Current Events > Teen Titans CYOA: Romance Resurrected part 7

(+) Yeah! (+)

"I guess we'll see you two in the morning," Roselind says.

"G'night!" Rebecca says.

The two head out, leaving you and Raven alone.

"The Titans have had arguments and tension and stuff," she says, "but wow."

"The downside of family," you say with a sad smile. "But let's not worry about that, even though we'll be spending all morning with them."

Raven chuckles while she follows you to the door.

"So... who does he like?" she asks.

A) Keep the secret
B) Tell her
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A)
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Cartridge88 posted...

A) Keep the secret

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Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

A) Keep the secret

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A

"Oh no, I have to keep his secret," you say. "We may be at odds right now but I shouldn't betray that trust."

"That's admirable," she says. "Can you give me hints?"

"No, I'm not giving you hints."

"Fine..." she smirks. "Y'know, it's gonna be so weird that we aren't next door or just down the hall from each other. It's only been a month, but I've gotten weirdly use to it."

"Same here," you say. "But technically, you're down the hall from me. Just on a really long hall."

She chuckles while you reach the stairs.

"Well then," you say as you reach the top. "I go this way, and you go that way."

"Yep," she says.

You two linger at the middle of the hall. You're both quite, so you hear the general din of the suitresses echoing over.

"I guess I should go," she says with a nervous smile.

"As should I," you say with your own smile. "Good night, Raven."

Raven surprises you a bit with a quick kiss.

"Good night, Rorek," she says before turning and walking down the hall.

You smile again, and turn around to walk down the hall the other direction. You arrive at your door and walk inside. You stretch and change into your sleeping clothes.

[cut to Raven]

Raven walks her way back to her room and can see the other girls loitering about the hall. They're all in the middle of either changing into night gowns and pajamas, brushing their teeth, or both. Some even do the more feminine nightly routines of face creams and nail polish removal.

Raven yawns as she reaches her room. She takes off her high heel sandals while opening the door, and feels relieved to no longer be wearing those. Raven knows Rorek likes them but they've been killing her feet since the start of Pictionary.

"Rorek didn't walk you to your room?" Renee says as she walks over.

Raven looks over and sees Renee is already wearing fuzzy slippers and a loose nightie. Probably not much else, either. She also has Roxanne, and she's dressed rather similarly.

"No, he obviously didn't," Raven says. "But he's being a gentleman, and doesn't want to walk in on any of us ladies walking around dressed, well, how you are now."

"What iz zat supposed to mean?" Roxanne says.

"Well," Raven says as she looks around. "Okay, we're all girls, but do you have to be running around in just underwear?"

Raven specifically points out Regina and Rayna.

"We're going to get dressed..." they defend with blushing pouts.

"And you, expecting Rorek to walk me over here," Raven says to Renee. "It's like you were hoping he'd witness you all like this or something."

Renee scoffs, as if what Raven is saying is crazy.

"I have no idea what you are getting at," Renee says.

"Then I gues you were wearing that bustier under your outfit just for fun?" Raven counters. "And don't deny it, because obviously your chest isn't up where it was during dinner."

Renee and Roxanne gasp, and Renee then blushes while frowning and covering her bosom.

"And I suppose those are how they always are?" she retorts in reference to Raven's own chest.

"Yes, actually," Raven says, defending her own chest now.

"But how?" Roxanne says. "Zey are like grapefruits."

"They are not!" Raven says. "Wait, are they? I've never really seen a grapefruit in person."
---

"I had hoped Rory waz better zan zis," Renee huffs and puffs. "He must only like you for your swolen bozom!"

"Hey!" Raven says, getting annoyed now. "That's not why he likes me. He likes me for me, and because I like him for him. All you want is to be married into the main branch."

Renee scoffs, but is also too upset to respond, so she storms off, Roxanne following behind. Renee then suddenly stops and whips around to glare at Raven.

"S-Stupid goth cow!" Renee shouts before storming into her room.

Raven gasps from offense while the other girls all back away slowly. Raven wants to go over there and blast Renee out of the building, but she calms herself down, and simply grumbles as she walks into her own room, slamming the door behind her.

Raven plops her shoes down by the foot of the bed and starts wiggling out of her dress.

*knock knock* Someone's at the door?

Raven grumbles again, and walks over, even with her dress half off. She opens the door to see the Robertas there. Raven isn't sure, but she thinks Rivers is usually in blue so she's the Roberta on the right.

