You start to try to circle around the crowd to the best of your ability, which is a task that is somewhat difficult for the three of you given the amount of people around. Ending up bumping into a couple of ponies as you make your way over. As you get closer you look up at the sign hanging above the store.
"Spring's Desserts"
The three of you finally push through the crowd and end up somewhat near Smoke and Tanssija, the two of them quickly noticing you as you make your way over.
"Have you two been enjoying yourselves?" You ask as you finally reach them.
"Yeah, though we didn't get to do much, things are starting to become packed now," Smoke replies, "What about you guys?"
"Things have been good," Hannu nods, "Where's Iiro, by the way?"
"Inside the store. He wanted to get something." Tanssija explains.
Using your soul sight you look inside the store and find Armas inside, his soul being easy to pick out now with how close you are.

What do you do?

bump

>>42521720

>>42522095

>>42521448
Ask about what he's looking for and check to see if he needs help finding it?

>>42522381
Hearing this, you trot up to the door of the shop and peek inside. You quickly find him at the counter getting an order finished, which slides over a counter to him in a bag. He thanks the Unicorn mare running the counter as he slowly takes the bag and lifts it with a hoof. He keeps his movements slow as he turns around, the bag following his hoof but it lags behind each movement he makes by a little less than a second. Thankfully, this is something that isn't noticeable unless someone was looking for it specifically.
Finally spotting you, he smiles a little and makes his way over to you. He stops a few feet in front of you.
"You doing alright?" You ask.
"Yeah, and sorry about that," He apologizes, "I just wanted to get something... and try something else."
Giving him a look over, you can see that he seems to be doing better though some melancholy from Pallas' temple still hangs over him a bit.

What do you do?

>>42522501
Suggest if he doesn't want to about it. She more than welcome to just be here to sit and listen to him vent being considerate of his well-being like a true friend.

Stopping for the night. Don't know if my regulars are here or anons that read my stuff, or if anyone really cares at this point. Anyway...
Sorry again for disappearing for, I think, two months? I am going to be honest I just had a lot of stuff going on. I was really busy, stressed about employment which I am still very much stressed by though it is better. Ever since I graduated as well I have just been burnt out and trying to push through it in early and mid summer turned out to not be a great idea, and just kinda doubting my skills in writing anything at all. I am feeling better now though, no longer burnt out and I want to keep writing, if there is anyone left that is interested in what I have now or want something new at this point.
Feels like this is a rant and a blog post at this point and I am sorry for that. With that...
I will try to keep going.

>>42522317

>>42521720

>>42522501
"Get something, and try something else?"
We press him to elaborate, as politely as we can.

"You haven't had any difficulty with the crowds, have you? I have had, some..."
We frown slightly, not hiding our discomfort with numbers from him, but asking for a very different reason.
'His ability to manipulate items is extraordinary but his natural incorporeal-ness is still something we have to worry about... I hope I haven't worried the others by pressing forward so much.'

>>42522656
Afternoon, Pluto!
Been checking every other/couple days, hoping you might pop up again soon. Would've reached out via Fimfic, but didn't want to be a bother when I assumed you're already stressing about employment (right there with you). Got an interview tomorrow though.
Remember, people can be their own worst critics. You've made worlds and characters people (and I truly believe there are more than just myself) think about fondly and quite often. Just hard to coordinate this stuff.

>>42522579
>>42524495
Like I said, it is getting better and I have a lot of support that I am thankful for right now. And you are not wrong about being your own worst critic.

"Get something, and try something else?" You ask politely.
"I saw that they were selling Deer desserts here and I just wanted to get one," He explains before speaking a bit quieter, "And now that I am a little... stronger, I wanted to see if I could manipulate things. It works pretty well though I am still getting the hang of it."
"You haven't had any difficultly with the crowds, have you? I have had, some..."
You trail off and frown slightly, not hiding your discomfort with numbers from him, but asking for a very different reason.
'His ability to manipulate items is extraordinary but his natural incorporeal-ness is something we have to worry about... I hope I haven't worried the others by pressing forward so much.'
"I have been managing, though with how big the crowds are getting I don't know if it will be smart of me to keep going," He says, frowning slightly as well, "As much as I would like to."
"You been doing okay otherwise?" You ask.
"Yeah, just still some stuff to think about." He nods, keeping his answer vague.

