Annoyed at the disappearance of Old Hubba, but somewhat heartened by his claims that time passed differently while in the Outrealms, we decided to make an early camp and wait for him to come back and show us the way out. Presumably, he'd make us help him round up some more of his trading cards again before letting us leave, so it was important that we all tended our wounds and had a full night's sleep. Keeper decided to summon Alm and have him teach him the ways of a Dread Fighter.
Keeper of Night reclassed into Dread Fighter!
I settled myself for an evening of laundry, but it wasn't long before Cinesra came over for our nightly strategy games.
<Athena> ... and I'm toast. Once again.
<Cinesra> Oh, don't be too hard on yourself, dear. You're winning about 1 matches in 3 now, quite an accomplishment!
<Athena> It's only thanks to your constant teaching and practice that I've even gotten that good. *sigh* Care for another round? I find that I have a hard time sleeping if I can't beat you at least once in a night.
<Cinesra> You would not be the first damsel to be kept awake by thoughts of me, you know… *winkwink* But I'm more than happy to teach you, and to help you sleep, anything to ease your burdens.
<Athena> And boy do I have a lot of 'em. Everyone relies on my tactics and strategy for each and every battle. And now we'll be going against a god! I'm not experienced enough for this.
<Cinesra> Maybe in terms of years of experience, no, but your instincts are spot on, and you've always led us true. Truly, in a real battlefield you're a genius! I never feel at danger placing my life at your hands.
<Athena> Well, thanks, Cinesra.
<Cinesra> And if those honeyed words are not enough to aid your slumber? Then I shall be happy to lie in your cot and whisper a sweet lullaby while you—
<Athena> Oh, what's that? I think I hear Light coming...
<Cinesra> So many ladies that require my attentions... I must bid you adieu, then.
<Athena> Good night, Cinesra. Hmmm... I wonder what Drohn's up to... Ope, looks like he's heading off to spar with IE. I guess I'll leave them to it and get back to the laundry.
...
<IE> I'm reading for tonight's training, father. ^_^
<Drohn> Before we get to that, I've been thinking... will you be able to get back to your own world once this is over?
<IE> I don't actually know, though to be honest, I probably won't even try. My world was destroyed to nothingness by Grima. Even if we defeat him here in this world, it won't change what happens in my future. But don't worry, when this is all over with, I'll leave you and Athena to your life.
<Drohn> Huh?
<IE> I know I don't belong here. I don't plan on becoming a burden.
<Drohn> But you're not a burden and you never have been! I mean, don't get me wrong, I love baby-you as well, but you're still my daughter, and now also my friend. You've grown into a very fine and noble woman. I hope you'll always remain at my side, just like your mother.
<IE> Oh, father, thank you.... ;~;
<Drohn> Now, are we going to go spar or what?
We were woken up pretty early in the morning, however....
<Old Hubba> Help! Help! Please, you must help me!
<Drohn> What's going on this time?
<Old Hubba> Oh, thank goodness! I'm afraid we have a bit of trouble on our hands again.
<Drohn> "We"?
<Old Hubba> Come outside and I'll show you!
<Athena> Wow, that's a big army... they all look familiar, too...
<Drohn> Aren't those the same Einherjar that we fought yesterday?!
<Cinesra> And even more than yesterday, too, if my eyes aren't deceiving me.
<Old Hubba> Yes, unfortunately, not all of my cards were recovered in your valiant attempts yesterday, and the ones that were still free managed to steal the ones I got back and now they'll all against me together! Quick, you must defeat them all so I can seal them again!
<Drohn> Well, they'll all pretty pissed and heading this way anyway, since you led them to us... *sigh* Alright everyone, gear up and head out!
Stuck fighting a war on 3 fronts against an army that massively outnumbered us, we took all the advantages we could get and kept shelter amongst the trees while they rushed towards us. IE and Drohn went together to a local fort to call off some of their numbers as well. We slaughtered each and every one of the Einherjar, even the healers, so they could be returned to their cards and hopefully stay safe. For reals this time.
<Old Hubba> Oh, thank you, thank you! *flips through deck* Yes, this should be all of them now. Minus Alm, of course, since I gave him to you. Here, take a Seliph, too! He's useful, and handsome as well.
<Drohn> You're sure that's all?
<Old Hubba> Well, of the Archanean and Jugdrali groups, anyway, I'm still missing a bunch of cards from some other continents and time periods, but none of them have showed up causing trouble yet.
<Athena> In that case, would you mind showing us the way home?
