>>6088666Previous:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=MolochThe convoy slowly grinds its way down the mountains, stopping overnight at the squalid, nameless village before resuming its journey. While you stop to rest, you notice Jan carefully taking off Eleanora's gag and talking quietly with her. You consider stepping in to prevent it, but decide against it. She's behaved herself so far. If she starts to act up now that her gag is gone, you'll come down on her like a hammer.
Delayed by a stop for repairs, the convoy rolls into Portsmaw later than planned. With no trains departing for the capital until the morning, you're forced to find a room for the night. At first, this presents a problem – you shudder at the thought of trying to drag Eleanora into a fine hotel without making a scene – but then you remember Juno's squalid dockside hotel, a place that wouldn't ask any awkward questions.
Herding your captive into the dim, dismal upstairs room, you lock the door and dump your luggage onto one of the beds. Eleanora wanders across to the window and peers out, seemingly hypnotised by the raindrops striking against the glass – or, perhaps, considering the window's possibility as an escape route. She traces the falling raindrops with her fingers, long nails scraping against the glass.
“I can't do this,” Daniel announces, scowling at Eleanora, “I've got to get out of here.”
“We just got here,” Ariel groans, “Can't you just sit still for a few hours?”
“I've done nothing but sit still for the last few days,” the soldier complains, “We're finally back in civilisation, and I want to enjoy it. Good food, good drink...”
It's more than that, of course. After so long at the Iron Keep, isolated high up in the mountains, he desperately craves the warmth and life of a bustling city, and strong wine to blot out the memories of everything that transpired in the tunnels beneath the manor.
“Well I think it's an excellent idea!” Elle announces stubbornly, “I'll join you.”
“You, uh, you will?” Daniel looks around in surprise, “Miss Legrasse-”
“What's wrong? I'm allowed to have a little fun too, aren't I?” she asks, “I don't want to stay cooped up in here any more than you do.”
An awkward silence follows, broken only by the methodical screech of Eleanora's nails on the window. “I can stay here and keep an eye on her,” Ariel sighs eventually, “I napped on the ride down, so I can keep watch overnight.”
“That's settled then!” Daniel announces, “It's the perfect plan. Bard, are you in?”
>I don't think so. I'll stay here and keep watch with Ariel>I'd rather not. I want to go out and have some time alone>Count me in. I could certainly use the distraction>Other