esculentevil:Daemonic DealOriginal WorkGenre: BL, Fantasy, Adventure, ComedyRating: Teen to AdultSum

esculentevil:Daemonic DealOriginal WorkGenre: BL, Fantasy, Adventure, ComedyRating: Teen to AdultSummary: A mere mortal, Jarl makes a deal with a devil: the abilities of a superhero in exchange for the daemon’s meals. The only problem? Daemons feed off of human passions and Jarl is a priest.Hi All! I’m back with more original stuff. Those of you who read the note that I put in (AntiHero) Back Scratcher already know about this piece; but for those that don’t know: I had been writing an AntiHero AU story where Jackie summons Anti so the Glitch can make him a superhero—but the characterization of that AU’s Jackie was… just so wrong! He was an ache and I hated him! Or, rather, I hated writing JACKIE like an ache. It just didn’t fit: being that horrible isn’t Jackie. So! I decided to solve the problem by changing everyone into someone new! You’ll probably still be able to tell who was meant to be who (well, except for Chase and JJ; those two might be hard) but none of them are actually Seán’s characters anymore: from their names to their looks to their personalities to what they do, they aren’t the JSEgos in this story (I’m stressing this out of fear). In fact, the entire point of this story isn’t AntiHero anymore (cuz it doesn’t have AntiHero now): it’s to explore the question of what happens when a priest makes a deal with a daemon and, thus, is forced to either relinquish that deal or follow through with it via unholy actions.If that’s an interesting question to you, feel free to join me on this journey!Regardless, some quick notes about the drawing! I’m super proud of it! xD I used a reference because I still struggle at lot with drawing more than one character—especially if they interact. You’ll notice that I did change some things from the sketch I picked: the arm and hand positions aren’t quite right; nor is the priest’s one arm that extends back to throw away his too big rosary (this was drawn with another reference because depth perception has never been my friend). These changes not only felt more organic to the characters and their (eventual?) situation, but it also just made me feel a bit better (I’m not a professional: I don’t know how this stuff works; and I see way too many people get hounded for “tracing”/“stealing” just because they use references.). Legit, though, I tried a lot of new things with this piece so it’ll come out exactly how I wanted it! First was the references (usually I use screenshots because I’m usually doing fan art; this time, however, I was doing an original piece so, as you can see, I looked up pure sketches instead!). Second was the hair: I… hope this is okay (I don’t wanna bother people but credit is important)… I looked at how @anneliis18​ does hair (they did a tutorial thing for coloring and I saw it there) and tried to do something similar—obviously it’s not really what they do but I got the concept while looking closely at that tutorial so… yea. I actually really like how it came out, too—especially the beard because I’ve been struggling with that a lot in previous JSE(go) pictures—so I’ll probably do this technique again (like the next time I draw Anti or even Áesta, himself, because you’ll notice that I didn’t do the same thing for his hair so it just looks like a block fill). O! But I also looked at @climbing-starrs​‘ way of doing hair (especially the floof on Anti’s head here) as well as @leobashi​‘s style because I don’t normally get it to be so nice and big and volumey. xD I’m sorry for bothering so many people but I learned a lot about how to draw hair better so… Ah, but the textures on Áesta’s clothes was just me fooling around in my drawing app. I had fun! And I really like how his sweater came out—legit considering doing that with Anti now, too. Also: I’ve finally figured out how to add FLUSH/BLUSH to skins so people aren’t just FLAT COLORS! There’s actually some pink and red on Jarl’s face and I love how that makes him look alive! Áesta’s a bit different since my concept of daemons is that they have black blood instead of red but I didn’t use black when flushing his face because I just felt that dark green would look