<Old Hubba> Oh, yes! The Outrealm Gate. Hmmm... it should be a couple hours march, uh, that away *vaguely waves* Though I do wish you'd stick around for a bit longer. Like I said, time passes very slowly here, so you don't have to worry about what's going on in your world. Relax! Take in the sights!
<Drohn> I'm sure it's very pleasant here and all, but, well, even knowing about the time thing, the issue of Grima threatening our world weighs down on our minds, so...
<TT> Awww, does that mean we can't spend some time at the festival? :<
<Drohn> ... Festival?
<TT> Yeah, I thought I'd scout around a bit, you know. Totally nothing suspicious. Anyway, there's this town a couple kilometers down the road that's having a harvest festival.
<Celever> I LOVE festivals! Can we go, please? PLEASE? ^_^ ^_^ ^_^
<Athena> Well, I guess a short break wouldn't hurt. Let's go check it out.
<Everyone> HURRAY! \o/
<Mayor> Welcome to our village! It's not every day we get visitors from another world, don'tcha know. And you picked a great time to come! Our annual harvest fair just started!
<Drac> Make with the WooHooing! \o/
<Mayor> We got all kinds of fresh produce, plus games and prizes and fun at every stall! Take a gander for yourself— Oh, and don't forget to bring a friend! They say the fair has a special magic that brings folks closer together, ya know.
<PMJ> This all sounds very pleasant, yes. ^_^
<Major> And... oh dear, there's my deputy mayor. Deputy! Where is your party hat?!
<Deputy> S-Sir... I... monsters have invaded the village!
<Mayor> D:!
<Deputy> They're shambling all over the square and being all moany and just spoiling everything! :<
<Drohn> Monsters?!
<Palutena> Ugh, it's Risen. I can tell my the smell.
<Drohn> Well, so much for taking a break. Everyone, gather your weapons!
<Mayor> Oh, how lucky we are that such fine soldiers have arrived just in the nick of time! My deputy and I will be, uh, in the mayoral office doing, umm, mayoral things. Let us know when you have the problem fixed! *runs*
<Celever> It looks like the monsters are attacking the stalls, so we still get to attend the fair!
<Keeper> Sort of anyway. But no worries! I'll kill all the Risen and win you a big stuffed animal!
<Celever> Yay!
We gathered our weapons and strolled into the festival grounds. Most of the villagers had scattered, leaving their stands and food behind, and Risen were shambling through the streets and pathways. We began to fight our way through, killing all of the Risen as quick as we could, but it was hard not to get distracted with the fair...
<Drohn> Ohman, look at that excellent Cake. Boy am I hungry! And deep fried things on a stick... and, ooh, is this a protective amulet of some kind? This is such a fascinating festival!
<TT> You think? Seems like a regular old festival to me. You see one deep friend thing on a stick, you've seen 'em all. I guess this is pretty new to you though, huh?
<Drohn> Yeah, I didn't really get out of the palace much. Many of the customs of regular people are still something of a mystery to me.
<TT> Welp, it's not too late to learn! I'll teach you anything you'd like to know, what's good to eat, what to avoid, which games are a scam (hint: all of them)... I probably know more about fairs than everyone else here put together.
<Drohn> Excellent! Let's start with the food, is this a... oh, wait, it looks like there's some kind of commotion up there.
<Villager> Eek! Me money pouch 'as been nicked!
<Other villager> Dammit all, mine too.
<Drohn> Huh, looks like a cutpurse is taking advantage of the Risen distraction.
<TT> ...
<Drohn> Hm? What is it, TT?
<TT> Er, what? Oh, n-nothin'. I just...I've got an errand to run! If you'll excuse me...
...
<Celever> It's so shiny and pretty!
<Palutena> ...
<Celever> HEY! Are you ignoring me?
<Palutena> Yes.
<Celever> :< I just wanted to give you a compliment! Your hair is so shiny and pretty... :< :<
<Palutena> ...
<Celever> Can I comb it? Pretty please?
<Palutena> Surely someone in this army has better hair that you can play with.
<Celever> Nope! Yours is the best. Everyone says so, especially the guys!
<Palutena> When I find out who these men are who've been talking about me... Well, let's just say there are about to be some new toads hopping around camp... *stalks off*
<Celever> Hmmm... oh, PMJ, what's wrong? You don't look so happy. :< Don't like the fair?
<PMJ> Me? Oh, no, I'm doing fine. It's poor Minerva who's not doing so great. I think she's coming down with a cold. :<
<Celever> Ohnoes! D: I hope she gets better soon. Then maybe we can go flying together and stuff!
