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Light streams in through the windows, filtered into dimness by the thin purple shades draped across them. Your eyes flutter open as you take the first deep breath of the morning, a small yawn escaping your lips as you sit up in bed and stretch your arms. A tangled mess of red hair falls before your eyes and you brush it aside as the blanket falls from your chest to collect in your lap.

A familiar scent reaches your nostrils; ham and eggs with light seasoning, prepared by skilled elvish hands. Kaylessa, like usual, is up before you and making breakfast. Feeling lazy, you slip out of bed and step onto the carpetted floor of your residence, walking briskly towards the nearby mirror and desk. Sitting in front of it, you pull your hair aside once more to stare at the brilliant green eyes that greet you; the eyes your loving mistress gave you with her magic.

"Good morning, Merriam," you say to yourself with a smile. Reaching for the beautiful rosewood comb, another treasured gift from Sirena, you begin straightening your hair. The ornate tool does its job immaculately, and soon your red locks are perfect. With a quick spell and some light makeup to enhance it, you are finished making yourself presentable. After all, today is a big day! First quarter exams and tests at the college, in which your teachers will evaluate how far you have come along in your studies. Doing well could mean advancement into higher levels of the school, allowing you to learn more powerful spells under greater teachers.

That would make Sirena very proud indeed, you're certain of it. And what better way to spite Sophilia, your wicked and cruel noble-blooded rival, who has looked down upon you since your arrival and gone out of her way to insult you on several occasions?

But first, breakfast. Can't pass the exams on an empty stomach.

>Get dressed; eat breakfast
>Have breakfast in bed
>Eat breakfast in your underwear
>Take your breakfast to go; the earlier to the college, the better
>Other

>>3038599
>Eat breakfast in your underwear

Dont get our dress ruined if we spill any

>>3038599
>Eat breakfast in your underwear
Welcome back Damashi.

>>3038599
>Eat breakfast in your underwear

>>3038599
>>Eat breakfast in your underwear

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>>3038604
>>3038605
>>3038611
>>3038645

You exit the bedroom and enter the dining area. The small home you are renting as part of the college student program is modest, allowing you and your housemate plenty of space to live in privacy. Alongside the dining area is a fireplace, and hunched over next to it is your elf friend and lover, Kaylessa. The fair-skinned blonde elf's slim frame maintains perfect balance as he uses a pot suspended over the flames to cook breakfast for you; he only eats simple fruits and leafy vegetables along with some bred for his breakfast meals.

When he hears you enter, as his elven ears pick up even the sound of your feet on the carpet despite his proximity to the crackling fire, he says over one shoulder, "Good morning! It's just the usual; the market wasn't very well-stocked."

"The usual's fine," you assure him, taking a seat at the wooden table. "Good morning, Kay."

When he finishes cooking, he stands up and turns around, then becomes startled by your lack of clothing. "M-Merry!"

"What?" you say with a nonchalant shrug. "It's nothing you haven't seen before."

"Still... the food is hot. You shouldn't burn yourself."

"I think I can handle it," you say with a playful wink. "I like it hot." He blushes and moves to grab a plate to put your breakfast on it. Within a few short minutes, you are sitting across from him, both of you eating your breakfasts in relative silence. Living with Kaylessa has been wonderful; he handles most of the cooking and cleaning, even though you did those chores back on the farm. This is due to him mostly staying inside and only visiting the market in the early morning or late evening; his hooded cloak hung by the front door tells you all you need to know about how little he desires to be seen in this town.

Kaylessa sits, chewing on his veggies and elven bread, avoiding staring at your nearly-nude form.

>Try some of his breakfast
>Ask him about his plans for the day
>Enthuse about the upcoming test at the college
>Encourage him to go out more during the daylight hours
>Other

>>3038684
>Try some of his breakfast
>Ask him about his plans for the day

>>3038684
>Try some of his breakfast
>Ask him about his plans for the day

>>3038684
>Try some of his breakfast
>>Ask him about his plans for the day

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>>3038695
>>3038740
>>3038746

Looking down at this plate, you break the silence and ask, "Can I try some of yours?"

He looks up, surprised, and stutters slightly. "O-oh! Okay. Uh, what would you like?"

You stand up and walk around, leaning alongside his chair. Though you and he share a bed, for some reason this action flusters him further. He hands you a fork as he averts his eyes, and you take a small portion of his leafy greens into your mouth and chew.

"I just don't understand how you can live off of this stuff," you reply. "It's not bad, but I wasn't raised to consider this the center of the meal. More like the side dish, you know?"

"Y-yes..."

"Kay, what's wrong?" you ask, turning his chin to face you. "You seem nervous."

"Nothing!" he insists. "It's just... your, um, underwear."

'Curious creatures, elves. Near-nudity is somehow more lewd than being naked.' You smirk and try some of his elven bread. "Oh! I like this."

"Don't eat too much," he advises. "A small amount will fill you up."

"Then I had better finish the rest of mine," you reply, walking back to your seat. "So, what are your plans for the day?"

As you dig into your meal, he rubs his arm and replies, "Oh, nothing much..." His voice trails off and you pause.

"Well?"

He coughs into a hand. "I thought I might do some cleaning."

"You cleaned yesterday. The whole house is dusted and spotless. What are you going to clean?"

He seems to shrink into his seat. "I'll clean the dishes."

"That's five minutes. What about the rest of your day?"

"I might, um... read?"

You set your fork down and give him a sympathetic look.

>Are you afraid of your family that much?
>What about gardening?
>You should at least go outside and take a walk.
>Drop the subject for now; he's uncomfortable.
>Other

>>3038768
>Are you afraid of your family that much?

>>3038768
>You should at least go outside and take a walk

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>>3038774
>>3038783

"You should at least go outside and take a walk."

"I already went for a walk this morning," he says dismissively.

You frown. "Are you afraid of your family that much?"

He sulks. "I just... I'd rather not deal with them. Do you understand?"

Once more you go to his side, only this time you pull him into a hug and give him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm sorry I upset you. I just don't want you to be all cooped up inside this place! There are so many elves here in Youngwater; what are the chances you'll run into someone who knows you?"

He is silent, but eventually relents. "I'll go for a walk."

You smile and hug him again, happy that he will get some sun.

After finishing up your breakfast, you find yourself puzzling over what to wear to the college today. You have heard whispers from your friends that while the test is indeed a test of your abilities, some of the teachers take note of what the students wear and use during the trials. A favorable grade could depend on it...

>Wear your finest dress; after all, you must dress to impress
>Wear a simple mage robe, provided by the college; practical
>Wear your battle garments, used during difficult classes and trials at the school
>Wear something light and breezy, somewhat fashionable and practical
>Other

>>3038841
>Wear a simple mage robe, provided by the college; practical

>>3038841
>Wear a simple mage robe, provided by the college; practical

>>3038841
>>Wear your battle garments, used during difficult classes and trials at the school
What's more difficult a trial than a major test?

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>>3038847
>>3038852

Deciding on practicality, you slip on your green mage robes along with a blue cloak. Ensuring that you have your wand, your ring of minor telekinesis, your lens of reading and your enchanted knife, you gather your spellbook, several parchments and other odds and ends before putting them into a satchel at your side.

You say goodbye to Kaylessa and wish him a good day along with a kiss before stepping out into the streets of Youngwater. It is a beautiful day in the mostly-elven town, and as you walk down the stone streets you pass a variety of people; either high elves, half-elves or the occasional human. This place is so much different from Bridge Town; the fashion, the colors, the smells! Every day is like a breath of fresh air compared to your old farm life.

Smiling and waving at some of the neighbors, another student runs out of his house and passes by in a great hurry. You check the position of the sun and know that it isn't nearly noon yet, when the trials are to begin, but he must want to get there as soon as possible anyway. Not that it will matter; the teachers know the order in which the students will be tested.

You've got some time; why not take a scenic route?

>Pass through the gardens
>Pass through the markets
>Pass through the high society district
>Take the most direct route to the college
>Other

>>3038938
>Pass through the gardens

>>3038938
>Pass through the gardens

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>>3038942
>>3038955

Deciding to pass through the beautiful gardens in the park, you stop to admire the various trees the elves have planted here. They twist and grow in such unique and interesting ways, flowing like the painted lines of a master artist, complimented by the placement of its leaves.

Such a place offers both shade and serenity, and it is here you stumble upon a good friend of yours, one you made at the college. She is sitting on a bench, her face buried in a book as is often the case with her. Her blue eyes flick from one line to another and her lips move in constant murmur as she whispers what she reads to herself.

Aurelia Brightwind, a wood elf, has dark brown hair and wears circular spectacles. She's adorable and adorably naive, though with how often she's buried in her books not many people know it. You are able to approach her and she doesn't even realize it, so invested in her journal as to be completely unaware of her surroundings.

Leaning forward, you say, "Boo!"

She startles upwards, quickly pushing her glasses back in place. "Merry! Don't do that!" she says with a hand over her chest.

"I'm sorry, I just can't help it! You're just so tempting to sneak up on." You smile and sit next to her. "Good morning, Auri. Cramming in some last-minute studying?"

"Yeah," she admits, closing her book. "I don't think it'll do me any good, but I thought I might try."

"You don't think you'll pass?"

"I hope I do," she says with a sigh. "It's just a lot of pressure! Beth told me that if you fail, you have to wait twice as long before you can take it again!"

"That's just Beth trying to up the stakes," you say, waving your hand. "You know how she sees everything as a competition. It's just talk."

"I know, but still, I can't help but be nervous."

"I am too," you reply in an honest and open tone. "But my father always told me that there's no point in being afraid of night; it'll come when it comes and it'll always pass when it passes. The test is here and now, so try not to let it get to you."

"Yeah, you're right," she says with a smile. "Are any of your family going to be coming today?"

"No," you say in a low tone. "But that's alright. It's not exactly graduation. Besides, I have you and the girls."

"Hah, yeah, I suppose so," she says. Clutching her books close to her chest, she stands up and offers, "Walk with me?"

You nod and walk along with her through the park in the general direction of the college.

>Grab some refreshments at an elven cafe
>Head over to the market
>Walk and talk as you head towards the college
>See if you can find another one of your friends
>Other

>>3039023
>Walk and talk as you head towards the college

>>3039023
>Walk and talk as you head towards the college
>See if you can find another one of your friends

>>3039023
>>Walk and talk as you head towards the college
>>Think fondly of Ben.

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>>3039033
>>3039040
>>3039043

As you walk alongside her, your thoughts briefly turn to home and to family, but mostly that of Ben. For a moment your eyes close as you imagine being held in his strong arms, staring into his eyes, leaning in close to--

"Merry?" Aurelia snaps you out of your daydream. "Did you hear me?"

"Sorry, my thoughts were scattered," you reply with a sheepish grin.

"I hope they aren't scattered this afternoon," she says. "Do you know who your grader is going to be?"

"I'm hoping for Professor Mirwen," you answer, referring to your winter elf teacher of holy magic. "She's always patient and fair."

"I hope so too. Wouldn't it be great if we're assigned as partners?"

"I wouldn't mind that at all. But really, I wouldn't mind anyone as my partner." You look away. 'Except for Sophelia...'

As your mood turns grim with thoughts of your contemptable rival, Auri suddenly pulls on the sleeve of your robe. "Merry, look! It's Nathaniel."

Your eyes snap across the way, where you see the star pupil of the school walking down the street in the same direction of the college. Nathanial Folcey is not only the best student of the class, having arrived not too long before yourself, but also tall, handsome and powerful with raw magical talent. With fair skin, strong features and lengthy auburn hair, he has the eyes of every girl in the school; even you can't help but find him cute in a schoolboy kind of way.

"He's so dreamy," Aurelia says with a wistful sigh.

"Maybe you should go and talk to him," you say with a smile, nudging her a little.

"No! Absolutely NOT!" she says, then in a fit of worry that she may have spoken too loudly and gotten his attention, pulls you behind a large shrub. "As if he'd be interested in speaking to me at all!"

