"Threesome"?

>>169163
Yeah that sounds about right.

>>169160
If you do sleep with Jai, even if she doesn't show it (no guarantee you'd be so lucky), you are going to hurt her just as a result of how close the two of you have already become. Then there is the dad, the PROTECTIVE MAFIA DON DAD, don't want him pissed you hurt his little girl's feelings.

Beyond such pragmatic concerns, consider how much emotional bonding you have formed with Dahlia in such a short time. This make the relationship fragile, relative to your status with Jai right now.

Llong story short, way better for all three of you to wait, decide later. Make it your post-Alienation Alienation, if that makes sense. A thing you must do.... AFTER you deal with this Alienation.

I still vote Dahlia though.

>>169160
Jai is a bro, and Dahlia is waiting just like you are. I have no idea what she's going to suggest and it'll probably be odd seeing as how Qal seem to be more open and straightforward in their dealings.

Brom 2010/04/23(Fri)20:35 No. 169185 ID: f98e0b
File 127208011968.png - (251.31KB , 800x600 , 171.png )

"Masturbate?" asks Dio.
"You don't do that on your own? What kind of teenage boy are you?"
"Threesome?" asks Dio.
"If you can pull that off you really don't need my help."
"What, then?" asks Dio.
"Well," says Deve carefully, sucking in a mouthful of air and exhaling, "I could always hop into bed with you and pop your cherry."

>>169185
"Ah, no, but thanks for the offer."

>>169185
Bury your head in the pillow and scream.

>>169185
That's pretty... forward.

Uuuuuuhhhhh.

>>169189
I bet it's an honor to screw an Arcanopolis mage.
Maybe an honor Dio doesn't want to be part of?

>>169185
'You did mention Qal being more straightforward, wasn't quite paying that the proper amount of attention.

...Yeah, as much as part of me wants to say yes, naw, I don't think that would help at all. And if that was just a joke, man you run some loopy therapy, but whatev.

Any advice for how to at least keep this out of my mind, at least until I can be sure I'm being fair to both of them?'

>>169185
Dahlia is waiting for you man, doing this wouldn't be cool. Bear in mind, if you two weren't already that serious I'd say go for it, and if you did anyways it wouldn't be absolutely horrible for you. Still, you don't want to deal with that guilt.

...Maybe a blowjob would settle the need, and still technically allow you to wait for Dahlia. Even if it is sex, it's not "all the way", and still leaves that special first time experience to be had. Make it a 69 and you've got extra practice as well.

>>169185
Whut? Wouldn't that defeat the point, then it just becomes a lose lose situation rather than a gain and possible loss?

Also, heard knew Qal were direct but DAMMN...

Wait.. isn't this against psychological practice or something? Exploiting your position as a trusted advisory for personal gain?

>>169193
No. If it wasn't a big deal than Dahlia would have done that. Since she didn't we can conclude that it is a big deal.

Dio, you're just going to have to tough this out.

>>169185

...Please tell me that lump in the robes is his knee.

>>169203
Oh not necessarily, she just has a certain desire for how things should progress. As for this, she probably wouldn't approve, but what matters is how Dio feels about it. It takes care of the main aspect of the problem away while still saving that better, more intimate experience for her.

If Dio would still feel guilty about it, then it's no good. Just saying it's an option he should consider.

Brom 2010/04/23(Fri)21:19 No. 169219 ID: f98e0b
File 127208274070.png - (190.78KB , 800x600 , 172.png )

>>169211
Of course it's his-
what the-
"Wh-" says Dio.
He pauses.
"N- I- what?"

"If you were a Qal," says Deve patiently. "I'd suggest that you need to, for a time at least, calm your raging hormones and focus on the task at hand, especially if it's as important as it is for you. When Dijp felt the same stirrings you did, he and I came in here, and made sure that his first time was as healthy and nurturing as possible. Same with Euraeus. He's going through it all right now, so once or twice a day he makes an appointment and we work it out. It's not difficult to recognize sexual repression, and it's even less difficult to fix it. Hell, anyone can visit as long as they make an appointment. It's one of the many reasons I'm here, after all. I've got a ten-year degree studying social and military psychology, full sniper certification with crossbows, springloaders, and bows, and I'm a certified Courtesan for the Delv Armed Forces. The Commandant's a regular, since he's so stressed out all the time. I've been visited by all six of the other guys, at one point or another. There's a reason the Psych/Morale officer is the only lady, and there's a reason the psychologist is also a trained sex worker. You'd be surprised the good a healthy sexual experience can do a soldier."

