Daybreak:Volume 3 Chapter 1 - Revision history

Aorii at 00:24, 19 January 2022

2022-01-19T00:24:46Z

Aorii at 23:13, 24 July 2021

2021-07-24T23:13:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 24 July 2021
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	"I'm never going to dress like a lady. They might as well accept that," Kaede retorted petulantly.		"I'm never going to dress like a lady. They might as well accept that," Kaede retorted petulantly.

	"Clearly not," Pascal ~~added with a laugh~~. "Most ladies refuse to wear the same clothes twice in a week. You have to be persuaded just to change your clothes! I did buy other clothes for you too." he then reminded her as he walked over to the large, mahogany wardrobe. He opened it to reveal two ornate dresses. "Why not wear one of these until then?"		"Clearly not," Pascal chuckled. "Most ladies refuse to wear the same clothes twice in a week. You have to be persuaded just to change your clothes! I did buy other clothes for you too." he then reminded her as he walked over to the large, mahogany wardrobe. He opened it to reveal two ornate dresses. "Why not wear one of these until then?"

	"I am ''not'' wearing those dresses unless I absolutely have to!" Kaede declared with annoyance. "They're awkward, heavy, and make me feel like an overdressed peacock!"		"I am ''not'' wearing those dresses unless I absolutely have to!" Kaede declared with annoyance. "They're awkward, heavy, and make me feel like an overdressed peacock!"

Aorii at 16:30, 22 May 2021

2021-05-22T16:30:09Z

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Aorii at 15:26, 15 May 2021

2021-05-15T15:26:03Z

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Aorii: clear old

2021-05-15T15:25:58Z

clear old

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Aorii at 13:16, 6 April 2017

2017-04-06T13:16:07Z

Aorii at 19:49, 31 January 2016

2016-01-31T19:49:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 31 January 2016
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	Over eighty percent of Nordkreuz' buildings had been burned, gutted, or outright collapsed by a combination of the aerial bombardment, powerful earthquakes, and the countless fires that spread all over the city in the aftermath. They reduced wooden structures to little more than charred rubble. Meanwhile countless brick walls and stone columns stood damaged and alone, like headstones for the flattened taverns and workshops that once stood.		Over eighty percent of Nordkreuz' buildings had been burned, gutted, or outright collapsed by a combination of the aerial bombardment, powerful earthquakes, and the countless fires that spread all over the city in the aftermath. They reduced wooden structures to little more than charred rubble. Meanwhile countless brick walls and stone columns stood damaged and alone, like headstones for the flattened taverns and workshops that once stood.

	The roads lay twisted and broken. The city blocks reduced to mounds of debris and ~~shattered furniture. Even carts carrying excavated bodies could be seen~~ every few streets.		The roads lay twisted and broken. The city blocks reduced to mounds of wreckage and debris. Teams of volunteers toiled with hammers and pickaxes every few streets, filling one cart with recovered foodstuffs while dumping excavated corpses and mangled bodyparts into another.

	Such was the sight of what had once been the jewel of the continental north.		Such was the sight of what had once been the jewel of the continental north.
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	There was even a bald shopkeeper -- except now without a shop -- who had remembered Sylviane from her childhood 'hostage' year.		There was even a bald shopkeeper -- except now without a shop -- who had remembered Sylviane from her childhood 'hostage' year.

	Many others had kept their distance or even stared with disapproving eyes. But overall Kaede felt that the locals held a positive view of the Princess.		Many others had kept their distance or even stared with disapproving eyes. But overall Kaede felt that the locals held a positive view of the Princess. It certainly helped that word of Her Highness' exploits in the north had began to circulate, and many wished for nothing more than for her to exact retribution by killing more Northmen.

	Nevertheless, what brought a smile to her lips at the start of their trip grew increasingly discomforting after Sylviane had begun carrying her.		Nevertheless, what had brought a smile to her lips at the start of their trip grew increasingly discomforting after Sylviane had begun carrying her.

	Kaede was sure her face burned scarlet every time someone approached the Princess. They always snuck inquisitive glances at the Samaran girl, and Sylviane didn't help matters when she took pleasure in introducing 'the Landgrave's familiar who gave the healers too much blood'.		Kaede was sure her face burned scarlet every time someone approached the Princess. They always snuck inquisitive glances at the Samaran girl, and Sylviane didn't help matters when she took pleasure in introducing 'the Landgrave's Samaran familiar who gave the healers too much blood'.

