"Nothing bad, I just want to share the more political aspects of the trip in one go," You say to Sapphire, Winter Rose, Argantel, and Rozenn, "While I could just get away with talking to my advisors, word is going to get around to the rest of the family regardless. It is a big decision that I would feel better if it was decided as a group, even if it is just for discussion."
"...Is it about?"
"No, it doesn't involve marriage."
Rozenn nods a little as she understands.
"Even if it is just discussion we can do that," Argantel nods, "Still, I am a little curious."

What do you do?

Holy shit, nice to see this is back! Need a sec to reread stuff and write a post.

>>42964072
"You'll have to be curious for a bit longer, unfortunately. Rest assured, I would not be using any of my sisters' marital status like tokens for another nations' favor."
'... I need to look into that buck that was interest in Gaelle, make sure he hasn't done anything. There are a few things that I need to look into, really.'
"Anyone know how Uncle Apoll or Afric are doing? Can't recall the last time I saw either of them before I left, and haven't had a chance to speak to much of anyone before retiring for the night."
We focus on our sisters, predicting that Lula will start blushing up a storm if we look at her after mentioning last night.

Have been checking in from time to time, but still almost missed this thread until tomorrow. Admittedly, it's been so long that I can't recall exactly what we're talking about, even with a quick perusal. Might've had something to do with who take charge of Jiarg Ellen, and what we're doing about the alliance with Esa-Neria?
Unrelated, but my brain has constructed a shipping triangle between Apollinaire, Afric, and whoever the Changeling she was opposing? Need to reread a lot of stuff, I think

>>42964880
Yeah, had to take some time to reread through stuff.

"You'll have to be curious for a bit longer, unfortunately. Rest assured, I would not be using any of my sisters' martial status like tokens for another nations' favor."
'...I need to look into that buck that was interesting in Gaelle, make sure he hasn't done anything. There are a few things I need to look into, really.'
"Anyone know how Uncle Apoll or Afric are doing? Can't recall the last time I saw either of them before I left, and haven't had a chance to speak to much of anyone before retiring for the night."
You keep your focus on your sisters and say little after that, able to see out of the corner of your eye Lula blushing slightly at even the mention of it.
"Apollinaire has been good, mostly watching our soldiers and the Changeling soldiers interact and make sure they don't fight, like he did a bit ago," Argantel explains, "On Afric, I haven't interacted with her at all."
"Morning Star talked about her a bit, though she didn't say much other than she is still working things through with Mavourneen," Winter Rose adds, "Nothing bad as well."

What do you do?

>>42964941
'Thank the gods for them not pressing Lula, she'd crack so quickly. I'm a little surprised Lupad hasn't spent more time making her blush. Perhaps I should've got Ruby and Lupad to join us...'
Realizing that we were staring off into space for half a beat too long, we clear our throat.
"I suppose no news is good news. I can only assume Apollinaire has been spending what time he can with Mom, but I should be asking him that myself."
We tap a hoof idly, suddenly hyper aware of the cute and skittish doe beside us, wanting to look her way but not wanting to direct everyone's attention to her either.

Stopping for the night.
Sorry for disappearing for so long, again. Don't really have an excuse besides work and getting whooping cough.

>>42964941
'I'll need to ask Star about what kind of things. The two won't be seeing each other for a while, but it's better not to leave any conflicts between the two, even if it isn't too bad.'
"Glad to hear it. I'm glad the merging of armies have been having no issues as of late, and my new advisors are leaning well into their roles."
We turn to Rozenn.
"You know [Esa-Neria King] only has daughters. Would you have been open to marrying a fellow princess?"

>>42964979
Friendly reminder our mom is dead, unless you're referring to her sapling?

>>42964880
That was the idea. We're going to bring up who will be in charge of Jiarg Ellen. The way I see it is that it's going to be a bit lonely, so it's best to have them discuss who would be the most willing. Of course, we'll bring up the fact that we'll be keeping in touch and visiting often so the island can get back on their feet.

On the top of my head, a large discussion with our advisers would mostly be about announcing our war with New Capena, hiring carpenters who are willing to travel to Esa-Neria to increase boat production, having Mavourneen train soldiers on boats, and talking to Sephroidia about secretly tunneling to the side of their mountains. Would be a good idea to bring a mage to talk about reactivating Jiarg Ellen's old teleporters. We should also inform them about having the king of Esa-Neria be able to watch our wedding.
I'm sure there's more to discuss, but that'll come with time.

>>42965072
Morning, Pluto!
And it happens. Getting sick plus holidays tend to be quite drain on their own.

Do you ever use AI when writing your CYOA?

No need to worry, I won't shame you for it. Genuinely just wondering.

>>42965230
Her sapling has been shown to talk, from what I recall. Even if it couldn't do so regularly, Apoll and Batu would definitely hang out around it just to be in her presence. And I'm sure religion, self healing, and plant care would tie in as well.

>>42965620
No, and I actively avoid using it for writing. I would rather mess up my own writing rather than have an AI do it.