What do you do?

>>42524747
Inching forward, we reply softly.
"I may not be the best at showing it, or the voice of experience, but if you need an ear I will listen. In the meanwhile, if there is somewhere you wish to visit, we could head out with you keeping between myself and Hannu. And, if that treat is for yourself, I could..."
We trail off deliberately, looking him over pointedly then down at ourself, trying to hint at him possessing us.
"If you ever feel the need for some, perspective, I owe you that much."
'... I do need to procure some treats for Kost and Master... and, my mother.'

>>42524809
You inch forward a bit, replying to him softly.
"I may not be the best at showing it, or the voice of experience, but if you need an ear I will listen. In the meantime, if there is somewhere you wish to visit, we could head out with you keeping between myself and Hannu. And, if that treat is for yourself I could..."
You trail off again, looking at him pointedly and then down at yourself. It takes him a moment but he nods in understanding.
"If you ever feel the need for some, perspective, I owe you that much."
'...I do need to procure some treats for Kost and Master... and, my mother.'
"...If you're fine with that, but you also don't need to do that for me," He tells you, "I can't really think of much else besides sight seeing before the Radonitsa celebrations start, which I believe is a few hours from now."

What do you do?

>>42525004
Head back outside to the others and discuss what other activities they can do together before the Radonitsa festivities begin. Also tell him he should cheer up and that we hope he isn't going to stay gloomy throughout the rest of the day. He's with friends in a night out of fun; he needs to focus on what's happening here and now otherwise constantly thinking about what's bothering him all the time isn't healthy and not going to get him any answers. At sad times like this is the most crucial moment to rely and lean on your friends we can't help him if he doesn't try to reach out to us if he does it will lighten the burden he carrying inside, so he doesn't have to face it alone.

>>42525004
We would place a comforting hoof on his shoulder if we didn't think it too risky. We do speak a little more firmly though.
"Iiro. I'm offering because I want to, and am quite fine with it. Will you be comfortable carrying that around? It might be easiest to handle this if we retire back to camp for a little bit, and... it would allow me to speak with Dawyn about, myself."

Place an order for three Vatrushka and see about reuniting with the others.

>>42525062
>Also tell him he should cheer up and that we hope he isn't going to stay gloomy throughout the rest of the day.
No. He (Iiro, aka Armas) has been partially resurrected centuries in the future, and is actively grieving his dead fiance/doefriend AND himself. We can be supportive and point out everyone is here for him if he'd like to open up, but Luscinia would not be callus enough to say he shouldn't be such a downer.

>>42525062
>>42525116
You are tempted to place a comforting hoof on his shoulder, but decide against it as it would be too risky. You do speak a little more firmly with him though.
"Iiro. I'm offering because I want to, and am quite fine with it," You say, "Will you be comfortable carrying that around? It might be easiest to handle this if we retire back to camp for a little bit, and... it would allow me to speak with Dawyn about, myself."
"I think I will be able to manage that."
"And like I said before, I will listen if you need someone," You tell him, "And some of the others will listen as well."
"Thank you."
You place a quick order for three Vatruskha and get them pretty quick. Once that is done the two of you trot back out to find the others waiting.
"Sorry about that, anything going on?" You ask.
"Not really," Smoke shakes his head, "Tanssija and I did ask around a bit to see if there is anything going on though we didn't find much."
"They are looking for some volunteers to clean some graves at the cemetery before Ponies start arriving, but that is about it." Tanssija adds.

What do you do?

>>42525342
"Does anybody want to volunteer to clean up the graves before the Radonitsa celebration starts or does someone has another idea we could do like swap stories for example, I'm open to suggestions"?

>>42525342
Wrapping up the sweet treats for later, we stow them in our bag.
'That may be something I'm equipped to handle, but it may also be the most dangerous place for me right now. A speaker would definitely be presiding over things, and blessing the area.'
Biting our lip in contemplation, our ears flick nervously with the din of the crowded streets.
"Not the most romantic event, but it could be a fulfilling way to pass the time. Seeing as Iiro has food, and we've some time, could we make a brief stop at the camp?"
We blush a little, embarrassed to be dragging Hannu and Dawyn back out of town so soon, after setting out to find Smoke and Tanssija.