	Her urge to disappear only increased as they passed the volunteer teams that excavated house after house, filling one cart with recovered foodstuffs while dumping pallid corpses and mangled bodyparts into another.

	By the time they reached the open square at the heart of the city, Kaede had began to wish that she could crawl into a hole and never see anyone again.		By the time they reached the open square at the heart of the city, Kaede had began to wish that she could crawl into a hole and never see anyone again.

Aorii at 01:54, 29 December 2015

2015-12-29T01:54:10Z

Aorii at 06:10, 1 December 2015

2015-12-01T06:10:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:10, 1 December 2015
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	"Damn Japanese government is pestering over the Kurils again," Konstantin half-snorted out.		"Damn Japanese government is pestering over the Kurils again," Konstantin half-snorted out.

	"~~What~~'s the point? Putin wouldn't pay one ruble over what the govfernment here phinks," Kaede forced out before he resumed chewing.		"Wha's the point? Putin wouldn' pay one ruble over what the govfernment here phinks," Kaede forced out before he resumed chewing.

	"Political posturing for the elections, now that nationalism is on the rise once more," the father spoke as he slowly stirred the hot bowl of Shchi cabbage soup he preferred in the morning. "Enough years have passed that the younger generation is daydreaming their glorious ''Dai Nippon Teikoku'' days again."		"Political posturing for the elections, now that nationalism is on the rise once more," the father spoke as he slowly stirred the hot bowl of Shchi cabbage soup he preferred in the morning. "Enough years have passed that the younger generation is daydreaming their glorious ''Dai Nippon Teikoku'' days again."
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	Konstantin couldn't help but snort again:		Konstantin couldn't help but snort again:

	"True enough. Us, the Brits, the French. Hell, the Americans too! Even if they won't admit it and are still trotting the globe. Putin might be an ambitious tyrant, but he's right about one thing: 'the US doesn't need allies, only vassals'. To hell if Russia is going to be some satellite of the EU or US, good for only our fuel!"		"True enough. Us, the Brits, the French. Hell, the Americans too! Even if they won't admit it and are still trotting the globe. Putin might be an ambitious tyrant, but he's right about one thing: 'the US doesn't need allies, only vassals'. Just look at how the Americans piss all over the promises they made Gorbachev to end the Cold War! The Motherland needs Putin for as long as NATO continues to exist, because to hell if Russia is going to be some satellite of the EU or US, good for only our fuel!"

	"Kaede, you might want to take off before you father's rant makes you late for school," his mother turned to voice with another gentle smile, amusement dancing within her jet-black eyes.		"Kaede, you might want to take off before you father's rant makes you late for school," his mother turned to voice with another gentle smile, amusement dancing within her jet-black eyes.

Aorii: Created page with "===Chapter 1 - A Disorienting Afternoon=== "Morning Ma! Morning Pa!" Stifling a mild yawn with his hand, seventeen-year-old Kaede strode into the modest kitchen-bar-dining r..."

2015-08-20T13:44:34Z

Created page with "===Chapter 1 - A Disorienting Afternoon=== "Morning Ma! Morning Pa!" Stifling a mild yawn with his hand, seventeen-year-old Kaede strode into the modest kitchen-bar-dining r..."

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← Older revision		Revision as of 00:24, 19 January 2022
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	"<Sure.>" Kaede commented as she willed her enchanted undergarments to grow warmer until it felt like her entire body was embraced by an electric blanket. Even her arms and legs felt like they were wrapped in heat thanks to her long, silky gloves and stockings. Only her exposed shoulders and thighs felt chilly as she stood up from the warm bed covers.		"<Sure.>" Kaede commented as she willed her enchanted undergarments to grow warmer until it felt like her entire body was embraced by an electric blanket. Even her arms and legs felt like they were wrapped in heat thanks to her long, silky gloves and stockings. Only her exposed shoulders and thighs felt chilly as she stood up from the warm bed covers.