>>42964979
>>42965230
'I'll need to ask Star about what kind of things. The two won't be seeing each other for a while, but it is better not to leave any conflicts between the two, even if it isn't too bad. And thank the gods for them not pressing Lula, she'd crack so quickly. I'm a little surprised Lupad hasn't spent more time making her blush. Perhaps I should've got Ruby and Lupad to join us...'
Realizing that you're staring off into space for half a second too long, you clear your throat and speak.
"I suppose no news is good news. I can only assume Apollinaire has been spending what time he can with Mom, but I should be asking him that myself."
You then turn to Rozenn.
"You know Iudicael only has daughters. Would you have been open to marrying a fellow princess?"
Rozenn blinks at this and then blushes a little herself, still managing to smile.
"I-I don't think that would work out..."
Before anyone can say anything else the dining room door opens. You turn to see that the new arrival is Gaelle. She opens the door just enough to let her slip through and quickly poke her head back out. Pulling her head back in she then slowly closes it, and several beats after closing it she seems to relax a bit as she turns around.
"Morning everyone!" She greets all of you, acting like nothing had happened.

What do you do?

>>42966580
"Good morning, Gaelle. I heard you were up bright and early this morning."
Busy

>>42966580
'I wonder what was that all about... Is someone stalking her?'
"Morning, Gaelle. Glad to see you join us. Usually you're the first one here."

>>42966685
>>42966722
You look at her for a moment, a little confused.
'I wonder what that was all about... Is someone stalking her?'
"Good morning, Gaelle. I heard you were up bright and early today, though you're usually the first one here."
"Just wanted to get some stuff done early today." She explains, trotting over and sitting down near Argantel and Rozenn.
"Is everything alright," Argantel asks, "I have never seen you come in like that."
"Yeah, I'm fine, that buck was just being... persistent this morning," She says before quickly changing the topic, "How is everything here?"

What do you do?

>>42967225
The words 'buck' and 'persistent' echo in our mind for a moment.
"Good, just waiting for breakfast. Is Gorm out there now? Because I'd like to talk to him."
As we're talking, we calmly get up and start making our way towards the door.

Open to other approaches, but Cadwalader being protective of his family rings true to me, especially now that he's a father.

>>42967225
'that buck...? Gorm.'
"He isn't too far from here, right? Let me have a word with him."
Before anyone can object, we head straight out of the dining room and look around for a buck with blue antlers.
(Gethan should have been looking out for him and make sure the harassment stopped. It seems we're going to have to push the matter.)

>>42967247
>>42967284
The words 'buck' and 'persistent' echo within your mind for several moments.
'That buck... Gorm.'
"Good, just waiting for breakfast. Is Gorm out there now? Because I'd like to talk to him."
As you're talking, you calmly get up from your chair and start to head over to the door, using your magic to open it and get a look around. There is no one in the hall though.
"I believe I lost him a few hallways down," Gaelle replies, trotting up to you, "Y-You don't need to talk to him if you don't want to though."

What do you do?

>>42967436
"How long until he starts following you again?... He's not particularly welcome within the palace, and I'd just like to talk with him."
'And a few other things for making Gaelle upset, but lets start with talking.'
"Now, which direction did you see him last?"

>>42967436
"Oh, but I do. I insist on speaking to him. Just a chat; I know of his status."
We then mutter:
"He should be glad it's me and not our dad."

File: snc-47-a-little-chat.jpg (173.6 KB)

173.6 KB JPG

>>42967436
Just want to have a little chat.

Stopping for the night.
Have a good night or day!

>>42967580
Night, Pluto!

>>42967491
>>42967522
>>42967552
"And how long until he starts following you again?"
"Uhm..."
"Then I insist on speaking with him. He's not particularly welcome within the palace, and it'll just be a chat; I know of his status."
'And a few other things for making Gaelle upset, but lets start with talking.'
"Now, which direction did you see him last?" You ask.
She opens her mouth and blinks a few times before finally nodding a bit.
"Left hallway, near the dining room for the servants."
Not very far then.
With that, you open the door and trot down the left hall. It is only a few halls to reach the servant dining room though when you reach it you find no sign of the buck. It takes going down a few more halls before you do, a little near the entrance of the palace actually.
You find him slowly trotting down an empty hallway, a small stack of papers in his left hoof that he is looking over as he goes. He is a light tan colored buck with several white blotches spread over him, wearing a nicely decorated and designed red suit and light brown pants. On top of his head are two blue colored antlers, marking him proudly as a member of his family.
It is Gorm, and it seems he hasn't heard you arrive as he reads over the papers he is looking over.

What do you do?

