Hmmn... mission or relationship?
Talk to the Queenn, or keep Sticks from bringing mischief to the kids?

.... ask where the annoying advisors will sit.

Besides, sticks gaining a bit of weight is natural, she's eating better. Just dont let her get too heavy for the job, and it's all game.

More Sticks meats to grab~ :3

>>114119
"No, no, it is clear to me you are having something of an off day already. No need to apologize my good... er..."

>>114119
Ask him to show you his dick since he got to see yours. Not being near the Matriarch is unlikely to be an issue since you would likely need to go through the chain of command anyway.

All you need to keep Sticks in shape is to take her with you just like now.
And daily sexercise.

>We made room at the children's table

oh come on ridder thats hillarious

Well, to be fair, she's not just a halfling, she's a halfling catperson, and she only came that way because of something you slipped her. I could see confusion.

I think we really do need to sit with the Matriarch.

I mean, the main path to a diplomatic solution lies with her feelings. Sticks can probably manage okay with the kids. This will also show our dedication.

>>110621

We need to find a way to take thr Matriarch aside and ask about the whole conflict thing, sans advisors.

We really ought to sit with the Matriarch to prove ourselves a dedicated ally. Sticks should understand, she's not possessive and clingy and plus she knows why we came here in the first place. We need to learn all we can about these people and their conflict before we can lead their forces into battle and solidify an ally for ourselves. Diplomacy comes first.
And as much as everyone else seems to resent them, we really should get on the advisors' good sides. After all, they clearly hold a lot of power, and if we want allies, we should ally with them too.

Besides, I'm sure Sticks will have plenty of fun corrupting the children anyway.

>>114119
As long as Sticks won't be too terribly offended (and with her sense of humor I don't think she will be), I say you should just take your seat near the Matriarch.

Sit with the Matriarch with sticks sitting on ridder's lap

ℜidder 2010/01/18(Mon)18:26 No. 114234 ID: c16184
File 126386796347.png - (113.60KB , 700x700 , c16-49.png )

That is true. I should not deny any chances I get of reinforcing this young and fragile alliance.
But I won't sacrifice Sticks entirely, of course.

"Do not worry about it, my good man. The confusion is understandable, even to us. However, I can not refuse the honor of sitting near the Matriarch. Sticks?"
"Yeah, I like the childbride of noble blood story.. I'll tell all the kids how well you treat me."
"Please do not say anything inappropiate, Sticks."
"Yes, daddy~"
"Really? That.. That removes so much trouble. I.. Your secret will be safe with me. I'll show you to your respective seats."

>>114234
You know, if we're going to entrust him with a secret, we might want to get his name.

>>114238
Indeed, names are underrated.

>>114238
No you fools! If we get his name, he will become important. We have to choose important characters carefully.

>>114251
What, a bug with a huge cloak isn't a good candidate?

ℜidder 2010/01/18(Mon)18:55 No. 114261 ID: c16184
File 126386975390.png - (129.46KB , 700x700 , c16-50.png )

"Thank you. May I have your name?"
"Z'tane. If you are staying long I am sure we will meet again."

He leads us down luxurious hallways. Sticks is shown to a large dining hall with a friendly and carefree atmosphere. I hear the chittering of children and the friendly voices of watchful adults.
Sticks shows a whimsical wave before she disappears inside.

Me and Z'tane continue down a few more doors, until I am lead into an enormous hall with towering walls and a curved ceiling.
Stretched along the entirety of the hall is an almost endless table.
I am shown to a seat about a quarter of the length away from one end, where I finally spot her. I have been honored with the opportunity to dine at her table.

Are there napkins?

There needs to be napkins.

>>114261
it's tradition for everyone to take turns mating with the matriarch on the dinner table, starting with the foreigner.

Get to it, boy.

>>114264
lets hope not.

>>114262

There need to be some drinks too.

>>114261
...that isn't exactly 'near' her. Also it seems like the advisors are sitting right next to her. Seems like they're considered to be just below her station.

Oh well, try striking up conversation with someone next to you. Introduce yourself. Ask how the kingdom's been doing.

The only way to talk to her is to get her alone outside the palace like Muschio did. This will be challenging.

.... considering tht I got an audience with her so promptly, I wasn' expecting that >.>;

You're sitting amongst the finest in their kingdom, we don't HAVE to sit right next to the matriarch.

