zing!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 05, 2016, 05:26:44 AM
>"Emberdraught. Sounds like the Emberwyrms of the Dragonblight, with their... No wait, that was one of Marisa's stories. Or... maybe a dream?"
>Shake head. "Sorry, I... I'm feeling very shaky."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 05, 2016, 02:18:59 PM
>"Emberdraught. Sounds like the Emberwyrms of the Dragonblight, with their... No wait, that was one of Marisa's stories. Or... maybe a dream?"
>Shake head. "Sorry, I... I'm feeling very shaky."

>"Very shaky...." She frowns again. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here and rest for a little bit?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 09, 2016, 11:24:12 AM
>"Want to? Sure. I want to sleep for about a month. I just can't."
>Let's try to pack up our belongings and make ready to head out. Then pause and assess our status.
>If then we think we can make some worthwhile progress, then make every effort to do just that. For as long as we can.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 09, 2016, 05:32:24 PM
>"Want to? Sure. I want to sleep for about a month. I just can't."
>Let's try to pack up our belongings and make ready to head out. Then pause and assess our status.

>Kyouko frowns harder as you pull yourself upright to start gathering up your things, sending the damp towel tumbling off your head in the process; you barely even notice it fall, just feel the air around you growing hotter. But before you can even considered whether you should retrieve it, Kyouko is already scooping your possessions up.
>"Here, let me help you with that."

>After everything is packed away again, she insists on wrapping the towel around your forehead somehow. It feels awkward and heavy and probably looks ridiculous, but... if it makes her happier, you guess that's okay.

>If then we think we can make some worthwhile progress, then make every effort to do just that. For as long as we can.

>To be frank, you don't really feel you like you've got another hike left in you, but you have to try. You have to. If you don't try, you're dead.
>If you do try, you're probably still dead. It would be a lot less struggle just to stay put. Maybe that's what you should have done.

>No. No, that's enough of that. Just one foot in front of the other. One quivering, unsteady foot. Your heart flutters wildly in your chest, but you ignore it. Have to ignore it. Too many things to have to pay attention to. So hard just to... stay upright. The ground is so uneven and the trees keep moving. Which line is the horizon, again? There's so many of them and they all look the same. Too many damn trees in this forest; they're a nuisance.

>The ground rushes up to meet your face and it takes a few moments to register that perhaps you were the one who moved, and not the ground. There's so little air down here. There's so little air anywhere. Kyouko is shouting your name into your ear, for some reason.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 12, 2016, 05:25:36 AM
>Have we met the ground, or still en route?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 12, 2016, 06:15:37 AM
>Have we met the ground, or still en route?

>You and the ground have met intimately. There was an vague thump and an aftertaste of soil. It might even hurt, if you were less dizzy.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 12, 2016, 06:21:58 AM
>"Shoulda done a flip..."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 12, 2016, 06:50:40 AM
>"Shoulda done a flip..."

>Mumbling out a response at least gets Kyouko to lower her volume, though you find yourself alarmingly sort of breath in the attempt.
>"Are you alright?" she asks.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 12, 2016, 07:05:41 AM
>Are we facedown?
>If so, "Don't like taste of dirt."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 12, 2016, 07:13:20 AM
>Are we facedown?
>If so, "Don't like taste of dirt."

>Partially, but enough to leave half your mouth smushed against the terrain.
>"Here, let me help you up."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 12, 2016, 07:24:33 AM
>"Gimme a minute. Not sure about 'up' right now."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 12, 2016, 07:31:47 AM
>"Gimme a minute. Not sure about 'up' right now."

>"Okay..." she says reluctantly.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2016, 04:32:49 AM
>Relax for a moment to gather ourselves. As much as possible.
>Then get Kyouko to help us up.
>If we manage to get vertical, "Where are we?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 13, 2016, 05:27:48 AM
>Relax for a moment to gather ourselves. As much as possible.
>Then get Kyouko to help us up.
>If we manage to get vertical, "Where are we?"

>You lay still on the ground for a moment, grasping weakly for air. You're not sure it helps very much. Can't just keep lying here. Have to keep moving forward. Have to keep moving....
>You beckon Kyouko to help you up and feel one hand take hold of yours, and another wrapped beneath your arm. Even with her support, it takes an act of will to rise to your feet again; your heart plays trills and your legs quaver beneath you, as if your own weight were more than they could bear. But still, you rise. You demand it of yourself; blight or breath or exhaustion, be damned!
>For a moment, you stand upright - a battle fought and won. But there is not enough strength left in you to keep defying the trembling in your limbs. You have time only to open your mouth to speak before your legs give out beneath you and you crumple. Kyouko keeps you from tumbling you the ground completely, but you are left hanging off her like a ragdoll - limp and useless.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2016, 05:41:03 AM
>"Didn't work."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 13, 2016, 05:50:47 AM
>"Didn't work."

>"Here, let me get a better grip on you," she says, sliding her shoulder in beneath one of your arms and holding onto your torso. But it doesn't matter. Your legs go limp the moment you try to bear any weight on them at all. Kyouko is left trying to prop you up like a heavy sack of potatoes.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2016, 05:55:54 AM
>"Think we're done for the day."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 13, 2016, 06:14:47 AM
>"Think we're done for the day."

>"Did you..." She hesitates a moment. "When you said you didn't have any more days left to take off... do you really think that's true?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2016, 06:26:08 AM
>"Uh... I said that? Oh right I did."
>"How long were we going?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 13, 2016, 06:29:25 AM
>"Uh... I said that? Oh right I did."
>"How long were we going?"

>"Um... maybe 15 minutes?" she says.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2016, 06:40:31 AM
>"Balls."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 13, 2016, 06:41:39 AM
>"Balls."

>"Balls?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2016, 06:42:53 AM
>"Maybe you were right."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 13, 2016, 06:50:29 AM
>"Maybe you were right."

>"About what?" She seems a little uncertain.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2016, 07:05:37 AM
>"Should have rested more."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 13, 2016, 07:18:41 AM
>"Should have rested more."

>She offers a tentative smile. "Well, we still can."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2016, 07:26:12 AM
>"Okay. Let's."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 13, 2016, 08:03:23 AM
>"Okay. Let's."

>At your request, Kyouko lays you down gently against a tree, but looks oddly pensive when she lets you go. For a time, she says nothing, pacing a short distance into the fog and then back again. When she finally speaks, it nearly startles you from an exhausted reverie, though you could scarcely say whether a minute or an hour had passed.
>"If you didn't have to walk," she asks, "do you think you'd be okay to travel? Like, not stomach sick or all dizzy or something like that?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 13, 2016, 11:11:33 PM
>"I'm not that great with horses. Or goats."
>Chuckle. "Heh. Goat rider. Funny fairy."
>Shake head and focus. "But it's not like we have any other options. Unless we find another helpful fairy with a herd of goats, all we got are feet."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 14, 2016, 12:18:04 AM
>"I'm not that great with horses. Or goats."
>Chuckle. "Heh. Goat rider. Funny fairy."
>Shake head and focus. "But it's not like we have any other options. Unless we find another helpful fairy with a herd of goats, all we got are feet."

>"Mine still work!" she says cheerfully as she rummages through her pack to produce a... small bottle? She pauses, and looks at you again. "So... that was a yes, right?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 14, 2016, 12:46:58 AM
>Uh.... WAS that a yes?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 14, 2016, 12:57:08 AM
>Uh.... WAS that a yes?

>Well, you feel both a little dizzy and a little stomach sick, but that's nothing new; if that was going to stop you reaching the garden, you wouldn't have made it past the first day.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 14, 2016, 02:21:42 AM
>"Honestly, I'm both stomach sick and dizzy. But up until that little fall, it was managable."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 14, 2016, 02:28:41 AM
>"Honestly, I'm both stomach sick and dizzy. But up until that little fall, it was managable."

>"...is that a no, then?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 14, 2016, 02:37:53 AM
>Think back.
>"You mean, could I still travel? Yeah. I could, I think."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 14, 2016, 03:18:54 AM
>Think back.
>"You mean, could I still travel? Yeah. I could, I think."

>"Okay, then!"
>And with that, she uncorks the bottle and tosses its contents down her throat in a single go, followed immediately by shuddering.
>"Uck, that tastes awful. Like... rotten cabbage mixed with plaster. Eugh..." She chases it down with a swig of water, though the expression on her face leaves you doubting its effectiveness.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 14, 2016, 03:45:29 AM
>"What's that do? Let you summon a horse or something?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 14, 2016, 05:07:17 AM
>"What's that do? Let you summon a horse or something?"

>Kyouko giggles. "That would be kinda nifty. Hmmm... would a horse even be able to move around here with all these trees and hills in the way?" She surveys the terrain thoughtfully for a moment, then bends down beside you.
>"But no. What it lets me do is... this."
>And with that, she scoops one arm beneath your legs and another beneath your back and gently hoists you off the ground. Once your face reaches level with her own, she grins at you.
>"Kasodani Delivery, at your service!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 14, 2016, 05:33:06 AM
>Blink. "Strength potion?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 14, 2016, 05:47:30 AM
>Blink. "Strength potion?"

>"Fortitude, too!" she says. "We've still got a lot of ground to cover, after all! I picked it up before we left the city - just in case we might need it for something. Always pays to be prepared!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 14, 2016, 06:25:15 AM
>"Clever girl."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 06:28:06 AM
>"Clever girl."

>Kyouko beams. "I said we're going to get you better, and that's what we're going to do! Let's go!"

>It is a strange feeling, being carried in the arms of another like this. Once, you think you would have felt embarrassed by it, too prideful to depend on anyone else so completely. Perhaps it's surrender. Perhaps you're simply too far gone now, too desperate to care. But rather than feeling shame, the sensation of Kyouko's arms beneath you is... comforting, like a blanket against a bitter wind.
>Your eyes, half-lidded, rest across her face. There is a fierce determination there, yet also brightness, despite everything ? it is the look of someone utterly convinced that what they're doing is important. That it matters.
>And she's doing it for you.
>You try to voice your thanks, but your tongue feels too heavy to move. Instead, you drift asleep to the sound of the brush rustling beneath her feet.

>The hours pass, or maybe days, or even weeks ? it is impossible for you to tell the difference any more. Kyouko sets you down occasionally to eat or stretch or to reexamine the map. The passage of time is so muddled to you now that you cannot be sure she's sleeping at all, though you're starting to have doubts. It has been dark and light and dark again, and still you have not seen her idle for a moment.
>Her appetite is more voracious than ever, all but inhaling a loaf of bread and pining wistfully for seconds. The best you can manage in the same length of time is a single cracker and a few nibbles of cheese and even that is unpalatable to you now.
>Kyouko smiles at you when she lifts you in her arms again. She always smiles. Even when the sweat starts dripping from her face, she smiles. For a moment, you are struck with a profound sadness that there is no color left in your world. The green of her eyes was so vivid....

>You awaken to the splash of raindrops against your face, each a tiny moment's respite from the furnace that burns beneath your skin. It is dawn, or maybe sunset, a line of murky light shrouded thickly beneath clouds. The world is oddly quiet around you, leaves dancing silently upon the wind. Where did all the birds go? You can feel yourself rising, a sea of treetops receding slowly into the distance below. One of Kyouko's sleeves is slick with mud, though you don't remember falling.
>Your breath comes in rasps now. The air is too raw and there's never enough of it; even in the rain, your lungs feel like a desert.
>"We're getting close," Kyouko says. That's what she always says now. You don't know if you can trust it anymore, but it's all you have.
>You try to nod, try to speak; even this is no more than a hoarse whisper, too quiet to hear. Your hand fumbles blindly for hers, eventually finds it, feels the fingers still holding you firmly. You squeeze. Hopefully that's answer enough.

>There is a long pause, and then you hear her call your name. Once. Twice. Her voice seems distant, somehow unsteady.
>...has the rain stopped?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 21, 2016, 07:02:22 AM
>Look around. If we can.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 07:13:04 AM
>Look around. If we can.

>You take a quick look around. It's hard to see much of anything in your surroundings that would draw attention, though you can still see Kyouko's face easily enough with as close as she's holding you. She smiles when you look at her, but the gesture seems halfhearted. It takes a moment to realize how rapidly she's breathing. Her face is flushed, even haggard, and you'd swear she was drenched with sweat if you didn't know it had just been raining.
>...except you feel completely dry, now that you think of it. Did you fall asleep again? How long were you out?

>"I... I think we made it," Kyouko says.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 21, 2016, 07:22:30 AM
>"You okay?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 07:26:24 AM
>"You okay?"

>"Kinda. Sorta. I'll be alright," she says, pausing for breath between every other word.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 21, 2016, 07:37:52 AM
>Is she still holding us up?
>If so, "Put me down, Kyouko."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 07:42:33 AM
>Is she still holding us up?
>If so, "Put me down, Kyouko."

>She is.
>With a quick nod of assent, Kyouko lowers you gently to the ground. Your footing feels a little unsteady at first, after being carried so long, but you manage to maintain your balance.
>Kyouko slumps back against a tree and sinks heavily. "Might need to... take a little break."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 21, 2016, 08:05:48 AM
>Apart from a lack of balance, are we in any better shape than we were?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 08:20:12 AM
>Apart from a lack of balance, are we in any better shape than we were?

>...maybe? Not by very much, but perhaps the time spent sleeping instead of hiking has left you just enough energy to stay on your feet.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 21, 2016, 08:23:12 AM
>Where are we?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 08:43:56 AM
>Where are we?

>In the middle of the woods. Somewhere. Your eyes aren't functioning well enough to tell much more than that, and even your hearing seems to be failing. But... if what Kyouko meant what it sounded like she meant....
>You take a few tentative steps forward, testing both your balance and the amount of breath left in your lungs. It is still a sizable exertion, but it is not the failing of your body that gives you pause - it's what you see beyond the ridge ahead. Even beneath the haze that blankets your world, there is something about the shape and form of the plants beneath you... the faintest blurry hint of blossoms....
>"This is the place, isn't it?" Kyouko pants.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 21, 2016, 08:48:05 AM
>We remember what our first sight of the place looked like, yes?
>If we do, describe it to Kyouko as best as we can and ask if that looks like the same place.
>Either way, say first, "Catch your breath first."
>Pause. "How long were you... have you been going?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 08:59:45 AM
>We remember what our first sight of the place looked like, yes?
>If we do, describe it to Kyouko as best as we can and ask if that looks like the same place.
>Either way, say first, "Catch your breath first."
>Pause. "How long were you... have you been going?"

>You do. Even as little as your mind has left to give, you couldn't forget that place. Even the presence of such a vile person at its heart could not stop the garden from being strikingly beautiful.
>You've described it to Kyouko before, but consider reconfirming before pausing to ask her how long she's been going.
>"Just a... just a couple days," she says, as if it were no big deal, though her current condition says otherwise.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 21, 2016, 09:12:21 AM
>Frown. "Kyouko, did that drink of yours come with side effects?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 09:17:36 AM
>Frown. "Kyouko, did that drink of yours come with side effects?"

>"Side effects?" She pauses. "Well... maybe a little." Then in a smaller voice, she adds "You're really not supposed to take so many doses back to back."
>"But I'm fine, really! I'll be back in shape in no time, just you watch!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 21, 2016, 10:13:25 PM
>Pause for a moment. As messed up as our sense of time is, can we recall any times being idle enough to account for her having slept any?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 11:11:34 PM
>Pause for a moment. As messed up as our sense of time is, can we recall any times being idle enough to account for her having slept any?

>....no.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 21, 2016, 11:37:46 PM
>"Kyouko, how much sleep have you had since you started carrying me?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 21, 2016, 11:44:33 PM
>"Kyouko, how much sleep have you had since you started carrying me?"

>"Um...." There is a long pause, and then in a voice so quiet you wouldn't even have heard it if you couldn't anticipate the words, she says "...none."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 22, 2016, 12:15:43 AM
>Gather breath.
>"So you overdosed on an alchemic drink, and ran two days straight, without sleep, carrying me, over difficult terrain?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 22, 2016, 12:44:47 AM
>Gather breath.
>"So you overdosed on an alchemic drink, and ran two days straight, without sleep, carrying me, over difficult terrain?"

>"I'm fine, really!" she protests weakly. "And besides, we made it! Isn't that great?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 22, 2016, 02:30:18 AM
>"I'll take that as a yes."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 22, 2016, 02:39:26 AM
>"I'll take that as a yes."

>She hesitates, then nods once.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 22, 2016, 02:50:51 AM
>Just stare for a moment.
>Then smile. "Kyouko, you are wonderful."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 22, 2016, 03:09:54 AM
>Just stare for a moment.
>Then smile. "Kyouko, you are wonderful."

>You stare silently at the flushed, exhausted, and frankly unwell-looking yamabiko. But the gratitude, and frankly amazement, for what it is she managed to do for you is impossible to repress.
>"Wonderful..." she repeats in a breathy voice. "That's sweet of you. I told you we'd get you here. I just... I just need a little bit before I can... get you the rest of the way down. That'll be okay... right?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 22, 2016, 03:45:02 AM
>Down....
>Can we make it on our own? Are we close to sure-footed enough?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 22, 2016, 04:03:41 AM
>Down....
>Can we make it on our own? Are we close to sure-footed enough?

>You... think it's possible. Standing this close to victory, you can feel a last spark of determination burning within you. Whether an inch from death or not, there's one last walk left in those legs of yours. You're sure of it.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 22, 2016, 04:52:17 AM
>"You are going to rest, that's what you're going to do. You have done more than enough. I can make it from here."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 22, 2016, 05:08:28 AM
>"You are going to rest, that's what you're going to do. You have done more than enough. I can make it from here."

>"Are you... sure you'll be okay?" she asks. "Because if you're not, I can still do it. Really. Just... a little breather. That's all."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 22, 2016, 05:53:06 AM
>"Thanks to you, I had a chance to rest that I didn't think I was going to get. I have energy enough to see this through to the end. This time you can rest, Kyouko."
>Try a grin. "Maybe I can carry you part of the way back."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 22, 2016, 06:11:59 AM
>"Thanks to you, I had a chance to rest that I didn't think I was going to get. I have energy enough to see this through to the end. This time you can rest, Kyouko."
>Try a grin. "Maybe I can carry you part of the way back."

>Kyouko giggles weakly. "That might be fun...."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 22, 2016, 07:04:34 AM
>"Do you need any water, or anything?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 22, 2016, 07:16:27 AM
>"Do you need any water, or anything?"

>"Got water here," she says, jiggling an indistinct blob that you presume is a canteen.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 22, 2016, 11:29:31 PM
>That doesn't bode well, if our vision is still so impared.
>Okay, we can get there. But do we still have enough use of our senses to make the medicine once Yuuka gives us what we need?
>Assuming she does.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 23, 2016, 01:21:11 AM
>That doesn't bode well, if our vision is still so impared.
>Okay, we can get there. But do we still have enough use of our senses to make the medicine once Yuuka gives us what we need?
>Assuming she does.

>No precise measurements are required, thankfully. Even blind, you could still manage to dip one object in another, you hope.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 23, 2016, 03:07:23 AM
>Assuming we can aim properly.
>Still, with Kyouko sidelined, we can handle it. We can handle it.
>"Alright, then. You just rest here, Kyouko, and hopefully we'll both be in better shape before the end of the day."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 23, 2016, 03:12:57 AM
>Assuming we can aim properly.
>Still, with Kyouko sidelined, we can handle it. We can handle it.
>"Alright, then. You just rest here, Kyouko, and hopefully we'll both be in better shape before the end of the day."

>Kyouko gives you a thumbs up. "You go get that flower."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 23, 2016, 03:33:10 AM
>Take a deep breath, straighten, and march.
>Now we must confront the Mistress of Plants...
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 23, 2016, 03:58:38 AM
>Take a deep breath, straighten, and march.
>Now we must confront the Mistress of Plants...

>You take a deep breath, though your lungs still wheeze for the effort. You are half blind and deaf, adrift in a haze that has swallowed your mind, and weary beyond all rest. But you are still alive, and you have an appointment to keep.

>The path down into the garden is steep - or at least steeper than your limbs are comfortable navigating anymore. You stumble. You fall. But you pick yourself up again and keep on walking. Will alone carried you into this forest, and it will carry you these last few feet. That garden which had seemed so far away, so utterly unreachable, is all around you now. You can remember what it looked like - so lush and green and vibrant, all colors of the rainbow in majestic array. You had been ready to give up, once. But not now. Not when you're this close. If you died on your feet, they would still keep moving forward. Just one foot in front of the other, Nazrin. Just one foot.

>"I see you're not quite dead after all. Though one could be forgiven for thinking otherwise."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 23, 2016, 04:23:16 AM
>"Told you, I'd be back."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 23, 2016, 04:33:55 AM
>"Told you, I'd be back."