"What do you two want?" she asks them.

"Well," Rivers says.

"Clearly, you don't get along with Renee," Rhodes says as she fidgets with the green ribbons on her dress.

"You think?" Raven says.

"And that's actually great!" Rivers says. "Well not exactly, but I'm sure you know what I mean."

"Maybe explain it a little," Raven says.

"Well, if you don't get along with her, then you're not all bad," Rivers says.

"And obviously you're stronger than her," Rhodes says, "which means you're stronger than a lot of us. But especially Rivers."

"Hey...!" Rivers says.

"This is kind of helping but could we get to the point?" Raven says, ending in a yawn. "Sorry, really long day for me, probably some leftover jetlag."

"That's okay," Rivers says. "But our point is, if you're okay with it, we wouldn't mind being friends with you."

Raven remembers the advice about making allies with the Robertas. Rivers is as calm as Rorek described, and Rhodes is obviously trying to keep pace. Renee obviously has Roxanne, and there's a chance Regina or Rayna or even Rumiko would be their third if it came down to it.

"Sure," Raven says. "Let's be friends."

Rivers and Rhodes both smile.

"So then, how about we talk for a bit?" Rhodes says. "Get to know each other?"

"Sure," she says. "Which room? Rivers or Rhodes?"

"Actually, couldn't we talk in your room?" Rivers says. "We are right here, after all."

"Oh, uh, sure," Raven says. "I usually don't let people into my room, but this isn't my room back home, so it's fine."

Raven lets them in and they sit on the bed while Raven continues changing out of her clothes.

A) Raven asks them questions
B) Raven lets them ask questions of her
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Cartridge88 posted...

A) Raven asks them questions

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Cartridge88 posted...

A) Raven asks them questions

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scubasteve42 posted...

Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

A) Raven asks them questions

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A

"I know you came to me," Raven says as she hangs up her dress, "but I'd like to ask you two some questions first."

"Go right ahead," Rivers says.

"So, how long have you two known Rorek?" Raven asks as she pulls out a t-shirt.

"Several years," Rivers says. "I met him when I was about 8, so he was about 9."

"I met him at 7," Rhodes boasts.

"Wow, so about half your lives," Raven says. "Definitely outdoes my month with him. How often would you spend time with him?"

"For holidays," Rhodes says. "Both vacation and actual holidays, and obviously birthdays like Mr. Null's."

"That makes for quite a few times a year, actually," Rivers says. "Rory used to visit us when the Nulls would visit, but ever since he started traveling the world, we've seen him less and less."

"Oh. Well, now my month straight doesn't seem so bad."

Raven slips the shirt on and goes to bottoms. She pulls out cotton shorts and slips those on, then climbs onto the bed to sit cross-legged with the Robertas.

"Did you two meet at the same time you met Rorek?" she asks.

"Yes," Rhodes says. "And obviously, we don't exactly get along."

"You don't say," Raven says sarcastically.

"That's more your fault than mine," Rivers sighs.

Rhodes grumbles but Rivers smiles, which makes Raven chuckle and smile.

"Y'know, you two get along better than you think," Raven says.

"We do?" they both say.

"Yeah. I mean, you get along about as well as I do with Beast Boy or Jinx."

Rhodes and Rivers look at each other, and then awkwardly look away.

"Okay, now our turn," Rhodes says. "What do you like best about Rory?"

"How do you mean that...?" Raven asks.

"Well, we all know Rory has intellect and skills in magic," Rivers says. "But as you've probably guessed, we're asking in terms of physically."

A) His eyes
B) His hair
C) His muscles
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A) His eyes

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Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

A) His eyes

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Alakazamtrainer posted...

Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

A) His eyes

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A

"Then it has to be his eyes," Raven says. "They're such a lovely, icy blue, I could stare into them for hours."

Raven smiles with a dreamy quality as she pictures those eyes.

"Wow..." the Robertas say.

"What?"

"You really do love him, don't you?" Rhodes says.

"Yes, of course," Raven says. "Aren't you?"

"Well..." Rivers says while Rhodes fidgets. "I know I really really like him."

"And I really really really like him," Rhodes says. "But, it isn't really love, I guess. I know I can learn to love him, because as you said, he's got those amazing eyes."

"And his long flowing hair," Rivers smiles.

"Oh yeah, his hair's really nice," Raven says. "It's the right thickness so that you can run your hair through it nice and smooth."