"You never know," you say. "He's nice. You're nice. You could have a lot more in common."

Her face turns red. "Y-you think so?"

"I could ask him for you."

"No!" she insists, then reconsiders. "Well..."

>Push on towards the college; we can't worry about boys now!
>Push her towards Nathaniel when he draws near
>Walk out and talk to him and see how he is doing
>Observe him and let him pass as you two hide
>Other

>>3039114
>Walk out and talk to him and see how he is doing

Fine. I'll talk with him then. You scardy cat

>>3039114
>>Push her towards Nathaniel when he draws near
It is the duty of a proprer gal pal.

>>3039114
>>Walk out and talk to him and see how he is doing

>>3039114
>Push her towards Nathaniel when he draws near
>Walk out and talk to him and see how he is doing

Can do both

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>>3039123
>>3039136
>>3039142
>>3039143

You stick your eyes out from behind the bush and note how long it will be before he is near.

"It's fine, we can talk to him... together!"

With an arm around her shoulders, before she can protest, you thrust her and yourself out in the open and with a few strides end up directly in his path, seemingly accidentally nearly bumping into him. "Oh! Nathaniel! I'm sorry, we didn't see you there!"

He puts his hands up and smiles. "It's fine," he insists, and you and he exchange good mornings. He does the same to your friend, though Auri nervously averts her eyes.

"How are you today?" you ask him, keeping your arm around her waist as support.

"Honestly, never better," he says with a bright smile. "I've had a fantastic morning."

"Oh? How so?"

"I had a dream last night about passing the test. I don't know what it was about it, but I feel like it was a premonition, a vision of some kind, you know?"

"Well, I don't think that'll surprise anyone," you say in a flattering manner.

"M-maybe it's destiny!" Auri chimes in, then blushes and looks away. You smile and cannot help but surpress a giggle; you know she's a romantic at heart and talks about destiny often in relation to finding her 'one true love.'

"Hah, maybe," he says. "I'm going to head to the Fire Wing to get some practice in before the exams."

"You aren't worried about tiring yourself out?" you ask.

"I don't think so," he says, rubbing his chin. "I feel like I've got energy to burn. It'll be a warmup, you know?"

>Wish him well on the exams, then part ways
>Ask him if he would like some company on his walk
>Join him for his warmup
>Push Auri into walking with him while you excuse yourself
>Other

>>3039205
>Ask him if he would like some company on his walk

>>3039205
>>Push Auri into walking with him while you excuse yourself

>>3039205
>Push Auri into walking with him while you excuse yourself

>>3039205
>>Join him for his warmup
>>Push Auri into walking with him
Why don't we join you?

>>3039205
>>Push Auri into walking with him while you excuse yourself

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>>3039213
>>3039243
>>3039292

"Perhaps we should all head over to the Fire Wing?" you suggest. He eagerly nods his head, and Auri does as well after a moment. As the three of you start walking, you put your master plan into action and suddenly stop. "Oh, no!" you say, reaching into your satchel and digging around for nothing while making it look the opposite.

"What is it?" Nathaniel asks.

"I forgot something!" you say, lying through your teeth. "I'm so sorry, I need to run back to get it!"

Auri's eyes go wide as she suddenly realizes what is about to happen, but before she can protest you are already running in the opposite direction. "I'll catch up at the college!" you call out over your shoulder, leaving her with him.

Once around the corner, you giggle to yourself at your own antics. You know that Auri probably won't manage to squeak out a word to him during their walk, but at least she's interracting with him on some level.

You take another route towards the college, ensuring that you don't run into them enroute. More and more students that you recognize are heading towards the campus, some wearing robes while others are dressed in their battle garments.

One student in particular that you manage to pick out is wearing an elaborate white-golden dress to compliment her half-elven beauty; alongside her is a somewhat scrappy-looking human girl with short black hair wearing a mage's outfit that looks more suited to brawling than spellcasting.

As it turns out, these two happen to be two of your best friends, Sybeth and Helen.

"I just can't believe you don't see the importance in looking your best!" Sybeth says with a hand on her chest. "The teachers are looking for spectacle!"

"They're going to be looking all the same," Helen points out. She sticks a finger at Beth and continues, "All you're going to end up doing is getting your dress all dirty!"

"Hmph, I don't see how I would manage that; my techniques have been refined and perfected. There isn't a single more graceful student at Bratia, and you know it!"

"This isn't a fashion show."

"It might as well be!" she insists.

"Girls, girls, girls!" you say as you approach them. "Again with this? It's exam day! Why be at each other's throats over clothing?"

Helen rubs her nose with her hands, which are bound in protective wrapping, not unlike a boxer. "Sure, but when I pass all the same, I'll have proven my point that what you're wearing doesn't count."

"Nonsense," Sybeth says. "You can't just go through life without trying to impress your superiors! It makes you stand out from the crowd; instead of being just another face in the ranks, you're a shining star!"

You get between them before the argument can get more heated. Despite how sophisticated Sybeth is and how down-to-earth Helen is, you often find yourself playing the role of the peace broker. Though, the term 'group mom' is also apt.

"Come on, Merry, you get what I'm saying, right?" Helen asks. "You dressed practical."

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>>3039337

>Try to change the subject
>Agree with Helen; what you wear shouldn't be important
>Agree with Sybeth; what you wear is important
>You both have good points, but what matters is dedication
>Other

>>3039338
>Try to change the subject

What are they planning to do after the exam ?

>>3039338
>>Try to change the subject

>>3039338
>>Try to change the subject
What are you planning for after we pass?

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>>3039348
>>3039357
>>3039372

Putting aside this silly argument about what to wear, you instead change the subject. "What are you girls planning on doing after the exam?"

"A celebration, naturally," Sybeth replies.

Helen folds her arms and grins. "Drinks, music and boys? I can get behind that."

The three of you giggle as you begin walking towards the college. "Speaking of which," you say, "Auri and I just ran into Nathaniel on the way here."

Sybeth practically swoons at the mention of his name. "Really? Where is he now?"

"I sent her off to walk with him," you say with a mischievous grin.

"You didn't!" Helen says, covering her mouth. "The look on her face must've been priceless!"

"Why don't you ever do that sort of thing for me?" Sybeth asks.

"Because you can handle boys on your own," you point out.

She gets a smug look on her face. "You bet I can."

Helen's sharp tongue quickly fires off a reply. "Then why haven't YOU asked him out?"

To your right, Beth fumes at her, "I'm simply waiting for the right moment! That's all!"

You roll your eyes as the three of you walk the rest of the way to the college grounds.

The Bratia College of Elemental Study is the most fantastic place you have ever been. Large, ornate and separated into five incredible wings, each named after a chief and powerful element, the structure is grander than any you could have imagined. When you first arrived here, you thought that it was more fitting for a king's castle than a school!

How nervous you were those first few days. You felt like a child lost in hallways that threatened to swallow you up and spit you out. Were it not for the three wonderful friends you made, you likely wouldn't have pressed on like you have. Though Helen and Sybeth are often at odds with each other, the three of you and Aurelia have formed a powerful bond, helping each other study and adapt to the difficult and demanding curriculum.

As the three of you enter the school's central grounds alongside many other students, passing beneath its massive arch entryway, you discuss with them what do to in the meantime before the exams are to begin.

>Find Aurelia
>Split up from the others
>See if Sophelia is anywhere to be seen
>Speak to one of your teachers
>Other

>>3039453
>Find Aurelia

You must gather your party before venturing forth

>>3039453
>>Find Aurelia

>>3039453
>Find Aurelia

>>3039453
>>Find Aurelia

>>3039453
>>See if Sophelia is anywhere to be seen
Tell her how beautiful she is, how much you love her, wish her all the bests on the test and express how you hope to be in the same class next semester.

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>>3039471
>>3039486
>>3039551
>>3039568

Scanning your eyes around the courtyard, none of you see Aurelia.

"Knowing her, she scattered as soon as they reached the school," Helen says.

"But where did she run off to?" Sybeth wonders aloud.

The three of you look at each other and all at once say, "Library."

The college's library is a fascinating place, designed in concentric circles rather than rows of shelves. Maintained by a tall entity with grey skin from a realm of order, whose word is absolute and whose sorting methods demand nothing short of perfection, the three of you quietly sneak past him to find Aurelia sitting at her favorite table.

The three of you sit down at the table, each of you taking up one of its sides as she looks up. Here, only whispers are permitted, and so she whispers to you, "What could you have possibly left behind?"

"Oh, it turns out I had it all along," you say with a wave of your hand, though this makes her puff up slightly with red cheeks.

"So, how was the walk?" Helen asks. "Did you two have a nice conversation?"

"I don't want to talk about it," she replies, burying her face in her book so that only her elven ears are sticking out.

Helen leans close to one of those ears. "Did you two... hold hands?"

The three of you giggle as Aurelia nearly slams her book on the table, causing a loud, "Shush!" to drift over from where the librarian is sorting books.

"Nothing happened!" she insists in a desperate whisper. "Why are you torturing me? I don't need this on the day we're being tested!"

"Calm down," Sybeth implores her, putting her hand on hers. "We're only having fun. You know you've got our full support when it comes to the test."

Helen grins. "Yeah! If only one of us were to make it--which totally isn't the case, since we're all going to ace it--it would be you. You're the smart one!"

"Just breathe," you say, and she takes a deep breath before smiling and thanking you three, having put the embarassing situation behind her.

"I don't know why I'm so nervous," she admits. "We're all where we belong."

Your smile falters slightly. Her words strike a chord within you, reminding you that you are in fact not where you belong. You being here may be the result of Sirena's wishes, but you got in with a forged invitation to the school, one that was supposed to be for Francis Langley. You look up at the friends you have made during your time here; without lying about the invitation, you wouldn't have met them, and none of them know it.

>We should come up with a plan.
>Let's head over to the testing grounds and see who's going to be partnered with who
>Everyone holds hands and you'll cast a blessing
>Express your own doubts about the test
>Other

>>3039597
>>Everyone holds hands and you'll cast a blessing
funny I was going to suggest this in a write in

>>3039597
>Everyone holds hands and you'll cast a blessing

>>3039597
>>Everyone holds hands and you'll cast a blessing

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>>3039621
>>3039629
>>3039633

You put your hands on the table. "Everyone, hold hands," you tell them, and they immediately do so. This won't be the first time you've cast a collective blessing upon them, and it certainly won't be the last. You close your eyes and through your prayer you evoke the power of one of the pillars of the First Faith, Ashara, goddess of kindness, joy and friendship. This blessing of happiness raises all of your moods while putting aside any worries or doubts.

After finishing the prayer, you all gather in a group hug, each holding tightly onto each other for a few seconds before parting and making for the exit. Once outside the library, you all chat enthusiastically about the exam, moods bolstered by the blessing you bestowed. Even Aurelia is back to her usual optimistic and delightful demeanor.

All of that threatens to change, however, as your party rounds a corner only to come face-to-face with Sophilia Lovelocke and her flock of fawning followers.

Noble-born and as wickedly cruel as she is drop-dead beautiful, she turns up her nose at the sight of you. "Well, well, well, look what we have here," she says for the benefit of her groupies, "the first four to fail the exams." They all laugh in a condescending manner, made only slightly less stinging by the fact that you know they would laugh at and agree with whatever she says.

"The exams haven't even started yet!" Helen says, but you hold up your hand to stop her.

Sophilia scoffs. "Yes, do keep that animal in line. You know, I've always thought you looked more suited to farm work than magic." Again her cronies all laugh at her joke, mocking and jeering you with rude gestures and sneers.

