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<<nobr>> <<set $fominKnown = false, $locationKnown = false, $cq = false; $visit_kyran = false; $visit_sages = false; $visit_explore = false; $sageTruth = false; $rain = false; $fominWeapon = false; $fominArmor = false; $blacksmith = false; $drunk = false; $merchants = false; $cleansefalls = false; $ruins = false; $companions = false; $day to 0>> <<unset $maceDead, $won, $tHC>> <<endnobr>> <img src="images/nine.png"> *temp fight false *temp fightwon false *temp intoruins 0 *temp spiritchamber_visited false *temp cavecrawlers_visited false *temp torch false *temp cc1 0 *temp cc2 0 *temp cc3 0 *temp cc4 0 *temp goo false *temp shadow false “So, let me get this straight,” I start, loosening my grip on $horse’s rein and turning partially in the saddle to face Thorne. At the moment, he was attempting to grab onto a low hanging piece of fruit. Failing, he rolls his eyes and looks over at me. “You’re as much the animal as you are, well what I’m looking at?” “Indeed. If I turned into my lion form right now and left to go join a pride, they’d treat me like any other roaming male lion. I know of a Phaizarn who opted to go the rest of their life in their animal form.” “Wait. So any random animal I meet, this horse … they could all be a Phaizarn?” “Yes and no. Yes, to the random animal one but no to the horse, or at least the horse you’re riding, that one is just a horse.” “Uh huh,” I say, trailing off, “you guys don’t face any penalties? Like if you don’t turn into your animal form for a while, you get some massive headache or something?” <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “No, it’s pretty much how your Cimmerian powers work. Just because you don’t use them in forever doesn’t mean something bad is going to happen when you start back. You may forget how to properly use them, but nothing like that happens for us. We just haven’t shifted in a while.” <<else>>\ “No, nothing bad happens, it’s not like we forget how to shift or something. We just haven’t in a while, that’s all.” <</if>>\ “Though …” Thorne starts trailing off as he lets his eyes roam around the forest, “I do wonder if some of them who stay animal too long forget themselves.” I nod, turning back around just in time to avoid a low hanging branch. I grab ahold of the reins as Tsintah leads us down into a ravine. Like Tsintah had predicted, it had rained last night making travel through certain parts such as these, laborious. The packed in dirt was no longer as stable, and one wrong move had our mounts stumbling over themselves. I glance up after making it into the shallow ravine, my eyes gracing the sky. It was in overcast, the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance audible. “So what’s your story?” Thorne questions, appearing alongside me, “like what had to happen for you to go from the famous Dream Seer to the most wanted fugitive in Nidinia?” [[Tell him.->9Tell][$thorne +=3]] [[Don’t tell him.->9NoTell][$thorne -=3]]
“It’s a long story.” “And this is a long ride,” Thorne points out, “or at least I think it is. I have no idea how close we are to the clan. And Tsintah acts as if she’s mute,” Thorne shouts the last part, hoping to generate some sort of reaction out of her. He fails. <<if $tsintahknows>>\ I sigh, wondering how many times I would have to repeat this story. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be to any more people if only because of how long the story was. I tell him the same thing I told Tsintah, trying my best not to leave anything out as I go. In the end, Thorne stares at me, silent as we ride on. “So then, Tsintah is the only normal one in this group?” he questions, still reeling from my words. “I don’t think so, she’s some Protector of the Wilds.” Tsintah turns, throwing me a massive scowl. <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $tsintah -=10>><</nobr>> I sigh, shrugging as I begin to tell him the story. I tell him about Master Audouin and Ansellus and Isaak. I tell him about my powers and how I was summoned to the coronation by the King himself. I speak of the strange voice that I had heard that night and the dreams that have plagued me since. I tell him of the ruins, my clone, and Tsintah’s tribe. And lastly, I tell him about finding my master dead in his bed, and how the court blamed me for his death and the Prince’s. In the end, Thorne stares at me, silent as we ride on. As he thinks my words over, I feel the weight of eyes resting on me. “You told him though …” I hear Tsintah whisper from where she rides. When I look up at her, I see that she’s no longer looking back at me, but her stiffness has yet to dissipate. “So then,” Thorne finally states, holding his head, “Tsintah is the only normal one in this group?” he questions, still reeling from my words. “I don’t think so, “she’s some Protector of the Wilds.” Tsintah turns, throwing me a vicious scowl. “Keep me out of your mouth,” her words sound more hurt than venomous, and she turns back around. <</if>>\ <<include "9.0">>
“It has nothing to do with why you were hired, so it doesn’t matter,” I tell him, rolling my eyes as we ride on. “I see ... So, Tsintah, do you have any secrets or is $name here the only one?” “Ha, she’s some Protector of the Wilds and refuses to tell me what it means.” Tsintah turns in her saddle at my words, throwing me a massive scowl. <<include "9.0">>
“Wait, you’re the Protector of the Wilds?” Thorne questions, his mouth agape. “You heard of her?” I question, and he nods, his eyes remaining on Tsintah, a smile threatening to grow. “Let’s see, I’ve heard that she killed three hunters with one arrow. She ran out an entire group of people trying to set up shop in the forest. More cold-blooded killing stories, yadda yadda. Honestly, I never thought I’d actually meet the legend.” “You haven’t met anyone,” Tsintah tells him. I watch as Thorne motions for Gambit to speed up so that he was now riding right beside her, leaning in as if to observe her better. “Please move,” she mumbles. “You know, I can see it. You’re radiating the whole ‘I’ll curse you for disrespecting my trees’ vibe.” “Shut up,” Tsintah scowls at him, spurring Cyrus onward and away from a softly chuckling Thorne. “I’m going to enjoy pissing her off,” he tells me. I shake my head, and the two of us encourage our horses to catch up with Tsintah’s waning figure. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> In disgust and due to pure obligation did Averill enter the tavern known as The Rowdy Raven. $aHe didn’t feel comfortable with leaving $ahi mount to the so-called stable hands, their eyes held a sparkle that $ahe had only seen in thieves. But, $ahe had little choice. A figure at $ahis side grabs $ahis attention and $ahe gazes down at the young man that had somehow persuaded $ahim into bringing him along. “Keep close, Isaak,” Averill mumbles, reassuring $ahimself by touching the hilt of $ahis sword. The warm linen strips reminding $ahim that anyone foolish enough to attack them would pay for it. The last thing $ahe wished was to enter and cause a ruckus, but $ahe was prepared, nevertheless. “You think $name came through here?” Isaak questions, gazing around the establishment with a raised brow. It didn’t remind him at all of the tavern that Jeffrey ran back in Akrisos. Whereas that tavern always held a welcoming vibe, this one seemed to personify malice and greed. If $name did come here, would ?he even enjoy being around such company? “I’m not sure,” Averill tells him, making $ahis way through the crowd and to the bar where the barkeep seems to have been waiting. “I’m hoping you know your friend enough to tell me.” <<if $isaak >=50>>\ “I do,” Isaak said, a little too defensively for either of them. He lowered his head and offered an apologetic sounding jumble of words. Isaak no longer knew if his friendship with $name was wise to speak about, especially with everything ?he was being accused of. <<else>>\ “I … I barely knew ?him it would seem. I actually don’t think ?he ever thought of me as a friend or anything but a nuisance,” Isaak whispers, his words causing his heart to shutter in sadness. <</if>>\ He clears his throat, “I thought you knew $name too.” <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ “I … I thought I knew ?him,” Averill mumbles, not wishing to remind $ahimself of how foolish $ahe had been to think the young apprentice was innocent. Averill shamed $ahimself more than $ahe shamed $name. It was a reminder that $ahis hopeless romantic nature needed to be curbed. Especially for those who were easy on the eyes ... and smile ... and ... $ahe sighed, this was exactly what needed to be fixed. <<else>>\ “Not truly, I had only exchanged few words with the Apprentice during ?his time in Ipharia,” Averill tells him, $ahis eyes still sweeping the tavern. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="9.1.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Ugh, this place is disgusting. Can we go now?” Ansellus questions, barging through the rowdy crowd and slamming his sword on top of the bar before taking a seat. “Careful Ansellus,” Averill chuckles, “you upset this group, and you might find yourself with another injury.” Ansellus didn’t reply, absentmindedly rubbing the healed over injury that the Kren bitch had given him. An act that he would make sure she felt tenfold next time he saw her. He should think himself lucky since they were traveling with a Kren witch. The man was able to heal him properly, though Ansellus didn’t bother to thank him for the deed. If there was one thing he had learned, it was that those who wield magic freely could never be trusted. If only he could persuade Averill to open $ahis eyes and see the truth as well. “What are we even doing here?” Ansellus asks, gazing around, making eye contact with all the patrons that dared look his way. “Information,” Averill answers, walking towards a wide board resting in the middle of the tavern. $aHis eyes examine the parchment before clearing $ahis throat. “A gold apiece for any who has information about this fugitive.” The tavern immediately came to life as everyone claimed to have seen $name. Averill had no doubt that many were lying, but a few probably held valuable information, $ahe would just have to find those few, hopefully sooner rather than later. <a data-passage="9.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> It was a large beast’s head; its origins unknown to me. It scantily resembled that of a lizard, thought the observation was a farfetched one. The head was of course larger, and it held downturned ears. Its tongue was long like a frog but forked like a snakes. It had a pair of eyes on both sides of its head, the lower set slightly larger than the one above it. Small sharp spines lined the creature’s cheeks and were what I supposed was the creature’s brows. I rub my chin, deep in thought as I try to figure out what other creatures it paralleled. Korisi was also examining the beast, though her purpose not the same as mine. She stood on my shoulder, growling and trying to replicate the beast’s aggressive appearance. She was failing, but I wasn’t about to ruin her fun. [[“I give up. What is this thing?”]] [[“Wasn’t the prettiest creature, huh?”]] [[“Did they kill this?”]]
“Alright, I give up. Tsintah, what is this thing?” I question the Kren who was currently tending to Cyrus. Thorne had followed suit, checking the hooves of his horse, Gambit. <<if $horse is "the horse">>My own<<else>>$horse<</if>> stayed relatively close to my side, attempting to graze but failing to find suitable enough grass. “Cave Crawlers,” Tsintah answers, not even bothering to glance my way, “you don’t find them above ground, but under. They usually exist in ruins and underwater caves.” “Are they as fearsome as they look?” “I wouldn’t know, I’ve never fought one. Wouldn’t want to either.” She walks past me as I continue to scrutinize the head. “Don’t touch it,” Tsintah growls, walking past a far too inquisitive Thorne. He lowers his hand, appearing far too childish for his age as he follows behind her. I do the same, Korisi jumping from my shoulder to Cyrus’s empty saddle. “Where are these warriors then?” Thorne asks, a bit too loud for comfort. “Any good warrior knows not to show themselves too early,” Tsintah mumbles. My eyes immediately wander to the trees, reminded of the last warriors who had decided to stay hidden. Tsintah abruptly stops and turns to Thorne and me, “when they do show themselves, they will not attempt to take your weapons, but they will show you theirs. If you make a wrong move, any move that they find threatening, they will not hesitate.” “Ah, so they like to speak with their spears then,” Thorne questions as we continue forth, “why not just use words?” [[“Words are even more dangerous.”]] [[“Would words really sway you?”]] [[“I’d rather we just stare.”]]
“Wasn’t the prettiest creature to prance through the forest, huh?” I say aloud to no one in particular, looking from the ugly ecru-toned scales to its serrated teeth. “Not even a face a mother could love,” Thorne snorts from beside his horse, Gambit. He was currently checking the horse’s hooves. “You do not find them prancing around the forest,” Tsintah corrects, walking past me as I continue to scrutinize the head, “they live below ground, usually existing in ruins and underwater caves.” “Don’t touch it,” Tsintah growls, walking past a far too inquisitive Thorne. He lowers his hand, appearing far too childish for his age as he follows behind her. I do the same, Korisi jumping from my shoulder to Cyrus’s empty saddle. “Where are these warriors then?” Thorne asks, a bit too loud for comfort. “Any good warrior knows not to show themselves too early,” Tsintah mumbles. My eyes immediately wander to the trees, reminded of the last warriors who had decided to stay hidden. Tsintah abruptly stops and turns to Thorne and me, “when they do show themselves, they will not attempt to take your weapons, but they will show you theirs. If you make a wrong move, any move that they find threatening, they will not hesitate.” “Ah, so they like to speak with their spears then,” Thorne questions as we continue forth, “why not just use words?” [[“Words are even more dangerous.”]] [[“Would words really sway you?”]] [[“I’d rather we just stare.”]]
“Did the clan kill this thing?” I question, my question was for Tsintah, but Thorne pipes up to answer instead, releasing his horse, Gambit’s, hoof. “Probably. I would love to hear the story behind it. Imagine, taking a beast like this down.” “Don’t touch it,” Tsintah growls, walking past a far too inquisitive Thorne. He lowers his hand, appearing far too childish for his age as he follows behind her. I do the same, Korisi jumping from my shoulder to Cyrus’s empty saddle. “Where are these warriors then?” Thorne asks, a bit too loud for comfort. “Any good warrior knows not to show themselves too early,” Tsintah mumbles. My eyes immediately wander to the trees, reminded of the last warriors who had decided to stay hidden. Tsintah abruptly stops and turns to Thorne and me, “when they do show themselves, they will not attempt to take your weapons, but they will show you theirs. If you make a wrong move, any move that they find threatening, they will not hesitate.” “Ah, so they like to speak with their spears then,” Thorne questions as we continue forth, “why not just use words?” [[“Words are even more dangerous.”]] [[“Would words really sway you?”]] [[“I’d rather we just stare.”]]
I huff, noticing the sound of twigs breaking in the distance, “words are even more dangerous than weapons.” “How so?” Thorne asks in interest. “If I wave my weapon in front of your face, you know that I intend to use it. A weapon’s purpose isn’t hard to guess, it’s used to injure, maim, and kill. With words, you never know the purpose behind them. There are too many things that go into truly knowing what someone is saying and what they mean. And even if you can decipher a message, they can still hold hidden meanings that only the speaker knows.” The others didn’t have time to argue as a group of four armored Uqanans silently leave the cover of the bushes and walk beside us. Like Tsintah had said, they don’t ask for our weapons or even seem to check to see if we had any. They keep their gazes directly in front of them, escorting us and not speaking a word. I notice that the tips of each of their spears are made of opal. The modest bit of light that was able to escape from the clouds hit the gems just right to cause them to shine. Three more soon join, one whose armor looks different than the others, their eyes meet Tsintah’s. I watch as they summon her to their side, speaking to her in a low voice that causes Thorne to shoot me a bemused look. <a data-passage="9.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I raise an eyebrow, noting the sound of twigs breaking in the distance, “would words really sway you more than a weapon?” Thorne shrugs his shoulders, “perhaps sway isn’t the best word to use. But it would definitely be a welcome change. I’m a mercenary, I have enough idiots waving weapons in my face to know that as soon as I see a weapon, I pull mine. Imagine if someone I’m supposed to see as my enemy speaks instead of fights. I don’t know about you, but I’d listen, if not for any other reason but curiosity.” I’m unable to give him my reply due to four armed Uqanans joining us. I raise a brow at their entrance, they just slowly join us as if they had been waiting for us, and us them. Like Tsintah had said, they don’t ask for our weapons or even seem to check to see if we had any. They keep their gazes directly in front of them, escorting us and not speaking a word. I notice that the tips of each of their spears are made of opal. The modest bit of light that was able to escape from the clouds hit the gems just right to cause them to shine. Three more soon join, one whose armor looks different than the others, their eyes meet Tsintah’s. I watch as they summon her to their side, speaking to her in a low voice that causes Thorne to shoot me a bemused look. <a data-passage="9.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I smile lightly, my ears twitching at the sound of a twig breaking in the distance, “I’d rather we all just stare at each other.” Thorne turns his head towards me, not saying anything but waiting for me to explain myself. “I mean, just imagine it, you’re in the middle of what could be a gruesome battle and what do we all do? We have a staring contest. Intense, silent, and definitely not exhausting.” “You … you are strange,” Thorne replies, his mind currently trying to figure out if I was just teasing or if I was earnest. He would learn soon enough that I never kid when it comes to staring contests. If he or I wished to say more on the matter, we are unable to. Four armed Uqanans silently leave the cover of the bushes and join us, walking beside us as if part of our group. Like Tsintah had said, they don’t ask for our weapons or even seem to check to see if we had any. They keep their gazes directly in front of them, escorting us and not speaking a word. I notice that the tips of each of their spears are made of opal. The modest bit of light that was able to escape from the clouds hit the gems just right to cause them to shine. Three more soon join, one whose armor looks different than the others, their eyes meet Tsintah’s. I watch as they summon her to their side, speaking to her in a low voice that causes Thorne to shoot me a bemused look. <a data-passage="9.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The Uqanans lead us down a light trail and past two guards who don’t even take a moment to look at us, their eyes trained on the forest. The village of the Opal Warriors is far bigger and more community geared than the Nelero tribe. They also did not intermix their way of living with nature like the Kren did. They had cleared out the land and sat up their homes, their huts mostly homey with enough space between them for one to squeeze through. Whereas the Nelero village reminded me of a small town, spaced out and amongst the trees, the Opal Warriors remind me of a close-knit community amongst the forest floor. Their huts were made from an assortment of animal hide, bone, and wood. Each had some kind of decoration adorning it that ranged from an animal head to large teeth or bone. Most of the colors here were earthly tones, muted greens and browns, and greys. The most vibrant thing was the grass that stopped its growth for nothing but the occasional puddle and mud hole. As we walk, I catch sight of a large square fenced in area where a group of people stand and watch those fighting within. The two fighters wore nothing but shaggy hide pants, allowing their swords to paint the other’s torsos and arms red. Further in, resting along the trails were merchant carts, merchants who seemed quite happy as they sold their goods from the back of mule-drawn carts. It was apparent that they had frequent dealings with the clan, but that they were not members themselves. The Uqanans lead us towards an imposing woman who was currently listening to two children yell at one another. <a data-passage="9.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Kyran,” one of the guard’s mutter, catching the woman’s attention. “Alright, you two, how about you settle this the Uqo way?” she says to them. The two exchange hardened glances and give her a determined nod, sprinting off. As soon as they run off, the Uqanans and Tsintah each drop to a knee with their head bent. [[Do the same.->9.4Same]] [[Stay standing.->9.4Stand]]
I mimic what they do, and Thorne follows my example. I don’t know what this was a sign of, respect or even a greeting, but I rather not anger the tribe before they could even learn my name. It doesn’t take long for her to tell us to stand, her eyes on Tsintah as she breaks into a heartening laugh and hugs an unprepared Tsintah.
I look at the others and decide to stay standing. I believe Thorne was going to do the same when I see him drop to a knee, shrugging at me before bowing his head. My eyes move to the leader, but I take notice that she’s not paying attention to me but to those bowing. “Stand,” she says, her eyes still not on me but Tsintah. Abruptly, she breaks into a heartening laugh before sweeping her up into a hug that Tsintah was not prepared for. “What brings you here, my friend? It feels like it has been too long.” “Perhaps so, Kyran,” Tsintah chuckles, “perhaps so.” Kyran’s eyes take in Thorne’s appearance, hovering on his blade before her attention turns to me. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ “Tsintah, did you bring us a new recruit?” Kyran asks before she begins to circle me in judgment. I can feel her eyes traversing over my body and across my wear. Her gaze seeking out any scars that she can find. I stand stiffly not knowing how my body type was to someone of her size, I was … [[… lean.->9.4Build][$build = "lean"]] [[… stocky.->9.4Build][$build = "stocky"]] [[… athletic.->9.4Build][$build = "athletic"]] [[… curvy.->9.4Build][$build = "curvy"]] <<elseif $species is "Kren">>\ “And who might this be Tsintah? ?He doesn’t look to be a Nelero,” Kyran points out, her eyes continuing to peruse me. I suddenly feel a lot more self-conscious under her judgmental eye. I’m aware of her sizing me up, knowing that she’s looking at my … [[… lean body.->9.4Build][$build = "lean"]] [[… athletic body.->9.4Build][$build = "athletic"]] [[… curvy body.->9.4Build][$build = "curvy"]] <<else>>\ “So, Tsintah. Who is your company?” Kyran asks, her eyes perusing me. I suddenly feel a lot more self-conscious under her judgmental eye. I’m aware of her sizing me up, knowing that she’s looking at my … [[… lean.->9.4Build][$build = "lean"]] [[… stocky.->9.4Build][$build = "stocky"]] [[… athletic.->9.4Build][$build = "athletic"]] [[… curvy.->9.4Build][$build = "curvy"]] [[… average.->9.4Build][$build = "average"]] <</if>>\
<<if $build is "lean">>\ <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I was lean, which was another way of saying skinny, which wasn’t the ideal Uqanan shape, that much was obvious when others glance at me. Among other species, it didn’t matter much. They simply saw a Uqanan and that was the end of that. But whenever a Uqanan saw me, they simply shot me a look of pity. I cared little, I was healthy, and my agility was far greater than other Uqanan, giving me a nice edge. <<elseif $species is "Kren">>\ … lean body. I was the standard weight, height, and build for a Kren. Unlike Alyrians and Ecrid, we didn’t see much body diversity. Like any other species, we were created, and our body meant to serve its original functions. Kren were designed for life in the woods, their bodies having to be naturally fit and designed to be able to survive even off the smallest of meals. I never had an issue with my build, and even now, I still didn’t give much thought to it. But I would suppose that Kyran thought differently. <<else>>\ … lean body. I was lean, which was another way of saying skinny. I never had an issue with my build, and even now, I still didn’t give much thought to it. But I would suppose that Kyran thought differently. <</if>>\ <<elseif $build is "stocky">>\ <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I was large, which was one of the average builds for Uqanans. I had a bit of a gut, but I had a good fat to muscle ratio. The only downfall was that I wasn’t the quickest on my feet, but Uqanans were supposed to be fighters so I didn’t worry about it too much. <<else>>\ … stocky body. I had a bit of a gut, but I had a good fat to muscle ratio. The only downfall was that I wasn’t the quickest on my feet, though that only made being caught by me five times worse. I never had an issue with my build, and even now, I still didn’t give much thought to it. <</if>>\ <<elseif $build is "athletic">>\ <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I was athletic, not exactly as large as some Uqanan, but my muscle did a fantastic job of making up for what I lacked in sheer size and weight. My size and strength allowed me to wield most weapons and still be versatile, but I also wasn’t as quick as the smallest Uqanan or as strong as the mightiest. <<elseif $species is "Kren">>\ … athletic body. I wasn’t the average type of Kren; instead most of my species had lean builds. Typically, the more athletic builds were the ones who devoted their life to strenuous activity, and I meant exhausting. Everyday life always held some kind of arduous task, and our diet was different as well, thus allowing us to shed our lean figures and adapt a more athletic one. I didn’t come close to the weight and strength of the Uqanan, but I could still probably give them a harder time than most. <<else>>\ … athletic body. I was athletic, not exactly as large as some Uqanan, but not as lean and small as most Kren. My muscle did a fantastic job of making up for what I lacked in sheer size and weight. My size and strength allowed me to wield most weapons and still be versatile. I never had an issue with my build, and even now, I still didn’t give much thought to it. <</if>>\ <<elseif $build is "average">>\ … average body. I was of average built for my species, which meant that those around me didn't exactly count me as skinny but didn't exactly label me as the stockier build either. It serves me well enough, I never had a problem with my size, and I doubt I ever will. I was healthy. <<else>>\ <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I was a curvy build, certain areas setting me apart from what others would regard as skinny, but also not having enough fat on me to be known as the stockier Uqanan build. I wasn’t as strong as some Uqanan, but I was able to use most of the same weapons and keep my agility. <<elseif $species is "Kren">>\ … curvy body. I was a rare type of Kren, the kind of Kren that possessed a curvier figure instead of the lean build most of my species sees. Unlike Alyrians and Ecrid, we Kren didn’t see much body diversity. Like any other species, we were created, and our body meant to serve its original functions. Kren were designed for life in the woods, their bodies having to be naturally fit and designed to be able to survive even off the smallest of meals, but as I was an example of, that wasn’t always what happened. <<else>>\ … curvy body. I was a curvy build, certain areas setting me apart from what others would regard as skinny, but also not having enough fat on me to classify me as stocky. I never had an issue with my build, and even now, I still didn’t give much thought to it. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ “No, though what ?he does is ?his business,” Tsintah tells her as the Uqanan leader stops in front of me, her eyes lingering on my two protruding tusks, humming in satisfaction. “Kyran, Matriarch of the Opal Warriors. Your name, stranger?” “$name.” <<if $background is "slave_gladiator">>\ “Hmm, good, strong name. You seem highly decorated,” she says, nodding at a few of the scars that tell stories along my skin, “they remind me of battle scars. Am I correct to assume that you’re a warrior?” “I got these from my days as a slave in the coliseum. The gladiators taught me how to fight, and sometimes thought to teach me lessons of their own.” I say the last bit in antipathy, remembering how a few of them would treat me for minor grievances. “Hmm,” Kyran hums, “we will have to put what they taught you to the test then.” [[“I’d rather not.”->9.4Not]] [[“I look forward to it.”->9.4LookForward]] <<elseif $background is "streetkid">>\ “Hmm, good, strong name. You seem like you’ve been in a few scrapes,” she states, nodding at a few of the scars that tell stories along my skin, “they look like battle scars. Am I correct to assume that you’re a warrior?” “Kinda,” I tell her, remembering the number of fights that I was brought into. [[“I was in a street gang.”]] [[“I’ve been in a few fights.”]] [[“They’re reminders of survival.”]] <<else>>\ “Hmm, good, strong name,” Kyran tells me, “later we should see if you earn the right to call yourself a Uqanan.” [[“I’d rather not.”->9.4Not]] [[“I look forward to it.”->9.4LookForward]] <</if>>\ <<elseif $species is "Kren">>\ “That is because ?he is not,” Tsintah replies, glancing at me for a second before back to Kyran. “My name is $name.” “Kyran, Matriarch of the Opal Warriors. It is a pleasure to meet you, $name.” <<include "9.5">> <<else>>\ Tsintah gazes over at Thorne and me, waiting for us to introduce ourselves. “I’m $name,” I tell her. “Kyran, Matriarch of the Opal Warriors. It is a pleasure to meet you, $name.” <<include "9.5">> <</if>>\
I nervously rub at my arm, feeling exposed under the intense gaze of Kyran, “I’d … I’d rather not. I’m not a fan of fighting or remembering //those// days.” “Shame,” she tells me with a shake of her head. She sends Tsintah a knowing glance but says nothing more. <<include "9.5">>
I puff out my chest and with a smirk said, “I look forward to it.” “Oh ho,” Kyran roars happily, her large frame shaking as she laughs, “there’s nothing I like more than a Uqanan ready to fight. You sure I can’t take this one off your hands, Tsintah?” Tsintah chuckles but her gaze stay trained to the ground. <<include "9.5">>
“I was a street kid,” I explain, “one of the best ways to survive was to join up with a street gang. Best way to make sure one stayed alive, but that didn’t mean it was without its issues.” Kyran nods in understanding, “in a way that’s what a clan is. You rely on you clanmates just as much as they rely on you. And as Uqanan, well, you know we run from nothing.” A wide smile overtakes her face, “we’ll have to see what you’re made of later.” <<include "9.5">>
“I was a street kid,” I explain, “and that title alone means that you have had to be in at least five fights. Otherwise, you can’t claim it.” Kyran lets out a boisterous laugh, “I like that mindset. I suppose we’ll just have to see later if you also have the right to call yourself a Uqanan.” <<include "9.5">>
“I was a street kid,” I explain, “each scar is just another reminder of what it costs to survive. I … I can’t remember how I received half of them, but I know they taught me a lesson that will probably never leave me.” “As they should,” Kyran tells me, holding out her arm, where a series of scars rest. Some of them look fresh, others have done their best to blend back in with her sage skin tone. “Scars tell stories, they’re like tattoos that you can get for free. No matter how pathetic, a scar is a reminder that you were the victor that day.” I notice Tsintah bringing her arm close, her eyes narrowing on the ground as she rubs at a scar on her forearm. “Later, we might just have to see if you remember those lessons.” <<include "9.5">>
“And I’m Thorne, mercenary,” he introduces himself, clearing his throat, “perhaps you heard of me?” Kyran snorts at the question, her attention back on Tsintah. “I doubt they are to be converted,” Kyran begins, “what reason did you bring them here?” <<if $chikrinOff>>\ Tsintah gives her a light smile, “we seek the Cleansing Falls and the ruins.” Kyran huffs, “is that truly all? They must have pulled your leg for you to bring them here?” Kyran chuckles, her entire figure shaking with laughter. Tsintah gazes at me, and so does Thorne, both waiting to see if I would tell her the recent events that have led me here. [[Tell her.->9.5TellHer]] [[Don’t tell her.->9.5NoTell]] <<else>>\ Tsintah gives her a light smile, “we seek the Cleansing Falls and the ruins. Also, this one needs to see the Sages to remove that collar.” Kyran approaches me, examining the magical leash that still adorns my neck. “Hmm, seems like a basic chikrin, nothing like the ones we use. I believe the blacksmith will be a better solution though. He has experience with removing chikrin.” [[“What do you mean, the ones you use?”][$cq = true]] [[“Where can I find him?”->9.5Where][$fominKnown = true; $locationKnown = true]] [[“You sure about that?”][$fominKnown = true]] <</if>>\
“What do you mean, the ones you use?” I ask cautiously. Tsintah sends me a look, warning me against questioning, but it’s far too late for that. “We use chikrin ourselves,” Kyran tells me, dismissing the question and the weight of her answer, “most of those who wield magic wear one.” My eyes burn with righteous fury, but Kyran continues on, failing to see my indignation. Kyran huffs and look back over at Tsintah, “is that truly all? They must have pulled your leg for you to bring them here?” Kyran chuckles, her entire figure shaking with laughter. Tsintah gazes at me, and so does Thorne, both waiting to see if I would tell her the recent events that have led me here. [[Tell her.->9.5TellHer]] [[Don’t tell her.->9.5NoTell]]
“Perfect, where can I find him?” “Fomin is set up deeper within the village, simply keep an eye out for the hut with the charred grass surrounding it,” she says and shakes her head irritably, “tell him I sent you. That way he won’t hassle you for ruho.” Kyran huffs and look back over at Tsintah, “is that truly all? They must have pulled your leg for you to bring them here?” Kyran chuckles, her entire figure shaking with laughter. Tsintah gazes at me, and so does Thorne, both waiting to see if I would tell her the recent events that have led me here. [[Tell her.->9.5TellHer]] [[Don’t tell her.->9.5NoTell]]
“You sure about that? I was led to believe that nothing but magic or the key could get this thing off.” “And you are correct,” she tells me, a hint of irritation in her tone, “the blacksmith, Fomin, knows magic and has been working with chikrin for most of his life.” Kyran huffs and look back over at Tsintah, “is that truly all? They must have pulled your leg for you to bring them here?” Kyran chuckles, her entire figure shaking with laughter. Tsintah gazes at me, and so does Thorne, both waiting to see if I would tell her the recent events that have led me here. [[Tell her.->9.5TellHer]] [[Don’t tell her.->9.5NoTell]]
“The truth is,” I begin, clearing my throat and summoning my strength, “I’m a fugitive, wanted by the King.” Her laughter subsides as she glances at me in a new light, curiosity overtaking her features. “For what crimes?” “They believe I murdered two people, one of them being the Prince.” Kyran looks to Tsintah and Thorne as if seeing if they would corroborate my story. Neither flinch nor give anything away, causing Kyran to look back at me. “So you’re the one the merchants won’t shut up about. We heard about you, but rumors are wild, never know what to believe. You have little to worry from us. The King is not our King, and for us, life is the only true executioner. You are welcome here as long as you follow the rules placed upon the daeth.” I thank her, letting out a breath that I failed to realize I was holding. <<include "9.6">>
I keep my mouth closed, not knowing how she would respond to knowing that I was a fugitive, currently being hunted by numerous bounty hunters and the royal guard. I say nothing and neither does Tsintah. Instead, it’s Thorne who speaks up, a sly smile gracing his features. “Tsintah here lost a bet to my friend and me while drinking in the tavern. Her losing meant she had to show us to the Cleansing Falls.” Kyran sends a disappointed gaze to Tsintah who stiffens, frowning but saying nothing to Thorne. “Well, the waters are free for any who seek it.” <<include "9.6">>
Kyran clears her throat and takes a step back, “you are free to wander around the village, but mind yourself. Tsintah can show you to the Cleansing Falls but be warned, clothing and foreign objects are not allowed in the water. It’s a public area so you have no right to tell someone to leave, if you wish to be unburdened by others you must simply time it right. There are Sages further in, if you wish to seek their guidance. If that is all,” Kyran says. “I shall walk with you, Kyran,” Tsintah says, “I require a messenger falcon to see if my tribe is okay.” “Ah, a story to tell. Come,” Kyran tells her, and the two walk off, leaving Thorne and me there. “Run of the village they say?” Thorne questions, chuckling maniacally, “it’s never wise to give me the run of anything.” “I suppose you have something you wish to do then?” I question him, and he shrugs, stretching. “I’m curious in those merchants we saw earlier, I wish to see if they have anything they wish to trade. Also might try and nab me one of those opal weapons. I shall see you at a later time, ${name}.” I leave to go check on our mounts, making sure that they had been properly tended to and given food and a break from any strenuous activity. As I get ready to go, I notice a pair of large eyes watching me, looking over to see Korisi staring at me as if waiting to see what I would do. [[Lick my tongue at her.][$ko +=1]] [[Take a minute to talk to Ko.][$ko +=1]] [[Ignore her.->9.6IgnoreHer]]
I lick my tongue at her, and she seems oddly fascinated by the gesture. She attempts to copy me, closing her eyes and poking out her tongue in the most adorable way possible. I chuckle, walking away as she dashes off to the horses to show them what she had learned. As I walk, I decide upon what to do. <<if $visit_kyran is false>>[[Go find and speak to Kyran.|9.6K][$visit_kyran = true]]<<else>>Go find and speak to Kyran.<</if>> <<if $visit_sages is false>>[[Find and speak to the Sages.|9.6S][$visit_sages = true]]<<else>>Find and speak to the Sages.<</if>> <<if $visit_explore is false>>[[Explore.|9.6E][$visit_explore to true]]<<else>>Explore.<</if>>
I wave at her, offering her a friendly smile. “How are you doing, Korisi?” Her ears perk up, and she darts up to me, gazing up at me before beginning to chitter constantly. Even though I had no idea what she was saying, I could tell that she could at least understand some of my words or the tone in which I spoke. She was also very expressive, telling a story more with her body than her chittering and chattering. I sit for a minute, allowing her to get what seemed more like a rant, out of her system. When she was done, she nuzzles my hand, chitters, and sprints back towards the grazing horses. As I walk, I decide upon what to do. <<if $visit_kyran is false>>[[Go find and speak to Kyran.|9.6K][$visit_kyran = true]]<<else>>Go find and speak to Kyran.<</if>> <<if $visit_sages is false>>[[Find and speak to the Sages.|9.6S][$visit_sages = true]]<<else>>Find and speak to the Sages.<</if>> <<if $visit_explore is false>>[[Explore.|9.6E][$visit_explore to true]]<<else>>Explore.<</if>>
I ignore her, continuing on and trying to figure out what I wish to do next. As I walk, I decide upon what to do. <<if $visit_kyran is false>>[[Go find and speak to Kyran.|9.6K][$visit_kyran = true]]<<else>>Go find and speak to Kyran.<</if>> <<if $visit_sages is false>>[[Find and speak to the Sages.|9.6S][$visit_sages = true]]<<else>>Find and speak to the Sages.<</if>> <<if $visit_explore is false>>[[Explore.|9.6E][$visit_explore to true]]<<else>>Explore.<</if>>
<<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I walk in the direction that I had seen Kyran and Tsintah go. I was interested in learning more about the Opal Warriors and about how her clan behaved. I had been around my share of Uqanans, but they were similar to me and acted far more freely than I would suspect clans to behave. <<else>>\ I walk in the direction that I had seen Kyran and Tsintah go. I was interested in learning more about the Opal Warriors and her thoughts on some things. <</if>>\ I find her near a fighting pit, speaking to those around her as she watched the proceedings below. Unlike the duo I saw when entering, these two held no warriors and seemed almost friendly with one another. “Ah, $name, right? What can I help you with?” Kyran questions upon seeing me. Some of those who have been pining for her attention give me space, sheepishly backing off and turning their attention back to the two fighters. <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q2>>[[Ask about Uqanan.|9.6Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>Ask about Uqanan.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>>
“I wanted to learn about your clan a little more.” “Well, we’re nothing special,” she huffs though the look in her eyes says that she feels the opposite of her words, “we’ve lived in the Prywth Woods for as long as I’ve known, five generations have come before me and I’m hoping many more come after. If you haven’t noticed, we’re called the Opal Warriors due to our weapons.” To give me an example, she retrieves the broad ax from her back and show it to me, the handle was made of black leather, but the metal part was opal. The various colors gleaming as proud as Kyran’s eyes. “So, all your weapons are made from opal? I can think of a few people who would want to get their hands on it.” “We do too,” she laughs, pointing her thumb at the merchants socializing nearby, “all they want is a few weapons to take with them. Some want other things, but mostly it’s the weapons.” “Opal is rare, so how do you make your weapons?” She gives me a grin but says nothing else on it. The settlement probably resides near an opal mine or something similar, giving them a steady stream of the most valuable resource in Nidinia, probably even Jiwenia. And they would undoubtedly protect it with their lives. The real question was how many knew of this and why an invasion hasn't taken place yet. “The refined opal I see is easily breakable, is that not the same here?” “Our blacksmiths give the weapons a thick magical layer, making them stronger but not as strong as diamond, mind you. I’ve had Warden here all my life, doesn’t have a chip on her.” <<if not $q2>>[[Ask about Uqanan.|9.6Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>Ask about Uqanan.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
“I was wondering about the Uqanan here,” I start, and she glances over at me with a raised brow. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ “Why would you be wondering about us when you are us?” “I wasn’t raised around other Uqanans, so I don’t know some things.” “Well it’s not like there’s a guide on how to be Uqanan. But you should know that we’re not like all Uqanan either, we’re Followers of Uqo.” <<else>>\ “What do you wish to know?” “Are you any different than other Uqanan?” “We are Followers of Uqo, if that is what you mean.” <</if>>\ <<if $knowledge>>\ “That sounds familiar, the teachings of Uqoias, right? The Uqanan philosopher?” “And one of the best swordsman you would've ever met,” Kyran boasted as if it was her. “The way we act will differ from other clans you might meet.” <<else>>\ “I’ve never heard of that person.” “Then you’re missing out on some great stories,” she chuckles, “Uqo is the teachings of Uqoias, a Uqanan philosopher and the best swordsman you would've ever met.” <</if>>\ “He teaches that the individual is nothing without the society. We are each one to a bigger whole and to think ourselves greater than that whole, is foolish and will lead to ruin. It also means that to be Uqanan means to fight because to live is to fight. To turn one's back on that means that you’re weak and that you have lost life’s purpose. You are not Uqanan.” <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ [[“I think I understand.”]] [[“Interesting. I wouldn’t mind getting behind that.”]] [[“But not everyone is a fighter.”]] [[“But the individual is more important.”]] <<else>>\ [[“Can others join?”]] [[“But the individual is more important.”]] [[“I see …”]] <</if>>\
“I think I understand what you mean.” “Be careful not to fall blindly into it. Everyone should draw up their own thoughts about Uqo. In fact, to be a follower of Uqo means to question it. Those who do not question will never find the answers that the teachings hold and can never truly be followers.” <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
“Interesting, I wouldn’t mind learning more and getting behind such teachings. You know, after learning more and seeing it for myself.” Kyran smiles and nods, “one has to go on their own journey and find their own answers. If you still wish, after questioning to follow, then we are here, and we can help.” <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
I shake my head, “but not everyone is a fighter. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Just like everyone’s not a leader. How can you be okay with condemning someone simply for not being a fighter? Stripping them of who they are?” If my words anger Kyran, she did an excellent job of not showing it, she simply shrugs, “a Uqanan not willing to fight is not and has never been a Uqanan.” “You speak as if Uqanan is a title and not a species.” “I am not here to convert the unwilling. Or to argue about what it means to be Uqanan.” She sends me a smile, “but you should also know that under Uqo, questioning is the first step. Anyone who doesn’t question will never find the answers, and therefore cannot truly call themselves a follower.” I crinkle my brow and look around at all the Uqanans here. They each called themselves a follower, each of them coming upon answers that justified their beliefs. Yet, the idea of questioning felt like just another way to explain their treatment to others and to cause ones to question themselves and fall into conversion. <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
“Is it possible for those not Uqanan to join? Or is it simply a following strictly for the species?” “We have converted those who are not Uqanan, Tsintah was to be one of them though she never became a true convert. So, yes, others can join, but there are a few things that Uqo goes over that is only for Uqanan.” <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
I shake my head, “but the individual is more important than society. Without the individual, society would crumble and be nothing. The individual would live on.” If my words anger Kyran, she did an excellent job of not showing it, she simply shrugs, “I am not here to convert the unwilling. Everyone you see has willingly given themselves to Uqo. No one is forced.” I crinkle my brow and look around at all the Uqanans here. They each called themselves a follower, causing me to wonder what answers they received from the discipline. <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
“I see …” I tell her and keep it at that. I don’t wish to offend her by telling her what I thought, if it was even my place to speak on it. Kyran left it at that, not trying to convert me or tell me how much better my life would be, and so I leave it at that as well. <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
“The rage that all Uqanan harbor, can you tell me more about it?” “Rage, huh? I suppose that’s what it looks like, but most will say that calling it that is a little too savage. //Ilu Peech// or core fighting, It’s basically a specific kind of chi found in all Uqanans. Most say it has to do with our origins and our creators, but I was never interested in the history much, just utilizing it,” she shrugs at that and turns her attention to one of the fighters. “Dom, chi combat.” The one named Dom nods while the other seems to brace himself, shifting his stance so that he was now lighter on his feet. I watch as Dom’s eyes seem to go hollow. I didn’t know the man, had never spoken to him, but at that moment it seemed like Dom was no longer himself. As if everything that made him an individual was buried under something inert and cold. “Now, there are two versions of it. One is mindless, while the other is controlled. Those who don’t know how to control their chi fall into the mindless category. It also happens sometimes when you just let yourself fall into your own rage,” Kyran tells me, “Dom is doing controlled.” I’m about to question how that was possible when I see a bit of life spring back into his eyes. Dom surges forward, his actions far too quick for my eyes to keep up with, the other man is barely able to dodge Dom. Each of his hits is wild yet controlled, like a feral animal who radiated raw energy but was smarter than others were willing to give it credit. “Controlled gives you a little more lead way with your actions. You’re not in control of the energy, the rage, but you are directing it, advising it almost. Controlled is a wiser bet, but I won’t lie and say that it’s more powerful than mindless. You just have to be willing to deal with the consequences of losing yourself to your own ferocity.” Dom calms back down, his chest heaving but he wasn’t dead on his feet. <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q2>>[[Ask about Uqanan.|9.6Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>Ask about Uqanan.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
“Tsintah has told me the basics, but what exactly does the Cleansing Falls do?” “Whatever she told you is probably the answers you seek. We don’t really know much about the waterfall and its magical properties. I always figured that it had something to do with how magically fueled the forest was, it purified the water or did something to it. All we know is that when you go in, it cleanses you of any curse and some ailments, can cure some injuries, and just allows one to clear their mind.” “I’m surprised you don’t guard it far more closely.” “I see no point,” Kyran shrugs, “the water isn’t ours; it was here before we got here, and I’d be damned if it’s not here whenever we leave. We take some precautions, like the no clothing and foreign objects rule. But most of the rules around it is for the safety of those who go in. So far, nothing has gone amiss. Interesting stories, but that’s it. One must also understand that it is probably in their best intention not to piss of an entire group of Uqanan who live their lives based on fighting.” <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q2>>[[Ask about Uqanan.|9.6Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>Ask about Uqanan.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
“There are ruins by here, are they anything like the ruins near the Nelero tribe?” “I suppose they are similar, but I think the Northern Ruins have a story as old as the forest. The fact that only Tsintah can guide one there says as much, plus the more you search, the more you find. I’ve been in them once, never again. Ours is a bit less grand but houses spirits all the same. In fact, I’d say the spirits here a lot more friendly, if not annoying.” “What do you mean by that?” “Anyone can go in and speak to them. There’s a few in there that can even grant you a reward. But they’re petty, you speak to one, and the others will refuse to even acknowledge your existence. The Sages go in there from time to time. If you ask me, the spirits jumped their bodies and took control. Trying to understand those three is a talent on its own.” <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q2>>[[Ask about Uqanan.|9.6Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>Ask about Uqanan.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q6 and $cq is true>>[[Ask her about the chikrin.|9.6Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask her about the chikrin.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
I’m reminded of the comment she had said about the chikrin earlier, about most of the magic wielders here wearing one. I wish to learn more about this and why she would allow such a thing. “Earlier, you said that the magic wielders here wear a chikrin. Why would you allow that?” She raises a brow and gazes down at me from the corner of her eye, “you got something against chikrin?” “Of course I do,” I growl and point to the one around my neck, “this is a foul contraption that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.” “Well, not all chikrin are used for some dastardly reason. Uqo teaches us that magic is dangerous, especially for those who don’t have the training. Not everyone has the luck to be trained by a master or to go to one of those fancy magic colleges. Those here who don’t seek out training, instead seek out a chikrin.” “And you just allow it? Knowing how strong this forest’s magical weight is?” “It’s not like they take it off,” Kyran says callously. I drop the questioning, unable to understand why she saw nothing wrong with this. <<if not $q1>>[[Ask about the Opal Warriors.|9.6Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Opal Warriors.<</if>> <<if not $q2>>[[Ask about Uqanan.|9.6Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>Ask about Uqanan.<</if>> <<if not $q3 and $species is "Uqanan">>[[Ask about the Uqanan rage.|9.6Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Uqanan rage.<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the Cleansing Falls.|9.6Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Cleansing Falls.<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[Ask about the nearby ruins.|9.6Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the nearby ruins.<</if>> [[I have no more questions.->9.6KDone]]
I finish questioning Kyran, thanking her before leaving to find something else to do. <<if visit is 2>>\ <a data-passage="9.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if $visit_sages is false>>[[Find and speak to the Sages.|9.6S][$visit_sages = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Find and speak to the Sages.<</if>> <<if $visit_explore is false>>[[Explore.|9.6E][$visit_explore to true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Explore.<</if>> <</if>>\
<<if $chikrinOff>>\ I was curious about what knowledge the Sages held and if they could give me any insight as to what was going on with me. <<else>>\ I was curious about what knowledge the Sages held and if they could give me any insight as to what was going on with me. I know Kyran had said that I would be better off going to a blacksmith to remove the chikrin, but I was in no rush. <</if>>\ I wander through the streets until I find a somewhat helpful face to point me in the right direction. I follow their instructions, coming across a hut that sits off from the others. A blanket of fog crawls over the land surrounding the shelter. As far as I can see, nothing that the fog touch grows, grass giving way to the darkest of dirt and the one tree that happens to nearby have long since withered, veiled in white. “Hmph,” I hear someone huff and look to see a tall Uqanan woman with a staff in her hand. Her skin is a dull green and her hair dreaded, some pulled into a tight bun, while the rest of it hangs loosely upon her shoulders. She wears a dress accompanied by armored shoulder plates and a corset. Upon further examination of her staff, I notice that it is made from mahogany wood with a large opal gem resting at the top. “Can I help you?” she asks, her tone more curious than antagonistic. “I came to speak to the Sages,” I tell her, taking a step forward and she nods. She points her staff at the door of the hut before turning her back to me. Though it could just be me, it almost seems like the fog devours her as she goes. I enter, the rich smell of mint assaults my nose, burning the hairs within and causing my eyes to water. If there were other smells, I’m unable to make them out due to the overwhelming power of the sage being burned. The hut is filled with smoke, so much that I wonder if what I thought was fog was actually smoke. I can barely make out three figures sitting in a circle along the ground. “The Dream Seer? Are we correct?” one asks, though I can’t tell which one speaks. [[“Who are you?”->9.6WhoYou]] [[“You guys take being called Sages seriously, huh?”]] [[“Got enough sage?”]] [[“Yes, you’re correct.”]]
I aimlessly wave some of the smoke from my face as I squint at the three figures, ignoring their question and asking my own, “who are you?” “Did we not ask you a question first? Or does ignorance simply run rampant where you’re from?” This voice was different than the previous but after failing to spot even the faintest hint of movement, give up trying to place the voices to the figures. <<include "“Yes, you’re correct.”">>
I cough and aimlessly wave some of the smoke from my face away, “you guys take being Sages seriously, huh?” I hear one muffle their laughter, but it quickly fades. They sit quietly, probably waiting for me to answer their question. <<include "“Yes, you’re correct.”">>
I cough and futilely wipe my eyes, aggravating them even more, “you got enough sage in here, or should I go run and get you some more?” None of them move an inch or make a sound. “Tough crowd,” I murmur to myself. <<include "“Yes, you’re correct.”">>
I nod, “yes, you’re correct. Did you sense me coming?” “We did not, but the spirits have spoken of you nonstop.” “The one who cannot see, they cry.” I raise a brow, “I can see just fine.” “You see with your eyes but with little else.” Their voices all begin to meld together, becoming conjoined and no longer discernible. “You run from things you don’t understand.” “You suffer from your own negligence.” “You have eyes, but you truly cannot see.” [[“How about you stop talking in riddles.”]] [[“Never thought I miss my master so much.”][$sageTruth = true]] [[“What does that mean?”]]
“How about you stop talking in riddles and make some sense,” I growl. “Do you grow angry at yourself or us?” one of the Sages question. “I don’t think even ?he knows. ?he runs around much like a dog with no master, pointlessly,” another adds. <<if $hostile >=50>>\ “Watch it!” I growl. <<else>>\ “Well, that’s just rude,” I mumble. <<\if>>\ “Would speaking clearly help you find the answers, young one?” “Yes,” I shout. “Then you are not ready for the answers,” one voice says, and I am violently pushed out of the hut. I slide across the ground, stopping once I come to rest on the soft grass. The hut’s door closes, and the fog thickens. I stand and shake my head, I doubt I would get any answers from them anyway, explicit or not. I walk back the way I came, hoping to find something else to take my mind off of the confusion that the Sages placed upon me. <<if visit is 2>>\ <a data-passage="9.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if $visit_kyran is false>>[[Go find and speak to Kyran.|9.6K][$visit_kyran = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Go find and speak to Kyran.<</if>> <<if $visit_explore is false>>[[Explore.|9.6E][$visit_explore to true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Explore.<</if>> <</if>>\
“Ugh,” I sigh, kneading my forehead, “I never thought I’d miss my master so much. He at least made sense most of the time.” “Your Master?” “Master Audouin?” “He sat in bed, a knock at his door,” one of them begins, their words catching my attention as my heart beats frantically, “who could it be? Could it be ?him? He expected no one else, he wouldn’t want to see anyone else.” They pause, and I take a step closer, my eyes wide, “what? What happened next?” I blink, and suddenly I’m no longer in the hut but outside. The fog envelops the shelter like a thick shield. “No!” I shout, rushing up to the hut but then being pushed back by an unseen wind. Was that all just a trick? Them teasing me with the knowledge that the spirits had given them. But if the spirits had told them then shouldn’t they know the rest? Why wasn’t I told the rest?! “The spirit of truth,” I hear a voice upon the wind utter. “Truth has seen, and the truth will speak.” “Seek them. Seek them.” I walk back the way I came, hoping to find something else to take my mind off of the confusion that the Sages placed upon me. <<if visit is 2>>\ <a data-passage="9.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if $visit_kyran is false>>[[Go find and speak to Kyran.|9.6K][$visit_kyran = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Go find and speak to Kyran.<</if>> <<if $visit_explore is false>>[[Explore.|9.6E][$visit_explore to true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Explore.<</if>> <</if>>\
I squint in confusion, “tell me, what does that mean?” “Eyes, we have them, and we see the physical world around us.” “But there are more ways to see than that.” “Few ever find it, but those who do can easily lose it. It burdens them with a truth they are not ready to see.” I sigh in frustration, wishing they would speak plainly just once. In fact, this was probably the clearest they have been this entire time. I decide to leave before they can further confuse me. I would find someone else that could aid me. I walk back the way I came, hoping to find something else to take my mind off of the confusion that the Sages placed upon me. <<if visit is 2>>\ <a data-passage="9.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if $visit_kyran is false>>[[Go find and speak to Kyran.|9.6K][$visit_kyran = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Go find and speak to Kyran.<</if>> <<if $visit_explore is false>>[[Explore.|9.6E][$visit_explore to true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Explore.<</if>> <</if>>\
I decide to explore while I can, wishing to become acquainted with my surroundings and to see what else differs between the clan and the tribe. Leaving the area we all previously stood, I roam farther into the village to what I presume is the center. A large circular table rests in the middle of the large clearing with chairs pushed in on both sides. In the very middle stands a baroque wood totem with four heads, each carved with the use of handsome wood and representing a creature I have never seen. The craftsmanship is what truly grabs my eye, each line seems to have been drawn with the utmost care. Realism guided the hand of whoever crafted this, a truly impressive statue. <<if $species = "Uqanan">>\ As I continue my walk, many of those that I pass offer me warm smiles and neighborly greetings. Their open nature caused me to feel like I was one of them as if I had grown up here and known their faces all my life. <<else>>\ As I continue my walk, many of those that I pass either make no eye contact with me or very little. Some offer me small smiles before scurrying onwards, which is more than the Nelero tribe had done. But it was obvious that they too didn’t trust an outsider. That, or they were still trying to understand my presence. <</if>>\ I follow the sound of music, coming across a small gathering where children dance, and adults laugh. At their feet run baby boars, oinking in glee as they weave between the villagers, running or chasing the children or one another. Everyone here, from the elders to the small animals scampering around, was jovial. They hadn’t a care in the world, and if they did, then they hid such anguish well. Their smiles could light the darkest ruins and could chase the gathering storm clouds of Monsuna away. [[I couldn’t help but grow jealous.]] [[I smile as I sit and watch.]]
The sight of them struck something within me. Something that made my insides twist and churn like that of the sea during a formidable storm. There was a darkness within me that their smiles tantalized. Why did such horror befall me? Why not another? Why couldn’t I, for a minute, wear a smile as bright as theirs? An attitude as light? Did I not deserve peace like those before me, a day to be carefree and to release the cynical thoughts that haunt me? I didn’t deserve it, did I? A few minutes later I choose to go. I get to my feet and make my way back the way I came. <<if visit is 2>>\ <a data-passage="9.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if $visit_kyran is false>>[[Go find and speak to Kyran.|9.6K][$visit_kyran = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Go find and speak to Kyran.<</if>> <<if $visit_sages is false>>[[Find and speak to the Sages.|9.6S][$visit_sages = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Find and speak to the Sages.<</if>> <</if>>\
I sit and watch, sometimes clapping along to the lighthearted music. I wear a smile that didn’t light my entire being. It was a smile one wore when they were surrounded by things that made them happy, but they knew those things were fleeting. It was a dark thought that dragged me down into depths that I did not wish to traverse. Just this once I wanted to let it all go, to enjoy my time regardless of how ephemeral it was. And yet I couldn’t. Deep within me, I felt the gloom grow, and my stomach rumble like a pending storm. The more I smile, the more it becomes, taunting me and causing my heart to pound. Abruptly, I get to my feet, making my way back the way I came. I had to get out of there before it took me over. Before I went somewhere that I couldn’t easily come back from. <<if visit is 2>>\ <a data-passage="9.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if $visit_kyran is false>>[[Go find and speak to Kyran.|9.6K][$visit_kyran = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Go find and speak to Kyran.<</if>> <<if $visit_sages is false>>[[Find and speak to the Sages.|9.6S][$visit_sages = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Find and speak to the Sages.<</if>> <</if>>\
<<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ <<nobr>><<set $blacksmith = true>><</nobr>> I decide that it was about time I go find the blacksmith to see if he could properly remove the nuisance around my neck. The mere idea of finally being able to get it removed fills me with a strange sense of glee and freedom. <<if $locationKnown>>\ I follow Kyran’s instructions from earlier, keeping an eye out for a hut whose grass was charred. She stated such fact as if it didn’t perturb her, but it irritated her all the same. Perhaps the signs of an apprentice blacksmith who still have yet to master the anvil. Thanks to her directions, I find the hut quite easily. A circle of black, outlined by a sea of green and brown. In the large shed beside the home stands a thin man examining a sword. <<else>>\ I search for the blacksmith, wishing I had asked for directions earlier when the topic had been brought up. Instead, I have to ask for directions from those that I manage to find. It takes a while, but I manage to find the man in question. He stands in a large shed that resides near his home, examining a sword in his hands. <</if>>\ <<if $fominKnown>>\ “Fomin, I take it?” <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ “Yea, but I’ve never seen you before? Recent convert I take it?” <<else>>\ “Yea, but who are you? I wasn’t aware we had guests besides the merchants. You one of them?” <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “You’re the blacksmith, right?” I ask the man glancing up at me. “Fomin. Can I help you? Are you a merchant or a new convert?” <</if>>\ “No. I’m just a traveler with friends in high places. Your Chieftess, Kyran, sent me to speak with you about this thing on my neck.” “Chieftess, huh? Never heard anyone call her that before,” he points out as he comes in for a closer look. “What do you call her then?” “Matriarch, that’s what she is,” he walks around me, “you want this removed? That’s simple enough, take a seat.” I do as he asks, taking the only seat that I can find as he goes over to his tools. I look around his workshop, finding an assortment of weapons hanging on one wall. Some look like masterpieces, creations that would bring a knight to tears. While others look atrocious, their blades warped and rusted and the handles decaying and producing a putrid smell. Hanging beside them were also a few shoulder plates and breastplates. Some made from hide and others made of scales. The other wall holds multicolored gemstones, some of them are obviously opal, but a few are not. They each come in their own sizes and shapes, some damaged while others look pristine. I even spot a perfect spherical opal gem resting atop cloth so that it would not roll from its perch. [[“What if I wanted a weapon made?”][$fominWeapon = true]] [[“You make armor too?”][$fominArmor = true]] [[“How long have you been doing this?”]] <<else>>\ I end up exploring some more when I come across another festive scene, this time at the center of the square. With night slowly approaching, supper was being served and lovely music being played. A few sit at the table, laughing in good company with plates toppled high with meat and vegetables before them. Others dance to the live band that plays drums, an odd-looking high-pitched sounding guitar, and wooden tambourines. Those dancing perform the steps with a partner, hopping back and forth before spontaneously throwing their hands up. I gaze around for anyone that I know, meaning that I was looking for three people. I spot Kyran overlooking the others from a very leader-like looking chair, decorated heavily with furs and teeth. She stares at everyone in contemplation, a large mug of ale resting in her hands. I hear Thorne before I see him. He’s seated at the table with a plate of food, a gaggle of admirers surrounding him as he seems to be narrating a story to them. Tsintah is the last person I spot. She sits on the roof of a hut that rests on the outskirts of the activities, away from everyone else. Her eyes locked on those dancing. [[Go speak to Kyran.->9.7Kyran]] [[Go listen to Thorne.->9.7Thorne]] [[Go check on Tsintah.->9.7Tsintah]] [[Go out there and dance.->9.7Dance]] <</if>>\
“What if I wanted a weapon made? Would you do it?” Fomin takes a step back and looks me over, his bottom lip poked out lamentably. “Am I right to assume that you have no ruho?” I nod in embarrassment, “then I’ll make you a deal. These things called spirit cores dwell in the ruins. You bring me one for your weapon, and I’ll do it for free.” “What are these spirit cores exactly?” “The leftover residue of a spirit. When a spirit has been somewhere for a long time and then suddenly leave, they leave behind bits of energy, like a magic marker that provides evidence of them being there. They just so happen to be great for coating opal weapons to give them another layer of thickness. If you find some, just scrape them into a jar and bring it to me.” I weigh his words, it seems simple enough, I could probably do that. <a data-passage="9.7B1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You make armor too?” I question. “Oh, yes. Most of the Uqanans here only like to wear hide and rough metal, but I’m hoping to get them into scale armor soon.” “Scale armor?” “Yea. I make them from the Cave Crawlers@{loreShow *|} that reside in the ruins. I have to re-dye the scales because they’re so ugly but it’s worth it. Some of the best material I’ve ever worked with.” “And what would you say to me if I asked for one?” Fomin takes a step back and looks me over, his lips poked out unhappily. “Am I right to assume that you have no ruho?” I nod in embarrassment, “then I would say that if you can bring back the body of a Crawler, I’ll make it for free.” I weigh his words, he said they reside in the ruins, perhaps I can do just that. <a data-passage="9.7B1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“How long have you been a blacksmith?” “As long as I’ve known,” he answers, still rummaging through his tools, “my mother was a blacksmith, and my father was a tailor. Their parents created this workshop.” “And you enjoy it?” He pauses and seems to consider the question, “at first, no. I wanted to be the strongest warrior this tribe has ever seen,” he chuckles humorlessly, “it didn’t work out well for me. Not all Uqanans are made the same.” <<if $build is "lean" and $species is "Uqanan">>\ “Yea, I know what you mean,” I chuckle, pointing out that the two of us shared the same body type, “but you could have still been a warrior. You just couldn’t wield those broad weapons.” <<else>>\ “But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t still be a warrior. You just would have to settle on lighter weapons.” <</if>>\ “Call me petty, but that’s all I wanted to wield, greatswords and broad axes. But I don’t mind, this job is freeing. And it makes me feel like I’m assisting the whole when I watch the warriors with my weapons. They name them and get attached, knowing that they’re nothing without them. And, I don’t know, it makes me feel like a proud parent.” <a data-passage="9.7B1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
He rests both hands against my neck, what he was attempting to find out, I knew not. “Now, as soon as this comes off, you’re going to probably want to rest. I actually don’t know if you’ll have much choice in the matter. You’ve had this on since entering the forest?” “Yea. I hate to say it, but I almost feel like it’s just another accessory now.” “Then you will definitely want to rest. The forest’s magical force is heavy and isn’t too kind to those who can’t handle it.” I nod at his words, feeling the chikrin shift from side to side. Suddenly, the air hits my neck, a weight that I had been so accustomed to disappears. With shaky hands, I touch my neck and find nothing there. Instead, the chikrin sits in my lap. Before I can even utter a thank you, I feel something massive set itself on my shoulders. I attempt to breathe, but every inhalation feels labored. It was like someone was sitting on my chest, punching me repeatedly. Somehow, between the chikrin coming off and now, I fall to the floor. I stare at the dirt, and the particles stare right back. “I’ll help you to the guest huts, you seriously need rest.” I don’t bother to argue, even as I try to mutter words, I find that I can’t. My head thrums to a dull nagging beat, and my eyes droop. What comes next, I don’t rightfully know. I only know that my body erupts, the familiar tingle of magic being felt all over me. <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I head over to Kyran’s side, doing so carefully in case she didn’t wish for company. Upon seeing me, she smiles and raises her mug. “Ah, $name, and how has the day treated you so far?” “Good. Though it seems like it’s about to come to an end.” I motion to the scene before us, “is it always like this?” “Ha, no. But they do like to show off when we have visitors. Tomorrow everything will calm down.” “Do you not wish to join them?” “I enjoy watching,” she shakes the mug still full of ale, some of it sloshing over the edge, “and drinking. Would you care for one? We call it Crawler Ale.” “Why is that exactly?” “Because just like those damned Crawlers, this drink doesn’t go down easy. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>The brewers use some of the beast's poison, we can stomach it easily, or at least the strong of us can.” She raises her brow in challenge, “so, you want some?”<<else>>I’ll warn you, only Uqanans can really keep the stuff down. The effects on others really isn’t too kind. Still want some?”<</if>> [[“Sure.”->9.7KSure]] <<if $temptation is not "drinking">>\ [[“No, thanks.”->9.7KNo]] <</if>>\
I nod my head and Kyran motions for someone to bring me a mug. I smell it, cringing as the bitter and stinging scent penetrates my nose. “Don’t knock it till you try it,” Kyran tells me, raising her mug and taking another long gulp. I follow suit, letting the warm liquid race down my throat. <<if $temptation is "drinking">>\ My senses null to a certain degree, allowing me that sense of freedom I felt once before. My thoughts quiet down, and pleasant memories swarm me, promising things that I know are fleeting. But for now, I bask in them. All too soon, the feeling begins to slip. I gaze into the mug and find it empty, my heart pounding as I look around frantically, I needed more so that I could remember. I need to feel it. “Are you okay?” “I’m going to go get a refill,” I tell her, getting to my feet and rushing towards the barrels that hold the freeing liquid. “You finished yours that fast?” I hear her grumble as I go. Wrapped within each drop was the promise of something more. Something that caused my heart to ache in want. The drink spoke to me, its voice growing louder in my ears the more I chugged it down. It wraps its arms around me, placing tender kisses atop my head. //It’s your fault, isn’t it?// It asks me, tightening its grip. //It’s okay though because I’m here. I can make all that guilt go away.// The voice abruptly leaves me, taking with it the warm embrace and soothing pats. I was now surrounded by a dark chill. And I want nothing but to find that voice again, to be reminded that I was still enough. “I think that’s enough,” Kyran tells me, raising a brow. [[“No!”->9.7.1No]] [[“Yea … you’re probably right.”]] <<else>>\ The liquid burns as it goes down, causing me to squint my eyes and shake my head as I get it all down. I detect hints of mint, not overly strong. Instead, it mixes wonderfully with the near-anhydrous liquid creating a subtle sweetness. It was the kick that has me regretting my decision. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I perform a half-cough and shake my head, definitely not a drink that I would order for fun. “It’s the kick,” Kyran laughs, slapping me hard on the back, the mug springing from my hand as I bend over, rotating my throbbing shoulder. Kyran far too tipsy to notice my actions or to even be in control of her strength. “Another! Dunson, bring another!” I had a few too many things to do tomorrow to become inebriated, but Kyran didn’t need to know that, no reason to ruin her happy mood. And so, Dunson brings another, and I opt to just let the drink settle, listening to Kyran’s odd tales, most pertaining to her wrestling some kind of strange beast. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> It soon came time for me to retire, and on tired feet, I follow one of the tribe members to the appropriate hut. I thank them as I go inside, wondering if Tsintah and Thorne would be sharing this hut with me as well, seeing as they weren't currently here. In fact, I don't know where either of my companions had gone. But, my care was little as I march to the bed and fall, letting out a loud yawn as I allowed the night to take me. <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $drunk = true>><</nobr>> A coughing fit overtakes me as I feel my stomach churn and the foreshadowing feeling of vomit slowly begins to settle on my shoulders. “Warned you, did I not,” Kyran asks, though she follows it with a hearty laugh as she calls for someone to bring her another. I couldn’t even handle one, how this woman was handling more than that was an act of pure astonishment. I attempt to straighten up but overestimate … or underestimate my speed and fall on my butt, gazing up at the sky, trying to realize if that many stars were there before. “Ah, hitting you already,” Kyran laughs, and I gaze over to see that she was swaying from side to side, well everything was. My head was swimming and I wanted nothing more than to close my eyes and sleep. Yes, sleep, just for a minute … <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <</if>>\
“No!” I shriek, lunging forward as if that would deliver the mug safely back into my arms. “No? <<if $species is "Uqanan">>I know you’re Uqanan but three, back to back?<<else>>Regular Uqanan can’t even drink one without a pause, you just drank three.<</if>> $name, are you sure you’re okay?” I pause at her question, asking myself the same thing over and over. I shake my head, and then nod to her, backing down and letting her discard the contents of the mug. I watch as it hits the ground, seeping into the dirt. The image of me dropping to the ground, attempting to drink up the puddles come to me, and I shiver in disgust. Why even think such a disgusting thing? I stay for a little while longer after that, sitting quietly as I watch the others. My mind somewhere far away.
“Yea,” I say, shaking my head and pushing away the darkness, of course, my head still felt a little fuzzy, effects I blamed on the drink, “you’re probably right.” I allow her to pour the drink out, watching as it sloshed onto the dirt, something inside me crying out. I stay for a little while longer after that, sitting quietly as I watch the others. My mind somewhere far away.
“No thanks, I’m fine,” I tell her with a thankful nod. She nods in understanding and continues to drink. [[“This seems oddly peaceful.”]] [[“What does your rank entail?”]]
“You know,” I start, looking around at the shadow figures dancing and laughing near the light of the bonfire, “this seems oddly peaceful.” “Doesn’t it,” Kyran comments, sighing happily as she relaxes in her chair. “There used to be days where I just wanted to disappear. Find a new purpose. Days where I doubted everything.” “Then what?” “Then I gave myself to the teachings of Uqo. I was already a follower, but I think I was still questioning. I’m not big on philosophy and didn’t really care about the world as a whole and what the greater message was,” she tells me, “but I suppose that’s why Uqo was so important to me. It helped me realize what was important. This,” she says and spreads her arm to encompass what rested all around us. “Ironic though. Uqoias believed that society was more important than the individual. But yet, he left society behind to figure everything out.” After that, the two of us are quiet. I leave to get some food before returning, but still, only idle chatter takes place. Though I don’t know for sure, I feel that both of us are in our own heads, thinking of things that have yet to happen and may not occur. The dancing continues and the fire burns bright into the night, encompassing my companions and the Opal Warriors.
“May I ask what your rank as Matriarch entails exactly?” I ask, a random question but one that I had been pondering. “Matriarch is the strongest Uqanan female who has bore the most children.” “You have kids?” “Remember when you first walked in? Both of those were mine. I also have a much older daughter who spends most of her time near the Sage’s hut. I think she still questions herself and her contributions to the clan. And then two more boys who left to find themselves, perhaps I will see them again, perhaps not.” I notice that there is no sadness in her voice, in fact, she seems oddly at peace with that thought. “Is matriarchy a Uqo thing, or just this clan?” “It’s a Uqo belief. Uqo believes that the strong leads and that no one is stronger than a Uqanan mother,” she smirks, “besides other Uqanan mothers. Then it truly is a question of who is stronger.” After that, the two of us are quiet. I leave to get some food before returning, but still, only idle chatter takes place. Though I don’t know for sure, I feel that both of us are in our own heads, thinking of things that have yet to happen and may not occur. The dancing continues and the fire burns bright into the night, encompassing my companions and the Opal Warriors.
I grab a plate before approaching Thorne and his newly acquired fan club. “And so,” I hear him say, all those listening silent and leaning in, “I set myself on fire.” A chorus of astonishment and incredulity goes off, Thorne nodding his head as if he had already planned for such response. He opens his mouth to continue when he notices me, “ah, $name. Care to listen in as well?” “Sure, why not.” Thorne gestures for one of the Uqanans to give up their seat, and they do, shifting over one and allowing me the place right next to the storyteller himself. “So, there I was, on fire and trying to prove a point. The sorcerer was sweating, not knowing what to do now.” “But you could’ve killed yourself!” one of the ladies shriek before being shushed. “You’re right, my dear. But I knew what I was doing. The sorcerer, on the other hand, did not. The way he was sweating, you’d think that he was the one on fire. We engaged in one of the most serious stare offs known to man, one of us was going to break. Was I going to jump into the water and put myself out? Or was he going to break his concentration and let the spell fall? $name, guess which happened.” [[“You jumped into the water?”][$thorne +=2]] [[“He let the spell go?”][$thorne +=3]] [[“Why would you light yourself on fire?”][$thorne -=2]]
“Let me guess you jumped in the water?” “I jumped – uh, no, actually. The sorcerer’s concentration broke, and the spell he was using to save me vanished. I stood there, on fire, feeling it now. And he lunged towards me, tackling me into the water. This entire time, I said nothing. I just stared at him as he stared at me, admitting defeat with his gaze alone. I claimed victory, and he gave me everything he had plus healed me.” The crowd cheers and hollers while I continue to gaze at Thorne.
“He let the spell go?” “He let the spell go!” Thorne laughs boisterously, “the spell he was using to save me vanished. I stood there, on fire, feeling it now. And he lunged towards me, tackling me into the water. This entire time, I said nothing. I just stared at him as he stared at me, admitting defeat with his gaze alone. I claimed victory, and he gave me everything he had plus healed me.” The crowd cheers and hollers while I continue to gaze at Thorne.
I shake my head, “why would you light yourself on fire?” “Seriously, $name?” he chuckles, “that was not one of the options. “It’s a good question though.” “Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, I was standing there, on fire, and the sorcerer sweating. Suddenly, his concentration broke, and the spell he was using to save me vanished. I stood there, on fire, feeling it now. And he lunged towards me, tackling me into the water. This entire time, I said nothing. I just stared at him as he stared at me, admitting defeat with his gaze alone. I claimed victory, and he gave me everything he had plus healed me.” The crowd cheers and hollers while I continue to gaze at Thorne.
“Honestly, I don’t think it matters. This sounds like a lose/lose situation on your part.” “And that’s where you’re wrong, my alluring friend. The sorcerer’s concentration broke, and the spell he was using to save me vanished. I stood there, on fire, feeling it now. And he lunged towards me, tackling me into the water. This entire time, I said nothing. I just stared at him as he stared at me, admitting defeat with his gaze alone. I claimed victory, and he gave me everything he had plus healed me.” The crowd cheers and hollers while I continue to gaze at Thorne. “So, you risked your life to prove a point? To get a few trinkets?” “I was able to strip a man of his pride, leave him naked, got him arrested, and was able to sell his things for gold. One of my best jobs if I do say so myself.” “Thorne, I’m failing to understand how any of this is remotely good.” He places his finger on my lips, shushing me as he leans in with a smile. “You seem to not understand the value of ruho.” [[Swat his hand away, “and you’re crazy.”][$thorne -=3]] [[Move his hand away, “I guess I don’t.”]] [[Lick his finger.][$thorneLi +=1]]
I scowl as I swat his hand away from my lips, “and you’re crazy.” The Uqanans surrounding us boo, much to Thorne’s enjoyment. “The crowd disagrees. Do you all wish to hear another?” he questions, and they cheer, ready to do anything for him. I roll my eyes and grab my plate, moving to another section so that I could eat in peace. <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I huff and move his hand away, “I guess I don’t. Didn’t think a life equaled any amount of coin. Thorne regards me with a look of consternation and interest. “$name, everything and I mean everything, has a price.” A look of sincerity crosses his face before disappearing, his attention back on his fans, “who’s ready for another?” I stay where I am, but I focus on eating, only half of my attention on his outrageous stories. <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I look from his finger to him, sticking out my tongue and inevitably licking it. He pulls back immediately, wide-eyed at my actions. I laugh at his expression, causing him to relax a bit as he holds his hand close to his chest. “You shouldn’t have put your finger there,” I tell him with a smirk, one he matches easily. “Well, you shouldn’t lick things when you have no idea where its been.” “A good point as well. How about I agree to not lick things, and you agree to stop putting your finger where it doesn’t belong?” Thorne leans in, close enough for only I to hear the next words he says, “or you just tell me where they belong, and I’ll put them to good use.” My cheeks redden as he pulls back, winking before setting his attention back on his lecherous fans. “Who’s ready for another one?” Thorne smoothly shifts the attention, leaving my cheeks red as I attempt to focus on my food, his words still echoing in my head. <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I grab a plate and pile food on top before walking over to Tsintah. “You really have a thing against crowds, huh?” “I suppose,” she murmurs, hardly sparing me a glance, “I just don’t do well with them.” “So why are you here?” “I don’t like to talk to people, but I do like to watch them. It’s interesting. That, and I was hungry.” “Well, do you mind if I join you?” “Do what you wish,” she tells me. I sit on the ground, eating as I glance at those before us. Though I was sitting at a different angle than her, I could see why she chose this spot. It was the perfect spot to watch everyone at once. You could spot those who stand to the side, chatting quietly with one another. As well as those who dance or stand around the table. I finish my food, looking over at Tsintah and seeing her eye the dancers with a wistful look. [[“You want to dance?”][$tsintah +=2]] [[Continue sitting with her.]]
“You want to dance, Tsintah?” She gazes down at me with a mix of shock and nervousness. “The song is almost over.” “Then we better get out there,” I smile and get to my feet, abandoning my now empty plate and reaching up to grab Tsintah’s hand. She shakes her head and pulls back, “I do not know how to dance.” “Perfect time to learn then, don’t you think? And you said it yourself, you like people watching so I’m sure you picked up a few moves already.” She glances from the dancers to my outstretched hand to the limb of the tree that she was sitting on. She clenches her eyes closed and jumps down, allowing me to pull her over to the dancers. I make sure we stay a safe distance away from the others so that Tsintah didn’t completely freeze up. I start swaying, having watched the others long enough to know exactly what moves to do and when. Tsintah is the opposite though, stiff and awkward, watching me and then watching the others, her eyes wide and portraying fear. “Come on, Tsintah, it’s just you and me,” I tell her with a broad smile, hip bumping her. She starts moving from one foot to the other, getting into the rhythm and letting the beat pull her whichever way it wished. Soon, the two of us are dancing around each other, smiling widely as the music encircles us. At one point, the music grows slow, and I notice the partners move in towards one another, their hands barely touching as they perform a small circle. [[Do the same with Tsintah.][$tsintahLi +=1]] [[Keep apart.->9.7TApart][$tsintah +=2]]
I move in cautiously, Tsintah doing the same as we raise our hands and circle around one another. I’m unable to look anywhere but her eyes, and once she realizes that I was staring at her, she blushes and studies the ground. There was something about her that caused me to gravitate closer towards her, our bodies like magnets as the music draws us closer. She glances back up, and this time she doesn’t shy away. My heart’s beating picks up, both it and I not knowing what was happening but not wishing to fight it either. It felt almost like a spell, a sweet and intoxicating one, a mysterious one. One whose origin I wished to uncover and learn for myself. All too soon the music swells once again, the others parting and going back to the previous steps. I follow, trying to understand what had just taken place. But I don’t let it bother me too much, the song stops for no one. When the song finally ends, we collapse on the ground. “I think we need more dance lessons,” I chuckle, trying to catch my breath. “You were far better than me. I don’t dance often.” I attempt to think when was the last I did so as well, the ballroom coming to me, Averill. I shake the thought from my memory, “well, we have that in common then. Maybe we should do it more.” “Hmm, perhaps,” Tsintah sighs thoughtfully. We both refuse to move, gazing up at a cloudy sky. <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I don’t go forward like the others, sticking to dancing separately and allowing Tsintah to do her own thing. I laugh alongside her as we both end up stumbling at times, having to catch the other as our giggle fits trip us up more than our two left feet. When the song finally ends, we collapse on the ground. “I think we need more dance lessons,” I chuckle, trying to catch my breath. “You were far better than me. I don’t dance often.” I attempt to think when was the last I did so as well, the ballroom coming to me, Averill. I shake the thought from my memory, “well, we have that in common then. Maybe we should do it more.” “Hmm, perhaps,” Tsintah sighs thoughtfully. We both refuse to move, gazing up at a cloudy sky. <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I don’t bring up the dancing, not feeling up to it myself. Instead, I climb up to join her, the two of us silently watching the people walk around. “Did the messenger falcon ever return?” I ask, and Tsintah shakes her head, “are you worried.” “A bit. I would have felt if something disastrous has occurred and it affected the forest, but that doesn’t mean that something hasn’t happened to my tribe. I would rather not think of it until I know for myself, though.” In other words, she wanted to leave that conversation alone, to abandon it, and to go right back to sitting in silence. We do. The silence wasn’t awkward, but, in a way, it was loud. Reminding us how much we still didn’t know about one another and the lines we had yet to cross. <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I gather my energy and head towards those dancing, their moves fluid yet powerful. They stomp and jump, alternating from one foot to the other as they circle around one another. Some have their arms out, dipping at specific points, and some sway violently from side to side. Though they were all doing different things, they were all coordinated with the other, hitting the same beat and looking like one synchronous unit. Part of me felt like perhaps I shouldn’t butt in, maybe it wiser to let them have this moment. I pull back when two of the Uqanans see me and grab both of my arms, showing me the dance and what to do each time. It takes a while, but I soon learn, and before I know it, I’m dancing right beside them. I smile as the bonfire’s heat hits me, and the music fuels me, exhilarating, all of it. It felt like I was free, from what, I didn’t honestly know that answer. My problems were pushed back, teetering on a precipice on the edge of my mind. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I belonged to no tribe, and the lack of one never truly plagued me, until now. I knew little about the Uqanan way of life, even less where Uqo was concerned. And yet, here I found myself craving a connection with them. As I dance among them, I felt like I was almost there, almost one of them, a member of a tribe that I had just met. I knew reality would set in, soon, perhaps before the night was even up, but I didn’t wish it to. <</if>>\ I continue to dance, continue to sway and stomp, letting the night and the feeling take me away from all of this. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> It soon came time for me to retire, and on tired feet, I follow one of the tribe members to the appropriate hut. I thank them as I go inside, wondering if Tsintah and Thorne would be sharing this hut with me as well, seeing as they weren't currently here. In fact, I don't know where either of my companions had gone. But, my care was little as I march to the bed and fall, letting out a loud yawn as I allowed the night to take me. <a data-passage="9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $drunk>>\ I awake with a pounding headache though I feel like I was pounds lighter than before. I groan, rolling over to figure out where I was. The last thing I remember was drinking with Kyran. A not so smart move but one that I engaged in regardless. Gazing around, I learn that someone had carried me to a hut, no signs of the others anywhere to be seen. I suppose I should be thankful that someone even did this much. They could’ve just left me on the ground. Slowly, I sit up, my stomach screaming at the motion, or perhaps it was aching for food, I really didn’t know. I had a few things that I needed to do today, like visit the Cleansing Falls, and I wonder if they could cure a hangover's ailment. I also could take a peek into those ruins if I wished to. I leave the hut behind and glance up at the sky, immediately seeing the signs of a fast-approaching storm. It would be wise to start now. <<else>>\ I left the hut that Kyran had offered to us for the duration of our stay, behind. Once outside, I stretch slowly and let the magical essence of the forest rest itself onto my shoulders. It would be far too soon if I ever had to wear one of those wretched leashes ever again. And it would be for the good of all for no one to ever approach me with one in hand. Despite it being morning, the sun was shrouded, hidden behind the gloomy clouds that edged across an equally depressing appearing sky. The smell of rain was in the air, hanging over the air like a constant warning that the sky could split apart at any moment. When I had awoken, I had found that my other companions were not present. In the grand scheme of things, it mattered little. I had a few things that I needed to do today, like visit the Cleansing Falls and take a peek into those ruins if I wished to. I glance up at the sky once again, and it would perhaps be smart to get started before the rain decided to make life harder. <</if>>\ <<if $merchants is false>>\ [[Visit the merchants.][$merchants = true]] <</if>> *set merchants 1 *set day +1 Before starting my day, I wish to sate a curiosity of mine. The merchants that I had seen when first arriving had caught my eye, and I was sure they either held information or, like merchants should, goods to sell. I wasn’t sure if they were going to behave like those at The Rowdy Raven had, attempting to capture me for their own selfish reasons. But I had a feeling they were far more scared of the Opal Warriors, and if not, then they would at least not want to ruin trading deals. Though, I suppose if one had thirty opals, one could do whatever they wished. Only a few merchants were currently out, and most of them were either getting ready to leave or were bringing out their wares and preparing their throats for another day of outshouting their competitors. *gosub merchant *selectable_if (companions = 0) #Attempt to find my companions. *set companions 1 *set day +1 *gosub companion *selectable_if (cleansefalls = 0) #Try and find the Cleansing Falls. *set cleansefalls 1 *set day +1 I seek out others to help direct me to the Cleansing Falls. It takes three different people to accurately tell me where to go, and even then, I only find it because I hear the sound of rushing water. I approach and allow myself to take in the grand scenery before me. This would be the home of a goddess if not for the stormy clouds that hang overhead, blocking out the sun. But still, even with the gloominess, it holds a beauty few would ever see. The waterfall ran off into a large lake, the further one made it out, the calmer the water became. The waterfall itself wasn’t a large one. One could climb up the cliffside and jump down and would take on no injuries. A few rocks were jutting out of the cliffside that causes the flow of the waterfall to shift slightly, but as long as one actually jumped, then they would be fine. The water sparkled as if it had captured the stars from the heavens in its ripples. It gave the water an enchanting look, mirroring the sky, yet it didn’t. It reflected a sky that one couldn’t see with their own eyes, a sky that transitioned into a new world, a world where everything was peaceful and serene. I look around, finding a few others were there as well. I could count on both hands the other Uqanans, but they were all in their own world, not focused or concerned on those around them. *gosub cfalls *selectable_if (intoruins = 0) #Head towards the ruins. *set intoruins 1 *set day +1 I had believed that the ruins, no matter how close, would be set away from the village, but these ruins resided within it. People passed it by as if it was another hut and not a place that spirits and demons converged upon. These ruins had a small archway in the side of a small cliff and a pair of stairs that descended into a lit tunnel. I stand underneath the threshold, wondering if I should just walk in or should I tell someone what I was doing. No one pays me any mind, though, continuing on with their lives. I take a deep breath in and enter. *gosub ruins *label N5 *set rain true *choice *selectable_if (companions = 0) #Attempt to find my companions. *set companions 1 I go out and search for my companions wherever they could be. Most of the places that I knew, such as the area near the merchant stalls and the main square, were practically empty. Only a few dawdle, and none of them were those who I searched for. The stables were quiet, and so was the area to the right of it. I head towards the left, following the rising sounds of people shouting and laughing. *gosub companion *selectable_if (cleansefalls = 0) #Try and find the Cleansing Falls. *set cleansefalls 1 I seek out others to help direct me to the Cleansing Falls. It takes three different people to accurately tell me where to go, and even then, I only find it because I hear the sound of rushing water. I approach and allow myself to take in the grand scenery before me. This would be the home of a goddess if not for the darkened sky and the constantly falling rain. But still, even with the gloominess, it holds a beauty few would ever see. The waterfall ran off into a large lake, the further one made it out, the calmer the water became. The waterfall itself wasn’t a large one. One could climb up the cliffside and jump down and would take on no injuries. A few rocks were jutting out of the cliffside that causes the flow of the waterfall to shift slightly, but as long as one actually jumped, then they would be fine. *gosub cfalls *selectable_if (intoruins = 0) #Head towards the ruins. *set intoruins 1 *set fominArmor true *set fominWeapon true I had believed that the ruins, no matter how close, would be set away from the village, but these ruins resided within it. People passed it by as if it was another hut and not a place that spirits and demons converged upon. These ruins had a small archway in the side of a small cliff and a pair of stairs that descended into a lit tunnel. I’m about to head in when I see Kyran, Thorne, and Tsintah taking shelter from the rain underneath an extended roof of a hut. They all nod at me, but Kyran is the one to speak first, “I’m guessing you’re thinking about going inside, huh?” “I am.” “Most of the spirits within are shy and would rather watch you from a distance. Though, there are three in there that are the exact opposite,” Kyran informs, “they will offer you something but know that if you receive something from one of them, the others will refuse to speak to you.” Her eyes flit over to Thorne and Tsintah. “Also, only one person can go in at a time.” “You don’t have to worry about me,” Tsintah huffs, “I’ve been in once and saw my truth, I don’t plan on walking down those stairs ever again.” Reflected in her eyes is a story not yet told. It was a truth that she still had a problem with accepting. I nod and turn to Thorne, who gives me a shielded grin. “I’ll let you have that. I’m not really comfortable with spirits and all that, rather leave that to the professionals.” *page_break “You don’t have to go in either,” Kyran tells me, “sometimes it’s best not to look too deep.” The words sound familiar to the warning that Tsintah had given me at the Northern Ruins. The look that she offers me says that she knows this as well. “I’m going to go inside,” I tell them, and Kyran nods in understanding. “Well, make sure you come out soon. Supper is about to be upon us, and Uqanans like to eat.” She lets out a boisterous laugh, “oh, and if you happen to want a challenge there are Cave Crawlers inside. If you manage to kill one and bring it to the blacksmith, he’ll make you some armor. He also makes weapons for us out of the spiritual residue that you can find in there as well. Bring him some of that and tell him I sent you over if you’re interested.” With that, Kyran leaves us. “I think I’m going to go back to the fighting pen and watch them,” Thorne tells us, stroking his chin in deep thought, “hmm, I wonder how Uqanans are in bed.” *if species = "Uqanan" *choice #“Great.” *set smug +2 *if statShow = true [i][[Cocky ++]][/i] *line_break I snicker to myself before merely saying, “great.” Thorne raises a brow as he gazes over at me, but before he can question me, Tsintah says, “well, you’re not lying.” Both Throne and I pause as we shift our attention to a neutral expression Tsintah. *goto N4_5 #Say nothing. *set smug -2 *if statShow = true [i][[Humble ++]][/i] *line_break I say nothing despite knowing that Thorne was practically waiting for me to defend my species. “Dominating, rough, and loud,” Tsintah groans, causing both of us to look her way. *goto N4_5 *else “Dominating, rough, and loud,” Tsintah groans, causing both of us to look her way. *goto N4_5 *label N4_5 “My my. And here I thought you weren’t fun at all Tsintah,” Thorne chuckles, “come, my long-eared friend. Let us go and admire.” They both nod at me before walking away, leaving me by the entrance alone. With a quiet sigh, I descend the stairs and enter the ruins. *gosub ruins *if (falls = 1) #Relax for a bit. *goto N6 *label merchant *choice #Approach the Alyrian woman preparing to leave. I decide to go over to the Alyrian woman who was loading up her wagon, every couple of seconds, she would huff in both agitation and weariness. “Morning,” I say once I get close enough. She spares me a glance, her roaming eyes resting on my own. I can see the recognition residing within them, but she mollifies her expression. “The Dream Seer,” she hisses. I let out a long breath, already doubting my actions and why I had even attempted this. “I simply came for information, which I know you have since you know who I am.” “I am simply a crumbling woman attempting to make a living,” she tells me, shrugging her shoulders as she heaves another box onto her wagon. *choice #Help her. *set allforone +2 *if statshow = true [i][[Chivalrous ++]][/i] *line_break I move forward to help her, and she hisses at me, eyes burning with a fury she had no wish to quell. “You kill our Prince and now attempt to escape justice. You deserve to be hung. Your head displayed for all traitors to see.” “You would be the first to have love for the Prince,” I find myself saying. She straightens up, my words poking at some part of her that she had tried to ignore, “I love my Nidinia and I, like many, wished to see what Prince Ingram, may the High Gods rest his soul, would do. He had yet a chance to prove his worth to a country of eager eyes. And he will never have that chance because you are a murderer.” I open my mouth to say something, but I’m unable to as she continues to scream murderer. *if chakra = "navel" “You even murdered your own Master. You are a monster! A monster.” I tell myself to walk away, but my entire body screams that it would do no such thing. A rush of emotions surge through me, some whose names I could easily say and some that I didn’t even know existed. My soul was the vacuum, and every emotion that dared exist within me was being sucked in. “You know nothing!” I roar, my voice rising beyond altitudes that I never knew I possessed. The woman’s eyes widen as she drops the box in her hands, shrinking in fright. “You and so many others [i]think[/i] you know me, and you know nothing. I grow tired of being scrutinized and judged by the likes of people like you!” A soft glow erupts from my palm and shoots itself to the side, close to the woman but not nearly close enough to injure her. I inhale and exhale in rage, though rage didn’t seem right. I was on the edge of crying, of falling apart right then and there. I wanted to cry and hurt others, I wanted to scream at myself and blame the world’s issues on myself. I hated these people, I hated what they had turned me into. “Calm yourself,” I hear someone shout and turn just enough to see a few guards standing there with their weapons held tightly in their grip. “Do you understand us, witch?” Tired from my outburst, the emotions within me compose themselves, and I nod, turning on my heel and leaving the area behind, ignoring the multiple gazes resting on my back. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *else “You even murdered your own Master. You are a monster! A monster.” I walk away, bringing my clothing tight against me as if that was going to hide me from the curious glances that I was receiving from those I pass. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 #Stay where I am. *set allforone -2 *if statshow = true [i][[Individualistic ++]][/i] *line_break I stay where I am, watching as she suffers underneath the load of the boxes that she was carrying. She knew of me, and her stiffness spoke volumes, she contained her unchecked anger, but barely. I sigh, “Sun has come to me in a vision. He has forsaken me and swears that unless I act accordingly, justice will be passed by his hand. I wish to return to Nidinia and face the consequences of my actions.” The woman turns to me, a speckle of hope residing in her eyes as she looks me over. “I have nightmares of how the King and Queen are suffering. To think I have done such a thing to our beloved royal family.” Her expression softens even more, “the Queen has locked herself away, refusing to speak to anyway as she mourns her son. The King is … he is not himself. Your actions have cost him precious years, and he seems to grow sicker.” [i]And so the mighty begin their descent[/i], I think to myself. I clutch at the cloth near my heart, hanging my head. “Are you headed back? May I catch a ride with you?” I knew what her answer would be, no one was foolish enough to offer their wagon to who they believed to be a murderer, lest they wished to be the next. She shakes her head and points to a trail that led back into the woods. “That trail leads back to Ipharia,” her face scrunches up as she grabs ahold of her last box, “if you continue to try and run from your actions then your past will catch up with you. I only hope you do the right thing.” She walks to the front and grabs her reins, motioning for the mule to go. She spares me no second glance as she leaves, and I go my own way. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 #Approach the stall of the Ecrid preparing his wares. I approach the Ecrid, who is currently placing his wares on display. He casts me a glance, his eyes lingering on mine before he continues on. “The Opal Warriors have a strict rule when it comes to foreign influences,” he tells me, correcting two sculpture-like objects, “leave it outside of their territory. I know you, but you will hear nothing more from me. As long as you didn’t come over here to start trouble.” I nod my head, but I also catch the subtle hint of an accent that he has yet to learn how to entirely suppress. A true Nidinian would probably refuse to do business with me. For him to know me meant he had been here long enough to have heard but cared little about the politics. “Are you open now?” I question, and he shrugs. “No, but I’ll be foolish to turn away business. Do you wish to buy or sell?” *choice #Buy. *label buy “Buy,” I say, and he points to all the things he believes I’ll be interested in. He was a merchant of novelties, it would seem. He had a short sword that looked adequate at best, as well as a bow with a pack of arrows. Lastly, there was a pendant with a sun on it. Anything else was either too big to be lugging around with me, or I immediately deemed it useless in my situation. “How much is everything?” “The short sword and the bow are ten ruho apiece, I’ll throw the sheath and the arrows in for free if you get it. The pendant is five ruho, it’s not like those fancy charms you’ll get from the temples and the priests, but it’ll show your faith.” *choice *if ((inventory_shortsword = false) and (ruho >=10)) #Buy the short sword. *set inventory_shortsword true *set ruho -10 “I’ll take the short sword,” I tell the man, and he nods with an appreciative smile. I exchange the ruho for the sword, and he hands both the sword and sheath over. “Anything else?” *choice #Buy something else. *goto buy #Sell something. *goto sell #Leave. *goto leave *if ((inventory_bow = false) and (ruho >=10)) #Buy the bow and arrows. *set inventory_bow true *set ruho -10 “I’ll take the bow and arrows,” I tell the man, and he nods with an appreciative smile. I exchange the ruho for the bow, and he hands both the bow and arrows over. “Anything else?” *choice #Buy something else. *goto buy #Sell something. *goto sell #Leave. *goto leave *if ((inventory_sunpendant = false) and (ruho >=5)) #Buy the pendant. *set inventory_sunpendant true *set ruho -5 “I’ll take the sun pendant,” I tell the man, and he nods with an appreciative smile. I exchange the ruho for the pendant, and he hands it over. “Anything else?” *choice #Buy something else. *goto buy #Sell something. *goto sell #Leave. *goto leave *selectable_if (persuade >=10) #Attempt to haggle. I clear my throat, and I watch as the man stiffen, obviously knowing what my next move was about to be. “These are already low enough prices,” he begins, motioning to his things, “don’t you think?” “But both you and I know about my predicament. I was robbed of all of my ruho and nothing, but the kindness of others has kept me alive for this long. In addition,” I say with a straight face, “we both know that the sword and bow are shoddy work. The price is so low already because you have failed to sell them.” “That doesn’t mean I’ll let you rob me out of even the tiniest bit of ruho.” “I’d rather scrape the bottom of the barrel and still rise with something than to do so and rise with nothing.” He pouts, his nashi flashing a dazzling tone before dimming back down to its neutral color. “Fine, then how about this, five ruho apiece for everything? Does that fit your fancy?” “It does,” I smirk, and we shake. *label hagglebuy *choice *if ((inventory_shortsword = false) and (ruho >=5)) #Buy the short sword. *set inventory_shortsword true *set ruho -5 “I’ll take the short sword,” I tell the man, and he nods with an appreciative smile. I exchange the ruho for the sword, and he hands both the sword and sheath over. “Anything else?” *choice #Buy something else. *goto hagglebuy #Sell something. *goto sell #Leave. *goto leave *if ((inventory_bow = false) and (ruho >=5)) #Buy the bow and arrows. *set inventory_bow true *set ruho -5 “I’ll take the bow and arrows,” I tell the man, and he nods with an appreciative smile. I exchange the ruho for the bow, and he hands both the bow and arrows over. “Anything else?” *choice #Buy something else. *goto hagglebuy #Sell something. *goto sell #Leave. *goto leave *if ((inventory_sunpendant = false) and (ruho >=5)) #Buy the pendant. *set inventory_sunpendant true *set ruho -5 “I’ll take the sun pendant,” I tell the man, and he nods with an appreciative smile. I exchange the ruho for the pendant, and he hands it over. “Anything else?” *choice #Buy something else. *goto hagglebuy #Sell something. *goto sell #Leave. *goto leave #Sell something instead. *goto sell #Leave. *goto leave #Sell. *label sell “Sell,” I say and retrieve what I wish to sell, desiring to see if he’ll be interested in anything I had to trade. *choice *if (inventory_classicdagger = true) #Try and sell the dagger. “How much would you offer me for this dagger?” I place it on the cart, and he picks it up, looking it over. “Your average dagger, so it’s not worth much. I’d give two ruho.” *choice #Deal. *set inventory_classicdagger false *set ruho +2 “Deal,” I say with a smile. He keeps the dagger and goes into a lockbox resting near his things. He counts the amount we agreed upon and hands the ruho over. *choice #Trade something else. *goto sell #Buy something. *goto buy #Leave. *goto leave #No deal. “No deal,” I tell him and he shrugs, giving the dagger back. *choice #Trade something else. *goto sell #Buy something. *goto buy #Leave. *goto leave *if (inventory_classicshortsword = true) #Try and sell the short sword. “How much would you offer me for this short sword?” I place it on the cart, and he picks it up, looking it over. “Your average short sword, so it’s not worth much. I’d give two ruho.” *choice #Deal. *set inventory_classicshortsword false *set ruho +2 “Deal,” I say with a smile. He keeps the short sword and goes into a lockbox resting near his things. He counts the amount we agreed upon and hands the ruho over. *choice #Trade something else. *goto sell #Buy something. *goto buy #Leave. *goto leave #No deal. “No deal,” I tell him and he shrugs, giving the short sword back. *choice #Trade something else. *goto sell #Buy something. *goto buy #Leave. *goto leave *if (inventory_cloak = true) #Try and sell the cloak. “How much would you offer me for this cloak?” I place it on the cart, and he picks it up, looking it over. “Your average cloak, good condition though. It’s not worth much but i’ll give five ruho.” *choice #Deal. *set inventory_cloak false *set ruho +5 “Deal,” I say with a smile. He keeps the cloak and goes into a lockbox resting near his things. He counts the amount we agreed upon and hands the ruho over. *choice #Trade something else. *goto sell #Buy something. *goto buy #Leave. *goto leave #No deal. “No deal,” I tell him and he shrugs, giving the cloak back. *choice #Trade something else. *goto sell #Buy something. *goto buy #Leave. *goto leave *if (inventory_greyrunestone = true) #Try and sell the grey runestone. “How much would you offer me for this runestone?” I place it on the cart, and he picks it up, looking it over. “Hmm, the markings on it means that it’s actually already enchanted. If it were blank, I’d give you far more, but seeing that it’s not ... best I can do is give you eight. Do you know what the runestone does?” “It can detect malicious spirits.” “Yea, those I sell to wouldn’t really be interested in this. I can give eight and no more.” *choice #Deal. *set inventory_greyrunestone false *set ruho +8 “Deal,” I say with a smile. He keeps the runestone and goes into a lockbox resting near his things. He counts the amount we agreed upon and hands the ruho over. *choice #Trade something else. *goto sell #Buy something. *goto buy #Leave. *goto leave #No deal. “No deal,” I tell him and he shrugs, giving the runestone back. *choice #Trade something else. *goto sell #Buy something. *goto buy #Leave. *goto leave #Buy something instead. *goto buy #Leave. *goto leave #Go about my business. *label leave I find nothing else that interests me, and with a solemn nod, I bid the merchant a good day and leave. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *label companion *page_break *if rain = false I go out and search for my companions wherever they could be. Most of the places that I knew, such as the area near the merchant stalls and the main square, were practically empty. Only a few dawdle, and none of them were those who I searched for. The stables were quiet, and so was the area to the right of it. I head towards the left, following the rising sounds of people shouting and laughing. Once there, I find a large crowd gathered around, most sitting on the grass, while a few others stand on the outskirts. In the middle was a circle made out of stones, and in that circle was a smaller one. Standing in the middle was Thorne, facing off against a hulking Uqanan. I travel closer, not understanding what was going on and whether or not Thorne had gotten himself into trouble he could not escape. “I hardly see how this is safe,” Thorne says, tossing his saber from one hand to the next, “and to make matters worse, you refuse to put on a shirt.” His companion rolls his eyes dramatically, in his hands a longsword. “I’d rather my skin than my clothing hold the scars of an acceptable fight.” “And then you go and say statements like that, statements that make no sense,” Thorne continues to complain. “Would you like to back out?” the Uqanan questions and Thorne huffs, tying his hair so that all of it was now in a low hanging bun. “On your cue, Kyran,” Thorne says, and I look to see the Uqanan leader sitting in a chair, eagerly anticipating the fight. She gives them the command, and they begin moving around one another. As they do this dance, Thorne continues to talk ceaselessly. I find my way to Kyran’s side. *fake_choice #“What is going on?” “What is going on?” I question her, and she gives me a nod of greeting, her eyes refusing to move away from the two men. “Your mercenary friend challenged Ngige to a duel. The rules are simple, stay inside the circle.” She points to the thin outside circle, “one may wander to that circle as well. Once, that circle meant that the individual was growing far too tired to continue and so an agreement must be made instead. But many now use it to flaunt and goad, we now call it the Circle of the Adept. Those who wish to test their footing and prowess will step into it.” #“What did Thorne do?” “What did Thorne do now?” Kyran raises a brow at my words, “your mercenary usually finds himself in these kinds of situations?” “I don’t know, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that were true. He seems like the type.” I take a seat beside her. #“Didn’t expect to wake to this.” “You know when I woke up this morning, I thought I would be welcomed with a hearty breakfast. Not my mercenary attempting to skewer one of your own.” “It was hardly me who decided on this,” Kyran tells me with a hearty laugh, “and if a large breakfast is what you seek, then I can have one of the cooks bring it to you. But you must stay and watch.” The sentence wasn’t a command, she just seems far too jovial and relaxed to not want someone to speak to while the fight goes on. “Why are they fighting, though?” “The merc, he wishes to have Ngige’s dagger.” She picks it up from her side and shows it to me. The dagger, like one would suspect after spending time around the Opal Warriors, is made of opal. The hilt is a deep black with stunning red embroidery. It was a Crusader dagger, double-edged and glistening proudly. I could see how it had caught Thorne’s eye, though I still thought it ridiculous that he chose to fight to attain it. “Come now, Ngige,” Thorne says, casually dodging the thrusts that the Uqanan try to attack him with, “I thought a hulking figure such as yourself would make this far more difficult.” Ngige roars, doubling his efforts to land a hit on Thorne, “you. Talk. To. Much,” he says with every thrust. “My apologies,” Thorne says, having the gall to do a slight bow towards the man, “I’ve always been told that my mouth should be put to more [i]useful[/i] tasks.” Upon saying this, Thorne catches my eye and winks. *fake_choice #Roll my eyes. I roll my eyes at him, wishing he would focus and take this seriously at the very least. #Wink back. *set thorneLi +1 I smirk and wink right back, watching as a bright smile lit up his face. #Stick my tongue out. *set thorne +2 With a lighthearted smile, I stick my tongue out, watching as he feigns hurt. #Cheer on Ngige. *set thorne -2 “Come on, Ngige!” I whoop and holler, a few others joining me. Thorne feigns hurt at my words. “It would seem that even my employer favors you, friend,” Thorne says to him, pouting. Thorne continues to dodge, having yet to actually attack his target. I’m not the only one who notices this, and many begin to cheer for him, furthering the rage that Ngige feels as he pushes himself further, roaring in frustration. *page_break “Calm yourself, Ngige,” Kyran scolds from her spot, “one would think that the merc is either extremely cocky or that he simply likes to hear himself speak.” *fake_choice #“I surmise both.” “I surmise that it is a mix of both,” I laugh. “Ah, that would make sense as well. I have met few mercenaries who behave like him, but perhaps that is what earns him his name.” “His name? What do you mean?” “Thorne is not his true name. No mercenary goes by their true name. Many either earn it, or they think of it before starting. Thorne seems to fit just fine if you ask me.” #“He’s just cocky.” “The former, he’s just cocky. I have known him for less than a week and have figured out that trait at least.” “I have met few mercenaries who behave like him, but perhaps that is what earns him his name.” “His name? What do you mean?” “Thorne is not his true name. No mercenary goes by their true name. Many either earn it, or they think of it before starting. Thorne seems to fit just fine if you ask me.” #“Getting him to shut up is the trick.” “It is definitely the latter. Getting him to shut up is the trick, one that I’m still trying to figure out.” “I have met few mercenaries who behave like him, but perhaps that is what earns him his name.” “His name? What do you mean?” “Thorne is not his true name. No mercenary goes by their true name. Many either earn it, or they think of it before starting. Thorne seems to fit just fine if you ask me.” #“It’s a strategy.” “It’s a strategy,” I tell her and shrug my shoulders. “A strategy, you say?” Kyran questions, finally turning to look at me, “what kind of strategy is incessant prattling?” “Thorne’s constant gibs and taunts will either get Ngige to forget his training and be fueled by emotion alone, allowing Thorne an easy win later. Or it will cause Ngige to cancel his voice out and focus more on his attacks and stance. Because of that, there’s the high chance that Ngige will focus far too much, and that can be just as detrimental.” “Hmm, I suppose I should rethink my previous assumptions of your merc. Perhaps that is what earned him his name.” “His name? What do you mean?” “Thorne is not his true name. No mercenary goes by their true name. Many either earn it, or they think of it before starting. Thorne seems to fit just fine if you ask me.” *page_break *set notrealname true “Where is Tsintah by the way,” I question, spotting her nowhere on the outskirts where one would typically find her. “Somewhere in the trees, the courier hawk came back with news of her tribe.” “Did she tell you?” “I wasn’t able to intercept it first. You will have to ask her.” Thorne’s goading continues though he does it less, and that was mostly due to him actually now fighting. His strikes are calculated and precise, no movement performed without him thinking it through first. And to make matters worse for Ngige, Thorne was doing it all from the smaller circle. He skirted the thin border, his footwork impeccable as he dodged and attacked flawlessly. The crowd had turned against the Uqanan, and Ngige looked all but spent. Added with Thorne not appearing tired, I suppose Ngige’s heart was no longer in the fight, and he bends the knee. Thorne thanks him, walking towards us to claim his prize. “An interesting fight, indeed. And as promised, the dagger. Treat it well, it has been in Ngige’s line for many decades,” Kyran tells Thorne, handing him the dagger. She stands to go to Ngige’s side. At first, I believe she is going to comfort him, but I should have known better. She doesn’t berate him, but she does give him pointers and tells him what he needs to fix and watch. *page_break I place my attention back on Thorne, who is now at my side, looking his prize over. “How much do you think I can sell this for?” he asks, smirking and raising a curious brow. *fake_choice #“You can’t be serious.” *set thorne -2 *set care +2 *if statshow = true [i][[Emotional ++]][/i] *line_break “You can’t be serious,” I begin, looking from him to Ngige, who is still being lectured to, “that dagger is a family heirloom, and you plan on selling it?” “Well, of course,” he says matter-of-factly, “not only is it opal, but it is also well-crafted. I’m guessing a collector would pay far more, this weapon doesn’t appear like it’s seen much blood.” I shake my head, still not over that all of this was just so that he could make a couple ruho. #“At least a gold ruho.” *set thorne +3 *set care -2 *if statshow = true [i][[Logical ++]][/i] *line_break “I would say that it should give you at least a gold ruho,” I tell him, shrugging my shoulders. “Simply a gold ruho, you say? That won’t do. Perhaps a story to go along with it then.” He focuses his gaze on the dagger before clearing his throat and turning towards me. #“You’re despicable.” *set care +3 *set thorne -5 *if statshow = true [i][[Emotional ++]][/i] *line_break “You’re despicable,” I criticize, and the words cause him to grin from ear to ear. “I would say that such words wound me, ${name}, but I have been called much worse. “Excuse me,” he tells me, “I’m going to visit the merchants and see what they would think the price would be.” *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *if rain = true I go out and search for my companions wherever they could be. Most of the places that I knew, such as the area near the merchant stalls and the main square, were practically empty, probably due to the rain. The stables were quiet, and so was the area to the right of it. I head towards the left, spotting a startlingly large crowd. The Uqanans that stand around chat as if the rain was nonexistent, they talk as if the sun was out and the breeze, just right. I search for Thorne or Tsintah but find neither, instead I find Kyran, shouting in the middle of a large fenced-in area. “Anyone else?” she questions, a young man sporting a long scar going from his damaged right ear to his neck, stands next to her with a smug grin. “For what?” I question as I approach, the chatter quieting down as everyone seems to regard me in a manner that I was not accustomed too. “Marabi here is looking to duel someone to help him with his footing.” I glance over at Marabi, who I find is looking at me as well, our eyes meet before I look down at the conditions of where he wishes to fight. The area was practically flooded, the mud soupy and thick, and if the rain chose to not cease, it would only get worse. *if species = "Uqanan" “Are you interested?” Kyran asks, leaning towards me in a conspiratorial manner, her eyes lighting up in excitement. Before I can answer her, she shouts to the crowd, “wouldn’t you all like to see our esteemed guest here fight? To see if ${name} can properly call ${him}self a Uqanan?” The crowd goes crazy at this, roaring in a way only Uqanans could. Kyran gives me another glance, “what will it be?” *choice #“I’ll fight him.” *set fight true *set combat +3 I nod and shrug my shoulders, “I’ll fight him.” “Perfect!” Kyran shouts and motions for me to join them inside the enclosed area. I do so and face off against Marabi, trying to figure out how this fight could potentially go. *goto fightem #“What exactly are the rules?” “What are the rules for this? Or is it just standard fighting?” “You’re smart to question,” Kyran begins and motions to the ground, “it is true that rain causes complications, but it also gives us intriguing opportunities. We use rainy days such as this to practice footing and balance and to teach fighters how to use the worst of the elements to aid them. No magic, no weapons, hand to hand combat. Not much else.” *choice #“I’ll fight him.” *set fight true *set combat +3 I nod and shrug my shoulders, “I’ll fight him.” “Perfect!” Kyran shouts and motions for me to join them inside the enclosed area. I do so and face off against Marabi, trying to figure out how this fight could potentially go. *goto fightem #“No thanks.” I glance at Marabi and then at the conditions on which we were expected to fight, it was foolish, and I never thought myself a fool. I shake my head and back away. “No thanks, I’m good.” *if species = "Uqanan" The crowd growls and boo’s me, some even throwing me dirty glances that translate to them wanting to fight me now. Kyran does little to nothing to calm them, and I decide to just walk away before the crowd’s bloodthirsty and anger causes me to doubt my previous answer. *goto N5 *else The crowd doesn’t seem too upset, they almost seem like they don’t care though they were now on the hunt and trying to find someone else to take on the orc. *goto N5 #“No thanks.” I glance at Marabi and then at the conditions on which we were expected to fight, it was foolish, and I never thought myself a fool. I shake my head and back away. “No thanks, I’m good.” *if species = "Uqanan" The crowd growls and boo’s me, some even throwing me dirty glances that translate to them wanting to fight me now. Kyran does little to nothing to calm them, and I decide to just walk away before the crowd’s bloodthirsty and anger causes me to doubt my previous answer. *goto N5 *else The crowd doesn’t seem too upset, they almost seem like they don’t care though they were now on the hunt and trying to find someone else to take on the orc. *goto N5 *label fightem *page_break I gaze at Marabi, taking in everything from his stance to his general aura. The rain was beginning to come down faster, and my vision was starting to suffer. As I do some blood pumping stretches, I think about everything I currently knew. The point of this training was to make it harder for the fighters, give them a challenge, and learn how to better their footing. It would be hand to hand, and judging by how Marabi looked now, I had no doubt he’s been practicing. I, on the other hand, could barely move without fear of slipping. “How are you holding up?” Marabi asks, and I’m about to answer when he darts towards me, catching me off guard as he jumps up with his left leg and swings his right to hit me. *fake_choice #Duck. My instincts scream at me to move, and I do just that, barely dodging the leg that heads towards me as I duck and roll out of the way. Due to the slickness of the ground, I’m able to slide across it with ease, ignoring how dirty I now was as I turn to face Marabi again. #Dodge. I move to dodge, but my reaction is far too slow to actually save me from the kick he sends towards me. His right leg hits my arm and sends me staggering to the side, my fall only blocked by the nearby wooden fence. The crowd cheers at first contact, hyping both of us up and pushing us to continue. #Fall. Though the thought comes to me, it’s more of an accident than something I do on purpose. I lose my footing in an attempt to get away, and miraculously, I perform a graceful fall, barely dodging the kick he sent my way. I take advantage of my position, swiping at his leg. But he jumps, somehow managing to jump onto the wooden beam of the fence before turning to face me. *if smug >=50 [i]And I thought I was extra[/i], I think to myself as I get to my feet. “You didn’t even give me a chance to reply,” I snort, reassessing my position and putting space between the two of us. Again, he doesn’t seem up for conversation, despite him being the one to start it. He charges towards me, hopping from foot to foot in what I would call a superfluous manner. And that is when I remember the entire point of this. Regardless of why I was doing this, Marabi was hoping to work on his footing in the rain. Interrupt that, and I could interrupt it all. *choice #Dance with him, use nothing but quick movements to cause him to trip up. I decide to focus my attention on his feet, using my own feet and movement to mess him up. On the one hand, this would help since, in a way, it was helping Marabi improve his footing the fastest way possible. But at the same time, overfocusing for anyone could lead to their downfall. I’m the one who charges forward this time, and it takes him unaware. For a minute, he pauses as he reads my actions. The dance begins. I’m close enough to mess him up and close enough to trip him if I tried hard enough. It seems that he understands this, and he jumps and flits from side to side, trying to avoid my feet as well as my hands that try to grab him. At the moment, he was behaving more like a Dreold than a Uqanan. I haven’t known any Dreolds personally, but the lankier Dreolds were always the quickest people I’ve ever seen. To think a Uqanan of his build could move in the same way was remarkable. The dance continues with me having to continually move forward in an attempt to stop him when it catches up with me. My vision blurs partially due to the rain gathering upon my eyelashes and also because of … well, overfocusing. I close my eyes for a second, time hardly passing, but it mattered little. Marabi sees the opening, and he lands two punches to my ribcage before tripping me. I lay on the ground, groaning, deciding to just stay there as I fight the dizzy spell that threatens me. “I yield,” I growl and the crowd applauds. I take one last glance at the fighting pit before going on my way. *goto N5 #Beat him by using his own pride against him. *set balance true *set fightwon true *achieve secret_balance If there was one thing Uqanans were, it was prideful. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, or at least it wasn’t as bad as any other trait that could lead to downfall. Using their pride against them was relatively easy, even easier when it ran up against their love for fighting. Making my current idea perfect, if not incredibly reckless. I ignore the reckless part and begin to implement it, hoping that it would work, especially since so many variables went into making this work. I dodge Marabi and dart towards the fence post. As soon as I’m there, I kick one of my boots off, and once I’m standing on it, I kick the other off. I wobble for just a minute before looking down at a confused Marabi. “I needed more of a challenge,” I say in a goading manner, shrugging my shoulders as if I did things like this all the time. I watch as Marabi’s nose twitches slightly, just enough for me to see but not anyone else, for all I knew I could have imagined it due to the falling rain. “I’ll show you a challenge,” he growls and charges forward. I curse myself, hoping that this idea will work as I jump to the side, landing it without a wobble. Regardless if I won or not, the crowd was loving this, cheering and whooping as Marabi became more and more frustrated with trying to land a hit. This training was about him improving his footing, but no longer, it was now him just trying to get me off the fence. The rainfall picks up, and Marabi shows signs of tiring out, it was time to end this. *fake_choice #Jump and punch him. It was a classic move that I knew I would be able to perform. I dodge another kick from Marabi, mentally noticing how slow his movements were from when we had first begun. As soon as I was no longer in danger of being hit, I perform a high jump off the beam I was balancing on and come down in front of Marabi. Before touching the ground, I punch him square in the jaw, causing him to stumble to the ground as I stand over him. #One hand on the fence, one kick to the face. It was a weird move that I could picture but couldn’t see myself realistically implementing. And yet, I wish to try it anyway. I dodge another kick from Marabi and bend down to grab the beam with one hand. I tighten my fist around it and use it to propel me outwards, kicking Marabi in the face as I do so. Attempting to dodge, he slips, and my foot still makes an impact. He falls down, failing to rise immediately. “I yield,” he growls, spitting some of the mud that had found its way in his mouth, out. I thank him for the fight and turn to the roaring crowd. *choice #Bow. I perform a bow, and then another. Smiling widely as I soak in the applause. I take one last glance at the fighting pit before going on my way. *goto N5 #Leave the fighting pit. I don’t do anything. I take one last glance at the fighting pit before going on my way. *goto N5 #Just fight him, don’t make it complicated. At the end of the day, this was still a hand to hand fight. Sure, the floor was muddy and slick, prime conditions for falling and making a fool of oneself. But that didn’t mean it wasn’t a fight. Marabi wished to practice his footing, and so did I, there was no better way to do that than to just go in and treat it like any other fight. I charge forward just as Marabi does, and the two of us exchange punches. He lands one on my ribcage, and another grazes my cheek while my fist connects with his gut and the other with his cheek. He attempts to kick me, and I, at the last minute, grab his foot. *choice #Yank. I yank him forward, but it would seem that he was expecting this. He makes sure our bodies collide, and before I can think of my next move or how to react, he headbutts me. My nose throbs, and I’m suddenly overly sensitive to everything and yet nothing at all. The crowd roars, but I can no longer decipher what they’re saying. The rain is hitting me, but it feels like it’s not me, that it’s hitting something else entirely, and I was experiencing it second hand. I come back to the now with my back on the ground, and my eyes gazing up at the stormy sky. Marabi pops into my frame of vision and raises a brow. “Nice fight.” I roll my eyes, I don’t verbally yield but trying to fight him with my head throbbing like it was, was foolish. I take some more time to gather my bearings before rising and exiting the fighting pin. With one last look, I take my leave of the fighting pit. *goto N5 #Try to kick his other leg out. With his foot in my hand, I try to take advantage of the situation and, as fast as possible, release his foot by throwing it up and then ducking and sweeping his other foot out from beneath him. I raise a brow as he manages to do a handstand instead of falling, even more, impressed when he doesn’t slip as he pushes himself up and gets back on his feet. *choice #Slide and tackle him. *set fightwon true I watch his movements for a short time before getting a simple yet effective idea. I stand and run towards him, purposely allowing my feet to slide across the ground as I lean back. Marabi adjusts his position appropriately, but before I can lean too far back, I propel myself forward to tackle him. Caught by surprise, he has no defense, and I manage to push him to the ground. I deliver a few punches, one too many he successfully blocks before he yields. Sated, I rise off of him and help him to his feet, smiling at the crowd that roars my name. *choice #Bow. I perform a bow, and then another. Smiling widely as I soak in the applause. I take one last glance at the fighting pit before going on my way. *goto N5 #Leave the fighting pit. I don’t do anything. I take one last glance at the fighting pit before going on my way. *goto N5 #Back to punches. I again go back to the method from earlier, just fighting him like I would any other person. I throw punch after punch, dodging some of his kicks and then growling when he’s able to avoid my own punches. This goes on for some time before Marabi catches me by surprise, one fist goes towards my stomach, and as I attempt to dodge, he grabs my arm, yanks me forward, and delivers a swift but heavy fist to my face. I stagger backward and take a knee, moaning at the pain in my face. I try to figure out if I’m okay. If I can continue fighting, but the throbbing tells me I’m not. I sigh, “I yield,” and the crowd applauds. I take one last glance at the fighting pit before going on my way. *goto N5 *label cfalls *if rain = false *choice #Go in. I stick to the shadows along the edge, hoping that they would pay me as much attention as they did those around them. Finally, I shed my clothes and test the waters. The temperature was strange. Neither warm nor cold nor hot. Words fail to form as I try to describe what the feeling was like, other than blissful. *goto CF1 #Come back later. *set falls 0 I decide to test my luck at another time, hopefully before the rain decides to pour down on me. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *label CF1 I slide my entire body in, and I feel everything leave me. I felt as if I was floating in the heavens, a sea of endless stars looking back at me as I did so aimlessly. My thoughts were blank, only experiencing the sensation that coursed through me. The feeling reminding me of bumping into something but refusing to stop to see what that something was. I wish to give myself to the water, and the water saw nothing wrong with it. For the first time, everything made sense. Even if it had no right to, it did. It existed, and therefore, it was. That was all that mattered. “A whole lake that takes your sins away and deposits them at the banks,” I hear a voice say, my body feeling a chill before relaxing once again. I try to open my eyes to see who it is, but my eyelids are heavy. The serenity of this place causing the action to be too much for me. The voice was familiar, though, but no face immediately appears. *fake_choice #“Who are you?” “Who are you?” I ask, or maybe I don’t. I don’t feel my mouth move, but I think the words leave. The other person is silent for a time before finally, I hear, “I don’t know.” #“Tsintah?” *set tsintah +2 “Tsintah?” I ask, or maybe I don’t. I don’t feel my mouth move, but I think the words leave. “Would you like it to be her? The Kren with the two differently colored eyes. The capricious one who seems to shift in the blink of an eye.” *fake_choice #“Yes.” *set tsintahLi +1 “Yes,” I mouth, envisioning her. How could someone I had just met be on my mind like this? She didn’t trust me; I doubt she trusted anyone. But I wish for her to trust me. To tell me what causes those eyes to darken, those shoulders to stiffen, and that voice to crack. The other person is silent for a time before finally, I hear, “I’m sorry, but I’m not her. I don’t know who I am.” #“No.” “No,” I mouth. The question was just a guess, the first name that entered my mind. “I see,” the other person states before growing silently, “I don’t know who I am.” #“Thorne?” *set thorne +2 “Thorne?” I ask, or maybe I don’t. I don’t feel my mouth move, but I think the words leave. “Would you like it to be him? The mercenary, whose charming smile hides all? The one who seems to not fear life, nor death, but crave the adventure that life holds in store.” *fake_choice #“Yes.” *set thorneLi +1 “Yes,” I mouth, envisioning him. I hardly knew him, so far, I could only tell so much, and it was from the few conversations we’ve had. I know he was a flirt and thought highly of himself. His confidence sometimes even shined brighter than his smile. Was there more to him than a quip here and a wink there? There had to be, right? The other person is silent for a time before finally, I hear, “I’m sorry, but I’m not him. I don’t know who I am.” #“No.” “No,” I mouth. The question was just a guess, the first name that entered my mind. “I see,” the other person states before growing silently, “I don’t know who I am.” *page_break “What do you mean?” “Who am I without you? I’m you, but I’m not, am I?” The speaker’s voice grows even more familiar, but I still strain to figure out who it is as if something was blocking me. The name being washed away each time it surfaces. “We both want answers, don’t we? Or do you not? I suppose I can’t blame you. To have to go through all of this and then on top of that, have to question yourself?” Silence follows, my mind drifting further off. Everything drifting further. I open my eyes to find that I’m on the rock where I left my clothes. I have no recollection of even entering the water, and only the glimmering water specks on my nude body tells me that I had gone in. I look out over the peaceful water, spotting a few less Uqanans in the water than before. I feel lighter, cleaner. I smile, pulling on my clothes and returning to the village. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *if rain = true I look around to see that no one was around. The sounds of the waterfall making it impossible to hear anyone coming. *fake_choice #Go in. Each step I take, I pause, much like a cautious deer would. The slightest shadow grabs my attention, and I try my hardest to strain my ears to pick up on unfamiliar sounds. Finally, I shed my clothes and test the waters. The temperature was strange. Neither warm nor cold nor hot. Even with the freezing rain falling and causing my upper body to shiver, the water did not feel the same. Words fail to form as I try to describe what the feeling was like, other than blissful. I only hope that the rain would not darken what I hope to be a pleasant experience. #Wait. I wait, fearing that as soon as I begin to undress, others would show themselves. With every minute that passes, no one shows, the trail stays quiet, and I finally strip. I'm sure I was the only one who thought it a good idea to come here while the sky was crying. I sit on the edge of a rock and test the waters, finding the temperature to be strange. Neither warm nor cold nor hot. Words fail to form as I try to describe what the feeling was like, other than blissful. I only hope that the rain would not darken what I hope to be a pleasant experience. I slide my entire body in, and I feel everything leave me. I felt as if I was floating in the heavens, a sea of endless stars looking back at me as I did so aimlessly. But at the same time, I was constantly reminded that I was not. The raindrops falling from the sky, bringing me back to the now. It was a tug of war game between the waterfall’s tranquil waters and the sky's hateful rain. Both wishing to cradle me in their own embrace. I try to relax, to push the rain away, and concentrate on the water's alluringness. But the purifying water was the reason why I could not. Every time my mind slips, it is almost as if I forget the other. When I feel the rain, I feel as if I'm on the banks, and then when the water brings me back, I feel as if the storm subsides. It was a hopeless loop that I couldn't escape. “A lot like life no,” I hear a voice say, my body feeling a chill before relaxing once again, and then the chill returns. I try to open my eyes to see who it is, but my eyelids are heavy. The serenity of this place causing the action to be too much for me. But I can feel my body tensing, my heart aching as the push and pull game continues to be played. Only my mind is now free, free to realize that what was meant to be relaxing becomes the opposite. I now felt trapped, thrashing, but knowing my body wasn’t moving. “Why do you constantly fight? Why don’t you just give in?” *fake_choice #“That’s not who I am.” “Because that’s not who I am,” I shout, or maybe I don’t. I don’t feel my mouth move but I feel the words leave. The other person is silent for a time before finally I hear, “should we see?” #“Maybe I should.” “Maybe … maybe I should,” I find myself saying, or maybe I don’t. I don’t feel my mouth move but I feel the words leave. The other person is silent for a time before finally I hear, “yes, you should.” #“Who are you?” “Who are you?” I ask, or maybe I don’t. I don’t feel my mouth move but I feel the words leave. The other person is silent for a time before finally I hear, “you didn’t answer my question.” Without warning, I feel my entire body shoot under water. And yet, I still felt just as calm as I had before. As if the water was still just caressing me lovingly. My insides ache as it runs out of air, my lungs screaming for oxygen as I stay there. I feel no need to fight, but I feel every fiber in me yelling at me to do so. *fake_choice #Give in. *if (((chakra = "navel") or (chakra = "heart")) or ((chakra = "crown"))) *set stability -5 My eyes drift closed, and I tell my body to silence itself, to just allow the water to care for us. That’s all I wanted … to stop fighting. #Fight! *if ((chakra = "throat") or (chakra = "sacral")) *set stability -5 I fight, I growl and squirm and do everything I can to fight whatever this was. My body doesn’t react, and I beg it to. This would not be how I died. I would fight until my dying breath. I open my eyes to find that I’m on the rock where I left my clothes. I have no recollection of even entering the water, and only the glimmering water specks on my nude body tells me that I had gone in. The rain continues to pour down as I stare out at the peaceful waters, wide-eyed and terrified at what I had experienced. I felt lighter, yes. But I didn’t feel purified. My body was shaking, and I had a feeling it wasn’t due to the rain. *goto N5 *label ruins These ruins have torches lighting the path, a path that I find isn’t as long-drawn as I had previously believed. That others visit these ruins frequently is palpable, etchings done by those who had visited cover one wall with arbitrary messages. The opposite wall holds signs with directions line one wall while another sign holds warnings. I step up to read them. It warns about Cave Crawlers which lie in the right tunnel. It states what one should bring and be prepared for. It would seem that some of the Opal Warriors view killing these creatures as a personal test of grit. A hastily drawn picture of the beast sits to the side, the head of the being I saw when we had first entered the Opal Warriors territory. Below that it warns that the path to the right is the path to the spirit chambers. There, three spirits are known to reside, each promising something different. The sign warns that though you may speak to each of them, only one can offer you something before the others grow jealous and refuse to talk to you. It would seem that even spirits could be petty. *if fominArmor = true I remember what the blacksmith had told me. If I could bring back the scaly hide of one of the Cave Crawlers, he’ll make me some armor with it. The question that I had to ask myself after that, though, is whether I wish to take a chance with one of those beasts alone. *if fominWeapon = true I recall the blacksmith’s words about the spirit cores and their residue. If I could get enough of it, then I could trade it in for a weapon. *choice #Go to the spirit chamber. *label spiritchamber *set spiritchamber_visited true I decide to head to the spirit chambers, going down the passageway to the left and following the lit tunnels. It descends deeper and deeper into the ruins until it opens up into a large chamber. Hundreds of spirit orbs dart from one side to the other, each minding their business and seeming to ignore my presence. Unlike the other ruins, I’m unable to hear what they say, though I believe that was more on their part than mine. Unlike the Northern Ruins, where the spirits seem to have been attracted to me, curious about my presence, these spirits were probably used to receiving visitors. They had perhaps stopped speaking to them long ago. *if fominWeapon = true *set inventory_fominweapon true Finding the spirit residue that the blacksmith had spoken of was quite easy. There weren’t copious amounts of it, but there was enough for me to fill the jar I had brought to the top. The hardest part was scraping enough of it off the jarring rocky surface. I could have perhaps skirted by with less, but I wanted to be sure. Further, in the chambers, I notice that walls were separating specific parts of the enormous room. Each area had its own glow. *choice #Investigate the green glow. *label green I enter the area where the green glow is, finding a spirit that had taken the shape of an owl. It sits on a vine, looking at two dancing spirit orbs, and periodically bobbing its head as if listening. It turns its head to see me, watching me as owls tend to do, but saying or doing nothing more. “Are you one of the spirits the clan speaks of?” I question, and it finally blinks. “I am.” The mouth of the owl doesn’t move, but I can hear the words it says clearly. “Do you wish a vision of truth?” “A vision of truth? What does that entail exactly?” “Upon your consent, I will touch your forehead, and the truth to one of your questions will come to light. It will only be a vision, moving images that will answer what you seek. Deciphering it is your job and your job alone.” *choice #Accept the spirit's gift. I nod my head and take a step closer to the owl, waiting for it to show me the truth. The owl flies over, abandoning the now still orbs, and tells me to close my eyes and to think of my question. I take a deep breath and do so. *choice #What was my clone. *set green_clone true What was my clone? Was it really me, or was it all a lie? Could they be some kind of spirit or the creation of a sorceress who, for some reason, had it out for me? I feel a shock run through me, and suddenly I see something, a familiar dream. A familiar person running. Something … something I couldn’t see approaching them. A great energy with malicious intent. It makes impact with the person, and they let out a shrill scream. It looked as if a hand was reaching into them and ripping them apart. Where there was one, there was now two, only the second held no eyes. The first cried out at the violation while the second seemed far more afraid and confused. The eye-less version looked towards the direction of the original, their hands slowly reaching and feeling the holes where their eyes should be. Anger. Envy. Jealousy. And then actions fueled by ill-intent. The clone lunged forward, attempting to claw the eyes out of the other but failing. Instead, they fled, dashing off before the original could stop them. *goto greenafter #Who killed Master Audouin? *set green_master true Who killed Master Audouin? Was it someone from Ipharia? The same person who had taken the Prince’s life, perhaps? *if hair = "bald" I feel a shock run through me, and I then find myself in Master Audouin’s room in the castle. He growls to himself, throwing his quill down as he wanders over to the bed. He gets underneath the cover and sits, pausing at a sound. Words are said, and I watch as a familiar figure walks in. Their bald head looking oddly familiar, yet I was not able to put my finger on them. Their eyes a pale milkiness, one belonging to those with no sight. *goto g1 *else I feel a shock run through me, and I then find myself in Master Audouin’s room in the castle. He growls to himself, throwing his quill down as he wanders over to the bed. He gets underneath the cover and sits, pausing at a sound. Words are said, and I watch as a familiar figure walks in. Their $hair hair looking oddly familiar, yet I was not able to put my finger on them. Their eyes a pale milkiness, one belonging to those with no sight. *goto g1 *label g1 They approached my master and sat on the bed, a conversation being had. Both figures laughing, enjoying the other. And that was when the strange figure I had yet to put a name too, stood. They kissed the forehead of my master, and he gave them a look of trepidation. And that was when they plunged a knife through his chest. Over and over. Again and again. His screams unheard as his nashi shined brilliantly, screaming themselves. *goto greenafter #Who killed Prince Ingram? *set green_prince true Who killed Prince Ingram? Was it someone from Ipharia? An assassin? The same person who had taken my master’s life, perhaps? *if hair = "bald" I feel a shock run through me, and then I find myself in a room I had never seen, perhaps Prince Ingram’s room. He walks around in a lavish robe, though what he was doing, unknown to me. He abruptly stops and says something, a familiar figure enters. Their bald head looking oddly familiar, yet I was not able to put my finger on them. Their eyes a pale milkiness, one belonging to those with no sight. *goto g2 *else I feel a shock run through me, and then I find myself in a room I had never seen, perhaps Prince Ingram’s room. He walks around in a lavish robe, though what he was doing, unknown to me. He abruptly stops and says something, a familiar figure enters. Their $hair hair looking oddly familiar, yet I was not able to put my finger on them. Their eyes a pale milkiness, one belonging to those with no sight. *goto g2 *label g2 They sit in an adjacent seat, the two engaging in what seems to be a deep conversation. A nearby window sways open, a figure clad in darkness enters, stealthily sneaking up to the Prince. The familiar figure does nothing, continuing on as if they could not see the figure. And the assassin strikes, slicing the Prince’s neck with the blade in their hands. The Prince doesn’t immediately die, he stands from his seat with wide, frightened eyes. Both figures watch as he drops to the floor, shaking uncontrollably, his body changing colors as he chokes on his own blood. *goto greenafter *label greenafter My eyes open, and the owl flies back to its perch, once again ignoring my presence. I struggle to make sense of what I had just seen, the vision that had been gifted to me. Once back in the main chambers, I see that the other glowing rooms now cast one of a much darker glow, warning me not to come near. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (cavecrawlers_visited = false) #Go to where the Cave Crawlers dwell. *goto crawlers #Speak to the others. The signs warned that I can speak to them as long as I didn’t accept what they offered. With that in mind, I tell the owl what I hope for, and though the spirit doesn’t look pleased, nods. *choice #Investigate the red glow. *goto red #Investigate the blue glow. *goto blue #Investigate the red glow. *label red I decide to check out the area that held the red glow. Inside I find a spirit who has taken the shape of a barb, and I watch as it entertains a group of spirit orbs that seem to enjoy whatever the spirit does, regardless if it was astounding or not. “Do you seek my gift?” it asks, though its mouth doesn’t move, and its attention is still focused on performing for its audience. “What is your gift?” “I have the gift of talent. Whatever talent you wish to excel at, I can give it to you.” It does a flip, and the spirit orbs vibrate in place, obviously pleased by the performance. *choice #Accept this. I nod my head and take a step closer to the barb, waiting for it to do whatever it needed. I hear the barb inside my head, [i]what do you wish?[/i] *fake_choice #Increase covertness. *set stealth +15 #Increase persuasion. *set persuade +15 #Increase combat. *set combat +15 #Increase body magic. *set body +15 #Increase chaos magic. *set chaos +15 #Increase healing magic. *set heal +15 #Increase tarot magic. *set tarot +15 #Increase spiritual magic. *set spirit +15 I feel a shock run down my body and when I open my eyes, the barb is a few feet away, once again entertaining those that have come to watch it. I nod my thanks and leave. Once back in the main chambers, I see that the other glowing rooms casted had grown darker, warning me not to come near. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (cavecrawlers_visited = false) #Go to where the Cave Crawlers dwell. *goto crawlers #Speak to the others. The signs warned that I can speak to them as long as I didn’t accept what they offered. With that in mind, I tell the barb what I hope for, and though the spirit doesn’t look pleased, nods. *choice #Investigate the green glow. *goto green #Investigate the blue glow. *goto blue #Investigate the blue glow. *label blue I wander towards the area whose blue glow was cast along the walls. Inside I find a songbird, flitting about its business as if it was decorating the small alcove it called its own. The spirit pauses a moment to greet me before going back to what it was doing. “What spirit are you?” I question, and it pauses, almost appearing out of breath if spirits could experience such a thing. “The spirit of the tongue. My gift will allow you to hear snippets of a conversation of a single person.” “But … what if they aren’t having a conversation at this time?” “Then I will allow you to choose another. Would you like to accept this gift? I am busy, please decide.” I raise a brow and look to the bare walls. Whatever it was busy doing, I could not see. *choice #Accept this. I nod my head and take a step closer to the songbird, waiting for it to show me the truth. “I need but a name,” the songbird sings to me. *label bluechoice *choice #Isaak. *if rain = false I more so think the name than actually tell the spirit it aloud, but it seems to hear me, nevertheless. I continue to see darkness, but Isaak’s voice reaches my ear. “… or something. Just leave me alone, Ansellus.” There’s a pause as I picture Ansellus uttering his retort. “I hope we come across that Kren again, and she shoots you in the other leg.” I hear the sound of Isaak huffing as if the wind was knocked out of him. “Don’t bring ${name} into this. You act like you know ${him}, and you know nothing about ${him}!” Isaak shouts in my defense. *if ((isaakLi >=1) and (averillLi >=1)) “I … you don’t know that. Averill could just be a hopeless romantic. You weren’t even there; you don’t even know if ${name} likes Averill. You’re … you’re just trying to get in my head.” But his words are said as if not even he believes it. *goto blueafter *if isaakLi >=1 “I … you don’t know that. Stop acting like I’m some little kid blinded by a childhood crush. I know ${name} and I know ${he} wouldn’t murder someone, especially without reason. It’s you who’s confused and blind.” “I will save ${him}, and I’m going to laugh when ${he} knocks you on your ass and makes you pay.” *goto blueafter *else “I … you don’t know that.” “Stop! I know I was wrong, okay? Stop using my feelings against me for once. No one knew that ${name} could do something like that. And … and I thought we were friends … I know I was wrong.” “Shut up, Ansellus.” *goto blueafter *else I more so think the name than actually tell the spirit it aloud, but it seems to hear me, nevertheless. I continue to see darkness, hearing nothing. “There is Silence, choose another.” *goto bluechoice #Averill. *if rain = true I more so think the name than actually tell the spirit it aloud, but it seems to hear me, nevertheless. I continue to see darkness, but Averill’s voice reaches my ear. “We should’ve recruited one of the Nelero tribe members to aid us. They know this forest better than anyone it seems.” There’s a pause before Averill chuckles and sighs deeply. “Indeed. I now wonder if this was all premeditated. The way the Nelero tribe spoke of her, I can’t just see someone like her joining up with ${name} simply because of persuasion.” *if averillLi >=3 “I was not persuaded by ${name},” Averill growls, trailing off and saying in what I presume is a low voice, “it was something else.” “I don’t know, I really don’t. I just, when it was ${his} turn to speak to the family, I just couldn’t help but look. I blame the eyes,” ${ahe} laughs before exhaling sadly. “I wish nothing had transpired. Even the King looked upon me in doubt, me!” $!{ahe} clears ${ahis} throat, “it doesn’t matter. We have a job, and that job involves us capturing ${name} and bringing ${him} in alive. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Find me that witch.” *goto blueafter *else “I suppose I can see it, depending on what ${name} said. I wouldn’t say the witch is charming or persuading, but there’s something about ${him}. I don’t know.” “I spoke to ${him} only when need be, which I am perfectly okay with. I wouldn’t want the King to think I had any part of this. ${name} is a murderer, and yet, ${he} refuses. The Prince, I suppose there is a rationale, but your own Master? No, ${he} deserves this, and we will find ${him} and ${he} will meet justice. Now, find me that witch.” *goto blueafter *else I more so think the name than actually tell the spirit it aloud, but it seems to hear me, nevertheless. I continue to see darkness, hearing nothing. “There is Silence, choose another.” *goto bluechoice #The King. *if rain = true I more so think the name than actually tell the spirit it aloud, but it seems to hear me, nevertheless. I continue to see darkness, but the King’s voice reaches my ear. “Why!” he screams, causing a slight headache to ensue soon after. Perhaps it was because he was in my head and not in my ear that caused the irritation, though I presume that if he was here, then my ears would begin to bleed. “How hard is it to find one simple witch! Burn the godforsaken forest down for all I care. Bleed every single individual who saw the Apprentice and didn’t apprehend ${him}.” The King stops only to cough, one that was followed by chronic rasping as he attempted to fill his lungs with air once again. When he begins talking, he is crying. “My poor son,” he wails, “what did my boy ever do to ${him}? I need to know … I need to know why. Why death? I would exchange my life for his a thousand times. Regardless of his potential, he was my boy. My precious little boy.” The King stops talking, now only crying, and though I could only hear him, I could hear the desperation and the longing. The depression that has caused his already weak bones to grow heavier. “Bring me ${his} head!” he screams loud once more, and I shake my head, if I heard him scream like that again I’d probably have to deal with something worse than a headache. *goto blueafter *else I more so think the name than actually tell the spirit it aloud, but it seems to hear me, nevertheless. I continue to see darkness, hearing nothing. “There is Silence, choose another.” *goto bluechoice #The Queen. *if rain = false I more so think the name than actually tell the spirit it aloud, but it seems to hear me, nevertheless. I continue to see darkness, but the Queen’s voice reaches my ear. “He refuses to do much of anything, I only know that he spends his time in his study.” She pauses as I’m sure someone else begins to speak. *if courtknows_king = true “He has lost his prince and his dignity, and much of his health. Imagine yourself in his position, would you wish to lead anything?” *goto queen2 *if courtknows_queen = true “He has lost his prince, his dignity, the trust in his Queen, and much of his health. I suppose I should feel remorseful, causing some of his grief.” *goto queen2 *else “He has lost his prince and much of his health. Imagine yourself in his position, would you wish to lead anything?” *goto queen2 *label queen2 She hardly gives the person she is speaking to time to reply before saying, “it matters little. We will continue with the plan. My King will refuse to do anything until the Dream Seer is brought to justice. And I, I have had enough of this foolishness. The Dream Seer and ${his} supposed crimes arise, there is still a kingdom needing leadership. Nidinia has been through enough, led by a man who shows his weakness in every breath and almost ruled by another who couldn’t even wipe his ass the right way.” There is a long pause. “I trust that you will see to it that my words be made into action?” “Good. I trust only you with this. See that you succeed.” *goto blueafter *else I more so think the name than actually tell the spirit it aloud, but it seems to hear me, nevertheless. I continue to see darkness, hearing nothing. “There is Silence, choose another.” *goto bluechoice *label blueafter I feel a shock run down my body, and when I open my eyes, the songbird is a few feet away, once again flying from one wall to the other. Once back in the main chambers, I see that the other glowing rooms now cast one of a much darker glow, warning me not to come near. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (cavecrawlers_visited = false) #Go to where the Cave Crawlers dwell. *goto crawlers #Speak to the others. The signs warned that I can speak to them as long as I didn’t accept what they offered. With that in mind, I tell the songbird what I hope for, and though the spirit doesn’t look pleased, nods. *choice #Investigate the red glow. *goto red #Investigate the green glow. *goto green #Go to where the Cave Crawlers dwell. *label crawlers *set cavecrawlers_visited true *if not (species = "Cimmerian") *set torch true I head down the tunnels to the right, taking my time as I go and keeping an ear out for the Cave Crawlers. I have no idea how many of them would await me down here, what their strengths and weaknesses were, or what even awaited me further in. It wasn’t like the sign actually held much information regarding the beasts. The further I go, the fewer torches I find. @{(species = "Cimmerian") And due to the encroaching darkness, I feel my eyes adjust immediately, the area even more visible than before| After spotting nothing but darkness ahead, I decide to grab a torch before continuing further}. There was a subtle stench in the air. It was the sort of smell that came about after locking a handful of animals or people up in a room with no air filtering in. The tunnel’s walls grew close, forcing me to shimmy my way through, stopping whenever I heard skittering across the ground. When it finally let me out, I stand in a large room with tunnels branching out in multiple directions. But the branching tunnels aren’t what caught my eye. Instead, I find myself staring at the bones that lay scattered about. A wan colored goo coating the floor near most of them, and upon further investigation, I find that some items like packs and clothing lay scattered around. Warnings plaster the walls, and I notice deep indentions in some of the pillars. *choice #Look at the warnings. *set cc1 1 I go to the warnings and look them over. Most of them repeated the same message: go back. In as few words as possible, the scribbler tried to convey how unwise fighting one of these Crawlers were. Other messages had begun but never finished, some others written in what I can only presume is blood, and then I find pictures. One picture is that of a torch with a big X on it. @{(species = "Cimmerian") Obviously, that meant little to me, I didn’t need light to see.| The message seemed obvious, but I wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted to abandon the torch in my grip. Not just yet anyway …} *goto N4_2 #Examine the indentions. *set cc2 1 I approach the indentations and slowly run my hand down it. It reminded me of predators that marked trees to warn others that this was their territory. Only, this wasn’t a tree, and whatever made this indentation meant business. This was metamorphic rock, the rock that I found most caves were made of, as well as one of the hardest types. For a creature to mark something like this and not lose a claw … I imagine what such a talon could do to me and shiver. *goto N4_2 #Investigate the goo. *set cc3 1 *set goo true I approach the goo and look it over using a nearby bone to poke it. At first, I find that the goo was just that, goo. Perhaps it was excretion from the Cave Crawler or part of something else. But as I continue to stir it with the bone, I watch as parts of the bone begin to burn and then sizzle off. I release the bone immediately upon realizing that the sludge was some kind of acid. It was obviously not fresh and, therefore, not as potent. But the thought did little to make me feel better about my situation. *goto N4_2 #Search through the items. *set cc4 1 *set spell_Enhance true I go through the items that had been discarded. Most of the clothes were singed and held nothing of value in their heaps. The bags held crumbs and papers that didn’t seem very helpful. If I had to guess, most of those who came down here and didn’t leave were researchers. Perhaps visitors that thought they could learn more about the Cave Crawlers, not realizing that they were walking towards their end. I’m about to discard one of the packs when my eyes land on a piece of paper with the words enhance scribbled at the top. I take it out and find it was a body spell that allowed one to improve speed, strength, and durability. I read it over, making sure that I understood the conditions and the exact symbol one was to make to call forth the spell. The conditions were typical ones, it required energy. For one to sustain the spell longer or use more than one enhancement, more energy was needed to be sacrificed. *goto N4_2 *label N4_2 *choice *selectable_if (cc1 = 0) #Look at the warnings. I go to the warnings and look them over. Most of them repeated the same message: go back. In as few words as possible, the scribbler tried to convey how unwise fighting one of these Crawlers were. Other messages had begun but never finished, some others written in what I can only presume is blood, and then I find pictures. One picture is that of a torch with a big X on it. @{(species = "Cimmerian") Obviously, that meant little to me, I didn’t need light to see.|The message seemed obvious, but I wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted to abandon the torch in my grip. Not just yet anyway …} *goto N4_3 *selectable_if (cc2 = 0) #Examine the indentions. I approach the indentations and slowly run my hand down it. It reminded me of predators that marked trees to warn others that this was their territory. Only, this wasn’t a tree, and whatever made this indentation meant business. This was metamorphic rock, the rock that I found most caves were made of, as well as one of the hardest types. For a creature to mark something like this and not lose a claw … I imagine what such a talon could do to me and shiver. *goto N4_3 *selectable_if (cc3 = 0) #Investigate the goo. *set goo true I approach the goo and look it over using a nearby bone to poke it. At first, I find that the goo was just that, goo. Perhaps it was excretion from the Cave Crawler or part of something else. But as I continue to stir it with the bone, I watch as parts of the bone begin to burn and then sizzle off. I release the bone immediately upon realizing that the sludge was some kind of acid. It was obviously not fresh and, therefore, not as potent. But the thought did little to make me feel better about my situation. *goto N4_3 *selectable_if (cc4 = 0) #Search through the items. *set spell_Enhance true I go through the items that had been discarded. Most of the clothes were singed and held nothing of value in their heaps. The bags held crumbs and papers that didn’t seem very helpful. If I had to guess, most of those who came down here and didn’t leave were researchers. Perhaps visitors that thought they could learn more about the Cave Crawlers, not realizing that they were walking towards their end. I’m about to discard one of the packs when my eyes land on a piece of paper with the words enhance scribbled at the top. I take it out and find it was a body spell that allowed one to improve speed, strength, and durability. I read it over, making sure that I understood the conditions and the exact symbol one was to make to call forth the spell. The conditions were typical ones, it required energy. For one to sustain the spell longer or use more than one enhancement, more energy was needed to be sacrificed. *goto N4_3 *label N4_3 *page_break *if torch = true I freeze when I hear the sound of claws hitting the rock. It sounded like someone was tap dancing along the stone, lacking beat and purpose, and doing such for the sake of creating noise. I couldn’t tell where the noise was coming from, but it was fast, and it was getting louder. *if torch = false I freeze when I hear the sound of claws hitting the rock. I couldn’t tell where the noise was coming, but it was getting louder. *choice #Leave the ruins. After everything I had found out, the last thing I wanted to do was come face to face with one of those Crawlers. I head back to the narrow passage and shimmy right back to the entrance of the ruins. I don’t stop until I was out, shivering as I go about my business. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (spiritchamber_visited = false) #Leave but go to the spirit chamber. After everything I had found out, the last thing I wanted to do was come face to face with one of those Crawlers. I head back to the narrow passage and shimmy right back to the entrance of the ruins. Instead of leaving, I head to the left, curious about the spirit chamber and hoping it was less terrifying than the previous. *goto spiritchamber #Prepare myself. I take a few deep breaths in as I prepare myself for whatever was coming towards me. This thing could very much kill me. If it were going to attack me, it would be in its element while I knew hardly anything about the beast. *goto N4_4 *label N4_4 *fake_choice #Get rid of the torch. *set torch false I extinguish the flame of the torch, abandoning it as the room went black. It would take a while for my eyes to adjust even the slightest, and so I focus more on my hearing sense. The tapping hadn’t stopped completely, but the movement was now much more deliberate. Each step full of caution and what I can only guess to be curiosity. One minute, there was a bright light and probably an indication that food had come. The next, nothing. A return to normality. #Hide along the walls. I press myself up against the walls, biting the inside of my cheeks. *if torch = true The tapping came closer and closer, almost sounding like it was hurrying, unable to contain itself. My heartbeat pounds against my chest as I wait, my eyes darting from one dark tunnel to the next, still not sure which direction it would come from. *if torch = false The tapping continues, but it now sounds slowed down. Each step full of caution and what I can only guess to be curiosity. *if (species = "Cimmerian") #Turn into a shadow. *set shadow true I turn into a shadow place myself near the pillar, one of the only locations that allowed one a clear sight of everything going on around them, and the entrance to all the tunnels. The tapping continues, but it now sounds slowed down. Almost as if each step was taken in doubt. #Do nothing yet. I stay where I am, my eyes glancing from one tunnel entrance to the next. *if torch = true The tapping came closer and closer, almost sounding like it was hurrying, unable to contain itself. My heartbeat pounds against my chest as I wait, my eyes darting from one dark tunnel to the next, still not sure which direction it would come from. *if torch = false The tapping continues, but it now sounds slowed down. Each step full of caution and what I can only guess to be curiosity. *if ((species = "Cimmerian") or (torch = true)) The creature that walks out of the tunnel causes me to pause. Of course, I had already seen one of them in person, the head at least. But that was simply the head; the body made it even more monstrous. It was a lanky creature, thin and appearing as if it hadn’t eaten in months. It walked out on four spider-like legs, but that didn’t account for the other appendages that just weren’t being used. Two of its legs sat on what I would suspect would be the creature’s shoulders, and then in front, there were two short legs near its stomach with three curved claws, and then two more that I suppose were its hands. *if torch = false My eyes barely make out a figure that stands in the middle of one of the entrances. I can’t make out much due to the lack of light, but I spot multiple appendages. I can tell that the creature is tall, and though I don’t know for sure, I feel as if it was looking straight towards me. *if shadow = true The creature looks around, it’s expression neutral. I believe I’m safe when it flicks its long tongue out, snapping at the air multiple times before letting out a low hiss. It looks in my direction, cautiously walking over until it was standing right beside my shadow form. It flicks its tongue out again, unable to tell where I am though it’s sure of my presence. It looks almost agitated. I watch as it heads towards one of the walls and begins to crawl up it, the legs on the beasts back stick to the wall or dig into the rock for purchase. Somehow, it managed to look even more terrifying as it walked along the wall and stood above me. I dare not move a muscle, watching as it tasted the air once again and then hissed, this time spitting out a wad of goo. It flew to the ground next to me, close enough that I could smell the rancidness of it. It was about to do it again. The time of hiding was over, I didn’t wish to learn what would happen if the goo hit me. I dart across the ground in shadow form, hearing the creature roar before hearing its claws strike the rock, telling me that it was moving. *goto N4_6 *else *if torch = true The creature spots me immediately and roars, charging. I waste no time, darting out of the way, and turning to face the beast right as it slams one of its legs into me. I go flying across the ruins, my back banging against the rock wall. I growl, barely managing to avoid another attack. I move, dashing to the side and this time not bothering to turn to see where it was, I need to focus and figure out how to defeat this thing. *if torch = false I believe that I was safe due to the lack of a flame, but it only earns me a few seconds. Somehow the creature manages to find me. It lets out a long roar before charging, giving me hardly any time to dart out of the way. I turn to find the creature but continue to only see darkness until a figure appears. My brain isn’t fast enough to react as something slams into me and sends me flying across the ruins. My back slams against the rock wall, and I growl as I barely manage to avoid another attack. I move, dashing to the side, and this time not bothering to turn to see where it was, I need to focus and figure out how to defeat this thing. *goto N4_6 *label N4_6 *page_break From what I had either seen or could guess, it had poor eyesight and relied more so on its tongue, similar to that of a snake. But at the same time, it was attracted to light, so either it was either sensitive or had enough eyesight and brains to know light meant food. It was quick and a remarkable climber. @{goo On top of that, it created some kind of acidic goo that could probably burn through my clothing and mark my skin for life.|} *choice *selectable_if (((inventory_shortsword = true) or (inventory_classicshortsword = true)) or ((inventory_classicdagger = true))) #Attack it with my blade. I grab my blade and prepare myself, watching as it makes a beeline straight towards me. It’s two arms outstretched to catch me. I needed to attack something. With what I knew about this creature, it was crucial that I strike the right place. *choice #Attack its mouth. *set energy -20 I prepare myself, watching as it sprints towards me, hissing uncontrollably. In turn, I let out a yell and lunge forward, aiming for the creature’s mouth but being knocked aside before I can even get into range. I slide across the ground again, my eyes widening as it appears over me, rearing back and then shooting forward in an attempt to skewer me with its arm pincers. I roll out of the way before attempting to stretch up far enough to stab it in the mouth a second time, stabbing only the air as it moves to the side for a different angle. My eyes widen as I feel something clamp over my forearm, its teeth digging in deeper and deeper. My blood drips down and hits me on the cheek like a raindrop. I scream as I drop the blade purposely, grabbing it with my free hand and attacking blindly. I just needed it to let go. My blade hits something, and my wounded arm is released, the creature hissing in pain. With my sword arm now injured, it would be foolish to continue fighting this thing. I let out a painful grumble before running over to the tunnel, hearing the sound of the creature right behind me. I throw myself into the cramped passageway right as I feel the Crawler’s appendage hit me. I keep going, ignoring the pain that shoots up my side at where the Crawler made an impact. I bring my wounded arm close as I leave. Once back in the main part of the ruin, I take a look at my arm. The puncture wounds weren’t as deep as I had previously thought, but the amount of blood loss was causing me to grow nauseous. I feel dizzy, and though I wasn’t cold, my body shivers violently. *choice *selectable_if (heal >=10) #Heal myself. *set energy -15 Perhaps not my smartest idea, but certainly not my dumbest. The blood loss and the fact that my adrenaline was slowly climbing down from its high meant that I was about to have a lot less energy. If I attempted to heal myself, then that’ll just mean even less energy. But I’d rather have hardly any energy than walk around and try to find a healer. I draw the symbols needed and focus on the healing aspect like my master had taught me. I perform a deep breath and watch as the pearl-colored magic with traces of green leaves my hand, shooting towards my arm and wrapping itself around it. I could feel the tension lessen and after a few more seconds, find the wounds closed. My body was still stiff, but the injury was closed. I stand and decide to leave the ruins behind. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 #Find a healer. *set injury_arm true I straighten up and head out of the ruins, gazing around for someone to help me. It was just my luck that a few Uqanans who looked to be guards were passing me by. “Excuse me,” I mutter, stumbling towards them. They ask no questions. One supports me while another grabs a spare bandage and wraps it around my injury. My mind goes in and out, focusing on the trees and then to the bleak sky. I blink and find the sky is replaced by a wooden roof. And then my eyes close. *goto N6 #Attack its legs. I prepare myself, watching as it sprints towards me, hissing uncontrollably. In turn, I let out a yell and lunge forward, going in low so that I was closer to its legs. I swipe at its legs and miss, but it also misses me, running over me and towards the wall I had just been near. I turn and watch as it climbs up the walls, its head pointed towards me. I surmise that it would hiss, but instead, another glob of goo shoots towards me. Much to my amazement, I’m able to avoid it, dodging out of the way before stopping short and leaping towards the Crawler, swinging my sword in hopes that it would hit something, anything. I hit the ground with a large thud, hearing the creature above me whimpering, and then a plop follows behind it. Turning, I see two of the beast’s limbs lying motionless on the ground and the Crawler itself attempting to escape. It hisses at me in anger before whimpering, turning its back and trying to flee back towards the tunnels that it had originated from. *page_break *achieve crawlerkill “No, you don’t,” I growl, lunging forward and slashing. It loses another leg, and then another, each slash spraying more blood and causing it to howl in further pain. Its protests turn to cries of desperation, and then hissing that sounds much like cursing. The creature’s eyes flutter shut as its blood decorates the tunnel’s ground. *if fominArmor = true *set inventory_fominarmor true Tired and ready to take a bath, I grab one of the legs still attached to the monster and drag it after me. I didn’t know what parts of the Crawler the blacksmith needed so I might as well bring the entire corpse to the man. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *else I stare at the now deceased body for a while longer before grudgingly rising to my feet. Now all I wanted was to go take a bath, a long one at that. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (spiritchamber_visited = false) #Go to the spirit chamber. *goto spiritchamber *selectable_if (inventory_bow = true) #Prepare my bow. I grab my bow and nock an arrow, watching as the monster makes a beeline straight towards me. I would need far more distance to be able to launch a successful arrow, and so I get up and rush off. With what I knew about this creature, it was crucial that I hit the right place. I dart away, playing cat and mouse games as I use the pillar to separate myself. The more I run, the more I realize that its speed wouldn’t allow me to put much distance between us, and so I figure out that it was now or never. I whip around and aim at the creature, releasing the arrow. *if archery = true The arrow, though not perfectly aimed, goes flying and hits the side of the creature’s mouth. It hisses in anger, releasing its hold on the ceiling as it flings itself towards me. I dart out of the way, once again running towards the pillar. I run around it, preparing the next arrow and thinking through the plan that had just rushed through my head. It would have to be perfectly timed, and my accuracy would have to be at its best, but it was doable. The moment to act is upon me, and before I can second think myself or let the approaching monster shake me, I aim and release the arrow. The figure hits me a second later, sending me across the room and landing with a loud thud on the other side. I groan as I try to pull myself together. My senses come back to me one at a time, the first being my hearing. The sounds of something suffering reaches my ears as if choking on its own hisses and blood. Seeing that the Crawler was nowhere near me, I stay where I am for a minute longer before pushing myself to my feet. *page_break *achieve crawlerkill Following its sounds of despair, I find the Crawler where I had last been. It lies in a puddle of its own blood, the arrow that I had shot now stuck in the Crawler’s gaping mouth, though it didn’t penetrate the entirety of the throat. Either way, it would be dead in a matter of seconds. *if fominArmor = true *set inventory_fominarmor true Tired and ready to take a bath, I grab one of the legs and drag it after me. I didn’t know what parts of the Crawler the blacksmith needed, so I might as well bring the entire corpse to the man. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *else I stare at the now deceased body for a while longer before grudgingly rising to my feet. Now all I wanted was to go take a bath, a long one at that. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (spiritchamber_visited = false) #Go to the spirit chamber. *goto spiritchamber *else The arrow goes flying and misses the creature completely. Still, it hisses in anger at the audacity that I held. Before I can load up another, it releases its hold on the ceiling and flings itself towards me. I dart out of the way, once again running towards the pillar. But I’m unable to make it as something strikes the back of my leg. I slide across the ground, my eyes widening as it appears over me, rearing back and then shooting forward in an attempt to skewer me with its arm pincers. I roll out of the way before attempting to stretch up far enough to stab it with the tip of my bow. I end up stabbing only the air as it moves to the side for a different angle. My eyes widen as I feel something clamp over my forearm, its teeth digging in deeper and deeper. My blood drips down and hits me on the cheek like a raindrop. I scream as I reach for an arrow in the quiver with my free hand and attack it blindly, stabbing the air repeatedly. My arrow hits something, and my wounded arm is released, the creature hissing in pain. With my arm now injured, it would be foolish to continue fighting this thing. I let out a painful grumble before running over to the tunnel, hearing the sound of the creature right behind me. I throw myself into the cramped passageway right as I feel the Crawler’s appendage hit me. I keep going, ignoring the pain that shoots up my side at where the Crawler made an impact. I bring my wounded arm close as I leave. Once back in the central part of the ruin, I take a look at my arm. The puncture wounds weren’t as deep as I had previously thought, but the amount of blood loss was causing me to grow nauseous. I feel dizzy, and though I wasn’t cold, my body shivers violently. *choice *selectable_if (heal >=10) #Heal myself. *set energy -15 Perhaps not my smartest idea, but certainly not my dumbest. The blood loss and the fact that my adrenaline was slowly climbing down from its high meant that I was about to have a lot less energy. If I attempted to heal myself, then that’ll just mean even less energy. But I’d rather have hardly any energy than walk around and try to find a healer. I draw the symbols needed and focus on the healing aspect like my master had taught me. I perform a deep breath and watch as the pearl-colored magic with traces of green leaves my hand, shooting towards my arm and wrapping itself around it. I could feel the tension lessen and after a few more seconds, find the wounds closed. My body was still stiff, but the injury was closed. I stand and decide to leave the ruins behind. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 #Find a healer. *set injury_arm true I straighten up and head out of the ruins, gazing around for someone to help me. It was just my luck that a few Uqanans who looked to be guards were passing me by. “Excuse me,” I mutter, stumbling towards them. They ask no questions. One supports me while another grabs a spare bandage and wraps it around my injury. My mind goes in and out, focusing on the trees and then to the bleak sky. I blink and find the sky is replaced by a wooden roof. And then my eyes close. *goto N6 #Use my magic. I gather the magic within me, feeling it awaken as it surges through my veins, much like blood. With what I knew about this creature, it was crucial that whatever I did hit the right place. @{chakrasknown I also needed to remember what the Kren Master had said about my chakras when performing magic.|} *choice *selectable_if (chaos >=10) #Use chaos magic. I perform the appropriate activation symbols, having to focus on performing said magic as well as making sure there’s enough distance between me and the raging Crawler whose patience is at an all-time low. Once that was done, I now had to figure out what curse or charm I wanted to plant, on whom, and all the requirements that needed to be met. As soon as I begin thinking about it, the Crawler draws its head back and spits a wad of goo at me, one that I am barely able to dodge. I dart around, hiding behind the pillar but finding it to be a brief respite in this fight as it scrambles across the ceiling and to my location. Using chaos magic in a situation that required me to continually react wasn’t helpful. Using chaos magic in an offensive manner such as this, was better used when one was still undetected. It allowed one to place the curse much like a trap, and then carry out the actions to activate it. I hadn’t even thought about how hard it would be to get close enough to this beast to actually enable the curse in the first place. I growl to myself as I jump backward, tripping over a fallen body and landing on my butt. The Crawler wastes no time, it shoots forward in an attempt to skewer me with its arm pincers. I roll out of the way going through backup plans that didn’t exist. *goto magic2 *selectable_if (body >=10) #Use body magic. I perform the appropriate activation symbols, having to focus on performing said magic as well as making sure there’s enough distance between me and the raging Crawler whose patience is at an all-time low. Once that was done, I begin to think of the next step, cursing myself once I realize what I was missing. The body speciality required blood to work, other things could be used, but blood was the most potent and therefore ideal, especially for combat reasons. And yet, here I stood with no such thing. I could use my own, but it was dangerous. I would need enough time to make a wise cut, in addition to having to hope that the Crawler didn’t react to it and make it even more aggressive. I growl to myself as I jump backward, tripping over a fallen body and landing on my butt. The Crawler wastes no time, it shoots forward in an attempt to skewer me with its arm pincers. I roll out of the way going through backup plans that didn’t exist. *goto magic2 #Attack with regular magic. *goto magic2.1 *label magic2 *choice #Use quick magic. *label magic2.1 *set energy -20 *if chakrasKnown = true I begin to summon my magic, remembering as I do it, what I had been told concerning how it would now react. *choice *selectable_if (spell_Enhance = true) #Use the enhance spell. My mind chooses now to remind me of the spell that I had just learned prior to the start of the fight. The spell would allow me to enhance a list of things, though it would require more energy to intensify more than one. I activate the appropriate symbols and then the enhance spell itself. Once everything was ready, I … *choice #Focus on myself and the situation. How this entire situation was my fault. *if chakra = "sacral" I focus on how all of this was my fault. How if I had never come down here, then I would never be in this position. How if I had never gone to Ipharia, everyone would still be happy and breathing. All of it was on me, I did all of this. I can feel my magic flare and feel it working its way through my legs and eyes. My eyesight increases, every little thing catching my attention. My legs feel like they were ready to run across the country as fast as possible, and I feel like they could accomplish such a thing if given a chance. At the last minute, I dive out of the way just as the Crawler comes into view, roaring in anger at failing to pin me down. I was channeling energy to two different places, and despite the success of the magic, I felt a deep feeling in my gut. It was as if someone was whispering all the thoughts I had just forced upon myself repeatedly into my ear. Telling me I wouldn’t survive this, that it would be my fault that I died. My rage peaks, and though I charge towards the Crawler. My actions are too quick for the Crawler to stop, and my form pushes the creature to the floor. I was no longer in control, it felt like it was someone else entirely. But I knew, deep down I knew, it was all me. I remove the enhancement on my sight and legs and channel it all into my arms and hands, my strength surpassing its usual limits. In rage and guilt, I begin to take my frustrations out on the Crawler. Limbs go flying, black blood splatters across the floor. Poignant desperate whimpers echo through the tunnels and off the craggy surroundings. Whether it understood that this was its last moment or calling for assistance, I knew and cared not. *page_break *achieve crawlerkill My energy depletes, and I hit the floor with a soft thump, my breathing accelerated, and my body shaking as the emotions all rush from me. It takes me a minute to focus and remember where I am, to feel even an inch more like myself again. But once I do, I look over at the now deceased Crawler. *if fominArmor = true *set inventory_fominarmor true Tired and ready to take a bath, I grab one of the legs and drag it after me. I didn’t know what parts of the Crawler the blacksmith needed, so I might as well bring the entire corpse to the man. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *else I stare at the now deceased body for a while longer before grudgingly rising to my feet. Now all I wanted was to go take a bath, a long one at that. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (spiritchamber_visited = false) #Go to the spirit chamber. *goto spiritchamber *else *goto magic3 #Stop the spell altogether. *if chakra = "throat" The spell is there, and I choose to let it go. I release it, the magical energy that has been building up dies down. The Crawler surges towards me, and I stand there as if I wasn’t in danger. And that is when my magic activates. It felt natural, the magic rushing through me, surging to my legs and eyes. It felt like any other time I had performed magic, and yet, it felt so different. I had to believe that this wasn’t what I really wanted, which, strangely enough, wasn’t as hard as I first thought. It had worked, but the belief and motion behind it were more than just merely dangerous, it was a whole other level of foolhardy. To know that my life was in danger and not genuinely care, it was a feeling that felt so normal but so alien. My eyesight increases, every little thing catching my attention. My legs feel like they were ready to run across the country as fast as possible, and I feel like they could accomplish such a thing if given a chance. At the last minute, I dive out of the way just as the Crawler comes into view, roaring in anger at failing to pin me down. I keep distance between the Crawler and me, but it feels as if I had given my body to some foreign power, to allow it to move me around like a piece in the game of chess. Seeking to find an inch of myself that cared was hard, I was hunting for my own will to live while I tried to survive the Crawler. It felt like everything was the opposite. My movements, the way I attacked, and held my own, it all said that I cared about my life and the future. But my emotions said differently, I was indifferent, and it felt so right. *page_break *achieve crawlerkill I care so little that the next minute I focus on my surroundings, it’s because my magic is paling, and the once serious threat is now lying next to me in a puddle of its own blood. The fight was a haze, and I was pulled from a dream that I had no desire to recall. I sit there for a couple more minutes, getting my bearings before finally rising and looking over at the now deceased Crawler. *if fominArmor = true *set inventory_fominarmor true Tired and ready to take a bath, I grab one of the legs and drag it after me. I didn’t know what parts of the Crawler the blacksmith needed, so I might as well bring the entire corpse to the man. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *else I stare at the now deceased body for a while longer before grudgingly rising to my feet. Now all I wanted was to go take a bath, a long one at that. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (spiritchamber_visited = false) #Go to the spirit chamber. *goto spiritchamber *else *goto magic3 #Put my all into this, hoping this would work. *if chakra = "heart" I throw everything I can into the spell and hope that it would work. I pour as much optimism as I can into it, hoping that my heart was in the right place, and not wanting to think of the consequences if it weren’t. I can feel my magic flare and feel it working its way through my legs and eyes. My eyesight increases, every little thing catching my attention. My legs feel like they were ready to run across the country as fast as possible, and I feel like they could accomplish such a thing if given a chance. At the last minute, I dive out of the way just as the Crawler comes into view, roaring in anger at failing to pin me down. I was channeling energy to two different places, and despite the success of the magic, I felt a twisting feeling in my gut. It was a foreign feeling, reminding me of only when someone like Ansellus had pushed me to the edge. The creature has said nothing to me, but yet the anger I felt towards it was astonishing. My rage peaks, and though I charge towards the Crawler. My actions are too quick for the Crawler to stop, and my form pushes the creature to the floor. I was no longer in control, it felt like it was someone else entirely. I remove the enhancement on my sight and legs and channel it all into my arms and hands, my strength surpassing its usual limits. In rage and guilt, I begin to take my frustrations out on the Crawler. Limbs go flying, black blood splatters across the floor. Poignant desperate whimpers echo through the tunnels and off the craggy surroundings. Whether it understood that this was its last moment or calling for assistance, I knew and cared not. *page_break *achieve crawlerkill My energy depletes, and I hit the floor with a soft thump, my breathing accelerated, and my body shaking as the emotions all rush from me. It takes me a minute to focus and remember where I am, to feel even an inch more like myself again. But once I do, I look over at the now deceased Crawler. *if fominArmor = true *set inventory_fominarmor true Tired and ready to take a bath, I grab one of the legs and drag it after me. I didn’t know what parts of the Crawler the blacksmith needed, so I might as well bring the entire corpse to the man. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *else I stare at the now deceased body for a while longer before grudgingly rising to my feet. Now all I wanted was to go take a bath, a long one at that. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (spiritchamber_visited = false) #Go to the spirit chamber. *goto spiritchamber *else *goto magic3 #I whisper a silent prayer to the gods. *if chakra = "crown" I whisper a silent prayer to the heavens, hoping that they hear it and bless me with whatever power or strength they see fit. If anything, I needed them to make sure my magic did as I needed it too. I can feel my magic flare and feel it working its way through my legs and eyes. My eyesight increases, every little thing catching my attention. My legs feel like they were ready to run across the country as fast as possible, and I feel like they could accomplish such a thing if given a chance. At the last minute, I dive out of the way just as the Crawler comes into view, roaring in anger at failing to pin me down. I felt like myself again. The apprentice who knew how to use magic, who didn’t need to whisper out prayers to get it to behave and have to worry about every small detail. I was once again the apprentice who was blessed with magic and who magic came easy too. I was me. And then I wasn’t. *page_break *achieve crawlerkill One minute I was surging toward the Crawler, feeling on top of the world. Feeling as if nothing could bring me down, and the next, I was sitting on the floor of the underground room, the once serious threat now lying next to me in a puddle of its own blood. I no longer felt all-powerful, quite the opposite. Someone had zapped the energy from my bones, pulled it from my blood, and left me with no care. Left me empty and needing to once again feel that high that I had once been able to bring about so easily. I sit there for a couple more minutes, getting my bearings before finally rising and looking over at the now deceased Crawler. *if fominArmor = true *set inventory_fominarmor true Tired and ready to take a bath, I grab one of the legs and drag it after me. I didn’t know what parts of the Crawler the blacksmith needed, so I might as well bring the entire corpse to the man. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *else I stare at the now deceased body for a while longer before grudgingly rising to my feet. Now all I wanted was to go take a bath, a long one at that. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (spiritchamber_visited = false) #Go to the spirit chamber. *goto spiritchamber *else *goto magic3 #Exterminate this beast! *if chakra = "navel" I throw my emotions into the spell, focusing on everything that I felt at that moment. Fear, anger, and doubt mostly. The other emotions were ones that I could hardly name, for I hardly felt them as strongly. It was as if I was adding them all into a cauldron, stirring them before dunking my head inside and gulping it all down. I can feel my magic flare and feel it working its way through my legs and eyes. My eyesight increases, every little thing catching my attention. My legs feel like they were ready to run across the country as fast as possible, and I feel like they could accomplish such a thing if given a chance. At the last minute, I dive out of the way just as the Crawler comes into view, roaring in anger at failing to pin me down. My emotions take control, my rage peaks, and I charge towards the Crawler. My actions are too quick for the Crawler to stop, and my form pushes the creature to the floor. I was no longer in control, my emotions were, and they were focused on destroying the target. I remove the enhancement on my sight and legs and channel it all into my arms and hands, my strength surpassing its usual limits. In rage and guilt, I begin to take my frustrations out on the Crawler. Limbs go flying, black blood splatters across the floor. Poignant desperate whimpers echo through the tunnels and off the craggy surroundings. Whether it understood that this was its last moment or calling for assistance, I knew and cared not. *page_break *achieve crawlerkill My energy depletes, and I hit the floor with a soft thump, my breathing accelerated, and my body shaking as the emotions all rush from me, leaving me hollow. It takes me a minute to focus and remember where I am, to feel even an inch more like myself again. But once I do, I look over at the now deceased Crawler. *if fominArmor = true *set inventory_fominarmor true Tired and ready to take a bath, I grab one of the legs and drag it after me. I didn’t know what parts of the Crawler the blacksmith needed, so I might as well bring the entire corpse to the man. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *else I stare at the now deceased body for a while longer before grudgingly rising to my feet. Now all I wanted was to go take a bath, a long one at that. *choice #Leave the ruins. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 *selectable_if (spiritchamber_visited = false) #Go to the spirit chamber. *goto spiritchamber *else *goto magic3 #Use what I know. *label magic3 *set stability -10 I summon the magic, but it does not do as I ask. Instead, it begins to fizzle, little by little until nothing is there. In a way, it ends up feeling like I had never summoned it in the first place. But there was something there, a twisting feeling that caused me to want to fall to my knees and shout out in pain. But that wasn’t an option. Instead, I choose to run. I run for the exit tunnel. That is when I feel something strike my leg, and again, I trip. My body slides across the ground, coming to a stop beside one of the bags left behind by one of the casualties. My eyes widen as I feel something clamp over my forearm, and the realization hits later. Its teeth were digging into my arm, traveling deeper and deeper. My blood drips down and hits me on the cheek like a raindrop. I scream as I use my other arm and my legs, swinging them wildly in hopes of hitting something. I finally manage to connect with something, and my wounded arm is released, the creature hissing in pain. I let out a painful grumble and continue running to the tunnel, throwing myself into the cramped passageway before the Creeper could grab me again. I keep going, ignoring the pain that shoots up my side at where the Crawler made an impact. I bring my wounded arm close as I leave. Once back in the central part of the ruin, I take a look at my arm. The puncture wounds weren’t as deep as I had previously thought, but the amount of blood loss was causing me to grow nauseous. I feel dizzy, and though I wasn’t cold, my body shivers violently. *choice *selectable_if (heal >=10) #Heal myself. *set energy -15 Perhaps not my smartest idea, but certainly not my dumbest. The blood loss and the fact that my adrenaline was slowly climbing down from its high meant that I was about to have a lot less energy. If I attempted to heal myself, then that’ll just mean even less energy. But I’d rather have hardly any energy than walk around and try to find a healer. I draw the symbols needed and focus on the healing aspect like my master had taught me. I perform a deep breath and watch as the pearl-colored magic with traces of green leaves my hand, shooting towards my arm and wrapping itself around it. I could feel the tension lessen and after a few more seconds, find the wounds closed. My body was still stiff, but the injury was closed. I stand and decide to leave the ruins behind. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 #Find a healer. *set injury_arm true I straighten up and head out of the ruins, gazing around for someone to help me. It was just my luck that a few Uqanans who looked to be guards were passing me by. “Excuse me,” I mutter, stumbling towards them. They ask no questions. One supports me while another grabs a spare bandage and wraps it around my injury. My mind goes in and out, focusing on the trees and then to the bleak sky. I blink and find the sky is replaced by a wooden roof. And then my eyes close. *goto N6 #Run for it. I manage to dodge another lunge and get to my feet, running for the exit tunnel. That is when I feel something strike my leg, and again, I trip. My body slides across the ground, coming to a stop beside one of the bags left behind by one of the casualties. My eyes widen as I feel something clamp over my forearm, and the realization hits later. Its teeth were digging into my arm, traveling deeper and deeper. My blood drips down and hits me on the cheek like a raindrop. I scream as I use my other arm and my legs, swinging them wildly in hopes of hitting something. I finally manage to connect with something, and my wounded arm is released, the creature hissing in pain. I let out a painful grumble and continue running to the tunnel, throwing myself into the cramped passageway before the Creeper could grab me again. I keep going, ignoring the pain that shoots up my side at where the Crawler made an impact. I bring my wounded arm close as I leave. Once back in the central part of the ruin, I take a look at my arm. The puncture wounds weren’t as deep as I had previously thought, but the amount of blood loss was causing me to grow nauseous. I feel dizzy, and though I wasn’t cold, my body shivers violently. *choice *selectable_if (heal >=10) #Heal myself. *set energy -15 Perhaps not my smartest idea, but certainly not my dumbest. The blood loss and the fact that my adrenaline was slowly climbing down from its high meant that I was about to have a lot less energy. If I attempted to heal myself, then that’ll just mean even less energy. But I’d rather have hardly any energy than walk around and try to find a healer. I draw the symbols needed and focus on the healing aspect like my master had taught me. I perform a deep breath and watch as the pearl-colored magic with traces of green leaves my hand, shooting towards my arm and wrapping itself around it. I could feel the tension lessen and after a few more seconds, find the wounds closed. My body was still stiff, but the injury was closed. I stand and decide to leave the ruins behind. *if day = 2 *goto N5 *else *goto LongCh1 #Find a healer. *set injury_arm true I straighten up and head out of the ruins, gazing around for someone to help me. It was just my luck that a few Uqanans who looked to be guards were passing me by. “Excuse me,” I mutter, stumbling towards them. They ask no questions. One supports me while another grabs a spare bandage and wraps it around my injury. My mind goes in and out, focusing on the trees and then to the bleak sky. I blink and find the sky is replaced by a wooden roof. And then my eyes close. *goto N6 *label N6 *page_break *image divider.png center *if injury_arm = true My eyes open and I look to see that I’m lying in a familiar hut. “Look who decided to wake up,” I hear Thorne say and look to see both him and Tsintah standing near the doorway, both of their attention now set on me. The last few minutes or hours come back to me. I remember fighting the Cave Crawler and then it biting me. I escaped and was able to make my way back outside to find help. After being taken to the healer’s hut, though, I couldn’t remember much else. “How long was I out?” “Not long. The healers told us what happened. Or at least what they think happened. Mind clearing up some things?” I attempt to stretch, feeling my muscles grow tight and pain shoot and then radiate through not only my forearm but my ribcage as well. I don’t recall being injured there, but then; I hardly remember much at all about that fight. “There’s not much else to it. I went in there and tried to fight a Cave Crawler, and it beat me.” Thorne snorts, sending me that classic smirk of his, “beat you? No, my friend, it kicked your ass.” Tsintah nods sadly, and I roll my eyes. *fake_choice #“How about you two go in there and fight it?” “How about you two go in there and fight it, huh? See if you can do any better.” “I’ve fought one before,” Tsintah tells me, “I left soon after firing the first arrow. It wasn’t really happy to see me ...” “And I’m not a fan of going into dark places and fighting monsters for no pay,” Thorne then says with a light-hearted shrug. #“You two are horrible at this.” “Neither of you should quit your day jobs,” I tell them with a light smile, “you’re both horrible at this.” Tsintah’s face scrunches as she observes me, “horrible at what?” “Checking in on folks, making them feel better.” Tsintah raises her brow, and Thorne lets out a hearty chuckle that held hardly any joy. “That’s because we didn’t come in here to check in on you or make you feel better,” Thorne corrects me, “Tsintah can speak for herself, but I was just curious about what happened. My curiosity is sated now.” I throw a quick glance at Tsintah, “yea. I was curious too.” For some reason, I felt indifferent to their words. Regardless of how I felt about them and what I saw when I looked at them, I was nothing but a job to both of them. They were here because they had either been promised something or because they were told too. They were hardly caring friends who wanted to make sure I was fine. #“True.” I open my mouth to argue his words but then stop. I couldn’t see myself, but I felt broken, and so my appearance probably said the same. I groan and lie back down, “true.” *page_break Thorne is the first to stand and head towards the door, “well, when you’re feeling up to it, you might want to come and get something to eat. We’ll talk about what comes after this once you heal up.” “Why not now?” I question. “You need to rest. And I don’t feel comfortable with leaving here until you’re healed again,” Tsintah tells me. Her words made sense, and now that I was awake, I realized just how tired I still was. I wave them off and lay back down. *if inventory_fominweapon = true “Wait,” I abruptly say, groaning excessively after forgetting about my injury. I weakly point to the bag that I had brought into the ruins, “I have some spirit residue in there, mind giving it to the blacksmith and telling him it’s from me?” Tsintah opens my bag and retrieves the jars, nodding before leaving. Once they were gone, I lay back down, closing my eyes and sleeping. *if falls = 0 *page_break I’m awoken by a soft hand on my shoulder, shaking me awake. It takes a minute to figure out what had transpired, that I was still sore from my run-in with the Crawler, and my wounds were slowly healing, taking their sweet and precious time. “How are you feeling?” Tsintah questions, her brow raised as she takes a step away from me. A lantern sits on the table off to the side, illuminated by its light is Thorne, who appears comfortable up against the wall he’s leaning on, their attention solely on me. *fake_choice #“I’m loving the attention.” *set thorneLi +1 *set tsintahLi +1 I chuckle as I push myself up further, ignoring the pain in my arm, “if I knew getting injured would warrant all this attention, I’d have gotten injured some time ago.” “Well, that’s stupid,” Tsintah snorts. “It’s an attempt at flirting, Tsintah, calm down,” Thorne tells her, his voice deeper than usual as I suppose sleep was attempting to grab ahold of him. “It’s a horrible attempt then,” she mumbles. #“I’m feeling fine.” “I’m not exactly happy about becoming that Crawler’s plaything, but I’m feeling better. Guess the balm is finally setting in and all.” #“Are we leaving?” “You guys look like you’re ready to leave, is that what’s about to happen?” “No,” Tsintah says, looking down at her clothes and then looking over at Thorne, “we look ready to go?” I shrug. “So what’s up?” “Have you visited the Cleansing Falls at all today?” “Not yet, I can’t do it tomorrow.” “The longer you wait, the more likely the hunters will find us. Plus, if what I’m told and experienced about the falls,” Thorne says, pushing off the wall, “then it should help with that injury.” I nod my head, and after preparing myself, head for the falls. *page_break I follow Tsintah’s instructions, hearing the falls before seeing them. I approach and allow myself to take in the grand scenery before me. This would be the home of a goddess if not for the stormy clouds that hang overhead, blocking out the stars. But still, even with the gloominess, it holds a beauty few would ever see. The waterfall ran off into a large lake, the further one made it out, the calmer the water became. The waterfall itself wasn’t a large one. One could climb up the cliffside and jump down and would take on no injuries. A few rocks were jutting out of the cliffside that causes the flow of the waterfall to shift slightly, but as long as one actually jumped, then they would be fine. The water sparkled as if it the storm clouds weren’t even there, capturing the stars from the heavens in its ripples. It gave the water an enchanting look, mirroring the sky, yet it didn’t. It reflected a sky that one couldn’t see with their own eyes, a sky that transitioned into a new world, a world where everything was peaceful and serene. I look around to see that no one was around. I would be shocked if there was, it seemed pretty late and the rain continued to fall, though it was merely sprinkling now. I shed my clothes and test the waters. The temperature was strange. Neither warm nor cold nor hot. Even with the night air of Monsuna causing my upper body to shiver, the water did not feel the same. Words fail to form as I try to describe what the feeling was like, other than blissful. I only hope that the rain would not darken what I hope to be a pleasant experience. I slide my entire body in, and I feel everything leave me. I felt as if I was floating in the heavens, a sea of endless stars looking back at me as I did so aimlessly. But at the same time, I was constantly reminded that I was not. The raindrops falling from the sky, bringing me back to the now. It was a tug of war game between the waterfall’s tranquil waters and the sky's light rain. Both wishing to cradle me in their own embrace. *page_break “A whole lake that takes your sins away and deposits them at the banks,” I hear a voice say, my body feeling a chill before relaxing once again. I try to open my eyes to see who it is, but my eyelids are heavy. The serenity of this place causing the action to be too much for me. The voice was familiar, though, but no face immediately appears. *fake_choice #“Who are you?” “Who are you?” I ask, or maybe I don’t. I don’t feel my mouth move, but I think the words leave. The other person is silent for a time before finally, I hear, “I don’t know.” #“Tsintah?” *set tsintah +2 “Tsintah?” I ask, or maybe I don’t. I don’t feel my mouth move, but I think the words leave. “Would you like it to be her? The Kren with the two differently colored eyes. The capricious one who seems to shift in the blink of an eye.” *fake_choice #“Yes.” *set tsintahLi +1 “Yes,” I mouth, envisioning her. How could someone I had just met be on my mind like this? She didn’t trust me; I doubt she trusted anyone. But I wish for her to trust me. To tell me what causes those eyes to darken, those shoulders to stiffen, and that voice to crack. The other person is silent for a time before finally, I hear, “I’m sorry, but I’m not her. I don’t know who I am.” #“No.” “No,” I mouth. The question was just a guess, the first name that entered my mind. “I see,” the other person states before growing silently, “I don’t know who I am.” #“Thorne?” *set thorne +2 “Thorne?” I ask, or maybe I don’t. I don’t feel my mouth move, but I think the words leave. “Would you like it to be him? The mercenary, whose charming smile hides all? The one who seems to not fear life, nor death, but crave the adventure that life holds in store.” *fake_choice #“Yes.” *set thorneLi +1 “Yes,” I mouth, envisioning him. I hardly knew him, so far, I could only tell so much, and it was from the few conversations we’ve had. I know he was a flirt and thought highly of himself. His confidence sometimes even shined brighter than his smile. Was there more to him than a quip here and a wink there? There had to be, right? The other person is silent for a time before finally, I hear, “I’m sorry, but I’m not him. I don’t know who I am.” #“No.” “No,” I mouth. The question was just a guess, the first name that entered my mind. “I see,” the other person states before growing silently, “I don’t know who I am.” *page_break “What do you mean?” “Who am I without you? I’m you, but I’m not, am I?” The speaker’s voice grows even more familiar, but I still strain to figure out who it is as if something was blocking me. The name being washed away each time it surfaces. “We both want answers, don’t we? Or do you not? I suppose I can’t blame you. To have to go through all of this and then on top of that, have to question yourself?” Silence follows, my mind drifting further off. Everything drifting further. I open my eyes to find that I’m on the rock where I left my clothes. I have no recollection of even entering the water, and only the glimmering water specks on my nude body tells me that I had gone in. The rain continues to fall rhythmically. I felt lighter and the pains from my injuries felt almost nonexistent. For the first time, it felt like everything was right. Though I doubted that feeling would last. *finish *else *finish *else I stare up at the ceiling of the hut that we had slept in the previous night, the one that Kyran told us we could use. I think about what’s going to happen next, what is happening at the moment, and everything in between. Was I going to survive this? Could I survive this? *fake_choice #I will survive. *set optimism +3 #Doubt it. *set optimism -3 Questions after questions, problem after problem. I was far from some average citizen of Nidinia. But I also wasn’t some hero from a story or some noble who always knew they’d reach greatness, regardless of the trials. The most intriguing thing about me has always been my eyes, everything else was either overlooked or got me into trouble. But here I was, in the middle of the Prywth Forest with a charming mercenary and a mysterious Kren to keep me company. I had no idea if I could trust either of them, it wasn’t like their reasons for joining me weren’t selfish. I had promised Thorne something in return, and Tsintah was here because her goddess told her to. I had a variety of bounty hunters after me, one group being two people I personally knew, and another who was devoted to the crown. No matter how many times I tell myself that this was happening, that my life had gone from simple to perplexing, I still had trouble believing it. My question was no longer ‘would I receive a dream’ but ‘will I see the next day.’ I rest my head on the bed and close my eyes, letting sleep take over. It was now the only way to slow down my mind and the extensive list of problems with no foreseeable solutions. *finish
<<nobr>> <<set $maceDead = false; $won = false' $tHC = "na">> <<unset $guidance, $tombMet, $skeleton_found, $answers, $answer1, $answer2, $answer3, $answer 4, $answer 5, $clone, $demon, $farcorner, $chest, $table, $cloneMet, $demonMet, $gamePlayed>> <<if $ansellus < 0>> <<set $ansellus to 0>> <</if>> <<endnobr>> <img src="images/eight.png"> Sleep. It was the one thing that I wanted more than air itself, but it constantly eludes me. It played a game with me that I was unfamiliar with, and it didn’t wish to teach me. And so I would chase, and it would run. It steadily pulls away, ducking and dodging, my fingers so close to capturing the shrewd action that I could practically see it. The darkness that would wrap its motherly arms around me as it pulled me closer to its bosom, whispering in my ear to let everything slip. Let this world and its terrors disappear. To relax and let go. To forget … And then I would awaken. Shooting forward as the world immediately came back to me, slapping me awake with my own defiance. After a few more poignant fails, I quit, sitting up and peering around at my surroundings. Porpoise colored clouds blocked out the sun as light sprinkles of rain fell. We had taken shelter in an outpost that Tsintah would sometimes use, though she kept those reasons to herself. Speaking of Tsintah, she no longer sat on the other side of the shelter, her bow, and quiver are missing as well. I peek out of the shelter to the forest floor and spot Tsintah lazily laying on a branch, her eyes on the mourning sky. [[Attempt to make my way to her.]] [[Stay right where I am.]]
<<if $chikrinOff or $headache>>\ <<nobr>><<set $energy to 70>><</nobr>> I stand, albeit woozily, and take a deep breath in. It felt like the initial pressure of the magic had vanished. I felt more like my old self despite the lack of rest that my mind had received. I walk out of the shelter and observe the nearby branches, plotting what I hope was a safe journey. Starting out, it seems easy, mostly balance and confidence. But upon my first jump, my foot slides across the moderately wet wood, and I feel myself fall. “I gotcha!” Tsintah states and I look up to see no one. Instead, she stands under me, coaxing me down to the large branch that she now stands on. Once I was safely down, the wooziness returns. I clench my head and take a seat right where I am. “Did you even sleep?” “No, but I thought my body catching a break would be enough.” “I know you’re far smarter than me on the whole magic thing, but I don’t think that’s how that works,” she chuckles, taking a seat on the branch across from me. I look up at her after a few seconds have gone by, and she blinks in confusion. <<else>>\ I stand, gazing down at the branches that rest below me, and I try to figure out the best route down. These branches were thick enough to make staying balanced simple enough. It was having confidence in where one’s foot fell that turns out to be the tricky part. That and some parts of the bark were slicker than others due to the rain. Remarkably, I’m able to safely make my way down to where Tsintah has been watching me. She offers me an impressed smile as I ease myself down to the branch that sits across from her, taking a seat. “You catch on fast,” she compliments. <<if $smug >=50>>\ “Yea, I’m a fast learner. Most times I only have to watch people once to figure out how to do something.” <<else>>\ “Well, the branches are also thick enough to erase some doubts too. Just had to take it slow.” <</if>>\ <</if>>\ We sit in silence for a while, though she doesn’t look away from me as I try to figure out how best to break the silence. “What did you say?” I crinkle my brow, “um, I didn’t say anything.” “Oh …” she looks down at her fingers, opting to fiddle with them instead of looking at me, “I’m really not used to having company …” “So, I was thinking, maybe we should get to know each other better. You know, since we’ll be traveling with each other for a while.” She finally gazes back up at me. I prepare for the look of suspicion she’s about to give me, only to be shocked when her ears perk up and she looks at me with interest. “That seems wise, what do you want to know?” <<if not $q1>>[[“Why did you decide to help me?”|8Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Why did you decide to help me?”<</if>> <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
I wasn’t about to risk slipping and falling, especially since it was currently raining and even from here, I could tell some areas of the bark had become slippery. So, I opt to stay where I am, stretching and letting my mind catch up with my actions. I get familiar with my surroundings before peeking my head back out of the shelter and looking down at Tsintah. “Hey Tsintah, not to sound crazy but it is just the afternoon, right?” “More like noon,” she shouts back up to me, “are you well-rested?” “Um, not really. My mind wasn’t really agreeing with my body.” As I say this, Tsintah begins to make her way closer, jumping from branch to branch like she was born to. Perhaps she was, Tsintah’s past was as much a mystery as my life right now. Once she gets close enough, she takes a seat on the branch that leads to the shelter’s doorway, smiling at me. “What did you say?” I crinkle my brow, “um, I didn’t say anything.” “Oh …” she looks down at her fingers, opting to fiddle with them instead of looking at me, “I’m really not used to having company …” “So, I was thinking, maybe we should get to know each other better. You know, since we’ll be traveling with each other for a while.” She finally gazes back up at me. I prepare for the look of suspicion she’s about to give me, only to be shocked when her ears perk up and she looks at me with interest. “That seems wise, what do you want to know?” <<if not $q1>>[[“Why did you decide to help me?”|8Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Why did you decide to help me?”<</if>> <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
<<if $truth >=2>>\ “Why did you decide to help me out? Was it Mylaria? Did she tell you to lead me to safety when you went back inside?” “No, nothing so simple,” she sighs as she lays back on the branch that she was occupying, “I doubt you’ll believe what I say.” <<else>>\ “Why did you decide to help me? Your tribe was ready to give me up, why weren’t you?” Tsintah sighs as she lays back on her branch, gazing up at what I can only imagine is leaves and more leaves, “you wouldn’t believe what I say.” <</if>>\ “I’m being terrorized by my own reflection and haunted by some disembodied voice, try me.” “Do you believe in the Gods?” “Well, yea, everyone believes in the Gods. It’s foolish not to.” “Oh … well yea, I mean do you actively pray to them? Believe that they can manifest and speak to you?” [[“Yes.”->8Yes][$pious +=2]] <<if $pious <10>>\ [[“No.”->8No]] <</if>>\ [[“Only when I need something.”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Devotion ++</span> <</if>>\ “Yea, I try to make it a habit to pray. Though I don’t really pray to just one of them, well besides Moon, but that’s because of the whole sleep thing.” “Well … the Goddess of the Hunt, Venari, when I ran after Cyrus while you went into the ruins, she came to me. She told me to help you. That it was imperative that your goal be reached.” “My goal? Did she say what my goal was?” “No.” [[“Yea, that’s kinda crazy.”][$tsintah -=5]] [[“Is this a regular thing?”][$tsintah -=3]] [[“Don’t worry, I believe you.”][$tsintah +=3]] [[“Would you have helped me without her?”]]
“No, I don’t put much stock in the gods and deities caring much about what happens to me.” “Well … the Goddess of the Hunt, Venari, when I ran after Cyrus while you went into the ruins, she came to me. She told me to help you. That it was imperative that your goal be reached.” “My goal? Did she say what my goal was?” “No.” [[“Yea, that’s kinda crazy.”][$tsintah -=5]] [[“Is this a regular thing?”][$tsintah -=3]] [[“Don’t worry, I believe you.”][$tsintah +=3]] [[“Would you have helped me without her?”]]
I chuckle as I rub the back of my neck in embarrassment, “yea, though it’s only when I need something if I’m going to be honest.” Tsintah throws me a playful frown. “Well … the Goddess of the Hunt, Venari, when I ran after Cyrus while you went into the ruins, she came to me. She told me to help you. That it was imperative that your goal be reached.” “My goal? Did she say what my goal was?” “No.” [[“Yea, that’s kinda crazy.”][$tsintah -=5]] [[“Is this a regular thing?”][$tsintah -=3]] [[“Don’t worry, I believe you.”][$tsintah +=3]] [[“Would you have helped me without her?”]]
“Yea, not gonna lie Tsintah, that does sound kinda crazy.” “Ah, crazier than you speaking to your reflection or no?” I snort, “I think it’s about the same kind of crazy.” <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “Two crazy Krens traveling with one another, what will people think?” Tsintah adds in, causing both of us to laugh. <</if>>\ <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
“Is this a regular thing then? You get visited by the goddess Venari randomly?” “Surprisingly enough, yes. I owe a lot to Venari, which is why she’s my patron deity.” I nod, not expecting that answer, but nevertheless, it was the one I received. <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
“You … do?” she asks, now looking at me as if I was the crazy one. “I told you. My world isn’t exactly normal right now, and everyone knows that the Gods can manifest in tons of ways. Who am I to discount this? I’m just happy for the help.” She nods. <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
“I do wonder,” I start, “if she had never come to you. Would you have still helped me out?” “You didn’t do all the things they said you did, right? Yea, probably. Plus, it was a chance to get away from the tribe. I would’ve taken it.” I nod, a selfish reason, but I had a feeling that I was going to have to get used to it. Anyone who wished to help me simply out of the kindness of their hearts was lying or had ulterior motives. <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
“You betrayed your people to get me out of there, why?” <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “They are as much my people as they are yours,” she mumbles. “But they’re not my people,” I tell her, and she picks up her head and gives me a look. It takes me a minute to realize that the look meant that I had answered my own question. <<else>>\ “They are not so much my people as you would believe.” <</if>>\ “But your parents, what about them?” Tsintah wraps her arms around herself and stares at the bark as if it was supposed to guide her towards some kind of self-truth, “there is much you don’t understand about the machinations of the Nelero tribe. Simply know that I helped you due to my own reasons, and my tribe had nothing to do with it.” <<if not $q1>>[[“Why did you decide to help me?”|8Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Why did you decide to help me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
<<if $powAsked>>\ “So, are you ever going to tell me what being Protector of the Wilds means? Or are you going to tell me that it doesn’t matter again?” “I thought our paths would go separate ways,” she mumbles. Her mood shifting due to the question. “Is it really that bad that you never want to speak of it.” “No,” she instantly says, “it just leads into even more questions that I don’t feel comfortable answering. How about we leave it at that it’s my job to protect the wilds? The task was given to me by the Goddess of the Hunt, alright?” Whether I agreed to do what she had suggested or not, it wasn’t like she was going to change her mind and tell me anyway, and so I nod in reluctant agreement. <<else>>\ “I’ve heard it way too many times, and I think I should know why that’s your title.” “It is precisely what it sounds like, I protect the wilds, “she grumbles, her mood instantly changing due to the question. “That’s it? Everyone who has ever said it makes it out to be like some grand thing. Not to mention how your tribe –” “Drop it,” she growls, her eyes twinkling as she contained her anger, “let us leave it at that’s my job. The Goddess of the Hunt came to me and tasked me with it. No more questions, please.” She utters please as both a warning and a plea. I doubt I’ll get the answer out of her anyway and so, I do as she asks. <</if>>\ <<if not $q1>>[[“Why did you decide to help me?”|8Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Why did you decide to help me?”<</if>> <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
I stretch as I gaze down at the forest floor, “so, what’s the plan here exactly?” “We head to the Uqanan tribe in the south, the Opal Warriors. They should have someone who can help you further.” “And after that?” She gives me a sidelong glance, “this is your quest, right? Shouldn’t I be taking instructions from you?” <<if $allforone >=50>>\ “True, but to be honest, I’m just as confused as you. I just wish I had all the answers, but even that doesn’t get me out of the whole fugitive thing. Either way, it’s nice to finally have someone join me that doesn’t want to kill me.” Tsintah snorts, nodding her head with a cheerful smile. <<else>>\ “You got a point there. I don’t know the first thing about what’s going on now, though. Guess I’ll just play it by ear, nothing more I can do.” Tsintah nods in agreement. <</if>>\ <<if not $q1>>[[“Why did you decide to help me?”|8Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Why did you decide to help me?”<</if>> <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
“Can the hunters still track us, or do you think we lost them?” Tsintah sits up, counting on her finger as she speaks, “three Alyrians, one Kren, a half-breed, and a Phaizarn. Depending on what animal that Phaizarn can shift into depends on if they have a decent tracker on their hands. And I could sense that Kren’s magic, so he might even be using a spell that can track you.” “But? You really look like you’re not worried about any of this.” Her shoulders were slouched, seconds away from shrugging away her words. Her voice didn’t even portray the level of trouble that the Phaizarn and Kren could be for us. “There resides a waterfall in the south, near the Opal Warrior’s territory. It can cleanse one’s aura, any curses or spells used against you will be washed away. We just have to make it there before them. And luckily, you’re with me and I know where we’re going, as well as the best route.” <<if not $q1>>[[“Why did you decide to help me?”|8Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Why did you decide to help me?”<</if>> <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q6>>[[“How old are you?”|8Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>“How old are you?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
<<if $species is "Kren">>\ “How old are you, Tsintah?” I question. We always ended up looking the opposite of our age. For all I know, Tsintah was around my age, she seemed like she had already hit maturity, which was fifty for all Kre. I had a working theory that our age reflected our importance. It was a weak theory, but one that I had caught on to a few years back. Some Kren who still had much to learn and teach always seemed younger, even though they had been around for centuries. While some, mostly the ones that said they already reached their life’s purpose were elderly appearing. <<else>>\ “How old are you, Tsintah?” I question. Kren, like I mentioned before, had the uncanny ability to always seem opposite of their age. Tsintah appeared like a young adult, but that didn’t help much in guessing. She could be a century-year-old, or even older. I had a hard time seeing her younger than that, but I could be wrong there as well. <</if>>\ “Hmm, one something …” she thinks to herself, swaying her head from side to side as she thinks. “Ah! 126, still pretty young if you ask me,” she shrugs. <<if $species is "Kren">>So she was far older than me, though she appears the same age.<</if>> “You?” <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “Oh, uh 96.” <<elseif $species is "Ecrid">>\ “What about you? I hear that Ecrid have a weird aging thing as well. Something about you’re double the years of a standard year.” “No, you actually have it backward. We’re less than double. So if an Alyrian was four then for an Ecrid of the same age, they’re two. I’m 56 in their years but 28 in Ecrid.” <<else>>\ “I'm 28.” <</if>>\ <<if not $q1>>[[“Why did you decide to help me?”|8Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Why did you decide to help me?”<</if>> <<if not $q2 and $truth <2>>[[“You betrayed your people … for me?”|8Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“You betrayed your people … for me?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Protector of the Wilds?”|8Q3][$q3 to true]]<<else>>“Protector of the Wilds?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[“What’s the plan here?”|8Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>“What’s the plan here?”<</if>> <<if not $q5>>[[“Can the hunters track us?”|8Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>“Can the hunters track us?”<</if>> [[End the questioning.->8.1]]
<<if $chikrinOff>>\ Tsintah rises to her feet and stretches, peering over her shoulder at me. “I have a question for you, though. If I am going to help, then I need to know what’s going on. I know about your chakras, but I need to know about everything else.” <<else>>\ Tsintah rises to her feet and stretches, peering over her shoulder at me. “I have a question for you, though. If I am going to help, then I need to know what’s going on. I know about your chakras and the thing around your neck, but I need to know about everything else.” <</if>>\ “What? Don’t like surprises?” She snorts and throws me a smirk, “I love surprises, but only when they’re not trying to kill me.” [[“If it becomes important, I’ll tell you.”][$tsintah -=3]] [[“Yea, you’re right.”][$tsintah -=3; $tsintahknows = true]]
“If it becomes important, then I’ll tell you,” I state, and she narrows her eyes, probably rethinking her stance of helping me in the first place. “Have it your way. We need to move.”
“Yea, you’re right.” At first, I only tell her the more important things but soon find that they make no sense due to being spoken about out of context. And so, I tell her everything. I tell her about Master Audouin and Ansellus and Isaak. I tell her about my powers and how I was summoned to the coronation by the King himself. I speak of the strange voice that I had heard that night and the dreams that have plagued me since. I tell her of the ruins and my clone. And lastly, I tell her about finding my master dead in his bed, and how the court blamed me for his death and the Prince’s. She listened quietly and once done, begins her descent down, telling me to follow. At first, I stay where I am, thinking over my words. It was the first time I had spoken it all aloud, the first time I had told someone who didn’t wish to see me captured or killed for what had taken place. The thought sits with me before I make my way down. I approach the horse that seems to have become mine, running my fingers through its wet mane. “You know, I should probably find out what gender you are and give you a name. What do you think, Tsintah?” I turn towards the Kren who’s securing the saddle on Cyrus. Korisi attempting to help though it seems like the were-lemox was only getting in the way. “It’s a she and she hopes that nothing bad becomes of you. She has not had a nice past,” Tsintah tells me, citing such facts to me as if I should know them myself. “You can … hear her thoughts?” “I can speak to animals,” she says, “it’s more like I’m bilingual and when they speak it translates to my tongue. And when I speak, it does the same. It’s weird,” she grumbles, ending the conversation there and turning back to Cyrus. “Huh, okay, then.” [[Name the horse.]] [[Nope, not naming her.][$horse = "the horse"] I take a step back and look the horse over. She was a dapple-grey mare with a sable brown mane and a dark grey ombre tail that shifted to blonde as one made their way down the length of it. She had large dark eyes and no coloring on her face beside her ash grey-tinted muzzle. Though she had no scars or wounds to prove it, I knew she was a war horse. Her muscular build and loins paired well with a broad and deep chest, and a straight, though short, back. [[Mouse.->8.1.1][$horse = "Mouse"]] [[Silver.->8.1.1][$horse = "Silver"]] [[Akela.->8.1.1][$horse = "Akela"]] [[Whiskey.->8.1.1][$horse = "Whiskey"]] [[Juniper.->8.1.1][$horse = "Juniper"]] [[Maiya.->8.1.1][$horse = "Maiya"]] [[Ask Tsintah to ask the horse what her name is.->8Input][$horse = "Jaira"] [[I’m going to go with …->8Input]]
<<textbox "$horse" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#horse">>The horse's name is, $horse.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="horse"></span> <<include "8.1.1">>
“She probably already has a name, can you ask her what it is, Tsintah?” Tsintah looks to the horse and repeats my question, her face morphing from confused to understanding to curiosity. “I lost some of what she said, but she said that the boy who raised her called her Jaira and that she quite liked it.” “Then, Jaira it is.” Jaira whinnies, shaking her mane out and inevitably wetting me as she does. Tsintah and I both mount up, and after checking to make sure everything was secure, we ride off. <a data-passage="8.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Tsintah, meet $horse.” Tsintah turns at the sound of the name, looking from me to $horse and smiling. “Does she like it?” I question. “She loves it. Nice to meet you, $horse.” $horse whinnies, shaking her mane out and inevitably wetting me as she does. Tsintah and I both mount up, and after checking to make sure everything was secure, we ride off. <a data-passage="8.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Everyone knows that as soon as you name something, you start getting attached to it, even if you call them something stupid like Not Keeping You or Selling Later. It would be just my luck that I would have to later sell the horse, or something terrible would become of her. I didn’t need her name to join the growing list of others. “Yea, I’m not calling her anything.” “So you’re going to simply say It?” “No, because that’s a name. The horse, simple and unattachable.” “I see,” Tsintah says blatantly. We both mount up, and after checking to make sure everything was secure, we ride off. <a data-passage="8.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We travel through the forest at a moderate speed, mostly due to the uneven footing that could injure our mounts if flown across to fast. Through most of it, Tsintah keeps quiet. At times she even seems shocked that I was there, perhaps forgetting of my presence altogether due to our shared silence. As we ride, my worry appears to increase substantially. What if the hunters were close behind? If they were tracking us, then it wouldn’t be all that hard to catch up, right? <<if $chikrinOff>>\ The only way for me to take my mind off of it was by focusing on what needed to be done, and by practicing my magic. It feels as if it has been forever ago since I felt the rush of magic coursing through me. The chikrin did more than just cut off one’s ability to perform, it gifted them a fate worse than what I believe even Alyrians went through. It made one’s senses null to it. It drained the magic that resided in one’s bones and allowed them to stay ignorant of the development. And only when it was removed did the rush and realization of what was lost come back. [[That Kren would pay.][$hostile +=2]] [[No one deserved this.][$hostile -=2]] <<else>>\ The only way for me to take my mind off of it was by focusing on what needed to be done. Take it all one step at a time. Focus on the now, and not the future, and certainly not the past. “Stop,” Tsintah murmurs to me, stopping Cyrus and peering towards a set of rocks in the distance. The stones lead up to a short hill where a patch of bushes rest, what lays on the other side I can’t tell. We wait for a few minutes before Tsintah nods and continues on. “What was that about?” “I felt the presence of a bear, but it wasn’t interested in us. If anything, it simply reminds me that we need added muscle.” “You think so? I mean, I thought Korisi was muscle enough,” I point out, and at the sound of her name the were-lemox’s head pops up from her spot on Cyrus’s rump. “Korisi only shifts under great stress … or when she’s throwing a tantrum.” “Can’t you fight?” “I … prefer not to.” [[“She says after killing a guy.”]] [[“Well lucky for you, I can fight.”]] <</if>>\
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Hostile ++</span> <</if>>\ That Kren witch would pay dearly for what he placed upon my neck, for making me go through this. It was abnormal and cruel. And to think, I was once oblivious to this. The Kren Master in the ruins had given me some information about the chikrin and what it could do. But he hadn’t informed me of the after-effects, besides needing rest. Could the chikrin have done more? The Laws of Magic state that everything dealing with magic has a consequence. Could the chikrin have more consequences than what I have already experienced? The thought causes me anguish, and therefore I let it go. I lower my hand, and the spell that I had been performing evaporates. “Stop,” Tsintah murmurs to me, stopping Cyrus and peering towards a set of rocks in the distance. The stones lead up to a short hill where a patch of bushes rest, what lays on the other side I can’t tell. We wait for a few minutes before Tsintah nods and continues on. “What was that about?” “I felt the presence of a bear, but it wasn’t interested in us. If anything, it simply reminds me that we need added muscle.” “You think so? I mean, I thought Korisi was muscle enough,” I point out, and at the sound of her name the were-lemox’s head pops up from her spot on Cyrus’s rump. “Korisi only shifts under great stress … or when she’s throwing a tantrum.” “Can’t you fight?” “I … prefer not to.” [[“She says after killing a guy.”]] [[“Well lucky for you, I can fight.”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ No one deserved this, least of all some oblivious slave who was forced into it simply because they had the misfortune of falling victim to someone scared. The Kren Master in the ruins had given me some information about the chikrin and what it could do. But he hadn’t informed me of the after-effects, besides needing rest. Could the chikrin have done more? The Laws of Magic state that everything dealing with magic has a consequence. Could the chikrin have more consequences than what I have already experienced? The thought causes me anguish, and therefore I let it go. I lower my hand, and the spell that I had been performing evaporates. “Stop,” Tsintah murmurs to me, stopping Cyrus and peering towards a set of rocks in the distance. The stones lead up to a short hill where a patch of bushes rest, what lays on the other side I can’t tell. We wait for a few minutes before Tsintah nods and continues on. “What was that about?” “I felt the presence of a bear, but it wasn’t interested in us. If anything, it simply reminds me that we need added muscle.” “You think so? I mean, I thought Korisi was muscle enough,” I point out, and at the sound of her name the were-lemox’s head pops up from her spot on Cyrus’s rump. “Korisi only shifts under great stress … or when she’s throwing a tantrum.” “Can’t you fight?” “I … prefer not to.” [[“She says after killing a guy.”]] [[“Well lucky for you, I can fight.”]]
“She says after killing a guy with almost no hesitation.” “That wasn’t technically a fight.” “Yea, you’re telling me. He didn’t even have time to finish his sentence before you skewered his tongue. And how about, Ansellus? You shot him through the leg with the blankest of faces.” “Ugh!” Tsintah shouts, “all good points that still don’t change the fact that we need more muscle.” <<if $smug >=50>>\ I loosen my grip on $horse’s rein and clear my throat loud enough so that Tsintah would turn to look at me. Once she turns, I point to my muscle and smirk, “trust me, I’m the only muscle we need.” “Cute,” she growls, “can you even fight?” “Can I fight?!” “Yes, that was the question that was asked.” “Can I fight!?” “Please stop repeating my question.” I pull $horse to a stop and dismount, “I’ll show you. How about that?” Tsintah exchanges a look with both Cyrus and Korisi before sighing and then nodding her head, dismounting. She takes off her bow and arrow pack, resting them on Cyrus’s back as she turns to me. <<else>>\ “I mean … I’d like to think that I can supply that part.” She stops Cyrus and turns to face me, brow raised dramatically, “you know how to fight?” “I’ve been in a few. Some with magic, some without.” Her eyes scour my body and face, their goal, unknown. “I can’t see it,” she sneers, and I huff, stopping $horse and dismounting. “Then let me show you. Me and you, hand on hand combat. Sound good?” Tsintah exchanges a look with both Cyrus and Korisi before sighing and then nodding her head, dismounting. She forgoes her bow and arrow pack, setting both on Cyrus’s back before turning to me. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="8.2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $smug >=50>>\ “Well, then it’s just your luck that you chose to follow me. I know how to fight!” “Oh, do you,” she states more than questions with a hint of sarcasm skipping through her tone. “Why does it sound like you don’t believe me?” “No, nothing like that. I have just met many who claim such thing and fate says differently.” I pull $horse into a quick stop, cocking my head to the side and waiting for her to notice. When she does turn, she rolls her eyes dramatically. “How about I show you then. Sound good?” I question, already in the process of dismounting and standing off to the side where we would have more room. “You wish to fight? Didn’t I just say –” “It won’t be a real fight, Tsintah. Just a friendly contest between acquaintances.” Tsintah exchanges a look with both Cyrus and Korisi before sighing and then nodding her head, dismounting. She forgoes her bow and arrow pack, setting both on Cyrus’s back before turning to me. <<else>>\ “Well, it just so happens that I know a thing or two about fighting.” Tsintah pulls Cyrus to a stop and turns back to look at me, “I mean I’m no master, but I can … at least … throw a punch … Can you stop looking at me like that?” “Sorry. It’s not that I doubt your words, just that a lot of people seem to claim they can fight and then proceed to lose against even the drunkest opponents.” “Where do you go to see stuff like that?” “Go anywhere that holds enough testosterone and you’ll see.” “Alright, well then how about I show you? A friendly fight between you and me.” As I say this, I begin to dismount $horse, standing off to the side so that we would have more room to grapple. Tsintah exchanges a look with both Cyrus and Korisi before sighing and then nodding her head, dismounting. She forgoes her bow and arrow pack, setting both on Cyrus’s back before turning to me. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="8.2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Hand to hand then.” I nod, giving Tsintah room to stretch though she opts to just look around instead. <<if $background is "slave_gladiator">>\ “I must warn you, I used to be a slave at a coliseum, I rubbed elbows with some of the biggest gladiators you’ll ever see.” “Hmm,” she hums, running her tongue over her lips, “I’m sure that was a nice time.” I stop and frown, “Tsintah … am I correct in assuming that you have a thing for muscles?” “And oiled up and glistening bodies. Yes, you’re correct to assume.” She says it with the same amount of innocence a child would have as they described why they love candy. <</if>>\ “Alright, so any rules?” “Uh, don’t kill the other?” <<if $combat >=5>>\ We circle one another, neither of us wishing to make the first move. In part, this was due to us sizing the other up. Tsintah had already shown how flexible and agile she was, moving from the trees like she did, there was no other option for her. She was faster than me as well, I remember how fast she sprinted off after walking me back into the village and being swarmed by the guards. The fact that she relied so heavily on her bow and arrow could possibly mean that she wasn’t a fan of close proximity, meaning that she would try to slip in and out of this fight. Unless she was attacking, she would try to keep her distance. But that was just what my instincts were telling me. It was wise to rely on them, but idiotic to trust nothing else. <<else>>\ We circle one another, neither of us wishing to make the first move. In part, this was due to us sizing the other up. Tsintah had already shown how flexible and agile she was, moving from the trees like she did, there was no other option for her. She was faster than me as well, I remember how fast she sprinted off after walking me back into the village and being swarmed by the guards. But this had little, if nothing, to do with her fighting skill. <</if>>\ She darts towards me. [[Go on the offensive.->8.2.1Offend][$fight +=5]] [[Go on the defensive.->8.2.1Defend][$fight -=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Offender ++</span> <</if>>\ I wait for her to get a little closer before I make my move, drifting to the side and tripping her as she passes. I was hoping the action would send her tumbling to the ground, but instead, she rolls into the trip and pops back to her feet. This time, I charge first, stopping short at her and throwing a set of punches that she barely has time to dodge. I notice her darting eyes, looking for an opening, but not one that would allow her to land a blow, but one in which would allow her to escape. If I wish to end this, then it would have to be now, if she managed to escape then I don’t exactly know what would happen next. [[Trip her and lean my weight into her.]] [[Unleash a flurry of punches.][$won = true; $tsintah +=2]]
I throw two more punches to act as a distraction as I slip my foot behind hers, hooking it and then leaning forward so that when she falls, I will fall on top of her. Realizing what was about to take place, Tsintah leans back, hitting the ground faster than I planned on, and she rolls out of the way. I end up hitting the ground, and before I can stand or even turn around, Tsintah comes and sits on my back. “Are we done?” she questions. I turn my head slightly, eyeing her through my peripheral view. [[“Is this a spar or did you want to do something else?”][$tsintahLi +=1]] [[“Yea, yea, we’re done.”]]
“Why Tsintah, is this supposed to be to a spar, or did you have something else in mind?” I can only make out less than half of her face, meaning I was relying more on her voice for guidance than her expressions. “Uh … no? It was just a spar,” she tells me, confusion lacing her words. I suppose she didn’t catch on to my flirtatious tone. <<include "8.3">>
“Yea, yea, we’re done. Now get off me.” She does as I ask. <<include "8.3">>
I take a step back, hoping she would fall for the fake opening and take it. She does. As soon as she makes a move for it, I do the same. I land a flurry of punches to her abdomen, my heart racing as I smoothly dodge the blows she sends at me. My actions are so rapid that I don’t realize that I’m leaning forward, crashing into her and sending both of us to the ground. We land in a heap, me on top of her as dust and dirt take to the air around us. “Ugh,” she snorts with a good-natured smile. I look down at her and … [[Stare at her.->8.2.1Stare][$tsintahLi +=1]] [[Get up.->8.2.1GetUp]]
I stare into her contrasting eyes. My gaze then flowing to the deep scar that rests across her face. It starts its journey from above her right brow, heading dangerously close to her eye, before sweeping across her nose and ending on her left cheek. The need to know what happened overcomes me, to ask her about a past that she never wished to speak aloud. “Um, $name, mind getting off me?” Tsintah asks, bringing me back to the now and seeing that she was looking uncomfortable. “My apologies,” I whisper and stand, hiding the blush that scratches at my cheeks. <<include "8.3">>
I nod to her and stand, stretching my hand out and helping her up. <<include "8.3">>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Defender ++</span> <</if>>\ I center myself, double-checking my stance as I prepare for whatever attack she was about to hit me with. Instead, of putting her all into the punch, she stops short, lands three light punches to my abdomen, and then vanishes. All of this happens so quickly that by the time I realize she hits me, the pain has already registered and is now passing. I focus back on the fight, just as Tsintah darts past me again, this time placing three light but sharp punches to my back and side. The third time that she tries to perform the same trick, I manage to trip her, unprepared to be sent to the ground right alongside her. The two of us grapple, Tsintah proving that she was far faster than I was. But I also notice that she was uncomfortable, her eyes darting around like a cornered animal. [[Pin her down.->8.2.1PinDown]] [[Back away.->8.1.2BackAway][$won = true; $tsintah +=2]]
I grab onto her wrists and make sure that my legs were angled in a way that wouldn’t allow her to kick me. I smirk down at her, right as she lunges forward and slams the top of her head into my nose. I groan about to move away when I feel my body get flipped, and she pins me down. Her ivory colored hair tickling my cheeks as she gazes down at me. I would never understand how one’s eyes showed two different emotions. Her gold eye shines superiorly while her green eye looks tired. “Are we done?” she questions. [[“If you want to stay like this, I’m all for it.”][$tsintahLi +=1]] [[“Yea, yea, we’re done.”]]
“If you want to stay like this, I’m all for it. You’ll hear no complaints from me,” I comment, flashing her my best flirtatious smile. She raises a brow, “uh, okay?” From the way she reacted, I would guess she wasn’t fluent in flirtation. <<include "8.3">>
I pull back right as she lunges forward, attempting to headbutt me. I pin her back down, “how about you not try that again?” “A fight is a fight, is it not?” she questions from her position, “are we done?” <<include "8.3">> [[“I’m enjoying the view.”][$tsintahLi +=1]] [[Get up.->8.2.1GetUp]]
“Well, I’m enjoying the view, so I don’t know, are we?” Tsintah gives me a confused look that soon shifts into one of annoyance. “So you enjoy the sight of besting one in combat. I suppose that’s not weird.” It was my time to be confused. I cock my head to the side, standing up in the process. It would seem that my attempt to flirt has gone by unnoticed. <<include "8.3">>
<<if $won>>\ Tsintah hops to her feet and looks over at me, “you can fight, but two verses six still isn’t a good number. Especially when you factor in weapons and magic.” <<else>>\ Tsintah hops to her feet and looks over at me, “my words still stand, we’re going to need to find someone else that can fight. Especially when you think about factoring in weapons and magic.” <</if>>\ “Yea, do you think one of the Opal Warriors would be willing to join us?” Tsintah scratches her chin in thought, “maybe. The clan isn’t known for their generosity, and their tribe’s code isn’t very lenient. They are society minded, leaving said society is against their beliefs. But still, there is nothing wrong with trying.” “Alright. Well, we’ll see what happens when we get there.” Tsintah nods, and we both go and remount before getting back on whatever trail Tsintah had us on. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The sun begins to set before the next exciting thing befalls us, this excitement coming in the form of a group of men laughing as they ride along the first trail I’ve seen since entering the Prywth Forest. They completely ignore us, obviously drunk as they head out, their horses snorting in frustration at their swaying, inebriated riders. “Idiots. They’re the reason so many predators stalk this area,” Tsintah mumbles, watching as they go. “Where did they just come from?” “There is a tavern farther up the road.” I raise a brow and look around, finding no other buildings or even a sign that would insinuate such a building resting along this path. “Well, let’s check it out.” “It is a cesspool for thieves, mercenaries, and bounty hunters.” Her words reach my ears, but my curiosity is what controls my actions, I toss a smile over my shoulder at her, “wasn’t it you who said we need added muscle?” <<if $clothingInventory.has('cloak') or $clothingInventory.has('Kren outfit')>>\ “I did not advise us to get killed while trying to secure it,” she growls, catching up to me and throwing the hood of my @{inventory_cloak cloak|skivck} over my head. “If you refuse to listen to reason, then at least wear the hood. Why do you insist on continuing down this path?” <<else>>\ “I did not advise us to get killed while trying to secure it,” she growls, catching up to me and throwing the hood of the cloak she had given me over my head. “If you refuse to listen to reason, then at least wear the hood. Why do you insist on continuing down this path?” <</if>>\ [[“Uh, tavern.”]] [[“Information.”]] [[“Muscle, like you said.”]]
“Uh, one word, tavern. What more is there to question?” “So you wish to drink?” “I wish for many drinks, Tsintah. I’ve had a horrible week, and I can think of nothing better than drowning myself in some horrible honey-tasting rum.” “It sounds like you’re already intoxicated,” she mumbles just as the tavern comes into sight. <<include "8.4">>
“We can get information here. You hear a lot of things at places like this. Plus, I can see if the reward for me has changed and if they have my face. This is valuable stuff, Tsintah. Not to mention that we can maybe hire someone.” “With what ruho?” she hisses. “With the promise of a great adventure,” I snicker, realizing that she was right. Regardless, there were a few mercenaries who didn’t anticipate on getting paid until after the job. Hunters never got paid until the job was done. We would just have to be convincing. As I think this over, the tavern comes into sight. <<include "8.4">>
“Muscle, like you said, remember?” “I also recall saying we should try the clan.” “You said that they don’t like to share. It’ll be just our luck that we get down there and then don’t get anyone to join us. Then what?” “You speak this as if you haven’t had amazing luck so far,” she grumbles just as the tavern comes into sight. <<include "8.4">>
The words scribbled across a dingy sign reads The Rowdy Raven. A handful of lanterns light the outside of the area, enough to keep away the creatures who linger in the darkness of the forest. “How long has this been here?” I question, dismounting away from where most of the patrons stand. There were posts for mounts, but there were also groups of people making it dangerous for me to approach. “It’s been here as long as I’ve known this forest. Otherwise, the owners would be dead,” Tsintah tells me, her face as blank and emotionless as the words she utters. We loosely tie our mounts to a low hanging branch and walk towards the tavern. Korisi, not wishing to be left behind, runs to catch up, roosting on her usual spot on Tsintah’s shoulder. I pull my hood closer to my head, my eyes swiveling back and forth as we get closer. Some of the groups ignore us, others pause and look over at us, their eyes lingering more on Tsintah than they do me. “Once inside its neutral ground. We’ll be safe but still be careful,” Tsintah whispers to me. “I take it you’ve been here before?” “Many times,” she answers, and I send her a look of sheer shock, “what? They have good rum but lousy company. So which are you looking to hire?” [[“A thief?”][$tsintah -=3]] [[“Mercenary.”]] [[“Bounty hunter.”][$tsintah -=3]] [[“Back up, lousy company?”]]
“A thief, maybe?” They’ll be the cheapest but also the less likely to stick to their word.” “And they will want payment immediately and will probably do nothing but cause us more misery.” “So, are you saying no to the thief.” “I didn’t even think you would bring up thieves. So yes, no to thieves.” <<include "8.4.1">>
“I think a mercenary would be smart. Could find one that’s well connected, good with a blade, and okay with getting paid after the job is done.” “What will you say the job is?” “Protecting me? Helping me survive until my name is cleared? I don’t know.” “You might want to figure that out.” <<include "8.4.1">>
“Bounty hunter seems smart, right? They have the best connections, don’t expect to be paid until after the job, and they are obviously well suited for the job.” “They also go after and track, they don’t protect. They’re the most likely to have heard of your bounty. You’ll be lucky to find at least one of them that hasn’t heard about you and want the reward.” <<include "8.4.1">>
“Wait, wait, wait,” I repeat, shaking my head, “back up, the lousy company? Tsintah, do you come here to drink and …” she raises a brow as she waits for me to finish my sentence, “to bed others?” She doesn’t look offended or agitated by the question. Instead, she shrugs, “I have bedded a small number here. Most of those within carry things far more gruesome than their personalities. I’d rather not share in it.” <<include "8.4.1">>
I open the door, and am immediately hit by the fetid smell of alcohol, mustiness, and smoke. My ears are bombarded with the sounds of raucous laughter, while in between conversations and chuckles, one can make out the sounds of a lute. Magic, oxygen, and smoke mixes in the atmosphere of the tavern to give it a murky appearance. I wave my hand in front of my face as if that would aid me in clearing it away. If anything, it only shows those looking that I was not a regular. Tsintah moves in closer to me as we make our way through the crowds. I ignore the feeling of being on a boat as we’re pushed to and fro. I only stop when I hear Tsintah growl and utter something under her breath. I turn just in time to see her pull an arrow, turn, and then throw it behind her. The immediate area around us grows quiet as they all look at Tsintah, and then move their eyes to the man that is now pinned to the wooden door of the tavern, frantically trying to free himself. “I’ll say this once,” Tsintah growls, approaching the man who feebly tries to get himself free, “give me back my coin pouch.” Korisi hisses in anger from her shoulder, scaring the man even further. “F … fine,” the man squeals, handing the familiar pouch to a waiting Korisi. Tsintah grabs the arrow and yanks it out, slapping the man on the back of the head as she comes back to my side. [[Mimic her. “I’m not a fan of fighting.”][$tsintah +=2]] [[“Was that necessary?”]] [[“And now everyone is looking.”][$tsintah -=2]]
I mimic her from earlier today, “I prefer not to fight.” “Shut up and come on,” Tsintah grumbles, continuing on, parting the crowd whose eyes follow our every movement. We make it to the bar but at what cost. I see a group of people gazing at me, some whispering to those nearby before giving me a second look, and then disappearing. “Ugh, I swear it’s the eyes,” I grumble, resting my head on the bar top. “Also, your picture is on that board,” Tsintah tells me, grabbing the coin pouch from Korisi and summoning the barkeep. I look in the direction that she pointed, easily spotting the large board that holds a series of parchments with different faces and requests. Most of them were of bounties. They name the target, price, and where to take them. In the middle, on lovely royal parchment, was a rough version of my face. [[“Ah, they didn’t get my nose!”][$smug +=3]] [[“Great, I’m screwed.”][$tsintah +=3]] [[“Ugh, the King raised the reward.”][$care -=3]]
“Was that really necessary?” “Which part?” “All of it.” “Yes,” Tsintah huffs and continues on, parting the crowd whose eyes follow us. We make it to the bar but at what cost. I see a group of people gazing at me, some whispering to those nearby before giving me a second look, and then disappearing. “Ugh, I swear it’s the eyes,” I grumble, resting my head on the bar top. “Also, your picture is on that board,” Tsintah tells me, grabbing the coin pouch from Korisi and summoning the barkeep. I look in the direction that she pointed, easily spotting the large board that holds a series of parchments with different faces and requests. Most of them were of bounties. They name the target, price, and where to take them. In the middle, on lovely royal parchment, was a rough version of my face. [[“Ah, they didn’t get my nose!”][$smug +=3]] [[“Great, I’m screwed.”][$tsintah +=3]] [[“Ugh, the King raised the reward.”][$care -=3]]
“And now,” I start once she’s back at my side, “everyone is looking.” “Hey,” Tsintah hisses, pointing an accusing finger at me, “I didn’t want to come here in the first place.” “Yea, well could you act like it?” She grumbles but says nothing else as she parts the crowd, eyes following us as we go. We make it to the bar but at what cost. I see a group of people gazing at me, some whispering to those nearby before giving me a second look, and then disappearing. “Ugh, I swear it’s the eyes,” I grumble, resting my head on the bar top. “Also, your picture is on that board,” Tsintah tells me, grabbing the coin pouch from Korisi and summoning the barkeep. I look in the direction that she pointed, easily spotting the large board that holds a series of parchments with different faces and requests. Most of them were of bounties. They name the target, price, and where to take them. In the middle, on lovely royal parchment, was a rough version of my face. [[“Ah, they didn’t get my nose!”][$smug +=3]] [[“Great, I’m screwed.”][$tsintah +=3]] [[“Ugh, the King raised the reward.”][$care -=3]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ “Ah,” I whine, turning back to Tsintah who raises a brow at me, “they didn’t get my nose right.” Tsintah looks from me to the paper, sighing before summoning the barkeep back. “I take that back, give me the heaviest drink you got. I need to forget the past few hours.” “Tsintah, this isn’t a joke.” “What? I agree with you, your nose is way bigger than that. It rivals the size of your ego.” “Whoa, nothing rivals the size of my ego.” I gaze around, taking note that it seems less crowded now. My gut rumbles at the realization and what it could possibly mean. Not every idea was a sound decision. “You might as well get one now too,” Tsintah tells me, showing me the large mug in her hands. [[Get one.->8.4.1GetOne]] [[Stay alert.->8.4.1StayAlert]]
“Great,” I growl, turning back around, “I’m practically screwed.” “I told you it was unwise to come in here,” Tsintah sings. “Alright, Tsintah! I get it already!” I gaze around, taking note that it seems less crowded now. My gut rumbles at the realization and what it could possibly mean. Not every idea was a sound decision. “You might as well get one now too,” Tsintah tells me, showing me the large mug in her hands. [[Get one.->8.4.1GetOne]] [[Stay alert.->8.4.1StayAlert]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ “Ugh,” I growl, turning back around and massaging my temples, “just my luck, the King raised the reward.” “What is it now?” Tsintah asks though she doesn’t actually look like she cares all that much. “It’s thirty opals now.” Tsintah gazes over at me and then at the parchment with the information, “well then, Korisi, I do think we got into the wrong business, don’t you think?” Korisi chitters in agreement. “I don’t have to worry about you trying to turn me in, right?” The question held no suspicious undertones, but that meant little, as my brain began to think up how easy it would be for Tsintah to do such a thing. Tsintah rolls her eyes, “what would I even do with that much ruho? So, no. My duty is to the forest, not to a man who thinks himself on the same level as the gods.” <<if $spell_LieDetection>>I have half a mind to ask her to repeat that as I perform the lie detection spell. But I would have other opportunities to do that, and hopefully be more energized.<</if>> I gaze around, taking note that it seems less crowded now. My gut rumbles at the realization and what it could possibly mean. Not every idea was a sound decision. “You might as well get one now too,” Tsintah tells me, showing me the large mug in her hands. [[Get one.->8.4.1GetOne]] [[Stay alert.->8.4.1StayAlert]]
“Yea, give me one of those,” I tell the barkeep who nods. If he knew who I was, then it didn’t seem like he cared much. He slid me the same drink that Tsintah had, and we both guzzled it down before sighing in contentment. <<if $chakra is "sacral">>\ <<nobr>><<set $temptation = "drinking"; $stability -=3>><</nobr>> As the tepid drink rushes down my throat, I feel my insides tingle and my head clears up for the first time in forever. The tightness that had been existing in my navel seems to loosen itself, allowing me to finally feel free. This drink was like liquid freedom, gifting me the opportunity to be me again. I gaze over at the crowd and then over at Tsintah, “what do you think our chances of getting out of here without a fight is?” “As slim as me getting another drink,” Tsintah rumbles, “this crap tastes like river water and piss.” The barkeep glares down at us, and I smile, attempting to reassure him that she was just kidding. <<if $chakra is "sacral">>\ “I disagree,” I tell her, looking at the bottom of my empty mug in thought, “it tastes like what I would imagine freedom would.” I look up to see Tsintah looking at me with a perplexed look, she finally shakes her head and gazes down at the bar. “Didn’t peg you for a lightweight but I suppose I’m wrong.” <</if>>\ <</if>>\ “Come on,” I tell Tsintah, standing and looking around the tightly packed in tavern, “we should at least try and see if someone is willing to work with us.” [[Go up to the woman throwing daggers.]] [[Talk to the man with the tattoos.]] [[Speak to the gang of Dreolds.]]
<<if $chakra is "sacral">>\ <<set $stability +=1>> <</if>>\ “I’m fine, one of us has to stay sober anyway.” Tsintah snorts as she empties the mug and places it back on the counter, Korisi whimpering as she stares at the cup in want, “my tolerance is good, so don’t worry about me.” “Come on,” I tell Tsintah, standing and looking around the tightly packed in tavern, “we should at least try and see if someone is willing to work with us.” [[Go up to the woman throwing daggers.]] [[Talk to the man with the tattoos.]] [[Speak to the gang of Dreolds.][$ruho -=10]]
Making sure Tsintah is following me and not ordering another drink, I approach a woman who is occupied with mindlessly throwing daggers at a poster. The person’s face is no longer recognizable due to all the tears in the paper, and I’m willing to bet that each one was caused by her. “Hey, I’m –” “I’m not interested.” I look over at Tsintah who keeps close to me, glaring at everyone with equal parts distrust and loathing. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “You don’t understand,” I try again, and she throws a dagger towards me, instinct overtaking my body as I turn into a shadow to avoid it. “Fuck off before the next one sees itself between your eyes,” the woman growls, not even looking over at us. I don’t doubt her words, and I slink off, manifesting in a corner away from the woman and waiting for Tsintah to catch up. “Nice trick,” she compliments, “but how about next time you don’t approach the sellsword already flinging daggers? Hmm?” I ignore Tsintah and look around for another candidate. <<else>>\ “You don’t understand,” I try again, and she throws a dagger towards me that I narrowly avoid, watching as it burrows itself into the old wooden planks. “Fuck off before the next one sees itself between your eyes,” the woman growls, not even looking over at us. <<if $hostile >= 50>>\ “Hey, I dare you to try that again,” I manage to get out right as Tsintah grabs my arm and pulls me away. “I’m already uncomfortable, and you’re trying to goad the woman throwing daggers. Now, who’s making a scene?” “She threw a knife … at my head.” “Stop exaggerating, she threw it //near// your head. Now come on, I’m not trying to stay in here much longer.” <<else>>\ “Oh, um. Okay. Well, we’ll just be going now. Sorry to interrupt you.” With Tsintah close behind, we make our retreat, putting as much space between her and us as we possibly can. “Did that not go as planned?” Tsintah asks with a knowing frown and I choose to ignore her. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="8.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I approach a dark olive-toned man who has a wide range of tattoos all across his body. They each depict a different scene, some more gruesome than others. I’m caught between asking him for his help and wanting to know the story behind the tattoos. “What?” he questions, barking out the word. [[“I have a business proposal for you.”]] [[“What’s the story behind those tattoos?”][$tattooMan = true]]
“I have an interesting business proposal for you,” I start, and he snorts, waving me away. “Get lost, I’m not interested. I already got three jobs lined up.” “Then what’s one more?” He looks at me with a miffed expression, “four.” Oddly enough, his answer is what boggles me and causes me to walk away. Out of all the responses, that was not the one I thought he would offer. “Well that failed,” Tsintah tells me, appearing at my side as we walk through the tavern. <a data-passage="8.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Mind telling me the stories behind those tattoos?” He looks from me to his arm and smiles, nodding his head and pointing to the first one. “They all depict my favorite legends. This one is the Legend of the Dual-Eyed Demon. Legend says that Sun summoned a demon of manipulation to take on the appearance of Moon to seduce Darkness. The demon was successful in her trickery and further divided Darkness from his love. She later gave birth to the creatures that came from her and Darkness’s time together. When Sun heard of this, he struck her and the creatures down, but he didn’t get them all –” “We’re running out of time,” Tsintah growls, ushering a quiet apology to the man. “Well, don’t let me hold you up,” he chirps, nodding his head as he takes a gulp from his drink, “I’ll still be here.” I thank him before turning and heading off with Tsintah. “Mind staying focused?” Tsintah questions once we’re away from the man, and I shrug in response. <a data-passage="8.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $ruho <0>>\ <<set $ruho to 0>> <</if>>\ I single out a group of boisterous <<if $knowledge>>Kīn'old<<else>>Dreolds<</if>> sitting in a corner. They each wear the same clothing, and all of them share the same tattoos, one that covers the majority of the left side of their face. “You’re going to ask them?” Tsintah hisses as we approach. “Yea, who wouldn’t be wary of a group of <<if $knowledge>>Kīn'old<<else>>Dreolds<</if>>?” “Who can trust a large group of Dreolds?!” “Come on, they’re not all bad,” I chuckle, stopping at their table and interrupting whatever they were laughing at. All of their eyes swivel over to me, and when I look to my side, I notice that Tsintah is nowhere to be seen. “What do you want, $species?” one of the <<if $knowledge>>Kīn'old<<else>>Dreolds<</if>> question, spitting before glaring at me. “Are you interested in a job?” They look me up and down before they all erupt into laughter, some even falling from their chairs. I shift uneasily. “From who? You?” another snorts, “you look like you couldn’t even buy my shit if you wanted to.” She wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t something that I wanted yelled to the world. One of them hops up on their chair, so they were now eye level with me. He leans in, the smell of alcohol and smoke on his breath, “you don’t even look worth robbing. You think we would waste our time on filth like you?” This sends them into another fit of laughter, and I take my leave, blocking out the insults they throw at me as I leave. As mysterious as she left, Tsintah appears at my side again, giving me a look that silently screamed ‘I told you so.’ <a data-passage="8.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<set $ThorneMerc = true>><</nobr>> “Then you pick one instead,” I urge her, the two of us walking by a table when the chair shoots out, bringing both of us to a stop. “Take a seat, my friend,” a man with a charismatic smile offers. I gaze back at Tsintah, who catches my eye and shakes her head. “Oh, come on,” he leans forward, a glint in his eye, “I don’t bite … unless you’re into that kind of thing.” Tsintah grumbles something behind me as the man continues. “My name is Thorne, friend, and you?” He stretches out his hand, and I take the bait, shaking his hand and taking a seat. “$name.” “And your alluring Kren friend?” I gaze up at Tsintah who stays standing, staring down at the man in distrust. “She doesn’t speak much.” “Ah. Then onto your problem. You seem to be looking for a mercenary, though you have a funny way of finding one. Approaching random habitués of a tavern isn’t exactly smart.” [[“It’s all part of my technique.”][$thorne +=5]] [[“It got me to this point.”][$thorne -=2]] [[“Yea, this isn’t my area of expertise.”][$thorne +=2]] [[“And?”][$thorne -=3]]
“Ah, that’s just what I want you to think,” I smirk, leaning back in my seat and cocking my head slightly to the side, “it’s all part of my technique.” “Oh,” the man looks taken aback, “exactly how does this technique work?” “I garner up interest as I ask random people. Those looking for work end up doing something similar to what you did.” “Coming to you?” he scratches at the light stubble on his jaw and smirks, “I like it.” <<include "8.5.1">>
“Well,” I start, shrugging my shoulders nonchalantly, “it got me to this point, didn’t it?” “I suppose that’s true,” he answers, scratching at the light stubble that coats his jaw. <<include "8.5.1">>
“Yea, this isn’t really my area of expertise.” “That much is obvious, my friend. Is it your friend’s expertise then? She just feeling a little shy?” I gaze over at Tsintah who refuses to speak, her eyes boring holes into Thorne’s entire being. <<include "8.5.1">>
“And?” I ask. “And … nothing? I meant no offense. Just wondering how far you thought you would get with such a … technique.” “Either I was going to find someone to take the job or not, I’m not about to lose sleep over it.” <<include "8.5.1">>
“Well, consider me interested in this job.” “You’re a sellsword?” Tsintah questions. “Yep, one of the best you’ll ever come across.” “Then why are you here and not out working since the best would have endless jobs, correct? Sought after?” Tsintah tests, her nose twitching, and as if to back her up, Korisi hisses at the man. “Cute lemox. Anyway, everyone needs a break, this just happens to be mine. My sword is yours … for the right price.” “Do you want to get paid immediately?” I question, and he shrugs. “You won’t find a mercenary worth his weight in ruho who doesn’t at least want to see half the payment upfront.” I gaze over at Tsintah and nod to the coin pouch that Korisi still keeps close to her chest, “how much ruho you got left?” “Not much,” she notifies. “What? You wasted it all on alcohol?” “How much ruho do you even think I have, $name? I don’t leave the forest; I don’t really have a use for it.” “Wait!” the man shouts, his eye twitching as he focuses his attention on me, “are you telling me you come in here offering a job and you don’t even have the ruho to pay for services?” My silence is enough of an answer for him as he looks at both of us in incredulity. Leaning back, Thorne downs the rest of his drink and in a melancholy voice says, “you’re wanted by the king himself, thirty opals to bring you in. At this very moment, there’s about, hmm, maybe ten to fifteen folks now lined up outside waiting for you to exit. And you have nothing to offer?” <<if $tarot >=5 and $chikrinOff>>\ [[Read his future.]] <</if>>\ [[Offer him ruho after this.][$thornePurpose = "the promise of future ruho"]] <<if $persuade >=5>>\ [[Persuade him to my side.][$thornePurpose = "the inquisitiveness of a rare adventure"]] <</if>>\ [[Look to Tsintah for help.][$thornePurpose = "to piss of a doubting Tsintah"]]
<<nobr>><<pickup '$miscInventory' 'tarot deck'>><<set $thornePurpose = "interested in what the cards promised"<</nobr>> “What if I told you that I could read your future? That way, you could make your own mind up about whether helping us or not is in your best interest.” He scratches his chin and leans back, thinking the words I said over gingerly. “Alright.” “Know anyone with tarot cards?” “Of course. Alsheena,” he calls out, and a busty woman with a crooked grin saunters over. She bends over, her attention traveling from Tsintah, to me, and then coming to rest on Thorne. “What ya need darlin'?” “You got a deck of tarot cards in that …” his gaze drifts down to her bosom for a second before he meets her eye again, his smile just as crooked, “bag of yours?” “For you, I have anything you want.” Thorne laughs good-naturedly as Alsheena fishes for the deck in a bag at her side. When she hands them over, she gives Thorne a wink before leaving to entertain a group of women nearby. He then hands it over to me, waiting patiently. I take them carefully, reminded of what it feels like to interact with a deck that I didn’t know. All decks were the same, but their essence made them different. A witch could feel the magic imbued within a pack, and virtually learn the history of it. This specific one was new, causing it to feel detached and somewhat empty. I turn it over, further answering my question of its use when I see that the back of the deck held no design, just a dull grey background. I pass it back to Thorne, “shuffle them.” He does as I ask before handing them back, looking more intrigued as time passes. [[Show off.->8.5ShowOff][$smug -=3; $tsintah +=2]] [[Just get this over with.->8.5GetOverWith][$smug +=3; $thorne +=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ I throw the cards into the air dramatically, my magic slowly infusing with them as they flitter about. I find myself smirking, not so much at Throne’s expression, but Tsintah’s. Her eyes grow wide as she watches me, enthralled by my every move. “Make sure to clear your mind of everything but the decision you wish to make,” I tell Thorne, feeling the pressure of eyes on me. So I had an audience, both a good and bad thing, though they couldn’t see my face, so that was a positive. I order the cards down, directing them into a five-card spread before collecting the outliers. <<include "8.5.2">>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ I infuse my magic with the cards before tossing them out onto the table lazily, watching as my magic does the rest. “Make sure to clear your mind of everything but the decision you wish to make,” I tell Thorne, keeping my eyes on the moving cards. Once I feel that they have been given enough time, I direct them into a five-card spread, collecting any that my magic pushes away. “Choose,” I say, and I’m immediately overcome with the familiar feeling of my eyes clouding. “Let’s go with this one,” he speaks, his hand grazing the one in the middle. I’m almost shocked at the movement. If he was as intelligent as he appeared and seemed to think he was, then he knew what this spread was and where his real answer rested. Or … or he was testing to see if I could really read cards. <<include "8.5.2">>
“The Page of Wands,” I start, the card immediately whispering to me, showing me images though these images come out in words, “you wish to jump into and experience things freely, much as a child would. But it is that child mentality that you fear will hinder you. The innocence is swamped down by negative outcomes and what could be. You still ask yourself, even with the experience you have, should you take the dive?” Before I can fully come down from the magic’s image, Thorne picks the next card, the card I thought he would have chosen to begin with. One image hits me, one word, one meaning. I open my eyes, the cloudiness subsiding as I look at the card in his grasp, “justice.” Whether that meant something to Thorne or not, he nods and places the card down. Throwing his head back, running his hand through his long dark hair. I’m about to collect the cards when he stops me, sliding a third card towards me. “If that one tells me what I want to hear, then I’ll join.” I pick the card up and flip it over, my jaw clenching. The Tower. It would seem that this card haunts me like the bottle does an alcoholic. My wish to escape this card goes unchecked. Whether reversed or not, it was a card that meant disaster, a broken future, and adverse outcomes. My eyes meet Thorne’s. [[Tell him the truth.->8.5.2Truth][$honesty +=3]] [[Lie to him.->8.5.2Lie][$honesty -=3]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honest ++</span> <</if>>\ I place the card down and put it back on the table, “it was the Tower. A card that stands for disaster and the need to change, whether one wants to or not.” I gulp, anyone who knew cards knew the Tower, and even for those who didn’t, telling them what the Tower meant didn’t exactly inspire hope. “Well, then. Guess that settles it, I’m in.” <a data-passage="8.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ I place the card down and slide it back across the table, “it was the World.” I start, pausing to see if he would check behind me. Much to my surprise, he doesn’t, he continues to stare at me and awaits the meaning. “It stands for fulfillment and completion. Your efforts will pay off. Everything you ever did will come together at long last.” He nods to an imaginary beat and then grins widely. “Well, then. Guess that settles it, I’m in.” <a data-passage="8.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I don’t have the ruho now,” I start, trying to figure out what I would say. In my defense, I could most certainly find a way to repay him after all this was over. This ended in one of two ways, I win, or I lose. Losing meant that the King would get what he so desperately wanted, my head. If that was the case, then Thorne’s payment was no longer my concern. Winning was another matter that held its own branches, but I’m sure one of those branches held ruho at the end. “But I can ensure that you will be properly compensated,” I say this with a straight face, stating it over and over in my head to make myself believe it further. <<if $species is "Ecrid">> Hopefully, my nashi wasn’t giving me away, if so then this entire thing was over.<</if>> Thorne takes his eyes off me and rests them on Tsintah who seems less than excited to be the center of his attention, “then, I want to hear from you. Why are you doing this, what are you getting out of this?” It was a question that I was curious about as well. “Scared you’ll be sharing the ruho?” she questions, her almost threatening words not matching her bored tone. “No. But I would like to know why you would work for someone, freely if that’s the case.” Tsintah shrugs, “my reasons are my own, merc.” Thorne chuckles, shaking his head and rolling his shoulders. He takes a few minutes to himself, probably going over the benefits of working with me. “Fine. But let it be known, in front of the Kren, you did promise me ruho.” He outstretches his hand, and I look from it to Tsintah, her mismatched eyes daring me to shake it and warning me against it at the same time. I take his hand. “Let it be known.” <a data-passage="8.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I had no ruho, that much was true. But I had a small inkling that he wasn’t exactly expecting me to magically conjure it from the sky. “I don’t think you really care about the ruho,” I start, and he laughs, leaning towards me with a raised brow. “Oh ho, you think so?” “If you’re as good as you say, then you would’ve kicked us from the table after you realized we were practically broke. You would have more than enough jobs that you could lean on instead. No, I think you’re looking for something to remind you of why you became a mercenary. Something to get you excited and remind you that life is much more than just petty jobs. You’re hoping that this job gives you that, that we can offer you an adventure that very few happen to come across. You want to see where this goes.” The table is quiet, the sounds of the patrons around us infiltrating the small atmosphere that we had contrived out of thin air. Thorne further breaks that insignificant atmosphere with his laughter, boisterous and not as satisfying as I had wished it to be. He wipes away a tear as he calms down a minute later, sighing reflectively. “You went a little too far with that reading, but I won’t say all of that was a lie. I am looking for something a little more fun and dangerous. And if the number of thugs waiting outside is anything to go off of, then I think this might be just the job. How about this then, we’ll discuss my payment after I complete the job. For now, let’s see if you survive.” He outstretches his hand and oddly enough, I feel like I was now being offered a job. A job regarding how long I could stay alive. Nonetheless, I shake his hand. <a data-passage="8.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I clear my throat and elbow Tsintah who continues to stare at Thorne before slowly rising from her seat. “He can’t do it. Can we go now?” she questions me. “Whoa, can’t do what? A protection job?” he questions. “Does it matter. You’re not suitable for the position, and we don’t have the ruho that you so desperately want. So, correct me if I’m wrong, but that means this conversation is over.” Due to not knowing Tsintah well, I fail to understand if she was helping or hurting. She could be using reverse psychology, but due to her wanting to leave this place since we entered, and her not wishing to employ Thorne in the first place, I fear this was her being serious. Thorne looks flabbergasted, “well, you’re not wrong,” he starts, and she cuts him off before he can continue. “Alright, then I will say this again,” her eyes turn to me, “can we go now?” “I don’t appreciate the doubt in my ability,” Thorne growls, pushing the mug forcefully out of the way. I watch as it hits the ground, parts of it chipping off due to the force. Thorne leans towards Tsintah, his body language warning her against any further doubt. “I. Don’t. Care,” Tsintah snaps back, leaning in right along with Thorne, the two of them looking like they’re going to kill one another. “Well, that settles it then. I’m taking the job. Simply to piss you off, Kren.” “You must think highly of yourself if you think some lowly merc can piss me off.” He growls and then looks at me, pointing a finger at me, “we have a deal?” “Um, yes?” He nods sharply and stalks off, leaving me alone with Tsintah. “Was … was that you helping me or you actually trying to leave.” She doesn’t answer, giving me only an unreadable look before slouching down into the seat. <a data-passage="8.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Thorne heads upstairs to gather his things, showing up a few minutes later and ushering us to his side. “Now,” he begins, “I wasn’t exaggerating when I said that we’re going to have to fight our way out of here. The question is how we should go about it.” “What are our options?” I inquire, slouching on the wall as I gaze around at those who pass by, trying to picture how many people wait for us outside. “I have to go and retrieve my horse, so we have two options. Go out there, like the badasses we are and handle them the old-fashioned way, or you two sneak out the back as I grab their attention. I’ll behave as if I’m joining them while you sneak around to the stables, retrieve my horse, and we get out of here.” So stealth or combat. <<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ “Don’t even think about trying to fight,” Tsintah snarls, “you still have that leash on, <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword')>>and unless you can use that sword of yours, it’s unwise.<<else>>meaning you aren’t able to fight.<</if>> <</if>>\ [[Ask them for their thoughts.->8.6Thoughts][$tsintah +=1; $thorne +=1]] [[Go the way of stealth.->8.6Stealth][$tsintah +=2; $thorne -=3; $stealth +=5]] [[Go the way of stealth.->8.6Stealth][$tsintah +=2; $thorne -=3; $stealth +=5]] <<if $chikrinOff or $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword') or $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ [[Go the way of combat.->8.6Combat][$tsintah -=3; $thorne +=3]] <</if>>\
“Thoughts, Tsintah?” I question. “I think we should attempt to sneak out of here, though I’m a bit wary of trusting him,” Tsintah tells me, pointing her thumb at an offended Thorne. “I assure you, my word is my bond.” “Your word means nothing,” Tsintah focuses her attention back on me, “you have my thoughts.” “And Thorne?” “I won’t lie. I’m quite interested in seeing who I am employed by and if ?he can fight. As well as if the Kren here is as lethal as her words.” “Why wait?” Tsintah says with a raised brow, “I can show you now.” Thorne lets out a hearty laugh, a twinkle in his eye as if he actually wanted to take her up on that.
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Covertness ++</span> <</if>>\ The two stand before me, waiting for me to make my decision. “I say we go stealth.” “Then you’ll want to go up the rest of these stairs and head to the left. There’s a window that faces the outside stable ground. My horse should not be hard to find, he’s the buckskin that acts as if a demon has possessed him.” “We’ll take him up the left side of the building,” I tell Thorne, who is already beginning to walk towards the door, “our mounts are there.” He nods and waves us off. I gaze over at Tsintah who waits for me with a neutral expression. In another life, she would make for a great soldier. We do as Thorne says and climb up the stairs, taking a left and continuing down the hall until we come to the window. I open it and gaze down; the roof would allow us to make it down with little fear of falling. I head out first, Tsintah right behind me, appearing a lot more graceful than I. Once at the bottom, we head over to the stables that is filled with horses, some sleeping and others making a ruckus. “Which did he say was his?” Tsintah questions. [[The buckskin horse.->8.6Horse][$tHC = "buckskin"]] [[The black horse.->8.6Horse][$tHC = "black"]] [[The chestnut horse.->8.6Horse][$tHC = "chestnut"]] [[The dapple grey horse.->8.6Horse][$tHC = "dapple grey"]]
<<if $tHC is "buckskin">>\ “The buckskin horse,” I tell her, finding the only horse that fits the description, and finding it to also meet the behavior that Thorne had specified. The horse was less than a fan of being locked inside of a box, even more offended that some mere wooden gate was keeping him from escaping. <<else>>\ “The $tHC horse,” I tell her, <<if $tHC is "black">>heading to the first black horse that I see, their head bent as they sleep peacefully.<<elseif $tHC is "chestnut">>heading to the first chestnut horse that I see. They were casually grazing on some hay, ignoring our presence.<<else>>looking around for such horse but not spotting one.<</if>> <<if $tHC is "dapple grey">>\ “I think you’re thinking of your own horse,” Tsintah informs me, gazing around at the other horses, “I don’t recall the color, but I do remember him saying that the horse behaved as if they were possessed.” She stops in front of a box containing a crazed buckskin. Messing with him wasn’t ideal, especially as he neighs loudly and kicks at the gate that locks him in his box. <<else>>\ “You sure? I don’t recall the color, but I do recall him saying that the horse acted as if possessed,” Tsintah informs me, appearing at my side. I continue checking if this horse was Thorne’s when I see someone else’s name on the saddlebag. <</if>>\ “I think you’re right,” I tell her, following behind her as she approaches a crazed buckskin. Messing with him wasn’t ideal, especially as he neighs loudly and kicks at the gate that locks him in his box. <</if>>\ “I think he fits the description,” Tsintah snorts, “do you wish to retrieve him, or I?” [[“You got it.”->8.6Can't]] [[“I can do it.”->8.6Can]]
I take a step back and nod at Tsintah, “you can do it.” She approaches the gate slowly and at an angle, speaking softly to the horse. Much to my shock, the horse seems to actually calm down, even allowing Tsintah to pet his forehead. She opens the gate and slowly leads him out, never ceasing her gentle speech. I gather the saddlebags that rest outside the box and fasten them back on the saddle, both of us walking out. <<include "8.6Stealth2">>
“I got this,” I tell her, approaching the horse at an angle, attempting to calm him down as I approach. The horse rears and I pause, wondering if this was really a good idea. As well as why Thorne chose this specific horse. The horse relents, snorting as he allows me to grab his bridle and then lead him out without any further trouble. As I continue to calm him down, Tsintah grabs the saddlebags and fasten them, nodding when she was done so that we could leave. <<include "8.6Stealth2">>
The front of the tavern is in an uproar as we observe from the shadows. I couldn’t do a headcount of the mob as they whoop and holler, but there were at least fifteen, probably more. Each of them brandishes a weapon and shout at those closest to them. “We can split the reward,” I hear a voice shout, followed by mocking laughter. “What?” another screams over the chattering, “we each get one opal?” They continue to fight when Tsintah nudges me, nodding at a lone figure at the back of the group who happens to be leaning on a tree. I head over as Tsintah takes Thorne’s mount and leaves to retrieve ours. “What happened here?” I ask Thorne, hoping that no one would notice me, at the very least I hope they regard me as another patron. “It was actually quite easy. Just had to tell them that you were about to head out, had no weapons on you, and then question who was going to get the reward for your capture,” he smirks at his own brilliance, “after all this time I still manage to impress even myself.” [[“Well, I’m impressed.”][$thorne +=3]] [[“You have a big head, huh?”][$thorne +=2]] [[“Good job, let’s go.”][$thorne -=3]]
“Well, I’m impressed,” I compliment, and Thorne looks over at me with a small smile. “If you think this is impressive, you should see what else I can do.” “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to show us. But for now, let us just head out.” He follows me over to a waiting Tsintah who is already mounted on her elk. We both mount up and gallop away, leaving the crowd to wonder when I would make an appearance. We don’t slow down until we are away from the trail that leads up to the tavern, Tsintah naturally taking the lead as she navigates the forest effortlessly. <a data-passage="8.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I raise a brow, “you have a big head, huh?” “Depending, which head are we speaking of?” he quips back, winking as I immediately turn and head the opposite way. Thorne follows behind me, attempting to stop laughing but failing horribly. He follows me over to a waiting Tsintah who is already mounted on her elk. We both mount up and gallop away, leaving the crowd to wonder when I would make an appearance. We don’t slow down until we are away from the trail that leads up to the tavern, Tsintah naturally taking the lead as she navigates the forest effortlessly. <a data-passage="8.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Good job, now let’s go before they start questioning why it’s taking so long.” He follows me over to a waiting Tsintah who is already mounted on her elk. We both mount up and gallop away, leaving the crowd to wonder when I would make an appearance. We don’t slow down until we are away from the trail that leads up to the tavern, Tsintah naturally taking the lead as she navigates the forest effortlessly. <a data-passage="8.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Combat ++</span> <</if>>\ <<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ <<set $tsintah -=2>> <</if>>\ The two stand before me, waiting for me to make my decision. “I say we go out there and face them.” “Excellent, I haven’t been in a good fight in forever,” Thorne tells me, unsheathing a carbon steel saber for him, and probably us, to admire. “Fine,” Tsintah growls, nudging Thorne’s exposed sword away from her proximity, “but I’m going to the roof. I’m no use to anyone down here.” She immediately goes and Thorne motions for me to follow him. I still myself as we approach the door, those inside looking at us in curiosity. I see pouches exchange hands, probably from those taking bets on our lives. “You ready?” Thorne questions, his hand hovering in the air, ready to push open the tavern’s door. [[“Not really.”->8.6NotReally][$thorne -=2]] [[“Do you know who you’re talking to?”][$thorne +=2]] [[“You got my back, right?”][$thorne -=3]]
“Not really, but I don’t think it matters much now,” I tell Thorne<<if $chikrinOff>> while prepping my magic<<elseif $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword')>>, unsheathing the short sword that I had in my possession<<else>>, unsheathing the dagger that I had in my possession<</if>>, and he nods in agreement, a wide smile appearing as he pushes open the door and we walk out of the tavern. <<include "8.6Combat2">>
I snort as I <<if $chikrinOff>>prep my magic, feeling it rush through me. I wasn’t at one hundred, but it mattered little, I would have to yell at my stupidity later.<<elseif $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword')>>unsheathe my short sword. Once again familiarizing myself with the weight and reminding myself of how to use it.<<else>>unsheathe my dagger. I would have to trade it in for something more intimidating and useful, but for now it would do.<</if>> “Do you know who you’re talking to? I’m always ready.” <<include "8.6Combat2">>
I prepare myself, <<if $chikrinOff>>letting my magic wash over me<<else>>unsheathing my blade<</if>> before turning to look at Thorne, “you got my back, right?” He gives me a dubious look and pushes the door open, looking back at me before taking his first step, “sure, but that’s going to cost you extra.” We both walk out of the tavern. <<include "8.6Combat2">>
Immediately, all those who wish to capture me begin to roar in anticipation, shouting how they would skewer me. Some seem to actually hate me, shouting about how I was cruel and how dare I touch the prince. I’m instantly reminded of the public humiliation, having to listen to their insults while they threw their trash at me. I close my eyes, attempting to block it out, but it seems only to escalate it. “Enough of this,” one hulking figure bellows, rushing up to me. I notice Thorne not moving an inch, his brow slightly raised as he looks to see what I would do. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword') or $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ [[Use my blades.->8.6Blades]] <</if>>\ <<if $chikrinOff>> [[Use my magic.->8.6Magic]] <</if>>\
I center myself and get into the appropriate stance, bouncing with anticipation as the man rushes towards me with a raised mace. As soon as he gets close enough, I dodge him and his slow attack, slashing at his side that happens to be protected. The slash angers the man and he pivot around, looking to hit me with his lazy swings. I continue backing up, realizing that I was getting closer to the blood-thirsty crowd. One man reaches for me, and I duck at the right time, the mace making an impact with the man behind me, rendering him dead on contact with a crushed jaw. It was this that causes the entire crowd to begin fighting, everyone surging forward, finally causing Thorne to move in. My attention is still on the mace-wielding man. He roars and kicks at me, as I dodge this, the back of his hand slams into my cheek, sending me tumbling to the ground. I attempt to stand when a hand behind me grabs me in a chokehold, but as quick as they were there, their grip loosens and they fall dead, an arrow lodged into their head. I look towards the roof to see Tsintah’s shadow. My attention flies back to the man, right as he brings his mace down in front of me and implanting itself between my legs. The action was close to causing me to faint, but fortunately for me, the man was currently defenseless. [[Cut him down, he deserves death.][$maceDead = true]] [[Incapacitate him, there were more to focus on.]]
<<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ <<set $taint +=2>> <</if>>\ <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ <<set $empathy -=5>> <</if>>\ Anger fills me as my grip tightens around the hilt of my blade. I shout as I surge forward, digging it deep into the man’s chest. He releases his mace, attempting to grab me but I slam my elbow into his face. Ignoring the pain of the collision, I dig my blade deeper into his chest. Deeper and deeper until I was no sitting on top of him, his eyes open but his chest no longer heaving. I tear my blade out and look for others, surging towards them with newfound adrenaline. <<include "8.6Combat3">>
I move away from the mace, kicking him in his groin before tackling him. Thankfully, he falls to the ground and I hover over him, punching him until he stops moving. He was still alive, but he wasn’t about to be anymore of a problem for me. I glance up to see who was left, racing towards them. <<include "8.6Combat3">>
I go through the list of spells that I knew, knowing that I should probably rely on either earth-based spells or air. [[Earth spells.->8.6Earth]] [[Air spells.->8.6Air]]
I quickly write the symbol for the earth into the air, causing the mace wielding man to pause as he realized what I was. “Fancy magic won’t help you, I’ve killed hundreds of you witches,” he roars and continues his charge. With the earth spell now activated, my gaze darts around and I summon the tree branches to come to life. They do as I ask and lunge for the man, grabbing him and yanking him into the air. Unfortunately, this action causes his mace to go flying out of his hands, landing on some guy who probably didn’t believe this would be his last day alive. It slams across his jaw, killing him on impact. It was this that causes the entire crowd to begin fighting, everyone surging forward, finally causing Thorne to move in. My attention is still on the mace-wielding man. The branches slam him into the ground before yanking him back up, but this his weight works in his favor and causes them to break. He falls to the ground, grabbing one of the broken branches and running towards me. I begin to think of another spell when he gets to me, the branch hitting me across the face and sending me stumbling to the ground. I attempt to stand when a hand behind me grabs me in a chokehold, but as quick as they were there, their grip loosens and they fall dead, an arrow lodged into their head. I look towards the roof to see Tsintah’s shadow. The man with the branch keeps coming though, and I immediately think of a mud spell, writing it and activating it. The ground beneath him gives way, sucking the frightened man into it. [[Keep feeding it, let the mud take him.][$maceDead = true; $energy -=10]] [[Stop feeding it, let only part of him be stuck.]]
<<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ <<set $taint +=2>> <</if>>\ <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ <<set $empathy -=5>> <</if>>\ I glare at the man in anger, my cheek still burning from when he had hit me. “No, please,” he begs as the mud continues to pull at him, his body slowly fading from view. I grow dizzy, but I don’t stop. I feel blood oozing down my nose and across my lips, my tongue tasting the salty and metallic nature of it. I drop to my knees, my head swaying as soon as he disappears from view, one last bubble forming upon the mud. <<include "8.6Combat3">>
I glare over at the man, feeding the spell until most of his bottom half was hidden. After that, I cut the magical connection, rolling my eyes at his curse words and his threats. I instead put my focus on others. <<include "8.6Combat3">>
I quickly write the symbol for the air into the air, causing the mace wielding man to pause as he realized what I was. “Fancy magic won’t help you, I’ve killed hundreds of you witches,” he roars and continues his charge. With the air spell now activated, I run through all the spells that could aid me in my current predicament. I come up with a wind spell, performing it and watching as the gust of wind pushes the man off his feet and sends him spiraling to the ground. Unfortunately, this action causes his mace to go flying out of his hands, landing on some guy who probably didn’t believe this would be his last day alive. It slams across his jaw, killing him on impact. It was this that causes the entire crowd to begin fighting, everyone surging forward, finally causing Thorne to move in. My attention is still on the mace-wielding man. He gets up and goes to his mace, dislodging it from the man’s head before turning to me. I prepare to do the spell once again when someone appears behind me, grabbing me and putting me in a chokehold, but as quick as they were there, their grip loosens and they fall dead, an arrow lodged into their head. I look towards the roof to see Tsintah’s shadow. The man with the mace keeps coming though, and I immediately think of an air spell, writing it and activating it. His eyes widen as I pull the air from his body. [[Keep feeding it, let him die.][$maceDead = true; $energy -=10]] [[Stop feeding it, only do enough to make him fall unconscious.]]