>>42969846
'There's the bastard. Are those papers a ploy to look like he belongs here, or is he taking notes for something?'
Getting an idea, we teleport right in front of him, close enough for our muzzles to just barely touch in an attempt to spook the papers out of his hooves.
We fein shock from being so close to him, looking at the papers scattered around/he holds tightly to his chest.
"Ah, Gorm! Sorry about that. You just happen to stand right where I teleport into the palace."
If there's papers scattered, we start picking them up with our magic.

early morning slide protection bump

Bump

>>42971665

>>42969897
'There's the bastard. Are those papers a ploy to look like he belongs here, or is he taking notes for something?'
Your musings stop as you get an idea. You teleport right in front of the buck, close enough for your muzzles to just almost touch. This very much has the desired effect as Gorm jumps in shock, some of the papers slipping out of his hooves but he manages to keep a grip on most of them.
"Ah, Gorm! Sorry about that. You just happened to stand where I teleport into the palace."
You quickly use your magic to gather up some of the scattered papers.
"Y-You're fine," Gorm breathes as he regains his composure, "Not too used to Ponies teleporting around, your highness."
He shifts his grip on the remaining papers slightly as he speaks, and as he does as well you manage to glance down at some of the papers you grabbed. You recognize them to be tax forms, displaying various numbers from the provinces in the kingdom.

What do you do?

>>42972668
'Ponies... Ignore him, Cadwalader. Figure out how and why he's here.'
"Might I ask what brings you to the palace today? I would've thought you'd send a courier if you were just submitting tax forms. Most palace goers tend to have escorts as well. I'd recommend you stay close."
Study them a little closer: are these forms something he should have access to/would be submitting, or are these things he clearly shouldn't have.
If he goes to leave, block him physically.

>>42972668
Our eye twitches from him calling us a pony.
"I assume you've spoke with Maybn to aquire these? It is odd that someone of your status are picking these up personally, though I suppose it's not unheard of."
"Come to think of it, I hardly ever have a chance to meet the fellow nobles of my kingdom. Perhaps it's high time to fix that."
Debating on having him join us for breakfast. Make sure he knows Gaelle is a princess and have him face the wrath of our sisters and fathers.

>>42972734
>>42972849
Your eye twitches at this.
'Ponies... Ignore him, Cadwalader. Figure out how and why he's here.'
"Might I ask what brings you to the palace today? I would've thought you'd send for a courier if you were just submitting tax forms. Most palace goes tend to have escorts as well," You point out, "I assume you spoke with Maybn to acquire those?"
"I did, like I would go under my boss like that," He nods, "She just asked me to look over some minor tax forms for her while she has a lot of her plate. I would have used a courier, but I don't trust them with even minor documents."
As he talks you look at the forms a bit closer. There are a lot of numbers, but they are indeed for fairly minor and under used taxes. Some of the minor nobility like Gorm do work under some of your council, Gael employs quite a few of them. Maybn uses some as well just to delegate some things.
"Come to think of it, I hardly ever have a chance to meet the fellow nobles of my kingdom. Perhaps it is high time to fix that."
"I understand that you have been busy, as of late," He agrees, "Well, you already know my name, but I am Gorm."

What do you do?

>>42972905
Knowing he's affiliated with our advisors changes things a bit. I doubt he wouldn't know Gaelle is a princess, or he's really that dense. It does lead to some options to be more forward with our intentions though.
"And I'm Cadwalader, though you already know that as well."
We extend a hoof for him to shake.
"I'm glad to know Maybn has reliable help. She's quite the busy body that one, and one of my hardest working advisors. A lot like my sister Gaelle in a way. She loves working along side the servants of the palace."
"Say, you wouldn't happen to know anything about a buck who's been trying to make advances on her, would you?"

>>42972934
Seconding!
Was blanking for quite a while on how to approach. Don't think we should invite him to breakfast if we can help it.

Bump

>>42972934
"And I'm Cadwalader, though you already know that as well."
You extend a hoof for him to shake, which he does so.
"I'm glad to know Maybn has reliable help. She's quite the busybody that one, and one of my hardest working advisors. A lot like my sister Gaelle in a way. She loves working along side the servants of the palace."
"Maybn does work hard, always find her with her head buried in her work," He nods, "Gaelle as well, I've seen her a few times working away."
"Say, you wouldn't happen to know anything about a buck who's been trying to make advances on her, would you?" You decide to ask.
He is silent for several moments, seemingly thinking. Eventually, he just nods with his face showing little emotion.
"Seems like you have caught wind of it?"

What do you do?

>>42974800
I have yes, I do tend to keep an ear out for such things. What can you tell me abut who they are and what they are like?

>>42974800
"I know you've been following her. I know she doesn't feel particularly comfortable around you. And I told her we'd talk. So, let's talk. I'll say something vague like 'Leave her alone, or else.' You'll lie and reassure me you won't be a problem. Maybe I humor you, maybe I don't... The words from there don't really matter. How about a more honest conversation then: I don't trust your intentions for my sister, or your word."

Open to other approaches, but posting what came to mind

>>42974835
Open to playing clueless, but it can only go so far.

>>42974875
Eh, I was mostly just trying to be vague because I am... Not super caught up I just saw it had been posted and didn't want to leave Pluto hanging if I was right there. I will defer to you post as it seems better.

>>42974800
(Have to write fast.)
"It's hard not to when the servants of your own home gossip about it, or perhaps it's a warning? Anyway, I just hate the idea that my sister can't feel safe around her own home with a persistent buck forcing her into a relationship she doesn't want. I would think you would feel the same way."
"Heck, if one of my own children was in the same predicament, I would have that buck fired on the spot, despite how helpful they are to the crown. Harassment doesn't have a place in my home."
We let let out a sigh.
"I wonder if my dad knows. If he were to find out, I don't think even our strongest soldiers could quell the rage of a yak."