"Wait, have you done that?" Rhodes asks.

"Uh, yeah, actually," Raven says with a slight blush.

"Were you... intimate?" Rivers asks.

"I mean..." Raven says, a little nervous. "We've made out. A lot."

The Robertas gasp and squeal, which makes Raven lean back with an offput wide-eyed stare.

"How did it happen?" Rhodes asks.

"Where did it happen?" Rivers asks.

"How long ago did it happen?" Rhodes asks.

"It was weeks ago," Raven says, "in Titans Tower. And, I dunno, after talking and talking and getting to know him, we just kind of clicked."

"But what exactly?" Rhodes asks. "Why did you start all kissing and touching and stuff?"

"I dunno," Raven shrugs. "I was really touched that he accepted me, and all my quirks and stuff."

"Like what?" Rivers asks.

"You mean, what quirks?" Raven asks back.

Rivers nods.

"Well, I dunno," Raven shrugs. "I remember that that night, we were watching Alfred Hitchcock movies, and he said he loved how weird I was."

"He called you weird?" Rhodes says.

"You made out after watching Hitchcock?" Rivers says.

"Well, in all honesty, I am a little weird," Raven shrugs. "But most people would probably be uncomfortable with how much I like horror movies and stuff like that."

"Well, horror movies are fine," Rhodes says.

"I got Rorek to go to the Los Angeles Museum of Death," Raven says. "And while we were in Hawaii, we went sightseeing for paranormal places."

"Oh..."

"He definitely has to love you, then," Rhodes says. "He's never been the best at scary, spooky things."

"Yeah, he's told me as much, too," Raven says with a slight smile. "But anyway, back to you two."

A) Ask about their hobbies
B) Ask about their families
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A)
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a
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scubasteve42 posted...

A)

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B.
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A

"So what about your hobbies? What do you do when you're not competing for Rorek?"

"Well, I usually just help with the family business," Rhodes says. "I like carving gems and molding precious metals into shapes and things. I even try to incorporate Jewelcraft magic into my pieces for the sake of magical self-defense."

"That's cool," Raven says. "I suppose you wear some of those yourself, then."

"Oh, yes," Rhodes says. "Not that it matters now that you beat even Renee and Roxanne, but I had them all ready just in case we were to duel."

"Always be prepared," Raven says. "Anything else you like to do for fun?"

"Umm... I guess I like to paint."

"That's great! What style do you like the best? Water colors? Oils? Acrylic?"

"Yes, acrylic," Rhodes says. "But, mostly on my nails..."

"Oh... Well, your nails did look nice today. Not that I'm the kind who does that."

"I know, you're such an amazing Plain Jane," Rhodes says. "Your nails are so neatly trimmed and filed."

"I do them myself," Raven says as Rhodes takes her hand to look at her fingers.

"And your lips," Rivers adds. "I thought you were doing something with different lipsticks but that's just how your they are, aren't they?"

"Yeah..." Raven says, being a little self-conscious about her lips.

"Oh, sorry," Rivers says. "We must be making you uncomfortable."

"But you are admittedly very pretty without even trying," Rhodes says.

"If you think I'm pretty, you should see some of the other female Titans," Raven says. "But anyway, what about you, Rivers? What do you do as a hobby?"

"I have a garden back home, both with flowers and with edible plants like tomatoes and herbs."

"When you say 'garden'," Raven says, "is it like something small that fits in a only a few square meters, or are we basically talking about a farm?"

"No, it's a reasonably sized garden," Rivers smiles. "As Druids, my family doesn't employ gardeners, we do our duty to take care of the plants around our home personally. And in return, the flowers bloom and the crops provide."

"Rorek said your family also has business in cruises and camping," Raven says. "What areas do the cruises cover?"

"Oh we have all kinds of cruises in the Northern European area like to Finland and Sweden, and occasionally Iceland."

"That sounds nice. And, do you camp, then?"

"Oh yes, very often. Especially when things are most stressful."

"What're your hobbies, Raven?" Rhodes asks.

"I like writing poetry and going to gloomy gothic cafs, but I guess also chess, reading, horror movies of course. And... sometimes I knit."

"Knitting? Really?" Rhodes says. "I would never have guessed."

"I don't do it very often," Raven says, "but it's how I've modified some of my spare robes into other things."

"How about your poetry? Would you be willing to share some?" Rivers asks.

A) Yes
B) No
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B) No

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A. Yes
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Cartridge88 posted...