>Ignore her and walk away
>Challenge her to a magic duel!
>Insult her back
>Wish her luck on the exams; kill her with kindness
>Other

>>3039716
>>Wish her luck on the exams; kill her with kindness

>>3039716
>>Wish her luck on the exams; kill her with kindness

>>3039716
>>Wish her luck on the exams; kill her with (super creepy) kindness
I lurv you, yoor soo purty. I wish you'd let me lick your feet. (Pretending you're saying it to Mistress Sirena)

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>>3039722
>>3039741
>>3039781

You stare at her hard, taking in her sharp features, her dazzling eyes, her lucious lips and amble bosom. Aside from her cruelty, she reminds you of your mistress in so many ways, and so you have recently come up with a plan with that likeness in mind. Sophilia feeds upon negative attention; it emboldens her. Not at all like your mistress, who is kind and sweet and loving. Why not throw some of that very same love her way?

With a warm smile, you say, "If only we were as beautiful and smart as you, Sophilia."

She is about to reply when suddenly she stops as if only truly hearing your words for the first time. She blinks in confusion, as do her minions and your friends. Her mouth parts and she is only able to say, "I... what?"

"I have no doubt that you will pass, but even so I wish you all the luck and blessings in the world on your test. I can't tell you how much I hope we're going to be in the same class next semester."

Her brow furrows in frustrated confusion. "You... I, I mean, obviously! I'm superior to you in every way."

"Yes, you are," you say, taking a step closer. In your mind's eye, you replace her face with that of your mistress and speak as though to her. "In fact, I have begun to realize how deeply my feelings for you are. You're just so beautiful and perfect. I wish to worship you, love you, be punished by you... Would you let me?"

She is stunned and at a loss for words; the same goes for all in attendance. Finally she manages to collect herself. "As... as if I would allow myself to be degraded in such a manner! You, you filthy peasant! You, you're disgusting, you..."

"More, please," you beg her, kneeling in front of her. "Please!"

"Gah!" she says, pushing back against her followers as she moves away from you. "Pathetic, miserable wretch! This isn't what I wanted at all! I, I... Ugh!" She throws her hands out and storms away, with her confused pack following after.

You smile as you stand up and your friends rush to your side.

"What... was... THAT?" Sybeth says with an astonished look on her face. "I can't believe I just heard you say all of that!"

"That was hot," Helen compliments. "You should've seen the look on her face! Priceless!"

Aurelia's face is burning red, half-hidden by the book she is clutching to her chest, but you can tell by her slight hopping that she is happy with how you made that blueblooded bully retreat.

"I guess she didn't like it," you say with a shrug as your friends giggle madly. "And here I thought people liked being told they're beautiful." The four of you walk off, laughing, still feeling the effects of the blessing you cast; perhaps even moreso after that display.

>Head to the exam grounds
>Warm up in the Fire Wing
>Prepare with meditation
>Speak with one of your teachers
>Other

>>3039852
>>Head to the exam grounds

>>3039852
>>Head to the exam grounds

>>3039852
>Head to the exam grounds

>>3039852
>>Prepare with meditation

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>>3039873
>>3039900
>>3039928

The exams today are due to take place in the Air Wing, the largest and most wide-open space in the academy. The Air Wing is a raised field of immaculately close-cut grass, on which many lines have been painted. The students due to be tested today, about seventy in all, are gathering on the field. Some are practicing certain spells while others are focusing on mental preparation; some are casually chatting with others, much like Nathaniel, who is surrounded by a group of his peers as they eagerly anticipate watching his test.

On one end of the field, the teachers are gathered. The Bratia College employs a diverse group of mages who specialize in different fields, as well as more than a few generalists, but all are divided into different groups who manage the five wings of the school. Each wing has a Head Instructor, and in turn the five Head Instructors all report to the Headmistress, the overseer of the entire college.

You and your friends keep to yourselves as you join the others. In the distance, you can see Sophilia standing with her arms folded, not staring at you but intentionally so. You know that your mindgame must've truly gotten under her skin.

Judging by the position of the sun in the sky, you have just under an hour before it is noon. Then, the tests will begin. Everyone is chatting enthusiastically about who they are going to be paired up with for the partner section; some of them already know, while others are out of the loop. You and your friends are part of the latter.

>Talk to one of your friends
>Talk to Nathaniel
>Spend what time you have left psyching yourself up
>Attempt to learn who you will be paired up with for the partner section of the exams
>Other

>>3039961
>>Spend what time you have left psyching yourself up

>>3039961
>>Spend what time you have left psyching yourself up

>>3039961
Is Blessing of Memory illegal?
Otherwise, how about a relaxing massage to calm your nerves? If your friends aren't into it perhaps your magic wand can help.

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>>3039978
>>3039979

You spend the next half-hour or so mentally preparing yourself. Your thoughts turn to your beloved brother Ben and your mistress Sirena, as well as the many other wonderful people you have come to know ever since she entered your life. You remind yourself that what you do here you do for them. The anticipation of hearing her bestow her approval and praise upon you, of her taking pride in what you have accomplished here, is more than enough to prepare you for whatever trial may come.

Of course, you are not walking into this blindly. You know something of how the exam shall proceed: there is to be a solo portion, in which you are judged by one of the teachers, and then there is to be a portion in which you must perform with or against a partner of their choosing. You will be judged by a teacher you have learned from, a master of their own respective school of magic, and they will be grading you based on your form, knowledge and the time it takes you to do as they instruct.

Your friends are following your example, remaining stoic as they too prepare for the exam, each in their own way. Helen, more physically adept and athletic, prefers to perform a variety of stretches. Sybeth, lovely and personable, strikes up several conversations with other students. As can be expected of Aurelia, she is reading.

Finally, the time comes. The students gather as the teachers stand upon a raised platform on which there is a podium. A male gnome stands upon a small stack of boxes so that he may speak, and his voice, though slightly high in pitch, is amplified to reach across the field so that all students may hear it. He is Professor Corbis, a master in illusion magic, and the Head Instructor of the Air Wing.

Firstly he wishes everyone good luck, comments briefly upon the ideal weather for today's exam, and then gets down to business and reads off the names of students who will be tested under which instructor.

>Roll 1d100 to be assigned a grader!

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>3040117

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>>3040152

You listen carefully for your name. There are a few teachers whom you would rather enjoy being tested by, but unfortunately you are not among the names called for any of them. Instead, you are set to be graded by Professor Kelmaris, a wood elf wizard and arcanist of the Fire Wing.

You gulp. Evocation and Elementalism are not schools you have studied heavily in. Thankfully, you remember that he specializes in Abjuration, which you spent plenty of time studying at the behest of Sirena. You and four other students are called for him, including Aurelia--but also Sophilia. She hooks a nasty sneer in your direction, but you merely smile and nod your head in her direction.

Professor Kelmaris is a calm individual with a seemingly relaxed attitude, but he always stands very straight and is exceedingly professional. You recall him as being very patient, but not very expressive. Once the five of you are standing before him in your own section of the field, he raises a single finger towards the sky for a moment and considers his options before pointing directly at you.

"You first."

'Well, this is it,' you think, approaching him. In accordance with the customs of the college, you raise your palms upwards while keeping your fingers pressed together and your elbows strictly glued to your sides, a traditional greeting among mages.

"Merriam, is it not?"

"Yes, professor."

"Show me your shield."

With a combination of arcane words and physical motion with your hands, you summon a shimmering shield in front of you, holding one palm out in front of you to sustain it. The professor looks at it before raising his staff and tapping it, testing the strength of its force. Satisfied, he commands you to lower it.

"Now, raise it again." You do so again, and when he commands you to drop it, you do so. "And again."

'This is just a mind game,' you reason, focusing on going through the motions of casting the spell. However, this time a sudden gust of wind hits you in the face, causing your hair to splay outwards and you to fumble on your words. The shield does not come out a third time and you look at the teacher in confusion.

The extent of his expression is an arch of his brow. At first you think it may have been Sophilia, but the professor would have caught it; no, he is the one who cast it.

"You lost focus," he explains. "Try not to do so again."

Your stomach tightens slightly and you curse your luck at being chosen first. The other four now know that he might mess with them as they cast their spells and get them to lose their focus. Surely he wouldn't count this first example as a point against you?

After you raise the shield unhindered, you lower it at his order. He then explains, "I am going to cast a spell at you. Improvise and use an abjuration spell to protect yourself."

He raises his staff and prepares to launch his spell, leaving you very little time to prepare and react.

>Shield
>Minor Counterspell
>Mage Armor
>Protection from Energy
>Other

>>3040230
>>Minor Counterspell

>>3040230
>>Minor Counterspell
I suppose this is safest since its not really a reaction if we plan our move before he actually does anything.

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>>3040248
>>3040451

He casts his spell and you raise your hands, rapidly but precisey speaking the commands for a counterspell. The projectile, an arcane bolt that would have hurt had it hit you, flies to your palm and dissolves into a mote of light that vanishes in an instant. Countered perfectly, as if it were out of a textbook.

He seems to agree as well. Nearby, Aurelia claps, but stops when Sophilia shoots her a look. The professor lowers his staff.

"Now, do the same to me."

"You want me to shoot you?"

His eyebrow arches. "I want you to demonstrate your arcane bolt. If you are worried about my safety, perhaps you'd like to be reminded of who is the teacher and who is the student."

"No! That is, I am prepared," you insist, before taking out your wand and casting your arcane bolt at him. He raises his hand and captures the spell, holding the magical energy in his hand and inspecting it almost like one would inspect a jewel.

"Now, I am going to redirect your energy," he says, then immediately does so without further warning.

Though surprised, you manage to counterspell it again, perhaps due to you being on edge ever since that initial gust of wind. The spell vanishes into the palm of your open hand.

"Good," he says, taking out a parchment and writing a few things down with a pen that he dips in a small well of ink that floats alongside him. "We are done. You pass this phase of the exam."

You breathe a sigh of relief and walk back to Aurelia, who gives you a hug. You catch Sophilia's glare before she huffs and turns back towards the instructor, who calls up one of the other students in your group.

"You did great," Aurelia says. "If I do half as good as you, I'm sure to pass."

The first student called up seems to do rather well, and she is given a passing grade. The second student, however, starts off very poorly, messing up on two of her spells. The teacher seems unimpressed, however she seems to get her act together and pull through, earning a pass at this phase--narrowly.

Professor Kelmaris turns towards Aurelia and points. "You next."

She gulps, looks towards you for support, then steps forward.

You silently cheer her on from the sidelines as he has her demonstrate a shield. She attempts to cast the spell, but fails to do so; her verbage is spot-on but the positioning of her hands is all wrong. A shield appears but then pops out of existence like a bubble. She tries again, and fails again.

Unfortunately this has an increasingly negative affect on her, as she begins breathing heavily and sweating. Her nervousnous is threatening to overwhelm her as she builds up the pressure in her mind.

'Oh, no,' you think as the teacher cocks his brow. Sophilia looks very amused and pleased. 'I have to do something!'

>Encourage her with words
>Cast a spell on her
>Attempt to cast the spell for her without the teacher noticing
>Create a distraction
>Other

>>3040489
>Cast a spell on her
Blessing of Memory

>Encourage her with words
This always works in my javanese puppet shows.

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>>3040517

Raising your hands while trying to be as subtle as possible, you prepare to bestow her with a blessing of memory. With it, she should surely be able to remember her proper hand placements and--

Suddenly, a tight grip on your wrist wrenches your hand upwards. Sophilia!

"Ah-ah! No outside assistance! It's sink or swim, and she's going to get eaten by the sharks!"

You tear your hand from her grasp, but don't dignify her with a response. Instead you call out to Aurelia. "Auri! Just calm down and focus! I know you can!"

She hears you and takes a few deep breaths, though her knees continue to shake. She raises her hand and tries one last time to cast the spell... and fails.

Her head casts downwards. "I can't do it..." she says, covering her face in shame. The teacher makes a few marks on his parchment as Aurelia turns and runs.

"I would catch her if I were you," the teacher tells you. "Failure is only contingent on failing both halves of the exam, and if she is not present for the next portion she will fail it by default."

"What?" Sophilia says. "How can you fail HALF of the exam and still pass?! Outragious!"