>>42525450
>>42525453
Wrapping the sweet treats up for later down the line, you stow them away in your bag.
'That may be something I'm equipped to handle, but it may also be the most dangerous place for me right now. A Speaker would definitely be presiding over things, and blessing the area.'
Biting your lip in contemplation, your ears flick nervously at the din of the crowded streets. It feels like things have only gotten busier in the short time you spent in the store.
"Not the most romantic event, but it could be a fulfilling way to pass the time. Seeing as Iiro has food, and we have some time, could we make a brief stop at the camp? Before that, does anyone want to volunteer to clean up the graves or does someone have another idea?"
"I'm fine with going back to camp really quick." Smoke nods.
"Same." Tanssija agrees.
"If there is time I wouldn't mind cleaning some grave stones." Hannu nods.
"Yep!" Dawyn adds.

What do you do?

>>42525783
Be surprised that we didn't except Hannu and Dawyn to want to get their hooves dirty. What made them okay with doing manual labor at a cemetery is there something there they're trying to find?

>>42525783
Nodding in response to the group's general cheer, we set off back to camp, feeling a bit nervous already.
'This would be a decent chance to tell her, wouldn't it? It's something I should do before taking the splash. And Armas getting involved in manual labor may be a poor idea.'
Looking through the crowd for a moment, we try to take in what we can off all the ponies, scanning for outliers to focus as a way to distract ourself.
'Dawyn will have questions if she sees me slipping into a tent to "help Iiro eat," though I could say it's something to do with Armas... another half truth though.'
The thought makes our heart feel heavier. At least with us working our way away from the crowd, there is one less thing to worry about as we start feeling like we can truly breathe again.

>>42525783
"It sounds like we're all in agreement then."
>>42525860
Seconding! Just found out this is continuing, and need to warm back up. Part of the reason why I'm writing this hypothetical, now that I think about it. I do have to wonder just how to approach this. I could be over thinking things, but wouldn't telling her before the ceremony lead to Dawyn questioning our motives about Radonitsa? We were pretty excited for the event. I can picture her imagining us raising the dead around the crowd of ponies, telling each of them to slaughter the living one by one to full our army of the damned! But I think I may have played too much Fire Emblem Echoes. Lots of undead and necromancy in that game. I've became too addicted to the series! It's my 3rd game I've played in a row!

I'm glad to see you back, Pluto. Don't worry about disappearing. Life does get in the way at times, and it's okay to take a long rest. If things change, and you don't feel like this is something you want to do anymore, I'll understand. Lifestyles change.

>>42525942
Good to see another regular!
I think she might be unsettled, but i don't think she'll immediately think of us coordinating a conspiracy. I've got an idea, but I'm not settled on it: we appeal to emotions, making ourself less of a threat by being vulnerable. We open up with how we felt immediately following Tanssija's kidnapping, the panic and determination. Our lack of fear in the face of death... and the new fear we felt when we woke up. The recent revelations about our origin (mom and the skeleton). Our terror in confronting the Quyish(?) and seeing her throat slashed. Our silly belief that she would be safer if she didn't know, didn't have to worry.
On Fire Emblem, I've got Fates, but I've got too much on the go to start it up. Played some of the first one on a whim and the style was very compelling.

Gotta pass out so, Night, Pluto!

Stopping for the night.
Have a good night or day!

>>42525942
Thanks, and it is nice to see another anon here. Now that I am writing again it feels nice. I will keep going.

>>42526039
A little soap opera-y, but could work. I do like the angle of us becoming vulnerable. We did mention our reaction to the changeling alcohol being related to what we wanted to talk about, though starting off with that might be a little too strong. Then again, starting off with something she witnessed first-hoof (first-claw?) might relate better. Seeing how angry we got, then the breakdown after could set the mood on how we "want to be better than those who took my home."
We don't know if the dream is related to us perse, even if there's evidence saying otherwise. We can't be a complete damsel, that isn't who Dwayne fell in love with. We could talk about our dreams with our hippogryph friend, which would relate better to the lighter side of necromancy (assuming she would know their origins, which would be likely due to being a studious mare.)
I don't think she'll bring up our origins since she already knows we're adopted, and soon will know the family we grew up with were necromancers.