>>114628
True! I kinda doubt someone in our immediate vicinity knows about what bugs the Matron so much, but its worth a try!

Unless we conveniently sat right by her chambermaid's side.

Have we considered that the war may have been forced upon the matron by the Patriach?

This might not be a war that we can end through diplomatic measures if one side is not open to reason.

ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)07:54 No. 114657 ID: c16184
File 126391648970.png - (90.50KB , 700x700 , c16-51.png )

As much as it is a disappointment, I feel like I should have expected this. Indeed, I am sitting among the finest in the kingdom, and at the Matriarch's table: To partake in the sanctity of dinner is something much different than speaking of war. It is to create a personal bond.
The prospect of speaking with the Matriarch is still unseen.

There are no napkins or drinks. Instead the table is covered in cloth sheets, and there are numerous soups and broths presented on the table to quench our thirst.

I turn to person next to me. A conversation may shed light on the situation. If not, then hopefully I will make another friend in this empire.

"Excuse me. Do you mind if we speak during dinner?"
"Not at all, sir."
"I am sir Ridder the Foreign Power. I have been knighted in the Order of Versatus today. However, I still have very little acquaintances here. May I ask who you are?"
"I am sergeant T'lear. I will be working under your command in the 7th regiment, sir Ridder. It is an honor."

The honor is all mine. Tell me, what are the opinions of the men regarding this war? I have so far only heard the minds of the Matriarch and her advisors.

>>114657
How do you feel about nailing pirate bugs, T'lear?

>>114657
Ask him for input on fighting in tunnels. It can be alot different from fighting above the ground.

Also Ridder. No matter how foul the food may be or seem don't be impolite about it. And atleast try to eat it. One of the two basic ways to be accepted among a different people is to both accept their food as well as possibly females. You have one down, don't blow the other one.

ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)08:19 No. 114662 ID: c16184
File 126391796912.png - (91.72KB , 700x700 , c16-52.png )

The food does not seem particulary weird or foul. Some of it smells rather inviting. But as my conversation partner is not eating, it seems like it would be rude to start eating while I make him speak.

"The honor is all mine. If it's not too much to ask, could you tell me about the differences between fighting in tunnels and fighting above ground?"
"Of course. It is best compared to urban warfare. Paths are narrow and often get crowded. There are no rooftops to watch for projectile attacks, but there is also little oppertunity to engage in long distance combat with the possibility to shoot in an arc removed. The hardest part is getting past the entrance."
"I see, thank you. Do you know what the men think of this war?"
"They relish the action, sir. Before this conflict the military was mostly for show. Now everyone has a goal, an enemy to unite against."

Ask if there is some special etiquette that should be observed. You don't want to be impolite, after all.

>>114662
Well just don't be impolite if anything weird shows up on your plate.

Ask him about arms and armor as well as the use of arabalests and siege equiptment. Cramped tunnels doesn't really give alot of room to manevour. Taking a prepared position in those circumstances must be a slaughter.

Would it be practical to take the army along the surface and then go down an enemy tunnel entrance to attack from above and behind?

ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)09:34 No. 114675 ID: c16184
File 126392247772.png - (90.80KB , 700x700 , c16-53.png )

"How is the use of siege equipment viewed?"
"Very badly, sir. We do not deploy anything that may damage the mesa structures."
"I see. Would it be a feasible strategy to--"
"Sir, with all respect, I request that we discuss strategy tomorrow morning when you have received your official orders."

Apologize, tell him you just wanted to make conversation he could be appreciative to, and you weren't sure where else to go.

>>114675
Apologise and explain that you simply wanted to expand your knowledge of tunnel warfare. Refrain from talk about the war with him during the rest of the dinner.

I wonder if they still use scorpions or siege arabalests loaded up with steel slingshots? A weapon like that should be able to cause a massacre in such confined quarters and the munition is small enough not to damage the mesas.

"Of, course."

Mumble something offhandedly about, you know, "too bad combat is inevitable" or how you'd prefer a peaceful solution.

You know. Fishing for comments.

>>114703
That's a bad idea. We've already established that the soldiers themselves are actually in favor of the war. They're loving the action.

Perhaps change the subject to something lighter? Perhaps culture or the arts?

>>114706
They cant be loving to die in the field.