>>42974910
Seconding, think this post would play into the oblivious angle pretty well, make him either briefly assure or more uncomfortable.

>>42974906
Hope you get the chance to, but glad to see more (presumed) regulars returning

>>42974835
>>42974875
>>42974906
>>42974910
>>42974924
"It's hard not to when the servants of your own home gossip about it, or perhaps it is a warning? Anyway, I just hate the idea that my sister can't feel safe around her own home with a persistent buck forcing her into a relationship she doesn't want. I would think you would feel the same way."
"I suppose." He shrugs.
"Heck, if one of my own children was in the same predicament, I would have that buck fired on the spot, despite how helpful they are to the crown. Harassment doesn't have a place in my home," You continue with a sigh, "I wonder if my dad knows. If he were to find out, I don't think even our strongest soldiers could quell the rage of a Yak."
Gorm just nods a little, again not showing a lot of emotion at the moment. You sigh again and look over at him.
"I know you've been following her. I know she doesn't feel particularly comfortable around you. And I told her we'd talk. So, let us talk. I'll say something vague like 'leave her alone, or else.' You'll lie and reassure me you won't be a problem. Maybe I humor you, maybe I don't... The words from there don't really matter. So how about a more honest conversation: I don't trust your intentions for my sister, or your word."
"And I very much assumed that was the case," He replies, "I can assure you I have no ill will to her, just an interest in a beautiful doe. Maybe a possible arranged marriage in the future, though I know that acquires your approval."
He looks down at his papers as he reorganizes them a bit and then back up at you.
"I have heard that it is unlikely though."

What do you do?

>>42974974
"While my mom liked to play Cupid, I can't say the same about myself. My whole family had experienced dates we were all forced to endure."
"I won't lie to you, it sounds like you're interest in her is strictly... Lustful. Have you gotten to know anything about her? Her interests? Her hobbies? There's more to her than just a pretty face."
"I understand our traditions use marriages as a bargaining chip. However, Gaelle is a grown doe who can make her own decisions. If she's not interested in a relationship with you, well, that's that, and you got to respect that."

>>42974974
"Unlikely for good reason. I have no plans on marrying off my sisters, and certainly not without their consent first. You want to make moves? Do it on her terms, get her approval. Which is hard to do when you're stalking her through her own home. What do you actually know about Gaelle?"

>>42975001
Seconding!

>>42974974
An arranged marriage would require me having something to gain from you, and my sister wanting to marry you, you don't qualify for either.

>>42973823

>>42975567

>>42964058

>>42978374

>>42975001
>>42975014
>>42975046
"While my mom liked to play cupid, I can't say the same about myself. My whole family had experienced dates we were all forced to endure. An arranged marriage would require me having something to gain from you, and my sister wanting to marry you, and I have no plans on marrying off my sisters without their consent," You say, "You want to make moves? Do it on her terms, get her approval. Which is hard to do when you're stalking her through her own home. What do you actually know about Gaelle? Her interests? Her hobbies? There's more to her than just a pretty face."
"A little hard to know when I only see her here," He replies, "She is a hard worker, likes to be social with everyone around her."
He pauses for a moment.
"You say I don't have anything to give, but you would be getting a lot of support from my house, something that you could maybe need. Though I suppose that is one of the main reasons considering Morning Star and Delkii, and despite the marriages being arranged I understand that they are happy."

What do you do?

Quality isn't great, but I just woke up.

>>42979547
"Gorm. My sister's hoof in marriage is not a negotiation. The influence of your family, and my family, are not relevant in this matter. She does not feel safe around you. And I'm not going to force her to meet you. Furthermore, I acknowledge Morning Star, Delkii, and my own mother have found happiness through arranged marriage, because they worked for it. Not to mention I had nothing to do with those."

"Give her space, and send her a letter about how you feel. Show her you also value hardwork... No, scratch that, have you even asked her how she feels about, anything? Because this is sound a lot like you're pursuing the pretty sister of the king, not Gaelle."

Woke up hours ago but I still feel like I just did.

>>42979547
Shaking our head we think 'Hard worker and sociable, if that's really all you know I could have one of my wife's changelings transform into Gaelle and you would probably never know the difference as long as it got you status...'
Perhaps there is genuine interest you have for her, beyond what you could gain but you see it as a transaction and that I can't allow. You cannot assume you would measure up to either of my other sisters husbands that happiness is guaranteed just because it's happened before with different folks.
The situation with you house is... Should they not be as helpful as they can be, that is fine... a shame perhaps... Though, without needing to rely on your house it may become less relevant, less needed, less respected. Might be cheap now to keep your knees straight but... The longer you stand on them the more tiredness will seep in and the cost will grow and grow...

[/spoiler] this might be a bit too much, very tired did not get sleep yet.