<PMJ> You know, that's actually a great idea. I never thought about it before, but you being a Manakete and Minerva being a Wyvern, you're probably pretty alike. Say... what do you usually do when you have a cold?
<Celever> Oh, you know, the usual. Drink lots of fluid, sleep a bunch. Oh! But this old man Manakete I used to know once told me that eating lots of fruits is very good for a cold, too!
<PMJ> Fruits, eh? Seems like there's plenty of fruit around here. We'll have to take a look and find some festival fruit that Minerva likes. Thanks for the tip! ^_^
We slowly worked our way through the festival, trying not to upset too many stalls or destroy too many souvenirs on our path. The Risen weren't particularly powerful, but they were numerous and surprisingly resilient.
<Drohn> Dammit! I could have sworn he went this way.... TT? Wher-- there you are!
<TT> Oh, hey, blue. Did you need something? You look troubled.
<Drohn> You just kind of slunk off suspiciously and then I didn't see you for a while.
<TT> Oh, hah. I went off to catch the cutpurse that was troubling the villagers. Send a thief to catch a thief, amirite?
<Drohn> Oh... that's all?
<TT> What, you didn't think I was actually the thief myself, did you?
<Drohn> N-No! Not at all! Though, you were acting a bit suspicious about it. Why didn't you just tell me earlier?
<TT> Honestly? I was just having a little fun. I wanted to see if you really trusted me. Believe me, I was thrilled when you didn't immediately accuse me of being the thief! Sorry if it was a bother.
<Drohn> No bother, I'm just kind of exhausted after chasing all these stalls to try and figure out where you went...
<TT> Well, let me make it up to you be treating you to a night at the fair! Drink whatever you want, eat whatever you want, enjoy the companies of whatever ladies you want; it's all on me. And I won't tell Athena either, promise.
<Drohn> A night of drunken revelry? ... if only I weren't so worn out from chasing you around... x_x;;;
...
<Celever> Hey, PMJ, how is Minerva doing? ^_^
<PMJ> Oh, she's starting to feel better now! That fruit you suggested was just the trick. ^_^
<Celever> YAY! ^_^
<PMJ> She'll still need a few days to recover, but she's on the mend for sure.
<Celever> If you want to let her rest until she's feeling better, I could always transform and you could ride on me.
<PMJ> Have you actually had a saddle and a proper rider before?
<Celever> Well, no saddle, but I did take Athena on a ride to the marketplace once back in Ylisse. It was awesome! You should've seen us—we did a loop-the-loop and everything! And then I did this super-fast dive and pulled up juuust in time! That was her favorite part for sure! She was so excited, she lost her lunch!
<PMJ> I, uh, I think I'll stick with Minerva for now, but thank you for the kind offer. ^_^;;;; In fact, I think she wants some more fruit! *leaves quickly*
<Celever> Awww, poo, I thought it would be fun. Oh well, hmm, oh, there's Palutena! Did she... doze off in the middle of combat next to that stall over there? o_o; Hmmmm...
<Palutena> *zzz* Erk *snort* Uh, what? Ohshi- did I really fall asleep in the middle of battle?
<Celever> Good morning, sleepyhead! ^_^
<Palutena> Have you really been standing over me watching me while I slept?
<Celever> You looked like you needed the rest! Plus, it gave me a chance to touch your hair. The boys were right! It really is all silky shiny pretty.
<Palutena> Are you out of your tiny mind?! I hope you enjoyed it...because you're about the receive the hexing of your life!
<Celever> Eeeek! Sorry, sorry, sorry! I really am! You just looked so tired lately, I didn't want to wake you! I was worried, you know? But I stood watch over you the whole time, honest! I...I thought I was helping... ;~;~;~;
<Palutena> Ugh, fine, how am I supposed to stay pissed at that cute face. But no touching people's hair while they're asleep! And no more touching my hair, well, ever.
<Celever> Ok... After this one! >.> *touches hair once more and flies away*
<Palutena> Hey, stop that! >.<
Finally, we made our way through the entire festival, killing each and every Risen. A few more reinforcements came while we were fighting, but we swept them up with the others. The mayor came out of hiding and thanked us all for rescuing the village, and he offered us free food from the festival for the rest of the day, woohoo! We spent the rest of the evening eating and drinking and playing games and having fun at the fair. All in all, a day well spent.
), but they'll all have to be before the last chapter. It's a good place to end things and I can't keep doing this forever!