	She groped about in the dark with her small hands before finding her black, pseudo-uniform draped over a nearby chair. Pascal had made basic repairs with mending spells but it was still singed around the edges. She needed to visit a tailor for proper fixing. However until then it was the only outfit Kaede could wear to fit in so she put it on.		She groped about in the dark with her small hands before finding her black, pseudo-uniform draped over a nearby chair. Pascal had made basic repairs with mending spells but it was still singed around the edges. She needed to visit a tailor for proper fixing. However, until then it was the only outfit Kaede could wear to fit in, so she put it on.

	She then opened a chest nearby which held Pascal's spare uniform. She took a belt and tightened it to press the heated cushion firmly against her stomach. It felt like she was being squeezed by a waist cinch but for once Kaede might have been happy to wear a corset. She then took his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The extra layer definitely helped to disguise the slight bump over her midsection.		She then opened a chest nearby which held Pascal's spare uniform. She took a belt and tightened it to press the heated cushion firmly against her stomach. It felt like she was being squeezed by a waist cinch, but for once Kaede might have been happy to wear a corset. She then took his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The extra layer definitely helped to disguise the slight bump over her midsection.

	''It's a good thing my body is so thin, otherwise I'd look pregnant,'' she couldn't help ponder before the mere idea of pregnancy left her thoughts aghast.		''It's a good thing my body is so thin, otherwise I'd look pregnant,'' she couldn't help ponder before the mere idea of pregnancy left her thoughts aghast.
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	Kaede halted in her footsteps the moment she crossed the makeshift bridge onto an intact section of the Nordkreuz's northern wall. The gas giant 'moon' illuminated the city through the clear, night skies. Its indigo light gave a haunting glow to the devastated settlement that had been renowned throughout Hyperion as the 'Jewel of the North'.		Kaede halted in her footsteps the moment she crossed the makeshift bridge onto an intact section of the Nordkreuz's northern wall. The gas giant 'moon' illuminated the city through the clear, night skies. Its indigo light gave a haunting glow to the devastated settlement that had been renowned throughout Hyperion as the 'Jewel of the North'.

	Over eighty percent of Nordkreuz's buildings had been burned, gutted, or outright collapsed by a combination of the aerial bombardment, powerful earthquakes, and the many fires that had spread all over the city. They reduced wooden structures to little more than charred rubble. Meanwhile countless brick walls and stone columns stood damaged and alone, like headstones for the flattened taverns and workshops that once stood.		Over eighty percent of Nordkreuz's buildings had been burned, gutted, or outright collapsed by a combination of the aerial bombardment, powerful earthquakes, and the many fires that had spread all over the city. They reduced wooden structures to little more than charred rubble. Meanwhile, countless brick walls and stone columns stood damaged and alone, like headstones for the flattened taverns and workshops that once stood.

	Even the roads lay twisted and broken. The city blocks had been reduced to mounds of wreckage and debris. Carts of equipment from volunteer teams littered the streets. Some were filled with recovered foodstuffs while others held rubble that had yet to be hauled out. There were even a few carts half-filled with charred or mangled corpses, as the dead had to be extracted from burned-out basements and collapsed cellars.		Even the roads lay twisted and broken. The city blocks had been reduced to mounds of wreckage and debris. Carts of equipment from volunteer teams littered the streets. Some were filled with recovered foodstuffs while others held rubble that had yet to be hauled out. There were even a few carts half-filled with charred or mangled corpses, as the dead had to be extracted from burned-out basements and collapsed cellars.
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	Kaede couldn't help but feel embarrassed, and also somewhat guilty, as they made a spot for her at the bench. She sat down next to the Master Sergeant, before she tried her best to insist in her wispy voice:		Kaede couldn't help but feel embarrassed, and also somewhat guilty, as they made a spot for her at the bench. She sat down next to the Master Sergeant, before she tried her best to insist in her wispy voice:

	"I did not kill a ''hundred!''"		"I did ''not'' kill a hundred!"

	"That's the rumor that's been spreading anyway," Eckhart chuckled with a grin. "Only those Phantoms who are too full of themselves wouldn't recognize a hero."		"That's the rumor that's been spreading anyway," Eckhart chuckled with a grin. "Only those Phantoms who are too full of themselves wouldn't recognize a hero."
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	"--Though apparently His Majesty wrote to her in person, and gave her a barony from the seized Manteuffel lands as reward," the Master Sergeant's expression somewhat brightened. "So at least she'll be retiring as a baroness."		"--Though apparently His Majesty wrote to her in person, and gave her a barony from the seized Manteuffel lands as reward," the Master Sergeant's expression somewhat brightened. "So at least she'll be retiring as a baroness."