>>42979547
"Would you say her interactions with you are happy? Does she enjoy your company when she sees you?"
"And are you sure asking for her hoof in marriage isn't a way for your family to wiggle into the throne?"
"Marriages only work if both parties can be happy. From what I witness from both my older sisters, they're very happy with their husbands since I've been born. The way described you wasn't very pleasant." (Unsure about the last line, but can't think how to better word it.)
Also, if I remember correctly, his family claims to be the true rulers or something.

I guess the winter storm is effecting everyone's sleep.

10

>>42981514

>>42979622
>>42979735
>>42979757
>>42981035
The storm doesn't effect me, just been busy.

You shake your head a bit.
'Hard worker and sociable, if that is really all you know I could have one of my wife's Changelings transform into Gaelle and you wouldn't ever know the difference as long as it got you status.'
"Would you say her interactions with you are happy? Does she enjoy your company when she sees you?"
"I'd like to think so."
"And are you sure asking for her hoof in marriage isn't a way for your family to wiggle onto the throne?"
"You really think I would be that duplicitous," He asks, "Like I would ever try to attempt such a thing."
"...Perhaps there is a genuine interest you have for her, beyond what you could gain but you see it as a transaction and that I can't allow. My sister's hoof in marriage is not a negotiation, and you cannot assume you would measure up to either of my other sisters husbands that happiness is guaranteed just because it has happened before, they worked for it and I had nothing to do with those," You say, "The influence of your family, and my family, are not relevant in this matter. Should they not be as helpful as they can be, that is fine... a shame perhaps... Though, without needing to rely on your house it may become less relevant, less needed, less respected. Might be cheap now to keep your knees straight but... the longer you stand on them the more tired they'll become and that will keep growing. Give her space, and send her a letter about how you feel. Show her you also value hardwork... No, scratch that, have you ever asked how she feels about, anything? Because this sounds a lot like you're pursuing the pretty sister of the king, not Gaelle."
"I've tried, but she is always busy," He shrugs, "And I'll let you know there are ways for minor houses to stay relevant in this kingdom. Regardless..."
He straightens himself out a bit.
"If that is your whole answer then I don't see this conversation going much further, and besides, I have work to attend to and I believe you do so as well."

What do you do?

>>42982729
"On that, I agree. Give her space, Gorm. If she says she's busy, there is a reason for that."
With that, we start making our way back to breakfast.

Open to other ideas, but my head is empty for the moment.

>>42982729
"You talk as if protecting my family isn't a part of my job. That's fine. If you want to be like this, then let's talk about your how you're in direct violation of our anti-harassment policy."
"If I hear that you're still trying to make unwanted advances to her, you'll be immediately terminated and no longer able to set hoof inside of the palace. Do I make myself clear?"

>>42982953
Seems a bit aggressive when he already understands the message that we're trying to send to him.

>>42982910
>>42982953
"You talk as if protecting my family isn't part of my job. If you want to be like this, then let's talk about how you're in direct violation of our anti-harassment policy. If I hear you're still trying to make unwanted advances on her, you'll be immediately terminated and no longer able to set hoof inside of the palace. Do I make myself clear?"
"...Yes." He sighs.
"Good. Give her space, Gorm. If she says she is busy, there is a reason for that."
With that, you turn around and make your way back to breakfast. When you return you find everything exactly how you left it, even down to Gaelle standing near the door as you come in.
"Did... did it go okay?" She asks.

What do you do?

>>42983119
"Hopefully. He seemed rather indifferent of my warnings. If he harasses you again, go straight to either myself or Maybn. I'll tell her later today that if he continues to harass you, he is to be fired and I'll set protocols to stop him from coming into the palace."
We give her a hug.
>>42983109
He didn't come across that he really cared about what we had to say. He dismissed us, the gods-damn King! The way he talks came across (to me at least) like romance is a business. It was hard to get a read of his emotions, would even argue he may have sociopathy. So attacking him through his career, which will be his biggest inconvenience seemed like the appropriate way to go about it.
We may need to speak to Gethan about the press if the gets fired. He may want to spin it so we fired him out of spite or something.

>>42983119
"I spoke with him and he should keep his distance, but I think he might try something stupid. It's just a matter of finding out what. To be clear, you do want him to leave you alone, correct? I don't want to over step, but I want to keep my family safe too, you know?"

>>42981996

>>42983203
>>42983231
"Hopefully. I spoke with him and he should keep his distance, but I think he might try something stupid. He seemed rather indifferent to what I was trying to tell him. To be clear, you do want him to leave you alone, correct? I don't want to overstep, but I want to keep my family safe too, you know?"
"No, I do want him to stop bothering me." She confirms.
"Alright. If he harasses you again, go straight to either myself or Maybn. I'll tell her later today that if he continues to harass you, he is to be fired and I'll set protocols to stop him from coming into the palace."
You then give her a hug, which she returns after a few moments.
"T-Thank you, for looking out for me."

What do you do?

>>42983588
"Just doing what any brother should. Just wish you didn't have to deal with him in the first place. Now, I don't know about you, but I could really go for some breakfast."