>It is impossible for you to make out Yuuka's expression anymore, but her voice still holds that unsettling calmness to it - a dagger sheathed in silk.
>"And even more unsightly than the last time," she says. "I admit, I'm a little surprised you can still stand. It must be quite unpleasant."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 23, 2016, 04:54:13 AM
>Nod. "It is." Don't have the energy for much false bravado. "The journey was... difficult. I'd be lying if I said I didn't doubt that I'd see you again once or twice."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 23, 2016, 05:18:21 AM
>Nod. "It is." Don't have the energy for much false bravado. "The journey was... difficult. I'd be lying if I said I didn't doubt that I'd see you again once or twice."

>"Ah, a rare moment of agreement! I do hope you brought something with you to make this second trespass worth overlooking."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 23, 2016, 05:31:34 AM
>"I-" *cough* "I always come through for a client."
>Retrieve the goods and hold them up before us.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 23, 2016, 05:36:55 AM
>"I-" *cough* "I always come through for a client."
>Retrieve the goods and hold them up before us.

>You hold up the container holding the lunar orchid Ringo gave you and unscrew the lid.
>"My, you are a resourceful little mouse, aren't you?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 23, 2016, 07:11:18 AM
>Incline head. "Thank you."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 23, 2016, 07:21:55 AM
>Incline head. "Thank you."

>Yuuka returns your gesture, at least partially. "And it was a bittercress flower you wanted in exchange for this, yes?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 23, 2016, 07:31:27 AM
>It WAS only the one flower we needed, right? And that- Of course it was that one, we've been looking for it that long. No way we'd forget that part.
>But assuming it was just the one, then, "Yes, ma'am."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 23, 2016, 07:39:03 AM
>It WAS only the one flower we needed, right? And that- Of course it was that one, we've been looking for it that long. No way we'd forget that part.
>But assuming it was just the one, then, "Yes, ma'am."

>Yeah, that's definitely the flower you need. Can't forget that. Can't-
>...actually, the flowers looked pretty tiny. You're probably supposed to use a bunch of them? Maybe?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 23, 2016, 04:27:05 PM
>Can we estimate approximately how many we might need? Or at least take a rough guess?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 23, 2016, 06:49:29 PM
>Can we estimate approximately how many we might need? Or at least take a rough guess?

>You have no idea, frankly. Recipe wasn't specific.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 25, 2016, 04:33:17 AM
>"That was the flower, yes. But, I understand the flower is a bit small, true? I don't know if all I need is one, or more."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 25, 2016, 04:36:53 AM
>"That was the flower, yes. But, I understand the flower is a bit small, true? I don't know if all I need is one, or more."

>"Well? Which is it?" she asks, sounding rather amused.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 25, 2016, 04:54:50 AM
>Good question.
>"May I see the plant, please? That way I can make a better guess at how many I need to make the medicine."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 25, 2016, 04:59:56 AM
>Good question.
>"May I see the plant, please? That way I can make a better guess at how many I need to make the medicine."

>There is a pointed silence, then Yuuka smiles. "But of course. This way."
>She gestures graciously towards the depths of the garden.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 25, 2016, 05:07:41 AM
>"Thank you."
>Follow her lead.
>"And I hope that in the very near future, I'll be able to take a better look at this place. I can't see as well as I could when we last met."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 25, 2016, 05:35:15 AM
>"Thank you."
>Follow her lead.
>"And I hope that in the very near future, I'll be able to take a better look at this place. I can't see as well as I could when we last met."

>You follow after Yuuka as she calmly leads down the trails between the rows of flowers.
>"No, I imagine you can't. A shame."

>It might well have been the most awkward stroll of your life, if you'd been alive enough to care. Yuuka says nothing. You don't feel it prudent to interject. All the exquisite landscaping blends into a single mottled curtain of grey, and still you hear sounds of veiled motion as you walk past it. Yuuka has been nothing but polite this time, but you'd still feel acutely unsafe here, had you anything else to lose. What meaning is danger, when the danger itself is the one thing standing between you and death? At least she's going through the motions of honoring her agreement; it's very clear she has nothing to lose by reneging.

>After a minute or two of this uncomfortable silence, Yuuka stops.
>"And here we are. Do feel free to inspect the flowers. Though I would advise against touching anything." There is a lilt to her words which would sound disarming from anyone else.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 25, 2016, 06:45:47 AM
>Can we see the Mcguffin?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 25, 2016, 06:53:05 AM
>Can we see the Mcguffin?

>There's... a lot of flowers here. A lot of deeply blurry flowers - thousands, probably. And she isn't even pointing at any of them. Is that... intentional?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 25, 2016, 07:08:11 AM
>Okay, can we see any blurs the color of the bittercress flower?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 25, 2016, 07:14:27 AM
>Okay, can we see any blurs the color of the bittercress flower?

>There are no colors anymore. Just suggestions of form and shadow, lost in fog.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 25, 2016, 10:36:23 AM
>Gotta love that helpless feeling.
>"If I do, it will be an accident." Look around. "I, uh, can't see the Bittercress. Or much else."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 25, 2016, 10:53:30 AM
>Gotta love that helpless feeling.
>"If I do, it will be an accident." Look around. "I, uh, can't see the Bittercress. Or much else."

>"Oh! Of course." One might almost be fooled into thinking she was apologetic. "Look to the ground by your left foot. If you can, of course."
>With your attention thus guided, you can barely make out what is maybe possibly a bittercress plant; it's so very hard to recall the drawing in that book now, even when it's so important. The flower are very tiny, at any rate - smaller than buttercups, and blooming in little clusters all over the plant. One seems too tiny to do anything, but you're no herbalist. You're barely more than a walking corpse right now. Could you just take the whole plant? That would be easier. Figure out what to do with it later....
>"The flowers may look delicate, but they're quite hardy."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 26, 2016, 08:49:12 AM
>"How did you get them to bloom so far out of season?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 26, 2016, 09:05:17 AM
>"How did you get them to bloom so far out of season?"

>"I desired it," she says simply.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 26, 2016, 09:17:19 AM
>"That's a mighty *breath* convenient skill."
>Half a dozen should do?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 26, 2016, 09:22:01 AM
>"That's a mighty *breath* convenient skill."
>Half a dozen should do?

>That still seems awfully small - you could hold a sprig of a half-dozen blossoms comfortably between two fingers, and you'd really hate to come up short at this point.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 26, 2016, 09:40:34 AM
>"They may be hardy, but they are small, all right."
>Swallow.
>"With your permission, may I have the whole plant?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 26, 2016, 09:49:47 AM
>"They may be hardy, but they are small, all right."
>Swallow.
>"With your permission, may I have the whole plant?"

>"The whole plant? And here I thought you already had one of your own, and the flowers were the only thing you were lacking? Let's not be greedy now."
>Even if your brain were working properly, you're not certain you could decide if she were displeased or amused. It's not exactly reassuring.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 26, 2016, 09:59:57 AM
>"Then, would you be willing to work your magic on the plant I DO have?"
>Assuming we think that'll be enough.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 26, 2016, 10:03:29 AM
>"Then, would you be willing to work your magic on the plant I DO have?"
>Assuming we think that'll be enough.

>There is a pause. "Show it to me again."
>The plant is large enough that you imagine it should produce many dozens of flowers, if the density is anything like the one here.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 26, 2016, 10:27:15 AM
>Unveil Planty the Potted Plant.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 26, 2016, 05:16:32 PM
>Unveil Planty the Potted Plant.

>You produce the potted bittercress, which was your hope of salvation once, and perhaps might be again. For a moment, you could almost swear that Yuuka grimaces when she lays eyes upon it, but the moment passes, and when she speaks, there is no sign of irritation in her voice. Perhaps you imagined it.
>"A fair exchange, then?" she says. "One lunar orchid for one flowering bittercress?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 27, 2016, 07:17:53 AM
>"Sounds fair to me."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 27, 2016, 07:40:04 AM
>"Sounds fair to me."

>"I'm glad you agree."
>You wait a moment for Yuuka to say something further, or take some action towards completing the deal. Is she... waiting on you to give her the orchid first? Well, she could say so. But just as you contemplate handing it over anyway, you notice a tiny flicker of motion from the other plant in your hand. In ones and twos, and then four or five at a time, little flowers are starting to open all over your bittercress. You look to Yuuka, but the green-haired youkai gives no impression of doing anything at all. And yet, in mere seconds, your plant is as full of blossoms as the one in her own garden - maybe even more so.
>"Now, if you could fulfill your end of the bargain?" she asks sedately.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 27, 2016, 07:59:26 AM
>"That is impressive."
>"And yes, of course."
>Surrender the goods.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 27, 2016, 08:11:55 AM
>"That is impressive."
>"And yes, of course."
>Surrender the goods.

>You hand over the orchid to Yuuka; you swear it looks livelier the moment she takes hold of it.
>"Then our business is concluded," she says. "I hope you are able to see your way back out of here?" You're uncertain whether this is a question or an imperative.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 27, 2016, 08:15:53 AM
>"I can try. But I'm honestly not sure, not without stepping on something I really shouldn't. Something I'd avoid normally, but now..."
>Can we remember our steps well enough to retrace them?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 27, 2016, 08:31:52 AM
>Can we remember our steps well enough to retrace them?

>You're... not actually very confident about this, to be honest. It's been taking all your resources just to be present for this conversation; the time you spent following after Yuuka is vague and indistinct by comparison, and this garden is almost a maze. You're sure you'd eventually get out again.... Probably.

>"I can try. But I'm honestly not sure, not without stepping on something I really shouldn't. Something I'd avoid normally, but now..."

>"If you looked a little less unsightly, I might even consider that a veiled threat. Not a wise thing to attempt. But under the circumstances, I suppose I can escort you out."
>Without further ado, Yuuka turns and walks back the way you came.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 27, 2016, 08:40:04 AM
>"Thank you very much."
>Follow.
>"And I didn't mean it that way. Sorry if it came across that way."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 27, 2016, 08:55:54 AM
>"Thank you very much."
>Follow.
>"And I didn't mean it that way. Sorry if it came across that way."

>You thank Yuuka and follow after her as she leads you out of the garden. You're actually grateful her pace is so languid; you can feel yourself rapidly approaching the last of your stamina.
>"How polite of you."

>Neither of you say anything else until you reach the edge of the slope that leads out of the valley.
>"I think this should be far enough," she says. "How you manage the rest of the journey is your own business."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 27, 2016, 11:24:08 AM
>"I understand."
>You've left me with a question or two yet, Yuuka. But I don't want to test your patience, and I don't think I have the time for it, anyway. Besides, we wouldn't want to make Kyouko worry. More than she probably already is.
>"Hope you enjoy your new addition."
>Assuming she lets us leave in peace, leave in peace. Back to Kyouko. We may need her eyes.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 27, 2016, 08:07:12 PM
>"I understand."
>You've left me with a question or two yet, Yuuka. But I don't want to test your patience, and I don't think I have the time for it, anyway. Besides, we wouldn't want to make Kyouko worry. More than she probably already is.
>"Hope you enjoy your new addition."
>Assuming she lets us leave in peace, leave in peace. Back to Kyouko. We may need her eyes.

>Yuuka nods politely as you bid her farewell, then turns and walks away. You take the first few steps back up the slope of the valley.

>Is it... really over? Are these flowers in your hand real? You have struggled so long now that it is hard to remember anything but the struggle - always walking, always so very far away. It is a strange sensation now to think it may actually be over. The bittercress you hold feels insubstantial, a figment of a fevered dream that will vanish if you look at it too hard. But it... doesn't. A tiny glimmer of something grows within your soul - something you had forgotten how to feel. Is it... hope?
>Just have to... make it back... up this hill. Your breath is coming in labored gasps and your heart flutters weakly in your chest; you might attribute that to excitement if you didn't feel so damn dizzy. Must have had less strength left in you than you thought. Maybe you should just... rest a little bit. Yeah, that sounds nice. Just for a little bit...
>But some instinct warns that if you stop here, you will never start again - the bittercress no more than a funerary offering for a lonely corpse on the side of a hill. Just a little bit longer. Just a little bit more. If you have to claw your way up this hill on your hands and knees, you can do that too.

>In an exhausted daze, you pull yourself over the lip of the valley and stumble back to where you left Kyouko. The poor dutiful little yamabiko seems to have fallen fast asleep, sprawled awkwardly against the tree and the grasses around its roots. She still looks flushed and sunken.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 28, 2016, 05:46:11 AM
>If she's asleep, then let's try not to wake her.
>Can we do this without her?
>Yes we can. She got us this far, now it's up to us.
>We have what we need, and we know how to put it all together. So take a breath, Nazrin, and get down to it.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 28, 2016, 08:02:13 AM
>If she's asleep, then let's try not to wake her.
>Can we do this without her?
>Yes we can. She got us this far, now it's up to us.
>We have what we need, and we know how to put it all together. So take a breath, Nazrin, and get down to it.

>You decide that Kyouko has earned her rest; the last step, you can finish on your own.

>You fumble through your pack for the materials you'll need - the bottle of Athran's Vigor and your heatstone - finding them more by feel than sight. Then you lay the heatstone on the nearest flat surface and nearly give yourself a heart attack by dropping the Vigor onto the ground as you attempt to open it. No cracks, no spills - you hadn't managed to remove the stopper at all, miraculously. You remember to breathe again; after all you've been through, watering the grass with your potion would be the most horrifying way to ruin everything.
>On the second attempt, you are even more slow and cautious, holding the bottle firmly in both hands to compensate for the small tremors that keep running through them. You open it, place it upon the heatstone, and inch a safe distance away. Now... how many flowers are you supposed to put in here? You size up the liquid in the bottle compared to the delicate blooms of your bittercress. Do you just put in the petals or the whole thing? The book never said, and there's certainly no time to do experiments now. You're only going to have one shot at this, so it's going to have to be guesswork; and the guesswork of someone who's never brewed a potion in their life and can barely remember their own name anymore. But it'll work. It has to work.
>You pluck a dozen flowers from your bittercress and drop them gently into the bottle, and then add in another dozen or two for good measure. Better safe than sorry, right? Your voice catches in your throat as you try to activate the heatstone, but it seems to respond on a second attempt. Now you wait.

>The scent of the mixture is unpleasantly pungent, and only grows worse as the flowers steep. Under the circumstances, you suppose that is better than smelling sweet; it is difficult enough to keep yourself from drifting into unconsciousness as it is. Time passes slowly, formlessly. How will you even know when it's done? When the flowers are all shriveled up? Were you even supposed to brew it this hot? Somehow, although it felt as if the cure were already in your hands once you left Yuuka's garden, now you are less sure. Too many questions. Too hard to contemplate them all. Just... pretend it's tea. Yes, tea; you've made tea before. A nice cup of hot bittercress tea. And if this tea leaves you for dead, well... then nobody can say you did less than your best.

>Tea's ready.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 28, 2016, 08:32:43 AM
>Cross fingers.
>Cross tail.
>Cross spleen.

>Drink.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 28, 2016, 09:05:36 AM
>Cross fingers.
>Cross tail.
>Cross spleen.

>Drink.

>You cross everything you have to cross, and hold the bottle reverently between your hands. Here goes....
>The medicine is exactly as unpalatable as you expected from the smell - you guess it isn't called bittercress for nothing - but you drink and keep on drinking; never in your life have you been so grateful for a cup of supremely lousy tea. Or at least until your stomach starts to lurch. Maybe drinking it all at once wasn't such a smart idea; throwing it all back up again would be an even worse conclusion to this saga than spilling it before you could drink. But you manage to keep it down, with a little effort.

>You are almost unfathomably tired now. You have been running on will alone for days, like a corpse bound to the last task it had in life. And that task is over now. One way or the other, there is nothing left for you to do. As your eyes drift inexorably closed, you spend a last moment in gratitude to the woman who helped you make it here. Even if you never wake up again... thanks.
>And then your world falls black.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 28, 2016, 09:18:56 AM
>Press A to continue?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 28, 2016, 09:23:18 AM
>Press A to continue?

>....wha?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 28, 2016, 09:35:34 AM
>Press Start to continue?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 28, 2016, 09:49:52 AM
>Press Start to continue?

>What are you...?
>Eurgh... you've got a headache, don't you? What time of day is it anyway?
>You open your eyes and almost immediately regret this. It is a very, very sunny day. Which might be nice if it weren't so blinding after having your eyes closed all... night? ....wait.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 28, 2016, 10:07:27 AM
>That was some tea. Was bittercress supposed to knock someone out? Or did we just pass out?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 28, 2016, 10:15:17 AM
>That was some tea. Was bittercress supposed to knock someone out? Or did we just pass out?

>The medicine! You bolt upright as the memory returns to you, ignoring the pounding in your head for the moment. You... still feel like someone's been beating on you, to be honest, but... there was something....
>You open your eyes a crack again and confirm what you'd merely glossed over the first time. The sky is blue.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 28, 2016, 10:38:18 AM
>We can see the sky? Clearly? That's an improvement right there.
>What else can we see? Where are we?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 28, 2016, 09:04:44 PM
>We can see the sky? Clearly? That's an improvement right there.
>What else can we see? Where are we?

>It's still sort of hazy, but a dramatic improvement, nonetheless.
>You can see rocks and trees and a snoozing yamabiko splayed out among the tall grasses; neither of you seem to have moved very much since the last time you were conscious, which is actually a surprise given the position of the sun in the sky. It's close to noon now, and it was hours past that when you collapsed; has she been sleeping for an entire day?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 07:51:37 AM
>Never mind her for now, have we been sleeping a whole day? Didn't we have a bit less than that left before-
>Wait a second. Examine arms, legs, torso.
>Then check chest for unusual growths.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 08:29:40 AM
>Never mind her for now, have we been sleeping a whole day? Didn't we have a bit less than that left before-
>Wait a second. Examine arms, legs, torso.
>Then check chest for unusual growths.

>You've probably also been sleeping for the whole day, but given how exhausted you've been lately, that is the less surprising of the two.
>With your wits returning, you take a moment to examine yourself. The ragged brands of the Blight, which had grown to cover every part of your body, have faded dramatically. You'd be happier if you could say that they were gone altogether, but what remains is muted, like old bruises. A lot of old bruises, but a remarkable improvement nonetheless. Has that done it, then? Is it... really over?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 08:52:35 AM
>We can see, and we're not visibly leprous.... What about our other senses, has our sound and smell come back?
>Do we have an appetite again?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 09:00:52 AM
>We can see, and we're not visibly leprous.... What about our other senses, has our sound and smell come back?
>Do we have an appetite again?

>You... think so? They may still be a little fuzzy, and it would help if there were something specific to listen to, but otherwise they seem functional.
>...now that you think about it, yes.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 09:03:04 AM
>Okay. Let's try standing, see how that goes.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 09:09:10 AM
>Okay. Let's try standing, see how that goes.

>You try standing up; your limbs feel achy and still a little unsteady, but you did just spend nearly 20 hours collapsed unceremoniously on the ground. You take a few steps to try and work some of the kinks out, and already things feel more operational than they have in a while.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 09:16:19 AM
>Any sign of shortness of breath, or temperature?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 09:22:33 AM
>Any sign of shortness of breath, or temperature?

>In absolute terms, you don't feel like you have a whole lot of energy, but it's nowhere near the all-consuming weariness you've experienced these past few days. You don't appear to be running a fever.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 09:34:52 AM
>And no apparent signs of incipient worsening?
>Take another look at our hands. They're really clearing?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 09:43:22 AM
>And no apparent signs of incipient worsening?
>Take another look at our hands. They're really clearing?

>Not as far as you can tell.
>Well, they're not clearing fast enough to watch it happening, but they've dramatically improved from yesterday,
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 09:54:36 AM
>And... We're not dead.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 09:57:49 AM
>And... We're not dead.

>You are definitely very much alive.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 10:34:47 AM
>Then... it worked?
>Practicality, Nazrin. Was it supposed to work all at once, from what we read?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 10:38:38 AM
>Then... it worked?
>Practicality, Nazrin. Was it supposed to work all at once, from what we read?

>It certainly seems to have done something!
>It didn't specify. It didn't specify very much, in fact.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 10:55:10 AM
>Where's our plant?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 10:59:36 AM
>Where's our plant?

>Resting sedately on the ground, a short distance from where you were sleeping. It is still in bloom - though missing a noticeable percentage of its flowers.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 11:11:58 AM
>Okay. Okay, let's be practical. We look and feel healthy....
>We're not dead. We were supposed to be dead by now, weren't we?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 11:26:20 AM
>Okay. Okay, let's be practical. We look and feel healthy....
>We're not dead. We were supposed to be dead by now, weren't we?

>You don't know. You certainly felt like you had one and a half feet in the grave, and now you don't. That's pretty significant!
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 29, 2016, 01:38:19 PM
>If worse comes to worst, and we end up needing another dose of that stuff, at the very least, we have the energy to make it back to town.
>Now Minoriko may have been the one to diagnose us, but could another detect the presence of the blight?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 29, 2016, 07:35:44 PM
>If worse comes to worst, and we end up needing another dose of that stuff, at the very least, we have the energy to make it back to town.
>Now Minoriko may have been the one to diagnose us, but could another detect the presence of the blight?