>>42526365
Need to review the changeling alcohol stuff, as it's fuzzy.
Might be interesting to bring up Jaaja. Bringing up a fellow coastal hybrid species might hit home for her, and illustrate how Necromancy is both normal for us, and not intrinsically evil.
We will probably have to explain that we have two Books of the Grave.

>>42525823
>>42525860
>>42525942
"It sounds like we are in agreement then."
With that you all set off back towards camp, though you can't help but feel nervous already as you move through the crowd.
'This would be a somewhat decent time to tell her, wouldn't it? It is something I should do before taking the splash. And Armas getting involved in manual labor may be a poor idea.'
You start to look through the crowd for a few moments, taking in what you can of all the ponies. Most of the crowd are Unicorns who are a good mix of rural and urban. It takes a few moments to see any outliers, but you are eventually able to pick out some Earth Ponies in the crowd, a couple of Pegasi, and even a small group of Cyes that tower over everyone. This all helps a bit as a distraction.
'Dawyn will have questions if she sees me slipping into a tent to help Iiro eat, though I could say it's something to do with Armas... which will be another half truth.'
The thought just makes your heart feel heavier. At least with you working your way through the crowd, there is one less thing to worry about as you start to feel like you can truly breathe again.
As you all pick your way through the crowd it slowly gets thinner and thinner as you get closer to the edge of town, eventually thinning out enough that all of you could walk normally without having to squeeze past someone. By the time you all return to camp the crowd is completely gone, just all of you, the surrounding nature, and the camp standing exactly how you left it.

What do you do?

>>42527980
Taking a breath now that we're away from the crowd completely, we scan the camp for any souls that might overhear, as well as Copper specifically.
'My stress may inhibit Armas' enjoyment of his treat, but he needs the morale boost now rather than later.'
Pretending to consider our options for a moment, we approach our tent and look over at the Peryton Spirit, holding the flap open for him.
"Iiro. Could we speak for a moment? About Armas."

>>42528057
Taking a deep breath now that you are completely away from the crowd, you scan the camp for any souls that might overhear things. There are no souls within earshot, and no Copper either.
'My stress may inhibit Armas' enjoyment of the treat, but he needs the morale boost now rather than later.'
Simply pretending to consider the options available for a moment, you approach your tent and look over at the Peryton Spirit, holding the flap open for him.
"Iiro, could we speak for a moment? About Amras."
"Uh, sure."
He trots over to the open flap and carefully ducks underneath it. With no one questioning things you duck under the flap as well and sit near Armas. Setting his bag down, he looks over at you and sits down as well.

What do you do?

>>42528419
Check that no one is peeking before whispering to Armas.
"This isn't dignified as I had hoped, but trying to find a room felt more, questionable. Do you feel up for joining us in going to the grave? You should probably have your treat before it goes cold, if so."
We offer a hoof to him, allowing ourself to relax as we look at him expectantly.

Sorry, juggling stuff.

>>42528419
We close the tent flaps and look around with our soul sight. Even if they're our friends, this is something that should be private.
"Would you like to talk, or eat first? Perhaps we can do both if that's what you want."
We extend a hoof for him to take, or take over.
I don't know if he's needs to possess us to eat or not, but giving him the option. Possession is an option to speak privately as well. Also, just realized we could have asked Dawyn to cook the fish.

>>42528567
Seconding!
Completely blanked on the fish

>>42528555
>>42528567
>>42528571
With no one peeking you begin to whisper to Armas.
"This isn't as dignified as I had hoped, but trying to find a room felt more, questionable," You tell him, "Do you feel up for joining us in going to the cemetery?"
"Maybe, though I should probably eat first."
You nod in agreement.
"Would you like to talk, or eat first? Perhaps we can do both if that is what you want."
"I should be able to do both."
Extending a hoof out for him, you watch his own hoof reach out to touch yours before his form dissipates into you. You let out a breath through your mouth as a sudden cold overtakes your entire body, almost like a chilly fall morning in a way. You watch your hoof twist a bit as Armas gets a feel for things where it then opens up the bag and pulls out the treat Armas got: a roll of bread covered in bits of powdered sugar and a bunch of brown bits between the folds. The roll gets lifted up and you take a bit of it, the taste of sugar and cinnamon filling your mouth.
"Korvapuusti," Armas' voice echoes in your head, "I saw some from the window of the store and I was surprised that they had it... Brings back memories."