B) No

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B

"Oh no, no no no," Raven says with a nervous chuckle and hands up. "It's much too personal, and depressing, and dark. We only just met, so I don't think you'd really be into that stuff."

"Aww," the Robertas pout.

"Well, I understand," Rivers says. "Writing poetry is a very soul-baring passion."

"Thank you for understanding," Raven says.

"I understand, too!" Rhodes says. "Though, I suppose this doesn't have to be a competition..."

"Thank you for understanding, too," Raven says. "Y'know, Rorek has written some poetry in his spare time."

"Really? What was it like? Or was it too personal?"

"Well, the one poem he read on poetry night was mostly about--"

"Wait, poetry night?" Rhodes asks. "Like at a cafe or something?"

"Yeah, actually."

"He read it out loud and in public?" Rivers says.

"Yeah, he was really brave," Raven says. "I was proud of him."

"Oh sorry for interrupting," Rivers says. "What was it about?"

"Umm... It was actually about how he's not happy with this whole system of the Null Family and everyone else's families, and everyone else wants to dictate his love life. And before you say anything, he and I talked about whether I was just his escape, and I'm not. And I know he's being honest because I'm an Empath so I can tell."

"Oh that's such a useful ability," Rhodes says. "I wish I had that."

"It's pretty clear even without such Empathic abilities, though," Rivers says. "And I'm really happy that he has found someone."

"Thank you," Raven smiles.

"Alright, ladies," Nadine Wilmarth says as she comes by. "Wrap it up. Lights out in 10 minutes."

The girls loitering out in the halls all pout and whine, but obey and go into their rooms.

"We should probably go then," Rivers says. "See you in the morning."

"G'night," Rhodes says as she and Rivers get up.

"Good night," Raven says.

The Robertas exit and Raven closes her door. She climbs into bed and turns off the light, drifting off to sleep picturing Rorek's eyes.



"Rise and shine, ladies," Nadine says.

Raven grumbles as she opens her eyes. She looks and finds the clock on her end table. It's 6AM sharp.

"Why this early...?" she groans as she gets out of bed.

Raven walks out into the hall, rubbing one eye, and she spots a line forming at the bathroom down the way.

"That's why..." she says. "Um, Mrs. Wilmarth, is there not another guest bathroom?"

"Oh, don't worry, dear," she says. "We can use Multiplication Magic to increase the number of shower stalls."

"Umm... What?"

"Well it's the only way to get through everyone's bath times so that everyone can be on time for breakfast."

"And it keeps them all from fighting," Penelope adds as she walks over with folded towels. "Well, too much, anyway."

Renee huffs while Roxanne puffs.

"So, I guess things go in waves?" Raven asks.

"Yes, we can't possibly fit 15 stalls in there," Nadine says with a bit of a laugh. "At most, we'll be able to divide things up by five. You ladies can sort out the groups while Penelope and I multiply the stall."

Nadine and Penelope walk inside the bathroom while Raven and the others divide up. Raven stands with the Robertas, Ruby and to Raven's surprise, Rumiko.

A) They're the first wave
B) They're the second wave
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A) They're the first wave

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Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

A) They're the first wave

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scubasteve42 posted...

Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

A) They're the first wave

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A

"We're going first," Raven says for her group.

"And what makes you say zat?!" Renee protests.

"Because I won the duels yesterday," Raven says, "and my team won in pictionary, which means Ruby and I need to get ready before any of you so that we can go with 'Rory' to the lake."

"Then why should Roberta, Roberta and Rumiko benefit?" Roxanne says.

"Well it's not like I'm going to be showering with you two," Raven sneers. "And I doubt you'd shower with me."

"She has us there," Roxanne says, which makes Renee snap at her.

"Alright, no more squabbling, ladies," Nadine says as she exits the bathroom. "Whose up first?"

Raven steps up with the Robertas, Ruby and Rumiko, while keeping Renee and Roxanne from getting in the way.

"Go on in," Nadine says. "Penelope is just finishing up with the changing screens."

"Changing screens?" Ruby says with a scoff as she walks in while pulling off her pajama shirt. "What are we? A bunch o' boys?"

"I may be a Druid," Rivers says, "but Ruby's the freest spirit of us all."

"I can tell," Raven says as she and the others walk into the room.

"I'll have the towels ready on the racks for when you're done," Penelope says.

"Thank you, Penelope," Raven says for everyone.