better. I might try again with black, though, and see how it turns out because I won’t know otherwise.Anyway, yea! I think I improved a LOT with this one and I’m super proud of it!Thoughts? PROLOGUE: A SUMMONSJarl summons his ticket to superpowers.His ticket doesn’t like him.And he doesn’t like it.This’ll be fun.CHAPTER 1: ACQUISITIONJarl acquires his superpowers; he then masters them.Now: to not loose them before he can use them.CHAPTER 2: TERMSJarl shows Áesta his room while denying his board.He then locks the daemon in for “safe keeping.”While Áesta gets “comfortable,” Jarl gets some much needed rest before meeting up with two of his companions for Phase 2 of their plan: scrying.Who is Jasey and why is a priest willing to cavort with a daemon for him?CHAPTER 3: CONDITIONSJarl finally provides Áesta with his board.Surprisingly, the daemon’s feast isn’t as dirty as the priest feared it would be.Still, he has found himself a different issue: feeding this daemon won’t require the deplorable act rumors said it would; but Áesta has made it very clear that it expects to be KEPT fed for however long Jarl needs his powers.A grave miscalculation on the holy man’s part.CHAPTER 4.1: DEFINITIONSJarl is still reeling from Áesta’s board.He distracts himself by tracking down the location given to them as coordinates during the scrying and cooking stew.Hagen joins him not long after and spends the snowy night explaining to Jarl what, exactly, happened between him and Áesta the previous day.Jarl… is not amused.CHAPTER 4.2: DEFINITIONSÁesta learns that Jarl is a priest.How will he react?CHAPTER 5.1: AMENDMENTÁesta reacts exactly as you’d expect: pure rage (or is that really fear?).A bit less expected is how Manus reacts and the fight between him and Jarl.Bruised and battered, the betrayer begs Áesta for forgiveness; will he give it?((Jive, writing Manus and Jarl fighting was HARD; why can’t they just hug it out?!))CHAPTER 5.2: AMENDMENTManus explains himself to Áesta and Jarl.To Jarl’s surprise and Áesta’s satisfaction.Now the three of them must come up with a plan.What do you think’ll happen when a priest, a mage, and a daemon walk into The Devil’s Cavern?CHAPTER 5.3: AMENDMENTHagen finally returns, armed to the teeth with infographics.Completely unaware of the broken and rebuilt bonds between his comrades.But there are still more terms to be properly defined between all of them.And Manus is determined, it seems, to ensure things run smoothly.CHAPTER 5.4: AMENDMENTManus refuses to allow Jarl to handle this alone; Hagen and Áesta back him.Defeated, Jarl finally agrees to let them help him; they begin to plan accordingly.But, when Manus, at last, reveals the Elder’s prophecy, they realize that they might be dealing with something far more dangerous than a regular kidnapping.Luckily, Áesta is a very practical daemon and is all for helping them: for seconds.CHAPTER 6.1: RETENTIONIt’s now morning and the improvised group is finally getting themselves in gear.While Manus and Hagen work out how they’ll get there, Áesta chats with Jarl.If you can really call it that.It’s actually a challenge that has everyone on their toes; will he pass?CHAPTER 6.2: RETENTIONManus sets up their teleporter!All the while, Jarl is still struggling to not just run off.Part of him still believes that the powers he got from Áesta are good enough; and that if he’s just fast enough at saving Jasey, he won’t have to worry about keeping Áesta’s strength, and thus his own, up at full power.The other, steadily growing, part of him realizes that he’s now entering a world he knows nothing about with rules he absolutely does not understand; and, perhaps, he needs the help more than he really realizes.CHAPTER 6.3: RETENTION“Veil be gone, Divide undone;We are the world and us are one;Through time and space: We nurture all;From root to fruit: We go beyond the wall.”