What do you do?

>>42528984
We savor the flavor of melty sugars and buttery bread coat every bit of our tongue, accidentally taking over to close our eyes and lift our head, enjoying the flavor.
'They're heavenly. I'm going to enjoy it as much as you are.'
After our moment of bliss, we speak up again.
'You feel warmer than before. Last time felt like I was surrounded by ice. Now it feels like a dip in cool water.'
Brain is elsewhere at the moment.

>>42528984
We savor the sugary treat, licking our lips subconsciously. It's hard not to indulge it more, but we try to let Armas lead
'I can see why... You can hear this, correct? And taste the Korvapuusti? I've interacted with a Spirit or two before, but much of this is as new to me as it is to you.'

>>42529084
Seconding!
Bit tied up playing No Man's Sky with a friend, unexpectedly

>>42529084
>>42529102
The savor the melty sugars and buttery bread as it coats every bit of your tongue, licking your lips and closing your eyes as you enjoy the taste. Afterwards, you try to let him lead once again.
'They're heavenly... You can hear this, correct? And taste the Korvapuusti? I've interacted with a Spirit or two before, but much of this is as new to me as it is to you.'
'Yeah, I can.'
'Cool. You feel warmer than before. Last time felt like I was surrounded by ice. Now it feels like a dip in cool water.'
'Hmm, maybe it changes when you get possessed frequently,' He guesses, 'I'm not well versed in Necromancy though.'
Taking control once again, he raises the snack up and take another bite with you.
'These were my favorite snack when I was alive. Liked them enough that my fiancé would make them for me sometimes.'

What do you do?

>>42529360
'My body might be becoming accustomed to the presence of your soul. Not a bad thing, I don't believe, but not too common. Most necromancers would probably maintain a firm aversion to possession... Was she a professional baker, or was it more of a passionate hobby? Could you tell me a bit about her?'
Sitting idly and allowing Armas to puppeteer our body isn't strenuous, though it is a little awkward, lacking an individual to look at as we "talk" to Armas, while also holding a sweet we can't eat. Getting up for a moment, we instead lay down on our side, a position that's a little more relaxing.

Stopping for the night.
Have a good night or day!

>>42529628
Night, Pluto!

>>42529360
'It's most likely from becoming a true spirit, and yielding no malevolence. There isn't much research on possession itself; it's relatively straight forward, and most necromancers only care about resisting it. It's rare for someone to willingly accept a spirit inside them.'
We were about to go on a tangent about a spirit's temperature is slightly based on mood, but quickly remembered that isn't what we're here for.
'Can you close your eyes- my eyes- and imagine her? I should be able to see any thoughts you're willing to share.'
Once he closes our eyes, we close our mind's eye and focus on his soul's memories he's sharing with us.

>>42529418
>>42529977
'My body might be becoming accustomed to the presence of your soul, or it is likely from becoming a true Spirit, and yielding no malevolence. There isn't much research on possession itself; it's relatively straight forward, and most Necromancers only care about resisting it rather than anything else. Either way, not a bad thing.'
You are about to go on a tangent about Spirits, but remember that isn't what you are here for and return to the topic at hoof.
'Was she a professional baker, or was it more of a passionate hobby?'
'It was a hobby more than anything else,' He says, 'It was something she enjoyed though.'
As he speaks you just listen, though it is a bit awkward for you as you lack an individual to look at as you "talk" with Armas, coupled by a sweet that you can't technically eat. You take control for a moment to lay down on your side, a position that is more comfortable for you considering things.
'Could you tell me a bit about her? Also, could you close your eyes- my eyes- and imagine her? I should be able to see any thoughts you're willing to share.'

Cont.