>To be frank, you'd really rather not have to hoof it back to town in a hurry - or anywhere else, for that matter. You're still pretty worn out, and you've done so much hiking lately. Don't you get some time off, after all this?
>You think she diagnosed it purely on the basis of the markings on your body, and you can do that much yourself; nobody else you talked to seemed to have recognized it at all, for that matter.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 30, 2016, 09:07:38 AM
>Time off? Hell, we've got time again! How long since we said that and meant it. Whether tea completely did the trick or just mostly, it damn sure did something.
>Although, was that possibly the worst tasting brew we've ever had?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 30, 2016, 07:01:30 PM
>Time off? Hell, we've got time again! How long since we said that and meant it. Whether tea completely did the trick or just mostly, it damn sure did something.
>Although, was that possibly the worst tasting brew we've ever had?

>Maybe... it really is over, now? Could it really be?
>It was fairly unpalatable, but not acutely miserable.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 31, 2016, 09:40:28 AM
>All things considered, we should probably call it the best brew we've ever had.
>But with that matter dealt with, temporarily at the very least, we should now attend to another matter. Let's see what we have in terms of food and satisfy that need next.
>Without waking Kyouko, if we can help it. Whether she woke up and went back to sleep, or is STILL asleep, she probably needs rest as much or more than we do.
>Or, but, make sure she is still just sleeping comfortably first.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 31, 2016, 10:21:05 AM
>All things considered, we should probably call it the best brew we've ever had.
>But with that matter dealt with, temporarily at the very least, we should now attend to another matter. Let's see what we have in terms of food and satisfy that need next.
>Without waking Kyouko, if we can help it. Whether she woke up and went back to sleep, or is STILL asleep, she probably needs rest as much or more than we do.
>Or, but, make sure she is still just sleeping comfortably first.

>You go to investigate your collective provisions, and find them surprisingly low. You know you've eaten extremely little on this trip - at least as far as you can remember - but somehow your supplies look barer than they would be if you'd had a normal appetite. There's still enough for a few more meals, but you think there's a very real chance you'll run out before reaching town again.
>Kyouko is sprawled out among a cluster of grasses, half her face smooshed into the dirt and each arm going a different direction. Despite this, there is an almost contented expression on her face. It's... maybe not uncomfortable? Surely no one would pick that place to sleep, deliberately, but the ground at least looks flat. You could try to roll her over, if you wished.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 31, 2016, 10:33:31 AM
>Wait a second, wasn't she pitched up against a tree?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 31, 2016, 10:38:44 AM
>Wait a second, wasn't she pitched up against a tree?

>She's only a couple feet from the base of that tree now; close enough to have simply rolled that far without actually waking up.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 31, 2016, 10:54:23 AM
>Oh.
>Hey cool, we can gauge distance accurately again!
>But yes, let's at least try to un-capsize the yamabiko.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 31, 2016, 11:10:12 AM
>Oh.
>Hey cool, we can gauge distance accurately again!
>But yes, let's at least try to un-capsize the yamabiko.

>You gently straighten Kyouko onto her back, accidentally brushing her nose past some grass in the process. She scrunches her face as though it tickles, and for a moment you fear you may wake her up, but the expression passes without her opening her eyes. There, that looks more comfortable.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on January 31, 2016, 11:16:32 AM
>Cool, we can un-capsize people again!
>Assuming we were skilled at that before. But we are now. Neat.
>Now let's see about breakfast. Lunch. Whatever.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on January 31, 2016, 08:24:55 PM
>Cool, we can un-capsize people again!
>Assuming we were skilled at that before. But we are now. Neat.
>Now let's see about breakfast. Lunch. Whatever.

>Satisfied with your job righting Kyouko, you go attend to breakfast. Starting with just a modest piece of cheese and a cracker, you quickly realize that your appetite is returning in earnest - perhaps even making up for lost time. You go through the rest of the block of cheese, a half dozen more crackers, and some dried fruit before deciding you're satisfied. All the while, Kyouko snoozes peacefully. You do hope Yuuka doesn't mind people being this close to her garden, so long as they're not actually inside it.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 01, 2016, 08:15:49 AM
>She appears to have had plenty of time to do bad things to us.
>But the question still remains. She obviously values her privacy very much, and we found her. Why didn't she kill us?
>Based on what we saw of her, if we went back yet again, she'd more than likely do just that, wouldn't she?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 01, 2016, 08:51:21 AM
>She appears to have had plenty of time to do bad things to us.
>But the question still remains. She obviously values her privacy very much, and we found her. Why didn't she kill us?
>Based on what we saw of her, if we went back yet again, she'd more than likely do just that, wouldn't she?

>Certainly you were asleep and helpless for a great many hours, a stone's throw from her home. Unless she literally cannot extend her power beyond it for some reason, she's had ample time to harm you if she wished; and you can't imagine Kyouko's presence was much of a disincentive, however dedicated she's been.
>Maybe Yuuka actually had some respect for the agreement the two of you made, for whatever reason? Clearly there was nothing stopping her from just taking the orchid and giving you nothing in return for it; it's not like you could have stopped her. You're not entirely sure what to make of this, to be honest.
>You really wouldn't want to test this theory. If a whim gave you your life back, another could take it away again just as easily.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 01, 2016, 09:17:45 AM
>Maybe we can test one of those theories.
>Equip dowsing rods. Let's see if that sense of yours is functioning again.
>And if it does, sweep it over our location and then Yuuka's, to see if there's any sort of power overlap.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 01, 2016, 09:30:22 AM
>Maybe we can test one of those theories.
>Equip dowsing rods. Let's see if that sense of yours is functioning again.
>And if it does, sweep it over our location and then Yuuka's, to see if there's any sort of power overlap.

>You're frankly not sure you're up to accomplishing anything useful with this yet, but you decide to try nonetheless. The feel of the dowsing rods in your hand is familiar, even comforting, but the focus needed to separate signal from noise still does not come easily to you. You could never detect very much unusual from Yuuka's garden, even the first time, and that has not changed. There is a distinct sense of something out of the ordinary down there, pervading the whole of the valley, but it is subtle and you can get no handle on exactly what it is; even after setting foot there, you have no solid theories. You're reasonably confident that whatever it is does not extend as far out as your current position, but you have no reason to conclude Yuuka couldn't reach this far if she wanted to.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 01, 2016, 09:51:49 AM
>Maybe she has all the space she wants. Suppose that'll be one more question we'll never get answered.
>But now we have the chance to get answers to other questions. And something to tell Minoriko. The tea seems to have been at least moderately successful, if not more, and that's more than she seemed to think existed. Granted, the materials aren't the easiest to come by, but it's something. And we even have some of the flowers to give her if that youkai infected anyone....
>Oh right. If that youkai infected anyone else, they wouldn't have lasted near as long as we did. They didn't have our sword.
>But we can go home again.

>After Kyouko wakes up. That stuff she drank, have we used it or seen it used before? Are we familiar enough with it or something like it to guess at any side effects beyond physical exhaustion?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 01, 2016, 10:26:30 AM
>Maybe she has all the space she wants. Suppose that'll be one more question we'll never get answered.
>But now we have the chance to get answers to other questions. And something to tell Minoriko. The tea seems to have been at least moderately successful, if not more, and that's more than she seemed to think existed. Granted, the materials aren't the easiest to come by, but it's something. And we even have some of the flowers to give her if that youkai infected anyone....
>Oh right. If that youkai infected anyone else, they wouldn't have lasted near as long as we did. They didn't have our sword.
>But we can go home again.

>It's an enormous thing, to think you really could go home now. It feels like forever since you've thought of the people there with anything other than mournful longing for faces you might never see again. This... was a very, very long road - exhausting beyond all measure.
>You hope they're all still okay.

>After Kyouko wakes up. That stuff she drank, have we used it or seen it used before? Are we familiar enough with it or something like it to guess at any side effects beyond physical exhaustion?

>You don't know specifically what she took, but you understand that a lot of strength and endurance potions significantly accelerate metabolism and operate, at least partially, by forcing the body to work beyond its normal limits for a short period. This is not without cost; in much the same way that sprinting uses up energy in an unsustainable burst and requires rest afterward, so too does this. Taking another dose without time to recover from the previous one can place an enormous amount of strain on your body, even as the potion itself inhibits your ability to feel this until afterward - like dosing on painkillers until it no longer hurts to run on a broken ankle. Kyouko's a youkai, so she'll probably be fine, but this kind of thing is no joke; taking vigor potions excessively carries a very significant risk of organ damage. And yet, you might be dead if she hadn't....
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 01, 2016, 10:47:26 AM
>Whisper, "Why did you go so far, for someone you'd known so shortly? A week ago, I was a stranger to you..."
>She needs to rest. And we could still use a bit of downtime ourselves. So let's do a little bit of light, light exercise, just to work some of the kinks out and see how we feel after a bit of work, then moor up somewhere comfortable until Kyouko comes to.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 01, 2016, 11:08:19 AM
>Whisper, "Why did you go so far, for someone you'd known so shortly? A week ago, I was a stranger to you..."
>She needs to rest. And we could still use a bit of downtime ourselves. So let's do a little bit of light, light exercise, just to work some of the kinks out and see how we feel after a bit of work, then moor up somewhere comfortable until Kyouko comes to.

>You leave Kyouko to her rest and take a very casual walk around the area to stretch and get your limbs moving again. They still ache, and you're still tired, but it's no longer overwhelming. You feel... more like yourself than you have in a long time now.
>You pause beneath the boughs of a large maple, its leaves dancing on the breeze. It's a good day. The sun is bright, the sky is blue, and the wind is gentle and warm. And you're alive. Above all else, you're alive.
>It's a good day.

>It is several hours, a meal, and a short nap later before you hear the first stirrings from Kyouko that aren't just her rolling over again. She mumbles something unintelligible, then leans up and slowly opens her eyes. And then opens them much wider once the memory of where she is appears to strike her.
>"Nazrin! Are you-" A pause. "Your face! It's... it's...!" She seems to be struggling to find the proper word.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 01, 2016, 11:13:18 AM
>Smile. "Good morning."
>Glance up.
>If evening, "Or evening."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 01, 2016, 11:21:15 AM
>Smile. "Good morning."
>Glance up.
>If evening, "Or evening."

>It is definitely evening now, even if the light isn't quite gone yet.
>"You... you did it, didn't you?" she says. "You got the cure!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 01, 2016, 11:30:31 AM
>Display our recceeded black spots.
>"I think it actually worked."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 01, 2016, 11:46:49 AM
>Display our recceeded black spots.
>"I think it actually worked."

>You stretch out your hands and arms, turning them around to show off just how much the black marks have faded already.
>"It actually worked...." A smile grows on Kyouko's face - from surprised to awed to joyous. And then she is on her feet and all but tackles you with a hug - so abruptly that you barely have time to react.
>"That's wonderful news! Hurray!" Despite her exuberance, the last word trails off in a wince, though you might be wincing yourself after hearing her be so enthusiastic so close to your ears.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 01, 2016, 12:05:43 PM
>"I couldn't have done it without you, Kyouko."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 01, 2016, 12:12:18 PM
>"I couldn't have done it without you, Kyouko."

>The yamabiko beams. "If you're better now, then it was all worth it."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 01, 2016, 12:39:10 PM
>"What about you? You feeling better?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 01, 2016, 08:07:11 PM
>"What about you? You feeling better?"

>"Still kinda sore," she admits. "But that's okay! We made it in time, and that's what matters."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 02, 2016, 11:06:17 AM
>Chuckle a bit. "I'm still not sure it's, y'know, hit me yet. I keep thinking, 'well what if I need more, or...' You know. I mean, I've thought of nothing but this for so long now, and now it's over? Kinda hard to digest."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 02, 2016, 11:45:19 AM
>Chuckle a bit. "I'm still not sure it's, y'know, hit me yet. I keep thinking, 'well what if I need more, or...' You know. I mean, I've thought of nothing but this for so long now, and now it's over? Kinda hard to digest."

>Kyouko nods sagely, then smiles. "Well, you have a loooong time now to get used to it!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 02, 2016, 12:02:04 PM
>"I sure hope so."
>Glance back towards Yuuka's place. "'course now I've got to get used to a mystery or two. There's still some things I wish I'd had the chance to ask Yuuka before I left."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 02, 2016, 12:02:43 PM
>"I sure hope so."
>Glance back towards Yuuka's place. "'course now I've got to get used to a mystery or two. There's still some things I wish I'd had the chance to ask Yuuka before I left."

>"Oh? Like what?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 02, 2016, 12:12:30 PM
>"Like, why she chose to come out here and live like this. If she's as strong as I think she is, she could still be a threat to the world, and yet she.... retired, I guess is the word."
>"And since it's obvious she values her privacy, why did she let me leave? Twice? I could visit every military base between here and Braston and tell everyone who wanted a piece of her exactly where to find her. I mean I WON'T, not a chance, but she doesn't know that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 02, 2016, 12:39:50 PM
>"Like, why she chose to come out here and live like this. If she's as strong as I think she is, she could still be a threat to the world, and yet she.... retired, I guess is the word."
>"And since it's obvious she values her privacy, why did she let me leave? Twice? I could visit every military base between here and Braston and tell everyone who wanted a piece of her exactly where to find her. I mean I WON'T, not a chance, but she doesn't know that."

>"Retired?" Kyouko seems to find this funny. "I know a few people who took up gardening after they retired, but never like this!"
>"Maybe she's not afraid of being found? If she's really that scary. I mean, it'd be a bad idea for anyone to come looking for trouble, wouldn't it?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 02, 2016, 12:44:39 PM
>"That's why I don't plan to tell anyone. It would end up getting a lot of people killed, whether they could beat Yuuka or not, and I'm not going to do that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 02, 2016, 12:48:14 PM
>"That's why I don't plan to tell anyone. It would end up getting a lot of people killed, whether they could beat Yuuka or not, and I'm not going to do that."

>"What did she do that was so bad that so many people would want to come pick a fight with her?" she asks softly.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 02, 2016, 12:50:32 PM
>"Apparantly, she was involved in.... was it called the Wild Surge? A war that happened a few decades ago on this continent."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 02, 2016, 01:02:29 PM
>"Apparantly, she was involved in.... was it called the Wild Surge? A war that happened a few decades ago on this continent."

>"Really?" Kyouko's eyes widen a little, then she frowns. "I guess she was on the bad guys' side, wasn't she?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 02, 2016, 03:10:42 PM
>"She was. And apparently did a lot of very bad things. I just wish I knew why she stopped. Did something stop her, did she just get tired?" Sigh quietly. "I guess I'll never know. I'm sure as hell not going back to ask. After everything I've been through, I can live with a mystery or two."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 02, 2016, 07:56:21 PM
>"She was. And apparently did a lot of very bad things. I just wish I knew why she stopped. Did something stop her, did she just get tired?" Sigh quietly. "I guess I'll never know. I'm sure as hell not going back to ask. After everything I've been through, I can live with a mystery or two."

>Kyouko stares wistfully in the direction of the garden. "And it looked so pretty.... It feels sad to be this close to something incredible and have to turn around; I'd really like to see the garden for myself. But... that'd be a really bad idea, wouldn't it?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 03, 2016, 12:14:08 PM
>Fish around in our pack until we find our spyglass, then offer it to her. "This isn't much, but it's a much better option. Think of that place like a pitcher plant. Really pretty and smells nice, but get too close..."
>"Besides, after everything we've been through, the last thing I'm about to do is let you put yourself in any more danger."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 03, 2016, 12:37:28 PM
>Fish around in our pack until we find our spyglass, then offer it to her. "This isn't much, but it's a much better option. Think of that place like a pitcher plant. Really pretty and smells nice, but get too close..."
>"Besides, after everything we've been through, the last thing I'm about to do is let you put yourself in any more danger."

>"I'm not a fly...." Kyouko mumbles as she accepts the offered spyglass, though there is no fire in her protest.
>"No, I understand." She pauses. "Actually, I don't really understand at all, but I trust you; if you say it's too dangerous, I won't go any closer. It's just kind of... sad, you know?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 03, 2016, 01:02:11 PM
>"I do. It's hardly fair, too, you have more of an appreciation for gardens and flowers than I do, too. You'd appreciate her garden in ways that I couldn't. Yuuka might even acknowledge that, but she's too mercurial, too- Hey, I can say mercurial again." Grin, then stop. "Sorry, getting used to that."
>DO we think that Yuuka might tolerate Kyouko more than us?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 03, 2016, 01:40:10 PM
>"I do. It's hardly fair, too, you have more of an appreciation for gardens and flowers than I do, too. You'd appreciate her garden in ways that I couldn't. Yuuka might even acknowledge that, but she's too mercurial, too- Hey, I can say mercurial again." Grin, then stop. "Sorry, getting used to that."

>"Mercurial's a fun word to say. Mercurial!" Kyouko grins.
>"And don't apologize!" she adds, more severely. "You were dying and now you're not, and every little bit of that is cause to celebrate. So if you want to smile at saying a word or seeing the sky or just laugh for the joy of being alive, you do that! If you want to sing and dance and roll around in the grass, I'll even join you!"
>From the way Kyouko straightens up as she says this, you wonder if she's liable to start without you.

>DO we think that Yuuka might tolerate Kyouko more than us?

>You don't think you understand the workings of her mind enough to gamble on this with confidence, and the cost of losing is so terribly high. Perhaps Yuuka would appreciate someone whose sole purpose in her garden was to admire its beauty. Or perhaps she would use her to make an example of why you should never have told anyone else how to find her.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 03, 2016, 01:57:01 PM
>Chuckle. "You ARE feeling better, too, aren't you?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 03, 2016, 02:01:51 PM
>Chuckle. "You ARE feeling better, too, aren't you?"

>"Not too sore to be happy!" she counters.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 04, 2016, 06:40:27 PM
>Shake head and chuckle. "You're a real wonder, you know that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 04, 2016, 11:16:06 PM
>Shake head and chuckle. "You're a real wonder, you know that."

>Kyouko gives you a slightly sheepish, yet satisfied grin.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2016, 01:15:42 PM
>"I know I owe a lot of people a lot of thanks for getting me here, but you... I don't know I can ever pay you back."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 05, 2016, 01:35:14 PM
>"I know I owe a lot of people a lot of thanks for getting me here, but you... I don't know I can ever pay you back."

>"You could buy me dinner," she suggests playfully.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2016, 01:40:56 PM
>Chuckle. "That's a start, all right. You name the place once we get back to down. Our choices out here are a bit limited."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 05, 2016, 01:51:37 PM
>Chuckle. "That's a start, all right. You name the place once we get back to down. Our choices out here are a bit limited."

>"Mmmm... now that you mention it, I'm starving. Let's see what we've got left."
>Kyouko roots around in her pack for a moment and produces a large rye bun, which she immediately chomps into.
>"Getting pretty bare in there," she says between bites. "I, uh... I ate a lot of it while you were out for the count. Sorry."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2016, 02:06:40 PM
>"Now I guess it's my turn to tell you not to apologize. I suspect you needed it at the time."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 05, 2016, 02:21:58 PM
>"Now I guess it's my turn to tell you not to apologize. I suspect you needed it at the time."

>"Yeah...." she admits. "You know what they say about working up an appetite. Now triple that. I think I could have eaten a whole pot roast at once, if we'd had one." She scarfs down some more bread. "That still sounds kinda nice, to be honest."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2016, 02:24:33 PM
>"I'll see what we can do once we get back to civilization."
>Look around. "For now, though..."
>Roll Survival Anything nearby that appears foragable?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 05, 2016, 02:36:27 PM
>"I'll see what we can do once we get back to civilization."
>Look around. "For now, though..."
>Roll Survival Anything nearby that appears foragable?

>Some of the grasses nearby are perfectly edible, but you'd need to be more desperate to seriously consider doing so. Otherwise, nothing particularly palatable is in evidence. However, you did find berries several times on your first trip here, and have no doubt you can find more of them around if you keep your nose open as you travel.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2016, 03:39:09 PM
>"We'll improvise. I made out okay the last time, and now my eyes and nose are working properly again."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 05, 2016, 03:51:07 PM
>"We'll improvise. I made out okay the last time, and now my eyes and nose are working properly again."

>"We'll improvise," she agrees, then rummages for some dried fruit to go with her bread. "I think we're out of raisins...."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 05, 2016, 05:18:24 PM
>Can we even afford to cover an appetite like hers?
>Oh well, we can worry about that later. Now that we HAVE a later.
>After she's finished, let us gauge how she's feeling, and then how we're feeling. Take as long as it takes, but when we're both ready, let's start heading back.
>And along the way, let's see if we can enjoy the trip a little more this time, since we have the time now that we didn't have before.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 08:51:06 AM
>Can we even afford to cover an appetite like hers?
>Oh well, we can worry about that later. Now that we HAVE a later.

>At least she doesn't seem to be a picky eater, even if she's a big one.

>After she's finished, let us gauge how she's feeling, and then how we're feeling. Take as long as it takes, but when we're both ready, let's start heading back.
>And along the way, let's see if we can enjoy the trip a little more this time, since we have the time now that we didn't have before.