((Fair warning: this does read a lot like a drug-trip [as magic sometimes does].))CHAPTER 6.4: RETENTIONThe spell has failed.Manus is pissed and constantly passing out. Hagen has his hands full tending to him and himself. Jarl has both accepted that he needs the aid of pretty much everyone in the room and that he actually HAS it. Áesta just wants to EAT.They settle on incremental movements, resting, and…Jarl now thinks his “pet daemon” is adorable; great.CHAPTER 6.5: RETENTIONThe group ready themselves for bed.No one really sleeps where they’re supposed to.But they do sleep where they need to (sans, perhaps, Hagen).And Jarl learns a few surprising things about Áesta and daemons in general.CHAPTER 7.1: ORGANIZATIONIt’s the morning of and the rescue party are readying to leave.They do, however, meet with many hiccups (they can’t catch a break, it seems).The first is the doctor’s duty.The second is Sophie.CHAPTER 7.2: ORGANIZATIONJarl spends some time clarifying and finalizing things to Sophie and the parish.He speaks with many people, explaining how he came to know where Jasey was and why he has to go. He talks of Manus, his magic, the barrier, and Hagen. He explains that Hagen is staying for their health and that Sophie is in charge.He never mentions Áesta.Or that he’s a daemon.CHAPTER 7.3: ORGANIZATIONIt’s evening now.Manus is asleep in preparation for the trip, Hagen has opted to finish mapping, and they’ve both ensured that the two parties will be able to communicate freely.It’s time for Jarl to feed Áesta for the day.They end up bonding as well.CHAPTER 7.4: ORGANIZATIONThe group wake on the day of their leave.Hagen tries to detail the route that he finished organizing for them but ends up falling asleep not even half way through the explanation; they let that dog lie.Meanwhile, Manus and Áesta take turns explaining the methodology behind their path selection—specifically the odd pattern that appears—before warning Jarl of what will happen should he fail to stay on the Axis Mundi’s good side.It makes some horrifying food for thought as he takes Hagen home.CHAPTER 8.1: EXPEDITIONJarl, Manus, and Áesta make their way to Bailemore using the Axis Mundi.While there (with the Oak Tree), Jarl experiences the full breadth of their travel: knowing he’s moving but not seeing himself move, moving without the others, having no way of telling up from down or left from right, and not even being able to see whom he’s talking to but apparently always holding onto her jelly hand: he’s not sure he likes it.Regardless, he travels to their first bread crumb.And also probably makes a mistake.((Fair warning again: this does read a bit like a drug-trip [as magic sometimes does].))CHAPTER 8.2: EXPEDITIONOur little Trio of Treaties trek the final stretch to Bailemore.Their time is spent expositioning—mostly about the trees, the gods related to them, and why Manus and Áesta chose the ones they did.The journey is turning into a road-trip and Jarl, surprisingly, isn’t complaining.He just wishes he understood this magic stuff a bit more.CHAPTER 8.3: EXPEDITIONJarl and co. rent themselves a room.Manus passes out on them again, exhausted from the teleport and the trek (seems he won’t be experiencing much of their journey, sadly).Jarl takes it upon himself to make sure Hagen knows they’re all ok; only to end up raising a very valid, but also very uncomfortable, question in Aesta’s mind.When the priest leaves the room in a huff, the daemon can only wonder at him and the question Jarl absolutely doesn’t want to answer: why he hates magic.CHAPTER 8.4: EXPEDITIONJarl visits his fellow Father.CHAPTER 8.5: EXPEDITION“The priest from Shantown feels significantly lighter, as though a weight has been lifted. He hasn’t confessed, hasn’t sinned, but he has remembered Jasey as he was before all of this nightmare even begun to unfold.He, for the first time in months, didn’t think about finding or rescuing or saving his litter brother.He just thought about HIM.