"It seems exploitative."
"Maybe," says Deve. "I do get to hang with a bunch of fairly sexy soldiers, and it pays pretty well, but keep in mind that due to our more communal society, where offspring are cared for by the state rather than the parent, as well as the fact that we lay eggs rather than carry young for nine months, the Qal are much more open and forward, sexually. I can tell you the guys enjoy me being here as much as I do."

"Well, ah, thank you but no thank you."
"Okay. Well, since you're a vidder, I'd honestly say that all you can do is work through the feelings you're feeling right now, simply remember that everyone goes through what you're going through, and maybe whack off before you go to bed.
"Now one thing you're going through that many don't, and something I think I can actually help you with, is killing. The first kill can have a lasting effect, and if you haven't worked through it it can be a problem. Have you killed anyone yet?"

>>169219
"Yes, and it was... Traumatic, to say the least."

>>169219
Yeah... we actually did that one with the other girl. It was self-defense but yeah. Already hopped that fence.

>>169219
asides a raging boner today? yes.

wow a state whore. who could say.

Oh yeah. Tell her about that. Don't mention the arker thing.

Hey what's that purple poster on the wall anyway?

tell her, do mention the arker thing.

Oh, Dio, remember one more thing. You're still a virgin if it's just blowjays. I wouldn't pass this opportunity up.

Even better, I have the perfect idea. Conjure an illusion of yourself, then change around a bit to where it's a chick. Then fuck it! It's basically fapping but better! I'd do it.

>>169242
That depends on the culture and even on the subgroup or person within the culture.

Brom 2010/04/23(Fri)21:55 No. 169275 ID: f98e0b
File 127208493844.png - (251.00KB , 800x600 , 173.png )

"Yeah, that happened to me already," says Dio. "It was-hey. What's that poster on the wall mean?"
"Promise not to lose all the remaining professional respect you have for me?"
"Okay."
"I believe the direct translation is 'hang in there baby'."
There is a pause as they both consider this. Then Deve snorts and starts laughing. Dio can't help but join in.

"Okay. Okay. Yes, I have killed someone. A member of a cult who attacked me and Dahlia. We both ended up killing them all in self-defense."
"That is about the healthiest way you can break into the biz," says Deve, impressed. "Self-defense against an antagonistic figure to save the people you care about, and going through it with someone else is always better than toughing it alone."

"Still got the shakes from it," admits Dio.
"Then it's a good thing it was so well-motivated," says Deve. "Otherwise the backlash could have been extremely nasty. Looks you've got yourself a good soul, Dio. You and Dahlia both.
"What I advise to make it easier is for you to practice on gradually more realistic targets, maybe get them moving around, summon up illusions of things to hit, that sort of thing. Build up a callus to killing. Just make sure you keep that sensitivity inside you intact at the same time. Don't do anything or kill anyone you would regret later, and talk about what you do with people you trust. It's a fine line you're going to end up walking, Dio, but if it's any consolation, warriors with consciences are some of the best.

"Is there anything else you want to talk to me about?"

>>169219
Oh snap Dio she's taking her jacket off and subtlety showing off all those curves that she has oh god don't stare at her ass Dio DON'T STARE AT HER ASS goddamn look at those thighs could crush a melon between them.

Mmm. Melons. Bouncy perky round melons~

Well the smart thing to do is not fuck an alien for the first time, but the aweseome thing to do would be to fuck an alien for the first time, so...

What's that doll thing on the floor?

>>169282
...new quest goal. Turn Dio into the Magi version of Captain Kirk.

...Still recommending oral.

>>169275
I think that's about it for now.
Text Dahlia about the chaser with a crossbow and ask her what she and Pyramus think. Talk to her properly later tonight.

>>16927
Nah I think we're good. Not much in the way of nightmares. It did finally set in my Occulus though I suppose.

>>169276
(psst that's a flashback to when she's counseling the other Qal)

Brom 2010/04/23(Fri)22:21 No. 169313 ID: f98e0b
File 12720864831.png - (248.74KB , 800x600 , 174.png )

"I'm good, I think. What's with the stuffed animal?"
"Emotional conduits, 'member? Never hurts to have a good snuggle with Dr. Peckies."
"Thanks, Deve."
"No problem, Dio. Come back any time."
Dio gets on his mask and leaves, feeling a little better about things in general.