You ignore her comment and go after Aurelia, who has already cleared the Air Wing. You find her behind one of the columns in the fifth hall, quietly sobbing to herself.

"Hey, hey," you whisper, sitting next to her. "It's okay..."

"No, it isn't!" she says through the tears.

"Auri, listen. Professor Kelmaris just told me that you only fail if you fail both portions of the exam. You can still make it through this!"

"What's the point?" she says after a moment. "I already couldn't do a simple shield spell. A shield spell! If I messed up on that, how could I possibly perform when someone else is going to be relying on me? Face it, Merry, I let everyone down..."

>Who did you let down?
>Help her with her hand gestures
>Bestow a blessing
>You'll talk with a teacher and try to ensure you are her partner
>Other

>>3040600
>>Who did you let down?
>reassure her that everyone stumbles and makes mistakes, you let the most important person in the world to you (sirena) get hurt many times.

>>3040600
>Who did you let down?
>Bestow a blessing

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>>3040640
>>3040646

"Who did you let down? You know that me and the girls would support you no matter what."

"It's not that," she says. "My family... I love them and I'm here for them, I wanted to make them proud..."

"I'm sure they are," you say, pulling her under your arm. "Everyone makes mistakes, Auri. What really matters is how you pick yourself up and dust yourself off."

She sniffles. "I know, it's just... I felt so helpless and everyone was staring and, and--"

"Shhh," you cut her off. "Nevermind all of that. You're not out of this yet!"

"I don't know if I can go..."

"Well, I'm not going up there without you, so if they call your name and you aren't there, then neither am I."

"B-but you'd fail! You can't!"

"Not without you," you say, pulling her to a standing position. You walk with her back out onto the field, towards the teacher, who is finished with his grades.

Sophilia brushes a lock of hair past her ear and gives a superior smile. "Ah, look who's back, the complete and utter failure. I, of course, performed flawlessly, but then again there was never any question. Honestly, why even show your pathetic mewling little face around here again? We already saw you run away crying once."

You ignore her and push on towards Helen and Sybeth, both of whom passed. You quietly explain what happened and they both give Aurelia a comforting hug and some words of advice.

"Your diction was perfect," you explain to her. "But your handiwork was all wrong."

"Too many books and not enough muscle memory," Helen says with a frown.

"S-so what do I do?" she asks. "I c-can't fail this next portion. I can't!"

"Try this," you say, bestowing on her a blessing of memory. "We all know how smart you are, Auri, but now isn't the time for booksmarts. You need to focus on your hands and fingers."

"Okay," she says, managing to calm down. "I think... I think I can do this."

"Don't think you can do it!" Sybeth implores. "KNOW you can do it! Just like we do."

Up on the podium, they prepare to announce the student-teacher placements for the next portion of the exams.

>Roll 1d100 to be assigned a grader!

>>3040600
>Who did you let down?

>Help her with her hand gestures
no blessings

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>3040702

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>3040702

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>3040702

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>>3040705
>>3040711
>>3040736

Again the names are called and again you are given a teacher with whom you have little experience. 'Is this all intentional?' you wonder as you approach the group you have been assigned. Though you are comforted by the presence of your friend Helen, Aurelia is alone; Sybeth was assigned to another group along with Sophilia. Perhaps the one silver lining to the situation is that Nathaniel was placed in Aurelia's group; hopefully, he will help her.

Your instructor is a winter elf from the frozen north named Professor Haykos. You do not know what it is about the winter elves, but they seem to lack any kind of sense of humor. Though you would have preferred the other winter elf teacher, Professor Mirwen, Haykos isn't known to be unfair...

He allows the four of you to pick your own partner, and you and Helen immediately pick each other, forcing the other two to do the same. You and she share a quick grin before awaiting instruction.

Thankfully the other team goes first, which will give you and Helen a chance to see what is in store. As it turns out, he is testing your knowledge of illusion and transmutation, and will be pitting the two of you against each other. You watch as the first team are made to compete against each other by attempting to use combinations of the two schools of magic to transform themselves and create lifelike illusions.

You swallow. You know a few minor illusion spells, but nothing significant. Your focus on abjuration carried you through the earlier test. 'Why couldn't I have gotten one of the teachers in holy magic?'

When they are done, you and Helen step forward, greet the teacher, and then greet each other.

Then, you are commanded to begin while you are in the midst of coming up with a good combination of spells to impress.

>Minor Image and Ghost Sound
>Ghost Sound and Rainbow
>Arcane Mark and Obscure Page
>Prestidigitation and Cosmetic Change
>Other

>>3040778
>Prestidigitation and Cosmetic Change

>>3040778
>Ghost Sound and Rainbow
What could be more impressive than a Magical Musical Rainbow?

But if we're going for realistic then I suppose one of the other choices is better.

>>3040778
>>Prestidigitation and Cosmetic Change

>>3040778
>>Prestidigitation and Cosmetic Change

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>>3040782
>>3040799
>>3040839

Thinking quickly, you use prestidigitation to create a small puff of smoke and then change your hair to black and eyes to brown to match Helen perfectly. Picking up on your lead, she does the same, turning her hair bright red and her eyes bright green.

Next, Helen casts an illusion spell and conjures a man in a dress suit, looking like he is on his way to a ball. Following her lead in turn, you cast minor image and create a lovely woman, and together they join in a dance.

Knowing that you must escalate this, you put your lips together a whistle a tune, enhancing it with ghost sound in order to make it seem as though it is coming from above. Helen, in turn, creates a series of small golden lights that dance above the conjured couple, dangling like stars in the sky.

She follows it up with an illusory cloud that she summons rain from, washing away the illusions down below. Seeing the perfect opportunity for a finale using a spell you once learned in the presence of your mistress and made better with time, you cast out both of your hands and send a rainbow soaring over the pair, glittering in the sky as the raincloud vanishes.

You and she both return your hair to its proper color, bow to each other, and then to him.

Though he was very clearly not amused by the antics, despite the fact that you two managed to almost make a story of your tricks, he writes his notes on the paper and gives you both a passing grade. You and Helen are giddy with excitement, holding onto each other as you bounce in place before remembering that the others may need your support. Helen goes off to bind Sybeth as you search for Aurelia.

You find her sitting by herself holding her knees close to her chest. Your heart sinks at the sight, but you hold your breath and approach her, kneeling down alongside her.

"Auri?" you say, barely above a whisper.

She looks at you and manages a faint smile. "I passed."

You throw your arms around her and squeeze and squeeze, telling her that you knew she could do it. "Did Nathaniel help?"

"Not directly," she replies, looking over at him. He's talking to several other students; fans of his. "He just did what he had to do, knowing he could do it, so I tried to put myself in the same frame of mind."

"Well it worked," you say, pulling her up to her feet. "See? Was there ever really any--"

Suddenly, a green explosion nearby draws both of your attention. It seems like Sophilia and Sybeth, being tested on their knowledge of elementalism, got a little too involved and it escalated. A teacher steps in and has them separated.

"Oh, no," Aurelia whispers. "We weren't supposed to use spells that size. What if Beth is failed because of this?"

"I didn't see who slung it. It might've just been a reaction of two spells meeting that shouldn't have met," you say. Helen jogs up to you both and you ask her if she saw what happened.

"No, it was too fast," she says.

>>3040846

>Find Beth
>Talk to a teacher
>Wait for results of the exam
>Attempt to grill Sophilia
>Other

>>3040846
>Find Beth

>>3040848
>Find Beth

>>3040848
>Find Beth

>>3040848
>Find Beth

>>3040846
Go blow kisses at sophilia, cheering her on creepily.

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>>3040852
>>3040880
>>3041075
>>3041187

It doesn't take long for the three of you to find where Beth was taken. She's on one end of the field, separated from Sophilia, under the watch of one of the teachers, a female half-elf.

When asked to speak with Beth, the professor nods and says, "Make it quick."

Beth seems upset and impatient, which is understandable. She stands with her arms folded and her chin held high as she taps one foot. "I can't believe that blueblooded tramp. It's all her fault."

You nod, immediately taking her side on the matter. "What happened?"

"I went for a simple firebolt and she was supposed to counter it with a wall of water. Instead, she cast a field of greenflame gas! But she also cast her water wall, trying to make it look like I was the one who messed up and cast the wrong spell. And to top it all off, of course she's insisting she did nothing."

"Well, that green explosion speaks for itself," Helen points out. "I'm sure the teachers will take your side in the matter."

However, the matter remains unresolved for the time being. The teachers make an announcement that the exams are ended and the students have the rest of the day off. As for the results, individual students are aware of whether they passed or failed; the only question is Sybeth and Sophilia, both of whom aced the first portion but the calamity that arose during the latter is still unknown.

You and your friends are at your favorite elven cafe, discussing the results of the exam. Aurelia is more than happy that the primary focus shifted away from her failing the first portion to the incident during the second, but you make sure to give her a supporting hand squeeze regardless.

"This is outrageous," Sybeth says, taking a long swing of a particularly strong tea. She nearly slams the empty cup back upon the leaf-like table. "How dare that Sophilia try to sabotage my test! I can't believe the teachers didn't immediately kick her out of the school."

"Should've sent her ass to the streets," Helen agrees.

"If she ruined my exam, I swear I'll make her pay," Sybeth says, a burning fire in her eyes.

>Come up with a plan to get back at Sophilia
>Let's wait for the results of your exam first
>What if it wasn't Sophilia?
>We should try and talk to some of the teachers.
>Other

>>3041286
>>Let's wait for the results of your exam first

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>3041286
>try contact Sirena to ask for advice

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>>3041292
>>3041293

"Maybe we should wait and see what the results of the exam are before we plot for revenge," you suggest. While they generally agree, you wonder if there is an outside source whose opinion you would value.

Excusing yourself, you slip into a nearby alley and find a hidden spot, then withdraw your knife. Enchanted to sap the life of any it is used upon the return it to you in the form of healing, using it on yourself seems paradoxical--except for the fact that it still causes pain, which is exactly what you need to get the attention of your mistress.

You slide the blad along your left palm, cutting it open and allowing the blood to flow onto the silver blade. However, the wound seals as quickly as it opens, despite how stinging it is.

A moment later, you hear a voice in your head, that of your beloved mistress.

"Merriam? What are you doing? Are you cutting yourself?"

"My apologies. I needed to get your attention."

"Ah... well, you have it. Is something wrong?"

"Yes and no. Today we had our first quarter exams, and I passed. But do you remember that girl I told you about? She may have interfered with my friend's second trial, and now we don't know if she is to pass."

Sirena listens patiently, as she always does. She's so wise and beautiful, just thinking about her makes you weak in the knees...

When you finish speaking, she considers your words before replying. "I see... Tell me, Merriam, has word reached Youngwater yet about the high elven princess?"

"No... isn't she on the moon?"

"Not anymore. In fact, Ben and I rescued her. He's being hailed as a hero all throughout the high elven kingdom."

Your heart flutters in your chest. "Really?"

"Yes indeed. I imagine that word will reach your town shortly. Perhaps you could use this to your advantage. You're a clever one, so I don't doubt it."

"Amazing," you say as you feel Sirena's presence slipping away. Suddenly, Helen calls your name into the alleyway, and so you put the knife away and step outside to give them the news.

"What? Your brother?" Sybeth asks. "He went to the moon and saved the princess?"

"It is fairly tall for a tale," Helen points out.

"It's true, I swear it," you tell them. "Just wait until word from the north comes!"

Aurelia's eyes are wide; she instantly believes every word of it. "That means your brother is a hero! Like, the kind they write stories about! Rescuing a princess trapped on the moon... oh, it sounds so romantic!"

"Oh, stop," you say, lightly pushing her shoulder.

"If it is true, you'll be the talk of the school, Ms. Cutter," Sybeth points out. "Oh, I'd like to see Sophilia try and cope with not being the center of attention..."

>Let's see what the word around town is.
>We should go and find her.
>Let's meet up later this evening.
>We should return to the college.
>Other

>>3041335
>Let's see what the word around town is.