(It was glorious.)It wasn’t free though.”CHAPTER 8.6: EXPEDITIONManus gives us all a lesson in magic so Hagen can give us a rundown of the latest events in Shantown; all while Jarl has FEELS.CHAPTER 8.7: EXPEDITIONÁesta contemplates Jarl.He wonders why the priest hates magic when he has one of the best mages around practicing the art right by his side.He wonders what caused the holy man to slowly change the way he approaches magic and the daemon he summoned with it.He wonders how he didn’t notice his own changing perspective on the Father when the innkeeper saw it in less than an hour.CHAPTER 8.8: EXPEDITIONJarl and Manus join Áesta at Cunning’s Bar.Coming up: What happens when a priest and magician meet a daemon at a bar?CHAPTER 8.9: EXPEDITIONJarl and Manus meet up with Áesta at the bar where he’s learning about the village’s history, reveling in its bloodiness, and being fed by the various emotions running rampant in the bar. Disturbed by how much joy and pleasure Áesta seems to be deriving from it all (especially the decidedly unvirtuous drunks), Jarl attempts to leave and get a breather.He gets MUCH more than that.He gets some clarity.CHAPTER 8.10: EXPEDITIONJackpot.CHAPTER 9.1: COLLECTIONThe Trio of Treaties question the patrons of Cunning’s Bar.(Well, the ones willing to give them answers.)They find out some interesting things.Chiefly that Jasey wasn’t afraid.And the kidnapper knew Sign.CHAPTER 9.2: COLLECTION“They spend some more time in the bar gathering whatever information they can …where Jasey and the kidnapper had stayed [and] the dates they were in town.”Along the way, they learn some more troubling things about the kidnapper, Hagen’s troubles with people on his travels, and Jarl’s attitude with Áesta.He’s been justifying his cruelty and carelessness towards the daemon for far too long: not even God would approve of being used like this.Also: what is with Áesta and Manus and Red???CHAPTER 9.3: COLLECTIONManus explains some things.Specifically magic, daemons, and the freak out over Red and his fireplace.Subsequently, Jarl ends up learning a lot.Mostly that he’s too judgmental.CHAPTER 9.4: COLLECTIONWhile Jarl struggles to change the way he treats Áesta (from grueling to gentle), our darling little daemon serves the priest his first real helping of Thrall…CHAPTER 9.5: COLLECTIONThe aftermath of Jarl’s first true encounter with Áesta’s Thrall.Why Áesta needed to do that in the first place…Manus’ new groov–I mean dress!And an update from Hagen.(But we have to update him, too, and hope he doesn’t hate himself for missing what he did.)((SPOOPY ALL HALLOW’S EVE, ALL~ ♦♦♦))CHAPTER 9.6: COLLECTION“‘E’s yer friend, Ah get it. But ‘e’s also failed ye—and yer brot’er! If ye’re hurtin’—and Ah know ye are; we all do—t’en HURT. ‘Urt ‘im: yell, rage, scream; t’reatin’ ‘im if ye have ta; cuss if ye must, too! Just let it out; don’ keep t’at pain inside ye: ‘e’ll understand.”So, he does.Jarl isn’t entirely sure WHY he does—why he listens to Áesta, the daemonic monster he’s now stuck with, or why he suddenly thinks the horrific creature is right, or why the nightmare being is making so much sense—but he does.[And] he realizes, suddenly, that the one he’s most upset with—most angry with—is himself.(And God.)CHAPTER 9.7: COLLECTIONHagen and Jarl finally have that talk.((Good bye, Unus and Annus. Memento Mori. All my love. Thank you.))CHAPTER 9.8: COLLECTIONThe Trio of Tragedy prepare to leave for their second stop.They say many good byes and make many promises as, perhaps surprisingly, they’ve made some friends they’re unlikely to forget.They give many thanks, too, for they couldn’t have gotten this far without them.Then, they share a last meal and some tea and hope this isn’t a final good bye.CHAPTER 9.9: COLLECTIONThe Trio of Treaties finally leave Sunder Inn.Bailemore is soon to be left behind too.They just need to find the right moment…But, if the people of Lough Sunderlin’s village have anything to say about it, they’ll be back again soon; with Jasey, by then, too.CHAPTER 9.10: COLLECTIONÁesta contemplates his relationship with Jarl.More specifically, he wonders about his newly budding feelings for the priest and why the holy man’s reactions to him/opinions of him are so much more important to him than any other contract holder's—including Manus and the other priest.He also wonders about the identity of Red and his reasons for taking Jasey.But, mostly, he wonders at the fact that Jarl seems to actually trust him now… and if he’ll still trust him after he finds out the truth…CHAPTER 10.1: DOUBLESWalking for a kilometer with oddities like Manus and Áesta can lead to the unearthing of a lot of interesting [read: worrying] things; perhaps this is why Jarl finds out that Red may simply be a contracted deamon to the the true culprit whom might actually be a mage while trekking