Unless battles are aren' truly to death? More of a sport, than a bloodshed?

Say "Of course" and then switch the topic to politics or culture or something.

>>114675
"Y-you know you look pretty cute in that outfit."

Politely continue dinner, but follow the cues of others. Don't eat till they eat, and when they do, eat the same way (albeit with only two arms).

You need to know as much as possible but he's obviously reticent to discuss stratagems without you being fully briefed. Instead, why not discuss something else? The social clime here is worth taking in.
Ask about the Matriarch, how he views her, what he thinks of her situation. Ask about the Patriarch. Ask about the war itself. And for once, ask about their civilization, outside the context of this civil war. Find out what you can about them.

Perhaps something about the Mesa's area itself? Maybe the history of this kingdom or their people, maybe you can find out if that had any formal relations with your old kingdom.

You can share what you know of your own people as some comparison (by that I mean Piacevol, not your own people of which you apparently know little of)

ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)13:45 No. 114722 ID: c16184
File 126393750967.png - (94.71KB , 700x700 , c16-54.png )

Very well. I can understand that the sergeant does not want his work to intervene with his dinner.

"I apologize."
"I accept your apology. Thank you."

We fall to silence and begin to eat.
I give it a moment before I begin again.

"May I ask you something else?"

I catch him just as he is about to take a bite of something. He freezes for a moment, then decides to simply eat while talking.

"Of course, sir."
"What kind of person is the Matriarch?"
"I don't know her personally, sir. She seems like a just and gentle character."
"What about the Patriarch?"
"I really don't know, sir."
"That's alright, thank you. How is the war going?"
"We are at a constant stalemate, sir. Every time we move forward, we are pushed back again. An end does not seem in sight."
"Has it effected the land badly?"
"The first impact has subsided already, sir. The tourism industry has plummeted, but the economy is otherwise stimulated by the conflict. Now that the traders have found alternative routes export and import will resume again as well."
"Can I ask you what you think of it personally?"
"I prefer not to comment on that, sir."
"Of course, no problem. Perhaps we can discuss something lighter. Can you tell me about your land? Culture? History?"
"What would you like to know, sir?"

Ask him about music. Music is a culturally universal language.

Well I like how broad his shoulders are through those clothes. Ask about the fashion, maybe we can get you a badass shirt/pants combo specifically tailored for you. A fine souvenir and symbol of the alliance.

>>114722
Ask about the food or what type of weapons they use in combat.

You should intermix some questions about music, arts, and food. However... Asking about traditional garb, armor, weapons, etc. will help you get a feel for what you'll be facing tomorrow. Slip some of those questions in and it won't seem like a military question.
Since you'll be fighting in close quarters this seems pretty important.

>>114722
Ask him what sex is like here. Is fucking someone you just met common? Is it limited to just women? Do commanders tend to have sex with sergeants? You should be up for that if they expect it of you to form stronger bonds. In fact you might want a headstart on it.

ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)14:11 No. 114736 ID: c16184
File 12639391039.png - (90.69KB , 700x700 , c16-55.png )

I.. would rather not ask about their traditions regarding the freedom of sex. The initiation copulation seemed like an important and even stoic procedure, and the lady only warmed up once we got started.
Asking about their clothing seems like a simple enough topic to start on. Hopefully they will also reflect their culture and let me know what I will face tomorrow.

"I see that many of those seated wear the same garment as you. Can you tell me what the significance of it is?"
"This is the formal military uniform. We wear it when not on duty yet in the presence of those who outrank us by far."
"I see. Will I receive one as well?"
"I don't know, sir. Your knighting was an exception from the scriptures, thus you may also get an exception from our dresscode."
"I had not thought of that. However, I was told by the advisers to receive an intimidating suit of armor."
"Then we should visit the armory tomorrow morning, sir."
"Very well. What can you tell me about the armor used here?"
"We use light, layered armor to deflecting attacks that may penetrate our natural armor. It is also heavily padded to soften blows from blunt weapons."
"It sounds like you are well prepared for any attack. What kind of weapons are commonly used in the battles?"
"Only blunt weapons, sir."

Natural carapaces would deflect lances and swords, I guess, which are more useful on softer targets; so they just mostly worry about protection from crushing blows.

If I'm correct, war here has plenty wounded but not so many corpses. Interesting.

That, or life is very cheap due to high numbers and short natural lifespan.