Lets go for a walk. See if there is any nice magical items we can buy

>>3041335
>We should go and find her.

>>3041335
>Let's see what the word around town is.

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>>3041340
>>3041369

Deciding to get up and go for a walk around town, you are bombarded with questions from your curious friends. "Who is your brother? Is he cute? How come you haven't talked about him before? Does he like girls with short hair? How did he get to the moon? Is he rich and famous now?"

Brushing off most of the questions, you proceed towards the marketplace. Eventually the subject changes from your brother to throwing a party in celebration of both the princess' rescue and everyone passing--even if Beth's status remains in question.

In the midst of looking at some particularly pretty bracelets, suddenly there is a commotion through the town that sweeps like wildfire--the news just hit. Ben Cutter, Mary Beaumont and Lady Silverwind--those are the three names that everyone is suddenly talking about. The town crier makes an official declaration of the princess' return to the high elven king and queen and the reward for her return no longer being offered. Now the streets are rife with lively discussion; who are these mysterious heroes?

Sybeth, perhaps enjoying rumors and gossip a bit too much, lets it slip to a pair of women that Ben Cutter is your brother, and from there everything spirals out of control. While you could handle your friends asking you questions, now random people in town are practically swarming to get a chance to talk to the sister of the one who saved the high elven princess!

With the aid of some magic, you and your friends manage to escape, hiding behind a store in the marketplace. Everyone pants and takes a moment to catch their breath.

"Thanks, Beth," you say dryly.

She raises a palm and bows her head. "Sorry, dear. I was just so caught up in the excitement. I certainly didn't think that would happen..."

"Who knew elves could be so frantic?" Helen says, taking a few deep breaths. Poor Aurelia, not very physically inclined, is leaning against her for support.

>Sneak back home
>Everyone split up; meet at the college
>Hide until the heat dies down
>Assume a magical disguise
>Other

>>3041429
>Sneak back home

>>3041429
>Sneak back home

>>3041429
>Sneak back home

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>>3041441
>>3041485
>>3041510

Through clever use of alleys and dashing from cover to cover, you split up from the others and make your way back home with the promise to talk to them soon. Once inside, you close the door behind you take a deep breath; finally, some privacy.

More than usual, in fact. Kay seems to have followed up on his word and is out! That means you have the house all to yourself. But what to do?

>Commune with Sirena
>Read a book
>Invite someone over
>Prepare to host a celebration
>Other

>>3041546
>Commune with Sirena
>Prepare to host a celebration

>>3041546#
>Commune with Sirena
>Prepare to host a celebration

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>>3041549
>>3041556

Sitting down in the center of the room, you once more withdraw your knife to commune with Sirena. The pain is bitter, but it also brings sweetness, for it allows you to speak with her.

Her voice echoes back into your mind. "Yes, Merriam?"

"It was as you said; news reached Youngwater of you and Ben. One of my friends mentioned I was Ben's sister and it seemed like the whole town suddenly wanted a piece of me."

"Fame can do that," she says in a knowing tone. "The commoners so crave excitement and being part of history that they will latch onto anything even remotely related to it. If you're not careful, they can tear you apart..."

"They won't. I have magic to protect myself."

"Yes... you passed your exam? Good. It seems Bratia models much of its curriculum after the Alakaz Academy, where I studied. You passing this first quarter exam will allow you to have access to more powerful spells, as the teachers now consider you capable of learning them. I'm very proud of you, Merriam."

Your heart pounds in your chest. "Thank you," you whisper.

She explains about the new property; Cliffbrooke Manor, and how everyone is settling in. Ben has been made into a knight, which fills you with pride over his accomplishment.

"Thank you, Mary, for everything," you say to her. "Ben is a knight, and I am a mage... I can't wait to see mother and tell her the good news, and father would be so proud."

"Yes, of course," she says in a warm tone. "He would be. I'm certain of it."

Relishing this opportunity to catch her up on recent events, you explain about your plans for the celebration that is coming this evening.

She waits for you to finish before asking, "Tell me, is this boy Nathaniel going to be there?"

"I... don't know, in all honesty. We've never invited him before."

"I'm curious about his natural talent in magic. You say that he can cast spells without speaking a word?"

"Yes, but he has something else as well; he seems to be able to change the spells he casts."

"...In what manner?"

"Well, I once saw him perform a firebolt spell, but instead of fire, it was blue and seemed to freeze the dummy he cast it upon."

"Coldfire... an advanced combination of elements. And he does so entirely with motions of his hands?"

"And his legs and the rest of his body. It's honestly quite hypnotic to watch him, almost like he is dancing."

"I see... Merriam, I want you to enthrall this young man. Ensnare him with your womanly charms, make a friend of him, hook him up with one of your friends, control his mind, I don't care how you do it, but get him in a position to where we could use him. We have only a month before Mordrax enacts his evil plot to take over the kingdom, and I'll need every asset I can get my hands on."

"I understand," you say without a second thought.

"Good... Contact me when the deed is done and he is in your inner circle. And have some fun with it~"

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>>3041606

You open your eyes and smile. Now you have your task, and you shall not fail your mistress.

>Gather your friends
>Find Kaylessa
>Search for Nathaniel
>Return to the college
>Other

>>3041609
>Search for Nathaniel

>>3041609
>Gather your friends
>Search for Nathaniel

Have Nathaniel bring some of his own friends so we cna have a real party

>>3041609
>Gather your friends
>Search for Nathaniel

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>>3041627
>>3041635
>>3041656

Gathering your belongings, you send a brief magical message to your friends to meet you in the park. Less than twenty minutes later you are gathered together, listening to your pitch.

"We need to throw a party and Nathaniel needs to be there," you tell them. "Maybe we can work some kind of angle with what my brother accomplished."

"Is your brother going to be at the party?" Helen asks.

"No... From what I understand, he's getting ready for another adventure. Something to do with a tomb."

Sybeth sighs. "Oh, well. I don't think it would be too hard to get him to come over, and he can bring some of his friends, too! We'll host it at my house, since it has the most space."

Aurelia raises her hand. "Um, which one of us is going to actually invite him?"

"I call dibs!" Helen says, raising her hand. Aurelia seems disappointed.

You put your hand on Helen's and lower it. "Now, let's work this out logically. I think Auri should be the one to do it; after all, she walked with him this morning and took part of the exam with him."

Helen pouts. "Phooey. I'd be angry if it weren't so adorable."

Aurelia blushes. "W-wait... I didn't say I wanted to do it!"

Sybeth rolls her eyes. "Oh, please, darling. It's all over your face."

The elf's strawberry cheeks turn ever more red and you put a supporting hand on her arm. "It's okay. We'll help you!"

Sybeth raises and lowers her eyebrows. "I've got the best pickup lines, trust me."

Helen shakes her head. "Nah, just go up and ask him! No fancy lines. 'Hey, we're having a party, you should come!' Boom. Done."

Sybeth scoffs. "There's no art to that. You need to imply something! Men LOVE it when you tease something they might get if they do what you want; something within grasp, but just out of reach, if you catch my meaning."

Before Aurelia is overwhelmed, you step in and say, "Let's find him first, okay?"

And so the search begins, but as you look all over town, you find no trace of him. He's not at his home, nor at the college, nor anywhere to be seen in the markets or other districts. Even with the four of you splitting up to quadruple your chances of running into him, he's simply nowhere to be found.

You meet back up in the late afternoon, each of you with no results. You put your hands on your hips. "Well, we tried it the old-fashioned way. Now let's solve this problem with magic!"

Casting a spell of minor scrying, your sight is cast outside the town of Youngwater, into the woods to the southwest. There you discover through astral eyes Nathaniel, walking down an old forest trail, with none other than Sophilia!

"He's with Sophilia! And they're alone, in the woods!" you say, sending the others into a frenzy of discussion over what it could mean.

>Continue spying on them
>We must intercept them
>Let's follow them, see where they are going
>Attempt to get ahead of them; remain hidden
>Other

>>3041717
>We must intercept them

>>3041635
are you suggesting that our pure little sapphic brocon, sister of a national hero, get involved in a drunken frat orgy?

>>3041717
>We must intercept them

>>3041735
Of course.

>>3041717
>We must intercept them

>>3041717
>>Continue spying on them
Send Aurelia for some popcorn.

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>>3041729
>>3041736
>>3041738

"We need to intercept them," you say. "They've got a good headstart on us, so what can we do?"

Aurelia raises her hand. "I know a spell," she says. "It's daily, but I could cast flight upon us."

"You know flight?" Helen asks with a whistle. "That's an advanced spell!"

"Well, I've read farther than most students of our class," she says sheepishly.

You shake your head. "Nevermind that. Can you pull it off?"

She nods and gathers the four of you into a circle. Pulling out a pice of chalk, she begins painstakingly inscribing a rune onto the stone floor of the path, creating a runic circle around all four of you.

"This is exciting," Sybeth says. "I've never flown before!"

Helen clicks her tongue. "Won't be any different than usual for you; after all, your head is always in the clouds."

Sybeth sticks her tongue out at her as Aurelia finishes up her spell. She instructs you all to place your hands in the center and place your feet upon specific runes. As you do this, she mutters the incantation and suddenly the rune begins to glow; the white chalk now becomes luminous and bright, almost blinding for a moment before vanishing.

Suddenly, you find yourself floating upwards. Helen stretches out her legs and kicks off, flying up into the sky, and everyone else follows after her. A wide smile comes to your face as you suddenly feel like a bird, soaring off into the sky. You and your friends laugh and cheer from the sheer spectacle of the moment, but you mustn't forget that you have a mission given to you by your mistress. Gathering the others, you set forth in the direction of Nathaniel and Sophilia.

Moving as you are, it doesn't take long to find them. Nathaniel's red robes stick out among the green of the forest, allowing you to pick them out and formulate a plan.

>Land in front of them as a group
>Land ahead of them; you will confront Sophilia
>Land behind them and catch up on foot
>Swoop down and pick up Nathaniel and carry him off; what's she going to do about it?
>Other

>>3041806
>Land behind them and catch up on foot

>>3041806
>Land behind them and catch up on foot

>>3041737
That's disgusting.
I thought Sirena was better than a reckless hedonist. How can she allow her prized girltoy to become a used-up public slut? How can Merriam ever intimately serve her immaculate mistress again after she's become a town bike?

Not to mention bad for public image.

>>3041806
>>Land behind them and catch up on foot
Lets just watch and listen a bit before interfering.

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>>3041809
>>3041816
>>3041888

Landing a ways behind them, the four of you keep low and sneak up behind the pair. As they walk, they talk, and you begin to hear their conversation.

Nathaniel seems to have a lot of doubt. "I don't know... I've heard a lot of bad things about it. And the school forbids it from study."

"But it is a legitimate school of magic. There is an entire realm's worth of knowledge you could incorporate into your already impressive repertoire. Just imagine the kinds of combinations you could come up with!"

"I mean, I'm curious, yeah... I just don't want to get in trouble at the school."

"Nonsense... what they don't know can't hurt them, and what you know can only make you stronger."

Helen leans in close. "What are they talking about?"

"I'm not sure, but I have a bad feeling I know," you reply, recalling a dark place that Sirena once took you to learn magic.

Sophilia continues, "It's going to be a fantastic gathering. Several other students want to learn as well! You'll hardly be alone. I've been coming here for a few weeks now, and I've learned so much more than those stuffy classrooms allow. This is real magic, practical, tested and true."

"I guess," he says, nodding along. "I mean, you make a good case for it. I think I'd like to just see it before trying it for myself."

"That's what tonight is all about," she assures him. "Just wait until you meet our teacher. He's very persuasive."

Nathaniel frowns. "I just think it's strange to be meeting in a graveyard..."

"Every class needs its raw materials for study," she replies.

Aurelia shivers. "Are they talking about...?"

Your brow furrows as your suspicions are confirmed. "Necromancy..."