>After Kyouko finishes up her breakfast, she spends a few minutes admiring the garden from as close as you dare let her go, and then the two of you decide to start heading home. You're both still sore and tired, but you'll rest easier when there's more distance between you and Yuuka, and there's something comforting about being able to stretch your legs without needing an act of will to keep you going.

>The trip back is very different than all the other times you've walked these woods. For once, there is no pressure, no rush. You can rest when you want, meander when you want, stop to watch Kyouko admire a bird or a flower without guilt or reservation. You have a picnic atop a hill covered in heather, fill two satchels with fresh blueberries, watch Kyouko utterly perplex a songbird by performing a duet with it, and even catch a pair of trout from a small stream you spend the night camped beside; Kyouko was unduly impressed with your jury-rigged fishing rod.

>Each day that passes, you can feel your strength returning. By the third, the ragged black marks which once covered your body have nearly faded into memory. So consuming was the Blight that you had nearly forgotten what it was like to have this much energy. You feel like you could pinpoint every trace of tin from here to Isir's Cross or scale a cliff with one arm. There is still a profound sense of unreality to this situation - you've struggled and strived so long to find a cure that it's hard to come to grips with it actually being over.

>But you are alive, and it is wonderful.

>And the compansionship you've had along the way is... nice. You find your eyes lingering upon her face - the way she smiles, the way her ears perk up when she's excited, the simple earnestness in her eyes. Had you met in different circumstances, you might have dismissed her as simple and naive; only someone ignorant of the world could see it with such innocent joy. And yet her smile gave you strength when the world was dark, her resourcefulness carried you forward when your own had failed you. No one could come so far and do so much without grit and savvy, no matter the form it takes. If there is an innocence to her smile, it is not from ignorance, but because she has the strength of spirit to find joy in even in the dark places. This is something you lack, you think. Perhaps this is why you feel a strange sense of peace just watching her enjoy the world as you never thought to do. It seems right, somehow.

>Eventually, the two of you arrive at Kagerou's little house in the woods, the garden long behind you. There is a scent of smoked fish on the wind, wafting in with the damp spray of the Grau. You promised her you'd see her again, and you have all the time in the world now to keep your promises.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 12:06:22 PM
>Presumably we spoke about Kagerou before, but did Kyouko express an interest in seeing her herself?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 12:08:21 PM
>Presumably we spoke about Kagerou before, but did Kyouko express an interest in seeing her herself?

>Not expressly, but you certainly can't imagine she'd mind; you think she enjoys meeting people in general.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 12:28:25 PM
>"Well Kyouko, that there's Kagerou's little place."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 12:38:29 PM
>"Well Kyouko, that there's Kagerou's little place."

>"It's kinda quaint," she says, sizing up what you can see of the house from this direction. "Did she build it herself?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 01:02:26 PM
>Did she mention that fact?
>If she hadn't, "You know I'm not sure. I don't think it came up."
>"You could ask her yourself. I need to stop by, I promised I would. I don't think she'd mind if I brought you along."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 01:06:25 PM
>Did she mention that fact?
>If she hadn't, "You know I'm not sure. I don't think it came up."
>"You could ask her yourself. I need to stop by, I promised I would. I don't think she'd mind if I brought you along."

>She didn't mention it.
>"I'd like to meet her," Kyouko says with a smile. "She sounds nice."
>No surprises there.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 02:22:01 PM
>"She is that, though she's also a bit.... Reserved, I think is the best word. So if she seems quiet, it isn't how, it's just how she is."
>That's a fair statement, right? If not, disregard and just go knock.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 02:47:04 PM
>"She is that, though she's also a bit.... Reserved, I think is the best word. So if she seems quiet, it isn't how, it's just how she is."
>That's a fair statement, right? If not, disregard and just go knock.

>Kyouko nods her acknowledgement. "It's just how she is."
>As you swing around the house to knock, a figure comes into view, bent over a smoking rack whose fuel still smolders slightly. She is engaged enough in her task that she does not seem to notice your approach at first.
>"Is that her?" Kyouko asks.
>It unmistakably is.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 02:50:38 PM
>Clarification request. Who's rack?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 03:01:34 PM
>Clarification request. Who's rack?

>Kagerou may be well-proportioned, but the smoking in this case is being done by a literal fire.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 03:05:27 PM
>If she wasn't already committed, we'd look into setting her up with a fire element-aligned gal to make the gag work.
>But leaving the silly gags aside for the moment...

>"Yup, that's her."
>Wave. "Ahoy!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 03:10:36 PM
>If she wasn't already committed, we'd look into setting her up with a fire element-aligned gal to make the gag work.
>But leaving the silly gags aside for the moment...

>"Yup, that's her."
>Wave. "Ahoy!"

>Your exuberant greeting seems to catch Kagerou off-guard, but that is nothing compared to look of astonishment that comes over her when she recognizes you. She straightens up and takes a tentative step towards you, almost as if you might become clearer by doing so.
>"....Nazrin?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 03:16:45 PM
>Smile. "In the flesh!"
>Approach the lycanthrope. "And much less blighted flesh, as well."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 03:31:04 PM
>Smile. "In the flesh!"
>Approach the lycanthrope. "And much less blighted flesh, as well."

>The faintest suggestion of a smile tugs at her face. "So you... found what you were looking for, after all?" Then she glances at Kyouko with guarded eyes. "That's not... Yuuka, is it?"
>Your green-haired yet harmless yamabiko companion erupts in a fit of giggles; you're not sure this does much to help Kagerou's composure.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 03:54:46 PM
>Chuckle, then try mightily to suppress it.
>"No, no. Not by a longshot. No, this is a very good friend of mine, Kyouko Kasodani. She helped me get back to Yuuka's, something I wouldn't have been able to do without her."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 04:04:24 PM
>Chuckle, then try mightily to suppress it.
>"No, no. Not by a longshot. No, this is a very good friend of mine, Kyouko Kasodani. She helped me get back to Yuuka's, something I wouldn't have been able to do without her."

>You do your best not to laugh too hard, though you fear you only fluster Kagerou further anyway; but at least she seems a little disarmed by this reaction.
>Kyouko bows politely as you introduce her. "Pleased to meet you! Nazrin told me how you helped her find her way to the garden. That was really nice of you!"
>"Oh that's-" Kagerou pauses. "Back to Yuuka's?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 04:23:11 PM
>"Yeah. ... It's a bit of a story. But at least now I've got the time to tell it."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 04:40:12 PM
>"Yeah. ... It's a bit of a story. But at least now I've got the time to tell it."

>"So, it worked?" she asks. "You're cured now?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 04:56:04 PM
>"I wasn't sure at first." Give self a once over. "Those marks didn't all dissappear right away. But I've been feeling better and better since I took the medicine. I think I've even stopped worrying, which is something that'll take a bit of getting used to, after these last couple of weeks."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 05:14:37 PM
>"I wasn't sure at first." Give self a once over. "Those marks didn't all dissappear right away. But I've been feeling better and better since I took the medicine. I think I've even stopped worrying, which is something that'll take a bit of getting used to, after these last couple of weeks."

>Kagerou smiles. "I'm really glad to hear it. I'd thought you- I mean..." She trails off, looking uncomfortable, but quickly segues into "Would you like to stay for supper? I was going to cook salmon; there should be plenty for everyone."
>You can see Kyouko's eyes light up.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 05:41:11 PM
>"That sounds excellent. Kyouko?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 05:47:39 PM
>"That sounds excellent. Kyouko?"

>"That sounds excellent," she concurs.
>"Well, it needs to smoke for just a little bit longer, but I can get you some tea or something in the meantime," Kagerou says, moving off towards her house. "Or at least a chair."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 06:18:39 PM
>"Chairs are also excellent. We've been doing a heck of a lot of walking."
>Walk more in a following motion.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 07, 2016, 06:27:58 PM
>"Chairs are also excellent. We've been doing a heck of a lot of walking."
>Walk more in a following motion.

>"I can only imagine," she says as she leads you back towards her home. "How many days did you spend searching for the garden?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 07, 2016, 07:08:58 PM
>How many days HAS it been?
>Actually...
>"Uh.... That's actually a good question, I lost track of a few days after Kyouko started carrying me. What day IS it?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 08:12:00 AM
>How many days HAS it been?
>Actually...
>"Uh.... That's actually a good question, I lost track of a few days after Kyouko started carrying me. What day IS it?"

>Since you parted ways with Kagerou? Since you entered the woods with Kyouko? You're not certain the answer to either of these questions, but she might be asking how long it took you to find it the first time, which was around 3 days.
>Kagerou pauses with her hand on the doorknob. "Carrying you?" You can see her eyeing your companion with some doubtfulness.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 10:22:08 AM
>"Like I said. It's a bit of a story."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 10:54:58 AM
>"Like I said. It's a bit of a story."

>"Right. Of course." Her eyes linger on Kyouko for just a moment more; the yamabiko lets out a sheepish little giggle. Then Kagerou opens the door and beckons the two of you inside.

>"Please help yourself to a chair," she says as she putters off into the pantry. "What kind of tea would you like? I've got lemon and ginger and..." You hear a small rattle. "Actually, maybe just lemon and ginger."
>"Either's fine with me!" Kyouko says.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 11:16:19 AM
>"We're not hard to please, Kagerou."
>Find a chair. Chairs are nice.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 11:29:41 AM
>"We're not hard to please, Kagerou."
>Find a chair. Chairs are nice.

>"We're not hard to please!" Kyouko agrees. You can hear Kagerou digging something out of a cupboard.
>You settle down into the nearest chair, while Kyouko wanders around the room, admiring the decor.
>"This is a nice place you have," she says. "It's kinda... cozy."
>"Um, thank you," Kagerou says.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 12:13:11 PM
>Sigh contendedly. "You forget sometimes the simple comforts of a proper chair. Or being able to relax in one, for that matter. I've still got some adjusting to do."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 12:21:23 PM
>Sigh contendedly. "You forget sometimes the simple comforts of a proper chair. Or being able to relax in one, for that matter. I've still got some adjusting to do."

>"It's been a while!" Kyouko says. "But the camping wasn't all bad."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 12:52:37 PM
>"Oh no, it wasn't bad. But, it'll be nice to not have to, for a while. After the camping and the traveling and all the other whatnot, I plan on taking a vacation after I get back home."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 01:04:12 PM
>"Oh no, it wasn't bad. But, it'll be nice to not have to, for a while. After the camping and the traveling and all the other whatnot, I plan on taking a vacation after I get back home."

>"You deserve it!" Kyouko says. "Enjoy life to the fullest!"
>Kagerou emerges from the pantry with a small grey tin and carries it into the kitchen.
>"Anywhere special?" she asks.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 01:23:38 PM
>Chuckle ruefully. "Unless I manage to land in a pile of money, it'll need to be somewhere cheap."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 01:43:49 PM
>Chuckle ruefully. "Unless I manage to land in a pile of money, it'll need to be somewhere cheap."

>Kagerou chuckles softly. "I'm afraid I've never done much traveling myself."
>"Hey now!" Kyouko interjects. "You just found a secret garden hidden in the middle of nowhere, tangled with a big scary youkai that even the soldiers were afraid of, and came away with a flower that shouldn't exist. While you were dying. Who wouldn't want to hire a Seeker that could pull that off? I bet there's piles of money out there with your name on them already!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 01:58:13 PM
>This girl'd make a heck of a cheerleader.
>"That's a damn nice thought, Kyouko."
>"Of course I should say that I had a lot of help getting there. Stubbornness and willpower got me pretty far, but without the help of a lot of folks, inculding you two, I never would have made it."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 02:10:02 PM
>This girl'd make a heck of a cheerleader.
>"That's a damn nice thought, Kyouko."
>"Of course I should say that I had a lot of help getting there. Stubbornness and willpower got me pretty far, but without the help of a lot of folks, inculding you two, I never would have made it."

>You don't even think she can help herself.
>"I don't know that I did very much," Kagerou says, "but I'm glad if you think it helped. And I'm glad you're alright."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 02:44:17 PM
>"You pointed me in the right direction, Kagerou. Helped me find a quicker way to get there than I might have found on my own. And... You were a friend, when I needed one. And if I've learned nothing else from this experience, it's that friendship is a powerful thing. More than I think I ever gave it credit for."
>Pause.
>"Oh, that was really sappy."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 03:20:16 PM
>"You pointed me in the right direction, Kagerou. Helped me find a quicker way to get there than I might have found on my own. And... You were a friend, when I needed one. And if I've learned nothing else from this experience, it's that friendship is a powerful thing. More than I think I ever gave it credit for."
>Pause.
>"Oh, that was really sappy."

>"Sappy's good!" Kyouko declares.
>You hear Kagerou chuckle again. "Well, I'm... I'm glad it worked out, in the end. Would you like a raisin bun?"
>"Yes, please!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 03:44:43 PM
>"Please."
>After delivery, sit back. "So, the story. Where should I start?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 03:51:14 PM
>"Please."
>After delivery, sit back. "So, the story. Where should I start?"

>"Alright."
>In a few moments, Kagerou emerges with a pair of slightly doughy, but sweet raisin buns. Kyouko wastes no time digging into hers, stopping only just long enough to say thanks. You don't think you'll ever be able to match her appetite, but the bun is tasty nonetheless.
>"What happened after I left you?" Kagerou asks, in reply to your question.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 08:02:43 PM
>How long was it between when Kagerou left us and when we found the garden?
>"Well, I did find Yuuka's place eventually, though I had to hike *insert above time here*, and even then, I needed a bit more help to get there." Chuckle. "Picture this if you can. A fairy riding a goat, claiming to be a knight, found me."
>"But they actually knew where Yuuka's place was and led me right to it." Pause and shake head. "Now that I think about her, I kind of hope I see her back in town. Assuming she's not still on her epic quest for the.... how did she put it? The Overgoat."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 08:10:52 PM
>How long was it between when Kagerou left us and when we found the garden?
>"Well, I did find Yuuka's place eventually, though I had to hike *insert above time here*, and even then, I needed a bit more help to get there." Chuckle. "Picture this if you can. A fairy riding a goat, claiming to be a knight, found me."
>"But they actually knew where Yuuka's place was and led me right to it." Pause and shake head. "Now that I think about her, I kind of hope I see her back in town. Assuming she's not still on her epic quest for the.... how did she put it? The Overgoat."

>About three more days.
>"The... the what?"
>Kyouko giggles at Kagerou's reaction. Of course, she laughed even harder herself, the first time she heard this part of the story.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 08:34:24 PM
>"I promise, that's what she said. She was on a grand quest for the Overgoat. I think she had an adjective or two in front of it, but I've forgotten what they were."
>"She's attached to one of the noble houses of Val Razua, House Pardicas. They're a bit eccentric."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 09:14:23 PM
>"I promise, that's what she said. She was on a grand quest for the Overgoat. I think she had an adjective or two in front of it, but I've forgotten what they were."
>"She's attached to one of the noble houses of Val Razua, House Pardicas. They're a bit eccentric."

>"They're big on goats," Kyouko says. "There's a goat on the House crest, statues of goats all along the manor parapets, they've even got a whole squadron of satyr footmen. I, uh... I've never seen them do much besides stand around in uniform and flirt with pretty girls, but a couple of them are kinda cute.... I think the house has a big farming operation somewhere.... Their cheese isn't bad, if you like that sort of thing!"
>Kagerou takes this all in with a rather nonplussed expression. "This is... not exactly where I expected this story to go."
>"I wonder if the Overgoat actually exists?" Kyouko muses. "You know how fairies are sometimes."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 10:02:21 PM
>Satyr? Have we seen any of those?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 10:05:34 PM
>Satyr? Have we seen any of those?

>Not personally. You don't think they're very numerous; or at least not in your neck of the woods.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 10:10:10 PM
>Ohhh, exotic.
>Grin. "Trust me, I was a bit lost for words myself when I met Fearless. That's her name, by the way, Fearless Grapefruit. The goat was Thelonius."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 10:13:32 PM
>Ohhh, exotic.
>Grin. "Trust me, I was a bit lost for words myself when I met Fearless. That's her name, by the way, Fearless Grapefruit. The goat was Thelonius."

>"Fearless... Grapefruit. Fearless Grapefruit. Really?" Kagerou shakes her head and laughs. "I think I'd been expecting something a little more harrowing. Um, not that I'm not glad that it wasn't! Though, uh... where did-"
>She shakes her head. "Nevermind, I'm jumping ahead. Continue."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 10:31:11 PM
>"Yeah, the harrowing part came when I met Yuuka. That part, I'm glad you weren't there for, Kagerou. That woman is someone I very much hope I never have to see again. Once would have been enough, but she wouldn't give me what I needed. Not unless I did a favor for her. After I was through begging for my life. She enjoyed that part."
>"Now her garden is as pretty and as diverse as the rumors say, but there's still some flowers she didn't have. I had to get one of them for her, which I could find in Val Razua. At least, that was the only place close enough for the time I had. That's why I said 'back' to Yuuka's."
>Take a moment. "I won't lie. I was feeling pretty miserable on the way back to Val R."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 10:38:18 PM
>"Yeah, the harrowing part came when I met Yuuka. That part, I'm glad you weren't there for, Kagerou. That woman is someone I very much hope I never have to see again. Once would have been enough, but she wouldn't give me what I needed. Not unless I did a favor for her. After I was through begging for my life. She enjoyed that part."
>"Now her garden is as pretty and as diverse as the rumors say, but there's still some flowers she didn't have. I had to get one of them for her, which I could find in Val Razua. At least, that was the only place close enough for the time I had. That's why I said 'back' to Yuuka's."
>Take a moment. "I won't lie. I was feeling pretty miserable on the way back to Val R."

>Kagerou frowns, as she waits expectantly for you to continue.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 11:10:12 PM
>"I did get the flower she wanted, in the end. It took... A bit of work, and a lot of fast talking, but I got it. But by that point, so much time had passed, and my condition had got to the point that I didn't know if I could make it all the way back to Yuuka's again. But by that point, I had reconnected with Kyouko here." Wave at her. "We'd gotten to know each other the first time I was in the city, she even gave me a place to stay. And after she'd heard everything when I got back, she offered to come with me, to help me back to Yuuka's."
>Pause and frown and ask Kyouko, "Or, did I ask you? I still don't have all my memories quite sorted out yet."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 08, 2016, 11:25:15 PM
>"I did get the flower she wanted, in the end. It took... A bit of work, and a lot of fast talking, but I got it. But by that point, so much time had passed, and my condition had got to the point that I didn't know if I could make it all the way back to Yuuka's again. But by that point, I had reconnected with Kyouko here." Wave at her. "We'd gotten to know each other the first time I was in the city, she even gave me a place to stay. And after she'd heard everything when I got back, she offered to come with me, to help me back to Yuuka's."
>Pause and frown and ask Kyouko, "Or, did I ask you? I still don't have all my memories quite sorted out yet."

>"You asked, and then I insisted," she says, sounding just a little proud of herself, to be honest. Well, not like she hasn't earned it.
>"So you... went back to the city," Kagerou says, "and then came all the way back out here again?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 08, 2016, 11:35:55 PM
>Nod and nibble. "Yuuka left me with no choice. Even in peak condition, I couldn't have stolen the bittercress from her, and going back to Val R was the only way to get what she wanted in trade."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 09, 2016, 08:14:37 AM
>Nod and nibble. "Yuuka left me with no choice. Even in peak condition, I couldn't have stolen the bittercress from her, and going back to Val R was the only way to get what she wanted in trade."

>"And she'd just have let you die instead of give you a single flower?"
>"I wanted to shout at her about what a horrible, awful person she was!" Kyouko says. "But... Nazrin made me promise not to. Said it was too dangerous." She still looks disappointed at this fact.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 09, 2016, 04:40:36 PM
>"My life meant nothing to her. I don't think anyone's life means much to her. She takes being a plant lover to a whole new level. If she didn't think she could use me, I think she'd have killed me the first time around for intruding on her garden."
>Look down. "I'm still trying to figure out why she didn't kill me in the end."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 09, 2016, 05:25:55 PM
>"My life meant nothing to her. I don't think anyone's life means much to her. She takes being a plant lover to a whole new level. If she didn't think she could use me, I think she'd have killed me the first time around for intruding on her garden."
>Look down. "I'm still trying to figure out why she didn't kill me in the end."

>Kagerou looks sullen. "I'm... not sure what to say."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 09, 2016, 07:37:45 PM
>Shake head. "Best thing I can do is stop wondering about the why, and just accept that it happened."
>"Of course, I wouldn't have made it back there at all if not for Kyouko. My strength failed me when we were still a day or two out from Yuuka's. After it was clear I couldn't walk any farther, Kyouko here picked me up and carried me all the rest of the way. Unbeknownst to me, she'd picked a strength potion before we left."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 09, 2016, 07:54:40 PM
>Shake head. "Best thing I can do is stop wondering about the why, and just accept that it happened."
>"Of course, I wouldn't have made it back there at all if not for Kyouko. My strength failed me when we were still a day or two out from Yuuka's. After it was clear I couldn't walk any farther, Kyouko here picked me up and carried me all the rest of the way. Unbeknownst to me, she'd picked a strength potion before we left."