Maybe both.

Dont ask directly about the casualties, because that wouldn' be kosher in a dinner, but you could wonder out loud how old this species reach. How old is their eldest, the matriarch, things like that. Can help to have an insight on how they view life.

>>114736

Stop BUGGING the shit out of him. He's really getting ANTSY. Let's just eat our GRUB.

>>114744
Don't BEE to quick to give up on learning. We need to WORM our way into the mindset of these people.

>>114742
The choice of weapons could be a cultural aspect rather than based on their natural protection. There have been several cultures where the aim of warfare is not to kill the opponent but to capture or simply disable.

But Ridder I think it's time to steer away from that. Look around for the others you're sitting close to. Ask a bit about the history of their people (not related to warfare) as well as some bits of information about their culture. Like how is their court structured and do they have any social mobility?

ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)14:51 No. 114754 ID: c16184
File 126394147765.png - (96.45KB , 700x700 , c16-56.png )

"I see."

I let the sergeant take some time to eat before I continue my questions.

"May I ask how the social structure works in your society? Does age or family play a big role? How old does your kind usually get?"
"We live to around 70, but our last Matriarch lived to see 102. .. I honestly do not know how explain how our society works, sir. I grew up with it and it is something I don't consider very much."
"I understand. Thank you, T'lear."
"It's my honor, sir."

I decide to let him eat in peace. My last question appears to have left him in deep thought.
When we have finished our meals and those around us get up, he briefly salutes me before disappearing as well.

I soon find myself walking down the hall with Sticks again, on our way back to our room.

"I hope you haven't done anything inappropiate, Sticks."
"Ofcourse not, daddy~ They were all quite excited about me being a childbridge and all the girls wanted to get married too. I warned them about mean husbands, though. Told 'em they should all find their own paths~"

Ignore Sticks, she's just trying to get you embarrassed so it'll be hotter to fuck you when you get back to your room. Don't fall for her tricks, she probably didn't actually say anything and you can just explain yourself if the culture's even against child brides, which it doesn't seem to be from Z'tane's reaction.
Oh hey speaking of Z'tane he's right there say hi to him!

>>114754
"No much success seeing the matriarch. But it was a risk I had to take. Gave me a good... insight on the size of this monarchy."

Seriously, you weren't even near one of the tables' ends.

>>114754
Warn her that you just might have to discipline her with some spanking for showing such disrespect towards her father. Come on do it!

Also say that it was a very educational evening. Tomorrow should be a very interesting day.

ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)16:11 No. 114801 ID: c16184
File 126394629171.png - (95.36KB , 700x700 , c16-57.png )

That's right. I should adress Sticks about this 'teasing' seriously now.

I lower myself to her height and place my hands firmly on her shoulders. She jumps, startled, but I keep her in place.

"Sticks."
"Y-yes?"
"Do you want to incorporate roleplay into our love making?"

She is silent for a moment, but then her expression quickly softens and gains a red flush.

"N.. no.. You do everything perfect already.."

ohhh, looks like you made her nervous this time.

Grin seductively.

"Are you sure, little girl~" :3

oh mah dawwww

>>114801
and that's how you make a comeback...

Hug sticks. Tell her she's good as well.

>>114801
Kiss her you fool! After all, tomorrow may be the day you die deep underground, crushed by the merciless hammers of bugpeople.

Don't do anything inappropriate in public. There may be someone watching.

This sounds about right.

ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)16:29 No. 114813 ID: c16184
File 126394738077.png - (109.44KB , 700x700 , c16-58.png )

"You too, Sticks."

I pull her to my chest and embrace her. I feel her tightly grab on to my clothes.

"I love you, Ridder.. I'm so happy you got over that marriage and family stuff. It takes such a load of my mind.."

Somehow it feels like I have been stabbed through the heart, yet I can't determine exactly why.

Your food wasn't poisoned, right?

Is dat some foreshadowing?

>>114813
You're not over it. You still want a family, and someone to have *exclusively* to yourself. You don't want to share.

>>114813
Probably because she does not share your definition of what constitutes love. She has been afraid of love because she sees it like something that will restrict her freedom in the form of tying her down to a marriage and a family. Now that she knows that you don't immediatly connect the two any longer she feels more secure with you and admitting her feelings.