>>42531877
After a few seconds your eyes close, allowing you to open up your mind's eye and focus on his memories. For several moments there is nothing but blackness until a shape begins to form. Slowly, it takes on the shape and color of a Deer. When it finishes you see a Deer in front of you, her form a bit blurry like you are standing just a little too far away, but you could still make out a lot of her features: a lithe and graceful body covered in grayish-black fur with her back being covered in dark brown fur instead. A pair of long, slender ears stand on top of her head and beautiful pink colored eyes look at you, on her legs there are a series of lines that wrap around each of her legs like vines growing up a stump, being the same color as her eyes. It takes you a moment to realize she is a Vitrung Deer, comparable to a Unicorn among the Deer.
'Her name is Marjatta. Like me she studied magic, though she wasn't very well versed in magic like I studied. She studied gems and their use in magic. She was brilliant in that field, she understood it inside and out even if she understand normal magic very well.'
The apparition of Marjatta changes, her left forehoof raising up as a blue gem forms and floats above her hoof in a pink colored aura. Armas continues after this.
'We met when I first started studying and from then on we became very close. She was just a wonderful doe: sweet, loving, loved fashion... I can't tell you how many dresses she had.'
Her form changes again, this time showing her wearing a beautiful, flowing, red dress and striking a little pose.
'Always wore her emotions on her sleeves and wanted to listen to me when I was having a bad day, and every time she would always have the same emotion as me...'
As Armas continues his voice slowly gets more and more pained, Marjatta's form also getting a little more blurry. Amras continues, the love in his voice now replaced by sadness.
'I... I just hope my death didn't hurt her too hard.'

What do you do?

>>42531881
Taking control of a foreleg, we hold it across our chest to try and hug ourself a bit, feeling tears well up, though we're not sure if they're ours or Armas'.
'Grief is proof of the existence of love. You miss her, just as she must've missed you... I'd, offer to help you find her, body or soul, but we don't know what life she lead after you parted, or if her soul still lingers in the Paavola. The afterlife and soul cycle of Deer is a little stranger than I recall reading about. A doe like her though, perhaps Hannu may be able to find some record of her? Could you tell me a little of how she used gems?'
We try holding onto the mental image of Marjatta, picturing her with a comforting smile as best we can. It's better than letting ourself speculate on what ifs and happy ending that might give him false hope.
'She seems like a lovely doe, in every sense. I'm sorry your story was cut short.'

>>42531881
Taking control, we place our hoof on our heart to comfort both him and ourself.
'She's very beautiful. Your love for each other is undeniable too. I would have loved to have met her myself, though, you would probably stop my advances towards her.' We say, half-jokingly, trying to lighten up the mood.
'I can't pretend to know how you feel, but I lost someone I would consider a father to me.'
We open up our soul to show him our master.
'Not the best looker, I know. Aside from a few servants, he was the only living person I knew. He raised me from a filly to the mare I am today. Losing him... I thought I would be alone in the world, but eventually I found people who can accept me and be there for me when I'm at my best and my worst.'
'While I can't fill in the gaps of your past, it sounds like her research is something Aln Lenora still uses today. When you get the chance, ask Hannu about his sword. It's enchanted with electrical Runes. Perhaps there's some history about Marjatta he would know about as well.'

>>42531947
>>42532084
Taking control of a foreleg, you place your hoof on your heart to comfort both him and yourself, feeling tears welling up but being unable to tell if they're yours or Armas'.
'She's very beautiful. Your love for each other is undeniable too. I would have loved to have met her myself, though, you would probably stop my advances towards her.' You say, half-jokingly.
'Hey, she was already taken.' He manages to half-joke back.
'Grief is proof of the existence of love. You miss her, just as she must've missed you... I'd, offer to help you find her, body or soul, but we don't know what life she lead after you parted, or if her soul still lingers in the Paavola. The afterlife and soul cycle of Deer is a little stranger than I recall reading about. A doe like her though, perhaps Hannu may be able to find some record of her?'
'With all the souls in the Paavola it would be impossible to find even if it is there,' He sniffs, 'A record or something is all that I can hope for right now. Just... something to show that she lived after me.'
'I can't pretend to know how you feel, but I lost someone I would consider a father to me.'
You open your soul up to show him Master.
'Not the best looker, I know. Aside from a few servants, he was the only living person I knew. He raised me from a filly to the mare I am today. Losing him... I thought I would be alone in the world, but eventually I found people who can accept me and be there for me when I'm at my best and my worst.'
'He's a good person to have raised you. And I know finding people to be there for you is good as well.'

