soulping | RATATOSKR

[when you insert the key and open the door, you'll find another humble cottage - the space bends on the walls, but there is a single door that leads to another room; though the door is closed, you can see through it—as if it's somewhat transparent. a wooden cradle sits in a plain room.

inside, a baby sleeps peacefully. when she stirs - calling for her parent, you are there to cradle her back to sleep.]

-

[slowly, the scene changes, fading in and out with various silent scenes—the baby coos pleasantly, giggling jovially when you (presumably) make faces at her; she tries to pick herself up and falls over, but she does not cry; a disagreement between you and her lead to a thoughtful discussion; the young girl carries a large laundry basket to do chores; she buys a pet bird, looking so proud for having earned the money all by herself; then the wall becomes opaque.]

[in the middle of the open doorway, a young girl the age of 10 stands, smiling at you. a bird with beautiful plumage rests on her shoulder.]

[this is your daughter. you tried your best to rear her, and she's been good to you. you know she is capable of anything if she puts her mind to it - even becoming a princess. but you also know it's not easy to become a princess - better she become a princess than go off to war, though. you could not stand to see your baby girl die on the battlefield. what will be will be, though - all you can do is try your best.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[pats her shoulder]

My guess is that it involves using your words and attitude to your advantage. I mean, "martial arts" is obviously about physical strength, and the last one must be related to pure intelligence.

All of them would be good, although I wouldn't want to focus too heavily in just one area.

Yeah.

But we need free time. Should spent time together everyday. Very important to spend time with family.

[hmmm]

...sure, we can manage that. Wouldn't want her to grow up cold and isolated, yeah?

Definitely not! [V-very firm.]

Alright. One free time slot a day. Maybe in the evening? And that's...twelve classes left over.

If you don't mind, I'd like to favor the Charms classes a little bit. 5 of those, 4 for math and sciences, 3 for martial arts?

[Considers.] We'll need to incorporate a bit more fighting later, since she's a knight, but if charms is talking to people, it is easier to learn earlier.

We'll need to spread them out. We could have charms all in the morning the first five days. Keep that consistent. Maybe martial arts for the first, third, and fith afternoon, and math and sciences in all the the rest?

It's not as though you only need strength to survive, even as a knight. A silver tongue opens up a lot more doors.

That sounds fine to me.

If there's a chance she'll be on a battlefield, it's still pretty important. Right now, being a princess depends on the whims of some dude, I'd rather be on the safe side.

As for the moral dilemma....

Can I take care of it? Thievery is something I've got a history with.

Fair enough.

And depends, what're you planning to do? I don't really care about the theft itself, because it's something so small, but if she gets a troublesome mindset in her head then things will go hard for her later on. People don't like being stolen from, and making unnecessary enemies.....well, you know.

Have a talk with her. She needs to understand what theft is and why it should be done. If ya do it for selfish reasons, you'll be an asshole, but it's not necessarily always the wrong answer either. Just...can't be selfish.

I was basically a Robin Hood back home, so...