Brom 2010/04/23(Fri)22:24 No. 169315 ID: f98e0b
File 127208665156.png - (249.44KB , 800x600 , 175.png )

>>169276
>>169282
>>169289
>>169287
>>169193
Dio pokes his head back in for a moment. "Um. Just for future consideration. Do you do oral?"
She adopts a look of mock outrage. "What kind of Jezebel would I be if I didn't? Any way you want it."
"Okay." He leaves.

He pokes his head back in. "I don't want it."
"'Course not."
"Bye."
"See ya."

>>169316
Dio, either get in the room or move on, don't encourage indecisiveness in yourself, it could get you killed.

>>169316
...northern sergal?

>>169316
Moving on... moving on...

Let's go get on the case of them tool using animals what are not supposed to be using tools.

let's just go to your room now. beat one out before you go to sleep so you don't have a wet dreams.

>>169316
Oh are we controlling Deve for a moment? I see you thinking Deve with that pencil on your chin. Penny for your thoughts? Or are you just thinking about your plane domination plan, you devious minx you?

>>169315
[Smacks Dio on the frontal lobes with a rolled-up GUILTpaper]
BAD DIO!
NO!
NO!
WE DO NOT CHEAT ON OUR GIRLFRIENDS!
BAD!

It would help you with the whole pent-up urges thing, but comeon man, you're a frickin' illusionist. You can control yourself, and think of how great it'll be to save yourself for when everything is absolutely perfect.

Move on. Dahlia is important to you. This would technically be cheating, even if there's no emotional investment.

>>169336
>>169332
Indeed; Dahlia said she'd wait. It would be unconscionably rude to not offer her the same courtesy.

Dio: Wait a few seconds near the door for Deve to announce her inner feelings on the matter.

If you really need to do it, make a copy of yourself. It's not cheating if you do it with yourself.

Brom 2010/04/24(Sat)10:05 No. 169508 ID: f98e0b
File 127212874759.png - (190.62KB , 800x600 , 177.png )

Dio practices his Blindness and consults with the Commandant until around 7, when he and Jai meet up and go see if Deve's got the rooms ready.
"Yep," she says proudly. "No mildew on the sheets or anything. They're right downstairs, 304 and 305."

"Sorry. Am I interrupting anything?" asks Euraeus, stepping into the hallway.
"Yes and I'll never forgive you," says Deve. "Come on in, Euraeus. Be with you in a sec." She turns to Dio and Jai. "Euraeus and I have an agreement that every time he apologizes for something unnecessarily I have the right to be meaninglessly pissed about it."
"I'm gonna pay for this, aren't I," says Euraeus, grinning.
"Hell yeah you are," says Deve, smacking his ass as he enters her office. "Right after we talk a little more about your childhood for a bit."
"Aww, come on."
"Question not my methods, ya Pee Eff Cee. Enjoy the rooms, guys. They are the ritz, or close enough for the border, anyway. Ciao." She tosses her jacket on the knob. He sees her unbuckling her breastplate before she shuts the door.

Brom 2010/04/24(Sat)10:06 No. 169509 ID: f98e0b
File 127212876773.png - (182.59KB , 800x600 , 178.png )

“So. The psychologist and the newbie, huh?” says Jai.
“Not quite,” says Dio.
“What?”
“She’s the morale officer.”
“Do you mean she-“
“Yep.”
“With all the guys?”
“I imagine.”
“Huh,” says Jai, looking at the door. “Did you-“
“Nope.”
“Seems kind of unfair there isn’t a dude around,” mutters Jai. “Don’t look at me like that. Just for like a back massage or something.”
“I bet she gives pretty good massages,” says Dio.
“Godahell.”
“Yewgodahell.”

“Anyway, I’m going to bed. I think Dijp wanted to see you. He’s the scout? He’s up on the parapets right now but it can wait till tomorrow if you like. ‘Night, Dio.”
“’Night, Jai,” says Dio as she goes downstairs.

Dummy. You could've offered a back massage :p

>>169509
Go meet with the scout. See what he wants.

>>169509
May as well see want Dijp wants.