>"Carried you for days?" Kagerou eyes the yamabiko as if a different person might now be sitting in her chair.
>"It's powerful stuff!" Kyouko says, then cringes. "Tastes awful, though. Absolutely terrible, eugh."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 10, 2016, 12:19:49 AM
>Nod. "Between the medicine doing it's job on me, which knocked me out for.... hours, at least, and Kyouko recuperating from the potion's side effects, we were a while getting back on our feet. And that medicine wasn't much better tasting than the stuff you took, Kyouko. When I tell Minoriko about this, I'll tell her to add some seasoning to the stuff if she ever has to make it. Maybe cinnamon."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 10, 2016, 08:33:41 AM
>Nod. "Between the medicine doing it's job on me, which knocked me out for.... hours, at least, and Kyouko recuperating from the potion's side effects, we were a while getting back on our feet. And that medicine wasn't much better tasting than the stuff you took, Kyouko. When I tell Minoriko about this, I'll tell her to add some seasoning to the stuff if she ever has to make it. Maybe cinnamon."

>Kyouko giggles.
>"But... it worked, right?" Kagerou says.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 10, 2016, 05:06:47 PM
>"It worked. By this point, if it hadn't have worked, I wouldn't be here to tell you about it. I think I, I really am better."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 10, 2016, 05:22:12 PM
>"It worked. By this point, if it hadn't have worked, I wouldn't be here to tell you about it. I think I, I really am better."

>Kyouko beams, as if she were every bit as happy about this conclusion as you are.
>"I'm glad to hear it," Kagerou says, then slowly shakes her head. "It must have been miserable...."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 10, 2016, 09:38:12 PM
>"At times, yeah. But, and it sort of amazes me to say this, but, it really could have been worse." Smile at Kyouko. "I wasn't alone."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 10, 2016, 09:59:53 PM
>"At times, yeah. But, and it sort of amazes me to say this, but, it really could have been worse." Smile at Kyouko. "I wasn't alone."

>You smile at Kyouko and she smiles back at you - that smile which sustained you through the worst moments of your life. She reaches out a hand and gives your arm a gentle squeeze.
>"Never alone."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 10, 2016, 10:22:46 PM
>"And not just you, either. There was you, too, Kagerou, and Neu and Captain Murasa, and Minoriko and Ichirin, and Marisa and Honeysuckle. I had too many people wishing me well to wallow in misery, or consider giving up."
>Lean back and sigh. "Before all this started, I didn't think I'd ever need that sort of thing in my life. Now, though..."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 10, 2016, 10:38:51 PM
>"And not just you, either. There was you, too, Kagerou, and Neu and Captain Murasa, and Minoriko and Ichirin, and Marisa and Honeysuckle. I had too many people wishing me well to wallow in misery, or consider giving up."
>Lean back and sigh. "Before all this started, I didn't think I'd ever need that sort of thing in my life. Now, though..."

>"Everyone needs friends," Kyouko says gently.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 10, 2016, 10:58:34 PM
>"Oh, I had nothing against friends. I just... I didn't think I'd ever need to rely on 'em, yknow? I figured I was ready for everything and everything."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 10, 2016, 11:11:39 PM
>"Oh, I had nothing against friends. I just... I didn't think I'd ever need to rely on 'em, yknow? I figured I was ready for everything and everything."

>"That's not fair to yourself," Kyouko says chidingly. "Nobody can do everything all the time. And they shouldn't have to! What good are friends if you can't lean on them from time to time, right?"
>She glances vaguely in Kagerou's direction as she asks this, as though hoping for backup, but the werewolf just smiles awkwardly.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 11, 2016, 12:39:16 AM
>"I never took myself as the leaning kind." Quietly chuckle. "This whole experience... It's given me a lot to process."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 11, 2016, 11:46:12 AM
>"I never took myself as the leaning kind." Quietly chuckle. "This whole experience... It's given me a lot to process."

>"Well, that part's not so bad, is it?" Kyouko asks gently.
>Kagerou stands up and excuses herself. "I should go check on the tea."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 11, 2016, 06:48:42 PM
>"No. No it isn't so bad at all."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 12, 2016, 12:21:33 PM
>"No. No it isn't so bad at all."

>Kyouko puts her hand on yours and smiles. No, this isn't so bad at all.

>A few moments later, Kagerou returns with your tea. The ginger is sharp, but aromatic, and a wonderful change after a week of river water and mostly dry food. The salmon which follows later is even nicer - lightly smoked and seasoned with dash of spice and a touch of lemon. Kyouko eats twice as much as anyone else, but makes up for it with effusive compliments to the chef.

>Kagerou seems so much more at ease than she was when you were travelling together, especially as the evening wears on; you suppose it helps not to be on the spot for a stranger's life, but instead sharing a warm meal inside your own home. You speak a little of the better parts of your life - Kyouko practically insists you retell a couple of her favorite Seeker stories and seems to enjoy hearing them nearly as much the second time around. Then she makes Kagerou blush a little by admiring her woodburnings and even coaxes some unguarded conversation from the werewolf about her own life; for the most part, she has lived a simple and unassuming one, if surprisingly industrious. As it turns out, this house was built in large part by her own hands - with just a little pitching in from some of her neighbours. This part of the wilderness is apparently not quite as uninhabited as your journey though it would suggest, though you think they're all some form of recluse or another; who else would choose to live an hour away from anyone who can speak? You don't think Kyouko really understands it either - she came to the city to get away from the quiet, after all - but she's nothing if not supportive of people's life choices. Honestly, you think a kind heart is enough to satisfy her, and Kagerou certainly has that.

>All in all, it's nice to have a proper chair, a proper meal, and a proper roof over your head after what feels like an eternity on the road. There's still more road ahead of you, but the couple hours back to Isir's Cross feels like nothing at all after weeks of rugged woodlands.



>Eventually, the evening draws to a close. The two of you bid farewell to Kagerou, ford the Grau, and follow the trail back to Isir's Cross. When the trees finally thin out and you emerge onto the highway, your breath nearly catches in your throat. The wilderness is behind you now and the rest of your life is in front of you.

>Kyouko lets out a little cheer. "Civilization!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 12, 2016, 09:17:04 PM
>Just... to make sure, are we still healthy and hale? No sign at all of relapse?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 12, 2016, 09:27:26 PM
>Just... to make sure, are we still healthy and hale? No sign at all of relapse?

>Absolutely. You've been keeping a careful eye on yourself as the days have gone by, and things have only improved; you can scarcely see any sign that the blight ever scarred your body at all.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 12, 2016, 09:33:34 PM
>Minoriko is not going to believe this.
>Make a mental note to ask her: If WE could find this cure, how did SHE miss it? For that matter, how did everyone on Estval miss it?
>Unless Bittercress doesn't grow back home. Does it?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 12, 2016, 09:40:29 PM
>Minoriko is not going to believe this.
>Make a mental note to ask her: If WE could find this cure, how did SHE miss it? For that matter, how did everyone on Estval miss it?
>Unless Bittercress doesn't grow back home. Does it?

>You can think of nothing happier to be in disbelief of.
>Well, the only thing relevant you found was buried in a very old book in a very large library. No one else seemed to know anything useful about this, so you can't see why Minoriko should have been aware of it either.
>You don't believe it does, but quite separate of that, the remedy involved a lot of specific components that one is probably unlikely to try in combination. Bittercress itself isn't even considered particularly medicinal, as you understand it.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2016, 02:03:38 AM
>Now the question is begged, how did they stumble on it over here?
>Man, this must be what keeps historians up at night.
>Maybe there's some money to be made there...

>Speaking of money, we don't have a lot left after shopping in the city. Can we afford the boat ride back to Val R?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2016, 12:11:34 PM
>Now the question is begged, how did they stumble on it over here?
>Man, this must be what keeps historians up at night.
>Maybe there's some money to be made there...

>Speaking of money, we don't have a lot left after shopping in the city. Can we afford the boat ride back to Val R?

>You ponder how the recipe for your cure happened to end up in that one tome in the library basement, though frankly you haven't any idea how you might figure out the answer to that question now, centuries later.

>You couldn't afford the ride from Val Razua - Kyouko paid for that ticket for you. You weren't short by very much, and your better health could allow you to elect for a single berth instead of a proper cabin this time, which you could afford, but it would still cost 28 of your 41 remaining guilders.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2016, 05:19:00 PM
>13 guilders.... We're not getting back to Braston on that, are we?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2016, 06:58:15 PM
>13 guilders.... We're not getting back to Braston on that, are we?

>Short of charity, not a chance. You'd probably be lucky to get a ticket on a regular ferry for less than 150.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2016, 08:34:55 PM
>Intercontinental travel ain't for everyone.
>But in the event we need more cash, best to worry about that back in the city, where's there's more work.

>Grin at Kyouko. "Miss the sight?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2016, 08:42:28 PM
>Intercontinental travel ain't for everyone.
>But in the event we need more cash, best to worry about that back in the city, where's there's more work.

>Grin at Kyouko. "Miss the sight?"

>There's a reason Orange still hadn't made her way out of Braston. ...at least not since you saw her last.
>You can't imagine Isir's Cross has a lot of paying work for you, no.

>"Camping was fun," she says, "and I got to see some really pretty things, but it'll be nice to be back in the city again, too."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2016, 08:57:27 PM
>"Yeah, I know what you mean. I used to be anxious to get away from Easthaven, and Braston, but now... I can't wait to get back there."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2016, 08:59:32 PM
>"Yeah, I know what you mean. I used to be anxious to get away from Easthaven, and Braston, but now... I can't wait to get back there."

>She smiles. "I'm sure everyone will be really happy to see you again."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2016, 09:13:49 PM
>"Yeah. And I'll be happy to see them too. But..."
>Shake head. "Are we in time for the boat?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2016, 09:45:23 PM
>"Yeah. And I'll be happy to see them too. But..."
>Shake head. "Are we in time for the boat?"

>Kyouko cranes her neck forward and scans the riverside. "I, uh.... I don't see it. I think."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2016, 10:08:00 PM
>"I may end up camping out again, then."
>"Now that I don't have the blight to worry about, I can worry about my purse's lightness again." Chuckle. "Never thought I'd ever call THAT the sign of a good day."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2016, 10:10:56 PM
>"I may end up camping out again, then."
>"Now that I don't have the blight to worry about, I can worry about my purse's lightness again." Chuckle. "Never thought I'd ever call THAT the sign of a good day."

>"I'm sure we can find a proper bed," Kyouko says. "This place isn't that tiny."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2016, 10:21:19 PM
>"It's the paying for it that's crossed my mind. And I don't want you footing the bill again if I can help it. You've done more than enough for me already."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2016, 10:30:29 PM
>"It's the paying for it that's crossed my mind. And I don't want you footing the bill again if I can help it. You've done more than enough for me already."

>"If that's the difference between you having a real bed or sleeping on the ground again, then I'm paying," she says decisively.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 13, 2016, 11:01:35 PM
>"Haven't I lived on your dime long enough?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 13, 2016, 11:19:02 PM
>"Haven't I lived on your dime long enough?"

>The yamabiko crosses her arms. "Well I'm getting a proper bed tonight and I won't see you tossed outside in a sleeping bag to do it."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 14, 2016, 12:47:14 AM
>"Well, I know how stubborn you can be."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 14, 2016, 12:56:13 AM
>"Well, I know how stubborn you can be."

>"That's right!" Kyouko nods severely, only to break into giggles. After a moment to collect herself, she gives you a playful nudge on the shoulder. "Let's go look for somewhere to stay tonight."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 14, 2016, 09:34:35 PM
>"Yes, ma'am."
>But, do keep an eye open for an opportunity to make a quick buck between here and there.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 14, 2016, 10:35:58 PM
>"Yes, ma'am."
>But, do keep an eye open for an opportunity to make a quick buck between here and there.

>It would have to be a very quick buck indeed to find it in the 15 minutes it takes you to reach the inn - the one you visited on your first trip to Isir's Cross and the only one in the village, as near as you can determine. They do have a room available, but only one; apparently it's tourist season. All you can think of is "This place gets tourists?"
>"That's fine," Kyouko says, then leans in to whisper at you. "It'll be cheaper."

>The second problem only makes itself clear after you step inside the room.
>"There's only one bed."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 15, 2016, 04:22:39 PM
>"Well, that's cheaper, all right."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 15, 2016, 05:22:33 PM
>"Well, that's cheaper, all right."

>"Not as much as you'd think," she mumbles.
>At least the bed looks well-made and capacious. The room itself is nothing to write home about, but it's clean and tidy and warm, which is enough. There's a small dresser in the corner, and a bundle of colorful wildflowers rests in a slim vase upon a side table. The bustle of the common room filters up through the floor, but muted; a reminder of civilization, but not an intrusion. For a modest inn in an even more modest town, it's probably about as good as you could hope for.
>But there's still only one bed.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 15, 2016, 09:29:27 PM
>Have we ever split a bed before?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 15, 2016, 09:34:10 PM
>Have we ever split a bed before?

>Not while someone else was in it.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 15, 2016, 10:13:57 PM
>Does Kyouko snore? Loudly, I mean, she does most everything else loudly.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 15, 2016, 10:17:29 PM
>Does Kyouko snore? Loudly, I mean, she does most everything else loudly.

>No, thankfully.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 15, 2016, 11:05:58 PM
>Well, you know what, we ain't sleeping on the floor again. Better off outdoors at that rate, and the room's already paid for. And all things considered, we could do worse for the first person we had to split a room with. Marisa'd probably kick us off the bed in her sleep, and I think Orange snores.
>Of course, that assumes SHE wants to.
>"Well then partner, how ya wanna handle this little issue?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 15, 2016, 11:15:07 PM
>Well, you know what, we ain't sleeping on the floor again. Better off outdoors at that rate, and the room's already paid for. And all things considered, we could do worse for the first person we had to split a room with. Marisa'd probably kick us off the bed in her sleep, and I think Orange snores.
>Of course, that assumes SHE wants to.
>"Well then partner, how ya wanna handle this little issue?"

>"You're not sleeping on the floor," she grumbles, as if cutting off an anticipated argument.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 16, 2016, 01:31:39 AM
>Raise hand. "This time, I wasn't thinking about that. If I was gonna sleep on the floor, I'd have headed back out of town, found somewhere on the ground. Saved the money. And I'm not about to make you sleep on the floor, either."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 01:38:33 AM
>Raise hand. "This time, I wasn't thinking about that. If I was gonna sleep on the floor, I'd have headed back out of town, found somewhere on the ground. Saved the money. And I'm not about to make you sleep on the floor, either."

>"Soooo...." Is that a twinkle in her eye?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 16, 2016, 01:40:19 AM
>"I just wanted to make sure you were okay with the idea."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 01:45:16 AM
>"I just wanted to make sure you were okay with the idea."

>"Aren't you even going to say what the idea is?" Okay, now there's no mistaking it.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 16, 2016, 01:48:28 AM
>Chuckle. "Sure, if you want me to. I don't mind sharing the bed."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 01:53:35 AM
>Chuckle. "Sure, if you want me to. I don't mind sharing the bed."

>She grins. "Well, I don't either! Sounds cozy, actually."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 16, 2016, 02:29:45 AM
>"Dibs on the pillows."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 02:42:23 AM
>"Dibs on the pillows."

>"No fair!" Kyouko says, barely stifling her own giggling.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 16, 2016, 02:46:17 AM
>"Veteran's privilege, you see."
>"Still, are you holding up okay?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 02:49:06 AM
>"Veteran's privilege, you see."
>"Still, are you holding up okay?"

>"Holding up okay?" she asks with a slight frown. "What do you mean?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 16, 2016, 03:00:07 AM
>"I mean, we've been on the road a lot. Things have been...let's say hectic."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 16, 2016, 03:08:52 AM
>"And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried after you pushed yourself so hard to get me to Yuuka's."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 03:17:47 AM
>"I mean, we've been on the road a lot. Things have been...let's say hectic."

>"They sure have," she nods. "But these last few days haven't been so bad!"

>"And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried after you pushed yourself so hard to get me to Yuuka's."

>She waves her hands dismissively. "I'm fine, really! 100%! Well, 98% anyway. Honest!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 16, 2016, 03:35:03 AM
>"Alright, alright, just wanted to be sure."
>Flop onto the bed.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 03:47:22 AM
>"Alright, alright, just wanted to be sure."
>Flop onto the bed.

>You flop back onto the bed; the sheets ruffle with a satisfying poof as your impact forces the air out of them and you sink into the mattress. The bed feels wonderfully soft beneath you; It's really been too long.
>Kyouko looms over you and slowly grins. "If you really mean to take my pillow, I'll prove it to you, too!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 16, 2016, 03:56:32 AM
>Laugh and pull her down.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 12:04:13 PM
>Laugh and pull her down.

>You grab Kyouko by the arms and yank her onto the bed. The yamabiko's eyes flare open as your maneuver catches her off-guard and she collapses upon you with something between a giggle and a squeek. Her body feels surprisingly light against yours. And warm.
>After a moment, she pulls up enough to look you in the eye and say "So, does that mean you surrender already?" She punctuates this statement with a playful poke in the ribs.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 16, 2016, 12:22:15 PM
>"You surrender already? Okay, I accept!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 12:29:57 PM
>"You surrender already? Okay, I accept!"

>"Hey!" She tries to sound indignant, but can't quite keep herself from laughing.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 16, 2016, 12:33:48 PM
>Chuckle along, and move into a more relaxed position on the bed.
>"Honestly, though..."
>Alright. Alright. Here it comes, don't screw this up Naz.
>"I'm really glad you came with me. Even if I didn't need all the help..."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 12:42:23 PM
>Chuckle along, and move into a more relaxed position on the bed.
>"Honestly, though..."
>Alright. Alright. Here it comes, don't screw this up Naz.
>"I'm really glad you came with me. Even if I didn't need all the help..."

>You chuckle at Kyouko's consternation for a moment, then shift sideways to give her room to stretch out. She claims a pillow possessively, but then sinks back into it with a contented smile. You feel yourself take a careful breath, as words bubble to the surface.
>"I already said not to worry about that," she says gently. "You're well, I'm well, I got to see a bunch of neat things; it was a good couple weeks!"
>You're sure parts of it can't have been very good at all, but she gives no hint of it.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 16, 2016, 12:51:53 PM
>"No, I'm not worried. I'm grateful. I mean, well, running into you has been probably the best thing to happen since I got that stupid curse."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 12:55:16 PM
>"No, I'm not worried. I'm grateful. I mean, well, running into you has been probably the best thing to happen since I got that stupid curse."

>"Awww, that's very sweet of you." She smiles. "I'm glad I met you, too."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 16, 2016, 01:06:27 PM
>"Honestly...one of the best things before I got the curse, too."

Alright Sour, I've racked 'em up, you knock 'em down! I'm goin' to bed.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 16, 2016, 02:17:26 PM
>"Honestly...one of the best things before I got the curse, too."

>"Really?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 02:33:38 AM
>Nod.
>"Really. You've kinda set the bar really high for any future treasures I might uncover."

Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2016, 03:05:16 AM
>Nod.
>"Really. You've kinda set the bar really high for any future treasures I might uncover."

>After a moment to become cognizant of what you just said, Kyouko laughs bashfully. "Nazrin!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 03:17:07 AM
>"Tell me I'm wrong."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2016, 03:19:30 AM
>"Tell me I'm wrong."

>"I'm not a treasure!" she says, still giggling.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 03:22:01 AM
>"I'm not a treasure!" she says, still giggling.

>"Well what else do you call someone so valuable and beautiful?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2016, 03:50:58 AM
>"Well what else do you call someone so valuable and beautiful?"

>A curious transformation washes over Kyouko. Her laughter trails off and the bashful grin upon her face slowly gives way to... uncertainty? Astonishment? Her soft green eyes rise to meet your own and seize them, searching for... something.
>You feel your breath catch in your throat. Did those words really come out of your mouth? For a moment, neither of you say anything, then a gentle smile spreads across her face. You think she's blushing a little. You're certain you are.
>"You... really mean that, don't you?" Her voice is uncharacteristically quiet.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 03:58:03 AM
>...Oh crap, got carried away there.
>"...Yeah."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2016, 12:52:30 PM
>...Oh crap, got carried away there.
>"...Yeah."

>Despite your throat starting to seize up, you manage to squeeze out a reply. Kyouko's eyes never waver from your own, deep and bright and vivid; you would feel defenseless beneath them, were her gaze not so gentle and warm. The smile which spreads across her face is gentler still, but somehow that just makes her glow even brighter.
>"That's one of the sweetest things anyone's ever said to me."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 01:56:42 PM
>"I cannot believe that..."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2016, 02:13:48 PM
>"I cannot believe that..."

>"It's true!" she says. "It means more coming from you, because I know you don't just say that kind of stuff. That makes it special."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 09:18:43 PM
>"I'm glad it makes you happy, I meant it."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2016, 09:24:15 PM
>"I'm glad it makes you happy, I meant it."

>"It does."
>She pauses. "I think you're pretty special, too, Nazrin."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 09:27:20 PM
>"I'm just some mouse, but I'm glad you said so."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2016, 09:52:30 PM
>"I'm just some mouse, but I'm glad you said so."