through Bailemore with them.CHAPTER 10.2: DOUBLESJarl tries to distract himself from the encroaching anxiety he’s feeling, as well as the guilt he feels for all the immoral things he’s suddenly doing, and the desire he still has to just book it to Jasey with his super speed—consequences to hell; but all he finds himself thinking about is how Áesta… really isn’t all that bad; and, honestly, in some ways (mostly his childishness) kind of reminds him of Jasey…CHAPTER 10.3: DOUBLESJarl and Manus chat over some more of Dory’s stew.Jarl reveals the truth behind their rough landing two days prior, angering Manus.Jarl then apologizes to Áesta whom took the blame for his [lack of] actions.Jarl, expecting more anger, is pleasantly surprised when all Áesta does is laugh (Jarl’s starting to think he’s actually rather kind… you know: for a daemon.).((Happy Holidays, All! =D Whatever you celebrate, I wish you the best and hope you have fun~!))CHAPTER 10.4: DOUBLESFor the first time in his life, Jarl sees Manus truly pissed.He almost feels bad for the Elders. Almost.((Happy New Year, All!!! =D I hope you have a wonderful 2021! May it bring you joy~))CHAPTER 10.5: DOUBLESManus calms down and begins to strategize their movements.A Deal with the Trees might be the key to moving forward.But it won’t help them with the Elders and their lies.Or the fact that Manus will be defying his own.CHAPTER 10.6: DOUBLESManus has a plan to continue using the trees: strike a deal.Áesta’s fine with this; deals are his entire existence, after all.Jarl, however… not so much.It’ll require him to lie.CHAPTER 10.7: DOUBLESJarl struggles to convince Oak to take him to Bailecastle without lying.Until, that is, he remembers the wisdom that’s been bestowed upon him by Manus, Áesta, and… Jasey.His beloved brother.BeLOVEd.((What? I’m corny! It’s the new evil! =D xD Legit tho: love is always the answer. … Or is it~?))CHAPTER 10.8: DOUBLESThe Trio of Treaties manage to make it to their next destination, Bailenac’ringy; but it’s never smooth sailing for them; not even when they’re using a canal…CHAPTER 10.9: DOUBLESJarl contacts Hagen about the out of date information they’ve been using.They come up with an alternative but it’s not one Áesta’s going to be happy with.CHAPTER 10.10: DOUBLESJarl is a bit blind and bullheaded when he’s extra emotional.Áesta is too shy and stubborn to tell the truths Jarl needs to hear.Manus…Well, he is just cold.((Happy Chinese New Year, All~! =D))INTERLUDE 1It’s been three days. How are things going in Shantown?((Please excuse any errors found in this chapter or the next however many this takes: I recently found myself unable to power up my personal computer and have thus lost it to the repair shop. I don’t know when it will be back/fixed but for now I’m using a temporary computer and updating using Tapas’ new draft system [ironic, I think, that this happens literally right after they set that up…] which means I don’t actually have my 50+ page Word doc that contains all my story notes including my timeline… I’m doing my best to catch errors but since I’m doing all this from memory, I’ll likely miss more errors than I can catch them =/ I’ll come back later after getting my computer back to fix any of those mistakes. But until then: sorry!))CHAPTER 11.1: REFLECTIONJarl finds out the truth behind Áesta’s refusal to go to Father Gianni’s church. (Kind of.)CHAPTER 11.2: REFLECTION [M]Áesta “explains” why he hates Father Gianni Mariti.(Rated M for non-graphic dubious consent.)(Remember, daemons feed via sex)CHAPTER 11.3: REFLECTIONJarl reflects on Áesta’s reaction to Father Gianni’s church. Father Gianni’s reaction to Áesta, and his own reaction to both Áesta and Father Gianni.All while taking the morning to care for Manus.He then meets Father Gianni’s Head Nun.And she’s seen Jasey.CHAPTER 11.4: REFLECTIONJarl braves the Wet Wagon for Áesta; after getting an earful and then an eyeful, he gets an epiphany; and then he makes a promise.