Your image of love is different. But they're both still love. Neither holds any superior inherant value over the other, the feelings are still the same.

And Ridder what I said before is still true. You're a knight, death is not a distant companion for you. Every fight you get into could be your last, you could be killed or horribly maimed. Take your happiness where you can find it, when you can find it. Because you may never get a second chance.

>>114813
...:C
Sounds like you aren't over "that marriage and family stuff" at all.
And that it hurts that she doesn't even consider it a possibility. That she's so sure your relationship will be short-lived.
Whoops! Looks like I sat in my relationship armchair by mistake.
Mybad

Oh well, hang a do not disturb sign on your door and wreck that pussy~ (GEDDDIT HA HA HA)
Maybe some lovin' will take your mind off of it.

Love hurts sometimes my man. It's simple Ridder, you love Sticks, or at the very least your values are telling you to love Sticks because of what you shared. Your values put marriage as the logical next step to love and she just shot you down in advance. Sorry.

>>114813
Ouch.. that did hurt.

Ridder, may I ask, what are we? By 'we 'I mean, us voices? You are aware I hope that most people don't have these kinds of voices in their head... so why you? Why do you even take our advice.. its not like we are infallible or anything?

>>114813
She is carrying some other man's kittens. Strike her down.

Marriage is a burden for her. She likes to be free, even if she loves you. It doesn't mean she thinks your relation will be short-lived. She loves you more than she'll love anyone. She just needs her space.

Between you two: it's love and lust.
Between her and another man: just lust.

Get over it, faggot.

clearly she's saying it's totally okay for Ridder to bang the fuck out of Iesgip

>>114813
Ridder you may have to look elsewhere for love, Sticks seems to only want lust. There is someone who could fill your heart with love you may have overlooked (although it seems in your dreams you have not according to Sticks!) When Muschio comes over you could try putting the charm on him, it's clear he cares about you very much, and could give you the love Sticks can't.

Maybe its time you looked elsewhere for a lifelong partner, Ridder. Sticks doesn't seem interested in committing.

Separate the sex from the love, man.

>>114838
Somehow, I doubt that's how Iesgip wants it. don't hold me to that... but somehow I doubt it.

>>114826
>>114839
O________o

>>114829
Ridder can want what he wants, he's willing to make accommodations for her, should she not for him? Or is Ridder the only one we expect to make sacrifices around here?

>>114826
she HAS been getting a little fat in the belly. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)17:49 No. 114860 ID: c16184
File 126395219541.png - (91.47KB , 700x700 , c16-59.png )

Allow me to clear up some confusion I understand is growing amongst you: I do not love Sticks. I do not think she is particularly attractive.
I am in this relationship because it is her wish, and it is my duty to take responsibility for my actions--my lack of self-control that fateful night at the goblin settlement.

So no, I do not believe that wanting to have her exclusively is what hurts.
No, I believe you have much more to do with it.
When I first embarked on this adventure, you asked me what I wanted in life apart from my knightly duties. I had not given this much thought before, but it dawned on me that I would like to get married, have children, a stable relationship.
An unrealistic image that continues to be shattered relentlessly. Sticks' confession of how she felt about my wish to get married has further forced me to twist and bend my conception of love and sex until it does not align with anything any more.

There is more honor on the battlefield than there is in romance.

Ridder, you are both young. A family and a stable relationship is a good thing to have, but you should open your mind for a while before you settle down with someone.

>>114860
Ridder, it wasn't your fault. You were poisoned with Nanroot. No amount of self-control could have overcome the effects of the poison, you have no reason to feel chained to Sticks because of this. Even if you had given in without the poison, you still shouldn't feel chained to a relationship. You should tell Sticks how you feel, she should be able to understand.

>>114860
Ahhh, and now you see was that so hard to tell us? We'll see what we can do on this end of the crazy voice telephone.

>>114860
Geeze... First you go along, and now you let us know this.
If you feel that way, then tell sticks.
There is honor in love; you just don't see the different honor code. Sticks dropped the honor, and it's obvious.
You already took responsibility. This relationship can't be based on sex.
Even igsiep would be a better choice if that's how you feel. I doubt geek or petal though... They got aditudes.

The point: Make yourself clear to Sticks. That family matters, and that you don't feel right fooling around.
(also, you should seperatw work from love...)

>>114865

Yeah, what he said. Perhaps it can wait until after the bug situation is over.