	"Milady's been a good commander!" A soldier chimed in. "She deserves ~~her reward~~ in status!"		"Milady's been a good commander!" A soldier chimed in. "She deserves a rise in status!"

	''Yes, but I bet she'd still exchange that for her arm back,'' Kaede grimaced at her stomach ills as she realized that this topic only made her feel worse.		''Yes, but I bet she'd still exchange that for her arm back,'' Kaede grimaced at her stomach ills as she realized that this topic only made her feel worse.
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	"We'll mee 'gain," the corporal raised his empty mug one last time as he dropped his head onto the table. "In 'er ladyship's halls and in heaven..."		"We'll mee 'gain," the corporal raised his empty mug one last time as he dropped his head onto the table. "In 'er ladyship's halls and in heaven..."

	Then, with a more noticeable thud, ~~Sergeant Eckhart~~ collapsed onto the bench himself and made a half-crying noise before he too fell asleep.		Then, with a more noticeable thud, the sergeant collapsed onto the bench himself and made a half-crying noise before he too fell asleep.

	The knights had long left, so too the barkeep and the other civilians. All that remained were nineteen soldiers who lay collapsed around a single wooden table --all who escaped the casualty lists from the three hundred names of an infantry battalion's order of battle-- as well as a Samaran girl whose already bloated stomach was screaming for her to stop drinking.		The knights had long left, so too the barkeep and the other civilians. All that remained were nineteen soldiers who lay collapsed around a single wooden table -- all who escaped the casualty lists from the three hundred names of an infantry battalion's order of battle -- as well as a Samaran girl whose already bloated stomach was screaming for her to stop drinking.

	''They did this on purpose, didn't they?'' Kaede realized at last as she looked at the countless bottles and drinking vessels that laid all around.		''They did this on purpose, didn't they?'' Kaede realized at last as she looked at the countless bottles and drinking vessels that laid all around. It was a sight that brought new meaning to the question of why alcoholism had been so rampant in her homeland.

	~~For~~ the ~~first time, the young girl from another world understood~~ why alcoholism had been so rampant in her homeland.

	It was easy to forget that an entire generation of Russian men had been scarred by the Great Patriotic War. They watched as millions of their comrades perished before the Nazi war machine, then returned home with psychological trauma that Russian culture, with its demand for hyper-masculinity, offered little emotional recompense. These men drank themselves into a stupor to escape from reality, and in doing so they also taught their children to do the same...		It was easy to forget that an entire generation of Russian men had been scarred by the Great Patriotic War. They watched as millions of their comrades perished before the Nazi war machine, then returned home with psychological trauma that Russian culture, with its demand for hyper-masculinity, offered little emotional recompense. These men drank themselves into a stupor to escape from reality, and in doing so they also taught their children to do the same...
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	"Much more," the healer frowned as he muttered in a barely audible voice.		"Much more," the healer frowned as he muttered in a barely audible voice.

	"--Had Perceval not found you, who knows what could have happened!?" Pascal continued to scold. "Nordkreuz has always had its share of black market smuggling! It is ''not'' ~~difficult~~ to make a girl vanish in the current state of mess!"		"--Had Perceval not found you, who knows what could have happened!?" Pascal continued to scold. "Nordkreuz has always had its share of black market smuggling! It is ''not difficult'' to make a girl vanish in the current state of mess!"

	"Calm down, Pascal," Perceval interjected with a sigh. "She's back. She's safe. Everything ended well. Besides," he then added as his gaze fixed on Pascal: "What were ''you'' doing? You're her master."		"Calm down, Pascal," Perceval interjected with a sigh. "She's back. She's safe. Everything ended well. Besides," he then added as his gaze fixed on Pascal: "What were ''you'' doing? You're her master."
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	"Does that include ''Mental Clarity''?" Pascal asked next with concern. It was one of the spells in Kaede's set of defensive and support spells, and one that both of them used during combat.		"Does that include ''Mental Clarity''?" Pascal asked next with concern. It was one of the spells in Kaede's set of defensive and support spells, and one that both of them used during combat.