>Grab Nathaniel and fly back to town!
>Follow them to this graveyard
>Step out and confront them before they reach their destination
>Attempt to use your magic to create a distraction and get Nathaniel out
>Other

>>3041950
>Attempt to use your magic to create a distraction and get Nathaniel out

>>3041950
>Attempt to use your magic to create a distraction and get Nathaniel out

>>3041950
>>Attempt to use your magic to create a distraction and get Nathaniel out
Maybe a thick fog bank with some creepy undead that you remember from Albert's lair to scare them and a beckoning Mistress Sirena to lure him towards you?
Whatever the case, if he wants necromancy, our mistress is way hotter than any creepy old dude Sophilia's been serving. Plus if he's a good boy she can grant him all sorts of goodies.

>>3041950
>>Attempt to use your magic to create a distraction and get Nathaniel out
We should seduce Sophilia. It's like a younger, more naieve Serena.

We'll be taking a short break and resuming this evening. I've got a social event to attend.

I also have tomorrow off, so we'll be running then as well!

>>3041991
That's not how this works!
We're supposed to vote on what happens at the party. You can't just go resolve it without us.

>>3042732
Ah, funny, I like you, I'll kill you last
Anyway I'm back, writing now

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>>3041956
>>3041964
>>3041974
>>3041976

You and the others gather behind a rock as you consider what to do. "We need to get him away from her. I always knew she was bad news, but necromancy? We can't let her corrupt Nathaniel with dark magic."

Helen slams a fist into a palm and cracks her knuckles. "I say we bloody her up some."

Sybeth puts a hand on her shoulder. "As much as I would love to see that after that escapade earlier, we can't just beat her up in the woods. She's well-connected and, though I loathe to admit it, her word against ours won't look good. I'd rather not get expelled over this."

Aurelia covers her eyes with her hands. "What do we do?"

"Easy," you say, and the three look at you. "We just need to not be seen by her while getting Nathaniel out. I'm sure the four of us can pull it off." You flash them a smile. "We just need to be clever."

You pull them in close and formulate a plan.

Several minutes later, as Sophilia and Nathaniel continue to walk through the forest, a sudden noise draws their attention. That would be Helen as the distraction, using an illusion spell to immitate the call of a long-horned ramtaur. Aurelia, through the use of an invisibility spell, then sneaks up on them and shines a spell of sunlight directly into her face, blinding her. That's when you and Sybeth swoop in, still making use of the flight spell, grab Nathaniel and lift off.

"What the?" he says as you two carry him away from Sophilia. "Merriam? Sybeth?"

"You can thank us later, cutie," Sybeth says. You take him to your group's rendezvous point, a bridge spanning a narrow river, and shortly both Helen and Aurelia join you.

"What's this all about?" he asks, confused.

"We're stopping you from making a big mistake," Helen replies. "Whatever can of worms Sophilia is trying to hand you, don't open it."

He reacts somewhat defensively. "I mean, you don't know that. I didn't even get to see what she wanted to show me."

>Attempt to convince Nathaniel of the foolishness of necromancy
>Let's not talk here; let's get back to town.
>We should find a hiding spot and explain.
>Use magic to hide your presence from Sophilia
>Other

>>3043562
>>Attempt to convince Nathaniel of the foolishness of necromancy

Merriam's seen it, it's pretty horrific

>>3043562
>Attempt to convince Nathaniel of the foolishness of necromancy
Speak from firsthand experience.

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>>3043584
>>3043585

Stepping forward, you put a hand on his arm and plead with him. "Nathaniel, I've seen what necromancy can do firsthand. Horribly abominations, things nature never intended... my father was killed by an undead monster."

Everyone grows quiet and his expression softens. "I had no idea," he says. "But... people die to magic all the time. Surely just because some people misuse a school doesn't mean it can be all bad."

"But there are so many other schools to learn from, ones that don't twist flesh and bone. Necromancy uses negative energy, it's dark magic. Once you step down that path, you can't ever go back..."

Aurelia nods in agreement. "It affects you in subtle ways. At first you might find the means horrifying, but over time you grow numb to it, and soon start justifying the horrible costs..."

Helen folds her arms. "I can't stand anyone who would defile a body after it's dead. Would you want your body turned into someone else's puppet? Or a family member's? People deserve a proper burial and an eternal rest."

Sybeth adds in, "There's a reason it isn't taught at the academy, and it's a good one. Any group that has to meet in secret to practice forbidden magic can only be up to no good."

You look into his eyes and smile. "Nathan, we are concerned for you. That's why we flew out here as fast as we could to stop you from making a mistake. We're having a wholesome celebration for the exams, one that doesn't involve forbidden magic. Why don't you join us instead?"

Helen smiles. "Yeah, and we can hear all about how Merriam's brother saved the princess from the moon!"

His eyes raise. "Really?"

"Stop it right there!" Sophilia's voice rings out through the clearing. Everyone turns and sees her stomping forward. "I should have known you and your pathetic little tagalongs were behind this!"

"That's rich, coming from her," Helen mutters amusedly.

Sophilia points a finger at you. "This is your doing, isn't it Cutter? And don't think you can flatter your way out of this, I'm on to your little tricks. You think you can just steal him away?"

"Hey, I'm no one's property," he points out.

"Quiet!" she shouts at him. "You aren't seriously considering going with them, are you? They're second-rate spell slingers from mud farms! I'm offering you a chance to learn REAL magic, the kind they hold you back from at the college!"

>Put a hand on him and walk him away with your friends
>Sling a spell at her and shut her up
>Let Nathaniel make his choice
>Play up the father angle some more
>Other

>>3043642
>Put a hand on him and walk him away with your friends
Pastries and drinks sound much more appealing than zombies and embalming fluid.

>>3043642
>>Put a hand on him and walk him away with your friends

Literally every downside she says has happened to Sirena and I love it

>>3043642
>Let Nathaniel make his choice
Best way to convince someone is to make them think ot was their idea.

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>>3043650
>>3043687

"How uncouth," Sybeth says, shaking her head. You put your hand on Nathaniel's shoulder as you turn him away from her, walking away as a group.

Sophilia grits her teeth before shouting, "You'll regret this! You don't know how foolish you've been, but you will soon enough!" With that, she storms back in the opposite direction.

As you walk back towards town, Nathaniel runs a hand across his forehead. "I was having a lot of doubts about learning necromancy... I guess I was too curious for my own good," he chuckles. "I should thank you girls."

"You can thank us by coming to our party!" Helen insists. "Food, drinks, maybe a little music. We'll cut loose after stressing over the exams!"

He smiles. "Sure... In fact, a party sounds like a lot of fun!"

Sybeth raises her hands. "Pastries and drinks certainly sound much more appealing than corpses and embalming fluid."

"It's really great that you didn't go with her," Aurelia says bashfully. "You don't, um, mind if we throw our party at one of our houses, do you?"

"No, not really," he says.

Sybeth claps her hands. "Great! We'll do it at my place. Plenty of room there."

"Should I bring anything?" he asks.

>Some friends
>Some wine
>Some food
>Just yourself
>Other

>>3043720
>Some friends
To keep everyone busy while we get Nathan under our thumb.

>>3043720
>Some friends

i believe we already got the food and wine

Oh and there is a certain mistress i would like to tell you about

>>3043720
>>Some friends

>>3043720
>>Some friends

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>>3043726
>>3043734
>>3043761
>>3043777

"Just some friends," you reply. "It'll be a great time. Just after sundown, round up the boys and head to Sybeth's, alright? We'll handle the rest."

Within a few minutes, you've reached the Youngwater gates and enter the town. That's when you notice something wrong. There is a group of people who are giving a wide berth to a confrontation between two individuals--one is a tall, armored and fierce-looking female elf with flowing blonde hair, carrying the glittering shield of her order, the Golden Shields, the protectors of Youngwater. She is staring hard at another elf, a smaller and much more effeminent looking figure who many would likely mistake for a girl; but you know better.

"Kay," you whisper, and rush forward.

"I didn't think I would ever see you again," the taller warrior says, and Kaylessa avoids eye contact. "Did you think we would have forgotten?"

He doesn't reply, instead pulling his cloak more tightly over his face in the hopes of nobody else seeing him, but it is too late; his cover has been blown by the strange woman who, as you study her face, looks oddly familiar...

She approaches him, towering over him by a foot or more as she stares daggers at him. "I should have you thrown out of town, you miserable rat."

Your friends walk up behind you, and Helen squints. "Hey, isn't that the little elf you have as your housemate?" she asks.

Sybeth nods. "Oh, yes! The cute one. What's going on?"

"That's the captain of the Golden Shields yelling at him..." Aurelia whispers.

>Attempt to learn who this woman is
>Stand between her and Kay
>Grab Kay and get him out of this situation
>Watch and see what happens
>Other

>>3043796
>>Stand between her and Kay

>>3043796
>Stand between her and Kay

>>3043796
>Attempt to learn who this woman is

>>3043796
>>Attempt to learn who this woman is
We might can leverage our new fame, but we might also get expelled. So no pressure.

>>3043796
>>Attempt to learn who this woman is
By the gods, it's either his mother, aunt or older sister.

btw, really liking this Mean Girls: Fantasy Edition sidequest so far

>>3043796
>>Stand between her and Kay

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>>3043798
>>3043799
>>3044019
>>3043802
>>3043832
>>3043989

With your brow furrowed, you move forward, before any of your friends can grab you. The captain's attention is focused solely upon Kay, and so is surprised when you suddenly appear in her tunnel vision, standing between her and him. With your hands on your hips and confidence that the old you would never have shown before meeting Sirena and learning magic, you look her squarely in the eyes and say, "Just who do you think you are, anyway?"

The gasps through the crowd and whispers are palpable. The elf woman rears her head back, equal parts taken aback and insulted.

"I happen to be Captain Talindra of the Golden Shields, Liaison to Lady Fareagle, Master Witchblade and the older sister of that cowering rat behind you."

Swallowing the sudden lump that rather impressive series of titles gave you, you reply, "That's an awful long list when you could've just said bully."

She takes a step forward. She's about three or four inches taller, and stares down at you with a stern expression on her otherwise lovely face. Despite your bluster, it is rather intimidating, combined with her plate armor and her hand on her sword. A bead of sweat rolls down your forehead as your friends look on, horrified that you are about to get into the worst trouble imaginable.

"You would defend this criminal?"

"This criminal is my friend."

"Really, now? Has he ever told you what he did? If you are such a good friend with him, surely he must have. Well, thief?" she says, looking beyond you and back at him. Despite his attempts to shrink behind your frame, she can still see him.

He tries to say something but you cut him off. "I don't care what he did. He's my friend, and he's saved my life before. He's never stolen anything from me, or taken advantage of my kindness. Whatever the person you're describing, it's not the Kay I know."

"And just who are you, that I should believe your word?"

>Rattle off some titles of your own!
>The sister of the hero who saved the princess!
>A student at the Bratia College
>I'm his friend, and if you're really his sister that should be good enough
>Other

>>3044168
>The sister of the hero who saved the princess!

>>3044168
>The sister of the hero who saved the princess!
Kay has served in Ben's party, so to besmirch Kay would be to besmirch Ben, and no one rags on Ben.

>>3044168
>The sister of the hero who saved the princess!

>>3044168
>>The sister of the hero who saved the princess
And kay is one of bens closest companions

>>3044168
>The sister of the hero who saved the princess!

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>>3044170
>>3044178
>>3044183
>>3044198
>>3044200

"I am Merriam Cutter, and the hero who saved the princess from the moon is my brother, Ben Cutter! And furthermore, Kay has adventured with him, and he even once saved your brother's life! My brother and I are both two of his best friends."

Her eyes widen slightly at that, and whispers throughout the still-gathering and growing crowd intensify. With word about Ben Cutter's deed having reached every long, elven ear in the countryside by now, everyone knows who he is--and who Merriam claims to be. As further proof of your identification, you take out your student identification badge, a simple engraving upon a piece of square metal with your full name.