Sticks is in for some hurting, though.

Bah, if that's why your doing this it seems unhealthy.

Your a manly knight, women love you and want to be with you. Sticks is a weird soul who's like that and I think wants to be able to sleep with anybody without it being a big deal so she can avoid hurting people's feelings. She means well but obviously she's hurting you bro. That's where this feeling of dishonorable romance comes from. It's possible to fit any ideal with a little bit of work, skill, and charisma.

There's nothing wrong in using your manliness to be rather riske with the female occupation. Be immature, be irresponsible. Have fun your not having a family right now. CONQUER DA LADIES I TELL YOU AND HAVE FUN DOING IT!

Then go love somebody. Find someone that rocks your fucking world and create children that will be the best people you'll ever know! Fight the heavens! Fight Stick's pessimistic realism. Earn your happy ending.

Then... we've failed. We charged headlong into this when you gave Sticks your response. It is unfortunate that it has come to this. We kept pushing you along instead of asking what you truly wanted.

Ridder, mark my words. There will be a love for you. There will be a true day of that spectacular sustenance that is love. This is but a gloaming, and a still more glorious dawn awaits, if only you have the patience to see it.

If you do not love Sticks -- if you do not even find her attractive -- there is no reason to hold on. She has made it very clear that she has no qualms about a brief and ended relationship. And as she has told you not to wait for her, not to entertain thoughts of marriage, perhaps it is best if you end things.
Now is not the best time, to be certain. But if you can let her down easy -- and this shouldn't be hard, given her views on the relationship as fleeting -- then you will have done her a great service anyway, giving her happiness, making her more self confident and able.

Someday you will find your true love, Ridder. ♥

>>114860
Well, you have given her some of the passion she desired.

I think you overreacted as far as making up for your lack of self control is concerned. She wanted it more than you did. Though she wanted a short term relationship, without being tied down by rules.

I think you need to make plain your feelings. WITH MANLY TEARS.

Poke her in the stomach, or the legs.

>>114874
This guy has it down.
You have to experiement. Find new things. You chose a spear over a blade, a mount over foot.
You chose since you tried the methods of fighting before. And in doing so, you found what you liked.

Sticks is one of many women you'll meet. You should be lucky she's your first lover. If she weren't, you would still be as tense as before about your idea of love.
Her idea is half right, as is yours. The idea is to be relaxed and find others, get to know them... Maybe sex... But ultimately to know the person well enough to make a decision-to marry or not...

Now would be a time to make your point... Do it now.
Leave the matchmaking to us, the voices in your head.

>>114886
And I say bullshit!
The best point is not always the one perfectly between the two extremes.

Ridder's views on love and sex are not mine, but dammit, this isn't about me. It's about him. And I have to respect that.
Every time we've forced him to compromise and delay he's hated it. It's tearing him up inside. The shit you are saying is KILLING him. He is MISERABLE because of it.

Stop trying to make Ridder think like you, see the world like you. He has his own way, and there's nothing goddamn wrong with it, even if it's not your way. Let him be or he'll never have his peace.

End of Chapter 16 ℜidder 2010/01/19(Tue)18:21 No. 114893 ID: c16184
File 126395409617.png - (109.69KB , 700x700 , c16-60.png )

That is the worst part. As the image I had of love my entire life, and I now realize I held on to so tightly, is absolutely unrealistic, I have to find solace in the freedom I have: To love, to hurt, to enjoy fleeting emotions.. wether I want to or not.
It is a part of life I must learn to accept, like I learned to accept death.

Very well, if this is what you think is best then I shall tell Sticks my feelings after this mission. I don't want her to be hurt in such a strange enviroment.

I embrace her tighter. She begins to fondle my crotch.

"..Hm? Ridder, why aren't you..?"
"I'm sorry, Sticks. I have a lot on my mind. Let's just go to sleep tonight."
"Alright. Relax, okay?"
"I'll do my best."

Ridder, your fucking sense of fairytale ethics has gotten you neck-deep again. Do you realize that what you did is a hundred times worse than a no-hard-feelings one night stand that you didn't even have CONTROL over? Leading Sticks on is just fucking terrible. She's already had a hard time in the past with just this situation.

You may find your love someday, but I'm willing to bet that Sticks will be leaving your alliance when you're through with this.