>>5303087“You’ll forgive my son, Lord Arundel. I’m afraid the only thing that captures his attention these days is the battlefield. Come friend, you must have had a long trip. Let us dispense with the usual noble theatrics and enjoy a private conversation in my quarters?”
“I would be delighted to join you. But, before that, I heard word of a new addition to your family. I’d be remiss if I did not introduce myself.” Lord Arundel says.
“Ahh…yes.” The Count says, somewhat taken aback. “Blair, please present yourself.”
>You feel your nerves rising. You weren’t supposed to have anything to do with this! You step forward from where you were, meeting Lord Arundel’s gaze, and taking a bow. “H-hello, my lord. I am Blair d’Rusalka…a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”Lord Arundel walks towards you, taking a knee so that the two of you are eye level. The man is still smiling, but there’s something else there. Despite his outward appearance and mannerisms, you find him somewhat scary. “The pleasure is all mine, young lady. I hope the Count is doing an excellent job of taking care of you.”
>“I-I am well taken care of, my lord!” You squeak.Someone places a hand on Lord Arundel’s shoulder. The Count. “My friend, surely you did not travel all this way to frighten my adopted daughter. Come, we have much to discuss.”
“Straight to the point as always, Charles.” The two depart the audience chamber, making way to the Count’s private quarters.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Your mind stirs awake, bringing you back into the present day, and your current situation. What a bizarre dream. You recall that moment well, but it’s not as if there was any significance to it. Lord Arundel visited the castle often after that, and every time, despite the Count’s promise, he soured and became distant during his presence.
You hear a twig snap, and suddenly you’re on full alert. Next to you, you can hear Corrine still snoozing.
“Are those…girls? What are they doing sleeping out here?” A voice whispers.
“Sleeping? They’re covered in blood you fool. These poor girls were killed.” A female voice responds. “Look at those uniforms, they’re from Garreg Mach.”
“How’d some corpses from Garreg Mach end up here?” A third voice asks.
“Beats me, but if they’re really dead, we should check and see if they have anything valuable on them.” The first voice says.
Bandits? Or something else? Your lance is far out of reach, but you can still call your magic if needed.
>A): Spring awake and confront the voices>B): Attack them>C): Remain “sleeping”.>D): Write-in 