Cont.

>>42532564
You try to hold onto the mental image of Marjatta, being able to reform her a bit with a comforting smile. Better than letting yourself speculate on what ifs and happy endings that would give him false hope.
'She seems like a lovely doe, in every sense. I'm sorry your story was cut short.'
'She is, and you don't need to be sorry for it. You weren't the one that caused... whatever to happen to me.'
'While I can't fill in the gaps of your past, it sounds like her research is something Alln Lenora still uses today. When you get the chance, ask Hannu about his sword. It is enchanted with electrical runes. Could you tell me a little of how she used gems?'
'She... had a lot of different research on the topic that she was doing. The main one though was...'
He stops, the sadness and melancholy still hanging over him but it is not the reason for him to stop. He was instead thinking.
'You know how gems can store magic in them, right?'
You nod. You have heard of this before and you have seen Master use them, though not very frequently.
'Her main research was seeing if gems could store entire spells. That you can cast it, store it in a gem, and then use the gem to cast the stored spell for later use. She worked on that research for as long as I knew her, for years. She tried so many different gems in that time as well, but last time I spoke with her about it she was trying Haxlsite and feeling really hopeful about it, that some of the early tests with it were promising.'

What do you do?

>>42532566
'Haxlsite... Something solid to look into then. There is a chance she discovered something foundational to the modern use of gems in magic.'
Armas can probably sense our curiosity, to learn more about the magic from his time, and a branch of magic we're unfamiliar with, but it feels a little rude to pry farther now. Not to mention the gooey roll slowly making a mess of our hoof, and the others waiting outside.
'Did you two have other friends, family?'

>>42532566
'Haxlsite... I can't say I'm too familiar with it, though gems are hardly used in Necromancy. It'll be something to ask Coper about when we see him. I'm quite interested in the research myself. Storing a spell for later use then releasing it whenever needed is quite the accomplishment.'
'We pause for a moment, before remembering something.
'Would it look a little something like this?'
We imagine the fire rune trap guarding The Book of the Grave in Mikko's room.

Night, Pluto!

>>42532656
>Mikko's room
It was in the library, not his room, but otherwise correct. He had an imp guarding his incriminating stuff.

>>42532975
A small detail, but we had to steal his key to gain access to it. Thus the library was in his room.
Also, a shadow demon was what was guarding his diary. The 'imp' was guarding the book of curses in the former magistrate's room.

Stopping for the night.
Have a good night or day!
I was playing Silksong today. Six years worth the wait.

bump

>>42533575

>>42533037
Damn. Clearly I need to go reread some stuff, because I've got some wires crossed.

>>42533105
Picked up Silksong, haven't had the free time to play it yet. Heard good things.

>>42534683
Before I forget again, I don't know if you were the anon, but it's good to have a refresher:
When we tried the anger changeling alcohol, it brought up the Saraksa army that killed our master and destroyed our home. After that, we excused ourselves, we cried, like ugly crying. Dwayne came to comfort us as we weep.
We didn't tell her what we experienced, but she was there to help us get it all out.

>>42532610
>>42532656
'Haxlsite... Can't say I'm too familiar with it, but it is something solid to look into. It'll be something to ask Copper about when we see him. I'm quite interested in the research myself. Storing a spell for later use then before releasing it whenever needed is quite the accomplishment.'
Armas could probably sense your curiosity, to learn more about magic from his time, and a branch of it that you're unfamiliar with, but it feels a little rude to pry about it right now. Not to mention the gooey roll slowly making a mess of your hoof, and the others waiting outside. Still, you were curious about one thing.
'Would it look a little something like this?'
You imagine the fire rune trap guarding The Book of the Grave in Mikko's room. Armas is silent for a few moments.
'...It looks a bit like some of the runes she was using for her studying, but it is not exactly similar.'
'I see. Did you two have other friends, family?'
'I didn't talk with my parents too much, we weren't on great terms exactly. Marjatta's dad was a good buck though, we saw him quite often,' He explains, 'For friends we had quite a few. I was still really close to my fawnhood friend, he went into the same magic study as me so Marjatta and I would see him often. He... was the last person I saw before whatever happened.'

What do you do?