How do you pronounce that, anyway? "Deep"?

Maybe there's a new development about the Kithiks. Go see the guy.

>>169509
Consider seeing Deve later about the crossbow of suck the critter had. She may notice details that the commandant did not, given her specialized training.

Meanwhile, if you aren't feeling too sleepy, see Dijp. I'm sure it gets lonely up on the walls.

Also, ask someone if Kithiks lack windpipes, or have some other feature that'd make Entomb not work.

Brom 2010/04/24(Sat)12:13 No. 169556 ID: f98e0b
File 127213642762.png - (248.48KB , 800x600 , 179.png )

Dio heads up to the battlements. Djip is there, gazing into the darkening sky with a monocular.
"'Sgood, mateling?" says Djip.
"Hi," says Dio. "You wanted to see me?"
"Struth," says Djip. "Hicked yourselves in the Shais early up, aye?"
"What?"
"Camped you up in the mountains, yeah?"
"Yes?" says Dio.
"Mmm," says Djip, looking back up at the mountains. "Went you to Rthura peak 'fore you hicked and went this'n? Hell'd the forward outpost in the foots?"
"Uh, I can't actually-"
"Didja stop off in Rthura peak? Base camp, Delv Qal there?" asks Djip.

...Thero, any way you can help with the understanding of this guy?

>>169556
"I didn't go to the peak, no. Why do you ask?"

>>169556
That is quite an interesting dialect. Tell him that you didn't stop by the Qal camp.

No, we haven't been up there but we were planning to. We decided to get supplies down here first.

No. You thought about climbing the mountain, but decided to head straight here instead. Why?

>>169561
Wait, even better idea.
Thero, can you visit whoever is asleep at that outpost and see how they're doing?

Brom 2010/04/24(Sat)12:48 No. 169603 ID: f98e0b
File 127213853092.png - (270.60KB , 800x600 , 180.png )

>>169561
The guy's speaking in a Dulan Qal dialect, says Thero. It's a northern tribe. I've spent a while in their dreams. Reckon I can clear it up a bit for you, yeah..
"No, I didn't go up to the base camp, why?"
"'s no kosh," mutters Djip."Espy a' these," he says, tossing Dio the monoculars.
That's not good. Look through these.
Dio puts it up to his oculus.
"Gandrat a'th peak," says Djip. "Rthura foots." Take a look at the foothills on Rthura peak.
Dio does so. The bottom drops out of his stomach. A black plume is rising from the mountain. Dio can see a dull red glow coloring it.
"Combs(comrades) at the 'post ain't chatting," says Djip. "No clacks(letters, no phone, no flag([signals[/b]). Godda shit feeling about this. 'Ma thinking kithik."
"Spirits," breathes Dio. "How big was that outpost?"
"Ten, twenny Qal," says Djip. "Not 'Leets (elites) like we is, but shee-yit. This'n not kosh. 'Ma telling the commandant. Gessum sleep, mateling. We're all gonna need it."

>>169603
Thero, see if you can visit their dreams to check for survivors.
If anybody is left alive then we call in for air transport and air support.

There's a thought. What kind of airlift is available?

>practices his Blindness
Oh ho ho ho I have learned a new euphemism

Jai could probably have a look around up there pretty easily by flying. But, say, Dio - you can manipulate people's senses. Can you manipulate your own, theoretically? Say, put your sight and hearing into an illusory copy of yourself and send it scouting?

>>169603
You're in for some interesting times Dio. Tomorrow you should ask the commandant how to best integrate you and Jai into their forces.

Brom 2010/04/24(Sat)14:13 No. 169619 ID: f98e0b
File 127214359431.png - (241.57KB , 800x600 , 181.png )

Thero can't move any faster than Dio can, so it'd take a couple weeks for him to get to the fort. There's no way Dio can imbue his consciousness in an illusion and have it scout out the mountain, either. No way he can think of, at least.
"Is there any kind of way we could airlift them out?" asks Dio.
"Flyin'? Feh," says Dijp. "Sprout flappers and head up yourn own, ain't no other way to fly. No fearing. They's strong soldiers vers a buncha kithik with pokers. They're okay."
"Okay. I guess I'm going to bed," says Dio. "Night."
"Night, Dio," says Djip.
As Dio leaves the parapet, he hears him mutter to himself, "They're okay. They're okay."