>"You're not 'just some mouse'!" she cries, sounding offended on your behalf. "You're the bravest and cleverest mouse I've ever met! You've stared down giant spiders and sky pirates and crazy flower youkai, found ancient treasures and impossible plants, and you only just graduated a month ago! I think that's pretty amazing! And you're funny and sweet and always have so many great stories to tell; I'm sure I haven't heard half of them."
>"And, most importantly, you've got a big heart." She levels a finger at you. "Don't try to argue otherwise!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 10:46:05 PM
>"I won't. A big heart is an exploitable weak spot!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2016, 11:12:54 PM
>"I won't. A big heart is an exploitable weak spot!"

>Kyouko stifles a giggle. "I think that's called 'caring about people', Nazrin."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 11:24:23 PM
>"It would make a broken rib so much more dangerous! I can't risk arguing back at this point."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 17, 2016, 11:31:45 PM
>"It would make a broken rib so much more dangerous! I can't risk arguing back at this point."

>This time Kyouko can't suppress her laughter. "So if I said anything now, you'd have to agree to it?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 17, 2016, 11:43:26 PM
>"Please be merciful!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 18, 2016, 12:28:47 AM
>"Please be merciful!"

>Kyouko rubs her hands together gleefully as she contemplates this newfound power.
>"Well, in that case," she says, grinning ominously. "Close your eyes. And don't move a muscle!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 18, 2016, 01:15:35 AM
>"Just don't leave too much blood, I'd make me sad to know the staff would have to clean it up..."
>Comply
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 18, 2016, 01:23:15 AM
>"Just don't leave too much blood, I'd make me sad to know the staff would have to clean it up..."
>Comply

>Kyouko laughs again as you close your eyes and hold very still. You hear her move towards you, and then stop; your ears are sharp enough that you're almost certain she isn't doing anything, though you can nearly feel her breath upon you. More seconds pass. Uh.... is she just going to have you-
>And then, without warning, all ten fingers start vigorously tickling your ribs.

Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 18, 2016, 02:33:59 AM
>Time for squirming and laughing madly!
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 18, 2016, 02:42:34 AM
>Time for squirming and laughing madly!

>The moment you start to squirm under this fiendish assault, Kyouko snaps "I said you weren't allowed to move!"
>Tall order.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 18, 2016, 03:47:40 AM
>"Can't...helpit!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 18, 2016, 04:06:37 AM
>"Can't...helpit!"

>"A promise is a promise!" she laughs, but her fingers are unrelenting.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 18, 2016, 05:14:25 AM
>The promise is beyond keeping, but let's try not to flail into Kyouko, it'll be a nice compromise.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 18, 2016, 05:32:31 AM
>The promise is beyond keeping, but let's try not to flail into Kyouko, it'll be a nice compromise.

>You do your level best not to squirm - honest! - but there's only so much you can manage while she applies herself with such diligence. At least she doesn't seem to mind.
>She is still snickering under her breath by the time she stops. "Well, you were an awfully good sport about that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 18, 2016, 05:51:38 AM
>"This too is training, you see."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 18, 2016, 01:16:16 PM
>"This too is training, you see."

>Kyouko laughs. "Training for what? An ambush by fiendish tickle youkai?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 18, 2016, 02:04:20 PM
>"Well I've met at least one, haven't I?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 18, 2016, 02:18:28 PM
>"Well I've met at least one, haven't I?"

>This only makes her laugh harder; the best response she can manage is a halfhearted swat at your shoulder.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 18, 2016, 02:22:04 PM
>Laugh along.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 18, 2016, 03:58:27 PM
>Laugh along.

>You chuckle alongside her, basking in the freedom to enjoy such simple, silly things. Life is better when it's like this.
>As Kyouko's laughter wanes, she nuzzles up against you, putting her head on your shoulder. The way she smiles at you.... She really is beautiful.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 18, 2016, 09:50:52 PM
>Rest our weight against her gently.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 19, 2016, 02:13:56 AM
>Rest our weight against her gently.

>You lean gently against Kyouko as she rests her head against yours, feeling a strange mixture of tranquility and nervousness to have her so close to you. Though nearly a head taller than you, something about her frame feels so delicate and light; and yet you've seen it carry you over mountains. She rests a hand upon yours, and for a moment you think back to that night you spent on the ferry, looking up at the stars together. Of all the nights you spent ill, that one may have been the best.
>And then, without warning, she turns her head and plants a kiss upon your cheek.
>Though normally you would pride yourself on having an excellent poker face, there is absolutely no concealing the way your eyes snap open at the contact or the flush that spreads across your face afterward.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 19, 2016, 02:32:29 AM
>Murmur "...Wow."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 19, 2016, 02:41:32 AM
>Murmur "...Wow."

>Kyouko giggles again. "Want another?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 19, 2016, 02:44:27 AM
>Nod silently.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 19, 2016, 02:52:41 AM
>Nod silently.

>You nod silently; the sound of your heartbeat is surely loud enough already, right? With another giggle, Kyouko leans in and kisses you a second time, this one longer and less reserved. When she pulls away, that spot on the cheek where her lips had touched feels almost aflame. She smiles at you.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 19, 2016, 02:59:45 AM
>Let's see if we can live up to that! Kiss her back on the cheek.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 19, 2016, 03:34:28 AM
>Let's see if we can live up to that! Kiss her back on the cheek.

>Before you can second-guess yourself, you turn and place a kiss on her own cheek. Your movement is stiff and overly hasty, but her skin feels so smooth and soft beneath your lips that you can barely notice such things. How can such a fleeting touch feel so sublime? Is that what it's like to be falling in love?
>Kyouko giggles softly when she looks at your face - you imagine you must look awfully flustered - but there is nothing but warmth in her smile.
>"You know," she says playfully, "if there's somewhere else you'd like to kiss me, that's okay, too."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 19, 2016, 03:35:40 AM
>Now is not the time for words, now is the time to go for the lips!
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 19, 2016, 04:39:03 AM
>Now is not the time for words, now is the time to go for the lips!

>In silence, you lean in towards Kyouko's face, your eyes lingering upon her own. What you see reflected there is gentle, encouraging. Waiting. You move closer still, brushing your lips against hers. Her breath tickles your nose. You press deeper.

>Your first kiss. You wish you could say you were adroit in the exchange, but perhaps that's too much to expect when your heartbeat threatens to wake the whole neighbourhood. Kyouko lets you lead, and you're certain you must seem clumsy to her, but you scarcely care; the moment your lips touch hers, you feel a swelling of emotion within you, like a bottle being suddenly uncorked. Joy, vulnerability, elation, nervous excitement; never have you felt so happy to feel so utterly defenseless. Your eyes drift closed, feeling the texture of her lips, their shape, savoring this moment of intimate contact with the woman you've come to treasure.
>As your kiss starts to slacken, Kyouko renews it, pressing back against you with eager confidence. Just for a moment, but that moment alone spurs a renewed surge of emotion from you. You have to remember how to breathe.
>When you pull away, you're pleased to note that you're no longer the only person in the room whose cheeks are flushed. And while you've seen that twinkle in Kyouko's eyes before, there is an undercurrent to it now that makes your heart catch in your throat.
>"See?" she says innocently.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 19, 2016, 04:40:56 AM
>Hug her close.
>"That I do."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 19, 2016, 04:55:32 AM
>Hug her close.
>"That I do."

>You wrap your arms around Kyouko and pull her close enough to feel her heartbeat against your chest.
>"It's a standing offer, you know."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 19, 2016, 05:06:08 AM
>"You can do that however you please, I'm not going to complain."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 19, 2016, 05:37:58 AM
>"You can do that however you please, I'm not going to complain."

>Kyouko grins mischievously. "Good."
>Your second kiss is very different from your first, but no less exciting. Kyouko leads this time, her lips eager and assertive, exploring yours with the same boundless enthusiasm that she gives to everything. You are swept along with it, spurred on by it, made more confident by her own lack of trepidation. With each second that passes, you can feel your body winding tighter and tighter; your tail quivers, almost reflexively.
>When at last she lets you go, your breath is coming rapidly. Kyouko grins at you, an expression part gentle affection, part unsated eagerness.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 19, 2016, 05:57:36 AM
>Hug her closer, and try one more time. Things shall go as they go.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 19, 2016, 02:10:51 PM
>Hug her closer, and try one more time. Things shall go as they go.

>You kiss her again, nervousness almost forgotten in the grip of passion and instinct. Kyouko meets your lips with enthusiasm and a happy murmur, squirming against you as you try to figure out what to do with your hands. You can feel Kyouko's roaming across your back, sliding down the curve of your spine as her lips trail kisses down your neck. Then she pauses for a moment, pulling back just far enough to form the words against your skin.
>"Nazrin?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 19, 2016, 02:21:40 PM
>"Mmm?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 19, 2016, 02:27:20 PM
>"Mmm?"

>"If I'm moving too fast, you'll let me know, right? I don't want to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 19, 2016, 11:12:11 PM
>Nod a little. "Don't worry, I will. I'm just enjoying the journey right now."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 20, 2016, 06:29:46 PM
>Nod a little. "Don't worry, I will. I'm just enjoying the journey right now."

>"Good," she says as she resumes her own journey down the small of your back, her fingers making you shiver as they brush the base of your tail. "So am I."

>The rest of the evening passes in a whirlwind of new experiences and powerful emotions, the nervousness you feel at first subsumed beneath a swelling tide of need and instinct. Kyouko is as tender with you as she is enthusiastic - never pushing, but always eager for more. She shows your fingers where to touch, how to move, spurs you onward with her smile and the little gasps she makes. And she teaches you about your own body and how it feels to be kissed in all the tender places you've never bared to anyone before.

>Even at your most naked, she makes you feel safe beside her - always loving, never judging. Even when you fumble, she seems no less pleased by your efforts but guides you deeper, emboldening you with her own desire. Her smile is as sheltering as it is lustful, seeming to say that in this moment, nothing you do could be anything but right. Touch me. Taste me. Make love with me.

>You do.

>Even as your passions are spent, your tail still coils around her leg, holding her close to you, needing that physical connection to linger just a little longer; the warmth of her body pressed against yours feels so right that you're not sure you ever want to let her go again. The sheets lie in disarray around you and your body is slick with sweat and other things, but there is a deeper sense of peace within your heart than it may have ever known.

>Kyouko runs a hand gently across your cheek, her fingers lingering upon all the places that her lips have tasted tonight. You look up at her, letting yourself float upon the tenderness within her gaze. Then she leans down and plants a single kiss upon your lips, soft and fleeting - not the passionate kisses of earlier, but something quieter, gentler. Your body still shivers at the sensation.

>"That was really nice," she says.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 20, 2016, 11:16:16 PM
>"There are no words..."
>Return the kiss.
>"How did you even figure all that out?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 21, 2016, 12:24:42 AM
>"There are no words..."
>Return the kiss.
>"How did you even figure all that out?"

>You return Kyouko's kiss; she nuzzles her nose against yours and smiles.
>Kyouko giggles. "This isn't the first time I've done this sort of thing, you know. Though never with a mouse. That tail, mmmm...."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 21, 2016, 12:43:21 AM
>Chuckle.
>"I shouldn't be surprised, I can't have been the only one to notice such a treasure."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 21, 2016, 12:48:11 AM
>Chuckle.
>"I shouldn't be surprised, I can't have been the only one to notice such a treasure."

>Kyouko laughs even louder and hits you playfully in the arm. "Nazrin! You're going to give me a big head if you keep calling me that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 21, 2016, 02:34:28 AM
>Chuckle.
>"Well, I guess that's better than getting mad because you're also being compared to inanimate objects."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 21, 2016, 03:28:28 AM
>Chuckle.
>"Well, I guess that's better than getting mad because you're also being compared to inanimate objects."

>She laughs again. "But they're really snazzy inanimate objects, at least! Hmmm... if I were a priceless artifact, I wonder what kind of artifact I'd be."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 21, 2016, 04:28:36 AM
>"One of those magic ones, that does all kinds of things no one knows about, and looks just enough like a normal thing that most people wouldn't notice it right in front of them."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 21, 2016, 04:43:12 AM
>"One of those magic ones, that does all kinds of things no one knows about, and looks just enough like a normal thing that most people wouldn't notice it right in front of them."

>"Well, that's certainly the sweetest way I've ever been compared to an inanimate object," she chuckles. "I probably would have said a shiny gong or something, but I like your answer more."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 21, 2016, 05:05:29 AM
>"Naw, shiny is for people with too much jewelry or bad fashion sense. Gaudy.You're not like that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 21, 2016, 05:12:52 AM
>"Naw, shiny is for people with too much jewelry or bad fashion sense. Gaudy.You're not like that."

>"But shiny is nice...." she pouts. "Don't I at least get to sparkle in the sunlight?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 21, 2016, 06:34:11 AM
>"Sure, all kinds of things sparkle!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 21, 2016, 06:45:06 AM
>"Sure, all kinds of things sparkle!"

>"A sparkling, mysterious, multi-purpose magical doohickey...." she muses. "I don't suppose you've ever actually found anything like that yet, have you?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 21, 2016, 08:28:49 AM
>"Not yet, really."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 21, 2016, 03:44:36 PM
>"Not yet, really."

>"Well, I'm sure it's only a matter of time for a clever little Seeker like you."
>She flops back onto the pillows with a deeply contented sigh.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 21, 2016, 10:56:25 PM
>Settle back in.
>"So...what are we going to do next?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 21, 2016, 11:11:38 PM
>Settle back in.
>"So...what are we going to do next?"

>You sink back into your own pillow; you'll worry about fixing the sheets later.
>Kyouko giggles. "You're not still hungry for more, are you?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 22, 2016, 12:46:08 AM
>"Don't think I could handle it. ...I'm still not sure I have handled it. But I meant in the longer term."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 22, 2016, 01:02:33 AM
>"Don't think I could handle it. ...I'm still not sure I have handled it. But I meant in the longer term."

>"Well, tomorrow we catch the ferry," she says, "and then the day after that we'll be back in Val Razua, and after that... I know you said you wanted to get back to Easthaven as quickly as you could." She seems a little wistful as she says this.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 22, 2016, 01:41:31 AM
>"Not sure if I'll be staying there."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 22, 2016, 02:03:30 AM
>"Not sure if I'll be staying there."

>"You mean you might come back out this way once things at home are straightened away?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 22, 2016, 02:47:12 AM
>Nod.
>"If nothing else, this whole curse thing taught me who my friends were, and in particular who weren't my friends."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 23, 2016, 12:00:58 AM
>Nod.
>"If nothing else, this whole curse thing taught me who my friends were, and in particular who weren't my friends."

>She frowns a little. "What do you mean?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 12:12:43 AM
>"I don't wanna dwell on it, let's just say home became less welcoming than I remembered."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 23, 2016, 12:17:43 AM
What exactly do you mean by that, Purvis? Apart from Yamame, obviously, and that, hopefully, should be a resolved situation.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 01:36:20 AM
Lotta people got shitty at Nazrin. Recall how half of her hometown tried to rip her off? Or all the shit that went down in Braston afterward? Nazrin's got reasons to be bitter.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 23, 2016, 02:04:27 AM
I think your recollections and mine are a bit different from each others. I'll admit that life hasn't been smooth for Naz, but she's met way more helpful people than harmful. Even the pirates went out of their way to try and give us an answer or two, though I still don't quite know why. A few bad memories? Sure. But 'bitter'? I think that's a bit harsh.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 02:41:23 AM
Not helpful. Well-meaning. Very rarely was someone actually helpful, because the few who did ultimately not be an obstacle or general shitheel was powerless to do anything but wish us well. Nazrin has every reason to be extremely bitter. With the exception of like Momo, there was practically no one in Braston who was helpful or sympathetic outside of the Seeker's guild. Closest we got were the oni giving us a thumb's up for beating one of their own with a signboard.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 23, 2016, 02:50:52 AM
So, what, sympathy counts for nothing with you? And let's not forget, we met the Maiden's crew in Braston. I'd say they were pretty helpful.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 03:07:44 AM
Sympathy doesn't mean much in the face of all the rest, no, given sympathy did little to get Nazrin healed, or comforted, or much of anything til she got to Valtown.  As for the Maiden, do recall that Murasa lied to her and used her and she put her life on the line for Murasa's sake because of that lie. Which was yet another case of Nazrin trying to do the right thing, and getting fairly shit on for it. Nazrin has very good reasons to be bitter about home these days, particularly in light how much better things kind of started to go once she left.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 23, 2016, 03:13:37 AM
I think you and I have a very fundamental disagreement here. You see Nazrin as being bitter and angry at everything, and I see her as looking forward to going home to see the people she cares about. Which is going to be very confusing for Kyouko at least, to hear you say one thing and me say another.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 03:30:37 AM
I see her bitter and angry because she has lots to be bitter and angry about. She tried to do the right thing, was punished for it, and saw a very ugly side of the world when she needed help the most. Then the cycle repeated several times. Anyone would grow quite bitter about this.

THIS SAID: I think she would want to see the people she cares about. Just, I can't imagine she'd want to stay anymore or drag Kyouko there. Valtown's been much better to her, and holds more opportunity.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 23, 2016, 03:57:04 AM
Punished? What? Cycle repeated? What?
(How'd I end up being the optimistic one here?)

Leaving that aside, I agree, at some point, Naz will end up back here in this city. As you said, all the opportunity is here. And I don't think she'd invite Kyouko back there, either. It's another story if Kyouko WANTS to go back with us, but she hasn't asked yet, and I hadn't planned on asking her. So we're not on all the wrong pages, you and I. I just didn't want to send conflicting signals to Kyouko here.
Perhaps something.... more neutral?

>"Let's just say there're some folks I'm looking forward to seeing more than others."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 23, 2016, 04:43:39 AM
>"Let's just say there're some folks I'm looking forward to seeing more than others."

>Kyouko frowns sympathetically. "Is it something you want to talk about?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 05:11:36 AM
>Shake head. "Not right now."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 23, 2016, 05:21:34 AM
>Shake head. "Not right now."

>She places an hand gently on your arm. "Well, if you ever change your mind, I'm here."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 06:16:57 AM
>"It's a story for later, but I'll tell it. It's not terribly exciting, really."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 23, 2016, 06:29:01 AM
>"It's a story for later, but I'll tell it. It's not terribly exciting, really."

>"Don't wanna spoil the mood, hey?"

Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 06:57:03 AM
>"Exactly."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 23, 2016, 07:04:22 AM
>"Exactly."

>She smiles and links her fingers with yours. "I can get behind that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 07:48:42 AM
>Give her hand a squeeze.
>"Glad you agree."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 23, 2016, 02:48:34 PM
>Give her hand a squeeze.
>"Glad you agree."

>You squeeze Kyouko's hand in return, and the two of you cuddle in silence for a little while.
>"Y'know," she says eventually, "Maybe it's selfish of me, but I would have been really sad if you hadn't said you'd be coming back."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 23, 2016, 09:58:35 PM
>"I suppose I'm no less selfish for being happy to hear that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 24, 2016, 01:37:55 AM
>"I suppose I'm no less selfish for being happy to hear that."

>"There's nothing selfish about wanting people to care that you're in their life," she says. "Everybody wants that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 24, 2016, 01:59:37 AM
>"Yeah, but it's not right to want people you care about to be in danger of being really sad."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 24, 2016, 02:23:14 AM
>"Yeah, but it's not right to want people you care about to be in danger of being really sad."

>"Well, you don't want me to be sad. You just want me to care, and I do, so it's fine."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 24, 2016, 03:01:36 AM
>Chuckle. "Don't you twist my words."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 24, 2016, 03:13:15 AM
>Chuckle. "Don't you twist my words."

>"I didn't twist anything," she pouts.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 24, 2016, 06:54:42 AM
>"You know what I mean."
>Give her a peck on the cheek.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 24, 2016, 06:55:39 AM
>Chuckle again. "Okay fine, but you have taught me something else."
>"You are cute when you pout."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 24, 2016, 04:32:58 PM
>"You know what I mean."
>Give her a peck on the cheek.

>You give Kyouko another kiss and her expression softens.

>Chuckle again. "Okay fine, but you have taught me something else."
>"You are cute when you pout."

>"I'm not pouting," she pouts, but this time cannot maintain her frown long enough to complete the sentence without giggling. She returns your kiss and you snuggle in silence for another minute.

>"Easthaven's an awfully long way way," she says wistfully, looking up at the ceiling.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 24, 2016, 06:05:28 PM
>"Tell me about. Of course, Val Razua seemed even farther away, when I was leaving."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 24, 2016, 06:25:03 PM
>"Tell me about. Of course, Val Razua seemed even farther away, when I was leaving."