	"Yes." Perceval stressed without any doubt. "''Mental Clarity'' actively suppresses undesirable feedback from the nerves. Not only is that psychologically addictive, but prolonged use may even cause permanent imbalance in the nervous system. I realize it's popular among officers and that being alert and steady is always better than being dead~~, but~~ try to use it sparingly."		"Yes." Perceval stressed without any doubt. "''Mental Clarity'' actively suppresses undesirable feedback from the nerves. Not only is that psychologically addictive, but prolonged use may even cause permanent imbalance in the nervous system. I realize it's popular among officers and that being alert and steady is always better than being dead. But try to use it sparingly."

	The healer's well-reasoned warning left both Pascal and Kaede with deep, thoughtful nods.		The healer's well-reasoned warning left both Pascal and Kaede with deep, thoughtful nods.
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	"<All right. I will be over in a few minutes. Just let me finish up here.>"		"<All right. I will be over in a few minutes. Just let me finish up here.>"

	For the next minute Kaede simply laid back in her bed, taking deep, calming breaths ~~and~~ she hugged a heated cushion against her waist. She did reach for a knotted cord above the headrest and pulled~~, which apparently~~ jerked on a rope that went through the house's stone structure and ran a bell down in the servants' quarters.		For the next minute Kaede simply laid back in her bed, taking deep, calming breaths as she hugged a heated cushion against her waist. She did reach for a knotted cord above the headrest and pulled. It jerked on a rope that went through the house's stone structure and ran a bell down in the servants' quarters.

	She was wondering who would show up first when she heard a knock on the door before it opened.		She was wondering who would show up first when she heard a knock on the door before it opened.
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	"Marina was never going to fit in squarely, given how she came here," Kaede replied. "And I'm not sure how much pampering she can receive from me. I'm hardly the type to buy new clothes every season."		"Marina was never going to fit in squarely, given how she came here," Kaede replied. "And I'm not sure how much pampering she can receive from me. I'm hardly the type to buy new clothes every season."

	"No, you are the type to keep wearing the same clothes until they fall apart on you," Pascal said as he glanced at Kaede's pseudo-uniform, which she left draped over the dresser chair.		"No, you are the type to keep wearing the same clothes until they fall apart on you." Pascal said as he glanced at Kaede's pseudo-uniform, which she left draped over the dresser chair.

	"It's not ''that'' bad," the familiar protested. "I'll get it repaired properly as soon as the tailors are back in business."		"It's not ''that'' bad," the familiar protested. "I'll get it repaired properly as soon as the tailors are back in business."
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	Kaede's thoughts conjured those words in reflex before she kicked them out from her head and shot back: "just because I accept the fact I'm a girl now doesn't mean I'm going to start fawning over dresses!"		Kaede's thoughts conjured those words in reflex before she kicked them out from her head and shot back: "just because I accept the fact I'm a girl now doesn't mean I'm going to start fawning over dresses!"

	She then grimaced and pressed her heated cushion against her stomach as yet another bout of stomach cramps began.		She then grimaced and pressed her heated cushion against her stomach, as yet another bout of stomach cramps began.

	"True, you fawn over books," Pascal remarked as a sympathetic look replaced whatever else he had to say.		"True, you fawn over books," Pascal remarked as a sympathetic look replaced whatever else he had to say.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:16, 6 April 2017
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	"I heard you can. You just recover overnight... or perhaps that's the flu? Either way, my point is that you should still take care of yourself," Sylviane advised before she turned to glance at the tilted cylindrical shell keep that was Pascal's residence. "And what's Pisa?"		"I heard you can. You just recover overnight... or perhaps that's the flu? Either way, my point is that you should still take care of yourself," Sylviane advised before she turned to glance at the tilted cylindrical shell keep that was Pascal's residence. "And what's Pisa?"

	The overwhelming air raid on Nordkreuz had spared the Landgrave's estate due to its secluded location. But the earthquake that followed must have shaken up its foundation~~, as the~~ four-story stone structure now inclined at almost the same angle as the famous Italian tower.		The overwhelming air raid on Nordkreuz had spared the Landgrave's estate due to its secluded location. But the earthquake that followed must have shaken up its foundation. The four-story stone structure now inclined at almost the same angle as the famous Italian tower.