Now's your chance to end this Alienation quick-like.

Go over there and wreck their shit.

>>169620
WITH Jai.

not yet. dio has been up all day and is tired now. after a rest he will be good to go.

No flying machines? Is this a property of the Arcane environment, or do the Qal just not build them for whatever reason?

Also, realistically, spending a week to get back to the base of the mountain, then more time to climb it, seems a bad idea. At least wait until morning for the commander to offer his professional opinion on the matter.

Try to get some sleep. If your subconscious keeps trying to sex you up, counter with more conventional nightmare fare. ( http://www.tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/src/125007054762.png )

>>169619
Sounds like he already knows the truth. You're not going to be able to get there in time to do anything useful. Go down and sleep and tomorrow figure out how you and Jai can best augment the streangths of the Qal.

well we need to make a scout operation anyway. if you could set up with everyone in the post what you can actualy do/build, it would be better to decice on what to do.

Brom 2010/04/24(Sat)19:31 No. 169721 ID: f98e0b
File 127216267913.png - (125.95KB , 800x600 , 182.png )

Dio goes to bed in 304, forgetting that it's directly below Deve's. If he listens he can hear talking, laughing, and the rhythmic groaning of bedsprings from upstairs.
He distracts himself by texting with Dahlia.

dahl are you awake
>ofcourse its like 3 in the afternoon.
not in arcane

"mmn. slow down a little."

>o...so watcha doin?
lying in bed annoying u in the middle of ur alienation
>its cool. me and pyramus are just on a skiff right now anyway.
ur in elde?
>yea i wanted to get back in touch w/ my culture n stuff.

"i'm still interested in your experiences with your drill sergeant. i think how hard he pushed you directly relates to aah how often you apologize. care to vent about him some more?"

hows that working out
>not a lot of culture. whole lot of sand. pyramus loves it tho he keeps making plains of glass with fire then smashing them. hows the alienation going on ur end? have you found something extraordinary to do yet?

>>169721
"I think so. It seems like a neighboring Qal tribe is training some kind of semi-intelligent local species, then sending them to do battle for them so they don't break armistice."

>>169721
Err, it's gonna be hard to be honest and not have her worry. Don't tell untruths, just a lie of omission: mention the crossbow wielding kithik and that you're looking into it, but say nothing of the attack on the other outpost.

I wouldn't mention your upstairs neighbor either for that matter.

>>169723
I disagree. We SHOULD mention the upstairs neighbor.

>>169722
Definitely this.

...maybe complain about how the morale officer offers sex but you can't have any. She seems like the kind of person who'd laugh at your plight instead of feeling offended or whatever.

>>169731
but phrase it like 'and i told the moral officer here about a dream i had involving... things. and i confirmed how straight forward the qual are, just came out and said 'wanna fuck' and i was like 'hubluh wha?!?!'

>>169722
"They ambushed us. No big deal, but Jai says them using crossbows and stuff is like coming home to find your dog sitting on your couch and reading a newspaper."

Brom 2010/04/24(Sat)20:33 No. 169743 ID: f98e0b
File 127216638484.png - (108.01KB , 800x600 , 183.png )

yeah i think so. someone is training kithik to use weapons and i think theyre making an army
>whats a kithik?
think a shadow monkey with big claws. one shot a crossbow at me.

"uh, are you sure we should be discussing my drill sergeant right nnnnow? it's kind of killing the mood."
"childhood first, doggystyle second, pfc."
"ok. sorry."
"there's that sorry you are unforgiven. that's it, i'm getting on top."

>oh shit are you ok?
yeah the coat pyramus gave me deflected it just fine. jai says its a problem tho. like ur dog reading a newspaper
>ack. dont get hurt. how are the qal?

"so you're saying it wasn't the namecalling that hurt so much as the fact that any pride he may have had in you was ooh withheld?"
"i feel like if he'd displayed a little more positive emotion he'd have been more approachable, y'know? i could have felt i was doing some things right."
"do you feel like that with the commandant? should i talk to him?"
"no, i mean the commandant's great, he's really a paternal figure to me spirits deve your ass is so perfect gah faster"

they seem good at their jobs. scary forward, tho.
>hmm?
hold on let me try to approach this sensitively
>take your time.
the morale officer boinks people. its kind of keeping me up

There's a pause before Dahlia responds.