>>42983588
"I hate the thought of seeing you feel unsafe. The palace should be a safe place for everyone... I'm just glad you came to me instead of our dad. I don't think he would have been as diplomatic."

>>42983654

10

>>42983635
>>42983654
"Just doing what a brother should, I hate the thought of you feeling unsafe. The palace should be a safe place for everyone... I'm just glad you came to me instead of our dad. I don't think he would have been as diplomatic."
You separate from the hug, looking over at the table to see Lula chatting with your currently present sisters.
"Now, I don't know about you, but I could really go for some breakfast."
"Same."
You trot back over and sit down next to Lula, just in time for some of the chefs to bring out some breakfast salad for everyone. When it gets set down in front of Lula she gives you a little smile before looking at her breakfast slightly nervously.
It doesn't take you long for you to realize that she is probably worrying about etiquette.

What do you do?

>>42986235
"It's alright. I don't think anyone of us treats breakfast as some formal meal. Still, I can teach you some minor etiquette if you're curious."
Show her some etiquette she may have not known. Also an opportunity to scoot closer to her and to lay our hoof on top of hers to guide her. Good way to build anticipation for our date.

>>42986235
We lean over and whisper to her.
"It's just family breakfast. So long as you're using a fork and not chewing with your mouth open, no one is going to care that you're not adhering to the 'rules' of high society."

Was tempted to "point out" that we host Yaks often enough that people wouldn't notice, but it's not the most generalization to make, especially since our dad is one.

>>42986235
"It's alright, Lula. Look around. Do you see anyone deciding what fork to use or how to dress their salad(?)? We don't even say grace. It's okay to just be yourself around us, friend or family."

>>42986284
>>42986301
>>42986361
You lean over and whisper to her.
"It is just family breakfast. Do you see anyone deciding what fork to use or how to dress their salad?"
She just shakes her head a bit.
"We don't even say grace. So long as you're using a fork and not chewing with your mouth open, no one is going to care. It's okay to just be yourself around us, friend or family."
"A-Alright." She nods.
"Still, I can teach you some minor etiquette if you're curious."
She nods again where you begin to show her some very basic etiquette. Using this opportunity to scoot closer to her and lay your hoof on top of hers to guide her along, watching her smile and blush a little as you go.
A few minutes later the door opens once again with your dad, Apollinaire, Morning Star, and Aodh trotting in. Your dad is very quick to notice you and trot over
"Morning," He greets you, placing a leg around you in a half hug, "I see you brought a guest."

What do you do?

>>42986464
We hug him back, being careful with both our horn and crown not to poke his side through his thick fur.
"Yes, it's my understanding that guests are always welcome at breakfast. Though, I don't believe you've met Lula. Lula, Dad, Dad, Lula."
We try to breeze by the introduction, knowing just how quickly he might do something specifically to embarrass us. Nodding our head as well towards Uncle Apoll, our sister, and our brother-in-law as they approach the table.

Pretty sure/presuming Aodh is Morning Star's spouse.

>>42986464
"That I did. Lula's a close friend, and she did a wonderful job taking care of my fawns while I was gone, it's the last I could do, the bare minimum, in fact."
We give him a short hug back then turning to Morning Star.
"Thanks for taking care of things while I was gone Star. Anything big happen while I was away?"
>>42986477
They've met before, during church.

>>42986464
"Indeed".
Whisper to him. "And I think you may have rubbed off me more than I thought because I also invited her to a date later."

>>42986515
Crap, forgot about that

>>42986477
Rescinding the introduction stuff

Perhaps it may be time to reveal our relationship to Ruby if everyone is here all at once. It's been delayed for quite long enough.

>>42988257
I'm not so sure. We're about to date Lula, and to drop that bombshell in front of her just before our date sounds like a bad idea.

>>42988411
She has to know at some point before the date. If she had issues with us sleeping with our half-sister, then only revealing after our date would just be a slap to her. It also implies that Ruby is the lesser in the relationship if she's not noteworthy enough to tell Lula, which is a mentality we're trying to avoid.

>>42988257
We shouldn't do it here and now with everyone. Not without Ruby being involved.
That said, I almost feel this is a unanimous "We know" from them sort of situation.

>>42988437
I agree we should speak with Lula about it. That is less reason to tell her here with everyone though: she may feel like an afterthought to find out at the same time as everyone else.

>>42988536
>she may feel like an afterthought to find out at the same time as everyone else.
Thinking further on it, yeah can see how it can come off. Kind of stuck of what to do then. Want to find Ruby and explain to the family about our relationship, which they have a right to know, but word will spread fast and Lula find out soon after the reveal.
Feels bad to deal the Ruby reveal to our family after a talk with Lula though.

>>42988602
>Feels bad to deal the Ruby reveal to our family after a talk with Lula though.
How so? We would be privately resolving relationship issues, and then once everyone is on the same page and happy, we can share the good news with our family.
It's not about trust or valuing one over the other, it's prioritizing who will be more effected by certain reveals. Hypothetically, if Lula wasn't cool with us being with Ruby, it's better to know that before the date than after. That said, I really wouldn't be surprised if after a few weeks, some of our family hasn't clocked onto Caddy's relationships.