"Do you want the center stall, Raven?" Ruby asks.

"Um, yeah I guess that's fine," Raven shrugs before taking off her own shirt.

Ruby lets out a whistle while Rumiko makes this strange "awawawawa" sound.

"I thought Roxanne was just jokin'," Ruby says. "But those really are a pair o' melons!"

Raven self-consciously covers up again while Ruby stands in front of her grinning ear to ear. Rumiko herself seems to be self-consciously patting her chest while lamenting her petite frame.

"Just let her get undressed and into the shower," Rhodes says to Ruby.

"It's just silly pointing out the obvious," Rivers says.

The two Robertas undress and take the stalls left and right of center, Rivers on the left. They undress and hop in, closing the glass doors behind them. Ruby finishes and takes the stall off to the far right and Rumiko, though pouting, goes to the far left. Raven finishes undressing and walks into the center stall.

Raven still feels awkward as she looks to either side and, even with the obscured glass, sees naked Roberta Rhodes and naked Roberta Rivers washing up beside her. Raven just sighs and starts up the water to scrub herself.

[cut to Rorek]

You finish your shower and wrap yourself in your robe. You dry your hair as you walk back to your room.

"I know you haven't even had breakfast yet," Carter says. "But we obviously need to decide your picnic menu."

"Well obviously the easy choice is sandwiches," you say. "I'm sure everyone will be okay with..."

A) PB&J
B) Tuna
C) Ham and turkey
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C
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D. Watercress Sandwiches
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C.
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C

"Ham and turkey. Not together on the same sandwiches, though."

"Of course," Carter says. "I'll get to work on those, you enjoy breakfast."

Carter heads off while you enter your room. You finish drying and dressing, and head out to the hall. You can hear a commotion being made by the young ladies in the hall. Perhaps they're arguing over use of the bathroom.

You go downstairs and make your way to the dining hall. When you arrive, your parents, grandmother and Aunt Rita are there.

"Good morning," you say as you walk over. "Where are essentially everyone else?"

"Grandfather Sixth and Uncle Roger are having the others help them with some things in the garage," mother says.

"Which is of course in relation to my birthday in a couple days," father says. "They think they're being clever about it."

"I'm sure Grandfather and Uncle are," you say as you sit down. "Hopefully they won't make a mess of themselves, we do have the lunch at the lake."

"Oh?" Aunt Rita says. "When did you all decide that?"

"As part of Pictionary," you say. "Winning team would ride the horses up to the lake for a nice swim and a picnic. My team won, and I had Raven, Ruby, Roselind and Rebecca, and Ross and Reed. Though, if Ross and Reed choose not to come, I don't really mind."

"Well of course," mother says. "Gives you more time with Raven and Ruby."

"That might actually be a reason for them to still go, then," you say. "Just so that I don't have time alone with Raven."

"And what about Ruby?"

"Well, she was just who I chose to have on the team so it'd be even numbers," you say. "But either way, it'd actually be better for my cousins and I if they stayed behind. The others are planning to use the pool in the meantime, by the way."

"Oh, I'll have to dig out my swimsuit then," Aunt Rita smiles.

You hear voices approaching, Raven's catching your ear first. You stand up and turn around to meet her, the Robertas, Ruby and Rumiko as they enter the dining hall.

"Good morning, ladies," you say. "I see you two dressed prepared for the ride."

"Ruby and Penelope helped," Raven says as she shows off her knee boots. "These were spares that they made adjustments to so that they'd fit."

"Well I like them," you say. "And I suppose they're better for this than that pair of boots."

"Definitely better than that pair," Raven smirks. "I guess we made it in time for breakfast."

"Yes," you say as you help all five ladies sit at once via magic. "For the sake of time in regards to our horse ride in a little while, I say we go ahead and start. Maybe call Ross, Reed and the twins over if they're not too busy."

"I'll text them while you start," mother says.

"Thank you, Mum," you say as you sit back down beside Raven. "Let's dig in."

You and the young ladies grab up pancakes and sausages for yourselves, and you politely pour glasses of milk and orange juice for them. As you eat, as well as wait for your sisters and cousins, you strike up somewhat idle conversation, starting with

A) Ruby
B) Rumiko
C) The Robertas
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Cartridge88 posted...

C) The Robertas

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Cartridge88 posted...

C) The Robertas

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scubasteve42 posted...

Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

C) The Robertas

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C

"I see you two are getting along just a bit better," you say to Roberta Rhodes and Roberta Rivers. "Normally Rhodes won't even sit near Rivers."

"Well," Rhodes shrugs with a bit of a blush. "We've come to an understanding of sorts."

"We have?" Rivers says.

"Of course we have," Rhodes says. "In that we understand that Ruby, Roxanne, Renee, and now even Rumiko and Raven, are just leagues above us in skill. As a Druid, you're too passive, and as a Jewelcrafter, I have limited options."

"Oh. Well you must've forgotten to tell me about this, though I do agree."

"Don't be too hard on yourselves," Raven says to them. "Rhodes was telling me about her work in more fashionable Jewelcrafting items."

"Oh really?" you say. "Like what?"

"Well nothing particular," Rhodes shrugs. "I'm just trying to make defensive Jewelcrafting more convenient for accessorizing."

"Well that sounds nice," you say. "Have you thought about cufflinks for gentlemen to wear?"

"Yes, I had my brother test some for me," Rhodes says. "They seem to work rather well."

"And Raven told us that you've written poetry," Rivers says. "And even read some of it for other people."

"Oh she did, did she?"

"Yes," Raven says, "and I said I was very proud of you."

"When did you start writing poetry?" mother asks.

"As part of my travels," you shrug. "It's not anything particularly special or impressive, so I didn't really make a big deal out of it."

"You make it sound like it was bad," Raven says. "It was still good."

"So when did you have time to tell them about this?" you ask.

"Last night, before lights out," Raven says. "We got to talking because we all have a mutual dislike of Renee."

The girls giggle and smile. By now, others have arrived, namely your sisters and cousins.

"Good morning," Roselind and Rebecca say together as they take their seats across from mother.

"Good morning, mum," Roselind says.

"Good morning, daddy," Rebecca says.

"Good morning, girls," father says.

"Morning, mum," Reed says for him and Ross as they sit next to Aunt Rita.

"Good morning, boys," she says. "Are you going with Rory to the lake after this? If not, we shouldn't have Carter prepare so many horses."

"We hadn't really thought about it," Reed says. "But we don't have to if Rory doesn't want us there."

"It's not that I don't want you there," you say. "But I'd understand if you didn't want to."

"In that case, we'll just stay behind," Reed says. "We'll join the others at the pool."

"Well, can't someone else go in their place?" Ruby asks. "Like the Robertas."

"Can we go in their place?" Rhodes asks. "That way the horses won't be brought out for nothing."

"Ne, ne, watashi wa dnano?" Rumiko asks. "What about me?"

"Meh, you can stay here," Ruby shrugs.

"Hidoi!" Rumiko snaps.

A) Have the Robertas and Rumiko take your cousins' place
B) Just go with Raven, Ruby and your sisters
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A)
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B.
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A
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A...
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A

"I suppose we can bring them along," you say. "Both Roberta Rhodes and Rivers, and even Rumiko."

"Honto ni?!" Rumiko says with a big smile.

"Yes," you say. "If need be, we can have people double up on the same horse."

"Really?" Roselind asks. "I was hoping to ride on my own."

"Me, too," Rebecca says.

"I was thinking more Raven could ride with me," you say.

"Oh," Raven says. "I was kind of hoping to ride on my own, too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, assuming the horse and I get along."

"Well if you don't, then you can ride with me."

"If Raven gets along with the horses but I don't, can I ride with you?" Rhodes asks.

"Only I ride with Rorek," Raven says.

"But you want to ride a horse on your own," Rivers says.

"Yeah," Raven says. "But that doesn't mean someone else gets to ride with Rorek."

The other young ladies and even their parents join breakfast now, partaking in the sausage and pancakes, as well as toast and jam. As the parents sit with their daughters, the daughters all explain in their native tongues about the lake trip in the case of Ruby, Rumiko and the Robertas, while the others explain they'll be using the pool. The parents approve of the activities, though Rumiko's parents need more convincing, as Rumiko doesn't exactly ride horses often in Japan.

"Looks like everything is good to go," you say when they come to an agreement.

"But what route are we taking, exactly?" Rivers asks. "There's still the hills and the stream, but there're still a lot of different choices before then."

A) The direct path due Northwest
B) The West open fields
C) The North woods
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Cartridge88 posted...

B) The West open fields

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Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

B) The West open fields

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scubasteve42 posted...

Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

B) The West open fields

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B
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B

"The open fields to the West should make for some nice, easy riding," you say. "We can get a good look at the flowers out there, too."

"That does sound nice," Rivers says.

"I agree," Rhodes says.

Your group finishes breakfast and says good-bye to everyone else. You and Carter then lead the way outside and around to the stable.

"There they all are," Ruby smiles as she trots up. "Hello, darlings."

The horses bray and sputter as Ruby walks up. She pats one on the side and strokes the mane.

"Okay, so who wants which horse?" she asks. "Rory, I think you and Cherry Bomb get along well."

"Yes, ol' Cherry should be fine," you say as you walk over to the reddish-brown mare.

"Let's get Rose and Becca up on Honey Dew and Honey Bee," Ruby says as she motions to the two golden mares.

You and your sisters all hop up onto the saddles.

"Umm..." Raven says as she walks up. "Which one should I go with?"

"Well hold on," Ruby says. "There's four horses but five of us left. We need ta decide who even is riding these ponies."

"Let Raven first test the waters, so to speak," you say as you bring Cherry Bomb around.

Ruby helps Raven walk up to Vinegar, the golden brown mare. Vinegar stays calm as Raven pats it on the nose.

"There ya go," Ruby says. "She likes ya!"

Raven hops up onto Vinegar's saddle, and steadies herself with slight panic as Vinegar takes steps forward.

"Whoa~!" Raven says.

Vinegar stops.

"You're a natural!" Ruby says. "Okay, then. Rumi can be on the baby of the bunch, Bundt Cake."

"Baby?" Rumiko says. "Why do I getto put on za baby!?"

"Because you're a tiny lassie, lassie!" Ruby says as she hoists Rumiko up onto the brown mare with white speckles.

"That leaves you two," Ruby says to the Robertas. "Rhodes, you'll be on Hop Scotch, and then Rivers can be on Skip To Mah Loo."

The Robertas hop up on their own, but that leaves Ruby without a horse

"What about you?" Raven asks her. "I could still ride with Rorek if you want to ride."

"Aw, that's okay," Ruby says. "I can always just bring mah own."

Ruby uses a Summoning Circle to create her own bright red horse construct.

"You can Summon horses?" Raven says. "Why didn't you just say so before?"

"Well Ah wanted to see how you got along with them first," Ruby says. "Ah only do this Summon sparingly, anyway."

"Here are the sandwiches," Carter says as he sticks them in Cherry Bomb's saddle bags.

"And some basic things like sunscreen and beach towels," Penelope says as she loads those into Honey Dew's saddle bags.

"Now we can get going," you say. "It's already getting warm out, so we should hurry to the lake."

"We can race there!" Roselind says.

"Yeah!" Rebecca says.

"No," you say. "Raven's new to riding, she needs to start off easy."

"Definitely," Raven says. "Like, for instance, how do I get her moving?"

"Just give a light whip of the reins," you say as you demonstrate.

Cherry Bomb walks forward, and you steer her around for a little circle. Raven tries, but it isn't quite enough to get Vinegar going. Raven gives another, and it's a bit more than she expected as Vinegar starts moving at a brisk pace.

"Just hold on with your legs," you say as you get Cherry to follow after. "Tugging too much on the reins will just make her slow to a stop and you'll have to start the process all over."
---

Everyone follows after while you come up alongside Raven and Vinegar.

"Roselind, Rebecca," you say. "You two lead the way. I'll stay with Raven while she gets the hang of it."

"Can we race there?" they both ask.

"No," you say.

"Aww..." they pout.

"Are you doing alright?" you ask Raven.

"I think so," Raven says. "I'm getting used to the speed, but the bumps..."

"Oh, yes, that's a bit rough for a first-timer. And honestly I've gotten so used to a smooth ride with Shadowfax..."

"Then why did you suggest this as what we do?" Raven asks with a chuckle.

"Because I thought it'd be fun," you say.

"I mean, it's not horribly boring," Raven says as the group exits the grounds via the gate. "And I'm still on the saddle."

"That's always a good thing," you say.

"Rory," Roselind calls back.

"Yes?" you respond.

"When we arrive," Rebecca says. "What side of the lake do you want to set up on?"

A) Exactly South
B) Further West
C) Back around to the East
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Cartridge88 posted...

C) Back around to the East

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Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

C) Back around to the East

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scubasteve42 posted...

Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

C) Back around to the East

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1_mMe-uilI" data-time="
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