>shes a whore? youre in a fort with its own whore?

>>169743
"Well I didn't know that when I got here, but... kinda yeah."

What else are you gonna say to that, y'know?

>>169743
"Apparently it's normal in their culture."

'apparently it a government job here. as in they pay her to boink everyone and they take care of any kids that may happen'

"weirdest part: only seven qal here. everyone's got like 8 jobs. scout/watchman/etc; quartermaster/blacksmith/cook/arms-master; psychologist/administrator/morale-officer/morale-officer-wink-wink. so that jobs really important to them

look the important part is that im feeling really really lonely and a chick is offering me unlimited free sex and i turned her down because shes not you"

>>169743
"They are very open. Sexually.
I didn't do anything, but it's kind of hard to sleep when they're doing it right above my room while talking about their childhood."

"On the upside, it sounds like he had a nice drill sergeant, I guess"

>>169743
Apparently all of their military psych officers are are women trained and known for their 'bedside manner.'

Brom 2010/04/24(Sat)21:09 No. 169757 ID: f98e0b
File 127216855314.png - (111.80KB , 800x600 , 184.png )

its a normal thing in their society. weirdest part: only seven qal here w/ like 8 jobs each. scout/watchman/etc; quartermaster/blacksmith/cook/arms-master; psychologist/administrator/morale-officer/morale-officer-wink-wink. so that jobs really important to them to unwind

No reply.

look the important part is that im feeling really really lonely and a chick is offering me unlimited free sex and i turned her down because shes not you

"how was it for you?"
"hey who's getting paid to ask the questions here?"
"sorr- you are."
"there we go. i think we had a breakthrough tonight about sergeant jerkwad. and it was great, euraeus. don't second guess yourself. you're cute. wanna cuddle for a while and then we'll talk about your brother? okay. wow. that came out all kinds of wrong. rewinding."

>really? so she boinks people but you have not been doing the boinking?
correct.
>and youve just sat and listened while she offered to screw you and banged everyone else?
her office happens to be right above my room. on the bright side i am learning a lot about the childhoods of the soldiers here.
>sprts, dio. i dont know why i didnt trust you there for a second. might be veltkrick family greed. sorry.
its cool
>im sorry i didnt sleep with you.
dahlia its fine really. you dont have to compete with anyone, texts Dio, hoping it's true.
>if pyramus wasnt across from me right now trying to get the food car staff to arm wrestle him id take some pics to make you miss me a little less.
haha sounds like pyramus.

They text until Dio can't keep his eye open any longer, then he goes to bed, listening to the lovemaking upstairs and the winds coming off the Shai Mountains the creatures outside waiting for him in the night.

Brom 2010/04/24(Sat)21:09 No. 169758 ID: f98e0b
File 127216858470.png - (2.31KB , 800x600 , 185.png )

And for the first time in his life Dio feels true loneliness and true fear.

If you need someone to hug, just remember, you'll always have yourself.

>>169758
Oh, get over it.
All you need to do is kill a few stupid animals and then you can go see Dahlia yourself. You need to have superior mental control to be a dream mage, so use that control to keep yourself under control.

>>169757
blogs dammit, you forgot to tell her of your hawt xxx dream with her.

also you should consider a spell to bonk each other in your dreams.

Continue feeling sad, but in such a way that sleep catches you by surprise, instead of forcing you to stay awake and feel crappy tomorrow.

Aaaw. Dio, it's not that bad.

I know things were going great, and now everything has been turned upside down, but you are more than capable of handling all this. Dahl might be a reality away, but you've got Jai backing you up and this whole situation should be a breeze for a mage of your capabilities. You have nothing to fear.

If you really can't sleep, why not let half your mind rest and do a summoning with the other? I'm sure there's something you could summon that would be useful for this sort of situation. Maybe something small that could do some quick scouting for you.

>>169771
or make sure you get the star right this time and get a dream-thing.

That's a good point. A summon of some kind could be really helpful. Maybe you could give a recap on what options are available in that regard?

>>169761
The alienation is supposed to be a life-changing experience. We can't rush it.

I disagree on summoning. Given what happened last time, trying it while half-asleep sounds like a very bad idea.

>>169779
well not the summoning but maybe get started on drawing the rune thing until he thinks he is tired enough to actually sleep. then in the morning we get it all the way done and then triple check it, then activate it.