[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3YdqYf1.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/0zvnz6I.png[/img][/center] [sub][@PaulHaynek][@The Irish Tree][/sub] [b]Stronghold[/b] [hr] The two lackeys weren't of much help, they panicked and exclaimed they didn't know anything about the woman back at the temple. Their masked leader, however, seemed to know her quite well. Shizuka listened intently to his explain of the true story behind the woman's situation: apparently this brigand force saved her from a Varjan attack. Afterwards she fell in love with them and even offered them food. Problem was, said food was from what little her own family had available to them. Naturally, the family resisted the bandit's advance on their home; Shizuka and Eula had already seen the aftermath back at the homestead. But it seemed the woman didn't care about the fate of her kin until her savior ended up discarding her. A tragic tale to be sure. Thought it he didn't want to, he had to admit that the brigand was right: they had been duped. After the man's explanation was over, Shizuka stood back up, the masked man still in tow. [color=0072bc]"Let's go, Eula-san. I believe we've wasted enough time on these droogs. We'll detain them at the temple and decide what to do with them later."[/color] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/cDfjYN0.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/0u0wcUo.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/NporBQG.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://youtu.be/VmfH9vpp2aQ]🕸️[/url][/center] [sub][@PaulHaynek][@Hammerman][@Restalaan][@Crowvette][@Nakushita][@Enkryption][@Rezod92][/sub] [b]Terauchi Temple[/b] [hr] As Atsuha expected, the young lord had denied her suggestion for finding a different way of dealing with his 'situation'. Although, she ultimately did understand his reasons for doing so. [color=9e0b0f]"You are nothing if not just, my lord. Your concern and honesty toward your people is admirable."[/color] She paused for a moment, adopting a warm but stern smile. [color=9e0b0f]"However, I will remind you that we are here on behalf of our benefactor. In addition to defending this island and it's people, we are to do everything in our power to aid the heir to the Oja house - you milord. So, I do believe that we will worry about you as our job demands as such, thank you."[/color] Feeling his hand on her limb admittedly did set at ease, even if only a little bit. She placed her hand on his for a moment, looking him in the eye to again confirm his resolve. She then gently broke away from him. [color=9e0b0f]"Well, if that is your decision, I will respect it. I wish you luck and hope you have a pleasant evening."[/color] Atsuha said, making a polite bow and walking off back to the others. -- Hinami barely managed to notice Skarsneek whilst in the middle of gorging herself on tonight's dinner. She turned to him, still chewing on a fish bone. [color=7bcdc8]"Mmhhf, hhmmfgh! (It went well actually!)"[/color] In place of what she was actually saying, all Skarsneek would hear was muffled nonsense. That was fixed after she took a large swallow. [color=7bcdc8]"Luna especially was a really big help! With hers and my sister's combination spells, the enemy never even saw it coming. Oh, but I clobbered a bunch of them with a club I summoned and I even kicked some of their teeth out. I might even have a tooth or tow still stuck to my shoe. Whoops! Might not be good to talk about such things while at the dinner table."[/color] She said, rubbing the back of her head while making nervous laugh. [color=7bcdc8]"Oh, I forgot to mention! Sorae-san has a really cool ability where she can turn herself into a ghost and make attacks pass right through her!"[/color] She put a finger to her chin, still processing thoughts. [color=7bcdc8]"Oh, and we recused this really plain looking woman from a barn. She was so scared of sister that her yell scared the birds away, so Luna had to carry her back!"[/color] [color=9e0b0f]"...Hinami, sweetie, you [b]really[/b] shouldn't talk with your mouth full!"[/color] Atsuha said, shoving another riceball in her mouth. [color=7bcdc8]"Hmmfh mmmghf! (Hi Nee-san!)"[/color] One would assumed her reply to be. Atsuha then made her way over to Skarsneek, after which she began rubbing his chest and placed her arm around his shoulder. [color=9e0b0f]"Dear lover, I do believe you mentioned earlier about feeding me tonight? I'm here now, and waiting~"[/color] She then took notice of Io making eyes at the High Orc, where Alice was being more forceful in her approach. [color=9e0b0f]"Oh my, someone's certainly gotten more popular~"[/color] Her face turned sour as Kerry tried to promptly put a stop to Alice's flirting. [color=9e0b0f]"Kerry-san, I know you're a hornet or wasp, or whatever, but must you be such a buzz kill? From my understand that poor girls been through alot, so why not let birds and bees be free? Let her indulge herself for tonight."[/color] Atsuha then dawned a mischievous smile. [color=9e0b0f]"Or perhaps there's a bit of envy welling up inside of you?"[/color]