She frowns, now seemingly taking in the many people around you three for the first time. The situation has changed from a sister confronting her brother to something else entirely, and she must act accordingly. Looking back at you, she says, "You are fortunate that his crime is only of a personal nature. Should I see him again, I may not be so forgiving."

She turns aside, throwing her white cloak off her shoulder to straighten it and strides down the street; the crowd parts before her to allow her passage. You finally sigh in relief and take a deep breath to refresh yourself before turning around to look at Kay, who can't seem to look you in the face. Whatever this encounter with his sister was truly about, it seems to be a source of deep shame and a great wound to his personal pride, to the point where his silence speaks volumes.

You pull him into a hug and whisper to him, "I love you no matter what, Kay."

That seems to have a strong effect on him, and he returns the hug, glad to not be judged.

Your friends run up. "Holy hells, Merry! What were you thinking!" Helen bursts out. "Do you have any idea what she could've done?"

Sybeth clasps her hands together. "You could've been thrown in jail, or exiled from the town, or worse--expelled!"

Nathaniel and Aurelia are both silent as you reply, "I don't care. Nobody talks to my friends that way."

You look at your girls, all of whom smile and are glad to have you as their friend. Nathaniel says, "That was amazing, Merriam," and looks at you in a whole new light.

>Everyone split off and meet for the party later; go home with Kay
>Go for a walk with Kay in the park
>Send Kay home while you head to Sybeth's
>Kay is coming with you to the party!
>Other

>>3044205
>Kay is coming with you to the party!

For once enjoy yourself Kay

>>3044205
>Everyone split off and meet for the party later; go home with Kay

>>3044205
>>Kay is coming with you to the party!

>>3044205
>Kay is coming with you to the party!

>>3044205
>Kay is coming with you to the party!

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>>3044207
>>3044209
>>3044210
>>3044230

You look down at Kay and continue to hold him close as you say, "Well, I know who's coming to our party tonight." He looks up, surprised. "That's right! You're going to have a good time and forget all this unpleasantness."

Knowing that once you have your mind set on something, it will happen, he merely manages a small smile and nods. Nathaniel promises to round up some friends and meet up with you at Sybeth's house, which you now all proceed towards after he splits off.

The girls respectfully don't pry into Kay's business, instead enthusing about who Nathaniel will bring to the party. A few choice names are thrown around along with a host of giggling. Soon enough you arrive at Sybeth's modest home, slightly larger than your own due to her family's support and higher status, though she's never held it over you like Sophilia does.

Once inside, everyone hurries to get everything ready. Drinks, food, proper lighting for the mood, and Sybeth brings out her lute. Her beautiful voice and skilled fingers are certain to be a hit with the guests. To his credit, Kay comes out of his 'fight or flight' mood and lightens up, helping you and the girls prepare. He's met all of them at least once before, and they couldn't be nicer to him, almost treating him like a little brother. You pull him aside and give him a kiss on the forehead and tell him that if and when he would like to talk about what happened, you'll be waiting. For now, however, he's rather attracted to the idea of having a good time at the party.

Nathaniel and his friends show up, but you quickly learn that things may have gotten out of hand. With his popularity as the star student at the academy, word quickly spread that he was looking for some guys to come to a party, which in turn attracted another group of girls, which in turn attracted another group of boys. Now there are somewhere around twenty to thirty people who have shown up to the party and are already starting to enjoy the drinks and food, the latter of which is going fast.

"I suppose I'll have to empty the pantry," Sybeth says to you out of the corner of her mouth. Determined to be a good hostess, she moves off to entertain her guests.

Your eyes scan about the party, taking in the sights of the students. Helen is with Sybeth, talking to several others about the exams and a few other topics. Nathaniel is standing nearby, getting chatted up by two girls. Aurelia and Kaylessa are both in the corner, at least keeping each other company. You have several students, boys and girls alike, asking you questions about your brother and your encounter with Captain Talindra earlier in the streets.

'This party is a perfect opportunity to do what my mistress desires,' you think to yourself, taking a light sip of wine. 'But how to go about it...'

>Join Helen and Sybeth
>Join Nathaniel
>Join Aurelia and Kaylessa
>Play up the adventures of your brother the hero
>Other

>>3044265
>>Play up the adventures of your brother the hero

>>3044265
>Play up the adventures of your brother the hero

>>3044265
>>Join Aurelia and Kaylessa
Aurelia needs to hurry up and get on Nathaneils dick

>>3044265
>Play up the adventures of your brother the hero
It'll give us credentials to make a pass at Nathan.

>>3044280
>>3044272
>>3044267
Wow. All you want to cuck our friend. Rude

>>3044288
I dont. We will get Auri on naths dick by the end. I was just hoping that by hyping up Ben we can hype up Mary so that might interest Nath to learn from her

>>3044288
We don't, but Sirena gave us orders to get Nathaniel under our control. Playing wingman to our nerdy friend is a little too indirect.

>>3044292
Sirena explicitely said playing wingman would wirk though. We just need a strong social bond

>>3044295
Lets brag first then put Auri and Nath to do the beast with two backs

>>3044299
That would be fine. But cucking aurelia would lose us like, all our friends.

>>3044303
Dont worry. We are not cucking our friend.

>>3044265
>Join Aurelia and Kaylessa

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>>3044267
>>3044272
>>3044280

You've never quite so much the center of attention, and so you decide to regale them with tales of Ben's adventures, some of which you were along for: freeing the slaves of Digger Mine, taking on the devil who tried running for mayor, confronting the axe murderer, delving into a tomb of undead monsters, exploring an ancient mine and more, all the while spicing them up. Everyone is enraptured by the tales, imagining him like a hero of legend, and that's when you start talking about Mary, the one who taught you magic. They also know her, for she helped rescue the princess from the moon. You describe her as the most powerful and beautiful mage you've ever met, even greater than the teachers at the academy. She's the one who convinced you and Ben to become adventurers, who gave you the push to come to the school and undoubtedly the one who found a way to get to the moon.

The party is alight with discussion about Ben and Mary. You are assailed with question after question. "Would she teach me magic?" "Does Ben have a girlfriend?" "Did she really study at the Alakaz Academy?" "How long is his sword?" "Please introduce me! I want to be important, too!" "Could you get him to visit sometime? I want to meet him!" "You're so lucky to have studied with her!"

Nathaniel, who by now has migrated over to listen to the tales, asks, "Is she really as powerful as you say?"

You nod. "She's the greatest."

You continue to tell tales, eventually weaving Kaylessa into them in order to better integrate him into the party and introduce him to everyone. As the moon rises higher in the sky, the drinks flow more freely and everyone continues to loosen up and have fun. With Sybeth providing the music with her bardic talent, soon people begin to dance and play games, or find a quiet corner to spend some time in.

For the last hour or so, Aurelia has lingered not far from Nathaniel, her eyes locked on him the entire time, but not engaging. He hasn't noticed, due primarily to her sticking just out of his field of view. You, however, have.

'She needs an excuse to get close to him...'

>Dance with Nathaniel, then suddenly swap out with Aurelia
>Spin the bottle, and you'll use your ring of telekinesis to manipulate the results without anyone knowing
>Seven minutes in heaven in the closet; you'll find a way to get them both in there
>Strip poker with drinks
>Other

>>3044370
>Spin the bottle, and you'll use your ring of telekinesis to manipulate the results without anyone knowing
>Seven minutes in heaven in the closet; you'll find a way to get them both in there

>>3044370
>Spin the bottle, and you'll use your ring of telekinesis to manipulate the results without anyone knowing
>Seven minutes in heaven in the closet; you'll find a way to get them both in there

>>3044370
>>Spin the bottle, and you'll use your ring of telekinesis to manipulate the results without anyone knowing
>>Seven minutes in heaven in the closet; you'll find a way to get them both in there

>>3044370
>Spin the bottle, and you'll use your ring of telekinesis to manipulate the results without anyone knowing
>Seven minutes in heaven in the closet; you'll find a way to get them both in there

I would like a series of 1d100 rolls, please

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>3044458

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>3044458

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>3044458

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>3044458
Make sure Auri has drinks too.

>>3044460
>>3044461
>>3044462
>>3044587
Writing now.

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>>3044460
>>3044461
>>3044462
>>3044587

Looking down at your hand with the ring of minor telekinesis, you come up with a cunning plan. It doesn't take long to find a group willing to play spin the bottle, with the caveat being that whomever the spinner lands on must share seven minutes in the closet with them. Dragging both Nathaniel and Aurelia into the game, along with Sybeth, Helen and a few others, everyone gathers in a circle and an empty wine bottle is placed in the center of the group.

Everyone is anticipating what comes next, and a few are more than a little tipsy. Helen looks at you. "Well, Merry? You wanted this. You start."

Your eyes narrow as you look at the bottle. You know that you can manipulate the results of the bottle with your ring, but this is really all a semi-elaborate plot to get Nathaniel and Aurelia in the closet together. You can't do that when it is your turn, and it will be a few turns before it gets to Nathaniel. You suppose you could instead nominate someone else to go first, but everyone is looking at you expectantly.

>Spin the bottle
>Spin the bottle and use your ring to manipulate it
>Pass it off to someone else
>Other

>>3044625
>Spin the bottle

>>3044625
>Spin the bottle

>>3044625
>>Spin the bottle

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>>3044629
>>3044631
>>3044679

Deciding against using your ring and letting fate decide, you lean forward and put your hand on the bottle, twist it and then give it a good spin. Everyone watches with wide eyes and smiles as it slows down, passing Nathaniel, another male student and Kaylessa before eventually coming to a stop on Aurelia. She gulps as the crowd chuckles and gives off tiny cheers.

'This will give us an opportunity to talk,' you think, taking the madly blushing elf by the hand and leading her to a nearby closet. It closes behind you and Sybeth conjures a small hourglass set to seven minutes.

Aurelia finds it difficult to look you in the eyes. You smile and lift up her chin and whisper, "This is all for you, you know. I'm going to use magic to make Nathaniel's spin land on you."

Her eyes go wide. "What!?" You put a hand over her mouth, then look at the closet entrance. You continue to whisper.

"Calm down! This is the perfect chance to be alone with him and show him what you've got, to make him fall for you!"

"I don't know if I can do that," she says as you lower your hand. "I, um, haven't ever..."

"What? Been alone with a boy?"

"...In a manner of speaking..."

"...Have you ever kissed one?" Her silence says it all. "Oh, Auri... Well, we can't have that. Nathaniel's a sweetheart but he'll need you to take the lead, to show him what's what. So... we'll practice."

"What?!" she says, and again you put your hand over her mouth. "I can't! It would be my, my f-first kiss! It has to be special!"

"Well, just consider this practice, alright? So it doesn't count. Besides, nobody's first kiss is ever actually the magical 'kiss on a bridge under the full moon' kind of romantic imagery from your books, Auri." Her shoulders slump somewhat in disappointment. "Come on, it'll be with Nathaniel! That's special, isn't it?"

"I suppose... y-yeah..."

"Good. Now put your lips together and close your eyes. And then, just do everything I do to you, to me."

She does as you instruct, and you gently cup her face as you lean down to press your lips against hers. She shivers as you tilt her head, pulling her close against your body. She's stiff and nervous, uncertain of what to do, and so you guide her. Your hands run down her sides, encouraging her to loosen up as you deepen the kiss. You don't want to overwhelm her, but you only have so long to teach her before your time is up. Your tongue slips past her lips and she gasps, her eyes eyes fluttering as electricity shoots up and down her tingling spine. Following your instruction, she tries to match your actions, her tongue tangling with yours in an inexperienced manner.

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>>3044744

For a moment you are nostalgic of when Sirena did this to you, and how inexperienced you were. It is thrilling in a way to know what it must have felt like for her to take a naive young girl and guide her in this manner... You're reminded of when you kissed Ben romantically for the first time... You feel even closer to your mistress. Much closer than ever, in fact... You can feel power radiating from your brand beneath your clothing. Something is happening...