	Pascal had set up a network of runes to magically reinforce the structure before declaring it safe. But knowing and feeling secure were entirely different when one stood inside with its noticeably slanted floors.		Pascal had set up a network of runes to magically reinforce the structure before declaring it safe. But knowing and feeling secure were entirely different when one stood inside with its noticeably slanted floors.

	Fixing the structure's foundation would require a Geomancer with architectural expertise, and those available were busy at the moment with more pressing concerns in Nordkreuz.		Fixing the structure's foundation would require a Geomancer with architectural expertise, and those available were busy at the moment with more pressing concerns in Nordkreuz. Of course, the ''Runelord'' might have attempted it personally. But as the Lord of Nordkreuz, he was busy with disaster relief himself.

	Of course, the ''Runelord'' might have attempted it personally. But as the Lord of Nordkreuz, he was busy with disaster relief himself.

	"City from my world. The tower is a tourist wonder, but certainly ''not safe'' to live in," Kaede stressed.		"City from my world. The tower is a tourist wonder, but certainly ''not safe'' to live in," Kaede stressed.
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	She wasn't lying either, as the devastated city had been short on the precious 'fluid of life' as well. Kaede had volunteered almost immediately after seeing the carnage -- it would save not only lives but also help the new lord's public opinion as well.		She wasn't lying either, as the devastated city had been short on the precious 'fluid of life' as well. Kaede had volunteered almost immediately after seeing the carnage -- it would save not only lives but also help the new lord's public opinion as well.

	Though in exchange she also guilted Parzifal into lending her Putty for the day. Being anemic wasn't ''too'' bad when it felt like she was drifting on clouds.		Though in exchange, she also guilted Parzifal into lending her Putty for the day. Being anemic wasn't ''too'' bad when it felt like she was drifting on clouds.

	Returning her attention to Sylviane, Kaede found the Princess looking away at the lake. Her wisteria eyes had softened with remorse, while her frown revealed an uneasy conscience. Her Highness then closed her eyes, a deep sigh filled with repressed frustration escaping her peachy-pale lips.		Returning her attention to Sylviane, Kaede found the Princess looking away at the lake. Her wisteria eyes had softened with remorse, while her frown revealed an uneasy conscience. Her Highness then closed her eyes, a deep sigh filled with repressed frustration escaping her peachy-pale lips.
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	"<u>Tell her to meet me in the city center. I will be there within half an hour,</u>" Pascal voiced back, his stress level rising even as he spoke.		"<u>Tell her to meet me in the city center. I will be there within half an hour,</u>" Pascal voiced back, his stress level rising even as he spoke.

	"<u>I ~~will~~ see you then.</u>"		"<u>I'll see you then.</u>"

	As her 'master' drew an end to their conversation, Kaede proceeded to pass the word along.		As her 'master' drew an end to their conversation, Kaede proceeded to pass the word along.
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	The makeshift hospital was still overflowing with residents when they dropped by. Kaede only had the opportunity to say a few thankful words to Parzifal before he rushed off, though not before ~~ordering~~ her to rest more.		The makeshift hospital was still overflowing with residents when they dropped by. Kaede only had the opportunity to say a few thankful words to Parzifal before he rushed off, though not before he ordered her to rest more.

	However, the short stop might have been a good thing, as she saw at least one other healer clearly interested by her presence. He even grabbed a syringe as he approached, before halting as he noticed just how pale her face was.		However, the short stop might have been a good thing, as she saw at least one other healer clearly interested by her presence. He even grabbed a syringe as he approached, before halting as he noticed just how pale her face was.
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	"Careful! You're going to hurt yourself!"		"Careful! You're going to hurt yourself!"

	"Sorry, Your Highness," Kaede panted out, allowing her muscles to relax as she bathed in the soothing warmth from Hauteclaire's proximity.		"Sorry, Your Highness," Kaede panted out, allowing her muscles to relax as she bathed in the soothing warmth from Hauteclaire's proximity.

	"I just... need a break."		"I just... need a break."
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	''You're evil,'' came the silent response.		''You're evil,'' came the silent response.

	Though Kaede couldn't deny that she did enjoy it..~~. at least this time~~.		Though even Kaede couldn't deny that she did enjoy it...