((I got a new computer!!! =D This is mainly because my laptop was unsalvageable =/ but, hey: between live streaming and video editing every week since December, I needed an upgrade anyway; so I’m looking at this as positively and optimistically as I can cuz omj it was pricey! Worth it tho, I think. Anyway, I might still go back and tweak some things but looking at my notes, we’re actually pretty on point! I’m still getting used to the new comp [especially since it’s been literal years since I had a desktop/tower, not a laptop] but we should be good by next week! Thanks for being patient with me and still giving this story a chance in the mean time. Love you!))CHAPTER 11.5: REFLECTIONJarl and Áesta have a heart to heart in P1.((There’s some mild nudity in this chapter but it’s done more as a playful joke than anything.))CHAPTER 11.6: REFLECTION“You… really understand human emotions… don’t you?”Jarl and Áesta have a chat.Jarl learns a lot.Áesta…CHAPTER 11.7: REFLECTION“Earl’s a v’ry complicated man.“He’s judgemental—sometimes ta t’e point o’ being harsh—and erroneously religious—per’aps blindly so—but he’s also kind an’ lovin’—especially o’ his brot’er—an’ does ‘is best ta be hwat he wants e’eryone ta be.“‘E’s a good person—passionate and strong and honest ta a fault—lovely, really.“But ‘e’s also dumb and oblivious and emotionally incompetent; so Ah’m ‘ere!”CHAPTER 11.8: REFLECTIONJarl does some introspection while reheating Dory’s stew.CHAPTER 11.9: REFLECTIONJarl finally learns how Manus and Áesta met—and gets an idea of Manus’ age.CHAPTER 11.10: REFLECTIONJarl has a literal panic attack over Manus’ age.(The mage DOES like his baby brother, after all.)((Half of this chapter is actually flashbacks so please ignore the big word count))CHAPTER 11.11: REFLECTIONJarl finally confronts Father Gianni about his past with Áesta.As much as it clarifies, he doesn’t like what he hears.Especially the bit about why Áesta hates priests.AND crucifixes.((Beware of references to past sexual abuse [chapter 11.2]!!!))CHAPTER 11.12: REFLECTION“All he needs is a little affection.”Or: What happens when two priests and a daemon walk into a kitchen?CHAPTER 12.1: REGROUPThe “Mariti chapter” is over.The brotherhood between Jarl and Mariti is slain.Their time in Bailenac’ringy is quickly coming to a close.Thus, the Trio of Treaties begin to plan their next “adventure”.CHAPTER 12.2: REGROUPTheir next “adventure” is a boat ride.Hagen thinks this is crazy, at first, but is convinced.Meanwhile, the Trio of Tragedy begin to say their goodbyes.And Jarl reveals to Manus why, exactly, he and Mariti have suddenly unfriended.CHAPTER 12.3: REGROUPÁesta takes his time saying goodbye to Gwendolen, Wet Wagon’s receptionist (and the parish’s local herbal healer; sometimes called “The Witch of the Glen”); he reminisces, ponders Jarl’s words and actions, before seeing the truths Gwendolen points out to him; too bad they make him realize all he has to lose if he lets his own truths free…CHAPTER 12.4: REGROUPThe Trio of Treaties has (a last?) supper with Maria.CHAPTER 12.5: REGROUPÁesta’s curses work very VERY well; Jarl makes a note.CHAPTER 13: SOWEDNow, it’s Áesta’s turn to bare his heart to Jarl.((Beware of references to past sexual abuse [chapter 11.2]!!!))((Also! WE HIT 101 LIKES!!! =D I’d like to give a Shout Out to sealio who’s been giving me some of those likes; a Big Thanks to Cat666 who’s been liking almost every chapter for months now [you’ve probably given me almost half of the 101 at this point xD you’ve also stuck with me the longest so special thanks for that!]; and, finally, a Super Sized Thanks to Saskia who’s not only been liking almost every chapter for months but was also the one to give this story its 100th Like! You three are wonderful and I love you for supporting me!))CHAPTER 14.1: SAILThe Trio of Treaties prepare for their next adventure and say goodbye to Maria.CHAPTER 14.2: SAILThe Trio of Treaties set sail with Cael the Boathand.CHAPTER 14.3: SAILThe Trio plus One begins making their way to the home of Gina Wittle O’; but, first, Áesta hugs some sheep!CHAPTER 14.4: SAILJarl finally meets the fabled Gina Wittle O’ a.k.a.: the literal Witch of the Woods. (Why does she know his reason for being there???)CHAPTER 14.5: SAILThis meeting could be going a little better (at least Manus and Áesta are happy).CHAPTER 14.6: SAILRed’s reason’s revealed!!!Nexus 1While sick, Manus makes good on his promise.He investigates the possibility of Red working for a magician…Via astral projection.He doesn’t really like what he finds.((HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!))CHAPTER 15.1: FAREThere’s something that happens to Jarl’s face when he’s REALLY angry.Not just concerned angry or tired angry or scared angry—not even embarrassed angry or holier-than angry.Áesta had only glimpsed it a few times—even after the atrocity that was their first meeting, their first meal (or some of their following ones…), their conflicting ideals/beliefs/faiths (if you could call it that for Áesta), and all the times Áesta’s purposefully pushed/prodded at him (waiting for him to be like every other priest)… It’s happening again.(But with Manus…)CHAPTER 15.2: FARE“He isn’t afraid of being hurt, child; he fears YOU will be; and this Jasey, too.”CHAPTER 15.3: FAREA shift in perspective… or two.CHAPTER 15.4: FAREManus finally tells Jarl what he learned from Emem.CHAPTER 15.5: FAREJarl finally gets a clearer idea of what he’s dealing with.(And he has no idea what to do with it.)CHAPTER 15.6: FARECael’s back to wrap things up in Castlegodry!((Also, seriously: THANK YOU!!! We hit 51 subscribers this week and I’m astounded!!! Really wasn’t expecting it to come this fast [I’m so not prepared! xD] but I’m also really glad. Quick thanks to sealio who’s been subscribed for a while now and even given me a few likes. Big Thank You to carolineschell, yum ice cream, and Bookworm who recently flooded me with likes on basically every installment! Special thanks to Saskia who actually gave DD its 100th like!! And a Super HUGE Thanks to Cat666 who’s still liking each installment and has been for over a year now!!! I’m super stoked to hit this personal milestone with you all and can’t wait to keep exploring this idea with all of you. All my love~!))CHAPTER 15.7: FAREThe Trio of Treaties prepares to leave amidst promises to return in full.CHAPTER 15.8: FAREThe Trio of Treaties trek to the Tanin Lot… explosively.CHAPTER 15.9: FAREIn which the Trio of Treaties meets Mr. Shotgun—I mean, Mr. Tanin Jr himself!CHAPTER 16.1: CASTLINGWhile travelling through the Axis Mundi, Jarl takes a moment to talk to Oak… about Red.CHAPTER 16.2: CASTLINGAfter arriving in Olecastle, The Trio of Treaties trek to Ye Ole Castle House.CHAPTER 16.3: CASTLINGBritta welcomes the Trio to Ye Ole Castle.((Also: I’m participating in Inksgiving this year!!! =D In the hopes of making it a bit more fun, I’m making it a bit of a Q&A session, too! Send with your ink a question you’d like to ask me or your favorite character! Inksgiving starts on Nov 22 and ends on Nov 24 so ready your questions!!!))CHAPTER 16.4: CASTLINGBritta books the Trio in their best room; but, of course, it comes with a price…((Short chapter this week because I got the second dose of the Covid vaccine and, well, FeveredEvil is not as good at writing as EsculentEvil xD))CHAPTER 16.5: CASTLINGDaemons are possessive; Jarl finds this out the "hard” way.((Also, quick reminder: I’m participating in Inksgiving!!! You can give any amount of ink and still have your question answered so ask away! =D We’re super excited to chat with you!!!))CHAPTER 16.6: CASTLINGThe Quartet is finally back together… to the tune of Knowledge Bombs.((Also: real quick shout out to Cat666! Thank you so much for participating in Inksgiving with me; it was literally the most uplifting and encouraging thing to wake up to!!! You’re the best!!! =D))CHAPTER 16.7: CASTLINGThere is darkness in us all; but in us, too, is light.Manus almost drowns in his but is saved by his ancient friend.But to be a friend’s light does not mean to be one’s own.Thus, Áesta finds HIS light in Oak.CHAPTER 17.1: EXPECTATIONSJarl meets Judas.CHAPTER 17.2: EXPECTATIONSJarl mulls over mutton.((Apologies for the short chapter; I’m at my grandma’s for the holidays and don’t have my computer [im writing on my phone which is harder than expected lol] so we’re gonna be keeping things short for a while. Cheers!))CHAPTER 17.3: EXPECTATIONSJarl explains why he’s in Olecastle.((Happy Holidays, everyone!!!))CHAPTER 17.4: EXPECTATIONSJarl grabs Áesta from the hotel.((HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! =D))CHAPTER 17.5: EXPECTATIONSJarl and Áesta travel to the Tower.