Bump

>>42989723

>>42990055

>>42990419

>>42986477
>>42986515
>>42986589
>>42987325
You give him a short hug back, being careful with your horn and crown as to not poke his side through his thick fur.
"Indeed, it is my understanding that guests are always welcome at breakfast. She is a close friend and she did a wonderful job taking care of my fawns while I was gone, its the least I can do, the bare minimum, in fact."
You then whisper to him.
"And I think you may have rubbed off on me more than I thought because I also invited her to a date later."
"Ooo, got it." He smiles back.
You lean back from him to give a quick nod to Apollinaire and Aodh before looking over to Morning Star.
"Thanks for taking care of things while I was gone, Star."
"No problem," She smiles as she sits down with her husband, "If it comes up again I will be willing to do so once more."
"Anything big happen while I was away?"
"Nothing too significant," She shakes her head, "How was the trip?"

What do you do?

>>42991559
"Cold, but we kept warm. The snow was nice, and there was a mountain that looked fun, but it was too dangerous to climb. Oh, and our new alliance with Esa-Neria against Jiarg Ellen. Had the whole trip there and back to think about it, and it's still weird to say. King Iudicael and his daughter Princess Mai were amenable enough though."

Can't remember exact details, so if anything I wrote was objectively wrong, please correct as appropriate

>>42991559
"It went very well. King Iudicael was a gracious host, and we've discussed some things I would like to go into further detail once the whole family is here. The snow over there is thick, and we were fortunate to see some competitive snow castles.

>>42991595
>Oh, and our new alliance with Esa-Neria against Jiarg Ellen.
Let's hold off on that for now. It's meant to be a surprise for Lula, and it's a part of what we want to discuss. Also, I would feel better if we had a soundproofing spell when taking about such matters. Who knows who might be listening...

>>42991698
Sounds good, didn't feel strongly one way or the other, just posted what came to mind

10

>>42992501

>>42992878

>>42991595
>>42991691
>>42991698
"Cold, but we kept warm. The snow was nice, and there was a mountain that looked fun, but it was too dangerous to climb," You say, "King Iudicael and his daughter, Princess Mai, were amenable enough and we discussed some things I would like to go into further detail once the whole family is here."
"Very well," She nods, "And I have heard stories of the snow in those mountains and what it makes them like."
The breakfast salad reaches her where she begins to eat for a moment, swallowing to continue.
"And I was hoping that their monarch would be friendly, which it sounds like he was."

What do you do?

>>42993984
"Friendly as could be, all things considered. I think him getting older was a factor too: wanting to make sure he leaves things in a stable state when he eventually passes the crown to the next generation. I'd imagine any father would want that for their child."
We munch on our salad absentmindedly.

>>42993984
We nod.
"Behind that stern exterior is a family man.

>>42994028
>>42994072
You nod at this.
"Friendly as he could be, all things considered. I think him getting older was a factor too: wanting to make sure he leaves things in a stable state when he eventually passes the crown to the next generation. I'd imagine any father would want that for their child."
"You're not wrong." Your dad comments.
You start to absentmindedly munch away at your salad once more, a quiet settling over everyone. It is broken though when the last missing member of the family finally enters the room.
"Sorry I'm a little late." Ruby apologizes as she trots in
"You know you can't be late for breakfast." Apollinaire tell hers, giving her a hug as she passes by to the table.

What do you do?

>>42994163
We perk up a little when she arrives.
"Good morning, Ruby, glad you could join us."

Brain is mush and I've gotta do some stuff

>>42994163
"Good morning, Ruby. Glad you can join us. Stayed up late watching my fawns?"

>>42992924

>>42994203
>>42994212
You perk up a bit when she arrives.
"Good morning, Ruby, glad you could join us. Stayed up late watching the fawns?"
"Yeah, but it was worth it," She nods, splitting off from her father to sit a few chairs away from you, "And it is good to see you, Lula. You doing alright?"
"Yeah, just enjoying the meal and everyone here," Lula replies, "It is quite different from the breakfasts I usually have."

What do you do?

>>42996849
"Oh, how is your breakfast usually like then Lula"?

>>42996849
"You're more than welcome to welcome yourself to our meals. Now that you're a nanny, we would love to have you and the fawns for some family time."
(Unsure about reminding her that she's a nanny)

>>42996849
"In a good way, I hope. Breakfast is supposedly the most important meal of the day."

>>42996974
Think acknowledging it is appropriate, but we could maybe make a semi open invitation for her to join us for breakfast, rather than purely related to her job? It wouldn't be subtle though.

>>42996849
>>42996974(me)
>You're more than welcome to welcome yourself to our meals.
Add:
Consider yourself an honored guest in our family.

>>42994716

>>42997900

>>42998881

>>42996859
>>42996974
>>42997035
>>42997126
"You're more than welcome to our meals. Now that you're an honored guest in our family and a nanny, we would love to have you and the fawns for some family time."
"...R-Right." She nods.
"Though I hope it is in a good way. Breakfast is usually the most important meal of the day."
"Yeah, it is good. Most of the time I don't really have anyone to interact with for breakfast."
"Well, like Caddy said you're welcome here for breakfast whenever," Ruby tells her before turning to you, "Things have been good so far?"