>"At least there shouldn't be any pirates this time!" she says. "Probably. Hopefully! Wait, um...." she trails off in a frown, then asks hesitantly, "do you... even have the money for the ticket?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 24, 2016, 06:30:05 PM
>"Well, not at this exact moment. That's sort of another reason I was hoping the Maiden was still in port."
>"But that's nothing you need to worry about, Kyouko. After everything that's happened to me, scaring up a few bob for a boat ticket should be easier than falling off a log."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 24, 2016, 07:03:34 PM
>"Well, not at this exact moment. That's sort of another reason I was hoping the Maiden was still in port."
>"But that's nothing you need to worry about, Kyouko. After everything that's happened to me, scaring up a few bob for a boat ticket should be easier than falling off a log."

>Kyouko snorts. "Easier than falling off a log? Well, I suppose that is pretty easy.... But if you need a place to stay while you're busy... falling off of logs-" She snickers again. "Then my bed is your bed - a day, a week, a month, it doesn't matter."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 24, 2016, 08:57:08 PM
>"You make a tempting offer."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 24, 2016, 09:09:29 PM
>"You make a tempting offer."

>She giggles. "Spend a few days taking it easy in the city, poke around for a way to put those Seekerly skills of yours to use, and then fly back home once you've got some money squirreled away. That doesn't sound so bad, does it?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 24, 2016, 09:27:44 PM
>"Maybe I could even track down how that book ended up in the university library. And as well, if I want to come back this way, and I do, then I can't rely on the Maiden to ferry me all the time. Gotta be able to pay my own way sooner or later."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 24, 2016, 09:31:50 PM
>"Maybe I could even track down how that book ended up in the university library. And as well, if I want to come back this way, and I do, then I can't rely on the Maiden to ferry me all the time. Gotta be able to pay my own way sooner or later."

>"I have the utmost confidence in your abilities." She smiles.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 24, 2016, 10:03:24 PM
>"Thanks."
>Rest hands behind head. "Thinking about the future again... It's satisfying, in it's own way." Glance over at her. "Know anyone at all those places you help out that needs a Seeker?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2016, 01:32:27 AM
>"Thanks."
>Rest hands behind head. "Thinking about the future again... It's satisfying, in it's own way." Glance over at her. "Know anyone at all those places you help out that needs a Seeker?"

>"Hmmmm...." She taps her finger against her chin. "Well, most of it's not exactly Seeker-grade work, but I can ask around for you. And you never know! Maybe Bottles and Baubles had one of their grimoires fly the coop again. It's happened before!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 25, 2016, 01:53:52 AM
>"I'd have to get a butterfly net for that, but that shouldn't be too hard..."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2016, 02:23:45 AM
>"I'd have to get a butterfly net for that, but that shouldn't be too hard..."

>"I think it made it all the way up the clock tower, last time!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 25, 2016, 02:49:31 AM
>"Heh. Maybe that's how my book got to the library. It escaped another joint way back when."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2016, 02:59:58 AM
>"Heh. Maybe that's how my book got to the library. It escaped another joint way back when."

>"What's so strange about an old book being in a room for old books, anyway?" she asks. "That seems like a pretty good place for it to be."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 25, 2016, 03:01:11 AM
>"Everything's gotta come from somewhere."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2016, 03:26:01 AM
>"Everything's gotta come from somewhere."

>"Personally, I blame the librarians," she says, then snickers at her own joke.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 25, 2016, 03:45:01 AM
>"I guess it still bugs me a little, how I could find a cure for a disease that Minoriko couldn't, and she's a goddess."
>Pause. "Unless her influence didn't extend beyond Estval. If the cure was discovered here, then she might not have known about it. Don't really know how divinities work that way. Remind me to ask Minoriko about that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2016, 03:53:20 AM
>"I guess it still bugs me a little, how I could find a cure for a disease that Minoriko couldn't, and she's a goddess."
>Pause. "Unless her influence didn't extend beyond Estval. If the cure was discovered here, then she might not have known about it. Don't really know how divinities work that way. Remind me to ask Minoriko about that."

>"Well, she's not a goddess of medicine or healing or anything, right? Maybe she can only heal fruits and vegetables?"
>"I've worked at a shrine and a temple, and I've never actually met a real goddess before. Uh, at least as far as I know. You said she just... kinda looks like a normal person, right?" Kyouko sounds almost disappointed.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 25, 2016, 04:00:58 AM
>Think back. Was she still a... a full goddess, for want of a better term? Or did she ever give the impression that she'd left some of her divinity behind?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2016, 04:12:39 AM
>Think back. Was she still a... a full goddess, for want of a better term? Or did she ever give the impression that she'd left some of her divinity behind?

>You don't really know, to be honest. Minoriko didn't like to talk much about her divinity and preferred to be treated no differently than any other member of the community. A lot of people still attributed Easthaven's great fertility to her, but she typically denied playing much role in this. It's said that a god's power stems from the faith people place in them, so it's possible she had more of it in the days that she was worshiped openly, but those were very long before your time, and possibly before Easthaven existed at all. All the time you've known her, she's just been a friendly lady who makes great soup; even the display of power inherent in the soil she gave you was atypically showy of her.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 25, 2016, 04:25:30 AM
>"She could pass for any other human. And that's how she liked it, too. I think she's a lot more comfortable now, being closer to a mortal than a god. I gathered that being a god isn't all that we mortals might crack it up to be."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2016, 04:51:50 AM
>"She could pass for any other human. And that's how she liked it, too. I think she's a lot more comfortable now, being closer to a mortal than a god. I gathered that being a god isn't all that we mortals might crack it up to be."

>"Just imagine having to listen to all those prayers, all the time! I mean, it might be kinda fun at first? But trying to handle a hundred requests at once, all over the world, must be a huge responsibility! How do they keep them all straight?" She pauses. "Actually, maybe that's why most gods seem kinda inattentive, most of the time - they're all distracted listening to other people. ...does this means that the best god to worship is one that almost everyone else has forgotten about?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 25, 2016, 05:19:52 AM
>"Trick there is, how would you find one?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2016, 05:26:53 AM
>"Trick there is, how would you find one?"

>"Oh, that's a good point. Maybe an... old book in an old library?" she offers with a tentative smile.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 25, 2016, 05:40:22 AM
>Chuckle. "I'll look one up for you next time I have to delve into ancient history."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 25, 2016, 05:55:43 AM
>Chuckle. "I'll look one up for you next time I have to delve into ancient history."

>"I wonder if any gods like that are still around? You'd need to be forgotten enough to have lots of free time, but not so forgotten that you stopped existing, and with a power that could could still be useful without a lot of faith to give oomph to it. Like... a god of finding stuff you lost in your closet?" She laughs. "I'd pray to that god!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 26, 2016, 12:01:12 AM
>"Oh, I can help ya there. It's called 'my dowsing rods'."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 26, 2016, 12:24:24 AM
>"Oh, I can help ya there. It's called 'my dowsing rods'."

>"Yeah, but if I start praying to you, it'd just make the sex really awkward." She laughs.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 26, 2016, 01:25:03 AM
>"Aherm...."
>Blush.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 26, 2016, 01:37:38 AM
>"Aherm...."
>Blush.

>Kyouko watches you squirm for a moment, then giggles softly. "You're adorable when you're shy, you know."
>She plants another kiss on your lips.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Hello Purvis on February 26, 2016, 02:22:18 AM
>"Hey now..."
>"I'm adorable all the time."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 26, 2016, 02:55:53 AM
>Not used to being shy... That'll take some adjusting to.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 26, 2016, 02:58:54 AM
>"Hey now..."
>"I'm adorable all the time."

>You can already see Kyouko forming a counterargument as you start to speak, but whatever it was falls apart with laughter at the words which come out of your mouth.
>"That's a much better response than the one I was expecting!"

>Not used to being shy... That'll take some adjusting to.

>Being with Kyouko has shown you parts of yourself you're not sure you knew existed. It's been... an experience.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 26, 2016, 03:34:48 AM
>A whole 'nother reason to want to return to Val R. Who'd have guessed that at the start of this sleigh ride?
>Once the giggling girl collects herself, "Dare I ask?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 26, 2016, 03:58:48 AM
>A whole 'nother reason to want to return to Val R. Who'd have guessed that at the start of this sleigh ride?
>Once the giggling girl collects herself, "Dare I ask?"

>"Well, I figured you were going to be all 'I'm a serious and capable Seeker who's definitely never adorable; I have standards and expectations of myself!' And I like that side of you, too! But this one's sweeter."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 26, 2016, 04:10:14 AM
>Chuckle. "That sounds like me, all right. And... Well, maybe I have lost some of my edge."
>Run our fingers through her hair. "But I like what I found instead."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 26, 2016, 04:23:49 AM
>Chuckle. "That sounds like me, all right. And... Well, maybe I have lost some of my edge."
>Run our fingers through her hair. "But I like what I found instead."

>Kyouko smiles as you run your fingers through her hair. "You haven't lost your edge. You're just... more willing to keep it sheathed until you really need it. I'm sure if trouble broke out downstairs, you'd be there with a scowl and a plan in no time!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 26, 2016, 05:08:16 AM
>"I think I can live with that."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 27, 2016, 09:08:11 PM
>"I think I can live with that."

>"Good."
>You and Kyouko snuggle in silence for another little while until, with great reluctance, you separate just long enough to straighten out the sheets and settle in beneath them. You nestle close to Kyouko again, still feeling sheltered by the warmth of her skin against yours. Your mind is awash in emotions, but your heart so at peace that it is only a few minutes more before sleep claims you. If Kyouko was watching, you're certain you fell asleep with a smile on your face.



>Kyouko is already up and dressed by the time you awaken. You feel a brief pang of melancholy for the empty spot in your bed before chastening yourself; even if you've gone and fallen in love, you still have some standards. And besides, she did offer you her own for later.... After another lazy minute, you rise, clean, and dress yourself, and then the two of you have a serviceable breakfast before finding a way to pass the time until the riverboat arrives.

>Isir's Cross is, as expected, light on entertainment. You circumnavigate almost the entire settlement in less than an hour, after which Kyouko drags you up the hillside to get a better view of it. The wind is surprisingly chilly today and your vantage offers little shelter from it, but the curve of the valley below allows you to follow the river's course for many miles upstream.

>"How many hours away you do you think that is?" Kyouko asks, pointing to the furthest spot where the river is still visible.
>"Probably just one." As much as the river meanders, a boat can still cover a lot of distance in that length of time.
>"Oh." Kyouko seems slightly disappointed. Maybe she'd hoped you could spot the ferry on its journey downriver, but seems content enough when you point out a smaller vessel on its way to Val Razua, barely more than a speck on the horizon at this distance.

>For the rest of the afternoon, you apply yourself to hunting down any quick jobs that could earn you a few guilders before departure. You don't manage to find any, but somehow walk away richer nonetheless, courtesy of your dowsing rods and a five guilder coin someone lost in a bush. Every little bit counts.



>The ferry back to Val Razua is pleasant in itself, if rather draining of the last of your funds. You eschew a private cabin this time for reasons of economy, though find yourself a little wistful of it now that you have someone you'd like to be private with. While there are no card sharks to foil or rich ladies to overpay for your services this time, you still make a couple guilders finding someone's lost wallet and win thirty more playing darts with a hawkish man in an atrocious feathered cap.

>"I thought it was kind of jaunty," Kyouko says afterward, and even for her sake, you struggle to keep your eyes from rolling out of their sockets. She'd watched the whole match from the sidelines, cheering every time you scored a bullseye; it was more distracting than helpful, to be honest, but you can't really complain when she's so earnest about it. Plus you think it annoyed your opponant, which you also can't complain about; anyone who looks like they starch their face in the morning deserves a little comeuppance. And besides, if you hadn't cleaned him out, he'd probably just have spent his winnings on another stupid hat; it was practically a public service!

>The riverboat pulls into Val Razua late the following evening. You feel a sense of finality as you disembark, as if with this last step off the ferry, your ordeal in the wilderness is finally concluded.

>"Hello again, home!" Kyouko announces to no one in particular, unfazed as ever by the looks this attracts. Her ears flutter merrily at the bustle of the waterfront. All around you are shops and storehouses, brick-clad apartments and bridges, and the cobblestone streets which run between them, awash with people. "I've missed the sound of this place."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 28, 2016, 11:25:43 PM
>"What's that old saying, 'home sweet home?'"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 28, 2016, 11:49:55 PM
>"What's that old saying, 'home sweet home?'"

>"Home sweet home," she agrees, surveying the familiar landscape with a smile.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 12:38:08 AM
>Current cash on hand.
>Scratch that.
>Inventory.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 01:05:15 AM
>Inventory.

>Kumokirimaru (worn at side)
>Prism Pendant (around neck)
>Seeker's Badge (pinned to chest)
>47 Val Razuan guilders
>Compass
>Traveling pack
>2 canteens
>Lockpicks
>4 kunai
>Picture of Sokrates
>Fuwafuwa Heart Droplet
>Antique Val Razuan 1 guilder coin
>Dowsing rods
>Tie-dyed umbrella
>Spool of baling twine
>Bottle of Kumokirimaru-imbued medicine (mostly empty)
>Empty sachet
>List of physicians' contact addresses
>Neu's note
>Pencil
>100 feet of rope
>2 glowsticks
>Torch
>Small heatstone
>Basic grappling hook
>Blue ribbon
>Two spare outfits (one somewhat damaged, and the other in need of laundering)
>Piece of peppermint-raspberry chewing gum
>Recipe for Athran's Vigor
>Potted Bittercress (half of it still in flower)
>Empty vial
>Chitsuki Ukizaki's business card
>Heavy black cloak
>Waterproof sleeping bag
>Survival knife
>Spyglass
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 01:18:35 AM
>Take a breath and look around. "This is actually the first time I've been here where I didn't really need to hurry. I can take in the sights properly this time."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 01:36:13 AM
>Take a breath and look around. "This is actually the first time I've been here where I didn't really need to hurry. I can take in the sights properly this time."

>"Well, then I'll have to make sure to show you a few of my favorite places!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 01:52:49 AM
>"I'd like that."
>"But I suppose first things come first."
>Which way was it to the airship harbor from here?
>If we don't know/can't remember, ask Kyouko.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 02:34:43 AM
>"I'd like that."
>"But I suppose first things come first."
>Which way was it to the airship harbor from here?
>If we don't know/can't remember, ask Kyouko.

>"And what's that?" she asks.
>The airship port is a considerable distance to the northeast - practically on the other side of the city. You remember the general location well, though.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 02:49:19 AM
>"I should check to see if the Maiden's still in town. If it is, I'll need to talk to Neu or Murasa to see where they're going next. And if it isn't, then I'll be staying in town for some time."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 03:23:05 AM
>"I should check to see if the Maiden's still in town. If it is, I'll need to talk to Neu or Murasa to see where they're going next. And if it isn't, then I'll be staying in town for some time."

>"Well, you've got a place to stay for as long as you need it."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 03:44:20 AM
>"Thanks."
>"And, what about you? You've been away for a while now. I bet you're missed at the joints around town you work at."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 03:53:45 AM
>"Thanks."
>"And, what about you? You've been away for a while now. I bet you're missed at the joints around town you work at."

>"Going to have some catching up to do!" she says. "But that's okay. It'll be good to be back at it."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 04:21:24 AM
>"Then... You'll be off?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 04:31:26 AM
>"Then... You'll be off?"

>"Well, I don't need to go anywhere right away," she says. "But if you're going to go check on the Blue Maiden, I might go home and unpack, and maybe drop in on Sumiko."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 04:49:25 AM
>"Sounds like a plan."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 04:59:49 AM
>"Sounds like a plan."

>"Soooo... how do we handle meeting up again? I'd give you a key to my place if I had more than one on me, and I don't know how long I'll be out and about. Did you have any plans for after checking out the docks?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 06:20:34 AM
>"I hadn't thought that far ahead." Smile. "Enjoying not having to, if I'm honest."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 06:35:40 AM
>"I hadn't thought that far ahead." Smile. "Enjoying not having to, if I'm honest."

>"Well, you might have to wait around a little while," she says. "If I'm still out by the time you get back to my place. Is that okay? Or should we set a time?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 06:54:15 AM
>"I don't mind a little waiting. I can scrounge around for some work, if nothing else comes up. Sooner or later, I'm gonna need it."
>"Or maybe head back to the university. There's a fairy there I'd like to say hello to, if I get the chance."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 07:13:05 AM
>"I don't mind a little waiting. I can scrounge around for some work, if nothing else comes up. Sooner or later, I'm gonna need it."
>"Or maybe head back to the university. There's a fairy there I'd like to say hello to, if I get the chance."

>"The world's your oyster!" Kyouko chirps.
>"Dai?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 07:23:55 AM
>"That's the one."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 07:34:12 AM
>"That's the one."

>"I'm sure she'll be glad you made it through in one piece." Then she frowns slightly. "Though maybe not for what happened on the way; you said she seemed nervous about Yuuka from the beginning, right?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 07:59:35 AM
>"I might gloss over the worst of the details. Believe me, I'm not in any enormous hurry to talk about Yuuka any more than I have to."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 08:18:38 AM
>"I might gloss over the worst of the details. Believe me, I'm not in any enormous hurry to talk about Yuuka any more than I have to."

>"Well, if you see her, tell her I said hi! ...actually, she probably doesn't remember me. But don't let that stop you!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on February 29, 2016, 10:39:21 PM
>Kyouko wasn't with us... Oh right, she works there. Heck, Dai probably knows her by voice.
>Did we see any cheerleaders at the university? Kyouko'd be a natural.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on February 29, 2016, 10:44:44 PM
>Kyouko wasn't with us... Oh right, she works there. Heck, Dai probably knows her by voice.
>Did we see any cheerleaders at the university? Kyouko'd be a natural.

>You got the impression that Kyouko had mostly done bit jobs around campus, on a very casual basis - if paid at all. Whether she ever left an impression on Dai or not, you have no idea.
>You did not, nor sporting activities of any kind, really. But any job that involves being loud and cheerful would probably be a natural fit for her.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 01, 2016, 05:05:42 AM
>"I'll do that."
>Assuming Kyouko has nothing else to add, travel to the airship port.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 01, 2016, 06:28:53 AM
>"I'll do that."
>Assuming Kyouko has nothing else to add, travel to the airship port.

>She nods. "Good."
>"Well then, I guess I'll see you later this evening," she says as you say your farewells. "Bye-bye!"
>Kyouko waves cheerfully, then turns and marches down the street while humming to herself; she really does seem more spirited now, if such a thing is even possible. You watch her fondly for a moment, before turning and setting off in the opposite direction.

>Your walk across the city is perhaps the starkest possible contrast to the endless miles of forest that have been your life for so long now; you can't say you miss them much. The crowds here may be noisy and sometimes rude, but you'll take 'bustling' over 'bucolic' any day of the week. This city is a place where things happen; more news probably flows through the Guild in a single afternoon than that forest has seen in centuries.
>The sky is dusky by the time you reach the airship docks. You're not completely confident on where the Maiden was moored and it might have relocated since then anyway, so you elect to do a careful sweep up and down the entire length of the port. You pass dozens of ships, from stumpy cargo haulers to sleek yachts and even a certain lollipop-deficient cruise liner, but there is no sign of Murasa's ship. Even on a second pass, the distinctive profile of the Blue Maiden is nowhere to be found; perhaps it was too much to expect after all these weeks.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 01, 2016, 08:17:22 AM
>"Well, it was a long shot."
>But on the upside, that probably means they got themselves and their ship patched up and on their way again. Good for them.
>Well, let's find somewhere to compose and send a letter. If we can't get home in short order, then we can least let Ichirin know we're not dead.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 01, 2016, 09:34:36 AM
>"Well, it was a long shot."
>But on the upside, that probably means they got themselves and their ship patched up and on their way again. Good for them.
>Well, let's find somewhere to compose and send a letter. If we can't get home in short order, then we can least let Ichirin know we're not dead.

>"Yeah!" A small blond-haired fairy seems to be in agreement with you.
>There are tables outside a sparsely-occupied eatery nearby that you could sit down and write.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 02, 2016, 05:58:19 AM
>That'll do.
>No wait, we can just as easily do that back at Kyouko's.
>This place is too darn big. Given the time of day, it'll probably be into the night before we could reach either the university or... That manor house we met Ringo at. Yes?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 02, 2016, 06:31:47 AM
>That'll do.
>No wait, we can just as easily do that back at Kyouko's.
>This place is too darn big. Given the time of day, it'll probably be into the night before we could reach either the university or... That manor house we met Ringo at. Yes?

>Probably. Though that doesn't necessarily mean either will be closed; it was later than this when you met Ringo the first time.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 02, 2016, 07:28:44 AM
>Then we can use the time to take in the sights of civilization again.
>Let's head towards the Houraisan estate, then. And while we're at it, we can keep our senses open to see if anyone else lost a coin here or there, or anything more precious, or any signage indicating employment for a relatively quick buck.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 02, 2016, 08:04:56 AM
>Then we can use the time to take in the sights of civilization again.
>Let's head towards the Houraisan estate, then. And while we're at it, we can keep our senses open to see if anyone else lost a coin here or there, or anything more precious, or any signage indicating employment for a relatively quick buck.