>Spell Unlocked
>Thralldom School
>Target a willing subject and affect their mind with a kiss. The subject must not be hostile to you and be willing to receive the kiss. Immediately afterwards, they will be greatly susceptible to suggestion that is difficult to resist, but more self-harmful it is, the easier it is to resist. If no suggestion is given, the effects will linger for a period of time, but eventually fade.

When you pull back, having imparted magic onto her, you open your eyes and stare into hers. "Do everything I did to him and more," you whisper. "Anything you've ever read in your romance books... You want him, so make him want you."

Her eyes, glossy and half-lidded, stare back and she nods numbly. "I will..." she replies.

Your lips curl into a smile. "Good girl."

The closet doors open and the two of you rejoin the others. There is much giggling and questions of how it went, but you merely smile and take your seat. Aurelia does the same, and casts her eyes at Nathaniel, waiting.

There are a few turns until Nathaniel is due to spin.

>Let the game proceed at random
>Let the game proceed, but use your ring to ensure that neither Aurelia nor Nathaniel are selected
>Let the game proceed, play matchmaker for your other two friends
>Other

>>3044749
>Let the game proceed, but use your ring to ensure that neither Aurelia nor Nathaniel are selected

Seems like our connection has grown on her so she can learn passively from us through the brand

>>3044749
>Let the game proceed, but use your ring to ensure that neither Aurelia nor Nathaniel are selected

>>3044749
>Let the game proceed, play matchmaker for your other two friends

>>3044749
>>Let the game proceed, but use your ring to ensure that neither Aurelia nor Nathaniel are selected

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>>3044750
>>3044753
>>3044756

You carefully pay attention to the bottle as the boy to your right spins it. You'll only use your ring when it seems like it will land on Aurelia or Nathaniel. Thankfully, it lands on a different girl you think you have a class with and the two of them go into the closet together. As Sybeth keeps time, a chalice of wine is passed around and everyone continues to gossip, while more than a few whisper about who they hope their bottle will land on.

Next up is Helen. She spins and it lands on Sybeth, causing the crowd to let out a wild cheer. Sybeth blushes as the tomboy holds out her hand. "May I have this closet dance?" she asks the half-elf in a tone that immitates her own noble manner of speech. Sybeth takes her hand in a dignified manner as Helen pulls her into the closet and someone keeps time.

You sip amusedly on a glass of wine as your eyes drift over to Nathaniel, who is speaking with someone next to him and laughing at a joke. Seven minutes flies by and the door opens. They emerge, and Helen looks much the same, though Sybeth's normally perfect hair seems disheveled somewhat. You cock a brow as Helen takes her seat with a cocky grin on her face, then shoots a wink at Sybeth, who covers her mouth and blushes.

After her is a girl whose spin lands on a different boy, neither of whom you know particularly well. As they go into the closet, you lean over and ask Helen, "What'd you two do in there?"

"Nothing much," she replies nonchalantly. "Enough." You look over at Sybeth just in time to catch her readjusting her top.

When they emerge, it is Sybeth's turn, and she spins. You suddenly see it start to slow down too dangerously close to Nathaniel, and so you give it a tiny nudge. Perhaps one that is too strong, because it continues to spin for another half-circle and lands directly on Helen once more.

Perhaps everyone was too drunk to notice the strange stop-start motion of the bottle, due to how clumsily you nearly didn't catch the spin, but the reaction the group has to who it lands on overwhelms every other aspect. Sybeth is blushing madly as she is forced to take Helen by the hand and lead her into the closet.

Seven minutes later, the door opens and Helen once more emerges, almost triumphantly, leaving an even more disheveled Sybeth in her wake who struggles to appear as though nothing happened. When the half-elf sits, she takes a full goblet in hand and rapidly downs it.

The boy before Nathaniel spins and you watch it carefully. It lands on a girl and they go into the closet, and you prepare for Nathaniel's spin at long last. Aurelia is prepared for it as well, her eyes darting between him and the bottle.

When the two emerge and sit back down, Nathaniel gives it a good spin. With your eyes narrow and focus clear, you lift up your ring finger in a subtle manner and guide the bottle to spin a few more times before manually slowing it down, eventually stopping it squarely pointing at Aurelia.

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>>3044932

However, before he can stand up and take her hand, the bottle suddenly explodes and glass chunks fly in every direction, causing a few people to let out a cry of surprise. You blink a few times as you follow the beam of light that struck it to a finger beloning to none other than Sophilia.

Everyone stares at her in shocked silence as she curls her hand into a fist. "Your party's over. But mine's only just getting started."

Suddenly, several windows around the room shatter as figures force their way inside. Your eyes go wide as you see one of the students, a young man, grabbed by a rotting corpse and pulled through the window to certain death, for there is a horde that swallows him in grasping hands. Screams fill the room as more bodies begin to climb through the broken windows.

You look back to where Sophilia was standing, but she is gone. You see her running towards the front entrance. Your heart races as your night is suddenly thrown into complete and utter chaos in the span of less than a minute.

>Chase after her
>Get everyone to safety out the back
>Focus on sealing the windows and doors
>Fight the zombies off
>Other

>>3044934
>Get everyone to safety out the back

>>3044934
>Get everyone to safety out the back

>>3044934
>>Get everyone to safety out the back

>>3044934
she's just like a baby Sirena. I want to seduce her so bad

>>3044945
She lack class

>>3044948
she just needs a proper education in dark sorceress-y. One Merriam is in a unique position to provide.

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>>3044939
>>3044940
>>3044943

You call out, "EVERYONE OUT BACK! GO!"

You grab Aurelia's hand as you look for Kaylessa, who is deftly navigating between people to get to the exit. However, with everyone going for the exit at once, panicking as they are, they become stuck, with the people in the back pushing on those in the doorway.

Before you can find another solution, Nathaniel brings up his foot and casts a wordless spell, creating a shockwave that knocks down a nearby wall, straight through to the back of the house, creating an opening large enough for a horse to run through. People start flooding out that way.

"I'm sorry!" Nathaniel says to Sybeth as everyone makes it out back. Once outside, you gather your friends as the other students all scatter and run, but you quickly realize they have very few places to run to.

Youngwater is under attack by an undead horde! Shambling corpses and stiched-together abominations rampage through the streets, buildings are being lit on fire, and people are being attacked openly, torn apart as they scream! From the sky, winged monsters of reanimated flesh descend upon the living while burrowing worms emerge from below, one of them swallowing a student up to their waist before pulling them underground to be fully devoured. It is a nightmare of apocalyptic proportions, as though hell itself has overflown with the dead.

Aurelia clutches your arm as you, Helen, Sybeth, Nathaniel and Kaylessa all turn in place, looking for a way out, but you only have moments before some roving horde finds you.

>Head to the college
>Get to the barracks of the Golden Shields
>Make for city hall
>We need to get out of the city at all costs!
>Other

>>3044982
Make a teleportation circle and bring our friends to the tower

>>3044982
>Head to the college
>Get to the barracks of the Golden Shields
Whichever of the two is closer.

>>3044982
>>Get to the barracks of the Golden Shields

>>3044987
>>3045000

I would like a series of 1d100 rolls, please.

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>3045034

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>3045034

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>3045034

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>>3045037
>>3045043
>>3045046

"The Golden Shields," you say, remembering Kay's sister from earlier. "We need to get to them! If anyone can defend the city, it'll be them!"

Your party takes off running, dodging whatever undead monsters throw themselves in your path. Pushing aside the screams and howls of the innocents and creatures, you make for their barracks and manage to reach them in record time.

The Golden Shields were caught offguard by the sudden invasion, but are rapidly mounting a defense as they attempt to evacuate citizens into protective shelters. Your eyes scan around as you pick out Captain Talindra, currently shoving her sword in the neck of an undead before twisting it and cutting off its head.

As she turns, she sees your party and shouts, "Get inside with the rest of the civilians! Go!"

But as she finishes her sentence, a massive brute appears as an undead ogre charges down the street, its bulky body crashing through two guards as it makes for the captain. It reaches her and grabs her by the waist, hoisting her up high in one hand. She struggles in its grip, attempting to stab into it to no avail.

"Talindra!" Kaylessa shouts, picking up the bow of a fallen soldier. He slides an arrow out of the man's quiver and lines up a shot, firing it perfectly into the eye of the ogre. Talindra manages to twist herself free and nimbly lands on her feet as the ogre steps back, roaring in frustration. It reaches for her again.

>1d100 and an action!

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>3045086
Web the ogre.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>3045086
Help them

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>3045086
Arcane bolt

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>>3045092
>>3045098
>>3045102

You raise both hands and quickly fire off a spell of web, covering the ogre in the sticky material and preventing it from attacking. Nathaniel picks up on your lead and steps on the ground, forcing a chunk of stone upwards that he punches in the direction of the undead beast. It smashes against its head, shattered on impact.

A winged zombie attempts to swoop down and pick up one of your friends, but Aurelia does what she failed to do at the exam and casts a shield spell, keeping it at bay. Talindra sees the creature and throws her sword as it, which pierces its side like a bolt of lightning before magically returning to her hand.

You turn and finish the winged horror off with an arcane bolt. As its corpse hits the ground, two Golden Shields descend upon the trapped ogre, finishing it off with their enchanted swords.

"I said get inside!" Talindra insists. "This is no place for a group of mages-in-training!"

"Where are they all coming from?" you shout. "I thought the walls were warded!"

"I don't know, but they're swarming the streets. I have to get Lady Fareagle to safety while my knights get the people into shelters."

As Kaylessa moves to stand alongside you, she gives him a look that you can't quite read. She looks back at you and says, "If any of your student friends are going to the college, don't. The undead seem to be converging on its walls."

"Why?"

"I don't know! Now get to shelter!" She raises her sword to charge back into the fray, leading her troops against the horde.

Your brow furrows. Sophilia's arrival at your party directly preceded the undead attack, and she was learning necromancy... but there is no way she could have done all of this herself. It has to be that teacher she spoke of. But what could he possibly achieve with an attack like this?

'Sophilia,' you think. 'She would have all the answers. If only we could find her...'

>Get your friends to shelter while you head to the college
>Everyone will head to the college
>Take shelter with your friends
>Leave your friends at the shelter; you, Kay and Nathaniel will go search for Sophilia
>Other

>>3045127
>>Get your friends to shelter while you head to the college

>>3045127
>Write-in
Take your friends and Nathaniel to shelter. You and Kay will find Sophillia. Considering Nathaniel he would sneak to find you one way or another.

>>3045127
>Leave your friends at the shelter; you, Kay and Nathaniel will go search for Sophilia

>>3045127
>>Leave your friends at the shelter; you, Kay and Nathaniel will go search for Sophilia

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>>3045141
>>3045144
>>3045149
>>3045232

You turn to Aurelia, Helen, Sybeth and Nathaniel and tell them to get inside; you and Kay are going to go to the college and try to either find Sophilia or evacuate students and staff.

"You can't go alone, just the two of you!" Helen insists.

"This isn't a negotiation!" you tell them. "Kay and I have done this sort of thing before. We can handle it! Now go!"

Reluctantly, they all move into the shelter; Nathaniel promises to watch over them and keep them safe.

You and Kay take off running. As you do, Kay says, "We've never done this sort of thing before!"

"I know, but I wasn't about to let them know that!"

As you round a corner onto the street leading directly to the college, you and he both skid to a stop and your breath catches in your throat. There are more undead here than you could have ever possibly imagined, a throng so great that it is an army, all marching singularly towards the college.

'This is mad,' you think. 'I can't truly be heading in the same direction, can I?! Oh, if only I knew more spells...'

>Attempt to use the rooftops to get to the school
>Sneak around and take the long way to get there
>Use the sewers and walk right under the horde
>Get somewhere safe and contact Sirena
>Other

>>3045238
>>Attempt to use the rooftops to get to the school