What do you do?

>>42999473
"For the most part. I had a talk with Gorm. Hoping he might give Gaelle a little space, but... yeah. Aside from that, I was waiting for everyone to arrive and eat to discuss some things about the trip."

Can't remember if it's typical for Ruby to call us Caddy, but I don't think we'd register it as odd.

>>42999473
"As well as they can. Had to put my king's authority to a buck that was causing trouble, but that's about it. Oh, since I told everyone else, it's only fair I tell you there's a family meeting after we all eat."
>>42999735
She has been calling us Caddy for a while, so it's not strange. They may comment on how it's still weird that we get along, but I don't think anything will come of it.

>>42964058
life!

>>42999735
>>42999890
"For the most part. Had to put my king's authority to a buck that was causing trouble. Hope he might give Gaelle a little space now, but... yeah. Aside from that, I was waiting for everyone to arrive and eat to discuss some things about the trip."
"Right," She nods, "Well, I'm not going anywhere after eating so..."
After this the rest of breakfast is spent mostly in silence with everyone eating their meals. It takes a few minutes, but eventually everyone finishes up with their food.

What do you do?

>>43002237
"Everyone finished eating?"
We use our magic to create a sound barrier around the table.
"I have talked to King Iudicael about Liberating Jiarg Ellen from New Avalon. We both agree they're a threat to The Deerlands, so we've formed an alliance and are setting things into motion for war."
"Another thing we've both agreed on is once Jiarg Ellen is liberated, someone from our family should become it's regent until they can claim their independence again. That's what I wanted to talk about; I'm hoping we can make a group decision on who would be the most willing to help the island back on their hooves. Of course we'll set arrangements to visit often and set up communications, but one of you will have to separate from the family."

>>43002351
Seconding!

>>43002351
>>43002469
"Everyone finished eating?" You ask.
You get affirmations from everyone. Afterwards, you create a sound barrier around the table.
"I have talked to King Iudicael about liberating Jiarg Ellen from New Avalon. We both agree they're a threat to the Deerlands, so we've formed an alliance and are setting things into motion for war," You announce to several nods, "Another thing we've both agreed on is once Jiarg Ellen is liberated, someone from our family should become its regent until they can claim their independence again. That is what I wanted to talk about; I'm hoping we can make a group decision on who would be the most willing to help the island back on their hooves. Of course, we'll set arrangements to visit often and set up communications, but one of you will have to separate from the family."
There is a silence as everyone looks around at the table, obviously thinking about your proposal.
"I already have matters here, so I don't think I will be able to." Morning Star comments first.
"Yes, but there isn't a relative to the throne of Jiarg Ellen that could be put up for them?" Winter Rose asks you.

What do you do?

>>43002821
"I'd have to double check for candidates, but no one I'd trust off hoof, and anyone I might trust probably wouldn't be educated in statecraft. There is going to be tension between the people and whomever we install regardless, but restructuring a nation's government doesn't happen in a day."
'It would be nice to keep my family away from potential trouble though.'

>>43002821
"... I'm not sure. We know that Jiarg Ellen has several races beyond deer. We proposed a counsel of the different races for that. The citizens Iudicael have liberated haven't come forward to claim as the heir, so it's unlucky there's anyone remaining... Unless you know any heirs that still live after the take over, Lula?"

>>43001160

>>43004032

>>43002994
>>43003149
"I'd have to double check for candidates. We know Jiarg Ellen has several races beyond Deer. We proposed a council of the different races for that. There is going to be tension between the people and whomever we install regardless though," You say, "Lula, do you know of any heirs that still live after the take over, Lula?"
"None at all." She shakes her head sadly.
Silence falls over everyone again, at least for several seconds until Sapphire breaks it.
"...Winter Rose, maybe you could?" She says, turning to her sister.
"I-I don't know," She immediately starts stammering, "I k-know a lot, but I don't know if I c-can run a nation!"

What do you do?

>>43006679
"A nation isn't run by one person, and this is likely a few months out. We have to prep for and win a war. Whomever we'd send would be going with a team and guards, and be educated on the basics at least. It might be worth having a changeling double, but that should be for a 'have and not need' type scenario."
'Would Dad or Apoll be better suited for this? Or perhaps a Changeling standing in for me? Though a changeling for Ruby and Lupad would need to be sent, given how often they've been seen by my side.'

>>43006679
"You'll have Iudicael and myself backing you up, and I'm sure Lupad will have one of her own diplomats she can send so you can directly communicate with her. All of us are going to be restoring the nation to its former glory, so you're not going to be alone. Of course this goes for anyone else who's willing."
Saying that gives us an idea.
"I don't think Iudicael would mind if there was more than one princess to oversee Jiarg Ellen. This is a huge task after all, though more than two would probably be seen as us performing a take over of our own."

Bump

>>43007763

Up

Up

...Down?

Bump