((Sidenote: cook your leaves before eating them; Áesta’s a literal beast.))CHAPTER 17.6: EXPECTATIONSLady Grume invites the UnHoly Ship inside.((Hey! So, I tested positive for covid before I could fly back home. I’m fine–my symptoms were pretty mild because I got fully vaccinated–but that does mean I had to reschedule my flight. I’m heading home on the 1st now so short installments like this will have to continue until then. All my love.))CHAPTER 17.7: EXPECTATIONSJarl purchases Jasey’s coat.CHAPTER 17.8: EXPECTATIONSÁesta asks some questions.((Hi, All! My flight back home’s next week so things should return to normal [meaning installments will be their usual 1Kish length–just in time for Sophie!] Hopefully all goes well. Thanks for sticking around and being patient with me!))INTERLUDE 2It’s been 6 days and going on 6 nights: Sophie catches us up on Shantown.((Guess who’s back… back at home… Evil’s back… tell a friend~! xD Sorry, just so happy to be home and typing this story on my comp/keyboard again–phone writing is way too hard: never again [unless I really have to, of course]! Anyway: updates should get back to normal now; and, again, thank you All for your patience. All my love!!!))CHAPTER 18.1: WANTONAn UnHoly chat on the way back.CHAPTER 18.2: WANTONAfter returning to the Ole Castle House, Jarl addresses Áesta’s bad habit.((#NotSpon by any tea company, btb; just facts))CHAPTER 18.3: WANTONThe Protect Manus Pact is made (and another promise).CHAPTER 18.4: WANTONÁesta’s life is a complete mess; Lady Grume helps him sort some things out.CHAPTER 19.1: HAILSomething this way comes…CHAPTER 19.2: HAILSophie is not amused.CHAPTER 19.3: HAILThe Heroes of Shantown begin to learn who they can trust…And a plan starts to form…CHAPTER 19.4: HAILJarl decides that the best thing to do is to sweat the summoner/kidnapper out; The Heroes of Shantown are very much on board.CHAPTER 19.5: HAILAfter solidifying their plan to suss out the true kidnapper, Jarl and Sophie agree to talk to each other more often (to better care for Shantown) and Hagen agrees to teach Sophie how to use the Lay Tablet (which Jarl should ask Manus to do); then, the priest of Shantown realizes Áesta is… gone.CHAPTER 19.6: HAILJarl and Tobias eat cake!And Jarl remembers some more pleasant things about Shantown.Don’t tell him, but he’s probably getting a lot more homesick than he thought.But, luckily, we all know the best cure for this–reminiscing–and Tobi’s up for it!((Also, low key dealing with a lot of things in real right now so sorry for the shorter chapter… Alsoalso: heads-up now because it’s finally been confirmed: I’m gonna be off for a few weeks [meaning I won’t be updating even this story] in May to hang out with my aunt for her birthday because I haven’t seen her in years and I want those weeks to be about her; sorry in advance!))CHAPTER 19.7: HAILJarl learns what his daemonic house cat eats. (At least it’s not a leaf again…)CHAPTER 19.8: HAILJarl realizes mages might not be the only ones being taken advantage of…CHAPTER 19.9: HAILJudas returns (or we return to Judas).CHAPTER 19.10: HAILJarl dines St. Bree’s versions of him and Sophie, learning of their home’s history (including the “real name” of Lady Grume), before he and Judas stand alone and the REAL questions start to come out: Do you know of daemons?((This is it, All! Happy Friday the 13th!!! I hope you enjoy this chapter and look forward to more [namely the response to this question–I’ve been honestly building to it for a while lmao] later when I’m back from vacation. The next week is mostly gonna be me prepping for that trip but also setting some real life things in place [in regards to my crochet store which is almost ready] so this is actually going to be the last installment for a while until I’m fully back in about a month. Sounds crazy but between Criminally Crochet, my aunt, and getting into a good headspace, this’s probably the most realistic timeline I can give. Please forgive my absence and look forward to the continuation of this story and this group’s adventures next month when we come back.))((All my love; thank you so much for your understanding and support.)) -- source link

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