>Trying to dowse for falling coinage while you walk sounds like a good way to get bowled over by traffic, or at least take half the day to reach your destination. You keep an idle eye out for anything glittering on the ground, but see nothing of the sort along the way. You do pass a couple 'Help Wanted' signs in storefront windows, though you think taking up waitressing or peddling shoes is a criminal underuse of your skills. The pay is probably lousy, too.

>It takes a small degree of guesswork to reach Ozukitei again - your mind was not at its best the last time you walked here - but you still make good time. The scene at the entrance is remarkably unchanged for the intervening weeks and the rabbits minding the gate could pass for the same ones you spoke to, though you have no idea if they are or not.
>"Evening," one of them says with a short nod. She doesn't seem to recognize you, but you're no longer bundled up like a thief, either.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 04, 2016, 12:53:56 AM
>Did we get Ringo's last name.
>"Evening. I'd like to speak to Ringo <insert last name here if available>, if she's in."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 04, 2016, 04:57:32 AM
>Did we get Ringo's last name.
>"Evening. I'd like to speak to Ringo <insert last name here if available>, if she's in."

>You did not.
>The shorter rabbit looks to her companion. "Is she?"
>The other answers with an effusive shrug. "I can check."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 04, 2016, 07:32:31 AM
>"If you please. Tell her that Nazrin's back to see her."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 04, 2016, 08:03:13 AM
>"If you please. Tell her that Nazrin's back to see her."

>"Sure, sure." She lazily rises from her chair and ambles towards the mansion about as slowly as possible.

>Despite this, it is only a few minutes before she returns with Ringo in tow - and looking far more sprightly with a superior beside her. Ringo's tone when she speaks to you is all business, but you could swear you see a knowing glint in her eyes as she appraises you - and one that lingers long enough that you're sure you were meant to notice.
>"There something I can do for you?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 04, 2016, 08:27:58 AM
>"I guess I just wanted to say that, everything worked out pretty well. And my... client wanted me to thank you. For pointing her in the right direction."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 04, 2016, 08:38:14 AM
>"I guess I just wanted to say that, everything worked out pretty well. And my... client wanted me to thank you. For pointing her in the right direction."

>"Glad to hear it," she says. "Sounded like a messy business."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 04, 2016, 08:45:35 AM
>"It was touch and go for a while there. And very little of it pleasant. But it's over, now. And if everything else went well, it'll never happen again."
>"My client also wanted me to inform you that... she owes you. Big time. And that she may not be in a position to properly thank you right now, but, one day..." Smile and shrug. "She takes her debts seriously, I've learned."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 04, 2016, 09:05:29 AM
>"It was touch and go for a while there. And very little of it pleasant. But it's over, now. And if everything else went well, it'll never happen again."
>"My client also wanted me to inform you that... she owes you. Big time. And that she may not be in a position to properly thank you right now, but, one day..." Smile and shrug. "She takes her debts seriously, I've learned."

>"Oh, does she now?" Ringo allows herself a little grin. "Well, she knows where to find me. I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon."
>Her underlings exchange quizzical looks with each other, but Ringo pointedly ignores them.
>"Still, tell her I'm easy, either way. Just glad you got things sorted."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 04, 2016, 09:19:06 AM
>"So am I. It's been... one heck of a job."
>"I don't suppose you, or maybe your people, are presently in need of a Seeker? My future plans're... a lot more open now."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 04, 2016, 09:33:01 AM
>"So am I. It's been... one heck of a job."
>"I don't suppose you, or maybe your people, are presently in need of a Seeker? My future plans're... a lot more open now."

>"We usually work in-house for anything like that," Ringo says.
>"I, uh... I lost a hat the other day," one of her underlings offers. "If you're working pro bono."
>Ringo throws her a frown so withering that the gatekeeper actually seems to shrink.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 04, 2016, 09:41:48 AM
>Laugh, then catch ourselves and clear throat. "Perhaps not. Still, can't blame a mouse for asking."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 04, 2016, 10:29:42 AM
>Laugh, then catch ourselves and clear throat. "Perhaps not. Still, can't blame a mouse for asking."

>Ringo shrugs lightly. "Just part of the job."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 06, 2016, 06:41:05 AM
>"That it is."
>"And since I seem to need a new one, I suppose I should get back to it."
>"And... thanks again."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 06, 2016, 07:10:44 AM
>"That it is."
>"And since I seem to need a new one, I suppose I should get back to it."
>"And... thanks again."

>"Don't mention it," she says, with the barest suggestion of a wink. "And good luck out  there."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 06, 2016, 08:53:44 AM
>Well that takes care of business here.
>Gauge time.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 06, 2016, 09:03:56 AM
>Gauge time.

>You think it's a little after 10 PM.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 06, 2016, 09:07:06 AM
>Probably too late to go back and see Dai. Even if we knew where to find her. And not enough money to have any kind of victory feast. One that a werewolf didn't make, anyway.
>Best mosey on back to Kyouko's pad.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 06, 2016, 09:59:46 AM
>Probably too late to go back and see Dai. Even if we knew where to find her. And not enough money to have any kind of victory feast. One that a werewolf didn't make, anyway.
>Best mosey on back to Kyouko's pad.

>Electing not to run any more errands tonight, you instead make your way back to Kyouko's apartment - and after three or four unnecessary detours, actually find it again! As it turns out, there are no less than five separate buildings in that district only superficially distinct from her own, and none of them on the same street; the fact that the roadmap resembles a plate of discarded spaghetti doesn't help matters, either. At least you can remember her apartment number itself with reasonable confidence, but there is still no answer when you knock on the door.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 06, 2016, 10:49:07 AM
>Well she did say we were in for a bit of a wait.
>Did we notice any roof access to this place?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 06, 2016, 10:57:02 AM
>Well she did say we were in for a bit of a wait.
>Did we notice any roof access to this place?

>She did say it was possible.
>It's possible there could be a roof exit if you climbed up further flights of stairs; you've never been above the second floor, and the stairwell is too narrow to get a good look at what's at the top.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 06, 2016, 11:06:05 AM
>Let's have an explore.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 06, 2016, 11:07:54 PM
>Let's have an explore.

>You ascend the rest of the stairs, passing by the upper floor apartments and then a flight beyond to arrive at a single unmarked door. If it isn't a maintenance closet of some kind, it's almost certainly roof access. It is, however, locked.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 08, 2016, 01:09:03 AM
>Locks are easy. But then again, we shouldn't inconvenience Kyouko.
>Perhaps, a short meander. Familiarize ourselves with the neighbourhood. See what ammenities are around. See if we-
>Wait a second, better idea. Back to the Guild Hall. Let's see what they have for work in the offering.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 28, 2016, 06:01:30 PM
>Locks are easy. But then again, we shouldn't inconvenience Kyouko.
>Perhaps, a short meander. Familiarize ourselves with the neighbourhood. See what ammenities are around. See if we-
>Wait a second, better idea. Back to the Guild Hall. Let's see what they have for work in the offering.

>You idly consider obtaining roof access through means of dubious legality, but decide to use this time to drop in on guildhall instead. It's a long trek back across town, and you frankly should have done this when you were already in the neighbourhood, but you're in such good spirits lately that you barely mind; you feel as though you could march back and forth across the city until dawn and scarcely be any worse for it.



>The guildhall is subdued when you arrive, though not quite silent; a pair of voices in animated conversation drift down from the upstairs lounge and another Seeker peruses the job boards alongside you - a wiry, blue-haired woman whose jacket appears to have lost a fight with a lawnmower at some point. You share a collegial nod.

>Even in Val Razua, it seems there's no escaping job notices barely worth the time it takes to read them - from the inane to the unfeasible to the criminally underpaid. And did you really just suffer through two whole pages of the most outrageously florid handwriting only to find the ad was looking for a babysitter?
>"Half a mind to throw that one in the trash m'self," the woman says as she catches you gawking at it. "But the fines are a real bugger."

>As for more legitimate offers, there's the usual requests for recovery of stolen property (or possibly theft of someone else's property - one needs to be careful who one works for), some offers of finder's fees for highly specific antiques, courier work, a contract with a mineralogical survey, and even a few missing persons' notices, though several are dated quite some months ago. Not hopeful.
>There's also a few recruitment offers from some of the lesser Houses, but even if the positions paid well, you're not about to tie yourself to Val Razua just yet. You need work that can be done in a short timeframe and without going too far afield. That writes off the expeditions to the Wild Lands and an otherwise-intriguing assaying contract in Meijima. Something for later.

>All in all, you come away with a half-dozen jobs worth looking into - not necessarily the most lucrative work, but local and short-term. Somehow, one of them involves looking for a cat again. What is it with witches and misplacing cats? Maybe they should start keeping them on a leash; would be better for the mice, too.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 28, 2016, 11:53:23 PM
>What was Meijima again?
>Job at the top of our list?
>Will the next pause be so... long?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 29, 2016, 01:14:05 PM
>What was Meijima again?

>An island nation far to the north of Val Razua. It is unique among populated lands in drifting in and out of contact with the aether currents that allow airship access to the rest of the world, sometimes for decades at a time. It's been accessible for as long as you've been alive and you don't think it's predicted to become isolated again for at least a few more years, but it nonetheless has the vibe of being one step removed from the rest of the world. It's also supposedly teeming with ghosts.

>Job at the top of our list?

>Probably some of the property-retrieval jobs. They can range from straightforward to impossible, but it's good to have the details in hand early; you never know when you might stumble across a clue while doing something else. It's probably too late to look into any of them tonight, but at least you're armed for tomorrow.

>Will the next pause be so... long?

>Insomnia's a real jerk.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 29, 2016, 03:37:59 PM
>Well if work can wait until tomorrow, then we can wait for it. May as well meander back to Kyouko's, then.
>Unless it's still too early, then we can take the scenic route.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 29, 2016, 03:49:52 PM
>Well if work can wait until tomorrow, then we can wait for it. May as well meander back to Kyouko's, then.
>Unless it's still too early, then we can take the scenic route.

>You have no way of knowing whether Kyouko will be back by the time you return, so you decide to take a leisurely route across the city, weaving through a small park you pass by and stopping here and there to snoop around buildings that catch your interest. Whether because of your detours or not, this time when you knock on her apartment door, she answers it.
>"I was just wondering when you'd get back here," she says.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 29, 2016, 05:28:48 PM
>"I took the scenic route back."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 29, 2016, 06:18:21 PM
>"I took the scenic route back."

>"See anything interesting?" she asks as she opens the door and beckons you in.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on March 30, 2016, 10:38:35 PM
>As we enter, "I see you, that's pretty interesting."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on March 30, 2016, 10:59:43 PM
>As we enter, "I see you, that's pretty interesting."

>Kyouko snorts and gives you a halfhearted swat. "Nazrin!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 01, 2016, 01:10:32 AM
>Grin. "Or not?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 01, 2016, 01:40:19 AM
>Grin. "Or not?"

>"I meant something out there, silly." Then she putters off towards the kitchen. "I picked up some raisin biscuits on my way home. Would you like one?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 02, 2016, 10:40:24 PM
>"Please."
>"Enough to remind me just how big this city really is. Especially with all the time I've spent out in the wilderness lately."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 03, 2016, 12:01:39 AM
>"Please."
>"Enough to remind me just how big this city really is. Especially with all the time I've spent out in the wilderness lately."

>"It's nice to be back," she says, handing you a fluffy (and rather ample) raisin biscuit retrieved from the kitchen. "Here you go!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 03, 2016, 12:51:27 AM
>"Thanks."
>Come to think of it, have we eaten since we got back?
>Never mind, it's late. We can make up for it at breakfast.
>
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 04, 2016, 10:46:47 PM
>"Thanks."
>Come to think of it, have we eaten since we got back?
>Never mind, it's late. We can make up for it at breakfast.

>You accept the proffered pastry and take a bite. It's surprisingly rich for how fluffy it looks, and extremely fresh.
>"So, was the Blue Maiden still in town?" Kyouko asks.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 06, 2016, 05:44:18 PM
>Shake head and swallow. "Struck out on that one, I'm afraid. I suppose it was a long shot, really. But on the upside, I checked out the guild hall as well. I might be on my own for getting back home, but I've got some avenues for fattening my purse in the meantime."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 07, 2016, 05:04:42 AM
>Shake head and swallow. "Struck out on that one, I'm afraid. I suppose it was a long shot, really. But on the upside, I checked out the guild hall as well. I might be on my own for getting back home, but I've got some avenues for fattening my purse in the meantime."

>She grins. "I'd expect nothing less!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 07, 2016, 09:41:39 PM
>Given the options available and the financial gain from them, about how long might it take us to build up enough scratch to get back to Estval?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 08, 2016, 02:58:58 AM
>Given the options available and the financial gain from them, about how long might it take us to build up enough scratch to get back to Estval?

>Given that almost all Seeker work is speculative, you can't possibly say. You could get extraordinarily fortunate and make enough money for a ticket tomorrow. More realistically, you imagine you're looking at least a few more days in town.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 08, 2016, 07:04:11 PM
>"That said, though, I don't know if it'll be at all quick. Most likely not. Maybe a week, maybe more, depending on how things turn out. And I know, 'You can stay as long as you need', right?" pause and smile, then put our business face back on. "Well if you are planning on letting me crash here, then we'll need to work some things out."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 08, 2016, 11:49:14 PM
>"That said, though, I don't know if it'll be at all quick. Most likely not. Maybe a week, maybe more, depending on how things turn out. And I know, 'You can stay as long as you need', right?" pause and smile, then put our business face back on. "Well if you are planning on letting me crash here, then we'll need to work some things out."

>"Like what?" she asks uncertainly.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 09, 2016, 12:15:51 AM
>"Circumstances notwithstanding, I don't enjoy the thought of being a freeloader here. Not if there's something I can do for you in exchange. I may not be flush with cash, but I can still be put to good use."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 09, 2016, 01:13:57 AM
>"Circumstances notwithstanding, I don't enjoy the thought of being a freeloader here. Not if there's something I can do for you in exchange. I may not be flush with cash, but I can still be put to good use."

>She giggles. "'Put to use'? Do you come with an instruction manual?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 09, 2016, 02:12:53 AM
>Chuckle. "Sorry, left it back in Braston."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 09, 2016, 02:52:43 AM
>Chuckle. "Sorry, left it back in Braston."

>"Then how am I supposed to figure out how to get you to work?" she says as she inches over towards you. "Do I just start poking things and hope for the best?"
>She gives you a prod with her finger as if examining a recalcitrant clock.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 09, 2016, 03:31:38 AM
>"I thought you did that already."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 09, 2016, 03:39:49 AM
>"I thought you did that already."

>"Oh, is that how I'm supposed to put you to use?" She flashes you a perfectly innocent smile.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 09, 2016, 04:21:46 AM
>"I can think of worse ways."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 09, 2016, 04:58:01 AM
>"I can think of worse ways."

>"Sounds pretty win-win to me." She leans forward until you can feel her breath upon you and her smile turns almost brazen. And then, just as quickly, she takes a step back and giggles. "And if you wanted to take over the dishes, I wouldn't complain either."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 11, 2016, 05:23:33 AM
>"Heh heh. Least I could do."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 11, 2016, 05:53:10 AM
>"Heh heh. Least I could do."

>"Really, whatever you want to lend a hand with is fine by me, but don't think for a moment you have to 'pay me back', you hear? I went with you because it was the right thing to do, and I offered you my place because I like you. And I'm going to miss you when you go," she adds in a softer tone.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 11, 2016, 09:09:37 PM
>"It's not forever. I'll be back. I haven't had nearly enough of a chance to really explore what this city has to offer."
>"And, not only do I have someTHING to come back for, I have someONE to come back to now."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 12, 2016, 02:24:20 AM
>"It's not forever. I'll be back. I haven't had nearly enough of a chance to really explore what this city has to offer."
>"And, not only do I have someTHING to come back for, I have someONE to come back to now."

>Kyouko smiles, her ears fluttering slightly. "I'm not going anywhere."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 12, 2016, 06:48:47 AM
>Smile quietly. "I guess that settles that."
>"And, well, about our sleeping arrangements..."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 12, 2016, 03:24:55 PM
>Smile quietly. "I guess that settles that."
>"And, well, about our sleeping arrangements..."

>"My bed is your bed!" she chirps. "Well, unless you'd rather your own space. We can set you up something on the floor again, if you'd like; that's fine, too!"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 13, 2016, 08:32:23 PM
>"Maybe for tonight, at least.  If I'm going to be productive tomorrow, I'll need some sleep tonight. Without, uh... tempting distractions."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 17, 2016, 05:10:48 AM
>"Maybe for tonight, at least.  If I'm going to be productive tomorrow, I'll need some sleep tonight. Without, uh... tempting distractions."

>Kyouko giggles. "What, are you saying you wouldn't be able to keep your hands off me?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 18, 2016, 04:25:19 AM
>"Is that an invitation?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 18, 2016, 04:30:49 AM
>"Is that an invitation?"

>"Oh? Didn't you say you were going to be too busy for stuff like that?" She can't quite keep the cheekiness out of her grin.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 18, 2016, 05:26:08 AM
>"I'd consider that a mixed blessing." For the first time in my life.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 18, 2016, 05:28:21 AM
>"I'd consider that a mixed blessing." For the first time in my life.

>"A mixed blessing?" This time she actually seems a little confused.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 20, 2016, 08:36:55 PM
>"Maybe not the best way to put it, now that I think. Give me a sec."
>Find a place and sit down, and gather our thoughts.
>Clarification. Find a place where we can sit that she can sit either next or across from us, then gesture for her to do just that.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 20, 2016, 09:52:51 PM
>"Maybe not the best way to put it, now that I think. Give me a sec."
>Find a place and sit down, and gather our thoughts.
>Clarification. Find a place where we can sit that she can sit either next or across from us, then gesture for her to do just that.

>"Sure."
>There's a small bunch covered in throw pillows that's just wide enough for the both of you. You sit down and beckon Kyouko to take a seat beside you. She does so, then looks at you expectantly.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on April 27, 2016, 07:29:23 AM
>"Well first things first, if that came out as.... I guess meaner is the word, than I'd intended, sorry for that. Not what I meant."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on April 28, 2016, 08:07:51 PM
>"Well first things first, if that came out as.... I guess meaner is the word, than I'd intended, sorry for that. Not what I meant."

>"What did you mean?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on May 01, 2016, 08:01:35 AM
>"Before all this started, before that youkai poisoned me, I was... I guess 'career-focused' is a good way to put it. I never really thought about love, and sex, not for very long anyway. I wanted fortune and fame, that's- Well I don't want to say ALL I thought about, but it was a lot of it."
>"And now that's changed. Now I have someONE I want, not just someTHING. I never really thought about needing to balance my.... My business and pleasure. 'till now."
>Add quickly, "And that's not a complaint. Just an... admission of some adjustments I'll need to make to my thinking. Not only do I have my life back now, it's taken a turn I didn't imagine it'd take."
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on May 01, 2016, 08:32:15 PM
>"Before all this started, before that youkai poisoned me, I was... I guess 'career-focused' is a good way to put it. I never really thought about love, and sex, not for very long anyway. I wanted fortune and fame, that's- Well I don't want to say ALL I thought about, but it was a lot of it."
>"And now that's changed. Now I have someONE I want, not just someTHING. I never really thought about needing to balance my.... My business and pleasure. 'till now."
>Add quickly, "And that's not a complaint. Just an... admission of some adjustments I'll need to make to my thinking. Not only do I have my life back now, it's taken a turn I didn't imagine it'd take."

>"Life's full of surprises," she says. "That's one of the best parts. But... if I can make a suggestion?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on May 03, 2016, 02:28:51 AM
>Nod.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on May 03, 2016, 04:44:10 AM
>Nod.

>Kyouko leans towards you with a smile, and then says "I think you're overthinking this. Love and sex aren't things you need to strategize, clever little mouse that you are." She grins. "Tomorrow will still be there tomorrow. What do you want to do now?"
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on May 04, 2016, 07:52:03 AM
>Are we more hungry, horny or tired?
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on May 04, 2016, 08:29:57 AM
>Are we more hungry, horny or tired?

>You are tired enough to be happy you're done walking for the day, but not so much you need immediate sleep. You are hungry enough that you might ask for a second one of these delicious raisin buns, but not so much that you care for a proper meal before bed. And with Kyouko's face this close to yours, you really want to kiss her again.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on May 04, 2016, 09:13:38 AM
>Instinct.
>Reach up and touch her cheek. "This."
>Plant one on her.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: DracoOmega on May 05, 2016, 01:18:07 AM
>Instinct.
>Reach up and touch her cheek. "This."
>Plant one on her.

>You reach out a hand and gently touch Kyouko's cheek, then lean in and kiss her. Kyouko's ears flutter at the contact and she smiles as you separate again. Her breath is warm against your face.
>"I can get behind that plan."
>Then she kisses you again, her lips just a little more assertive than your own. A flush begins to spread faintly across your face as you taste her.
Title: Re: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 15)
Post by: Oldmansour on May 08, 2016, 07:17:18 AM
>Mm-hmm. Good choice.
>Maybe we shouldn't overthink things. Let's just... let things take their natural course.