<<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ <<set $taint +=2>> <</if>>\ <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ <<set $empathy -=5>> <</if>>\ I glare at the man in anger, my cheek still burning from when he had hit me. “No,” he begs, the word stretching out due to the lack of air, “please,” I grow dizzy, but I don’t stop. I feel blood oozing down my nose and across my lips, my tongue tasting the salty and metallic nature of it. I drop to my knees, my head swaying as soon as he drops to the ground dead. <<include "8.6Combat3">>
I glare over at the man, feeding the spell until he begins to sway. As soon as that happens, I do it for a second more before cutting off my connection with the spell. He falls to the ground, but he was still alive. I glance around, ready to take on the others. <<include "8.6Combat3">>
After a few more rounds, those who weren’t dead or injured run back into the tavern or hide from view. Tsintah joins us down on the ground looking over the bodies while Thorne loots from them, pocketing most of what he finds but leaving other things. <<if $maceDead>>\ “Nice to know you know how to kill,” Thorne says, straightening up and coming to my side. “Why do I get the feeling that all of this was more or less just a test for you?” “Because it was. I’m here to protect you, but I would like to know how much protection you need. Obviously not that much.” He walks away, heading down a small and rough trail that leads behind the tavern. <<else>>\ “Why didn’t you kill him?” Thorne asks, straightening up and coming to my side. “What was the point?” “He was trying to kill you, or at least capture you. Anyone who knows the game knows that death is the only answer. Too many variables otherwise.” <</if>>\ “I just don’t see the point of tiring myself out and killing someone, alright?” Thorne shrugs his shoulders and follows a small and rough trail behind the tavern. I look towards Tsintah who is kneeling on the ground, her head bent and one hand touching a patch of grass. Korisi glares at me, warning me not to interrupt. And so, I wait. When Thorne returns, he has with him a buckskin gelding who seems ready to head out. Something that the rest of us share. We mount up and head out. We don’t slow down until we are away from the trail that leads up to the tavern, Tsintah naturally taking the lead as she navigates the forest effortlessly. <a data-passage="8.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
After a couple of minutes of riding, we’re once again surrounded by trees, more trees, and even more trees. The sun is slowly gliding from the sky, while the moon prepares to take up her nightly duties. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “So, two Kren,” Thorne says aloud from the back of the group, “please tell me you’re not the ‘of the forest’ type of Kren.” Unsurprisingly, Tsintah ignores him. [[“I’m not one of them.”][$thorne +=2; $tsintah +=3]] [[“I’m not, but I want to be.”][$thorne -=2; $tsintah -=3]] [[“What does that even mean?”->8.7What]] <<else>>\ “So a Kren and a $species, how did this come to be exactly? Longtime friends? Lovers? Just a simple job?” [[“Lovers!?”->8.7Lovers]] [[“I just met Tsintah a few days ago.”]] [[“Tsintah is only here as a guide.”]] <</if>>\
I turn my upper half around to face him, “I’m not one of the forest people,” I tell him. “Ah, which probably means she is though. So you two haven’t known each other for a century either then I take it. Or have you? Are you longtime friends? Lovers? Just together for a simple job?” [[“Lovers!?”->8.7Lovers]] [[“I just met Tsintah a few days ago.”]] [[“Tsintah is only here as a guide.”]]
“I’m not, but I’m interested in becoming one,” I say aloud. Thorne doesn’t have time to answer as Tsintah turns and faces me in surprise. “Truly?” “Yea. I was hoping you could help out with that.” “I … I’m probably not the best one. I know things, yes, but if you haven’t noticed, the whole tribe life isn’t really my strong point.” She leaves it at that, turning back around. “So have you two known each other for a century then? Are you longtime friends? Lovers? Just together for a simple job?” [[“Lovers!?”->8.7Lovers]] [[“I just met Tsintah a few days ago.”]] [[“Tsintah is only here as a guide.”]]
I snicker, “what does that even?” “You know, the Kren who act preachy and like they know best because immorality gives them the right to be an asshole.” I continue to gaze at him, not being able to think of any Kren who fit that description yet. “If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then it means you’re not one of them, so it doesn’t really matter. So have you two known each other for a century then? Are you longtime friends? Lovers? Just together for a simple job?” [[“Lovers!?”->8.7Lovers]] [[“I just met Tsintah a few days ago.”]] [[“Tsintah is only here as a guide.”]]
“Lovers!?” I shout, louder than I had meant to, “is that really the first thing you think of?” Thorne shrugs indifferently, “it’s always good to learn these things early, you know, to avoid stepping on someone’s toes. I find myself in the company of two attractive companions, I wouldn’t want to interrupt anything.” [[“So you’re asking for yourself?”][$thorneLi +=1]] [[“Um … Tsintah?”][$tsintahLi +=1]] [[“No one here likes anyone.”]]
“Oh, so you’re asking for yourself then?” I ask, unable to hide my smirk. “Of course, I wouldn’t want to wake up with an arrow to the face simply because I decided to remind you of how attractive you are, $name.” He gives me that charismatic smile that causes his whole face to brighten. “Though if Tsintah would like to join in then I would have no qualms about that either.” “Keep talking and you’ll have an arrow to the face now,” I hear Tsintah say, or perhaps it was the wind since she carries on like normal. “Something tells me you’re a flirt.” “I wouldn’t want to start my new employment off with lies so I won’t agree, nor disagree with that.” <<include "8.8">>
“Um … I don’t even know if Tsintah is interested in things like that,” I find myself saying, gazing at Tsintah’s back. “Oh, but you are,” he chuckles, “then how about we ask.” He winks conspiratorially at me before shifting his gaze, “Tsintah, what is your thoughts on romance?” “You’re not my type, Thorne,” she shouts back, Thorne blinking in offense. “Excuse you, I am everyone’s type. Plus, I’m just asking for future knowledge.” She stops and turns back to look at the both of us, her eyes linger on me but not long before she looks at Thorne, narrowing her gaze, “I doubt it’s important in regard to our current mission.” With that, she directs her attention back on navigating. Thorne leans over and pats my back, “have fun with that one, $name.” <<include "8.8">>
“No one here likes anyone,” I tell him, rolling my eyes at his statement. “Ah, so we’re just an offensively attractive and strange group without an adequate punchline. What fun,” he says sarcastically, but leaves it at that. <<include "8.8">>
“I just met Tsintah a few days ago, after she brought me to her tribe and helped me out.” “So, in a sense we’re all strangers to one another. This will be … interesting,” Thorne says. <<include "8.8">>
“Tsintah is only here as a guide.” “I see. Yes, now I see why you both were looking for a third,” Thorne says, scratching his chin, “no matter. I’m sure we’ll all get along fine.” <<include "8.8">>
“Where are we headed?” Thorne questions. “A Uqanan tribe to the south, known as the Opal Warriors,” I pause after speaking the clan's name, looking towards Tsintah to see if I was correct. She doesn’t correct me or even show signs of listening to our conversation. “Ah, never been there but heard bits and pieces about them. Why are we headed there? And you,” he says, pointing at me, “is it true?” “Ugh, no. Nothing you heard is true,” I growl, something inside of me shifting disturbingly. “I just want to clear my name.” “So, this is a righteous job. Not used to those but it’s always good to switch up here and there. This sounds like it’ll be a proper adventure.” Silence weaves its way between us as we ride on, and I take a moment to thoroughly examine our newest companion. Upon first glance, Thorne looks similar to an Alyrian, nothing about his appearance pointing at something else but that could still mean little. He could be a Phaizarn, an animal shapeshifter, I wouldn’t know unless I asked him. He was rugged, much like one would expect a mercenary to be. Half of his long black hair was in a bun, while the other half was allowed to sprawl over his shoulders. He had striking hazel eyes that were predominantly brown with specks of yellow scattered within them. “So, Thorne, what are you?” He smiles at me, “what do you think I am?” [[“An Alyrian?”]] [[“A Phaizarn?”][$thorne +=2]]
“An Alyrian?” I ask. “Was that said in doubt? Regardless, I’m no Human. I’m a <<link 'Phaizarn'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Phaizarn are also known as shifters, thought to be the outcome of were creatures entangling themselves with Alyrians. This, of course, is not true but rumors will persist. They have the extraordinary ability to turn into animals. Typically, a Phaizarn offspring’s animal side cannot be guessed unless both parents are pure (i.e. both parents are Phaizarn and can turn into the same breed/species of animal), otherwise the animal is random. Phaizarn, appearance wise, look similar to Alyrians and the only way to tell that they are not said species are small details that not all of them possess. For example, a snake Phaizarn will have a tongue and eyes like a snake when in their bipedal form, a fox Phaizarn might have the ears of a fox, but a monkey Phaizarn will have no discernible features. It is not known why some Phaizarns physically show some of their animal features while in their bipedal form while others do not, many believe genetics have a role to play in this.<</dialog>><</link>>.” He throws me a large smile, though after a few seconds of staring realizes that he was showing of his four canines, “have you met someone like me before?” “Yes. I haven’t come across that many shifters, but I’ve met enough to know the basics. What animal do you shift into?” “A white lion,” he brags though, at the same time, he shrugs his shoulders as if the rare animal was no big deal. “I’m an exquisite specimen.” I roll my eyes playfully as Tsintah comes to a stop, dismounting Cyrus. <a data-passage="8.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“A <<link 'Phaizarn'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Phaizarn are also known as shifters, thought to be the outcome of were creatures entangling themselves with Alyrians. This, of course, is not true but rumors will persist. They have the extraordinary ability to turn into animals. Typically, a Phaizarn offspring’s animal side cannot be guessed unless both parents are pure (i.e. both parents are Phaizarn and can turn into the same breed/species of animal), otherwise the animal is random. Phaizarn, appearance wise, look similar to Alyrians and the only way to tell that they are not said species are small details that not all of them possess. For example, a snake Phaizarn will have a tongue and eyes like a snake when in their bipedal form, a fox Phaizarn might have the ears of a fox, but a monkey Phaizarn will have no discernible features. It is not known why some Phaizarns physically show some of their animal features while in their bipedal form while others do not, many believe genetics have a role to play in this.<</dialog>><</link>>?” I ask. “Was that said in doubt? Regardless, you’re right.” He throws me a large smile, though after a few seconds of staring realizes that he was showing of his four canines, “have you met someone like me before?” “Yes. I haven’t come across that many shifters, but I’ve met enough to know the basics. What animal do you shift into?” “A white lion,” he brags though, at the same time, he shrugs his shoulders as if the rare animal was no big deal. “I’m an exquisite specimen.” I roll my eyes playfully as Tsintah comes to a stop, dismounting Cyrus. <a data-passage="8.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“We’ll make camp here,” she points up at what appears like another hideaway. “It’s probably going to rain tonight.” We tend to the animals before we each make our way up the tree to where the shelter resides. In the middle is a raised platform for a fire and Thorne and I work on it. Though I say nothing, I notice Tsintah giving the fire a distrusting glance, wishing to stay to the corners where the fire’s light only barely reaches. Once we’re all situated, we each take our own corner. Thorne props himself up and tends to his saber, oiling it, while Tsintah stares off into space, petting a purring Korisi. I lay my head on the wooden boards that make up the shelter, taking in numerous deep breaths before allowing sleep to overtake me. What I would find in my dreams, I knew not. Neither was I prepared. <a data-passage="Chapter Nine"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<set $timelimit = false; $hay = false; $hut = false; $bandage = false; $goodtogo = false; $wait = false; $clothingstole = false>> <<unset $krenfollows, $guardfight, $dragged, $courtrule, $TJeffrey, $guardAnger, $negPrinceVibes, $lordAnger, $kAnswer = "unknown", $colfKing, $kingKnows, $sicknessKnown>> <<endnobr>> <img src="images/five.png"> <<if $noose>>\ “We hereby proclaim, $name, guilty. And as punishment will face the hangman’s noose.” <<else>>\ “We hereby proclaim, $name, guilty. And as punishment will spend the rest of ?his_ life in prison.” <</if>>\ Hope was executed on the spot. [[I’m not accepting this.][$care +=3]] [[Stare off into space.][$care -=3]] [[Try to hold in my tears.][$care +=3]]
<<if $noose>>\ I shake my head as if that meant anything to these people. They were okay with condemning an innocent to death with nothing but the words from two servants who could have an ulterior motive. “I refuse to accept this,” I yell at them, feeling the two guards behind me stiffen as I speak, “I’m innocent!” “Judgment has been passed, $name,” the King says tiredly, “guards.” No. I couldn’t, I refuse to go back to that cell. Only then to be hauled through the town once more and then to die. I open my mouth to reject this judgment once again but realize that I was sounding like a hopeless barb. Shouting and singing the same words, hoping that someone would look past the speaker and listen to the words. They never would, people were fickle that way. <<else>>\ I shake my head as if that meant anything to these people. They were okay with condemning an innocent to life in prison with nothing but the words from two servants who could have an ulterior motive. “I refuse to accept this,” I yell at them, feeling the two guards behind me stiffen as I speak, “I’m innocent!” “Consider this a mercy,” the King says in apparent disgust, “guards.” No. I couldn’t, I refuse to go back to that cell. Life in prison was a farce, I wouldn’t survive that long. They would throw me in the cell at the end and forget that I existed. I refuse to waste away in a cell, forgotten by all merely because I had a shortage of those who cared for me. <</if>>\ My eyes dart from one side of the court to the other. //“If you’re going to do something stupid,” I remember Master Audouin laughing, “then there can be no second thinking.”// It was made in response to me completing a lesson he had given me in an unconventional, and ridiculous way. I had made it harder than it was, and instead of chiding me, he watched with great interest. In the end, I successfully completed the lesson. After all these years, his words stuck with me far longer than whatever lesson I had achieved. I sigh, a small pensive grin on my lips, “your words still ring true.”
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ My mind and eyes are both far from this place. Hand in hand they walk the familiar roads that make up Akrisos. They wave to the generous bakers and the kind blacksmith. They chat for just a moment with the tailor and roll their eyes at Isaak who manages to spill all of the produce from his basket. They continue on until they come across a hut, inside a familiar Ecrid is busy, not noticing the figure that stands in the doorway. Such simpler times, and such a memory that will never be relived. I come back to the court, to my sentencing and all that it entails. My eyes dart from one side of the court to the other. //“If you’re going to do something stupid,” I remember Master Audouin laughing, “then there can be no second thinking.”// It was made in response to me completing a lesson he had given me in an unconventional, and ridiculous way. I had made it harder than it was, and instead of chiding me, he watched with great interest. In the end, I successfully completed the lesson. After all these years, his words stuck with me far longer than whatever lesson I had achieved. I sigh, a small pensive grin on my lips, “your words still ring true.”
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ I sniffle, viciously reprimanding myself as I do so. I would not cry. I would not give these people the satisfaction, though I feel they care little for that now. This would be the last they saw my face; they would not remember puffy eyes and tear-soaked cheeks. But try as I might, the tears show their stubborn nature, and some manage to fall. What did crying do? What would it accomplish? My eyes dart from one side of the court to the other. //“If you’re going to do something stupid,” I remember Master Audouin laughing, “then there can be no second thinking.”// It was made in response to me completing a lesson he had given me in an unconventional, and ridiculous way. I had made it harder than it was, and instead of chiding me, he watched with great interest. In the end, I successfully completed the lesson. After all these years, his words stuck with me far longer than whatever lesson I had achieved. I sigh, a small pensive grin on my lips, “your words still ring true.” [[I’m going to fight my way out.][$combat +=5]] [[Distract and shock the crowd.][$persuade +=5]] [[Simple. Run.][$stealth -=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Combat ++</span> <</if>>\ I prepare myself, first evaluating my situation. There was a handful of guard’s present, four of them line the walls, plus the two behind me, and then the King’s Guards that were far enough away from me that I didn’t have to fret their interference. That, and I didn’t wish to get into a fight with one of them while wearing a chikrin and being as weak as I was. This number also wasn’t accounting for the resistance that I would meet if I made it outside. Thankfully, all of the guards seemed to be carrying your average spear or short sword. It would be wise to get my hands on at least one of their swords, that would at least keep the others at a distance, especially since they didn’t know how capable I was with a weapon. The guard to my right has his right hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Though, choosing his sword over the guard to my left was a touch idiotic. I would have to lunge and hope that the guard’s reaction was slow. Whereas grabbing the sword of the guard to my left would be far more accessible, though my positioning once I had my hands on it might prove to be a problem. [[Grab the sword of the guard on the right.]] [[Grab the sword of the guard on the left.]]
<<nobr>><<pickup '$weaponInventory' 'classic shortsword'>><</nobr>> I was really beginning to live my life based off of that one quote by my master. I don’t even take a breath before lunging to the side. I didn’t wish to waste another second, for every wasted second went towards the guards ready to grab me and drag me off. To my utter shock, my hands enclose around the guard’s hilt before he can even react to my movement. I grip it tightly and do a spin, hooking my foot around the guard’s right foot as I go. He trips, and the other guard jumps back, his sword now drawn. The crowd begins to scream as if I had taken one of them hostage, all of them rushing to get away from me. This was precisely what I needed. The minor commotion allows me to sprint towards the door, ready to do what I had to now. I would not see that cell again. <a data-passage="5.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<pickup '$weaponInventory' 'classic dagger'>><</nobr>> <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ <<set $taint +=5>> <</if>>\ I side-eye the sword that rests there, thinking, and visualizing my next moves before I attempt anything. Believing that I was ready, I take a deep breath in and spin, grabbing the guard’s sword and taking two steps back. My back was now to the King and my eyes on the two guards before me. His friend had already drawn his sword and was giving me a questionable look. The guards that had once lined the walls now step forward; their spears leveled. I hear everyone screaming and shouting at once and realize that my positioning wasn’t a good one. I had to now watch every side of me in hopes of not getting overtaken. There was bound to be someone who grew brave and moved in. And indeed there was, I just didn’t expect that person to take the form of an advisor hiding a small dagger. The advisor gives away his motives by shrieking right as he lunges for me, bringing his dagger down and burying it in my shoulder. I grunt in pain as I slash my sword, hearing him scream and knowing that I needed to get out of here. The others charge forward as soon as I make to run, one of their spears making contact but the thick material of the burlap allowed me to get away. I sprint towards the door, attempting to focus all of my attention on escaping. My wound would have to wait. <a data-passage="5.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Persuasion ++</span> <</if>>\ I know a few things that the crowd didn’t. And seeing that this crowd did indeed love their 'game', they would probably lap up my information in ecstasy. [[Tell them of the King.][$courtknows_king = true]] [[Tell them of the Queen.][$courtknows_queen = true; $side -=5]]
I point to the King before turning to look at the crowd, “do any of you know even know why the Prince was to be crowned?” I look back to see the King’s face twitch as he realizes what I would soon tell all. It also reminds me that there are two guards right behind me, ready to see me back to a disgusting and cramp cell. There was no time for dramatics. “He is dying of sickness,” I blurt, and for a brief moment the crowd goes silent as my words reach their ears, even the guards seem shocked as they look from me to their fuming King. “Gua –,” the King begins, just as the crowd roars. Some of them demand an explanation, while others are already using this information to better their position. Even some seem furious at me, if only because I had told everyone, rendering the knowledge useless to individuals. One guard leaves my side as he lunges at a noble who have forgotten their place, approaching the King for answers. With a snap of my silver tongue, the crowd went from watching judgment be placed to demanding answers from their dying King. The court has descended into a chaos that the few guards present couldn’t handle alone. I take a step back, and then another, and a third. The door was right there, attention no longer on me. “The prisoner!” someone with a commanding voice shouts and with that, I turn on my heel and sprint. <a data-passage="5.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I point to the Queen before turning to look at the crowd, “I doubt any of you know about the Queen then?” The King’s face settles into one of confusion as the Queen silently stares on. I am also reminded of the two guards that flank me, ready to escort me back to a disgusting and cramp cell. There was no time for dramatics. “The Queen has an illegitimate child with one of the nobles among you,” I blurt, and for a brief moment the crowd goes silent as my words reach their ears, even the guards seem shocked as they look from me to what was left of the royal family. “Is this true?” the King growls under his voice, though we all hear due to the otherwise quiet courtroom. She sends an innocent smile to him and then the rest of those in attendance, “it is.” My brows crinkle at her as she outs herself, and still somehow manages to look calm, or as calm as a grieving mother could. “Who is the child and the sire? Both will hang!” As much as I cared to listen to the news of the century, this was no longer my concern. The nobles were busy fighting with each other, throwing out accusations and hypothesizing who the father could be. The few guards present did their best to keep the peace as the King continues to question his wife. I take a step back, and then another, and a third. The door was right there, attention no longer on me. “The prisoner!” someone with a commanding voice shouts and with that, I turn on my heel and sprint. <a data-passage="5.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Stealth ++</span> <</if>>\ I fail to come up with anything but the idea to run. I trust in my feet, enough to believe that they could successfully get me out of here before I’m dragged back to that hell hole they wish me to rot in. It was now or never. Shocking the guards, and myself, I push myself past them and take off. The crowd gasps, behaving as if I had just unsheathed a sword and was now brandishing it in front of their pretty faces. The door was right there, I just needed to make it. I feel a hand clasp around my ankle, and as I fall, I kick out with my free foot. I successfully hit the lunging guard and bring my foot out of his grasp before clambering up to my feet. //“Get out of there,”// my insides scream, their imaginary voices all melding into one clear and concise one. I do exactly as they, sprinting towards the exit. <a data-passage="5.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The weather seems to be attuned with my frantic spirit. I throw the doors open, and I’m immediately hit on the nose by a raindrop. The clouds still move in a lackadaisical fashion, but they are slowly overtaking the sun. I haven’t paid much attention to the shifting weather or kept an ear out for the Great Priests and their announcement that Monsuna was upon us. And now wasn’t the best time either. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword')>>\ The guards on the steps of the court look at me in confusion, not knowing if I had been freed or if I was now on the run. I assume that they figure it out by the commotion behind me and the sword that rests in my grip. They unsheathe theirs, and I dart to the left. <<elseif $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ The guards on the steps of the court look at me in confusion, not knowing if I had been freed or if I was now on the run. I assume that they figure it out by the commotion behind me and the dagger that sticks from my wounded shoulder, a trail of blood clinging to the burlap robe. They unsheathe theirs, and I dart to the left. <<else>>\ The guards on the steps of the court look at me in confusion, not knowing if I had been freed or if I was now on the run. I assume that they figure it out by to the commotion behind me. They unsheathe their swords, and I dart to the left. <</if>>\ <<if $background is "streetkid">>\ I hadn’t thought it necessary to learn the streets of Ipharia, a foolish move on my part and a sign that I had totally abandoned the lessons learned while I lived on the streets. Learning the alleyways and the shortcuts was a move that kept me alive back when I was smaller. If only I still had that fear residing in me now. <<else>>\ I hadn’t thought it necessary to learn the streets of Ipharia, mostly because I didn’t believe I would be here long. How was I to know that in a matter of days I would go from being one of the most reputable witches in Nidinia to being hunted and chased through the streets? <</if>>\ Thankfully, the crowd size has lessened since this morning’s viewing of humiliation. Those in the crowd had either gone about their business or stood before the Court of Justice, waiting to hear what my judgment would be. I’m sure the sight of me sprinting away was an obvious enough answer. I hear the shouts of the guards behind me, a murderous rage that I can feel even from here as I sprint across the roads. I wouldn’t be able to keep this energy up for long, and as soon as they grab their horses, I was done for. Not to mention that if the rain came down harder, this burlap robe was going to soak up every last drop and weigh me down. I run down a nearby alleyway, not knowing what would await me on the other side. Thankfully, it’s not more guards; instead, it’s a decision. [[Take the road to the marketplace.]] [[Go down the farming road.]]
I head to the right and then to the area that I know the marketplace rests. I know this only because it was beside the square … and because Master Audouin had spoken about visiting. To my shock, it is relatively empty. The only ones milling about were owners, far too smart to leave their wares out in any kind of form, and beggars and thieves that had learned a long time ago that public humiliations were the perfect time to drop by. I run a reasonable distance down the road before stopping and turning to see where my pursuers were. The force behind me was smaller, possibly due to them splitting up to search for me. Those approaching were doing so slowly, checking behind the vendor carts, questioning those who might’ve seen me, and going into some of the buildings. Running off was both an obvious and easy choice, it was the perfect time to disappear. But I have a feeling that the small building on the opposite side of the street might come in handy. It was a clothing shop. At the moment, my main goal was to escape Ipharia. But this burlap sack would give me away, and I knew not if the symbolism here was the same in neighboring towns and villages. Also, the impending rain would only make the heavy garment an even more significant issue. [[Go into the clothing store.->5.0ClothingStore]] [[Escape Ipharia]]
<<nobr>><<pickup '$clothingInventory' 'cloak'>><</nobr>> I stay moderately close to the shadows of the buildings, my heart leaping into my throat as the guards only get closer. It was now or never, even if they saw me. If I waited any longer, then they would simply find me on their own. I take a deep breath in and sprint across. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ As I go, I find myself gravely missing my ability to transform into a shadow. I felt like a piece of me was still in that cell, unable to free itself. In a way, it was. As long as I wore this collar, then I would continue to be without both my magic and my ability. It was far too unwise to go back and find the Kren who held my key, even though I had a few choice words for him. My only luck was to find someone who could free me, or at least point me in the right direction. Thankfully, Cimmerians were just as stealthy as their shadow forms. We blended in with the darkness, overjoyed to once again be so close to our maker's bosom. I quickly make it across the street without the guards spotting me. But that didn’t mean I was safe; I was still on a daunting time limit. <<else>>\ <<if $stealth >=10>>\ The God of Luck seems to favor me for the time being. She bestows upon me a successful, albeit nerve-wracking, trip to the clothing store. One where no guards manage to spot me, and I’m able to slip into the shop without anyone being the wiser. But that didn’t mean I was safe; I was still on a daunting time limit. <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $timelimit = true>><</nobr>> I dart across the street and to my dismay, the guards shout my location. I had been spotted. I continue on, it was too late to turn back now. I would just need to be quick about this and make sure that once outside, I ran and didn’t stop. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ The inside is small and straightforward. A few haunting wooden figures stand to the side, portraying what the outfits may look like when worn. In addition to that, there are also shelves and tables filled with different kinds of clothing for an individual to browse through. There was nothing about this place that stood out to me, which was a good thing since I didn’t have time to nonchalantly look around. I grab the nearest cloak, which happens to be a dark misty grey and run towards what I hope to be a back door. <<if $timelimit>>\ <<nobr>><<set $injury_ankle = true>><</nobr>> I can hear the guards behind me, trying to figure out if I was stupid enough to hide behind one of the tables or if I had continued on through. I throw open the backdoor, running straight into three guards who are vigilantly keeping watch. They sound the alarm, and I dart to the left. The sudden action causes me to slip, falling and applying far too much weight on my ankle, I grit my teeth at the pain and fight through it the best I can, continuing on. <<else>>\ I slowly open the door, not wishing to alert anyone to my presence and current location. Further down the road are two guards, chatting with one another as if they weren’t currently tracking who they believe is a murderous fugitive. There was no way for me to walk out of here without being seen unless they were just that bad at their jobs. Behind me, I hear the door of the establishment open. I had little choice now. I take a step out of the building, attempting to be sneaky and failing, though I wasn't unshaken by the events. Instead, I dart off, having them give chase and yell to the others that they had eyes on me. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.0.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I decide on continuing forth, a cloak would do me little good if I were caught while trying to get it. If I get caught now, then my head would be theirs, they cared not for innocence or guilt, I will die. <<include "5.0.1">>
I stay within the shadows, creeping along and doing my best to keep the guards to my @{injury_ankle back despite my sprained ankle.|back.} I eye the forest that beckons me to seek shelter amongst its dead leaves. It looked like it was the most haunted forest in all of Nidinia. Its branches shoo me away and the mist from the rain gives it an eerie aura. Behind me, I hear a whinny, the cavalry was here. With fear spurring me on, I plunge into the trees that snap at me for my impertinence. Some of the trees sit bare, Celesow wrapping its wintery hands around them and shaking them violently. All that was left from the violent altercation were unadorned branches, shivering whenever the wind roared by. Though, some trees had refused Celesow’s rage. They stood with their greenery still in place, taking on the burden of light snowfall and, consequently, giving me a place to hide deeper within. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ The sound of horses drew closer as I go. My lungs were on fire, <<if $injury_ankle>> my muscles beg me to rest, and my injury reminds me constantly of its existence.<<else>>and my muscles beg me to rest.<</if>> I ignore it, as I head deeper within. My eyes frantically search for a place to hide. It would be only a matter of time before they were on top of me. I stop when I manage to spy a decently sized hole at the base of one of the trees. I inspect it closer, cursing when I realize that I wouldn’t be able to fit. Instead, I examine the tree itself, the branches thick enough to hold my weight and the leaves packed close enough to shelter and hide me from those below. I scramble up the tree, having to soothe my beating heart so that I didn’t misstep and tumble back down. One slip and that would be it, I would be found and my life, forfeit. I try to press myself as close as I can to the branch that I’m on, hoping that my frame could not be seen. Shivers race down my spine as I brace myself, watching as a line of riders race by. <<else>>\ The sound of horses drew closer as I go. My lungs were on fire, <<if $injury_ankle>> my muscles beg me to rest, and my injury reminds me constantly of its existence.<<else>>and my muscles beg me to rest.<</if>> I ignore it, as I head deeper within. My eyes frantically search for a place to hide. It would be only a matter of time before they were on top of me. I stop when I manage to spy a decently sized hole at the base of one of the trees. It would be cramp, but I could fit within. I scramble inside, shifting and staying close to the ground as the sound of hooves hitting the earth seems to be all around me. Shivers race down my spine as I brace myself, watching as a line of riders race by. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.0.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
There were dozens of them, all galloping a long yet cluttered line through the forest in search of me. I could faintly hear some of them barking orders to their subordinates, but the sound of the hooves disallows me from actually understanding any of it. Soon their numbers begin to dwindle, and the sounds fade. I stay where I am though, telling myself to sit tight for just a while longer. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ My muscles <<if $injury_ankle>>and ankle burn<<else>>burn<</if>>, and if my shoulder could scream then it would be howling. The pain that thrums there is the only thing that keeps me awake. I wish to pull the blade out but know well enough why that would be a horrible mistake. For now, it would have to stay. I steady my breathing the best I can and try to move, my legs refuse to though. Against my better judgment, darkness encroaches and takes over, my own whimpering is what lulls me to sleep. <<else>>\ My muscles <<if $injury_ankle>>and ankle burn<<else>>burn<</if>>, and I find my breathing exceedingly irregular. Against my better judgment, darkness encroaches and takes over, my own exhausted breath lulling me to sleep. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I continue forward, watching as the stone buildings begin to dwindle and turn into a mix of wood and thatch. The huts here are spaced out, and the graveled road turns to nothing but dirt and mud. I decide to leave the road behind. Instead, I head into the dead grass and shoot across yards and pastureland. I keep my eye out for a horse but happen across no such luck. The shouts of the guards have quieted, but I’m not foolish enough to believe that they have completely left me. If anything, most of them had turned to secure themselves horses, and the others wandered down the wrong road. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ I slow down to catch my breath and figure out which way to go. This was an awful mistake. As soon as I stop, my legs take a breath in the form of a cramp. I grit my teeth as I go down, right around the same time that my stab wound wishes to remind me of its presence. I clench my shoulder as I fall to my knees. Would this be where I fall? In a pasture without a soul in sight, and with some random man's blade plunged through my chest. I gaze around and find that I have two options. One being a large haystack residing not too far away from where I rest. It would make for a horrible place to hide, but it was a place to hide, nevertheless. The other option was a nearby hut, it looked abandoned, for the moment. It would make for a much better hiding spot but that didn’t lessen how dangerous and foolish it would be to enter. <<else>>\ I slow down, only to catch my breath and figure out which way to go. This was an awful mistake. As soon as I stop, my legs take a breath in the form of a cramp. I grit my teeth as I go down, massaging it gently but the pain does not lessen. Would this be where I fall? In a pasture without a soul in sight. I gaze around and find that I have two options. One being a large haystack residing not too far away from where I rest. It would make for a horrible place to hide, but it was a place to hide, nevertheless. The other option was a nearby hut, it looked abandoned, for the moment. It would make for a much better hiding spot but that didn’t lessen how dangerous and foolish it would be to enter. <</if>>\ [[Go for the haystack.][$hay = true]] [[Go for the hut.]]
I crawl towards the hay and force my way inside. It pricks me and the need to itch every area of skin that it touches intensifies the deeper I go. I move the area behind me around to give the stack a natural look, and I sit there, patiently. Not long after crawling in, the sound of hoofbeats thundering across the land is heard. I can hear the muffled voices of some of the soldiers, but that is all. They ride past, not for a minute suspecting that I was closer than what they believed. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ My muscles burn, and if my shoulder could scream, then it would be howling. The pain that thrums there is the only thing that keeps me awake. I steady my breathing the best I can and try to move, my legs refuse to though. Darkness encroaches and takes over, my own whimpering is what lulls me to sleep. <<else>>\ My muscles burn, and I find my breathing exceedingly irregular. Darkness encroaches and takes over, my own exhausted breath lulling me to sleep. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I would rather take my chances in the hut, especially since it would most likely have things that I could use. I gather all the energy that I still possessed and make my way over to the small hut. My hand reaches towards the door when I hear the sound of hoofbeats behind me. I didn’t have time to check to see who was inside, I was in the open and my only chance held who knows what on the other side. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ I find myself gravely missing my ability to transform into a shadow. I felt like a piece of me was still in that cell, unable to free itself. In a way, it was. As long as I wore this collar, then I would continue to be without both my magic and my ability. It was far too unwise to go back and find the Kren who held my key, even though I had a few choice words for him. My only luck was to find someone who could free me, or at least point me in the right direction. Thankfully, Cimmerians were just as stealthy as our shadow forms. We blend in with the darkness, overjoyed to once again be so close to our maker's bosom. And so, as I open the door, I naturally disappear within the shadows. I close the door and creep along the wall, my eyes now on the old woman with her back to me. She hums a tune to herself as she goes, totally unaware of my presence. I continue along, half of my attention on her as the other half is on my surroundings. I needed to find someplace to hide. I take a moment to look, spying a room whose door was ajar. Another room rested near where I was currently positioned, and a quick glance warned me that it was unwise for the room was in use. And so, with only one option, I dart across the hut and into the room, closing it and finding it bare besides a bed and a dresser. Even better, a closed window resided in the room, allowing me a quick escape route. I make sure the door is closed before looking around, hoping to find anything that I could use. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ <<nobr>><<set $bandage = true>><</nobr>> The room didn’t have bandages, but the bed did still have cloth bedding covering the hard mattress. I rip off a piece, growing quiet after the act was done and listening for the woman’s humming. I hear it and continue what I’m doing. I grit my teeth as I pull the dagger out of my shoulder, fighting with all my might to keep from screaming. And then, with bloody hands, quickly tie the cloth around the wound. The pain is excruciating, and I would like nothing more than to cry out, to let some of this mounting frustration pour out of me. But I can do nothing, nothing but rest and let the pain and my waning energy push me towards sleep. <<else>>\ My muscles burn, and I find my breathing exceedingly irregular. Soon, darkness encroaches and takes over, my own exhausted breath lulling me to sleep. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if $stealth >=10>>\ The God of Luck seems to favor me for the time being. He bestows upon me a successful, albeit nerve-wracking, entry into the home. I close the door just as quietly as I had opened it, and creep along the wall. My eyes stay on the old woman with her back to me, her attention on her cooking and her own humming. I continue along, half of my attention on her as the other half is on my surroundings. I needed to find someplace to hide. I take a moment to look, spying a room whose door was ajar. Another room rested near where I was currently positioned, and a quick glance warned me that it was unwise for the room was in use. And so, with only one option, I dart across the hut and into the room, closing it and finding it bare besides a bed and a dresser. Even better, a closed window resided in the room, allowing me a quick escape route. I make sure the door is closed before looking around, hoping to find anything that I could use. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ <<nobr>><<set $bandage = true>><</nobr>> The room didn’t have bandages, but the bed did still have cloth bedding covering the hard mattress. I rip off a piece, growing quiet after the act was done and listening for the woman’s humming. I hear it and continue what I’m doing. I grit my teeth as I pull the dagger out of my shoulder, fighting with all my might to keep from screaming. And then, with bloody hands, quickly tie the cloth around the wound. The pain is excruciating, and I would like nothing more than to cry out, to let some of this mounting frustration pour out of me. But I can do nothing, nothing but rest and let the pain and my waning energy push me towards sleep. <<else>>\ My muscles burn, and I find my breathing exceedingly irregular. Soon, darkness encroaches and takes over, my own exhausted breath lulling me to sleep. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ I open the door and quickly shoot inside, my eyes widening as they leave the door and meet the fearful gaze of a woman standing before a stove. We stare at one another, neither of us moving as we try to figure out what the other would do. The sounds of guards outside her hut make its way to our ears, and I see her exhale in relief. She was going to warn them of my presence. [[Attack her.->5.0Attack]] [[Wait and see.->5.0WaitSee][$hay = true; $injury_ankle = true; $wait = true]] [[Run.->5.0Run][$hay = true; $injury_ankle = true]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\
Before she can act, I leap towards her, my weight pushing her to the ground. I cover her mouth, but one squeal later, and I realize that I had another choice to make. I either flee and try to find somewhere else while the guards move in towards the hut, perhaps buying me some time. Or I had to take matters into my own hands and end the woman’s life. [[Kill her.->5.0Kill][$hut = true; $goodtogo = true]] [[Flee.->5.0Flee][$hay = true; $injury_ankle = true]]
<<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ <<set $empathy -=10>> <</if>>\ <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ <<set $taint +=10>> <</if>>\ My hands immediately move to her throat as she takes a deep breath in, clawing at me and attempting to scream for help. My hands tighten, all my energy going into the action as my eyes glaze over. I watch her face contort from frustration to anger to desperation, and then finally to pleading. She tries everything, but even with my waning energy, she was no match. Slowly, her actions slow, and the last emotion that passes through her eyes is fear. My hands are still around her neck, my body frozen as I stare at the now still woman. Her chest does not rise, her eyes don’t flicker. Nothing. She was dead. I had killed her. <<if $killedbefore>>\ I had killed before, that was true. And in a way, this was no different than the first time I had done it. In both situations, my life was on the line. The only difference was that this woman was innocent and that her only crime against me was the alarm she would have sounded. <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $killedbefore = true>><</nobr>> I … I had never killed someone before. I always prided myself on how capable I was able to worm my way out of situations without the need for bloodshed. But that was just it, wasn’t it? My past circumstances didn’t amount to the trouble I was in now. I was accused of murdering two people and now … now I actually had. The thought causes me to feel unusually sick. Speculation about who this woman was, came to mind. What if she had a husband who would return to the house later? Or some other family member? Or what – no! I tell myself and get to my feet, this was how I made things worse. It was heartless, but I needed to focus on me. <</if>>\ <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ On unsteady legs, I walk around the house looking for things that I needed. I find a few bandages and pull the dagger from my shoulder, dressing it the best I could. I then find some clean clothes and change into them, abandoning the burlap sack and hiding it under the bed in the abandoned room. I tell myself to eat as well, but the thought of doing such a thing made me want to vomit. Instead, I go to the abandoned room and rest my head. <<else>>\ On unsteady legs, I walk around the house looking for things that I needed. I find some clean clothes and change into them, abandoning the burlap sack and hiding it under the bed in the abandoned room. I tell myself to eat as well, but the thought of doing such a thing made me want to vomit. Instead, I go to the abandoned room and rest my head. <</if>>\ My muscles burn, and I find my breathing exceedingly irregular. Soon, darkness encroaches and takes over, my own exhausted breath lulling me to sleep. <a data-passage="5.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
All of Ipharia believed me to be a murderer, I would not allow their words any truth. I get up and with my last bit of energy, dart through the house in search of a window. By the time I get to it, the woman has already begun her squealing, and hopefully, it brings any nearby guards to the front door. I push open the window and squirm out with my feet first, I fail to see the firewood that rests underneath the window and my feet slip, my ankle landing on the ground in an unnatural way. I suck in the whimper that I wish to make, feeling the pain from my ankle radiate all throughout my leg. <<include "5.0.3">>
I wait, hoping that maybe I was wrong and that she wouldn’t alert those outside to my presence. She opens her mouth and screams, shouting at the guards to come and seize me. I get up and with my last bit of energy, dart through the house in search of a window. By the time I get to it, the woman has already begun her squealing, and hopefully, it brings any nearby guards to the front door. As I go, I wonder what had possessed me to think she would keep her mouth closed? Did I believe that there were still some good people out there, even after all that had befallen me today alone? It was a lesson that I needed to learn, but one I didn’t wish to at the same time. I push open the window and squirm out with my feet first, I fail to see the firewood that rests underneath the window and my feet slip, my ankle landing on the ground in an unnatural way. I suck in the whimper that I wish to make, feeling the pain from my ankle radiate all throughout my leg. <<include "5.0.3">>
And so, I waste no time. I get up and with my last bit of energy, dart through the house in search of a window. By the time I get to it, the woman has already begun her squealing, and hopefully, it brings any nearby guards to the front door. I push open the window and squirm out with my feet first, I fail to see the firewood that rests underneath the window and my feet slip, my ankle landing on the ground in an unnatural way. I suck in the whimper that I wish to make, feeling the pain from my ankle radiate all throughout my leg. <<include "5.0.3">>
I wanted to scream, to curse everyone and everything. But I had no time to do that. I dart away from the hut, lucky that the woman did indeed buy me some time. My only hope was the haystack that I had seen previously. I practically dive inside of it, wiggling my way deeper and deeper until I was confident, I was in the middle. I kick the area behind me around to give the stack a more natural look, and I sit there, patiently. Not long after crawling in, the sound of guards and hoofbeats thundering across the land is heard. I can hear the muffled voices of some of the soldiers, but that is all. They ride past, not for a minute, suspecting that I was still in the immediate vicinity. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger') or $injury_ankle>>\ My muscles burn, and if injuries could make any sort of noise, mine would be howling. The pain that thrums throughout my body is the only thing that keeps me awake. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger'>>\ I wish to pull the blade out but know enough on why that would be a horrible mistake. For now, it would have to stay. I steady my breathing the best I can and try to move, my legs refuse to though. Soon darkness encroaches and takes over, my own whimpering is what lulls me to sleep. <<else>>\ I steady my breathing the best I can and try to move, my legs refuse to though and my ankle decides to just increase the painful thrums. Soon darkness encroaches and takes over, my own whimpering is what lulls me to sleep. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ My muscles burn, and I find my breathing exceedingly irregular. Soon, darkness encroaches and takes over, my own exhausted breath lulling me to sleep. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The King growls as he brings his powerful fist down onto the table in front of him, causing the guard to flinch. The King's eyes now resting on the crinkled map of Nidinia that rests before him, Ipharia covered by the King’s fist. “Useless,” he shouts, throwing a nearby book across the room, “how hard is it to follow the witch and then bring ?him back. Tell me, Captain, how hard?” The guard bit his tongue, refusing to answer or meet His Majesties glare. It was the wiser thing, yes, but the King wasn’t in the mood for wise guards, especially when they were still just as incompetent. The Apprentice had gotten away. Fresh tears begin to run down his face as his high-ranking officials and advisors glance away, letting him have his moment. The image of his dead son came to mind, his body a sickly pale white and his mouth hung open as if his jaw had been broken and then played with after. His pupils were no longer visible, and only a pupil-less red-hue color was left behind. His fingertips and toes were a dark purple, and odd black vein-like markings ran up the length of his arm, a horrible stench originating from them. Finding him in such a way shocked the King more than angered him. What monster would do such a thing? And to think, he invited said monster. <<if $courtknows_king>>\ Not only that, but the witch had told the entire room of his sickness. Now enemies and allies alike knew what coursed through his body. These rumors would spread and reach every inch of Nidinia. He didn’t know how long he had left, but every step forward would have to be careful. If the witch was the lead snake, then the pit was outside these walls. The King took in a deep breath, but upon seeing the Captain, yells again. “Averill.” He shouts the name as if Averill wasn’t behind him, standing stoically to his right. <<elseif $courtknows_queen>>\ Not only that, but the witch had spoken on his Queen’s unfaithfulness, and even worse, she confirmed it. It was an issue that would have to be settled later, lest he wished to regret what he would do to the woman. The King took in a deep breath, but upon seeing the Captain, yells again. “Averill.” He shouts the name as if Averill wasn’t behind him, standing stoically to his right. <<else>>\ The King took in a deep breath, but upon seeing the Captain, yells again. “Averill.” He shouts the name as if Averill wasn’t behind him, standing stoically to his right. <</if>>\ “I want the Apprentice found!” he roars, “you will lead the party, for I don’t trust these simpletons to do so.” He says the word simpleton wish such bitterness towards the Captain that the man felt like a thieving child, one who had greatly underestimated those he stole from. Averill nods, a grim and unreadable expression on $ahis face. <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ The King’s wild eyes darted to Averill, “that won’t be a problem, will it?” Averill stiffened, unsure of how $ahe should answer, why would the King doubt $ahim before even giving $ahim a chance to prove $ahimself capable? “The two of you looked like you were getting quite … close,” the King continues, Averill finally catching on. “Unwise judgment on my part, My King,” Averill reassured, $ahis eyes flickering to the ground in sadness, “please forgive me.” The King waved $ahis words away, his eyes traveling back to the map resting before him. Averill silently was glad for the distraction, any more questions directed towards $ahim and $ahe was unsure how $ahe would answer. $aHe truly thought $name was worth it. <</if>>\ “Alive. I want ?him alive. I want ?his_ torture to be felt in <<link 'Kiamet'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Kiamet is Darkness's Dwelling as well as his prison. Though not exactly a bad place, as there are a few species who believe that depending on one's life, they might head to Darkness's side, which is actually what they wish for. Predominantly though, most view Kiamet as a negative place, and saying that an individual is heading there is an insult to one's character and life.<</dialog>><</link>>. I want ?him to scream to the gods and pray and have them feel genuine pity for ?his life. I want that witch now. This is the top and only priority, whatever you need, demand it. Any who dare question you, send them my way, and they will earn the exact same punishment as ?he.” Averill nods, thinking over possible people to bring along. There was that guard, Ansellus, $ahe believes his name was. Hopefully, the man could fight because his knowledge would be helpful. Averill excuses $ahimself and left to do as $ahis King had asked. <a data-passage="5.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $hay>>\ I wake to an uncontrollable itch, an itch that cannot be itched while inside my hay tomb and so I claw my way out, tempted to roll around in the grass to lessen the need to scratch my skin. When I gaze down, I see that my arms are covered with small red bites, each one begging to be scratched senselessly. I growl, yet another thing to add to my already extensive list. I stomp off, heading towards the nearby forest that would provide me much more cover and shelter than this area. As I go, I can’t help but eye the land around me with envy. Envious of how it could be so bright when my world was so dark. The area didn’t look as depressing as it did the other day. The fog had evaporated, and the sun was reminding the land that it still cared for it. A nice, though damp, breeze soared by, causing the leaves that were visible to shake before growing still once more. <<elseif $hut>>\ I awake to a trickle of light resting on my face, angled perfectly to shine into my eye. I rise slowly, allowing everything to come back to me. <<if $goodtogo>>\ I was inside of a hut, the woman who was here yesterday, I had killed her. My body was stiff, and my need for a bath far outweighed anything else. But that would come at a later time, I needed to go, lest the guards begin checking huts and find the woman. <<else>>\ I was inside of a hut, the woman perhaps still here or had left. Either way, it was obvious that she had not picked up on my presence and I wish to keep it that way. Carefully, I leave the room, and after making sure no one was nearby, rush to the door. <</if>>\ After checking the immediate area, I set off towards the nearby forest that would provide me much more cover and shelter. As I go, I can’t help but eye the land around me with envy. Envious of how it could be so bright when my world was so dark. The area didn’t look as depressing as it did the other day. The fog had evaporated, and the sun was reminding the land that it still cared for it. A nice, though damp, breeze soared by, causing the leaves that were visible to shake before growing still once more. <<else>>\ <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ The sound of a bird's incessant cawing wakes me. As soon as my eyes open, I see a bird perched on a small branch in front of me, cawing once again and shocking me enough to forget that I was indeed in a tree. I tumble out of it, hitting the ground with a loud thud that causes a fresh new wave of aches to shoot through me. I wait until most of the aching seems to dissipate before getting to my feet. <<else>>\ The distant chirps of grasshoppers and birds woke me, my head shooting up at the first sounds of the new day, and inevitably hitting the top of the hole that I sought refuge inside. My body groans and aches, begging me to leave the cramped space and stretch the stiffness out. It was a shock that I was able to properly sleep in such a position, but perhaps that was what exhaustion did to the body. I glance around the immediate area of the hole and slowly take my leave. <</if>>\ The forest had taken on quite a different life, compared to the somber air it breathed the other day. What once was a questionable land, shrouded in lingering gray fog, was now home to an assortment of colors and harmony. Woodrats scamper around, fighting one another for food and lapping up the water from the small puddles around. I spot a deer in the distance, its herd not far. The forest seems cheerful, but the sky still looked ready to erupt, growing heavier by the minute. <</if>>\ [[I need to put as much space between Ipharia and me as possible.]] [[The most important thing right now was food.]] [[I need to find real shelter.]] [[I need to get this magical collar off.]]
I would go back to Akrisos, gather up more of my things but all of my essential things were still in the castle. I doubt it would still be sitting idly in the room I occupied, for all I know they burned all of my things or tossed it. Either way, I wouldn’t go back to check, that was suicide. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger') or $injury_ankle>>\ I continue forth, trying my best to ignore my injuries that caused me to travel slower than I wished as I run over all the possible places I could go. I had no place to retreat to and no family to beckon me into their embrace with open and loving arms. I was now completely alone. <<else>>\ I continue forth, running over all the possible places I could go. I had no place to retreat to and no family to beckon me into their embrace with open and loving arms. I was now completely alone. <</if>>\ [[I mourn for my master still.]] [[I was always alone, this isn’t new.]]
My stomach growls as if to agree. They had starved me during my imprisonment, only giving me one plate of food that was mostly mush. Looking back, it made sense, they wanted me feeble. They had simply underestimated my desire for freedom and how far my adrenaline would take me. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger') or $injury_ankle>>\ I continue forth, trying my best to ignore my injuries that caused me to travel slower than I wished as I run over all the possible places I could go. I had no place to retreat to and no family to beckon me into their embrace with open and loving arms. I was now completely alone. <<else>>\ I continue forth, running over all the possible places I could go. I had no place to retreat to and no family to beckon me into their embrace with open and loving arms. I was now completely alone. <</if>>\ [[I mourn for my master still.]] [[I was always alone, this isn’t new.]]
If Monsuna was approaching, then sleeping out in the open was foolish. I would be drenched and if the freezing rain didn’t kill me, then a sickness would. That was the last thing I needed, a runny nose and to be coughing with a tender throat. <<if $background is "traveler">>This wasn't exactly new to me, I've been traveling more than half of my life. But that was as a free citizen of Nidinia, never had I had to worry about there being a price on my head. And that one thing drastically changed a predicament that almost didn't seem so strange.<<else>>I wouldn’t be able to stay in one place for very long, but if I could keep near barns and huts as I go, I should be fine.<</if>> <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger') or $injury_ankle>>\ I continue forth, trying my best to ignore my injuries that caused me to travel slower than I wished as I run over all the possible places I could go. I had no place to retreat to and no family to beckon me into their embrace with open and loving arms. I was now completely alone. <<else>>\ I continue forth, running over all the possible places I could go. I had no place to retreat to and no family to beckon me into their embrace with open and loving arms. I was now completely alone. <</if>>\ [[I mourn for my master still.]] [[I was always alone, this isn’t new.]]
This collar around my neck was a pain in the butt and the biggest warning to those who saw me. Those who knew what this was would think me a runaway slave and if word has reached their ears, they'll know that I was the witch on the run from the King. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger') or $injury_ankle>>\ I continue forth, trying my best to ignore my injuries that caused me to travel slower than I wished as I run over all the possible places I could go. I had no place to retreat to and no family to beckon me into their embrace with open and loving arms. I was now completely alone. <<else>>\ I continue forth, running over all the possible places I could go. I had no place to retreat to and no family to beckon me into their embrace with open and loving arms. I was now completely alone. <</if>>\ [[I mourn for my master still.]] [[I was always alone, this isn’t new.]]
My master … he was family. In the two years since I’ve known him, he had treated me with nothing less than respect and what I do believe was love. The many dinners that we had and him always being interested in what I had to say. Many times he would say that he was old, but truthfully his death was nowhere near. For Ecrid, he was merely an adult, decades left to explore these lands. I continue through the woods, walking with my left side to the rising sun. As I head through the forest, I question which way I was going. I had never studied a map of Nidinia, and for all I know I could be going towards Akrisos. I wait for reassurance in the shape of tall mountains. Though I want to put as much distance as possible between me and those mountains, they were helpful for understanding where I was. These mountains, officially known as the Exalted Mountains, interrupted Ipharia’s growth but gave her its protection from the dangers lying in the east. If I could spot these mountains, then I would know which way I was going. I stop when I come to the beginning of two trails, one heading west, the other east. I search for the mountains and see nothing. I would have to make this decision based off of what I already knew and understood about my predicament. [[Take the west trail.]] [[Take the east trail.]]
My master was there, and so was Isaak and a few of the other townsfolk. But I never thought of them as anything more than my teacher, and well … townsfolk. Family … friends, those words were still alien to me. And with my current predicament, I wonder if I would ever grow familiar with them. I continue through the woods, walking with my left side to the rising sun. As I head through the forest, I question which way I was going. I had never studied a map of Nidinia, and for all I know I could be going towards Akrisos. I wait for reassurance in the shape of tall mountains. Though I want to put as much distance as possible between me and those mountains, they were helpful for understanding where I was. These mountains, officially known as the Exalted Mountains, interrupted Ipharia’s growth but gave her its protection from the dangers lying in the east. If I could spot these mountains, then I would know which way I was going. I stop when I come to the beginning of two trails, one heading west, the other east. I search for the mountains and see nothing. I would have to make this decision based off of what I already knew and understood about my predicament. [[Take the west trail.]] [[Take the east trail.]]
<<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ I decide to turn on the trail that was heading west, making sure to stay on the forest’s outskirts as I go, just in case some soldiers appear. Despite the deep sleep I had earlier, I find myself feeling every ache and pain from my choice of a bed. <<if $goodtogo>>Dirt clung to my skin and I felt horrendously disgusting, my nose suffering the most. As if to remind me that that was a lie, a spike of pain shoots through my shoulder where the bandage was wrapped around my injury.<<else>>Dirt clung to my skin tighter than the burlap robe. I felt horrendously disgusting, and my nose was suffering the most. As if to remind me that that was a lie, a spike of pain shoots through my shoulder due to the dagger rubbing up against a branch.<</if>> <<if $goodtogo>>\ Perhaps this was a good thing. If a soldier did trot by then they might think me nothing more than some dirty vagrant. If the sight of me did not cause them to spur their horses onward, then my smell would. I’ll add in a sickly cough and the question of coin to help as well. <<else>>\ Perhaps this was a good thing. If a soldier did trot by then they might think me nothing more than some dirty vagrant. If the sight of me did not cause them to spur their horses onward, then my smell would. Though, with such thoughts came the all to familiar reminder of the dagger. I should remove it before such a thing could transpire, lest I wished to be immediately apprehended. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I decide to turn on the trail that was heading west, making sure to stay on the forest’s outskirts as I go, just in case some soldiers appear. Despite the deep sleep I had earlier, I find myself feeling every ache and pain from my choice of a bed. <<if $goodtogo>>Dirt clung to my skin and I felt horrendously disgusting. My nose suffering the most.<<else>>Dirt clung to my skin tighter than the burlap robe. I felt horrendously disgusting, and my nose was suffering the most.<</if>> Perhaps this was a good thing. If a soldier did trot by then, they might think me nothing more than some dirty vagrant. If the sight of me did not cause them to spur their horses onward, then my smell would. I’ll add in a sickly cough and the question of coin to help as well. The thought of running off soldiers, and the ways how I would, allow me to get to the village in one piece. It would seem that I had turned down the right road. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The east path, yes, that seemed correct. I turn along it and follow it away, making sure to stay close to the forest outskirts just in case any soldiers decided to ride by. I’m confident in myself until I travel enough to see the mountains looking back at me in the distance. True, I had wished to find them, but inevitably, going towards them was the wrong thing. I had walked a decent mile away from where the two trails separated. I would have to go back and follow the west instead. A simple enough fix. Such words flowed smoothly from the tongue when, in actuality, nothing was that simple. And I felt like it would never be that simple again. As soon as I choose to turn around, I hear horses approach from behind. <<if $clothingInventory.has('cloak')>>\ I pull the cloak that I had stolen tighter around me, hoping that it would help in making me look like nothing but another lost soul. I practice a limp, which wasn’t as hard as I first thought. <<if $injury_ankle>> My swollen ankle was still very much a thing and I was already walking with a slight limp before this. If anything, I was probably overexaggerating now.<<else>>It would seem that my sore muscles were already leaning towards such a hobble.<</if>> I continue walking when the guards ride up, quieting as they pass me. “Can you spare some,” is all I manage to croak out before the two spur their horses onward, leaving me to cough at the dirt that their horses kick up. It was an obscenely rude gesture but one that I could forgive, especially since I was now allowed to continue on. <<else>>\ There was no way I would be able to get out of this without being identified. My only hope was to dive back into the trees and trace my way back to the road. I go in and after a while, get down and lay flat across the ground. I watch as they continue on, no idea of who lays just a few feet off their path. They continue riding, chatting in low voices as they go. Once I’m back in the clear, I get to my feet and head back towards the west trail. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The town, or more like the village, that lies ahead of me wasn’t as far as I had initially thought. This could mostly be due to me already being on the edge of the massive kingdom whose reach I still have not escaped. It would be foolish to stay here for too long, but it would be just as foolish to pass by. It was a delightful village, quaint and obviously reaping the benefits of residing so close to the capital. From my current position, I could see a large raised platform that stood in the middle of the town. Nothing of significance rests on it, but it seems to fit with the overall aesthetic of the village square. Being centered in the middle of a steadily thickening forest, the town had more greenery and shade than Ipharia, separating it from its mother even further. <<if $goodtogo>>\ I breathe in deeply and continue forward, happy that I had the chance to situate myself back at the hut. This way, I simply looked like a vagabond and not someone who had just barely escaped a public execution. I still attempt to attract as little attention as I can, searching for an inn as I go. Though, that did bring up the issue of having no ruho. Perhaps if I explored first, then I could come across some ruho. <<else>>\ I take a step forward only to bring my foot right back. It wasn’t because of what I saw; instead, there was a much more personal reason for my action. My wear. I still had on the burlap robe from the public humiliation, and it was just as dirty as one could expect after such an ordeal. This village was far too close to not know what this disgusting garment symbolized, and therefore I would be turning myself in. <</if>>\ <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ [[Strip and use it to bandage my shoulder.][$bandage = true]] <<else>>\ <<if $clothingInventory.has('cloak')>>\ [[Strip and wear just the cloak.]] <</if>>\ [[Risk it.->5.3RiskIt]] [[Strip->5.3Strip][$strip = true]] <</if>>\
Walking into the village with a dagger poking out of my shoulder, plus wearing the burlap sack was probably not the best way to go. If the villagers didn’t immediately run off screaming for the guards, then at the very least they would keep their eyes on me. My decision was not made lightly, in fact, I pause several times while preparing myself to question if this was wise. I rip a thick strip from the robe, attempting to take the less stained area in doing so. I then take a deep breath and slowly pull the knife out. The action brings with it a flood of blood, gushing out of the wound like escaped creatures that had been yearning for freedom. I had no time to lose. I quickly tie the strip over the wound, grinding my teeth together as I pull it tight. It wasn’t perfect, but it was at least dealt with … for now. <a data-passage="5.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The only other option was to go in there with my butt cheeks exposed, not an option in my mind. I could weave a story that I was one of the other prisoners that were freed. That my clothes underneath were spoiled, and I had opted to instead keep the burlap sack on. Or maybe even say that I had chosen to keep it on as to remind me of my ‘crimes,’ that I still needed to forgive myself. It was bathetic enough of a story that humble villagers, such as themselves, would probably buy it without reservation. <a data-passage="5.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
This reminds me of yet another quote spoken by my master as he shamelessly skinny dipped in a lake favored by those of Akrisos. “What do I have to be ashamed of? I look good.” At the time, I had preferred to give him a look of disdain, or what I hoped was disdain since my eyes had been clenched shut. But now I could only chuckle. <<if $care >=50>>\ I tear the robe off and retreat further back into the forest. After digging a sloppy hole, I take a step back and throw it in. In a way, the hole wasn’t even needed. Due to everything that had been thrown at me earlier, the once flaxen clothing piece was now a hideous brown that rivaled the color of excrement. Before going, I stomp on it, spit on it, and take out what little aggression I could muster. This, in a way, symbolized Ipharia for me. <<else>>\ I tear the robe off and retreat back down the road, I don’t go far, but I do go to the other side. I place it on the ground where any wandering eye can see and then leave noticeable footsteps that head east. Carefully I backtrack, making sure to leave no steps and to do away with those that I do. This goes on for quite some time before I finally quit and head back. <</if>>\ I take a deep breath in and with nothing but thin articles protecting my more sensitive body parts, I walk into the village. <a data-passage="5.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
It was wise of me to stop at that clothing store and grab the cloak <<if $injury_ankle>> even if it did cost me a partially swollen ankle.<<else>>.<</if>> As soon as I’m safely within the town, I would need something more though. Celesow was coming to an end, but Monsuna’s rains could freeze one almost as fast as Celesow’s winds. <<if $care >=50>>\ I tear the robe off and retreat further back into the forest. After digging a sloppy hole, I take a step back and throw it in. In a way, the hole wasn’t even needed. Due to everything that had been thrown at me earlier, the once flaxen clothing piece was now a hideous brown that rivaled the color of excrement. Before going, I stomp on it, spit on it, and take out what little aggression I could muster. This, in a way, symbolized what Ipharia had become to me. <<else>>\ I tear the robe off and retreat back down the road, I don’t go far, but I do go to the other side. I place it on the ground where any wandering eye can see and then leave noticeable footsteps that head east. Carefully I backtrack, making sure to leave no steps and to do away with those that I do. This goes on for quite some time before I finally quit and head back. <</if>>\ I fasten the cloak on and take a deep breath before walking into the village. <a data-passage="5.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $strip>>\ No soldiers and no one here seemed to have gotten the news yet that there was a fugitive on the run. The looks I received weren’t one a dangerous murderer would get anyway. Some of the looks are of shock and confusion, eyes wide as they redirect their gaze. Other looks are ones of interest, raised brows and agape mouths as I walk through their village. <<if $smug >=50>>\ To those who whistle and send me flirtatious smirks, I do nothing more than wink back and give them a smile that would cause even a Great Priest to blush and break down in prayers. The attention was undoubtedly a bad thing, they wouldn’t forget this, especially when the soldiers did come. And they would. But my attention was on bigger things. <<else>>\ To those who whistle and send me flirtatious smirks, I can manage nothing more than a blush and a faster walk. The attention was undoubtedly a bad thing, they wouldn’t forget this, especially when the soldiers did come. And they would. But my attention was on bigger things. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ No soldiers and no one here seemed to have gotten the news yet that there was a fugitive on the run. Despite that, the looks I receive are still more than what I had hoped for. Some shoot me confused glares, while others held more disdain and distrust than confusion. <<if $clothingInventory.has('cloak')>>\ I look the part of a filthy vagabond, whose luck had placed ${him} here. I keep my head down and continue on. <<elseif $bandage>>\ I hadn’t totally tossed away my robes, though I had thought about it. Walking in with a bloody poorly bandaged shoulder and in the nude just didn’t seem smart either. And so the attention I was receiving would turn foul. As soon as the soldiers appeared, they would know exactly whom they sought. <<else>>\ These villagers knew the meaning behind what I wore. I wouldn’t be shocked if some of them had been present for it. They would probably leave me be, but if I overstayed my welcome, then they would undoubtedly voice their disapproval. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ I need clothes and a place to rest, but I held no ruho. All of my possessions sat somewhere in Ipharia, either still in my unoccupied room or another place entirely. If I explore a bit more, then I would surely come by something, but that would not change my lack of ruho, and it could only put me in more danger. [[Explore.->5.3Explore]] [[Find an inn.]]
<<if $goodtogo>>\ I search the buildings and then head to the vendor carts, wishing that I wasn’t the strangest thing walking around at the moment. Most of the vendors I pass glare at me as I go, taking a protective step towards their merchandise. Even if I were able to find a cart that was left unattended to or whose vendor didn’t seem to be paying attention, the others would just shout at me when they saw me swipe something. That, and no one was dumb enough to leave ruho just lying about. I sigh as I walk back to the square, deciding to just find an inn and hoping that whoever was there could aid me or make some sort of deal with me. <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $clothingstole = true>><</nobr>> <<if $strip>>\ I head on, wondering how Akrisos dealt with public indecency. I couldn’t recall ever seeing someone walk around the town without their clothes, and I didn’t think I would like to imagine what would become of them. Akrisos had been my home, yes, but a lie it would be if I said that it didn’t have its shares of crimes and horrendous acts. The guards mostly. There were enough female and male guards to have been rumored to take that which did not belong to them. Most of the time, nothing more happened, for the Lord sat in his scaled-down castle and ignored what became of his subjects. I shake the thought from my mind. If guards were here, it was because they had ridden in from the capital and that was a bigger problem than Akrisos. <<else>>\ I search the buildings and then the vendor carts, wishing that I wasn’t the strangest thing walking around at the moment. With no ruho, my only option was to steal. I couldn’t do that and find some kind of lodging if everyone was already staring at me like some spectacle. I find clothes, but it wasn’t due to me finding a tailor or a clothing store. What I do find is a woman at the side of her house, hanging up clothes to be dried before the rain can get to them. I hide, waiting for her to leave. Once she does, I surge forward, grabbing some standard trousers and a dark brown waisted tunic. I dash away before the woman could come back. Now, to find an inn. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Find an inn."><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Finding an inn was always one of the easiest things to find in any sized town, only rivaled by taverns. This particular one stood out since it was the most prominent building and the only one with a sign dangling above the door. I enter and immediately breathe in the rich smell of seasoned meat and pine. A weird combination but one that was far more pleasant than my own scent. “Can I help you?” a woman asks as she raises an eyebrow at the sight of me. She was an older Ecrid whose two horns held so many twists and turns that it reminds me more of a slide than the pride and joy of an entire species. Her magenta eyes were filled with a wisdom that I saw within my master’s eyes as well, a kindred spirit I wish to believe. In addition to that, she was plump with fat rounded cheeks and wore an apron on top of a dark green peasant dress. <<if $goodtogo and if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ “I need a room,” I tell her trying to figure out how I would explain that I had no ruho. I fumble on my words, watching as she looks me over with narrowed and wary eyes. Exhaustion overtakes me, the weight of everything that I’ve been through and done. Everything that has yet to happen and even this moment, knowing that I would be walking back out those doors emptyhanded. “I …” I attempt, but my pounding head causes me to stop. I glance up, only to see her retreating figure. I freeze and realize that I had received my answer. Where would I sleep? Would I have to go through yesternight’s ordeal? Steal into someone else’s home and hope that their screams went by unheard. The innkeeper returns, in her hands, a tray with water, bread, and fruit. My eyes widen at the food as my legs finally remind me of how tired they truly were. I fall back into the wall, still trying to figure out what this all was. <<else>>\ “Oh honey, you look horrible,” the innkeeper exclaims as I approach, I didn’t think it possible but the softness in her eyes grow. She vanishes before I can explain what I need, returning promptly with water and a tray of bread and fruit. Staring at the food, I suddenly realize how exhausted I am. My legs shake, and I fall back into the wall. <</if>>\ <<if $bandage>>\ “You eat up now, I’m going to go run you a nice hot bath. I’ll also see if I have anything to help you with that wound of yours.” True to her words, she darts upstairs and out of sight. <<else>>\ “You eat up now, I’m going to go run you a nice hot bath.” True to her words, she darts upstairs and out of sight. <</if>>\ [[This was kind of her.]] [[She shouldn’t be so trusting.]] [[One word, food.]] <<if $wait>>\ [[Could she be trusted?]] <</if>>\
She didn’t know me, didn’t know my name, and definitely didn’t know my story. She simply watched as a $species came stumbling into her establishment, and that was enough for her. She extended a kind hand just like that. “Bath!” the woman sings a few minutes later. <a data-passage="5.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I had learned the hard way that trust was foolish, it brought with it nothing but anguish. It was far better to think that everyone had their own agenda, and if possible, not to get involved. “Bath!” the woman sings a few minutes later. <a data-passage="5.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I would have to thank the old woman later, for now, I wish to do nothing but devour the modest spread that sits on a tray before me. “Bath!” the woman sings a few minutes later. <a data-passage="5.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The memories of what happened last time I gave someone the benefit of the doubt was still fresh in my mind. I received a swollen ankle and had to sleep in a haystack. Of course, those factors were different from these, but the overlying theme was still there - trust others at your own risk. I chew on the bread, wondering what I would do if she proved my suspicions right. I gaze around, taking in every possible escape. “Bath!” the woman sings a few minutes later. <a data-passage="5.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
This was a luxury that I never knew I needed. The bathtub was an old-fashioned one, wooden and just big enough for an average-sized person to be comfortable inside. Instead, the carpenter had focused more on depth than width, making sure one could sink down relatively far before the option was no longer available. I had no complaints though, not while the hot water lapped at my skin, enthusiastic about doing its job. Every bone and muscle within my body took a collective sigh, relaxing for the first time in what felt like forever. The woman, whose name I had learned was Angie had not only filled the bath with steaming water, but a concoction made of honey and some kind of flower. The smell alone had me quite prepared to drift off. I tell myself to wash up first, but I’m unable to. The pull of sleep yanks at my eyelids, it soothes my senses, and soon it takes me completely. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> I find myself laying in a field of beautiful wildflowers while overhead, the sun blazes down on me, and yet the wind makes sure that I was not uncomfortable with its cooling breeze. My entire body feels utterly relaxed, not a problem in the world. “Ow!” a voice shrieks from beside me, and I look over to see Isaak rubbing his elbow. He gives me an embarrassed grin, “I think an ant just bit me.” “Knowing you, you probably laid on top its home,” I tell him, closing my eyes again. Not even a second had passed by before I reopen my eyes to a commotion behind me. I turn to see that Isaak is no longer beside me but on a road that was not there before. Ansellus stands before him, undoubtedly picking on the young man again. The sun is no longer shining down upon me, and the sky is dyed a sickly red. The sun looks more like a pus-filled bump than a symbol of godly origin. [[Confront Ansellus.->5.5ConfrontAnsellus]] [[Head over to help Isaak.->5.5HelpIsaak]] [[Break them up.->5.5BreakThemUp]] [[Ignore them.->5.5IgnoreThem]] [[Pray for guidance.->5.5PrayGuidance]]
<<if $chakra is not "navel">>\ <<set $stability to 50>> <</if>>\ I stand, ready to confront Ansellus like I’ve done in the past so many times. But I’m no longer able to move. I watch as distorted images of me approach him, pushing him roughly to the ground. My doppelganger lands a kick to Ansellus’s stomach, and the assault doesn’t stop there. Isaak begs me to stop, his voice changing frequency as he stands to the side, and then suddenly he’s no longer there. The scene freezes and I can move again, but I’m no longer among the beautiful wildflowers. Below me is a bloody Ansellus whose face is distorted. He takes his last breath, but that doesn’t stop me. I continue to attack his face. I scream at myself to stop, trying to regain control of myself, and I fail. I surge forward, breaking the water that had almost become my tomb. My head spins as I stare at my un-bloody knuckles. Of course, that was all a dream, but what did it mean. Did it mean anything at all?
<<if $chakra is not "sacral">>\ <<set $stability to 50>> <</if>>\ I roll my eyes but get to my feet, only, I don’t. I can’t move, it as if I’m stuck in my seat. The scene before me continues, Ansellus kicking Isaak in the stomach before assaulting him further. I fight and fight, trying my hardest to get up and go to Isaak’s rescue, but I don’t. Isaak’s shouts and screams for mercy begin to change frequency, sometimes sounding like a possessed creature and other times sounding like a frightened child. It is only when Ansellus walks away that I can move. I rush over to Isaak’s still body. He’s not making any kind of noise, and his eyes are glazed over. He … he was … I surge forward, breaking the water that had almost become my tomb. My head spins, and I move each body part in turn, thankful to have control. Of course, that was all a dream, but what did it mean. Did it mean anything at all?
<<if $chakra is not "heart">>\ <<set $stability to 50>> <</if>>\ I sigh, I saw nothing but two little boys who didn’t know how to get along. Perhaps one day, I would learn the reason why. I stand and walk over to them, standing in the middle. But the next actions are not my own. It is almost like my vision distorts and I faintly see someone who looks like me approach Isaak. I can’t hear what is being said, but my doppelganger roughly pushes Isaak before slapping him. Tears rush down Isaak’s face, but my clone doesn’t stop. They beat him to the ground. I tear my eyes away only to see a similar scene with Ansellus, someone who wasn’t me but was, beating him to the ground. My eyes are wide as I try to break whatever stillness I was in. I scream at the top of my lungs for my clones to stop, but nothing happens. The next thing I know, I’m surging forward, breaking the water that had almost become my tomb. My head spins, and I move each body part in turn, thankful to have control. Of course, that was all a dream, but what did it mean. Did it mean anything at all?
<<if $chakra is not "throat">>\ <<set $stability to 50>> <</if>>\ Ansellus, more often than not, would only shout out a few words before leaving poor Isaak be. This would be no different. I lay back down as if I was still among the field of wildflowers. Behind me, I can hear Isaak screaming for mercy and Ansellus maniacal laughter. Flesh hitting flesh, blood spluttering, the sounds of death is behind me, but I remain in my position. A lazy smile on my face as I act like I can feel the nonexistent rays of the sun. This was wrong, and I try to voice that to myself, but nothing comes out. I scream and shout but nothing. My throat burns and aches as if I was expressing my objections, but I know I’m not. Instead, I continue to lay there without a care in the world. And then silence. The next thing I know, I’m surging forward, breaking the water that had almost become my tomb. My head spins, and I make a small sound, thankful to hear my voice again. Of course, that was all a dream, but what did it mean. Did it mean anything at all?
<<if $chakra is not "crown">>\ <<set $stability to 50>> <</if>>\ I decide to pray for guidance, to ask the High Gods what I should do. I had never done this before. And though I begin the prayer, something at the back of my mind questions why I choose now, out of all times, to try this out. In the background, I can hear Ansellus’s assault on Isaak. But I don’t stop praying. I sit by idly, speaking gibberish as Isaak begs for help, screams for someone to come. I try to close my mouth, to open my eyes, to do something other than prayer, but that only causes my voice to rise. My prayer comes to an end at the same time that Isaak’s begging does. He lays there motionless, Ansellus nowhere in sight. The next thing I know, I’m surging forward, breaking the water that had almost become my tomb. My head spins, and I feel the need to throw up, it felt as if I wasn’t even connected to my body at the moment. I wait, letting my mind calm before sighing. Of course, that was all a dream, but what did it mean. Did it mean anything at all? <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<if $bandage>>\ I do a quick clean, ignoring the lukewarm water and the absence of honey in the air. Once done, I pick myself up and dry off, entering the room that Angie had so kindly given to me. Along with the room, a fresh roll of bandages and a jar filled with something without a scent sat on the end table. She was kind, but I knew not if she expected payment for such kindness. I had no ruho and no desire to be thrown out, but perhaps I should tell her … <<else>>\ I do a quick clean, ignoring the lukewarm water and the absence of honey in the air. Once done, I pick myself up and dry off, entering the room that Angie had so kindly given to me. She was kind, but I knew not if she expected payment for such kindness. I had no ruho and no desire to be thrown out, but perhaps I should tell her … <</if>>\ [[Tell her about my lack of ruho.][$honesty +=2]] [[Keep it to myself, she’ll find out soon enough.][$honesty -=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honest ++</span> <</if>>\ She has been far too kind for me to be so dishonest. <<if $clothingstole or if $goodtogo>>\ <<if $clothingstole>>I grab and put on the clean clothes that I had stolen earlier<<else>>I grab and put on the clothes that I had taken from the hut<</if>>, and head downstairs. I don’t know what my next option would be, but I would need to figure it out. My body was still far too exhausted for me to go back to the road. I also needed to figure out where I was going, lest I continue to wander around aimlessly. <<else>>\ I notice that Angie had left some clothes behind, yet another kindness in which I couldn’t payback. I put them on though and head downstairs. I don’t know what my next option would be, but I would need to figure it out. My body was still far too exhausted for me to go back to the road. I also needed to figure out where I was going, lest I continue to wander around aimlessly. <</if>>\ When I get downstairs, I realize that there is no one else in the inn. I wonder if that was due to the size of the village, along with its proximity to the capital. This was probably everyone’s last pick, only on the list because it happens to exist. I find Angie at the desk, shooting me a bright smile that causes her magenta nashi to brighten considerably, <<if $species is "Ecrid">>and my nashi to light up in kind.<<else>>and my insides to warm.<</if>> If she had a grandchild, they were lucky. “Hey, Angie,” I start, shifting from one foot to the other, “I want to say thank you for all that you’ve done for me. But I don’t have any coin.” “Oh dear,” she responds, eyes wide. And there it goes, my eviction notice. Maybe there was a barn somewhere nearby. The hay would be warm at least, well, that was if it wasn’t damp itself. I tune back into my surroundings at the sound of coins clacking and Angie’s voice. “Hmm I can spare ten ruho, but that’s it I’m afraid.” I stare at the woman as she holds the ruho out to me, waiting for me to grab it. I’m unable to move and so Angie chuckles and leans forward, softly grabbing my wrist, holding it open, and depositing the coin there. [[Thank her.->5.5ThankHer][$ruho +=10]] [[Shout at her.->5.5Shout][$ruho +=10]] [[Cry.->5.5Cry][$ruho +=10]]
I rub at my eyes as I shake my head, tightening my now closed fist against the cold feel of the coins. “Thank you so much,” I say, and she waves my words away. “I know a lost soul when I see one. And trust me, I’ve been one for so long that I understand completely. Now go on, head back up<<if $injury_ankle>>, rest that ankle, and get some sleep<<else>> and get some sleep<</if>>. I’ll have dinner prepared when you wake.” This woman’s kindness … I thank her once again before scrambling back up the stairs and to the bed that had been trying to seduce me since I walked into the room. I am haunted by no dreams, and when I awake, it is mostly due to the sound coming from downstairs, and one coming from the window that I sleep near. [[Head downstairs.]] [[Look out the window.]]
My fist tightens around the coins, my eyes narrowing. <<if $goodtogo>>\ “What’s wrong with you?” I shout at the woman, “I could be anyone! Anyone! I could be a criminal, a cold-blooded murderer.” Whether I liked the example or not, it fit perfectly. Just the other night I had killed a woman before she could out me to the guards. For her to just trust and help me like this was foolish, it was how people got themselves killed. <<else>>\ “What’s wrong with you?” I shout at the woman, “I could be anyone! Anyone! I could be a criminal, a cold-blooded murderer.” Whether I liked the example or not, it fit perfectly. I was innocent, yes, but ask anyone else, and that wasn’t true. For her to just trust and help me like this was foolish, it was how people got themselves killed. <</if>>\ Through all my shouting and screaming, Angie maintains that soft smile. It doesn’t waver, and neither does the warmth in her eyes. “You’re right, but you mostly look like someone in need of help. And with Moon as my witness, I will not let one of her wandering children go without it. Now,” she tells me, “head upstairs<<if $injury_ankle>>, rest that ankle, and get some sleep<<else>> and get some sleep<</if>>.” I don’t know when I begin walking off, but I do. My head is still downstairs, staring at Angie with wide and confused eyes. Even as I settle into bed, I’m still mystified. I am haunted by no dreams, and when I awake, it is mostly due to the sound coming from downstairs, and one coming from the window that I sleep near. [[Head downstairs.]] [[Look out the window.]]
<<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ <<set $empathy +=3>> <</if>>\ I try to hold the tears in, but I’m unable to. Whether or not I wanted to admit it, Angie reminded me so much of Master Audouin. Perhaps it was an Ecrid thing … Regardless, the woman’s good nature pokes me repeatedly in the heart, and I can only usher thank you between my sobs. She waves each and every one of my words away and tells me to go get some sleep, to come down for dinner later on. And I do as she says. Fatigue was catching up with me. I am haunted by no dreams, and when I awake, it is mostly due to the sound coming from downstairs, and one coming from the window that I sleep near. [[Head downstairs.]] [[Look out the window.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ I decide to keep it to myself. If she wanted to be kind, then that was her problem and decision. I needed help, and I was in no state to deny it. If she wanted me out, then she could come up and tell me to leave. I would respect whatever she wanted, but I wasn’t about to help her towards that decision either. I decide to go ahead and lay down. Whether I wish to admit it or not, fatigue riddles my bones and my muscles are as soar as they were when I first began my training with Master Audouin. I am haunted by no dreams, and when I awake, it is mostly due to the sound coming from downstairs, and one coming from the window that I sleep near. [[Head downstairs.]] [[Look out the window.]]
I gaze out the window, curious as to not only what I was hearing but also the time of day. The sun was still high in the sky, but I knew enough to know that this would be the highest it would go. The afternoon was a good guess. I lower my gaze to the crowd and the lone figure that stands on the stage. This figure is dressed as a soldier with parchment in his hands, shouting as loud as he could about some decree. I open the window to hear him clearer. “Any person, village, or town caught harboring this fugitive will pay the price of death,” I hear him shout and the crowd gasps, mumbling to themselves. “To whoever brings this fugitive in, a reward of twenty opal ruho will be given.” If not before, this surely put the town in a frenzy. They were like sharks in a pool of fresh blood, ready to even turn on one another. I couldn’t fault them; an opal alone was enough to remind this blemish of a village of its hay day. Twenty would do more than just make this place Ipharia’s prized daughter, it could be enough to have a lord or lady move in. Long story short, I need to go. <<include "Head downstairs.">>
I head downstairs, stopping short at the voices that carry up. “I don’t get many visitors, sir. In fact, I don’t know when the last time I had a visitor was,” I hear Angie tell whoever was down there with her. I hear some things shift, something gets broken, and Angie doesn’t stand for that. I hear the old woman scold whoever it was, and a smack follows, who smacked who, I don’t know. “We’d like to look upstairs if it’s all the same to you,” a guard says, and I hear their foot hit the first stair that they come too. “Just don’t break anything, you hear?” Angie screams, louder than necessary. To the guards, it seemed like nothing more than an old woman raising her voice at them, but I knew better. She was warning me. I creep back up the stairs and dart to my room, locking it and gazing around. There was only one option and it led out in front of a crowded square. <a data-passage="5.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The leap out the window was going to be a dangerous one, that much I expect as I gaze down. The window was on the second story, and below was nothing but dirt, not a bush or a patch of thick grass in sight. There was a neighboring building, but that jump was just as dangerous as the other, I would have to grab onto the building’s edge and then rely on upper body strength to pull myself up. Not to mention, I would have to then think of a way down without attaining any attention. I hear the sound of a door opening, my decision needed to be now. [[Grab the building’s edge.]] [[Jump down to the ground.]]
I open the window and prepare myself for the leap. Was the ground really that far down? Was there this much space between the buildings before? I was starting to believe that my choices really were to either get captured by the people below, or the people above. Option C, escape, seems almost unlikely. Regardless, I prop myself up on the windowsill, my leg muscles flexing as they prepared for the jump. I took it. I didn’t have much time to think, even less time to celebrate when my fingers grasp onto the ledge. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ I bite my tongue as I’m reminded of the wound that I had procured. The pain congregates in my shoulder, begging me to release my hold. I clench my teeth and ignore the pain the best that I can, pulling myself up and across the angled roof. <<else>>\ I hold my breath as I pull myself up, crawling along the angled roof with my intention of getting to the other side. “Hold there!” I hear someone shout behind me and see soldiers in my room. They gain the attention of those in the square, and all eyes turn to me. “Just once,” I growl as I get up, no longer needing to be stealthy, “can something happen in my favor?” <</if>>\ <<include "5.7">>
I open the window and prepare myself for the jump. Was the ground really that far down? I was starting to believe that my choices really were to either get captured by the people below, or the people above. Option C, escape, seems almost unlikely. <<if $injury_ankle>>\ Regardless, I sit on the windowsill, my leg muscles flexing as they prepare for the impact. I took it. As soon as I hit the ground, I bend my knees and perform a roll, or what I hoped was a roll. Due to my swollen ankle, it turns into an awkward fall that causes me roll on the floor in pain. My ankle cursing me for such stupid and reckless behavior. It would take far longer for it to fully heal now. <<else>>\ Regardless, I sit on the windowsill, my leg muscles flexing as they prepare for the impact. I took it. As soon as I hit the ground, I bend my knees and perform a roll, or what I thought was a roll. It was more of a glorified fall. I slowly get back up, holding my breath as I wait to see if anyone had seen me. They hadn’t, or so I thought. <</if>>\ “Hey, look!” I hear someone shout behind me and see that someone walking by had noticed me. This causes everyone in the square to turn and look at me, as well as those who were now sticking their head out of the window above. “Just once,” I growl as I get up, no longer needing to be stealthy, “can something happen in my favor?” <<include "5.7">>
<<if $injury_ankle>>\ I run, an action that I seem to be doing more and more of now. Another action was blanking out, my body doing its own thing as my mind tries to solve issues that would never be addressed. By the time all of this comes to an end, my ankle would probably be the most swollen it’s ever been. Each time it strikes the ground I can feel the pain multiplying, adrenaline being the only thing that kept it from quitting and leading me to my doom. <<else>>\ I run, an action that I seem to be doing more and more of now. Another action was blanking out, my body doing its own thing as my mind tries to solve issues that would never be addressed. By the time all of this comes to an end, whether or not they capture me or not, I would be the fittest I’ve ever been. <</if>>\ I dodge tree limbs and jump over roots that jut out of the ground. Nothing leads me beside my own frantic actions. I just need to put space between them and me. How that was possible when they rode atop of horses? I knew not. The only reason they hadn’t caught up to me yet was because of the forest that we found ourselves in. If it wasn’t the bushes that lay scattered across my path, then it was the roots and the low hanging branches. My mind comes back to me, and I find myself slowing down, gasping for breath as if I had been underwater. What … how did I end up here? I remember running into the forest, but after, it seemed more like a gap. It felt so much like someone had sped up time and plopped me here. The surrounding areas were still trees, but they were not trees that I was accustomed too. These trees soared higher than any I’ve ever seen before, and perhaps even higher as the tree limbs blocked my view of the sky. <a data-passage="5.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
An assortment of noises can be heard, some of the sounds I wasn’t knowledgeable of, some I was. It would be beautiful if I didn’t know that there were a group of guards chasing me, as well as the creeping feeling of being watched. I slow and gaze up, finding the reason for my fear. A group of Kren look down at me, bows aimed and ready to release the sharp-tipped arrows in their grasp, and I have no doubt that each one will reach their intended target. They each wear the same clothing, and those whose faces I can make out have murderous intent in their eyes. Behind me, I hear the guards loom closer, I would not make it out of here alive it would seem. “You are trespassing onto sacred land,” a voice enlightens me, my eyes search the faces of those in the trees, but I fail to spot the one speaking, “state your purpose.” I look directly in front of me, watching as a feminine figure leaves the shelter provided by the trees. She stands stiffly as she looks me over, her face portraying nothing. [[“I seek sanctuary.”][$kAnswer = "sanctuary"]] [[“I’m escaping my persecutors.”][$kAnswer = "escape"]] [[“I have no idea how I got here.”][$kAnswer = "blank"]] [[“Mind pointing those arrows elsewhere?”][$kAnswer = "rude"]]
“I seek sanctuary,” I gulp, looking into two different colored eyes and tracing the large scar on her face as I speak. I feel that I much rather meet the business end of the numerous arrows pining for their freedom than to go head to head with her. <<include "5.9">>
“I am escaping my persecutors,” I gulp, looking into two different colored eyes and tracing the large scar on her face as I speak. I feel that I much rather meet the business end of the numerous arrows pining for their freedom than to go head to head with her. <<include "5.9">>
“I …” I start, gazing around like I had done before, “I have no idea how I got here.” I look back towards the woman and find myself staring into two different colored eyes and tracing the large scar on her face as I speak. I feel that I much rather meet the business end of the numerous arrows pining for their freedom than to go head to head with her. <<include "5.9">>
“First, mind telling your Kren friends to point those arrows elsewhere?” I ask, shooting a glare to the one closest to me before looking back at the woman. I find myself staring into two different colored eyes and tracing the large scar on her face as I speak. I feel that I much rather meet the business end of the numerous arrows pining for their freedom than to go head to head with her. <<include "5.9">>
She opens her mouth when the guards behind me appear, their eyes landing on me before taking in the Kren. Half of the Kren re-aim their arrows, while a few still have theirs trained on me. “Oi, Kren,” the lead rider comments, pointing to the woman who still stands just as calm as before behind me, “hand over the fugitive by order of His Royal Majesty.” “You forget yourself, there is no king in these woods,” she says plainly. “You stupid or something?” he grumbles before being silenced by the man beside him. This other soldier offers her a polite smile before nodding towards me, “the $species before you is wanted for crimes against the King of //all// of Nidinia. You’d be wise to hand him over without,” the man’s eyes flee to the trees, “conflict.” I finally see emotion cross the Kren woman’s face, a look of amusement, “and if we don’t?” “Then we’ll kill you and burn ya –” But that was all the first man who had spoken was able to utter before an arrow cuts him off. Shot right through the mouth, perfectly aimed. I turn to see that the woman had grabbed her bow, aimed her arrow, and shot all in record time. The man falls off of his horse, and before the others could do anything in retaliation, they meet similar fates as those in the trees release their arrows. The guards were dead, but I wasn’t totally free. I turn and place all of my attention on the Kren woman. [[“Well, thanks for that.”]] [[“I’ll be going now.”]] [[“Again, I wasn’t with them.”]] [[Stand quietly.->5.9StandQuietly]]
“Well, thanks for that. Your help is greatly appreciated,” I tell her and then those in the trees. But glancing up at them was a mistake, the sight of them all looking upon me with blank stares, waiting to unleash their arrows into me, cause me to freeze. <<include "5.9StandQuietly">>
“Nice, very nice. If you don’t mind though, I’ll just be going now,” I chuckle lightly, taking a step back but then stopping when I hear the archers’ arrows shift in their grasp, “… or not.” <<include "5.9StandQuietly">>
“Just so we all understand each other,” I begin, looking from the now dead soldiers to the numerous Kren, “I wasn’t with them.” At my words, the archers’ arrows shift in their grasp so that they were now pointed at me again. “Right … doesn’t matter.” <<include "5.9StandQuietly">>
Her multicolored eyes take me in, judging my character with a single look. I fail to know if she trusts in what she sees before turning on her heel and commanding me to follow. In unison, every bow is lowered and the Kren surrounding me drop to the ground gracefully. Some take up positions around me, their eyes giving away their distrust and harboring resentment and fear. Others head towards the bodies of the recently slain, grabbing the now rider-less horses. I begin walking, wondering if I had just traded one danger in for another. <a data-passage="Chapter Six"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<set $krenfollows = false; $ragemode = false; $guardfight = false; $dragged = false; $courtrule to 0; $fame to 20, $ruho to 0; $killedbefore = false>> <<unset $gwMaster, $answer, $horseshoes, $piefool, $armwrestling, $bards, $banquet, $archerycomp, $racing, $tugofwar, $break, $watchEclipse, $delilahTold>> <<audio "masterdeath" fadeout>> <<playlist "dark" loop play>> <<endnobr>> <img src="images/four.png"> I stare back into the hate-filled eyes of the King, wondering what could have possibly happened for me to procure his wrath. My brain was fried, tired from the day’s and night’s events and wanting a break. I wish to give it just that, but seeing my current predicament, it would not come anytime soon. The King steps down from his dais and grabs ahold of my tunic, jerking me closer. “My son lies in a puddle of his own blood, what have you to say for yourself?” Shock races across my face, my throat going dry as I look into eyes that seem ready to let the tears flow once again. “What could your reasoning be! Answer me!” he shouts, his spit landing on the side of my face as he shakes me roughly. [[“I … I didn’t know.”][$care +=3]] [[“Reasoning for what?”][$care -=3]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ “I … I didn’t know. I had no clue,” I stammer, my mind still desperately trying to grasp onto something that made a fraction of sense. “My master …” “My son!” he screams, the entire room flinching yet again. One servant even drops what she was carrying. “Wait … you think I had something to do with this? I am innocent, My King.” He releases me, the tears now pouring down his face as he stumbles backward, hitting the first step of the dais as he holds his head. “I mourn for the loss of my only son, and you mock my sadness.” He removes his hand and glares at me, “how dare you?” “I’m innocent! I have not seen your son since the jousting competition.” The King lazily motions for someone to approach, and I look to see a servant and a slave do so. “Speak.” “The last person I saw go into the Prince’s room was the Dream Seer,” the servant tells, “I asked ?him what business ?he had with the Prince and ?he told me that it concerned a dream. And so, I allowed the witch entry. The next time I entered the room … the Prince was dead.” My eyes widen in disbelief. The young slave is the next to step up, his glare on the ground but his voice carrying to the ears of everyone in attendance, “I heard a commotion in the Prince’s room and soon later saw the witch leave the Prince’s room briskly. I thought nothing much of it till the servant screamed.” [[“Lies! These are all lies.”]] [[Laugh, this was not happening.]] [[Tell them of my day.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ “Reasoning? Reasoning for what?” I question, my mind still desperately trying to grasp onto something that made a fraction of sense. “My master …” “My son!” he screams, the entire room flinching yet again. One servant even drops what she was carrying. “Wait … you think I had something to do with this? I am innocent, My King.” He releases me, the tears now pouring down his face as he stumbles backward, hitting the first step of the dais as he holds his head. “I mourn for the loss of my only son, and you mock my sadness.” He removes his hand and glares at me, “how dare you?” “I’m innocent! I have not seen your son since the jousting competition.” The King lazily motions for someone to approach, and I look to see a servant and a slave do so. “Speak.” “The last person I saw go into the Prince’s room was the Dream Seer,” the servant tells, “I asked ?him what business ?he had with the Prince and ?he told me that it concerned a dream. And so, I allowed the witch entry. The next time I entered the room … the Prince was dead.” My eyes widen in disbelief. The young slave is the next to step up, his glare on the ground but his voice carrying to the ears of everyone in attendance, “I heard a commotion in the Prince’s room and soon later saw the witch leave the Prince’s room briskly. I thought nothing much of it till the servant screamed.” [[“Lies! These are all lies.”]] [[Laugh, this was not happening.]] [[Tell them of my day.]]
“Lies!” I yell, moving just an inch and feeling the hands of the soldier’s behind me fall on my shoulders, reminding me not to move. “These are all lies, Your Majesty!” “You know this servant and slave?” the King asks. “No.” “Then what reason do they have to frame you? Tell me, witch, do you have anyone that can vouch for your whereabouts?” <<if $empathy >=50>>\ “My … my master is dead.” The court again erupts into whispers, and I clench my eyes closed. I could feel their accusing emotions slap me one by one, anger and horror. I was guilty and that was it. I know how it sounds and allowing the words to leave my mouth hurt far more than what they falsely imply. <<else>>\ “My … my master is dead.” The court again erupts into whispers, and I clench my eyes closed. I know how it sounds and allowing the words to leave my mouth hurt far more than what they falsely imply. <</if>>\ “So,” the King begins, wiping his eyes and heading back to his throne. “The only alibi that you could possibly have is that of your master, who is now conveniently dead?” I bite my tongue, the words said in such a callous manner. “And not one, but two of my subjects have said that they saw you enter and leave my son’s room in the time frame of his death?” <<if $negPrinceVibes>>\ I open my mouth to speak, but the King speaks over me, “and let us not forget that you, yourself, have said that my son would make a feeble and imprudent King.” My eyes dart to that of the King, him using his own question from earlier against me. <</if>>\ <<if $kingKnows>>\ He collapses in his seat. “I feel entirely foolish, for you are the snake from your own dream.” <</if>>\ The guards yank me to my feet, and my heart stutters, my eyes darting from one side to another. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ [[Turn into a shadow and escape.][$krenfollows = true]] <</if>>\ [[Go quietly with the guards.][$hostile -=5]] [[Yell and panic.]] [[Fight the guards off.][$hostile +=5; $guardfight = true]]
Oddly enough, I manage to chuckle, and the noise only grew louder as I sat there in disbelief. My master was dead, and I was now being framed for taking a life. And not just anyone’s life, but the Prince’s no less. Those in attendance whisper, calling me deranged but I cared little. My life had a shovel in hand and was aptly digging my grave. “You truly mock me?” the King whispers. “No, My King! But this entire thing is unbelievable. I killed no one. I am innocent!” “Tell me, witch, do you have anyone that can vouch for your whereabouts?” <<if $empathy >=50>>\ “My … my master is dead.” The court again erupts into whispers, and I clench my eyes closed. I could feel their accusing emotions slap me one by one, anger and horror. I was guilty and that was it. I know how it sounds and allowing the words to leave my mouth hurt far more than what they falsely imply. <<else>>\ “My … my master is dead.” The court again erupts into whispers, and I clench my eyes closed. I know how it sounds and allowing the words to leave my mouth hurt far more than what they falsely imply. <</if>>\ “So,” the King begins, wiping his eyes and heading back to his throne. “The only alibi that you could possibly have is that of your master, who is now conveniently dead?” I bite my tongue, the words said in such a callous manner. “And not one, but two of my subjects have said that they saw you enter and leave my son’s room in the time frame of his death?” <<if $negPrinceVibes>>\ I open my mouth to speak, but the King speaks over me, “and let us not forget that you, yourself, have said that my son would make a feeble and imprudent King.” My eyes dart to that of the King, him using his own question from earlier against me. <</if>>\ <<if $kingKnows>>\ He collapses in his seat. “I feel entirely foolish, for you are the snake from your own dream.” <</if>>\ The guards yank me to my feet, and my heart stutters, my eyes darting from one side to another. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ [[Turn into a shadow and escape.][$krenfollows = true]] <</if>>\ [[Go quietly with the guards.][$hostile -=5]] [[Yell and panic.]] [[Fight the guards off.][$hostile +=5; $guardfight = true]]
“My King, please. I am innocent. I went to the festival, came back, and then immediately headed to my room to sleep. I did not leave my room until now.” “You know this servant and slave?” the King asks. “No.” “Then what reason do they have to frame you? Tell me, witch, do you have anyone that can vouch for your whereabouts?” <<if $empathy >=50>>\ “My … my master is dead.” The court again erupts into whispers, and I clench my eyes closed. I could feel their accusing emotions slap me one by one, anger and horror. I was guilty and that was it. I know how it sounds and allowing the words to leave my mouth hurt far more than what they falsely imply. <<else>>\ “My … my master is dead.” The court again erupts into whispers, and I clench my eyes closed. I know how it sounds and allowing the words to leave my mouth hurt far more than what they falsely imply. <</if>>\ “So,” the King begins, wiping his eyes and heading back to his throne. “The only alibi that you could possibly have is that of your master, who is now conveniently dead?” I bite my tongue, the words said in such a callous manner. “And not one, but two of my subjects have said that they saw you enter and leave my son’s room in the time frame of his death?” <<if $negPrinceVibes>>\ I open my mouth to speak, but the King speaks over me, “and let us not forget that you, yourself, have said that my son would make a feeble and imprudent King.” My eyes dart to that of the King, him using his own question from earlier against me. <</if>>\ <<if $kingKnows>>\ He collapses in his seat. “I feel entirely foolish, for you are the snake from your own dream.” <</if>>\ The guards yank me to my feet, and my heart stutters, my eyes darting from one side to another. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ [[Turn into a shadow and escape.][$krenfollows = true]] <</if>>\ [[Go quietly with the guards.][$hostile -=5]] [[Yell and panic.]] [[Fight the guards off.][$hostile +=5; $guardfight = true]]
Before they can do anything more, I activate my powers, melting away with the nearby darkness and turning into a shadow. No longer possessing a corporeal form, and no longer worried about capture, I dart towards the exit. My mind swims with the image of my master’s death, as well as trying to successfully conjure up the prince’s. Were they plotting against me? What had I done to deserve such a thing? Have I not done everything that the King has asked of me? Surely even he sees the flaws, the areas that seem to hold no logical answer for there was none. Suddenly, I freeze in pain and horror. My body feels like it’s being burned alive. I’m no longer able to see the door which was right in front of me. In fact, I see nothing but bright light. As if the sun had fallen from the sky and chosen to descend directly onto me. I force myself to turn back into my physical form, the feeling was still there but was now considerably dimmed. Similar to the feeling I felt when walking outside on an overly sunny day. I glance around and see a Kren in a cloak lower their hands. It was foolish of me not to assume that there were any witches in the King’s court. It was possible that one even stood in as his personal magic advisor. I clench my eyes closed as my joints feel like they’re locking up, disabling my ability to move. Pain happily races through my being, spreading its infection. “$name,” I hear the King say, followed by his footsteps and then his shadow looming over me. I’m unable to look up at him, unable to do anything but hear his next words, “you are hereby under arrest for the murder of a royal figurehead and suspicion of murdering your own master.” My eyes widen, and for a second, I wish to fight, to scream, to yell. But I can’t utter anything more than a choking sound. “Your sentencing will take place in two days. Until then, you will be held in the dungeons. Get this filth out of my face and my court.” My joints don’t relax as the guards come by and carry me off. The Kren from earlier follows, making sure that any further attempt at escape was impossible. <a data-passage="4.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ I close my mouth. Not knowing whether if speaking would hurt or aid me. It was evident that whatever I said no longer mattered. These people were sure of my guilt, they looked at me and saw a murderer, or perhaps that was too nice of a word. The hatred blended in seamlessly with their fear, they saw a monster. I look at the King who held no such fear, his cold eyes sheltered the type of resentment and hate that one could not be taught, only experienced. He sits up straighter in his seat, glaring down at me, causing me to feel like a minuscule bug who had the misfortune of landing far too close to his foot. “$name, you are hereby under arrest for the murder of a royal figurehead and suspicion of murdering your own master.” With narrowed eyes, I stare at the wooden dais before me. I wish to fight, to scream, to yell. But I don’t, my lips stay pursed. “Your sentencing will take place in two days. Until then, you will be held in the dungeons. Now, get this filth out of my sight.” The guards who still had yet to move from my side since this had all started, roughly grab me and lift me to my feet. With one hand on me and the other resting on the hilts of their swords, they escort me out of the throne room and to wherever the dungeons lay. <a data-passage="4.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Stop!” I shout, thrashing around, “I didn’t do this. You must believe me. I have no motive, what could I possibly gain from killing your son? My master?” “I know not,” he shouts, “you tell me. What do you possibly gain from any of this? I will not attempt to guess and put myself in the place of a mad-?man.” “Nothing,” I scream, tears of anger and disbelief springing to my eyes, “I have absolutely nothing to gain from this!” “There will be a trial!” the King shouts even louder, his voice causing the few portraits and their frames to vibrate. “Your sentencing will take place in two days. Until then, you will be held in the dungeons.” He looks at the guards surrounding me, “get this filth out of my face and out of my throne room. I must mourn.” Immediately, the guard’s grip on my arms tighten, but I thrash. I panic and fight against their hold. Those looking on look down upon me as if I was some wild beast who should’ve met their fate a long time ago. My screams would soon be a distant memory, fading away as the guards drag me off. <a data-passage="4.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Hostile ++</span> <</if>>\ <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I let out a monstrous roar cry, shoving the two guards who believed they could handle me, away. The spectacle causes more guards to approach, all of their hands hovering over the hilt of their weapons. It was a warning, one that I could either heed or totally ignore. [[Enter rage mode.][$ragemode = true]] [[Calm myself.]] <<elseif $combat >= 10>>\ I turn and slam my fist into the guard nearest to me, before then sidestepping the next guard who lunges for me, bringing both fists down upon his back. I make to run when I see five more guards standing in my way, their swords, unsheathed and ready. “By all means,” the King begins, a hint of humor in his voice, “try your body against my men’s swords and spears. Give yourself a speedy trial.” Before I can make up my mind on what to do, they rush towards me. The first one I manage to trip up, but the others take advantage of this distraction and swarm me. One slams their sword’s pommel down onto the back of my neck, causing me to fall to my knees. Two swords hover over my neck, the metal causing the hair there to stand on end. Just a careless flick of their wrist could end my life. “Now then. Take this filth to the dungeon to await trial for ?his crimes, which have now been added to.” I grunt as they begin dragging me, their swords still trained on me. <a data-passage="4.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ I turn to punch the guard closest to me, but his reflexes are much more refined than my own. He dodges the punch and then slams his gauntlet fist into the side of my face instead. The other grabs me and pushes me to the ground, his knee jabbing into my back violently. “$name, you are hereby under arrest for the murder of a royal figurehead and suspicion of murdering your own master.” The King begins, looking down upon me with something similar to humor in his eyes. “Your sentencing will take place in two days. Until then, you will be held in the dungeons. Now, get this filth out of my face.” The guards roughly grab me and yank me to my feet. With one hand on me and the other resting on the hilts of their swords, they escort me out of the throne room and to wherever the dungeons lay. <a data-passage="4.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
There was a technical term for it, I’m sure. Perhaps something identical to the Cimmerians and their dastardly taint. But I had never heard it and hardly ever entered it. The rage was a blinding state where it seemed even I took a back seat to my own actions. I entered only because of great emotional turmoil and usually exited it feeling hollow. And now, here in front of all these people who blamed me for crimes I did not commit. In front of the King, who had graciously welcomed me into his home, only to wish to throw me inside of a dungeon. And before guards who were wondering how many of them it would take to bring me down. All of them would witness my rage. It was like a click. Like I had walked up to a lever and pulled it without a second thought. One moment, I was filled with an overwhelming amount of anger, fear, and sadness. And the next, nothing. Everything had been flushed from my system. My vision submerged itself in a sea of red, and my body ignored its natural limitations. I had no control, and yet I had total control. My senses had heightened to a level that seemed almost godly. The room held an unnatural chill, and the eclipse was still in effect, casting a ghostly glow into the throne room. I could feel the cold touch of metal upon my skin as guards tried their best to subdue me. I doubt they thought they would ever be fighting a Uqanan witch at this hour, in the throne room of all places. For each guard that I manage to put down, another two appear. They have long abandoned the idea of not taking out their swords and spears, and with each growl, I feel another slash leave its mark on my skin. My energy was waning significantly. When I finally fall to my knees, my disquieting rage subsiding, I hear the moans and groans from those that had not been so lucky. Two swords hover over my neck, the metal causing the hair there to stand on end. Just a careless flick of their wrist could end my life. “Had your fun?” the King spits, “take this crazed piece of filth to the dungeons. There will be a trial … barely.” I’m unable to fight as a group of guards lift me and haul me away. <a data-passage="4.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Nothing good could come from me turning my ire to men with swords and spears. Though my rage could do tremendous damage, especially to creatures so fragile, there would still only be one of me, and many of them. I silence my rage, taking deep breaths in and quieting my troubled mind. But that doesn’t mean I would take this willingly. As soon as my thoughts quiet, lulled into submission, I turn and slam my fist into the guard nearest to me. I sidestep the next guard who lunges for me, bringing both fists down upon his back. I make to run when I see five more guards standing in my way, their weapons, unsheathed and ready. “By all means,” the King begins, a hint of humor in his voice, “try your body against my men’s swords and spears. Give yourself a speedy trial.” Before I can make up my mind on what to do, they rush towards me. The first one I manage to trip up, but the others take advantage of this distraction and swarm me. One slams their sword’s pommel down onto the back of my neck, causing me to fall to my knees. Two swords hover over my neck, the metal causing the hair there to stand on end. Just a careless flick of their wrist could end my life. “Now then. Take this filth to the dungeon to await trial for ?his crimes, which have now been added to.” I grunt as they do as he says and drag me across the floor, their swords still trained on me. <a data-passage="4.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The streets remain dark and empty as we go, no sign of life as I suspect that everyone had gathered elsewhere to watch the eclipse. The moon hangs overhead in a pitch-black sky with no stars in sight. It tints the land in faded shades of red and purple. A magnificent view that I can’t fully appreciate as I’m ushered towards imprisonment. [[I’m quiet as we go, my mind on my alleged crimes.]] <<if $ragemode is false>>\ [[I continue to fight, hoping to somehow get free.]] <</if>>\ [[I attempt to use my magic to get away.]]
The entire way there, I utter no sound. My feet seem to be on autopilot and relying on those leading me, for my mind is back in the castle. It replays the King’s words, it summons the image of my master dead in bed, and it reminds me of the numerous stares I had received. They believed me to have killed their prince and even my master. Not only was it not a mere assumption, but they had two witnesses who both claim to have seen me. <<if $guardfight>>\ The only real crime I was being charged with was that of fighting those who had tried to take hold of me. It was the only crime that I could rightfully claim. <</if>>\ <<include "4.0.1">>
The fight had not yet left my bones as I continue to rebel against my captors. They grumble and attack me in return, frustrated that I refused to do as they ask. I would not go willingly towards my own doom, especially one that I wasn’t culpable for. <<include "4.0.1">>
<<if $krenfollows>>\ I mutter spell after spell, watching as nothing happens each time. It is not until a handful of failed spells later, as well as my ebbing energy, that I remember that the Kren follows us. Their eyes are trained on me, but their hands stay in a position that I know is used for those who are currently casting a spell. An anti-casting spell or something of the sort, something that allows me to exert my energy but not reap the benefits. <<else>>\ I mutter spell after spell, watching as nothing happens each time. It is not until a handful of failed spells later, as well as my ebbing energy, that I realize that a Kren follows us. Their eyes are trained on me, but their hands stay in a position that I know is used for those who are currently casting a spell. An anti-casting spell or something of the sort, something that allows me to exert my energy but not reap the benefits. <</if>>\ <<include "4.0.1">>
It feels like I’m dragged halfway across Ipharia before we finally arrive at the dungeons. Exterior wise, it seems similar to any of the other brick and stone houses that could be found. The weathered stone was a darker color than the brick that sat above it. And in between the cracks in the masonry, one could find the thriving signs of moss. I’m pushed past the threshold of the building, stumbling over some of the raised floorboards on my way in. The guards care little though, as they continue to lead me deeper into the area, past two guards on duty and to where the cells rest. Wall-mounted torches hang parallel on the walls, one existing between each iron bar cell. My eyes swivel back and forth as I gaze at those inside. Some are curled up on mats, their arms encompassing themselves as they pull their legs close to their chests. Others are pacing back and forth, only pausing as we pass. When we finally come across empty cells, I suspect that we would stop, and they would throw me into one. But my assumptions are proved incorrect, they march me onwards, to the back of the prison where even the soft glow from the torches dare not go. [[“What is the meaning of this?”][$smug -=3]] [[“I’m not going in there.”]] [[Don’t fight this.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ I look from the cell to them, “what is the meaning of this?” They ignore me, kicking the back of my knees and forcing me to the ground. I open my mouth to continue my protest when a pair of hands lock something around my neck. Panic rises as I claw at it, not knowing what it was. “Calm yourself,” the Kren that had followed us this far states. They hold in their hand a key, dangling it enticingly in front of me. “You now wear a chikrin. Do you know what this is?” <<if $background is "slave_brothel" or $background is "slave_gladiator" or $background is "slave_noble">>\ Of course, I knew what a chikrin was. Any slave that showed the faintest hint of possessing magic was forced to wear it. The proper name, of course, was chikrin. But many called it was it was, a magical leash. No amount of magic, not even ones ludá, could be executed as long as it was on. The only way to deactivate it was to get the key and take it off. I nod gravely, and the Kren smiles. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “Then I need not explain. You should also know that if you do attempt to turn into your shadow form, that collar will emit a long flash of light. You’d be wise not to. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <<else>>\ “Then I need not explain. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <</if>>\ <<elseif $knowledge>>\ I knew what a chikrin was, and until now took solace in the fact that I never had to deal with the burden of it around my own neck. It was made for slaves that possessed magic. It wasn’t a choice whether they would wear it or not, it was forced upon them. Even on those who showed high comprehension and control of their powers. The proper name, of course, was chikrin. But many called it was it was, it was a magical leash. No amount of magic, not even ones ludá, could be executed as long as it was on. The only way to deactivate it was to get the key and take it off. I nod gravely, and the Kren smiles. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “Then I need not explain. You should also know that if you do attempt to turn into your shadow form, that collar will emit a long flash of light. You’d be wise not to. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <<else>>\ “Then I need not explain. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I shake my head, never before hearing the word. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “It is a magical leash to keep witches from executing any and all forms of magic. As long as this sits upon your neck, you will be unable to perform your magic. You should also know that if you do attempt to turn into your shadow form, that collar will react by emitting a long flash of light. You’d be wise not to. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <<else>>\ “It is a magical leash to keep witches from executing any and all forms of magic. As long as this sits upon your neck, you will be unable to perform your magic. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="4.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m not going in there,” I simply tell them, planting my feet and attempting to fall backward. They grunt as they try to force me back upwards, cursing me as they attempt to do so. I only stop my actions when I feel a pair of hands lock something thick around my neck. Panic rises as I claw at it, not knowing what it was. “Calm yourself,” the Kren that had followed us this far states. They hold in their hand a key, dangling it enticingly in front of me. “You now wear a chikrin. Do you know what this is?” <<if $background is "slave_brothel" or $background is "slave_gladiator" or $background is "slave_noble">>\ Of course, I knew what a chikrin was. Any slave that showed the faintest hint of possessing magic was forced to wear it. The proper name, of course, was chikrin. But many called it was it was, a magical leash. No amount of magic, not even ones ludá, could be executed as long as it was on. The only way to deactivate it was to get the key and take it off. I nod gravely, and the Kren smiles. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “Then I need not explain. You should also know that if you do attempt to turn into your shadow form, that collar will emit a long flash of light. You’d be wise not to. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <<else>>\ “Then I need not explain. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <</if>>\ <<elseif $knowledge>>\ I knew what a chikrin was, and until now took solace in the fact that I never had to deal with the burden of it around my own neck. It was made for slaves that possessed magic. It wasn’t a choice whether they would wear it or not, it was forced upon them. Even on those who showed high comprehension and control of their powers. The proper name, of course, was chikrin. But many called it was it was, it was a magical leash. No amount of magic, not even ones ludá, could be executed as long as it was on. The only way to deactivate it was to get the key and take it off. I nod gravely, and the Kren smiles. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “Then I need not explain. You should also know that if you do attempt to turn into your shadow form, that collar will emit a long flash of light. You’d be wise not to. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <<else>>\ “Then I need not explain. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I shake my head, never before hearing the word. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “It is a magical leash to keep witches from executing any and all forms of magic. As long as this sits upon your neck, you will be unable to perform your magic. You should also know that if you do attempt to turn into your shadow form, that collar will react by emitting a long flash of light. You’d be wise not to. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <<else>>\ “It is a magical leash to keep witches from executing any and all forms of magic. As long as this sits upon your neck, you will be unable to perform your magic. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="4.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
What was the use of fighting? Whether with my cooperation or not, they were going to get me into that cell. Fighting was now just a waste of energy and time. I watch as they open the door to the cell, right as a pair of hands lock something thick around my neck. My eyes widen in panic as I claw at it, not knowing what it was. “Calm yourself,” the Kren that had followed us this far states. They hold in their hand a key, dangling it enticingly in front of me. “You now wear a chikrin. Do you know what this is?” <<if $background is "slave_brothel" or $background is "slave_gladiator" or $background is "slave_noble">>\ Of course, I knew what a chikrin was. Any slave that showed the faintest hint of possessing magic was forced to wear it. The proper name, of course, was chikrin. But many called it was it was, a magical leash. No amount of magic, not even ones ludá, could be executed as long as it was on. The only way to deactivate it was to get the key and take it off. I nod gravely, and the Kren smiles. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “Then I need not explain. You should also know that if you do attempt to turn into your shadow form, that collar will emit a long flash of light. You’d be wise not to. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <<else>>\ “Then I need not explain. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <</if>>\ <<elseif $knowledge>>\ I knew what a chikrin was, and until now took solace in the fact that I never had to deal with the burden of it around my own neck. It was made for slaves that possessed magic. It wasn’t a choice whether they would wear it or not, it was forced upon them. Even on those who showed high comprehension and control of their powers. The proper name, of course, was chikrin. But many called it was it was, it was a magical leash. No amount of magic, not even ones ludá, could be executed as long as it was on. The only way to deactivate it was to get the key and take it off. I nod gravely, and the Kren smiles. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “Then I need not explain. You should also know that if you do attempt to turn into your shadow form, that collar will emit a long flash of light. You’d be wise not to. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <<else>>\ “Then I need not explain. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I shake my head, never before hearing the word. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “It is a magical leash to keep witches from executing any and all forms of magic. As long as this sits upon your neck, you will be unable to perform your magic. You should also know that if you do attempt to turn into your shadow form, that collar will react by emitting a long flash of light. You’d be wise not to. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <<else>>\ “It is a magical leash to keep witches from executing any and all forms of magic. As long as this sits upon your neck, you will be unable to perform your magic. You will be called upon the day of your trial. Until then, pray to the High Gods and seek their forgiveness.” <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="4.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Immediately upon saying this, the guards shove me into the cell that I find is hardly big enough to fit one person. The cramped space feels like it gets even smaller as they leave me. I soon hear the sound of the door closing, and silence quickly reclaims this area. My eyes stay trained on the area that the guards and the Kren once stood a mere moment ago. My brain knows that I’ve been abandoned, but it still refuses to accept it. It keeps believing that someone will come back, laughing, and state that all of this was a prank put on by my master or the King. Or to come down and beg for my forgiveness as they have found the true culprit. But neither happens. No one returns. Or so I thought. I hear the sound of boots echoing off the floor, their pace quick and determined. Before I can question who it is, they appear. A familiar face that I don't recall seeing in the court, though I suppose that could primarily be due to me not searching. Averill stands there, just as intimidating as the first day that I had seen $ahim with the King. I’m less than surprised to find that $ahis icy glare is cutting through me, judging my every tick and shiver. I fear that looking away would reveal a pang of guilt that I didn’t even hold. “Tell me plainly and //truthfully//,” $ahe growls under $ahis breath, “did you kill my Prince?” [[“The entire court says I did.” Act uncaringly.][$averill -=5]] [[“If you must ask me that then leave.” Show your innocence.][$averill +=5]] [[“And if I did?” Challenge Averill.][$averill -=10; $hostile +=5]] [[“Look me in my eyes, and you tell me.”][$averillLi +1]] [[“My master, though!”][$averill +=2]]
I shrug, acting as if I didn’t care when we both knew that I did. I turn my back to $ahim and walk towards the wall, “the entire court says I’m guilty, so I suppose that I am.” “You treat this as a joke?” I pause, not knowing if $ahe meant that as a question or a statement, either way, I don’t reply. I’ve had the worst day to date and regardless of what I said here, it would continue to be horrible. “I suppose I should thank you then,” $ahe says in disgust, “it is unwise to think you know someone, even a little, in a matter of days.” I turn just in time to see only the tip of $ahis cape as $ahe goes. I was once again left alone, and once again, I felt the weight of the last few hours on my shoulder. [[Yell.]] [[Pound the bars.]] [[Cry.]] [[Go to sleep.]]
I approach the bars, tears threatening to spill from my eyes, “if you must ask me that then just leave, because nothing I say will change your mind.” Averill studies me, the war being held upon $ahis face clear as my predicament. “You can be lying. An assassin is nothing without their deceit.” I wipe at the tears angrily, trying to control myself, “then go. You have your answer.” Why Averill walked all the way here just to ask and then infer that I was guilty was beyond me. But I would rather be left alone than to hear another figure assume me a murderer. When I look over my shoulder to see if Averill was still there, I see no one. I was once again left alone, and once again, I felt the weight of the last few hours weigh on my shoulder. [[Yell.]] [[Pound the bars.]] [[Cry.]] [[Go to sleep.]]
I summon my full height, squaring my shoulders and approach the bars, “and if I did? Then what?” Averill’s neutral expression breaks completely. $aHis eyes light up in fiery and $ahis hands inch closer to where $ahis weapon rests. I even see $ahim adjust $ahis footing as if $ahe would stab me then and there. $aHe was no judge but $ahe seemed willing to take on the roles of jury and executioner. As if remembering that these were not $ahis roles to play, $ahe sighs and drops $ahis stance and hand. $aHe then clears $ahis throat and turns away from me, heading back the way in which $ahe came. I was once again left alone, and once again, I felt the weight of the last few hours on my shoulder. [[Yell.]] [[Pound the bars.]] [[Cry.]] [[Go to sleep.]]
I approach the bars slowly, refusing to drop Averill’s gaze as we stare at one another. I wanted Averill to see me, not to see who the courts and the King tried to paint. The real me, the one that Averill had gotten to know over the past few days. “Look me in my eyes,” I start, my eyes watering as the image of my master comes back to me, “you tell me, did I kill anyone?<<if $masterApp>> After everything I said about him, you tell me if I could’ve possibly killed anyone.”<<else>>”<</if>> Averill doesn’t answer, instead $ahe does as I ask. $aHis eyes bore into mine, attempting to find something that everyone else either cared not to find or was unable too. Averill shivers, clearing $ahis throat as $ahe takes a step back. Without another word said, $ahe leaves, leaving me to wonder what $ahe saw. I was once again left alone, and once again, I felt the weight of the last few hours on my shoulder. [[Yell.]] [[Pound the bars.]] [[Cry.]] [[Go to sleep.]]
Anger courses through me as I approach the bars. If $ahis eyes were a flame waiting to be ignited by my words, then my eyes were already a howling bonfire. “Your Prince? How about my Master?” I yell and punch the bars, causing $ahim to jump back in surprise, “huh? Did everyone forget that my master was killed by someone? Or does his life matter not because he wears no crown?” “If you will not -,” Averill starts, but I cut $ahim off with another fist to the bars. My hands were in pain, but I cared little, if not at all. My master slept in a pool of his own blood, and the only time anyone could remember he existed was to further an erroneous claim on my character. Averill, realizing that $ahe would get nowhere, glares at me and walks away. I was once again left alone, and once again, I felt the weight of the last few hours on my shoulder. [[Yell.]] [[Pound the bars.]] [[Cry.]] [[Go to sleep.]]
I yell and continue to do so. Soon they no longer sound like yells but roars. Roars from a predator that had been bested and left to die perhaps. I suspect that the other prisoners would tell me to shut up, but none do. I am left to howl and scream until my throat goes dry and the sound of my voice annoys even me. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> //I take one last deep breath as I straighten my clothes and fix my person. In my mind, a dozen ways of how this could possibly go wrong play out. Nidinia, the land of diversity, and yet the epicenter of so much hate and bigotry. I suppose that was the countries greatest excuse; it was because of such variety that gave it the ability to be so hateful. Species forced to intermingle and given the ability to judge another how they saw fit. But then again, other countries could say the same.// //This was all going through my mind as I tried to figure out what kind of man Master Audouin would be. I had heard the stories told by apprentices who had met their masters, only to be ridiculed and turned away because of class, species, or gender. How they were refused simply because of their appearance. One such ex-apprentice told me how their potential master had seen the scars upon his skin and immediately sent him away, refusing to teach him anything.// [[It was all a ploy, trying to force more of us to seek the aid of the colleges.->4.2]] [[It was their right, whether or not I agreed with it mattered little.->4.2]] [[They didn’t deserve to be teachers anyhow. No one would remember their names.->4.2]]
I pound the bars, ignoring the pain that speeds up my knuckles and then dies before reaching my elbow. I continue on, sometimes punching the bars and other times hitting it harshly with my palm. My actions don’t cease until minutes later. My knuckles were swollen, and my palms looked ready to split. The pain has since numbed. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> //I take one last deep breath as I straighten my clothes and fix my person. In my mind, a dozen ways of how this could possibly go wrong play out. Nidinia, the land of diversity, and yet the epicenter of so much hate and bigotry. I suppose that was the countries greatest excuse; it was because of such variety that gave it the ability to be so hateful. Species forced to intermingle and given the ability to judge another how they saw fit. But then again, other countries could say the same.// //This was all going through my mind as I tried to figure out what kind of man Master Audouin would be. I had heard the stories told by apprentices who had met their masters, only to be ridiculed and turned away because of class, species, or gender. How they were refused simply because of their appearance. One such ex-apprentice told me how their potential master had seen the scars upon his skin and immediately sent him away, refusing to teach him anything.// [[It was all a ploy, trying to force more of us to seek the aid of the colleges.->4.2]] [[It was their right, whether or not I agreed with it mattered little.->4.2]] [[They didn’t deserve to be teachers anyhow. No one would remember their names.->4.2]]
The day’s events catch up to me and I feel something land on my cheek. I go to wipe it only to realize that it was my own tear. It is then that everything hits me at once. My master was dead. I was accused of two murders. I was standing in prison. My death was inevitable. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> //I take one last deep breath as I straighten my clothes and fix my person. In my mind, a dozen ways of how this could possibly go wrong play out. Nidinia, the land of diversity, and yet the epicenter of so much hate and bigotry. I suppose that was the countries greatest excuse; it was because of such variety that gave it the ability to be so hateful. Species forced to intermingle and given the ability to judge another how they saw fit. But then again, other countries could say the same.// //This was all going through my mind as I tried to figure out what kind of man Master Audouin would be. I had heard the stories told by apprentices who had met their masters, only to be ridiculed and turned away because of class, species, or gender. How they were refused simply because of their appearance. One such ex-apprentice told me how their potential master had seen the scars upon his skin and immediately sent him away, refusing to teach him anything.// [[It was all a ploy, trying to force more of us to seek the aid of the colleges.->4.2]] [[It was their right, whether or not I agreed with it mattered little.->4.2]] [[They didn’t deserve to be teachers anyhow. No one would remember their names.->4.2]]
I back up until the back of my foot hits the dingy mattress that solely decorated the cell, besides that of a small rusty bucket in the corner. Stiffly, I lay down, using my arms as a pillow as I continue to stare at the area that had just held people. People who thought me guilty. My vision warps and twists, taking me back to a simpler time, a more preferred time. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> //I take one last deep breath as I straighten my clothes and fix my person. In my mind, a dozen ways of how this could possibly go wrong play out. Nidinia, the land of diversity, and yet the epicenter of so much hate and bigotry. I suppose that was the countries greatest excuse; it was because of such variety that gave it the ability to be so hateful. Species forced to intermingle and given the ability to judge another how they saw fit. But then again, other countries could say the same.// //This was all going through my mind as I tried to figure out what kind of man Master Audouin would be. I had heard the stories told by apprentices who had met their masters, only to be ridiculed and turned away because of class, species, or gender. How they were refused simply because of their appearance. One such ex-apprentice told me how their potential master had seen the scars upon his skin and immediately sent him away, refusing to teach him anything.// [[It was all a ploy, trying to force more of us to seek the aid of the colleges.->4.2]] [[It was their right, whether or not I agreed with it mattered little.->4.2]] [[They didn’t deserve to be teachers anyhow. No one would remember their names.->4.2]]
//And now I walk, wondering if the man I was about to meet would be one of those. Just like he didn’t know my face, my gender, or species, I knew little of him. I knew only as much as he had written when he accepted to mentor me. He asked few questions, none of them having to do with me as much as it had to do with my experience in magic and random subjects that I fail to see as relevant.// //What is your favorite season? What about colors? Your favorite scents, and if you had to survive off of one thing, what would it be? All questions that made little sense on the topic of mentoring.// //My thoughts lead me to his door, the directions that the young man had given me proving accurate. I enter the shop, immediately taking in the smell of mint and lavender.// //“Stop!” a man shouts, and I look to see an Ecrid standing on top of a chair, his eyes wide, and a broom in his hands.// //“I did not mean to trespass,” I tell him, slowly raising my hands in surrender.// //“Shh,” is all he says as he gazes around. Barely a minute passes before he screeches and lunges towards something I fail to see. I hear a loud growl and a catcoon flies by overhead, jumping onto a nearby end table before jumping out the window. With eyes wide, I turn back to the man, still wielding the broom.// //“If you’re a customer, then pretend you didn’t see anything. If you’re my new apprentice, then get used to it. I swear you feed one catcoon, one time, and they act like they’re the king and you owe them everything.” He stomps away as he continues to rant, and after getting rid of my initial shock, I follow after him.// [[“Don’t you know never to feed a catcoon?”]] [[“I made that mistake once too.”]] [[“I’m your new apprentice.”]]
//“Don’t you know never to feed a catcoon?” I question as he walks past me, going towards a pile of papers.// //“Sure, you say that now. But look one in the eye around feeding time, and you tell me how easy it is to say no. And don’t get me started on the purring. Damn sound breaks my heart.” He stands back up after rummaging through the pile with a book in his hands.// //He raises an intrigued brow, but he shoos his own curiosity away, “a conversation for another time. Come, I should show you where you’ll be living and the intricacies of the town. Though I highly doubt you need it, this town is quite simple, if not charming at times. Just stay away from the shaman and his soup.” He continues to prattle as he leads me outside, informing me of everything I need to know. He was eccentric, I give him that, and I found myself interested in what the future now held.// <a data-passage="4.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
//“If it means anything to you, I once made that mistake once as well. Cost me a good amount of ruho and my dinner, two nights in a row,” I inform him, stepping out of his way as he goes to a pile of papers. He digs through them and stands, a book now in his hands.// //“Those beasts will eat you out of house and home and not blink an eye over it,” he chuckles.// //He raises an intrigued brow, but he shoos his own curiosity away, “a conversation for another time. Come, I should show you where you’ll be living and the intricacies of the town. Though I highly doubt you need it, this town is quite simple, if not charming at times. Just stay away from the shaman and his soup.” He continues to prattle as he leads me outside, informing me of everything I need to know. He was eccentric, I give him that, and I found myself interested in what the future now held.// <a data-passage="4.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
//“I’m $name $surname, your new apprentice,” I tell him, outstretching my hand for him to shake.// //“No need for formalities,” he tells me, though he shakes my hand regardless, “they’re far too stiff and make me feel like I’m important.”// //“You aren’t?” I ask, stepping out of his way as he goes to a pile of papers. He digs through them and stands, a book now in his hands.// //“I am but an Ecrid who found his way obsessed with magic, and stupid enough to run a shop.”// //He looks up at me and pauses, “how dense am I? Will you need any assistance?”// //“Why would I?”// //“You are blind, are you not?”// //“Oh,” I snicker and wave him away, “my eyes just look like this.”// //He raises an intrigued brow, but he shoos his own curiosity away, “a conversation for another time. Come, I should show you where you’ll be living and the intricacies of the town. Though I highly doubt you need it, this town is quite simple, if not charming at times. Just stay away from the shaman and his soup.” He continues to prattle as he leads me outside, informing me of everything I need to know. He was eccentric, I give him that, and I found myself interested in what the future now held.// <a data-passage="4.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> I know not when my eyes close. Nor do I know how long the man standing in front of my cell has been there. It takes a while for my eyes to readjust, the only light I was receiving was from the small window that allowed the daylight to pass inside unhindered. As soon as I see who is there, the man laughs, doubling over in hysterics. “I don’t know what’s better,” Ansellus sighs in happiness, wiping a tear from his eye lazily, “seeing you behind bars with that collar on or knowing that after everyone disregarded my warnings, I was right. You were not to be trusted.” [[“Ansellus, please, listen to me.”]] [[“And you’re still just as ugly.”][$ansellus -=5]] [[Turn your back to him.][$ansellus +=3]]
“Ansellus,” I exclaim, probably the happiest I’ve ever been to see him, “please, listen to me. You and I both know I didn’t do this.” I rise and go to the bars, getting a closer look at him and looking to see if anyone else had come as well. “We do, do we?” he snickers, cocking his head to the side. “What possible reason would I have to kill my master?!” “I don’t know. Maybe you were done learning all you could, or maybe he refused to teach you something you wanted to learn. Maybe you just really got sick of the old man?” “And I choose here, this place out of any other, to kill him? That’s idiotic.” “No one ever said you were smart, $name,” he chuckles in delight. “Ansellus, you hate me. I know that.” <<if $ansellus >=40>>\ He laughs, a confused edge to it, “hate you? Where’d you get that crazy idea?” I wait, knowing that an insult was to follow. “I dislike you, yes. But I don’t hate you. Truthfully, the only reason I don’t like you is because you stick your nose where it doesn’t belong, and you lie to the town about your dreams.” [[“I didn’t lie to anyone.”][$ansellus -=3]] [[“Will you help me?”][$ansellus +=3]] <<else>>\ He laughs, a confused edge to it, “oh, $name, he starts, “I don’t hate you. That would require me to actually put forth effort into caring.” [[“High Gods know you never do that.”][$ansellus -=3]] [[“Regardless, this isn’t about us.”][$ansellus +=2]] <</if>>\
I frown, “I don’t lie to anyone. Say what you want about me being a witch, but my dreams aren’t lies.” “So says the murderer,” he snorts and shrugs his shoulders, “did your dreams tell you that you’ll end up here?” “No, but –” “Then I think we should take your dreams for what they are, just dreams. Not prophecies or some special witch power. You have a dream, and somehow you were able to convince an entire town that it was something special. Well,” he states and backs away from my cell, “let’s see you convince an entire kingdom.” I sit with my back against the wall, realizing that I had nothing better to do than to think. To think about what would become of me and how I could possibly get out of this. Think about what was going on outside these stone walls, and what was being said about me. My name dragged through all kinds of dirt and crap. Rumors sprouting up about how I did this. Today was supposed to be the Prince’s coronation, and instead, the kingdom was mourning his death. [[I mostly thought about the real culprit.]] [[I couldn’t get my mind off of my master.]] [[I thought about my upcoming trial.]]
I ignore the comment, the last thing I needed was to get Ansellus off my side. “Will you help me, Ansellus?” “Help you? With what?” “With telling them the truth about me. Testifying for my character. Whatever I am to you, you know I’m no murderer.” He bites the inside of his cheek and gazes at the ground. He then turns on his heel and walks off, not saying anything more. Seeing that that wasn’t an Ansellus thing to do, I could only hope that he would take this seriously. He was a lot of things; I was hoping that a willing participant to another’s execution wasn’t one of them. I sit with my back against the wall, realizing that I had nothing better to do than to think. To think about what would become of me and how I could possibly get out of this. Think about what was going on outside these stone walls, and what was being said about me. My name dragged through all kinds of dirt and crap. Rumors sprouting up about how I did this. Today was supposed to be the Prince’s coronation, and instead, the kingdom was mourning his death. [[I mostly thought about the real culprit.]] [[I couldn’t get my mind off of my master.]] [[I thought about my upcoming trial.]]
I roll my eyes, “and High Gods know you never put forth effort into anything … at all.” I smirk as his smile vanishes, and he sends me a scowl, though that too disappears. He stands up straighter and looks around at my prison. “Doesn’t matter what you say. You’re going to rot in here. I’m still shocked you thought you’d get away with this. But, like I said before, no one ever said you were smart.” “Did you come all the way here just to berate me?” “I also came to laugh. See you at the trial, $name.” With that, he waves goodbye and walks off, still chuckling as he goes. I sit with my back against the wall, realizing that I had nothing better to do than to think. To think about what would become of me and how I could possibly get out of this. Think about what was going on outside these stone walls, and what was being said about me. My name dragged through all kinds of dirt and crap. Rumors sprouting up about how I did this. Today was supposed to be the Prince’s coronation, and instead, the kingdom was mourning his death. [[I mostly thought about the real culprit.]] [[I couldn’t get my mind off of my master.]] [[I thought about my upcoming trial.]]
I sigh, fighting back an insult, “regardless, this isn’t about us. You have to speak about my character, I could die because of this.” For the first time ever, I see Ansellus drop the act, his light smile gives way to a severe frown, and his eyes look me over, judging me. “You’re right.” He bites the inside of his cheek and gazes at the ground. He then turns on his heel and walks off, not saying anything more. Seeing that that wasn’t an Ansellus thing to do, I could only hope that he would take this seriously. He was a lot of things; I was hoping that a willing participant to another’s execution wasn’t one of them. I sit with my back against the wall, realizing that I had nothing better to do than to think. To think about what would become of me and how I could possibly get out of this. Think about what was going on outside these stone walls, and what was being said about me. My name dragged through all kinds of dirt and crap. Rumors sprouting up about how I did this. Today was supposed to be the Prince’s coronation, and instead, the kingdom was mourning his death. [[I mostly thought about the real culprit.]] [[I couldn’t get my mind off of my master.]] [[I thought about my upcoming trial.]]
I snort, getting up slowly as I came to the bars, “and you’re still just as ugly.” His nostrils flare at the insult and he takes a threatening step closer, as if I should fear him. “You’re behind bars and collared like some kind of mutt and you still can utter out insults?” he snorts humorlessly, “either you’re stupid or you just don’t understand what kind of trouble you’re in.” “I know exactly where I stand. And I know I’m innocent.” “Hey!” Ansellus shouts, looking down the hall to where the other cells lie, “are you guys innocent?” A chorus of yes’s are shouted back though I hear one voice tell him to shut up. Ansellus looks back at me with a wide smile. [[“You can leave now.”]] [[Slam him into the bars.][$ansellus -=5]] [[“You better hope I never get out.”][$ansellus -=2]] [[Go back to my mat.][$ansellus +=2]]
I narrow my gaze on him and point down the hallway, “you can leave now.” “Or what?” he asks but I don’t answer, turning my back to him and returning to my mat. I was no longer in the mood for guests. I sit with my back against the wall, realizing that I had nothing better to do than to think. To think about what would become of me and how I could possibly get out of this. Think about what was going on outside these stone walls, and what was being said about me. My name dragged through all kinds of dirt and crap. Rumors sprouting up about how I did this. Today was supposed to be the Prince’s coronation, and instead, the kingdom was mourning his death. [[I mostly thought about the real culprit.]] [[I couldn’t get my mind off of my master.]] [[I thought about my upcoming trial.]]
I bite the inside of my cheek, part of my brain telling me to not do what I had thought of, the other part encouraging me, screaming at me to do it. And so I do. I reach out, and before Ansellus can figure out what’s going on, I grab ahold of his shirt. Barely flexing a muscle, I pull my arm back and watch as Ansellus’s head is the first to make an impact with the thick iron bars. He groans in anguish as I look on with a smirk. “You will pay,” he growls, holding his forehead, “I will make sure to see you burn.” Before I can say anything else, he turns and speedily leaves the area. I sit with my back against the wall, realizing that I had nothing better to do than to think. To think about what would become of me and how I could possibly get out of this. Think about what was going on outside these stone walls, and what was being said about me. My name dragged through all kinds of dirt and crap. Rumors sprouting up about how I did this. Today was supposed to be the Prince’s coronation, and instead, the kingdom was mourning his death. [[I mostly thought about the real culprit.]] [[I couldn’t get my mind off of my master.]] [[I thought about my upcoming trial.]]
I narrow my gaze and try to stand as tall as possible, “you better hope I never get out.” For a minute, I see fear etch itself onto Ansellus’s face. But then, a second later, it’s gone. He smirks and shrugs nonchalantly, leaving the way he came. I sit with my back against the wall, realizing that I had nothing better to do than to think. To think about what would become of me and how I could possibly get out of this. Think about what was going on outside these stone walls, and what was being said about me. My name dragged through all kinds of dirt and crap. Rumors sprouting up about how I did this. Today was supposed to be the Prince’s coronation, and instead, the kingdom was mourning his death. [[I mostly thought about the real culprit.]] [[I couldn’t get my mind off of my master.]] [[I thought about my upcoming trial.]]
I have nothing left to say and simply wish for him to leave me to the silence. I turn my back to him and go back to my mat. For a while, he remains. Blurting out insult after insult. But once he realizes that I’m no longer entertaining him, he gives up and goes. I sit with my back against the wall, realizing that I had nothing better to do than to think. To think about what would become of me and how I could possibly get out of this. Think about what was going on outside these stone walls, and what was being said about me. My name dragged through all kinds of dirt and crap. Rumors sprouting up about how I did this. Today was supposed to be the Prince’s coronation, and instead, the kingdom was mourning his death. [[I mostly thought about the real culprit.]] [[I couldn’t get my mind off of my master.]] [[I thought about my upcoming trial.]]
I sigh and turn around so that I was now facing the depressing slate grey stones. From this distance, I could see every blemish that they hold. I noticed the tiny critters that ran across them, soon to disappear within the cracks. I even smelled the foul scent that probably lingered on the other side. It smelled an awful a lot like sewage, but that could be from the bucket in the corner. I hadn’t gone over to see if it was empty or not. Ansellus continues to mock me but soon leaves when he finds that I won’t entertain him any. I didn’t hold the energy or care. I sit with my back against the wall, realizing that I had nothing better to do than to think. To think about what would become of me and how I could possibly get out of this. Think about what was going on outside these stone walls, and what was being said about me. My name dragged through all kinds of dirt and crap. Rumors sprouting up about how I did this. Today was supposed to be the Prince’s coronation, and instead, the kingdom was mourning his death. [[I mostly thought about the real culprit.]] [[I couldn’t get my mind off of my master.]] [[I thought about my upcoming trial.]]
I didn’t kill my master or the prince, but someone did. Who, was the question. I could think of many who would want to kill the next in line to receive the crown, but who would want to kill a witch? Master Audouin had nothing to his name. He was a fine herbalist, but only those who knew him knew such thing. The coincidence of the killing meant that it was probably the same person. But who? And why frame me? <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> What felt like hours passed by before I hear the gruff voice of one of the prison guards and the rickety wheels of a cart. “Dinner’s here, animals,” I hear him say, followed by the slight sound of metal clattering against the hard-stone floor. There’s a gap in the noise each time I listen to it. I hadn’t counted how many prisoners were in here while they escorted me in, I estimated that it was at least twelve others though. I wait patiently for him to make his way to me, my stomach growling in anticipation. But I hear the sound of the doors above closing before I ever hear the chattering wheels. “Hey!” I shout, clinging to the bars, squishing my face up against them as I try to get a better look down the torch-lit hall, “I’m still down here.” I hear no response. The other prisoners are too busy counting their blessings to care much about the misfortune of someone that’s not them. My breath escapes me as my stomach continues to growl, incessantly now that it knew food was supposed to come. I don’t feel myself sit; my mind was far too busy trying to figure out one question that had no right to be so difficult. How? <a data-passage="4.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Master Audouin was a simple man. A simple man who merely wanted to be left to his plants. I remember how excited he would get when speaking of his travels, and the understanding that he would travel once again in the future. He didn’t have to accept me, but he did. He had so much to teach me, so much that I knew he wanted to show me, and now his murder would never be solved. They simply took who was closest to him and placed it upon ?his head. My master deserved a proper funeral, and I feared he would never get it. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> What felt like hours passed by before I hear the gruff voice of one of the prison guards and the rickety wheels of a cart. “Dinner’s here, animals,” I hear him say, followed by the slight sound of metal clattering against the hard-stone floor. There’s a gap in the noise each time I listen to it. I hadn’t counted how many prisoners were in here while they escorted me in, I estimated that it was at least twelve others though. I wait patiently for him to make his way to me, my stomach growling in anticipation. But I hear the sound of the doors above closing before I ever hear the chattering wheels. “Hey!” I shout, clinging to the bars, squishing my face up against them as I try to get a better look down the torch-lit hall, “I’m still down here.” I hear no response. The other prisoners are too busy counting their blessings to care much about the misfortune of someone that’s not them. My breath escapes me as my stomach continues to growl, incessantly now that it knew food was supposed to come. I don’t feel myself sit; my mind was far too busy trying to figure out one question that had no right to be so difficult. How? <a data-passage="4.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
How was one supposed to defend themself when there was no proof? The only evidence of my innocence was lying in his own blood. No one else knew of my whereabouts, and I even had two people who said that they saw me enter and leave the prince’s room. This trial would be built up of those who wished to see me fall, for reasons I didn’t know. I would sit there, listening to their lies and allegations and wouldn’t be able to say anything. Would I receive a public execution, or would they simply throw me back here, to rot? <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> What felt like hours passed by before I hear the gruff voice of one of the prison guards and the rickety wheels of a cart. “Dinner’s here, animals,” I hear him say, followed by the slight sound of metal clattering against the hard-stone floor. There’s a gap in the noise each time I listen to it. I hadn’t counted how many prisoners were in here while they escorted me in, I estimated that it was at least twelve others though. I wait patiently for him to make his way to me, my stomach growling in anticipation. But I hear the sound of the doors above closing before I ever hear the chattering wheels. “Hey!” I shout, clinging to the bars, squishing my face up against them as I try to get a better look down the torch-lit hall, “I’m still down here.” I hear no response. The other prisoners are too busy counting their blessings to care much about the misfortune of someone that’s not them. My breath escapes me as my stomach continues to growl, incessantly now that it knew food was supposed to come. I don’t feel myself sit; my mind was far too busy trying to figure out one question that had no right to be so difficult. How? <a data-passage="4.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<set $misattuned = true>><</nobr>> Within these gloomy, bare stone walls one would presume that their thoughts would be loudest. And yet, mine are quite reticent. Whispers ghost across the lastingly clammy walls that make up my prison. Walls that chipped away at strong spirits and souls, and greedily clawed at prayers that were meant to be sent out. The brilliance of the sun outside does little to cheer up the cell, in fact, it was as if it’s brilliance couldn’t truly penetrate the walls. The light that entered was, in a way, dull. Reminding me more so of a fog than a ray of sunlight. Surrounded by blank walls, there was little else to do but stare at them and attempt to decipher whatever message they held. I traced my eyes from hole to hole, noticing the gouges that other prisoners had probably left. Noticing the scattering basal art here and there, many just of frowny faces or of a horribly drawn figure being hung. I wished to know the stone’s secrets to learn what it meant to tell me. Only to then discover that they held no deeper meaning. That their blank stare was just that. <<if $care >=50>>\ [[I sat in my own anger.][$chakra = "navel"]] <</if>>\ <<if $allforone >=50>>\ [[I sat with my guilt.][$chakra = "sacral"]] <</if>>\ [[I begged for a dream.][$chakra = "heart"]] [[I added my own art.][$chakra = "throat"]] <<if $pious >=5>>\ [[I prayed to the gods.][$chakra = "crown"]] <</if>>\
As the light came and went, my anger and hatred towards those responsible grew. Everyone, even faces I couldn’t put names to, earned a spot in watching my anger fester. My heart grew cold though it felt like it was on fire. Everyone had a hand in my current circumstance, and everyone deserved to pay. Injustice. The one word that coursed through my veins, heating my blood and causing my vision to blur with tears of anger. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> In my dream, I find myself standing in a dark alley that is not familiar to me. Overhead rests the eclipse, hardly any light breaking the atmosphere to light my way. The alley is silent. I hear nothing and sense nothing. Only my sense of sight is alive, my eyes flickering to every shadow and sliding across the walls as if they held a secret. I doubt that. I was far more curious of the nature of the dream, seeing that the chikrin was supposed to stop one from practicing their ludá. It is then that the hairs on the back of my neck begin to stand. I sense that no one is near, but the feeling of someone being right behind me pokes at my mind. It screams at me, telling me to turn and face them. [[Turn.->4.4Turn][$hostile -=2]] [[Attack.->4.4Attack][$hostile +=2]] [[Stay.->4.4Stay][$hostile -=2]]
As the light came and went, my shadow stayed there. It stared at me with pity and disgust, obviously knowing something that I didn’t. “This is all your fault, you know that, right?” it told me, saying it as if it was as clear as knowing that the sky and sun existed outside these walls. I continue to sit and listen to it as vile things spewed from its lips. It gave me the key to all of this, if I had just stayed in Akrisos, denied coming. If I had kept my gift to myself, as well as my thoughts. If I had just kept traveling. If … <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> In my dream, I find myself standing in a dark alley that is not familiar to me. Overhead rests the eclipse, hardly any light breaking the atmosphere to light my way. The alley is silent. I hear nothing and sense nothing. Only my sense of sight is alive, my eyes flickering to every shadow and sliding across the walls as if they held a secret. I doubt that. I was far more curious of the nature of the dream, seeing that the chikrin was supposed to stop one from practicing their ludá. It is then that the hairs on the back of my neck begin to stand. I sense that no one is near, but the feeling of someone being right behind me pokes at my mind. It screams at me, telling me to turn and face them. [[Turn.->4.4Turn][$hostile -=2]] [[Attack.->4.4Attack][$hostile +=2]] [[Stay.->4.4Stay][$hostile -=2]]
The light drifting into the cell came and went, each time it caused me to inch further into myself. Into the misjustice that I was experiencing. No food, no water, not even a checkup. I beg for a dream. Not because it would give me something else to think about but because I needed some kind of hope. A vision would mean that there was a future, that my life would not end here. I needed something to cling to. This whole ordeal was due to my vision and my stupid eyes, so it was only fair that it would come to me. How did I possess such a great gift with no control, no knowledge about what it meant? And, when I needed it most, it abandoned me. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> In my dream, I find myself standing in a dark alley that is not familiar to me. Overhead rests the eclipse, hardly any light breaking the atmosphere to light my way. The alley is silent. I hear nothing and sense nothing. Only my sense of sight is alive, my eyes flickering to every shadow and sliding across the walls as if they held a secret. I doubt that. I was far more curious of the nature of the dream, seeing that the chikrin was supposed to stop one from practicing their ludá. It is then that the hairs on the back of my neck begin to stand. I sense that no one is near, but the feeling of someone being right behind me pokes at my mind. It screams at me, telling me to turn and face them. [[Turn.->4.4Turn][$hostile -=2]] [[Attack.->4.4Attack][$hostile +=2]] [[Stay.->4.4Stay][$hostile -=2]]
As the light came and went, I sit by the stone and add my own pieces of art. Using a shard from the rusty bucket, I chip away at the stone, ignoring the pain that grasping the shard caused. In the last few days, pain had become a funny word. A word that I typically used only when my master would discipline me with a light pinch on the arm. Yet now, it held so many different meanings that I hardly was able to keep up. Everything hurt, and yet, nothing did. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> In my dream, I find myself standing in a dark alley that is not familiar to me. Overhead rests the eclipse, hardly any light breaking the atmosphere to light my way. The alley is silent. I hear nothing and sense nothing. Only my sense of sight is alive, my eyes flickering to every shadow and sliding across the walls as if they held a secret. I doubt that. I was far more curious of the nature of the dream, seeing that the chikrin was supposed to stop one from practicing their ludá. It is then that the hairs on the back of my neck begin to stand. I sense that no one is near, but the feeling of someone being right behind me pokes at my mind. It screams at me, telling me to turn and face them. [[Turn.->4.4Turn][$hostile -=2]] [[Attack.->4.4Attack][$hostile +=2]] [[Stay.->4.4Stay][$hostile -=2]]
As the light came and went, I would utter short prayers, fearing that if I muttered them any louder then the walls would claim them. Perhaps they were claiming even my short ones, and maybe that was why the gods didn’t answer. Or maybe this was their answer. This was their divine will and Fate had enough of seeing to my path, and so she abandoned me. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> In my dream, I find myself standing in a dark alley that is not familiar to me. Overhead rests the eclipse, hardly any light breaking the atmosphere to light my way. The alley is silent. I hear nothing and sense nothing. Only my sense of sight is alive, my eyes flickering to every shadow and sliding across the walls as if they held a secret. I doubt that. I was far more curious of the nature of the dream, seeing that the chikrin was supposed to stop one from practicing their ludá. It is then that the hairs on the back of my neck begin to stand. I sense that no one is near, but the feeling of someone being right behind me pokes at my mind. It screams at me, telling me to turn and face them. [[Turn.->4.4Turn][$hostile -=2]] [[Attack.->4.4Attack][$hostile +=2]] [[Stay.->4.4Stay][$hostile -=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ I close my eyes and turn, opening them mid-turn. Part of me expects no one to be there, for the previous feeling to all be part of the secrecy that my dreams normally haul with them. Though, this should be classified as a nightmare, seeing that I was aware of the unnatural landscape and knowing that this wasn’t real. Imagine my shock when there is indeed someone there. They are a stranger to me, and yet something about them makes me feel as if I know them. “Here we are again,” a wicked voice states, and a chill sprints up my spine, clinging to me in fear. I had heard this voice before, in a nightmare that seems distant to me now. Memories of that dream come to me, reminding me of a figure, running. And another chasing them with ease. And when they caught up to them, the pursuer took that which was sacred from the other. “You,” I manage to mumble. It simply grins and reaches forward, harshly tapping my forehead. A vociferous ringing takes over as if a great bell was being rung right outside of my ear. I clench my eyes closed and bring my hands to my head, feeling a cold liquid spread across my head. I bring my hands back to see a thick white liquid resting there. The fluid continues to run down my face and against my better judgment, I touch my eyes, both of them still there. Instead, the unusual blood originates from a wound centered between my brows. I look for the culprit but only see its fading figure, it waves back at me casually. “You weren’t using it anyway,” it shouts back. I rush after it, only to awaken by the sound of someone gasping. At first, I think that I was the one who gasped, but looking towards the bars, I find who it was. <a data-passage="4.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Hostile ++</span> <</if>>\ I take a deep breath in and then turn around, my hand swinging through the air to collide with whatever stood there. Part of me expects no one to be there, for the previous feeling to all be part of the secrecy that my dreams regularly haul with them. Though, this should be classified as a nightmare, seeing that I was aware of the unnatural landscape and knowing that this wasn’t real. Imagine my shock when my hand not only collides with something but even further, the figure has caught my hand. They are a stranger to me, and yet something about them makes me feel as if I know them. They release my hand casually. “Here we are again,” a wicked voice states, and a chill sprints up my spine, clinging to me in fear. I had heard this voice before, in a nightmare that seems distant to me now. Memories of that dream come to me, reminding me of a figure, running. And another chasing them with ease. And when they caught up to them, the pursuer took that which was sacred from the other. “You,” I manage to mumble. It simply grins and reaches forward, harshly tapping my forehead. A vociferous ringing takes over as if a great bell was being rung right outside of my ear. I clench my eyes closed and bring my hands to my head, feeling a cold liquid spread across my head. I bring my hands back to see a thick white liquid resting there. The fluid continues to run down my face and against my better judgment, I touch my eyes, both of them still there. Instead, the unusual blood originates from a wound centered between my brows. I look for the culprit but only see its fading figure, it waves back at me casually. “You weren’t using it anyway,” it shouts back. I rush after it, only to awaken by the sound of someone gasping. At first, I think that I was the one who gasped, but looking towards the bars, I find who it was. <a data-passage="4.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ I refuse to turn around, to see what was behind me, if anything was. I just wanted to wake up. I clench my eyes closed and tell myself to awaken. When I open them, a figure stands before me, looking terribly unamused. They are a stranger to me, and yet something about them makes me feel as if I know them. “Here we are again,” a wicked voice states, and a chill sprints up my spine, clinging to me in fear. I had heard this voice before, in a nightmare that seems distant to me now. Memories of that dream come to me, reminding me of a figure, running. And another chasing them with ease. And when they caught up to them, the pursuer took that which was sacred from the other. “You,” I manage to mumble. It simply grins and reaches forward, harshly tapping my forehead. A vociferous ringing takes over as if a great bell was being rung right outside of my ear. I clench my eyes closed and bring my hands to my head, feeling a cold liquid spread across my head. I bring my hands back to see a thick white liquid resting there. The fluid continues to run down my face and against my better judgment, I touch my eyes, both of them still there. Instead, the unusual blood originates from a wound centered between my brows. I look for the culprit but only see its fading figure, it waves back at me casually. “You weren’t using it anyway,” it shouts back. I rush after it, only to awaken by the sound of someone gasping. At first, I think that I was the one who gasped, but looking towards the bars, I find who it was. <a data-passage="4.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Isaak!” I shout and practically sprint to the bars. My voice feels as if it was not my own, and I’m reminded of my dream. I bring my fingers to the area that was bleeding, but it comes away blood-free, albeit dirty. <<if $isaak >=50>>\ Isaak doesn’t immediately say anything as he looks me over. Initially, I believe the look in his eyes perfectly mirrors that of someone gazing upon a stranger, but upon closer inspection, I see the war there. He didn’t believe what he heard out there. “Do you believe what they say?” I ask carefully. Isaak’s gaze meets the floor, and he despairingly shifts from one foot to the other, “no. But that makes all this worse, right? I mean, I believe you’re innocent but what if I’m wrong, or what if you are and you still …” Isaak doesn’t finish his sentence, nor does he pick up his gaze. [[“You’ll vouch for me, right?”]] [[“I am innocent. That’s the truth.”]] [[“If I’m seen guilty, I want you to leave.”]] <<else>>\ Isaak doesn’t immediately say anything as he looks me over. He doesn’t have to say anything for me to see it, he looks me over as if I was a stranger. He regards me with such cold air that even I wonder if this was really Isaak, perhaps my mind was playing more tricks on me. “I can’t believe it … it’s true,” he murmurs, taking a cautious step back. [[“You can’t tell me you believe those lies.”]] [[“What are you doing here?”]] [[“What have you heard?”]] <</if>>\
“You’ll vouch for me, right? When they call you up?” “Do you think they will?” he questions, “I feel like they’ll think I’m just trying to keep you from being executed.” “You are,” I point out, though I did understand what he meant as well. Isaak’s next words are drowned out by the sound of my stomach growling loudly, perhaps keen on eating Isaak himself. I’m reminded that since being here, I haven’t had anything to eat, though it wasn’t something that was easily forgettable either. “When’s the last time you ate?” he questions, opening his pack. I don’t answer, instead I watch his movements, my mouth parting as it guesses to what he was searching for. He pulls out a lump of something covered by a cloth, upon unwrapping it I see that it was bread. He passes it to me and like a feral animal, I snatch the bread and devour it. My stomach roars, demanding more though upon realizing that there was none, quiets down. “I … well then,” Isaak coughs, shaking the crumbs free from the cloth before putting it back into his sack. “I should go. The guards didn’t look happy about letting me in in the first place.” [[Let Issak go on his way.]] [[Squeeze his hand.][$isaakLi +=1; $isaak +=3]]
“I am innocent,” I tell him matter-of-factly, “that’s the truth. Whatever they’re saying is a lie. They needed a scapegoat, and I fit.” “You think someone framed you?” “I know someone framed me, the question is who and why. They said they saw me go into the Prince’s room before he was killed. I hadn’t visited the Prince at all that night. The only person I saw was Master Audouin, and that was when …” My voice trails off, and I’m sure Isaak can fill in the blanks. Isaak’s next words are drowned out by the sound of my stomach growling loudly, perhaps keen on eating Isaak himself. I’m reminded that since being here, I haven’t had anything to eat, though it wasn’t something that was easily forgettable either. “When’s the last time you ate?” he questions, opening his pack. I don’t answer, instead I watch his movements, my mouth parting as it guesses to what he was searching for. He pulls out a lump of something covered by a cloth, upon unwrapping it I see that it was bread. He passes it to me and like a feral animal, I snatch the bread and devour it. My stomach roars, demanding more though upon realizing that there was none, quiets down. “I … well then,” Isaak coughs, shaking the crumbs free from the cloth before putting it back into his sack. “I should go. The guards didn’t look happy about letting me in in the first place.” [[Let Issak go on his way.]] [[Squeeze his hand.][$isaakLi +=1; $isaak +=3]]
“If the worst-case scenario happens, I don’t want you privy to it, understand?” “You want me to leave after the judgment is passed?” “Yes. If you see me walk back into Akrisos, then you know the results, otherwise …” Isaak whimpers, those large olive melancholy eyes begging me to have hope that I wasn’t sure I still possessed. Isaak’s next words are drowned out by the sound of my stomach growling loudly, perhaps keen on eating Isaak himself. I’m reminded that since being here, I haven’t had anything to eat, though it wasn’t something that was easily forgettable either. “When’s the last time you ate?” he questions, opening his pack. I don’t answer, instead I watch his movements, my mouth parting as it guesses to what he was searching for. He pulls out a lump of something covered by a cloth, upon unwrapping it I see that it was bread. He passes it to me and like a feral animal, I snatch the bread and devour it. My stomach roars, demanding more though upon realizing that there was none, quiets down. “I … well then,” Isaak coughs, shaking the crumbs free from the cloth before putting it back into his sack. “I should go. The guards didn’t look happy about letting me in in the first place.” [[Let Issak go on his way.]] [[Squeeze his hand.][$isaakLi +=1; $isaak +=3]]
I nod to him in understanding, going back to my corner and thinking about how long it would be now. <<include "4.6">>
Before he could go, I cover his hand with my own, squeezing it reassuringly. The action alone causes a blush to bloom, one that he tries to cover with a forced cough. “Thank you, Isaak.” He nods and though he looks as if he was tempted to stay, wills himself to walk off. <<include "4.6">>
I snarl at his words, “you can’t tell me you believe those lies?” He visibly shakes, “at first I didn’t. But it’s not like I know the real you anyway. Who am I to assume what you’re capable of?” “Isaak!” I growl, growing alarmingly frustrated by his words and pounding the bars, “this is me! I am no murderer.” “Ipharia claims differently. No one outside these walls believes you innocent. A few are surprised at best, but that is the only kindness you will receive.” “And you’re one of them?” I take a step back, realization and understanding both lowering their cumbersome selves onto my shoulders. I was going to be executed, and no one would care. He wavers, biting his lower lip as he brings his swanik closer around him. He attempts to find words. To make this easier, for him or for me, I wonder? Upon finding none, he murmurs an apology and walks away, leaving much like an apparition would. <a data-passage="4.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I cock my head to the side, many questions filling my mind but one beating the others, “what are you doing here?” “The King … he sent an envoy to Akrisos to bring witnesses back for the trial. The envoy wanted anyone who knew you well enough, and so only the <<if $tJeffrey>>shaman, me, and Jeffrey<<else>>shaman and me<</if>> came.” “You are to speak for my character?” He nods. “What will you say?” Isaak visibly gulps, and again I feel as if I’m talking to Ansellus, knowing that he would rather see me die than help me. “Isaak!” I shout pleadingly, hitting the bars as I look at him in dismay. Who did I have left? Who left knew me, knew that I would not do such a thing? I back away and in return, Isaak murmurs a quick apology and flees back down the hallway. The answer was no one, I had no one left. <a data-passage="4.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I glance behind me at the lone window, turning back to face Isaak, “what have you heard?” <<if $guardfight>>\ He visibly gulps and pulls on parts of his swanik, adjusting it though it didn’t need it. “Some are saying you killed the Prince because you were jealous, and others are saying you did so because you wished to displease the Queen. I’ve heard some say that you did it because you saw him unfit to rule. They also said you killed Master Audouin … I don’t wish to repeat the rumors of why. Oh, and that you kinda attacked the King’s guards.” <<else>>\ He visibly gulps and pulls on parts of his swanik, adjusting it though it didn’t need it. “Some are saying you killed the Prince because you were jealous, and others are saying you did so because you wished to displease the Queen. I’ve heard some say that you did it because you saw him unfit to rule. They also said you killed Master Audouin … I don’t wish to repeat the rumors of why.” <</if>>\ “That is the only true one,” I snort. Though Isaak refuses to tell me what the people were saying about my master’s death, I believe I could easily defend myself there. Killing my master was idiotic, and anyone who knew our relationship knew so. The Prince’s death, though, that was a different subject and one that I knew they would care nothing for my words. Not only was the Prince killed, but he was killed the day he was meant to take on the crown, and his father’s sickness was only escalating. Whoever planned this was smart, and whether or not the King wished to admit it, knew the King’s fate. Which made me such an easy target. When I glance back up, Isaak is gone. I’m unsurprised that he left without a goodbye or a final word. I’m sure he believed he was speaking to a murderer, a ghost of the person he used to know. I had more to worry about anyway. <a data-passage="4.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> I was none the wiser to what day it was. After Isaak’s visit, everything seems to flash by in a blur. I strain myself to remember how much time passed by or what even happened, yet I can’t recall anything. It was as if there was a portion of my memory missing, discarded due to its lack of importance. The prison’s guards now stand before me, along with the Kren and another man who was dressed similarly but was Alyrian. “Today, $name, is your trial. Put this on.” The Alyrian hands me a buttercream robe, the material similar to burlap. I know little of Ipharia’s sense of justice, and so I do so without argument. If it meant leaving this hell hole, then I was all too happy too. They lead me out of the cell and to the end of the hallway where other prisoners also wait, each with burlap robes on as well. Were they to have judgment passed on them as well, or was something else about to take place? <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ They march all of us out of the building. Once outside, I hiss and gaze away from the blazing sun. The sun punished me with its sunlight, reminding me that I was a creature who sought after the darkness, who found solace there. <<else>>\ They march all of us out of the building. Once outside, I gaze away from the blazing sun, though it was a refreshing feeling, nonetheless. The feel of the sun upon my skin after what felt like a lifetime without it. <</if>>\ The next thing I notice is that the road was neither quiet nor empty. Instead, an enormous, raucous crowd awaits us, booing and throwing their foul insults as soon as we leave the shelter of the building. They line the road as far as I can see, and if their numbers tell me anything, the entire capital was present for whatever this was. An annoying voice telling me that I knew exactly what this was pulls at my senses as the nearest guard clears his throat. “You know the drill, filth,” the guard shouts, and almost immediately all of the other prisoners drop to their knees. [[Question this.->4.6Question]] [[Do the same.->grovel]] [[Refuse.->nope]]
“What is going on?” I question, my eyes jumping from the crowd to the prisoners, to the guards that stood stoically behind us. The Kren witch answers me, “Ipharia loves repentance in the form of public humiliation. This is merely one of many. You will get on your knees and grovel until you reach the Court of Justice.” “I have yet to be proven guilty for anything,” I growl, and he shrugs. “I asked not. Now, grovel.” The other prisoners move forward, and as a result, the crowd immediately begins their assault. “Hurry, or you will be singled out by the crowd.” [[Do the same.->grovel]] [[Refuse.->nope]]
I follow the other prisoners, dropping to my knees and moving forward across the stone road, ignoring the laughing crowd as we go. I wonder how many times the other prisoners have done this. Their faces convey nothing, not until the crowd begins to throw things that is. I shield my head as rotten fruit and mud is flung through the air, colliding with our persons. Some of the mob seek to get closer, kicking and pushing at us. One man manages to land a kick right on my butt, causing my face to meet the road. [[Make him pay for that.]] [[Keep going.->grovelkg]] [[Refuse to go any further.][$dragged = true]]
I roar and turn, stopping short when I find a sword resting in my path. “We said grovel, filth. Not attack those who give you your due.” The prisoners continue on, some of them scolding me as they pass. [[Continue on through.]] [[Try to grab the guard’s sword.]] [[Stay where I am.][$dragged = true]]
I take numerous deep breaths, calming myself the best I could before turning and continuing on. The crowd has seen what bothers me, and they choose to single me out. Throwing their rotten produce and abusive words. Even children mock me as I pass, poking me before running to their friend’s side and claiming themselves the bravest. Humiliation was a word that I once thought I knew. A word that meant an individual had made a fool of himself and was chastised by those surrounding. But yet, after a few minutes, all would be forgiven and forgotten. I was a fool to think that. This was humiliation, even more so knowing that I was innocent of the crimes against me. Perhaps that is what made this experience much worse. If I were guilty, then this would be rightful punishment, a cause, and effect. I could refuse and fight, but, in the end, it was a consequence of my own actions. That was not the case though. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I look from the guard to his sword and lunge for it. Because of my odd position and the fact that I was closer to his foot, I fail, and he succeeds in pushing me back down to the ground. The sword now finds its place at my neck, the guard hovering over me, in his eyes he wishes for me to try again. [[“Go ahead. I’m dead anyway.”][$dragged = true]] [[Stay there.][$dragged = true]] [[Move and go back to groveling.]]
I spit to the side, “go ahead. I’m dead anyway.” Of course, I didn’t know that for sure, but my gut and this crowd was telling me otherwise. Any hope was dashed as soon as I slunk down to my knees and began this foolish trip. If at the end of this road was just a man to tell me that I would be executed, well then nothing else mattered. And I certainly wasn’t about to leave the last of my dignity on the roads of Ipharia. Another sword joins the previous, “move,” the guard tells me. I refuse. “Or you will be dragged!” he shouts. “Then let me be dragged,” I shout back. He didn’t seem happy about that, neither did the man standing beside him. But they both grab my arms and do as they said, dragging me across the ground. I kick and thrash, I even attempt to bite one of them as I go. If I had nothing to lose then I sure as hell wasn’t about to make this easy for them. The crowd continues to throw things at me, some of it even hitting the guards. I take a small amount of pride in that aspect alone. Two more innocent men having to find out the true meaning of humility, it seemed only fitting. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Another sword joins the previous, “move,” the guard tells me. I refuse. “Or you will be dragged!” he shouts. “Then let me be dragged,” I shout back. He didn’t seem happy about that, neither did the man standing beside him. But they both grab my arms and do as they said, dragging me across the ground. I kick and thrash, I even attempt to bite one of them as I go. If I had nothing to lose then I sure as hell wasn’t about to make this easy for them. The crowd continues to throw things at me, some of it even hitting the guards. I take a small amount of pride in that aspect alone. Two more innocent men having to find out the true meaning of humility, it seemed only fitting. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I take numerous deep breaths, calming myself the best I could before turning and continuing on. The crowd has seen what bothers me, and they choose to single me out. Throwing their rotten produce and abusive words. Even children mock me as I pass, poking me before running to their friend’s side and claiming themselves the bravest. Humiliation was a word that I once thought I knew. A word that meant an individual had made a fool of himself and was chastised by those surrounding. But yet, after a few minutes, all would be forgiven and forgotten. I was a fool to think that. This was humiliation, even more so knowing that I was innocent of the crimes against me. Perhaps that is what made this experience much worse. If I were guilty, then this would be rightful punishment, a cause, and effect. I could refuse and fight, but, in the end, it was a consequence of my own actions. That was not the case though. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I choose to stay where I am, refusing to move another inch. I close my eyes as I feel the tears pound against my eyelids, shouting to be freed. Some of them manage to escape, but many are unable to see the light of day. I sense an object close to my neck and open my eyes to see a sword. “We said grovel, filth. So grovel.” I don’t move, and so another sword joins the previous, “move,” the guard tells me. I refuse. “Or you will be dragged!” he shouts. “Then let me be dragged,” I shout back. He didn’t seem happy about that, neither did the man standing beside him. But they both grab my arms and do as they said, dragging me across the ground. I kick and thrash, I even attempt to bite one of them as I go. If I had nothing to lose then I sure as hell wasn’t about to make this easy for them. The crowd continues to throw things at me, some of it even hitting the guards. I take a small amount of pride in that aspect alone. Two more innocent men having to find out the true meaning of humility, it seemed only fitting. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I take numerous deep breaths, calming myself the best I could before turning and continuing on. The crowd has seen what bothers me, and they choose to single me out. Throwing their rotten produce and abusive words. Even children mock me as I pass, poking me before running to their friend’s side and claiming themselves the bravest. Humiliation was a word that I once thought I knew. A word that meant an individual had made a fool of himself and was chastised by those surrounding. But yet, after a few minutes, all would be forgiven and forgotten. I was a fool to think that. This was humiliation, even more so knowing that I was innocent of the crimes against me. Perhaps that is what made this experience much worse. If I were guilty, then this would be rightful punishment, a cause, and effect. I could refuse and fight, but, in the end, it was a consequence of my own actions. That was not the case though. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I choose to stay where I am, refusing to move another step. I close my eyes as I feel the tears pound against my eyelids, shouting to be freed. Some of them manage to escape, but many are unable to see the light of day. I sense an object close to my neck and open my eyes to see a sword. “We said grovel, filth. So grovel.” I don’t move, and so another sword joins the previous, “move,” the guard tells me. I refuse. “Or you will be dragged!” he shouts. “Then let me be dragged,” I shout back. He didn’t seem happy about that, neither did the man standing beside him. But they both grab my arms and do as they said, dragging me across the ground. I kick and thrash, I even attempt to bite one of them as I go. If I had nothing to lose then I sure as hell wasn’t about to make this easy for them. The crowd continues to throw things at me, some of it even hitting the guards. I take a small amount of pride in that aspect alone. Two more innocent men having to find out the true meaning of humility, it seemed only fitting. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Perhaps, I wasn’t loud enough,” I growl, “I will not.” One of the guards kicks in the back of my knees, forcing me down as two swords appear at my neck. The Kren witch crouches and looks me deep in the eye. “You will, or you will be dragged. Which will it be?” [[Grovel.->4.6Grovel]] [[Be dragged.][$dragged = true]] [[Fight.->4.6Fight]]
I glance over at the crowds and the prisoners who get farther and farther away. “Fine,” I mumble, and the swords are sheathed once again. Already on my knees, I sigh and muster up every ounce of dignity that I may possess. I make my way forward. My previous actions have singled me out, and now I don’t have a group to hide behind or blend in with. The crowd throws their rotten produce and abusive words. Even children mock me as I pass, poking me before running to their friend’s side and claiming themselves the bravest. Humiliation was a word that I once thought I knew. A word that meant an individual had made a fool of himself and was chastised by those surrounding. But yet, after a few minutes, all would be forgiven and forgotten. I was a fool to think that. This was humiliation, even more so knowing that I was innocent of the crimes against me. Perhaps that is what made this experience much worse. If I were guilty, then this would be rightful punishment, a cause, and effect. I could refuse and fight, but, in the end, it was a consequence of my own actions. That was not the case though. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Then let me be dragged,” I shout back. He didn’t seem happy about that, neither did the guards standing beside him. But nevertheless, they grab my arms and do as the witch said they would, dragging me across the ground. I kick and thrash, I even attempt to bite one of them as I go. If I had nothing to lose then I sure as hell wasn’t about to make this easy for them. The crowd throws things at me, everything from rotten fruit to mud and insults, some of it even hitting the guards. I take a small amount of pride in that aspect alone. Two more innocent men having to find out the true meaning of humility, it seemed only fitting. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I look from the nearest guard to his sword and lunge for it. Because of my odd position and the fact that I was closer to his foot, I fail, and he succeeds in pushing me back down to the ground. The sword now finds its place at my neck, the guard hovering over me, in his eyes he wishes for me to try again. [[“Go ahead. I’m dead anyway.”][$dragged = true]] [[Stay there.][$dragged = true]] [[Start groveling.]]
I glance over at the crowds and the prisoners who get farther and farther away. “Fine,” I mumble, and the swords are sheathed once again. Already on my knees, I sigh and muster up every ounce of dignity that I may possess. I make my way forward. My previous actions have singled me out, and I now don’t have a group to hide behind or blend in with. The crowd throws their rotten produce and abusive words. Even children mock me as I pass, poking me before running to their friend’s side and claiming themselves the bravest. Humiliation was a word that I once thought I knew. A word that meant an individual had made a fool of himself and was chastised by those surrounding. But yet, after a few minutes, all would be forgiven and forgotten. I was a fool to think that. This was humiliation, even more so knowing that I was innocent of the crimes against me. Perhaps that is what made this experience much worse. If I were guilty, then this would be rightful punishment, a cause, and effect. I could refuse and fight, but, in the end, it was a consequence of my own actions. That was not the case though. <a data-passage="4.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $dragged>>\ <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ By the time we make it to the Court of Justice, the back of my legs are numb, I’m covered in filth, and my eyes have since given up on producing any more tears. I wish to lash out at everyone, at everything. But I also feel incredibly numb, as if nothing more could bother me, as I now expected almost nothing. And it would seem that I wasn’t the only one who was currently hating every aspect of life, my guards look ready to keel over. I snort, that’s what happens when they drag a Uqanan more than half their size through the streets. <<else>>\ By the time we make it to the Court of Justice, the back of my legs are numb, I’m covered in filth, and my eyes have since given up on producing any more tears. I wish to lash out at everyone, at everything. But I also feel incredibly numb, as if nothing more could bother me, as I now expected almost nothing. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $mercy = true>><</nobr>> By the time we make it to the Court of Justice, my knees have gone numb, I feel as sick as the filth covering me, and my eyes have since given up on producing any more tears. I wish to lash out at everyone, at everything. But I also feel incredibly numb, as if nothing more could bother me, as I now expected almost nothing. <</if>>\ “Pray to the High Gods for repentance,” a priestly man shouts, his arms opened to the skies. The guards get me to my feet and walk me away from the other prisoners as the priest approaches them. “Go now and thank them for your freedom.” He touches each of them in turn, and once done they rise and remove their burlap robes. They practically sprint off into the crowd that eagerly engulfs them. It is then that all eyes turn to me. The priest approaches and gives me a scrutinizing look over. “People of Ipharia, did this soul earn your mercy?” The crowd boo’s, the sound causing me to cringe as a few more attempt to throw things my way. I care little for their so-called mercy anyway, they only wish for another chance to throw things at me. “High Gods have mercy on you,” the priest tells me, and the guards lead me into the building that would determine my fate. <a data-passage="4.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The courtly building reminds me more of a church, devoted to the priests and informing the public about the great High Gods and the deities that follow close beneath them. The walls look to be of a slate material though dyed an extravagant canary yellow. The floor tiles were a silver color, allowing for most of the attention be brought back to the annoyingly loud walls. Walls that I find now irritate me more that cause me to gape in awe. The seating and the judge’s bench were both made from dark mahogany wood, and besides from the walls, held the most color. The people in attendance were a step above those outside, or so they thought. While those outside jeered and tossed things at me, they at least weren’t ashamed to show me their disdain. They refuse to hide their disdain, for there was no point. Those in here were not of the same breed. They had probably created the rumors that were circling, they would claim ignorance before anything else. Some of their expressions negate the looks in their eyes. Some look almost sorry at my predicament, but their eyes laugh heartily. Others look as if they are executing me on the spot, but their eyes thank me for what I had done. But all of them had one thing in common, their gears were turning. Churning out ideas on how they could use my predicament to their advantage. My master was right. This was a game, every single part of it. [[They believed I did what they were too afraid to do.->4.9]] [[For all I know the Prince’s killer was in attendance.->4.9]] [[And it would seem that I had lost.->4.9]]
“$name,” the King shouts, causing my eyes to fall on him. He stands before us all, a stark difference from the last time I saw him. Then, he was broken and distraught, practically in his nightclothes as he sulked on the throne. Now, he wore his kingly armor and stands at full height. Mourning was over with; he was now convinced that today his son’s killer would be sentenced for ?his_ crimes. <<if $guardfight>>\ “You stand before us accused of murdering my son, the Prince of Ipharia,” there’s a pause after he says this as the entire court hangs their head, “murdering Master Audouin, and wishing to do harm against the King’s guards.” <<else>>\ “You stand before us accused of murdering my son, the Prince of Ipharia,” there’s a pause after he says this as the entire court hangs their head, “and murdering Master Audouin.” <</if>>\ <<if $averill >=50>>\ As he says this, I find my eyes swivel over to the $aman that stands only a few feet away from him. Averill watches me closely, much like one would do a perplexing puzzle. To my shock, when my eyes meet <<if $ahis is "his">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>, $ahe looks away, $ahis gaze finding the state of the Queen much more interesting. <<else>>\ As he says this, I find my eyes swivel over to the $aman that stands only a few feet away from him. Averill watches me closely, much like one would do a perplexing puzzle. When my eyes meet <<if $ahis is "his">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>, $ahe narrows them, standing taller and resting both hands on the hilt of $ahis sheathed sword. <</if>>\ “Is there anything you wish to say in your defense?” the King inquires. [[Stay silent.]] [[“I did not kill anyone.”]] [[“You can all go to Kiamet.”]]
I say nothing. What more could I say to those who have already made up their mind on my guilt? This entire trial was a waste of time. “We shall now call upon those who know $name,” the King says. The first person they call up, or first two, I suppose, are the servants who swear that they saw me enter the Prince’s room. They tell the same story they spoke in front of the court that night all had abandoned me. They don’t waver, and though they tell their story differently from last, it holds the same sentencing. I was guilty. “Lord Gregory of Akrisos,” the King calls upon and I watch as the Lord approaches, fixing his clothing as he stands tall. I growl to myself; he was treating this with as much care as he showed his slaves. For him, this was nothing but fame points, allowing the other Houses of Nidinia to hear about him. <<if $lordAnger>>\ “My King and Queen, for two years has $name lived in my town. We welcomed ?him in with open arms because of ?his_ gift to see the future in the form of dreams. As well as because ?his_ poor master, Master Audouin, accepted ?him in. Since that time I have found that $name cares little for others and only ?is own personal fame. ?He did little to ever get to know my family or me. I know not what ire ?he had against our beloved Prince, but I can say that I am not surprised that Master Audouin was made to suffer at this fool’s hand.” I stare on, counting all the lies in that one monologue. Besides Isaak and my master, the Lord was the first I greeted upon entering Akrisos. I knew his wife and daughter quite well, mostly due to them always coming in for a reading, but that was beside the point. For him to say these things had to either mean that he was focused on playing the game, garnering sympathy perhaps, or that I had somehow angered him. Being the King’s esteemed guest, maybe? <<else>>\ <<set $courtrule +=1>> “My King and Queen, for two years has $name lived in my town. We welcomed ?him in with open arms because of ?his_ gift to see the future in the form of dreams. As well as because ?his_ master, Master Audouin, accepted ?him in. Since that time, I have nothing but positive things to say. I cannot speak on the ire that ?he may have had with our beloved Prince, but I do not believe that ?he is a murderer. Not only does it make no sense, but $name and Master Audouin were close. No kind of argument would come between that.” I release a breath that I didn’t know I was holding. For the first time in so long, I met a gaze that truly seemed sorry for my predicament. <</if>>\ The Lord went back to his previous spot as the King called upon another, the guards and Ansellus. [[I was screwed.->4.9.1]] [[I believe Ansellus will help me.->4.9.1]]
“I did not kill anyone. I am innocent.” No one says anything, perhaps because this was not the first time I have claimed such a thing. This was all a horrible joke, one in which I felt like I was paying for alone. The Queen and King lost a son but looking at them now, I couldn’t tell. And yet, here I was, pleading for them to see how idiotic this all was, to look me in the eye and see my innocence. “We shall now call upon those who know $name,” is all the King says in reply to my words. The first person they call up, or first two, I suppose, are the servants who swear that they saw me enter the Prince’s room. They tell the same story they spoke in front of the court that night all had abandoned me. They don’t waver, and though they tell their story differently from last, it holds the same sentencing. I was guilty. “Lord Gregory of Akrisos,” the King calls upon and I watch as the Lord approaches, fixing his clothing as he stands tall. I growl to myself; he was treating this with as much care as he showed his slaves. For him, this was nothing but fame points, allowing the other Houses of Nidinia to hear about him. <<if $lordAnger>>\ “My King and Queen, for two years has $name lived in my town. We welcomed ?him in with open arms because of ?his_ gift to see the future in the form of dreams. As well as because ?his_ poor master, Master Audouin, accepted ?him in. Since that time I have found that $name cares little for others and only ?is own personal fame. ?He did little to ever get to know my family or me. I know not what ire ?he had against our beloved Prince, but I can say that I am not surprised that Master Audouin was made to suffer at this fool’s hand.” I stare on, counting all the lies in that one monologue. Besides Isaak and my master, the Lord was the first I greeted upon entering Akrisos. I knew his wife and daughter quite well, mostly due to them always coming in for a reading, but that was beside the point. For him to say these things had to either mean that he was focused on playing the game, garnering sympathy perhaps, or that I had somehow angered him. Being the King’s esteemed guest, maybe? <<else>>\ <<set $courtrule +=1>> “My King and Queen, for two years has $name lived in my town. We welcomed ?him in with open arms because of ?his_ gift to see the future in the form of dreams. As well as because ?his_ master, Master Audouin, accepted ?him in. Since that time, I have nothing but positive things to say. I cannot speak on the ire that ?he may have had with our beloved Prince, but I do not believe that ?he is a murderer. Not only does it make no sense, but $name and Master Audouin were close. No kind of argument would come between that.” I release a breath that I didn’t know I was holding. For the first time in so long, I met a gaze that truly seemed sorry for my predicament. <</if>>\ The Lord went back to his previous spot as the King called upon another, the guards and Ansellus. [[I was screwed.->4.9.1]] [[I believe Ansellus will help me.->4.9.1]]
“Each and every one of you can head straight to Kiamet.” Those behind me mumble, and Averill stiffens. The Queen wipes at her leaking eyes, and the King’s expression doesn’t change in the least. “I suppose we shall meet you there. We shall now call upon those who know $name.” The first person they call up, or first two, I suppose, are the servants who swear that they saw me enter the Prince’s room. They tell the same story they spoke in front of the court that night all had abandoned me. They don’t waver, and though they tell their story differently from last, it holds the same sentencing. I was guilty. “Lord Gregory of Akrisos,” the King calls upon and I watch as the Lord approaches, fixing his clothing as he stands tall. I growl to myself; he was treating this with as much care as he showed his slaves. For him, this was nothing but fame points, allowing the other Houses of Nidinia to hear about him. <<if $lordAnger>>\ “My King and Queen, for two years has $name lived in my town. We welcomed ?him in with open arms because of ?his_ gift to see the future in the form of dreams. As well as because ?his_ poor master, Master Audouin, accepted ?him in. Since that time I have found that $name cares little for others and only ?is own personal fame. ?He did little to ever get to know my family or me. I know not what ire ?he had against our beloved Prince, but I can say that I am not surprised that Master Audouin was made to suffer at this fool’s hand.” I stare on, counting all the lies in that one monologue. Besides Isaak and my master, the Lord was the first I greeted upon entering Akrisos. I knew his wife and daughter quite well, mostly due to them always coming in for a reading, but that was beside the point. For him to say these things had to either mean that he was focused on playing the game, garnering sympathy perhaps, or that I had somehow angered him. Being the King’s esteemed guest, maybe? <<else>>\ <<set $courtrule +=1>> “My King and Queen, for two years has $name lived in my town. We welcomed ?him in with open arms because of ?his_ gift to see the future in the form of dreams. As well as because ?his_ master, Master Audouin, accepted ?him in. Since that time, I have nothing but positive things to say. I cannot speak on the ire that ?he may have had with our beloved Prince, but I do not believe that ?he is a murderer. Not only does it make no sense, but $name and Master Audouin were close. No kind of argument would come between that.” I release a breath that I didn’t know I was holding. For the first time in so long, I met a gaze that truly seemed sorry for my predicament. <</if>>\ The Lord went back to his previous spot as the King called upon another, the guards and Ansellus. [[I was screwed.->4.9.1]] [[I believe Ansellus will help me.->4.9.1]]
<<if $guardAnger>>\ Ansellus steps up, “my King, I shall put this simple. We believe that $name has the proficiency to do everything ?he is being accused of. On the road here, ?he fought bandits that attacked the Lord’s entourage, clearly showing that ?he was unafraid of violence.” Ansellus looks over at me, and I can’t tell if he was going to rub my name through the dirt, or if he was going to add a but somewhere. <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $courtrule +=1>><</nobr>> Ansellus steps up, “my King, I shall put this simple. We do not believe that $name has the proficiency to do what ?he is being accused of.” Ansellus looks over at me, and I can’t tell if he was going to rub my name through the dirt, or if he was going to add an and somewhere. <</if>>\ <<if $ansellus >=35>>\ <<set $courtrule +=1>> “But I personally know the accused and without a shadow of a doubt believe that ?he did not commit the crimes.” My heart stutters, did Ansellus honestly just vouch for my character? “The witch is many things, but a murderer is not one of them. Especially seeing that the two witches were fairly close. As to killing the Prince, I don’t think $name is even smart enough to do something like that.” I suppose the ability to not add in an insult somewhere was just too hard for Ansellus to do. <<else>>\ “I personally know the accused and without a shadow of a doubt believe that ?he did commit the crimes.” I was done listening, mostly since I was beginning to come down with a headache. I also didn’t wish to give Ansellus the pleasure of seeing me react to his words. <</if>>\ “Next is Isaak Alexander.” <<if $isaak >=50>>\ <<set $courtrule +=1>> I search for Isaak and see him step up, playing with his hood as he approaches. Once he realizes that he had been playing with it, he switches his attention to his hair, tugging at it as he sways from one leg to another. “Isaak,” the King starts, easily seeing the boy’s uncomfortableness, “what have you to say about $name?” He clears his throat, once then twice as he turns to look at me. <<if $ansellus <35>>\ “Your Majesty,” Ansellus shouts, “I feel it only right to bring to your attention that Isaak has an undying crush on $name. His thoughts on ?him probably aren’t well-placed.” “I didn’t ask,” the King sighs irritably and then motions for Isaak to go ahead. <</if>>\ “Um, $name is amazing. And I say that because ever since I’ve known $name, ?he’s done nothing but help and be kind to me. I’ve seen how ?he treats ?his_ master and I couldn’t possibly imagine ?him killing him, for any reason. As for the Prince, I know the servants said differently but couldn’t they be lying?” The crowd begins to whisper and I’m not sure if it was in favor of Isaak’s words or not. A shadow passes over the King’s face as he leans in, his eyes regarding Isaak as if he was an enemy. “Are you saying that two servants who have no correlation with one another are lying, saying that the accused, who has no alibis whatsoever, is innocent?” The question sounded like a double-edged sword. Saying no would mean that everything Isaak has said meant nothing, he was going to be deemed as nothign but a peasant who shouldn’t even be standing here. But if he said yes, then he was challenging the King himself, and if not careful would earn a spot right beside me. [[“Isaak, let it go.”][$allforone +=2]] [[“Isaak, answer him.”][$allforone -=2]] [[See what Isaak does.][$isaak +=3]] <<else>>\ I search for Isaak, but I fail to spot him amongst the crowd. I continue to search when my eyes meet Ansellus, and he sends me a wide smile. Did he … did he do something to Isaak? [[Confront Ansellus.][$allforone +=2]] [[Leave it alone.->4.9LeaveItAlone]] <</if>>\
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Chivalrous ++</span> <</if>>\ “Isaak,” I murmur, wishing to save him from whatever his punishment would be, “let it go.” Isaak’s eyes go wide, ready to challenge me as well but the stern look I send his way shuts him up. Isaak whimpers and gazes at the floor, refusing to say anymore as the court looks on. “I see. Thank you, Isaak.” With that, Isaak quickly turns and leaves, he doesn’t join the crowd but leaves the building entirely, silence ushering him out before sweeping the room. After Isaak, the King stands and claps his hands. “If there is anything left to say, let it be said.” <<if $queen >=3>>\ <<set $courtrule +=2>> “Then let me say something, My King,” the Queen herself begins, standing and coming to his side. Unlike the King, she still didn’t look put together. Bags clung to the bottom part of her puffy eyes. She wore all black, and her otherwise beige skin looked to be paling. She stares at me as the crowd waits to see what she would say. I search her eyes but find no clue. “Many of you know that inviting $name to court was not my idea,” she begins, earning a groan from the King, “I do not doubt ?his_ ability but found it silly to rely on words that could be easily twisted if influenced by outside parties. I look at the Apprentice and see a witch who could easily be swayed by our enemies, High Gods know this court worships its little game. With that said, if this were a matter of betrayal of speech, then I would be the first to condemn ?him. But thus it is not. $name,” the Queen says, speaking directly to me, “have you ever killed anyone. Be honest in your answer.” [[“Yes.”->4.10Yes][$killedbefore = true]] [[“No.”->4.10No]] <<else>>\ His question is met by only silence. [[I felt like I had a chance.->4.11][$smug +=3]] [[I was doomed.->4.11][$smug -=3]] [[I would make no guesses as to my fate.->4.11]] <</if>>\
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Individualistic ++</span> <</if>>\ “Isaak,” I start, “answer him.” He nods and squares his shoulders but visibly deflates when he meets the gaze of the King. I see him shake, each word that comes from his mouth slips before tumbling out, smacking the floor with a horrid thud. “I see you’re not fit to truly have a say. Leave.” The command was said with such clout that even I would be surprised if Isaak disobeyed it. He doesn’t question it, he simply turns, and speed walks towards the entrance of the building, silence ushering him out before sweeping the room. After Isaak, the King stands and claps his hands. “If there is anything left to say, let it be said.” <<if $queen >=3>>\ <<set $courtrule +=2>> “Then let me say something, My King,” the Queen herself begins, standing and coming to his side. Unlike the King, she still didn’t look put together. Bags clung to the bottom part of her puffy eyes. She wore all black, and her otherwise beige skin looked to be paling. She stares at me as the crowd waits to see what she would say. I search her eyes but find no clue. “Many of you know that inviting $name to court was not my idea,” she begins, earning a groan from the King, “I do not doubt ?his_ ability but found it silly to rely on words that could be easily twisted if influenced by outside parties. I look at the Apprentice and see a witch who could easily be swayed by our enemies, High Gods know this court worships its little game. With that said, if this were a matter of betrayal of speech, then I would be the first to condemn ?him. But thus it is not. $name,” the Queen says, speaking directly to me, “have you ever killed anyone. Be honest in your answer.” [[“Yes.”->4.10Yes][$killedbefore = true]] [[“No.”->4.10No]] <<else>>\ His question is met by only silence. [[I felt like I had a chance.->4.11][$smug +=3]] [[I was doomed.->4.11][$smug -=3]] [[I would make no guesses as to my fate.->4.11]] <</if>>\
I say and do nothing, curious to see what Isaak would do. He squares his shoulders and takes a deep breath in, giving me one last look. “Yes, I do.” Parts of the crowd gasp, eyes on the King as he looks Isaak over. I fear a multitude of things, none of them positive. But the King surprises me, nodding and thanking Isaak for his voice. After Isaak, the King stands and claps his hands. “If there is anything left to say, let it be said.” <<if $queen >=3>>\ <<set $courtrule +=2>> “Then let me say something, My King,” the Queen herself begins, standing and coming to his side. Unlike the King, she still didn’t look put together. Bags clung to the bottom part of her puffy eyes. She wore all black, and her otherwise beige skin looked to be paling. She stares at me as the crowd waits to see what she would say. I search her eyes but find no clue. “Many of you know that inviting $name to court was not my idea,” she begins, earning a groan from the King, “I do not doubt ?his_ ability but found it silly to rely on words that could be easily twisted if influenced by outside parties. I look at the Apprentice and see a witch who could easily be swayed by our enemies, High Gods know this court worships its little game. With that said, if this were a matter of betrayal of speech, then I would be the first to condemn ?him. But thus it is not. $name,” the Queen says, speaking directly to me, “have you ever killed anyone. Be honest in your answer.” [[“Yes.”->4.10Yes][$killedbefore = true]] [[“No.”->4.10No]] <<else>>\ His question is met by only silence. [[I felt like I had a chance.->4.11][$smug +=3]] [[I was doomed.->4.11][$smug -=3]] [[I would make no guesses as to my fate.->4.11]] <</if>>\
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Chivalrous ++</span> <</if>>\ “What did you do to Isaak?” I question, everyone’s eyes go from me to who I speak to, Ansellus. The guards near him roll their eyes at my question, but Ansellus just laughs and takes a step forward. “I’d like everyone to know that Isaak wished not to speak for ${name}. He said that he had nothing good to say and therefore nothing to say at all. He didn’t wish to be the reason you hung but wouldn’t lie either.” The court seems to immediately believe Ansellus, whether or not he was lying was not their problem. “I care not. If the young man isn’t here to speak, then he simply isn’t here,” the King says, waving his hand to continue on. After that, the King stands and claps his hands. “If there is anything left to say, let it be said.” <<if $queen >=3>>\ <<set $courtrule +=2>> “Then let me say something, My King,” the Queen herself begins, standing and coming to his side. Unlike the King, she still didn’t look put together. Bags clung to the bottom part of her puffy eyes. She wore all black, and her otherwise beige skin looked to be paling. She stares at me as the crowd waits to see what she would say. I search her eyes but find no clue. “Many of you know that inviting $name to court was not my idea,” she begins, earning a groan from the King, “I do not doubt ?his_ ability but found it silly to rely on words that could be easily twisted if influenced by outside parties. I look at the Apprentice and see a witch who could easily be swayed by our enemies, High Gods know this court worships its little game. With that said, if this were a matter of betrayal of speech, then I would be the first to condemn ?him. But thus it is not. $name,” the Queen says, speaking directly to me, “have you ever killed anyone. Be honest in your answer.” [[“Yes.”->4.10Yes][$killedbefore = true]] [[“No.”->4.10No]] <<else>>\ His question is met by only silence. [[I felt like I had a chance.->4.11][$smug +=3]] [[I was doomed.->4.11][$smug -=3]] [[I would make no guesses as to my fate.->4.11]] <</if>>\
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Individualistic ++</span> <</if>>\ Whether he did something or not, bringing it to the room’s attention was probably unwise. Ansellus was crafty, I would be less than shocked to find that he had something under his sleeve if I did question him. I simply clear my voice and look back at the King, who doesn’t seem at all perturbed by the lack of Isaak. After that, the King stands and claps his hands. “If there is anything left to say, let it be said.” <<if $queen >=3>>\ <<set $courtrule +=2>> “Then let me say something, My King,” the Queen herself begins, standing and coming to his side. Unlike the King, she still didn’t look put together. Bags clung to the bottom part of her puffy eyes. She wore all black, and her otherwise beige skin looked to be paling. She stares at me as the crowd waits to see what she would say. I search her eyes but find no clue. “Many of you know that inviting $name to court was not my idea,” she begins, earning a groan from the King, “I do not doubt ?his_ ability but found it silly to rely on words that could be easily twisted if influenced by outside parties. I look at the Apprentice and see a witch who could easily be swayed by our enemies, High Gods know this court worships its little game. With that said, if this were a matter of betrayal of speech, then I would be the first to condemn ?him. But thus it is not. $name,” the Queen says, speaking directly to me, “have you ever killed anyone. Be honest in your answer.” [[“Yes.”->4.10Yes][$killedbefore = true]] [[“No.”->4.10No]] <<else>>\ His question is met by only silence. [[I felt like I had a chance.->4.11][$smug +=3]] [[I was doomed.->4.11][$smug -=3]] [[I would make no guesses as to my fate.->4.11]] <</if>>\
“I have, Your Majesty.” “Why?” “Self-defense. It was during my travels, a bandit refused to release me, and it was the only thing I could do to properly escape.” She nods as if she had already known, for all I know she did. “A moment, for me to decide upon $name’s fate.” He leaves along with his advisors and the Queen. As soon as the door closes, the court speaks up about the proceedings. [[I felt like I had a chance.->4.11][$smug +=3]] [[I was doomed.->4.11][$smug -=3]] [[I would make no guesses as to my fate.->4.11]]
“No, Your Majesty.” She nods her head at my answer as if she already knew, perhaps she did. “To take someone’s life is no easy task, especially when that person is your teacher. Master Audouin had nothing but positive things to say about his apprentice and my son thought ?him to be a wise ally. I simply do not see a murderer when I look at this young apprentice.” She gazes back at her husband and bows her head before excusing herself. “A moment, for me to decide upon $name’s fate.” He leaves along with his advisors and the Queen. As soon as the door closes, the court speaks up about the proceedings. [[I felt like I had a chance.->4.11][$smug +=3]] [[I was doomed.->4.11][$smug -=3]] [[I would make no guesses as to my fate.->4.11]]
My legs shake as I stand there with the two guards behind me. My heart putting on an entire show as it did flip after flip. Stunt after stunt. Did it even matter what others have said? Did the King not have his own mind made up? I would soon see. The door to the backroom opens, and everyone files back in as those behind me quiet down. My eyes are glued on the attendant that stands in front of the judge’s bench. His posture stiff, and his eyes looking past me. <<if $guardfight>>\ “$name. After heavy discussion, judgment has been reached. You stand here, having been accused of murdering Master Audouin and Prince Ingram of Nidinia, as well as assaulting guards of the King.” They really weren't going to let that one go. <<else>>\ “$name. After heavy discussion, judgment has been reached. You stand here, having been accused of murdering Master Audouin and Prince Ingram of Nidinia.” <</if>>\ Silence. One so heavy that I feel it weigh me down. It weighs not only on my shoulders but my heart. The last bit of hope showing itself and standing before my other emotions, on trial for merely existing. <<if $courtrule >=4>>\ <<nobr>> <<remember $achievementpoints +=1>> <<remember $achieve_prison = true>> <</nobr>> <<notify>>Achievement ''It Could be Worse, Right?'' unlocked!<</notify>> “We hereby proclaim, $name $surname, guilty. And as punishment will spend the rest of ?his_ life in prison.” <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $noose = true>><</nobr>> “We hereby proclaim, $name $surname, guilty. And as punishment will face the hangman’s noose.” <</if>>\ Hope was executed on the spot. [[End of Demo]]
<img src="images/title.png" alt="Insight" style="float:center"/> @@.center; ''Book One: The Game'' Go from famed witch to the most wanted person in all of Nidinia. Will you side with the old or with the new? Join the side of a rising rebellion, or help squash them? Will those who once jeered you once again praise your name? Or will you be a mere whisper among the wind? * Customize your own gender pronouns and choose a backstory that can affect your future. * Choose from four different species and watch your story and interactions change. * Five romanceable characters with different backgrounds and goals. Three of which are not met in the demo. * Delve into a magic system consisting of your own specialized magic, unique spells, and more. * Immerse yourself in a high fantasy world. * Multiple ways to affect the world around you and multiple endings each with their own consequences. Thank you for playing the demo of ''Insight'' Follow [[my tumblr|https://13leaguestories.tumblr.com/]] for more updates on this game and others. Or consider becoming a [[patron|https://www.patreon.com/13Leagues/]] to actually get a beyond the demo look or become a beta tester. ''A big thanks to my lovely First Mates!'' Legengerry | Jacob Pham | Tsuni six | Romeo Deleon | Angel Meira Litch | PB | Specter WaterNixie | Kalani Mercer | Abbie Boellstorff Shayla | Vincenzo Polsinelli | Sylveranty [[Play the Demo Again->Start]] @@
<<nobr>> <<set $ruho to 100; $warding = false; $soup = false; $tJeffrey = false; $insult = false; $delilahTold = false>> <<audio "prologue" fadeout>> <<playlist "ambience" loop play>> <<endnobr>> <a data-passage="1.0"><img src="images/thegame.png" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a>
<img src="images/one.png"> “Thank you for your time,” I shout after the woman as she leaves the store, a bottle of a red and green concoction, that refuses to mix, in her grasp. I stare at the potion, wondering if it would veritably solve her issue. The woman was vague, hardly giving me any information to go off due to her own embarrassment. I had to surmise that whatever her problem was, it had to do with romance and that was from me registering the red hue of her cheeks and a gaze that refused to meet mine. She gives me a nod as she scurries away, hiding the bottle in her basket. The smile that I save strictly for customers disappears as I retreat to my personally claimed corner of my master’s shop. I sit down on my favorite stool and take numerous deep breaths. Dozens of manuscripts, unfurled scrolls, and books lie before me. None of them possessing any kind of knowledge that may have helped me. The visions have long since left, the feeling of a whisper against my ear has departed, and the fear that radiated up my spine is no longer existent. The thought of the nightmare, regardless of its passing, still causes me misery. Still caused me to drift off into my own thoughts. [[I strengthened the wards.][$warding = true; $care +=3]] [[I sought out texts.][$care -=3]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ Immediately after it had taken place, I went around my master’s hut and strengthened the wards that were already there. And once I had finished strengthening his, I went home and reapplied my own. Something had gotten in, and I would not allow it to do so again. “Excuse me!” a voice shouts, and I jump, shocked to see a restless customer on the other side of the counter. They dawn a dark grey cloak of ill fit, with a hood that rests over most of their face, making it impossible for me to learn of their identity. [[“I apologize, can I help you?”][$care +=2]] [[“You’re excused. What do you need?”][$care -=2]] [[Raise a brow at them.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ I grab everything that could aid in me learning about what had taken place. Books that ranged from topics of symbolism to dream magic, to even those that spoke about demons and spirits. It was only when I scanned over these books did, I end my investigating. Some of it hit to close to home, to early. The last thing I wished to think was that a demon had attached itself to me. “Excuse me!” a voice shouts, and I jump, shocked to see a restless customer on the other side of the counter. They dawn a dark grey cloak of ill fit, with a hood that rests over most of their face, making it impossible for me to learn of their identity. [[“I apologize, can I help you?”][$care +=2]] [[“You’re excused. What do you need?”][$care -=2]] [[Raise a brow at them.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ <<include "Raise a brow at them.">>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ <<include "Raise a brow at them.">>
They huff and I can easily picture them rolling their eyes in annoyance, snarling at me as they begin to explain their dilemma, “I need a luck potion. Bring me one, now.” I roll my eyes at their words, murmuring under my breath as they tap their fingers annoyingly against the hard-wooden countertop. I travel to the back where shelf upon shelf of completed potions resides. Each categorized by me to better help me find the potions that my master and I had worked to create. “Luck,” I mumble to myself as I head towards the area I know it lies. My eyes travel over to the identical potions beside it, the karma potions. Same bright green transparent liquid, same taste, and as long as the individual who drinks it does nothing wrong, the same results. Though, if the individual has done anything improper in the past day, well, the potion would make sure that karma paid them a memorable visit. I bite the inside of my cheek, looking between the two. [[Give them the luck potion.][$honesty +=10; $IsaakAlexander = true; $AnsellusWarren = true]] [[Give them the karma potion.][$honesty -=10; $IsaakAlexander = true; $AnsellusWarren = true]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honesty ++</span> <</if>>\ I roll my eyes at my own thoughts; it wasn’t my place. And if this customer ended up going around, shouting about how I had cheated them, then the shop’s reputation would suffer. They weren’t the first rude customer, and I doubt they would be the last. I grab the potion and return to the front. “Would you like me to box this for you?” I ask politely, and they wave away my words. “How much is it?” “Five ruho,” I tell them, and they slam the bronze coins onto the countertop before snatching the potion, leaving with a flourish of their cloak. That warranted a break. <a data-passage="1.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ I smirk. Karma was a busy little thing. They had a long list of people to visit, with new additions being added every second. This potion simply put those new additions to the top of their ever-growing list. I grab it, and with a clear conscience, return to the front of the store. “Would you like me to box this for you?” I ask politely, and they wave away my words. “How much is it?” “Five ruho,” I tell them, and they slam the bronze coins onto the countertop before snatching the potion, leaving with a flourish of their cloak. That warranted a break. <a data-passage="1.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I switch the simple wooden sign from open to now show that the store was currently closed. I then walk outside, breathing in the fresh air as I go for a short walk. I follow the familiar cobblestone path down the road adjacent to the shop, relishing the day. Daffodil colored clouds roam by, vagrants drifting with no proper direction or motive in the vast blue overhead. Flocks of birds hang out on the trim of buildings, watching me as I pass in case I drop food. I head past the baker and the tailor, nodding at both as they greet me excitedly. I navigate my way around the children as they play amongst each other, seeing who could kick the ball farther. I wave at the blacksmith who may or may not have seen me. And then, I stop to peer at a vendor cart that’s selling herbs when I feel a hard hand rest upon my back. “$name! I … I didn’t know you’d be out today.” I raise a brow and turn to the young man, who happened to be around my age. As soon as my gaze lands on him, he fumbles with the large basket in his hands, an apple rolling off the top. I swiftly lean down and catch it, raising a brow as I set it back on top. “Well, Isaak, it’s not like I told you.” “Oh yea … of course. Have any dreams?” “Not for you Isaak,” I chuckle. He feigns hurt, placing a hand against his heart as he attempts to balance the basket of fruit to his left arm, “I’m offended. I was asking for the good of the town. How will they ever live without one of your daily readings?” Done with inspecting the herbs, I turn and wait for the nearby wagon to pass by, looking over at Isaak who fails to hide his large smile, “they can simply come down to the shop and pay for a reading, same as any other.” He shakes his head with a smile, following me as I continue my walk down the street. [[His presence was always appreciated.][$isaak +=10]] [[I wished for him to leave me be.][$isaak +=10]]
His presence was much appreciated, always warm and welcoming. I had come to this town two years ago, having been accepted to study with a master of the arts. I feared that the town would judge me far before they ever got to know me. That was all to say, the first person to ever say hello to me, was Isaak. He was quirky, and it was quite easy to see that he was as confused about his place amongst the community as I, and everyone else for that matter, was. The young Alyrian’s size would suggest he worked indoors, something that didn’t require much muscle for he lacked it. Yet, the amount of dirt that always resided on his person caused one to believe that perhaps he was a farmer’s apprentice, or maybe a blacksmith’s. I could recall his appearance when we first met, and I vividly remember questioning my previous guesses due to the fresh bruises and dried blood upon his neck, face, and shirt. The sight was one only a warrior or hunter could bear or one who just always found himself in trouble. It didn’t take me long to learn that it was the latter. We continue walking down the street, turning along a dirt road that led into the agricultural part of town. All the while, Isaak speaks about his work and what had happened recently. I’m about to comment when I hear the sounds of laughter and multiple hooves striking the ground behind us. I turn just in time to spot three riders. I squint in slight confusion, unaware of their identities until I make out the face of the rider in front. “Hey look, Farmer Boy!” the leader shouts, tapping his steed’s side to go faster. Isaak turns, finally ceasing his chattering once he hears the words. They show no signs of stopping, and Isaak was their sole target. [[Throw up a last-minute shield just in case. Isaak was on his own.][$allforone -=10; $isaak -=5]] [[Try and get Isaak out of harm’s way.][$allforone +=10; $isaak +=5]]
He wasn’t rude, but he was annoying, and I was not one to seek out the company of others. If one had told me that I would be stuck with him bothering me two years ago, when I had first entered this town, then I would have probably not have asked him for assistance. I simply wished to learn where Master Audouin lived, that was all. And though he aided me, he also talked my ear off the entire way. He was quirky, and it was quite easy to see that he was as confused about his place amongst the village as I, and everyone else for that matter, was. The young Alyrian’s size would suggest he worked indoors, something that didn’t require much muscle for he lacked it. Yet, the amount of dirt that always resided on his person caused one to believe that perhaps he was a farmer’s apprentice, or maybe a blacksmith’s. I could recall his appearance when we first met, and I vividly remember questioning my previous guesses due to the fresh bruises and dried blood upon his neck, face, and shirt. The sight was one only a warrior or hunter could bear or one who just always found himself in trouble. It didn’t take me long to learn that it was the latter. We continue walking down the street, turning along a dirt road that led into the agricultural part of town. All the while, Isaak speaks about his work and what had happened recently. I’m about to comment when I hear the sounds of laughter and multiple hooves striking the ground behind us. I turn just in time to spot three riders. I squint in slight confusion, unaware of their identities until I make out the face of the rider in front. “Hey look, Farmer Boy!” the leader shouts, tapping his steed’s side to go faster. Isaak turns, finally ceasing his chattering once he hears the words. They show no signs of stopping, and Isaak was their sole target. [[Throw up a last-minute shield just in case. Isaak was on his own.][$allforone -=10; $isaak -=5]] [[Try and get Isaak out of harm’s way.][$allforone +=10; $isaak +=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Individualistic ++</span> <</if>>\ I summon my energy, write the spell symbol in the air, and perform the gesture to create a weak shield that would protect me, just in case they shifted their route at the last minute. It wasn’t anything fancy, but I had yet to get to those studies with my master’s guiding hand to aid me. I focus for a mere second before the pewter colored energy, that I identified as mine, flows out of my hand and begin to take the shape of half a shield. Isaak yelps in fear, diving out of the way at the last minute. The lead rider stops his horse short of almost running into him, proving that Isaak was never in any real danger. The two riders behind him interrupt the momentary silence with their laughter, all of them staring at Isaak, who now lies on the ground. His basket to the right of him and the produce that had been within now littering the surrounding area. I groan inwardly and drop my hand, the shield falling with it. “You dropped something,” the lead rider snorts as he leans forward. His eyes linger on me for a second before going back to Isaak. “You don’t have anything better to do, Ansellus? Like, I don’t know, get drunk? Whore around? Murder some poor defenseless animal? Seeing as that’s the only thing your blade ever seems to strike,” Isaak asks, picking himself up, dusting himself off, and rolling his eyes. The two riders with Ansellus erupt in a chorus of ‘ooh’s,’ hoping to spur him into retaliating. He stiffens in his saddle, throwing a look over his shoulder at them and causing both to shut up. “That’s a lot of talk from someone who hasn’t held anything heavier than a hoe before.” “At least I do my job.” “Ha! What job is that? Last time I remembered, your pathetic farm hasn’t produced anything but more dirt, and your apprenticeship is far from over, what is this, the sixth year? The only thing of worth on that farm is that widow mother of yours, if you ask me, she needs a good and hard bedding down,” Ansellus provokes. [[Put an end to this.][$allforone +=5; $isaak +=10; $ansellus -=10; $care +=10]] [[Stay out of it.][$allforone -=5; $isaak -=10; $ansellus +=10; $care -=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Chivalrous ++</span> <</if>>\ I look from the riders to Isaak, who had already doomed himself with his delayed reaction. Not thinking twice about my next action, I lunge forward and push him out the way, the two of us hitting the ground with a loud thump. The lead rider stops his horse just short of almost running into us, proving that Isaak nor I was in any real danger. I growl, mostly for my own incompetence and fear, pushing myself off a blushing and embarrassed Isaak. The two riders behind him interrupt the momentary silence with their laughter, all of them staring at the two of us, though their gaze is mostly on Isaak, who lies on the ground in a fetal position. His basket to the right of him and the produce within, littering the surrounding area. “You dropped something,” the lead rider snorts as he leans forward. His eyes linger on me for a second before going back to Isaak. “You don’t have anything better to do, Ansellus? Like, I don’t know, get drunk? Whore around? Murder some poor defenseless animal? Seeing as that’s the only thing your blade ever seems to strike,” Isaak asks, picking himself up, dusting himself off, and rolling his eyes. The two riders with Ansellus erupt in a chorus of ‘ooh’s,’ hoping to spur him into retaliating. He stiffens in his saddle, throwing a look over his shoulder at them and causing both to shut up. “That’s a lot of talk from someone who hasn’t held anything heavier than a hoe before.” “At least I do my job.” “Ha! What job is that? Last time I remembered, your pathetic farm hasn’t produced anything but more dirt, and your apprenticeship is far from over, what is this, the sixth year? The only thing of worth on that farm is that widow mother of yours, if you ask me, she needs a good and hard bedding down,” Ansellus provokes. [[Put an end to this.][$allforone +=5; $isaak +=10; $ansellus -=10; $care +=10]] [[Stay out of it.][$allforone -=5; $isaak -=10; $ansellus +=10; $care -=10]]
<<nobr>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">> <<set $empathy +=5>> <</if>> <<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Chivalrous ++<br> Emotional ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> “Alright,” I growl, standing in front of Isaak so that Ansellus was now looking at me and me only, “that’s enough.” I feel Isaak shift closer towards me, either because he wished to disappear or just wanted to be closer … or both. Ansellus looks me over, clearly trying to figure out if it was smart to verbally attack me. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ He produces a low, nervous chuckle, “we were just joking and playing around. No need to get all serious and bent out of sorts about it.” Somehow, I manage to stand even taller than before, taking a threatening step closer to him. “You’re a joke, and so, you prey on those you believe are below you. Hoping to satisfy that small puddle of pride that has yet to dry up. Walk. Away.” For added effect, and more for a laugh on my part, I fake a lunge towards him and, forgetting that he’s on a horse, he jumps backward. The stirrups are the only thing that saves him from tumbling off his mount, and I sneer at the sight. <<elseif $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “How is your –” Ansellus begins, but I shake my head and interrupt him. “Remember, Ansellus. Say anything I don’t like, and who knows what I might do? Maybe turn into a shadow and scare you when you least expect it? Or ruin your day another way? You have no idea how much taint I have inside me.” I look at him and take a swaying step towards him, widening my eyes, “or what it’s telling me to do to you right now.” He visibly jumps in his saddle, yanking back on the reins, much to his horse’s dissatisfaction. “You’re a joke, and so, you prey on those you believe are below you. Hoping to satisfy that small puddle of pride that has yet to dry up.” “Crazy Cimmerian,” he grumbles, continuing to back away from me. <<else>>\ “How is //your// apprenticeship going by the way?” Ansellus questions, raising a curious brow, clearly making his decision. I smirk, “far better than yours. Especially since I could take you down without even reaching into my energy pool.” “You owe everything you are to your lineage. I at least have earned my titles.” <<if $species is "Ecrid">>I can feel my nashi flicker due to the agitation coursing through me, but I let it go. I would not allow him the satisfaction.<</if>> “And what small titles those are. Correct me, but did I not see you the previous day, running errands for your instructor? While others actually trained? Three years into your own apprenticeship and still with nothing to show.” He stiffens, narrowing his gaze on me as the two behind him whisper amongst one another, “you are a joke, and so, you prey on those you believe are below you. Hoping to satisfy that small puddle of pride that has yet to dry up.” He looks ready to dismount his horse, but before he properly can, I send a gust of wind out that tips him over and causes him to land on the hard ground. <</if>>\ “If you will excuse me, I must head back to work.” I turn to Isaak, who has already gathered all of his belongings. The two of us walk away without anything else said. Once we get an appropriate distance away, he turns to me with a broad smile. “Thanks for having my back. You are literally amazing.” “I am still mystified as to why you allow them to speak to you in such a way.” “It is as you said, they prey on the weak,” he shrugs. [[“You make yourself a target though.”][$isaak +=3]] [[“You’re not weak.”][$isaak +=3; $isaakLi +=1]] [[“You do yourself no favors.”][$isaak -=3]]
“Doesn’t mean you have to make yourself an easy target,” I point out. Isaak doesn’t answer, his eyes on the ground as we walk towards his place of work. Once there, he turns to me and gives me a thankful nod, throwing an apple my way before disappearing inside. I chuckle to myself as I walk off, feeling Isaak’s adoring gaze follow me from whatever window he believed hid him. <a data-passage="1.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I stop, turn to him, and place my hand on his shoulder gently, “you’re not weak, Isaak.” His cheeks erupt in a blossoming blush, and he adverts his gaze, the ground somehow becoming much more engaging. “Thanks, $name. That means so much coming from you.” Once we get to his place of work, he gives me a thankful nod, his blush still evident. He hands me an apple before disappearing inside. I chuckle to myself as I walk off, feeling Isaak’s adoring gaze follow me from whatever window he believed hid him. <a data-passage="1.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I roll my eyes in annoyance, “you do yourself no favors, you know? I’m not always going to be here to save you from Ansellus or one of the others.” “I’m not asking for you to come and rescue me every second,” he grumbles, placing his basket down once we get to his place of work. He peers over at me from under his long lashes and mumbles, “though I’m not complaining.” I sigh in frustration, waving him away and heading back to the shop. <a data-passage="1.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">> <<set $empathy -=5>> <</if>> <<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Individualistic ++ Logical ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> I decide to stay out of this one, especially since it was time for me to head back to work anyway. I get ready to leave when I see Isaak lunge forward, making harsh contact with the heel of Ansellus’s boot. He falls backward, and before he can get his wits about him, Ansellus dismounts and delivers a punishing kick to Isaak’s stomach. For a minute, Isaak’s gaze connects with mine and he silently shouts for me to come to his rescue, for a reason to my inaction. I look elsewhere, even questioning myself as to why I haven’t begun walking away already. Ansellus grabs him by the collar and yanks him forward, punching him before throwing him back towards the ground as if he was something to be disposed of. “Come on, Farmer Boy, make this a challenge! Those defenseless animals you spoke of are far more threatening than you.” Isaak does no such thing, glaring at the ground as he spits out a wad of blood. With a smirk, Ansellus returns and remounts his horse, him and the others completely ignoring me as they ride off. Isaak carefully wipes away the blood creeping from his lips, grabbing his basket as he violently begins to throw the scattered fruitage back in. He turns his back to me, attempting to hide the tears that I had already noticed edging away from his eyes. “Can we just go?” he barks, standing and walking down the road, back towards his place of work. [[“You shouldn’t cry for them.”]] [[“You need to fight back.”]]
“You know,” I mindlessly begin, “you shouldn’t cry for them, they’re not worth it.” “I’m … I’m not crying because of them,” he shouts at me, refusing to meet my gaze as he wipes at his eye even harder. It only causes his face to contort further, and he picks up his pace. We walk in silence, Isaak only muttering a goodbye once we get to his destination. I watch as he immediately goes inside, and I then head back to the shop. <a data-passage="1.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You need to learn how to fight them back,” I sigh, wondering if my words were for him or me. Was I trying to make sense of my lack of interference, or did I truly care, for his sake? “Why?” he shouts, his tone shocking me, “so they just have a reason to leave me with an inch of my life left?” He looks like he wishes to say more, but he bites his tongue and continues on, picking up his pace. We walk in silence, Isaak only muttering a goodbye once we get to his destination. I watch as he immediately goes inside, and I then head back to the shop. <a data-passage="1.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png"> The day goes by slowly with no word from my master. My mind goes back to when I last saw him, attempting to help me figure out what I had hoped was a normal nightmare. And who’s to say this wasn’t? I typically have to endure the aftermath of the nightmares for a while before the next day can fully establish itself. Nothing about this nightmare stood apart from the rest besides [i]that[/i] image. I shudder, attempting to not even think of it as the door opens and another customer walks in. This one is a regular, a servant who waited on the lady of the lord whose watchful eye rested over the town. “Meredith? What can I do for you today?” “The normal herbs if you may. My Lady and Lord were also curious about any dreams,” I stiffen as I begin putting the herb basket together, my hand hovering over the sage. “Dreams regarding the town’s wealth and such, the usual,” she snickers. I relax, chiding myself for being on edge in the first place. I finish the basket and turn to her with that customer smile adorning my face, “not this time. They will be the first to know though, as usual.” She nods at my words and thanks me for the basket as she hands me a bag of ruho, seeing herself out. I peer out the nearest window, the sun still swimming high in the cloud speckled sky. I had a few more hours of work before I could close up the shop. Until a customer walks in, I might as well use my time wisely. [[I grab the spell book that master had gifted me.][$spells +=10]] [[I read over his herbalism notes, wishing to learn more.][$heal +=10]] [[I’ll practice the cards, at least I could sit at the counter with them.][$tarot +=10]] [[I’ll meditate off to the side.][$spirit +=10]] [[I think I’ll go over the scrolls about curses and other charms.][$chaos +=10]] [[I’ll take a look at the diagrams and books on the human mind.][$body +=10]]
I wait a minute more to see if anyone will enter, once they don’t, I head to my pack and grab the notebook that I always keep within. It started off as a book with endless possibilities. Blank page after blank page, each screaming for a quill to grace their surface and to make them something more. The book was still partially hollow, but since receiving it as a gift from my master, it has begun to see its purpose. The book had some spells that my master had given me, while others were ones that I had created. Each spell had been used at least once, that one time being when I first added them. They covered many topics, from memory to fighting to curses to prayers and wishes. <a data-passage="1.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I wait a minute more to see if anyone will enter, once they don’t, I head to the back and collect the notes that my master has regarding herbalism. Seeing that he dealt in herbalism more than the other specializations, his information was always bountiful, and always struck a chord within me. To be as great as him one day was a dream. And yet, to have been accepted by one with such vast knowledge, a dream come true. His notes told tales of lands untouched by society, where magic flourished and could practically be touched and grabbed out of the air. Everywhere he visited, he cataloged flowers, vegetables, and fruits native to that area. I could picture him now, discussing them with me, thinking back on his time there and wishing to one day return to continue his work. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ Such was the nature of our species. I’ve found that whether it was traveling or just change, the Ecrid needed it, we expected it to some degree. I always thought our kind like rivers. They never stopped flowing, and they never seemed to return to the same place twice. As we traveled, as our years passed us by, we learned and we, like the land, changed. <<else>>\ Such was the nature of their species, the Ecrid. I had met only a handful on my journeys. And each time, I walked away knowing that I would never again see them. I ponder what it would be like to be them, always needing change to occur and to be on the move. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="1.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I go and grab the card stack that my master keeps in his drawer, pulling them out and returning to the front of the store. I sit and shuffle them lazily, quizzing myself on the numerous cards that exist within the deck. This itself took a significant amount of time, hardly allowing anything else. But it was needed, and it would soon pay off. <a data-passage="1.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I wait a minute more to see if anyone will enter, once they don’t, I head to the side where my master keeps a pillow and sit. I pour a glass of water and place it in front of me, recalling my master’s words and the purpose of the water. Anyone could meditate, but a witch was able to do wondrous things, but first, they must center themselves. Meditation required for one to shed their worldly desires and thoughts, to see themselves as more than what they were. To see where they were amongst the cosmos. My master would pour the cup out and then immediately go into meditation, keeping the water stranded in the air. This could not be done unless one was wholly transfixed on the water, not on themselves or the world around them. I have tried many times, but I always seem to forget how hard a task it was. And so, I try again. <a data-passage="1.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I wait a minute more to see if anyone will enter, once they don’t, I head to the back and gather up my master’s scrolls regarding curses and charms. I sit down and begin to read through them, many of these I had never read before. These scrolls went over potions and curses and their uses. How they could affect the caster and the one that the curse was cast upon. How one standing beside someone cursed could be affected as well unless wearing the appropriate charm. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ Though it was quite different, I see that notes on the taint also rested at the bottom of the scrolls. Whereas one was an infliction from magic, the other was something that I and others were born with. No one in Jiwenia would claim that the gods were not real, as the Cimmerians were living proof that they were. Our creator, Darkness, had given us his disease, whether by accident or to prove to himself that he was as powerful as he believed. I suppose I see why these notes were here, long has it been discussed if the taint was a disease or a curse. Especially since we could pass it to others and to the environment. Whereas we might say it was hereditary, any outsider would immediately deem it a curse, for they wouldn’t live to see old age if they were exposed to it. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="1.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I wait a minute more to see if anyone will enter, once they don’t, I head to the back and gather the diagrams that my master kept regarding the mind and body. These diagrams were great for studying, especially when paired along with my master’s notes on the psyche of the brain. Everyone, even Alyrians, held a magical essence. The capacity and ability to use that essence is what differed between the many species. Learn of these capacities, learn how the blood moved through the body like water, learn how the mind worked, and one could do so much. <a data-passage="1.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Due to the lack of customers, I lose track of time, only looking up when I see my master come in with an armful of books. He rips the hood to his swanik off before nodding a greeting to me. “There you are,” I say, getting up and helping him out, gathering some of the books and placing them on the countertop, as well as stealing a glance at them. //Dream Magic// one of them reads. My master notices my gaze and gives me a small smile, “if I truly want to help, then understanding your ludá and at least some of the properties is a start.” It was possible for those born with magical properties to have a unique specialization, ludá. One that the average magic user would never be able to learn, nor achieve, no matter how hard they tried. Typically, this was due to hereditary reasons, the environment in which one was born, or their species. I knew far too little of the place that I grew up. My memories regarding my parents were vague, and I only ever received glimpses. The only thing I knew for sure is that my dream magic came from the parents I never met, as the community which I was raised around did not share my unique eyes. In regard to my parents though, well … [[I cared little for I never knew them.][$care -=2]] [[I cared only because I would never know of my origins.|1.5]] [[I was shocked, hurt, confused, and alone.][$care +=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ <<include "1.5">>
<<nobr>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">> <<set $empathy +=2>> <</if>> <<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> <<include "1.5">>
<<if $species is "Cimmerian">>\ In a world that was governed by the idea of, ‘everything is as it seems,’ then by all accounts, I should be blind. And yet, I could see just as clearly as anyone else. My eyes were those only the blind could claim. A pupil-less pale seafoam green iris resting on top of a greying, near white sclera. Yet something else to further divide me from other Cimmerians, as their scleras were typically black. <<else>>\ In a world that was governed by the idea of, ‘everything is as it seems,’ then by all accounts, I should be blind. And yet, I could see just as clearly as anyone else. My eyes were those only the blind could claim, a pupil-less pale seafoam green iris. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="1.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
My youth was spent living in fear that something was wrong with me until a Wiseman spoke of a family of $species with the same eyes. And when questioned about these people, the Wiseman could speak no more, for he knew not their fate. And the realization that I was the last, the only one left of this so-called bloodline hit me. “Any progress made?” He shakes his head, “I understand your ludá more. But it does little to cure you of these visiting nightmares. Any kind of charm will thwart dreams entirely, and I can think of many who would be angered at such a development.” [[“It’s not their choice, it’s mine.”][$allforone -=2]] [[“Indeed. I don’t wish for my dreams to disappear anyway.”][$allforone +=2]] [[“I can live with the nightmares.”][$smug +=2]] [[“That doesn’t sound too bad.”][$smug -=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Individualistic ++</span> <</if>>\ “It’s not their choice,” I tell him, “it’s mine.” “Agreed, but I doubt you want an angry mob running you out of town. Even so, I fear that this will mess with your ludá as well, perhaps corrupt it.” He turns to me, “so, how was the workload today?” “Typical, a rude customer but mostly just regulars. Isaak has yet to learn how to defend himself properly though.” “Still?” my master questions, peeking his head out of the room that he went in, frowning at me before disappearing, “that boy is by far the second biggest mystery in this town.” “What’s the first?” “How he has a crush on you, of all people,” my master jokes and I roll my eyes playfully. Though I frown at the thought of Isaak. It never ceases to bother me that the entire town practically knew about Isaak’s crush on me. His attempts at subtlety, atrocious. Most of the townspeople left it at that, no one speaking on it. But my master found it fun to tease me at times, either that or he simply wished to remind me of Isaak’s feelings whenever he could. [[But it was cute. Sometimes I wondered if I shared in his feelings.][$isaakLi +=1; $crushStatus = "head over heels"]] [[The crush was harmless enough, so I ignored the signs.][$crushStatus = "it exists, that's about it"]] [[It was annoying to say the least. Telling him I wasn’t interested did little.][$crushStatus = "it exists, that's about it"]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Chivalrous ++</span> <</if>>\ “Indeed,” I chuckle lowly, “I don’t wish for my dreams to disappear anyway. The good far outweighs the bad.” “I can imagine so.” He turns to me, “so, how was the workload today?” “Typical, a rude customer but mostly just regulars. Isaak has yet to learn how to defend himself properly though.” “Still?” my master questions, peeking his head out of the room that he went in, frowning at me before disappearing, “that boy is by far the second biggest mystery in this town.” “What’s the first?” “How he has a crush on you, of all people,” my master jokes and I roll my eyes playfully. Though I frown at the thought of Isaak. It never ceases to bother me that the entire town practically knew about Isaak’s crush on me. His attempts at subtlety, atrocious. Most of the townspeople left it at that, no one speaking on it. But my master found it fun to tease me at times, either that or he simply wished to remind me of Isaak’s feelings whenever he could. [[But it was cute. Sometimes I wondered if I shared in his feelings.][$isaakLi +=1; $crushStatus = "head over heels"]] [[The crush was harmless enough, so I ignored the signs.][$crushStatus = "it exists, that's about it"]] [[It was annoying to say the least. Telling him I wasn’t interested did little.][$crushStatus = "it exists, that's about it"]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ I shrug my shoulders and take a seat, “I can live with the nightmares. I have for this long.” “Your words hold truth.” He turns to me, “so, how was the workload today?” “Typical, a rude customer but mostly just regulars. Isaak has yet to learn how to defend himself properly though.” “Still?” my master questions, peeking his head out of the room that he went in, frowning at me before disappearing, “that boy is by far the second biggest mystery in this town.” “What’s the first?” “How he has a crush on you, of all people,” my master jokes and I roll my eyes playfully. Though I frown at the thought of Isaak. It never ceases to bother me that the entire town practically knew about Isaak’s crush on me. His attempts at subtlety, atrocious. Most of the townspeople left it at that, no one speaking on it. But my master found it fun to tease me at times, either that or he simply wished to remind me of Isaak’s feelings whenever he could. [[But it was cute. Sometimes I wondered if I shared in his feelings.][$isaakLi +=1; $crushStatus = "head over heels"]] [[The crush was harmless enough, so I ignored the signs.][$crushStatus = "it exists, that's about it"]] [[It was annoying to say the least. Telling him I wasn’t interested did little.][$crushStatus = "it exists, that's about it"]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ I lean back and forth on my heels, chewing on the inside of my cheek, “that doesn’t sound too bad, actually.” My master pauses, glancing over at me with a raised brow. “Truly? You would see your dreams stop?” “Not all the time, but … sometimes yea. Until I know more about it to control it.” He huffs, whether in agreement or judgment, I know not. He turns to me, “so, how was the workload today?” “Typical, a rude customer but mostly just regulars. Isaak has yet to learn how to defend himself properly though.” “Still?” my master questions, peeking his head out of the room that he went in, frowning at me before disappearing, “that boy is by far the second biggest mystery in this town.” “What’s the first?” “How he has a crush on you, of all people,” my master jokes and I roll my eyes playfully. Though I frown at the thought of Isaak. It never ceases to bother me that the entire town practically knew about Isaak’s crush on me. His attempts at subtlety, atrocious. Most of the townspeople left it at that, no one speaking on it. But my master found it fun to tease me at times, either that or he simply wished to remind me of Isaak’s feelings whenever he could. [[But it was cute. Sometimes I wondered if I shared in his feelings.][$isaakLi +=1; $crushStatus = "head over heels"]] [[The crush was harmless enough, so I ignored the signs.][$crushStatus = "it exists, that's about it"]] [[It was annoying to say the least. Telling him I wasn’t interested did little.][$crushStatus = "it exists, that's about it"]]
The crush was cute enough, especially coming from someone so sweet and naturally shy. Isaak was enough of a friend to me that I believe I could feel the same for him. Though, at the moment, having such strong feelings for someone was unwise. It interfered with my training and could even disrupt some of the spells. <<if $tarot is 0>>\ My master comes back out, shuffling his tarot cards, and then sitting on the counter. I watch as he looks from me to his cards, and then back at them, acting as if I hadn’t just caught the curious glance he sent my way. <<else>>\ My master spies his card deck and after I pass them over, he begins to shuffle them. I watch as he looks from me to his cards, and then back at them, acting as if I hadn’t just caught the curious glance he sent my way. <</if>>\ “Would you like to do a reading?” I question with a teasing smile. “Would you mind? I want to do something remotely interesting before the day comes to an end. And who knows, maybe this will tell us if your nightmare was just that, or something more.” “How much did you do today?” I ask. “Too much, yet too little. I suppose I should sleep.” “Did you get any sleep after I left you yesternight?” “Not really. Your words had me on edge, and so <<if $warding>>I double checked the warding you placed<<else>>I redid the wards<</if>> and applied a few more, as well as searching for any spiritual residue in the <<link 'elysian plane'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>The elysian plane is the spiritual plane of Jiwenia. Spirits, demons, gods, and deities reside there. Though the living can walk the line and enter into the plane, they can not physically materialize, and the same goes for spirits in the mortal world.<</dialog>><</link>>.” I roll my eyes, no one ever said that Master Witches were wise. They could learn and master all of the primary specialties, and yet, sleep always seemed to elude them. “Come on, $name, just let me do this reading. The cards always set me at ease.” His nashi flashes a bright golden before dimming once again, just as eager as he. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ I sigh inwardly, feeling his own eagerness reflecting in me. Our Ecrid connection causing curiosity that wasn’t there before, to surface. <</if>>\ [[Let him do the reading.][$audouin +=1]] [[Send him to sleep.]]
Though he did a horrible job at it, he did attempt to hide his feelings, and though I never said it aloud, I do believe he knew that I didn’t feel the same. So his crush mostly just meant that he blushed a lot, had a staring problem, and he would try to compliment me every once and all the time. <<if $tarot is 0>>\ My master comes back out, shuffling his tarot cards, and then sitting on the counter. I watch as he looks from me to his cards, and then back at them, acting as if I hadn’t just caught the curious glance he sent my way. <<else>>\ My master spies his card deck and after I pass them over, he begins to shuffle them. I watch as he looks from me to his cards, and then back at them, acting as if I hadn’t just caught the curious glance he sent my way. <</if>>\ “Would you like to do a reading?” I question with a teasing smile. “Would you mind? I want to do something remotely interesting before the day comes to an end. And who knows, maybe this will tell us if your nightmare was just that, or something more.” “How much did you do today?” I ask. “Too much, yet too little. I suppose I should sleep.” “Did you get any sleep after I left you yesternight?” “Not really. Your words had me on edge, and so <<if $warding>>I double checked the warding you placed<<else>>I redid the wards<</if>> and applied a few more, as well as searching for any spiritual residue in the <<link 'elysian plane'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>The elysian plane is the spiritual plane of Jiwenia. Spirits, demons, gods, and deities reside there. Though the living can walk the line and enter into the plane, they can not physically materialize, and the same goes for spirits in the mortal world.<</dialog>><</link>>.” I roll my eyes, no one ever said that Master Witches were wise. They could learn and master all of the primary specialties, and yet, sleep always seemed to elude them. “Come on, $name, just let me do this reading. The cards always set me at ease.” His nashi flashes a bright golden before dimming once again, just as eager as he. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ I sigh inwardly, feeling his own eagerness reflecting in me. Our Ecrid connection causing curiosity that wasn’t there before, to surface. <</if>>\ [[Let him do the reading.][$audouin +=1]] [[Send him to sleep.]]
It wasn’t that he ignored my rejections, more like he was just horrible at hiding his feelings for me and that I suppose telling someone you weren’t interested, didn’t always mean they suddenly felt the same. His rosy cheeks always gave him away, especially when he thought I wasn’t looking. <<if $tarot is 0>>\ My master comes back out, shuffling his tarot cards, and then sitting on the counter. I watch as he looks from me to his cards, and then back at them, acting as if I hadn’t just caught the curious glance he sent my way. <<else>>\ My master spies his card deck and after I pass them over, he begins to shuffle them. I watch as he looks from me to his cards, and then back at them, acting as if I hadn’t just caught the curious glance he sent my way. <</if>>\ “Would you like to do a reading?” I question with a teasing smile. “Would you mind? I want to do something remotely interesting before the day comes to an end. And who knows, maybe this will tell us if your nightmare was just that, or something more.” “How much did you do today?” I ask. “Too much, yet too little. I suppose I should sleep.” “Did you get any sleep after I left you yesternight?” “Not really. Your words had me on edge, and so <<if $warding>>I double checked the warding you placed<<else>>I redid the wards<</if>> and applied a few more, as well as searching for any spiritual residue in the <<link 'elysian plane'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>The elysian plane is the spiritual plane of Jiwenia. Spirits, demons, gods, and deities reside there. Though the living can walk the line and enter into the plane, they can not physically materialize, and the same goes for spirits in the mortal world.<</dialog>><</link>>.” I roll my eyes, no one ever said that Master Witches were wise. They could learn and master all of the primary specialties, and yet, sleep always seemed to elude them. “Come on, $name, just let me do this reading. The cards always set me at ease.” His nashi flashes a bright golden before dimming once again, just as eager as he. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ I sigh inwardly, feeling his own eagerness reflecting in me. Our Ecrid connection causing curiosity that wasn’t there before, to surface. <</if>>\ [[Let him do the reading.][$audouin +=1]] [[Send him to sleep.]]
I let out a weak sigh, nodding my head and pointing at the table where he typically conducts his readings. We sit, and I watch as he shuffles the deck, before spilling the cards onto the table. His right-hand hovers over them, his green magic flowing freely across the cards. I watch as they react to the familiar magic, dancing underneath unseen wind. When he finally lowers his hand, some of the cards settle into a familiar spread, while the others are pushed away by his magic. The spread is in the shape of a cross, with one card lying sideways on top of the one in the middle. “Hmm, let’s do one card for this. $name, if you would.” I focus on the nightmare. On my missing eyes and the feeling of darting through the woods, not understanding what was trailing me. The cauldron and my master’s doppelgänger. And that voice. That voice that still caused goosebumps to rise along my skin. I watch as my master closes his eyes, his hand hovering over the cards. Suddenly he stops and flips over one, we both lean in – the Wheel of Fortune stares back at me. “What does it say?” I ask him. I knew what the card stood for, the meaning behind it. But even that wasn’t enough to read what it was saying for me. “Don’t shy away from your destiny simply because rotten foliage lies in the way or because the path has been weathered and can hardly be seen. Your wheel has only begun to turn, the beginning will start soon. Know what goes up will always come down.” <a data-passage="1.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I take the cards from him and give him a stern glare. “You must sleep, now.” He rolls his eyes but doesn’t argue, fighting a yawn. With a huff and a nod of surrender, he tells me goodnight and walks off, leaving me to close up the shop properly and then head out for the night. <a data-passage="1.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I walk outside and face the chilled night air that represents the passing of <<link 'Celesow'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Celesow is the last month in the year and is also the coldest and one of the longest. It is the month of trials. When Celesow strikes, it is much like Monsuna, striking without care. It's cold weather rushes in and chills the bones of all. Celesow challenges those living, testing their preparedness and all that they learned that year. Many see Celesow as the season that will make or break an individual.<</dialog>><</link>> upon the land. Soon this land will once again be met by somber clouds and gruesome winds. But this weather would help to heal and grow the earth, to once again allow it to see the ever-bright colors of <<link 'Monsuna'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Monsuna is the first month in the year and both the wettest and shortest month, known for it's thunderous storms and cloudy skies. It is the month of growth and new beginnings.<</dialog>><</link>>. The streets are emptying now as the people of <<link 'Akrisos'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Akrisos is a large town that sits to the north of the Prywth Forest, north east of Ipharia, and south of Brinecross. Despite it's closeness to Ipharia and size, it is a pretty ordinary town with nothing extremely interesting about it.<</dialog>><</link>> put down their tools after a long day of work. Heading home or to the tavern to finish off the day. [[Head to the tavern.][$tJeffrey = true]] [[Go check up on Isaak.][$isaak +=5]] [[Head straight home.]]
Since that nightmare, I had yet to go get a proper drink. I head towards the brightly lit tavern, the most popular place once the sun had left the sky in this town. It was near capacity when I enter. Everyone’s workday, save for that of the guards, had come to an end, and they saw no better way to end it than to drink it away. Some waved their ale mugs around while belting out tavern songs far out of tune. Others chose to drink in peace, securing themselves a table in the corner and content on merely watching the debauchery. The guards were the most raucous of the patrons, laughing loud enough for the entire tavern to get an ear full. They jumped on top of the tables, only to fall a few seconds later, and then start the cycle anew. I navigate the drunken waters until I’m at the bar, nodding towards the barkeep, Jeffrey. How he handled this every day, I would never know. “What’ll it be today, $name?” “Just pour me some ale, one mug will do for tonight.” He nods and heads to the large tankard to fulfill my order. I watch him for a time when a hand hits me harshly on the back, almost causing me to fall from the barstool that I was currently perched on. I look to see Ansellus beside me, grinning that stupid shit-eating grin that he always wore. “My good sir, Jeffrey, I’ll pay for this ?man’s ale.” [[“With what ruho?”][$ruho -=10; $ansellus -=5; $smug +=5]] [[“No, he won’t.”][$ruho -=10]] [[Say nothing.][$ansellus +=2; $smug -=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ “With what ruho?” I question with a curious smile, removing his hand and leaning forward on to the bar top, “how much does licking your superior’s boots get you nowadays anyway?” Ansellus leans towards me, his breath reeking of one too many drinks, his eyes almost glazed over, “you think you’re better than everyone,” he starts, and I reach out to push him away with my pointer finger. I smirk, “no, just you.” Any kind of amusement that was on his face a minute ago disappears. He turns to the people and points an accusing finger towards me. “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the witch who will ruin us all.” A few of the patrons stop and turn their attention to Ansellus, but many more ignore him, “a dream of good harvestings here, and a dream of favor with the gods there, all to hide ?his true purpose. ?He will destroy this town, because ?he’s just another crooked $species with too much power.” He turns, lowering his voice, as he leans in towards me again. “You and that master of yours. You’re disgusting.” [[“You’ve had a bit too much to drink.”][$hostile -=10]] [[“Says the magic-less Alyrian.”][$ansellus -=10; $insult = true; $hostile +=10]]
“No, he won’t,” I snarl, removing his hand and looking towards Jeffrey who nods in understanding. Ansellus leans towards me, his breath reeking of one too many drinks, his eyes almost glazed over. “You think you’re better than everyone,” he starts, and I reach out to push him away with my pointer finger. I smirk, “no, just you.” Any kind of amusement that was on his face a minute ago disappears. He turns to the people and points an accusing finger towards me. “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the witch who will ruin us all.” A few of the patrons stop and turn their attention to Ansellus, but many more ignore him, “a dream of good harvestings here, and a dream of favor with the gods there, all to hide ?his true purpose. ?He will destroy this town, because ?he’s just another crooked $species with too much power.” He turns, lowering his voice, as he leans in towards me again. “You and that master of yours. You’re disgusting.” [[“You’ve had a bit too much to drink.”][$hostile -=10]] [[“Says the magic-less Alyrian.”][$ansellus -=10; $insult = true; $hostile +=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ Who was I to say no to this kind and drunken gentleman? If Ansellus wished to use his hard-earned ruho from cleaning the boots of his superiors, then I would not stop him. He places the ruho down before turning to me again. “I’m surprised you accepted. You always act and walk around like you’re better than everyone.” I smirk, “no, just you.” Any kind of amusement that was on his face a minute ago disappears. He turns to the people and points an accusing finger towards me. “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the witch who will ruin us all.” A few of the patrons stop and turn their attention to Ansellus, but many more ignore him, “a dream of good harvestings here, and a dream of favor with the gods there, all to hide ?his true purpose. ?He will destroy this town, because ?he’s just another crooked $species with too much power.” He turns, lowering his voice, as he leans in towards me again. “You and that master of yours. You’re disgusting.” [[“You’ve had a bit too much to drink.”][$hostile -=10]] [[“Says the magic-less Alyrian.”][$ansellus -=10; $insult = true; $hostile +=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ I remain seated, thanking Jeffrey as he comes over with my mug, “I think you’ve had a bit too much to drink. Perhaps you should head home for the night.” To further prove my point, he stumbles against the bar, causing both Jeffrey and I to roll our eyes. “?He’s right, Ansellus. Go home,” Jeffrey commands. Ansellus looks to argue, but Jeffrey narrows his eyes, daring the man to do so. Instead, Ansellus grumbles and walks off, leaving me to finish my drink. “If only it were always as simple as ‘go home,’” I say to Jeffrey who chuckles. “Ansellus speaks out of his ass. You shouldn’t take his words as anything more than just misplaced shit.” “I’ll drink to that,” I chuckle, taking a long gulp of my drink, “any interesting news?” Jeffrey leans back, tapping his chin in thought, “I can’t think of much. Nothing besides the upcoming coronation.” How could I forget about an event such as that? “Some folks aren’t exactly happy about it,” he continues, meeting my eye. I had heard whispers on the wind, some even originated from this very tavern, all surrounding the premature coronation. One could hardly find a grey hair on King Tybalt’s head (though that was just an exaggeration, seeing that the King was bald) causing many to wonder why he wished for his son to ascend him so quickly. Thanking Jeffrey for the drink and the company, I turn in. Heading home and burying myself underneath the sheets of my bed. Allowing sleep to take me as another day awaits. <a data-passage="1.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Hostile ++</span> <</if>>\ I remain seated, thanking Jeffrey as he comes over with my mug, “says the magic-less //Alyrian//,” I state, putting extra emphasis on the one word that Humans seem to hate. No one I ever questioned has ever been able to tell me why collectively they all hated the word for which they were. I see Jeffrey roll his eyes but say nothing. Ansellus, on the other hand, bristles at the word. He lunges towards me when Jeffrey shouts at him. “Enough of that, Ansellus! Go ahead and make your way on home. $name came in here and you were the last thing on ?his mind.” Ansellus looks to argue, but Jeffrey narrows his eyes, daring the man to do so. Instead, Ansellus grumbles and walks off, leaving me to finish my drink. “Thanks are in order,” I tell Jeffrey, and he waves any further words away. “Ansellus speaks out of his ass. You shouldn’t take his words as anything more than just misplaced shit.” “I’ll drink to that,” I chuckle, taking a long gulp of my drink, “any interesting news?” Jeffrey leans back, tapping his chin in thought, “I can’t think of much. Nothing besides the upcoming coronation.” How could I forget about an event such as that? “Some folks aren’t exactly happy about it,” he continues, meeting my eye. I had heard whispers on the wind, some even originated from this very tavern, all surrounding the premature coronation. One could hardly find a grey hair on King Tybalt’s head (though that was just an exaggeration, seeing that the King was bald) causing many to wonder why he wished for his son to ascend him so quickly. Thanking Jeffrey for the drink and the company, I turn in. Heading home and burying myself underneath the sheets of my bed. Allowing sleep to take me as another day awaits. <a data-passage="1.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Before I head home, I decide to see how Isaak was doing. Ansellus messing with him wasn’t new, in fact, if there were ever a day that Ansellus left him alone, then I would be worried. No matter how many times I questioned Isaak though, he never gave me a reason for putting up with Ansellus’s crap. He just did. I get to Isaak’s house, noticing that the lantern at the back of his home was currently on. I wander there first, my curiosity growing as I get closer and hear someone grunting while something else hits the soil. “Isaak?” I question, taking in the scene once I’m fully behind the house. His field was destroyed, seedlings that had been so brave in breaching the soil now laid upon it dead. The entire field held holes of differing sizes, the imprint of hooves easily recognizable. “Fuck this!” Isaak shouts, hurling the shovel deep into the field. We both watch as it goes soaring, landing with a plop. He falls to his butt and glares at the ruined area as if it had done this to itself. “I’m sorry,” I murmur to him, sitting beside him and placing a hand on his shoulder. “Oh uh … it’s fi … fine. I mean.” Instead of continuing on, he closes his mouth and just stares out at the field. “Can your next dream tell me when I get the hell out of this town?” he questions, and I chuckle softly. “I told you about personal requests. My dreams don’t work like that. And even so, would you leave your mother? This farm has been in your –” “Don’t finish that sentence, $name. I beg of you.” He looks at me with large, hopeless eyes and points to the field, “you were destined to be a farmer, Isaak,” he mimics, sounding awfully close to the town’s shaman. I was relieved to not be born here, for when I heard that everyone here upon birth was given a specific job, it bewildered me. The shaman would visit a newborn and, I suppose through divine intervention, would tell the family what the child would grow to be. Isaak, like the rest of the men in his family, always was told farmer. [[“You don’t even try to be good at this.”][$care -=5]] [[“Then be something else.”][$care +=5]] [[“You’ll be the first to know if my dreams mention you.”]]
<<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ <<set $empathy -=2>> <</if>>\ <<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ “I would understand if you actually tried to farm. But you don’t, do you even want to be good at this?” “I do,” he growls, “I try so hard, but just because you try at something doesn’t mean you’re destined to be great at it. Farming, there’s an art to it. I understand that, and … I just don’t have what it takes. And no, I don’t want to do this. So how can I possibly throw my all into it when I won’t even care?” After a few minutes of sitting quietly, Isaak rises to his feet, helping me up as well. His hands linger, and only when he realizes that my hands were still in his does he drop them as if they had burned him. He fights to hide a forming blush while he rubs his arm, “thanks … for checking on me. And listening to me rant.” [[“No problem.”]] [[Hug him goodnight.][$isaak +=3]]
<<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ <<set $empathy +=2>> <</if>>\ <<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ “Then be something else, it’s not that hard,” I point out, and he shakes his head, also rolling his eyes. “Says the witch that was able to get an apprenticeship with a Master of his craft.” He stops himself, his eyes widening as he looks at me remorsefully. “You didn’t see my Selection. Only two instructors showed up, one of them was a tailor and the other had to do with farming. And the tailor barely showed interest in me as it was. Either I chose the farmer, or I was going to be the first lad here without an apprenticeship at my age. I couldn’t do that to my mom.” After a few minutes of sitting quietly, Isaak rises to his feet, helping me up as well. His hands linger, and only when he realizes that my hands were still in his does he drop them as if they had burned him. He fights to hide a forming blush while he rubs his arm, “thanks … for checking on me. And listening to me rant.” [[“No problem.”]] [[Hug him goodnight.][$isaak +=3]]
“Well … you’ll be the first to know if my dreams mention you, okay?” Isaak fights to smile and nods his head in thanks. After a few minutes of sitting quietly, Isaak rises to his feet, helping me up as well. His hands linger, and only when he realizes that my hands were still in his does he drop them as if they had burned him. He fights to hide a forming blush while he rubs his arm, “thanks … for checking on me. And listening to me rant.” [[“No problem.”]] [[Hug him goodnight.][$isaak +=3]]
“No problem,” I tell him with a large smile, playfully tapping his shoulder before waving goodbye. He shouts goodnight behind me before I hear his door close as he goes inside. <a data-passage="1.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You don’t have to thank me, Isaak,” I tell him, yanking him into a tight and comforting hug. He immediately hugs me back, melting in my embrace before softly squeezing me and then moving back. I tell him goodnight and begin my walk home. <a data-passage="1.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I decide to head straight home after a long and tiring day. I make brief conversation with a few of those who initiate it, wave to others, and almost collapse on my bed when I walk through my home. <a data-passage="1.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png"> //Raindrops.// //A bright sun. A loving wind.// //Drip. Thunder in the distance. Drop. Lighting striking the horizon.// //Cheering. Bright smiles. Laughter. Hands meeting hips, lips meeting cheeks. Families coming together, hearts combining into one. Dancing in the square. Tables adorned with a bountiful harvest. Colors intermingling, contrasting.// //Sun plays his flute. Moon her harp. And Darkness, his lute.// <a data-passage="1.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
When the first beams of light break through my window, I awake with a soft smile and a hopeful heart. My dream from the previous night comes to me, the love and cheer contained within it, overwhelming. I quickly throw on my clothes and head to the shaman’s house, a task that I did every time I was graced with a new dream. Most of these dreams were for the town, a few for the kingdom. That’s what helped me make a name for myself here and further out in the kingdom, the witch that could see through ?his dreams. Before wishing to pursue my studies under a master, I would venture around and, if the gods blessed my dreams, later tell the town what I had seen. The shaman’s house was perhaps the smallest house in the town. One entered and was immediately met by hanging herbs and a smoky fragrance that always smelt of something different with each visit. “Ah ha, <<if $species is "Kren">>sister<<else>>$name<</if>>,” I hear the shaman shout, though I see him nowhere. I search the small bedroom that he called his, and then head to the only slightly larger kitchen area. He was there, in front of his fire and stirring something in a chipped brown bowl. “Joining me for breakfast?” The older Kren had a broad smile on his face, nodding to the dish. [[“No, thank you.”]] [[“Sure, thanks.”][$soup = true]] [[Stare at the bowl and then at him.]]
I eye the dark grey soup within the pot, a color that I never knew could be associated with soup. “No, thank you.” “What do I owe the pleasure? Another dream, perhaps?” I nod, and he claps his hands, ignoring the spoon that drops from his grasp, and the soup entirely as he comes up to me. “Quite splendid. I will spread the word, and later today we will assemble like normal.” I nod my thanks to him before leaving, quickly hurrying to my master’s home. I open the door, freezing when I see that my master had a guest. A man wearing a black mantle with silver embroidery, paired with a simple pair of hose, stood in the middle of the shop. A bag is slung over his shoulder and rests at his side, the symbol of Nidinia emblazoned on it. “My apologies, I didn’t know you had a guest.” “$name,” my master begins, beckoning me in before gesturing to the man, “allow me to introduce you to Nathaniel, the King’s Messenger.” “Oh,” I state, nodding my head to the man as he turned to me and did the same. “I am here on orders from the king, to formally invite you, and your master, to the Coronation Ball.” With his words, he hands me a rolled-up parchment scroll. On it was more or less what the man had just said. It was intended to be my invitation, and ticket. [[“Why does the King truly wish for my presence?”][$smug +=10]] [[“Thank you, we would be glad to attend.”][$smug -=10]]
I eye the dark grey soup within the pot. Appearance wise it didn’t seem very wise, but I had learned that judging things simply because of presentation was ignorant. He grabs a spare bowl and puts about three large spoonfuls within, handing it to me. “What do I owe the pleasure? Another dream, perhaps?” I nod, and he claps his hands, ignoring the spoon that drops from his grasp, and the soup entirely as he comes up to me. I take this time to taste the soup, shocked that the appearance did little to help the delicious taste. A series of different sensations dance across my tongue, all melding into one as it leaps down my throat. It warms my stomach, reminding me of a wintry afternoon by the fire. “Quite splendid. I will spread the word, and later today we will assemble like normal.” I nod my thanks to him before leaving, quickly hurrying to my master’s home. I open the door, freezing when I see that my master had a guest. A man wearing a black mantle with silver embroidery, paired with a simple pair of hose, stood in the middle of the shop. A bag is slung over his shoulder and rests at his side, the symbol of Nidinia emblazoned on it. “My apologies, I didn’t know you had a guest.” “$name,” my master begins, beckoning me in before gesturing to the man, “allow me to introduce you to Nathaniel, the King’s Messenger.” “Oh,” I state, nodding my head to the man as he turned to me and did the same. “I am here on orders from the king, to formally invite you, and your master, to the Coronation Ball.” With his words, he hands me a rolled-up parchment scroll. On it was more or less what the man had just said. It was intended to be my invitation, and ticket. [[“Why does the King truly wish for my presence?”][$smug +=10]] [[“Thank you, we would be glad to attend.”][$smug -=10]]
I eye the dark grey soup within the pot, a color that I never knew could be associated with soup. In distaste, I glance over at the shaman, believing that he understands exactly why I’m making this face. He huffs defensively and shrugs. “What do I owe the pleasure? Another dream, perhaps?” I nod, and he claps his hands, ignoring the spoon that drops from his grasp, and the soup entirely as he comes up to me. “Quite splendid. I will spread the word, and later today we will assemble like normal.” I nod my thanks to him before leaving, quickly hurrying to my master’s home. I open the door, freezing when I see that my master had a guest. A man wearing a black mantle with silver embroidery, paired with a simple pair of hose, stood in the middle of the shop. A bag is slung over his shoulder and rests at his side, the symbol of Nidinia emblazoned on it. “My apologies, I didn’t know you had a guest.” “$name,” my master begins, beckoning me in before gesturing to the man, “allow me to introduce you to Nathaniel, the King’s Messenger.” “Oh,” I state, nodding my head to the man as he turned to me and did the same. “I am here on orders from the king, to formally invite you, and your master, to the Coronation Ball.” With his words, he hands me a rolled-up parchment scroll. On it was more or less what the man had just said. It was intended to be my invitation, and ticket. [[“Why does the King truly wish for my presence?”][$smug +=10]] [[“Thank you, we would be glad to attend.”][$smug -=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ “I'm honored, but I fail to understand why the King would wish for //my// presence.” “You are wise to question. The King and the soon to be King both wish for the Dream Seer to tell the kingdom of its fate.” That made perfect sense, but I don’t wish to be beheaded because my ludá didn’t wish to work like they had envisioned. “Does King Tybalt know that my ludá doesn’t work upon command?” The Messenger nods his head, “he told me to tell you that if such thing is to take place, then he still wishes for you to tell the courts something. Something to ease their hearts and give them hope.” Ah, so he wished for me to lie, if only to appease the growing concerns of the courts. I nod, placing the invitation into my pack. “It has been good meeting you both, and I look forward to seeing you at the coronation. Good day,” the Messenger bows slightly one last time before seeing his way out. My attention is now wholly on my master. “Or perhaps he will only be seeing me?” I ask, and my master groans inwardly. “These old bones despise travel nowadays.” “You say that as if you haven’t been daydreaming of new explorations for some time.” “My apologies. These old bones despise traveling to that crowded town they call a capital.” “I doubt they will appreciate you not accepting an invitation, personally delivered no less.” “I’m sure that I only received an invitation because they asked for your presence. Therefore, not extending one to me would be rude.” I snort, “you find it far ruder that they did offer.” “You’re correct. Hmm, I suppose I could pay Delilah a much-needed visit.” I raise a brow at the name that I had never heard before. Slinking closer to my master, I tap his shoulder inquisitively. “So, who’s Delilah?” I wiggle my brows while drawing out her name. He chuckles and rolls his eyes, “she’s my daughter.” I gasp, making it sound as if I’m feigning shock, though I really am shocked. Master Audouin wasn’t known to speak about his past with me frequently, but I knew enough to trust him, as he knew enough to trust me as well. And though he was still a highly mysterious man, over the last year, he has let his guard drop tremendously with me. “Master, I didn’t know you had a secret lover. What happened?” “It is a dull tale,” he informs, playing with his beard as he avoids eye contact with me, “and our lost romance is a ridiculous one.” [[Pressure him to tell me.][$audouin +=1; $delilahTold = true]] [[Leave it alone.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ “Thank you for delivering this to us,” I say with a smile, “we both would be glad to attend.” My master raises a brow but says nothing. “That is grand news. I look forward to seeing you at the coronation. Good day,” the Messenger bows slightly one last time before seeing his way out. My attention is now wholly on my master. “Or perhaps he will only be seeing me?” I ask, and my master groans inwardly. “These old bones despise travel nowadays.” “You say that as if you haven’t been daydreaming of new explorations for some time.” “My apologies. These old bones despise traveling to that crowded town they call a capital.” “I doubt they will appreciate you not accepting an invitation, personally delivered no less.” “I’m sure that I only received an invitation because they asked for your presence. Therefore, not extending one to me would be rude.” I snort, “you find it far ruder that they did offer.” <a data-passage="1.9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You’re correct. Hmm, I suppose I could pay Delilah a much-needed visit.” I raise a brow at the name that I had never heard before. Slinking closer to my master, I tap his shoulder inquisitively. “So, who’s Delilah?” I wiggle my brows while drawing out her name. He chuckles and rolls his eyes, “she’s my daughter.” I gasp, making it sound as if I’m feigning shock, though I really am shocked. Master Audouin wasn’t known to speak about his past with me frequently, but I knew enough to trust him, as he knew enough to trust me as well. And though he was still a highly mysterious man, over the last year, he has let his guard drop tremendously with me. “Master, I didn’t know you had a secret lover. What happened?” “It is a dull tale,” he informs, playing with his beard as he avoids eye contact with me, “and our lost romance is a ridiculous one.” [[Pressure him to tell me.][$audouin +=1; $delilahTold = true]] [[Leave it alone.]]
“Aw, come on. I doubt a tale such as this one could be described in such a way.” He gives me a look and with a chuckle, nods and walks to his open window. His nashi brightens up, shimmering such a bright gold that even royalty would be envious of. “Her name was Alvina,” he sighs longingly, “my lovely, Alvina.” I cock my head to the side as he looks into the distance forlornly, and though I wish to encourage him to continue, stay quiet. He smiles, and turns to me, “I met her in the square one day in this little out of the way town. I was there to learn more about a single flower that bloomed there once a season, a rare sight to see. And there she was, painting the flower and humming the prettiest song. She loved to paint, she did. For some odd reason, she painted me all the time,” he gestures to his face and raises a brow, sighing afterward. “She was a talented woman, and so curious. She took great interest in my abilities. Always wanting me to do a reading, to show her my cards. There was this one painting she did after I had told her my favorite card. The Wheel of Fortune … the painting she drew was so intense. I can see it and yet, I can hardly even describe it … I’m sorry.” I shake my head at his apology, “no need to express regret, I understand what you mean.” He nods firmly, narrowing his gaze on a dirty spot on the floor, and then glaring out the window, taking a keen interest in a smudge, “one day she asked me to do another reading. It was The Tower.” I sigh for him, knowing exactly what the tower meant, far too many had gotten such card when coming in for a reading. “She …” he looks down at his hands and clenches his eyes closed. “She believed the cards spoke of our relationship. We were having … issues, though they could easily be corrected. I suppose lying to her and saying it would all be okay was a waste as well,” he points to his nashi markings, “these darn things make it quite impossible to lie sometimes. She feared what that meant for us, and instead of fixing it, she ran. She took my child and ran. And that was the last I saw of her.” He looks at me, clearing his throat and straightening up. “But as I said, it was a dull tale, and I have wasted enough of both of our time. Perhaps we should discuss your dream though?” I nod, saying nothing more on the story that I was just told. <a data-passage="1.10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I nod, understanding when to push my master’s buttons, and when it was unwise. “Now then, let us discuss that dream of yours,” he says, taking a seat in his favorite chair. <a data-passage="1.10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $soup>>\ I reach for a chair, my mind wrongly estimating where it was and I almost trip. I steady myself, peeking over at my master who sits and stares at me with a raised and curious brow. “Are you okay?” he questions. I nod and sit; I was just clumsy. <</if>>\ “I think it was simple enough,” I begin to tell him, easily remembering the dream, “it started with raindrops, falling softly from the sky before in more of a hurry. The sun peeked over the hill and the wind followed close behind. Thunder and lighting in the distance. And then, celebration. A great feast and hopeful hearts. The mood was intoxicating and joyous. The High Gods each played their own instrument as they looked down upon the dancing town.” “And your thoughts?” he questions. “Monsuna will come down upon us with strong storms. Storms that will bring plenty rain but not enough to drown the plants. By Smoten, the town shall be faced with a wonderful bounty that will continue into Beasxos. The Smoten Festival will be a time of great celebration and love will take root in many hearts. All will be fine.” I gaze over at my master, and he nods in agreement, “the town will be glad to hear such a fortune. Come, we should form a list of things to bring to the capital. We can also do a review as we go. Hopefully, we can finish before you must go in front of the town and tell them what they all wish to hear.” I stand and stretch, asking “what do you want to review?” <a data-passage="1.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“How about the specialist focuses and activation symbols.” I nod, already knowing about the activation symbols needed but not knowing too much about specialist focuses.” “You know about the activation symbols due to performing spells in the past,” Master Audouin begins, “no matter what spell you do, you will always draw one or more of the activation symbols being …” He gazes at me, looking to see if I can finish his sentence. [[Earth, water, air, fire, darkness, and light.]] [[Earth, water, air, fire, wind, and metal.]] [[Earth, water, air, fire, body, and spirit.]]
I repeat what I believe is to be all the activation symbols, but Master Audouin shakes his head, “you almost got it, but switch darkness and light for body and spirit.” “These activation symbols are paired with the specializations and will always need to be activated to use. This is why some wielders will get magically imbued tattoos of the activation symbols, to make it easier and faster to trigger spells. The focuses, though, I don’t think we’ve gone over them since it’s not a requirement for specializations.” My master pauses as he takes a moment to write down something on the list in his hands, squinting in thought before coming back to the lesson. <a data-passage="1.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I repeat what I believe is to be all the activation symbols, but Master Audouin shakes his head, “you almost got it, but switch wind and metal for body and spirit.” “These activation symbols are paired with the specializations and will always need to be activated to use. This is why some wielders will get magically imbued tattoos of the activation symbols, to make it easier and faster to trigger spells. The focuses, though, I don’t think we’ve gone over them since it’s not a requirement for specializations.” My master pauses as he takes a moment to write down something on the list in his hands, squinting in thought before coming back to the lesson. <a data-passage="1.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I repeat what I believe is to be all the activation symbols, and Master Audouin gives me a nod of approval. “These activation symbols are paired with the specializations and will always need to be activated to use. This is why some wielders will get magically imbued tattoos of the activation symbols, to make it easier and faster to trigger spells. The focuses, though, I don’t think we’ve gone over them since it’s not a requirement for specializations.” My master pauses as he takes a moment to write down something on the list in his hands, squinting in thought before coming back to the lesson. <a data-passage="1.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Body and chaos are both known as energy focused, meaning they need a substantial amount of energy to sustain and be of any use to the wielder. One can do this by using talismans that can either give the wielder a larger pool of energy or siphon energy off of something. Tarot and the healing specialization are known as skill focused. The more you know and actively use it, the better you get. This is why mastering the two of these take so long, you can’t rush it or overburden yourself to try and speed up the mastering process. Finally, we have the spiritual specialization, which is soul focused. You need to be balanced, to know yourself, and how to meditate to make this specialization easier. There are talismans for this one too, ones that can help block out the world or put you in a calm state of mind.” My master continues to speak about the specializations and how to better prepare oneself. I listen as I make my list, my mind on his voice as well as what will come later, telling the town of my dreams. <img src="images/divider.png"> <<if $soup>>\ We spend the remaining part of the day tending to customers and creating a list for the trip, or my master does anyway. My mind takes me on a journey that becomes increasingly hard to hide from my master’s watchful eye. At one point, a customer questions me about a specific potion, and I begin to tell them how vital each ingredient is to the world. <<else>>\ We spend the remaining part of the day tending to customers and creating a list for the trip. We would be traveling with the Lord’s party but would be allowed to bring our own wagon. Knowing my master, he will wish to do some business while on the road. <</if>>\ Far too soon does the time to speak to the town arrive, and I follow my master towards the main square where most of the townsfolk are now gathering. To think, they all dropped what they were doing to come and hear what I had to say. [[They had better, this concerned them.][$care +=2]] [[I had far more power than I give myself credit.][$smug +=5]] [[This always made me nervous.][$smug -=5]] [[Time to get this over with, I had better things to do.][$hostile +=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ I snort at my own thought. Why wouldn’t they come? Where was the point in not attending when it would affect their future? What if I had some grave news and no one had shown? I suppose that would just be doom on all of them. “<<if $species is "Kren">>Sister Kren<<else>>$name<</if>>,” the shaman starts, motioning for me to join him on the small makeshift stage. I follow behind him, gazing at the numerous faces that I was now gazing out at. Many of them were friendly faces, faces I have grown accustomed to. A few were faces I never felt were needed to be learned. Whether they lived in the town or not, they were faces that I didn’t see on my everyday ventures, and therefore they stayed nameless. Now that I was up here though, I would have to figure out how to tell them. [[Pull a prank first.][$honesty -=10]] [[Straight and to the point.][$honesty +=10]] [[Oh gods, here we go.][$smug -=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ To think, I could stand before them and say that my dream showed me a town throwing all of their dear belongings into the river, stating that the gods needed to be appeased. I could tell them anything and as long as I made it sound eloquent, they would probably believe me. “<<if $species is "Kren">>Sister Kren<<else>>$name<</if>>,” the shaman starts, motioning for me to join him on the small makeshift stage. I follow behind him, gazing at the numerous faces that I was now gazing out at. Many of them were friendly faces, faces I have grown accustomed to. A few were faces I never felt were needed to be learned. Whether they lived in the town or not, they were faces that I didn’t see on my everyday ventures, and therefore they stayed nameless. Now that I was up here though, I would have to figure out how to tell them. [[Pull a prank first.][$honesty -=10]] [[Straight and to the point.][$honesty +=10]] [[Oh gods, here we go.][$smug -=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ I wasn’t a talker, and sometimes I missed how I would do this sort of thing while out on the road. I would tell an important figure of the town, and they would go and spread the word of what I had said. How I got roped into telling an entire town myself, I fail to remember. “<<if $species is "Kren">>Sister Kren<<else>>$name<</if>>,” the shaman starts, motioning for me to join him on the small makeshift stage. I follow behind him, gazing at the numerous faces that I was now gazing out at. Many of them were friendly faces, faces I have grown accustomed to. A few were faces I never felt were needed to be learned. Whether they lived in the town or not, they were faces that I didn’t see on my everyday ventures, and therefore they stayed nameless. Now that I was up here though, I would have to figure out how to tell them. [[Pull a prank first.][$honesty -=10]] [[Straight and to the point.][$honesty +=10]] [[Oh gods, here we go.][$smug -=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Hostile ++</span> <</if>>\ I despised these things, almost so much that I questioned whether or not to tell the shaman when I was gifted with a dream. But then, I would be asked endlessly by him and the people of the town, all of them wishing to know if I had received anything recently. “<<if $species is "Kren">>Sister Kren<<else>>$name<</if>>,” the shaman starts, motioning for me to join him on the small makeshift stage. I follow behind him, gazing at the numerous faces that I was now gazing out at. Many of them were friendly faces, faces I have grown accustomed to. A few were faces I never felt were needed to be learned. Whether they lived in the town or not, they were faces that I didn’t see on my everyday ventures, and therefore they stayed nameless. Now that I was up here though, I would have to figure out how to tell them. [[Pull a prank first.][$honesty -=10]] [[Straight and to the point.][$honesty +=10]] [[Oh gods, here we go.][$smug -=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ <<if $soup>>\ <<include "SoupTalk">> <<else>>\ “I had a dream last night,” I begin, thinking through my choice in words as I stare out at them, “a dream that told me of this town’s demise.” That immediately made them gasp, eyes widening as they turn to their neighbor in fear. “Can we avoid it?” a voice calls out and I sigh sadly, about to tell him that my dreams always came true, they were written in fate. Before I can utter such thing, a deep voice behind me clears his throat, and I turn to see my master giving me a reprimanding look. I lightly smirk, turning back to the crowd, “I’m sorry, I was kidding. Just a little joke.” My reassurance causes them all to sigh in unison, some laugh, some eye me wearily, and others simply mumble and then wait for my real news. “My dream was actually about the seasons to come. Monsuna, with all its fury, will send in its storms to drown the land. But fear not, for it will be kind, and love still exists in its heart, and it will only do enough to water the lands and cleanse our souls. By the time Smoten and Beasxos arrive, the land will be bountiful, and harvests will be fruitful. The Smoten Festival will be kept dear to all of our hearts as they flutter off due to confessions of love and our dancing feet will allow them to flee, for the music will be too strong.” My words earn me a standing ovation, the town erupting into cheers and screams of happiness. I watch as farmers hug one another, shop-keeps shake hands as they probably think over the best time to sell their wares. And I even see a few wandering eyes, meeting those that they share a connection with. With my job done, I get down off the pedestal and walk over to my master. “You are getting better at this,” he tells me, setting his hand on my shoulder softly, a wide grin then appears, “perhaps you are wrong, maybe this is your calling.” “Don’t you dare,” I chuckle, shooing us away from the square. One thing I didn’t want was for the crowd to engulf me with their individual questions. No matter how many times I say it, they always believed that my dreams touched on individual faces and fates. Their questions were more for the cards than my dreams. <a data-passage="1.13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honesty ++</span> <</if>>\ <<if $soup>>\ <<include "SoupTalk">> <<else>>\ I clear my throat, sighing inwardly as I gather my thoughts and try to think of ways to condense them. “My dream spoke of Monsuna’s rains, and the ferocity in which they would fall. Worry not, for they won’t drown your plants or this land, Monsuna still has love in its heart for the town of Akrisos. By the time Smoten and Beasxos arrive, the land will be bountiful, and harvests will be fruitful. The Smoten Festival will be one to remember.” My words earn me a standing ovation, the town erupting into cheers and screams of happiness. I watch as farmers hug one another, shop-keeps shake hands as they probably think over the best time to sell their wares. And I even see a few wandering eyes, meeting those that they share a connection with. With my job done, I get down off the pedestal and walk over to my master. “You are indeed one of few words,” he tells me. “The quicker I get it over with, the faster we can escape,” I chuckle, shooing us away from the square. One thing I didn’t want was for the crowd to engulf me with their individual questions. No matter how many times I say it, they always believed that my dreams touched on individual faces and fates. Their questions were more for the cards than my dreams. <a data-passage="1.13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ <<if $soup>>\ <<include "SoupTalk">> <<else>>\ I face the crowd and immediately feel my hands get clammy, and a cold chill overtakes my body. My eyes go from one face to the other, and before long, they all end up looking like the same person. I open my mouth but find that my throat is dry, and my voice has hidden itself away. “You can do this,” I hear my master whisper behind me, and feel his calming presence at my side, though he still stands off to the side. I take in a deep, shaky breath and begin. “My dream spoke of Monsuna’s rains, and the ferocity in which they would fall. Worry not, for they won’t drown your plants or this land, Monsuna still has love in its heart for the town of Akrisos. By the time Smoten and Beasxos arrive, the land will be bountiful, and harvests will be fruitful. The Smoten Festival will be filled with laughter and dance, and love will have sprouted in some, ready to be plucked and gifted to another.” My words earn me a standing ovation, the town erupting into cheers and screams of happiness. I watch as farmers hug one another, shop-keeps shake hands as they probably think over the best time to sell their wares. And I even see a few wandering eyes, meeting those that they share a connection with. With my job done, I get down off the pedestal and walk over to my master. “Are you okay?” my master asks, quickly guiding me away from the crowd and back towards the shop. “Breathe, ground yourself. Perhaps I should be the one to go up there for now on.” “No,” I tell him, this not being the first time that we have discussed this, “it will be more genuine coming from me, and I need to learn how to conquer my nerves.” He doesn’t look happy about it, but he respects my decision and nods. <a data-passage="1.13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I busy my time listening to my master’s humming in the next room over, while I go over his newest teachings. The notes I took sit to the right of me, the books he gave me to look over, directly in front of me. And yet, my eyes are trained on the mirror that he had hung up some time ago, mostly for those who need to see the glamour that he had applied to those who asked for such thing. I stare into it, gazing at my eyes. The eyes that cause so much trouble and have gifted me in so many ways. I’ve found myself looking at them far more often now due to that nightmare. It still unnerved me, though I liked to think that I was over it. Perhaps it was master’s doppelgänger that caused the nightmare to stick out or the whisper in the air that we were being watched. I recall a time when I was young and clueless to the idea that one’s eyes could tell a story, without the individual ever speaking. Blind, that was a foreign word to me. One who couldn’t see. And yet, I never remember not being able to do such a thing. I could pick out certain things from my childhood that always stuck with me, though ironically, I was never able to remember the faces of those who called themselves parents. Glimpses, far too quick for me to grasp and cling to, would race through my mind. It felt more like a missing memory than anything else, my mind trying to reclaim it, but it was always too slippery. Or perhaps, my mind had fabricated that, given me false hopes as it decided to come up with a backstory for my eyes, for why I was never like another. For why I received looks of pity from those I passed, looks that would sometimes morph into confusion, and even at times fright. [[I hated my eyes.->1.14]] [[I adored my eyes.->1.14]] [[I couldn’t help what I was born with.->1.14]]
<<if $species is "Kren">>\ Though it was rare, I also sometimes had to face those who thought that I deserved whatever misfortune came to me. I remember one such man laughing when he first saw me, stating that all Kren deserved some kind of deformity due to how high we, as a people, held ourselves. He had yet to realize that my supposed impairment wasn’t real, that I could see his foul nature as clearly as any other. He wasn’t the only one either, I had met many who took their pity or misguided thoughts one step further than need be. They saw my species, my race, as my backstory. As if all Kren shared the same origins and struggles. For one, I never knew the forests that many of my people did. Perhaps one day I would, I had literally forever to do so. Yet, I was in no rush. <<elseif $species is "Cimmerian">>\ But fright was a look that I had gotten used to. My appearance alone already brought about fear and dubious glares, my eyes either drew pity or caused others to think that fate had intervened. I remember one such man spitting towards me, smirking as he stated that I deserved whatever had given me these eyes. Of course, in the end, he was the ignorant one, not knowing that these eyes were just like any other. But that mattered little to him and those who agreed with his words. They saw a Cimmerian, nothing more. <<elseif $species is "Uqanan">>\ But fright was a look that I had gotten used to. I couldn’t recall a time where someone hadn’t looked upon me and immediately withdrew into themselves (not counting Isaak, of course). My stature, compared to many of the other species, was large and towering. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for many to accept me, but not all of those open arms were welcoming. Some saw my perceived impairment as a means to belittle me behind my back, believing that I failed to see them. I watched with narrowed eyes as they mocked and insulted me, only to try and be kind to me a minute later. <<else>>\ In a world that usually overlooked people like me, my eyes did little to aid me in the skill set of disappearing. When I was younger, I remember walking around and immediately feeling the pity that everyone felt washing over me. A bucket of freezing cold water dumped on my head, drenching me and seeping into my skin until it could reach my bone. Their emotions became mine, and I soon felt pity and hatred for myself. It took a long time to realize how to control an ability that I never truly knew I had. And even today, I still had trouble. <</if>>\ “$name?” I shake myself from my thoughts, looking up to see my master right beside me, a look of worry residing in his soft golden-brown eyes. It was a look I received far too many times. I sigh and glare at the words in front of me, though I make out none of the text, “how long have you been calling me?” “For some time now. Are you sure you’re okay? Perhaps you should go home, give yourself a break?” “No, I need to finish this lesson.” “You need to finally get a good night’s sleep. First, the nightmare, then the dream. I pray to <<link 'Moon'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Moon is one of the three High Gods, and twin sister to Sun. She was created by Charznos and Orain to govern over Jiwenia Intro. Moon is understanding, calm, caring, and far more emotional than the other two High Gods. She shows care for every living thing on the planet, regardless of origins, and believes strongly in second chances. She believes that each creation has a light within them, and it is up to them, and those around them, to bring it out.<</dialog>><</link>> that she blesses you with idleness.” I look to argue further but refrain, knowing that I would not win this fight. I bid him goodnight as I head towards my hut, finding the venture there dull. I close the door and change to my nightwear. [[Pray to Moon.][$pious +=10]] [[Go to bed immediately.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Devotion ++</span> <</if>>\ I sit on my bed and close my eyes, taking a deep breath in as I bow my head. I whisper a short prayer to Moon, Guider of Paths and Maker of the Stars. I pray for her to watch over my dreams, to guide them as she saw fit, and to bless me with an irenic night. With my prayer uttered, I close my eyes and drift off into sleep. <a data-passage="Chapter Two"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I yawn, collapsing onto my bed and bringing the covers over me. Here’s to hoping for an irenic night. <a data-passage="Chapter Two"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I open my mouth to speak and instead begin to sway, my eyes focusing on every bright color it could and then starts to desaturate it. Or was that just the clouds. I jerk in my spot and glare up at the sky as if it would open up and rain would fall down upon us. “Uh, $name?” my master whispers, and I wave him away, pausing when I realize I was waving at the wrong person. “So, I had a dream,” I begin with a broad smile, “that there would be rain. And then more rain. And more rain, and guess what,” I pause as if to give everyone time to guess. “More rain?” a voice questions from the crowd. “Wrong! Hail. It will be … wet. Very wet.” I wander to the edge of the stage that I stand on and sit, swinging my feet as I look at those right in front of me. I poke out my lip and toss my head from side to side. “But what is wet? What is water and spring, and why do we need it? Water is life. It’s purity. It comes from those little white cloud things, and it falls down upon us. You know why? Because the clouds want to clean us. From all the way up there, they see dirt, and they’re like clean it. But,” I stop myself as I stare up at the clouds, “what are clouds even made of? And why water? Why not fire? What does water even taste like? How do you explain that to a baby or a child?” I narrow my eyes on the crowd that stands before me in what I think is confusion. My brain wasn’t actually deciphering everything like it typically did. “Are fishes wet?” <a data-passage="1.12.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Alright,” I hear my master shout and turn to see him helping me to my feet, “it’s a good thing that I remember what you told me.” “No,” the shaman inserted, “?he asked an excellent question. Are they?” My master covers my mouth, keeping me from continuing my query as he tells the crowd about my dreams and what it meant for the town. While he does that, I continue to think to myself about my own self-asked questions. Once he was done, he leads me away, stopping and turning to me, “did you have some of the shaman’s soup?” I nod. “I see. Come, let us get you back to normal,” he tells me, leading me back to the store. <a data-passage="1.13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<set $guidance = false; $cloneMet = false; $tombMet = false; $demonMet = false; $skeleton_found = false; $gamePlayed = false; $q1 = false; $q2 = false; $q3 = false; $q4 = false; $q5 = false; $q6 = false; $q7 = false; $q8 = false; $q9 = false; $q10 = false; $q11 = false; $answers to 0; $answer1 = "audouin"; $answer2 = "monsuna"; $answer3 = "ingram"; $answer4 = "trick"; $answer5 = "ragrez"; $clone to 0; $demon to 0; $farcorner to 0; $chest to 0; $table to 0; $powAsked = false>> <<unset $beast, $ditch>> <<endnobr>> <img src="images/seven.png"> Outside there are two mounts already saddled up and looking antsy to get started. One is a dapple-grey horse, probably one of the ones that the Kren confiscated from the fallen guards. The other is a great elk, his coat the color of cider and his eyes a lovely and soft marigold. His rack was larger than most elk that I’ve seen, even those of full-grown males. I simply assume that he is a different species of great elk, perhaps one native to Prywth Forest. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword') or $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ Tsintah approaches the horse and fiddles with one of its saddlebags, turning back to me and holding out the <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword')>>short sword<<else>>dagger<</if>> that had been taken from me when I had first arrived. “You might need it,” she mumbles, and I take them from her, just barely making out my own reflection due to the light of the moon. <</if>>\ “Also, if you wish, I grabbed some clothes that might treat you better during your stay in the forest.” I glance down at the folded clothes in her hands, taking them and looking to see what they were. They were Kren in nature, almost resembling the same armor that I had seen the archers wear, but lighter. Muddy brown pants, a tight tan undershirt with one side consisting of a long sleeve, the other without. And lastly was a subtle green skivck, a cloak that stopped at the upper chest with a hood and sometimes would either hold sleeves or none. This particular one held sleeves. [[Wear it.]] [[Refuse it.]]
<<nobr>><<pickup '$clothingInventory' 'Kren outfit'>><</nobr>> I tell her to give me a minute, heading inside a nearby hut to change. The clothing fit perfectly, and I instantly realized that the outfit was made to insulate one from the harsh weather. I leave and look to Tsintah, who glances over at me, her eyes taking me in. “How do I look?” She says nothing, staring at me and then looking away, waiting for me to mount so that we could go. She mounts the elk before turning to look at me, “stay close and stay vigilant.” I follow her away from the still slumbering village. Much like the village, the forest slept as well, unaware of those moving through it. I was relying more so on the horse unconsciously following behind Tsintah and her elk, than me paying attention. My attention was mostly on the few sounds originating from our peaceful surroundings. Mostly that of insects, along with the crunching of hooves trampling dead grass. In addition to that was also the sound of rushing water, though the direction in which it came from I did not know. I gaze at the back of my companion, wondering how long she had been trying to wake me. And inevitably, that led me to the dream I had experienced. Something was wrong, and for some reason, I felt like it went well beyond my disheveled chakras. Any dreams or nightmares that were portentous in nature shouldn’t be occurring, the chikrin adorning my neck made sure of that. So, I could rule that out. In addition, that … dream didn’t have a deeper meaning. There was no fragmented incorporeal voice conveying a message that it knew I wouldn’t understand. [[The most important thing was figuring out my chakras.->7.1]] [[I needed to get this chikrin off first and foremost though.->7.1]] [[What I needed to know was more about that voice.->7.1]] [[That figure from my dreams, I need to learn more about them.->7.1]]
I shake my head and pass the clothing back to Tsintah who puts it down on some random bench. She mounts the elk before turning to look at me, “stay close and stay vigilant.” I follow her away from the still slumbering village. Much like the village, the forest slept as well, unaware of those moving through it. I was relying more so on the horse unconsciously following behind Tsintah and her elk, than me paying attention. My attention was mostly on the few sounds originating from our peaceful surroundings. Mostly that of insects, along with the crunching of hooves trampling dead grass. In addition to that was also the sound of rushing water, though the direction in which it came from I did not know. I gaze at the back of my companion, wondering how long she had been trying to wake me. And inevitably, that led me to the dream I had experienced. Something was wrong, and for some reason, I felt like it went well beyond my disheveled chakras. Any dreams or nightmares that were portentous in nature shouldn’t be occurring, the chikrin adorning my neck made sure of that. So, I could rule that out. In addition, that … dream didn’t have a deeper meaning. There was no fragmented incorporeal voice conveying a message that it knew I wouldn’t understand. [[The most important thing was figuring out my chakras.->7.1]] [[I needed to get this chikrin off first and foremost though.->7.1]] [[What I needed to know was more about that voice.->7.1]] [[That figure from my dreams, I need to learn more about them.->7.1]]
I come back from my thoughts, feeling sick. The ground below us zipping past us far faster than it should. Pricks of pain appear in my head, feeling much like a needle, discontent with simply perforating skin but wishing to pierce organs. In the distance, there is a light hum, a symphony filled with flutes and complete with a choir. The forest sways to the music that only I seem able to hear, the wind whispers for me to investigate. It strikes my internal curiosity chords, encouraging me to dismount and find out the answer. “$name!” Tsintah shouts. I turn to face her but no longer see her. The orchestra of sound grows louder, rattling my bones. [[Fight it.->7.1FightIt]] [[Give in.->7.1GiveIn]] [[Scream for Tsintah.]]
I block out the music that has now added in an ominous baritone sound. It surrounds me, questioning my strength and ability to fight. Even I begin to question my own resolve. But I have to fight it, lest it pulls me down. I grip the horse’s mane, only for my grip to clench around dirt instead. The horse was gone, Tsintah was gone. I stand in a small clearing on my own. The forest around me sways to the music, beckoning me to come closer. <<if $chakra is "heart">>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability +=2>><</nobr>> “No,” I shout, covering my ears, but it does no good. The music wasn’t just out there, it felt like it was inside me. My entire body shakes, unable to keep it out. Unable to fight whatever was taking control. What if I just gave in? Allowed the music and the forest to lull me into its embrace? Would it really be all that bad? <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability -=5>><</nobr>> “No,” I shout, covering my ears, but it does no good. The music wasn’t just out there, it felt like it was inside me. My entire body shakes, unable to keep it out. Unable to fight whatever was taking control. <</if>>\ “$name.” The music vanishes, and when I glance up, I spot Tsintah and her elk standing over me. The horse that now stands directly to my right appears bored, opting to instead graze. “What … what happened?” “You let the forest in,” she says languidly, “come on, we’re almost there.” I now ride directly beside Tsintah. It was a task that required my full focus as to not run into her or cut off her path, but I needed such distraction. The forest’s music was no longer audible, but I felt it still. Light against my skin and telling me that if I ever lose my new sense of focus, it would be there to shepherd me back to its side. [[“So, about these ruins.”][$tsintah +=2]] [[“Earlier, about what you said …”]] [[“What is the Protector of the Wilds?”][$tsintah -=3; $powAsked = true]]
<<if $chakra is "throat">>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability +=2>><</nobr>> I sway to the music. It almost reminds me of the tales of the sirens. Beautiful spirits who lull you in by offering you what you desired most, promising to you everything you want for life. The whole eating part wasn’t my concern, not now anyway. The music was far too lovely to care about something like that. I couldn’t focus. I had probably fallen off my horse, but I didn’t care. The music itself dims, but a soft, reassuring voice grows louder and louder. No more pain, no more doubt … <<elseif $chakra is "crown">>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability +=2>><</nobr>> I close my eyes and give in to the music that surrounds me, noticing that it turns into a beautiful lullaby once I do. Everything about it becomes an enrapturing tale that the instruments play. Godsent, that’s the first word that comes to me when I seek to describe it. This was the music that the gods would listen to. Music that would bring a tear to their all-seeing eyes. To be granted the ability to listen to it too, to seem important enough for it … <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability -=5>><</nobr>> I drop my head, allowing the music to overwhelm me, to take what it wishes. Who was I to fight such a beautiful melody? An enthralling tale comprised solely of instruments. It was beautiful in so many ways. I blink, finding myself on the ground in a small clearing surrounded by trees. The horse that I had been riding is no longer there, I am alone. The music grows in volume, surrounding me, pulling me. And I allow it. <</if>>\ “$name.” The music vanishes, and when I glance up, I spot Tsintah and her elk standing over me. The horse that now stands directly to my right appears bored, opting to instead graze. “What … what happened?” “You let the forest in,” she says languidly, “come on, we’re almost there.” I now ride directly beside Tsintah. It was a task that required my full focus as to not run into her or cut off her path, but I needed such distraction. The forest’s music was no longer audible, but I felt it still. Light against my skin and telling me that if I ever lose my new sense of focus, it would be there to shepherd me back to its side. [[“So, about these ruins.”][$tsintah +=2]] [[“Earlier, about what you said …”]] [[“What is the Protector of the Wilds?”][$tsintah -=3; $powAsked = true]]
<<if $chakra is "navel">>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability +=2>><</nobr>> “Tsintah,” I manage to shout, “where the hell are you?” Anger rushes through me as I realize that she had left me to wander these woods on my own. “You damn Kren! You did this on purpose, didn’t you?” I dismount my horse, grabbing on to its reins when I notice that it continues to walk forward, as if in a trance of its own. “Tsintah! Do you hear me?” my voice carries over the music. This was my own fault, for trusting anyone at a time like this. Her, her tribe, the people of Ipharia, damnit the people of Nidinia were all the same. They only wish to see me burn, to see me face an unjust punishment. “Shut up!” I scream at the music, forced down to my knees by the unseen pressure. It blares in my ears, each instrument playing just for me right beside me. <<elseif $chakra is "sacral">>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability +=2>><</nobr>> “Tsintah,” I manage to shout, my eyes widening upon my understanding. I had done something wrong. I had wandered off the trail, I hadn’t listened or hadn’t paid attention. She told me to stick close and to stay vigilant. I allowed my mind to wander, and now I was paying for it. I had lost Tsintah, and the music only grew louder. Each chord strung reverberated deep inside me. I cling to the horse’s mane, only for my hands to come away gripping dirt. The horse was nowhere to be seen. “Please,” I beg to no one in particular, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do this.” In a way, I didn’t even understand what I was apologizing for. Somewhere deep within me, originating from the bottom of my spine, I could feel myself withering in a pool full of guilt. <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability -=5>><</nobr>> “Tsintah,” I scream, frantically turning around to spot the Kren who was supposed to escort me. She had been there just a minute ago. I could practically remember the tone in which she spoke her warning. “Tsintah,” I try again, out of breath all of a sudden. The air seems to weigh on my shoulders. The music turning from that of a soulful symphony to an intense hunting ballad. I wipe at my eyes as I can swear, I see torches in the distance, the leaves just barely hiding them from view. There was no trail to return to, no sign or clue whatsoever to point me in the right direction. All there was the quickly approaching music that signaled my doom. <</if>>\ “$name.” The music vanishes, and when I glance up, I spot Tsintah and her elk standing over me. The horse that now stands directly to my right appears bored, opting to instead graze. “What … what happened?” “You let the forest in,” she says languidly, “come on, we’re almost there.” I now ride directly beside Tsintah. It was a task that required my full focus as to not run into her or cut off her path, but I needed such distraction. The forest’s music was no longer audible, but I felt it still. Light against my skin and telling me that if I ever lose my new sense of focus, it would be there to shepherd me back to its side. [[“So, about these ruins.”][$tsintah +=2]] [[“Earlier, about what you said …”]] [[“What is the Protector of the Wilds?”][$tsintah -=3; $powAsked = true]]
“So,” I begin, clearing my throat. The forest hisses at me and my gall to ruin the silence that it was so proud of maintaining. “About these ruins, anything I should know?” “They’re ruins. What more is there to know?” she questions with a bewildered expression. “I mean like traps or puzzles?” “I’ve only gone inside once,” she admits in a soft voice, her body shaking at the memory, “as far as I know, there are no traps or puzzles. But there are spirits and …” <<include "7.1.1">>
“Earlier,” I begin, clearing my throat. The forest hisses at me and my gall to ruin the silence that it was so proud of maintaining. “About what you said, about letting the forest in. What did you mean?” “I thought it was obvious,” Tsintah snorts, peering over at me and then second thinking her words, “uh, you know the forest is magical, right?” I nod as my lone response. “Well, sometimes, especially at dawn and dusk, the magic is at its strongest. The magic in places like this, it’s practically alive. It suffocates, permeates, and for some can even …” <<include "7.1.1">>
“I’ve been wondering for a while now,” I begin, clearing my throat. The forest hisses at me and my gall to ruin the silence that it was so proud of maintaining. “The enchanter said that you were the Protector of the Wilds, what does that mean?” “Nothing important,” Tsintah grumbles, and I notice her elk toss his head as if to disagree, snorting in displeasure. Tsintah sighs, her hands tightening around the leather reins, “you don’t need to worry about it. It’s not like it’ll matter …” <<include "7.1.1">>
Her words die on her tongue as we approach dilapidated ruins. The forest has reclaimed it, though, by the looks of it, it had never let it go. Wooden pillars have been knocked over and sports fields of moss and other fungi. The enormous roots from the trees snake and loop through what I assume are archways. The single short set of stairs that lead to the only safe opening into the ruins is broken up, grass and flowers sprouting through its cracks. Perhaps this place looks less foreboding in the daytime, but as it stood now, it was as if I was walking into a tomb. Which I suppose wasn’t far from the truth either. I dismount my horse and take one step towards the ruins, feeling Tsintah’s hand rest on my shoulder to stop me. Her eyes are on the ruins, dashing from one detail to the other. “You’re coming with me, right?” Her eyes finally land on my face. She opens her mouth to respond when a rush of wind shoots out from the ruins, bringing with it what sounds like a dozen different outraged voices. Tsintah’s elk panics, bellowing and rearing before dashing off with the spooked horse in tow. “Cyrus!” she shouts, dashing after the elk, turning to look at me one last time, “just … know that sometimes it’s best to not look deeper, it only leads to you becoming even more lost.” With that … warning uttered, she disappears into the trees to find her elk. And I enter the ruins. <a data-passage="7.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The ruins are extensive. Something one could not tell by simply standing outside and observing it. Parts of the roof seem ready to collapse, some areas have already done so as it covers a unique flooring. It wasn’t stone or rock, but it wasn’t wood either, it seems to share qualities of both natural resources. Upon closer inspection, the floor appears to shift, much like dust encouraged by a light breeze. I blink, wondering if the forest was once again influencing me. I walk down a wide staircase whose path is unlit. Though I don’t see it due to the material that makes up the ruins, I feel the earth surrounding me. The farther I go, the denser the air begins. It carries with it an unnatural smell, a mix of earthy scents and something else, something that I feel I should be able to label but can’t. //‘Guests?’// I hear a voice whisper harshly. It comes from all around me, almost sounding like it was originating from the walls. //‘Oh, we have guests!’// Another voice hums, this one sounding starkly different from the last in both pitch and tone. //‘Ugh, send it away. Send it away.’// Again, another voice. And soon, other voices add-in, all speaking about my presence and what they wished to do with me. I hear some state that they should devour me, while others wish to speak and play. <<if $empathy >=50>>\ <<nobr>><<set $headache = true; $guidance = true>><</nobr>> These things were definitely spirits. Though they had no corporeal form, their emotions practically screamed at me, even the ones that seemed mildly bored. In fact, their emotions were so loud that I find the pressure of all of them crushing. It was as if an entire crowd was projecting their feelings onto me, hoping to be rid of them and seeing me merely as their scapegoat. I crash into the nearest wall, wanting to yell for all of them to shut up, to calm down, or go away. Years of mastering how to control my empath abilities felt wasted, tossed away by callous intentions. <<else>>\ [[“I can hear you.”]] [[Continue on.->7.1.1Continue]] [[Ask for guidance.][$guidance = true]]
I growl as another voice supports the idea of eating me, “I can hear you, you know.” //‘It can hear us, oh good for it. It must think it is special?’// I raise a brow at the line, unable to reply as the others quickly add in their own particular thoughts. <<include "7.2.0">>
I roll my eyes and continue on. I deduct that the voices were spirits, some of them may even be warped enough to become demons. Though that was more of a flimsy hypothesis than a fact, despite my witch origins, I knew very little of demons and their oddities. Speaking to the spirits was unwise, though. In fact, staying in here for too long was probably just as imprudent. <<include "7.2.0">>
“I … I need help,” I tell them and they all quiet down, as if wishing to hear what I had to say, “can you help me? I’m looking for a Kren Master.” //‘It’s such a funny looking thing, isn’t it?’// //‘I just wish to eat it. Can I eat it now?’// //‘The Kren Master?’// //‘The Protector led it here, should we help it?’// //‘We should let it get lost. It would be so very funny.’// The voices continue until it was a chorus of opinions and I could no longer understand what was being said. <<include "7.2.0">>
<<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Kren">>\ The ruins grow darker, and my eyes adjust accordingly. <<if $species is "Cimmerian">>The darkness was actually appreciated, it was as if my eyes had once been strained, and now, they were relaxing, putting in minimum effort to guide me through the ruin’s tunnels.<<else>> It takes longer than normal, and even with my ability to see through the dark there are things that I still can't make out, but thankfully only a few.<</if>> Most of that which lay scattered along the ground are broken pots and pieces of murals that have been weathered down. The spirits’ voices come and go. Sometimes it grows so quiet that it causes me to shudder, while other times, they refuse to cease their ramblings, drowning even my own personal thoughts out. <<else>> The ruins grow darker, and my only source of light originates from the spirit orbs that dance drunkenly through the halls. They illuminate particular areas, none of which are helpful and pertain to my journey. Most of that which lay scattered along the ground are broken pots and pieces of murals that have been weathered down. The spirits’ voices come and go. Sometimes it grows so quiet that it causes me to shudder, while other times, they refuse to cease their ramblings, drowning even my own personal thoughts out. <</if>>\ <<if $guidance>>\ <<if $empathy >=50>>\ I approach a three-way intersection. To my right, I manage to spot the glow of a lantern. It grows dimmer as its origins grow farther away. To my right is a path that the spirits gather near, their emotions bordering on begging, telling me to follow them down this path. In front is another staircase that goes farther into the abyss of the ruins. This one quiet. <<else>>\ I approach a three-way intersection. To my right, I manage to spot the glow of a lantern. It grows dimmer as its origins grow farther away. To my left is a path that the spirits illuminate, I can manage to make out a few of them encouraging me to follow. In front is another staircase that goes farther into the abyss of the ruins. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I approach a three-way intersection. To my right, I manage to spot the glow of a lantern. It grows dimmer as its origins grow farther away. To my left is a path that holds nothing spectacular. It simply looks, and feels, like all the other corridors that I’ve since gone down. In front is another staircase that goes farther into the abyss of the ruins. <</if>>\ [[Take the right path.->clone][$cloneMet = true]] [[Take the front path.->tomb][$tombMet = true]] [[Take the left path.->master]]
I take the path on my right, frantically trying to catch up with the waning light. I turn the corner, again seeing the paling lantern’s glow as the figure continues to put distance between us. “Hey!” I shout, running faster to catch up. The ground is littered in rubble from remnants that have long been destroyed. As I go farther, I find myself wading through water, each step sees the water’s depth grow deeper. I have no clue how far into the ruins I have gone when I finally catch up to the figure holding the lantern. We stand in a ravaged room that is mostly underwater. Broken columns lay scattered about, too weak to continue the job that they have been tasked to do. Surprisingly, I see signs of nature, vines, and roots of trees coursing their way through. The figure who I had been chasing has their back to me, and their eyes seeking answers along a wall that only holds more questions. If the person knew of my presence, they showed no signs. <<if $hostile >=50>>\ “Hey! I’ve been chasing you all through these ruins. The least you can do is greet me; don’t you think?” “Oh,” a sickly voice begins, my body freezing, “I’m sorry, $name, how are you?” It turns to face me, and I find myself staring at my eye-less clone. A large sneer lays across their face, and their head cocked to the side. <<else>>\ “Sorry to disturb you but I have a few questions if you don’t mind.” “I don’t mind at all,” a sickly voice coos and my body freezes. It turns to face me, and I find myself staring at my eye-less clone. A large sneer lays across their face, and their head cocked to the side. <</if>>\ “Fancy running into you down here.” “What … what are you doing here?” I question. “Same as you. Seeking answers to questions that I never asked.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Come now, of course, you do.” My duplicate releases the lantern, but instead of dropping into the water, it floats. They continue, “why, when, and how. Am I wrong? Why us? When will it end? And how can we fight it? Ah … add in what then as well, what even are we fighting.” “We?” “Believe it or not, you’re the reason I’m here.” [[“You were the voice that day.”]] [[“How do I send you away then?”]] [[“Yea, not believing it.”]]
My eyes narrow in realization, “you … you were the voice that day. The one that said it saw me. You impersonated Master Audouin.” My clone claps, throwing their head back as they let out an impish laugh, “wrong! I have no idea who that voice is and where it came from. I can’t shapeshift either. Can you shapeshift, then I can’t shapeshift?” “You think I believe you?” “You think I care?” they snort, fighting back an edge of hatred in their voice, “I didn’t ask to be brought to this miserable cold world of yours. This is your fault. So, excuse me if I care little about what you believe.” My clone, whatever they are, seems to be done with our conversation, turning back around and retrieving the floating lantern. They run their hands down the wall much like someone in mourning, trying to remember. “How did it feel?” “How did what feel?” “Killing Master? Crushing his heart? Looking into his eyes and knowing that our face would be the last he ever saw.” [[Stay silent.->7.2Silent][$care -=2]] [[“Did you kill him?”][$hostile -=2]] [[“I didn’t kill him.”]] [[“What … what are you talking about.”]]
“Alright, then how do I send you away then.” “Beats me. I don’t even understand how I’m here. Yet another question that I have yet to truly ask. It is normal to be afraid of questions such as these? I wonder …” My clone, whatever they are, seems to be done with our conversation, turning back around and retrieving the floating lantern. They run their hands down the wall much like someone in mourning, trying to remember. “How did it feel?” “How did what feel?” “Killing Master? Crushing his heart? Looking into his eyes and knowing that our face would be the last he ever saw.” [[Stay silent.->7.2Silent][$care -=2]] [[“Did you kill him?”][$hostile -=2]] [[“I didn’t kill him.”]] [[“What … what are you talking about.”]]
“Yea, well I’m going to choose to not believe it. Whatever your purpose is, it’s obvious you have your own agenda.” “Then you can choose ignorance. I would say I’m surprised, but I’m you, so why would I be?” “You are not me,” I growl, “whatever you are, it’s some kind of magic or my mind playing tricks on me.” “Your mind must be sick then.” My clone, whatever they are, seems to be done with our conversation, turning back around and retrieving the floating lantern. They run their hands down the wall much like someone in mourning, trying to remember. “How did it feel?” “How did what feel?” “Killing Master? Crushing his heart? Looking into his eyes and knowing that our face would be the last he ever saw.” [[Stay silent.->7.2Silent][$care -=2]] [[“Did you kill him?”][$hostile -=2]] [[“I didn’t kill him.”]] [[“What … what are you talking about.”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ I say nothing, partially because my mind was frantically trying to come up with why they dared asked me such question. Crush his heart, how would they know? Did they know something I didn’t? “I see those gears turning. But you won’t get very far in trying to figure out what I mean or trying to remember what happened for that matter. Your memory is pretty bad.” “What do you mean?” My clone laughs maniacally again, tapping the area between their brow. “You weren’t using it, so I decided to take it for myself. As you can see,” they state and point to the two holes where their eyes should be, “I can’t. I needed to see somehow. Not in the literal sense of course, not like you. But boy, do I see other things. Like the spirits that flock to this place, or the magic that practically pollutes the air. I see the words hidden beneath the surface and the symbols that haven’t been carved yet. But yet, I can’t see my purpose … And my memory,” their shoulders hunch as they laugh, holding their stomach as they try and fail to rein in their amusement. “My memory is spot on!” “What did you do to me?” Their laugh subsides a tad bit, and they give me a cheerful, innocent smile, “questions after questions. You never ask the important ones though, do you? My turn though.” They approach me, and though I try to step back, I fail. I’m stuck. The water sloshes at my knees, proving that I was moving my legs at least. They stand directly in front of me, a complete copy of myself besides the missing eyes. It was an image that will forever be seared in my brain, one that will haunt me every step of my life no matter how fast I attempt to outrun it. “Tell me this, $name. Who are you without your dreams and visions? Without those eyes?” <<nobr>><<set $stability -=5>><</nobr>> [[“I’m still me.”]] [[“I … I don’t know.”]] [[Refuse to answer.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ “Did you kill him?” I question. My hand balls into a tight fist as I stare at the back of my doppelganger. “Now, why would I ask if I did it? Doesn’t that just mean you did it anyway? You keep forgetting that I am you.” “But I’m not you!” “That much is true. Your memory is so much faultier than mine.” “What do you mean?” My clone laughs maniacally again, tapping the area between their brow. “You weren’t using it, so I decided to take it for myself. As you can see,” they state and point to the two holes where their eyes should be, “I can’t. I needed to see somehow. Not in the literal sense of course, not like you. But boy, do I see other things. Like the spirits that flock to this place, or the magic that practically pollutes the air. I see the words hidden beneath the surface and the symbols that haven’t been carved yet. But yet, I can’t see my purpose … And my memory,” their shoulders hunch as they laugh, holding their stomach as they try and fail to rein in their amusement. “My memory is spot on!” “What did you do to me?” Their laugh subsides a tad bit, and they give me a cheerful, innocent smile, “questions after questions. You never ask the important ones though, do you? My turn though.” They approach me, and though I try to step back, I fail. I’m stuck. The water sloshes at my knees, proving that I was moving my legs at least. They stand directly in front of me, a complete copy of myself besides the missing eyes. It was an image that will forever be seared in my brain, one that will haunt me every step of my life no matter how fast I attempt to outrun it. “Tell me this, $name. Who are you without your dreams and visions? Without those eyes?” <<nobr>><<set $stability -=5>><</nobr>> [[“I’m still me.”]] [[“I … I don’t know.”]] [[Refuse to answer.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Hostile ++</span> <</if>>\ “I didn’t kill him,” I shout. “Say it louder,” my clone screams, “maybe you’ll believe it if you scream it.” “I didn’t,” I scream, realizing that I was doing exactly as they goaded. “I suppose I shouldn’t expect you to remember. Your memory isn’t what it used to be.” “What do you mean?” My clone laughs maniacally again, tapping the area between their brow. “You weren’t using it, so I decided to take it for myself. As you can see,” they state and point to the two holes where their eyes should be, “I can’t. I needed to see somehow. Not in the literal sense of course, not like you. But boy, do I see other things. Like the spirits that flock to this place, or the magic that practically pollutes the air. I see the words hidden beneath the surface and the symbols that haven’t been carved yet. But yet, I can’t see my purpose … And my memory,” their shoulders hunch as they laugh, holding their stomach as they try and fail to rein in their amusement. “My memory is spot on!” “What did you do to me?” Their laugh subsides a tad bit, and they give me a cheerful, innocent smile, “questions after questions. You never ask the important ones though, do you? My turn though.” They approach me, and though I try to step back, I fail. I’m stuck. The water sloshes at my knees, proving that I was moving my legs at least. They stand directly in front of me, a complete copy of myself besides the missing eyes. It was an image that will forever be seared in my brain, one that will haunt me every step of my life no matter how fast I attempt to outrun it. “Tell me this, $name. Who are you without your dreams and visions? Without those eyes?” <<nobr>><<set $stability -=5>><</nobr>> [[“I’m still me.”]] [[“I … I don’t know.”]] [[Refuse to answer.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ “What … what are you talking about?” “I thought I was speaking the universal language; how did it feel when you –” “I heard you,” I growl, shaking my head and looking at the muddled reflection of me, “but I didn’t kill him.” “Or you did, and you can’t remember, which is something that has been happening, has it not?” “What do you mean?” My clone laughs maniacally again, tapping the area between their brow. “You weren’t using it, so I decided to take it for myself. As you can see,” they state and point to the two holes where their eyes should be, “I can’t. I needed to see somehow. Not in the literal sense of course, not like you. But boy, do I see other things. Like the spirits that flock to this place, or the magic that practically pollutes the air. I see the words hidden beneath the surface and the symbols that haven’t been carved yet. But yet, I can’t see my purpose … And my memory,” their shoulders hunch as they laugh, holding their stomach as they try and fail to rein in their amusement. “My memory is spot on!” “What did you do to me?” Their laugh subsides a tad bit, and they give me a cheerful, innocent smile, “questions after questions. You never ask the important ones though, do you? My turn though.” They approach me, and though I try to step back, I fail. I’m stuck. The water sloshes at my knees, proving that I was moving my legs at least. They stand directly in front of me, a complete copy of myself besides the missing eyes. It was an image that will forever be seared in my brain, one that will haunt me every step of my life no matter how fast I attempt to outrun it. “Tell me this, $name. Who are you without your dreams and visions? Without those eyes?” <<nobr>><<set $stability -=5>><</nobr>> [[“I’m still me.”]] [[“I … I don’t know.”]] [[Refuse to answer.]] <<if $chakra is "heart">>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability +=7>><</nobr>> <</if>>\ “I’m still me,” I claim, my eye twitching as my clone mimics me. They lean in with a smug look on their face, forcing me to look straight into a void where eyes should rest, “I’m glad you think that.” They turn and head back towards the wall that they had been so engrossed in previously. Their last words fade into the air as they walk through it, “next time try going left instead of right.” I retrace my steps, happy to know that it was a straight shot back to the intersection before. My clone’s words echo through my head, [i]try going left instead of right[/i]. I had no reason to trust the figure that looked like me, but at the same time, why would they mislead me? Perhaps not the best question to ponder while I was here, but one to consider later. [[Take the front path.->tomb][$tombMet = true]] [[Take the left path.->master]]
<<if $chakra is "navel" or $chakra is "sacral">>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability +=7>><</nobr>> <</if>>\ “I,” I start, ready to reply in confidence until the weight of their question makes itself known. For who was I? What did I have to offer that was so special without my ludá? And these eyes, these eyes that could be such a blessing and such a curse, who was I without them? “I don’t know,” I find myself saying. “Perhaps you should figure it out,” they advise, a lack of emotion in their voice. They turn and head back towards the wall that they had been so engrossed in previously. Their last words fade into the air as they walk through it, “next time try going left instead of right.” I retrace my steps, happy to know that it was a straight shot back to the intersection before. My clone’s words echo through my head, //try going left instead of right//. I had no reason to trust the figure that looked like me, but at the same time, why would they mislead me? Perhaps not the best question to ponder while I was here, but one to consider later. [[Take the front path.->tomb][$tombMet = true]] [[Take the left path.->master]]
<<if $chakra is "throat" or $chakra is "crown">>\ <<nobr>><<set $stability +=7>><</nobr>> <</if>>\ I refuse to answer, staring down my doppelganger as they look back at me curiously. “Hmm, I see.” They turn and head back towards the wall, their last words fading as they walk straight through it, “next time try going left instead of right.” I retrace my steps, happy to know that it was a straight shot back to the intersection before. My clone’s words echo through my head, //try going left instead of right//. I had no reason to trust the figure that looked like me, but at the same time, why would they mislead me? Perhaps not the best question to ponder while I was here, but one to consider later. [[Take the front path.->tomb][$tombMet = true]] [[Take the left path.->master]]
I continue going straight, descending the next pair of stairs that I reach, and then another after that. The air here turns even heavier. My movements are slowed, and it becomes a chore to also keep my eyes open. Here, there are no corridors, only a lone room, illuminated by the whispering spirit orbs. What they say is unintelligible, reminding me of one attempting to speak when underwater. It is sparsely decorated, a pile of debris in the far corner and something else that I can’t make out. A table sits on the wall closest to me, papers and books open and left unattended to. Lastly, there is a chest along a wall. <<if $farcorner is 0>>\ [[Check out the far corner.][$farcorner +=1; $skeleton_found = true]] <</if>>\ <<if $table is 0>>\ [[Search the table.][$table +=1; demonMet = true]] <</if>>\ <<if $chest is 0>>\ [[Look through the chest.][$chest +=1]] <</if>>\ [[Head back.->7.2HeadBack]]
I go to the far corner where I saw the pile of discarded clothing. Perhaps this is where the Kren Master resides. Though, if the smell were anything to go off of, I would say that this was more likely the place he went to relieve himself. There is a heap of rubble residing next to a skeleton, what it was, time could no longer tell. Because the body was done decomposing, I couldn’t tell what the person had died from. All that I am able to learn is that the body had been left down here to rot and it had taken quite a long time for it to happen, probably due to the lack of oxygen. <<if $table is 0>>\ [[Search the table.][$table +=1; demonMet = true]] <</if>>\ <<if $chest is 0>>\ [[Look through the chest.][$chest +=1]] <</if>>\ [[Head back.->7.2HeadBack]]
I go over to the table, patiently hoping that one of the orbs would drift close enough for me to make out everything. One, who I suppose is curious in my presence, meanders over and provides me with minimal light. Temporarily lighting up the components resting on the table. The notes are scattered, never being added to the journal that sits open at the head of the table. I lift it and read the name written on the cover: //Master Orstineke’lar Nelero//. The Kren Master <<if $skeleton_found>> and no doubt the name of the skeleton occupying the corner.<<else>>, I surmise.<</if>> I look through the pages that sit idly, skimming over most of the text. It all spoke about some demon named Ragrez and a game that he seemed keen on always playing. From what I could gather, the Master had been foolish enough to agree to said game. The last of the notes talk about the Master going to play the game, but that’s where it ends. I assume that losing equated to the loss of his life. <<if $farcorner is 0>>\ [[Check out the far corner.][$farcorner +=1; $skeleton_found = true]] <</if>>\ <<if $chest is 0>>\ [[Look through the chest.][$chest +=1]] <</if>>\ [[Head back.->7.2HeadBack]]
A chest grabs my attention, and I decide to check out its contents. Thankfully, it looks as if it was never locked correctly. I push it open, peering inside and finding nothing but an ugly shaped rock inside. I pull it out, turning it over in my hands with interest. One side of the amorphic rock reminded me of basalt, while the other was a dirty grey gem that seemed lackluster to say the least. [[Pocket the dirty grey gem.]] [[Put the gem back.]]
<<nobr>><<pickup '$weaponInventory' 'grey runestone'>><</nobr>> Thinking nothing of it, I place the dull stone in my pocket, turning my attention away from the now vacant chest. <<if $farcorner is 0>>\ [[Check out the far corner.][$farcorner +=1; $skeleton_found = true]] <</if>>\ <<if $table is 0>>\ [[Search the table.][$table +=1; demonMet = true]] <</if>>\ [[Head back.->7.2HeadBack]]
Taking anything from this place was unwise and would probably come back to bite me in the butt. I place the rock back inside the chest and close it, straightening up and looking around. <<if $farcorner is 0>>\ [[Check out the far corner.][$farcorner +=1; $skeleton_found = true]] <</if>>\ <<if $table is 0>>\ [[Search the table.][$table +=1; demonMet = true]] <</if>>\ [[Head back.->7.2HeadBack]]
There was nothing left in the room to look at, and so I go, heading back to the intersection. <a data-passage="master"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $guidance>>\ <<if $empathy >=50>>\ I head down the left path, allowing the spirit’s emotions to guide me. The more I seem to oblige their wish to lead me, the less their emotions seem to scream. As I go, their emotions almost being to lull me to sleep, a sweet song sung by those with the most beautiful of voices. <<else>>\ I head down the left path, allowing the glowing orbs to lead me. They perform a rhythmic dance as they go, some flickering off or disappearing into the wall, while others just sway from side to side. <</if>>\ They lead me down corridor after corridor, whispering that they will guide me back as well. The end of the path stops at a room with three lanterns on the walls. A table sits upon a far wall, a bed on the other wall, and a bookshelf along the wall nearest to me. A swarm of glowing orbs flits across a man who wobbles around the small room on a walking stick. <<else>>\ I head down the left path, letting my hands guide me as I run them over the wall. A light source would be nice, it would at least keep me from having to catch myself as I stumble upon things I fail to see. I roam down one corridor after another, about to give up and turn back when I spot the soft glow of light coming from inside a room. The room holds three lanterns on the walls. A table sits upon a far wall, a bed on the other wall, and a bookshelf along the wall nearest to me. A swarm of glowing orbs flits across a man who wobbles around the small room on a walking stick. <</if>>\ “Who are you dancing for?” he asks, his voice but a mere whisper. “Are you the Kren Master?” I question, further entering the room. <<if $skeleton_found>>\ “A guest! So you’re the one all the spirits have been chatting over,” he shouts happily, clapping his hands together. Could this possibly be the Kren Master, and I had found the remains of another back in that tomb? <<if $demonMet>>Or could this possibly be the demon that he had spoken about in his notes, Ragrez?<</if>> <<else>>\ “A guest! So you’re the one all the spirits have been chatting over,” he shouts happily, clapping his hands together. <</if>>\ [[Catch him.][$allforone +=2]] [[Stand and watch.][$allforone -=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Chivalrous ++</span> <</if>>\ I rush forward just as the man wobbles backward. At the last minute, I manage to grab onto his arm. As I fret about keeping the old man upright, the orbs go and recover his stick. With his walking aid returned, I take a few cautionary steps back. Aging for Kren has always been a mystery to me. I’ve met a few Kren who was a couple hundred years old, and they still seemed as sprightly as a child. But then I’ve met a few who had only just matured, and whose bones have long since given up on them. What caused a Kren to age was a mystery I’m sure even the oldest Kren failed in theorizing correctly. “I’ve been waiting for you to arrive since the spirits first saw you enter the forest. They are a talkative bunch. Couldn’t shut up about you.” “You were expecting me?” “Indeed, you are one of //those// guests.” “One of those?” I question. [[“Ugh, is there a prophecy?”][$smug +=2]] [[“Should I take that offense to that?”][$smug -=2]] [[“So you know why I’m here?”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Individualistic ++</span> <</if>>\ He almost falls as he abandons his stick to clap, but the orbs seem to have sensed the danger long before it strikes, already steadying him and returning the stick back to the Kren’s hand. Aging for Kren has always been a mystery to me. I’ve met a few Kren who was a couple hundred years old, and they still seemed as sprightly as a child. But then I’ve met a few who had only just matured, and whose bones have long since given up on them. What caused a Kren to age was a mystery I’m sure even the oldest Kren failed in theorizing correctly. “I’ve been waiting for you to arrive since the spirits first saw you enter the forest. They are a talkative bunch. Couldn’t shut up about you.” “You were expecting me?” “Indeed, you are one of //those// guests.” “One of those?” I question. [[“Ugh, is there a prophecy?”][$smug +=2]] [[“Should I take that offense to that?”][$smug -=2]] [[“So you know why I’m here?”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ “Ugh,” I suddenly moan, “please don’t tell me I’m part of some prophecy that you foretold.” “No, nothing like that. But every now and again the spirits warn me when someone important comes along.” “Someone important?” “Oh, you know, the type to change the course of history.” [[“I’m not that important.”][$smug -=3]] [[“Nice of you to recognize.”][$smug +=3]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ “Uh, should I take offense to that? I really don’t know right now.” “I meant only that you’re important. The spirits can sense it and warn me when one manages to find themselves in the forest. Much like how the forest warns the Protector.” “Someone important?” “Oh, you know, the type to change the course of history.” [[“I’m not that important.”][$smug -=3]] [[“Nice of you to recognize.”][$smug +=3]]
“So you know why I’m here then?” “I have no idea why you’re here,” he chuckles, “all I know is that the spirits have always warned me when someone important comes along.” “Someone important?” “Oh, you know, the type to change the course of history.” [[“I’m not that important.”][$smug -=3]] [[“Nice of you to recognize.”][$smug +=3]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ “I don’t think I’m //that// important.” “It doesn’t matter what you think,” he laughs, tapping my cheek like I was some oblivious child, “you have no idea how your choices alone will shape the future. How they have already been doing so.” <<include "master.2">>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ “Huh, it’s about time someone recognizes my importance.” “Well then aren’t you just precious,” he laughs, tapping my cheek like I was some oblivious child, “it is clear that you have no idea how your choices alone will shape the future. How they have already been doing so. Whether they are negative or not.” <<include "master.2">>
Before I can comment, he gasps, turning to me with a broad smile, “let’s play a game! I don’t get to play them much. The spirits always cheat.” <<if $demonMet>>\ “What kind of game?” I raise my brow skeptically, remembering what the notes in the room had said regarding this game. <<else>>\ “What kind of game?” <</if>>\ “Simple, you’ll see, you’ll see. I ask you a question, and if you get it right, you can ask me one. The game goes on until one of us decides to quit,” his face drops as he gives me a stern look, “or you lose. If you lie, you automatically lose as well.” <<if $guidance??\ //‘Play. Play. You should. You should.’// The spirits shout, flickering from side to side as their chants get louder<<if $headache>> causing my headache to worsen.<<else>>.<</if>> //‘Only play if you remember. Remember much important. Important.’// One spirit whispers right beside my ear, disappearing immediately with a wave of the Kren Master’s hand. I give him a look, and he smiles naively. <</if>>\ “And if I choose not to?” His shoulder slump, “then you can ask me what you came here for, but that’s it. And where’s the fun in that?” [[Don’t play the Kren Master's game.]] [[Play the Kren Master's game.][$gamePlayed = true]]
<<if $demonMet>>\ Though I wasn’t certain about his death, or even if the game resulted in the killing of the Master, I had a good feeling that playing this so-called game wasn’t wise. There was a chance that this man was a demon. And even if I did play, there was the chance that I would lose and walk away with nothing. At least this way I was able to gain the answer of at least one thing. <<else>>\ Not playing the game meant that I wouldn’t be able to ask everything I needed, but it also seemed like the smartest move. Something about this man didn’t sit right with me, his excitement to play this unknown game was off, as well as his actions. Or maybe my mind just needed that to be true. For whatever reason, I’d rather just leave as soon as possible. <</if>>\ Despite the many questions I had, only two came to me as most important. [[Ask him about the chikrin.]] [[Ask about my chakras.]]
Removing the chikrin was the priority. My chakras were important, but I could probably find someone else who knew about them, or at least ask Tsintah and have her guess. <<include "tChikrin">> I turn to thank the man when my vision blurs. I swim through a sea of darkness, struggling to free myself, only to blink and find myself near the entrance of the ruins. At least the old man saved me a walk. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The chikrin wasn’t life-threatening, my chakras being off-balance had the potential to be though. It would be hard, but I would just have to find someone else who could take this off. <<include "tChakra">> “How do I repair my chakra then?” “That is something //you// must seek the answer too, for I cannot give it.” I close my eyes and try to think over his words. This was far greater and grim than I had initially thought. But at least I had more information to go off on. I turn to thank the man when my vision blurs. I swim through a sea of darkness, struggling to free myself, only to blink and find myself near the entrance of the ruins. At least the old man saved me a walk. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Alright, let’s play this game,” I tell him, and he immediately claps his hands happily. “Terrific. It has been long, quite long, indeed.” As the Kren claps this time, he remains upright, not even performing a stumble as his walking stick crashes against the floor. The orbs don’t attempt to help him either, they merely hum in contentment. The Kren follows my eyes to the stick and smiles, “whoops.” “What are you?” I inquire. “Ah, starting the game already!” he asks, “though I do believe the rules state that I ask first.” The orbs hum angrily, their colors shifting in vibrancy as they float around the man’s head. <<if $headache>>\ My headache increases, feeling like someone took a gavel and was striking me repeatedly. “Please tell them to calm down,” I say, about to fall to my knees due to the pressure. He ignores me and continues on. <</if>>\ “And I am such a fan of rules, you see. You’d be wise to follow them from here on out.” I nod, and the spirit orbs calm as well. “Now my first question, let us keep it simple. What is the name of your master? Remember,” he cackles, “if you fail to answer, then you get nothing from me.” <<textbox "$answer1" "">> <a data-passage="7.2A1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if [ "audouin", "Audouin" ].includes($answer1)>>\ “Correct! I would hope that you would remember his name. Now, you may ask me a question. See what fun, what fun!” [[Ask about the chikrin.->tChikrin][$answers +=1]] [[Ask about the chakras.->tChakra][$answers +=1]] [[Ask about my clone.->tClone][$answers +=1; $clone +=1]] [[Ask about the Kren Master.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] [[Ask about my future.][$answers +=1]] <<elseif [ "master", "Master" ].includes($answer1)>>\ <<nobr>> <<remember $achievementpoints +=1>> <<remember $achieve_trickedya = true>> <</nobr>> <<notify>>Achievement ''Tricked Ya'' unlocked!<</notify>> He opens his mouth to tell me that I lost when he slowly closes it, appearing stumped. “That is cheating, but you are crafty, and I shall let that one go. Ask your question.” [[Ask about the chikrin.->tChikrin][$answers +=1]] [[Ask about the chakras.->tChakra][$answers +=1]] [[Ask about my clone.->tClone][$answers +=1; $clone +=1]] [[Ask about the Kren Master.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] [[Ask about my future.][$answers +=1]] <<else>>\ He laughs, almost falling to the floor, “one would think you would remember the man who taught you so much.” He pouts and gives me a playful yet scolding look, “bad Apprentice, bad. But you lost.” He snaps his fingers, and I go from staring at the deranged Kren Master to feeling as if I was drowning. I swim through a sea of darkness, struggling to free myself, only to blink and find myself near the entrance of the ruins. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if $headache>>\ <<nobr>><<set $energy -=10>><</nobr>> <</if>>\ “What does my future entail? Will I be sentenced to death?” “That’s two questions!” he shouts, and one of the orbs near him explode<<if $headache>> and I yell as it feels as if my head did the same, “the rules say one.” I whimper<<else>>, “the rules say one.” I nod<</if>> in understanding, thinking against actually pointing out his lack of actually telling me what all the rules were. “Your future is fuzzy,” he tells me, “filled with branching paths. Two of them are close by, though more appear and disappear. Blocking your path is a figure with no eyes, but who appears to see all.” [[Keep playing.->7.2.1]] [[Quit.->7.2Quit]]
“Alright, well that’s it for me. I think I’m done playing.” “What! Boring! Boring $species! But that is part of the rules. Fine, leave.” I open my mouth to question how I can make my exit when he snaps his fingers. I go from staring at the deranged Kren Master to feeling as if I was drowning. I swim through a sea of darkness, struggling to free myself, only to blink and find myself near the entrance of the ruins. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Hmm, let us see. What should the second question be? Oh, what is the … no, no. That is much too easy. Harder or the game is no fun,” the Kren Master says to himself, a wave of pleasure overcoming him as he mentions the game to himself. “Ah! Perfect. The next question is, what season or month is it?” <<textbox "$answer2" "">> <a data-passage="7.2A2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if [ "monsuna", "Monsuna" ].includes($answer2)>>\ “Right! The first rain has already fallen from the sky, Monsuna is now here! Smart apprentice. What’s your question?” <<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ [[Ask about the chikrin.->tChikrin][$answers +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $chakrasKnown is false>>\ [[Ask about the chakras.->tChakra][$answers +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $clone is 0>>\ [[Ask about my clone.->tClone][$answers +=1; $clone +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $clone is 1 and $cloneMet>>\ [[Gain further information about my clone.->tClone][$answers +=1; $clone +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $demon is 0>>\ [[Ask about the Kren Master.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $demon is 1 and $demonMet>>\ [[Ask about the notes.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] <</if>> [[Ask about my dreams.][$answers +=1]] <<else>>\ He laughs, almost falling to the floor, “and you are wrong!” He pouts and gives me a playful yet scolding look, “bad Apprentice, bad. But you lost.” He snaps his fingers, and I go from staring at the deranged Kren Master to feeling as if I was drowning. I swim through a sea of darkness, struggling to free myself, only to blink and find myself near the entrance of the ruins. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“What’s wrong with my dreams?” “Another vague question, you must learn to be more specific. But I shall answer you because I am such a kind creature,” he chimes, seeming to want to persuade himself more than me. “Your third eye is gone, past repair, and so your dreams are hindered as well. Your dreams will give you dreams and dreams. Rely on them if you wish to do so,” he chuckles maliciously. I think his words over, though not for long when he clears his throat, waiting to see if I would continue playing or quit. [[Keep playing.->7.2.2]] [[Quit.->7.2Quit]]
“Questions, questions. Many don’t make it this far. No more fun but so much more fun,” the man chuckles, his voice getting higher. “Question! Yes, yes, yes! What was the name of the prince who will never be king?” <<textbox "$answer3" "">> <a data-passage="7.2A3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if [ "ingram", "Ingram" ].includes($answer3)>>\ “You remember I see. Now, you may ask me a question. I love this game!” <<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ [[Ask about the chikrin.->tChikrin][$answers +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $chakrasKnown is false>>\ [[Ask about the chakras.->tChakra][$answers +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $clone is 0>>\ [[Ask about my clone.->tClone][$answers +=1; $clone +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $clone is 1 and $cloneMet>>\ [[Gain further information about my clone.->tClone][$answers +=1; $clone +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $demon is 0>>\ [[Ask about the Kren Master.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $demon is 1 and $demonMet>>\ [[Ask about the notes.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] <</if>> <<if $demon is 2 and <<if $weaponInventory.has('grey runestone')>>\ [[Question the stone.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] <</if>> [[Ask about my brow chakra.][$answers +=1]] <<else>>\ He laughs, almost falling to the floor, “and you are wrong!” He pouts and gives me a playful yet scolding look, “bad Apprentice, bad. But you lost.” He snaps his fingers, and I go from staring at the deranged Kren Master to feeling as if I was drowning. I swim through a sea of darkness, struggling to free myself, only to blink and find myself near the entrance of the ruins. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“My third eye, what symptoms will I be experiencing without it?” “Your dreams will be … different. Do what you wish with that information. Your memory will fail you, things that you experienced will seem more like a dream or a faraway thought. There will be times where you will forget what has taken place as if you had skipped forward in time. Depression will hit, and you will be unable to fix your other damaged chakra until you get it back.” “So much fun!” [[Keep playing.->7.2.3]] [[Quit.->7.2Quit]]
“The next question. I have never had to think of this many. Ah, what town are you from?” <<textbox "$answer4" "">> <a data-passage="7.2A4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if [ "trick", "trick question" ].includes($answer4)>>\ “Ha! Correct, correct! You know not. You are good at this, but I will win. Ask your question.” <<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ [[Ask about the chikrin.->tChikrin][$answers +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $chakrasKnown is false>>\ [[Ask about the chakras.->tChakra][$answers +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $clone is 0>>\ [[Ask about my clone.->tClone][$answers +=1; $clone +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $clone is 1 and $cloneMet>>\ [[Gain further information about my clone.->tClone][$answers +=1; $clone +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $demon is 0>>\ [[Ask about the Kren Master.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $demon is 1 and $demonMet>>\ [[Ask about the notes.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] <</if>> <<if $demon is 2 and <<if $weaponInventory.has('grey runestone')>>\ [[Question the stone.->tDemon][$answers +=1; $demon +=1]] <</if>> <<if $demon is 3>>\ [[Reveal the demon.->tDemonReveal]] <</if>> [[Ask about my brow chakra.][$answers +=1]] <<else>>\ He laughs, almost falling to the floor, “wrong! That was a trick question,” He pouts and gives me a playful yet scolding look, “bad Apprentice, bad. But you lost.” He snaps his fingers, and I go from staring at the deranged Kren Master to feeling as if I was drowning. I swim through a sea of darkness, struggling to free myself, only to blink and find myself near the entrance of the ruins. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I throw the runestone in my hands up and down lazily, the Master’s eyes following it with a look of want. “What is your name?” He opens his mouth, but I stop him, “remember, no lying.” Much to my surprise, the Master, or should I say demon, begins to laugh, uncontrollably so. He falls onto the bed, drowning out his hysterics by pressing his face into the mattress. When he finally comes up for air, he stands before me. “You are smart, smart indeed. And this game is fun. But I want to make a deal. If you can correctly guess my name, then I will teach you a powerful spell, and you can keep that wretched stone. If you don’t agree to my deal, then you can choose between the spell or that stone.” “What’s the spell?” “No, not telling!” he growls. “And if I guess your name incorrectly?” “Then you get nothing.” [[Guess his name.]] [[Don’t deal and choose the spell.]] [[Don’t deal and choose the stone.]]
<<textbox "$answer4" "">> <a data-passage="tDemonReveal3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if [ "ragrez", "Ragrez" ].includes($answer4)>>\ <<nobr>><<set $spell_LieDetection = true>><</nobr>> “Ragrez. Am I right?” “Yes,” he says through clenched teeth. “So, about this spell?” “When you cast it, it will allow you to learn if someone is lying or not. But be warned, it will not tell you what the truth is, only that they lie when they speak. If you wish to keep it going you must feed it your magic, feed it much. Come learn the spell that I have created.” I step forward, and the demon harshly taps my forehead. As if a bell is rung, my mind echoes as I see images of a symbol flashing in and out, searing itself into my memory. Following that I instantly feel like I am being drowned, someone pushing my mind under and only allowing me breath at the last minute. <<if $care >=50>>\ “Well that was unpleasant,” I say, opening my eyes and seeing that I was no longer in front of the demon. Instead, I find myself leaning up against a wall near the entrance of the ruins. It would seem that he had lost. <<else>>\ “This spell will be useful in the future,” I say, opening my eyes and seeing that I was no longer in front of the demon. Instead, I find myself leaning up against a wall near the entrance of the ruins. It would seem that he had lost. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<drop '$weaponinventory' 'grey runestone'>><</nobr>> “You are wrong!” he says greedily, “no spell for you!” Before I can react, the orbs rush forward and push the stone to the ground, pushing it over towards the Master who covers it with his foot. “Now get out of my face!” I find myself feeling like I was being drowned. I struggle desperately but only get pulled under more. When I do finally rise, I find myself leaning against a wall near the entrance of the ruins. At least he saved me a walk. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<nobr>><<drop '$weaponinventory' 'grey runestone'>><<set $spell_LieDetection = true>><</nobr>> “Alright,” I begin after thinking it through, “I want the spell.” I toss him the stone, and he takes a step back, watching as it hits the ground and shatters into pieces. “So, about this spell?” I can only hope that it was indeed as powerful as he said, otherwise I would be leaving with nothing. “When you cast it, it will allow you to learn if someone is lying or not. But be warned, it will not tell you what the truth is, only that they lie when they speak. If you wish to keep it going you must feed it your magic, feed it much. Come learn the spell that I have created.” I step forward, and the demon harshly taps my forehead. As if a bell is rung, my mind echoes as I see images of a symbol flashing in and out, searing itself into my memory. Following that I instantly feel like I am being drowned, someone pushing my mind under and only allowing me breath at the last minute. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Hmm,” I hum, flipping the runestone over in my grasp, “I think I’ll stick with the runestone.” “Then begone!” Abruptly, I find myself feeling like I was being drowned. I struggle desperately but only get pulled under more. When I do finally rise, I find myself leaning against a wall near the entrance of the ruins. At least he saved me a walk. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Need a hard one, you are getting them all right. Not fun if you win!” He taps his chin and then claps, “did you kill Master Audouin?” [[“Yes.”->7.2.5]] [[“No.”->7.2.5]]
A wicked smile appears upon the Master’s lips as he leans in, “wrong answer!” He snaps his fingers, and I go from staring at the deranged Kren Master to feeling as if I was drowning. I swim through a sea of darkness, struggling to free myself, only to blink and find myself near the entrance of the ruins. <a data-passage="7.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<set $chikrinOff = true>><</nobr>> “I was told you could remove this,” I tell him and point at the object that clung to my neck. He wobbles closer to me, peering at it intensely. “Ah, you were told right. Sit, sit, sit,” he motions for me to take the chair near his desk, and I do so without question. To think, I was about to be free of this collar. “Now. Once I remove it, it would be wise of you to find someplace to rest. This forest holds strong magic, enough to drown your senses and cause you to wish that you had kept this thing on.” I knew his words held truth, since entering the forest I had felt like I should be feeling more of the magical pressure than I was. It was as if the chikrin was numbing my senses to magic. “After rest, you should be as good as new,” I hear him say behind me. I can’t see what he’s doing, neither can I feel it. I just sit and close my eyes. A few minutes later, I feel the air hit my neck, and something heavy falls into my lap. <<if $gameplayed>>\ I rub my neck, thankful to have that thing finally off. But the game was far from over, I turn back to him and see him waiting for my response on whether I wanted to continue playing or not. <<if $answers is 1>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.1]] <<elseif $answers is 2>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.2]] <<elseif $answers is 3>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.3]] <<else>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.4]] <</if>>\ [[Quit.->7.2Quit]] <</if>>\
<<nobr>><<set $chakrasKnown = true>><</nobr>> “My chakras, I’m told that they’re messed up.” He hums and nods, “yes, your ${chakra} and your brow.” “Your apprentice, he said that upsetting it could further lead to my mind and heart suffering. What does he mean by that? And how do I not upset it?” “It is a bit difficult. Your chakra isn’t off, it is damaged, something that magic wielders see from time to time. Anyone else would just have to make the right decisions and focus on it to fix their chakra. But your magic will make such thing hard. To repair it you will have to make right decisions but for you to continue using your magic, then you must do the opposite.” “I still don’t understand.” <<if $chakra is "navel">>\ “Your navel chakra is damaged. For you to successfully use your magic, you must channel the emotion inside of you, only then will your magic respond. Not doing this will lead to your magic refusing to obey.” “Wait, so are you saying that if I don’t become a timebomb of emotions, I can’t use my magic?” “No, and yes. Your magic will continue to work but will no longer do as you ask, and it will be weak.” <<elseif $chakra is "sacral">>\ “Your sacral chakra is damaged. For you to successfully use your magic, you must focus on your guilt and personal blame. As well as your need to put others before you.” “That’s a really dangerous thing to put my mind through, wouldn’t you say?” “Yes, very. Be careful in engaging in activities that are usually used to soak up one's guilt, drinking, smoking, training, etc. You will find yourself abusing it.” <<elseif $chakra is "heart">>\ “Your heart chakra is damaged. You hate what you see when looking back at yourself, but you still seek hope. That perhaps you can overcome. For you to successfully use your magic, you must remain positive, believe that hope is still out there.” “Seems easy enough, right? Just think happy thoughts?” “Surface wise, it does seem quite simple. But optimism is not everyone’s first reaction, and after too many losses, hope will seem more like an enemy than an ally.” <<elseif $chakra is "throat">>\ “Your throat chakra is damaged. For you to successfully use your magic, you must let go, to be ignorant to the events around you.” “What? You mean I have to act like nothing bothers me? What if someone is being killed? Do I just do nothing?” “You are wise to question. Your magic will work best when you are not focused. If you wish for an offensive spell, then the opposite will occur. This chakra is dangerous, not because it’s vital, but because of the consequences of not repairing it.” <<else>>\ “Your crown chakra is damaged. For you to successfully use your magic, you must rely on your faith.” “My faith? Are you saying that the gods have to help me through this?” “Not necessarily, a charm or a simple prayer will do. But for this chakra to be damaged, it means that you are a favorite in their eyes. You must rely on this or suffer what is to come.” <</if>>\ <<if $gameplayed>>\ I think his words over, though not for long when he clears his throat, waiting to see if I would continue playing or quit. <<if $answers is 1>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.1]] <<elseif $answers is 2>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.2]] <<elseif $answers is 3>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.3]] <<else>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.4]] <</if>>\ [[Quit.->7.2Quit]] <</if>>\
<<if $clone is 1>>\ “I have a … clone. What can you tell me about them?” “I hate vague questions,” he spits, “would you want a vague answer? I shall give you one. That figure is you, but you are not it. It holds you hostage, and you need it, but it does not need you. Ha! A vague answer, you should answer my questions better.” <<if $answers is 1>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.1]] <<elseif $answers is 2>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.2]] <<elseif $answers is 3>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.3]] <<else>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.4]] <</if>>\ [[Quit.->7.2Quit]] <<else>>\ “My clone took something from me, what was it?” “It took your third eye,” the master says, tapping the middle area between his brow, much like the clone did when I was questioning them. “Such a simple question, are you not interested in more? Come, let’s continue.” <<if $answers is 1>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.1]] <<elseif $answers is 2>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.2]] <<elseif $answers is 3>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.3]] <<else>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.4]] <</if>>\ [[Quit.->7.2Quit]] <</if>>\
<<if $demon is 1>>\ “You. Why did you come here, Kren Master?” “Curiosity, of course. The Protector led me here, and I asked her if I could stay for a time. I wrote, and I wrote, learning more about this place and the infestation of spirits. So much to learn, so much time to learn it. I live here. I don’t need much. But that is my answer, and now, it is my turn.” <<if $answers is 1>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.1]] <<elseif $answers is 2>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.2]] <<elseif $answers is 3>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.3]] <<else>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.4]] <</if>>\ [[Quit.->7.2Quit]] <<elseif $demon is 2>>\ “I found a room within the ruins. A table with notes on top of it, your notes.” “Where is the question?” he sings. “Nope, that’s against the rules to ask me a question when it’s not your turn,” I remind him, watching as his eyes shine dangerously. The orbs shake, and the Master twitches in place. Regardless, he nods his head. “My question is, what demon are you talking about in your notes?” He glares at me for a minute before replacing the scowl with a smile, “demon is such a rude word, don’t you think? I have met this creature myself and have learned that he is simply misunderstood. He is but another spirit that roams this area, though more freeing than these pests,” he tells me, and waves away some of the orbs that seem to gravitate to him. <<if $answers is 1>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.1]] <<elseif $answers is 2>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.2]] <<elseif $answers is 3>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.3]] <<else>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.4]] <</if>>\ [[Quit.->7.2Quit]] <<else>>\ I pull the stone out of my pocket and show it to the Master, “if you’re the Master, then you know what this is. What is it?” It is during this time that I notice that the lackluster gem is no longer as dull as I had thought initially. It sparkles much like stars would, if these stars were all a deep crimson red. They flicker inside the gem, and I gaze up at the Master who stares at it in loathing. “That is a runestone that … can detect … spirits.” “Remember the rules,” I growl, “no lying.” “Specifically, it can detect demons. I brought it along to aid me in my search for any malicious creatures.” <<if $answers is 1>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.1]] <<elseif $answers is 2>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.2]] <<elseif $answers is 3>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.3]] <<else>>\ [[Keep playing.->7.2.4]] <</if>>\ [[Quit.->7.2Quit]] <</if>>\
I leave the ruins behind, finding the sun inching farther into the sky and life returning to the once quiet forest. I hear the chirping of birds as they race to be the first to delve into a hearty breakfast. There are a few rabbits to the side of the ruins, collecting some kind of small fruit from a nearby bush, while one stands guard. Further down the path, deer graze. I also spot Tsintah, sitting atop a collapsed pillar and aimlessly braiding her elk’s mane. [[Greet her.->7.3Greet][$tsintah +=3]] [[Scare her.->7.3Scare][$tsintah -=2]] [[“Look who decided to show up.”][$tsintah -=3]]
“Hey, Tsintah,” I greet, and she turns to give me a nod of acknowledgment. “Is your elk okay?” “Yes,” Tsintah says and throws a soft smile over her shoulder to the elk who stays completely still, almost looking like he was asleep, “he was just spooked by the ruins.” <<include "7.3.1">>
I sneer and change the way I was walking so that my footsteps were almost undetectable. I get closer and closer, at the last minute, shouting and making some sort of growl sound all at once. She turns towards me, peering at me as if I was an idiot. I probably looked as such. “You weren’t scared, at all?” I question, and she shrugs. “I sensed you before you even left the ruins.” “Interesting.” <<include "7.3.1">>
“Well now, look who decided to show up.” “Would you rather I leave and let you attempt to find your way back to the tribe?” “Who said I would return to the tribe?” I question with a raised brow. <<include "7.3.1">>
<<if $chikrinOff>>\ <<nobr>><<set $energy to 40>><</nobr>> “I see that you were able to get what you came for,” she states, nodding to my now bare neck. “Yea, I don’t think I’ll be wearing necklaces anytime soon.” She chuckles at my words softly. <<if $demonMet>>\ “Also, did you know that a demon lives there? The Kren Master is dead.” “I sensed one, yes. But I also sensed the master, so I didn’t know he died.” “Guess you might be sensing his spirit; I feel like a lot of spirits conjure there.” “They do. Spirits usually gather in forests such as these, the magic is untainted and thick.” <</if>>\ <<if $headache>>\ <<nobr>><<set $energy -=20>><</nobr>> “Come, we should be getting back.” I nod and mount my horse, growing woozy, and releasing the reins. I feel myself hit the ground, yet I feel like I continue to fall. My head pounds, and every thought, no matter how insignificant, causes me to want to scream. “$name?” I hear Tsintah question, her voice different, sounding as if she was underwater, “what …” I don’t hear the rest of her sentence, and I am barely able to move. “I can’t,” I find myself screaming, whimpering right after. The world grows darker, and I feel like I fall through it. Weightless. <<else>>\ “Come, we should be getting back.” I nod and mount my horse, following behind her. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ She looks me over, her eyes falling on the magical collar that still adorns my neck. She frowns, “you still wear it. Why?” <<if $gamePlayed>>\ “I didn’t win the game the <<if $demonMet>>demon<<else>>Master<</if>> had me play.” Tsintah rolls her eyes as she stands, “I told you to be wary of looking too deep into things.” <<if $hostile >=50>>\ “Well, next time, how about just telling me not to play any games before running off, okay?” She simply shrugs, motioning for me to mount the horse. <<else>>\ “In my defense, I didn’t know that was what you meant. I though you meant literally.” She nods in understanding before motioning for me to mount the horse. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “I was more interested in learning about my chakras and how to not suddenly die.” “Did you?” “Yes, thanks for asking,” I sneer, and she playfully nods back before motioning for me to mount the horse. <</if>>\ <<if $headache>>\ <<nobr>><<set $energy -=20>><</nobr>> I nod and mount my horse, growing woozy, and releasing the reins. I feel myself hit the ground, yet I feel like I continue to fall. My head pounds, and every thought, no matter how insignificant, causes me to want to scream. “$name?” I hear Tsintah question, her voice different, sounding as if she was underwater, “what …” I don’t hear the rest of her sentence, and I am barely able to move. “I can’t,” I find myself screaming, whimpering right after. The world grows darker, and I feel like I fall through it. Weightless. <<else>>\ I nod and mount my horse, following behind her. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<if $headache>>\ The first thing I see when I open my eyes is thin, delicate strands of what I hope to be hair. My body is moving at a rhythmic pace, and the more I look around, the more I realize that I was moving. The scenery shifting slowly. I slowly rise, my hand sliding down sleeked down fur. My horse. “You should lie back down,” Tsintah tells me, her elk unusually close. I surmise that she was worried that I may fall. “What happened?” “You passed out.” “Yea … that’s what it feels like,” I tell her, the headache still there but dimming with each passing minute. “You need to lie down somewhere.” [[“I’ll be fine.”->7.3.1Fine]] [[“Sleep!”->7.3.1Sleep]] [[“I need to focus.”->.3.1NeedFocus]] <<else>>\ The way back was far more peaceful than earlier this morning. The forest felt cheerful, no sign of it trying to lure me in with enchanting and foreboding music. It’s teeming with life, creatures running across an invisible trail and grazing in the distance. I even spot a pack of wolves feasting upon a fallen deer, none of them concerned about us as we pass by. “What will you do now?” Tsintah asks, riding beside me. [[“Any thoughts?”]] <<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ [[“This chikrin must come off.”]] <</if>>\ [[“I must learn more about my clone.”]] <<if $chakrasKnown is false>>\ [[“I still need to learn about my chakras.”]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\
“I’ll be fine,” I tell her, throwing her a look that told her to stop worrying over me if that’s what she was doing anyway. The look she gives back is almost blank. “Are we headed back to your tribe?” “Yes. Unless you have another destination in mind. Do you know what you wish to do next?” [[“Any thoughts?”]] <<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ [[“This chikrin must come off.”]] <</if>>\ [[“I must learn more about my clone.”]] <<if $chakrasKnown is false>>\ [[“I still need to learn about my chakras.”]] <</if>>\
“Sleep! I want sleep!” I yell, growling to myself as my head practically shouts at me to quiet down. “You will get less than adequate rest on the back of a horse maneuvering through these woods,” Tsintah tells me, “do you know what your next move is?” [[“Any thoughts?”]] <<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ [[“This chikrin must come off.”]] <</if>>\ [[“I must learn more about my clone.”]] <<if $chakrasKnown is false>>\ [[“I still need to learn about my chakras.”]] <</if>>\
“No, what I need to do is focus. To figure out what my next move is.” Silence passes between us before Tsintah finally questions, “do you know what your next move is?” [[“Any thoughts?”]] <<if $chikrinOff is false>>\ [[“This chikrin must come off.”]] <</if>>\ [[“I must learn more about my clone.”]] <<if $chakrasKnown is false>>\ [[“I still need to learn about my chakras.”]] <</if>>\
“To be honest with you, I have relatively short goals. Up to this point, it was don’t get captured and find a way to get the chikrin off. I’m still not trying to get captured, but I don’t think I know what’s next.” “You could continue to hide out in the Prywth Forest if not getting captured is your biggest goal. Most outsiders are wary of entering. If they do enter, they typically stay on the outskirts.” “Hmm, I … don’t know. <a data-passage="7.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m still wearing the chikrin, so I think my main goal is to still find someone who can somehow get this off. Know any other masters that can?” “There is another ruins to the south, a Uqanan tribe guards that one though. But I could perhaps vouch for you.” “To the south then.” <a data-passage="7.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I have a clone with their own agenda, and they have something of mine. I don’t really understand it all, but I need to learn more.” “The Uqanan tribe to the south has a few resources that might just help you with that. But they are less than friendly.” “Anything will help.” “Then I shall ride with you. My face will at least make them less hostile. Hopefully.” <a data-passage="7.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“At this point, I know that my chakras are messed-up, but I don’t know how to fix them and what that means for the rest of me. I need to know.” “The Uqanan tribe to the south may have resources that you can use to get your answer. But they are not the friendliest.” “Are they going to point arrows at me?” “No, but they will point spears.” “Great, simply wonderful,” I mumble under my breath. “I’ll ride with you. They know my face, and it can only help, right?” She mutters the last bit as if she doubted her words. <a data-passage="7.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $headache>> We continue riding in silence, or at least Tsintah rides, I more so slouch and curse my head<<else>>We continue riding in silence<</if>>, when Tsintah abruptly stops, holding up her hand for me to do the same. I can hear nothing but a babbling brook, birds chirping overhead, and my horse impatiently waiting to move again. And yet, when I look upon Tsintah, her gaze is focused. I notice her ears react to every little thing, twitching at the slightest of sounds. That’s when I hear it, the subtle yet overt sound of armor clanking. Tsintah spurs her elk forward<if $headache>> and I slowly follow behind her,<<else>>,<</if>> leading us to the outskirts of the tribe before stopping again. I find myself looking at a group of guards, my eyes widening as they land on the $aman leading them. Averill was no longer in the ceremonial armor that I had become so acclimated with. Instead, $ahe had foregone the decorative suit of mail for one far lighter and undoubtedly more durable. Riding right beside him is a face that I could do without though, Ansellus. Those crooked lips make up a smug and superior smile as he practically gazes down at the Kren from atop his horse. My eyes continue to wander, most of the others are simply guards besides a familiar Kren, the same one who put the chikrin on me. But it wasn’t his face that had me pause; it was the young man that rode at the end of the group. Even here, dressed similar to the others, he still stood out like the outcast he was. Isaak, what was he doing here? Why did they let someone like him tag along? “You know them?” Tsintah asks. I look up to see her attention now on me. [[“Nope, never see them before.”][$honesty -=3]] [[“Some of them.”][$honesty +=2]] [[“Why? What’s your plan?”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ <<if $honesty >=50>>\ <<nobr>><<set $tsintah -=5>><</nobr>> “Perhaps you should work on your lying, there’s much to be desired there,” Tsintah states blatantly. <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $tsintah -=3>><</nobr>> “Hmm, close. If it wasn’t for your facial expressions before I would think you were telling the truth,” Tsintah tells me. <</if>>\ “Korisi,” Tsintah calls and the were-lemox leaves the elk’s back to come and stand between us, “go and listen in.” “Ree ree,” Korisi chitters before darting off, grabbing a few of the Kren’s attention. I watch as Mylaria bends down to lift the were-lemox up, setting her on her shoulder as she places her focus back on the guards that stand before her. “They ask of you,” Tsintah tells me, her eyes closed and her hand supporting her head<<if $headache>>, similar to my own current position,<<else>>,<</if>> “and if the tribe has seen you or another group of guards.” Tsintah grows quiet, though Mylaria and the guards were obviously speaking of something between one another. [[They were going to tell the guards about me.][$optimism -=5]] [[Mylaria was coming up with a lie.][$optimism +=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honest ++</span> <</if>>\ “Yea … I know some of them. Two of them are from the same town as me, the leader is one of the King’s guard. The Kren, that one in the flashy cloak, that one put the chikrin on me.” “Korisi,” Tsintah calls and the were-lemox leaves the elk’s back to come and stand between us, “go and listen in.” “Ree ree,” Korisi chitters before darting off, grabbing a few of the Kren’s attention. I watch as Mylaria bends down to lift the were-lemox up, setting her on her shoulder as she places her focus back on the guards that stand before her. “They ask of you,” Tsintah tells me, her eyes closed and her hand supporting her head<<if $headache>>, similar to my own current position,<<else>>,<</if>> “and if the tribe has seen you or another group of guards.” Tsintah grows quiet, though Mylaria and the guards were obviously speaking of something between one another. [[They were going to tell the guards about me.][$optimism -=5]] [[Mylaria was coming up with a lie.][$optimism +=5]]
I narrow my eyes on the Kren woman, “why? What are you planning?” She doesn’t answer me. Instead, she sets her attention back on the group. “Korisi,” Tsintah calls and the were-lemox leaves the elk’s back to come and stand between us, “go and listen in.” “Ree ree,” Korisi chitters before darting off, grabbing a few of the Kren’s attention. I watch as Mylaria bends down to lift the were-lemox up, setting her on her shoulder as she places her focus back on the guards that stand before her. “They ask of you,” Tsintah tells me, her eyes closed and her hand supporting her head<<if $headache>>, similar to my own current position,<<else>>,<</if>> “and if the tribe has seen you or another group of guards.” Tsintah grows quiet, though Mylaria and the guards were obviously speaking of something between one another. [[They were going to tell the guards about me.][$optimism -=5]] [[Mylaria was coming up with a lie.][$optimism +=5]]
They were going to give me up. I could feel it in my bones, it was a feeling that crept along my skin and caused my hair to stand on end. They had no reason to lie to these men, even Mylaria had told me that she would not risk the safety of her own for me.
I need to have trust in them, even if trust was something that I couldn’t afford to give readily. I had some inch of faith that the tribe would not give me up so easily. I will have to hope that Tsintah’s silence was due to them speaking of nothing of importance, and not because the tides have been turned against me. <<if $truth >=2>>\ “Tsintah, what are they saying?” I urge her to answer. “Mylaria is telling them that they have not seen you.” Tsintah glances up, and I follow her gaze, taking notice of a few Kren hiding in the branches, in their grip is a ready arrow. “You’re going to kill them?” I question. <<if $headache>>\ “No, it is a precaution. Mylaria had believed this might happen.” She finally turns to me, “do you have the energy to ride to the edge of the territory? If not, mount Cyrus. I will join you once I have collected a few things. Stay out of sight.” She gives me no time to answer even though she asked a question. I watch as she leaps up and grabs onto a low hanging branch. She continues to climb the tree until she’s out of sight, leaving me to do as she asked. <<else>>\ “No, it is a precaution. Mylaria had believed this might happen.” She finally turns to me, “I need you to ride to the edge of the territory, follow after Cyrus. I will join you once I have collected a few things. Stay out of sight.” She gives me no time to question her as she leaps up and grabs onto a low hanging branch. She continues to climb the tree until she’s out of sight, leaving me to do as she asked. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="7.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Tsintah, what are they saying?” I urge her to answer. Her eyes open, and she looks over the crowd forming around the guards. She chews on the inside of her cheek, scrutinizing those that rest a few yards in front of us. Finally, she turns to me, her brows pinched as she looks me over. “Tell me, and be honest,” she begins, “did you kill them?” [[“Why does it matter?”->7.4WhyMatter][$tsintah -=2]] [[“For the last time, no.”->7.4LastTime][$tsintah +=2]] [[“And if I say yes?”->7.4AndIf][$tsintah -=3]]
“Why does it matter, Tsintah?” I question, trying and failing to not let my anxiety and anger poison my tone. “If you’re asking me this then it must mean that you have your answer already.” “Just answer the question.” A glisten appears in her eyes. It was true, she had made up her mind on me, but from what it seemed it didn’t follow the general consensus, she believed me innocent. “No.” <<if $headache>>\ “Come.” She says suddenly, standing and grabbing my horse’s reins, “can you ride fast? If not, then you must move to Cyrus.” “What are you doing, Tsintah?” “Follow behind Cyrus, he will take you to the edge. Wait for me there. I must collect some things before we leave.” “What did they say, Tsintah?” I ask one last time as she prepares to walk into the area. She turns to look at me, her eyes meeting mine as a hint of sadness appears. “That they will hand you over as soon as you get back from the ruins.” Saying no more, she climbs the nearest tree and enters the village from above. I do as she says, following behind the elk that has already begun to move. <<else>>\ “Come.” She yanks me after her, only letting me go when I get near the horse. “What are you doing, Tsintah?” “Follow behind Cyrus, he will take you to the edge. Wait for me there. I must collect some things before we leave.” “What did they say, Tsintah?” I ask one last time as she prepares to walk into the area. She turns to look at me, her eyes meeting mine as a hint of sadness appears. “That they will hand you over as soon as you get back from the ruins.” Saying no more, she climbs the nearest tree and enters the village from above. I do as she says, following behind the elk that has already begun to move. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="7.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“How many times must I say this? No! I did not kill the prince, nor did I kill my master.” <<if $headache>>\ “Come.” She says suddenly, standing and grabbing my horse’s reins, “can you ride fast? If not, then you must move to Cyrus.” “What are you doing, Tsintah?” “Follow behind Cyrus, he will take you to the edge. Wait for me there. I must collect some things before we leave.” “What did they say, Tsintah?” I ask one last time as she prepares to walk into the area. She turns to look at me, her eyes meeting mine as a hint of sadness appears. “That they will hand you over as soon as you get back from the ruins.” Saying no more, she climbs the nearest tree and enters the village from above. I do as she says, following behind the elk that has already begun to move. <<else>>\ “Come.” She yanks me after her, only letting me go when I get near the horse. “What are you doing, Tsintah?” “Follow behind Cyrus, he will take you to the edge. Wait for me there. I must collect some things before we leave.” “What did they say, Tsintah?” I ask one last time as she prepares to walk into the area. She turns to look at me, her eyes meeting mine as a hint of sadness appears. “That they will hand you over as soon as you get back from the ruins.” Saying no more, she climbs the nearest tree and enters the village from above. I do as she says, following behind the elk that has already begun to move. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="7.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“And? If I say yes?” I question, trying and failing to not let my anxiety and anger poison my tone. “If you’re asking me this then it must mean that you have your answer already.” “I … you do not have time for this, did you or did you not?” A glisten appears in her eyes. It was true, she had made up her mind on me, but from what it seemed liked it didn’t follow the general consensus, she believed me innocent. “No.” <<if $headache>>\ “Come.” She says suddenly, standing and grabbing my horse’s reins, “can you ride fast? If not, then you must move to Cyrus.” “What are you doing, Tsintah?” “Follow behind Cyrus, he will take you to the edge. Wait for me there. I must collect some things before we leave.” “What did they say, Tsintah?” I ask one last time as she prepares to walk into the area. She turns to look at me, her eyes meeting mine as a hint of sadness appears. “That they will hand you over as soon as you get back from the ruins.” Saying no more, she climbs the nearest tree and enters the village from above. I do as she says, following behind the elk that has already begun to move. <<else>>\ “Come.” She yanks me after her, only letting me go when I get near the horse. “What are you doing, Tsintah?” “Follow behind Cyrus, he will take you to the edge. Wait for me there. I must collect some things before we leave.” “What did they say, Tsintah?” I ask one last time as she prepares to walk into the area. She turns to look at me, her eyes meeting mine as a hint of sadness appears. “That they will hand you over as soon as you get back from the ruins.” Saying no more, she climbs the nearest tree and enters the village from above. I do as she says, following behind the elk that has already begun to move. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="7.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
As Tsintah promised, Cyrus leads me to the outskirts of the tribe, keeping out of sight of the guards and anyone else who might raise the alarm. I knew not what Tsintah was doing or how long it would take. But as the three of us wait, we all get antsy. Cyrus bellows softly, pawing the ground, and my horse does the same. <<if $headache>> I can do nothing more than grip the reins tighter, my head resting on the horse’s neck as I continue fighting my aching head.<<else>>I rub my fingers up and down the reins I’m gripping, negative thoughts drifting in and out of my mind.<</if>> <<if $truth >=2>>\ Could something have gone wrong? Tsintah had been found and questioned about what she was doing? Could the tribe had changed their mind? Or what if Tsintah had lied about what they were saying? What if this was all part of the trap? <<else>>\ Would Tsintah possibly lead me into a trap? Why would she put me before her tribe? True, she didn’t seem like she had a strong connection with them anyway, but I hardly knew her or them. <</if>>\ As I wait, my horse’s head and Cyrus’s pick up, both staring into the distance with their ears pointed forward. Something was coming. [[Run.->7.5Run][$fight -=5]] [[Wait.->7.5Wait][$fight +=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Defender ++</span> <</if>>\ <<include "7.5.1">> [[Wait.->7.5Wait][$fight +=5]] <<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Offender ++</span> <</if>>\ <<include "7.5.1">>
Before I had a chance to thoroughly think through my thoughts, three figures surge out of the tall standing bushes that stand between the Nelero tribe and me. They each wear glimmering armor, in their left hand they hold their reins, and in their right, they brandish a sword. The one whooping and hollering as soon as they spot me is the one whose face I knew best, Ansellus. “We got ?him!” one of the guards shout. “This is going to be so sweet,” Ansellus laughs, spurring his horse to go even faster. I turn my own, shock entering my eyes as Cyrus leaps behind me, rearing up and causing two of the horses to stop dead in their path. Yet, Ansellus continues racing towards me. My eyes are wide as I race through the forest with no idea where I’m headed. I simply hang on to the horse and hope that nothing deters us as we go. <<if $chikrinOff and $headache is false>>\ [[Use magic.->7.5.1Magic][$energy -=15]] <</if>>\ [[Try to get away.->7.5.1GetAway]]
I turn to see how far away Ansellus currently was. He was far enough away that he would be able to see an offensive spell coming, and thus have ample time to counter it. That was if he even knew how to fight against those with magic. I knew that they taught some guards, but not all, especially if such danger was inconsequential. The wiser course of action would be to use a spell that alters the earth around us, manipulating it in such a way that aided me but would hinder him, regardless of distance. [[Pull up roots.][$fight +=5]] [[Shake the ground.][$fight -=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Offender ++</span> <</if>>\ I draw the activation symbol for earth in front of me, thankful that Master Audouin had me practice such basic spells countless times during my initial training. Once the spell was active, I close my eyes and focus on the trees. I would have to visualize such roots more than sense then, seeing that I was atop a horse and my feet were not on the ground. I do so, picturing the large roots that undoubtedly ran beneath us, snaking through the ground and providing nourishment for the trees I see now. I tell them to rise, to leave their dirty hovels and break through the earth. The ground rumbles before one such root obeys my wishes. It reminds me of an old man with a terrible hunched back, resulting from many years of having to plow fields. I was not affected by the rising of the root, but Ansellus was. I hear his horse neigh in surprise as it’s forced to stop short. What I don’t expect is for my vision to dive into a field of blurriness. My body aching as energy I do not have, rushes out of me. The magical pressure of the forest seems to come forward, pulling me into a rough and combative embrace that leaves me begging for air. Sometime between actually realizing my gaffe and now, I released the reins of the horse and now lay on the forest’s floor, gasping for air much like a fish out of water would. <a data-passage="7.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Defender ++</span> <</if>>\ I draw the symbol for earth in front of me, thankful that Master Audouin had me practice such basic spells countless times during my initial training. Once the spell was active, I close my eyes and focus on the earth and the components that made it up. I imagine a force strong enough to shake it, visualizing the area around us doing just that. The clearer the picture becomes, the more I begin to feel the horse grow unsteady, snorting in agitation. I focus more, focusing more so on the area behind me. I only release the focus when I hear Ansellus’s horse whinny in fright, stopping short. What I don’t expect is for my vision to dive into a field of blurriness. My body aching as energy I do not have, rushes out of me. The magical pressure of the forest seems to come forward, pulling me into a rough and combative embrace that leaves me begging for air. Sometime between actually realizing my gaffe and now, I released the reins of the horse and now lay on the forest’s floor, gasping for air much like a fish out of water would. <a data-passage="7.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I spur my horse on, hoping that even though they didn’t know this forest, that they would be able to properly navigate it while also accelerating. When one was playing the mouse in the game, the job of following was made easy for the cat. They simply had to stay close and keep an eye on their prey. Whereas the mouse, they had to navigate, hope that their twists and turns would lead them towards prosperity and not their untimely death. The horse follows my command, doing precisely what it has been trained to do. But it matters little. The forest, in a strange way, looks the same. Tree after tree with no sign of it ever stopping, no clearing or small brook to run across. No small hill to go falling down, nothing that would increase our chances. I search for one of these things, only to be shocked when I feel something hit the side of my head, causing me to crash to the ground. I roll in pain, whatever had done this felt awful lot like a branch. My vision swam in and out, lazily drifting by on the river of blurriness<<if $headache>>, as if my headache alone wasn’t enough.<<else>>.<</if>> <<if $chikrinOff>>\ To add to that pain was the magical pressure of the forest, the master’s warnings coming back to me about how I should seek rest. I had felt it on the ride back to the tribe, knowing that every second that I did not rest would only be a second of pain later. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="7.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Look what I caught,” Ansellus laughs, approaching with his sword drawn but hanging lazily in his grip, “and here I thought it would be much harder to find you.” <<if $chikrinOff is false and $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword') or $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ As the pain of the branch subsides, I grab the weapon that Tsintah so kindly returned to me this morning. I pull it out and point it towards him, daring him to try my patience. “Ha! Look at you, that weapon almost looks as pathetic as you.” “How about you test both of us, huh?” “Come on, $name, we both know you stand no chance. And I’m not going to lie, I can’t take you seriously with <<if $headache>>you gripping that weapon and swaying on your feet like that. You look like a deplorable drunk.”<<else>>that collar on, you look like someone’s pet.”<</if>> He sighs but knowing Ansellus, his little monologue is far from over. <<else>>\ I groan, trying to push through the pain, a task that I find myself doing more often than naught. “Look at you,” Ansellus sighs from wherever he stands, “you look pathetic, $name.” I hear him sigh but know just from knowing Ansellus that his little monologue was far from over. <</if>>\ <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “I never would’ve imagined you as one of the ‘people,’ you know? I don’t know where I thought you would run off to but to the Kren was not one of them. I guess you tree humpers got to stick together though, right?” <<else>>\ “I’m still trying to figure out if you got captured by those tree humpers or if you just ran to them for help. I mean, come on, them? What were they going to teach you? How to eat bark?” <</if>>\ [[“Will you shut up!”][$ansellus -=3]] [[“So, what happens now?”][$ansellus +=3]] [[“Why is Isaak here?”][$ansellus -=2]]
“Good gods will you shut up!” I shout. I would give anything to just see him close that hole on his face. <<include "7.7">>
“So, what happens now? You drag me back to the king, kicking and screaming?” “Give me a little more credit than that,” he snorts, “I’ll gag and tie you up first. But essentially, yes.” <<include "7.7">>
“Isaak,” I question, taking a deep breath in as I try to steady myself and the world around me, I only end up out of air again, “why is he here?” “Wasn’t my idea. I told the little brat to go home and cry himself to sleep or something. But he practically kissed General Averill’s ass to get added, saying he knows you and what you’ll do. Averill, of course, fell for that crap.” <<if $isaak >=50>>\ So, was Isaak against me now? I couldn’t picture it, especially with what happened back in Ipharia and what he had said. I rather him in Averill’s ear than Ansellus anyway. <<else>>\ So, did Isaak come along to see me pay? Did he hate me that much or did he have another reason? We weren’t that close, and our relationship had gotten rockier and rockier as the months went on. But would he really go this far? Knowing what capturing me would mean? <</if>>\ <<include "7.7">>
“Alright, let’s get this over with,” he states but freezes as the sound of someone hitting the ground fills both of our ears. I look to see Tsintah standing directly behind him, bow drawn and arrow ready to pierce his skull. Ansellus stays rooted to the spot, his eyes bulging out of his head as his sword arm shakes uncontrollably. “I shall give you one chance to step away from the $species, lest you wish death.” Ansellus foolishly snorts, rolling his eyes, “aww the little Kren girl finds a bow and suddenly thinks she’s big and – ahh!” His words are cut off by his own scream as Tsintah releases the giddy arrow, though not through his skull like she had promised. Instead, Ansellus stares down at the shaft that sticks out of his leg, falling to his knees as he brings it close to his body. “You stupid Kren! You shot me!” “One would think you’d have fewer insults now,” Tsintah grumbles, securing her bow back on her back and then helping me to my feet <<if $headache>>and supporting me.<<else>>.<</if>> “We must go now. Can you ride?” <<if $chikrinOff or $headache>>\ “Barely, but I’ll be fine. Just gotta hang on, right?” I snort, throwing a lopsided grin over my shoulder to Tsintah who is more focused on steadying my horse. I mount up and wait for her to do the same with Cyrus. I glance at Ansellus, who is still crying over his wound on the ground. <<else>>\ “Yea,” I tell her as I approach Ansellus. [[Give him a warning.][$ansellus +=2; $smug +=2]] [[Kick him in the gut.][$ansellus -=5; $hostile +=2]] [[Spit and walk away.][$ansellus -=5; $hostile -=2]] [[Go mount my horse.][$ansellus +=5; $smug -=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ I crouch down, ignoring Tsintah’s warnings for me to come on, “listen here, Ansellus. If I ever see your face again, you’re going to be in a lot more pain than you are now. Do yourself a favor and just go back to Akrisos, not like you were meant for anything more.” I stand and go to my horse, following after Tsintah, who has already mounted Cyrus. We turn and ride off, though I hear the words he screams after us. “Run, $name! You’ll see us soon enough, there is nowhere you can go that we won’t be able to find you. You’re being hunted by all of Nidinia now!” <a data-passage="Chapter Eight"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Hostile ++</span> <</if>>\ Once I stand over him, I deliver a swift kick to his gut. He deserves that and more, but I was on a time limit and would rather see another day. “Really hope you’re happy now,” Tsintah says with a roll of her eyes, fighting back a playful grin. “I am, thanks for asking,” I say as I mount, following behind her and Cyrus. We turn and ride off, though I hear the words he screams after us. “Run, $name! You’ll see us soon enough, there is nowhere you can go that we won’t be able to find you. You’re being hunted by all of Nidinia now!” <a data-passage="Chapter Eight"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ A few choice words come to mind, as well as a few actions. But none of them make it past the creation stage. And so, I simply spit and then walk back towards Tsintah, Cyrus, and my waiting horse. Ansellus deserved so much more and only time will tell who would be the one to give it to him. We turn and ride off, though I hear the words he screams after us. “Run, $name! You’ll see us soon enough, there is nowhere you can go that we won’t be able to find you. You’re being hunted by all of Nidinia now!” <a data-passage="Chapter Eight"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ I begin walking towards him and then stop, he wasn’t worth my time, and he definitely wasn’t worth risking getting captured over. I turn on my heel and head back towards my waiting horse, mounting up and following behind Tsintah and Cyrus. We turn and ride off, though I hear the words he screams after us. “Run, $name! You’ll see us soon enough, there is nowhere you can go that we won’t be able to find you. You’re being hunted by all of Nidinia now!” <a data-passage="Chapter Eight"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<set $beast = false; $ditch = false; $TsintahasherikhalaNelero = true; $truth to 0>> <<unset $timelimit, $hay, $hut, $bandage, $goodtogo, $wait, $clothingstole, $masterApp>> <<endnobr>> <img src="images/six.png"> The forest seems to part for us, or more precisely, for the female Kren that leads her archer troupe. It was as if she was an old friend that they have been desperately awaiting the arrival of. The branches sway just in time to avoid smacking her, and the breeze parts the grass. If the forest could embrace her physically, then I have no doubt it would. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ The deeper we get, the more faces I begin to see. Kren children stop their playing as they turn to look at me, curiosity peaking, yet not giving way to bravery. Others halt their tongues and axes as I pass by, but I note that they don’t look upon me with distrust. Instead, they give me encouraging smiles and small waves, as if they have always known me. I gape at the large houses built on the side of the trees, realizing that not only is there a village on the ground, but also one above. Whereas most towns clear the land for their prospective buildings, the Kren have built with the earth. It seems to fit as naturally as the trees and plants as if these houses had been raised with the land. We cross over a noisy brook, and I lean over to see a wide variety of multicolored fishes all swimming in one direction. All swimming towards a nearby large lake, lazily existing underneath the protection of the trees and sun. <<else>>\ The deeper we get, the more faces I begin to see. Kren children stop their playing as they turn to look at me, curiosity peaking, yet not giving way to bravery. Others halt their tongues and axes as I pass by. Every eye is on me. Questioning my presence and why I was being escorted in such a fashion. I gape at the large houses built on the side of the trees, realizing that not only is there a village on the ground, but also one above. Whereas most towns clear the land for their prospective buildings, they have built with the earth. It seems to fit as naturally as the trees and plants as if these houses had been raised with the land. We cross over a noisy brook, and I lean over to see a wide variety of multicolored fishes all swimming in one direction. All swimming towards a nearby large lake, lazily existing underneath the protection of the trees and sun. <</if>>\ <<if $knowledge>>\ So this was Prywth Forest. I’ve reviewed enough maps of Nidinia to know that the forest took up most of the eastern and southeastern side of the continent. It was home to many creatures, and I had heard tales that Uqanan and Kren made it their home as well. I had even done minor research on the organisms that were known to reside here. But doing research and staring at pictures resting upon a page didn’t equate walking among it. <<else>>\ This all rests outside of Ipharia, that was the one thing that I still fail to grasp. Ipharia was a nosy capital whose main areas held nothing but dirt, mud, and stone. To know that mere miles away, a sanctuary such as this resides, I couldn't picture it even with it before me. <</if>>\ [[Was this to be just another prison though?][$optimism -=10]] [[Hopefully, they could help me.][$optimism +=10]]
I had just escaped one prison and for all I know, ended up in another. The Kren from earlier said that the King of Nidinia was not the king of them, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t judge me themselves. I continue to follow the woman who leads me up a short hill where a large, intricately wooden building resides. Fallen leaves coat the roof, and two trees guard the entrance, hosting conversationalists and chattering animals alike. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword') or $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ Before leading me inside, the archers stop me and forcefully take the weapon that even I had forgotten was latched to my clothing. In a way, it was better that I had forgotten it, as they don’t look at me with any more distrust as before due to me never attempting to use it. <</if>>\ We enter.
I didn’t wish to be pessimistic about this event. They could have killed me back there with the other guards, but they didn’t. Maybe I interested the Kren woman, or possibly she just didn’t think it her place to judge me. I hope it to be the former. I continue to follow the woman who leads me up a short hill where a large, intricately wooden building resides. Fallen leaves coat the roof, and two trees guard the entrance, hosting conversationalists and chattering animals alike. <<if $weaponInventory.has('classic shortsword') or $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger')>>\ Before leading me inside, the archers stop me and forcefully take the weapon that even I had forgotten was latched to my clothing. In a way, it was better that I had forgotten it, as they don’t look at me with any more distrust as before due to me never attempting to use it. <</if>>\ We enter. <a data-passage="6.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The large room we stand in now seems to hold a variety of uses. Rows of seats and tables decorate the outer areas of the room, perhaps used for festivals or other significant events. In the middle of the room resides the stump of an aged great tree. Its length giving me an idea of how large it once was. I am unable to see what rests on top of it due to those conversing around it. Each Kren present adorns some kind of armor with intricate designs and earthy tones. In fact, everyone seemed to dawn the same style of armor besides one, the woman with the scar and different colored eyes. The archers around me, and the woman with the scar, all do a half bow that consists of their hand being placed over their heart. The talking at the table quiets as all eyes rest on me. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ <<nobr>><<set $neleroApproval +=1>><</nobr>> “And what do we have here? Another Kren who wishes to once again be born of the forest?” a woman at the head of the table asks, her pale brown eyes taking my appearance in casually. I was perhaps not the first Kren outsider to wander in. <<else>>\ “And what do we have here?” a woman at the head of the table asks, her pale brown eyes taking my appearance in with skepticism. <</if>>\ The woman beside me glances at me as if asking if I wish to speak for myself or if I would rather have her explain it. [[Let the Kren woman explain.][$neleroApproval +=1; $truth +=1]] [[Speak for myself.]]
I stay quiet, glancing over at her. <<if $kAnswer is "sanctuary">>\ “?He claims to seek sanctuary from a small squadron of guards who were chasing ?him. They claimed ?him to be a fugitive of the Alyrian King.” “And the fate of this group?” “Taken care of, the forest will soon claim them.” I attempt to picture her words, imagining tree vines, and roots wrapping around the lifeless bodies as they pull them into the soil. I doubt such a thing would happen, more likely animals would come by, take their share and the rest would be forgotten until it became one with the soil. <<elseif $kAnswer is "escape">>\ “?He was attempting to escape from a small squadron of guards who were chasing ?him. They claimed ?him to be a fugitive of the Alyrian King.” “And the fate of this group?” “Taken care of, the forest will soon claim them.” I attempt to picture her words, imagining tree vines, and roots wrapping around the lifeless bodies as they pull them into the soil. I doubt such a thing would happen, more likely animals would come by, take their share and the rest would be forgotten until it became one with the soil. <<elseif $kAnswer is "blank">>\ “?He claims idiocy,” the Kren woman begins, and I shoot her a pointed glare which she ignores, “but, a small squadron of guards was chasing ?him. They claimed ?him to be a fugitive of the Alyrian King.” “And you believed the state of ?his mind competent enough to lead ?him here?” Tsintah glances over at me, lazily, “?he … interested me.” <<else>>\ “?He was more worried about the arrows aimed at ?him,” the Kren woman begins, and I snort in embarrassment. This probably wasn’t going to help my case. “But, a small squadron of guards were chasing ?him. They claimed ?him to be a fugitive of the Alyrian King.” “And ?his boldness didn’t lead ?him to the fate that I presume befell the guards?” Tsintah glances over at me, “?he … interested me.” <</if>>\ <<include "6.1">>
I clear my throat, a signal to the Kren that I would rather speak for myself in this affair. She doesn’t say anything and continues to look forward. [[Tell the truth: “I was just trying to escape guards.”][$truth +=1; $honesty +=2]] [[Lie: “I’m just trying to catch a break.”][$honesty -=2; $neleroApproval +=1]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honest ++</span> <</if>>\ “I’m being chased by the King’s guards; he wants me for crimes that he believes I am guilty of. I ended up running here in my attempt to escape them, and that’s when your archers found me.” No one says anything, probably busy trying to digest my words. <<include "6.1">>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ “I’m just trying to catch a break. I’m a peasant with no ruho and little else to my name. I am wanted for stealing food.” It was a lie, but it was a lie that could be believed, especially if these Kren cared little for the politics of Nidinia. The guards had only said that I was a fugitive of the King, that could mean anything. <<include "6.1">>
The woman hums with a small smile, “thank you, Tsintah, you are excused.” Tsintah does the bow once again and without a second look at me, leaves the way she came. The archers don’t move though. It would seem that only Tsintah was eager to go. She approaches me, looking me over, and I do the same. She was around the same height as me with pale brown eyes that shift between cold and warm at a moment’s notice. Her long light blonde hair was pulled into a messy high bun, while some strands rest lazily against her mahogany skin. Even though her armor was similar to the others present, I could tell that she was something more. A leader, perhaps, something that caused everyone in the room to naturally gravitate to her for answers and guidance. “I am Mylariaeru’khala Nelero, leader of the Nelero tribe.” “$name $surname,” I introduce with a nod, and she gives me a curious look. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “Is that simply your shortened name, or do you not have a tribe?” “I don’t have a tribe.” The others murmur in a language I do not know as they look towards me, but Mylaria quickly shushes them. “Not every kin of the forest holds one,” she tells them, and me, it would seem. <</if>>\ “$name,” Mylaria begins, narrowing her gaze as she looks at me, “I must know if you are a danger to my tribe. We wish to help, but you can understand our weariness.” [[Lie: “I am no danger.”][$neleroApproval +=1; $honesty -=2]] [[Be honest: “I am.”][$truth +=1; $honesty +=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ “I am no danger to you and your tribe.” I think about adding more to that but figure that a lie didn’t need further explanation. Some of them exchange doubtful glares, but Mylaria seems to give me the benefit of the doubt. “Then I have one last question. What is your supposed crime?” [[“I stole from a wealthy merchant.”]] [[“I killed the prince and my own master.”]] [[Be honest: “I am.”][$truth +=1; $honesty +=2]] <<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honest ++</span> <</if>>\ “I am,” I say solemnly. I could see it all so clearly, them arguing about how my presence alone would bring misfortune. They would either deliver me back into the hands of the King, or they would drop me off in the middle of nowhere and wish me good luck, before leaving. “Then I have one last question. What is your supposed crime?” [[“I stole from a wealthy merchant.”][$honesty -=2]] [[“I killed the prince and my own master.”][$truth +=1; $honesty +=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ “I stole from a wealthy merchant,” I lie, noticing that many of those who stand around seem to relax. I could only guess how distrusting they would be if I told them the truth. “We will have to discuss further what we wish to do, but for now, you are safe here.” [[“That’s the same thing they said.”]] [[“What do you mean, discuss further?”]] [[“Thank you.”->6.1ThankYou]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honest ++</span> <</if>>\ “I … I killed the prince and my own master.” I hear a thunderclap originating from outside and spin on my heel, only to see the same cheerful scene I had passed coming inside. Those in the room seem to not have noticed it either, too caught up in their own conversation. So was that … my imagination? I lift my head at the sound of someone saying my name, looking to see Mylaria gazing at me. “We will have to discuss further what we wish to do, but for now, you are safe here.” [[“That’s the same thing they said.”]] [[“What do you mean, discuss further?”]] [[“Thank you.”->6.1ThankYou]]
I snort, looking at them with as much distrust as they did me, “that’s the same thing they said to me in Ipharia.” Her attendants, generals, whatever they wish to call themselves only raised their brows. But Mylaria gives me a sympathetic smile, resting her hand over her heart. “As long as you treat those of this tribe with respect, then respect will be given back to you. Trust me, $name, no harm will befall you.” She stands up straighter, clearing her throat and looking past me, “Rajilin, I would like for you to be $name’s escort during ?his stay.” <<if $neleroApproval >=2>>\ “Certainly,” a thin Kren says in a peppy tone. She comes forward and does that unusual bow of theirs, her wild blonde hair draping across her shoulders as she raises her head back up. <<else>>\ “If that is what you wish,” a thin Kren says in a hesitant tone. She comes forward and does that unusual bow of theirs, her wild blonde hair draping across her shoulders as she raises her head back up. <</if>>\ “I need an escort?” I question with a raised brow. “You are potentially dangerous. No harm will come to you, but I will not put your life above that of my tribe. So yes, you need an escort. If that is all, there are other matters needing my attention.” With her final words uttered, Mylaria waves her hands and dismisses us. [[Leave.->6.1Leave]] [[Bow.->6.1Bow]]
I eye them warily, “what do you mean by discuss further?” Mylaria sighs, as if this was going to lead into yet another unforgiving sleepless night, “I’m sure you understand our caution. We know not who else will follow, and I would rather do without more bloodshed.” She murmurs the next part, so low that I barely make out what she says, but I do make out the words, “if only for Tsintah’s sake.” She shakes her head and clears her throat, “Rajilin, I would like for you to be $name’s escort during ?his stay.” <<if $neleroApproval >=2>>\ “Certainly,” a thin Kren says in a peppy tone. She comes forward and does that unusual bow of theirs, her wild blonde hair draping across her shoulders as she raises her head back up. <<else>>\ “If that is what you wish,” a thin Kren says in a hesitant tone. She comes forward and does that unusual bow of theirs, her wild blonde hair draping across her shoulders as she raises her head back up. <</if>>\ “I need an escort?” I question with a raised brow. “You are potentially dangerous. No harm will come to you, but I will not put your life above that of my tribe. So yes, you need an escort. If that is all, there are other matters needing my attention.” With her final words uttered, Mylaria waves her hands and dismisses us. [[Leave.->6.1Leave]] [[Bow.->6.1Bow]]
I was always more concerned about them kicking me out than them giving me up, and for that, I let out a breath I did not realize I was holding. “Thank you.” Mylaria offers me a warm smile before looking past me, “Rajilin, if you don’t mind, I would like for you to be $name’s escort during ?his stay.” <<if $neleroApproval >=2>>\ “Certainly,” a thin Kren says in a peppy tone. She comes forward and does that unusual bow of theirs, her wild blonde hair draping across her shoulders as she raises her head back up. <<else>>\ “If that is what you wish,” a thin Kren says in a hesitant tone. She comes forward and does that unusual bow of theirs, her wild blonde hair draping across her shoulders as she raises her head back up. <</if>>\ “I need an escort?” I question with a raised brow. “You are potentially dangerous. No harm will come to you, but I will not put your life above that of my tribe. So yes, you need an escort. If that is all, there are other matters needing my attention.” With her final words uttered, Mylaria waves her hands and dismisses us. [[Leave.->6.1Leave]] [[Bow.->6.1Bow]]
I turn, realizing that the archers were no longer there. I hadn’t even heard them leave. <<include "6.2">>
<<if $species is "Kren">>\ <<nobr>><<set $neleroApproval +=1>><</nobr>> After seeing it done, I decide to do it as well, hoping that it would be a sign of respect and push me further into their good graces. I hear mumbling as Rajilin fixes my stance, but the bright smile on her face tells me that my attempt, despite my failure, has not gone unnoticed. The other Kren share subtle smiles with each other as I turn and go. <<else>>\ After seeing it done, I decide to do it as well, hoping that it would be a sign of respect and push me further into their good graces. I hear gasps and harsh words cut the air as Rajilin rushes over and pushes me up. “Don’t. It’s seen as disrespectful, like a mimic, if done by other races,” she whispers to me and I nod my thanks, though the damage is already done. The council members seem to despise me even more and Mylaria has turned her back to me, shaking her head in exasperation. <</if>>\ <<include "6.2">>
Rajilin leads me out of the large meeting building and back down the path to what I assume is the central hub of the Nelero tribe. I spot some of the archers from earlier off to the side, their masks abandoned as they laugh and speak amongst one another. “I must apologize for any brutality that beast might have inflicted upon you,” Rajilin starts, my eyes traveling back to her as we walk. “Beast?” She points to her eyes, and I realize she must be speaking about the odd Kren from earlier, Tsintah. <<if $species is "Kren">> “That’s a pretty interesting word to use for your sister Kren, don’t you think?” I question, and Rajilin blushes like a child being scolded. “Perhaps, but she is not one of us. She is a raging beast with the face of a Kren,” she clears her throat and shakes her head as if trying to forget a rather uncanny dream, “enough on that though. Is there anything you would like to know?” <<else>>\ “That’s a pretty interesting word to use, don’t you think?” I question, and Rajilin blushes like a child being scolded. “Perhaps, but that doesn’t make my words any less true,” she clears her throat and shakes her head as if trying to forget a rather uncanny dream, “enough on that though. Is there anything you would like to know?” <</if>>\ <<if not $q1>>[[“Who were those people back there?”|6.2Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Who were those people back there?”<</if>> <<if not $q2>>[[“Were you born here?”|6.2Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“Were you born here?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”|6.2Q3][$q3 to true; $beast = true]]<<else>>“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the chikrin.|6.2Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q5 and ($injury_ankle) or ($weaponInventory.has('classic dagger'))>>[[Ask about a healer|6.2Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about a healer<</if>>
“Who were those people back there? The ones along with Mylaria I mean.” “Ah, that was the council. Mylaria is the tribe’s Chieftain, and everyone else is a councilmember for a specific branch.” “Branches? You guys all wear the same armor though.” “Well,” she chuckles, shrugging her shoulders, “you never know when a dire bear is going to come sprinting out of the woods. I’d say these woods hold more dangers than outsiders do.” <<if not $q2>>[[“Were you born here?”|6.2Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“Were you born here?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”|6.2Q3][$q3 to true; $beast = true]]<<else>>“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the chikrin.|6.2Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q5 and ($injury_ankle) or ($weaponInventory.has('classic dagger'))>>[[Ask about a healer|6.2Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about a healer<</if>> [[Nothing else.->6.2NothingElse]]
“Were you born here?” <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “No, I’m like you, a few of us are actually. Born elsewhere but then came here. Every Kren will once again find their way to the forests, isn’t that what they always say? I came here due to curiosity and the need to record my findings. I’m a researcher, you see. I was interested in learning where I came from and how much different the Kren here are from those who didn’t grow up here. I suppose the same could not be said about you, huh? If not because of your situation, would you had ever gotten curious?” I bite the side of my cheek before looking over at Rajilin, her eyes burning with curiosity. [[“No, my origins don’t concern me.”]] [[“Maybe … I don’t really know.”]] [[“Yea, I’ve always wondered actually.”]] <<else>>\ “No, I’m like a few of the other Kren that you may see. We were born elsewhere but then came here. Every Kren will once again find their way to the forests, isn’t that what they always say? I came here due to curiosity and the need to record my findings. I’m a researcher, you see. I was interested in learning where I came from and how much different the Kren here are from those who didn’t grow up here.” “And have you seen any differences?” “Yes, in fact! Everywhere from mannerisms and how they view culture and themselves. My first few days were fairly difficult. Getting used to doing anything more than just observing and writing. Having to learn what was right and wrong. And don’t get me started on not knowing if you’ll see another day. The watch does a great job of keeping out creatures, but there’s only so much they can do. Every day is a different adrenaline rush.” <</if>>\
“No, my origins don’t really concern me.” “But with an immortal life that seems almost ignorant, don’t you think?” “You’re judging me when the main reason you came is just so you can observe and poke?” She closes her mouth with that, glancing at the ground. “Is there anything else you’d like to know?” <<if not $q1>>[[“Who were those people back there?”|6.2Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Who were those people back there?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”|6.2Q3][$q3 to true; $beast = true]]<<else>>“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the chikrin.|6.2Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q5 and ($injury_ankle) or ($weaponInventory.has('classic dagger'))>>[[Ask about a healer|6.2Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about a healer<</if>> [[Nothing else.->6.2NothingElse]]
“Maybe … I don’t really know. Perhaps when everything else is done with, and I had time. We are immortal, so why not?” “Indeed. The immortal life is as interesting as the Kren culture to me. To think, some of us have been alive since the beginning.” She had a point there. To think that I might one day come across a Kren that had been alive before all of this was around before even some of the species came about, it was … “Is there anything else you’d like to know?” Rajilin questions with a broad smile, pulling me out of my thoughts. <<if not $q1>>[[“Who were those people back there?”|6.2Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Who were those people back there?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”|6.2Q3][$q3 to true; $beast = true]]<<else>>“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the chikrin.|6.2Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q5 and ($injury_ankle) or ($weaponInventory.has('classic dagger'))>>[[Ask about a healer|6.2Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about a healer<</if>> [[Nothing else.->6.2NothingElse]]
“Yea,” I start, “I’ve always been curious about Kren culture, even more about what more I could learn about myself.” “Right! The culture of the Kren. To know that it is the oldest of the cultures, that it has a slice of itself in all other cultures, it’s crazy.” I smirk as she grows more and more excited with every word. I couldn’t match her excitement, but I could see where she was coming from. “So, is there anything else you’d like to know?” <<if not $q1>>[[“Who were those people back there?”|6.2Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Who were those people back there?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”|6.2Q3][$q3 to true; $beast = true]]<<else>>“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the chikrin.|6.2Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q5 and ($injury_ankle) or ($weaponInventory.has('classic dagger'))>>[[Ask about a healer|6.2Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about a healer<</if>> [[Nothing else.->6.2NothingElse]]
“Earlier, you called Tsintah a beast, I’d like to know why.” Rajilin bites the inside of her cheek and glances around as if Tsintah was going to materialize and strike her. She leans in surreptitiously, lowering her voice, “I’d hate to be the one to spread rumors, but they said that she murdered a whole group of Kren, no remorse. Kren that were supposed to be her friends too. They said she had this … predatory look in her eye during it all.” Rajilin backs away, shivering. “But, that’s just a rumor, right?” “I doubt it. There’s a reason you’ll never really find her inside the village.” She straightens up and flashes me an apologetic smile, “but let’s stop dwelling on unfortunate stuff, really. Anything else?” <<if not $q1>>[[“Who were those people back there?”|6.2Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Who were those people back there?”<</if>> <<if not $q2>>[[“Were you born here?”|6.2Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“Were you born here?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the chikrin.|6.2Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q5 and ($injury_ankle) or ($weaponInventory.has('classic dagger'))>>[[Ask about a healer|6.2Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about a healer<</if>> [[Nothing else.->6.2NothingElse]]
“Do you know what this is?” I ask, pointing to the collar that still adorns my neck. It feels like bringing attention to it causes it to grow heavier. “Never seen it … wait, isn’t that what slave witches wear?” Her question is coated in mistrust and suspicion, her eyes flickering to mine as she raises a brow. “Calm down, they put it on me when they arrested me the first time.” “So a witch fugitive,” she says aloud, her eyes darting back to the building we had left behind, “I think I should tell the council this.” “No need, it’s not like I’m a danger to them.” She doesn’t seem convinced, and I’d much rather change the subject before she runs off and tells everyone. <<if not $q1>>[[“Who were those people back there?”|6.2Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Who were those people back there?”<</if>> <<if not $q2>>[[“Were you born here?”|6.2Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“Were you born here?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”|6.2Q3][$q3 to true; $beast = true]]<<else>>“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”<</if>> <<if not $q5 and ($injury_ankle) or ($weaponInventory.has('classic dagger'))>>[[Ask about a healer|6.2Q5][$q5 to true]]<<else>>Ask about a healer<</if>> [[Nothing else.->6.2NothingElse]]
“Do you happen to know if I can go and speak to a healer?” I ask her. She doesn’t look too shocked at my question; I’m guessing that my appearance didn’t exactly scream healthy. “I can take you to the healer’s hut if you wish. But is there anything else you would like to ask?” <<if not $q1>>[[“Who were those people back there?”|6.2Q1][$q1 to true]]<<else>>“Who were those people back there?”<</if>> <<if not $q2>>[[“Were you born here?”|6.2Q2][$q2 to true]]<<else>>“Were you born here?”<</if>> <<if not $q3>>[[“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”|6.2Q3][$q3 to true; $beast = true]]<<else>>“Tsintah, why do you call her beast?”<</if>> <<if not $q4>>[[Ask about the chikrin.|6.2Q4][$q4 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the chikrin.<</if>> [[Nothing else.->6.2NothingElse]]
“That’s everything I’m curious about,” I say, and she nods. <<include "6.2.1">>
<<if $neleroApproval >=2>>\ “Great, so as your escort I have to do something that allows me to keep my eye on you. Oh! How about I grab my notes and I ask you some questions, it would be great to hear what you have to say about the state of affairs in Ipharia and your first impression on the Nelero Tribe.” My eyes widen at her words as she continues speaking, none of that sounded the least bit fun, despite how excited she seemed to become. <<else>>\ “So, as the person who has to keep an eye on you. I suppose we could just find somewhere to sit and wait for the others to figure out what they should do with you.” “That sounds boring,” I growl, rolling my eyes at my own tone. “That may be the case, but I’d rather not be … I mean …” she doesn’t finish her thought, but I can see by the way she glares at me what she meant. She didn’t feel comfortable with having the two of us alone. <</if>>\ [[Stick with her.->6.2.2][$neleroApproval +=1]] [[Get rid of her.->6.2.3][$ditch = true]]
I was already being watched, if I had decided to trick Rajilin and leave, then the tribe would probably choose to lock me up somewhere instead. Seeing that I at least had the freedom to walk around, I’d rather stick with the researcher. <<if $q5>>\ [[Suggest visiting the healers.]] <</if>>\ [[Find something fun to do.]] [[Learn more.->6.2.2LearnMore]]
“So, how about those healers?” I question Rajilin, who nods, motioning for me to follow her. We walk back towards the bridge, but instead of crossing it this time, we take a right and head up a path that leads to one of the large trees with the tree platforms. We walk onto some kind of mechanism that begins to lift us up off the ground when she pulls a lever. We go higher and higher, and I find myself fearing for my safety. What if this thing decided to break? Looking at it more closely, the platform we stood on was made of thick wood and was more like a large basket than anything else. A dozen vines were attached to it, making sure that the basket did not drop us to our doom. I don’t exactly see what it is that allows us to rise, but I surmise that perhaps some sort of contraption on the other side of the tree, filled with something substantial, was to thank. We step off the lift, and I follow Rajilin across a bridge and towards the first hut that we come too. The door is open, and the inside smells heavily of lavender. There were shelves upon shelves of jars that all held something different. One bucket sitting off to the side looked to keep mud. Red and brown tatami mats decorate portions of the floors, some with bodies and others without. A few Kren are bustling around, speaking to the patients before leaving to get something. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “Chyěw chi tend jawt gbi chyoo,” a short Kren woman shouts, pointing to a man resting on a mat. She then turns her attention to us and gives us both a bright and friendly smile, “can we help you?” <<else>>\ “Chyěw chi tend jawt gbi chyoo,” a short Kren woman shouts, pointing to a man resting on a mat. She then turns her attention to us, her eyes lingering on me in confusion and suspicion befre looking at Rajilin, “yes?” <</if>>\ <<if $injury_ankle and $weaponInventory.has('classic dagger'>>\ “I need someone to take a look at my ankle. I’m pretty sure it’s swollen,” I tell her, “I was also stabbed in the shoulder.” She raises a brow but nods and motions for me to take a seat, kneeling down beside me as she gingerly picks up my ankle. She softly rubs her thumbs around the swollen joints, taking notice when I hiss in pain. She rolls it and looks to me for a reaction. She then goes and undoes the bandage resting against my shoulder. “Hmm, doesn’t look like it’s infected,” she begins before taking a deep breath and hovering her hands above the wound. A green glow originates from her hands and shoots towards my shoulder. “Nothing ruptured either, it didn’t go deep enough to hit an artery. I’ll apply a salve and minor healing and then redress it.” She rises and walks to the shelves, looking them over. “Vela, do we still have some arnica?” she shouts to someone who I suspect wasn’t in the room. “We should, but we might have run out.” My nurse continues searching until she comes what I suppose is arnica, a yellow flower that I would’ve guessed was a sunflower upon first glance. She grabs a mortar and pestle and begins grinding it up before adding something else. She mixes that into it until it was now a salve. She applies it to my shoulder and ankle before calling forth her magic once again. I can feel the salve heat up and feel all the tension that was once there relax. Added with the smell of lavender, my entire body takes one long and much-needed breath in and out. Once she was done, she grabs a bandage and begins to wrap my shoulder properly, letting the salve and the residual effects of her magic linger. “It should be fully healed by tomorrow, do not do anything strenuous until then.” I nod my thanks. “We should go?” Rajilin tells me. [[Stay and learn more about healing magic.][$heal +=5]] [[Follow Rajilin out.]] <<elseif $injury_ankle>>\ “I need someone to take a look at my ankle. I’m pretty sure it’s swollen,” I tell her. She nods and motions for me to take a seat, kneeling down beside me as she gingerly picks up my ankle. She softly rubs her thumbs around the swollen joints, taking notice when I hiss in pain. She rolls it and looks to me for a reaction. [[I eat pain!]] [[what is pain?]] [[Uh … ouch.]] <<else>>\ “I was stabbed in the shoulder and need someone who knows what they’re doing to take a look at it,” I tell her. She nods and motions for me to take a seat, kneeling down beside me as she undoes the bandage resting against my shoulder. “Hmm, doesn’t look like it’s infected,” she begins before taking a deep breath and hovering her hands above the wound. A green glow originates from her hands and shoots towards my shoulder. “Nothing ruptured either, it didn’t go deep enough to hit an artery. I’ll apply a salve and minor healing and then redress it.” She rises and walks to the shelves, looking them over. “Vela, do we still have some arnica?” she shouts to someone who I suspect wasn’t in the room. “We should, but we might have run out.” My nurse continues searching until she comes what I suppose is arnica, a yellow flower that I would’ve guessed was a sunflower upon first glance. She grabs a mortar and pestle and begins grinding it up before adding something else. She mixes that into it until it was now a salve. She applies it to my shoulder before calling forth her magic once again. I can feel the salve heat up and feel all the tension that was once there relax. Added with the smell of lavender, my entire body takes one long and much-needed breath in and out. Once she was done, she grabs a bandage and begins to wrap my shoulder and ankle properly, letting the salve and the residual effects of her magic linger. “It should be fully healed by tomorrow, do not do anything strenuous until then.” I nod my thanks. “We should go?” Rajilin tells me. [[Stay and learn more about healing magic.][$heal +=5]] [[Follow Rajilin out.]] <</if>>\
I grit my teeth as I look back at the nurse, trying not to make any kind of noise or expression. She didn’t need to know that I was in pain, that I wanted to push her away and tell her to never touch me again. High Gods did this hurt! “Vela, do we still have some arnica?” she shouts to someone who I suspect wasn’t in the room. “We should, but we might have run out.” My nurse continues searching until she comes what I suppose is arnica, a yellow flower that I would’ve guessed was a sunflower upon first glance. She grabs a mortar and pestle and begins grinding it up before adding something else. She mixes that into it until it was now a salve. I watch as she takes a deep breath in and then out. First, she applies the salve to my ankle and foot. Then, her hands hover inches above my swollen joints, a green glow originating from her hands and shooting towards my leg. I can feel the salve heat up and feel all the tension that was once there relax. Added with the smell of lavender, my entire body takes one long and much-needed breath in and out. Once she was done, she grabs a bandage and begins to wrap my ankle with it, letting the salve and the residual effects of her magic linger. “You should be able to walk normally, but it would be wise if, for the rest of the night, you give it a break. It should be fully healed by tomorrow.” I nod my thanks. “We should go?” Rajilin tells me. [[Stay and learn more about healing magic.][$heal +=5]] [[Follow Rajilin out.]]
I stare blankly at her as she works, my expression staying neutral. I suppose going through as much trauma as I had in the last few days made one numb to pain. Either that or I had messed up my ankle so much that the nerves had simply decided to quit. “Vela, do we still have some arnica?” she shouts to someone who I suspect wasn’t in the room. “We should, but we might have run out.” My nurse continues searching until she comes what I suppose is arnica, a yellow flower that I would’ve guessed was a sunflower upon first glance. She grabs a mortar and pestle and begins grinding it up before adding something else. She mixes that into it until it was now a salve. I watch as she takes a deep breath in and then out. First, she applies the salve to my ankle and foot. Then, her hands hover inches above my swollen joints, a green glow originating from her hands and shooting towards my leg. I can feel the salve heat up and feel all the tension that was once there relax. Added with the smell of lavender, my entire body takes one long and much-needed breath in and out. Once she was done, she grabs a bandage and begins to wrap my ankle with it, letting the salve and the residual effects of her magic linger. “You should be able to walk normally, but it would be wise if, for the rest of the night, you give it a break. It should be fully healed by tomorrow.” I nod my thanks. “We should go?” Rajilin tells me. [[Stay and learn more about healing magic.][$heal +=5]] [[Follow Rajilin out.]]
“Ah!” I voice as she continues her work, ignoring her warnings for me to stay still and to stop squirming. She straightens up after her assessment, going over to one of the shelves and looking through the jars. “Vela, do we still have some arnica?” she shouts to someone who I suspect wasn’t in the room. “We should, but we might have run out.” My nurse continues searching until she comes what I suppose is arnica, a yellow flower that I would’ve guessed was a sunflower upon first glance. She grabs a mortar and pestle and begins grinding it up before adding something else. She mixes that into it until it was now a salve. I watch as she takes a deep breath in and then out. First, she applies the salve to my ankle and foot. Then, her hands hover inches above my swollen joints, a green glow originating from her hands and shooting towards my leg. I can feel the salve heat up and feel all the tension that was once there relax. Added with the smell of lavender, my entire body takes one long and much-needed breath in and out. Once she was done, she grabs a bandage and begins to wrap my ankle with it, letting the salve and the residual effects of her magic linger. “You should be able to walk normally, but it would be wise if, for the rest of the night, you give it a break. It should be fully healed by tomorrow.” I nod my thanks. “We should go?” Rajilin tells me. [[Stay and learn more about healing magic.][$heal +=5]] [[Follow Rajilin out.]]
“I … I think I’d rather stay. See what I can learn about healing magic.” My words are said cautiously, seeing that I hadn’t gotten permission to do such a thing. I look back at the nurse who shrugs. “I suppose that works as well. I will simply continue my writings,” she tells me before wandering off to find a seat. I stick close to the nurse that helped me, listening intently to the advice that she gives. Her words sound familiar to Master Audouin’s, especially since his favored branch of magic was healing. If I had known more about healing magic, could I have saved him? Was there even a small chance of being able to bring him back, even if it for only a moment to learn what had become of him? <a data-passage="6.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I follow Rajilin out, retracing our steps until we were back in what I presume to be the main square of the tribe. “I suppose you would like to visit the enchanter’s hut next?” Rajilin asks me, and seeing that there was nothing else to do, I nod. Hopefully, the person in question could help me in removing this leash. <a data-passage="6.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“But can we at least do something fun,” I question her, gazing around in hopes that I could find something before she asked me. I spot a few children playing with a ball nearby and shoot her a smile. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ <<nobr>><<set $neleroApproval +=1>><</nobr>> “See, fun,” I tell Rajilin with a small smile. I approach the kids, and they slow, the ball that they were playing with rolling towards me as there was no one there to catch it. I pick it up and give them a light and, hopefully, friendly smile. “What kind of game are you guys playing?” I inquire, throwing the ball from one hand to the other. They look at one another, silently wondering if talking to me was a good idea. “We’re playing Keep Away,” one of the children finally says, glancing at the others cautiously before looking back at me. She looks at Rajilin, who stands a healthy distance away. “Do you two wanna play?” I turn to look at Rajilin, and she shrugs with a good-natured smile on her face. “Sure, we’ll play.” The children put us on two different teams and explain the rules to me. The main objective was to keep the ball away from the other side. You could throw it, kick it, but if you had the ball, you had to stand still. The game is simple enough, as long as you were the offending team. Not having the ball made it much easier to go get it. But as soon as you were given the ball, it seemed like one’s options drastically decreased. The kids were faster and far more knowledgeable than me. And yet, they were also patient. If I had accidentally moved, then they would act as if it never happened. They threw the ball to me regularly and encouraged me, sometimes causing me to pause and remember who the child was. By the time we finish, my team had won by a landslide, and they thank me profusely for it. I’m tired, sweating, and for the first time in a while, felt like I had enjoyed myself. “Perhaps we should go to the enchanter’s hut,” Rajilin offers, and I nod in agreement. <<else>>\ “See, fun,” I tell Rajilin with a small smile. I approach the kids, and they freeze, the ball that they were playing with rolling towards me as there was no one there to catch it. Before it can get any closer, though, the bravest of the kids lunges forward, ceasing the ball and holding it close to their chest as they peer up at me in fear. “Hey,” I start, crouching down to be on their level, “what kind of game are you guys playing?” They exchange glances with one another, silently asking whether or not they should speak to me. “What’s that thing around your neck?” one of the kids questions, earning a warning slap on the arm from his fellow companions. I’m unable to say or do anything more when I notice a few adults walk up, their eyes narrowed on me in suspicion as they call their children back to their sides. The children do as they were asked, peering at me from behind their parents who offer me only glares that tell me to leave. I straighten up and begin to walk backward until Rajilin was guiding me away, her hand on my sleeve as she apologizes to the others. “I didn’t mean any harm,” I grumble. “You forget you’re an outsider and not only that, but the tribe thinks you dangerous.” “Why? Did you all tell them?” “No, but they know about the guards chasing you.” Rajilin gives me one last suffering look before mumbling, “perhaps we should go to the enchanter’s hut.” I don’t argue and, instead, follow behind her. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="6.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I follow her over to a wooden bench that’s decorated with vines of vivid colored flowers. Some were mere buds, while others had long since bloomed, sharing their sweet perfume with the world. I notice that none of them seem wilted, despite the current transitioning of the seasons. I sit and yawn, looking out at the small liveliness of the tribe. I take note of the decorations that hang from some of the trees and houses. Shades of soft, deep blue’s existing up against loud yellow’s that almost appear gold. Now that I looked even closer, the theme was everywhere, lanterns of the two colors leaping from one outstretched tree branch to the other. “Are you celebrating something?” I ask Rajilin, who picks up her head, in her hands, I notice a small notebook. “Oh, yes. Yesterday was the Reawakening, and now the tribe has moved into celebrating the Revel of Něppoo.” I raise a brow, hoping that my lack of understanding of Kren culture was palpable. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “You are Kren, and you have no idea what any of those are, huh?” she asks, with a raised and none to impressed brow. [[“Did you before coming here?”]] [[“Give me a break.”]] [[“I don’t really care, either.”]] <<else>>\ “Both are Kren culture, though you’ll find others who will celebrate the Festival of the Divines. You’ve at least heard of that one?” [[“No, and I don’t really care.”]] [[“I’m not very social.”]] [[“Maybe by another name?”]] <</if>>\
“Did you know any of those before coming here?” “Actually I did … well, one of them. The Něgb bii Něppoo, or at least I hope I pronounced that right, <<link 'Jawsīc'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Jawsīc, or the Language of the First, is the mother language of Tawj'jaw and whose origins can still be seen in the more modern language. Only a few species ever spoke Jawsīc, including the Kre, Cimmerian, Arakeanee, and Rekilese. Though, it should be noted that the Arakeanee and Rekilese Jawsīc is a fragmented version of the original language that seems to exist between both Jawsīc and Tawj'jaw. No species truly speak ''only'' the language anymore, and the only one's who speak it fluently nowadays are Kre and celestial beings.<</dialog>><</link>> is much tougher than Tawj'jaw. I just call it the Revel of the Gods. And the Reawakening isn’t something that outside Kren would know much about.” “Then, why judge me?” I question a rhetorical one, but one Rajilin saw her job to answer regardless. “Because of the Revel, what Kren hasn’t heard of that?” I have a strong want to point at myself but think against it. Instead, I simply wait to hear if she’ll continue lecturing me on my own ignorance or speak of something else.
“Come on,” I draw out, rolling my eyes, “give me a break.” “Are you native to Nidinia?” I shrug my shoulders, “I don’t really know where I came from, and I don’t remember being on a ship, so maybe, maybe not.” “Now I must wonder if Kren from different countries have the same traditions. I would think they do.”
“I don’t really care, either,” I tell her, rolling my eyes as she looks almost appalled at my words. “I’ve survived quite fine without all of this,” I say and motion to my surroundings, “I think I’ll be fine for years to come.” <<if not $q6>>[[Ask about the Reawakening.|6.2Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Reawakening.<</if>> <<if not $q7>>[[Ask about the tribe name.|6.2Q7][$q7 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the tribe name.<</if>> [[Sit in silence.->6.2Silence]]
“But what of the Reawakening?” I question, continuing the conversation. “The Reawakening takes place the day or night of an eclipse, it is for any who wish to be born of the forest.” I crinkle my brow, “what does that entail?” “There are some Kren who have lost their way. That is a phrase used to describe those like us, who have never lived in the forest. Kren can come and learn the way of the forest, but some wish to go farther, to forget their past and be reborn. Those who choose that participate in the Reawakening. On the day or night of an eclipse, the individual is prepared before Sun and Moon, and their soul laid bare for our creators. They are given some kind of concoction that will, in simple terms, kill them. After that, they either come back, reborn. Or they continue on into the Elysian Plane.” I raise a brow at her words, “reborn, how?” “They come back in the same body, same age, same appearance, even the same memory. Though, I’ve learned that many of those who are reborn slowly begin to forget about their past. Being reborn isn’t used for those who simply want to start over. Being reborn and being born amongst the forest gives you abilities that only those born amongst it have. It’s almost like they have a special connection with it.” “You said, come back?” “Yes. You’ll find at least four walking around who undertook it last night. Those who came back claim that they went through different things, but all of them say that En judged their lives thus far.” “How many didn’t come back?” “Ten went in.” So ten wished to come back, but only four did. The numbers didn’t exactly inspire confidence, but I suppose they knew the risks and the fact that any come back at all was amazing. I was always told that Kren still held a sacred bond with the deities, but I never looked deep into it. <<if $species is $Kren>>\ <<if not $q7>>[[Ask about the tribe name.|6.2Q7][$q7 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the tribe name.<</if>> [[Sit in silence.->6.2Silence]] <<else>>\ <a data-passage="6.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“When I told Mylaria about my lack of a tribe, it seemed to bother some, why is that?” “It’s not strange, I and many others come in without a tribe. But for your case, a tribe name would have helped identify you, as you are already a mystery.” “Helped identify me?” “For Kren, no Kre, your name is everything. It’s not something you earn or anything like what the Uqanans believe, and it’s not something you shed, and change like the Dreold’s would have it. Your name is you, it’s your journey and your past. I’ve seen some Kren venture here from other tribes, and the others could get a general idea of who they were from it.” “So how does that work? Do you just change your tribe’s name to Nelero?” “No, you change nothing, you add. There’s some here who have one surname. And others who have five. It’s a mouthful, yes, but it’s one’s personal journey.” “I never knew it was that important. What about you?” “I am Rajilin’ortsiva. Ortsiva is my family’s name, anything after is tribes and added names. I hope to one day add Nelero to it, but I don’t want to rush it. When I join this tribe, I want to be ready. I want to be done with my research, send it on to someone, and embrace this life fully. What about you? Will you ever add more to your name?” [[“Perhaps one day.”]] [[“I have no family.”]] [[“I would like to, yes.”]]
“Perhaps one day. It’s not really the most important thing on my mind at the moment, though.” Rajilin smiles at my words. <<if not $q6>>[[Ask about the Reawakening.|6.2Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Reawakening.<</if>> [[Sit in silence.->6.2Silence]]
“I have no family, so what would I even do?” “Plenty have come here without a family. Some marry into the name, and others have simply made their own and claimed it as theirs.” “I’ll have to think about it then.” Rajilin smiles at my words. <<if not $q6>>[[Ask about the Reawakening.|6.2Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Reawakening.<</if>> [[Sit in silence.->6.2Silence]]
“I would like to, yes. I don’t know how or when, but I think I will when I’m ready. The Kre naming tradition sounds interesting too, your name is your journey.” I smile to myself and thank her for the information. <<if not $q6>>[[Ask about the Reawakening.|6.2Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Reawakening.<</if>> [[Sit in silence.->6.2Silence]]
“No, I think I’m happy with just being $name $surname. In a way, that’s my journey.” “Understandable as well,” Rajilin tells me. <<if not $q6>>[[Ask about the Reawakening.|6.2Q6][$q6 to true]]<<else>>Ask about the Reawakening.<</if>> [[Sit in silence.->6.2Silence]]
I say nothing more as Rajilin goes back to her notes and I, simply people watch. It feels like forever passes by before I remind myself of the need to see an enchanter. I tell Rajilin, and she nods, leading me towards the hut. <a data-passage="6.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“No, and I don’t really care about hearing about it even now. I was simply trying to make time go faster.” “I see,” Rajilin says to me, her shoulders slumping as she sets her attention back on her writing. <<include "6.2Q6">>
“Despite the job I had and my own ludá, I’m not very sociable. I would much rather keep to myself than go to festivals.” I’m reminded of the last festival I went to and how the crowds had bothered me even then. “Understandable. I love celebrations and yet I always feel like the odd one, as if I have to try extra hard to have fun even though I wish to. Perhaps I’m too busy trying to analyze everyone and everything.” <<include "6.2Q6">>
“Maybe it goes by another name to those outside these woods.” Rajilin practically slaps herself, “you are right. Have you heard of the Monsuna Festival or the Day of Growth?” “The first, yes.” “Well, that is essentially what this festival is, though it encompasses far more.” <<include "6.2Q6">>
[[Start her on a tangent.][$persuade +=2]] [[Ask to go to the bathroom.][$stealth +=2]]
“I see,” I begin, motioning for her to start walking, “I have another question that I just remembered, mind answering it?” “Sure.” Over the past few minutes, I learned that Rajilin is easily excitable, but there were a few things that she seemed overly passionate about, enough that she would go on a tangent about the topic at the very least. [[“The Tsintah thing is just a rumor, there are no facts.”]] [[“Magic wielders, witches, we’re not dangerous.”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Persuasion ++</span> <</if>>\ “So, the whole Tsintah thing,” I start, trying to hide my smile, “it’s just a rumor, you know, there are no facts.” “And how would you know?” she asks, sending me a look, “you’re not from here.” She was right, I had no idea if what she had said about Tsintah was true, I barely even had the facts myself. But that probably made getting her riled up easier. “Give me the facts then.” And just like that, it was as if I had flipped a switch. Rajilin began to list one thing after another. She continues to walk as I slow down, continuing on her miniature tirade about how horrible Tsintah was and speculating about whatever the beast meant. Undoubtedly by the time she finished, she would notice my disappearance, but I was far past caring.
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Persuasion ++</span> <</if>>\ “Magic wielders,” I start, trying to hide my smile, “we’re not dangerous, quite the opposite.” She snorts at my words, a deep scowl appearing, “that is the most foolish thing I’ve ever heard. Magic wielders are the epitome of dangerous. In fact …” she continues on, listing the reasons why those like me were dangerous and how anyone who disagreed was an idiot. Undoubtedly by the time she finished, she would notice my disappearance, but I was far past caring. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ I put as much space between Rajilin and me as I possibly can. Once I’m far enough away, I just walk normally, there was no reason for me not to. To any of the other Kren, I just looked like I was an outsider who was interested in learning more about my culture. <<else>>\ I put as much space between Rajilin and me as I possibly can, as well as trying to avoid the detection of the Kren walking by. One look at me, and they would realize that I didn’t belong. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="6.2.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Covertness ++</span> <</if>>\ I raise my hand, and Rajilin finally stops speaking, turning to give me a confused look. “Yea, so I have to use the bathroom. Do you guys have a specific bush for that or a whole hut?” Rajilin points to a random bush that rests off the trail, though not out of sight by a passerby. Before I can even question if there was a place more private, she erupts into laughter. Almost falling over due to her own boisterous laughter. “I’m kidding, we have an interesting waste processing hut. It’s really cool. So, what happens,” she begins and then dives into great detail about how the Kren disposes of their waste. A tale that I do believe I would be fine without hearing. Once we make it, I immediately begin looking for another way out, thanking the High Gods when there is a second door for those who seek it on the other side. I sneak out of it, looking for Rajilin and finding her waiting patiently near a tree. This was actually quite simple, one just needed to understand the principles of stealth. That simply meant that all one had to do was pick up a rock, toss it, and then run for dear life. I do precisely that, unsurprised at how well it works in the long run. She would probably be stuck outside that hut for a while. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ I put as much space between Rajilin and me as I possibly can. Once I’m far enough away, I just walk normally, there was no reason for me not to. To any of the other Kren, I just looked like I was an outsider who was interested in learning more about my culture. <<else>>\ I put as much space between Rajilin and me as I possibly can, as well as trying to avoid the detection of the Kren walking by. One look at me, and they would realize that I didn’t belong. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="6.2.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I continue on, wishing that I had asked about the setup of the village before skipping off. Every turn looks like the last, but I always find myself in a totally different area. I walk under a beautiful tree with speckled blue and white flowers, noticing a bright yellow piece of fruit ready to fall. I go and pluck it, already smelling the sweet aroma that it holds. The fruit was unfamiliar. It was small enough to rival the size of a plum. Its texture was smooth, and it seemed strangely sensitive. Despite its roundness, if I put any amount of pressure on it, it would probably rupture. A dart of movement catches my eye, and I watch as a small black and sage colored creature darts out in front of me. It reminds me of a monkey, but the creature holds more fox characteristics. It has short alert ears and a long bushy tail. Its small head held large black eyes and a snout that was short with short whiskers at the end. It stops short, dashing towards me, and then pausing before me. “Brr?” it questions, cocking its head to the side as it sits up on its back legs and stares at me. I crouch so that I was closer to the creature, soon realizing that it was a lemox, cute if not mischievous creatures. It points a hand at the fruit in my grasp, and I bring it forward. “This?” I start, not able to get any words out as the creature lunges and grabs the fruit, dashing off before I can fully comprehend what had just taken place. “Why you!” I shout, giving chase. Thankfully, the creature runs away from the central area of the tribe, eliminating the risk of me being yelled at for ditching Rajilin earlier. It climbs up a nearby tree, dangling the fruit just out of my grasp. [[“You sneaky little monkey!”]] [[“I will make you regret that.”]] [[“Oh, you think you won, huh?”]] [[“I would’ve given it to you.”]]
“You sneaky little monkey!” I shout as I try and fail to jump and grab onto the fruit. The lemox shoots me a shit-eating grin that begs me to try again. “You might be cute, but you’re all kinds of rude,” I growl, glancing around me for something to use. I smirk at my next idea, curious to see if it would work. I jump, but instead of targeting the fruit or the lemox, I focus on the branch. Much like I had presumed, the force of the shake causes the lemox to squeal and grab onto it. Consequently, abandoning the fruit and having it fall squarely into my palm. As soon as the lemox realizes what had taken place, it turns to me, narrowing its eyes. [[“What’s the magic word?”]] [[“Told you I’d win.”]] [[“Oh yea, whose the superior species!?”]] [[“I’m sorry, did you want this?”]]
“I will make you regret that,” I growl to the creature who yawns and gives me a bored look. “Oh, I’m sorry. Am I boring you?” I smirk at my next idea, curious to see if it would work. I jump, but instead of targeting the fruit or the lemox, I focus on the branch. Much like I had presumed, the force of the shake causes the lemox to squeal and grab onto it. Consequently, abandoning the fruit and having it fall squarely into my palm. As soon as the lemox realizes what had taken place, it turns to me, narrowing its eyes. [[“What’s the magic word?”]] [[“Told you I’d win.”]] [[“Oh yea, whose the superior species!?”]] [[“I’m sorry, did you want this?”]]
“Oh, you think you won, huh?” I question, looking the tree over. It wouldn’t support my weight, though I’m sure the lemox would still love to watch me climb it. It chitters something at me, and I throw it a scowl. “Wrong! You haven’t won anything.” I smirk at my next idea, curious to see if it would work. I jump, but instead of targeting the fruit or the lemox, I focus on the branch. Much like I had presumed, the force of the shake causes the lemox to squeal and grab onto it. Consequently, abandoning the fruit and having it fall squarely into my palm. As soon as the lemox realizes what had taken place, it turns to me, narrowing its eyes. [[“What’s the magic word?”]] [[“Told you I’d win.”]] [[“Oh yea, whose the superior species!?”]] [[“I’m sorry, did you want this?”]]
“You know,” I say, sighing, “I would’ve just given it to you.” It cocks its head at me and then sticks its tongue out. It would seem that it would much rather have stolen the fruit than have it politely handed over. I smirk at my next idea, curious to see if it would work. I jump, but instead of targeting the fruit or the lemox, I focus on the branch. Much like I had presumed, the force of the shake causes the lemox to squeal and grab onto it. Consequently, abandoning the fruit and having it fall right into my palm. As soon as the lemox realizes what had taken place, it turns to me, narrowing its eyes. [[“What’s the magic word?”]] [[“Told you I’d win.”]] [[“Oh yea, whose the superior species!?”]] [[“I’m sorry, did you want this?”]]
“Nuh uh uh,” I whistle, holding the fruit away from the lemox, “what’s the magic word? Then I [i]might[/i] give it back to you.” “?He’ll either give it back or risk losing a hand,” a voice from overhead states plainly. I glance up and around, my eyes searching the branches for the speaker when I finally catch sight of her. The Kren woman from earlier, Tsintah, lays along a large branch much like a cat would, one leg and arm swinging off the side as she gazes down at me in curiosity. “What? This? But I had it first.” Her eyes widen and she glances away for a minute, “I said that aloud, huh? But uh, it doesn’t really matter,” she tells me. Her words say give it back, but there is a mischievous glint in her eyes as if daring me to do something else. [[Give it back to the lemox.][$ko +=1; $koT = "Ko's feeling towards you are impartial"]] [[Refuse to give it back.]]
“Ha! I told you I’d win,” I sneer victoriously. “?He’ll either give it back or risk losing a hand,” a voice from overhead states plainly. I glance up and around, my eyes searching the branches for the speaker when I finally catch sight of her. The Kren woman from earlier, Tsintah, lays along a large branch much like a cat would, one leg and arm swinging off the side as she gazes down at me in curiosity. “What? This? But I had it first.” Her eyes widen and she glances away for a minute, “I said that aloud, huh? But uh, it doesn’t really matter,” she tells me. Her words say give it back, but there is a mischievous glint in her eyes as if daring me to do something else. [[Give it back to the lemox.][$ko +=1; $koT = "Ko's feeling towards you are impartial"]] [[Refuse to give it back.]]
“Oh, yea!” I hoot and holler, “who’s the superior species?!” “?He’ll either give it back or risk losing a hand,” a voice from overhead states plainly. I glance up and around, my eyes searching the branches for the speaker when I finally catch sight of her. The Kren woman from earlier, Tsintah, lays along a large branch much like a cat would, one leg and arm swinging off the side as she gazes down at me in curiosity. “What? This? But I had it first.” Her eyes widen and she glances away for a minute, “I said that aloud, huh? But uh, it doesn’t really matter,” she tells me. Her words say give it back, but there is a mischievous glint in her eyes as if daring me to do something else. [[Give it back to the lemox.][$ko +=1; $koT = "Ko's feeling towards you are impartial"]] [[Refuse to give it back.]]
I look from the fruit to the glaring lemox, “oh, I’m sorry, did you want this?” “?He’ll either give it back or risk losing a hand,” a voice from overhead states plainly. I glance up and around, my eyes searching the branches for the speaker when I finally catch sight of her. The Kren woman from earlier, Tsintah, lays along a large branch much like a cat would, one leg and arm swinging off the side as she gazes down at me in curiosity. “What? This? But I had it first.” Her eyes widen and she glances away for a minute, “I said that aloud, huh? But uh, it doesn’t really matter,” she tells me. Her words say give it back, but there is a mischievous glint in her eyes as if daring me to do something else. [[Give it back to the lemox.][$ko +=1; $koT = "Ko's feeling towards you are impartial"]] [[Refuse to give it back.]]
I turn my gaze to the lemox who appears much like a child, cheeks puffed out, and eyes narrowed as it regards me. “Fine,” I growl, barely agreeing with the Kren’s words as I hand the fruit back. The lemox snatches it from me and chitters, but not in a way that said ‘thanks.’ More so in a way that said, ‘yea, I thought so.’ With my mouth agape, I watch as the lemox darts over to Tsintah, who had since climbed down from her earlier perch. The lemox climbs her leg and back and comes to rest on her shoulder. It sticks its tongue out at me before eating the fruit, causing my insides to groan as I imagine sampling the juicy fruit myself. “Smart move,” Tsintah tells me, “she’s a were-lemox, and you had the last kroberry.”
I snort as I look down at the lemox, “yea, that’s not going to happen.” She continues to peer at me with a neutral expression when I hear a low grunt. I turn back to face the lemox who was now no longer //just// a lemox. Its form alters before my eyes, rivaling the size of a full-grown dire bear. Its canines sharpen and its snout extends more to resemble a fox’s. It stands up on back legs that stay bent like that of a monkey’s, but the claws jut out more, claws perfect for gripping, slashing, and killing. What once was an adorable lemox is now something that mothers would tell their children to get them to behave. A creature that would haunt the land, tearing livestock apart, and elusive to even the proudest hunters. “Hmm,” I hear Tsintah hum from her tree, “she’s not just some regular lemox. But a were-lemox, extremely rare.” “So this is her throwing a temper tantrum?” I question, watching as Tsintah leaves the safety of the tree and approaching me. “Indeed,” she laughs. [[Wrestle the were-lemox.][$ko +1; koT = "Ko's feeling towards you are impartial"]] [[Hand the fruit over.][$koT = "Ko doesn't particularly like you"]] [[Ask her why.][$koT = "Ko doesn't particularly like you"]]
“If the lemox wants to wrestle,” I say, tossing the fruit at an unprepared and shocked Tsintah, “then we can wrestle.” I crack my knuckles and look towards the lemox, watching as it stiffens upon reading my body language. And, as if some silent bell had gone off, both of us charge for one another, grappling the other. The creature is definitely stronger than I had previously assumed, but I hold my own, refusing to let her win. “I don’t really understand what’s going on,” I hear Tsintah say behind me, watching as I try to pick up her companion and slam her down. The creature attempts to copy the move, unable to do so thanks to her paws. In the end, the two of us both quit at the same time, nodding at one another and calling it a draw. “And that happened,” Tsintah laughs in between her chewing, we both turn to see her eating the fruit, shrugging her shoulders uncaringly. A shower of glowing orbs appears where the were-lemox once sat, blinding me for a second. It leaves nothing behind but a once again calm, albeit sad, and cute lemox.
“Well, how was I supposed to know,” I grumble, tossing the fruit to Tsintah, who has left the safety of her tree and approached me. Tsintah holds it out to the were-lemox, and instead of grabbing it with her hand, she eats it from Tsintah’s palm. As soon as the fruit disappears, a shower of glowing orbs appears, blinding me for a second. It leaves nothing behind but a once again calm and cute lemox. “That was rude of you,” Tsintah chides the creature as she climbs her back and rests on her shoulder.
“And why would I do that? I’m not about to let it win.” “Her,” Tsintah corrects, leaving the safety of her tree, “and because she’s not your typical lemox. She has a tendency to throw temper tantrums over kroberries that leads into her transforming.” “A were-lemox?” I question, reaching forward and letting the lemox snatch the fruit out of my palm. I had seen books regarding were-creatures, none of them was something that I wished to deal with, especially when my magic was blocked. I watch as the lemox darts over to Tsintah’s side, climbing her leg and back and then resting on her shoulder. Instantly she begins eating the fruit, causing my insides to groan as I imagine sampling the juicy fruit myself. Tsintah looks at me, raising a brow, “aren’t you supposed to have an escort?” she questions. “Yea … I ditched Rajilin a while ago.” “I’m impressed. Rajilin is a hard one to escape, if only because of her ceaseless questions.” I raise a brow, “yea, she didn’t have many nice things to say about you either.” “I say that because it’s true, not because I dislike her,” Tsintah murmurs, not particularly liking that I reminded her of Rajilin’s dislike, almost looking a bit down due to it. [[Question her about Rajilin calling her a beast.][$tsintah -=5]] [[Question her about my capture.]] [[Ask about the lemox.]]
“She called you a beast, why?” Tsintah glares at the ground before nonchalantly shrugging her shoulders, “I suppose she’s right. We all have a beastly side, do we not?” Her attempts to shift the focus of the conversation did not go by unseen, in fact, it was a pathetic attempt. <<if $beast>>\ “She said that you once killed a whole group of Kren in –” I’m unable to finish my sentence when her lemox shouts at me, baring her sharp canines and staring at me in aversion. <</if>>\ “Why are you here anyway?” she growls, turning towards me, “to seek Kren advice on your screwed-up chakras?” “Wait, what did you say? What’s wrong with my chakras?” “You mean you don’t know?” she questions in confusion, “or are you just that clueless?” <<if $hostile >=50>>\ “Hey,” I growl, “I didn’t think I had to worry about my ludá //and// my chakras, alright?” <<else>>\ “Ugh, give me a break, alright. I’ve had way too much on my plate to even realize it.” <</if>>\ Tsintah’s eyes widen as she shrinks up, she looks ready to disappear, “my apologies, that … that came out wrong.” She gives me a playful and innocent smile, “woo, talking to others is a chore!” She clears her throat and blushes when she realizes that she said those words aloud. “Um, two of your chakras are wrong from what I can sense, though I can’t sense which ones. There’s an enchanter in the village that can help you further.” “Can you show me to him?” <a data-passage="6.2.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“So do you threaten everyone who comes into the forest at arrow point, or am I just lucky?” She spares me a quick glance before shrugging, “I ignore the majority. But the forest told me to see to your arrival.” “The forest … told you? Like it spoke to you?” <<if $species is "Kren">>\ She peers at me in curiosity, “do you not hear it speak to you at times?” “No, I don’t recall ever hearing a forest speak to me.” “Well. It speaks to me differently, of course, but most Kren can hear it.” “Kren born of the forest, I presume?” Her mouth closes as she looks like she’s just been reminded of something that she should’ve already known, “I tend to forget. My apologies.” <<else>>\ “Not in the way we’re speaking now, no. But yes, I, like many Kren, can hear the forest. Though, I suppose it still speaks to me differently than it does others.” “What do you mean by that?” “They don’t use words but emotions. I can feel when they shift to fear or shock, or when they’re excited or curious.” <</if>>\ “But why would the forest be interested in me?” “I’m sure it has something to do with your messed-up chakras.” “Wait, what did you say? What’s wrong with my chakras?” “You mean you don’t know?” she questions in confusion, “or are you just that clueless?” <<if $hostile >=50>>\ “Hey,” I growl, “I didn’t think I had to worry about my ludá //and// my chakras, alright?” <<else>>\ “Ugh, give me a break, alright. I’ve had way too much on my plate to even realize it.” <</if>>\ Tsintah’s eyes widen as she shrinks up, she looks ready to disappear, “my apologies, that … that came out wrong.” She gives me a playful and innocent smile, “woo, talking to others is a chore!” She clears her throat and blushes when she realizes that she said those words aloud. “Um, two of your chakras are wrong from what I can sense, though I can’t sense which ones. There’s an enchanter in the village that can help you further.” “Can you show me to him?” <a data-passage="6.2.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“So how did you find yourself friends with a were-lemox?” I question, walking in step with Tsintah. “She is my familiar,” Tsintah says with a hint of fondness in her tone, gazing over at the quietly sitting creature. “Wait, you’re a witch?” “Yes and no. I don’t practice magic like you and others, but I do have magical proficiencies ... yea, I think that’s a good word to describe them. Magical something anyway.” She suddenly stops and turns to me, “anyway, why did you come here? Are you hoping to get Kren advice on your messed-up chakras?” “Wait, what did you say? What’s wrong with my chakras?” “You mean you don’t know?” she questions in confusion, “or are you just that clueless?” <<if $hostile >=50>>\ “Hey,” I growl, “I didn’t think I had to worry about my ludá //and// my chakras, alright?” <<else>>\ “Ugh, give me a break, alright. I’ve had way too much on my plate to even realize it.” <</if>>\ Tsintah’s eyes widen as she shrinks up, she looks ready to disappear, “my apologies, that … that came out wrong.” She gives me a playful and innocent smile, “woo, talking to others is a chore!” She clears her throat and blushes when she realizes that she said those words aloud. “Um, two of your chakras are wrong from what I can sense, though I can’t sense which ones. There’s an enchanter in the village that can help you further.” “Can you show me to him?” <a data-passage="6.2.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
She rubs her arms, and her gaze travels to the ground at my question, “I … I can. If so, we must be quick. Come.” Not waiting for my response, she turns and makes her back to the hut, her pace mirroring her words. <<if $neleroApproval >=2>>\ Re-entering the village, I hear them before I see them. Before I can react, a group of guards is upon me, yelling to the others that they found me and what they should do. I’m surrounded in a matter of seconds, Rajilin, Mylaria, and the rest of the council amongst the guards. <<else>>\ Re-entering the village, I hear them before I see them. Before I can react, a group of guards is upon me, yelling to the others that they found me and what they should do. I’m surrounded in a matter of seconds and forced to the ground. When I manage to peek up, I see Rajilin and Mylaria with the rest of the council. [[Fight them off.->6.2.5FightThem]] [[Plead my case.->6.2.5Plead]] [[Freeze up.->6.2.5FreezeUp][$neleroApproval +=1]]
The memory of what happened to me last time I was in a similar position came back to me. I would not go back to that cell, I won’t! I shout and with all my energy, force myself up to my feet. But I vastly underestimate how many of them there are, and I’m forced back down, this time with far more bodies keeping me there. <<include "6.2.6">>
“I didn’t do anything wrong,” I begin, trying to find the correct words for this, “I was just curious and –” “Stop talking,” one of the guards shout, tightening his grip. <<include "6.2.6">>
This position felt a bit too familiar, and it wasn’t bringing back warm and fuzzy memories. The memories of being judged by every eye overcome me once again and the taste of bile rises in my mouth. My blood runs cold and an invisible weights lowers itself on me, crushing my chest and rendering me breathless. <<include "6.2.6">>
“I give you the luxury of walking around with an escort, and you can’t even abide by that rule?” Mylaria questions, her council humming in her ear about what should be done with me. “//Apoloies. Nyoo is b’ěchy fault//,” Tsintah immediately states, clearing her throat from wherever she was. The crowd parts enough to give me a better view and I see Tsintah to the right of the commotion. She looks more ready to run than explain what had happened. With all eyes on her, she shrivels up, her gaze glancing at the ground as if she was already being scolded. “//B’ěchy wished jawt// ... I mean, I had wished to speak to ?him about ?his_ presence here. I ... I apologize.” I find that some of those surrounding us seem ready to forgive her without a second thought, I would probably even go as far as to say that they were the ones who wished to apologize to her. Others stare at her as if she was Darkness reincarnated in the form of one of their own, repulsion and distrust clouding their vision. There are only two people here who look at her with neutral expressions, Mylaria and I. “It is quite alright, Tsintah, //noo are foriven//.” Mylaria tells her, exhaustion and uneasiness laced throughout her words and written clearly on her face. Tsintah does her usual bow and turns on her heels, immediately sprinting back the way we came and out of my field of vision. <<if $neleroApproval >=2>>\ Mylaria turns her attention to me, nodding for the guards to release me. She gives me a sullen look before walking off, everyone following besides Rajilin. <<else>>\ Mylaria turns her attention to me, nodding for the guards to release me. “If I am told that you have abandoned your escort again, then I will revoke all forms of hospitality.” She glances over at Rajilin who averts her gaze immediately. With that, they all disperse, once again leaving me alone with Rajilin. <</if>>\ [[Apologize to her.->6.2.6Apologize][$care +=2]] [[Ask her where the enchanter’s hut is.][$care -=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ “Um, sorry Rajilin, about ditching you back there.” I leave out anything else, knowing that she knew Tsintah’s words were a lie since she was nowhere nearby when I disappeared. She nods, still looking unhappy but otherwise better. “Do you happen to know where the enchanter’s hut is?” She nods and I follow behind her, noticing that she was far quieter now. <a data-passage="6.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ “Rajilin, do you know where the enchanter’s hut is?” Rajilin looks dumbstruck for a minute, perhaps thinking that I owe her an apology of some sort. Realizing that she won’t receive one, she nods and motions for me to follow. <a data-passage="6.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Once we get to the enchanter’s hut, I enter alone. Rajilin opting to wait outside as she looks at the building despairingly. The hut reminds me of the shaman’s abode, herbs hang from the ceiling, a rich but dense unknown smell on the air. The furniture was few, and each served a specific purpose, whether to hold pots or discarded books and notes. In the middle of the room, the floor was sunken in and thick folded up blankets are scattered across the wooden flooring. It is also where a lone Kren sits. His eyes are closed, and his back hunched over a bowl filled with a translucent liquid within. [[Look in the bowl.]] [[Clear my throat.->6.3ClearThroat]] [[Sit and meditate.]]
I look closer into the bowl. There was nothing else inside besides the strange glowing liquid, but I swear that I hear it humming. The pitch changes erratically, each time it succeeds in catching me by surprise. Then, I see the liquid rippling. I lean in closer, hoping to unravel each secret that the bowl undoubtedly holds. The next ripple carries with a haunting face, the face of Master Audouin. Only, his eyes are gone. Despite attempting to stay quiet, I let out a shriek as I stumble away from the image. The man’s eyes dash open and narrow on me, but that is all. He doesn’t say anything, he only gazes at me. <<include "6.3.1">>
I clear my throat, though that doesn’t prompt a response from the man sitting across from me. I do another, and another. I soon think him dead as each sound I make doesn’t even cause him to twitch in the slightest. I sigh, about to leave when I seem him move out of the corner of my eye. “You walk into my sanctum as an outsider and rudely attempt to capture my attention?” he questions, raising a brow. [[“My apologies.”->6.3Apologies]] [[“Should’ve answered me.”]] [[“Ah, it speaks!”]]
“My apologies,” I mumble, but he doesn’t give me any indication to whether he accepts it or not.” <<include "6.3.1">>
“Should’ve answered me,” I murmur, shocked when the old man throws his head back and laughs. “The creatures that my tribemates manage to bring in. Will they ever cease to shock an old man?” I glare at him, and he glares right back. <<include "6.3.1">>
“Ah!” I squeal, “it speaks.” I pick up a nearby spoon and launch it at him, much to his displeasure. “Wow kid, you can really make a monk question why he took a vow of peace.” He takes a couple deep breaths in, before looking at me. <<include "6.3.1">>
I sit across from the man and close my eyes. The last time I meditated I was being held against my will in a confined prison whose walls steadily encroached upon me. It once again had me wondering if I hadn’t just given away one prison for another. The tribe wasn’t yelling at me for crimes I had not committed, but it was evident that they didn’t appreciate my presence either. [[And for that I can’t blame them.]] [[I need to go somewhere far away.]]
I can’t blame them for their attitude towards me. They didn’t know me like I didn’t know them. And because of that, they had to protect their own first. I was the outsider here, and I bought with me problems that they weren’t prepared for. “The point of meditating, young one,” the old man sitting across from me begins, taking in a deep breath, “is to clear the mind. Not make your thoughts louder.” My eyes widen at his words, how did he know? Could he hear my thoughts? Had I spoken aloud? <<include "6.3.1">>
I had to get away from here, from Ipharia, from everything. It seemed like no place was safe as if every step I took was just another foolish tick on that cold stone wall belonging to the prison. Was any place in Nidinia safe? “The point of meditating, young one,” the old man sitting across from me begins, taking in a deep breath, “is to clear the mind. Not make your thoughts louder.” My eyes widen at his words, how did he know? Could he hear my thoughts? Had I spoken aloud? <<include "6.3.1">>
“Well, don’t just stare at me like an idiot, kid. What do you and your messed-up chakras want?” <<if $ditch>>\ I take in a deep breath, so Tsintah’s words were correct, there was something wrong with me, “so it’s true.” I close my eyes and try to focus as if my new awareness was making it even worse. “How … how bad is it?” <<else>>\ I raise a brow, I had come in here because of the chikrin, what was this about messed-up chakras? Was there something else that I had to be concerned with now? <</if>>\ He cocks his head to the side, gazing at me with an indecipherable expression. “It’s your brow and $chakra chakras. The others seem fine, but don’t go and screw that up,” he huffs, no hint of sympathy in his voice. “You just come here for confirmation or what?” “I was just told that you were the person to go to for information is all.” “Well, I don’t have all day kid, ask what you need and let me get back to meditating,” he grunts. <<if not $q8>>[[Ask him about spell magic.|6.3Q8][$q8 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about spell magic.<</if>> <<if not $q9>>[[Ask him about ludá.|6.3Q9][$q9 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about ludá.<</if>> <<if not $q10>>[[Ask him about the chikrin.|6.3Q10][$q10 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q11>>[[Ask him about chakras.|6.3Q11][$q11 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about chakras.<</if>>
“I was hoping you could tell me more about spell magic.” “I have more important things to do than just sit here and talk to you about something you should already know.” “I know the basics,” I growl, “but I’m sure there are some things a Kren as old as you may know that my master didn’t.” <<if $species is "Kren">>\ He groans from his spot, mumbling something about how some Kren were born from rocks, not the forest. But, other than that, he seems like he’s going to entertain the question. <<else>>\ He groans from his spot, mumbling something about how outsiders come in and demand. But, other than that, he seems like he’s going to entertain the question. <</if>>\ “As you already know, there are six branches of spell magic. Anyone called a master has mastered each branch, save for the ludá branch. Wielders can use multiple branches at once, but I wouldn’t advise that unless you mastered the branch first, otherwise you’re just begging for Darkness to take you. The biggest thing you need to know is that magic is not all that it’s cracked up to be.” I give him a quizzical look, and instead of stopping to insult me, he continues on. “Magic takes just as much as it gives. That’s probably why there’s not some foreboding universal rule that has us all wearing that thing around your neck. Most people who aren’t formally trained, never realize how much magic affects their body. If you don’t have the energy, knowledge, or willpower to successfully do a spell, then you’re dead. Arcane equivalence, you give what you take. Normally that only means giving up your health, but if you go with the body or chaos specializations, then it gets much more specific.” He pours himself some tea and doesn’t say anything more, most likely meaning that he was done answering that question. <<if not $q8>>[[Ask him about spell magic.|6.3Q8][$q8 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about spell magic.<</if>> <<if not $q9>>[[Ask him about ludá.|6.3Q9][$q9 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about ludá.<</if>> <<if not $q10>>[[Ask him about the chikrin.|6.3Q10][$q10 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q11>>[[Ask him about chakras.|6.3Q11][$q11 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about chakras.<</if>> [[“So about the chikrin ...”->6.4]]
<<nobr>><<pickup '$miscInventory' 'yarrow'>><</nobr>> “My ludá, is there anyone that can help me learn and control it more?” The Kren laughs, getting to his feet as he begins thumbing through the herbs hanging overhead. “Really, kid? You think someone can help you with your ludá? No one, besides ludá bloodlines, has the same ludá. Every person is unique, and even when it seems like they’re similar, there’s always that one thing that will make it different. You have to learn it yourself and have to figure out how to control it as well.” He plucks a specific plant with white petals and a yellow center and hands it to me. “That’s yarrow. If you ever come across a shrine for Ludanis@{loreShow *|}, leave that with a prayer and if he deems you worthy, will appear to you. Some wielders have said that he gave them the secrets to their ludá, might help you too.” I nod and thank him. <<if not $q8>>[[Ask him about spell magic.|6.3Q8][$q8 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about spell magic.<</if>> <<if not $q9>>[[Ask him about ludá.|6.3Q9][$q9 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about ludá.<</if>> <<if not $q10>>[[Ask him about the chikrin.|6.3Q10][$q10 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q11>>[[Ask him about chakras.|6.3Q11][$q11 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about chakras.<</if>> [[“So about the chikrin ...”->6.4]]
“Is there any way you can get this thing off my neck?” “A chikrin, right?” he starts, approaching me slowly as he gazes at it, “doesn’t seem like one of the nastier ones.” “Nastier ones?” “Oh, yea. I’ve seen some that allow whoever holds the ‘key’ to do some really horrible things. Typically they’re not put on simple slaves but used on masters who are stupid enough to get drunk near an enemy. Or slaves who do show great potential. The worst ones … it turns the user into a mindless slave. Trapped in their own mind while their body does whatever the holder wants them too.” “This one is just a simple one, right?” I question, fear inching itself into my words. “I wouldn’t call it simple, but yes. As long as you wear this, you’re practically reduced to an Alyrian, even worse honestly.” <<if not $q8>>[[Ask him about spell magic.|6.3Q8][$q8 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about spell magic.<</if>> <<if not $q9>>[[Ask him about ludá.|6.3Q9][$q9 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about ludá.<</if>> <<if not $q10>>[[Ask him about the chikrin.|6.3Q10][$q10 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q11>>[[Ask him about chakras.|6.3Q11][$q11 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about chakras.<</if>> [[“So about the chikrin ...”->6.4]]
“About chakras, my master taught me a bit, but can you tell me more?” “Ugh, this is a lesson I would teach to children,” he groans, massaging his temples. “There’s seven of em', and they each affect a piece of you differently. For Alyrians, they typically just allow them to successfully do chi since they don’t hold magic. And no, don’t ask me why, I’m sure there’s a story there, but I’ve never learned it.” “But why? What did I do to mess it up?” “You didn’t know it was messed up until you were told so it could’ve always been messed up, or something happened that cut it off. Depression, tragic events, high levels of stress, all those can factor in. My advice to you is to be careful about your choices and how you act until everything is fixed. Acting against your chakra can lead to upsetting your magic and further ruin your health and mind.” With that, he stops talking, informing me that he was done. <<if not $q8>>[[Ask him about spell magic.|6.3Q8][$q8 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about spell magic.<</if>> <<if not $q9>>[[Ask him about ludá.|6.3Q9][$q9 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about ludá.<</if>> <<if not $q10>>[[Ask him about the chikrin.|6.3Q10][$q10 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about the chikrin.<</if>> <<if not $q11>>[[Ask him about chakras.|6.3Q11][$q11 to true]]<<else>>Ask him about chakras.<</if>> [[“So about the chikrin ...”->6.4]]
“So back on the chikrin, is there nothing you can do to get it off?” “I can’t, but my master probably can. That damned Kren is older than even me, and you’ll probably start growing grey hair before ever figuring out his cryptic words.” “Where do I find him?” “In the ruins nearby, but only the Protector of the Wilds can lead you there.” “Protector of the Wilds?” “Hmm, can’t miss her. A deep scar that goes from her left brow to her right cheek, and two different colored eyes. Walks around with a bow, will kill you if you mention harming the forest? Or ... well, she’ll just kill you period.” “Tsintah?” I question. “Ah, so you’ve met her and you’re alive. Lucky you.” He leaves it at that, schooling his unsavory frown and closing his eyes. I take that as my cue to go. <<if $ditch>>\ Once again, I find myself outside and facing another task. Rajilin wasn’t far away, her attention on something in her hands that I can’t see from my current position. <<else>>\ Once again, I find myself outside and facing another task. Rajilin wasn’t far away, her attention on her notepad. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="6.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $neleroApproval >=2>>\ When she notices me approach, she stands and offers a weak smile, “dinner is about to start, and Mylaria wanted you to dine with her family. So come on, I’ll show you to her hut.” We cross a few bridges until we get near the base of one of the more giant trees. The house platform appears much like the others, decorated sparsely, though big enough to fit more than just two Kren I guess. The inside is lit by beautifully carved lanterns that hang from the ceiling and smells strongly of pine and mint. I assume that I’m standing in the central area of the home since there is a large table in the middle. It’s made of wood but wasn’t carved like the ones in Ipharia. This one had intricate patterns winding over it, and the legs were instead spirals, draped in vines. On top of the table sits plates of mouth-watering food resting on leaf-like plates. Décor wise, everything had a natural look. There were tapestries of symbols I didn’t recognize and a dozen or so plants of different species. A cage filled with an assortment of butterflies was hung in a corner along with a large bowl resting along the floor filled with fish. But what really caught my eye was … [[A miniature wilting tree.]] [[A mural of a great elk.]] <<else>>\ When she notices me approach, she clears her throat and immediately begins to lead me back down to the forest floor. “Come,” she finally says, “I will show you where you will be sleeping.” “Let me guess, under watch?” “Of course,” she says blatantly, “the guards will bring you food as well.” She leads me down a few trails before entering a hut. It was apparent that no one had used the cabin for a while, cobwebs hang from the corners and the decorations that the other huts had, had been removed. There was a simple end table next to a large bed, and a single lantern sitting upon that table. [[“When will the council reconvene?”]] [[“This is no better than a cell.”]] [[“You think this can hold me?”]] <</if>>\
I could see the potential this one tree had, but for some reason, it was wilting instead. The soil looked healthy, and there were no weeds or branches that needed a trim. In all respects, the tree should be healthy, but … it wasn’t. I lightly touch a leaf, and it withers underneath my touch, the pieces falling solemnly to the ground. “Ah, you have noticed my dying tree then,” a man speaks, shaking his head as he comes from an adjoining room. He was taller than most of the Kren that I’ve seen, and his eyes were incredibly gentle. He wore a green robe that crossed in the front before draping down the ground and reaching his bare feet. “Do you have any idea what’s wrong?” I ask. “Nope. She just up and started wilting on me. I like to think that she’s in tune with the astral plane, but there’s no evidence to support that.” <<if $heal >=5 or $knowledge>>\ “I know some things about herbalism, perhaps I can take a look at her.” <<else>>\ “Could it just be the changing season?” <</if>>\ “That …” he trails off as another voice greets us. I turn to see Mylaria entering the room, her armor discarded for an outfit that was identical to the man’s. “$name, I am so glad that you have chosen to come.” [[“Thanks for having me.”]] [[“Didn’t have much say.”]]
I approach the large mural painted upon the wall. It almost seems like it was done frantically as if the idea was a mere stroke of luck that would not last. The forest behind it was black, and the sky was orange. The elk stood proudly though; both of its golden eyes look back at me. I felt like I had seen these eyes before. Had stared into them … “Ah, you have noticed my mural then,” a man speaks, shaking his head as he comes from an adjoining room. He was taller than most of the Kren that I’ve seen, and his eyes were incredibly gentle. He wore a green robe that crossed in the front before draping down the ground and reaching his bare feet. “It’s beautiful,” I compliment, though he doesn’t seem like he agreed with such words. He looks more likely to tear the wall down to rid himself the sight of the mural. “It’s …” he starts before trailing off due to another voice greeting us. I turn to see Mylaria entering the room, her armor discarded for an outfit that was identical to the man’s. “$name, I am so glad that you have chosen to come.” [[“Thanks for having me.”]] [[“Didn’t have much say.”]]
“Thanks for having me,” I state, taking the seat that Mylaria points out to me. As I sit down, I notice the plate across from me filled with salad and fruit. The table was set for four, when there was only three of us. “I should introduce the two of you, $name, my partner, Ellisoniek’khala.” “Ellison, if the Kren version is too much for you,” he chuckles, nodding at me, “<<if $species is "Kren">>I’m curious as to how a fellow Kren has garnered so much attention<<else>>I’m curious as to how you have garnered so much attention<</if>>.” “Ellison,” Mylaria reprimands. “Ah, no business talking at the table then. Fine, tell me $name, what do you think of the Nelero Tribe thus far?” [[“You guys like pointing sharp objects at me.”]] [[“It’s large and beautiful.”]] [[“It’s better than Ipharia.”]]
“Didn’t have much of a choice,” I mumble, taking a seat at the one that Mylaria points out. I notice that the table sits four, a plate of salad and fruit sitting across from me. “I should introduce the two of you, $name, my partner, Ellisoniek’khala.” “Ellison, if the Kren version is too much for you,” he chuckles, nodding at me, “<<if $species is "Kren">>I’m curious as to how a fellow Kren has garnered so much attention<<else>>I’m curious as to how you have garnered so much attention<</if>>.” “Ellison,” Mylaria reprimands. “Ah, no business talking at the table then. Fine, tell me $name, what do you think of the Nelero Tribe thus far?” [[“You guys like pointing sharp objects at me.”]] [[“It’s large and beautiful.”]] [[“It’s better than Ipharia.”]]
“You guys seem to like pointing sharp objects at me,” I start, tasting some of the food on the plate. I find it mouthwatering, whether that was due to my hunger or just the deliciousness, I care little. “Ha!” Ellison shouts, hitting the table on accident, “that sounds about right.” “As if there is not a reason for it,” Mylaria says to Ellison more than me.
“It’s fairly large and incredibly beautiful,” I tell them and they both offer me a smile, “do you ever get used to it?” “Used to it, yes. Jaded by it, no,” Ellison tells me with a light smile.
“It’s better than Ipharia, that much I can say without a doubt,” I tell them and though Ellison laughs and nods, Mylaria seems far more confused. “I understand if only because I have seen and experienced Ipharia for myself,” Ellison tells me, “my love here, has not.” “And if all of what you say holds true, I’d rather not,” Mylaria huffs. <<if $species is "Kren">>\ “Forgive me, but I am curious,” Ellison begins, analyzing me as I eat, “how does it feel to be surrounded by your people?” [[“You’re not my people.”]] [[“It feels odd.”]] [[“I don’t feel anything.”]] [[“Amazing, actually.”]] <<elseif $species is "Uqanan">>\ “Some time has passed since we’ve seen one of the Uqanan. Do you happen to know about the Uqanan tribe that resides to the south, the Opal Warriors?” “No, can’t say I’ve heard of them.” “Are you interested in going by there?” “I haven’t really thought about it. I have other issues to confront.” Ellison pouts, but Mylaria appears like she knew that was going to be my answer. <<include "6.5.1">> <<elseif $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “I wish to sate my curiosity,” Ellison starts, speaking to me, “I have heard that long exposure to the sun can kill a Cimmerian. Is there any truth to that?” “No, that’s completely false. Trust me, I used to spend all my time outside. The sun slows us down, but it doesn’t kill us … though I do think it takes some years off our lives.” “Interesting,” Ellison tells me, nodding his head as he stuffs his mouth with food. <<include "6.5.1">> <<else>>\ “So, an Ecrid,” Ellison begins, “I am sad to say that I have not run into many of you, which is more strange than sad honestly. But I have heard so much, tell me, do you have any great stories to tell?” “Ellison, if there’s one thing an Ecrid will always have, it’s some good stories. I have a few from early days, but most are from my time with my … master …” Ellison seems far too excited about my potential stories to react to my change in mood, but Mylaria picks up on it immediately. “Later, Ellison,” she chides, side-glancing at me as she continues to eat. <<include "6.5.1">> <</if>>\
I pause as I bring the tangy fruit to my lips, “you’re not my people,” I correct. Both Kren look taken back, though for different reasons. Ellison looks at me with even more curiosity, while Mylaria regards me with a different air as if my words confirmed something for her. “Ah, you’re not the first to say something like that. I suppose we should be fairly used to hearing that,” Ellison states in sadness. “And nor should ?he feel like ?he’s one of us. ?He knows not what kind of struggles we go through.” Elison regards his wife with a sympathetic smile, “but //she// does.” “We're not speaking about her,” Mylaria reminds him, her words said in agitation but her posture spoke of her sadness. <<include "6.5.1">>
“It feels odd, I guess,” I attempt to think of better words and fail. “I don’t know what it is.” “It is something you can’t put words too, it’s understandable,” Ellison smiles. <<include "6.5.1">>
“I don’t feel any strong emotion. I’m surrounded by a lot of Kren, that’s basically how I see it.” “A simple response,” Mylaria laughs, throwing a teasing glance at her partner, “my něwgu probably doesn’t appreciate it, but I do.” Ellison rolls his eyes, his attention on his food. <<include "6.5.1">>
“Amazing, actually. There’s so much to learn, and I can’t wait to get into it!” “Ah, that excitement is one of the things that drove me here as well. And between you and me,” Ellison says and leans in, “best decision ever.” “So,” Mylaria starts, her eyes on her plate though she makes no action to eat, “you have no idea who your tribe is? Not even your family name?” <<if $q7>>\ “I asked Rajilin about that earlier and we spoke about it. Is there anything more to it?” “Rajilin probably did a good job at describing it but Kren have three parts to their name,” Ellison explains, “your name, your family name, and then your tribe, we call it your Lasting Name. So my Lasting Name is Ellisoniek’khala Nelero. Nelero is the tribe, khala is the family, and Ellisoniek is my chosen name.” <<include "6.5.1">> <<else>>\ “Family name?” I question, gazing between both of them. “Kren have three parts to their name,” Ellison explains, “your name, your family name, and then your tribe, we call it your Lasting Name. So my Lasting Name is Ellisoniek’khala Nelero. Nelero is the tribe, khala is the family, and Ellisoniek is my chosen name.” “I …” I start trailing off as I think over their words and my answer. [[“A name doesn’t define me.”]] [[“Can I find out?”]] <</if>>\
“I don’t think a name defines me and what I’ve done,” I tell them but neither of them, for the first time, seem persuaded. “In fact, $name, your name is the one thing that does define you. Your name is chosen by you, you define yourself in that regard. Your family name is your ancestry, whether you’re like it or not they are in your blood. And though you can argue about a tribe’s significance, that’s how other Kren get a better impression of you,” Ellison tells me. “Your need to be … different,” Mylaria adds in, “is admirable. But my něwgu is right, who would you be without a name?” <<include "6.5.1">>
“Is there a way to correct that? For me to find out who my family was?” Mylaria looks to her partner for the answer, and Ellison smiles, “of course. If not by natural means, then the gods would surely know. As for a tribe, one can always adopt you in. Some Kren don’t receive their Lasting Name until they are centuries old, don’t fret.” <<include "6.5.1">>
<<if $ditch>>\ A figure comes through the door, one that I have seen far too many times yet not enough at the same time. Tsintah’s eyes connect with mine, one a striking commanding gold and the other a gleaming field of emerald. I furrow my brow as I glance over at the two sitting at the table, both Mylaria and Ellison possessing the same emerald eyes. “Ah, my dear, welcome home,” Ellison states, immediately standing and giving Tsintah a warm hug. I raise a brow and glance over at Mylaria who refuses to meet my gaze. “Uh … hi there?” she says to me. Korisi jumps from her shoulder and immediately head over to the cage of butterflies, disturbing their once-peaceful existence. <<else>>\ A figure comes through the door, one that I have seen only once since she’s led me here. Tsintah’s eyes connect with mine, one a striking commanding gold and the other a gleaming field of emerald. I furrow my brow as I glance over at the two sitting at the table, both Mylaria and Ellison possessing the same emerald eyes. “Ah, my dear, welcome home,” Ellison states, immediately standing and giving Tsintah a warm hug. I raise a brow and glance over at Mylaria who refuses to meet my gaze. “Uh … hi there?” she says to me, lowering the lemox who rides her shoulder to the ground. The creature immediately heads over to the cage of butterflies, disturbing their once-peaceful existence. <</if>>\ “I do hope you don’t mind; this is $name,” Ellison introduces, and Tsintah smiles impishly. “Oh yes, I know father, I was the one who guided the outsider here.” “Speaking of outsider, I need you to take me to the ruins, Tsintah.” The room grows quiet. Tsintah’s eyes seem to grow darker as she observes me, and her parents only seem to stiffen in their seat. A light breeze runs through the hut through the open window, carrying with it a light whisper of words. Whether the whisper was just a fabrication of my imagination or real, I don’t know. [[“Uh … please?”][$tsintah +=2]] [[“The enchanter told me.”][$tsintah +=3]] [[“What!?”->6.5.1What][$tsintah -=2]] [[Sit quietly.->6.5.1SitQuietly][$tsintah -=3]]
“Uh,” I say, shifting in my seat, uncomfortably, “please?”
“The enchanter told me,” I immediately follow up. No way was I going to get in trouble for this when he gave me such information so coolly.
“What!?” I growl at no one in particular. Obviously, I had said something I shouldn’t, but I didn’t have time for this. I doubt the enchanter would’ve told me if it was supposed to be some well-kept secret.
I sit quietly, waiting for one of them to tell me why they were looking at me like I had just spoken the name of a treacherous god. “Why?” Tsintah questions. “The enchanter said only you knew the way and that his master, who’s inside, can help me.” The two older Kren visibly relax, but Tsintah still stares at me, trying to spot any kind of deception. “I will see that it is done,” she finally replies. <<if $ditch>> I realize that the tone of her voice doesn’t match the tone she had with me earlier, it instead matches the one she had upon our first meeting. Cold, detached, and suspicious.<</if>> “Do it tomorrow morning, before the village awakens,” Mylaria tells her, the words sounding more like a command than a suggestion. “Are you not going to eat?” Ellison inquires. Tsintah pauses, glancing at the plate of food that sits across from me, “I’m not hungry.” She enters the room, about to close it when the lemox chitters, darting into the room after her. I notice that the mood of the table shifts after that. Ellison eats quietly while Mylaria seems to only pick at her food. I finish my meal, not knowing when I would get a chance to eat well in the future. I snort to myself, to think that in Akrisos there would be times that I unconcernedly skipped meals, all because I knew that the chance to eat was always there. [[I miss what was so much.->6.5.2]] [[It’s the past, this is now. I need to move on.->6.5.2]] [[So, where was I sleeping?->6.5.2]]
Out of what I supposed was more discretion than kindness, Mylaria and Ellison allow me to rest in a room that was typically used for lounging. There was a large sofa along the wall with a circular low sitting table in front of it. The sofa, though wooden, had plenty of blankets and cushions sitting on top of it. And at the end of the day, it was no cell. “I hope this to be enough,” Ellison tells me, approaching with a stack of blankets in his grip, “Monsuna is moving in, but Celesow still grips the night.” “Thanks,” I mumble taking them and placing them down. I look from my makeshift bed to Ellison who gives me a light smile. “Do sleep peacefully,” he tells me before disappearing back where he came. He takes the only light in the room with him, plunging the room into darkness. I lay my head on the pillow and wrap the blankets around me, squeezing tightly. [[Utter a silent prayer.][$pious +=5]] [[Go to sleep.->6.5.2Sleep]] <<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Devotion ++</span> <</if>>\ A dream that would tell me of my future that would perhaps shine some light on my situation. Just something that helped me out. I sought guidance, and I felt like I had nothing. I pray to Moon. <<include "6.6">>
Somewhere, I fell asleep. Shivering, despite the warmth that encapsulated me. <<include "6.6">>
“Do you know when the council will reconvene for my judgment?” “No, sorry. I would think that it would be sometime tomorrow but other than that, I don’t know.” I nod and Rajilin, seeing that there was nothing left to be said, leaves. I try the door, unsurprised to find that it was locked. I could bust it down, but I doubt I would like the consequences that would stem from that form of behavior. I sit on the bed and lay back, working out my current circumstance in my mind. There was a window, but I wouldn’t be able to fit through. That and night was close, would it truly be smart to run off into a forest such as this one without any idea where I was going? <a data-passage="6.5.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“This is no better than a cell,” I growl, turning on my heel to face Rajilin. She schools her expression as best she can, refusing to meet my eyes. “You are not a guest,” she chooses to remind, “you trespassed onto this land, and you are being treated as such.” “You almost sound just like Tsintah.” She glares at me before turning on her heel and leaving me alone in the hut. I try the door, unsurprised to find that it was locked. I could bust it down, but I doubt I would like the consequences that would stem from that form of behavior. I sit on the bed and lay back, working out my current circumstance in my mind. There was a window, but I wouldn’t be able to fit through. That and night was close, would it truly be smart to run off into a forest such as this one without any idea where I was going? <a data-passage="6.5.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I continue to look around before throwing Rajilin a smirk, “you think this can hold me?” Her eyes almost burst out of her head in shock, “I … I was just told to bring you here.” She attempts to stand taller, to put on a mask of bravery, “if … if you do manage to get out, then you should know that there are archers. They won’t hesitate.” That much I knew; I had seen that lack of hesitation for myself. With her threat uttered, she turns and leaves. I try the door, unsurprised to find that it was locked. I could bust it down, but I doubt I would like the consequences that would stem from that form of behavior. I sit on the bed and lay back, working out my current circumstance in my mind. There was a window, but I wouldn’t be able to fit through. That and night was close, would it truly be smart to run off into a forest such as this one without any idea where I was going? <a data-passage="6.5.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I’m deep within my thoughts when I hear a knock on the door, and before long, someone opens it, that person being Tsintah. She holds a large leaf with food on top, food that caused my stomach to growl greedily. “Thanks,” I mumble, taking it from her, “who sent you?” <<if $ditch>>\ “Mylaria.” As she glances around, I look over at the lemox who glares at me. “You’re not stealing this,” I tell her and the lemox looks taken aback. She stands up on Tsintah’s shoulders and pounces towards my feet, only being deterred by Tsintah who catches her mid-pounce. “Cut it out, Ko,” she chuckles. <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $koT = "Ko's feeling towards you are impartial">><</nobr>> “Mylaria.” As she glances around, I look over at the lemox that sits on her shoulder. I’ve seen a few but never this close up. It was black and sage colored with the body and stance of a monkey, but the creature holds more fox characteristics. It has short alert ears and a long bushy tail. Its small head held large black eyes and a snout that was short with short whiskers at the end. Tsintah notices my glance and nods towards the lemox, “this is Ko. She’s my familiar.” <</if>>\ “Before I forget, I need you to take me to the ruins. Tsintah’s eyes seem to grow darker as she observes me. A light breeze runs through the hut through the open window, carrying with it a light whisper of words. Whether the whisper was just a fabrication of my imagination or real, I don’t know. [[“Did I say some forbidden word?”]] [[“Uh, Tsintah?”]] [[Sit quietly.->6.5.3SitQuietly]]
“Uh, did I say some forbidden word?” I ask, looking at Ko who squirms in Tsintah’s grip. “Why?” Tsintah finally questions. “The enchanter you told me to see, he said only you knew the way and that his master, who’s inside, can help me.” Tsintah continues to stare at me, trying to spot any kind of deception. “I will see that it is done,” she replies in a cold and detached tone, “it would be wise for us to leave in the morning, I’ll come by to get you then.” I relish the silence if only to work out my thoughts without any disruption. I eat and then immediately head to bed, preparing myself for what tomorrow would bring. <<include "6.6">>
“Uh, Tsintah?” I ask in confusion. Was it because of how I said it? Was this just something that she did? “Why?” Tsintah finally questions. “The enchanter you told me to see, he said only you knew the way and that his master, who’s inside, can help me.” Tsintah continues to stare at me, trying to spot any kind of deception. “I will see that it is done,” she replies in a cold and detached tone, “it would be wise for us to leave in the morning, I’ll come by to get you then.” I relish the silence if only to work out my thoughts without any disruption. I eat and then immediately head to bed, preparing myself for what tomorrow would bring. <<include "6.6">>
I sit quietly, waiting for one of them to tell me why they were looking at me like I had just spoken the name of a treacherous god. “Why?” Tsintah finally questions. “The enchanter you told me to see, he said only you knew the way and that his master, who’s inside, can help me.” Tsintah continues to stare at me, trying to spot any kind of deception. “I will see that it is done,” she replies in a cold and detached tone, “it would be wise for us to leave in the morning, I’ll come by to get you then.” I relish the silence if only to work out my thoughts without any disruption. I eat and then immediately head to bed, preparing myself for what tomorrow would bring. <<include "6.6">>
I stand in a familiar hallway, in familiar clothes. The setting, the mood, everything is there. The words to describe where I claw at me, memories clamoring to reach me, to remind me. The halls of the castle surround me, the usual navy blues and whites coming back to me. I can hear the sound of rain outside, the occasional thunderclap sounding off in the distance. A nearby lightning strike briefly lightens the hallway, long enough for me to spy the figure of someone at the far end of the hall standing in front of a large window. [[Go towards them.]] [[Go the other way.]]
I head towards the figure, curious to know who it was. The window looms closer, but no one stands there. “Hello?” I call out. There was no way that they walked past me, I would’ve heard them, or at least felt their presence, however brief. I glance out the window, hardly seeing anything but the fast-falling rain as it hits the window. Maybe I was seeing stuff, thinking figures were there because the setting was already eerie. I shrug, I didn’t wish to spend the rest of my night wondering if someone was down here or not. I take one step after another back down the hallway when another lightning strikes light up the hall. Immediately in front of me, a figure appears. “Wha!” I shout, falling backward in shock. I attempt to right myself, but my body doesn’t respond to my directions. It stays on the ground, utterly immobile as a dark figure inch closer and closer to me. Everything about them tells me to run, to run, and never stop. If monsters like this exist in the world, did I really wish to be in this world as well? The figure doesn’t freeze until they are right beside me, causing my hair to stand on end and my senses to scream. “I still see you,” a wicked voice whispers in my ear. <a data-passage="6.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I decide to leave them to their business. They were probably a servant who had been momentarily startled by the strike. As I go, I hear the clear sounds of footsteps behind me. But when I turn, there is nothing … or no one there. The hallway is still dark, meaning that even if there were someone, I wouldn’t know. I turn and start again. The footsteps begin again. When I stop, they stop. If I pick up my pace, they do the same effortlessly. I begin to run, my heart thumping against my chest as I go a never-ending hallway. [[Stop.->6.6Stop]] [[Turn around.->6.6TurnAround]]
I stop. If the person following me liked games, then they would have to play them by themselves. I was no longer the mouse in this game. Soon, the footsteps start again, each step causing a new shiver to run down my spine. They get closer and closer, their pace picks up, the footsteps sound as if they were right beside me. I feel a breath on my neck, and my hair stands on end. “I still see you,” a wicked voice whispers in my ear. “Who are you!” I scream as I turn, again and again, attempting to spot the origin of the voice. <a data-passage="6.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I turn on my heel and charge the way I came. The footsteps don’t stop, they continue to match my own. I was fine with that, it just meant that I would meet whoever chose to stalk me. I keep running, continue searching, and I get nowhere. I pass no one. Because no one was there. I stop, but the footsteps continue. Faster. Faster. Faster. They sound as if they were right beside me. I feel a breath on my neck, and my hair stands on end. “I still see you,” a wicked voice whispers in my ear. <a data-passage="6.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“$name!” someone yells, and my eyes flash open, Tsintah’s face hovering over mine. Her hands pinning both of my arms down as we stare at one another. “You have nightmares too, huh?” she questions, releasing my wrists and backing away. I lean upwards, my body shivering uncontrollably despite the sweat running down my face. Nightmares and dreams, I was fluent in those. They came to me whether I wanted them to or not, whether they told tales of me or not. I was familiar with them; I could easily separate them and identify them. The chikrin wouldn’t even allow those. And so that could only mean one thing. That … that was no nightmare. My entire body shakes, my heart throbs, and my senses are dulled. That was real. <a data-passage="Chapter Seven"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<set $energy to 100>> <<unset $fominKnown, $locationKnown, $cq, $visit_kyran, $visit_sages, $visit_explore, $rain, $blacksmith, $drunk, $merchants, $cleansefalls, $ruins, $companions, $day; $questioned = false>> <<endnobr>> <img src="images/ten.png"> *temp strip2 false *temp askThorne 0 *temp askTsintah 0 *temp askIsaak 0 “Would you just come out already?” Thorne growls from the other side of the door, pounding on it as if that was supposed to give me additional incentive for doing as he commanded. [[“Ask nicely.”->10AskNicely]] [[“I like the commanding tone.”][$thorneLi +=1; $thorne -=2]] [[“I don’t know.”->10IDK]] [[“Fine, fine.”->10Fine][$thorne +=2]]
“Maybe, ask nicely, and I’ll consider it.” “Tsintah, get your friend,” Thorne yells. I don’t hear Tsintah’s reply, if there is one, but Thorne follows his words up with, “whatever ?he is to you then. Just get $name out of there.” I roll my eyes and open the door, walking back into the main room of Kyran’s hut as all eyes move to me. I was currently wearing …
“Careful Thorne, that commanding tone of yours might get you in trouble.” “Any other time, I would be glad to match your teasing with my own, but right now, no. Can you just come out and show us already?” I roll my eyes, and though he can’t see me, pout. I finally open the door, walking back into the main room of Kyran’s hut as all eyes move to me. I was currently wearing …
“I don’t know yet. I’m not sure how I feel about this.” “I didn’t ask you for your feelings on the matter,” Thorne growls, “just get out here so we can see.” I sigh in defeat and open the door, walking back into the main room of Kyran’s hut as all eyes move to me. I was currently wearing …
“Fine, fine, I’m coming.” I sigh in defeat and open the door, walking back into the main room of Kyran’s hut as all eyes move to me. I was currently wearing … <<if $clothingInventory.has('Kren outfit')>>\ [[The Kren clothing Tsintah had given me.]] <</if>>\ [[The Uqanan clothing given to me by Kyran.]] <<if $fominArmor>>\ [[The armor made for me by the blacksmith.]] <</if>>\ [[My old clothes.]]
I come out in the same clothes that I had before, to be specific, the ones that Tsintah had given me. Thorne rolls his eyes, “why were you so cagey if you’re wearing the same thing?” he questions, and I answer with a smug grin and a shrug. “The other options didn’t fit me is all.” “Ignore Thorne,” Tsintah speaks, a Uqanan child in her lap who finds interest in messing with her hair, “he was just saying how much he adores doing nothing.” “Shut it, Kren,” he growls, throwing a small tantrum as he goes back to his seat. “And you have a cloak, good,” Thorne says with a nod as I put on said cloak. “Matriarch Kyran,” a man says, seemingly out of breath as he pushes the door open with his shoulder, “guards … at the gates, they demand to see you.” “Friends of yours?” Kyran questions, her lazy stare traveling to me before she rolls her eyes. She kisses the head of her child before removing him from her lap, standing and nodding at the man. “It’s probably best for you to stay here,” Thorne tells me, checking his side as if he would ever go anywhere without his saber. [[“I’m too nosy to stay here.”]] [[“Sure if that’ll make you feel better.”]] [[“You might be right.”]]
<<nobr>><<pickup '$clothingInventory' 'Opal Warrior outfit'>><</nobr>> I come out in the clothes that Kyran had just given me. Like the clothes that the Opal Warriors wore, it hung loosely from me and thick fur and hide protected the more essential areas of the body. The pants hug my waist but loosen up considerably after that, providing decent insulation. The gambeson vest was sleeveless, and the buckles that went across the front made of opal. The last thing that she had given me was heavy calf-length boots with a series of buckles and ties along the side. “Opal Warrior gear looks good on you,” Kyran chuckles from her spot, balancing the small babe sitting up on her thigh preciously. “Thanks, it fits well too. You two sure you don’t want to try it out?” I question Thorne and Tsintah, both shaking their heads. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, Tsintah probably felt most comfortable in her own tribe’s clothing, and Thorne seemed to be the type to be careful and extremely uptight about his choice of clothing. <<if $clothingInventory.has('cloak')>>\ “And you have a cloak, good,” Thorne says with a nod as I put on said cloak. <<else>>\ “And here’s a cloak, you’ll definitely need it,” Thorne tells me, handing me a simple dark grey cloak. <</if>>\ “Matriarch Kyran,” a man says, seemingly out of breath as he pushes the door open with his shoulder, “guards … at the gates, they demand to see you.” “Friends of yours?” Kyran questions, her lazy stare traveling to me before she rolls her eyes. She kisses the head of her child before removing him from her lap, standing and nodding at the man. “It’s probably best for you to stay here,” Thorne tells me, checking his side as if he would ever go anywhere without his saber. [[“I’m too nosy to stay here.”]] [[“Sure if that’ll make you feel better.”]] [[“You might be right.”]] <<if $fominArmor>>\ [[The armor made for me by the blacksmith.]] <</if>>\ <<nobr>><<pickup '$clothingInventory' 'Fomin armor'>><</nobr>> I come out in the armor that the blacksmith had crafted for me in exchange for me delivering the Cave Crawler body that he needed. He used the scales to create a leather scale armor vest, dyeing the once dull tan scales a mix of black and silver. To go along with it, Kyran had also given me a pair of leather tights and riding boots. “Fomin is a master,” Kyran chuckles and then later follows up her words with a clap, “another wonderful piece of armor. How does it feel?” “Oddly comfortable and light, does he do something else to it, or is this normal?” I question her as Thorne walks around me, poking and examining the vest. “It’s natural, the Crawler scales are ideal for light armor vests and good quality protection. You’re in safe hands, trust me.” “Does it live up your standards?” I question the still curious Thorne. He straightens himself and shrugs. “If I didn’t think you can fight, then at least I know you’ll be safe now.” He returns to his seat. <<if $clothingInventory.has('cloak')>>\ “And you have a cloak, good,” Thorne says with a nod as I put on said cloak. <<else>>\ “And here’s a cloak, you’ll definitely need it,” Thorne tells me, handing me a simple dark grey cloak. <</if>>\ “Matriarch Kyran,” a man says, seemingly out of breath as he pushes the door open with his shoulder, “guards … at the gates, they demand to see you.” “Friends of yours?” Kyran questions, her lazy stare traveling to me before she rolls her eyes. She kisses the head of her child before removing him from her lap, standing and nodding at the man. “It’s probably best for you to stay here,” Thorne tells me, checking his side as if he would ever go anywhere without his saber. [[“I’m too nosy to stay here.”]] [[“Sure if that’ll make you feel better.”]] [[“You might be right.”]]
I come out in the same clothes that I had before, they were a tad bit fresher than before but would need to be replaced one of these days. “Still donning those rags, huh?” Thorne questions, rolling his eyes as he returns to his previous seat. “I wouldn’t exactly call them rags,” I grumble. “Truly? Because they look as such,” Tsintah adds in, and I throw her a glance, one that she blushes at. I presume she didn’t mean to say such words aloud. <<if $clothingInventory.has('cloak')>>\ “And you have a cloak, good,” Thorne says with a nod as I put on said cloak. <<else>>\ “And here’s a cloak, you’ll definitely need it,” Thorne tells me, handing me a simple dark grey cloak. <</if>>\ “Matriarch Kyran,” a man says, seemingly out of breath as he pushes the door open with his shoulder, “guards … at the gates, they demand to see you.” “Friends of yours?” Kyran questions, her lazy stare traveling to me before she rolls her eyes. She kisses the head of her child before removing him from her lap, standing and nodding at the man. “It’s probably best for you to stay here,” Thorne tells me, checking his side as if he would ever go anywhere without his saber. [[“I’m too nosy to stay here.”]] [[“Sure if that’ll make you feel better.”]] [[“You might be right.”]]
I groan as I rise from my seat and follow them to the door, “I’m too nosy to stay here.” “Then think of this as the perfect time for you to practice being less nosy,” he says before leaving. I narrow my eyes on his back as Tsintah passes me, grabbing my hood and throwing it over my head before giving me a wink and a smirk. I smirk back and wait for her and Thorne to go before sneaking out of the hut, keeping my head down as I head in the same way, but my path leads me towards the crowds. <<include "10.1">>
I shrug as I rise, “sure, I’ll stay here if that makes you feel better. And then, as soon as you walk far enough, I’ll leave.” “The whole point of making me feel better was you not telling me that you were just going to leave anyway,” he grumbles before leaving. I smirk as Tsintah passes me, grabbing my hood and throwing it over my head before giving me a wink. It would at least seem that Tsintah and I were on the same wavelength. I wait for her and Thorne to go before sneaking out of the hut, keeping my head down as I head in the same way, but my path leads me towards the crowds. <<include "10.1">>
“You might be right,” I say, my eyes drifting to the floor as I think about the pros and cons of joining them. “Might. I am right, I’m always right,” Thorne carries on as he leaves the hut behind. When Tsintah passes me, she grabs my hood and throws it over my head before giving me a wink and a smirk. I nod at her retreating form and wait for her and Thorne to go before sneaking out of the hut, keeping my head down as I head in the same way, but my path leads me towards the crowds. This was my life, sitting back and letting others report back to me was unwise, especially if this was the time to run. <<include "10.1">>
Just like the messenger had said, there were guards standing there. Leading them was Averill, just now dismounting as Kyran approaches them. “Greetings travelers and welcome to Opal Warrior territory. May I ask what business you have here?” “We are in search of a deadly fugitive. We wish to know if anyone … suspicious has wandered into your territory lately,” Averill starts. I see Kyran shrug her shoulders nonchalantly, “if they had then they are welcomed here. Your King is not ours. Jury and executioner here is the forest itself.” I wasn’t close enough to see Averill’s face but hearing the strain in $ahis voice at what $ahe says next, I can picture $ahim struggling to maintain a neutral stance. “I beseech you to reconsider such a stance. Regardless of your rules, this fugitive is a murderer. If you have any information on ?his whereabouts, then please tell us.” “Only way I’m giving up information like that is if you best me in a challenge. But I don’t think a //half-breed// would be a match for me or any of my tribespeople.” I now realize why Kyran’s voice sounded like it was teetering on the edge of anger and impertinence. She didn’t respect Averill and would probably rather speak to one of the Alyrians. There is silence for a while as I picture Averill attempting to find $ahis next words carefully. “Wait! $name is definitely here,” I hear Ansellus shout, “that’s the Kren bitch that shot me with an arrow.” I search for Tsintah, finally spotting her next to Thorne on the outskirts of the large crowd. Some of the attention shifts to her and she immediately seems to shrink, even going as far as to hide behind Thorne. That was all the guards needed to get riled up. “Bring the traitor here or face death,” one shouts. “Burn this entire village to the ground for their gall,” says another. I could see the Uqanans surrounding me becoming unsettled as well, a fight was brewing. [[Go out there.->10.1OutThere]] [[Stay hidden.->10.1StayHidden]]
I take a deep breath in, questioning if I really wanted to do something this stupid. It would seem I did. I surge forward until I was no longer hidden by the crowd and I take the hood off. Everyone grows silent just as a rumble of thunder is heard in the distance. <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ “$name,” Averill whispers. I’m unsure if $ahe’s in disbelief or if $ahe’s just a tad bit happy to see me. I don’t have much time to focus on it either. <<else>>\ “$name,” Averill whispers. <</if>>\ “You’re under arrest,” Ansellus starts, dismounting but that was the wrong move. Immediately, Thorne and Tsintah are at my side, their weapons drawn and ready to unleash any pent-up anger. “Didn’t I say stay in the hut?” Thorne growls at me and I simply roll my eyes. “If you want a fight then we can give you that,” Ansellus smirks, unsheathing his sword. Tsintah raises her bow, her attention on his leg. “Hey, stop! Can we calm down?” I hear a familiar voice beg, and see Isaak approaching with his hands raised, walking cautiously towards us. He looks ready to faint, his eyes large and his body shaking profusely. “I agree with Isaak. No blood need be shed today. We will simply take $name,” Averill states but the Uqanans all roar for $ahim to silence $ahimself. To my surprise, $ahe does. Isaak turns to me, “you need to come with us.” [[“Over my dead body.”][$isaak -=3]] [[“Why are you with them Isaak?”][$questioned = true]] [[Say nothing.->10.1SayNothing]]
I huff and raise my head defiantly, “over my dead body.” “Come now, $name,” Ansellus says, “that can be arranged.” “Stop, Ansellus,” Averill growls, looking back towards me. “Do not make this harder than it needs to be.” “Half-shit!” someone shouts from the crowd, causing the crowd to grow anxious yet again. They throw insult after insult at Averill who weathers it all with $ahis head high. Soon, they would be throwing much more than just words. “Averill,” Isaak finally says, going towards the half-breed, “let me speak to $name on my own. I can talk ?him into coming. And avoid, this …” Averill instantly nods, whether to speed this along or because $ahe trusts Isaak just that much. I raise a brow as he motions for me to follow him. [[Go.->10.1Go]] [[Stay where I am.->10.1StayWhereIAm]]
“Why are you riding with them Isaak?” I question, grabbing his arm. He whimpers at the touch, and for a moment I see the same Isaak I’ve always seen. The Isaak that stuttered whenever I was around and called me amazing whenever he could. The Isaak whose features lit up as soon as he saw me, who unconsciously always gravitated towards me. I blink, and though the Isaak from my thoughts looked almost exactly like the one before me, I was beginning to doubt it. I release him, my eyes traveling to the ground, not even caring that he didn’t answer my question. “Averill,” Isaak finally says, going towards the half-breed, “let me speak to $name on my own. I can talk ?him into coming. And avoid, this …” Averill instantly nods, whether to speed this along or because $ahe trusts Isaak just that much. I raise a brow as he motions for me to follow him. [[Go.->10.1Go]] [[Stay where I am.->10.1StayWhereIAm]]
I say nothing to Isaak who stares at me, his olive eyes pleading for me to not make this harder. A part of me felt betrayed, that Isaak of all people would do this, and the other was just unwilling to go down without a fight. If that fight meant Isaak was involved, then so be it. “Averill,” Isaak finally says, going towards the half-breed, “let me speak to $name on my own. I can talk ?him into coming. And avoid, this …” Averill instantly nods, whether to speed this along or because $ahe trusts Isaak just that much. I raise a brow as he motions for me to follow him. [[Go.->10.1Go]] [[Stay where I am.->10.1StayWhereIAm]]
“Fine,” I say and move to follow him when Thorne grabs my arm and pulls me back towards his side, his untrustworthy gaze on Isaak. “I’ll be fine, Thorne. Trust me, Isaak wouldn’t hurt me.” <<if $questioned>>\ Thorne snorts in doubt, “forgive me for not trusting him despite your words. I doubt he’s the same boy you thought you knew, seeing that you had to question his presence.” <<else>>\ Thorne snorts in doubt, “forgive me for not trusting him despite your words. The boy did just say that you need to come with him to face judgment.” <</if>>\ “Boy!” Isaak growls, his shoulders stiffening as he glares at Thorne. Thorne regards him with a disinterested look, “yes. Boy.” “Listen here,” Isaak starts but Tsintah is the one who comes in the middle. One glare from her causes Isaak to settle down before she looks to Thorne. “Release $name, Thorne,” Tsintah says, her dislike of Thorne and this situation clear in her voice, “$name knows him and if ?he wishes to speak to him then we are in no place to not allow it.” She looks over at me, “but we will come along.” Thorne grumbles and releases me, allowing me to follow behind Isaak. <<include "10.2">>
I stay where I am, raising a brow at Isaak. “Please, $name. This has gone too far, don’t you think?” Thorne appears at my side, “if ?he doesn’t wish to go with you boy, then ?he doesn’t wish to go. Mount your horse and ride away. “Boy!” Isaak growls, his shoulders stiffening as he glares at Thorne. Thorne regards him with a disinterested look, “yes. Boy.” “Listen here,” Isaak starts but Tsintah is the one who comes in the middle. One glare from her causes Isaak to settle down before she looks to Thorne. “Stay out of it, Thorne,” Tsintah says, her dislike of Thorne and this situation clear in her voice. She then looks at me, “I advise you go. We will come along simply to make sure that there is no trick.” I’m ready to question her but see the way she looks back at the guards. I knew that look; I had seen one similar when she was figuring out a way to sneak me away from them the first time. I nod and turn to Isaak, motioning him towards a hut. <<include "10.2">>
I decide to stay hidden, to give nothing away. From how Kyran spoke, I doubted she would give me up, even if she disliked me. “You would be wise to hold your tongue,” Tsintah barks, her voice much colder than normal and her stance stiffening. I see Thorne whisper something to her and though she doesn’t seem to retreat, she does appear to calm down some. “There is no need for any of this,” Averill growls, “we only wish to –” “Half-shit!” someone shouts from the crowd, causing everyone to grow anxious yet again. They throw insult after insult at Averill who weathers it all with $ahis head high. “Hey, stop! Can we calm down?” I hear a familiar voice beg, and see Isaak approaching with his hands raised, walking cautiously towards the middle of both sides. He looks ready to faint, his eyes large and even from here I could see him shaking profusely. Isaak turns his attention to Kyran, “if $name is here then let me talk to ?him. ?He’ll talk to me.” From my current position, I can’t see Kyran’s facial expression but the silence that follows makes me presume that she regards him in doubt. She says aloud, “if $name wishes to speak to you then so be it. That hut over there will see you have your privacy.” Isaak nods to her in thanks before slowly walking over to it, his eyes scanning the crowd as he goes. [[Go.->10.1Go2]] [[Stay where I am.->10.1StayWhereIAm2]]
I move to follow him. Continuing to travel through the crowd until I could no longer use them. Thankfully, the hut was close enough to walk into. Before I enter though, I notice Thorne and Tsintah nearby. They nod, it would seem that I would have backup. <<include "10.2">>
I stay where I am when Thorne appears at my side, “smart move.” “You think so?” I question, but before he can answer Tsintah appears, clearly uncomfortable. “It is not,” she growls, “if you don’t speak to him then the guards will refuse to leave and Kyran is a lousy host even on her best days. Speak to him and get him to leave.” “We’ll be there for backup. Just in case they try to pull anything,” Thorne tells me, and I nod. With both of them at my side, I walk to the hut. <<include "10.2">>
Once we’re inside the hut, Thorne and Tsintah stand on separate sides of the doorway, almost making me feel like someone who was far too important to be left alone with anyone. In a way, I suppose I was. Isaak wanders the hut, his eyes taking it all in and I’m sure he was comparing it to his home in Akrisos. How far away from home he must feel. Finally he turns to me. “$name.” “Isaak.” <<if $isaak >=50>>\ He takes a cautious step forward, “may I hug you?” [[“Of course.” ->10.2YesHug][$isaak +=3]] [[“First answer my question.”][$isaak -=3]] [[“Sit down, Isaak.”]] <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $hostage = true>><</nobr>> “Uh … you look … good.” [[“For a murderer?”]] [[“I exfoliate.”]] [[“What do you want Isaak?”]] <</if>>\
I can’t help the smile that comes to my face. I nod and one even wider overtakes his face as he moves in, hugging me. He immediately tightens the hug and rests his head on my chest. The only thing ending the hug was Thorne’s coughing. I turn to him and his eyes immediately move to the walls, attempting to look innocent. <<if $audouin >=3>>\ <<nobr>><<pickup '$miscInventory' 'letter from audouin'>><</nobr>> “Oh, before I forget,” Isaak states, shifting his attention to his pack. He rummages around it for a time before bringing out a piece of folded parchment. He hands it to me and written in the familiar calligraphy of my master, I see my name. “It was one of the only things I could grab.” Part of me wishes to open it right then and there, but I stop myself, I would have time to do that later. I once again meet Isaak’s eyes. <</if>>\ “I still don’t understand what you hoped to accomplish by traveling with them,” I begin, looking to Isaak to explain more. “Ansellus was really the reason. We both know what he’s like and I didn’t want him to paint some horrid picture of you to Averill. So I decided to tag along. Plus, I do want to help. You’re my … friend. I want to help you clear your name.” “How did you even get Averill to agree?” “Averill’s not so bad,” Isaak shrugs, “it wasn’t that hard. I just told $ahim the truth about knowing you and wanting to make this all better. I also said that you’ll probably be more prone to cooperating with me than Ansellus.” [[“I have no intention of going back.”]] [[“I won’t cooperate with either of you.”]] [[“So, what will you do now?”]]
“First, answer my question. Why are you riding with them?” “It’s not what you think, I promise you that,” he begins. “I still believe you’re innocent. But when I heard about the group, I knew that I needed to come. To help.” Thorne chuckles from behind me, both of us turning to face him, “excuse me. It’s just … cute.” “You’re working my last nerve, merc,” Isaak growls. “I don’t think I care much, boy,” Thorne snaps back with a smirk that shows off his canines. “You both behave like little children,” Tsintah murmurs. <<if $audouin >=3>>\ <<nobr>><<pickup '$miscInventory' 'letter from audouin'>><</nobr>> “Oh, before I forget,” Isaak states, shifting his attention to his pack. He rummages around it for a time before bringing out a piece of folded parchment. He hands it to me and written in the familiar calligraphy of my master, I see my name. “It was one of the only things I could grab.” Part of me wishes to open it right then and there, but I stop myself, I would have time to do that later. I once again meet Isaak’s eyes. <</if>>\ “I still don’t understand what you hoped to accomplish by traveling with them,” I begin, looking to Isaak to explain more. “Ansellus was really the reason. We both know what he’s like and I didn’t want him to paint some horrid picture of you to Averill. So I decided to tag along. Plus, I do want to help. You’re my … friend. I want to help you clear your name.” “How did you even get Averill to agree?” “Averill’s not so bad,” Isaak shrugs, “it wasn’t that hard. I just told $ahim the truth about knowing you and wanting to make this all better. I also said that you’ll probably be more prone to cooperating with me than Ansellus.” [[“I have no intention of going back.”]] [[“I won’t cooperate with either of you.”]] [[“So, what will you do now?”]]
“Sit down, Isaak,” I tell him, nodding to a nearby chair. He does as I ask, sitting quietly, almost appearing like a young child who had just been caught trying to grab extra servings. <<if $audouin >=3>>\ <<nobr>><<pickup '$miscInventory' 'letter from audouin'>><</nobr>> “Oh, before I forget,” Isaak states, shifting his attention to his pack. He rummages around it for a time before bringing out a piece of folded parchment. He hands it to me and written in the familiar calligraphy of my master, I see my name. “It was one of the only things I could grab.” Part of me wishes to open it right then and there, but I stop myself, I would have time to do that later. I once again meet Isaak’s eyes. <</if>>\ “I still don’t understand what you hoped to accomplish by traveling with them,” I begin, looking to Isaak to explain more. “Ansellus was really the reason. We both know what he’s like and I didn’t want him to paint some horrid picture of you to Averill. So I decided to tag along. Plus, I do want to help. You’re my … friend. I want to help you clear your name.” “How did you even get Averill to agree?” “Averill’s not so bad,” Isaak shrugs, “it wasn’t that hard. I just told $ahim the truth about knowing you and wanting to make this all better. I also said that you’ll probably be more prone to cooperating with me than Ansellus.” [[“I have no intention of going back.”]] [[“I won’t cooperate with either of you.”]] [[“So, what will you do now?”]]
“I doubt this will shock you much, Isaak. But I have no intention of going back. I won’t face punishment for something I didn’t do.” <<if $isaak >=50>>\ “I didn’t think you would,” he shrugs, “only reason I said I wanted to talk to you was so that I could join you instead.” <<include "10.2.1">> <<else>>\ “This is not going to end well for you,” Isaak says, his face pleading for me to reconsider. <<include "10.2.3">> <</if>>\
“You’re right, I would be far more willing to speak to you than Ansellus. But I won’t cooperate with either of you.” <<if $isaak >=50>>\ “I didn’t think you would,” he shrugs, “only reason I said I wanted to talk to you was so that I could join you instead.” <<include "10.2.1">> <<else>>\ “This is not going to end well for you,” Isaak says, his face pleading for me to reconsider. <<include "10.2.3">> <</if>>\
“Well, I hate to tell you but this whole conversation is going to leave you empty handed. So, what will you do now?” <<if $isaak >=50>>\ “To be honest, the only reason I said I wanted to talk to you was so that I could join you instead.” <<include "10.2.1">> <<else>>\ “This is not going to end well for you,” Isaak says, his face pleading for me to reconsider. <<include "10.2.3">> <</if>>\
I raise a brow at his words, part of me feeling as if I should be far more shocked than I currently was. The hut is silent when it’s interrupted by Thorne’s laughing. “That’s grand. The boy has visions of being a hero.” “I do not,” Isaak corrects. “Then what other reason do you have for wishing to come? Your presence would just be an additional burden.” “I can protect myself,” Isaak tells him, a strain in his voice. Thorne approaches him, his saber now drawn. Before either of us can act, he turns his weapon so that the hilt was pointing towards Isaak. “Show me.” We watch as Isaak cautiously takes the saber and holds it with two hands, his stance stiff, and his elbows locked in a position that I can only assume is uncomfortable. Thorne tries and fails to contain a chuckle while Tsintah curses under her breath. “I’m not a fan of blades, okay?” Isaak growls, shoving the blade back into Thorne’s hands. Throne turns to me, “taking him with us is doing nothing but adding another mouth to feed and another body to hide.” “I’m useful,” Isaak tells him, but Thorne waves his words away as if they were a lingering smell. “You are a boy who dreams of grandiose and hinged your entire plan on it. Your only usefulness to the guards was your connection to $name. Your usefulness to us is nothing.” [[“That’s enough.”->10.2.2Enough][$thorne -=5]] [[“He has a point.”->10.2.2Point][$thorne +=2]]
“That’s enough, Thorne.” <<include "10.2.3">>
“He actually makes a good point Isaak. What did you plan on doing if I said no?” Isaak blushes, squirming in his spot, “I … I didn’t expect you to say no.” “Did you not plan anything?” “Call it over confidence if you please,” he grumbles, rubbing his arm in embarrassment. I chuckle lightly. <<include "10.2.3">>
<<if $audouin >=3>>\ <<nobr>><<pickup '$miscInventory' 'letter from audouin'>><</nobr>> Before I can respond, his face lights up in rememberance, “oh, before I forget,” Isaak states, shifting his attention to his pack. He rummages around it for a time before bringing out a piece of folded parchment. He hands it to me and written in the familiar calligraphy of my master, I see my name. “It was one of the only things I could grab.” Part of me wishes to open it right then and there, but I stop myself, I would have time to do that later. I once again meet Isaak’s eyes. <</if>>\ “Why do you care about what happens to me, Isaak? We’re not friends. You like me just a bit more than you like Ansellus.” “I don’t … I mean … we’re not friends,” he says, his face conveying a hurt feeling, as if saying those words was the equivalent to drinking poison knowingly. “But I don’t want to see you die. If you come back, maybe they’ll offer you a deal. Spare your life or –” I raise a brow at his words, part of me feeling as if I should be far more shocked than I currently was. Thorne interrupts him with his laughter. “That’s grand. Naïve, stupid, childish, but grand all the same.” “I’m not childish,” Isaak corrects. “Call it whatever makes you feel better but it’s foolish thinking. You honestly believe that the King will forgive $name for killing his only son? No, sympathy would be killing ?him now and not allowing ?him to meet the King.” “You don’t –,” Isaak starts but Thorne doesn’t allow him to finish, turning his back to Isaak and glancing at me. “Can we go now? I fear those guards outside more so than this boy.” “I have a name,” Isaak corrects. “And when I care to remember it then perhaps I’ll call you by it,” Thorne yawns, about to say more when he narrows his gaze and turns to Isaak. “Though we do need to figure out what to do with him.” <a data-passage="10.2.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“For a supposed murderer on the run you mean?” I question, cocking my head to the side as if curious about his response. A light blush appears, and he fidgets with his shirt before taking a deep breath and growing a spine. He looks me in the eye and as I make eye contact, it seems that all of his bravado falls.
I shrug my shoulders, “I exfoliate. Can’t let being the most wanted fugitive in Nidinia keep me from having nice skin.” I hear both Tsintah and Throne chuckle lightly behind me, further causing Isaak discomfort. He glares at the ground before taking a deep breath in, straightening himself and meeting my eye. Yet, as soon as eye contact is established, he seems to re-deflate.
I roll my eyes at his words, “what do you want Isaak?” I had little to no time to play games with him. I had a small inkling that Averill and $ahis troupe of guards were outside the hut right now, surrounding it to make sure that I didn’t escape. Though, I suppose Kyran wouldn’t allow such thing to happen. And if a fight was had, we would’ve heard it. “This won’t end until you turn yourself in,” he begins, “you do know that, right? Why not just face the consequences of what you’ve done?” “Because I didn’t do it,” I growl harshly, “I’m not about to confess to crimes I did not do. Why is that so hard for this country to understand?” “Is it the country, or is it you?” [[“You have less than a minute.”]] [[“What’s the plan here, Isaak?”]] [[“Oh, definitely the country.”]]
“You have less than a minute before I leave. Or was this your plan, to guilt trip me until I agree to come back with you? What are you even doing traveling with them?” “Ansellus was really the reason. We both know what he’s like and I didn’t want him to paint an even more horrible picture of you to Averill. So I decided to tag along. I just want this all to end.” “How did you even get Averill to agree?” “Averill’s not so bad,” Isaak shrugs, “it wasn’t that hard. I just told $ahim the truth about knowing you and wanting to make this all better. I also said that you probably be more prone to cooperating with me than Ansellus.” [[“I have no intention of going back.”]] [[“I won’t cooperate with either of you.”]] [[“So, what will you do now?”]]
“What was the plan here, Isaak? Because I’m struggling between believing you have one and thinking that you thought guilt tripping me would be enough of a motivator. What are you even doing traveling with them?” “Ansellus was really the reason. We both know what he’s like and I didn’t want him to paint an even more horrible picture of you to Averill. So I decided to tag along. I just want this all to end.” “How did you even get Averill to agree?” “Averill’s not so bad,” Isaak shrugs, “it wasn’t that hard. I just told $ahim the truth about knowing you and wanting to make this all better. I also said that you probably be more prone to cooperating with me than Ansellus.” [[“I have no intention of going back.”]] [[“I won’t cooperate with either of you.”]] [[“So, what will you do now?”]]
“Oh, no doubt about it, the country. Have you seen the royal family? The nobles? The inhabitants of Ipharia? All of them are crazy.” I sigh and look Isaak up and down with a raised brow, “what are you even doing traveling with Averill and company?” “Ansellus was really the reason. We both know what he’s like and I didn’t want him to paint an even more horrible picture of you to Averill. So I decided to tag along. I just want this all to end.” “How did you even get Averill to agree?” “Averill’s not so bad,” Isaak shrugs, “it wasn’t that hard. I just told $ahim the truth about knowing you and wanting to make this all better. I also said that you probably be more prone to cooperating with me than Ansellus.” [[“I have no intention of going back.”]] [[“I won’t cooperate with either of you.”]] [[“So, what will you do now?”]]
“What do you mean?” I ask. “We can’t just let him go back to the others. If they see him then it’ll spark them to act and leaving this village will be impossible.” “Just take him hostage and let us be done with this,” Tsintah says from her spot, when our eyes land on her she glances between both of us wide-eyed. “I spoke aloud again, I see … Well, since I’ve already said it, I think that’s the best option here. I mean, if you guys think it is. I just kinda want you both to stop looking at me like that.” Thorne bites back a smile as he looks from Tsintah to Isaak. “She has a point. This Averill character doesn’t seem like the type to risk a life for a life. He could be our way out of here. Question is, who’s going to do it?” They both gaze at me for the answer. [[“You will Thorne.”->10.3][$ride_Thorne = true]] [[“Tsintah should.”->10.3][$ride_Tsintah = true]]
<<if $hostage>>\ <<if $ride_Thorne>>\ “You will Thorne,” I tell him, walking past him and towards the back of the hut where a door rests. He shouts but I ignore him, opening it partially to see if the guards had managed to be smarter than I assumed. Finding no one there, I motion for the others to follow. <<elseif $ride_Tsintah>>\ “You should do it Tsintah, you’re the only one who has neutral feelings towards him,” I tell her, and she nods, approaching Isaak. I walk towards the back of the hut where a door rests, opening it partially to see if the guards had managed to be smarter than I assumed. Finding no one there, I motion for the others to follow. <<else>>\ “I’ll do it. They can just add it to my list of crimes,” I tell them, approaching Isaak who glares at me. I would have to find some rope as well. I wait until Tsintah gives us the all clear and we head out of the hut. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ Though the rain hasn’t begun to come down like it typically did, it was currently sprinkling. Our footsteps make a sloshing sound as we hurry down the trail towards the stables, the shouts of the Uqanans still filling my ears. <<if $fominWeapon>>\ Once we get to the horses, we find the mounts saddled up and ready to ride out, a small Uqanan child petting Gambit’s forelock. He turns to me and points to my horse, “I delivered your weapon to you.” I nod my thanks, going over and unsheathing the blade. Like I had presumed, the blade itself was entirely made of opal while the grip on the hilt was a dark brown leather wrapping. The weight of the sword was superb, and the blade itself was sharp enough to pierce armor, though I wouldn’t know how well until I tried it out. <<else>>\ Once we get to the horses, we find the mounts saddled up and ready to ride out, a small Uqanan child petting Gambit’s forelock. <</if>>\ <<if $ride_Tsintah>>\ “Good job, Abon,” Tsintah begins, rechecking the saddle before turning to face the little boy, “tell your mother that we left and thank her for her hospitality. If she needs anything, send a courier hawk.” He nods before darting away, and Tsintah turns her attention to Isaak. His eyes are wide as he gazes at the great elk before him. “We don’t have all day for you to stare down the elk,” Thorne growls from behind him, coming back with a length of rope in his hands as he passes it to Tsintah, “we need to head out before the rain gets too bad.” “Is the rope truly needed?” Isaak questions in disbelief. I ignore him and mount up, looking back at Thorne as he sniffs the air, “too bad?” “Yes. It would seem that Monsuna’s first serious storm is about to hit.” Tsintah grumbles something as she attempts to help Isaak into the saddle, now that his wrists were bound, he would be of little help. Once he was situated, she mounts up and leads us away, each of us sticking to a slow trot as to not bring any attention to ourselves. <<elseif $ride_Thorne>>\ “Good job, Abon,” Tsintah begins, rechecking the saddle before turning to face the little boy, “tell your mother that we left and thank her for her hospitality. If she needs anything, send a courier hawk.” He nods before darting away. “We need to head out before the rain gets too bad,” Thorne informs us as he comes back with a length of rope in his hands. He approaches Isaak and quickly ties his wrists together, ignoring the groans and protests that escape past his lips. I ignore him and mount up, looking back at Thorne as he sniffs the air, “too bad?” “Yes. It would seem that Monsuna’s first serious storm is about to hit.” Tsintah grumbles something as she attempts to help Isaak on Gambit’s back before mounting Cyril. Once everyone was situated, Tsintah leads us away, each of us sticking to a slow trot as to not bring any attention to ourselves. <<else>>\ “Good job, Abon,” Tsintah begins, rechecking the saddle before turning to face the little boy, “tell your mother that we left and thank her for her hospitality. If she needs anything, send a courier hawk.” He nods before darting away. “We need to head out before the rain gets too bad,” Thorne informs us as he comes back with a length of rope in his hands as he passes it to me. “Is the rope truly needed?” Isaak questions in disbelief. I ignore him and mount up, looking back at Thorne as he sniffs the air, “too bad?” “Yes. It would seem that Monsuna’s first serious storm is about to hit.” Tsintah grumbles something as she attempts to help Isaak on $horse’s back before mounting Cyril. Once everyone was situated, Tsintah leads us away, each of us sticking to a slow trot as to not bring any attention to ourselves. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="10.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We head out just in time as a few minutes after our departure, the grim, sullen sky opens up, and with determined barbarity lets the rain descend. The wind turns malevolent, throwing branches and rocks as we travel across the terrain. The sky overhead growing darker and darker despite the mid-morning hour. The magical air takes on a wicked and electrifying energy as if fueling the raging storm. “I would really like to find some shelter,” Thorne shouts from behind, “if at all possible.” His voice carries just enough for us to hear him, though, regarding Tsintah’s lack of a reaction, I don’t entirely know if she heard him. Still, we carry on. A sense of ease washing over us when we squint and see a lone building in the distance. Upon closer investigation, I spot a small barn and a shed that never saw completion. “I shall put the mounts away, you guys get inside,” Tsintah shouts to us, dismounting her elk and grabbing his reins. Cyrus and $horse stay relatively calm, but Gambit throws a tantrum, rearing with ears lying flat in either fear or anger. But she didn’t have to tell us twice. We head inside and leave her to the mounts, finding the inside sparsely decorated. Whoever once lived here didn’t do so for long. <<if $hostage>>\ Thorne harshly pushes a still tied up Isaak onto the floor near the door before heading to a nearby sink and wringing out his soaked hair. “Can you at least untie me? Where do you think I’ll go or do?” Isaak questions, glancing from me to Thorne. “Nothing,” Thorne answers, “but that doesn’t mean I’ll untie you.” He kicks off his boots and plops himself onto the cabinet. <<else>>\ Thorne roughly pushes Isaak out of the way as he makes a beeline for a nearby sink. Once there, he begins to wring out his hair, grumbling something as he does so. “Excuse you,” Isaak grumbles, but Thorne either doesn’t hear him or ignores him, continuing his work. I continue to glance around the house when I hear something plop against the floor, turning to see Thorne now sitting on a cabinet and his boots discarded. <</if>>\ “Maybe it’s the lion side of me, but I really do not like water.” “Yea, we can smell it,” Isaak grumbles, only to be hit in the face with Thorne’s sodden jacket. I raise a brow as he continues to strip his upper garments off until nothing is left, exposing his bare chest. [[Stare.->10.4Stare][$thorneLi +=1; $thorne +=2; $isaak -=3]] [[Roll my eyes.][$isaak +=3; $thorne -=3]] [[Throw the jacket back at Thorne.][$isaak +=3]]
I can’t help but find my interest peaked as I stare at his chiseled features. I knew he was muscular, but one can only imagine how muscular another is when they’re wearing at least three layers. His muscles, somehow, appeared rough. As if they were created due to exposure of harsh conditions, and a mere accidental effect to one’s choices throughout life. He had a collection of scars running across his arms and chest, resembling that of blades that have touched his skin. A light collection of presently damp black hair lays sprawled against his chest before fading and then resuming in a straight line along his belly before disappearing. “Eyes are up here, $name,” Thorne chuckles exuberantly. When my eyes meet his, he winks, smirking as he goes back to tending to his hair. I blush as I clear my throat, catching the accusatory look that Isaak sends me. The door opens, and Tsintah walks in, raising a brow at Thorne’s current condition but saying nothing of it. We all see her eyes rake across his figure, and she even grunts in appreciation before taking a seat //on// the table. Korisi jumps from her shoulder to the floor, shaking her fur out before darting underneath the bed. “We’ll be stuck here for a while, the first rain of Monsuna seems to be a rowdy one,” she tells us. “How long are you estimating?” I ask. She shrugs her shoulders, “it should let up before tonight, but that’s just my guess. The packs have food in them, we should be fine for tonight.” <a data-passage="10.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I roll my eyes as I turn my back to him, giving him some privacy even though there seemed to be only one room in this tiny house. “Put your clothes back on,” Isaak hisses. “You should really hear yourself,” Thorne laughs, rocking back and forth on the cabinet much like a child, “I don’t even think you can take yourself seriously. And plus, you should be thanking me. It’s not every day you get to see someone with a body this great.” Isaak and I both groan at the same time. The door opens, and Tsintah walks in, raising a brow at Thorne’s current condition but saying nothing of it. We all see her eyes rake across his figure, and she even grunts in appreciation before taking a seat //on// the table. Korisi jumps from her shoulder to the floor, shaking her fur out before darting underneath the bed. “We’ll be stuck here for a while, the first rain of Monsuna seems to be a rowdy one,” she tells us. “How long are you estimating?” I ask. She shrugs her shoulders, “it should let up before tonight, but that’s just my guess. The packs have food in them, we should be fine for tonight.” <a data-passage="10.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I walk over to Isaak and grab Thorne’s jacket, launching it right back at him and giving him a reprimanding glare. <<if $smug >=50>>\ “Put your clothes back on, Thorne. If I can’t walk around with my shirt off, then neither can you.” “Whose saying you can’t?” Thorne questions with a look I would almost describe as hurt, “why would you deny the world a chance to gaze upon that lovely physique of yours?” <<if $strip>>\ [[Take mine off as well.][$strip2 = true; $thorne +=2; $tsintah +=2; $isaak +=2]] <</if>>\ [[Ignore him.->10.4Ignore]] <<else>>\ “Put your clothes back on, Thorne. No one wants to be stuck in here, seeing you in the nude.” “Tis is but a shirt, my dear. But if you really want to see everything, then I can definitely arrange it.” Thorne teases, wiggling his eyebrows and causing Isaak and me to both groan in unison. The door opens, and Tsintah walks in, raising a brow at Thorne’s current condition but saying nothing of it. We all see her eyes rake across his figure, and she even grunts in appreciation before taking a seat //on// the table. Korisi jumps from her shoulder to the floor, shaking her fur out before darting underneath the bed. “We’ll be stuck here for a while, the first rain of Monsuna seems to be a rowdy one,” she tells us. “How long are you estimating?” I ask. She shrugs her shoulders, “it should let up before tonight, but that’s just my guess. The packs have food in them, we should be fine for tonight.” <a data-passage="10.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
Whelp, he had a point. It wouldn’t be the first time I stripped and lamentably for my audience, they didn’t have the pleasure of seeing my entire body. I peel off the shirt that I wore and choose to hang it up, smirking when I hear Thorne let out a long, appreciative whistle. I turn to see him admiring the view and Isaak’s eye practically jumping from their sockets. The door opens, and Tsintah walks in, raising a brow at Thorne’s current condition but saying nothing of it. We all see her eyes rake across his figure, and she even grunts in appreciation before her eyes catch sight of my shirtless figure as well. She raises a brow in interest and tries her best to hide the smile that threatens to appear as her eyes sweep across my body, much like they did his. She looks towards Isaak but says nothing, choosing to take a seat //on// the table. Korisi jumps from her shoulder to the floor, shaking her fur out before darting underneath the bed. “We’ll be stuck here for a while, the first rain of Monsuna seems to be a rowdy one,” she tells us. “How long are you estimating?” I ask. She shrugs her shoulders, “it should let up before tonight, but that’s just my guess. The packs have food in them, we should be fine for tonight.” <a data-passage="10.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I choose to ignore him, giving him nothing but a simple eye-roll in response as I continue on. The door opens, and Tsintah walks in, raising a brow at Thorne’s current condition but saying nothing of it. We all see her eyes rake across his figure, and she even grunts in appreciation before taking a seat //on// the table. Korisi jumps from her shoulder to the floor, shaking her fur out before darting underneath the bed. “We’ll be stuck here for a while, the first rain of Monsuna seems to be a rowdy one,” she tells us. “How long are you estimating?” I ask. She shrugs her shoulders, “it should let up before tonight, but that’s just my guess. The packs have food in them, we should be fine for tonight.” <a data-passage="10.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m not worried about going hungry,” Thorne begins, “as much as I am being found. Do you think they’ll find us out here?” “Doubt it,” she says with a bored tone and glances over at Isaak, “a Phaizarn can’t track in this. And any spell they had in use would have been negated when we used the Cleansing Waters.” Thorne continues to grumble about his state of being, doing his best to dry himself off with the stray cloth he somehow manages to find in the house. Tsintah remains on the table, shivering slightly as the rain and chill finally seem to set in. Isaak stares off into nothingness from his current <<if $hostage tied-up position.<<else>>position along a wall with an empty bookshelf.<</if>>\ [[I continue to venture the house.]] [[I take a seat and eat.]] [[I recount everything that has happened thus far.]]
Like I had pointed out earlier, the house wasn’t all that big. The room we stood in now was all there was to it, essentially a square though slightly longer in height. One would then think it was a rectangular, but it wasn’t long enough in my book to constitute one. There was a bed with a stained mattress and resting beside it, an end table that was prepared to fall apart. An empty and damaged bookshelf was on the opposing wall along with a fireplace that held no signs of ever being used. It would seem that whoever had lived here was preparing, but something or someone drove them away before they could finish. “So, what happens next?” The speaker is Isaak, but even though my mind computes this, I’m still left wondering who had spoken. I glance over at him, blinking a few times before Thorne’s voice shakes me out of my stupor. “I’m curious as well. What are you planning?” “I don’t know. The ruins only helped me solve a few issues. And it’s become a trend that every time I find an answer, I’m left with three new questions. I don’t know how I’m supposed to figure out what’s going on with me while also being chased by headhunters.” Thorne stretches out along the cabinet space, making sure all of us got an eyeful of his taut muscles flexing before relaxing, “it’s obvious what you have to do, is it not?” [[“No, otherwise, we wouldn’t be discussing it.”]] [[“Just say what’s on your mind, Thorne.”]] [[“You’re right, I have to start over.”]] [[“Uh … start a riot?”]]
I take a seat on one of the spare chairs that hug the wall, going through the packs that we had grabbed before running inside. Our food supply was dwindling, though it was never much to begin with. Thankfully the provisions were wrapped in thick leaves, and so the rain didn’t dampen the bread. I grab said bread and two pieces of a fruit that I wasn’t familiar with. “So, what happens next?” The speaker is Isaak, but even though my mind computes this, I’m still left wondering who had spoken. I glance over at him, blinking a few times before Thorne’s voice shakes me out of my stupor. “I’m curious as well. What are you planning?” “I don’t know. The ruins only helped me solve a few issues. And it’s become a trend that every time I find an answer, I’m left with three new questions. I don’t know how I’m supposed to figure out what’s going on with me while also being chased by headhunters.” Thorne stretches out along the cabinet space, making sure all of us got an eyeful of his taut muscles flexing before relaxing, “it’s obvious what you have to do, is it not?” [[“No, otherwise, we wouldn’t be discussing it.”]] [[“Just say what’s on your mind, Thorne.”]] [[“You’re right, I have to start over.”]] [[“Uh … start a riot?”]]
I sit on the floor only because it was the area that my legs decided to quit working. My eyes drift closed as the events of today go through my head. I wonder how long it’s been since I left Akrisos and arrived in the capital. How long has it been since my simple life as an apprentice was flipped upside down, and I turned into a fugitive? Between the time I spent in the dungeons to being on the run, to now drifting from one area of the Prywth Forest to the next, time was running together. Events seemed to happen one after another, and though I knew there to be breaks in between, it didn’t feel like it. “So, what happens next?” The speaker is Isaak, but even though my mind computes this, I’m still left wondering who had spoken. I glance over at him, blinking a few times before Thorne’s voice shakes me out of my stupor. “I’m curious as well. What are you planning?” “I don’t know. The ruins only helped me solve a few issues. And it’s become a trend that every time I find an answer, I’m left with three new questions. I don’t know how I’m supposed to figure out what’s going on with me while also being chased by headhunters.” Thorne stretches out along the cabinet space, making sure all of us got an eyeful of his taut muscles flexing before relaxing, “it’s obvious what you have to do, is it not?” [[“No, otherwise, we wouldn’t be discussing it.”]] [[“Just say what’s on your mind, Thorne.”]] [[“You’re right, I have to start over.”]] [[“Uh … start a riot?”]]
I fight the urge to roll my eyes, “no, otherwise, we wouldn’t be discussing it.” Tsintah lets out a small snort as she idly plays with the tips of her hair.
“Just say what’s on your mind, Thorne. Stop acting coy.” He huffs, for a minute he even looks offended, “now I’ve been called lots of things, $name, but coy has never been one of them.” “Then get on with it,” Tsintah mumbles as she idly plays with the tips of her hair.
“You’re right,” I tell him, nodding my head in agreement, “I have to start over.” “Yes … and no,” he answers, and I shoot him a hopeless glance as a response.
“Uh,” I gaze over at Tsintah, but she provides me no help, her interest being in the tips of her damp hair, “start a riot?” “What? No … why is that the first thing you think of?” he questions in interest. I shrug, “I just feel like everything can be solved with a nicely planned riot.” Thorne’s mouth opens partly, about to say something when he shakes his head, closing it and sighing. “It’s so simple,” Thorne growls, “you have to replace the queen.” The three of us go slack-jawed as we stare at the calm Phaizarn. “You speak of treason?” Isaak inquires. “Call it what you want,” he sighs, “either you replace her, or you make yourself indispensable to her.” “You’re making no sense. How would I even do any of what you’re suggesting?” “Well,” he begins, “I just happen to know about the loveliest little upstart in the east.” “There’s an upstart?” I question, and much to my shock, even Tsintah gazes at me in question. It would seem that I was the only one who wasn’t informed of such happenings. “You don’t pay much attention to politics, do you?” Thorne questions me. [[“It never really concerned me.”]] [[“Doing so is asking for a short life.”]] [[“And play their ‘game’? No, thanks.”]] “It never really concerned me,” I tell him with a shrug. “Yea, well, now it does. It also means you have tons of learning because you just somehow plopped yourself in the middle of it all.”
“Paying attention to politics is basically just asking for a short life. I didn’t really want to sell my soul to whatever demon rules over it.” “Though I won’t argue with you, it doesn’t really matter what you think of it now. You’ve just been plopped in the middle of it all.”
“Ha!” I laugh sarcastically, “and play that little ‘game’ of theirs? No, thanks.” “Game?” Tsintah asks, her ears perking up, and her head cocking to the side in interest. “Well, you better learn to play it, and play it well seeing that you’ve been placed in the middle of the political playing field.” “I still don’t understand what any of this has to do with me and my goals.” *if ((thorneknows = false) and (tsintahknows = false)) “Well, seeing that I don’t know anything about your goals besides the whole bounty hunter issue, I can’t help you there.” He throws a glance at Tsintah, who freezes up. “Did I say something out loud again?” “No, I was just wondering if you knew anything more than the bounty hunter issue.” She shakes her head, and they both look over at me, even Isaak stares. “Like I said, if it becomes important, then I’ll tell you.” “The fact that you brought us along for this crazy ride and it’s a goal of yours means it’s important. But keep your secrets. I’ll make this simple and to the point. You have to figure out who killed your master and the prince, inevitably clearing your name. Correct?” I nod in agreement. *goto T3_1 *if ((thorneknows = false) and (tsintahknows = true)) “Well, seeing that I don’t know anything about your goals besides the whole bounty hunter issue, I can’t help you there.” He throws a glance at Tsintah, who shrugs, “it is not my story to tell.” “So I’m just supposed to swing a sword and not ask questions, is that it?” Thorne asks me, and I try to keep myself from chuckling. “Whatever,” Thorne says, “I’ll make this simple and to the point. You have to figure out who killed your master and the prince, inevitably clearing your name. Correct?” I nod in agreement. *goto T3_1 *else “Let’s take this slow,” Thorne tells me before beginning to search for something. He grabs the dagger that he keeps attached to his thigh and comes over to the table. After shooing Tsintah enough to be able to draw on it, he begins, “there’s your clone and that voice that keeps reminding you that it can see you.” As he says this, he draws two lines. “You have the mystery of who killed your master and the prince, which has to do with clearing your name. And then you have your messed-up chakras and magic.” I gaze at the four lines in the table. It was as if they were each laughing at me and my failure to truly understand what was happening. *goto T3_1 *label T3_1 *page_break “You won’t be able to get any answers with that bounty on your head. And, the only way to remove that bounty is by proving your innocence, or …” “Or?” Tsintah, Isaak, and I question at the same time, Thorne smiling weakly. “Or by making it disappear.” “And so you offer mutiny? Rebellion?” Tsintah asks, looking over at me, “please tell me that you’re as clueless as I.” *choice #“No, I understand what Thorne means.” I rub my chin, continuing to think over the conversation, “no, I understand what he means. The only surefire way I’m going to be allowed to find the answers in peace is by getting back in the good graces of whoever’s leading. The King is dying, so that means the Queen will be taking over soon, so either her or this upstart he brought up.” “And proving your innocence is not good enough?” she questions, and I shrug. *if ((green_master = true) or (green_prince = true)) “If what Thorne says is true, then this upstart could have killed the prince, but why would he kill my master?” As I say the words, I remember the vision that I had received from the spirit in the ruins. Could it truly have been me? I did have a clone walking around and believing that someone couldn’t have used magic wasn’t entirely out of the picture either. But then the question was, why? *goto T3_2 *else “If what Thorne says is true, then this upstart could have killed the prince, but why would he kill my master?” I look to Thorne, some small piece of me hoping he held the answer. But I see in his eyes the answer, he knew not. “I haven’t met the man, but I’ve done a few jobs in favor of him thanks to the houses that support him. I wouldn’t put it past them to have ordered the prince’s death. But like you said, it makes no sense for them to go after your master.” *goto T3_2 #“Um, kinda. Mind clearing it up, Thorne?” I scratch my head, attempting to connect all the pieces that Thorne has so graciously laid out before us, but I still seem to be missing the important ones. “Um … kinda? I don’t know, mind clearing it up, Thorne?” Thorne sighs in irritation, “you need to have this bounty of yours raised before you can ever hope to get answers. The only way to raise this bounty is by either having it lifted by those with the power to do so, or by proving your innocence.” He stops to see if we were still following. “Now, proving your innocence is tricky. Who knows what you’ll find and if you’ll find anything helpful? And even if you do, who’s to say those in power will care enough? So, logically we have to focus on having it lifted.” “Logically,” Isaak grumbles, and before any of us can stop him, Thorne throws the dagger in his hand to the left of Isaak’s head. {if hostile >=50 A calculated and impressive throw if I was to be honest.|A reckless and senseless move.} *goto T3_2 #“Yes, maybe even worse than you.” I scratch my head, cock my head to the side, dig deep into my mind … and find nothing. Whatever Thorne was getting at was lost on me. “Yea, you’re not the only one. I might even be more confused than you are. Thorne, I don’t understand.” Thorne sighs in irritation, “you need to have this bounty of yours raised before you can ever hope to get answers. The only way to raise this bounty is by either having it lifted by those with the power to do so, or by proving your innocence.” He stops to see if we were still following. “Now, proving your innocence is tricky. Who knows what you’ll find and if you’ll find anything helpful? And even if you do, who’s to say those in power will care enough? So, logically we have to focus on having it lifted.” “Logically,” Isaak grumbles, and before any of us can stop him, Thorne throws the dagger in his hand to the left of Isaak’s head. {if hostile >=50 A calculated and impressive throw if I was to be honest.|A reckless and senseless move.} *goto T3_2 *label T3_2 *page_break “Thing is, with this upstart growing in popularity to the east, a rebellion is looming. The winning side will either continue to reign or usher in a new era for Nidinia. And I’m sure, with something that big, they will be more than thankful to those who have aided.” “Me?” “You,” Thorne leans back, looking oddly pleased with himself, “like I said simple.” “I don’t see anything simple about this or why this is needed,” Tsintah adds in, “if it is that serious, then why not just speak to the queen?” “I didn’t take you for a supporter,” Thorne chimes in, raising a brow at Tsintah, who rolls her eyes and glares at the table. *choice #Ask Thorne his thoughts on support. *set askThorne 1 “So, Thorne, you think I should lend my support to the upstart?” “From the few times I’ve done jobs for him, I’ve learned two things: he pays well, and he stays true to his word.” “Shame that that is all you need to offer up your loyalty,” Tsintah huffs, and for the first time ever, I see a dark look cross over Thorne’s face. “No one said anything about loyalty. I give my loyalty to no one, you would do well to remember that,” he growls, but Tsintah doesn’t back down. “I know it’s obvious.” *goto T3_3 #Ask Tsintah her thoughts on support. *set askTsintah 1 “Tsintah, would you really say that supporting the Queen is the better option?” “No.” “So, the rebels then?” “No.” I raise a brow, and Thorne looks at her incredulously. “I have no opinion on either, but I don’t think it wise for you to throw support behind either without learning more about them. You know nothing about the upstart and what he wishes, or why he’s even doing this. And though you’ve met the Queen, you obviously know so little about her. The King has been ruling, who knows what the Queen will change in his absence. Despite whom you choose, I will recognize neither as my ruler.” Her words made sense, especially since she had no qualms about killing a group of royal guards. *goto T3_3 *selectable_if (hostage = false) #Ask Isaak his thoughts on support. *set askIsaak 1 “Isaak,” I say, ignoring the groan that Thorne makes, “who would you choose.” “The Queen,” he answers immediately, “no doubt about it. Anyone ready to start a rebellion is bound to be wrong and know nothing but violence.” “How do you think countries are formed, boy?” Thorne questions. “How do [i]you[/i] think countries are formed, merc? If your first thought is violence, then you’re part of the problem. I see nothing wrong with the state of things now, so why change it?” *goto T3_3 *label T3_3 *choice *selectable_if (askThorne = 0) #Ask Thorne his thoughts on support. *set askThorne 1 “So, Thorne, you think I should lend my support to the upstart?” “From the few times I’ve done jobs for him, I’ve learned two things: he pays well, and he stays true to his word.” “Shame that that is all you need to offer up your loyalty,” Tsintah huffs, and for the first time ever, I see a dark look cross over Thorne’s face. “No one said anything about loyalty. I give my loyalty to no one, you would do well to remember that,” he growls, but Tsintah doesn’t back down. “I know it’s obvious.” *goto T3_3 *selectable_if (askTsintah = 0) #Ask Tsintah her thoughts on support. *set askTsintah 1 “Tsintah, would you really say that supporting the Queen is the better option?” “No.” “So, the rebels then?” “No.” I raise a brow, and Thorne looks at her incredulously. “I have no opinion on either, but I don’t think it wise for you to throw support behind either without learning more about them. You know nothing about the upstart and what he wishes, or why he’s even doing this. And though you’ve met the Queen, you obviously know so little about her. The King has been ruling, who knows what the Queen will change in his absence. Despite whom you choose, I will recognize neither as my ruler.” Her words made sense, especially since she had no qualms about killing a group of royal guards. *goto T3_3 *selectable_if ((hostage = false) and (askIsaak = 0)) #Ask Isaak his thoughts on support. *set askIsaak 1 “Isaak,” I say, ignoring the groan that Thorne makes, “who would you choose.” “The Queen,” he answers immediately, “no doubt about it. Anyone ready to start a rebellion is bound to be wrong and know nothing but violence.” “How do you think countries are formed, boy?” Thorne questions. “How do [i]you[/i] think countries are formed, merc? If your first thought is violence, then you’re part of the problem. I see nothing wrong with the state of things now, so why change it?” *goto T3_3 #Think about all of this. *goto T3_4 *label T3_4 *page_break *if hostage = true I withdraw into myself as I think their words over, only coming back when I hear Isaak’s voice. “Are you all crazy? You’re thinking about overthrowing the Queen, the Queen. This is nuts.” He tosses me a distressed look, “please, ${name}. Stop this and just turn yourself in. If you do this, then you’re going too far. It won’t matter how innocent you are, you will be guilty.” “Someone give me some cloth so I can shut him up,” Thorne barks, glancing around as neither Tsintah nor I make a move to aid him. *if hostage = false I withdraw into myself as I think their words over. “None of this matters though because at the moment you don’t have either of their attention,” Thorne speaks, “the upstart only knows you exist because you’re the most wanted fugitive in Nidinia. And the Queen sees you as nothing but a witch who got lucky.” “So what are you thinking then? What’s the best way to get their attention?” “You’re not gonna like it,” he sings, but the smile on his face says that he will relish every second of it. “First off, notoriety. You got to make yourself a household name again, whether they’re singing your name or cursing it, doesn’t matter. You just have to do enough to make killing you, unwise. There’s nothing common people and nobles alike hate more than swiftly removing the greatest gossip at the time. Secondly, action will help. And lastly, blackmail will take you a long way.” *page_break “This is so confusing,” Tsintah cries, clutching her head, “why would anyone wish to aid ${him} because ${he} has blackmail against them?” “Thus is the game, my dear Tsintah. And it will seem that our baffling companion has become the strongest piece.” Everyone gazes at me as I stare at the ground. The conversation rings through my head, and my options lay themselves out, much like tarot cards. Each with their backs to me, hiding a message that would not be revealed unless I boldly flipped it over. And then, it would be too late. There would be no backtracking. The meaning of the card would be known whether I liked what it offered or not. Whether I was willing or prepared, it would seem that the world cared little. The game was on. *finish
<<nobr>> <<set $gwMaster = false; $answer to "tower"; $kingKnows = false; $sicknessKnown = false; $horseshoes to 0; $piefool to 0; $armwrestling to 0; $bards to 0; $banquet to 0; $archerycomp to 0; $racing to 0; $tugofwar to 0; $break to 0; $colfKing = false; $negPrinceVibes = false; $lordAnger = false; $masterApp = false; $watchEclipse = false>> <<unset $civil, $tired, $outfit, $frontLine, $sellstuff; $insult>> <<endnobr>> <img src="images/three.png"> //Pit of snakes. Venom dripping off open and ready maws.// //A lone shadow.// //Step back. One. Two. Three. Too late.// //Shadows devouring. The sky bleeds.// //Shouts. Screams. No! Stop! Pity! Sadness.// //Fangs show through greedy grins.// //Bloody hands, red-hued eyes, pale skin.// //Sickness. Death. Realization. Acceptance.// //An hourglass dripping blood onto a marble floor.// //A bloody crown, thrown into the pit.// //The snakes lunge.// <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The first sign that this was no nightmare was the paling effects of the headache that followed behind all dreams. Whereas a nightmare would linger for hours, causing me to want to crawl into myself and stay there, this dream was already starting to fade, only its meaning remaining. Also, nightmares were always of a cryptic nature, perhaps adding to the continuous headache. This dream, I could decipher far more quickly. And yet, even with how much I hated nightmares and the toll they take on me, I wished it was one. For if this was a dream, not pertaining to me, then I had learned what the King probably wished for me not too. But my dreams were puzzling. For all I know, the meaning of this dream was something utterly different from what I was thinking. [[Go to my master.][$audouin +=1; $gwMaster = true]] [[Take a walk.]]
I get to my feet and head to the room that they told me my master would be in, if of course he hadn’t chosen some inn instead. I pound on the door, hearing footsteps and a minute later he opens the door. His hair is frazzled, some parts of it sticking straight up, and others draping themselves lazily across his horns. “$name, you have impeccable timing, come in.” I look around at the room that looks identical to mine, only the setup differing. “What were you doing?” He nods to a desk where a single candle burns. The paper there has only four words, ‘To My Dear Delilah.’ “I thought you were going to go see her? Why are you writing a letter?” “I’m not so good with words. I was hoping to get my thoughts out on paper,” he explains, taking off his reading glasses and placing them on a nearby stand. “But I’m even worse at writing. What is it? Did you need something?” “I had a dream, and I need your help deciphering it. I believe I know the meaning, but I sorely hope I’m wrong.” “Then let’s hear it.” I retell the dream, putting pictures into words. Upon finishing, I look to my master for his thoughts, but he sits quietly, going over what I said with his eyes closed and head tilted up. “Before I tell you my thoughts, what do you think it foretells?” [[“Assassination. Someone in the royal family is going to be killed.”]] [[“Death. Someone’s death is going to start something, something horrible.”]] [[“Treachery. Someone is going to trick someone in the royal family.”]]
“It sounds like an assassination attempt that has a good chance of succeeding.” “Hmm, but then how do you explain the sickness, the pale skin, and red-hued eyes?” “Sometimes, my dream gives me extra details that are useless?” I ask more than I say. “I don’t think so. Each time I heard you recount your dreams, I find that every part of it factors in. It sounds more like someone of the royal family is sick, walking up to the Elytzi’s door. But it would seem that before death can rightfully claim them, these snakes will attack.” “And they’re attacking the crown.” “I don’t believe your dream speaks of assassination, but I do believe that it will lead to it.” I pause as I recount what the King had said to me that night, “His Majesty said something about a rebellion? Do you know anything about that perchance?” “I have heard rumors of an insurgency rising in the east but not much. Did he seem bothered by such events?” “Irritated at best, but no, not bothered.” My master hums in thought. “So what do we do?” My master straightens up at my words, looking me over in interest. “Do you wish not to tell the King?” It would be wise since he did warn me to only share any dreams I had with him, but I didn’t wish to know what the King would do to me for possessing this knowledge. If my master was right, if this was alluding to a deadly sickness, then the King wouldn’t be happy with me learning about it. Especially since they all seemed to play this, ‘game.’ <a data-passage="3.0.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“It sounds like someone is sick, and their death is going to lead to some horrible events.” “Hmm, I do believe you’re right. It sounds like someone of the royal family is sick, walking up to the Elytzi’s door. But it would seem that before death can even set in, these snakes will attack.” “And they’re attacking the crown.” “Your dream speaks of sickness, but it also suggests to so much more.” I pause as I recount what the King had said to me that night, “His Majesty said something about a rebellion? Do you know anything about that perchance?” “I have heard rumors of an insurgency rising in the east but not much. Did he seem bothered by such events?” “Irritated at best, but no, not bothered.” My master hums in thought. “So what do we do?” My master straightens up at my words, looking me over in interest. “Do you wish not to tell the King?” It would be wise since he did warn me to only share any dreams I had with him, but I didn’t wish to know what the King would do to me for possessing this knowledge. If my master was right, if this was alluding to a deadly sickness, then the King wouldn’t be happy with me learning about it. Especially since they all seemed to play this, ‘game.’ <a data-passage="3.0.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“It sounds like treason, someone in the royal family is about to be crossed and will pay the price.” “Hmm, but then how do you explain the sickness, the pale skin, and red-hued eyes?” “Sometimes, my dream gives me extra details that are useless?” I ask more than I say. “I don’t think so. Each time I heard your dreams, I find that every part of it factors in. It sounds more like someone of the royal family is sick, walking up to the elytzi’s door. But it would seem that before death can even set in, these snakes will attack.” “And they’re attacking the crown.” “I don’t believe your dream speaks of treason, but I do believe that it has a hand in this all the same.” I pause as I recount what the King had said to me that night, “His Majesty said something about a rebellion? Do you know anything about that perchance?” “I have heard rumors of an insurgency rising in the east but not much. Did he seem bothered by such events?” “Irritated at best, but no, not bothered.” My master hums in thought. “So what do we do?” My master straightens up at my words, looking me over in interest. “Do you wish not to tell the King?” It would be wise since he did warn me to only share any dreams I had with him, but I didn’t wish to know what the King would do to me for possessing this knowledge. If my master was right, if this was alluding to a deadly sickness, then the King wouldn’t be happy with me learning about it. Especially since they all seemed to play this, ‘game.’ <a data-passage="3.0.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I don’t know yet. I … I need to think about it some more.” My master nods, his gaze drifting over to the dying candle and the parchment that rests there. “Well, I suppose I should head out to see my dear Delilah before the sun puts a damper on everything.” “I shall come as well. I would very much like to meet this Delilah.” He nods as he gathers some of his things in his pack and then leads me out of his room, down the hall, and soon out of the castle. We wander quietly through the quiet torch-lit streets, not a soul in sight. Compared to the festive spirit of the town earlier, this mood was almost uncomfortable. Earlier, one couldn’t even hear their own thoughts, but now I could detect my own footstep as it made contact with the stone pathway. I glance at the many houses we pass, wondering which one my master’s daughter occupied. My thoughts grow even heavier before stopping when he enters the cemetery. “M … Master Audouin?” I ask nervously as I come to a stop beside him as he kneels before a sculpture. I watch as he rests his head on the dirt as he mumbles words not meant for my ears. The sculpture was of a butterfly, one whose wings were a pretty ocean blue, peach, and a faded green that could hardly be made out. The patterns were wild and extravagant, each line racing towards another playfully. Realization hits as my eyes follow the lines that were meant to spell out a name, Delilah. <a data-passage="3.0.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Tell me about her,” I whisper, fearing the harsh wind would steal my words before they reach my silent master. I sit down next to him, giving him time to reply. “Where do I start,” he chuckles, “she was a lively one. Gave these aged bones of mine a run for. She loved seeing new things and would always hound me about taking her to faraway places. I never met someone so interested in my stories. And I loved telling her them. We would stay up at night, and I would sing to her, creating a new lullaby each night just for my dear Delilah. Her spirit could never be pacified, she was a tsunami even when the sickness began to claim her.” He chokes on his own words, his fingers curling around the grass. “She wanted to do so much good. Wanted to change the lives of those around her, and I had no doubt that she would. But the gods took her ... why’d they take her? My dear Delilah? She was too young.” He screams his last words to the heavens, wanting someone high above to give him some sort of reply. No doubt, he had searched far and wide for it. He runs his hand over the sculpture of the brightly painted butterfly, leaning on it for support. “Born in a field of Delilahs and dancing with the butterflies. She was meant to soar so high, there was no reason for En to clip her wings.” <<if $delilahTold>>\ He straightens up, “$name. I lied to you before about my daughter and my wife.” Though I didn’t say so aloud, that much was obvious. Especially when I thought she was alive but was now staring at a tombstone. “Alvina and I had a daughter who chose the name of Delilah. For a time, everything was perfect in the world. I had no plans to go back to my old life of travel, for Alvina made an old Ecrid wish to settle down. But a horrible sickness overcame Delilah. I did all that I could, buried myself in my notes on herbalism, but I found no answers. We prayed to any god who would hear us, none responded.” He wipes the flowing tears from his eyes. I’m suddenly aware of the sensation of something wet hitting me. I gaze up to see the sky opening up slowly, allowing raindrops to fall against my skin. If my master notices, then he shows no sign. His tears mix with the fresh rain and the thunder that rumbles in the far distance elevates the despondent mood. “One day, Alvina asked for me to do a reading for our daughter. The card that was chosen …” <<textbox "$answer" "">> <a data-passage="3.0.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ He straightens up, “$name. I should tell you about what happened.” “It’s fine, especially if you don’t want to.” “It’s okay,” he reassures. “My wife, Alvina, and I had a daughter who chose the name of Delilah. For a time, everything was perfect in the world. I had no plans to go back to my old life of travel, for Alvina made an old Ecrid wish to settle down. But a horrible sickness overcame Delilah. I did all that I could, buried myself in my notes on herbalism, but I found no answers. We prayed to any god who would hear us, none responded.” He wipes the flowing tears from his eyes. I’m suddenly aware of the sensation of something wet hitting me. I gaze up to see the sky opening up slowly, allowing raindrops to fall against my skin. If my master notices, then he shows no sign. His tears mix with the fresh rain and the thunder that rumbles in the far distance elevates the despondent mood. “One day, Alvina asked for me to do a reading for our daughter. The card was that of the Tower.” I gulp, knowing well what that card represented. <a data-passage="3.0.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if [ "tower", "Tower" ].includes($answer)>> <<nobr>><<set $audouin +=1>><</nobr>> “The tower?” I say breathlessly, and he nods to confirm my words. <<else>>\ “No,” he says with a shake of his head, “it was the tower.” <</if>>\ <<include "3.0.4">>
He shakes his head sadly, his tail wrapping around his waist as he holds himself there. “She felt as if there was no hope for our child. The doctors were stomped, magic could only do so much, and my notes showed me no solutions. Our daughter was dying, and the morning she left our plane and entered the <<link 'Elysian Fields'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>> Each culture, species, and race has their own thoughts about what happens to them when they die. Several cultures and species believe that when a soul dies, and En is done judging them, their soul passes on to the Elysian Fields, the Forever Land. This is where spirits thrive, and souls live out the rest of their lives, to run free amongst sprawling meadows that go on forever.<</dialog>><</link>> was the last day I saw Alvina. I couldn’t bear to stay in Ipharia, surrounded by so many faces I didn’t know, surrounded by so many people losing their loved ones. And so, I found sanctuary in Akrisos.” He looks up at me with recognition, “and then I received the message from you.” <<if $dad>>\ A subtle, content smile appeared on his face, “I know you were simply joking when you called me father and that it was a slip-up. But it caused these old bones of mine to feel like I had done something right in the world. Knowing that someone with as much potential for greatness as you, looks up to a doddering fool of an Ecrid like me … it gives me energy.” <</if>>\ A distant lightning strike signals the end of the story, though my master refuses to move from his spot. The rain was now coming down harder, pounding us relentlessly. [[Persuade him to follow me back to the castle.][$persuade +=2]] [[Stay here with Master Audouin.]] [[I was heading back, but he could stay.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Persuasion ++</span> <</if>>\ “Master,” I say gently, resting my hand on his back, “we must head back before this rainfall gets worse.” “I … I haven’t even told her what I wished to tell her yet,” he tells me. “We can come back when the rain is not as ruthless.” He looks ready to argue but with a bowed head, rises and joins me. I usher both of us out of the cemetery and back towards the castle, or the direction I hope the castle resides. Once safely back inside, I walk him to his room, closing the door gently. I turn towards mine when lightning strikes the earth, lighting up the otherwise dark hallway. At the end of the hall, my eyes deceive me, and I think I see a figure staring at me. Yet, the next strike of light proves this to be my imagination. I shake my head and hurry to my own room, changing clothes and bringing my pillow close as I fade back into a dreamless sleep. <a data-passage="3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Despite the beating that the rain was giving both of us, I stay beside my master. I push him gently, “tell her about the letter.” “But … I hadn’t even finished writing it.” “You are a master of many things,” I chuckle, “but writing is not one of them. Perhaps it is better this way.” My master is quiet for a while before I hear him sigh deeply. “Delilah, I had written you a letter, but my apprentice was not only gifted with incredible sight but also lousy timing.” “That can be debated,” I laugh. “Indeed. I … I was to tell you about all the happenings that had gone on since last time … since your death, I suppose. I’m deeply sorry that I never visited. I never had the strength. Even writing a letter to you caused me to freeze up and reexperience the grief of losing you. I try and tell myself that you are in a place of wonder. The Kre always say that the Fields of Elysian are filled with utter wonder, a paradise for every single person. I can imagine you dancing with your butterflies in your field of Delilahs. I …” I hear him whimper and feel his body shake, “I miss you so much, my dear. The days haven’t gotten easier, my ability to just push everything down has just gotten better.” He begins to choke on his words and soon, is unable to speak at all. He buries his face in his hands. “Oh god, my poor child,” he cries. I give him space, sitting quietly as he mourns the child he lost, and the rain washes his tears and cries away. I usher both of us out of the cemetery and back towards the castle, or the direction I hope the castle resides. Once safely back inside, I walk him to his room, closing the door gently. I turn towards mine when lightning strikes the earth, lighting up the otherwise dark hallway. At the end of the hall, my eyes deceive me, and I think I see a figure staring at me. Yet, the next strike of light proves this to be my imagination. I shake my head and hurry to my own room, changing clothes and bringing my pillow close as I fade back into a dreamless sleep. <a data-passage="3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Master,” I say, “I will give you some time alone.” I don’t see him nod, but I also don’t hear him argue or attempt to persuade me to stay. And so, I rise and see myself out of the cemetery and back towards the castle, or the direction I hope the castle resides. Once safely back inside, I walk to my room when lightning strikes the earth, lighting up the otherwise dark hallway. At the end of the hall, my eyes deceive me, and I think I see a figure staring at me. Yet, the next strike of light proves this to be my imagination. I shake my head and hurry to my own room, changing clothes and bringing my pillow close as I fade back into a dreamless sleep. <a data-passage="3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I push myself out of bed and trudge to the chest where my things rest. Grabbing some night shoes and putting on some trousers and a suitable undershirt, I leave the comforts of the room and castle. I walk past the gates and towards town, taking in the cool breeze that the night had been gifted. I search the skies, no sign of Moon in sight, perhaps away on business elsewhere. That dream … Though it could mean a number of things, the theme of death was blatant. It stared back at me like a loyal pup, waiting to be given its next command. How could I possibly tell the King this? Tell him that death would befall his family or even him. That those that he might trust will lunge at this opportunity with greedy hands and determined eyes. As I walk through the torch-lit streets, I go over the dream in my head, breaking it down in hopes of learning its true meaning. Most times, I would have sought my master’s aid. His ability to seek out the true meaning behind my words was an impressive, not to mention helpful, skill. But seeing that the King wished for me to tell no one of my dreams, besides he, I was left to my own devices. [[Focus on the sick figure.]] [[Focus on the pit of snakes.]] [[Focus on the bloody crown and the lone shadow.]]
Further, in my dream, I saw the skin of one who I couldn’t describe as anything but sick. Their skin pink and folded over each other, small red bumps scattered along it, eyes that reflected back death. But in those eyes, I could also see realization. I knew not who those eyes belonged to, but they had heard death’s call long ago and had come to terms with it. Deep in my thoughts, I’m suddenly aware of the sensation of something wet hitting me. I gaze up to see the sky opening up slowly, allowing raindrops to fall against my skin. I look back, the sight of the castle nowhere in sight, in fact, nothing seemed familiar. The heavier the rain came down, the faster my heart began to beat as I attempted to figure out where I was. <<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Kren">>The absence of the moon allowed the rain and darkness to take center stage, dancing with one another as it attempted to obscure my vision. Despite the overwhelming darkness, my sight fails me not, and in the distance, I can make out the silhouette of a building and welcoming lanterns.<<else>>The absence of the moon allowed the rain and darkness to take center stage, dancing with one another as they obscured my vision. I am forced to rely purely on the blurry circles of light in the distance, beckoning me towards them.<</if>> I make my way there when I hear the sound of hoofbeats behind me, the sound slowing before quickening as they near. [[Run.->3.0Run][$fight +=5]] [[Freeze.->3.0Freeze][$fight -=5]]
The snakes were the first thing that my dream had shown me. And to make matters worse, the dream failed to show just one snake, but a pit of them. Each slithering overtop the other, attempting to be the first to teach whoever was unlucky enough to wander too close, the lesson they had planned. Snakes had many meanings, though in this case, backstabbers and danger lying in wait were the obvious implications. Deep in my thoughts, I’m suddenly aware of the sensation of something wet hitting me. I gaze up to see the sky opening up slowly, allowing raindrops to fall against my skin. I look back, the sight of the castle nowhere in sight, in fact, nothing seemed familiar. The heavier the rain came down, the faster my heart began to beat as I attempted to figure out where I was. <<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Kren">>The absence of the moon allowed the rain and darkness to take center stage, dancing with one another as it attempted to obscure my vision. Despite the overwhelming darkness, my sight fails me not, and in the distance, I can make out the silhouette of a building and welcoming lanterns.<<else>>The absence of the moon allowed the rain and darkness to take center stage, dancing with one another as they obscured my vision. I am forced to rely purely on the blurry circles of light in the distance, beckoning me towards them.<</if>> I make my way there when I hear the sound of hoofbeats behind me, the sound slowing before quickening as they near. [[Run.->3.0Run][$fight +=5]] [[Freeze.->3.0Freeze][$fight -=5]]
I think about the bloody crown that would be tossed to them like some kind of discarded toy. The lone shadow who was walking towards the pit … Could it be some unknowing fool who had happened upon the scene? Or could it be the orchestrator, the one snake that knew where to strike? And even more important, did I know this snake? Deep in my thoughts, I’m suddenly aware of the sensation of something wet hitting me. I gaze up to see the sky opening up slowly, allowing raindrops to fall against my skin. I look back, the sight of the castle nowhere in sight, in fact, nothing seemed familiar. The heavier the rain came down, the faster my heart began to beat as I attempted to figure out where I was. <<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Kren">>The absence of the moon allowed the rain and darkness to take center stage, dancing with one another as it attempted to obscure my vision. Despite the overwhelming darkness, my sight fails me not, and in the distance, I can make out the silhouette of a building and welcoming lanterns.<<else>>The absence of the moon allowed the rain and darkness to take center stage, dancing with one another as they obscured my vision. I am forced to rely purely on the blurry circles of light in the distance, beckoning me towards them.<</if>> I make my way there when I hear the sound of hoofbeats behind me, the sound slowing before quickening as they near. [[Run.->3.0Run][$fight +=5]] [[Freeze.->3.0Freeze][$fight -=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Offender ++</span> <</if>>\ I gasp in horror and command my legs to go, urging myself to go faster before I inevitably slip in the dirt turned mud. I lay there as the initial pain subsides, groaning as the sound of whoever approaches ceases. <<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Kren">>\ I attempt to spot whoever it was but can only make out the silhouettes of the horse and rider. <</if>>\ “Whose there?” the rider shouts and I watch as they dismount and approach, lantern in hand as they stand over me. “$name?” they question, and as they come to stand over me I realize it's General Averill, worry clearly written on $ahis face. “And here I thought I was going to meet my end,” I sigh dramatically, thanking $ahim for $ahis assistance as $ahe helps me to my feet. “Here I thought my midnight ride would be a peaceful one,” $ahe replies, a row of teeth showing. I was <<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Kren">>making out<<else>>just barely able to make out<</if>> the two smaller orc tusks that $ahe possessed. “I apologize then.” “No need. But come, this weather is sickening.” $aHe guides me over to $ahis horse, who snorts as I approach, gazing down at me through long eyelashes. “Falke is curious, but a sweetheart nevertheless,” Averill assures me. [[“Thanks, but I can walk.”]] [[Get in the saddle.]] [[Ask Averill for help.][$averillLi +=1]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Defender ++</span> <</if>>\ I gasp in horror, my legs locking up as I stand there in the rain, unaware of what is about to befall me. “Who goes there?” the rider shouts as they and their lantern grow closer. The rider stops their horse directly beside me and I find myself gazing into the familiar ice-cold eyes of General Averill. “$name?” $ahe questions. “And here I thought I was going to meet my end,” I sigh dramatically, thanking $ahim for $ahis assistance as $ahe helps me to my feet. “Here I thought my midnight ride would be a peaceful one,” $ahe replies, a row of teeth showing. I was <<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Kren">>making out<<else>>just barely able to make out<</if>> the two smaller orc tusks that $ahe possessed. “I apologize then.” “No need. But come, this weather is sickening.” $aHe guides me over to $ahis horse, who snorts as I approach, gazing down at me through long eyelashes. “Falke is curious, but a sweetheart nevertheless,” Averill assures me. [[“Thanks, but I can walk.”]] [[Get in the saddle.]] [[Ask Averill for help.][$averillLi +=1]]
I clear my throat and throw a look $ahis way, “thanks, but I can walk. Just guide me.” I’m unable to see Averill’s face but $ahe doesn’t say anything else as $ahe gets back into $ahis saddle and does as I ask. “Are you going to tell me what you were doing out here?” Averill inquires, “or should I attempt at guessing?” “I just needed to clear my head.” “In the rain?” “It wasn’t raining when I first came out. By the time it started, I was too far to figure out which way the castle lied.” “I see,” Averill says, clearing $ahis throat as $ahe attempts to shift the conversation, “I only hope that the foul weather will subside for the festival’s sake.” “This festival, tell me more about it.” “The Festival of Crowns is more for the commoners of Ipharia, though you will see many nobles as well. There are games and activities, competitions for even the knights and guards. It is truly a joyous time, organized by Prince Ingram’s guiding hand.” <a data-passage="3.0.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I hoist myself into the saddle, letting the reins go slack as the horse naturally follows the light of Averill’s lantern. “Are you going to tell me what you were doing out here?” Averill inquires, “or should I attempt at guessing?” “I just needed to clear my head.” “In the rain?” “It wasn’t raining when I first came out. By the time it started, I was too far to figure out which way the castle lied.” “I see,” Averill says, clearing $ahis throat as $ahe attempts to shift the conversation, “I only hope that the foul weather will subside for the festival’s sake.” “This festival, tell me more about it.” “The Festival of Crowns is more for the commoners of Ipharia, though you will see many nobles as well. There are games and activities, competitions for even the knights and guards. It is truly a joyous time, organized by Prince Ingram’s guiding hand.” <a data-passage="3.0.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I clear my throat and turn to $ahim, “would you mind helping me get in the saddle?” <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ The question, on my part, was purely meant as an attempt to flirt. But logically, it wasn’t realistic. I was close if not the same, height as the horse. The horse needed more help than I did. Averill seems to understand this as well as $ahe looks from me to Falke. “Scared that you’ll fall?” $ahe jokes, and I wave $ahis words away, hoisting myself into the saddle myself. Once situated, Averill taps $ahis leg, and Falke follows close behind $ahim. <<else>>\ “Of course.” Effortlessly, Averill hoists me up, $ahis fingers lingering for a moment to make sure that I was secure before moving them away. Once I was situated, $ahe taps $ahis leg, and Falke follows close behind $ahim. <</if>>\ “Are you going to tell me what you were doing out here?” Averill inquires, “or should I attempt at guessing?” “I just needed to clear my head.” “In the rain?” “It wasn’t raining when I first came out. By the time it started, I was too far to figure out which way the castle lied.” “I see,” Averill says, clearing $ahis throat as $ahe attempts to shift the conversation, “I only hope that the foul weather will subside for the festival’s sake.” “This festival, tell me more about it.” “The Festival of Crowns is more for the commoners of Ipharia, though you will see many nobles as well. There are games and activities, competitions for even the knights and guards. It is truly a joyous time, organized by Prince Ingram’s guiding hand.” <a data-passage="3.0.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Prince Ingram … have you met him?” Averill stops Falke outside of what I hope is an inn. As long as there is a roaring fire, I would be content. I dismount, and we step inside, finding the area practically deserted. The air was odd but the inn's saving grace came in the shape of a fireplace on the far wall. “This is the local inn. I know the woman who owns it, so tell her that I dropped you off.” I nod, still curious about my recent question and $ahis answer. I don’t repeat the question, but I do take note of $ahis reluctance to answer. [[“Do you agree with the king’s choice?”][$averill -=3]] [[“I’m guessing you’re leaving?”]] [[“If it’s not too forward, can I ask you to stay?”][$averillLi +=1]] [[Thank Averill.][$averill +=3]]
I turn towards Averill, “do you agree with the king’s choice?” “My approval of the king means nothing.” “Yes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an opinion.” Averill sends me a look, those eyes easily taking on a stern look. $aHe was no Ecrid but $ahe was just as bad at hiding $ahis emotions. $aHis posture had stiffened considerably and after averting $ahis gaze, $ahe doesn’t look at me again. $aHe disappears for a minute before returning with a bundle of blankets, handing them to me before pointing to a closed door. “That’s a spare room that only guards know about, you can seek solace there for tonight. Again, if you’re questioned, just tell them that I helped you. I must get back to my patrol. Goodnight.” And with nothing more than a nod, $ahe turns and heads back into the downpour that rests on the other side of these walls. <a data-passage="3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I watch $ahim for some time, realizing that $ahe wasn’t getting comfortable. “I’m guessing you’re leaving?” “I do apologize, but I must return to my patrol duties.” “Isn’t that a job for the night watch?” Averill snickers as $ahe goes to a closet and hands me two thick blankets, “typically it is, but due to the looming coronation, security has gotten stricter. The King’s Guard has been given multiple duties, and this happens to be one of them.” I nod in understanding. This was the perfect time for someone to go through with a threat or, as my dreams so vividly showed me, an assassination attempt. “That’s a spare room that only guards know about, you can seek solace in there for tonight,” he begins, pointing to a closed-door next to the open closet. “Again, if you’re questioned, just tell them that I helped you. Goodnight, ${name}, it was again, a pleasure.” And with nothing more than a nod, ${ahe} turns and heads back into the downpour that rests on the other side of these walls. <a data-passage="3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I watch $ahim for some time, realizing that $ahe wasn’t getting comfortable, and a part of me grows sad at the thought. “If it’s not too forward on my part, can I ask you to stay?” Averill stops what $ahe’s doing and gazes over at me, clearing $ahis throat a second later. “I … apologize. Despite how much I would welcome the idea of spending more time with you, I must get back to my duties.” I pout, “isn’t that a job for the night watch?” Averill snickers as $ahe hand me two thick blankets, “typically it is, but due to the looming coronation, security has gotten stricter. The King’s Guard has been given multiple duties, and this happens to be one of them.” $aHis hands linger on mine, and though $ahe refrains from looking at me, a light blush dots $ahis cheeks. “But I do hope we can soon.” “I’ll hold you to that,” I say, and $ahe withdraws allowing the nightly chill to move in and claim the last of the warmth left behind. “That’s a spare room that only guards know about, you can seek solace in there for tonight,” $ahe begins, pointing to a closed-door next to the open closet. “Again, if you’re questioned, just tell them that I helped you. Goodnight, $name, it was a pleasure.” With a nod, $ahe turns and heads back into the downpour, stopping at the door to give me one last look before meeting that which rests on the other side of these walls. <a data-passage="3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Thank you,” I whisper as $ahe goes from place to place in an attempt to make me feel more comfortable. “It’s nothing at all,” $ahe tells me, handing me two thick blankets and then points to a closed door, “that’s a spare room that only guards know about, you can seek solace in there for tonight. Again, if you’re questioned, just tell them that I helped you. I must get back to my patrol. Goodnight.” And with nothing more than a nod, $ahe turns and heads back into the downpour that rests on the other side of these walls. I go into the room and lay down, visited by nothing but darkness. <a data-passage="3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The following morning, I find myself nervously approaching the study of the King. Having been called on by a servant, telling me that His Majesty and the Prince wished to see me. I wring my hands together as I walk, my dream naturally coming to mind, and all of the elements that it brought with it. I stop, gathering my breath before continuing on. If anything, this was just me meeting the Prince, a man that I had never seen and haven’t heard much about. And yet, tomorrow I will be calling him my king. Once at the door, I perform a moderate knock and wait for someone to open the door. “$name!” I hear the King say before I see him. He throws the door open and ushers me inside, closing it quickly behind me as if this was a secret meeting. Sitting comfortably in a large chair was a young man, casually flipping through a book as if it was the most appealing aspect of the beautiful room. “I would like to introduce you to my son, Prince Ingram.” My eyes widen as the Prince looks up at me, shock on his face, as if his father hadn’t just made an entire scene upon bringing me into the room. This was the prince. The boy that was supposed to, in only a day, inherit the crown from his father. He was an average appearing <<link 'Alyrian'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>''Alyrian'' (All-ree-ean): Believed to have originated initially from either the northern lands of the Forbidden Land or Aardeaon, Alyrians are the only species of Jiwenia that fails to show magical aptitude. What they lack in magic, they make up for with resilience and a remarkable skill set. Alyrians take to most skills like tailoring and blacksmith, efficiently, and due to a natural resistance can work with particular runes and enchantments closely without being harmed. The Alyrians age every year and, on average, live to be about 180 years of age, maturing at the age of twenty. Their skin, eyes, and hair only come in natural shades, but they are diverse when it comes to shapes and sizes. They are also the most compatible species on Jiwenia that can successfully reproduce with any other species and have the strongest gene and DNA pool. Something to note is that most Alyrians loathe the word 'Alyrian' and typically go with the Tawj'jaw translation, which is 'Human.' Why they hate this word is not known. Many Alyrians are not even able to answer said question.<</dialog>><</link>>. No one could fault anyone for mistaking him as a commoner before being introduced. I was literally told I would meet the Prince, and I still thought him a servant. “It is a pleasure to meet you,” he tells me, standing and almost falling over. He leans on his father’s oak desk, behaving as if he meant to. Once stable, he approaches me, and the two of us exchange an awkward handshake. This had to be a joke. This man could barely carry himself, let alone a kingdom. His frame was so petite that I feared that he had been starving himself. I would be shocked to learn that he had ever picked up a sword, and interested, in case he did, if he did more damage to himself than to his opponent. His thin straight chestnut hair stopped at his shoulders and did little to give his face much-needed definition and fullness. Accompanying that feature were eyes that appeared droopy and black if not under some heavy strain of light. I now held doubt for the future of the kingdom if he was genuinely next in line. Why not just give the Queen the ruling crown? It made much more sense. “As your future king,” he begins, his voice sounding nasally and far from appealing and commanding, “I would be interested in learning how you, as a $species, enjoy Ipharia.” Out of the corner of my eye I see the King bury his face in his hands. “Excuse me?” “No offense meant, of course.” [[“Offense taken.”][$care -=2]] [[“I don’t live here.”]] [[Lie: “The people here are rude.”][$honesty -=2]] [[“It’s fine.”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ I can’t help the scowl that crosses my face, “offense taken.” The Prince looks taken aback but quickly schools his shock with a grin, “be that it may, I would still like an answer.” “Enough of that,” the King scolds, rolling his eyes at his son before looking at me, “your first night. I hope everything was to your liking, yes?” His real question could barely hide behind the words he spoke. The bed could have been uncomfortable and the room, unaccommodating, he cared not. What he cared to know was if I had any dreams. [[Tell him about the dream.][$kingKnows = true]] [[Keep the dream to myself.]]
I clear my throat, reminding myself that though he might not look it, he was to be the future king. “I don’t live here.” And thank the High Gods for that. Of course, all of Nidinia will feel the consequences of a pathetic king, but no place would suffer as much as Ipharia. “That’s even better. First impressions?” “Enough of that,” the King scolds, rolling his eyes at his son before looking at me, “your first night. I hope everything was to your liking, yes?” His real question could barely hide behind the words he spoke. The bed could have been uncomfortable and the room, unaccommodating, he cared not. What he cared to know was if I had any dreams. [[Tell him about the dream.][$kingKnows = true]] [[Keep the dream to myself.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ I huff, “I have met thieves with better dispositions. Everyone here is beyond rude.” “Hmm, I wonder if you being a $species has anything to do with it?” he wonders aloud, truly looking curious. “Enough of that,” the King scolds, rolling his eyes at his son before looking at me, “your first night. I hope everything was to your liking, yes?” His real question could barely hide behind the words he spoke. The bed could have been uncomfortable and the room, unaccommodating, he cared not. What he cared to know was if I had any dreams. [[Tell him about the dream.][$kingKnows = true]] [[Keep the dream to myself.]]
I blink, suddenly wishing to be anywhere else, “it’s fine.” The answer is simple, and yet, it seems to make his day. “So, do you feel –,” he starts, but the King’s groan cuts him off. “Enough of that,” the King scolds, rolling his eyes at his son before looking at me, “your first night. I hope everything was to your liking, yes?” His real question could barely hide behind the words he spoke. The bed could have been uncomfortable and the room, unaccommodating, he cared not. What he cared to know was if I had any dreams. [[Tell him about the dream.][$kingKnows = true]] [[Keep the dream to myself.]]
“I had a dream,” I say, “regarding the royal family, I believe.” Both of them lean forward, interested in whatever was to leave my mouth next. I recite the dream to them, doing the best I can as I go. As I explain the vision, I also explain what I believe it means. In the end, the Prince is gazing off into space, and the King’s eyes are on me. “Have you told anyone else this?” <<if $gwMaster>>\ My mind immediately races to my master and how I had first gone to him for help, despite the King telling me not to do such a thing. “No,” I lie. I could only pray that he would never learn that I had. Master Audouin would never tell and neither would I, so the secret should be safe. The King seems satisfied in my answer and nods, turning his back to me. <<else>>\ “No,” I say. The King seems satisfied in my answer and nods, turning his back to me. <</if>>\ “Father is the sick one, but who’s the shadow?” the Prince asks, mostly saying it to the room than to his father or me. The King jerks around, glaring at his son before his eyes flit over to me. I was more than sure that I wasn’t to hear such words. But now that I had, everything was making sense, mostly why the King was handing his crown to the boy who couldn’t even keep his mouth shut. “I … I don’t know,” I mutter a response, bowing my head. The air in the room shifts suddenly and the need to be excused escalates. The King approaches me, glaring down at me. “You repeat what was said in this room to anyone, and I can assure you, it will be your last mistake. Understood?” I nod vigorously, overjoyed when he allows me to go and turns his ire onto his son. <a data-passage="3.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Everything was perfect, Your Highness, the castle is splendid.” He nods at my words though he continues to look at me, perhaps trying to figure out if I was truthful or not. “Will you be attending the festival later?” the Prince questions, changing the subject. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” “You better not, I will be riding in my father’s stead,” he brags and laughs, “seeing that my father is too sick to even ride a horse anymore.” I see the King’s face light up in fury as he glares at his son, that furious glare then turning on me. I do my best to school any expression on my face. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ <<nobr>><<set $sicknessKnown = true>><</nobr>> But of course, even with my attempt, my nashi gives me away. I don’t need a mirror to know that my nashi had dimmed down considerably. The King approaches me, towering over me as he stared me down. I wrap my tail around my leg in fear, not knowing if I should meet his gaze or look elsewhere. “You repeat what was said in this room to anyone, and I can assure you, it will be your last mistake. Understood?” I nod vigorously, overjoyed when he allows me to go and turns his ire onto his son. <<elseif $species is "Uqanan">>\ <<nobr>><<set $sicknessKnown = true>><</nobr>> Regardless if I school my expression or not, the King’s gaze still bores into mine. He approaches me slowly, and I can tell that our height difference angers him further. He stares up into my eyes, and I feel my primordial instinct roar in wrath. Yet, I quell it the best I can. This was no lion, and I was no hunter. “You repeat what was said in this room to anyone, and I can assure you, it will be your last mistake. Understood?” I nod, overjoyed when he allows me to go and turns his ire onto his son. <<else>>\ The King glares at me for some time. I don’t know what kind of luck I had at that moment, but he seems satisfied that I had learned nothing from the Prince’s words. “I am simply getting older,” he reassures me, “if you would please leave my son and me to speak about some business, it would be appreciated.” I nod, bidding both of them good day as I leave the study. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="3.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
My back hits the bottom of the stairwell as I go through everything that I had just learned. The King was the one who was dying, and the Prince was an idiot. I suppose, at the moment, it felt as if all the secrets of the world had just been dumped on my shoulders when realistically I should’ve seen all this coming. It mattered little. I was here only to say a few reassuring words to the masses, and then my simple life of learning and growing as a witch would continue. [[I yearn for such trivialities.]] [[I would need a break first.]] [[Hmm, this wasn’t that bad.]]
I had never thought my training could be described as such, but at the moment, I was happy to belittle it. The most dangerous part of my training was using up too much energy and getting scolded by my master. Or even walking outside and running into a drunken Ansellus who was looking for his next target. This life, how did one live like this and not die early from stress? <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The festival begins at midday, opening up to a plethora of people who storm the grounds with excitement and enquiring eyes. The festival grounds rested right outside of the main gates that bordered the capital, next door to the towering mountain range that took over the landscape. For the first few minutes, I stay close to my master, who is busy putting the finishing touches onto the stall that the coordinator allowed him to open up. “Will you be helping me out or seeing what festivities the festival holds?” he asks after a few had come by to check out his wares. “Would you miss the help?” I question, only after I had dealt with the customer before me. I flip the ruho they had given me over in my palm before eyeing my immediate surroundings. The laughter and shouts were coming from deeper in the festival. I could hear the horses whinnying and the announcer calling out things. I would be lying if I said that my curiosity hadn’t peaked yet. “I would make do,” he tells me, relaxing back on his stool, “plus, I have that old mule of ours to keep me company.” I sneer at the memory, thinking about what I should do. //The festival holds a wide selection of games and activities, but you won’t be able to do them all. So, pick wisely.// [[Stay a bit longer and do some readings.][$audouin +=1; $ruho +=50; $evidence_cultist = true]] [[Go check out the rest of the festival.]]
My training wasn’t as simple as I was describing. In fact, I would probably need a break from this break once I was done. Going back into my training as soon as this was done was foolish. I would probably hurt myself or my master if I did. I have no doubt that my master would welcome such a break as well, he was already fed up and yearning for one. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The festival begins at midday, opening up to a plethora of people who storm the grounds with excitement and enquiring eyes. The festival grounds rested right outside of the main gates that bordered the capital, next door to the towering mountain range that took over the landscape. For the first few minutes, I stay close to my master, who is busy putting the finishing touches onto the stall that the coordinator allowed him to open up. “Will you be helping me out or seeing what festivities the festival holds?” he asks after a few had come by to check out his wares. “Would you miss the help?” I question, only after I had dealt with the customer before me. I flip the ruho they had given me over in my palm before eyeing my immediate surroundings. The laughter and shouts were coming from deeper in the festival. I could hear the horses whinnying and the announcer calling out things. I would be lying if I said that my curiosity hadn’t peaked yet. “I would make do,” he tells me, relaxing back on his stool, “plus, I have that old mule of ours to keep me company.” I sneer at the memory, thinking about what I should do. //The festival holds a wide selection of games and activities, but you won’t be able to do them all. So, pick wisely.// [[Stay a bit longer and do some readings.][$audouin +=1; $ruho +=50; $evidence_cultist = true]] [[Go check out the rest of the festival.]]
Though my heart was still racing, a moment of pondering helped me to realize that it wasn’t out of fear, but excitement. I was the character that knew too much. The character that others sought after, hoping to entice them into giving those secrets away. It would seem that I always held some sort of power, no matter where I went. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The festival begins at midday, opening up to a plethora of people who storm the grounds with excitement and enquiring eyes. The festival grounds rested right outside of the main gates that bordered the capital, next door to the towering mountain range that took over the landscape. For the first few minutes, I stay close to my master, who is busy putting the finishing touches onto the stall that the coordinator allowed him to open up. “Will you be helping me out or seeing what festivities the festival holds?” he asks after a few had come by to check out his wares. “Would you miss the help?” I question, only after I had dealt with the customer before me. I flip the ruho they had given me over in my palm before eyeing my immediate surroundings. The laughter and shouts were coming from deeper in the festival. I could hear the horses whinnying and the announcer calling out things. I would be lying if I said that my curiosity hadn’t peaked yet. “I would make do,” he tells me, relaxing back on his stool, “plus, I have that old mule of ours to keep me company.” I sneer at the memory, thinking about what I should do. //The festival holds a wide selection of games and activities, but you won’t be able to do them all. So, pick wisely.// [[Stay a bit longer and do some readings.][$audouin +=1; $ruho +=35; $evidence_cultist = true]] [[Go check out the rest of the festival.]]
I swiftly pick up his deck of cards and shuffle them lazily, “I’ll do a few readings as long as I can keep half of the ruho.” My master scoffs at my words, “you can have all the ruho.” He pauses and looks me up and down, “if you’re really serious about doing tarot readings, then maybe I should make you a deck.” My eyes light up at his words. Any self-respecting witch that dabbled in tarot readings had their own deck. No two decks were the same though all the cards were, the back of the deck was unique for the user. For example, my master had a single black Delilah on his, the beautiful flower tragically wilting. Witches had their own deck due to magic reasons. Decks used by multiple witches held conflicting magic and made it harder to read, a personal deck heightened the connection between wielder and card, making it easier to listen to what they said. “That … that would mean a lot.” Master Audouin nods as he places his attention on another customer. I go ahead and set up the other side for readings, sitting down and waiting for anyone curious, and brave enough, to hear what their future holds. “How much for the reading?” a woman asks, her long jade hair pulled into a messy bun. Her pale skin would suddenly be interrupted by patches of red and a sickly peach color, before transitioning back to its rightful color. She wears a long sleeveless dress that didn’t seem practical for anything more than housework. It was beautiful, in an odd way, odd enough for it to capture my attention at least. “Five ruho,” I tell her, and she immediately sets the money down, taking a seat on the other side of the table. I place the coin in a box near my feet to get it out of the way, startled when I look up to see her staring at me with a blank expression. She had deep champagne-colored eyes that were elongated at both points. Her pupil was more of a slit, ready to burst, the middle of it reminding me of a pregnant woman’s figure. I found myself unsure of what she was, perhaps a Phaizarn but, that was nothing more than a guess. I hand the deck to her and direct her to focus on them, once she had done that, I shuffle the cards, and then release them onto the table. “Is there a certain number of cards you would like me to choose?” “Three,” she whispers harshly, saying so before I could even finish my sentence. I command the deck to separate into three stacks and then direct her to choose one of the decks. Upon her choice, I push away the others, and then allow my magic to place the cards in the spread it saw fit. They do so, taking on the formation of a triangle with the tip pointing towards the strange woman, the tetraktys spread. <a data-passage="3.2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Choose one.” She goes for the furthermost point of the triangle. “Page of Cups, in its current position it means that your past was filled with a light heartedness. You were a dreamer, curious about the world, innocent. This is what pushes you.” She says and does nothing, pointing to the next one immediately, this time being the opposite point. The card was The Star, reversed. “The Star,” I begin, “right now, you’re experiencing doubt, and you’re losing your way on a path you previously thought was the one for you.” I see her twitch, her eyes telling a story that I can’t figure out for myself. She picks the tip closest to her. “Four of Cups. The foundation, the one thing that connects everything here. You will have to stop and re-evaluate your decisions. You won’t be satisfied with this act, and you’ll probably be even less satisfied with what you learn after. But be true, you’ll meet redemption.” The whispers of the cards fade as the reading is over, though I don’t think the woman understands that. She stares at the last card before finally, she raises her gaze to me. “What does that mean?” “Excuse me?” “I won’t be satisfied? Is this the right path or not?” she screams the last part, and I wince as others look toward us. “I’m sorry, but that’s what the cards say. They’re only cards, you can change your fate.” Suddenly she leaps towards, grabbing my shirt in a tight embrace as she looks me in the eye. “Don’t lie to me.” Before I can react, she releases me and turns on her heel. “What was that about?” my master asks, straightening my shirt as we both look back to the lady, she was gone, disappeared within the crowd. “Ipharia is filled with crazy people,” I tell him, taking a seat but then spotting an etching on the tip of the table. It’s small, small enough to avoid me noticing it before at least. It was the shape of a triangle with a hole in the middle, and then a smaller hole residing in that one. Before I can think further on it though, another customer sits, a good-natured smile on his face. Hopefully, he was nothing like the last. After giving out a few more readings, I gather all the ruho in one pouch and go out to see what else the festival had to offer. <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I make up my mind to see what the rest of the festival had to offer me, telling my master that I’ll be back later. I walk through the area, my eyes darting from one form of entertainment to the other. The screams and shouts of the patrons causing me to never focus on one person for too long. What should I even do? <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $horseshoes is 0>>\ [[Play horseshoes.][$horseshoes +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $piethefool is 0>>\ [[Pie the Fool.][$piefool +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $armwrestling is 0>>\ [[Arm-wrestling.][$armwrestling +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $bards is 0>>\ [[Go listen to the bards.][$bards +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $banquet is 0>>\ [[Check out the banquet.][$banquet +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $racing is 0>>\ [[Watch the horse racing.][$racing +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $tugofwar is 0>>\ [[Tug-of-war.][$tugofwar +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $archerycomp is 0>>\ [[Archery contest.][$archery +=1]] <</if>>\
I head towards the area where others are busy playing horseshoes. They genially laugh at those who miss and politely clap for those who make it. Most of them seem to know each other, as they carry on an assortment of conversations while waiting for their turn. I approach, and they gladly welcome me in, gushing over my eyes and the tales that they heard about me. Legends seem to have sprouted about my deeds in the past. One talks of a tale of me saving an entire town with only my dreams aiding me, another how I took down a corrupt bandit leader. Thankfully, they don’t question me about any recent dreams or if I had ever dreamed of them. Such questions were always annoying since individual faces were rare in my dreams unless it was me … missing eyes. “Did you guys happen to see the Prince?” one of them asks, missing his shot. “You call that a Prince?” another guy huffs, “my wife has more hair on her chest.” “That’s because your wife is a man,” another jokes, and the group all share a round of laughter as the man with the hairy wife, mimes as if he’s going to throw his horseshoe at the comedian. “I heard he’s going to increase taxes on us folk,” the first man who had spoken informs, the group going quiet as all eyes fall on him. “And I heard him saying that we choose to be poor,” the hairy chest man says next, earning a round of groans, “he wins no favors here. The King is an idiot, anyone asked will say their love for King Tybalt goes deep. No one has love for the Prince.” “A prince who had barely even spoken to those he will rule over.” I make sure to say nothing, but I do listen. I listen to every complaint they hold, and even to some of the threats that they let their loose lips utter. After a few rounds, I excuse myself, thanking them for the fun. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
My wandering leads me to an area where a man in a fool’s hat has his head stuck in a pillory. The contraption only allowing him to move his head a few degrees. “Have you come to pie the fool?” someone asks, holding out a pie that smelled of shit towards me. I wrinkle my nose and look back at the man who gazes up at me sadly, his face covered with what I believe is excrement. “What is his crime?” “Thievery!” the man yells, just as someone drops two ruho in his open palm and grabs the pie from the other. They run up to the man and mush the pie in his face, egged on by the roaring approval of the small crowd. “It’s only two ruho,” the man supplying the pies smiles at me, it is then that he notices my eyes. “Oh, and if you can’t see him, then we’ll be happy to guide you over.” I roll my eyes. [[Pie the thief.][$ruho -=2]] [[Walk away.]]
“Two ruho, you say?” I ask, already retrieving the coin and dropping it into his hand. He hands me the pie, and I do as the others have done. I throw it right at him, making sure that none of it touches me. Once done, I grab a wet cloth that rests nearby and rid my hands of the deed, walking away. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“I’d rather not have that on my conscious,” I tell the man, turning on my heel and walking away. Behind me, I hear him continue to yell at those walking past to come and pie the guy. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>
I wander over to a group of tables, each holding a pair. They face off with their elbows on the table, and their hands clasped. A man blows a whistle, and they each begin to try and introduce their opponent’s hand to the table. Most of those who win are strong, but a few that win are actually smaller, perhaps proving that it wasn’t just about strength. “Would you like a go?” a woman asks, “it’s only two ruho, and you can potentially get your money back if you win, plus your competitor’s coin.” [[Sure, let's do it.][$ruho -=2]] [[I’m fine.]]
<<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I shrug and nod, handing the coins over as she sits me. More and more people fill the seats, but I find that the seat opposite of mine stays empty. “Is no one brave enough to face the mighty Uqanan?” she questions the crowd, and most of them drop their gazes or murmur about it not being fair. Now that I look everyone over, I realize that many of them were Alyrians and Ecrid, a few Kreol and Kren mixed in here and there. Everyone competing wanted a chance to win their coin back, not going against me was just wise on their parts. “I’ll go up against ?him,” I hear a sprightly voice chirp, looking to see a little boy, no older than ten skipping my way, “you don’t look //that// scary.” The woman that oversees the event looks ready to argue, but I surmise that ruho was ruho, regardless of who handed it towards her. “On your marks, get set, go,” she shouts. The boy puffs his cheeks out, and with all his might attempts to push my hand down. The pressure almost reminds me of the breeze, warning me that a storm was approaching. I felt it, but hardly. [[Let the kid win.][$allforone -=3]] [[Get my ruho back.][$ruho +=4]] <<elseif $species is "Kren">>\ <<nobr>><<set $ruho +=4>><</nobr>> I shrug and nod, handing the coins over as she sits me. More and more people fill the seats, but I find that the seat opposite of mine stays empty. I’d like to think I was decently strong, but I was no Uqanan or Alyrian for that matter. I also didn’t believe I looked intimidating, not enough for something so trivial. “Will no one face the blind Kren?” the woman asks. I hear a few murmurs that I had the gods on my side, that I had probably had them even more due to my so-called disability. All of them were assumptions that held no real weight, especially when they could easily be proven false. “Whatever, I’ll face ?him,” a man barks, falling into the seat across from me. He was average-sized, and I could tell by his calloused hands and sunburnt skin that he worked the fields. “And go,” the woman shouted. I could tell that this was more than a test of strength and so, I angle my arm just enough to give me a bit more leverage. The man throws all of his power into winning, shouting and groaning as he pushes, but in the end, he still loses. “Congratulations,” the woman tells me, handing me my coin and his. He walks off grumbling about the god really being on my side, when all that it took to win was a clever grip and a different angle. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I shrug and nod, handing the coins over as she sits me. A young woman who looked to be around my age sat in the seat opposite of me. She was reasonably strong, not enough to cause me to worry, but enough to where she wasn’t going to be a minor inconvenience for the time being. “And go!” the woman yells, and immediately I begin to try and push the woman’s hand down. Both of us grit our teeth as we try to get the upper hand, but neither of us meets success. Our hands merely shake from the pressure, begging for one of us to loosen our grip. Soon, the other competitors finish, and a crowd forms around the table, most of the people cheering for me as I suppose my face was at least one they recognized. [[Let the woman win.]] [[Win this and get my ruho back.][$ruho +=4]] <</if>>\
I roll my eyes at my predicament, let it be anyone else, and they would have to win this fair and square. But I saw the boy’s friends in the background, them laughing at him as they guessed his fate. What was two ruho anyway? I make it seem as if I’m trying with all my might but little by little, I stop until he suddenly pushes my hand down. Everyone congratulates the boy, including me, as he celebrates his win. The only ones who don’t praise him and are staring at him with gaping mouths are his friends. With his earnings, he thanks me and skips off. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I roll my eyes, and before I can blink a second time, flex a muscle and end the competition right there. The boy looks shocked by this development. But he shrugs it off and thanks me before running off. The woman grumbles as she approaches, handing me back my coin and his. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I wish to be done with this. And so, I slowly loosen my grip, enough to make it seem like it was accidental and not that I was giving her this win. She smiles victoriously as she slams my hand to the table and jumps to her feet, letting the entire crowd know that they were wrong for their doubt. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
Win the crowd’s cheers bolstering me, I shout and throw all my strength behind my next action. I successfully introduce her hand to the table and collect the ruho that the woman gives me. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“No, thank you,” I tell her but stick around for a few rounds, watching as the victors come and go. One woman ends up beating three opponents and taking the coin before losing to a man that seems entirely made up of nothing but muscle. Once I get bored, I turn around and go back to looking around. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I head over to a large tent that shelters a small stage and numerous blankets that litter the ground. On top of those blankets sit the citizens of Ipharia, laughing and clapping along to the bards. There are two, appropriately distanced from the other so that their tales do not overlap. I go over to the one who has taken a seat with their lute in hand. They strum it and hum along softly. From the looks of it, this has just begun since no one seems particularly bored yet. “Here’s a tale that I do believe many of you have heard,” they tell, “sing along if you know.” They continue to play, and a few exchange blank looks, though more smile and bob their heads. I knew the tale. It was one that I heard countless times on my journey, The Lament of Darkness. It was a tale about how the High God, <<link 'Darkness'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Darkness is a High God, created by Chaoxian, an unstable element that was created due to Charznos and Orain’s fight. He is the third of three High Gods that govern over Jiwenia. Darkness is most notably known for creating the Cimmerian species, which led to his imprisoning in Kiamet by the Celestial Council.<</dialog>><</link>>, would cry in his prison over the injustices done upon him. But mostly, it was a cry to his love, Moon. The tale was sad, and many lessons could be taken from it. Whether or not one felt sympathy for the god was their own business, yet no one could rightfully say that the sorrowful tune didn’t move them. <<if $singing>>\ I hum the chorus as the bard begins to play it, “he cries, he cries, he cries in great fury. He lies, he lies, in a pit full of snakes. <<link 'Sun'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>Sun is one of the three High Gods, created by Charznos and Orain and twin brother to Moon. He is known as the warrior god, strong and full of energy.<</dialog>><</link>>, he did curse him, and Moon did love him, as Darkness fell from high grace.” I open my eyes to light applause, looking to see that those nearby were now staring at me with awestruck eyes. I hadn’t realized, but I had been singing aloud. “Please continue,” one of the young audience members said. I look at the bard who is smiling at me, nodding as they continue playing. “Pluck the gold from bright feathers and offer on one knee, strike yourself and let the crimson liquid free. Offerings to him and he shall appear, to sing of his lament right in your ear. He cries for his love and curses his rival. And swears to all to be ready for his next arrival.” I sing the chorus again and allow the song to come to an end, thanking those who clap and bestow upon me their compliments. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ No one sings along, whether because they didn’t know the words well enough or fearful of other’s hearing their voice. The bard doesn’t seem to mind much, and probably isn’t surprised. They continue to strum, bringing the song to an end and welcoming the round of applause that follows. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <</if>>\
I head to the banquet tent, allowing my nose to guide me more than my sight. The spread is mostly peasant food, which I’m not surprised at in the least. And which probably is why I see no one here of noble birth. There is a table full of fruit and vegetables, another with bread, meat, and cheese, the third has pastries that seem a bit dull. And the last hold drinks, which I’m sure each mug holds some kind of ale or rum element. I grab a plate and immediately begin to pile it high, my ears perking up at a conversation nearby. “Another one?” the woman questions incredulously, “that’s the fifth this season alone.” “Isn’t it. The King continues to act as if they are mere dissidents, but many believe they are something more. Who else would attack a royal caravan?” “The King should truly be worried, I heard that the rebel leader’s popularity is growing, especially amongst the common folk. It seems as if this was planned spectacularly since the Prince is about to be crowned.” The woman speaking continues on, my thoughts elsewhere. I keep hearing more and more about this rebellion, but it would seem like no one here actually knew anything more than rumors. That could be due to this being the capital; only those who needed to know did. But that didn’t stop my curiosity. I wished to learn more about this rebellion and what was sparking it, who was behind it, and why. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I follow the sound of whinnying horses and join a crowd of spectators. Further out in the fields are five horses, each showing their discontent with staying idle for too long. I watch as the majestic creatures toss their manes and pound their hoof down onto the earth, they were ready to go. “Bets, anyone else with bets?” a man with a basket of pouches asks, “ten ruho to enter but who knows how much you’ll walk away with.” I consider doing so, tapping my chin as I look from the horses to the man. [[Bet.][$ruho -=10]] [[Just watch.]]
<<if $knowledge>>\ <<nobr>><<set $ruho +=50>><</nobr>> I look the five horses over, immediately canceling two of them out. Their size and weight would work against them in a race of speed. The third horse that I discount was smaller, but it wasn’t small in a powerful sense. The last two, now these two were going to be the frontrunners, the horses that anyone smart enough would bet on. I continue looking them over, doing my best to compare the two before finally putting my ruho on the chestnut gelding with the star on his forehead. <a data-passage="HR1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ I look the five horses over. The palomino was the smallest in size and was one of the only ones not making a racket. The filly stood quietly, waiting for instructions from her rider. The two beside her, both who I believe to be stallions were the rowdiest. They were mighty in size, and their energy was off the charts, both ready to go. The black stallion looks stronger than the bay stallion beside him. The last two were close in size as well, both medium-sized and their tempers more docile than the stallions, but still feisty compared to the palomino. The dappled filly was a few hands taller than the chestnut gelding who seemed healthy and ready to go. [[Bet on the palomino.->HR1]] [[Bet on the dappled filly.->HR1]] [[Bet on the black stallion.->HR1]] [[Bet on the chestnut gelding.->HR1][$ruho +=50]] [[Bet on the bay stallion.->HR1]] <</if>>\
I put my ruho on the horse and take a seat, ready to see if I had chosen wisely. “All bets collected?” the man questions before giving the man at the starting line a nod. The races were to begin. The crowd grows quiet, other than some idle chatter here and there. The announcer starts, all eyes focused on the horses who stand ready. A bell goes off, and all five horses shoot forward, racing down the length of the fielded track. The black stallion leads most of the way with the chestnut gelding right behind him, the bay stallion beside him, and the palomino in the back. I hold my breath as the finish line nears. The palomino begins to pick up speed, passing the dappled filly and now running alongside the bay stallion. The black stallion, though his speed seems to not have shifted, is now being overtaken by the chestnut gelding. Soon, the black stallion falls into third with the bay and dappled gaining on the chestnut. The finish line is right there! Suddenly, the chestnut pulls forward, leaving the other horses in the dust as he separates himself from them. He wins, and everyone who placed their faith and ruho in him celebrates! <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I opt to just watch the race, at least I wouldn’t lose any money from that. I look the five horses over. The palomino was the smallest in size and was one of the only ones not making a racket. The filly stood quietly, waiting for instructions from her rider. The two beside her, both who I believe to be stallions were the rowdiest. They were mighty in size, and their energy was off the charts, both ready to go. The black stallion looked stronger than the bay stallion beside him. The last two were close in size as well, both medium-sized and their tempers more docile than the stallions, but still feisty compared to the palomino. The dappled filly was a few hands taller than the chestnut gelding who seemed healthy and ready to go. I guess that the winner would be … [[The palomino.->HR2]] [[The dappled filly.->HR2]] [[The black stallion.->HR2]] [[The chestnut gelding.->HR2]] [[The bay stallion.->HR2]]
“All bets collected?” the man questions before giving the man at the starting line a nod. The races were to begin. The crowd grows quiet, other than some idle chatter here and there. The announcer starts, all eyes focused on the horses who stand ready. A bell goes off, and all five horses shoot forward, racing down the length of the fielded track. The black stallion leads most of the way with the chestnut gelding right behind him, the bay stallion beside him, and the palomino in the back. I hold my breath as the finish line nears. The palomino begins to pick up speed, passing the dappled filly and now running alongside the bay stallion. The black stallion, though his speed seems to not have shifted, is now being overtaken by the chestnut gelding. Soon, the black stallion falls into third with the bay and dappled gaining on the chestnut. The finish line is right there! Suddenly, the chestnut pulls forward, leaving the other horses in the dust as he separates himself from them. He wins, and everyone who placed their faith and ruho in him celebrates! <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I allow the loud shouts to pull me off of my path and wander to a large area set aside for something. A large puddle of water rests in the middle, though that water has been contaminated with dirt and was now beginning to shift in color. Directly in the center of the puddle is a long-knotted rope, stretching from one side of the puddle to the other. On both sides stand a mix of people, four on each side thus far. “Hey!” someone shouts at me, and I look to see that one of the men is pointing at me, “are you in?” “In?” “Are you playing or watching?” “Is it even safe for someone blind to play?” the woman on the other side asks, and they all look back at me. I hear some whisper my name and title, quickly changing the minds of both so-called leaders. [[Play tug-of-war.]] [[Just watch them.]]
“I’ll play,” I shrug. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ Though I’m not surprised, both sides begin to argue about who gets to choose me. It wasn’t every day that a Uqanan came to join in, I’m sure. Finally, the left side wins, and I join them, stationing myself at the back. After the teams are chosen, the referee comes out and shouts the instructions. It would seem that the goal was to not end up in the puddle. We were to pull on the rope and try to pull the other side into the puddle. Simple enough. When the referee shouts to go, I plant one foot behind me and with all my strength, yank on the rope. Much to my amazement, the rope is happy to come, and those on the other side all end up meeting the puddle swiftly. I was sure that the game should have been harder than that, but I suppose I had only imagined that. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I’m sent to the right side and station myself in the middle alongside a few others. After the teams are chosen, the referee comes out and shouts the instructions. It would seem that the goal was to not end up in the puddle. We were to pull on the rope and try to pull the other side into the puddle. Simple enough. When the referee shouts to go, I plant one foot behind me and dig into the ground with the other. I focus all my strength on pulling, realizing that this would be harder than I previously surmised. What feels like an hour and multiple muscle groans later, my side wins. I can hardly celebrate as I drop the rope and stretch my moaning limbs. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <</if>>\
“I’d rather watch,” I tell them and make my way towards a small crowd that was sitting on the grass. They continue picking people until both sides were full. The referee shouts out instructions. This game was a test of strength, the team that successfully pulled the other side into the puddle, won. When the game begins, I watch as the knot that hovers over the puddle is yanked right and left before stopping. Soon, it begins to move only to the right, slowly creeping to the side when suddenly the left seems to completely give up and those in front fall into the puddle. Everyone applauds the right as they win, and many of those who lost simply laugh it off. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<nobr>> <<remember $achievementpoints +=1>> <<remember $talent_archery = true>> <<set $archery = true>> <</nobr>> <<notify>>Achievement ''Bullseye'' unlocked!<</notify>> I knew that with a little looking, I would find one – an archery contest. At the moment, five other contestants were currently going. Their aim was off, and not one of them had yet to hit the bullseye. However, keeping the competition part in mind, they all seemed like they were equally matched with the other. “Would you like to try … oh, my apologies. I didn’t know you were blind,” a woman says, blushing as she backed away. “It is quite alright. My ailment is not what it may seem. I would like to participate.” The woman’s jaw drops, and she soon tries to hide her excitement, “you’re the $species that can see the future in your dreams. The Dream Seer! It is such a pleasure to meet someone as reputable as you.” “I’m honored,” I laugh humbly, graciously accepting the bow that she hands me. I wait until the five finish up before I head to the line that she points me towards. Four other opponents join me, and we ready our arrows. In no way was I a professional at this. I learned a few tips here and there though I would never go up to a true professional and challenge them. When we begin, I pull back, aim, and let the arrow loose. Only to be surprised when the arrow lands mere inches from the bullseye. My other competitors freeze, their eyes going from the arrow’s resting place to me with mouths open. Well … it would seem that I was better at this than I initially perceived. <<if $break is 0>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $break is 1>> <a data-passage="jousting"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="festivalend"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<nobr>><<set $break +=1; $fame +=5>><</nobr>> As I walk around, I notice a group of people surrounding something in the distance. I allow my feet and curiosity to guide me over, only to see that they were all fawning over the King and Prince who were currently playing a game of colf. <<if $smug >=50>>\ “Ah, $name,” the King greets, everyone quieting as they turn to me. I hear some of them whisper about my gifts, and others talk about how dashing I currently looked. I smirk at the compliments and produce a smile for those onlooking. A few shiver and melt, whispering to those beside them as if they hadn’t seen the smile. <<else>>\ “Ah, $name,” the King greets, everyone quieting as they turn to me. I hear some of them whisper about my gifts, and others talk about how dashing I currently looked. It was all things that I had heard before and simply came with the territory of being known. <</if>>\ “Your Highness, is there something you wanted?” “I would ask that you tell this one that you tell my son you forsee him losing but will settle on you joining my team for a friendly round of colf,” he says with a good-natured smile. All signs of what happened earlier in the day and the threat that he had voiced, gone. The Prince clears his throat, “I do believe that $name deserves to play with me. Look at this as your present for my coronation father.” [[Join the Prince.]] [[Join the King.][$colfKing = true]]
“I shall join Prince Ingram,” I tell the King who rolls his eyes but shrugs, picking one of his advisors to join. “Are we winning?” I ask as a nearby servant hands me a club. “I would not know, the slave boy there is keeping tally,” the Prince says, and I look to see a small boy alongside the servant, his eyes never straying from the game. “My father takes forever on these things, which means I have time to question you.” If his question was anything like the one he had asked me earlier, then I rather stay quiet. I was struggling to see how he was fit to wear the crown; I didn’t wish for an already low opinion to get even lower. “How have your experiences in Nidinia been?” “My Prince?” <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ “Your experience as a Uqanan in Nidinia I mean. You haven’t been called, boar-face or tamed?” My back stiffens as I look down at the man that everyone one day expected me to bow down too. The real question was if he meant his words genuinely, merely curious about my experiences, or if he was just finding a way to insult me. Boar-face was obvious, an insult that I’ve heard every now and then, but it’s rare to come across such disgusting views in Nidinia, the land of the diverse. Tamed, well I’ve heard of it but never directed at me. Tamed was used for those who had to file down their tusks for health reasons. It mostly meant that one was weak in the eyes of the Uqanan. <<elseif $species is "Cimmerian">>\ “Your experience as a Cimmerian in Nidinia I mean. You haven’t been called, a slitter or murker, have you?” My back stiffens as I look over at the man that everyone one day expected me to bow down too. The real question was if he meant his words genuinely, merely curious about my experiences, or if he was just finding a way to insult me. Slitter wasn’t used solely against Cimmerians but anyone who had slits instead of round pupils. It was an insult that I’ve heard every now and then, but it’s rare to come across such disgusting views in Nidinia, the land of the diverse. Murker, well that one //was// Cimmerian-oriented, but seeing that I had never heard it used against me, I had trouble understanding its origins and purpose. <<elseif $species is "Kren">>\ “Your experience as a Kren in Nidinia I mean. You haven’t been called, twigard or God’s shit?” My back stiffens as I look over at the man that everyone one day expected me to bow down too. The real question was if he meant his words genuinely, merely curious about my experiences, or if he was just finding a way to insult me. God’s shit was obvious, an insult that I’ve heard only once by a drunken fool, as such disgusting views in rare to come by in Nidinia, the land of the diverse. Twigard, I’ve heard of the insult but had never been called it. I supposed it would have something to do with Kren being of the trees and such. <<else>>\ “Your experience as an Ecrid in Nidinia I mean. You haven’t been called, quink, have you?” My back stiffens, and my nashi dims as I look over at the man that everyone one day expected me to bow down too. The real question was if he meant his words genuinely, merely curious about my experiences, or if he was just finding a way to insult me. Quink had a history to it, once only used by farmers who had castrated male goats and pigs. They weren’t fat enough to be eaten and were too hard to sell, and so the farmers named them ‘quink’ meaning too useless to even kill. I personally have never been called one since such disgusting views was rare to come by in Nidinia, the land of the diverse. <</if>>\ [[“How about we change the subject?”]] [[“Are you trying to insult me?”]] [[“Nidinia is welcoming.”]] [[“My experience has been fine, has yours?”]]
I clear my throat and nod at the ball, “how about we change the subject?” The Prince laughs humorously, “I was simply curious. I did not mean to offend.” “And yet, you did.” I would love to add in that if I had called him Alyrian, followed by ‘but I meant no offense,’ wouldn’t make his want to see me beheaded any less great. Not to mention that this was the second time he has said something offensive. But I keep quiet. My attention on the game. In the end, the Prince and I lose the game. The awkward air that surrounds the two of us evident to all those who look at us. I thank the two of them before I leave, wanting to put space between the royal family and me for the sake of my health, and ears. The rest of the festival awaits. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I bite the inside of my cheek as I look at the stationary ball, “are you trying to insult me, My Prince?” “Of course not,” he laughs humorously, “I was simply curious and thought you were someone I could ask. I didn’t mean to offend.” “And yet, you did.” I would love to add in that if I had called him Alyrian, followed by ‘but I meant no offense,’ wouldn’t make his want to see me beheaded any less great. Not to mention that this was the second time he has said something offensive. But I keep quiet. My attention on the game. In the end, the Prince and I lose the game. The awkward air that surrounds the two of us evident to all those who look at us. I thank the two of them before I leave, wanting to put space between the royal family and me for the sake of my health, and ears. The rest of the festival awaits. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I glare at him before calming my face and regarding him with a blank expression, “no one who has said it to my face has ever lived to tell the tale.” I keep my face neutral, daring him to say anything more. But I suppose, when you’re the prince, you believe even fear should fear you. He laughs humorously, waving my words and look away with a simple gesture, “I meant no offense, $name.” “And yet, you did.” I would love to add in that if I had called him Alyrian, followed by ‘but I meant no offense,’ wouldn’t make his want to see me beheaded any less great. Not to mention that this was the second time he has said something offensive. But I keep quiet. My attention on the game. In the end, the Prince and I lose the game. The awkward air that surrounds the two of us evident to all those who look at us. I thank the two of them before I leave, wanting to put space between the royal family and me for the sake of my health, and ears. The rest of the festival awaits. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I swallow the lump that had formed in my throat, clearing my throat before answering, “Nidinia is welcoming.” It was a simple response that I hoped would end the conversation. “Are you offended, my friend? I didn’t mean to offend if so.” “And yet, you did.” I would love to add in that if I had called him Alyrian, followed by ‘but I meant no offense,’ wouldn’t make his want to see me beheaded any less great. Not to mention that this was the second time he has said something offensive. But I keep quiet. My attention on the game. In the end, the Prince and I lose the game. The awkward air that surrounds the two of us evident to all those who look at us. I thank the two of them before I leave, wanting to put space between the royal family and me for the sake of my health, and ears. The rest of the festival awaits. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“My experience has been fine,” I begin, feeling my anarchic nature flare-up, wishing to deal out the kind of swift justice that it adored so, “has yours?” There’s no need for me to finish my sentence, wrapping the question in a blanket of concern. The Prince suddenly stiffens, and with the reaction I wished for, received, I clear my throat and stand proudly. “Hurting your feelings was not my goal, I didn’t mean to offend.” “And yet, you did.” I would love to add in that if I had called him Alyrian, followed by ‘but I meant no offense,’ wouldn’t make his want to see me beheaded any less great. Not to mention that this was the second time he has said something offensive. But I keep quiet. My attention on the game. In the end, the Prince and I lose the game. The awkward air that surrounds the two of us evident to all those who look at us. I thank the two of them before I leave, wanting to put space between the royal family and me for the sake of my health, and ears. The rest of the festival awaits. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I would be honored to join your team,” I tell the King who claps loudly before shooting a sly grin at his fuming son. The Prince huffs before telling one of the advisors to join him. A servant hands me a club, and I approach the tiny ball that sits before the King, a few yards away rests a hole. “You ever played colf before, $name?” “No, I haven’t had the luxury.” “Ah, you aren’t missing out on much,” he laughs, “it is amusing at times, I will admit that much. But in my opinion,” he looks from the ball to the hole, then back to the ball. Finally, he hits it. “There’s way too much thinking involved.” The ball soars through the sky, finally landing right beside the hole, it teeters ever so slightly as everyone holds their breath. [[Help the ball out.]] [[Leave the ball be.]]
With my finger, I summon the object to move slightly to the right, watching as it falls into the hole and a round of polite applause is heard behind us. I also hear the grumbling of the Prince. “Thank you,” the King smiles, clearing his throat as he looks at my ball. <<if $sicknessKnown>>\ “If I may be so bold,” I begin, biting the inside of my cheek as I think about the words that I plan to utter, “it concerns your ailment, sir.” The King stiffens but does nothing else, which is far better than what I had pictured him doing. “Speak vaguely, those who surround me have better ears than those of my hunting dogs.” “Has the servant in question sought out a magical solution?” The King looks at me for a minute before back at his son who, for some reason, believes it necessary to get on the same level as the ball to successfully hit it. “The servant’s family has tried everything, magic, medicine, prayer. It seems that the servant is simply doomed, the fight has fled from his bones.” “Give the servant my respects.” “Will do. Boy!” he suddenly shouts, his son jumping back up to his feet, “would you just hit the blasted ball?” <<else>>\ At first, we stand there quietly, the King only asking me questions about the festival and if I was enjoying it. Our attention is truly only on the Prince who believes it necessary to get on the same level as the ball to successfully hits it. I can see the irritation inch its way on the King’s face before he finally huffs. “Boy!” he bellows, causing his son to jump back up to his feet, “would you just hit the blasted ball?” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I doesn’t mess with it, watching as it finally stops teetering. Those behind us mumble, and the King lazily rolls his eyes as he clears his throat, looking at me and then at the ball that sits at my feet. I hit the ball, getting it a few inches away from the appropriate hole. <<if $sicknessKnown>>\ “If I may be so bold,” I begin, biting the inside of my cheek as I think about the words that I plan to utter, “it concerns your ailment, sir.” The King stiffens but does nothing else, which is far better than what I had pictured him doing. “Speak vaguely, those who surround me have better ears than those of my hunting dogs.” “Has the servant in question sought out a magical solution?” The King looks at me for a minute before back at his son who, for some reason, believes it necessary to get on the same level as the ball to successfully hit it. “The servant’s family has tried everything, magic, medicine, prayer. It seems that the servant is simply doomed, the fight has fled from his bones.” “Give the servant my respects.” “Will do. Boy!” he suddenly shouts, his son jumping back up to his feet, “would you just hit the blasted ball?” <<else>>\ At first, we stand there quietly, the King only asking me questions about the festival and if I was enjoying it. Our attention is truly only on the Prince who believes it necessary to get on the same level as the ball to successfully hits it. I can see the irritation inch its way on the King’s face before he finally huffs. “Boy!” he bellows, causing his son to jump back up to his feet, “would you just hit the blasted ball?” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="kingprince1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I watch as he does as he was commanded, rolling my eyes at the fact that, after that entire spectacle, he still doesn’t get close to the hole. “Humor me, $name,” the King begins, grabbing my attention as we walk towards the balls. I notice that he’s distancing us from the others as we go. “What do you think of my son leading the kingdom? Give me your honest opinion, I will not be angered by anything you say.” [[“He has a lot to learn.”][$negPrinceVibes = true]] [[“I think the kingdom is doomed.”][$negPrinceVibes = true]] [[“He … will be an interesting king.”]] <<if $horseshoes is 1>>\ [[“The people have no love for him.”]] <</if>>\
“I think he has a lot to learn, Your Majesty, before he’s truly ready to take over anything.” “To learn what? Etiquette? Courtly duties?” I raise a brow, glancing back at the Prince and then the King, “just a lot.” Whether this was something the King wanted to hear or not, I know not. He only nods and puts his attention back on the game. In the end, the King and I win easily, and this was with me barely knowing how to even play. I thank the two of them before I leave, wanting to put space between the royal family and me for the sake of my health, and ears. The rest of the festival awaits. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
With a straight face, and his previous words running through my head, I say, “I think the kingdom is doomed if your son it to rule.” “Such brave words, even if I had said that I would feel no anger at whatever you say.” “I have learned to trust what you say, My King. If you say that you will feel no ill will towards me, then I believe you.” “And if Ingram had said the same?” It was an interesting question; would I truly trust his word? I stay silent, and the King doesn’t seem bothered by his unanswered question. We both set our attention back on the game. In the end, the King and I win easily, and this was with me barely knowing how to even play. I thank the two of them before I leave, wanting to put space between the royal family and me for the sake of my health, and ears. The rest of the festival awaits. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“He …” I begin, attempting to come up with the right words, “he will be an interesting king, I believe.” “Ah, never heard of a king earning the moniker of intriguing or provocative.” “The wisest men always say that everything happens at least once.” The King huffs in response, placing his attention back on the game. In the end, the King and I win easily, and this was with me barely knowing how to even play. I thank the two of them before I leave, wanting to put space between the royal family and me for the sake of my health, and ears. The rest of the festival awaits. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
My next words were dangerous to utter, but I believe the King truly wished to hear what I thought. In a way, this wasn’t what I thought as much as it was his people, but I was no less curious as to how he would feel about the thoughts of his own. “The people have no love for him. They whisper about what he will do and how it will bring them unneeded strife.” He turns to me with a raised brow, “you heard that from them?” “Indeed. I said nothing, but I listened to their conversation, I doubt they are the only ones who feel such a way.” “I doubt as well,” he mumbles and then sighs as we both place our attention back on the game. In the end, the King and I win easily, and this was with me barely knowing how to even play. I thank the two of them before I leave, wanting to put space between the royal family and me for the sake of my health, and ears. The rest of the festival awaits. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>><<set $break +=1>><</nobr>> A loud horn sounds off overhead, and I watch as the majority of people that surround me, drop what they’re doing and run in one specific direction. Amused by this herd mentality, I follow at my own pace, catching the forlorn looks that some of the vendor owners have as they watch the crowds go. As I make my way over, a figure moving in the opposite direction accidentally bumps into me. My gray drowning eyes meeting that of the arctic blue of Averill’s. “$name! How are you?” $ahe asks, resituating the helmet in $ahis hands, “enjoying the festival, I hope.” “I am. What is this for?” I ask, pointing my thumb back at the crowd that continues to move in one direction. “The jousting competition, it is a favorite of many.” “I surmise that you’re competing?” “I am, the King’s champion.” I’m shocked at $ahis words but still utter congratulations. If $ahe was the champion, did that mean the Prince had also chosen someone in his stead? I would be interested in seeing who won, a thought process I’m sure I shared with many others. “I regret that I cannot speak with you longer. But I do hope you enjoy the rest of the festival, and the competition if you do decide to watch it.” [[Wish Averill luck.][$averill +=3; $allforone +=2]] [[Continue on.->joustingAverill][$allforone -=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Chivalrous ++</span> <</if>>\ “Good luck to you, Averill,” I say, and Averill throws me a cocky grin over $ahis shoulder. <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ “I have no fears now that I have your luck and favor on my side,” $ahe pauses and turns to me, “a thought. Later there will be a viewing for the eclipse tonight. Would you mind blessing me with your presence?” Before I can remark, a few rowdy guards grab Averill and pull $ahim away. “Find me near the field,” I think I hear $ahim shout, but yet, that could have easily been my imagination. <<else>>\ “I have no fears now that I have your luck and favor on my side.” I smirk as $ahe disappears and I head towards the stands, hoping to find a seat. <</if>>\ “$name,” I hear someone shout and turn to see the Lord of Akrisos approaching with his small entourage, “it feels like it’s been forever since we saw the esteemed guest of the King.” Regardless of the smile that lightens his features, his tone held nothing but bitterness. It would be unwise of me to believe that they weren’t envious of my invitation and that though I hold no noble blood, was being treated even better than them. “It is good to see you, My Lord. Are you enjoying the festivities?” “Yes, I so enjoy walking around a piss stained ground and rubbing elbows with those below me,” he laughs, “but have you learned anything interesting seeing that you are among the nobility at every turn?” So he was looking for information so that he could continue playing the game that the nobles so loved. [[Tell him some gossip.]] [[Excuse myself.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Individualistic ++</span> <</if>>\ <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ I prepare to continue on when I spot Averill stop and gaze at me. “A thought. Later there will be a viewing for the eclipse tonight. Would you mind blessing me with your presence?” Before I can remark, a few rowdy guards grab Averill and pull $ahim away. “Find me near the field,” I think I hear $ahim shout, but yet, that could have easily been my imagination. <<else>>\ I continue on, hoping to find a seat before the stands became totally full. <</if>>\ “$name,” I hear someone shout and turn to see the Lord of Akrisos approaching with his small entourage, “it feels like it’s been forever since we saw the esteemed guest of the King.” Regardless of the smile that lightens his features, his tone held nothing but bitterness. It would be unwise of me to believe that they weren’t envious of my invitation and that though I hold no noble blood, was being treated even better than them. “It is good to see you, My Lord. Are you enjoying the festivities?” “Yes, I so enjoy walking around a piss stained ground and rubbing elbows with those below me,” he laughs, “but have you learned anything interesting seeing that you are among the nobility at every turn?” So he was looking for information so that he could continue playing the game that the nobles so loved. [[Tell him some gossip.]] [[Excuse myself.][$lordAnger = true]]
“The Lady of Minao is allergic to shellfish and wishes to change the main export of her city,” I tell him, trying to think of anything else, “the Lord of some town past the Deserted Hills has an illegitimate child who is trying to worm his way into overthrowing the Lord and becoming the heir.” That was the most I had heard, seeing that I wasn’t playing this game, and therefore didn’t care. The Lord seems happy enough, clapping his hands in excitement and thanking me profusely for the information as a servant runs up to me. “Dream Seer, are you looking to watch the competition?” “I am.” “The King then requests your presence on the balcony. All esteemed guests have a spot there.” Who was I to argue about having the best seats? I allow the servant to walk me to the balcony before dismissing himself. I take a seat between a nobleman and an advisor that I have not yet learned the names of. I begin to get situated when I feel the glare of someone, turning to see the Queen staring at me. [[“Your Highness, so good to see you.”][$queen +=1]] [[“Can I help you?”]]
“I have nothing, unfortunately. But I would like to grab a seat to the competition. If you will excuse me,” I tell him, even more thankful when a servant runs up to me and gives me a proper out of the conversation. I feel his glare on my back as I retreat a few steps away, my attention now on the servant. “Dream Seer, are you looking to watch the competition?” “I am.” “The King then requests your presence on the balcony. All esteemed guests have a spot there.” Who was I to argue about having the best seats? I allow the servant to walk me to the balcony before dismissing himself. I take a seat between a nobleman and an advisor that I have not yet learned the names of. I begin to get situated when I feel the glare of someone, turning to see the Queen staring at me. [[“Your Highness, so good to see you.”][$queen +=1]] [[“Can I help you?”]]
“Your Highness,” I say in a cheerful manner, “it is so good to see you again. You’re looking quite lovely today.” “I wish I could say that I’m as happy to see you, as you, me.” I nod my head respectively and then turn back around in my seat. I wouldn’t let her sour mood affect my day, especially when I wasn’t sure why she seemed to dislike me so. Whereas some here watching were full of pride, I couldn’t help but see nothing but stupidity on the back of mighty horses, riding back and forth trying to silently prove that they were better, and for what? To soon ride out under the banner of a kingdom to risk one’s life on ideals that they might not agree with. I simply watch, gazing on as the newest riders slip up or get de-seated by their competitor. I only find it interesting when Averill shows $ahimself, leaning forward along with the Prince and the King. “Ready for your dear guard to meet $ahis doom, father?” the Prince questions and the King huffs. “Do not let pride blind you. Averill has served me well for many years. While your rider still seems confused on how to put on their armor.” “Foolish men and their foolish games,” I hear Queen Isa mumble. [[Question the queen.][$queen +=1]] [[Leave her be.]]
“Can I help you?” I question. “Watching your tone would be the first thing,” she snorts, “you forget that you are still addressing a queen.” “How does the last day of being Queen feel?” I question, cocking my head to the side as if truly curious. “I would rather end it on a good note. Not by sentencing the servants to cut out your foul tongue.” I snort and turn back around in my seat, placing my attention on the jousting competition that has already begun. Whereas some here watching were full of pride, I couldn’t help but see nothing but stupidity on the back of mighty horses, riding back and forth trying to silently prove that they were better, and for what? To soon ride out under the banner of a kingdom to risk one’s life on ideals that they might not agree with. I simply watch, gazing on as the newest riders slip up or get de-seated by their competitor. I only find it interesting when Averill shows $ahimself, leaning forward along with the Prince and the King. “Ready for your dear guard to meet $ahis doom, father?” the Prince questions and the King huffs. “Do not let pride blind you. Averill has served me well for many years. While your rider still seems confused on how to put on their armor.” “Foolish men and their foolish games,” I hear Queen Isa mumble. [[Question the queen.][$queen +=1]] [[Leave her be.]]
I turn my attention to the Queen, “you do not share in the sentiment I see.” She regards me for a moment before sighing and rolling her eyes at the two, “I do not. This … sport is foolish. Not dangerous enough to appeal to those filled with bloodlust and to truly test the mettle of a soldier, and yet dangerous enough to cause harm to another and to make daintier audience members gasp.” “Which would you rather?” “Neither,” she growls, though her anger, for now, wasn’t projected at me, “there are far more things that we should concern ourselves with.” She glances at me and huffs, “but I relent. If I must watch anything, then I’d rather watch dressage or some other show of grace. Blame it on a fragile heart if you wish, but brutality is everywhere, beauty is not.” Somehow, I feel like I learned something about her, but yet nothing at all. I leave her to it, my attention back on the readying jousters. <<include "Leave her be.">>
The Prince and King continue smack-talking each other’s riders, only stopping when Averill shows all those watching that $ahe was the King’s champion for a reason. $aHe easily beats the Prince’s opponent two times, never once hitting the ground or meeting the tip of $ahis opponent’s lance. The crowd claps and roars in approval at $ahis victory. Averill struck me as humble, always dismounting $ahis own horse to help $ahis opponent up. If reading the crowd’s energy said anything, it noted that Averill was well-loved and adored. Even from my spot, I could see the lust residing in their eyes, and the envy in others. After Averill’s win, I, and several others leave, going back to the festival as its end began to draw near. <a data-passage="3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I begin to make my way back to my master’s vendor cart when I hear someone growl loudly. I freeze, the tents currently in my way and shielding the identity of whoever was there. They had probably stubbed their foot, something trivial that didn’t need my attention. “How dare you?” a raucous voice questioned. It wasn’t his words that grabbed my attention but his tone. He was furious with whomever he spoke to. “He is your flesh and blood, and you will not treat him as any less!” I now stop, cocking my head to the side as my interests stand atop the curiosity mountain that it had been ascending. “And he will be shamed and have nothing to his name if you say a word. If I do not do this then we both risk the wrath of my beloved King, he is already plenty suspicious. Him calling in that forsaken seer does not help. What if $he sees us in one of those damned dreams?” I froze, shivering uncontrollably as I realized why the queen detested me so. “I don’t care, Isa, I’m –” “You will address me as Queen Isa.” Her tone was demanding, it cared not if he respected her, he would speak to her with respect. “No.” I swallow a laugh at his word, well there goes that respect, “I don’t care about my fate any longer, nor do I care for yours. If you demote him then we no longer have an agreement. He’s much more fit to rule than that blasted son of yours.” “And you will risk all of our lives? Simply because you wish to taste the life of royalty?” “I don’t give a shit about your titles. //You// will be risking all of our lives,” silence follows before the man says, “but you and your kind like this. This game. Continue playing it the way you are, and you will regret it.” My back hits the tent pole that I had been grabbing onto. I knew things that I shouldn’t. Things that, without question, could have me killed. I would be returning to Akrisos with enough secrets of Ipharia to last me a lifetime. I pick myself up and head back to my master, what I learned carrying me through the rest of the oncoming night. <<set $evidence_bastardchild = true>> <a data-passage="3.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<playlist "ambience" fadeout>> <<audio "eclipse" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.40>> “My wonderful apprentice,” my master begins upon seeing me approach, “whom I would be lost without. Withering away in my own agony and desperation.” “Are you okay? What’s wrong? What did you do?” “What did I do?” he exclaims and then laughs, heaving the last crate onto the back of the wagon. “I did nothing but listen to your fans gush about you. In their defense, I suppose, they did donate tons of ruho in your name.” “What are you talking about?” I ask further, checking to see that everything is okay and situated correctly on the wagon. “They came to me and asked why they had never heard of me. I told them who I was and why I was there. If only I knew that would lead to every last one of them asking about you and gushing over your name.” I snort as I roll my eyes, eyeing the empty seat beside him on the wagon. There were a good many staying back to watch the eclipse, I could do so as well. <<if $averillLi >=1>>I also recall Averill’s invitation from earlier about watching it with $ahim.<</if>> [[Go back to the castle with Master Audouin.]] [[Go watch the eclipse.][$watchEclipse = true]] <<if $averillLi +=1>>\ [[Go watch the eclipse with Averill.][$watchEclipse = true; $averill +=3]] <</if>>\
I grab the side of the wagon and heave myself into the seat, relaxing as Master Audouin drives us back towards the castle, glancing over at him to bring back the conversation we were just having. [[“Jealous?”]] [[“Yea, some found me in the festival.”]] [[“But you got ruho from it.”]]
“Jealous?” I ask, wiggling my eyebrows teasingly. “Of your fame? No. I would rather watch you from the sidelines, reminding you that works still needs to be done.” “At least you didn’t have to rub shoulders with nobles.” “How was that by the way? I heard some interesting things, like you playing colf.” <<if $colfKing>>\ “Ah yes, the King asked me to join him. We mainly spoke about his son and if I thought he was a decent leader … what do you think?” “I think the Prince is an idiot and looks more like a boy than a man. But I’m sure if the royal family wanted my thoughts on the matter, they would’ve asked.” <<else>>\ “Ah yes, the Prince asked me to join him. We mainly spoke about how I, as a $species, felt living in Nidinia.” My master chokes on his next words before laughing, “you will make my day by telling me that you asked him the same.” “And find myself the main attraction in a public execution? I think not.” <</if>>\ My smile fades as I fiddle with the hem of my tunic, “the King wishes for me to lie to the people. To tell them that everything will be fine and there is little to worry about.” “I remain unvexed. The King might see something that the rest of us fail to see, but he is no idiot. He knows that his people will not follow his son, and that will lead to rebellion. The real question here is, what will you do?” [[“I want to tell the truth.”][$honesty +=10]] [[“What they wish to hear.”][$honesty -=10]]
“Yea, some ended up finding me in the festival.” “What a dreadful thing. I am shocked that they didn’t ask for your blessings.” “At least you didn’t have to rub shoulders with nobles.” “How was that by the way? I heard some interesting things, like you playing colf.” <<if $colfKing>>\ “Ah yes, the King asked me to join him. We mainly spoke about his son and if I thought he was a decent leader … what do you think?” “I think the Prince is an idiot and looks more like a boy than a man. But I’m sure if the royal family wanted my thoughts on the matter, they would’ve asked.” <<else>>\ “Ah yes, the Prince asked me to join him. We mainly spoke about how I, as a $species, felt living in Nidinia.” My master chokes on his next words before laughing, “you will make my day by telling me that you asked him the same.” “And find myself the main attraction in a public execution? I think not.” <</if>>\ My smile fades as I fiddle with the hem of my tunic, “the King wishes for me to lie to the people. To tell them that everything will be fine and there is little to worry about.” “I remain unvexed. The King might see something that the rest of us fail to see, but he is no idiot. He knows that his people will not follow his son, and that will lead to rebellion. The real question here is, what will you do?” [[“I want to tell the truth.”][$honesty +=10]] [[“What they wish to hear.”][$honesty -=10]]
“But,” I cut in, “at least you got some ruho from it.” “Indeed. A small price to pay.” “At least you didn’t have to rub shoulders with nobles.” “How was that by the way? I heard some interesting things, like you playing colf.” <<if $colfKing>>\ “Ah yes, the King asked me to join him. We mainly spoke about his son and if I thought he was a decent leader … what do you think?” “I think the Prince is an idiot and looks more like a boy than a man. But I’m sure if the royal family wanted my thoughts on the matter, they would’ve asked.” <<else>>\ “Ah yes, the Prince asked me to join him. We mainly spoke about how I, as a $species, felt living in Nidinia.” My master chokes on his next words before laughing, “you will make my day by telling me that you asked him the same.” “And find myself the main attraction in a public execution? I think not.” <</if>>\ My smile fades as I fiddle with the hem of my tunic, “the King wishes for me to lie to the people. To tell them that everything will be fine and there is little to worry about.” “I remain unvexed. The King might see something that the rest of us fail to see, but he is no idiot. He knows that his people will not follow his son, and that will lead to rebellion. The real question here is, what will you do?” [[“I want to tell the truth.”][$honesty +=10]] [[“What they wish to hear.”][$honesty -=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honesty ++</span> <</if>>\ “I wish to tell the truth. Do you believe that’s possible at all?” <<if $gwMaster>>\ “Have you had a dream of what will befall the kingdom? Not counting the one you already told me about.” “No, I have had no others.” <<else>>\ “Have you had a dream of what will befall the kingdom?” “No, I haven’t,” I lie, not wanting to tell him of the dream I had earlier that day. <</if>>\ “I see. Then the truth, besides you telling them that dreams have yet to bless you, will not satiate them either. They will want something, and even if you say that the Prince is not fit to rule, that too would be your own opinion.” “So all is lost?” “Ah, my dear <<if $dad>>?son<<else>>apprentice<</if>>,” my master starts with a small admiring smile, “what have you gotten yourself into?” “I ask myself the same,” I growl. “Chin up, $name, soon we will be back in Akrisos, and you can leave all of this behind you. Life will return to normal, and you will no longer be under the thumb of those who swear they know better.” I nod in agreement, that day could not come faster. <a data-passage="3.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ “I will tell them what any citizen would want to hear. Their leader is kind and benevolent and will do everything he can to make sure that his citizens can rest easy and live happily.” “Do you have no fear about the ramifications this could have on your name?” I glance down, I did. But I don’t think the King or the Prince cared much about my nervousness or reputation. I sigh, tiredly. “Ah, my dear <<if $dad>>$son<<else>>apprentice<</if>>,” my master starts with a small admiring smile, “what have you gotten yourself into?” “I ask myself the same,” I growl. “Chin up, $name, soon we will be back in Akrisos, and you can leave all of this behind you. Life will return to normal, and you will no longer be under the thumb of those who swear they know better.” I nod in agreement, that day could not come faster. <a data-passage="3.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Will you be okay with heading back on your own? I’m going to stay and watch some of the eclipse.” “I can handle myself,” my master chuckles, “you go enjoy that beautiful view that the gods bless us with every so often.” “You sure you don’t wish to join me?” I ask, taking a few steps back from the wagon, not wishing for him to miss out on something as uncommon and beautiful as this. “I’ve seen enough eclipses to miss this one,” he hums, a peaceful look overtaking his face as he gazes towards the sky. “Relax and let the magical energy wash over you. You will find it fairly cleansing.” I nod and see him off before walking towards a field that others gather at as well. I sit away from many, not wishing to disturb this time with others asking me for their fortunes. As I sit, I take in those around me. A group of women sings softly from nearby as they thrum their sweet-sounding harps, allowing the harmonious tune to be carried to present ears by the wind. A few children rush around with broad smiles and energy to spare despite the day they might’ve had. They tease one another as they go, tripping over themselves in haste to get away from the other. My eyes finally rise to the eclipse, watching as the moon slowly creeps towards the sun, threatening to overtake it—the two about to engage in one of the most intimate dances known to the world. I take a deep, calming breath in, allowing the charged magic to wash over me. It felt like tiny pricks upon my skin, a quick pain before my skin absorbs it, and the magic enters my bloodstream. Everything seems to work in tandem, the lullaby-like music, the soft laughter of children, the exhilarating presence of magic. I stare up at the eclipse and feel my eyes begin to close. <a data-passage="3.4.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
But it was there. Something was there. On the edge of my consciousness, I could feel it, like a word wishing to drip off a tongue but never taking the plunge. A bird teetering on the edge of its nest, knowing it was time but far too anxious to finally commit. I reach for it, but of course, it eludes me. My heart picks upbeat, sweat trickles down my forehead, darkness settles over me, and then I see it. A trail of white blood, dripping carelessly upon earthenware tile flooring. A dark corridor and a single silhouette. A flash of light as the moon finally overtakes the sun. My head aches, and I groan, attempting to stand but failing. I can hardly catch and steady myself, determining then that it was wise to end the night here. I would speak to my master tomorrow on this matter, though, I perceive that this was all caused by the eclipse and the intensity of the magic washing over me. Gathering my breath, and checking to see that I can walk right, I head back to the castle. <a data-passage="3.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Will you be okay with heading back on your own? I’m going to stay and watch some of the eclipse.” “I can handle myself,” my master chuckles, “you go enjoy that beautiful view that the gods bless us with every so often.” “Thank you,” I say, not knowing how excited I sound until my master raises an inquisitive brow. “And why such excitement for such a simple spectacle?” “No excitement. I mean, some excitement,” I stammer, “I’d hardly call an eclipse simple. It’s a beautiful scene to take in. How can I not be excited?” He pouts and narrows his gaze, his nashi suddenly taking on a brighter shade of gold before turning subtle, “I doubt it’s the view as much as who you will be sharing it with.” “Master, no.” “Yes,” he chuckles, “I can only guess it to be that guard, General Averill, am I correct?” “It’s just enjoyable to be able to speak to someone not from Akrisos.” “Yes, yes,” my master says, waving my words away, not believing anything I had said, “you go have fun but remember.” The broad smile that appears tells me immediately that his next words were more of a tease than actual valid advice, “always use protection.” “Master!” I shout, hiding <<if $species is "Ecrid">>my brightening nashi, feeling the warmth that gathers in my cheeks heighten.<<else>>my burning cheeks from my master’s keen eyes.<</if>> “Go,” he shouts, “I wish not to be your excuse for your tardiness.” I smile and see him off before walking towards a field that others gather at as well. I search for Averill amongst the crowd, finally seeing $ahim surrounded by what I can only assume is $ahis fan club. As I get closer, I spot the stiffness in $ahis shoulders each time someone gets closer, the tension glaringly evident when one attempted or succeeded in touching $ahim. $aHe spots me and excuses $ahimself, letting out a relieved breath once $ahe makes it to my side. [[“Nice fan club there, mine’s better.”]] [[“It would seem that I’m not your only admirer.”]] [[“You looked uncomfortable, are you okay?”]]
“Nice fan club there,” I start, nodding my head at those who still have yet to wander away, taking glances back towards us, “but mine’s better.” “Would you like to swap then?” $ahe asks, gazing at me through hopeful eyes. I laugh, “I think not. Yours look almost predatory.” “And yours are not?” $ahe questions, $ahis tone curious, “mine simply admirer. I fear yours wish for more than to simply endow you with compliments.” I shrug, not having much to say as $ahe was right in that regard, my fans typically had some sort of favor to add following their praise. “I have a blanket,” Averill points out, and I catch sight of it dangling on $ahis arm. I move back to allow $ahim to spread it out along the ground, and we both take a seat. “I will not lie, I didn’t think you’d come.” “I wasn’t exactly able to answer you when you asked, the guards seemed like an impatient lot.” “I apologize for that, by the way.” “No need to apologize. I saw the tournament, you did really well, I’m sure you’re proud.” Averill looks away, attempting to hide a subtle smile, “I did as well as I could. I wished to make the King proud, though I do wish I had gotten a more challenging opponent. The knight that the Prince had chosen is all talk and of little brain or action.” “You wished for more?” “I crave stimulation,” Averill begins, accompanying $ahis words with a shrug, “if I must compete in such a way then I at least want to break a sweat; otherwise it feels more like a show then an actual competition.” $aHe stiffens and shakes $ahis head, “enough about me. Tell me, what do you find most interesting about being an apprentice?” [[“The constant stream of knowledge.”]] [[“My master, actually.”][$masterApp = true]] [[“Easy, the power.”]] [[“The people I meet, good and bad.”]]
“It would seem that I’m not your only admirer, Ser Knight,” I chuckle, gazing at those who seemed almost reluctant to go, peeking back at us when they could. “And yet, you’re the only one who I truly care to impress.” I turn towards $ahim to see a burning spark residing in $ahis eyes, one that causes warmth to blaze through me. “I have a blanket,” Averill points out, and I catch sight of it dangling on $ahis arm. I move back to allow $ahim to spread it out along the ground, and we both take a seat. “I will not lie, I didn’t think you’d come.” “I wasn’t exactly able to answer you when you asked, the guards seemed like an impatient lot.” “I apologize for that, by the way.” “No need to apologize. I saw the tournament, you did really well, I’m sure you’re proud.” Averill looks away, attempting to hide a subtle smile, “I did as well as I could. I wished to make the King proud, though I do wish I had gotten a more challenging opponent. The knight that the Prince had chosen is all talk and of little brain or action.” “You wished for more?” “I crave stimulation,” Averill begins, accompanying $ahis words with a shrug, “if I must compete in such a way then I at least want to break a sweat; otherwise it feels more like a show then an actual competition.” $aHe stiffens and shakes $ahis head, “enough about me. Tell me, what do you find most interesting about being an apprentice?” [[“The constant stream of knowledge.”]] [[“My master, actually.”][$masterApp = true]] [[“Easy, the power.”]] [[“The people I meet, good and bad.”]]
“You looked uncomfortable over there, are you okay?” Averill turns $ahis head away as $ahis cheeks become flushed, “you noticed that?” “It was a shock that they hadn’t.” “I don’t typically like when others touch me, I suppose is the way to phrase my feelings. But many here believe they know me well enough to do so.” “Noted,” I say with a natural smile and $ahis eyes widen in what I could only describe as dread. “No! I mean, I would not mind your touch, it would be welcomed.” $aHe sighs again, scratching the back of $ahis neck and refusing to meet my eye. “I have a blanket,” Averill points out, and I catch sight of it dangling on $ahis arm. I move back to allow $ahim to spread it out along the ground, and we both take a seat. “I will not lie, I didn’t think you’d come.” “I wasn’t exactly able to answer you when you asked, the guards seemed like an impatient lot.” “I apologize for that, by the way.” “No need to apologize. I saw the tournament, you did really well, I’m sure you’re proud.” Averill looks away, attempting to hide a subtle smile, “I did as well as I could. I wished to make the King proud, though I do wish I had gotten a more challenging opponent. The knight that the Prince had chosen is all talk and of little brain or action.” “You wished for more?” “I crave stimulation,” Averill begins, accompanying $ahis words with a shrug, “if I must compete in such a way then I at least want to break a sweat; otherwise it feels more like a show then an actual competition.” $aHe stiffens and shakes $ahis head, “enough about me. Tell me, what do you find most interesting about being an apprentice?” [[“The constant stream of knowledge.”]] [[“My master, actually.”][$masterApp = true]] [[“Easy, the power.”]] [[“The people I meet, good and bad.”]]
I sit and think $ahis words over, and only one answer comes to me, “the constant stream of knowledge. Every day it feels like I learn something new or find a new way to do something. It’s amazing what you think you know versus what is really out there. Every day it feels like the world is opening itself up to me a little more. It’s amazing.” I glance over at Averill and see $ahim sitting silently admiring me, $ahis once intense eyes somehow becoming incredibly soft. “I can see it.” “What do you mean?” “The passion is in your eyes. In your voice and your posture, you light up when thinking of it. It’s mesmerizing.” I bite my cheek as I glance away from $ahim, gazing towards the sky. The moon was still making its way towards the sun, it wouldn’t complete the journey anytime soon. “Averill,” we both turn in our seat to see an armored guard, who bears the same uniform as Averill, approach. “Ser Federic, is something the matter?” Averill asks as $ahe gets to $ahis feet. “I apologize for interrupting you, but the King has called for the two of us.” I watch in interest as the almost carefree Averill seems to disappear, replaced by a much more stoic and compliant one. $aHe nods before turning to me, “I apologize profusely for this.” “No need,” I chuckle, standing and stretching my back out, “I should head back and lie down to sleep.” “Are you sure you would rather not watch the rest of the eclipse?” I shake my head, feeling the need for sleep sink further into my bones. “No, I should really head back. Thank you for this.” Averill nods, bowing as $ahe gently grabs my hand and places a kiss to the back of it. Federic turns and goes, and right as he does, Averill leans in and places a featherlight kiss to my cheek, beaming softly before following behind $ahis colleague. I watch with my mouth slightly ajar, watching as he goes, and experiencing the rise and fall of the tingles that shoot through me. <a data-passage="3.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“My master, actually,” I admit, “I could have gotten anyone to teach me, and I do believe my experience would be incredibly different. But I was given Master Audouin, and I found with him not only a mentor but a figure that I could look up to. Someone I could confide in. I trust him with my life.” “You care for him a great deal?” Averill questions. “I do. I suppose it is similar to how you feel about the King, the two of you seem fairly close.” “We are. He became like a second father to me, especially when my own had to take a prolonged break from his duties when … when my mother passed.” Averill trails off as $ahe says the end part of $ahis sentence, sighing deeply but seeming to wave the worry away a minute later. “Averill,” we both turn in our seat to see an armored guard, who bears the same uniform as Averill, approach. “Ser Federic, is something the matter?” Averill asks as $ahe gets to $ahis feet. “I apologize for interrupting you, but the King has called for the two of us.” I watch in interest as the almost carefree Averill seems to disappear, replaced by a much more stoic and compliant one. $aHe nods before turning to me, “I apologize profusely for this.” “No need,” I chuckle, standing and stretching my back out, “I should head back and lie down to sleep.” “Are you sure you would rather not watch the rest of the eclipse?” I shake my head, feeling the need for sleep sink further into my bones. “No, I should really head back. Thank you for this.” Averill nods, bowing as $ahe gently grabs my hand and places a kiss to the back of it. Federic turns and goes, and right as he does, Averill leans in and places a featherlight kiss to my cheek, beaming softly before following behind $ahis colleague. I watch with my mouth slightly ajar, watching as he goes, and experiencing the rise and fall of the tingles that shoot through me. <a data-passage="3.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Easy, the power,” I tell him, “it’s enjoyable and thrilling. Taking something as raw and powerful as magic and bending it to my will, ordering it and having it obey me.” “It sounds,” $ahe frowns, “interesting. I suppose I never thought of it in such a way.” “How do you feel when you best an opponent that is notorious for never being beaten? When all of your training and hard work finally visually shows itself to you?” $aHe pauses and thinks my words over, “I understand. It is a feeling like no other. One of accomplishment, pride, and … power.” With a smile, I nod in agreement, happy to have been able to explain myself and even more delighted that $ahe hadn’t immediately judged me like many would do. “Averill,” we both turn in our seat to see an armored guard, who bears the same uniform as Averill, approach. “Ser Federic, is something the matter?” Averill asks as $ahe gets to $ahis feet. “I apologize for interrupting you, but the King has called for the two of us.” I watch in interest as the almost carefree Averill seems to disappear, replaced by a much more stoic and compliant one. $aHe nods before turning to me, “I apologize profusely for this.” “No need,” I chuckle, standing and stretching my back out, “I should head back and lie down to sleep.” “Are you sure you would rather not watch the rest of the eclipse?” I shake my head, feeling the need for sleep sink further into my bones. “No, I should really head back. Thank you for this.” Averill nods, bowing as $ahe gently grabs my hand and places a kiss to the back of it. Federic turns and goes, and right as he does, Averill leans in and places a featherlight kiss to my cheek, beaming softly before following behind $ahis colleague. I watch with my mouth slightly ajar, watching as he goes, and experiencing the rise and fall of the tingles that shoot through me. <a data-passage="3.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I think it would be the people I meet, both the good and the bad ones. I enjoy watching people, and you would be surprised at the wide variety of customers I get with working in my master’s shop. The readings also provide great entertainment, bringing in the most curious of people.” “It sounds interesting. Which have been your favorite?” “That is a hard one to answer, there have been so many that I remember and so many that I have forgotten,” I laugh and shake my head, “I remembered so many stories just before you asked me which was my favorite. Now, I can’t seem to recall even one.” “Averill,” we both turn in our seat to see an armored guard, who bears the same uniform as Averill, approach. “Ser Federic, is something the matter?” Averill asks as $ahe gets to $ahis feet. “I apologize for interrupting you, but the King has called for the two of us.” I watch in interest as the almost carefree Averill seems to disappear, replaced by a much more stoic and compliant one. $aHe nods before turning to me, “I apologize profusely for this.” “No need,” I chuckle, standing and stretching my back out, “I should head back and lie down to sleep.” “Are you sure you would rather not watch the rest of the eclipse?” I shake my head, feeling the need for sleep sink further into my bones. “No, I should really head back. Thank you for this.” Averill nods, bowing as $ahe gently grabs my hand and places a kiss to the back of it. Federic turns and goes, and right as he does, Averill leans in and places a featherlight kiss to my cheek, beaming softly before following behind $ahis colleague. I watch with my mouth slightly ajar, watching as he goes, and experiencing the rise and fall of the tingles that shoot through me. <a data-passage="3.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> I rest my eyes as soon as my head hits my pillow. I pray to Moon to bless me with sweet dreams, and yet, my prayers go unanswered. The things that I had learned since coming here kept me wide awake. Regardless of the covers that stayed close to my torso, I shiver with each thought. [[Play with my magic.]] [[Reassure myself.]] [[Think it through.]]
I sit up and call forth my magic. I watch random white glowing orbs fall from my hand as my palm creates a small twister. I form a ball and toss it from one hand to the other, and then command it to follow my finger. I draw pictures in the air, allowing the carefree nature to calm my thrumming heart. Sleep finally visits me, but it visits only to mock. For as soon as I close my eyes, I am met by a dream that reminds me of the nightmare. Only, this was not like my usual dreams. Whereas everything was puzzling, and I wasn’t totally aware of my surroundings, I knew who I was and where. Alone in a forest that I didn’t know. Trekking through when I see a figure run up to me. The figure has no eyes. It attacks me, clawing at my own eyes frantically. It resembles more of a frightful animal than a person with a mind and soul, the franticness of its actions were perhaps even scarier than its motive. I awoke. The sun still not in the sky as far as the darkness told me, but outside my window, I could hear the celebration. The distant sounds of fire crackers exploding in the sky. I approach the window and with a yawn, gaze outside. I could see the bright lights decorating the town in the distance, and as my eyes rose to the sky, I caught sight of the eclipse. I shake my head, wishing that I could enjoy it like the others, but my head was pounding. It wasn’t even due to being tired, this feeling was different like I had just exerted myself and was now being told to do it again. My master was undoubtedly sleeping, but I needed something that would do away with my dreams, at least for a few nights. I could no longer take this; I needed a break. I head to my master’s room, pushing the already ajar door further open and continuing inside. And then I freeze. The air is knocked from my lungs, and the vile rises at the sight. <a data-passage="3.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I take in multiple deep breaths, “in a day or so, you will be back in Akrisos. The most urgent thing will be Isaak and saving him from Ansellus. Ipharia will be behind you, as well as their silly games. The only nobility would be the Lord.” My words ease my thrumming heart, and I clutch my pillow. Sleep finally visits me, but it visits only to mock. For as soon as I close my eyes, I am met by a dream that reminds me of the nightmare. Only, this was not like my usual dreams. Whereas everything was puzzling, and I wasn’t totally aware of my surroundings, I knew who I was and where. Alone in a forest that I didn’t know. Trekking through when I see a figure run up to me. The figure has no eyes. It attacks me, clawing at my own eyes frantically. It resembles more of a frightful animal than a person with a mind and soul, the franticness of its actions were perhaps even scarier than its motive. I awoke. The sun still not in the sky as far as the darkness told me, but outside my window, I could hear the celebration. The distant sounds of fire crackers exploding in the sky. I approach the window and with a yawn, gaze outside. I could see the bright lights decorating the town in the distance, and as my eyes rose to the sky, I caught sight of the eclipse. I shake my head, wishing that I could enjoy it like the others, but my head was pounding. It wasn’t even due to being tired, this feeling was different like I had just exerted myself and was now being told to do it again. My master was undoubtedly sleeping, but I needed something that would do away with my dreams, at least for a few nights. I could no longer take this; I needed a break. I head to my master’s room, pushing the already ajar door further open and continuing inside. And then I freeze. The air is knocked from my lungs, and the vile rises at the sight. <a data-passage="3.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The Prince wasn’t going to make a good leader. The Queen had an illegitimate child. And the King was dying. My dream from earlier did not bode well for the royal family, but that was their problem. I only received the dreams. Nowhere did I ever say that I had the power to stop them. I did nothing but recite. I was called here for one thing, and that was to reassure the people of Ipharia that their newest leader could get the job done. That was it, I could do that … Sleep finally visits me, but it visits only to mock. For as soon as I close my eyes, I am met by a dream that reminds me of the nightmare. Only, this was not like my usual dreams. Whereas everything was puzzling, and I wasn’t totally aware of my surroundings, I knew who I was and where. Alone in a forest that I didn’t know. Trekking through when I see a figure run up to me. The figure has no eyes. It attacks me, clawing at my own eyes frantically. It resembles more of a frightful animal than a person with a mind and soul, the franticness of its actions were perhaps even scarier than its motive. I awoke. The sun still not in the sky as far as the darkness told me, but outside my window, I could hear the celebration. The distant sounds of fire crackers exploding in the sky. I approach the window and with a yawn, gaze outside. I could see the bright lights decorating the town in the distance, and as my eyes rose to the sky, I caught sight of the eclipse. I shake my head, wishing that I could enjoy it like the others, but my head was pounding. It wasn’t even due to being tired, this feeling was different like I had just exerted myself and was now being told to do it again. My master was undoubtedly sleeping, but I needed something that would do away with my dreams, at least for a few nights. I could no longer take this; I needed a break. I head to my master’s room, pushing the already ajar door further open and continuing inside. And then I freeze. The air is knocked from my lungs, and the vile rises at the sight. <a data-passage="3.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<audio "eclipse" fadeout>> <<audio "masterdeath" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.40>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ Many will joke and say that we, Ecrid, upon our birth, shake hands with death willingly. That we will have a conversation with death and not despair, that we would gladly walk to En’s door and greet her like an old friend. I found no issue in those words, mostly because even I didn’t exactly fear death. There was a difference between fearing something and simply not wishing for it yet. And that is what I think most Ecrid agreed upon. Death would come to all of us, we were no more excited than the next but we failed to fear death, something we knew we would never escape. <<else>>\ Many will joke and say that Ecrid’s, upon their birth, shake hands with death willingly. That an Ecrid will have a conversation with death and not despair, that they would gladly walk to En’s door and greet her like an old friend. This is due to the full life everyone believes they have. The Ecrid’s love for travel cannot be compared to any other and is perhaps one of the reasons why Ecrid’s are known to be the wisest and friendliest. <</if>>\ Perhaps those jokes and stories rung true, for Master Audouin looked so peaceful. It was as if death had come to his side in the night and took his soul after sharing a friendly laugh. But it wasn’t death and the natural aging of my master that had stolen his breath. Instead, it was the stab wound that screamed of foul play, residing on his chest. His head was leaning to the side, his eyes still open as he looked towards the far wall. His nashi a dark grey and strange to look at, I never once remembered a time that they held no color. <<if $empathy >=50>>\ The room was as still as he, and it felt almost wrong to look upon him and not feel even an inch of emotion rolling off of him. I almost wished to delve deeper, to push my natural empath powers to their limit if only to feel the tiniest thing from him. <</if>>\ I stumbled backward, my vision blurring for a minute. [[He wasn’t dead … I was still dreaming.]] [[I feel sick …][$care +=5]] [[Stay where I am, get control of my emotions.][$care -=5]]
I shake my head. I pinch myself. I yell. I shout. I cry. I leave the room and come back. Nothing changes besides my breathing. <<if $watchEclipse>>\ “No!” I shout, he was just alive. I had //just// seen him. I was helping him pack up his vendor cart, and I sent him off to watch the eclipse. This had just happened! He was alive and well. He was alive … <<else>>\ “No!” I shout, he was just alive. I had //just// seen him. I was helping him pack up his vendor cart, and he was bragging about how many charms and potions he had sold. He joked about leaving Akrisos for Ipharia, only for me to remind him of the nobles. We laughed together, mimicking nobles and I telling him stories about the festival. This had just happened! He was alive and well. He was alive … <</if>>\ My next actions were not my own. My feet had somehow developed some sort of intelligence, and they raced through the halls, taking me towards the throne room. My mind didn’t bother to stop my legs, and my heart was beating too rapidly to truly care what my legs were doing. Neither did common sense tell me that no one would be there, they were either out watching the eclipse or sleeping. The halls began to look alike. My body was trembling. I didn’t know what to do. <a data-passage="3.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ I clench my stomach, and with my free hand, cover my mouth. I could feel the bile rushing up, the acid burning my throat before somehow pushing itself back down. I turn my back to the scene, afraid that I would genuinely throw up if I kept looking on. This was not happening; this couldn’t have happened. I had just talked to him! Laughed and joked about Ipharia and our time here. He was alive and well. He was alive … My next actions were not my own. My feet had somehow developed some sort of intelligence, and they raced through the halls, taking me towards the throne room. My mind didn’t bother to stop my legs, and my heart was beating too rapidly to truly care what my legs were doing. Neither did common sense tell me that no one would be there, they were either out watching the eclipse or sleeping. The halls began to look alike. My body was trembling. I didn’t know what to do. <a data-passage="3.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">> <<set $empathy -=5>> <</if>> <<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> <<if $empathy >=50>>\ //Get ahold of yourself//, I tell myself. But I couldn’t, for this was the time where my empath abilities worked against me. I clench my stomach, and with my free hand, cover my mouth. I could feel the bile rushing up, the acid burning my throat before somehow pushing itself back down. I turn my back to the scene, afraid that I would genuinely throw up if I kept looking on. “No!” I shout, hot tears rushing down my cheeks, he was alive. I had //just// seen him. I was helping him pack up his vendor cart, and he was bragging about how many charms and potions he had sold. He joked about leaving Akrisos for Ipharia, only for me to remind him of the nobles. We laughed together, mimicking nobles and I telling him stories about the festival. This had just happened! He was alive and well. He was alive … <<else>>\ //Get ahold of yourself//, I tell myself. My mind was on my side, but my body was not. Every time I tell myself to get a grip, it seemed to crumble more. My legs felt like they were about to give out and I felt the vile daring me to take another look so that it could successfully leave my body. I close my eyes and attempt to cancel out my surroundings, but my senses thought otherwise. My nose took a whiff of the air, and my eyes landed on my dead master once again. This was not happening. I refuse to believe that the man I had spoken to not long ago, was no laying dead. This was a joke! Some kind of sick joke! <</if>>\ My next actions were not my own. My feet had somehow developed some sort of intelligence, and they raced through the halls, taking me towards the throne room. My mind didn’t bother to stop my legs, and my heart was beating too rapidly to truly care what my legs were doing. Neither did common sense tell me that no one would be there, they were either out watching the eclipse or sleeping. The halls began to look alike. My body was trembling. I didn’t know what to do. <a data-passage="3.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I throw the doors of the throne room open, not expecting those currently there, to be in attendance. I raced towards the King who stood before his throne, speaking to someone. “Your Majesty! My master, he’s dead! Someone killed my master,” I cry out. “Silence!” the King shouted, his shout shaking the room and causing everyone in attendance to flinch. I blink in confusion, not knowing who he was talking to or what was going on. His cheeks were dampened by tears that had left their streaks. His eyes were rimmed with red and the emotion lying within of righteous rage. “Guards,” he shouted in the same tone, “detain ?him.” They do so immediately, kicking my legs out from under me and forcing me to my knees. I felt sick, and my pounding head refused to calm. What was going on? My master … what was more important than that? My heart ached, and I couldn’t find words. My mind didn’t even wish to settle as it floated down a stream of questions. I glanced up, my eyes landing on a nearby window that gave me a perfect view of the now complete lunar eclipse. <a data-passage="Chapter Four"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<set $civil = false; $tired = false; $outfit = false; $frontLine = false; $guardAnger = false; $sellstuff = false>> <<unset $warding, $soup>> <<endnobr>> <img src="images/two.png"> I double-check my bags, yawning wistfully as I recall my sleep. It was a soundless slumber, and when I awoke, I felt invigorated, which was helpful since today we would embark for the capital of the kingdom, Ipharia. I should perhaps pay my master a visit if only to see how his packing was coming along. Knowing him, he had only packed his lute, to annoy any whose ears picked up his dreadful playing. The man was a master of many things but learning how to play the lute was not one of them. I would enchant the darn thing if he were daft. Once I’m sure that I had packed everything I needed, along with a spare outfit, I grab both bags, secure my cloak, and head toward my master’s home. Inside, I find random objects floating in the air, drifting lazily upon an unseen current. I duck underneath one of his teapots, searching the rooms for the illustrious witch. Finally, I find him in his study, plopping potions into one of his traveling sales boxes. “$name?” “Yes?” “Do you think I should include the memory potions for the trip?” “I see no reason why you should, but also no reason why you shouldn’t. Do you wish to get rid of them?” “They sell poorly here. I’m hoping travelers or the capital has a much greater need for them.” “Then bring them.” I gaze around, spotting his travel bag and approaching it, unvexed to find nothing but books lying within. <a data-passage="2.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Master?” I chuckle, grabbing the hefty bag and bringing it to his attention. When his eyes land on it, he gives me a lopsided grin, “do you really plan on coming? Or will you abandon my side at the last minute.” He rolls his eyes and with a dramatic sigh, remove some of the books and replace them with clothes. “I will not lie and say that the thought hadn’t come to me. But I cede. Let us hurry, we would not wish to miss the Lord’s monologue.” I roll my eyes, the Lord of Akrisos did love his monologues. As my master finishes his packing, I look at some of his books. I would have time on the ride over, and who knows when else, to begin studying. [[Grab his personal notes on herbalism and healing magic.][$heal +=5]] [[Grab his card deck.][$tarot +=5]] [[Grab some charm bags and the guide on curses.][$chaos +=5]] [[Grab the spiritual incense.][$spirit +=5]] [[Grab a few vials of blood.][$body +=5]]
“Master, do you mind if I grab your notes on herbalism and healing magic?” I shout, looking through them. Many of these I had not been able to begin reading over. “I don’t, but when we get back remember to put them back, I’m not fully done with some.” I gather as many as I can and safely put them in my pack before joining my master by the door, ready to go. <a data-passage="2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
My master was blissfully forgetful at times, so just in case he did forget to pack them, I grab his deck. I would probably use them more so than him anyway, until I get my own personal deck that was. It was also wise since I knew not if the King and King-to-be would want a reading, seeing that they had asked for me personally. <a data-passage="2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Master, do you mind if I grab your guide on the nature of curses?” I shout to him while grabbing a few of the charm bags that I either made myself or had a hand in preparing. “I don’t, but when we get back remember to put it back, you’re not the only one who still seeks its guidance.” I shout a thank you before stuffing the guidebook into my pack and then joining my master by the door. <a data-passage="2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
This incense was used to help one focus and then enter the spiritual realm far more quickly than with regular meditation. All one had to do was inhale it, and it took effect a few minutes after. I make sure the top is secure before putting it into a sack, tying it closed, and then placing it in my pack. <a data-passage="2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The vials of blood were kept in the back, away from prying eyes. For witches, blood magic was not illegal, but it was frowned upon by both those who didn’t understand it’s uses and those who did. My master knew the benefits, as well as the risks, and so he always kept a few vials filled with animal blood handy. It wasn’t as potent as the blood from the individual witch, but it was something, nonetheless. <a data-passage="2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Once outside, my master goes to grab the wagon, while I enchant the door with a lock spell. We walk through town, engaging in little conversation as my master mostly grumbles about something that I cannot make out. I hadn’t been told how long we would stay in the capital. I surmised our last day would be the day after the prince was crowned. But I could be wrong. I spot a familiar figure at one of the vendors, discussing something with the sellers, or perhaps yelling was a better word. [[Say goodbye to Isaak.]] [[Keep going.][$isaak -=5]]
“Master, I shall join you at the Lord’s caravan,” I tell him, already beginning to walk off. “And I shall make sure I take detailed notes of the monologue that the Lord will surely make, for you.” I snort and continue on, now within earshot of Isaak's conversation. “Lower the prices,” Isaak growls, and the man behind the cart simply laughs. <<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Uqanan">>\ “Go and try to scare another, boy. Your attempts at intimidation are lost here.” I step up behind Isaak, enough for the man to see me but not for Isaak to have caught on yet. The seller’s eyes meet mine, and I see him gulp nervously. “Just give me two ruho, boy!” Isaak happily gives him the few coin before turning around, almost colliding into me. “How long have you been standing there?” <<else>>\ “Go and try to scare another, boy. Your attempts at intimidation are lost here.” I step up behind Isaak, waiting for their small discussion to cease. “Come on! They were just two ruho the other day.” “And now they’re five, either buy or stop wasting my time.” I watch as Isaak begrudgingly puts the coin on the side and snatches the goods from the seller, turning and almost running into me. “How long have you been standing there?” <</if>>\ [[“I just got here.”][$honesty -=2]] [[“For a while.”][$honesty +=2]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ “I just got here,” I say with a welcoming smile, “find everything okay?” <<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Uqanan">>Isaak begins to reply<<else>>Isaak rolls his eyes<</if>> but stops when he sees the pack on my back. His gaze meets mine and is filled with questions. “I was invited to the King’s coronation. I am to leave with the Lord and his entourage. I only came over to bid you goodbye.” He visibly deflates. “How long will you be gone?” The Prince’s coronation was two days from today, so it could be anywhere from three days or a couple more. I opt to shrug though, not wishing to answer and utter false assurances. “I understand,” Isaak tells me, lowering his voice, “must be nice to be important.” I give him a look that he returns with a small, apologetic smile, failing to keep eye contact he says “but it’s all good, isn’t it? Have fun.” He walks by me, patting my shoulders weakly before scurrying on. [[Be on my way.][$isaak -=2]] [[Hug him properly.][$isaak +=3]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honesty ++</span> <</if>>\ “I was actually standing here for quite some time,” I say with a welcoming smile, <<if $species is "Cimmerian" or $species is "Uqanan">>“Ah, so perhaps I should be thanking you for the seller’s sudden change in mind.”<<else>>“Ah, so you saw all of that?”<</if>> He frowns at the sight of my pack, questioning me with only a gaze. “I was invited to the King’s coronation. I am to leave with the Lord and his entourage. I only came over to bid you goodbye.” He visibly deflates. “How long will you be gone?” The Prince’s coronation was two days from today, so it could be anywhere from three days or a couple more. I opt to shrug though, not wishing to answer and utter false assurances. “I understand,” Isaak tells me, lowering his voice, “must be nice to be important.” I give him a look that he returns with a small, apologetic smile, failing to keep eye contact he says “but it’s all good, isn’t it? Have fun.” He walks by me, patting my shoulders weakly before scurrying on. [[Be on my way.][$isaak -=2]] [[Hug him properly.][$isaak +=3]]
There is little else I can do in response to that, and so, I leave. At this moment, my master probably needed saving anyway. I apparently make it back at the perfect time too. For as soon as I approach, the Lord chooses to do the same. <a data-passage="2.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I grab his free hand and yank him back to me, pulling him into a tight embrace. I can feel how shocked he is by the hug, though he gets over it a second later. He wraps his arms around me and squeezes softly before we both take a step back. “Don’t fall for any good-looking knights,” he tells me, avoiding eye contact and opting to just stare at the ground as he nervously messes with a tuff of grass. [[“No promises.”][$isaak -=2]] [[“I doubt they’ll be as good looking as you.”][$isaak +=3; $isaakLi +=1; $crushStatus = "head over heels"]] [[“Ew.”][$issak +=2]]
“No promises,” I snort, not missing his sad and nervous gulp. He nods at me and gives me one last farewell before he goes back to his business. I to then turn and head back to my master. <a data-passage="2.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The corners of my mouth quirk up as I playfully shove him, “I doubt they can hold a candle to your handsomeness.” I get the desired effect as his cheeks bloom like a fresh field of poppies. His eyes widen as he desperately tries to find something to say back. With a natural smile, I watch as he tries to puff out his chest, and then relax into the air, forgetting that we were in the middle of the street. He trips but quickly recovers, his blush going nowhere as he clears his throat. “Um, yea. Of course,” he says, trying to make his voice sound more profound. “You’re adorable,” I snort and turn on my heel to go. “Wait, that’s a good thing, right!?” I hear him shout after me, but I don’t answer. When I turn to get one last glimpse of him, I see he’s walking with a skip in his step. I return to my master's side, apparently making great time too. For as soon as I approach, the Lord chooses to do the same. <a data-passage="2.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The thought itself causes me to roll my eyes, but I say nothing but a simple, “ew.” Isaak seems to like that answer better than I expect, and he nods cheerfully in agreement. With one last farewell, he goes back to his business, and me to mine. I return to my master's side, apparently making great time too. For as soon as I approach, the Lord chooses to do the same. <a data-passage="2.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I keep pace with my master, tossing Isaak one last look before looking ahead of me. “Is that it?” he questions, gazing over at me. “What do you mean?” “I think me and you both know that Isaak will be severely put out to learn that you left without giving him a proper goodbye.” “I owe him nothing.” “Indeed, but his crush on you is as obvious as the sun above us. Do you not feel the same?” [[“Of course not.”]] [[“I don’t know, honestly.”]]
I scoff, sending a wry grin his way, “do I look like I have any kind of interest in that man?” My master spares me a quick glance before looking back at the path in front of us. “I thought as much. Simply wanted to know for sure.” I nod in understanding as we turn down a path, finding the Lord’s entourage there, discussing something as their servants kept their expensive silks from hitting the ground. <a data-passage="2.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I bite the inside of my cheek, gazing at the ground and then sparing another glance over my shoulder, of course, we had walked too far for me to see Isaak anymore. “I don’t know, honestly. At times I find myself admiring him, but I also sometimes can’t stand him or just see him as nothing more than a friend. You don’t think I’m leading him on, do you?” “If you are, then he is happy to be led. But no, you owe him nothing and your head is probably not exactly thinking of a trivial dalliance at the moment.” I nod in understanding as we turn down a path, finding the Lord’s entourage there, discussing something as their servants kept their expensive silks from hitting the ground. <a data-passage="2.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Ah, Master Audouin and Apprentice $name. How happy I was to learn that the two of you would be joining us on this venture,” the Lord of Akrisos greets, pushing some of those vying for his attention out of the way so that he could approach. “Hmm, are you in need of a horse?” My master looks to me, begging to end him here and now. He clears his throat, and a humble chuckle escapes as he waves the Lord’s words away. “Of course not, my Lord. Our mule here is in peak condition.” “Mule?” he questions, peering past us at the wagon that indeed was being pulled by no such creature. “Indeed. Juniper is his name. He has quite a temper on him, refuses to do as he is asked on most occasions,” my master continues, giving me the side-eye and winking. [[Play along.][$honesty -=5]] [[Tell the Lord we need a horse.][$honesty +=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ I wink right back before clearing my throat, looking upon the Lord with curious eyes, “but he does love being pet. Would you like to pet him?” The Lord’s eyes are now large and filled to the brim with confusion, he looks from me to my master, and to where Juniper is supposedly standing. “Would he … like that?” “Of course, just make sure you rub him gently.” My master steps out of the way, allowing the Lord to step up and extend his hand. He does so nervously, throwing both of us a quizzical smile as he begins to pet the air. “Ah!” I scream, causing both him and my master to jump in fright, “you poked him dead in his bad eye.” I throw my arms around the invisible neck of a mule that does not exist, petting his unseen mane. “Now we will need a horse, no way Juniper can continue like this.” “Poor Juniper,” my master says in mock sadness, wiping away a tear that has yet to form. “I do apologize. I … I’ll go fetch you one of my best horses with haste.” He darts away, calling forth two servants as he goes. “Hmm, I do believe we made the Lord forget his station,” my master chuckles, high fiving me proudly. <a data-passage="2.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ I sigh and roll my eyes hopelessly as the Lord dives deeper into the story of Juniper, the never conceived mule and his miserable life on this planet. It is as I thought, if my master had ever failed in being a well-rounded witch, he would have an easy enough time becoming a traveling barb. “My master jests,” I tell the Lord with a good-natured laugh, ending my master’s fun and causing him to pout, “we do require a horse, my Lord.” The Lord seems to shake his head, clearing his mind and laughing awkwardly at his own foolery. “Of course, at once,” he states and turns to bark the order to a nearby servant. My master turns to me and pouts even more, “I was just about to tell him how I came across Juniper.” “You were getting to deeply invested in your own lie,” I tell him following a great guffaw. “That is why I have you,” he laughs, though the laugh fails to meet his eyes, “to remind an old man that his stories are simply that.” <a data-passage="2.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We wait patiently for the horse to be hooked to the cart, my master entertaining the other nobles as I look over the wagon with glazed eyes. “Well, well, well,” I hear a familiar voice speak behind me, and immediately turn to see Ansellus. I had failed to hear him ride up, my mind elsewhere. He was dressed in casual guard cloth, nothing like the three soldiers that had ridden up alongside him, along with two other apprentices. Currently, his short brown hair had been cut into an awkward style with most of his bangs still intact, but the sides and back trimmed far too short for it to be purposeful. His dark brown eyes look at me expectantly. “I didn’t know you were coming on this journey, $name. How fortunate.” [[“I do believe there’s a ditch to your right.”][$ansellus -=2; $care +=2]] [[“Can we try and be civil?”][$civil = true; $ansellus +=2; $hostile -=2]] [[Ignore him.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ I sigh in annoyance, pointing my thumb behind me, “I do believe there’s a ditch to your right. Would you mind throwing yourself in it?” “My, what rude words to say,” he mocks, and I decide to simply ignore him, at least then he might get bored and leave me be. I feel his presence on my back, and I wonder if I should turn around and ‘accidentally’ hit him as I do so. Before I can do anything though, he grabs my arm and forcefully pushes me into the wagon. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I swat his hand away immediately and push him back a few feet. I raise a brow at his actions, perhaps he was drunk or maybe he was just hoping that I would end his pathetic existence here and now. “You forget who you mess with,” I tell him and though he tries to stand his ground, I can see him gulp. He indeed forgot. “Your magic doesn’t scare me, witch.” With a cocky grin, I lean in towards him and say, “I don’t need magic to break something so fragile.” “Ansellus,” one of the soldiers call out to him in an annoyed tone. “Your master calls you.” “Don’t think this is over,” he growls. His refusal to immediately turn and see what his superiors wanted causes them to approach us. And though their attention is set upon Ansellus, I feel myself stiffening. He had caused this, but it wasn’t unlike Ansellus to lie and say that I had begun everything. Would they believe him? Not only was I Uqanan but I also wielded magic, one of those were enough for others to look at me in distrust. Both … <<elseif $species is "Cimmerian">>\ My brow wrinkles in anger, and before I can do anything I would later regret, I turn into a shadow and escape his embrace. I manifest on the other side of the wagon, leaning forward to look him over. “You ever touch me again, you will find yourself lacking a hand.” “Is that a threat?” he questions. I try, but I can’t help the rolling of my eyes. “Ansellus,” one of the soldiers call out to him in an annoyed tone. “Your master calls you.” “Don’t think this is over,” he growls. His refusal to immediately turn and see what his superiors wanted causes them to approach us. And though their attention is set upon Ansellus, I feel myself stiffening. He had caused this, but it wasn’t unlike Ansellus to lie and say that I had begun everything. Would they believe him? Not only was I Cimmerian but I also wielded magic, one of those were enough for others to look at me in distrust. Both … <<else>>\ I look from his hand to Ansellus, then back. “Don’t you ever touch me,” I tell him, swatting his hand off of me harshly. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>I can feel my insides shifting at the sudden emotion, my cheeks heating as I’m sure my nashi was beginning to darken.<<else>>Trying to cool the anger that undoubtedly shows on my face.<</if>> “Or what?” he asks, hoping to push any button that he could. Even a blind man could see what he was trying to do, and yet I felt myself falling for it in anger. “You will lose that hand,” I retort. He laughs, my words lost within a void of other insults and threats that has probably been said to him. “Ansellus,” one of the soldiers call out to him in an annoyed tone. “Your master calls you.” “Don’t think this is over,” he growls. His refusal to immediately turn and see what his superiors wanted causes them to approach us. And though their attention is set upon Ansellus, I feel myself stiffening. He had caused this, but it wasn’t unlike Ansellus to lie and say that I had begun everything. Would they believe him? Ansellus’s way of thinking wasn’t rare. Those who wielded magic were feared but respected, for reasons of an obvious nature. I hardly spoke to the soldiers here, seeing no reason to. But that also meant that they didn’t know me, any more than I knew them. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ “Can we and try and be civil, Ansellus? We are both representing Akrisos on this journey, and we both are also working.” <<if $insult>>\ “You called me an Alyrian,” he growls, pronouncing the word in disgust. He spits after saying it like that would clean his mouth and rid him of the foul taste. “Only after you accused me of lying and being a crooked $species. If you thought I would just let you insult my name, then you have little knowledge of how the world works.” He seems ready to dismount when a soldier calls for him in an annoyed tone. <<else>>\ “You are representing nothing but your own foul interests, witch.” “I fail to recall when you have ever gotten to know what me and my interests are,” I say back, gritting my teeth together in frustration. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>I can feel my insides shifting at the sudden emotion, my cheeks heating as I’m sure my nashi was beginning to darken.<<else>>Trying to cool the anger that undoubtedly shows on my face.<</if>> He seems ready to dismount when a soldier calls for him in an annoyed tone. “Careful, Ansellus. It would seem that your superiors aren’t exactly happy with you. This truce might be beneficial for you.” “I will never sign myself over to some witch.” His refusal to walk away leads to his superiors coming over to us, and I stiffen. Would they believe him or me? His way of thinking wasn’t rare. Those who wielded magic were feared but respected, for reasons of an obvious nature. More so, I hardly spoke to the soldiers here, seeing no reason to – until now that is. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I continue my work, ignoring him like I did any other time he felt he needed to show his face. Most times, he didn’t bother me. I’m sure the only reason I even became a potential target was because I had the nerve to stand up for Isaak once. Since then, Ansellus has been as bothersome as a gnat. “Hey,” he shouts, grabbing my arm forcefully and turning me around to face him, pushing me into the wagon. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I swat his hand away immediately and push him back a few feet. I raise a brow at his actions, perhaps he was drunk or maybe he was just hoping that I would end his pathetic existence here and now. “You forget who you mess with,” I tell him and though he tries to stand his ground, I can see him gulp. He indeed forgot. “Your magic doesn’t scare me, witch.” With a cocky grin, I lean in towards him and say, “I don’t need magic to break something so fragile.” “Ansellus,” one of the soldiers call out to him in an annoyed tone. “Your master calls you.” “Don’t think this is over,” he growls. His refusal to immediately turn and see what his superiors wanted causes them to approach us. And though their attention is set upon Ansellus, I feel myself stiffening. He had caused this, but it wasn’t unlike Ansellus to lie and say that I had begun everything. Would they believe him? Not only was I Uqanan but I also wielded magic, one of those were enough for others to look at me in distrust. Both … <<elseif $species is "Cimmerian">>\ My brow wrinkles in anger, and before I can do anything I would later regret, I turn into a shadow and escape his embrace. I manifest on the other side of the wagon, leaning forward to look him over. “You ever touch me again, you will find yourself lacking a hand.” “Is that a threat?” he questions. I try, but I can’t help the rolling of my eyes. “Ansellus,” one of the soldiers call out to him in an annoyed tone. “Your master calls you.” “Don’t think this is over,” he growls. His refusal to immediately turn and see what his superiors wanted causes them to approach us. And though their attention is set upon Ansellus, I feel myself stiffening. He had caused this, but it wasn’t unlike Ansellus to lie and say that I had begun everything. Would they believe him? Not only was I Cimmerian but I also wielded magic, one of those were enough for others to look at me in distrust. Both … <<else>>\ I look from his hand to Ansellus, then back. “Don’t you ever touch me,” I tell him, swatting his hand off of me harshly. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>I can feel my insides shifting at the sudden emotion, my cheeks heating as I’m sure my nashi was beginning to darken.<<else>>Trying to cool the anger that undoubtedly shows on my face.<</if>> “Or what?” he asks, hoping to push any button that he could. Even a blind man could see what he was trying to do, and yet I felt myself falling for it in anger. “You will lose that hand,” I retort. He laughs, my words lost within a void of other insults and threats that has probably been said to him. “Ansellus,” one of the soldiers call out to him in an annoyed tone. “Your master calls you.” “Don’t think this is over,” he growls. His refusal to immediately turn and see what his superiors wanted causes them to approach us. And though their attention is set upon Ansellus, I feel myself stiffening. He had caused this, but it wasn’t unlike Ansellus to lie and say that I had begun everything. Would they believe him? Ansellus’s way of thinking wasn’t rare. Those who wielded magic were feared but respected, for reasons of an obvious nature. I hardly spoke to the soldiers here, seeing no reason to. But that also meant that they didn’t know me, any more than I knew them. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Did you not hear us calling for you, boy?” one of the soldier’s question, peering over at me. “My apologies, ?he had disrespected me,” Ansellus states. All of their eyes now rest on me, and I feel them each look me over, judging and analyzing me. They each sat upon their horses, gazing down their noses as I stood there silently. “What was said?” the previous soldier asks. “Nothing that merits punishment. Simply a young boy whose negative energy festers with each passing day,” my master says, approaching. He looks back at Ansellus in antipathy before his expression shifts to one of respect as he gazes at the three riders. “Horace. Shane. Amanda. I wasn’t told that you three fine soldiers would be accompanying us.” “Neither were we told that you would be attending, Master Audouin.” “Ah, yes because we all know how I revel in these sort of things,” my master chuckles, peering over at me with a good-natured smile, “my apprentice, $name. No doubt you have seen ?him before when telling the town of the good fortunes soon to come?” Their gazes upon me shift, as if somehow those words had elevated me back up from a mere irksome witch, to an actual person with a heart and emotions. “You must forgive us. We usually don’t have the pleasure of visiting the town square for such meetings, so we have yet to meet,” the only female in the group says, giving me a quick nod of greeting. “It is of no consequence. Now, what seems to be the problem here?” “It would seem that your apprentice and ours has some kind of quarrel with one another.” [[“I don’t bicker with those below me.”][$ansellus -=3; $smug +=5]] [[“We have no such thing.” Save us both from whatever punishment may come.][$ansellus +=5; $smug -=5]] [[“Your apprentice has the quarrel, I only exist.”][$smug -=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ I huff, turning up my nose as I lean on the wagon behind me, “I don’t bicker with those below me.” My master beings to laugh before immediately attempting to turn it into a cough. He clears his throat and nods at the guards and then gives me a harsh, reprimanding look. “Listen and listen well. Both of you will remember that we not only represent the Lord on this trip but Akrisos as well. You will behave.” [[“Was Ansellus asked for exclusively?”][$smug +=5]] [[“I’m always on my best behavior.”][$hostile -=3]] <<if $civil>>\ [[“I said the same thing.”][$ansellus -=2]] <</if>>\ [[Nod.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ “I assure you that we have no such thing. At times, Ansellus and I see things differently, but we still respect one another.” Ansellus gives me a bewildered look but quickly masks it with one of approval and agreement. My master gives me a look, seeing through my lie as if he was in my mind, listening to my thoughts. The guards, on the other hand, stay in the dark, our words sating them. “Then the two of you behaving on this trip shouldn’t be too much to ask. Remember, we represent not only the Lord but Akrisos as well.” [[“Was Ansellus asked for exclusively?”][$smug +=5]] [[“I’m always on my best behavior.”][$hostile -=3]] <<if $civil>>\ [[“I said the same thing.”][$ansellus -=2]] <</if>>\ [[Nod.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ “Your apprentice has the quarrel,” I tell them, shifting some of the boxes on the wagon around, “I only exist and would like to keep doing so undisturbed.” I can hear Ansellus say something underneath his voice but I, nor anyone else probably, can make out what he says. “Regardless. Both of you need to behave on this trip. We represent not only the Lord but Akrisos as well.” [[“Was Ansellus asked for exclusively?”][$smug +=5]] [[“I’m always on my best behavior.”][$hostile -=3]] <<if $civil>>\ [[“I said the same thing.”][$ansellus -=2]] <</if>>\ [[Nod.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ “Was Ansellus asked for exclusively by the King and the future King? Because I was.” I see my master sigh, hiding his face behind his hand, and the guards give me an indecipherable look. “So, I don’t have to behave,” I point the finger at Ansellus, “he does. Anything else?” The guards frown but say nothing more, ordering Ansellus to come as they turn their horses around and head back. I watch as they go, trying to put off the scolding that my master will probably deliver. I finally turn to him and see him fighting a smile, once the guards disappear behind a wagon, he finally laughs, tapping my shoulder. “That was something to be remembered. Your words shook all of them to their core,” he tells me, wiping away a tear that wasn’t there. “You’re not mad?” “Mad? For telling soldiers who are literally on their high horse to come off it? No, of course not. Now come, let us make sure this wagon is ready as the Lord seems ready to be off.” <a data-passage="2.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ I muster up my most innocent face ever, “I’m always on my best behavior. No need to worry about me.” The guards nod, accepting my words before they narrow their eyes on their apprentice. “And you, for once in your life, wear your colors as if you serve them and not the other way around.” They continue to berate Ansellus as they turn their horses around and head to the front of the preparing entourage. I sigh, turning to my master to see if he would chide me for what had happened. He glances at me, shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, and then sets his attention on the wagon. “Wait, are you not upset?” “For what? Defending yourself against the likes of him? Of course not. But come, let us make sure this wagon is ready, as the Lord seems ready to be off.” <a data-passage="2.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You know,” I begin with mock fascination, “I said the exact same thing. Great minds think alike it would seem.” The guards don’t seem to share in my amusement, though I do hear the low rumble of laughter escaping my master’s lips. “Great, then we’re all in accord,” one of the guard’s state, not waiting for an answer from me before turning his attention to Ansellus. “And you, for once in your life, wear your colors as if you serve them and not the other way around.” They continue to berate Ansellus as they turn their horses around and head to the front of the preparing entourage. I sigh, turning to my master to see if he would chide me for what had happened. He glances at me and gives me a toothy grin, his nashi flashing brightly before dimming. “So, you’re not mad?” “I’m simply mad that I couldn’t laugh like I wished to when you said, ‘great minds think alike.’ But no, of course not. Now, if you’re done playing with little boys who have yet to truly mature, let us make sure this wagon is ready, as the Lord seems ready to be off.” <a data-passage="2.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I say nothing, but I do nod to tell them that I agreed on their words and would do what was needed to keep the peace. Content with my silent accord they all look down at Ansellus. “And you, for once in your life, wear your colors as if you serve them and not the other way around.” They continue to berate him as they turn their horses around and head to the front of the preparing entourage. I sigh, turning to my master to see if he would chide me for what had happened. He glances at me, shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, and then sets his attention on the wagon. “Wait, are you not upset?” “For what? Defending yourself against the likes of him? Of course not. But come, let us make sure this wagon is ready, as the Lord seems ready to be off.” <a data-passage="2.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I close the curtains on the back of the wagon before taking a seat next to my master, taking the reins from him as we take up the rear of the entourage. The only ones behind us were two soldiers. Thankfully, Ansellus is further ahead. “Hmm, why do you think they put us back here?” my master asks, pulling out his lute as he asks me the question. My eyes widen as he begins to play, singing a song that was about a pretty girl with freckles and long golden hair, yet it sounded more like a song about a crooked old hag who was withering under the sweltering sun. “This is why,” I grumble as I attempt to faze his voice out. Otherwise, I was tempted to throw his lute to the ground and ride off. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The hours tick by and thankfully my master has long since abandoned his lute, instead opting to view the passing vista. I hear him sigh a couple of times wistfully before I finally question where his mind has veered off to. “Thinking about what was and what will be.” He peers over at me with curiosity glistening in his eyes, “I know we speak little of our pasts but call me curious. What do you remember about your childhood?” [[“I was a street kid.”][$stealth +=5; $persuade +=5; $background = "streetkid"]] [[“I was raised by a community mostly.”][$allforone +=10; $fame +=5; $background = "community"]] [[“I’ve been traveling since I can remember.”][$allforone -=10; $fame +=10; $knowledge = true; $background = "traveler"]] [[“I was a slave through most of my childhood.”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Persuasion ++<br> Covertness ++</span> <</if>>\ “I grew up on the streets mainly. But it wasn’t the worst life. When you have eyes like this, it makes it five times easier to get away with things. And if I was ever caught, well, my eyes spoke for themselves, and everyone thought it was just an accident.” “Those around you couldn’t have fallen for that for long.” “They didn’t, and as soon one person realized that I really could see, I left. I did that for a time.” “And then you began to travel in a more serious manner?” <a data-passage="2.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Chivalrous ++</span> <</if>>\ “I was raised amongst a community mostly, one not so different from Akrisos. I’m not sure if they took me in because they thought I was blind, or because they knew my parents. They … they never really told me. But they taught me what I needed to know about the world and helped me get started. So I’m grateful for that.” “And then you began to move around?” <a data-passage="2.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<remember $achievementpoints +=1>> <<remember $talent_info = true>> <<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Individualistic ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> <<notify>>Achievement ''Well-Versed'' unlocked!<</notify>> “I don’t remember much. Anything concerning my early years feels like jumbled up puzzle pieces. Pieces that still don’t know what they want to build. I remember growing up within a small community, and as soon as I was old enough to break away, I did. I was always interested in leaving, I just didn’t know when I would.” “And so your travels started then?” <a data-passage="2.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I was a slave through most of my childhood before being able to gain my freedom.” My master’s eyes grow wide at this news, looking at me as if he could’ve never guessed. I suppose it wasn’t the first thing one would think, though it was hardly rare for those in Nidinia, especially since such thing was legal. “What kind of slave, if you don’t mind my inquisitiveness?” [[“A brothel slave.”][$persuade +=5; $honesty -=10; $singing = true; $background = "slave_brothel"]] [[“A gladiator slave.”][$combat +=10; $background = "slave_gladiator"]] [[“A noble slave.”][$pious +=10; $knowledge = true; $background = "slave_noble"]]
<<nobr>> <<remember $achievementpoints +=1>> <<remember $talent_sing = true>> <<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Deceitful ++<br> Persuasion ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> <<notify>>Achievement ''Lovely Pipes'' unlocked!<</notify>> “I was a brothel slave,” I tell him, “I didn’t do much besides clean and entertain those who came in with my voice, I learned that I had a great voice there. But I also would give ‘readings. Most of them were fake because I needed the ruho more than I needed their trust.” “Ah, my apologies. I rarely hear that one is a brothel slave and had to do … unsavory things.” “The owner of the brothel that I worked at was a decent woman or as decent as a woman who bought slaves could be. I worked for my freedom.” “And then you began to travel?” <a data-passage="2.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Combat ++<br> Persuasion ++</span> <</if>> “I was a gladiator slave. Mostly I did nothing but clean out the coliseums and other areas, but I also earned ruho by telling the fighters their odds. Those who didn’t have ruho to spare, or just enjoyed my presence taught me how to fight as well. Anyway, I was able to pay for my freedom.” “And then you began to travel?” <a data-passage="2.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<remember $achievementpoints +=1>> <<remember $talent_info = true>> <<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Devotion ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> <<notify>>Achievement ''Well-Versed'' unlocked!<</notify>> “I was a noble slave, that is to say, that I worked for one of the many noble houses that Nidinia recognizes. I did a bunch of odd jobs and errands and cleaned. Because I was a child, I didn’t get into as much trouble as the older slaves, but I still saw my fair of trouble for personality reasons. Anyway, I was able to work for my freedom.” “And then you began to travel?” <a data-passage="2.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Yea. At first, I traveled because I just wanted to see more, so it was mostly curiosity, I suppose. But later it was to learn more about my magic, to better understand what I could do. It was only later that I learned that no one could teach me how to control my ludá. Once I figured that out, I just wanted to find a master. You know the rest.” He gives me a subtle smile as he nods. But it quickly disappears when we spot a group of people jump from the woods and attack the wagons further up. I immediately stop our horse, watching as those further up begin to scream in fright. A few minutes later, I hear the sound of metal clashing against metal, and I surmise that the guards were handling the highway bandits. “Should we do something,” I question, glancing down at my master who sits calmly, but I can tell from his nashi and how his eyes linger on the area, that he’s not as cool as he appears. “How confident are you with your combat abilities?” <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ “Ha!” I laugh, a broad sneer on my face, “I’m Uqanan. I was created for combat.” My master raises his brow at my words but otherwise says nothing more. “Then, by all means, help,” he tells me, and I take a step to leave the wagon when the guards behind me rush by. “Stay where you are,” one of them yells as they continue on. “Let us do our job,” the other adds in. I pout, gazing over at my master who glances at me, interested in what I was going to do next. [[Help them out.][$combat +=3; $allforone +=3; $guardAnger = true]] [[Stay here.][$allforone -=3]] <<else>>\ [[“Quite confident.”][$combat +=5]] [[“Yea that may be a dumb thought.”]] <</if>>\
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Combat ++</span> <</if>>\ I think about my combat magic and my abilities without magic. “I think I’ll be fine. This wouldn’t be my first tussle.”’ “Then, by all means, help,” he tells me, and I take a step to leave the wagon when the guards behind me rush by. “Stay where you are,” one of them yells as they continue on. “Let us do our job,” the other adds in. I pout, gazing over at my master who glances at me, interested in what I was going to do next. [[Help them out.][$combat +=3; $allforone +=3; $guardAnger = true]] [[Stay here.][$allforone -=3]]
I withdraw further into my seat, giving him a sideways smile as I think his words over, “yea, maybe it’ll be better if I just leave it to the guards.” As soon as I say this, the two guards that were stationed behind us gallop by, trying to reassure us that everything would be fine and that they would handle it. I chew on the side of my lip, wondering perhaps if I should really go and lend a hand. [[Help them out.][$combat +=3; $allforone +=3; $guardAnger = true]] [[Stay here.][$allforone -=3]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Combat ++<br> Chivalrous ++</span> <</if>>\ I hop off the wagon and over my shoulder, shout to my master that I’ll be back. “Be careful,” he shouts back at me as I pass some of the other noble carriages, all of them shrieking from the safety of inside, hoping that their precious gems and jewels wouldn’t be touched. I get to the front and survey the situation. The highwaymen were a mix of Uqanan, <<link 'Dreolds'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>First, many seem to forget that Dreold is a species but with sub-races. Dreold means 'small of stature' and consists of a handful of races, many who even seem to dislike one another. The most common races of Dreold are: Iseuzai Dreolds, also known as the Kīn'old, Northern Dreolds, Has-Dreolds, and Mě-Dreolds. * Iseuzai Dreolds can stand between 4' to 4'5 feet and are easy to spot thanks to their four arms. They are slender built and incredibly quick on their feet. * Northern Dreolds are a stockier built around 4'2 to 4'7 feet, they are an incredibly hardy, used to living in tough terrain. * Has-Dreolds are the smallest of Dreolds and are always 4'feet or shorter, in fact 4 feet is rare. They come in a variety of sizes and have a much glossier type of skin than other Dreolds. * Mě-Dreolds are the tallest Dreolds and will be anywhere between 4'5 to 5' feet. Typically they have either one or two heads, though it's not rare to spot some those with three. They are quite friendly though exceedingly lazy.<</dialog>><</link>>, and Alyrian. <<if $knowledge>>\ I shouldn’t be surprised by the presence of Dreolds, though to be more specific the race known as Kīn'old. I had never known a group of thieves that didn’t hold at least one of the race. It wasn’t a shock either, the Kīn'old looked like they were made exclusively to give the inhabitants of Jiwenia something to watch out for. They were short and slender creatures with four arms, two quick feet, a witty mouth, and a clever mind. Their ability to get into trouble was mind-blowing, and their ability to get out even more so. I wouldn’t be surprised that even if we managed to run them off that they had already stolen a trunk worth of valuables. <<else>>\ I shouldn’t be surprised by the presence of Dreolds. I had never known a group of thieves that didn’t hold at least one of the short species. It wasn’t a shock either, the Dreolds looked like they were made exclusively to give the inhabitants of Jiwenia something to watch out for. They were short creatures, most of the ones I've spotted were thin. They were short and slender creatures with four arms, two quick feet, a witty mouth, and a clever mind. Their ability to get into trouble was mind-blowing, and their ability to get out even more so. I wouldn’t be surprised that even if we managed to run them off that they had already stolen a trunk worth of valuables. <</if>>\ When I get within range, I scope out the situation. Three guards were taking on the Uqanan, and they were suffering tremendously. Two of them, one of them being Ansellus, was fighting with two Alyrians. And lastly, two guards were attempting to grab hold of the nimble <<if $knowledge>>Kīn'olds.<<else>>Dreolds.<</if>> [[Help take them all out.][$fight +=10]] [[Make sure everyone stays safe.][$fight -=10]]
My offensive magic was still a work in progress, one that didn’t receive as much attention as other areas purely because I didn’t need it. I would have to be careful not to drain myself, but I was confident that I could. Taking a deep breath in, I recall one such spell that sent out multiple energy balls. Thinking even harder, I could think of two spells now. One was random, I released the energy, but their targets were random, while the other would allow me to home in on the targets and send them all forward. But of course, that always took a great deal of energy on my part. [[Home in on the targets.][$tired = true; $energy -=15]] [[Let the spell randomly choose.]]
I take a calm, deep breath in as I murmur the words. Immediately, I feel the magic within me gather before surging out. Each individual streak shoots through the sky, forming into a ball with every second that it flies. Before, at last, it makes contact with its target, hitting them and causing them to be knocked off their feet and sent flying back. I’m unable to truly celebrate as I watch with a crooked painful grin, one eye closed as my chest feel like it was currently being rung like a giant temple bell. I focus on my breathing, finally gaining some semblance of control as I gaze around. Realizing that there is a witch among the caravan, the thieves scatter and head back into the nearby forest, even the Uqanan flees from the fight. <a data-passage="2.6.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I didn’t like to play around with my magic, I never knew if I would need it in the near future. So, I decide to simply go with the primary part of the spell. I take a calm, deep breath in as I murmur the words. Immediately, I feel the magic within me gather before surging out. Each individual streak shoots through the sky, forming into a ball with every second that it flies. Before, at last, it makes contact with its target. Some of those targets were the actual thieves, others were the ground or nearby trees. Even Ansellus finds himself the target of one particular ball. The balls that do hit the thieves, and Ansellus, cause them to be knocked off their feet and sent flying back. Realizing that there is a witch among the caravan, the shaken thieves scatter and head back into the nearby forest. <a data-passage="2.6.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
My defensive magic was still a work in progress. It didn’t receive as much attention as the other areas purely because I didn’t need it as much. I would have to be careful not to drain myself, but I was confident that I could. Taking a deep breath in, I recall a simple spell that allowed me to create small shields whenever I wished to, though this spell came with two different parts. The main spell did allow for small shields to be cast, but there was an addition that allowed for those shields to stay up, continually being fed by the witch’s mana, which wasn’t always a wise move. [[Create shields that need to be managed.]] [[Create the shields that stay up on their own.][$tired = true; $energy -=15]]
I take a calm, deep breath in as I murmur the words. Immediately, I feel the magic within me gather before surging towards my awaiting hands. I direct them to the soldiers, only being able to maintain the shields of a few. Sometimes, the shield would go down as I focused my attention on the other, always trying to do it as soon as the solider was about to be hit. Some soldiers suffered more than others, mainly Ansellus and the other apprentice recruit that fought close by. Realizing that there was a witch amongst the caravan, as well as the fact that they wouldn’t be able to win this battle, the thieves scatter and head back into the nearby forest. I breathe out in thanks, quieting the magic, and expelling the spell. <a data-passage="2.6.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I take a calm, deep breath in as I murmur the words. Immediately, I feel the magic within me gather before surging towards my awaiting hands. I direct them in front of every soldier fighting, placing it directly in front of them. Each time the thieves go to hit them, the attack is absorbed by the shield. But this didn’t give the soldier a disadvantage, they could still punch through the shield. Realizing that there is a witch among the caravan, as well as the fact that they wouldn’t be able to win this battle, the thieves scatter and head back into the nearby forest, even the Uqanan flees from the fight. I’m unable to truly celebrate as I watch with a crooked painful grin, one eye closed as my chest feels like it was currently being rung like a giant temple bell. I focus on my breathing, finally gaining some semblance of control as I gaze around. <a data-passage="2.6.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Oh, thank the High Gods for your presence, $name,” the Lord of Akrisos states, jumping out from the shelter of his carriage. He grabs my hand with both of his, shaking it desperately as if wishing to see how flimsy my arm could be. “No problem, my Lord,” I tell him, yanking my arm out of his grasp and giving him a sideways glance. I roll my elbow around before turning back to him. Others had abandoned their carriages as well to gather around and thank me. “Did you see how they ran,” the Lord asks, turning to the nobles with a great smile. My eyes turn to the guards who all gaze at me with narrowed eyes. If anyone should be thanking me, it should be them, but I suppose doing their job for them was too much for them to handle. I head back, unable to keep the wide smile off my face. My master’s gaze isn’t set on me though but the two guards that had galloped by earlier before I set off to join them. They glance at me for a quick minute before looking straight, not bothering to look over at us again. “Be careful that you do not earn their ire,” my master tells me under his breath, “guards and soldiers are not known to show those who upstage them the same respect and glory as others.” “Then they need a new profession,” I joke, taking the reins into my hands and motioning for the horse to begin moving again. <a data-passage="2.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Individualistic ++</span> <</if>>\ I remain seated, hoping that the guard’s words held truth. I look over at my master who still seems interested in the development further ahead of us, and yet remains eerily calm. “Are you worried? You don’t seem worried?” “For them, yes. For us and anyone nearby, no.” “Why?” “Do you forget that this wagon is warded, my protection and attack wards are still very much active.” I smirk and cock my thumb in the direction of those being attacked. “I’m sure they would’ve loved the same wards.” “I agree, but only a few allowed me to ward their wagons, the others wished to leave their fate in the hands of the guards.” So that was what he had been doing when he left my side, I simply thought he wished to entertain the nobles. I suppose that was a foolish enough thought on its own, knowing my master, he would rather amuse a pack of wolves. I’m not sure of all the happenings that take place. I manage to hear a scream and shout here, the sound of swords clashing there, and then I hear silence. A few minutes tick by before the guards from before trot back. They bring with them the news that the bandits had been dealt with. “Anyone need healing?” my master questions, but he gets no answer. We both gaze at one another, rolling our eyes and shrugging our shoulders uncaringly. I grab the reins and motion for the horse to begin moving again. <a data-passage="2.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $background is "slave_noble">>\ The rest of the ride is both short and uneventful. The closer we get to the gates of the kingdom, the more caravans we join as the branching roads merge into one. Due to my past as a noble slave, whether I wished to forget or not, I still knew most of the houses that held rank in Nidinia. Though I wasn’t allowed much freedom as a slave, I was taught amongst others and trained to know the different houses was part of that. <<else>>\ The rest of the ride is both short and uneventful. The closer we get to the gates of the kingdom, the more caravans we join as the branching roads merge into one. I hadn’t brushed up on the houses that held rank in Nidinia, and so many of the flags that I see the guards bearing draw a blank gaze out of me. Though they are no less exquisite to gawk at. <</if>>\ One caravan bears the colors that one would associate with the ocean. A lively orange and sapphire blending beautifully together whenever they touched. The centerpiece on the wheels looked like large pearls, and on top of the curved sandy colored carriage roof were colorful and unique plants. Even the two horses that pulled the lead carriage donned intricate costumes that reminded me of seahorses. My eyes travel to the visible couple sitting in the carriage. Both woman’s regalia consisted of bright blues, golds, and pinks. From here, I could see the jewelry that they wore with their attire. <<if $background is "slave_noble">>\ Try as I might, this particular house I could not put a name too. The inability to do so was grating my nerves. <</if>>\ “Do you know what house that is?” I question, nodding at the caravan that was mere feet from our own. “No,” my master immediately states, his golden eyes flashing to the wagon for a second before going back to the book in his hands. “I don’t usually concern myself with learning the rises and falls of the nobility, especially in a place such as Nidinia.” “Why is that?” “Some of these houses are as old as Nidinia, that is true. But many of them spring up and disappear within a matter of months, always overtaken by a neighboring town or killed off by some rival who no one knew existed.” His gaze shifts to the threshold that we were moments away from passing under. “Out of all the countries I have visited, Nidinia is the country of duplicity. Assassination, plotting, betrayal - they see it as a game. Their only concern is who can play it the best.” [[“Seems like a good way to keep oneself on their toes.”]] [[“And when they end up bleeding on the ground?”]] [[“Why don’t I hear about this?”]] <<if $background is "slave_noble">>\ [[“Those I worked under didn’t seem like they played.”]] <</if>>\
I shrug, not really seeing the big deal, “it seems like a good way to keep oneself on their toes.” My master obviously doesn’t share that sentiment. But he doesn’t push the subject. <<include "2.8">>
I snort, the idea was ridiculous, “and when they end up bleeding all alone on the ground?” My master shrugs, the idea sickening him as much as it did me, “then I suppose they realized that they lost. I wouldn’t be shocked if they even tried to turn their own death into something that their family could use.” <<include "2.8">>
I cock my head ever so slightly, “why haven’t I ever heard about this game then?” “You don’t run in the same social circles as they, there’s no need for you to know anything about it,” he answers plainly. <<include "2.8">>
I poke my bottom lip out in thought, “those that I worked under didn’t seem like they played.” “Did they host other houses whatsoever? Or did anyone die mysteriously?” “No one ever died mysteriously, but they did, on occasion, host other houses. Never enough to seem more than just friendly nobles.” “Hmm, then they were horrible players is all. Nobles beg for mysterious deaths, it means that even for a week, their house will be on everyone’s lips. No noble is exempt.” <<include "2.8">>
I glance at the wagons before us, “do you believe that our lord believes the same?” “No doubt. Any person with a noble title has played the game, and they all think they play it well.” “How does one know if they are good at it or not?” We make it to the large open gateway that symbolizes the entrance to Ipharia. “Welcome to Ipharia,” I hear a voice on top of the walls shout, though their voice almost gets drowned out by the sounds of trumpets singing. It’s a beautiful melody, welcoming and grand. Flags of the different houses pass us as we go, though Nidinia’s flag is by far the greatest one. Further ahead guards stand at attention, the flags of the royal family flying in all of their grips. “They know because they’re living,” I hear my master whisper. For a minute, I’m unsure what he is alluding to until I remember my question. I gaze over at him, but he makes sure not to look at me, the words existing on the paper before him are much more fascinating. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> Whether all for show or because this is simply how they live, the people of Ipharia are out and about, celebrating with every fiber that they might possess. As one massively long caravan is led deeper within the city, I find that they all seem excited. Perhaps they were threatened to behave in such a way. Told that if a guard spots them without bearing a smile, then their life is forfeit. Or maybe not. Colorful flag pennants hang over the gaps between buildings, portraying the royal colors as well as symbols. The fountain that sits in the square shoots out gusts of water and colored mist, earning eye rolls from the adults but ecstatic giggles from the children. I listen to the screams of merchants as they attempt to sell their wares. Watching as jests stand on top of buildings, throwing small candies and trinkets to those below. Musicians play on a stage, the music full of high energy and delightful notes. I can just barely hear the sounds of a chirping flute; it’s whistling tone dancing on the breeze, much like a leaf on a windy day. “Hmm, this is a good crowd,” my master says, his lips partially parting as he stared at them, “I wonder how many of them would be interested in some goods.” He gazes over at me and I, in turn, gaze from the still moving procession to the buoyant square. <<if $tired is false>>\ [[Try to sell some goods in the square.][$sellstuff = true]] <</if>>\ [[Continue on with the rest of the caravan.]]
The caravan was moving slowly anyhow, and I doubt anyone would miss us. Seeing that my master was here and not at his store, he would need to make some ruho to make up for a few days of a closed shop. I nod and with a broad smile, turn the horse so that it was now moving further into the square. “What are you doing?” one of the guard’s question, still moving with the caravan. “What does it look like?” my master asks, huffing in irritation. They both seem shocked but don’t stop us, not that they could. I continue moving further into the square, stopping once we are out of the way of the moving line of carriages and enough in the square to be noticed. I move to the back, throwing open the curtains that surround our wagon. [[Announce the two of you.][$smug +=5; $fame +=2]] [[Stay quiet and prepare the wagon.][$smug -=5]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ “Here ye here ye,” I shout to the crowd, many stopping with curious eyes to see what was going on. I stand on the edge, balancing myself as I continue, “have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders or have you ever grown weary with how mischievous Lady Luck can be and wish to just have a great day?” More and more people approach as I give out scenario after scenario. Finally, I drop to the ground and clear my throat, everyone’s eyes on me. “Then look no further for Audouin’s Charms and Potions can supply you with the magical touch you need. Whether lifting a curse or blessing yourself with sound sleep, if you need it, we have it. So step up, one at a time. Tell us what you need, or if you want a reading done, then please.” As soon as I say this, Master Audouin plops down a large stool and small square table in front of me, “take a seat. Only 10 ruho for these readings.” “Are you the Dream Seer?” I hear one voice, lost amongst the crowd, scream at me. The group begins to mumble at the accusation, the energy rising even further as they look on in hope. I smirk and do a half curtsy, “I am. The blind one that sees the future within ${his} dreams. Here to tell the beautiful city of Ipharia of its glorious future.” The crowd whoops and hollers, my master rolling his eyes though smiling, nevertheless. If I can use my own name and popularity to boost sales, then why not? It was as if I had snapped my fingers and turned on a switch, giving these people the air they needed to survive. Excitement courses through them as they attempt to form a line. Some stand before the table for a reading, while an equal number of others look through the charms, potions, and other trinkets that my master had brought with him. In no time we sell half of the wares that we brought with us and earn more coin than we ever would in a day in Akrisos. When we’re packed back up, we’re lucky in finding that the never-ending caravan was indeed, never-ending. It is less crowded, and there are gaps as they roll in and so, we just roll in behind them. We continue through the streets, the festive spirit never wavering. Of course, there aren’t thousands of people here dancing and shouting, nor are there any jests standing on rooftops or musicians playing. But yet, the same spirit that could be found in the square shows itself here in the décor. “I will get sick and tired of the royal colors before the week is up,” my master grumbles, and that I can agree with. Everywhere we look, we see the familiar colors of navy blue, silver, and purple. If one never knew the royal colors then after today, they would never be able to forget them. <a data-passage="2.8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++</span> <</if>>\ I move out of the way so that Master Audouin could grab the crowd’s attention, as he does this, I continue prepping. It was rare that I ever saw this side of him, the loud and extravagant side. When he was like this, he reminded me more of an entertainer and less of a witch who has mastered all the specialty branches. I watch in awe as he uses his feline tail to grab the deck of tarot cards that I hold out for him. He flings his deck into his hands as he tells them all to form a separate line for readings. Immediately upon his finishing, the crowd acts. Some stand before the table for a reading, while an equal number of others look through the charms, potions, and other trinkets that my master had brought along. In no time we sell half of the wares that we brought with us and earn more coin than we ever would in a day in Akrisos. When we’re packed back up, we’re lucky in finding that the never-ending caravan was indeed, never-ending. It is less crowded, and there are gaps as they roll in and so, we just roll in behind them. We continue through the streets, the festive spirit never wavering. Of course, there aren’t thousands of people here dancing and shouting, nor are there any jests standing on rooftops or musicians playing. But yet, the same spirit that could be found in the square shows itself here in the décor. “I will get sick and tired of the royal colors before the week is up,” my master grumbles, and that I can agree with. Everywhere we look, we see the familiar colors of navy blue, silver, and purple. If one never knew the royal colors then after today, they would never be able to forget them. <a data-passage="2.8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $tired>>\ I was much too tired to do anything more than just lay down. The festival wasn’t going anywhere, I’m sure it would last until the coronation and even after. We had plenty of time to sell the wares that he had brought along. “I feel far too tired to deal with customers,” I tell him, a yawn accompanying my explanation. He doesn’t argue, but he does huff. I’m sure that his main goal was to just get away from everyone else, selling wares was just an added bonus. <<else>>\ I take one last look at the crowd before setting my gaze on the carriage in front of us. I believed it wiser to just stay with the others, lest we miss out on some vital information or where we were going to stay. The festival wasn’t going anywhere, I’m sure it would last until the coronation and even after. We had plenty of time to sell the wares that he had brought along. “I think it’s smarter to stay with the line,” I tell him. He doesn’t argue, but he does huff. I’m sure that his main goal was to just get away from everyone else, selling wares was just an added bonus. <</if>>\ We continue through the streets, the festive spirit never wavering. Of course, there aren’t thousands of people here dancing and shouting, nor are there any jests standing on rooftops or musicians playing. But yet, the same spirit that could be found in the square shows itself here in the décor. “I will get sick and tired of the royal colors before the week is up,” my master grumbles, and that I can’t agree with. Everywhere we look we see the familiar colors of navy blue, silver, and purple. If one never knew the royal colors then after today, they would never be able to forget them. <a data-passage="2.8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Finally, we come to a stop, a servant approaching with a checklist in hand. <<if $sellstuff>>\ “May I have your names, please?” he questions, looking the wagon that we ride on over. His expression is one of limited disgust and disapproval. He was perhaps trying to understand why we were here when it was evident that neither of us was of the noble houses. <<else>>\ “I am to assume that you are with Lord Benedict’s entourage, correct?” he questions. <</if>>\ “We are Master Audouin and Apprentice $name $surname,” I tell him, and he pauses, flipping the page in his hand over. “Ah, here you are. If you will please continue forward, there is a servant at the castle that will show you to your rooms.” “We’re sleeping in the castle?” I question, leaning forward as if this was a secret that needed to stay between the two of us. “Of course. You are the King’s special guests. He would have it no other way.” We thank the servant and continue forward<<if $sellstuff>>.<<else>>, catching sight of the Lord’s party going a separate way.<</if>> “You hear that,” I say to my master with a smug smile, “we’re the King’s guests.” “Such grand news,” he sighs, massaging his temples. <<if $empathy >=50>>\ Despite my master having an admirable control of his own emotions, he is unable to keep hidden from me the frustration that squirms through the cracks. It wasn’t necessarily frustration towards me or even but for the predicament. His dislike for nobles and their world went deeper than I had previously suspected. <</if>>\ [[“What’s up with you?”]] [[“Aw, cheer up dad!”][$dad = true; $audouin +=1]] <<if $empathy >=50>>\ [[“Anything I can do to make this better?”]] <</if>>\ [[Leave him to his feelings.]]
“Alright,” I sigh, “what’s wrong with you. I know you don’t want to be here but is everything truly so bad?” “I simply do not wish to be so close to the nobility and their petty games. My existence is minor, and I wish to keep it that way. You have seen my hut. I am a creature who needs very little to be happy. In fact, the less it is, the happier I am.” [[“I understand.”]] [[“Keep your grim thoughts to yourself then.”]] [[“Whatever you say.”]]
“I understand what you mean, but can you at least not say that to the king’s face. I’m sure he won’t be delight that you think so little regarding his kindness.” “Well, the king can take his kindness and stick it up –” I stop him as a servant appears, cutting off what would be a vulgar phrase from my master. <a data-passage="2.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Well, keep your grim thoughts to yourself then. I will not befall the same punishment as you simply because you knew not when to be quiet.” My master doesn’t respond. Instead, he glares at a servant that approaches us. <a data-passage="2.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Whatever you say,” I smirk, my eyes landing on a servant that walks our way, waving his hand in greeting. <a data-passage="2.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
With a jovial smile, I nudge my master playfully, “aw, cheer up dad,” I say. My eyes widen at the title that had just slipped past my parted lips. My master raises a brow and spares me an interested look. Before he can say anything, I shake my head and say, “I meant master, Master Audouin.” “No, no,” he laughs, “you called me dad. $name, do you see me as a father figure?” “A servant is coming over, leave me alone,” I growl, resting my attention on the servant as I do my best to ignore my master’s consistent stare and the smug smile he wears. <a data-passage="2.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Is there anything I can do to make this better?” I question, his frustration causing my own emotions to twist and churn in much the same way. His golden-brown eyes widen, and he gives me a deep apologetic look. As soon as I receive this look, my own emotions seem to restart themselves, as if someone had just taken whatever they were reacting to and sent it away. “No. And do not allow my own feelings about this to get in the way of you enjoying yourself. Continue to be you, and I shall be fine,” he says, giving me a tired smile. I nod, my eyes landing on a servant that walks our way, waving his hand in greeting. <a data-passage="2.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">> <<set $empathy -=5>> <</if>> <</nobr>> I don’t question him. I knew that he didn’t want to come but felt obligated. No one wanted to intentionally anger the king, even rebels who would rather do such thing with a more indirect approach in mind. That was probably what all of this was. Instead, I rest my attention on a servant that casually approaches us with a warm smile. <a data-passage="2.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Greetings, may I have your name?” “$name,” my master grumbles loud enough for him to hear. “Ah, the Dream Seer. We will see to your wagon and horse, please, follow me.” “I’d feel more comfortable staying with the wagon, to lock everything up,” my master tells the man, throwing me a small smile, “but you join him. I shall find you later.” I grab my things and leave the wagon, following the servant past the gateway and onto the castle’s grounds. Surrounding us was a field of green, grass freshly cut and impeccable. No doubt magic had a hand in keeping the grass this radiant and evenly trimmed. Forest green shrubs of different heights and widths rest around the area, framing the light gray and blue mosaic pebble walkway. In the center of it all is a large circular fountain sitting in a larger rectangular pond that holds lily pads and musical frogs. I watch as birds swoop down to either drink from the water or to bathe themselves. The castle itself is a grand building of colossal size. Never in my life have my eyes fell onto a building of this magnitude and grandeur. From what I can currently see, the exterior wraps around to make what seems like a large circle. The crème color of the stone that makes up most of the castle glistens under the sun, reflecting off the stained-glass windows, as well as the windows that seem made of silver. The roof of the castle is the navy blue that one would expect the royal family to bear. Coned rooftops give way to a single flag that waves down to me. We enter, and I again take a moment to now let the interior take my breath away. Marble flooring and pristine white walls. The only real colors are those of the furniture, glass sculpted lights hanging from the high ceilings, and the banners and paintings that give further life to the room. “Come, come,” the servant tells me and navigates me towards some stairs, “would you like to hear about some history regarding this place?” [[“Sure, go ahead and tell me.”]] [[“Uh, no thanks.”]]
The servant beams brightly, my words surely making his day. He clears his voice and motions his arm to the room before us. “The castle is named Ipharia Dome, named after the architect, Ragiazi Dome, who designed and saw to its completion. Dome was also a member of the extended royal family, and the castle was a gift to his dear cousin. Its completion was completed in 5 JED. This was also around the same time that Ipharia was declared the capital of our dear Nidinia. The castle took roughly twenty years to finish due to weather and resources. The number one resource used, marble, isn’t native to Nidinia you see, so trade had to be set up between the other countries. Though trade was already an ongoing thing, this prompted a new trading agreement and led to the strengthening of Ipharia’s economy.” He continues on, speaking about the structure of the castle and some of the paintings that adorn the walls. After a while, I stop and wonder if he’s more interested in hearing himself talk than me even learning anything from this. “And this will be your room during the stay,” he finally says after we march down a long hallway and stop at a thick cedar door. “Your things will be brought up to the room promptly. If you need anything, please don’t be afraid to ask one of the many servants that you might see walking around. The slaves will not answer you, they are warned against speaking to others.” I raise a brow at his words, but he doesn’t catch it, continuing on until finally leaving my presence. <a data-passage="2.10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I was captivated and didn’t wish for that to be ruined by a history lesson. That, and I was okay with silence as I took my new surroundings in. I tell him this, and he nods in respect, though I do see him pout, perhaps I was the first to ever say no. Or he just wished to reveal his in-depth knowledge to someone, and he would now have to wait longer to do such a thing. “And this will be your room during the stay,” he finally says after we march down a long hallway and stop at a thick cedar door. “Your things will be brought up to the room promptly. If you need anything, please don’t be afraid to ask one of the many servants that you might see walking around. The slaves will not answer you, they are warned against speaking to others.” I raise a brow at his words, but he doesn’t catch it, continuing on until finally leaving my presence. <a data-passage="2.10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I open the door and look the room over, knowing that I would probably never have such lavish sleeping conditions ever again. The entire place was made up of cool colors that matched what rested outside these doors, and the exterior of the castle. The full-sized traditional canopy bed sat on the farthest wall, its blankets a stone blue, pillows a dull yellow or gold, and the canopy that went around the entire bed a soft buttermilk tone. The rest of the room was filled with cedarwood furnishings, or it borrowed the same shade of blue to make up the ornamental wallpapers. The welcoming ceremony would take place later tonight, allowing me a few hours of much-needed rest. I go over to the bed and try it out, finding that it was even more comfortable than it looked. Everything was luxurious, and as I began to rest my eyes, I wondered what such comfort would cost me. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> I gaze over the attire that hangs in the ample wardrobe closet. All three outfits reside in colors that represent Nidinia in some kind of form, as well as looking as if they cost a fortune. Unless my eyes were deceiving me, the main material used was silk, beautifully sewn with silver thread. A knock on my door shakes me from my thoughts, and a voice soon follows, “whenever you’re ready, Ser, I will escort you to the ballroom.” I look back at the choices hanging before me. [[Go for the dress.]] [[Go for the suit.]] [[Go for the vest outfit.]] [[Stay in my own clothes.]]
[[Go for the dress.]] [[Go for the suit.]] [[Go for the vest outfit.]] [[Stay in my own clothes.]]
The dress was a lovely cloud grey with bold designs of navy blue and bright purple. There were no sleeves and though no collar, a thin translucent cape was paired with the dress, a pattern featuring Nidinia’s royal sigil decorating it. The dress itself when held up to my own figure seemed like it would stop right as it hit the ground, the cape would drag along. [[Choose the Ipharian Dress.->2.11][$outfit = true]] [[Go for something different.->2.10.1]]
The suit was made up by navy blue trousers, a cream undershirt, and a button surcoat that held a mix of patterns and whose main colors were a sharp silver and a mildly saturated purple. [[Choose the Ipharian Suit.->2.11][$outfit = true]] [[Go for something different.->2.10.1]]
The vest outfit had what I expected it to consist of. Long navy blue harlem pants with a slit residing on both sides of the pants, going from lower thigh to mid-calf. The plain colored undershirt that would be tucked into the pants, and a lively purple buttoned half-vest. While the front of the vest stopped at the beginning of the waist in the front, the back did not end until it reached past the butt. Lastly, there was a shoulder shaw that was customary to wear with such an outfit, but not always needed. [[Choose the Ipharian Vest Oufit.->2.11][$outfit = true]] [[Go for something different.->2.10.1]]
After looking all of the options over, unable to fathom the price of one piece alone, I make up my mind to wear what I am currently in. I was much more comfortable in it, and it also didn’t put me in debt to the royal family further. <a data-passage="2.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
With my attire now chosen, I turn my attention to my hair. My … [[… kinky hair->2.11.1][$hair to "kinky"]] [[… straight hair->2.11.1][$hair to "straight"]] [[… wavy hair->2.11.1][$hair to "wavy"]] [[… curly hair->2.11.1][$hair to "curly"]] [[… bald head->2.11.1][$hair to "bald"]]
<<if $hair is not "bald">>\ My $hair hair, at the moment, was doing its own thing. And up until this point, I cared little for what it wished to do. That was no longer the case. This would be my first time meeting the king, and the future king, along with the other nobles. Whether I cared or not, pleasing them could open many doors. And, if what my master said held any truth, then one flaw could turn into my undoing. And so, I make sure that my hair was adequately done before heading out. <<else>>\ I survey my head, using a spell that I knew to get rid of any hair that I had managed to grow since the last time I had shaved my head. Once I was content with the results, I take one last look at my appearance and then head out. <</if>>\ <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> The servant that escorts me is quieter than the one before. She simply asks me if everything in the room is to my liking and then begins to lead me away. Striking up a conversation was fruitless, she answered simply and with little, if no, emotion in her voice. I assume that this is how many of them would react, perhaps used to nobles who had no interest in anything they had to say. I join hundreds of others in a dazzling ballroom. Large crystal chandeliers hang from ceilings depicting scenes that I don’t have time to decipher. Few are dancing, most seem content with milling about and discussing things with their peers. Everything looked so extravagant, from the decor to the garments that those in attendance wore. Here, luxury had no price. My eyes widen, much like a dragon's would when looking upon a cache of treasure. To think that I was standing amongst those of such a lavish lifestyle, that I could walk amongst them as an equal. “Excuse me,” the man beside me says, capturing my attention as he gazes at my attire. <<if $outfit>>\ “Invitation, please.” I retrieve it and hand it over. I surmise that he believes me since he didn’t even look at the item he requested, he just adds it to a pile. <a data-passage="2.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “I’m sorry, but you have wandered off to the wrong place, your … disability has led you astray it would seem.” [[“Nope, you look like a stable boy to me.”]] [[“You’re the one to talk.”]] [[“So, that’s how you treat guests?”]] [[“I’m in the right place.”]] <</if>>\
“Hmm,” I begin, tapping my chin and looking the man up and down in disinterest. With my assessment done, and my judgment passed, I shrug and smirk, “nope, you still look very much like a stable boy to me.” His eyes widen in astonishment, “I beg your pardon.” I lean towards him, my face in a cool expression, as I slap my invitation to his chest, “then beg.” Before he can mutter a rebuttal, a guard behind him loses his composure and utters a quick laugh. He quickly regains himself, clearing his throat and looking straight ahead. “Just introduce me before you embarrass yourself further,” I finally state, straightening up as I again rest my attention on those dancing below. <a data-passage="2.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I snort, as I look him up and down, “you’re the one to talk about clothing. Even with my ‘disability,’ I can see the stains that line your suit, as well as the fact that it’s two sizes far too small. Your handkerchief is folded wrong, and I do believe your lapels are in a state of disarray along with your socks.” As he tries desperately to hide his embarrassment and fix the problems that I pointed out, I grab my invitation and have it at the ready. When he sees it, his cheeks flush even darker with the understanding that this moment will probably haunt him for a few nights. <a data-passage="2.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“So, that’s how you treat your guests?” I question as I reach for the invitation that I had brought along. I assumed that they would like to see it but didn’t fathom that this would be how they would ask for it. Whatever words he was planning to say, died on the tip of his tongue as he looked my invitation over. “I’m so deeply sorry,” he tells me, being able to add nothing further. He was only sorry that he had said what he did before knowing of my invitation, he felt nothing regarding his actual words. <a data-passage="2.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I hand the invitation that I had brought along, to him, “I’m in the right place. Unless there’s another grand ballroom.” It was meant as a joke, something to ease the tension that existed in both of our shoulders, but all it earns me is a raised brow. <a data-passage="2.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“May I have a name to introduce?” [[“Just my fullname is fine.”][$fame +=3]] [[“Apprentice.”]] [[“The Dream Seer.”][$fame +=5]] <<if $outfit is false>>\ [[“Some lost blind person will do.”]] <</if>>\
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Notoriety ++</span> <</if>>\ “Just $name $surname is fine.” He clears his throat and introduces me as such, only a few stopping what they were doing to look at me. They gaze at me in interest, if only to size me up and compare me to the rest of the room, before their attentions are grabbed by something of equal or more importance. Everyone looked as if they were in competition with the next. Who could be flashier? Could show their wealth but still seem humble? Who was I kidding, no one here looked the least bit humbling. I could stand in the middle of a gold and opal deposit and still wouldn’t be able to come close to how wealthy my peers appeared. I stay to the outskirts, realizing that I knew no one. Intermingling with those before me seemed like a bad idea as well. Whether blind or with perfect vision, the judgment existing in their eyes was palpable. It clung to every word, followed every step, and followed its prey around as if it was a personal shadow. I stop and stand near the table that held all the food. Truly, these were dangerous waters. I feel a tapping on my shoulder and jerk around to see my master behind me, wearing his house clothes and slippers. <<if $dad>>\ “Ah, my ?son. You have finally decided to grace us with your presence,” he exclaims with a wide smile. It would seem that he really wasn’t going to let my dad comment go. <<else>>\ “$name, nice of you to join us,” he states with a barely maintained smile. <</if>>\ <<if $outfit>>\ <<set $queen +=1>> I see his eyes take in my appearance and though he doesn’t say anything, I can see that he’s not happy about my choice in clothing. <<else>>\ <<set $audouin +=1>> “Hmm, seems like I’m not the only one who deemed comfort more appealing than … well, appeal.” “Did you see the selection? Of course I stuck to this,” I smile. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Introduce me as Apprentice $name $surname, if you may.” He clears his throat and introduces me as such, only a few stopping what they were doing to look at me. They gaze at me in interest, if only to size me up and compare me to the rest of the room, before their attentions are grabbed by something of equal or more importance. Everyone looked as if they were in competition with the next. Who could be flashier? Could show their wealth but still seem humble? Who was I kidding, no one here looked the least bit humbling. I could stand in the middle of a gold and opal deposit and still wouldn’t be able to come close to how wealthy my peers appeared. I stay to the outskirts, realizing that I knew no one. Intermingling with those before me seemed like a bad idea as well. Whether blind or with perfect vision, the judgment existing in their eyes was palpable. It clung to every word, followed every step, and followed its prey around as if it was a personal shadow. I stop and stand near the table that held all the food. Truly, these were dangerous waters. I feel a tapping on my shoulder and jerk around to see my master behind me, wearing his house clothes and slippers. <<if $dad>>\ “Ah, my ?son. You have finally decided to grace us with your presence,” he exclaims with a wide smile. It would seem that he really wasn’t going to let my dad comment go. <<else>>\ “$name, nice of you to join us,” he states with a barely maintained smile. <</if>>\ <<if $outfit>>\ <<set $queen +=1>> I see his eyes take in my appearance and though he doesn’t say anything, I can see that he’s not happy about my choice in clothing. <<else>>\ <<set $audouin +=1>> “Hmm, seems like I’m not the only one who deemed comfort more appealing than … well, appeal.” “Did you see the selection? Of course I stuck to this,” I smile. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Notoriety ++</span> <</if>>\ “Introduce me as the Dream Seer, if you may.” He clears his throat and introduces me as such, most stopping what they were doing to look at me. I see their mouths moving, their eyes taking in my appearance as I join them. A fat fish that had been introduced to an ocean full of hungry predators. Everyone looked as if they were in competition with the next. Who could be flashier? Could show their wealth but still seem humble? Who was I kidding, no one here looked the least bit humbling. I could stand in the middle of a gold and opal deposit and still wouldn’t be able to come close to how wealthy my peers appeared. I stay to the outskirts, realizing that I knew no one. Intermingling with those before me seemed like a bad idea as well. Whether blind or with perfect vision, the judgment existing in their eyes was palpable. It clung to every word, followed every step, and followed its prey around as if it was a personal shadow. I stop and stand near the table that held all the food. Truly, these were dangerous waters. I feel a tapping on my shoulder and jerk around to see my master behind me, wearing his house clothes and slippers. <<if $dad>>\ “Ah, my ?son. You have finally decided to grace us with your presence,” he exclaims with a wide smile. It would seem that he really wasn’t going to let my dad comment go. <<else>>\ “$name, nice of you to join us,” he states with a barely maintained smile. <</if>>\ <<if $outfit>>\ <<set $queen +=1>> I see his eyes take in my appearance and though he doesn’t say anything, I can see that he’s not happy about my choice in clothing. <<else>>\ <<set $audouin +=1>> “Hmm, seems like I’m not the only one who deemed comfort more appealing than … well, appeal.” “Did you see the selection? Of course I stuck to this,” I smile. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I shrug, “just introduce me as some lost blind $species.” I can practically hear the steward grind his teeth together as he clears his throat and introduces me as such. A few look to see, perhaps pondering who dared to wander in uninvited. Already partially annoyed, I make my way down the stairs, now much closer to the action and aware of those that surround me. Everyone looked as if they were in competition with the next. Who could be flashier? Could show their wealth but still seem humble? Who was I kidding, no one here looked the least bit humbling. I could stand in the middle of a gold and opal deposit and still wouldn’t be able to come close to how wealthy my peers appeared. I stay to the outskirts, realizing that I knew no one. Intermingling with those before me seemed like a bad idea as well. Whether blind or with perfect vision, the judgment existing in their eyes was palpable. It clung to every word, followed every step, and followed its prey around as if it was a personal shadow. I stop and stand near the table that held all the food. Truly, these were dangerous waters. I feel a tapping on my shoulder and jerk around to see my master behind me, wearing his house clothes and slippers. <<if $dad>>\ “Ah, my ?son. You have finally decided to grace us with your presence,” he exclaims with a wide smile. It would seem that he really wasn’t going to let my dad comment go. <<else>>\ “$name, nice of you to join us,” he states with a barely maintained smile. <</if>>\ <<if $outfit>>\ <<set $queen +=1>> I see his eyes take in my appearance and though he doesn’t say anything, I can see that he’s not happy about my choice in clothing. <<else>>\ <<set $audouin +=1>> “Hmm, seems like I’m not the only one who deemed comfort more appealing than … well, appeal.” “Did you see the selection? Of course I stuck to this,” I smile. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“How long have you been over here?” “Since my arrival. Being Ecrid has its perks when it comes to disappearing, especially when you are dressed like this in a room of ...” he looks out at the sea of glimmering jewels and fake smiles, “this.” He gazes down at the platter of fruit sitting close to him, “their fruit is abysmal, and the meat tastes as if no one could agree on the seasoning.” [[“I suppose being a vegetarian will not save me here.”][$vegan = true]] [[“No! Not the meat!”]]
“I suppose being a vegetarian will not save me here!” I joke, though there was an underlying seriousness to my tone, “even the fruit is nasty.” My master hums in thought, “yes, yes, I know. A tragedy.” My attention moves to other things when loud trumpets begin to sound, upstaging the musicians and their lovely melody. Everyone stops what they’re doing and, as if a silent command had been said, everyone bows in the same direction. “I’m guessing that means the King and Queen are coming out?” I ask my master, we both following suit. “I suppose so. Better hurry, this back of mine is going to be thrown out.” “Rise for the King and Queen of Nidinia,” a booming voice calls out. I’m unable to see the faces of royalty due to the many figures before me. I politely applaud with everyone else, gazing around and deciding on what to do. [[Get closer to the royals.]] [[Stay where I’m at.]]
“No!” I shout, drawing the attention of those nearby, “not the meat! Anything but the meat.” I ignore the looks that the nobles give me, Master Audouin patting my back with a sad sigh. “Yes, yes, I know. A tragedy.” My attention moves to other things when loud trumpets begin to sound, upstaging the musicians and their lovely melody. Everyone stops what they’re doing and, as if a silent command had been said, everyone bows in the same direction. “I’m guessing that means the King and Queen are coming out?” I ask my master, we both following suit. “I suppose so. Better hurry, this back of mine is going to be thrown out.” “Rise for the King and Queen of Nidinia,” a booming voice calls out. I’m unable to see the faces of royalty due to the many figures before me. I politely applaud with everyone else, gazing around and deciding on what to do. [[Get closer to the royals.]] [[Stay where I’m at.]]
Curiosity burns my lungs and heats my blood, giving me the courage to take the necessary steps forward. I had lived in Nidinia for so long and had never seen the faces of those I call King and Queen. <<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ I push through those who refuse to make way for me, but mostly find everyone else moving to the side for me. I suppose when one sees someone as large as me walking by, without a care for who is in their way, it gives them the incentive to make the first move. I easily reach a position that allows me to clearly see the King and Queen as they walk out on separate sides of a balcony, descending slowly. <<elseif $species is "Cimmerian">>\ I head towards the wall before channeling my natural-born ability and turning into a shadow. I glide across the floor, keeping an eye out for a spot to re-materialize in. Upon doing so, I ignore the many gasps that sound off around me. Ignoring the mumbling as they speak of my origins and how I must be such a horrid creature to be around. It was nothing that I hadn’t heard before. I place my attention back on why I had even done all this in the first place. With interest I watch as the King and Queen stood on separate sides of a balcony, descending slowly. <<elseif $persuade >=10>>\ I push through those who refuse to make way for me, and when those who find themselves brave turn, I give them a simple glance that causes them to shrink back down. With intimidation on my side, I easily reach a position that allows me to clearly see the King and Queen as they walk out on separate sides of a balcony, descending slowly. <<else>>\ I carefully make my way through the crowd, having to mutter many apologies as I continue on. I’m hardly lucky enough to find a spot that gives me an adequate view of what is currently the main attraction. The King and Queen descending slowly down to separate stairs. <</if>>\ They look oddly ... normal. I fail to understand what I had suspected, perhaps two dragons or even celestial figures that rivaled the beauty of Moon and the raw power of Sun. But the two people that I now watched looked like they could just as easily own an inn, then run a country. Take away the jewels and the gems, the makeup that both of them wore religiously, and switch their attire for something far humbler and lighter, and they were just like any other peasants. My brain cried out for answers, unsure of what to make of the couple that had now just reached the bottom of the stairs. I turn to look at those that stood near me. Jealousy running rampant and unrestrained in their eyes. Was this why this so-called game was played here? Because, in a way, anyone could be the two before me. <a data-passage="2.13.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The queen’s hair was thrown up into what should be an elegant bun, but due to the numerous gems that decorated it, looked more like a jeweled mess. Where, on some, the glitter that I knew many nobles used to accentuate certain facial aspects or enhance beauty or hide flaws, was decorating most of the queen’s face. The light from the chandeliers caused her entire face to look almost golden. Yet, I knew little of nobility’s thoughts on what beauty was, for all I know this is what she wished for. Her dress was a beautiful navy and white, the dress sprawling out at the waist and some of it trailing behind her. The top part of the dress looked like a floral mesh, hardly hiding her cleavage from curious eyes. “That crown is beautiful,” I hear some woman say dreamily. “Her Majesty is looking as radiant as ever.” Perhaps I was being too negative. The King wasn’t much better off. His face mirrored that of his wife’s and his suit of armor was the same color and looked bulky and uncomfortable. Due to him being bald, he didn’t have much to worry about, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he had glitter on his head, only hidden by his crown. “My friends and countrymen,” the King begins, complete silence now resting over the ballroom, “words can’t explain how happy I am to see your faces. To host you in our halls. There will be times for speeches later, for now, let us get on with formalities,” he chuckles, “shall we?” As if someone had snapped their fingers, though I suppose in a way someone did, everyone placed themselves in a receiving line. Suddenly I feel naked, the only person who hadn’t immediately moved with a purpose. I go back to my master’s side, “shall we join them?” He rolls his eyes and sighs exaggeratedly but nods, nonetheless. <a data-passage="2.14"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I stay where I’m at, mixed emotions coursing through me as I think about the hushed crowd and what their eyes were probably on. The King and Queen, the two figureheads of Nidinia. When someone complained about Nidinia, these two people could make it better. All the issues that this country faced, all could somehow be made better by the two people who were making their way closer to a crowd who had probably see them far too many times to count. How much did those outside of their social circle see them? Did those celebrating in the square even know what they looked like? I could just walk there and tell them a tale of the royals, say whatever I wanted, and no one would probably be the wiser. “My friends and countrymen,” I hear the King begin, complete silence now resting over the ballroom, “words can’t explain how happy I am to see your faces. To host you in our halls. There will be times for speeches later, for now, let us get on with formalities,” he chuckles, “shall we?” As if someone had snapped their fingers, though I suppose in a way someone did, everyone placed themselves in a receiving line. The way they all so naturally knew their place and fell into it was oddly beautiful. It reminded me of a branching river. That even with all of its moving parts, it still all met into one. “Shall we join them?” I ask my master who rolls his eyes and sighs exaggeratedly but nods, nonetheless. <a data-passage="2.14"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We head to the end of the line before I suddenly stop, glancing at the front where the lords and delegates stand. “Guest of the King,” I find myself muttering, assessing the outcomes of what I was thinking of doing, “that is as important as most of these titles, yes?” “I fear that if I say no, it will only increase your curiosity,” my master tells me with a straight and knowing face. [[Stay where we are in line.][$queen +=1]] [[Skip everyone and go to the front.][$frontLine = true]]
“Perhaps under different circumstances. This crowd doesn’t seem like they would appreciate such a move,” I say, staying in our spot. My master agrees, and the two of us make small talk as we wait for the line to progress. When we make it to them, both seem tired and bored with the entire formality. “King Tybalt and Queen Isa,” I say and perform a polite curtsy. When I rise, my eyes naturally go to the figure who stands to the side of the king in light armor. Glacial blue eyes pierce my being, summing me up in one simple glance. I suppose I pass whatever test is given as a charming smile causes those piercing eyes to grow incredibly gentle. All belonging to an attractive … [[... woman.][$ahe = "she"; $ahim = "her"; $ahis = "her"; $aman = "woman"; $aHe = "She"; $aHim = "Her"; $aHis = "Her"; $ahimself = "herself"]] [[... man.][$ahe = "he"; $ahim = "him"; $ahis = "his"; $aman = "man"; $aHe = "He"; $aHim = "Him"; $aHis = "His"; $ahimself = "himself"]] [[... nonbinary.][$ahe = "she"; $ahim = "her"; $ahis = "her"; $aman = "person"; $aHe = "She"; $aHim = "Her"; $aHis = "Her"; $ahimself = "herself"]]
“Hmph,” I huff as I motion for my master to follow, sliding out of line and walking to the front. Surprisingly, those in line say nothing, or at least nothing that my ears pick up. But I feel their glare on my back, each of them muttering a thousand silent curses. We get to the front, earning the attention of both the King and Queen. The current Lord speaking to them realizes that he is no longer of any importance and with shoulders sagging, he walks off. “King Tybalt and Queen Isa, I am humbled to be in your presence,” I state and perform a polite curtsy. When I rise, my eyes naturally go to the figure who stands to the side of the king in light armor. Glacial blue eyes pierce my being, summing me up in one simple glance. I suppose I pass whatever test is given as a charming smile causes those piercing eyes to grow incredibly gentle. All belonging to an attractive … [[... woman.][$ahe = "she"; $ahim = "her"; $ahis = "her"; $aman = "woman"; $aHe = "She"; $aHim = "Her"; $aHis = "Her"; $ahimself = "herself"]] [[... man.][$ahe = "he"; $ahim = "him"; $ahis = "his"; $aman = "man"; $aHe = "He"; $aHim = "Him"; $aHis = "His"; $ahimself = "himself"]] [[... nonbinary.][$ahe = "she"; $ahim = "her"; $ahis = "her"; $aman = "person"; $aHe = "She"; $aHim = "Her"; $aHis = "Her"; $ahimself = "herself"]]
She was a half-breed, bearing her Uqanan blood with pride but not so much the other. I can easily tell that she wasn’t full Uqanan due to her short tusks, hardly protruding from behind her bottom lip. I was far more interested in trying to guess what else she was, probably Alyrian, seeing as many half-breeds were. But it was better to not continue staring. <a data-passage="2.14.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
He was a half-breed, bearing his Uqanan blood with pride but not so much the other. I can easily tell that he wasn’t full Uqanan due to his short tusks, hardly protruding from behind his bottom lip. I was far more interested in trying to guess what else he was, probably Alyrian, seeing as many half-breeds were. But it was better to not continue staring. <a data-passage="2.14.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
They were a half-breed, bearing their Uqanan blood with pride but not so much the other. I can easily tell that they weren’t full Uqanan due to their short tusks, hardly protruding from behind their bottom lip. I was far more interested in trying to guess what else they were, probably Alyrian, seeing as many half-breeds were. But it was better to not continue staring. <a data-passage="2.14.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $frontLine>>\ “Who are you?” Queen Isa asks, clearing her throat and causing me to look back towards her and her husband. “Oh, my love,” King Tybalt begins, shaking his head in frustration before shooting me one of the widest smiles I’ve ever seen, “why, this is the Dream Seer, $name $surname! I asked for ?his presence.” “Oh my, without consulting the Queen on the matter?” she questions, “regardless, why do you feel as if your presence is more important than all those you skipped.” I’m unable to answer as the King immediately does for me, snapping at his wife in irritation, “being called upon by name, by the King himself, is all the answer you need. And I quite like ?his effrontery. But, alas, the receiving line is no place for the conversation that I wish to have with you. I shall send a servant later to request your presence.” I nod before bidding them both good day, meeting the gaze of the soldier one last time, before turning and walking off. “That went … well,” I snicker, “but Queen Isa, what’s her problem? Does she not believe in magic?” My master rolls his eyes as he steals a glance behind us to where they meet with another noble, “it is not a question if magic exists, anyone can see it does. I do believe that the real question is whether she believes in your gifts, or if her patience with her husband is just waning thin. One must remember that the king is not only passing his crown down to his son, but she is losing her crown as well.” I look back at them, only to see that Queen Isa was smiling cheerfully. <<else>>\ “My apologies, dear, but I don’t know who you are?” Queen Isa says, her voice sweet but her posture and expression giving away her overt ennui. “Oh, my love,” King Tybalt begins, shaking his head in frustration before shooting me one of the widest smiles I’ve ever seen, “why, this is the Dream Seer, $name $surname! I asked for ?his presence.” “Oh my, without consulting the Queen on the matter?” she questions, flicking glitter off the tip of her fingernail. “Careful dear, your callousness is showing,” he mutters, and she glares at him in utter anger. He easily ignores her, “I apologize for her behavior, as well as mine. These things are tiring even on the best of days. And the thought of getting them over with is all that pushes us on. I shall send someone later to request your presence and speak more. Hopefully, my mood will have risen again.” I nod before bidding them both good day, meeting the gaze of the soldier one last time, before turning and walking off. “Well then,” I start, “Queen Isa, what’s her problem?” My master rolls his eyes as he steals a glance behind us to where they meet with another noble, “I will not act as if I know the tendencies of royalty. My only guess is that she is not as happy with her new predicament. One must remember that the king is not only passing his crown down to his son, but she is losing her crown as well.” I look back at them, the next noble receiving far less excitement than I. <</if>>\ [[“I doubt that.”]] [[“Is that not her son as well?”]]
“I doubt that to be the reason,” I tell him, finally pulling my gaze from Her Majesty as I follow my master back into the thick of the crowd. <<include "2.15">>
“You say that as if that’s not her son as well, I would think both parents would feel similar feelings.” My master doesn’t answer, and perhaps it was wise that he didn’t, we were back within the thick of the crowd, where ears were always listening. <<include "2.15">>
<img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<nobr>><<set $AverillFyre = true>><</nobr>> The party continues on, the musicians playing another waltz. Those in attendance have gone their separate ways, some eating and chatting with one another, while others seek an audience with the royals. The last few are currently swaying with a partner in the middle of the room. [[Head over to the buffet and get some food.][$evidence_lordfarrimond = true]] [[Continue speaking to Master Audouin.][$ladyLilion = true]] [[Go and speak to the Queen.]]
“I shall grab some food, want a plate of anything?” “More like I want the entire jug of wine when you spy it,” my master tells me, and I chuckle as well as nod. I go to the table and begin to sample the food there, keeping my eye out for that jug as I go. I don’t watch where I am going and consequently run into nobles who stand idly. They both look down their noses at me, disdain and abhorrence in their gazes. <<if $hostile >=50>>\ I roll my eyes and shoulder check the man as I continue pilfering the table, ignoring the glare they both send me but also listening to them as they go back to mumbling to one another. <<else>>\ I nod an apology before I continue pilfering the table, listening to them as they mumble to one another. <</if>>\ “Do you truly feel like that course of action is smart, Lord Farrimond?” “In less than a week, we will be bowing our heads to the weakest man the throne has ever seen. So, yes.” “His claim is not a strong one, in fact, it’s nonexistent.” “The entire east worships his name. He could come from pig shit, and I couldn’t care.” I wonder who they speak of. Seeing that I didn’t spend much time around nobles and their affairs, I knew little about the political landscape that I’ve now found myself maneuvering. I suppose I shouldn’t care, but information was information. Forgetting this might prove disastrous in the future. “Do you believe the King will speak of it?” “No, he is much too proud for that. He will behave as if nothing is wrong.” Their conversation comes to an end as a plump man approaches, and I go as well, sadly with no jug of wine. <a data-passage="2.16"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I stay where I am, discussing trivial matters with Master Audouin. Mostly, it was an attempt on both of our parts to make it seem like we were busy and could not be interrupted. It works – until it doesn’t. “Ahh, how long I’ve wanted to meet you, dear,” a petite woman squeals, causing half of the room to look towards us. “High Gods, help us,” Master Audouin mumbles into his glass. The woman rushes over and hugs me, unconcerned about personal space as her entourage trail close behind. “You are the Dream Seer. Why have you never been in Likrui? I have many,” she pauses as she examines my figure, a not so subtle smile appearing, “many uses for your talents.” “Oh, I bet you do,” I grumble, finding myself gravitating closer to my master’s side. “That is my fault, Lady Lilion, I am working $name far too hard,” my master tells her, and she puffs her cheeks out as if a child. “Bah, shame on you, Audouin. You must come to see me as well, both of you,” she changes her tune when she includes me. Before anyone can say anything more, she squeals again and addresses someone else, making her way towards them next. “They call her the Squealing Heifer,” my master tells me. “I understand the squealing part, but why the heifer?” “She is one of the youngest ladies in attendance. But she is known to have many lovers, somehow, she has never given birth. She entices the other ladies with false tales of how to not get pregnant. I’ll admit though, they are interesting to listen to.” I don’t ask him, but I do ponder on how the man who hates these functions know so much. <a data-passage="2.16"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I listen to Master Audouin as he speaks but scantily. My true attention is set upon the Queen who sits bored. If there was an hourglass nearby, then I have no doubt it would hold all of her attention rapturously. The couple speaks in hushed tones when no one is around before the King finally stands and makes his way towards a group, leaving the Queen where she is. “Master,” I start, not taking my eyes off the Queen, “I shall be back in a minute.” He hums, “the real question is, will I still be here. Do nothing rash, $name. Eyes are always watching.” I take his advice with me as I move forward. I didn’t have a plan, but I didn’t think I needed one. I was acting on a whim, curious about why the Queen disliked me and what could be done, if anything, to change such feelings. “Your Majesty,” I greet, curtsying as I stand before her. Her eyes travel to me as if she had just noticed me approaching, and though I do my best not to show it, I could’ve sworn she had been watching me for some time. “I would like to apologize. I know not what I have done to offend you, but I mean nothing by it.” My words don’t induce any kind of visible reaction out of Her Majesty. Her eyes flitter across my face like an insect trying to find a suitable spot to rest but having no such luck. I watch for anything that would clue me into what she was thinking, eyes crinkling, or the corner of her mouth shifting. The slightest rise or fall of her brows, a twitch, or even her forehead creasing. I receive nothing and instead feel as if I’m under heavy investigation. Unable to help myself, I look around but see none of the eyes that I believe are on me. “Apprentice $name,” she finally speaks, her voice relaxed, but her posture stringent, “tell me, how are you enjoying your first ball?” [[“Presumptuous of you to assume it’s my first.”]] [[“It’s wonderful, Your Majesty.”]] [[“Not the way I would throw a party.”][$queen +=1]]
I can’t help the smirk that flickers across my face, “it’s quite presumptuous of you to assume it’s my first.” Much to my surprise, a natural smile comes onto the Queen’s face as she regards me. “Perhaps, am I right?” <<if $background is "slave_noble">>\ <<nobr>><<set $queen +=1>><</nobr>> “You are not. I was a slave for a house of nobles that was fairly popular. They had many balls, though not as fancy. But I know how to traverse these sorts of things.” The Queen continues to look upon me as if I wasn’t the same person from earlier. “Then, Apprentice $name, you have my apologies for so boldly assuming information about you,” she pauses as a small but genuine smile appears, “you have my word that it will not happen again.” <<else>>\ “You would not be. I’ve known and helped a few nobles, but they were never popular enough to be invited to such gatherings, or rich enough to host them themselves.” “I assure you it has nothing to do with the coin in one’s pockets but the scope of their name,” she corrects me, and I nod. She extends a heavy glittered hand out and motions towards the crowd, “I would suggest you continue to explore your first ball then.” <</if>>\ We seem to have reached the end of our conversation, and after another polite curtsy, I leave. The feelings of eyes glaring into my soul, finally alleviate. <a data-passage="2.16"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“It’s wonderful, Your Majesty.” With a roll of her eyes, she lightly taps her dress to push some of the fallen glitter off of her person, “ever polite, <<if $frontLine>> until you’re skipping nobles in line, hmm?<<else>> aren’t you?<</if>>” I clear my throat and try to smile, but it doesn’t seem to please Her Royal Majesty in the slightest. We seem to have reached the end of our conversation, and after another polite curtsy, I leave. The feelings of eyes glaring into my soul, finally alleviate. <a data-passage="2.16"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I shrug my shoulders, “not the way I would throw a party but to each their own, I suppose.” She looks almost interested to hear what I have to say next, “and how would you throw a ball to commemorate the shifting of the crown?” I tap my chin, not having to even look at her to know that this was a test. What kind of test and what my answer would tell her, I know not. “With gifts,” I start, “this is about the Prince taking over, and the King stepping down. If I was in charge of putting this together, then each and every noble that showed up would have brought a gift to say farewell to the King, and a gift to welcome in the Prince.” “Do royalty truly need gifts?” More testing, but so far, I could see that she liked my answer. “The logical answer is no. But the King has taken care of this kingdom thus far, and the Prince will soon do the same. So why not, for one day, thank them when the remaining days will be spent with these nobles begging to have their way? And who knows, I might be more inclined to give you what you want if the gift is handsome.” To my surprise, the Queen laughs, “you are splendid. If only my King agreed for even I have broached such a topic to him.” She waves away any words she was about to say and with a genuine smile gaze at me, “this talk has been quite intuitive, Apprentice $name, I thank you for it.” We seem to have reached the end of our conversation, and after another polite curtsy, I leave. The feelings of eyes glaring into my soul, finally alleviate. <a data-passage="2.16"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Later, I chat with a few who seem to think their importance translates to me seeing their faces in my dreams, others who only wish to ask me why they don’t see me at more events. And even a few who sing my praises as if I was royalty, though I suspect an ulterior motive behind all the compliments. Not here for a day and this place was turning me cynical. I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to see the soldier from earlier, that gentle smile once again resting on the guard’s lips. <<if $aman is "person">>\ “Perhaps I can steal you away for a dance,” they say, bowing slightly. Wishing to get away from those currently, I place my hand in theirs and allow them to whisk me onto the floor. Couples tightly pack us in, causing me to focus on dancing and not accidentally stepping on another. “If I may, what identifiers should I use? I … I didn’t wish to assume.” They grin, “ah, thank you. If only some of these nobles shared your initiative. Identifying me as she is fine.” <<elseif $aman is "man">>\ “Perhaps I can steal you away for a dance,” he says, bowing slightly. Wishing to get away from those currently, I place my hand in his and allow him to whisk me onto the floor. Couples tightly pack us in, causing me to focus on dancing and not accidentally stepping on another. <<else>>\ “Perhaps I can steal you away for a dance,” she says, bowing slightly. Wishing to get away from those currently, I place my hand in hers and allow her to whisk me onto the floor. Couples tightly pack us in, causing me to focus on dancing and not accidentally stepping on another. <</if>>\ <<if $frontLine>>\ “I’m quite happy I was able to get a dance with you, I’ve wanted to meet you for some time now,” $ahe begins, “you also made quite an entrance with pushing your way to the front.” “What can I say,” I chuckle, “I hate waiting. But you said you had wanted to meet me for some time,” I roll my eyes to myself, “let me guess. You wish to know if I’ve seen you in any of my dreams?” <<else>>\ “I’m quite happy I was able to get a dance with you, I’ve wanted to meet you for some time now,” $ahe begins. “Is that so? Let me guess, you want to know if I’ve seen you in any of my dreams?” <</if>>\ $aHe chuckles and the slightest hint of a blush appears, “that could have been an excellent line on my part, huh?” $aHe sighs in annoyance and smiles, “and if I wished to use it, then it is now far too late.” [[“It’s better you keep it to yourself anyway.”]] [[“We can act like the last minute or so never happened.”][$averillLi +=1]]
“It’s better you keep it to yourself anyway,” I tell $ahim and another blush appears, though this one is fueled more by embarrassment. “I suppose you would be right. I apologize if my words seemed too forward.” I nod, “I’m curious, though. What rank could you possibly be that you were standing right behind the King earlier, but now find yourself dancing with me?” “I am part of both the King’s Guard, as well as his army. Concerning the King’s Guard, I am like any other guard, but in the army I am a general.” [[“Just a guard?”][$averill +=3]] [[“So, someone of importance either way.”][$averill -=3]] [[“I’m guessing because of the Uqanan blood?”]]
“Well,” I smile suggestively, “we could always act like the last minute or so never happened.” I earn a hearty laugh out of the soldier as $ahe pulls me just a tad bit closer. “I fear that I will make a bigger fool of myself.” “Then let me say how sorry I am to have presumed. If I may ask, what rank could you possibly be that you were standing right behind the King earlier, but now find yourself dancing with me?” “I am part of both the King’s Guard, as well as his army. Concerning the King’s Guard, I am like any other guard, but in the army I am a general.” [[“Just a guard?”][$averill +=3]] [[“So, someone of importance either way.”][$averill -=3]] [[“I’m guessing because of the Uqanan blood?”]]
“Just part of the King’s Guard still doesn’t give one the ability to stand directly behind both figureheads. I suspect that they trust you, or at least one of them.” <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ “Your deduction skills are as flawless as your appearance.” “Are you trying to impress me, General?” $aHe chuckles, “I apologize, I seem to have forgotten my manners.” Gracefully $ahe twirls me and takes a quick step back and curtsies, “my name is Averill.” Before I’m even done with the twirl, I again find myself back in $ahis arms. <<else>>\ “Your deduction skills are immaculate. The King does, the Queen hardly spares me a glance.” $aHe gracefully twirls me and takes a quick step back and curtsies with a light blush, “I seem to have forgotten my manners. My name is Averill.” <</if>>\ “General Averill?” “If you like such formalities then yes, but I would much rather you call me Averill. And you?” “Just $name is fine.” <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ “Then, $name, it was a pleasure dancing with you,” $ahe says as the music comes to an end and all those who had danced claps as another begins to play. Averill takes my hand and steps closer to me, $ahis mouth right beside my ear, “His Majesty is waiting on the balcony for you. If you would follow me.” It would seem that Averill hadn’t danced with me simply because $ahe had wished to know me. Yet, I don’t argue and follow $ahim out, trying to spot my master who, for all I know, had left a while ago. Once we make it to the balcony, Averill curtsies to the King and then to me, placing an airy kiss on my hand and bidding me adieu. <<else>>\ “Then, $name, it was a pleasure dancing with you,” $ahe says as the music comes to an end and all those who had danced claps as another begins to play. “His Majesty is waiting on the balcony for you. If you would follow me.” It would seem that Averill hadn’t danced with me simply because $ahe had wished to know me. Yet, I don’t argue and follow $ahim out, trying to spot my master who, for all I know, had left a while ago. Once we make it to the balcony, Averill curtsies to the King before leaving us alone. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.17"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“So, someone of importance either way.” <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ “To have the opportunity to be dancing with one so alluring, I do believe so.” “Are you trying to impress me, General?” $aHe chuckles, “I apologize, I seem to have forgotten my manners.” Gracefully $ahe twirls me and takes a quick step back and curtsies, “my name is Averill.” Before I’m even done with the twirl, I again find myself back in $ahis arms. <<else>>\ “I suppose so. I apologize, I seem to have forgotten my manners.” Gracefully $ahe twirls me and takes a quick step back and curtsies, “my name is Averill.” Before I’m even done with the twirl, I am once again being guided by $ahim. <</if>>\ “General Averill?” “If you like such formalities then yes, but I would much rather you call me Averill. And you?” “Just $name is fine.” <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ “Then, $name, it was a pleasure dancing with you,” $ahe says as the music comes to an end and all those who had danced claps as another begins to play. Averill takes my hand and steps closer to me, $ahis mouth right beside my ear, “His Majesty is waiting on the balcony for you. If you would follow me.” It would seem that Averill hadn’t danced with me simply because $ahe had wished to know me. Yet, I don’t argue and follow $ahim out, trying to spot my master who, for all I know, had left a while ago. Once we make it to the balcony, Averill curtsies to the King and then to me, placing an airy kiss on my hand and bidding me adieu. <<else>>\ “Then, $name, it was a pleasure dancing with you,” $ahe says as the music comes to an end and all those who had danced claps as another begins to play. “His Majesty is waiting on the balcony for you. If you would follow me.” It would seem that Averill hadn’t danced with me simply because $ahe had wished to know me. Yet, I don’t argue and follow $ahim out, trying to spot my master who, for all I know, had left a while ago. Once we make it to the balcony, Averill curtsies to the King before leaving us alone. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.17"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $species is "Uqanan">>\ “I presume some of that Uqanan blood has something to do with it? Do you not receive looks for what you are?” I ask, boldly at that. But it was a question that I had been pondering. For though half-Uqanans weren’t rare, they weren’t precisely adored amongst the Uqanan communities. <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ $aHis smile disappears and $ahis eyes grow a touch sad, “it is true that I am not full Uqanan. I can only hope someone who appears as worldy as you does not hold such thing against me.” “I will not. But I must ask, are you trying to impress me, General?” $aHe chuckles, “I apologize, I seem to have forgotten my manners.” Gracefully $ahe twirls me and takes a quick step back and curtsies, “my name is Averill.” Before I’m even done with the twirl, I again find myself back in $ahis arms. <<else>>\ $aHe frowns, $ahis eyes growing tired as $ahe regards me, “will my blood be a problem?” “No, I care little, if not at all. My job doesn’t exactly allow for prejudices to shine through as such.” “You have my thanks then,” $ahe chuckles, gracefully twirling me and then taking a quick step back and curtsying, “I apologize, I seem to have forgotten my manners. My name is Averill.” <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “If I may be so bold, is it possibly due to your Uqanan blood that the King had you so close? Intimidation?” <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ “Many tend to not fear us half-breeds. I do hope that also goes for one such as brave as you.” “Are you trying to impress me, General?” $aHe chuckles, “I apologize, I seem to have forgotten my manners.” Gracefully $ahe twirls me and takes a quick step back and curtsies, “my name is Averill.” Before I’m even done with the twirl, I again find myself back in $ahis arms. <<else>>\ “Perhaps if //only// Uqanan blood raced through me. But many tend to not fear us half-breeds.” “And they regret it, I’m sure.” “Indeed,” $ahe chuckles, gracefully twirling me and then taking a quick step back and curtsying, “I apologize, I seem to have forgotten my manners. My name is Averill.” <</if>>\ <</if>>\ “General Averill?” “If you like such formalities then yes, but I would much rather you call me Averill. And you?” “Just $name is fine.” <<if $averillLi >=1>>\ “Then, $name, it was a pleasure dancing with you,” $ahe says as the music comes to an end and all those who had danced claps as another begins to play. Averill takes my hand and steps closer to me, $ahis mouth right beside my ear, “His Majesty is waiting on the balcony for you. If you would follow me.” It would seem that Averill hadn’t danced with me simply because $ahe had wished to know me. Yet, I don’t argue and follow $ahim out, trying to spot my master who, for all I know, had left a while ago. Once we make it to the balcony, Averill curtsies to the King and then to me, placing an airy kiss on my hand and bidding me adieu. <<else>>\ “Then, $name, it was a pleasure dancing with you,” $ahe says as the music comes to an end and all those who had danced claps as another begins to play. “His Majesty is waiting on the balcony for you. If you would follow me.” It would seem that Averill hadn’t danced with me simply because $ahe had wished to know me. Yet, I don’t argue and follow $ahim out, trying to spot my master who, for all I know, had left a while ago. Once we make it to the balcony, Averill curtsies to the King before leaving us alone. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="2.17"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $averillLi >= 1>>\ “I see you have already captured the attention of one of my most trusted guards,” he says, his face not giving away whether he was okay with that idea or not. <</if>>\ “Come, join me, $name.” I do as he says, walking to the edge of the balcony and immediately gazing down to where some of the guests mill about. The velvet darkness above streaks through the sky, orchestrating the choir of stars to play a different melody for each individual who would wish to listen. It was common for me to stop and listen to their poetic words from time to time, but those below me, I would guess that they never did. “You see them as clear as I do, yes?” I gaze towards the King in hopes of figuring out what he was alluding to, his eyes resting on those beneath us. “They wound never say it, but what we do within these walls affects them even more than me. I could raise taxes in their lands, and they would have to put up with the outcries of the farmers and merchants. I could put a tariff on their goods or forbid trading with a particular country, and it would be they who had to stop and pause. At times, it feels like they are my unwilling puppets, fighting against their strings but knowing that in the end, their efforts are ineffective.” [[Continue to listen to the King.]] [[Question the King's purpose for telling me this.]] <<if $empathy >=50>>\ [[Try to figure out the King's current emotions.]] <</if>>\
“Follow me, I would like to show you something. Something that will better explain my point.” He turns and heads back inside with me close at his heels. “You see, $name, before even inheriting the crown from my own mother, I learned a lesson that I have based my entire reign on.” We walk up a flight of stairs in silence, guards eyeing me untrustworthily as we pass them. We walk down a hallway and then onto a second balcony, this one overlooking most of Ipharia and all of her splendid glory. If directly above me the stars were calm and poetic, then further out they looked chaotic. The bright lanterns dotting the sky over Ipharia clashing against them and challenging them in whoever was brightest. Realistically, I could not hear them, but closing my eyes I could see myself in town square, dancing and laughing with those around me. No care in the world. “Do you know what lesson that was?” [[“Keep the populace happy?”][$care +=3]] [[“Distract them all?”][$honesty -=3]] [[“Keep them looking up.”][$smug +=3]] [[Stay silent and let him continue.]]
“Sir,” I whisper, “why are you telling me this? Why did you bring me here?” <<include "Continue to listen to the King.">>
I was curious about what the King was feeling at this moment, if his words made him feel like a god amongst those below him, or if his words saddened him. I focus on him and visualize myself reaching inside of him as if attempting to grab and pluck at the emotions lying below the surface. They were eerily neutral, his words failing to move him one way or the other. They almost strike me as being bored. <<include "Continue to listen to the King.">>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Logical ++</span> <</if>>\ “Above all, keep the populace happy?” King Tybalt smiles a toothy grin, “you would be surprised how little monarchs truly care about the happiness of their people, as well as how easy that is to accomplish. You sprinkle a speech here and there, and then a lie, you give them some breaks and events, and boom – you have the happiest people in the world.” He takes a deep breath and removes his crown, examining it with an eye of someone looking upon poor craftsmanship. <<include "Stay silent and let him continue.">>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ “Distract them with cute little activities and events and balls so that they never have time, or want, to question?” King Tybalt lets out a boisterous laugh, cocking his head up to the sky with a satisfied smile, “that is not the lesson, but I’d be damned if it isn’t a good one. Part of me wishes to say that these events and balls aren’t as trivial as your words make them seem, but I would be wasting both of our time. These events not only work as a distraction but raise morale, and the more illustrious they are, the more everyone believes they are better off.” “While you are busy playing the game?” “Indeed.” He takes a deep breath and removes his crown, examining it with an eye of someone looking upon poor craftsmanship. <<include "Stay silent and let him continue.">>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Cocky ++</span> <</if>>\ “To keep them looking up so that they never look down?” King Tybalt pauses, gazing over at me with consideration sparkling in his eyes, “that is not what I was about to say, but that was put quite beautifully. Keep their eyes on the sparkling stone and gilded rooftops. Give them hope that they might be able to rise to such heights and have them forget their standing in their own shit. Alas, that is not the lesson I learned.” He takes a deep breath and removes his crown, examining it with an eye of someone looking upon poor craftsmanship. <<include "Stay silent and let him continue.">>
“I learned that social creatures love being led, even when there is some asinine rebellion going on. Still, they must be led. We are a people of chaos, walking in its mists as if we were born among it. Everyone bows their head to someone. It is simply an added bonus when the person you bow your head to is capable.” I frown when he speaks of a rebellion but decide not to question him further on that, especially when it was obvious that his attention was not on it. “Is your son capable?” The King pauses as if he had had the answer but now was hesitant,” I believe he can be capable. But my thoughts matter little. The populace has already cast their opinions, and they are predominantly doubting. That is where you come in. Your reputation precedes you considerably, never a dream that has yet come to be. They know that,” he says and sweeps his hand towards Ipharia, “and I wish for you to use that.” <a data-passage="2.18"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You wish for me to lie?” “Call it what you will, but I would hope that you would see why I need you to do such a thing. They fear the future and if my son will take care of them the same way I have. Balancing yourself on a scale of love and fear is no easy task. My son will have to learn this on his own, and the last thing I need is a group of fearing people when a few words from a celebrated face can temper their foulness.” “And if my words don’t equal out to what perhaps the truth is? What if I have a dream that doesn’t reach your standards?” “Then I would like for you to tell me. In fact, if you have any dreams during your stay here, then you should come to me with them. Unless I tell you that it is alright, I do not wish for you to tell anyone, not even your master, what you see in that beautifully woven-out mind of yours.” [[“I can do as you ask.”][$honesty -=3]] [[“I’ve … I’ve never lied before.”][$honesty +=3]] [[“And I’m guessing I have little choice.”]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Deceitful ++</span> <</if>>\ “I can do as you ask,” I say in confidence. Like he said, it was a simple lie to make those below more comfortable. If my dreams told me of unforeseen doom on the horizon, then it would do nothing but rattle the populace, and the royal family won’t be the only ones hurt. Despite telling the truth, many would turn their fury onto me. “Perfect. I wish for you to meet my son tomorrow. And when you do get your little speech ready, to run it first by my advisor and me.” He places his crown back on his head and gives me a charming smile, “it has been an utter pleasure.” With that, he leaves me to my thoughts. I gaze up at the sky and realize that for the first time, the stars were silent. <a data-passage="Chapter Three"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Honesty ++</span> <</if>>\ “I’ve …” I begin in hesitation, “I’ve never lied before. My reputation could be greatly hurt by this.” “I doubt it,” he says simply as if he knew this to be as accurate as anything else, “you give the people too much credit. They will remember your words at that moment. If my son does a horrid job, then you will be the last thing on their minds when it happens.” “It still doesn’t sit well with me.” “I’m not forcing you into this, $name,” he turns to go, stopping at the doors to the balcony and looking over at me. I watch as he puts his crown back on his head and straightens up, in the light of the moon he looks menacing, no longer the unorderly king that I had seen in the ballroom, “but know that I can ruin your reputation far quicker than any lowly peasant ever could.” With that, he leaves me to my thoughts. I gaze up at the sky and realize that for the first time, the stars were silent. <a data-passage="Chapter Three"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I narrow my eyes out at the square, wondering what it would be like to be them, instead of being here, talking to the king of the entire country about lying. “And I’m guessing I have little choice?” “We always have a choice, $name,” he turns to go, stopping at the doors to the balcony and looking over at me. I watch as he puts his crown back on his head and straightens up, in the light of the moon he looks menacing, no longer the unorderly king that I had seen in the ballroom, “but know that those choices have consequences.” With that, he leaves me to my thoughts. I gaze up at the sky and realize that for the first time, the stars were silent. <a data-passage="Chapter Three"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
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By: Tierra Wright © 2020 Bum Studios | 13Leagues ~~Demo Version 1.0 //Insight// contains violence, references to alcohol, strong language, and sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.~~
[[Inventory]] [[Gameplay]] [[Achievements]] [[Compendium]] [[Explicit Content]]
<<set $name = "Not Known">> <<set $surname = "Not Known">> <<set $species = "Not Known">> <<set $ruho to 0>> <<set $background = "Unknown">> <<set $hair = "Not Chosen">> <<set $vegan = false>> <<set $horse = false>> /* Abilities */ <<set $energy to 100>> <<set $spells to 0>> <<set $fight to 50>> <<set $body to 0>> <<set $chaos to 0>> <<set $spirit to 0>> <<set $heal to 0>> <<set $tarot to 0>> <<set $misattuned to false>> <<set $stability to 100>> <<set $chakra = "Not Chosen">> /* Personality */ <<set $fame to 0>> <<set $pious to 0>> <<set $stealth to 0>> <<set $combat to 0>> <<set $persuade to 50>> <<set $honesty to 50>> <<set $allforone to 50>> <<set $hostile to 50>> <<set $smug to 50>> <<set $care to 50>> <<set $taint to 0>> <<set $empathy to 0>> <<set $optimism to 50>> <<set $temptation = "na">> /* Abilities */ <<set $knowledge = false>> <<set $archery = false>> <<set $singing = false>> /* Relationships */ <<set $IsaakAlexander = false>> <<set $isaak to 50>> <<set $isaakLi to 0>> <<set $crushStatus to "">> <<set $AnsellusWarren = false>> <<set $ansellus to 30>> <<set $AverillFyre = false>> <<set $averill to 50>> <<set $averillLi to 0>> <<set $ahe to "he">> <<set $aHe to "He">> <<set $ahim to "him">> <<set $aHim to "Him">> <<set $ahis to "his">> <<set $aHis to "His">> <<set $aman to "man">> <<set $ahimself to "himself">> <<set $TsintahasherikhalaNelero = false>> <<set $tsintah to 30>> <<set $tsintahLi to 0>> <<set $ko to 0>> <<set $koT to "you have yet to meet Korisi">> <<set $ThorneMerc = false>> <<set $thorne to 40>> <<set $thorneLi to 0>> <<set $thorneNN to "na">> <<set $poly to 0>> <<set $audouin to 0>> <<set $dad = false>> /* Important Misc */ <<set $achievementpoints to 0>> <<set $showec = false>> <<set $statshow = false>> <<set $sex = "na">> <<set $q1 = false>> <<set $q2 = false>> <<set $q3 = false>> <<set $q4 = false>> <<set $q5 = false>> <<set $q6 = false>> <<set $q7 = false>> <<set $q8 = false>> <<set $q9 = false>> <<set $q10 = false>> <<set $q11 = false>> /* The Game Variables */ <<set $queen to 0>> <<set $ladyLilion = false>> <<set $mercy = false>> <<set $noose = false>> <<set $strip = false>> <<set $tsintahknows = false>> <<set $thorneknows = false>> <<set $chikrinOff = false>> <<set $courtknows_queen = false>> <<set $courtknows_king = false>> <<set $side to 50>> <<set $neleroApproval to 0>> <<set $evidence_lordfarrimond = false>> <<set $evidence_cultist = false>> <<set $evidence_bastardchild = false>> <<set $tattooMan = false>> <<set $hostage = false>> /* Injuries */ <<set $injury_ankle = false>> <<set $injury_arm = false>> <<set $headache = false>> /* Inventories */ <<set $weaponInventory to new Inventory()>> <<set $clothingInventory to new Inventory()>> <<set $miscInventory to new Inventory()>> /* Spells */ <<set $spell_LieDetection = false>> <<set $spell_Enhance = false>> /* Achievements */ <<set $achieve_prison = false>> <<set $achieve_trickedya = false>> <<set $talent_info = false>> <<set $talent_sing = false>> <<set $talent_archery = false>> /* Music */ <<cacheaudio "prologue" "audio/gasping_for_air.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ambience1" "audio/meditative_soundscape.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ambience2" "audio/soft_piano.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ambience3" "audio/ambient_calm.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ambience4" "audio/magical_fantasy.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ambience5" "audio/through_the_ages.wav">> <<cacheaudio "ambience6" "audio/enlightment.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "dark1" "audio/dark_journey.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "dark2" "audio/dark_underscore.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "dark3" "audio/darkness.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "dark4" "audio/darkomen.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "eclipse" "audio/among_the_stars.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "masterdeath" "audio/peaceful_native_vocals.mp3">> <<createplaylist "ambience">> <<track "ambience1" volume 0.35>> <<track "ambience2" volume 0.35>> <<track "ambience3" volume 0.35>> <<track "ambience4" volume 0.35>> <<track "ambience5" volume 0.35>> <<track "ambience6" volume 0.35>> <</createplaylist>> <<createplaylist "dark">> <<track "dark1" volume 0.35>> <<track "dark2" volume 0.35>> <<track "dark3" volume 0.35>> <<track "dark4" volume 0.35>> <</createplaylist>>
<img src="images/personal.png"> ''Name'': $name $surname ''Species'': $species ''Notoriety'': $fame ''Ruho'': $ruho ''Devotion'': $pious ''Covertness'': $stealth ''Combat'': $combat ''Persuasion'': $persuade <img src="images/magic.png"> ''Energy'': $energy ''Body'': $body ''Chaos'': $chaos ''Healing'': $heal ''Spiritual'': $spirit ''Tarot'': $tarot ''Spell Knowledge: $spells //To see the spells in your arsenal visit [[Gameplay]]// <img src="images/relationships.png"> <<if $IsaakAlexander>>\ ''Isaak Alexander'' Loyalty: <meter @value="$isaak" min="0" max="100"></meter> Crush Status: <<print $crushStatus>> Romance: <<print $isaakLi>> <</if>>\ <<if $AverillFyre>>\ ''Averill Fyre'' Loyalty: <meter @value="$averill" min="0" max="100"></meter> Romance: <<print $averillLi>> <</if>>\ <<if $TsintahasherikhalaNelero>>\ ''Tsintah'asherikhala Nelero'' Loyalty: <meter @value="$tsintah" min="0" max="100"></meter> Romance: <<print $tsintahLi>> Korisi's Fondness: <<print $ko>> <</if>>\ <<if $ThorneMerc>>\ ''Thorne'' Loyalty: <meter @value="$thorne" min="0" max="100"></meter> Thorne's Purpose: <<print $thornePurpose>> Romance: <<print $thorneLi>> <</if>>\ <<if $AnsellusWarren>>\ ''Ansellus Warren'': <meter @value="$ansellus" min="0" max="100"></meter> <</if>>\
This story contains mature content that will be rated M or 18+. Within this paragraph are two options regarding the visibility of the material. If you choose to [[Show Explicit Content|FurtherEC][$showec to true]] then the material will appear if further prompted by the reader. If you wish to not see this content, then please choose [[Hide Explicit Content|$return][$showec to false]].
Due to the specifics of the explicit scenes, more information is needed to tailor the experience just for you. You can either choose the genitalia your character possesses below or not. If you do not wish to disclose this information then the scenes will be adjusted accordingly. [[My genitalia is a penis.|$return][$sex = "m"]] [[My genitalia is a vagina.|$return][$sex = "f"]] <<return "No thanks, I don't wish to disclose this information.">>
<img src="images/inventory.png"> <img src="images/weapons.png"> <<inventory '$weaponInventory'>> <img src="images/clothing.png"> <<inventory '$clothingInventory'>> <img src="images/misc.png"> <<inventory '$miscInventory'>> [[Return|$return]]
<img src="images/magic.png"> * ''Defense Shield'': A standard shield for defensive purposes. Can be used to protect an individual or a collective group. If continuously fed energy, the shield can protect an individual for a longer time. * ''Energy Balls'': A standard offensive ability that allows the individual to manipulate their own energy and turn it into balls that explode upon impact. Depending on the focus used, the caster can hone in on targets. <<if $spell_LieDetection>>\ * ''Lie Detection'': A spell that will allow the caster to tell if someone is lying or not. This spell must be constantly fed energy to continue it and can only be cast on one person at a time. <</if>>\ <<if $spell_Enhance>>\ * ''Enhance: A spell that will allow the caster to enhance speed, strength, durability, or a mix of all three. This spell must be constantly fed energy to prolong it, as well as to use more than two enhancements together. <</if>>\ <<if $startthegame>>\ <img src="images/story_game.png"> ''The Crown vs. The Rebellion'' <meter @value="$side" min="0" max="100"></meter> <</if>>\ [[Return|$return]]
<img src="images/compendium.png"> ''C'' *chikrin: a magical collar used on those who have magical abilities that keeps them from using said magic. Commonly used on slaves to keep them from performing magic at ill times. ''D'' *daeth: a Uqanan term used to describe their settlements. ''E'' *elytzi: three spirits neither deities nor of the High Gods. ''En'' controls life and death, ''Fate'' controls path and decisions made through life, and ''Chronos'' controls the passage of time and history. ''L'' *ludá: a unique kind of spell magic gifted to certain individuals, bloodlines, and/or tribes. Usually gifted or cursed by a deity. ''N'' *nashi: a set of facial markings only seen on the Ecrid people, or those with enough Ecrid blood running through them. These medium sized specks take on the same color as the individual’s eye and grow darker or lighter based off of one’s current emotion. ''P'' *phasing : the ability and process of accessing the elysian plane ''R'' *ruho: worldwide currency of Jiwenia. There are four different kinds of ruho (also in the order of least valuable to most valuable): copper, silver, gold, and opal. An individual will only specify the number of ruho if it is silver, gold, or opal. Otherwise, they will simply say the cost followed by ruho, i.e. four ruho. ''S'' *skivck: a type of cloak that stops at the upper chest and back. There is a hood and some of them have sleeves, one sleeve, or no sleeves. *swanik: a thick type of hooded shawl that stops at the chest in the front, but drapes to the lower back in the back. [[Return|$return]]
<img src="images/achievements.png"> There are - achievements in all, you currently have $achievementpoints. <<if $achieve_prison>>\ ''It Could be Worse, Right?'' At least you're not meeting the hangman's noose. That's a plus, right? <</if>>\ <<if $achieve_trickedya>>\ ''Tricked Ya'' Well, his name //is// master ... at least it is to you. <</if>>\ ''Secret Talents'' <<if $talent_info>>\ ''Well-Versed'' You discovered that you have a vast knowledge of random things. <</if>>\ <<if $talent_sing>>\ ''Lovely Pipes'' You discovered that you can sing. <</if>>\ <<if $talent_archery>>\ ''Bullseye'' You discovered that you are exceptionally good at archery. <</if>>\ [[Return|$return]] /*Story starts here*/
Before you delve into the game, let’s get a few character-building choices out of the way. Further character customization will happen later. And, as a side note, you can check out your stats in the sidebar to the right and there is a Compendium in the left sidebar that holds a map of the country and a glossary for any terms that you may be confused about. Let’s first start with your species. There are four options that you can choose from: <<link 'Cimmerian'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>''Cimmerian'' (Sim-er-re-an): Created by the High God Darkness, these creatures of the night have been shunned by the gods and other species alike. Many of those that have met Cimmerians gain a neutral impression of them after, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t heard the rumors of these dark creatures. Hospitality is rare to come by, but those who give it are of the kindest and wisest of hearts. Cimmerians possess pale toned skin that can be found in shades of white, grey, brown, and black. Typically their hair color is the opposite of their skin, i.e., a Cimmerian with a darker skin tone will have lighter hair, and a lighter toned Cimmerian will have darker hair. Cimmerians possess vertical slit pupils and their iris can be red, white, black, and though uncommon, a golden-brown. Choosing the Cimmerian species gives the following: *Taint stat: When the individual commits an evil deed, their taint awakens and begins to spread through them. Though this will not kill a Cimmerian, it has the potential to infect others and the environment around them if too high. *Ability to turn into a shadow *+20 Covertness *+10 in Chaos magic specialty<</dialog>><</link>>, <<link 'Ecrid'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>''Ecrid'' (Eh-krid): The Ecrid are a species of expressive individuals who favor their freedom and travel, though it’s not strange for the Ecrid to settle in one place, their long lives always lead them towards change. Many of those who have met an Ecrid note that the species are relatively peaceful and value emotions. Their emotions are so much a part of them that it is even believed, though not exactly proven, that all Ecrid are empaths. Ecrid hardly earn the ire of other species due to their calm personas and ability to blend in with crowds. The Ecrid have a similar body structure to Alyrians, but that is where the comparisons end. The Ecrid all have feline-like tails that only differ in color and pattern. They also possess horns that grow with the individual, allowing for one to tell how old they are by counting the indents that rest along the horn. They also have two small upper fangs, and medium-sized speck markings that go from one cheek to the other called nashi. Their nashi matches the color of their eyes, which can be a wide array of natural and unnatural colors. Choosing the Ecrid species gives the following: *Empathy stat: When the individual is in tune with their emotional side, they have a better chance to read and understand the emotions of others they are around, but this can also open themselves up to a barrage of emotions not their own. *+20 Covertness *+10 in Spiritual magic specialty<</dialog>><</link>>, <<link 'Uqanan'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>''Uqanan'' (Oo-qua-nan): The legend says that when the deities of blood, war, and glory met, they had asked the High Gods for permission to create a species that encapsulates greatness. And so, the Uqanan was born. A species of strong, tall, and proud people who, if not inspiring fear at first glance, do call for respect. Many will be fearful of meeting a Uqanan, especially if that meeting place is one that garners combat. Others are merely shy, though a few will not think twice on letting their prejudice shine through. The Uqanan people are one of the tallest species that belong to Jiwenia. Along with their tall stature, many of them are also well-built, mostly muscle, though their are exceptions. Their skin tones are typically different shades of either grey, brown, purple, or green, and their hair can be any shade of red, brown, black, and blonde. Their eyes only exist in natural shades. Uqanan have two thick tusks along their bottom row of teeth, long enough to poke out of their mouth and rest along their upper lip. They also have small pointed ears that look like a mix between Alyrian and Kre. Choosing the Uqanan species gives the following: * +20 Persuasion * +10 in Body magic specialty * Ability to enter rage mode <</dialog>><</link>>, and <<link 'Kren'>><<dialog 'Codex Entry'>>''Kren'' (Khren): Created by both Sun and Moon, the Kren people originate from the mighty forests that they have all known at least once in their immortal lives. Being the first species upon Jiwenia, the Kren are a proud race of individuals who still treasure their connection with the gods. The spirit of the land calls to them, and after all this time, they can still answer. The Kren are an ageless race of the Kre. By the age of 100, they stop maturing. Unlike the other races, the Kren see a wide variety of natural tones. They have long pointed ears and slanted eyes. Both their eyes and hair only exist in natural shades but it should be noted that their eyes slightly glow in the dark. Feelings towards the Kren differ greatly between envious and neutral. Many do not speak nor act on these feelings though. Choosing the Kren species gives the following: * +20 Devotion * +10 in Healing magic specialty. * Ability to acquire a familiar.<</dialog>><</link>>. Each species will change what you look like and the customization that you’ll be met with later on in the story. Your species will also affect your initial stats, future story gameplay, your initial proficiency at specific specialist magic, and how others will view and react to you. [[Cimmerian.|Name][$species = "Cimmerian"; $chaos +=10; $stealth +=20]] [[Ecrid.|Name][$species = "Ecrid"; $stealth +=20; $spirit +=10]] [[Uqanan.|Name][$species = "Uqanan"; $body +=10; $persuade +=20]] [[Kren.|Name][$species = "Kren"; $heal +=10; $pious +=20]]
Next, choose your pronouns and tell us your name. Be sure to choose your pronouns first. You can change these pronouns at any time you like, just view the left sidebar and go to ''Settings''. <<link 'Your intended pronouns.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> [[Alarai|Surname][$name = "Alarai"]] [[Akeno|Surname][$name = "Akeno"]] [[Dagger|Surname][$name = "Dagger"]] [[Mirage|Surname][$name = "Mirage"]] [[Carter|Surname][$name = "Carter"]] [[Tarod|Surname][$name = "Tarod"]] [[Symon|Surname][$name = "Symon"]] [[Naesala|Surname][$name = "Naesala"]] [[Rajani|Surname][$name = "Rajani"]] [[Input Your Own Name->0Input]]
<<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Nice to meet you, $name.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> [[Continue On->Surname]]
Let us speak about your surname. In Jiwenia, it is not uncommon for one to go about life without one, the most important thing is your given name. Some species have a naming tradition, while others may not. With that being said, you can either create a surname now, wait to learn more about your species and their naming tradition, or just go without one at all. [[Sauze.|Notifs][$surname = "Sauze"]] [[Castenteau.|Notifs][$surname = "Castenteau"]] [[Swifthammer.|Notifs][$surname = "Swifthammer"]] [[Redcrest.|Notifs][$surname = "Redcrest"]] [[Aramaer.|Notifs][$surname = "Aramaer"]] [[Wysaven.|Notifs][$surname = "Wysaven"]] [[Remint.|Notifs][$surname = "Remint"]] [[Input Your Own Surname]] [[Go without one for now.->Notifs][$surname = ""]]
<<textbox "$surname" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#surname">>Nice to meet you, $name $surname.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="surname"></span> [[Continue On->Notifs]]
Would you like to receive in-game notifications when a stat changes (i.e., Hostile ++)? [[Yes.|ReadyUp][$statShow = true; $fame to 80]] [[No.|ReadyUp][$fame to 80]]
@@.center; Again, there will be later customization as the story progresses. Until then, welcome to Jiwenia and enjoy the story of you, $name. @@ <a data-passage="P1"><img src="images/title.png" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a>
<<audio "prologue" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.40>> //Run.// //Don’t look back.// //Run.// //Escape.// //Run.// //It’s coming.// //Breath, tickling the back of a neck. Gasping, need air. Frantic for air. Legs, burning as they continue on. Farther, farther, almost there.// //Not quite.// //The world spins, sight diminishing. Moon and Sun, hiding their faces in shame. Darkness, turning his back. Floundering.// //A wicked voice. Toxic hands. Corruption. Pain. Hatred. Blood raining from the sky, dotting the grass, coating the soil. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. Fire sets the lungs ablaze.// //Stillness.// //Darkness, unlike any other. Thrashing and trying to open eyes. Taken.// <a data-passage="P1_1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<img src="images/divider.png"> I shoot forward, heart pounding as the effects of the nightmare begin to fade. My head pulsates, comparable to how it always does after I receive such a cryptic dream. But the nightmares are still the worst ones, always the ones that hold messages that feel more like enigmas. I rub my eyes as I shiver. My eyes! I dart to my feet and go to the only mirror lying within my small hut, clenching it tightly as I hold it up next to the dying candle resting on my table. They’re still there. [[“It was just a dream. Only a dream …”]] [[“Oh, thank the High Gods.”]] [[“What kind of dream?”]] [[Try to calm down.]]
“It was just a dream,” I tell myself, repeating the words softly as I attempt to reassure myself. And yet, I feel no reassurance, the words I utter were just as empty as my eye sockets a moment ago. The next moment, I get to my feet, and I dart out of my cottage, heading down the familiar road to another. “Master!” I shout out, forgetting to knock or show any other form of pleasantries that one would upon entering another’s dwelling. My master jumps in his seat, the quill slipping freely across the once clean alabaster parchment at the sudden interruption. “Goodness, you scared me, $name. And at such a late hour, whatever could be the matter?” “I had another one,” I tell him, pacing back and forth across his small living space. I bite the inside of my cheek as random images of the dream come to me, each more mysterious than the last. “Well, it wouldn’t be the first,” he sighs, placing his quill down and wincing at the look of his now sullied parchment. [[“My apologies.”][$hostile -=10]] [[“Don’t patronize me.”][$hostile +=10]]
I let out a deep sigh, hanging my head as I murmur the words, “oh, thank the High Gods.” I slowly look back down at my reflection, clenching my eyes closed. The proof doesn’t cause my heart to calm. Instead, I dart out of my cottage and head down the familiar road to another. “Master!” I shout out, forgetting to knock or show any other form of pleasantries that one would upon entering another’s dwelling. My master jumps in his seat, the quill slipping freely across the once clean alabaster parchment at the sudden interruption. “Goodness, you scared me, $name. And at such a late hour, whatever could be the matter?” “I had another one,” I tell him, pacing back and forth across his small living space. I bite the inside of my cheek as random images of the dream come to me, each more mysterious than the last. “Well, it wouldn’t be the first,” he sighs, placing his quill down and wincing at the look of his now sullied parchment. [[“My apologies.”][$hostile -=10]] [[“Don’t patronize me.”][$hostile +=10]]
I’ve had dreams before, nightmares that kept me up at night. But never did I feel so personally attacked during one, the feeling of being utterly helpless. “What kind of dream was that?” I ask aloud to no one. I believe that questioning it, trying to decipher each and every tiny detail I can recall, will help. But it doesn’t. Reassurance crumbles and I find my heart still pounding at the sight of my missing eyes. Seeing that sitting in my small home alone would do nothing for me, I rush to my feet and dart out of my cottage, heading down the familiar road to another. “Master!” I shout, forgetting to knock or show any other form of pleasantries that one would upon entering another’s dwelling. My master jumps in his seat, the quill slipping freely across the once clean alabaster parchment at the sudden interruption. “Goodness, you scared me, $name. And at such a late hour, whatever could be the matter?” “I had another one,” I tell him, pacing back and forth across his small living space. I bite the inside of my cheek as random images of the dream come to me, each more mysterious than the last. “Well, it wouldn’t be the first,” he sighs, placing his quill down and wincing at the look of his now sullied parchment. [[“My apologies.”][$hostile -=10]] [[“Don’t patronize me.”][$hostile +=10]]
My eyes were there. I was okay. It was only a dream. All of that was just a dream. I take numerous deep breaths in an attempt to calm my racing heart. My eyes darting from one corner of my home to another as I search for something to help me. Something that will cause me to anchor myself back to the now. When I find that nothing works, another idea comes to mind. I rush to my feet and dart out of the cottage, heading down the familiar road to another. “Master!” I shout out, forgetting to knock or show any other form of pleasantries that one would upon entering another’s dwelling. My master jumps in his seat, the quill slipping freely across the once clean alabaster parchment at the sudden interruption. “Goodness, you scared me, $name. And at such a late hour, whatever could be the matter?” “I had another one,” I tell him, pacing back and forth across his small living space. I bite the inside of my cheek as random images of the dream come to me, each more mysterious than the last. “Well, it wouldn’t be the first,” he sighs, placing his quill down and wincing at the look of his now sullied parchment. [[“My apologies.”][$hostile -=10]] [[“Don’t patronize me.”][$hostile +=10]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ “My apologies,” I murmur but he quickly dismisses my apology before it can fully form. “It’s of no consequence. Compared to the dribble I was about to scrawl out, the line is a suitable replacement.” He turns to me, remaining in his seat as he takes my appearance in, “now, about this dream.” “This … this one was different. It … it,” I stammer, clamming up as I glare down at my hands, shaking as the last images of my dream come to me. The white blood seeping through my fingers, the face of another, and their edges blurred as they walk away. My vision going in and out. And yet, turning to the mirror and seeing – “$name?” I jump at the touch of another, only partially calming down when I see my master’s hand on my shoulder, a look of worry upon his face. His golden nashi markings have darkened considerably against his peach freckled skin, losing their brilliance and appearing much muddier. “You wear your expressions right on your cheeks,” I tease breathlessly, a favored joke of mine. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ My master pokes my cheek, reminding me that the same markings he bore, I did as well. “So do you.” <<else>>\ My master rolls his eyes, “ever the one making jokes.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="P2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Hostile ++</span> <</if>>\ “Don’t patronize me,” I snarl, and he raises his hand in surrender. “It was not my intention to do such thing. Now, how about you tell me this dream?” “This … this one was different. It … it,” I stammer, clamming up as I glare down at my hands, shaking as the last images of my dream come to me. The white blood seeping through my fingers, the face of another, and their edges blurred as they walk away. My vision going in and out. And yet, turning to the mirror and seeing – “$name?” I jump at the touch of another, only partially calming down when I see my master’s hand on my shoulder, a look of worry upon his face. His golden nashi markings have darkened considerably against his peach freckled skin, losing their brilliance and appearing much muddier. “You wear your expressions right on your cheeks,” I tease breathlessly, a favored joke of mine. <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ My master pokes my cheek, reminding me that the same markings he bore, I did as well. “So do you.” <<else>>\ My master rolls his eyes, “ever the one making jokes.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="P2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Your nightmare, tell it to me.” He leads me over to a wooden chair, a giant wolf pelt draped over it to provide a hint of comfort. Before I can begin, he walks off, coming back a minute later with a cup in his hands. I detect traces of lemon and ginger and find it hard to miss a favorite ingredient of his – marjoram. One whiff of the tea has my senses calming and my headache subsiding, though I note that my heart rapidly pounds on. “I watched myself run through the woods. Something was chasing me, but the fog was deterring me from seeing it. It was so close,” I whisper, clenching the mug tighter. “But I kept going. I didn’t stop. But it got me. The mere touch of whatever this thing was, crept along my arm. The aura of the forest changing drastically, my senses overloaded. And then, I was alone. Nowhere to turn. A figure was walking off, a trail of white blood following them like a loyal hound. They dissolved into the fog. And then … there was a mirror.” I dig my nails into the cup, bringing it hastily to my lips and taking a long swig of the tea inside. “My eyes were gone. I stared into the mirror, but my eyes weren’t there. The same white blood trailing down my cheeks. But, how can I?” I refuse to finish my own sentence as I glance towards my quiet master. He sits in a chair nearby, stroking his dark brown beard while staring into a fire that fails to warm me. His <<if $species is not "Ecrid">>feline appearing<</if>> tail flicks back and forth mesmerizingly, and I use it in an attempt to divert my attention, watching as it swings, and yet it changes nothing. “Do you believe this figure took your eyes?” he finally asks. My gaze narrows and I look towards the fire, wishing that the incandescent flames before me held some sort of unbiased answer. [[Yes, and I want answers.][$smug +=10; $care -=10]] [[No, it doesn’t make sense.][$smug -=10; $care -=10]] [[Yes, and it terrifies me.][$smug +=10; $care +=10]] [[I don’t know! I don’t care!][$smug -=10; $care +=10]]
<<nobr>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">> <<set $empathy -=10>> <</if>> <<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Cocky ++<br> Logical ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> “I do. The white blood trailing behind them as they disappeared. The coincidence that I lost them as soon as they finally show themselves.” “You don’t think that you might’ve not had them the entire time?” I shake my head, “at the beginning of my dream, I was outside my body. As soon as the figure caught me, it was like I was pulled right back in. Every painful sensation that coursed through me was mine to bear. Whatever it was, whatever it did, I want to know how. I want to know what it wants and why //my// eyes.” “Yet, that can still mean that your eyes had been missing since the beginning,” my master points out, squinting at nothing in particular as he speaks. “This helps me none!” I growl, pushing myself up, pacing yet again. “Your nightmares hardly ever make sense to me,” he tells me, standing as well, motioning for me to follow, “and I can only think of one thing that would aid us.” I follow behind him into his workroom, the room that I spend most of my time in as well. It was a mess, unlike the rest of his tidy house. Books and papers were strewn everywhere, ingredients resting along the table and the floor. Diagrams and markings adorn the walls. I place my gaze on the vast cauldron that rests in the middle of the room, the fire long since extinguished from it. <a data-passage="P3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">> <<set $empathy -=10>> <</if>> <<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Humble ++<br> Logical ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> “I don’t. I can’t say when my eyes vanished, especially seeing that I’m more curious about how I could see that they were missing. That part wasn’t an out of body experience, I was me. I should be blind.” “A dream will always defy logic, you should know that,” my master says, though his voice lacks the reprimanding tone that his words would otherwise insinuate. “This helps me none!” I growl, pushing myself up, pacing yet again. “Your nightmares hardly ever make sense to me,” he tells me, standing as well, motioning for me to follow, “and I can only think of one thing that would aid us.” I follow behind him into his workroom, the room that I spend most of my time in as well. It was a mess, unlike the rest of his tidy house. Books and papers were strewn everywhere, ingredients resting along the table and the floor. Diagrams and markings adorn the walls. I place my gaze on the vast cauldron that rests in the middle of the room, the fire long since extinguished from it. <a data-passage="P3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">> <<set $empathy +=10>> <</if>> <<if $statShow>> <span class="stats">Cocky ++<br> Emotional ++</span> <</if>> <</nobr>> “I do. The white blood trailing behind them as they disappeared. The coincidence that I lost them as soon as they finally show themselves.” “You don’t think that you might’ve not had them the entire time?” I shake my head, “at the beginning of my dream, I was outside my body. As soon as the figure caught me, it was like I was pulled right back in. Every painful sensation that coursed through me was mine to bear. And that alone scares me. It felt //so// real. Real enough that I woke up and the first thing I did was grab a mirror. I don’t care who it was, I just don’t ever want to go through that again.” “Yet, that can still mean that your eyes had been missing since the beginning,” my master points out, squinting at nothing in particular as he speaks. “This helps me none!” I growl, pushing myself up, pacing yet again. “Your nightmares hardly ever make sense to me,” he tells me, standing as well, motioning for me to follow, “and I can only think of one thing that would aid us.” I follow behind him into his workroom, the room that I spend most of my time in as well. It was a mess, unlike the rest of his tidy house. Books and papers were strewn everywhere, ingredients resting along the table and the floor. Diagrams and markings adorn the walls. I place my gaze on the vast cauldron that rests in the middle of the room, the fire long since extinguished from it. <a data-passage="P3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<if $species is "Ecrid">>\ <<set $empathy +=10>> <</if>>\ <<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Humble ++<br> Emotional ++</span> <</if>>\ <</nobr>> “Maybe, maybe not. I don’t know and I don’t care! I just want to forget that nightmare and that image of me without my eyes. I know it was just a nightmare, but … I feel so violated.” “And so you should. Someone or something had taken something dear to you. It’s only natural to feel such a way.” “This helps me none!” I growl, pushing myself up, pacing yet again. “Your nightmares hardly ever make sense to me,” he tells me, standing as well, motioning for me to follow, “and I can only think of one thing that would aid us.” I follow behind him into his workroom, the room that I spend most of my time in as well. It was a mess, unlike the rest of his tidy house. Books and papers were strewn everywhere, ingredients resting along the table and the floor. Diagrams and markings adorn the walls. I place my gaze on the vast cauldron that rests in the middle of the room, the fire long since extinguished from it. <a data-passage="P3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Would you like to see if the cauldron can supply you with an answer?” On the one hand, the cauldron might indeed be able to help, I have personally seen its abilities for myself. But it had a way of muddling up riddles that one would think couldn’t possibly be any more complicated. And yet, I could not see this dream becoming any more convoluted than it already was. I place my hands on both sides of the cauldron, closing my eyes as I light the fire underneath. “Let us,” I tell my master, and he nods his head as he rushes around, grabbing ingredients. From time to time, he must pause to check something in his notes. But once satisfied, he goes back to running about. He hands me most of the ingredients, trusting me to put the right amount inside even as I multitask in an attempt to clear my mind. Once complete, I focus on the bubbling water within as my master mumbles the foreign words of a spell. Each word causes the intensity of the water to increase, the bubbling rising and rising. I recall as much of my nightmare as I can. The sweat that dribbled down my face as I ran, the fatigue of my muscles, the burning and hissing of my skin under the touch of another, and then finally, the feeling of hot blood sliding along my fingers. The shock of seeing my eyes gone. I open my eyes, finding myself breathing heavily as the last of the cauldron’s bubbles die down. We both lean in with interest, watching as the water jags from side to side. Occasionally it spikes before calming once again. Images begin to appear. Sun and Moon holding hands in the sky as Darkness looks on in jealousy. A scar lying along the ground. A gaping maw barely hidden behind tempestuous ripples. A hill made of skulls and drenched in blood. A shadow appearing on the horizon, growing in strength. Devil creatures clawing the land. But which to focus on? [[The gods.]] [[The scar.]] [[The hill.]] [[The shadow.]]
I focus on the image concerning the gods. Sun and Moon, brother and sister, look upon one another with love filling their hearts. Two starkly different personalities, but they could still find room in themselves to love the other’s flaws and strengths. Behind them resides Darkness, staring on at the duo with contempt in his heart and malice rushing through his veins. I was sure that if it wasn’t for his love for Moon, he would have attempted to strike both figures. But what could this scene have in relation to me and my dream? All three figures existing in the same space at once. Sun and Moon, oblivious to Darkness, focused only on each other. <a data-passage="P4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I focus my attention on the scar that now lies across the ground. The landscape was barren besides a few weeds attempting to claim the land as theirs. And yet, despite the barren earth, I did not get the feeling it was because everything was dead. Instead, I had the feeling like it was waiting for an opportunity to finally grow. The scar itself was thick, and the more I focus on it, the more I could see it widening, threatening to swallow all if not healed properly. I stare into the depths of that scar, and a dozen eyes stare back, their yellow eyes illuminating the otherwise dark crevice. The thin slits that make up their pupil staring back at me questionably. They don’t as much beckon me into their fold as they challenge me. Challenging me and pondering if I could genuinely survive amongst them. <a data-passage="P4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I decide to focus my attention on the image of the hill. It was like no other hill, predominantly because it was made out of bones and skulls. Covering it entirely was blood, the crimson layer covering every inch. One could easily see how this hill was made, the dirt was replaced by the bones, and the grass by the blood. But I was less understanding of what this had to do with my nightmare, or me. Hills like this didn’t exist, as far as I know. Perhaps they did, with people in faraway lands, with sharp traditions and unwavering mindsets. Was this a clue, or was it a scene? <a data-passage="P4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
This was by far the busiest image, and so I set my focus on it. A shadow breaching the horizon, and every second, it seems to grow in size. Strange devil-like creatures break through the ground, clawing their way up. The clues within this one appear as if they are slapping me across the face with their obviousness, and yet, they weren’t. The creatures rising could be a sign of necromancy, or it could simply be saying that what is dead may not stay that way. The shadow figure could be whatever should be dead, rising. Or, it could be the necromancer. I knew that witches like this existed, most of them being one of the Kre, or a Cimmerian. But that still gave me no clear understanding of my involvement. <a data-passage="P4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Before I could study another, the images disappear and are replaced by an image of my eye-less face. I jump back as the last image appears. Though the water remains flat, it feels as if the image lunges towards me, attempting to capture me … attempting to grab my eyes. I find myself on the ground, my heart pounding as the fire from the cauldron extinguishes, bathing the house in silence and darkness. “Master?” I call out, trembling limbs grasping for purchase and stabilization. I find him near the cauldron, his gaze stuck on the darkly tinted water. “Do you see that?” I look into the water and see that it is still only reflecting the color of the cauldron. “No,” I speak. I gaze around for something to light, but before I can move to find such an object, his hand grabs my wrist, tightening around it. His eyes on me, boring into mine as if I was a stranger from his past. “There they are … they look so …” he whispers, his voice trembling as his grip tightens. [[“Master, please, release me.”][$hostile -=10]] [[“Release me, old man!”][$hostile +=10]] [[Yank my arm back.]]
<<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Peaceful ++</span> <</if>>\ “Master, please, release me.” He does as I ask, and I see his figure jump slightly, as if he didn’t even know he had been doing the action. I give him a worried glance before going off to search for a candle and upon finding one, light it. But as soon as the light appears, it vanishes. Only the trail of smoke ever telling me that there was ever a fire in the first place. Goosebumps race down my arm as my heart stutters. “$name,” I hear my master call out. He was no longer by the cauldron but on the other side of the room, walking in through the side door, a book in his hands. He lights his palm on fire as he gives me a quizzical look. “What happened?” I furrow my brow, “Master … how did you get over there? And with that book?” “I left some time ago to grab my symbolism notes,” he starts, resting the book on his desk, “may I ask why you extinguished the fire? Did you find what you were searching for?” The chill from earlier again runs down my spine as I look at the empty space near the cauldron. My master’s fireball suddenly extinguishes as a gust of wind rocks the room, carrying with it a voice. “I see you.” <a data-passage="Chapter One"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<if $statShow>>\ <span class="stats">Hostile ++</span> <</if>>\ <</nobr>> “Release me, old man!” I demand, pulling on my arm as I narrow my gaze on him. He does as I command, and I see his figure jump slightly, as if he didn’t even know he had been doing the action. I give him a worried glance before going off to search for a candle and upon finding one, light it. But as soon as the light appears, it vanishes. Only the trail of smoke ever telling me that there was ever a fire in the first place. Goosebumps race down my arm as my heart stutters. “$name,” I hear my master call out. He was no longer by the cauldron but on the other side of the room, walking in through the side door, a book in his hands. He lights his palm on fire as he gives me a quizzical look. “What happened?” I furrow my brow, “Master … how did you get over there? And with that book?” “I left some time ago to grab my symbolism notes,” he starts, resting the book on his desk, “may I ask why you extinguished the fire? Did you find what you were searching for?” The chill from earlier again runs down my spine as I look at the empty space near the cauldron. My master’s fireball suddenly extinguishes as a gust of wind rocks the room, carrying with it a voice. “I see you.” <a data-passage="Chapter One"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
As soon as his grip tightens, I brace myself and yank my arm out of his grip. I tenderly massage it and throw a look his way, though I doubt he can see my expression due to the darkness. I turn my back to him, walking away to search for a candle and upon finding one, light it. But as soon as the light appears, it vanishes. Only the trail of smoke ever telling me that there was ever a fire in the first place. Goosebumps race down my arm as my heart stutters. “$name,” I hear my master call out. He was no longer by the cauldron but on the other side of the room, walking in through the side door, a book in his hands. He lights his palm on fire as he gives me a quizzical look. “What happened?” I furrow my brow, “Master … how did you get over there? And with that book?” “I left some time ago to grab my symbolism notes,” he starts, resting the book on his desk, “may I ask why you extinguished the fire? Did you find what you were searching for?” The chill from earlier again runs down my spine as I look at the empty space near the cauldron. My master’s fireball suddenly extinguishes as a gust of wind rocks the room, carrying with it a voice. “I see you.” <a data-passage="Chapter One"><img src="images/next.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>