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	The moment seemed to last an eternity in Kaede's smiling gaze, but Reynald only seemed insensitive when he tried to tease and flirt. The redhead did realize that whatever the Princess was here for, he was in the way; thus he soon bid them goodbye.		The moment seemed to last an eternity in Kaede's smiling gaze, but Reynald only seemed insensitive when he tried to tease and flirt. The redhead did realize that whatever the Princess was here for, he was in the way; thus he soon bid them goodbye.

	Except he spun back around after taking just one step.		...Except he spun back around after taking just one step.

	"Oh, before I forget again," he spoke out to Kaede as he pulled out a long scroll case from extradimensional storage. "Here."		"Oh, before I forget again," he spoke out to Kaede as he pulled out a long scroll case from extradimensional storage. "Here."

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:54, 29 December 2015
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	"He's in the middle of the city, still coordinating relief efforts. And I lost a lot of blood the last few days, so give me a break."		"He's in the middle of the city, still coordinating relief efforts. And I lost a lot of blood the last few days, so give me a break."

	Kaede at least managed to keep her tone from becoming snappy, though the Princess still frowned in disapproval before glancing away.		Kaede at least managed to keep her tone from becoming snappy, though the Princess still frowned in disapproval before glancing away.

	She wasn't lying either, as the devastated city had been short on the precious 'fluid of life' as well. Kaede had volunteered almost immediately after seeing the carnage -- it would save not only lives but also help the new lord's public opinion as well.		She wasn't lying either, as the devastated city had been short on the precious 'fluid of life' as well. Kaede had volunteered almost immediately after seeing the carnage -- it would save not only lives but also help the new lord's public opinion as well.
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	Nevertheless, what brought a smile to her lips at the start of their trip grew increasingly discomforting after Sylviane had begun carrying her.		Nevertheless, what brought a smile to her lips at the start of their trip grew increasingly discomforting after Sylviane had begun carrying her.

	Kaede was sure her face burned scarlet every time someone approached the Princess. They always snuck inquisitive glances at ~~her~~, and Sylviane didn't help matters when she took ~~great~~ pleasure in introducing 'the Landgrave's familiar who ~~had exceeded her~~ blood ~~donation~~'.		Kaede was sure her face burned scarlet every time someone approached the Princess. They always snuck inquisitive glances at the Samaran girl, and Sylviane didn't help matters when she took pleasure in introducing 'the Landgrave's familiar who gave the healers too much blood'.

	By the time they reached the open square at the heart of the city, Kaede had ~~begun~~ to ~~wonder if her cheeks would ever cool down~~.		Her urge to disappear only increased as they passed the volunteer teams that excavated house after house, filling one cart with recovered foodstuffs while dumping pallid corpses and mangled bodyparts into another.

			By the time they reached the open square at the heart of the city, Kaede had began to wish that she could crawl into a hole and never see anyone again.

	That was when she saw an unblinking Pascal standing next to a dumbfounded Reynald, both frozen in mid-gesture as their proverbial jaws met the broken ground.		That was when she saw an unblinking Pascal standing next to a dumbfounded Reynald, both frozen in mid-gesture as their proverbial jaws met the broken ground.
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	Even for Kaede, it took a second to overcome her astonishment. It was one thing for the situation to force Pascal into such admissions, like that night on Dormitory Keep after the Mantis Blades' attack. But to see him take such initiative by himself?		Even for Kaede, it took a second to overcome her astonishment. It was one thing for the situation to force Pascal into such admissions, like that night on Dormitory Keep after the Mantis Blades' attack. But to see him take such initiative by himself?

	Reynald's new nickname had been bestowed by His Majesty in person -- or so the rumors went. Acknowledging it was akin to putting the shorter boy on a pedestal, something that Pascal almost never did for anyone else.		Reynald's new nickname had been bestowed by His Majesty in person -- or so the rumors went. Acknowledging it was akin to putting the shorter boy on a pedestal, something that Pascal almost never did for anyone else his age.

	With a huge grin that soon stretched from ear to ear, Reynald grasped the offered palm and gave it a firm shake:		With a huge grin that soon stretched from ear to ear, Reynald grasped the offered palm and gave it a firm shake: