Public Demo: Golden Dusk

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<div id="sidebar"> <div class="sidebar-header">  <div></div>  <h1 class="story-title" data-passage="Golden Dusk"></h1>  <div class="sidebar-toggle"> <span id="sidebar-toggle-icon" class="lnr lnr-menu-circle"></span> </div> </div>   <div class="sidebar-history-nav"> <span id="backwards-button" class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span> <span id="forwards-button" class="lnr lnr-arrow-right"></span> </div> <div id="sidebar-body">  <div class="story-logo" data-passage="storyLogo"></div>  <h2 class="story-author" data-passage="Quil Vane"></h2> <nav class="sidebar-nav"> <ul class="story-tools"> <li> <span id="restart-button" class="lnr lnr-redo"></span> <span class="tooltiptext">Restart</span> </li> <li> <span id="saves-button" class="lnr lnr-download"></span> <span class="tooltiptext">Saves</span> </li> <li> <span id="settings-button" class="lnr lnr-cog"></span> <span class="tooltiptext">Settings</span> </li> </ul> <ul class="story-menu" data-passage="storyMenu"> </ul> </div>  </div>  <div id="story" role="main"> <div id="passages"> <div id="passage-start" data-passage="start" class="passage"> </div> </div> </div>

<<nobr>>  <li>[[Glossary]]</li> <li>[[Stats]]</li> <<if $profiles is true>> <li>[[Profiles]]</li> <</if>> <<if $wi is true>> <li>[[World Info]]</li> <</if>> <</nobr>>

by <a href="https://tumblr.com/goldendusk-if" target="_blank">Quil Vane</a>

GoldenDusk

!Glossary ''Amu|Ama|Mami'': Mother ''Baba|Abu|Aba'': Father ''Apu|Bhon'': Sister ''Bhaiya|Bhai'': Brother ''Jee|Heh'': Yes ''Nah'': No ''Sileh'': Son/Boy ''Meh'': Daughter/Girl ''Bacha'': Child ''Andus'': The Country of Agriculture. Ongoing 20-Year-War with Nadripur.  <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<h1>Stats</h1> <h2><<print $firstname.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $nickname is true>> "<<print $nickname.toUpperFirst()>>" <</if>> '$petname' $lastname</h2> <li><<print $gender.toUpperFirst()>></li> <li>$age</li> <li>$title</li> <h3>Appearance</h3> <i>A <<if $gender is "male">>handsome young man<</if>><<if $gender is "female">>beautiful young lady<</if>> with $hairl $hairc hair and $skin toned skin. </i> <h3>Personality</h3> <br> You tend to be ...<<if $stoic is true>>seen as expressionless always seeming strong and hide any 'weak' feelings.<</if>><<if $emotional is true>>seen as expressive and not afraid of all your emotions-- only some of them.<</if>> <br> <br> <br> When desicion-making you tend to be ...<<if $choice is "Indecisive">>undecisive and find it difficult to make choices.<</if>><<if $choice is "Decisive">>decisive and find it easier to make choices.<</if>> <br> <br> <br> In romantic situations you ...<<if $shy is true>>get embarrased, blush and don't take the initiative, at least not in public.<</if>><<if $bold is true>>are flirty, make her blush and like to take the iniative in public-- at least.<</if>> <br> <br> <br> <<if $diplomat is true>>You are known to be a diplomat, a negotiator of sorts looking for solutions, great at making deals and using intelligent reasons to find solutions to your problems, and have great people skills for the most part, though you are adept at lying in dire situations but aren't perfect with it.<</if>><<if $charmer is true>> You are known to be a charmer, finding yourself to be able to sway people's minds with a smile or a few well placed words. You can make deals and have amazing people skills, but sometimes you have to lie and can most likely get away with it. <</if>><<if $fighter is true>> You are known to be a fighter, a warrior who has exceptional battle prowess, instinct, speed, and strength. Thanks to this and the evidence of scars on your body, your body is strengthened and can endure more than a regular man. You aren't the brightest of minds, but you aren't completely dull, being able to read and write and understand some emotions better. But you are not great with people often making a cold or scary face and find it difficult to lie being used to blunt honesty. <</if>><<if $scholar is true>> You are known to be a scholar, an intelligent person who has knowledge of a multitude of things. Usually, this information either comes from research with books or from people. You have decent people skills but can still come off as awkward, hesitant, or cold. Not very good at lying but can fool people into thinking things by using overcomplicated things and saying random facts. <</if>><<if $spiritual is true>> You are known to be spiritual and religious, finding solace with prayers and helping others find that same solace. That being said, you have a strong connection to religion and the mystical abilities that may come with it, while, also being able to be a medium with your strong spiritual aura. You are fairly intelligent, being able to read and write well and read many books, especially religious-themed ones, and have good people skills. But it feels as though there's also something darker in your heart sometimes.<</if>><<if $deceiver is true>> You are known as a deceiver, conman, or gang leader (for whatever reason). You have high intelligence and decent people skills, are able to lie easily, and are great at stealth-related skills. But, fortunately, for people, you have a conscience—most of the time, at least. You tend to find yourself in trouble, finding out too much, which can attract as much or as little attention depending on whether you want to be invisible or seem mysterious/threatening. <</if>> <br> <br> <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

!!Greetings, !!From the !Golden Dusk !!!-Info + This is a for-fun-when-I-have-time-&-inspiration-story + Come visit my tumblr to ask questions, maybe get some extra stories and etc... !!!-Updates + 5/24/24: 1st Demo Published !!!-Features +Customize your character... + Choose 1 out of 6 personalities + Choose your hair color & length, skin tone + Choose to be Stoic or Emotional + Choose to be Negative or Positive + Choose to be a Night Owl or Early Bird + Choose to be Indecisive or Decisive + Find out about your father + Meet your Mentor + Meet your Homie !!!-Summary + Secret of the Golden Dusk hovering over the World. + A child that wasn't ever meant to be. + A love that was written in the stars. + The destiny of you, the child of Fate. {+ Also known as, I'm terrible at making story summaries} !!!-Mentions(?) + Me, Myself and I + Bangladesh ♡ + Anyone who helps me with my writing... [[Our Story Begins...|1]]

!!!''The Border, Andus'' A young Kalingan woman. She navigates home. //'Home'// is made of sticks and leaves. It is far, far away from the town. From eyes. From ears. Because of the treasure of hers inside. Keeps it safe from //anyone.// //Anything.// For if it was found, What could happen. A treasure that was never meant to exist. Nor, was she ever suppose to create it. Neither did he. Though far away. He will always cherish her. Their love. Their time. And, their //treasure.// Comes home to her treasure. It giggles, cries and coos. She can only protect it for so //long//. But, until that day comes... [[❥Her d̶a̶u̶g̶h̶t̶e̶r̶ treasure will stay in her arms.|2][$gender = "female"]] [[❥Her s̶o̶n̶ treasure will stay in her arms.|2][$gender = "male"]]

!!!''Kalingan, Andus'' I wake up from my straw mat and get to work. I can't waste time in the mornings...after all, who knows what tomorrow could bring. <<if $gender is "female">> I pick up my worn-out chemise and soap to wash it quickly and drag out a wooden divider my mother and I made for when we went to wash up. After all, it isn't too safe for a mother and daughter who live alone outside the village. Especially when washing up. Then, finally, I head out. [[As I go to wash up in the lake, I quickly grab an underdress to put on and take a glimpse of the features I inherited.|3]] <<else>> I grab my worn-out tunic and a small part of the soap to give it a quick wash and head out. I make sure the wooden divider me and my mother made isn't broken. She probably has already washed up, but it doesn't hurt to make sure if it isn't damaged. After all, it isn't safe for a woman to just wash up in a lake, especially since we're outside the village. Then, finally, I head out. [[As I go to wash up in the lake, I take a glimpse of the features I inherited.|3]] <</if>><<set $age to 16>>

My <<listbox "$hairl" autoselect>> <<option "long">><<set $hairl to "long">> <<option "short">><<set $hairl to "short">> <<option "medium">><<set $hairl to "medium">><</listbox>>, <<listbox "$hairc" autoselect>> <<option "dark golden">><<set $hairc to "dark golden">> <<option "dark silver">><<set $hairc to "dark silver">> <<option "black">><<set $hairc to "black">> <<option "dark bronze">><<set $hairc to "dark bronze">> <<option "faded blue">><<set $hairc to "faded blue">> <<option "subtle pink">><<set $hairc to "subtle pink">> <<option "pastel green">><<set $hairc to "pastel green">> <<option "soft purple">><<set $hairc to "soft purple">> <</listbox>> hair wet from my hand running water through it, the soft waves of it flattened. I can't fully wash my body in the morning; otherwise, a sickness might catch on to me, especially in the coldest of months. Plus, I don't have time later in the day. I get up to dry off with my darkened <<listbox "$skin" autoselect>> <<option "golden">><<set $skin to "golden">> <<option "tan">><<set $skin to "tan">> <<option "dark">><<set $skin to "dark">> <<option "brown">><<set $skin to "brown">> <<option "bronze">><<set $skin to "bronze">> <<option "light brown">><<set $skin to "light brown">> <<option "caramel">><<set $skin to "caramel">> <<option "chai">><<set $skin to "chai">> <<option "latte">><<set $skin to "latte">> <</listbox>> tinted skin with a towel ==a spare cloth I had==. It somewhat (though strange) screams, //'Kalingan'// ...but- <<if $gender is "female">> "<<link "Meh">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Meh"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Meh").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>>, did you finish your errands?" My mother yells from the house. "<<link "Jee">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Jee"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Jee").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>>, I did! I'm coming back in." answering back, finishing up before, heading inside the house with my clothes back [[on.|4]] <<else>> "<<link "Sileh">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Sileh"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Sileh").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>>, did you finish your errands?" my mother yells from the house. "<<link "Jee">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Jee"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Jee").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>>, I did! I'm coming back in!" answering back, finishing up before, heading inside the house with my clothes back [[on.|4]] <</if>>

Mother/Mom

Son/Boy

Yes

Mother/Mom

!Countries <img src="https://i.ibb.co/mGLQTrF/Ladesh202023-09-09-14-482028429.jpg" alt="Ladesh202023-09-09-14-482028429" border="0" alt="Ladesh World Map" width="900px"/> <<if $Andus is true>>!![[Andus]] <</if>> <<if $Nadripur is true>>!![[Nadripur]] <</if>> <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

Mother/Mom

"<<link "Amu">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Amu"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Amu").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>>, What do you need?" calling out to her as I enter what is supposed to be a kitchen area after placing my ==ragcloth== towel to dry. In response, your mother calls out your name... <<if $gender is "male">> [[Which comes from her homeland, Andus.|4.2a]] [[Which comes from your birthplace, Thaca.|4.3a]] [[Which comes from apparently your father's home, Nadripur|4.1a]] <<else>> [[Which comes from her homeland, Andus.|4.2b]] [[Which comes from your birthplace, Thaca.|4.3b]] [[Which comes from apparently your father's home, Nadripur|4.1b]] <</if>> [[A More Unique Name...|4.4]]

$hairl $hairc $skin $firstname $petname $nickname $marriagecandidates $f $r $h $re $m $stats $profiles $title $nickname $return $besties $title $gender $choice $stoic $emotional $negative $positive $done $habit1 $Andus $Nadripur $Thaca $Kursganj $Nusmardi $Alisal $wi <<set $nickname to false>> <<set $anduliname to false>> <<set $nadrianname to false>> <<set $thacaioname to false>> <<set $uniquename to false>> <<set $defaultname to false>> <<set $age to 16>> <<set $besties to false>> <<set $marriagecandidates to false>> <<set $metm to false>> <<set $metf to false>> <<set $metr to false>> <<set $meth to false>> <<set $metrc to false>> <<set $stats to false>> <<set $profiles to false>> <<set $mro1 to false>> <<set $mro2 to false>> <<set $mro3 to false>> <<set $mfnr to false>> <<set $diplomat to false>> <<set $charmer to false>> <<set $fighter to false>> <<set $scholar to false>> <<set $spiritual to false>> <<set $deceiver to false>> <<set $title to "Half-Blood Child of Meeina Unan ==and Nuhas Raiman==.">> <<set $lastname to "Raiman">> <<set $profile to false>> <<set $firstname to "">> <<set $besties to false>> <<set $choice to "">> <<set $stoic to false>> <<set $emotional to false>> <<set $done to false>> <<set $negative to false>> <<set $positive to false>> <<set $habit1 to "">> <<set $Andus to false>> <<set $Nadripur to false>> <<set $Thaca to false>> <<set $Kursganj to false>> <<set $Nusmardi to false>> <<set $Alisal to false>> <<set $wi to false>>

!!! Type in Your First Name: <<textbox "$firstname" "">><<print $firstname.toUpperFirst()>> <<set $uniquename to true>> <<button "And Your Last Name..." "5">><</button>>

!!! Thacaio Names: <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Chakil" autocheck>> Chakil : Light <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Fachiak" autocheck>> Fachiak : Intelligent <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Ikstiac" autocheck>> Ikstiac : Happiness <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Quero" autocheck>> Quero : Wealth <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Kceqi" autocheck>> Kceqi : Talented <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Rajah" autocheck>> Rajah : King <<set $thacaioname to true>> <<button "And Your Last Name..." "5">><</button>>

!!! Anduli Names: <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Abvir" autocheck>> Abvir : Strength & Bravery <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Aornub" autocheck>> Aornub : Sea <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Yorsir" autocheck>> Yorsir : Wealth <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Khanid" autocheck>> Khanid : Leader <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Zyqal" autocheck>> Zyqal : Fortune <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Raja" autocheck>> Rahjah : King <<set $anduliname to true>> <<button "And Your Last Name..." "5">><</button>>

!!! Nadrian Names: <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Sabor" autocheck>> Sabor : Earth <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Hossai" autocheck>> Hossai : Loyal <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Lakan" autocheck>> Lakan : Noble <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Iclae" autocheck>> Iclae : Hope <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Aranat" autocheck>> Aranat : Spirit <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Rahja" autocheck>> Rahja : King <<button "And Your Last Name..." "5">><</button>> <<set $nadrianname to true>>

Called 'The Country of Agriculture', Andus is a country of much land and people. It thrives on it's farms and many lakes for fish. It has fertile soil and warmer temperatures.Though there are two places in Andus where it is abnormal a heat desert and a frozen desert. People who come from Andus have darker shades of skin from working in the sunny sky and have almost muted neutral shades of color for hair and eyes. It is a center for farming, fishing and many materials. It is currently in a 20 year war with Nadripur. Capital: Kalingan Government: Prime MInister & Aristocracy | P.M. People: The Anduli [[Back|World Info]]

Known as 'The Country of Holiness', Nadripur has alot of inhabitants and land.. It thrives on it's healing abilities and mystical properties found on the land and belief system. It has beautiful scenery, cooler temperatures and precious stones.Though most of the land is reserved for holy building and reservations. People who come from Nadripur have medium shades of skin, colored hair and light shades of brown eyes. It is a center for magic, divinity and many materials. It is currently in a 20 year war with Andus. Capital: Government: Emepror & Aristrocracy People: The Nadrian [[Back|World Info]]

"$firstname Raiman, Come help with...cooking", starting with a firm voice until she actually looks at me and her gaze softens along with her voice. My mother with such a faraway look in her eyes is unusual and...means either one of three things either she's worried, she's sad or she has something serious to tell me. It can never mean anything good for me or her. Seeing your mother like this always hurt especially since I always feel like I can not do anything to ease her worries. I go over to her and start helping her with the cooking waiting for her to speak up. When she does start speaking her voice is shaky and soft I unconciously move closer to her ready for....I don't know. "$firstname ....I-...We-...", it's obvious she is finding a hard time putting whatever she wants to say into words and for the moment I wait patiently for her to continue. So, I simply nod my head at her and that seemingly lets <<link "Mami">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Mami"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Mami").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>> have some form of courage to continue. She turns her head towards me with a regretful almost-guilty-smile and than lowers her head into the cooking before continuing to say the words that I never knew would //change my life//[[....|6]]

What is your Mother's pet name for you? <<listbox "$petname" autoselect>> <<option "Jahn">><<set $petname to "Jahn">> <<option "Pahki">><<set $petname to "Pahki">> <<option "Babu">><<set $petname to "Babu">> <</listbox>> Meanings: Jahn|Heaven/World Pahki|Bird Babu|Baby Do you have a nickname? If not leave this part blank. !!! Textbox: <<textbox "$nickname" "">><<set $hnickname to true>> <<button "Continue" "7">><</button>>

<<notify 2s>>Profiles: Unocked! <</notify>><<set $profiles to true>> "<<print $petname.toUpperFirst()>>, I-I....." she pauses and contemplates for a moment. I notice her $skin skin looking less healthy than usual, and my eyebrows furrow. "<<link "Ama">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Ama"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Ama").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>>, it's okay," and before I could say anything else, the words spilled out of her mouth. "No. It's not okay. Your my <<if $gender is "male">>//Sileh//, my //$petname//.<<else>>//$petname//, my one and only $firstname.<</if>> You deserve better than what I gave you. It's time to tell you the truth. You're 16 now, you're old enough to know most of it. The rest I shall tell you when you turn 18 years of age and grow up to be a young<<if $gender is "male">> man."<<else>> lady."<</if>> She's firm yet, gentle as she says this before pausing. Then she guides me to the floor and sits me down before continuing. "Y-you know that your...err...not fully Kalingan?" She asks rhetorically, knowing full well that I'm aware of this information. "And that you're not fully Anduli either; you're half-Nadrian." She continues with information that I already know. "Well, your father is...''//Nuhas Raiman//''", she almost winces as she looks away from me. I can't blame her. Because Nuhas Raiman is the second-highest standing man right under the Emperor of [[Nadripur.|8]]

!Character Profiles [[The Family]] <<if $besties is true>> [[Besties]] <</if>> <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<h2>Meeina 'Fairy' Unan</h2> <li>Female</li> <li>Never ask for a Lady's Age</li> <li>??</li> <h3>Appearance</h3> <i>A Anduli woman with similar features to you and could be a very promising candidate for most beautiful woman in the World, especially to you. </i> <h3>Personality</h3> Currently, just your loving mother who struggles, probably has many secrets and is apparently a former lover or something of your father, Nuhas Raiman. Somehow... <h3>Skills</h3> ❧ Motherhood ❧ Weaving & Embriodery ❧ Being able to take a nap almost anywhere <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<<if $m is "Reiya">> <h2>Reiya Obhen</h2> <</if>><<if $m is "Ravei">> <h2>Ravei Obhen</h2> <</if>> <<if $m is "Reiya">> <li>Female</li> <li>Age: Never ask for a Lady's Age, it has nothing to do with training</li> <li>Nusmardi & Kursganj</li> <li>The Jack-of-all-Trades, Master, Mentor, and that's all she'll tell you.</li> <</if>><<if $m is "Ravei">> <li>Male</li> <li>Age: It doesn't matter unless it has to do with training</li> <li>Nusmardi & Kurganj</li> <li>The Jack-of-all-Trades, Master, Mentor, and that's all he'll tell you.</li> <</if>> <h3>Appearance</h3> <<if $m is "Ravei">> <img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/015758_dd1a9ba267314032b0cc0a143d180464~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_614,h_614,al_c,lg_1,q_85,enc_auto/015758_dd1a9ba267314032b0cc0a143d180464~mv2.jpeg" style="width:50%"> <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">> <img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/015758_96aa726913da444f923c941ea3b6880e~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_614,h_614,al_c,lg_1,q_85,enc_auto/015758_96aa726913da444f923c941ea3b6880e~mv2.jpeg" style="width:50%"> <</if>> <h3>Personality</h3> You mentor that likes to get on your nerves. Is very mysterious as well as secretive. <h3>Skills</h3> ❧ Alchemy ❧ Fast ❧ Strong ❧ <<if $diplomat is true>>Diplomacy <</if>><<if $charmer is true>>Charismatic <</if>><<if $fghter is true>>Warrior <</if>><<if $Scholar is true>>Researching <</if>><<if $Spiritual is true>>Connection <</if>><<if $Deceiver is true>>Stealth <</if>> <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<<if $h is "Hamoza">> <h2>Hamoza Belal</h2> <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">> <h2>Humaera Belal</h2> <</if>> <<if $h is "Humaera">> <li>Female</li> <li>$age</li> <li>Andus</li> <li>??</li> <</if>><<if $h is "Hamoza">> <li>Male</li> <li>$age</li> <li>Andus</li> <li>??</li> <</if>> <h3>Appearance</h3> <<if $h is "Hamoza">> <img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a4c0ac_0416761d2a8f47f7858a62123234d52e~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_253,h_253,fp_0.50_0.50,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/a4c0ac_0416761d2a8f47f7858a62123234d52e~mv2.webp" style="width:50%"> <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">> <img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/015758_cb7e3a5bc83b4bd9bdb459b90b379db8~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_614,h_614,al_c,lg_1,q_85,enc_auto/015758_cb7e3a5bc83b4bd9bdb459b90b379db8~mv2.webp" style="width:50%"> <</if>> <h3>Personality</h3> An infectously happy-go-lucky and rather carefree anduli who just doesn't seem to leave you alone. <h3>Skills</h3> ❧ Alchemy ❧ Streetwise ❧ Finding You at their own Convenience <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<<notify 2s>>World Info: Unlocked!<</notify>><<set $Andus to true>><<set $Nadripur to true>><<set $wi to true>> For 20 years, Andus has been at war with Nadripur. The hatred between the people and land buries deep. There was always animosity between the two countries, despite being the biggest and most influential ones in the world. Then it happened. The incident happened when they exchanged envoys, all the envoys were killed on the way there. The Nadrians were found dead in Andus territory, and Anduli's were found dead in Nadripur territory. . . . I knew that I was half-Nadrian, and if anyone else knew, who knows what could happen to me. <<if $hairc is not "black" or "dark bronze">> The villagers already treat me tensely because of my rather...unique hair color. But thankfully, nobody really suspects I'm half-Nadrian. It's not impossible for an Anduli to have colored hair...Thankfully, mine is a muted $hairc. But still, there's a lot more tension in my treatment of the villagers than I would like. Especially, for only going down a couple times a month. <<elseif $hairc is "black" or "dark bronze">> My features are a bit off from an Anduli, so the villagers will usually stare at me strangly, but they usually just shrug it off. That has saved me from a lot of tension in my treatment the couple of times I actually head down to the village. <</if>><<if $nadrianname is true>> To add on to that, my name is Nadrian. I know it was chosen with great love and care or something like that, but....it is really hard to convince people that I'm not Nadrian (at least not full, only half full) and that my mom just overheard the name and liked it and afterwards found out it was a Nadrian name. The story usually gets people off my neck, even if they might criticize it. <</if>><<if $anduliname is true>> At the very least, my name is Anduli. It saves me from any extra attention or difficulty I already have. And they usually smile when they realize my name is Anduli and suspect me less. Plus, my mother really likes it, otherwise, why would she name me $firstname? <</if>><<if $thacaioname is true>> Though my name is a Thacaio name, it makes sense; I was born there. It doesn't give me any positive or negative reactions. It just gives me an "Oh, that's interesting" look. I mean, Thaca is a neutral country, so I'm good. <</if>><<if $uniquename is true>> Although my name is strange and just... not an expected one, it definitely brings me more attention than I need. I mean, it could probably be worse, but... yeah. Most people end up wondering what was going through my parents(mother's) heads when they(she) named me. <</if>> To add to that, my eyes are rather unique; they're heterochromatic. One of my eyes is a pale and muted lilac, just like my mother's, and the other is a light tawny brown color, which one would assume is from my ...father. ... Well, it is what it is...my treatment, that is. But the fact that my father is THE ''//NUHAS RAIMAN//'' is still something to process. I mean...Raiman isn't too uncommon of a name, but-but..like STILL. The man that is supposedly my father is also known as the man known [[for...|9]]

Being the Guardior, and closest aid of the king, A true Nadrian, and a symbol of Nadripur's great power, both militarial and spiritual,. And the symbol of bloodshed and hypocrisy for Andulis. Last but not least of all, "The Paladin General," the symbol of Nadrian faith on the battlefield, taking lives in the name of religion. The greatest warrior to step foot on Nadrian soil since the last great war that split up the continent, they say, Yet he is the most spiritual and patriotic man you will ever see, serving his every breath for faith and the king. The man who stole the lives of hundreds, taking lives like flies, yet dares utter the name of religion, the worst being to step foot on Anduli soil. ...And supposedly, that man is my father. The Light Figure, the Military Genius, and the Patriotic Pure-Blooded Nadrian—did I mention a Noble that was close to King Arnjah of Nadripur? That is too much to take at one time. And somehow, someway, MY //MAMI// a regular-ish Anduli woman, had a child with him? I-I don't understand. I suppose it would make a lot of sense to think about my life now. My mother never seemed to speak of my father, always scared of someone finding out about my blood, about her, about anything about us. She was always so secretive about how things ended up like this for her. It does make a lot more sense if I think about it like this, but... HOW IN THE WORLD DID I HAPPEN THEN. As far as I know, the war has been going on 4 years before I was born, and before that, Andus & Nadripur were still rivals. There's something she's not telling me. Well, she did say to wait until I became of age... //"Aghhhh...How am I supposed to deal with this all at once?" // All of a sudden, Amu starts speaking again, snapping me out of my [[thoughts....|10]]

"Arehhh....This was too much, huh? Y-You don't believe me, do you? I-I have pictures, my $petname , I would never lie to you unless it was utterly necessary," she starts panicking and ruffling through some wooden box that you were never allowed to touch. And suddenly she lays down on the 'counter' with a bunch of pictures of her and an obviously Nadrian man. A specific Nadrian man, Nuhas Raiman. It felt as if it shook the very core of my soul. Me?!? The son of a Anduli and Nadrian. The son of Meeina Unan and...Nuhas Raiman. ... But, before I could react, seeing my mother tear up suddenly shook me back to reality. "Ama? Amu? Mami? Hey, it-it's okay! I-I believe you......" at a loss for what to do and how to react to this information, instead I turned to comfort my mother the best I could. I have never seen her cry like this before in guilt, longing, or whatever other emotions I didn't have time to distinguish or understand. But, none of them were [[regret.|11]]

!!!2 years later... !!!Kalingan, Andus <<set $age to 18>> "<<print $firstname.toUpperFirst()>>, did you do your errands, yet?" my mother calls out from the other side of the house as I [[stir from my sleep tired from working yesterday and naturally always waking up. While during the later hours of the day I'm much more enegetic.|11.1]] [[finish up cleaning as I already wake up early naturally and feel more tired during the night.|11.2]]

Since, I'm older, I can and have to work more jobs and have to go into town more often for supplies for me and $mn. And I used to go to have lessons at the local temple for my 'education' since I wasn't welcomed at the schools and $mn couldn't afford to pay either. But, that doesn't mean I'm any less educated or dumb than the others. I still hold the same certificates as those who went to school, just...no distinctions. It's better than nothing, at least. Luckily, I don't have work today, so it's actually just an errand run. And fortunately for me, it's a market, so there's lots of stalls out more than usual, and I can actually ==haggle== bargain with the sellers. I take a deep breath and pull my cloak over to <<if $hairc is not "black" or "dark bronze">>cover my $hairc,<</if>><<if $hairl is not "short" or "medium">>which is more difficult since my hair is $hairl and<</if>> to cover my eyes since they are dual-colored, one a nadrian color and the other anduli. It's easier to navigate and interact with others in the village if I do so, even if I get weird and judging looks. ---- "I'll only pay 20 <<link "Takah">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Takah"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Takah").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>> for this, nothing more or less. Look at the quality, it isn't worth 50 Takah, not even big merchants would sell it for this price. C'mon, the stall across from us is giving better prices..." I say casually showing the faults in the product, trying to bring down the price. "Arehh, you going to run me out of business with this nonsense! Fine, fine, take it and go...", Finally relenting, the stall owner hands over the item and takes the 20 Takah from my hands, grumbling as he turns away. //'Another day of successful errand running...' // Finally, finishing up most of my errands, the rest being just a couple of things for myself being a... [[❥diplomat type of person, a few well-placed and intelligent words and a friendly demeanor. I can usually sway people in my favor, so I wanted to go and grab some information from the local clan on the market for a deal. |12.1]] [[❥charmer type of person, a smile and cleaned up look to put people under my 'spell' I wanted to go and grab some hygienic supplies or flowers, just in case. |12.2]] [[❥fighter type of person, my fists and body usually doing the talking, so I wanted to get some wrist guards or more practical attire.|12.3]] [[❥scholar type of person, with my heads in any type of book I can access, so naturally I wanted to buy a paper or book.|12.4]] [[❥spiritual type of person, always feeling close to nature and religion, being calm, and always helping out when I can, I wanted to see if there were any scriptures I could get. |12.5]] [[❥deceiver type of person, always manging to sneak myself through crowds, attaining information though I can cause trouble, usually people buy my lies though... I wanted to see what a certain market had to offer me....|12.6]]

The form of currency used in this world and across the countries.

<<set $scholar to true>> Just as I was about to head to a stand with writing materials to get a book and some papers, maybe also some information about how to get a civil service job to provide better for $mn. Someone grabbed me and started dragging me somewhere....where? I have no idea. I am very panicked but keep a still face trying to think of what I could do and how not to die. //'I have a couple extra takah in my sack....would they want a book? Maybe I can offer to be an advisor or help them with management or financial problems....UGH...I have no idea what to do....'// As I try to think of several different approaches of how to convince whoever is kidnapping me for whatever reason to not kill me. They suddenly stop and practically throw me on the ground near the forest...Well, I'm assuming the forest since my eyes are directly facing wild grass in forest-like soil and I'm very close to poking my eye out.... As I attempt to reposition my body, all I can feel is pain. Everything aches but, somehow I manage to not look completely like an idiot. As I forcefully push myself to look up the person who did this my face is still in fear and then I roll my eyes and sigh out of frustarastion seeing... My Mentor. Almost instantly I roll my eye and let out a very deep breath out of frusteration and grunt in pain. The last time I was dragged somewhere like this my mentor dropped me in the middle of a research facility. Luckily I was able to figure out what went wrong but, than I also had to redo their financial statement because they did it wrong. I look up and see... [[❥him stand infront of me his usual multi-use robes holding a journal and a piece of paper and looking down at me with a grin on his face, an eyebrow raised as if he's about to tell me 'great' news.|13.1]] [[❥her stand infront of me her usual multi-use garbs holding a journal and piece of paper with a sly smile on her lips eyebrows raised as if she's been waiting to tell me some 'terrific' news.|13.2]]

<<set $fighter to true>> Just as I was about to head to a blacksmith to see if they had any extra cheap equipment that I could buy and maybe a defensive weapon for $mn, I worry about her alot.. Someone managed to grabbed me even with me digging my heels into the ground and I attempted to twist their arm but...they're stronger than me.So I ended up being hauled away...somewhere I have no idea. I am certainly quite a bit concerned about what is happening but, not too worried. Even if they're stronger than me, doesn't mean they're more skilled than. //'I just have to figure out the weak points and probably threaten them or intimidate them....that usually works...'// As I try to think of several different approaches of how to fight and stop whoever is kidnapping me for whatever reason they suddenly stop and throw me on the ground somewhere where there is grass. But fortunantly I position myself to where the grass isn't near my face. I feel almost no pain as I put my guard up ready to fight or defend. As I do so I automaticcaly get and my fists are ready to beat up the first thing I see until just a inch away I realize who it is and stop backing away. My Mentor. Almost instantly I can feel my mentor glaring at me and ready myself for a beating of my own as I get pummeled into the ground, again. At least this time I got a few punches in myself. After a couple of moments I get up and get into a plank position feeling the judgemental gaze of my mentor. I look up and see... [[❥him stand infront of me his usual multi-use robes holding spiked gloves and a piece of paper and looking down at me with a grin on his face, an eyebrow raised as if he's about to tell me 'great' news.|13.1]] [[❥her stand infront of me her usual multi-use garbs holding spiked gloves and piece of paper with a sly smile on her lips eyebrows raised as if she's been waiting to tell me some 'terrific' news.|13.2]]

<<set $charmer to true>> Just as I was about to head to a flower stall and maybe hit a clinic to see if they have soap and maybe if there's a scent stall I would get a perfume for $mn. Someone grabbed me and started leading me somewhere....where? I have no idea. I am honestly pretty panicked but... I can probably talk my way out of this somehow.... //'I just have to figure out how this person talks to people...I could try being friendly until I figure it out...'// As I try to think of several different approaches of how to convince whoever is kidnapping me for whatever reason they suddenly stop and practically throw me on the ground somewhere where there is grass. And well, the fact there is practically a piece of grass almost poking my eye. And a shock of pain goes through me, and it hurts decently as I reposition my body into a seated positon at the very least.As I do so I naturally run my fingers through my hair to look more presentable putting on a charming smile but as I look up the smile drops from my face as I roll my eyes to see... My Mentor. Almost instantly I can feel my mentor glaring at me and I fix up my facial expression to a smiling and carefree one that probably satisfies. Last time this happened my mentor thought it was a good idea to go stop at some red light district and seduce the owner for information. I look up and see... [[❥him stand infront of me his usual multi-use robes holding scent satchels and a piece of paper and looking down at me with a grin on his face, an eyebrow raised as if he's about to tell me 'great' news.|13.1]] [[❥her stand infront of me her usual multi-use garbs holding jewels and piece of paper with a sly smile on her lips eyebrows raised as if she's been waiting to tell me some 'terrific' news.|13.2]]

<<set $diplomat to true>> Just as I was about to head to the local clan to secure some information on a deal I wanted to make with a stall owner, so I could make some more money for me and $mn. Someone grabbed me and started dragging me somewhere....where? I have no idea. Nor am I...too panicked. I can probably talk my way out of this somehow.... //'I have a couple extra takah in my sack with a random book I took with me....and all the items I bought today...which ones could we do without?...'// As I try to think of several different approaches of how to convince whoever is kidnapping me for whatever reason. They suddenly stop and practically throw me on the ground near the forest...Well, I'm assuming the forest since my eyes are directly facing wild grass. And a shock of pain goes through me, not that much but still hurts as I reposition my body into a seated positon at the very least. As I'm doing so I take a deep abreath and place a smile on my face seeming as harmless as I can be before looking up to see.... My Mentor. Immediately my smile stiffens and I look away sighing already tired of being here. Last my mentor dragged me to some random gang fight and had me be the peace negotiator. I'm so lucky I had some dirt on the both of them, though I had to put on a much scarier nuetral face because they didn't seem to take my friendly smile very well. I look up and see... [[❥him stand infront of me his usual multi-use robes holding a sound amulet and a piece of paper and looking down at me with a grin on his face, an eyebrow raised as if he's about to tell me 'great' news.|13.1]] [[❥her stand infront of me her usual multi-use garbs holding sound amulet and piece of paper with a sly smile on her lips eyebrows raised as if she's been waiting to tell me some 'terrific' news.|13.2]]

<<set $spiritual to true>> Just as I was about to go and look at scriptures to read and maybe get one for $mn to help her feel better, Someone grabbed me and started dragging me somewhere? I have no idea. I am pretty concerned, but, I'm sure this person must have a reason, and my senses are telling me that it isn't with bad intentions. //'What could they want? I don't have much...maybe they need money? And I could help with prayer, I suppose...' // I try to think about why this could be happening and what I could do to soothe whoever is trying to kidnap me. They suddenly stop and practically throw me on the ground near the forest...Well, I'm assuming the forest since that is the only place with this type of wild grass that's around the village.... As I slowly and carefully reposition myself into a seated position, ignoring the pain and powering through it as I recite a prayer under my breath, As I do so, I put on a soft smile on my face, ready to deal with, and try to help whoever is this only to see... My Mentor. I pause and let out a long and deep sigh of disappointment, but end up letting it go. The smile disappears from my face, but I still have a soft and calm expression. Last time my mentor did this, I was 'dropped' off at some temple + orphanage and was, for some reason, put in charge of leading prayers, guided groups, and taking care of the children. Mercifully, the children were decently well behaved, and I knew a sufficient amount of prayers and understood them enough to help others understand the meaning behind them well enough. I look up and see... [[❥him stand infront of me his usual multi-use robes holding a mini-scroll and a piece of paper and looking down at me with a grin on his face, an eyebrow raised as if he's about to tell me 'great' news.|13.1]] [[❥her stand infront of me her usual multi-use garbs holding a mini-scroll and piece of paper with a sly smile on her lips eyebrows raised as if she's been waiting to tell me some 'terrific' news.|13.2]]

<<set $deceiver to true>> Just as I was about to go to a certain...market to see what goods there were and if I could get something for $mn. Someone somehow managed to grab me without my realizing it, and they were experienced because I couldn't sneak out of their grip. So now I find myself being pulled away to...somewhere... I have no idea. I am interested in how this happened and have my guard up, but... I'm sure I can...talk them out of this or just threaten them with something that seems valuable to them... //'I just have to figure out what makes this person tick, either with words or whatever they got on them....'// As I try to think of several different approaches to how to stop whoever is kidnapping me for whatever reason. They suddenly stop and practically throw me on the ground somewhere where there is grass, probably the forest, judging by how far and in what directions they walked. At the very least, I was flexible enough to prevent myself from being stabbed by a blade of grass in my eye. A sting of pain goes through my body as I jump up and stretch my body, which makes some...uncomfortable sounds. As I get myself together, I plaster a sly smirk on my face, ready to do whatever I need to until I actually see who did this to me... My Mentor. My face falls from excitement to bordeom scoffing at 'em until I feel my mentor's pericing stare and glare and fix up my attitude reluctantly, already tired of it. Last time something like this happened, my mentor dropped me in the middle of a heist with the authorities. Thankfully, I was able to pull it off, leaving no traces and gaining some respect with the authorities. Not that I need nor want it, but it's a plus, including the fact that they don't know my face and only see my mask. So, I guess now I have a secret identity(?). I look up and see... [[❥him stand infront of me his usual multi-use robes holding jewels and a piece of paper and looking down at me with a grin on his face, an eyebrow raised as if he's about to tell me 'great' news.|13.1]] [[❥her stand infront of me her usual multi-use garbs holding jewels and piece of paper with a sly smile on her lips eyebrows raised as if she's been waiting to tell me some 'terrific' news.|13.2]]

<<notify 2s>>Character Revealed: You met $m your Mentor!<</notify>><<set $metm to true>> <center>"Hey!" [[❥,exclaimed Hamoza as he stubbornly came beside me despite the obvious wall I built between us.|15.1]] [[❥,exclaimed Humaera as she stubbornly came beside me despite the obvious wall I built between us.|15.2]]</center> <<set $age to 18>>

<<notify 2s>>Side Character Profiles: Unlocked! <</notify>><<set $besties to true>> At that point in time, $h wasn't someone I could consider a friend due to my circumstances and personal thoughts. So, I built a wall between me and <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>but, obviously, that didn't work out as $h had other plans and <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>stuck around me whenever even though I didn't go down as often into the village. I think my opinion of $h changed that day. As our mentor...introduced <<if $m is "Ravei">>himself <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>herself <</if>>rather strangely. Imagine this random <<if $m is "Ravei">>old man <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>older lady <</if>>randomly started inspecting you and the person next to you and suddenly offered you a deal. It would sound very shady and like they were a dealer....for humans. Not to mention, the red light district is only a couple miles from the village. It's the most outer part of the main city in this part of the country, so....yeah. Then, to my shock, $h grabbed my hand and started running right after throwing <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his heavy satchel <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her heavy bag <</if>>at $m. I think that's the moment I realized that maybe... there are people who I can trust enough who don't hate me or are wary of me that I can be friends with, or at the very least be friendly acquaintances with. ---- Soon enough, me and $h were pushed up in between two walls in an alleyway. "Haah, that was...interesting, do you think we lost <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>-", and before $h could finish, we were fished and dragged out of the place suddenly, and we were dropped onto the floor in some remote corner a little out of the village. ... "Thought you got rid of me, didn't you?", <<if $m is "Ravei">>the old man from said, chuckling as he walks around us, letting there be no open space. <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>the older lady surrounds us, tittering, and under her gaze, it's as if there is no room to escape. <</if>> At this point in time, me and $h were practically huddled together, trying to inch away from the strange <<if $m is "Ravei">>man <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>woman <</if>>who just seemed to be at peace, still 'inspecting us' before finally deciding to explain the situation. We still couldn't escape because there was no way to, we could almost sense that if we tried to flee anyway, in any direction, we would still be cornered. "Looks like I made...a not-too-good impression on you both..." <<if $m is "Ravei">>he glaces over the both of us, his eyes lingering over me, his eyes scrunched up as if scrutinizing me. "Well, well, isn't this interesting? It was true, after all. It looks like I can keep my promise after all... And your friend here is... a bonus, I suppose", he finishes glancing at $h once again before plopping himself on the floor and pulling out some materials. <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she glaces over the both of us, her eyes lingering over me as her eyes scrunched up slightly scrutinizing me. "Well, well, isn't this interesting? It was true, afterall.~ Looks like I can keep my promise... Your friend here is...a bonus, I suppose", she finishes glancing at $h once again before sitting herself on the floor and pulling out some materials. <</if>> We looked curiously at the objects in front of us as <<if $m is "Ravei">>he places down specific items: a book, a weapon, a set of jewelry, a scripture, a scent satchel, a seal, and some bottles. I didn't know it back then, but he caught our gazes going to specific objects, and that's when he knew our paths. At least that's what ==the old man== he says, our 'master'. <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she places down specific items: a book, a weapon, a set of jewelry, a scripture, a scent satchel, a seal, and some bottles. I didn't know it back then, but she caught our gazes going to specific objects, and that's when she knew our paths. At least that's what ==the witch== she, our 'master' says. <</if>> $h's eyes went immediately to the bottles, the //'alchemy potion bottles'//. It is a bit of a taboo, but nothing that goes against the faith or country, but... it doesn't make it any less a forbidden interest because of the history associated with alchemy. $h knows this too, as <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>looks away, guard up. ---- "...I'm not some strange person here to harm you. In a remote-ish village like this, you guys must be looking for jobs, careers, or apprenticeships. I can provide you with the ability to use skills suited to your interests by being your teacher. Oh, and don't worry, I'm not here to do anything illegal. I'm plenty well-off, and you two wouldn't be worth anything and are almost completely uselesss." <<if $m is "Ravei">>he chuckles, relaxing but still as sharp as ever, picking up the bottles and dropping them on $h's lap. "Looks like this one is interested in Alchemy...I can teach you how to use it, correctly, of course." smirking, he gets up and turns around to [[me.|18]] <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she chuckles, relaxing but still as sharp as ever, picking up the bottles and dropping them on $h's lap, "Seems like this one is interested in Alchemy...I can teach you how to use it ...properly, of course." smirking, she gets up and turns around to [[me.|18]] <</if>>

<<set $stoic to true>><<notify 2s>>Character Revealed: You met $h your Homie!<</notify>><<set $meth to true>> Then, that's when we bumped into $m, our mentor or as <<if $m is "Ravei">>he likes to call himself, 'master'. He looked at us and inspected us giving us a once over as if deciding on something. That something happened to be 'training' us or whatever else he wants to manipulate us to think. His 'training' is basically torture in a way to describe it lightly. Too bad we were really naive[[...|17]]<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she likes to call herself, 'master'. She looked at us and inspected us giving us a once over as if deciding on something. That something happened to be 'training' us or whatever else she deludes herself to think as she almost certainly does to manipulate us to think. Her 'training' is basically torture in a way to describe it lightly. Too bad we were really naive[[...|17]]<</if>>

>><<set $emotional to true>><<notify 2s>>Character Revealed: You met $h your Homie!<</notify>><<set $meth to true>> Then, that's when we bumped into $m, our mentor or as <<if $m is "Ravei">>he likes to call himself, 'master'. He looked at us and inspected us giving us a once over as if deciding on something. That something happened to be 'training' us or whatever else he wants to manipulate us to think. His 'training' is basically torture in a way to describe it lightly. Too bad we were really naive[[...|17]]<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she likes to call herself, 'master'. She looked at us and inspected us giving us a once over as if deciding on something. That something happened to be 'training' us or whatever else she deludes herself to think as she almost certainly does to manipulate us to think. Her 'training' is basically torture in a way to describe it lightly. Too bad we were really naive[[...|17]]<</if>>

<<set $m to "Ravei">> <center>I still remember the first day I met my ==mentor==, [[master.|14]]</center>

<<set $m to "Reiya">> <center>I still remember the first day I met my ==mentor==, [[master.|14]]</center>

<<set $h to "Hamoza">> Back then I didn't want to interact with others in the village including those my age because I didn't want to attract attention for it may become dangerous for me and $mn. [[❥Even though I wanted to be friendly but it wasn't hard to not react to jokes or anything as I'm naturally less expressive.|16.1]] [[❥Even though I wanted to be friendly and struggled not let a grin on my face or let out a laugh being rather emotional.|16.2]]

<<set $h to "Humaera">> Back then I didn't want to interact with others in the village including those my age because I didn't want to attract attention for it may become dangerous for me and $mn. [[❥Even though I wanted to be friendly but it wasn't hard to not react to jokes or anything as I'm naturally less expressive.|16.1]] [[❥Even though I wanted to be friendly and struggled not let a grin on my face or let out a laugh being rather emotional.|16.2]]

<div align="center"><h2>THE FAMILY CHARACTER PROFILES</h2></div> [[Me|Stats]] [[Mother|Meeina Unan]]

<div align="center"><h2>BESTIE CHARACTER PROFILES</h2></div> <<if $metm is true>> !!![[Mentor]] <</if>> <<if $meth is true>> !!![[Homie]] <</if>>

<<if $diplomat is true>> I freeze involuntary, hoping that <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>> didn't catch my eyes glancing at the seal. $h is shifting nervously, but... <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>> seems different from just moments before, as if in thought. I mean, for all the nonsense of the situation and the untrustworthiness of the <<if $m is "Ravei">>old man... He <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">> lady... She <</if>>did have a point. Neither of us have any useful skills, and getting any sort of apprenticeship would do the both of us a lot of good. Getting jobs would be much...much easier as well. Before I can have any idea of what to do, the old <<if $m is "Ravei">>man<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>lady<</if>> grins at me for picking up the seal and sits himself in front of me way too casually for the situation. Finally, I decide to be as friendly as I can to convince <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> NOT to do anything else that's suspicious or...at least, not kill us. "Ah, um, this is a very...interesting way of looking at and meeting someone...<<if $m is "Ravei">>sir<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>madam<</if>>. You seem like a very talented person with some odd...language. Like, what was that about a promise?" I give him a strained but friendly smile, trying to distract <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>> while thinking of a plan. $h still isn't helpful, as <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>> stares kind of openly at his lap, thinking intently about the offer. //'I mean, <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>> isn't wrong to do so. Logically, despite the situation....it is a very-few-times-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be able to get a master to teach you some money-making skills, especially in a remote-ish village like this.'// I suddenly snap myself back to the situation at hand from my mind wandering at the moment and try to convince <<if $m is "Ravei">>the old man <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>the older lady <</if>> to let us go. "Hmm...very interesting, <<if $gender is "male">>boy<</if>><<if $gender is "female">>child<</if>>. The seal, eh? It's not too uncommon, but mighty hilarious considering your lineage after all.....And with that response, I suppose you do have the makings of a diplomat," <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>> chuckles, placing the seal in my hand and backing away before I could do anything. I just look at <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>> in disbelief. //'WHAT? Me, a diplomat? That-That's not possible.....I'm not rich, I have no influence, and... I'm not that great at speaking to people, o-or even have a top-notch education. It's meaningless to tell me that...And to give me....hope....'// But still, despite all of that, I find myself still wanting to believe the strange <<if $m is "Ravei">>old coot <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>witch <</if>>. And... well, <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>>'s suspicious. It can't be that <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>> knows who....who my father is. Can <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>? Otherwise, what does <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>> mean by lineage? Is he talking about mother? ...This <<if $m is "Ravei">>old man <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>old lady <</if>> is much more dangerous than <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>> seems. "Ohhoho...it seems like you aren't too dull... Well, why don't you become my apprentice and find out?" <<if $m is "Ravei">>He <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She <</if>> chuckles rather amusedly, but with an edge to <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>> voice, and when <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>> looks at me, I swear, <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>> eyes were ''glowing''. "....It couldn't be....could it?" //'I knew that I had to make a choice, but...'// <</if>><<if $charmer is true>> I paused, wondering if <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>caught me looking at the scent satchel. <<if $gender is "female">>It's not unusual to look at it....I'm a girl, after all. But.. still only then better off girls or ones that are getting married early are usually much more invested in that stuff. Scent satchels, perfumes, and scented anything can help attract attention and make one seem more elegant, clean, cut, and perfect. Oh, and of course delicate and fragile—sure, I'm not that strong at all, but I help my mother carry stuff around a lot of the time. Not to mention that the feel of being a wretched mix-blood seems to be lighter. <<else>> I mean, it is rather...unconventional for a dude to be caught looking at it. Usually, girls wear perfume or something similar. But classier or noble men sometimes swear the scent satchels after all; it helps attract attention. I may be a man, but...I care somewhat for my hygiene and appearance. It doesn't mean I won't cut down timber for my mother, but... I'm just more attracted to staying clean and keeping up my appearance...After all, it makes me seem less dirty, not like a wretched mix-blood. <</if>> What kind of apprenticeship would <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>even offer us? Neither of us is useful in any conventional way. Well, let's see if I can remedy this strange predicament and get both me and $h out of here before <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>does something irrational. Especially since <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>is going to be of less help than usual... $h is WAY too invested in thinking about those... little bottle thingies. What am I supposed to do?!? Sweet talk, an <<if $m is "Ravei">>old guy? <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>old lady? <</if>> It's not like I'm trying to bargain with a cheap <<if $m is "Ravei">>old grandpa <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>old grandma <</if>>. At least then I can mentally excuse them...Though this <<if $m is "Ravei">>guy <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>lady <</if>>is definitely on <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>way to being one pretty soon... OH! Yes, I forgot. Sweet talk the <<if $m is "Ravei">>grandfather <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>grandmother <</if>> into letting us go before $h loses it in whatever way, and I get even more dragged into whatever is happening right now. "So, Ol- I mean, what -ology do you specialize in, <<if $m is "Ravei">>sir<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>ma'am<</if>>? You seem like quite a talented and accomplished <<if $m is "Ravei">>man such as<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>lady such as<</if>> yourself. Especially since you're offering mere village citizens like us an opportunity like //this.//", I manage to save myself by mustering up a naive and chamring smile to smooth out my words easier. It definitely would've gotten us in trouble if I actually called <<if $m is "Ravei">>him an old man. <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her an old lady. <</if>> I think I might've prevented me and $h from getting ==sold== sent to the red light district,== yet again!-== "Hmm, interesting, so that's how you're going to play it now? Well, little one, you could say I'm a Jack-of-All-Trades, and so I can do well in most everything, don't think there's an '-ology' for that. Now, is there? " The <<if $m is "Ravei">>gramps <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>gran <</if>> chuckles, <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>> eyes crinkling a little bit as <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>does so, as if <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>found it quite amusing. "That's quite interesting, <<if $m is "Ravei">>sir<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>ma'am<</if>>." Just as the words spill out of my mouth, I stop as my eyes widen slightly, the smile still plastered on my face. <<if $m is "Ravei">>He <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She <</if>>knew. <<if $m is "Ravei">>He <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She <</if>>was just playing with me. <<if $m is "Ravei">>He <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She <</if>>actually dropped the scent satchel on me. And <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>has a really annoying smirk on <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>face, crouching in front of me as if <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>were inspecting me. "I guess you got the face; your words aren't too bad; hmmm, well, it ain't conventional...but I suppose you could be an informant or something....Considering your lineage...this is going to be quite the ride. Though this is mighty funny, <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>continues talking to <<if $m is "Ravei">>himself <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>herself <</if>>at this point, with me dazing out completely over it and $h still thinking but also seems to be dazed...albeit probably for different reasons. At this point, I'm totally out of it and just mindlessly nod to <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>words, a smile still plastered on my face, though faltering. "Mhm, so.... <<if $m is "Ravei">>Sir <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>Madam <</if>>of many great talents and skills...when were ''you'', with your gracious and powerful self, going to let my poor acquaintance and I be let go?" I manage to snap out of it for a moment, getting mildly irritated that we're still here. "When you both agree to being my apprentices... well, not like you'll have a choice." It looks like your friend is already hooked." <<if $m is "Ravei">>He <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She <</if>>simply replies, nodding <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>head to $h...who sure enough looks like <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>has already made <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>> decision. //'Ugh, it doesn't seem like I have a choice, but...'// <</if>><<if $fighter is true>> My eyes go wide immediately as I gaze at the <<if $m is "Ravei">>old man <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>old lady <</if>>. I was tensing up my body, ready to fight back somehow, even in all of these ropes. $h is...completely weak! Why doesn't $h do something? I squinted at <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>, just not understanding, at least in the moment, why <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>was like this. Staring and guacking <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>eyes isn't going to fix or help us. Hmm...maybe $h is planning to throw those bottles at the <<if $m is "Ravei">>old gramps <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>old gran <</if>>, and then while <<if $m is "Ravei">>he's <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she's <</if>>distracted, we can escape...right? It's not like <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>is actually thinking about accepting an offer, right? Isn't it obvious that it's a scam to sell us? No, the only way to ensure our safety is to ensure this rachety <<if $m is "Ravei">>old-looking man's <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>old-looking woman's <</if>>downfall. I just pray $h ain't stupid enough to actually consider this nonsense. Nobody's trustworthy! I glare, and I glare hard. If glares could do something, we would be running back home by now, and this menace would be eradicated. Unfortunantley... I'm tied up, and glares can't provide me with anything. The wrinkled thing comes closer to me with one amused smirk plastered over <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>face. //'I'm not funny... What's so funny? Usually, at this point, they'd run off in my face... For some reason, it seems like people are afraid of it. Whatever it's usually useful in scaring people off, but...THIS OLD <<if $m is "Ravei">>COOT <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>WITCH <</if>>JUST WON'T BACK OFF!'// And all of a sudden, the wrinkly dinosaur picks up the weapon and approaches me closer. My eyes widen; this is probably it. I don't have anything on me that can stop <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>, nor do I think I can endure a swing from that. Maybe I'll bite his face off if I get the chance to, or at least deal some kind of damage to <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>if I can. . . . ? I stare down to see a weapon on my lap instead. //'Wait...was <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>being serious? An...apprenteceship? But...aren't those for smart people? Like scholars or...diplomats or something? ....Well, I guess blacksmithy and farming have some too...'// But then I realize <<if $m is "Ravei">>he's <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she's <</if>>too close and raise up my legs and kick <<if $m is "Ravei">>him rudely<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her respectfully<</if>> in the stomach, making an impact to move <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>away. Instead of being greeted by the sight of <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>being kicked into the ground far away from us and knocked out—the sight of <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>> twisting <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>body as if <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>were stretching completely fine and jumping back in front of me, chuckling, and now squatting down to meet my eye level. At first, I rapidly blink, hoping I was just seeing things, but then I wrinkle my nose once I realize that this is reality and I am in fact not hallucinating... "Heheh... You're quite the fighter, aren't you? This sure will be amusing at the very least. Hmm, considering who your parents are...this is quite the interesting talent you have...", looking me over with a glance as if inspecting me and getting up and steps back looking at both me and $h. "What do you want with us?!? Let us go!" I scream out at <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>, my patience wearing thin. How much longer is <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>going to keep us captive?! And, given that <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>said parents, does that mean <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>knows my father?!?! My face is glaring daggers at <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>face. "Calm down, children... Khhheeh, wow, that really does sound creepy, huh?" <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>mumbles under <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>breath as if <<if $m is "Ravei">>he's <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she's <</if>>have a jolly good time. "I-" I started to say to <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>menacingly before <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>stopped me, grinning at the both of us. "So, will you be my acquaintance?" <<if $m is "Ravei">>He <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She <</if>>ask though it sounds less like a question and more like an answer, and <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>knows <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>got me, despite still glaring at <<if $m is "Ravei">>him <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>, my face serious. This is a good deal, and the dinosaur is talented. Ugh, $H also looks practically sold, but... //'What should I choose? ....'// <</if>><<if $scholar is true>> I freeze up as <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>comes near us...What are we going to do? Agh! We can't die this young!?!?!? We're only $age years old! I-I haven't even finished reading that one trilogy... And I worked so many extra hours.....to save up money to buy it...I even went without a new pair of clothes for a year to do that... How do I convince this <<if $m is "Ravei">>old guy <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>old lady <</if>>not to kill us? Or, more likely, sell us, considering the history of this place...especially since there's a red light district a couple of miles from this remote village....(It's part of the outer edge of the city.) $h over here is seriously thinking about doing alchemy, despite the fact that it's past of having pshycotic users and alchemists generally being considered taboo. $h's really not going to be of any help. But what am I supposed to do? All I know is letters and numbers?!? ...And there's a 50% chance of us being sold, a 25% chance of being killed, a 24% chance of being turned into henchmen, and a 1% chance that he's telling the truth based on what usually happens in these types of situations. "You sure think a lot, don't you, kid? Seriously, you haven't spoken once and look like you're ready to give it all up or beg. C'mon, give me something." All of a sudden, the old <<if $m is "Ravei">>man <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>lady <</if>>interrupts my thoughts, seeming bored with the quietness. "Um...I can offer you my services to read and write letters? I'm a fast learner...of non-physical stuff. Also, do not sell or kill us; it wouldn't um...b-be worth your...t-time." The words at first came out of my mouth relatively easily before I started getting nervous and just looked down, mumbling. . . . "Pfft-HAAHAHA-... You're funny, kid. 'Ain't that something? I guess then this actually does make sense for you", <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>chuckles, tossing the book on my lap from like at least 6 feet away, almost perfectly. I look down, and that it seems to be a book in....the Ancient Tongue?!? How does <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>even have something like that? I mean, I can't read it, but I sure can recognize it. Only a few people in all of Ladesh have a copy of one of these or, like, exclusive places like a palace, the Ancient Library, or, some ancient ruin somewhere. "Ahahha...thanks....", I <<if $gender is "male">>awkwardly chuckle my hands itching to scratch my neck, but I cannot because, well, I'm literally tied up, so instead my eyes dart around shifty, and I swear I'm sweating,<<else>>awkwardly giggle slightly, my hands itching to fidget with my $hairl but, I cannot because, well, I'm literally tied up up, so instead, my eyes dart around shifty, and I swear I'm going to start sweating at this rate,<</if>> "...So, who might you be?" "Your mentor, and you guys will be my apprentices. What do you say?" grinning at this point in time at us as if we had the nerve to even accept this stupid deal; that's likely a scam. "I am...um...not t-too sure about that, sir. It just doesn't seem to align with our interests here...right, $h?" I manage to squeak out a slightly trembling resemblance to a smile plastered on my face, my hands once again twitching as I back into the tree stump I'm tied to. I look at $h poking <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>shoulder with mine to get <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>attention and <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>head out of the clouds for once. And...I got nothing while $h did snap out of it (sorta). <<if $h is "Hamoza">>He <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>She <</if>>was most definitely confused on what this conversation was about, so I moved on and pretended <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>agreed with me. "Well, you sure are an odd ball, but, I guess all scholars are eccentrics. Actually, considering your bloodline, it is not too surprising." The senile <<if $m is "Ravei">>he <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she <</if>>goes on, the most eccentric person I have seen in my life thus far.... Wait. //'What does he mean by bloodline? ...He couldn't possibly know who my father is. Could he? -'// "Don't think too much, you're still young and youthful. So what is it?" interrupting my thoughts, <<if $m is "Ravei">>his <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her <</if>>bloody eyes meeting mine, the sheer scarlet color of them making me bend....<<if $m is "Ravei">>he's <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she's <</if>>got me. Getting this apprenticeship could really change things for me and $mn... Maybe, we can go and live somewhere better. Or, at the very least, get better things and clothes... And it's not like I would be...completely alone. I suppose $h also being a fellow apprentince would make it okay...still incredibly doubtful of this. Ugh, I hate this... I really just want to finish the trilogy, I just got to the good part too. //'What should I do? What choice....' // <</if>><<if $spiritual is true>> My eyes were almost instantly drawn to the scripture....I wanted to know what it said, how old it was...what it had to offer. But, there are obviously more important matters at hand right now. We need to get out of here safely and perhaps convince this person to seek a different path in life. I just hope $mn is safe and will end up well if our souls ascend or we become lost in our fate. $h over here seems to be understandably distraught. Although I, myself, am a little iffy about Alchemy at the heart of it...it's not initially bad; just what the people who used it for did was horrendous. Experimenting on people, creating god-forsaken creatures, and many more unholy and dreadful things that were never meant to be created and done. Even so, $h is one who wouldn't use it for such things, and I have a feeling that he would genuinely be talented at it. At least if Fate lets him be. Oh! I almost forgot... The old man in front of me...or should I say older man? Is it rude if I say old man? But is that not what he is? Oh, well, until I know what to call him, I'll just stick to sir. I think that is respectful enough, is it not? "Ahem, Sir? Thank you, very much, for offering to teach my friend here, but we are in quite the hurry to get home. We would be so ever grateful, and may the One bless you," I say, my voice soft with a slight smile on my face, trying to get both me and $h out of here in one piece. "...Huh, a religious one? ....," The (old)gentleman pauses and looks at me in thought as if confused, but then grins and shrugs, almost amused. "That-that makes sense...a bit off, but whatever, it does make a lot of sense now that I think about it...especially regarding your parents..." he chuckles, shaking his head. I freeze. //'My parents...? What does...What? He couldn't mean... No, breath...breath...BREATH.' // I keep it all in my questions, my fear,...''distrust''. "Woah, there, kiddo, calm yourself with that gaze. Hmm... pretty good at pretending, your fine... That's very fun. I guess there is more to 'ya, huh?" The strange man says his eyes widening for a moment. All I could muster up was a smile at him, I started muttering prayers under my breath, calming myself down, and taking in deep breaths. I'm good now, everything is good. All of a sudden, he drops the scripture into my lap and bounces away quickly, waiting to see my reaction. ... //'This is...so cool! Wait, how does he have this-....Oh my goodness!! This is an original scripture from the time of the Ancients! How did he get this? It's written in the old Engali language, the Old Tongue! I want to read this. I wonder what teachings it has-'// "Excuse me, are you a-", I start calmly acting as if nothing went through my head before he interrupted me. "No, I am not a High Preacher. Let's just say this was a gift or a souvenir from a...younger friend of mine; in fact, you'd know of him. But I am a certified traveling Preacher so, I can teach ways of the Spiritual Realm and, well, religion, I suppose", he says rather mysteriously but deinently not lying... I don't see any signs of lying in his body language. Well, that's not too reliable, but....I want to believe him. I am really interested in learning...and his pin of the One is definitely not fake. The fakes are more... glamorous or just less in quality and far inaccurate, as no one really seems to give them any meaning. Well, I do, of course. It is so tempting to think of... maybe I'll be able to enter the temple and offer my services; it'll be good for me and $mn. But, there has to be some sort of string to it. Not that I am calling him a liar; most certainly not, but I feel like something is telling me it's not the whole truth either. Maybe I should trust the feeling. Usually when I do, it's right, but.... Maybe the good outweighs any negatives there perhaps are? <<if $h is "Hamoza" and $gender is "male">> I look over at $h who is huddled into the corner with me. Well, $h is rather busy deciding what he wants to do and I looking at the scroll deep in thought. <</if>> <<if $h is "Humaera" and $gender is "male">> I look over at $h and I have respectfully attempted to make space inbetween us since she is stuck in the corner with me. After all, it isn't very appropriate, even in this type of situation, to have our bodies touching at all. Well, $h is rather busy deciding what she wants to do and I looking at the scroll deep in thought. <</if>> <<if $h is "Hamoza" and $gender is "female">> I look over at $h who is huddled into the corner with me. Well, $h is rather busy deciding what she wants to do and I looking at the scroll deep in thought. <</if>> <<if $h is "Hamoza" and $gender is "female">> I look over at $h who is awkwardly like, pushed himself to the side, and so have I. After all, it isn't very appropriate, even in this type of situation, to have our bodies touching at all. Well, $h is rather busy deciding what he wants to do and I looking at the scroll deep in thought. <</if>> //'What should I do?...'// <</if>><<if $deceiver is true>> My face is still as I look at <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>>. This man is dangerous. Not because <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> might sell us, but rather more because, //'Where did <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> get this stuff? ... I didn't feel it on <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> earlier... I wonder how much those jewels are worth. From here, they don't seem to be fake....Wait. We need to get out of here as soon as possible.'// <<if $stoic is true>> My gaze lowers as I take a deep breath and look up at the stranger in front of me. The corners of my mouth lift up lightly, my eyes still blank as my expression as I start to speak. "What is someone like you, doing with people like us?" The words fall out smoothly from my mouth: "I mean, you have so many items, and us? We just have ourselves and that satchel from earlier." tilting my head slightly, my feet already silently dragging the bag of jewels behind me. It's as if my eyes are in direct contact with <<if $m is "Ravei">>hus<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>hers<</if>>, but I'm also shifty every time I blink, so <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> doesn't notice. "Hmm, so that's how you are...huh, little one?" He says <<if $m is "Ravei">>He<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She<</if>> seems amused, looking me over rather curiously. "Pardon? I don't know what you mean, <<if $m is "Ravei">>sir<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>ma'am<</if>>." All I can reply without giving myself away is by keeping eye contact and seeming ignorant. I even manage to slightly, I think, wrinkle my nose to really try to sell it. . . . Wait. . . . I feel my foot suddenly being lighter and look down at his hands, and my eyes are actually widening slightly. My head naturally tilts down slightly, my expression ever-unchanging as I, in embarrassment, look down in shame of getting caught. The bag of jewels is in his hands...how? <>/if>><<if $emotional is true>> I take a quick deep breath and plaster on a smile, hoping that I'll be able to distract him...right? Oh well, here I go. I look at the stranger in front of me and hope that this person (or ancient being) won't be the end of us. I really don't feel like exploring the reality of being sold or experiencing death right, now. And I suppose with $h, it would be worse because then both of us would be gone. "What is someone like you doing with people like us?" The words fall out smoothly from my mouth: "I mean, you have so many items, and us? We just have ourselves and that satchel from earlier." tilting my head slightly, my eyes wide and curious, and my feet already silently dragging the bag of jewels behind me. "Hmm, so that's how you are...huh, little one?" He says he seems amused, looking me over rather curiously. "Excuse me? I don't know what you mean, sir." is all I can reply without giving myself away, suddenly feeling nervous, pressing my lips together, and basically chewing on them from the inside. My smile is now a little strained, but it should still seem genuine, I think. . . . Wait. . . . I feel my foot suddenly being lighter and look down at his hands, and my eyes instantly widen, a little bit shocked, and my jaw practically drops. The bag of jewels is in <<if $m is "Ravei">>his<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> hands...how? <</if>> "That was some nice tricks, distracting me and engaging in conversation with some eye contact the making of a criminal, no?" <<if $m is "Ravei">>He<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She<</if>> chuckles, tossing the bag of jewels up and down. My expression doesn't change, reverting back to a still and cold look. I have no idea what to do. If me and $mn had that bag, we could be so much better off and maybe even have extra, maybe I'd give some to $h or some random kid on the streets. //'Surely, this old <<if $m is "Ravei">>man<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>lady<</if>> hasn't any use for it...right? The other stuff here could easily be worth a fortune too. But... even so, $mn wouldn't think it's right...' // Agh. Let's just try getting out of here. I can do this. It works on the stall owners and even $mn sometimes, why can't it work on this strange old <<if $m is "Ravei">>man<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>lady<</if>>? Right? "Criminal? Is that what you really think, sir? I was merely trying to get your opinion on why you would surround yourself with people like us," I claim, even raising my eyebrows slightly to seem innocent. "Oh...is that so?" is the only response I get from the <<if $m is "Ravei">>man<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>lady<</if>>. //'Oh, well. I can't really book it, and $h is being absolutely useless, so...I've just gotta wing it.'// "After all, you seem to be much better than us, poor villagers. We really aren't worth much and will be of no use to you. It'd be much better for your sake to just give up on us and release us." Using my words to assure <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> of my words, I was hoping they were probably going to work. All of a sudden, <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> starts chuckling, and I start sweating in my head. Even if my words don't work on <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>>, I cannot seem fazed by it; otherwise, it'll be worse. "I was going to give you the bag of jewels anyway, little one. Considering your lineage, this is quite the....surprise to say the least, but at least you're entertaining, I suppose," a broad grin flashed on <<if $m is "Ravei">>his<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> face. //'This man is dangerous. <<if $m is "Ravei">>He<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She<</if>> couldn't have possibly meant....But what else could it be? <<if $m is "Ravei">>He<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She<</if>> somehow knows... It's too late to suddenly change my strategy, and we should really start going, the longer I'm here, the more dangerous it is.'// I just shake my head, my mouth strained in it's position. I don't like to talk, and I have a feeling if I do now, $h might just have to be sacrificed or we're both being sold. None of my strategies to manipulate <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> into letting us go or buttering up to <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> have done anything. "Well, wouldn't someone with such talents as you want an opportunity to do more? To be more? Your friend here certainly is thinking about it," <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> encouraged, <<if $m is "Ravei">>his<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> voice smooth, and for some reason it pulls me in, and I really think about it. //'After all if <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> is speaking the truth which...I don't see any signs of lying from <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> either... Getting an apprenticeship is a great opportunity, and $mn would be rather happy, hopefully that I'm getting somewhere in life...'// What to do, indeed?... <</if>> <</if>> [[❥It's all all over anyways....I'll just go with it....|19.1]] [[❥I-I don't know! This is WAY too much pressure for me, right now!|19.1]]

Father/Dad

Daughter/Girl

!!! Anduli Names: <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Modu" autocheck>> Modu : Honey <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Anilea" autocheck>> Anilea : Justice <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Naliah" autocheck>> Naliah : Hope <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Zarah" autocheck>> Zarah : Lady <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Juhmka" autocheck>> Juhmka : Bell <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Rantia" autocheck>> Rantia : Tree <<set $anduliname to true>> <<button "And Your Last Name..." "5">><</button>>

!!! Thacaio Names: <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Mishkita" autocheck>> Mishkita : Sweet <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Bastua" autocheck>> Bastua : Wealth <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Nayla" autocheck>> Nayla : Hope <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Varkna" autocheck>> Varkna : Coin <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Puria" autocheck>> Puria : Grace <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Saniah" autocheck>> Saniah : Glory <<set $thacaioname to true>> <<button "And Your Last Name..." "5">><</button>>

!!! Nadrian Names: <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Fayza" autocheck>> Fayza : Victorious <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Norha" autocheck>> Norha : Light <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Nalija" autocheck>> Nalija : Hope <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Enali" autocheck>> Enali : Joy <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Ginotai" autocheck>> Ginotai : Faith <<radiobutton "$firstname" "Unaian" autocheck>> Unaian : Prayer <<button "And Your Last Name..." "5">><</button>> <<set $nadrianname to true>>

<<set $choice to "Indecisive">> I can't choose! I can't make decisions to save my life....it's too much pressure! What if we end up end up dead on the road? Or end up Sold? But, what if this random older person is saying the truth? And we actually get apprentinceships? Then that would be great! People aren't trustworthy, though, are they? Or is it just this suspicious one? I.Don't.Know.What.To.Do. Luckily, I turn to $h to make the decision for me, and $h is already nodding <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>head at me to accept. //'Alright, then. $h chose to say yes, so I will say yes.'// "...Fine, I agree." As soon as the words manage to tumble out of my mouth <<if $m is "Ravei">>the man disappears with a sly smirk....What did I just get us into? <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>the woman almost flashes away instantly with a sly smirk....W-what did we just get ourselves into? <</if>> . .. ... .. . "Hey, uh...what just happened? Are you alright?" $h finally manages to fully snap out of it still holding the bottles. "I-guess we just got apprenticeships? ...I am fine, for the most part... What about you?" I reply back as we walk out of the alleyway, taking a breath, wholly unsure of what has just occurred myself. "...We have... it seems to get ourselves apprenticeships... That's... So...COOL!" $h blurts out excited, his eyes practically glowing from excitement. [["It might be if we don't end up on the road dead or on the very wrong side of the city," I reply back, sighing. I was never one to be positive; after all, you never know what could happen. |20.1]] [["It is, isn't it?" I reply back, nodding. I was never one to be negative, after all, you never know what could happen. |20.2]]

<<set $choice to "Decisive">> Well, I just have to go for it. Nothing's going to happen if I just sit here and gawk all day. Plus, it is getting late, and $mn would get worried. Still, I turn to look at $h's face, which, sure enough, is nodding away at me intently; it's as if $h's eyes are bearing holes into mine. "...Fine, I agree." As soon as the words manage to tumble out of my mouth, <<if $m is "Ravei">>the man disappears with a sly smirk....What did I just get us into? <</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>the woman almost flashes away instantly with a sly smirk....W-what did we just get ourselves into? <</if>> . .. ... .. . "Hey, uh...what just happened? Are you alright?" $h finally manages to fully snap out of it, still holding the bottles. "I-guess we just got apprenticeships? ... I am fine, for the most part... What about you?" I reply back as we walk out of the alleyway, taking a breath, wholly unsure of what has just occurred myself. "...We have... it seems to get ourselves apprenticeships... That's... So...COOL!" $h blurts out excited, <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> eyes practically glowing from excitement. [["It might be if we don't end up on the road dead or on the very wrong side of the city," I reply back, sighing. I was never one to be positive; after all, you never know what could happen. |20.1]] [["It is, isn't it?" I reply back, nodding. I was never one to be negative; after all, you never know what could happen. |20.2]]

<<set $positive to true>> "Right?! I bet we'll be doing all sorts of cool things!" $h daydreams hands behind <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> neck relaxed. "Yeah, and get good paying jobs if we get lucky<<if $stoic is true>>. It'll be a good experience, hopefully." I nodded my head, wanting to think positively about the situation. After all, we're stuck with this anyway; it's better to have a good opinion and just get through it. //'Hm, I guess I've gotten used to $h's presence by now...huh?'// I have to admit that $h was surprisingly...trustworthy. <<if $h is "Hamoza">>He<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>She<</if>> literally threw that satchel and to help both of us. Guess <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she<</if>>'s not that bad...<</if>><<if $emotional is true>>! And training will be helpful, probably" letting a grin slip onto my face. We're already stuck in this situation, so, might as well make the best of it. $h really isn't bad to hang around, pretty fun sometimes, actually. My grin widens as there's a brief moment of silence as we walk. From $h's actually throwing the satchel to help both of us. <<if $h is "Hamoza">>He<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>She<</if>> sure feels trustable. <</if>> "Hey...um, do you want to perhaps...like hang out?" $h asks curiously, usually I would reject <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> after contemplating it but today looks like <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she<</if>> had more hope. After all, $h literally threw <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> stuff at, uh...our master(?)...maybe it really won't be so bad to give $h a chance after all... "Sure. Since, you're always so insistent," I actually buckled, shaking my head. "Yes! Sooo-... When do you want to do it? Like, today? Or later? ...." <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she<</if>> chuckles, punching a fist into the air like <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she<</if>> just accomplished something in <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> life suddenly full of energy. <<if $habit1 is "Night Owl">> As, am I! The sun is starting to go down, but I'm starting to just wake up! <<if $stoic is true>> I nod back at <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> and $h stats babbling along about what we can do. I don't offer much, but there are a few comments here and there and some opinions on how we could possibly end up in a ditch somewhere if we do it. At the very least, we're both energetic and ready to do whatever. <</if>><<if $emotional is true>> I end up cracking a smile and countering <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> suggestions with even weirder and unrealistic ones. <<if $h is "Hamoza">>His<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>Her<</if>> reactions are priceless, and at some point <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she<</if>> ends up just annoyed with me and mumbles as I laugh at <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>>. This is actually pretty fun. And we've both got plenty of energy. <</if>> //That was the first time I actually hung out with $h and I think it was the start of our actual friendship. // <</if>><<if $habit1 is "Early Bird">> While, I'm quite the opposite, the sun is starting to go down, and so am I. I'm ready to hit the haystack. <<if $stoic is true>> I don't make a face at all and look away, tired, not wanting to do anything right now. But $h just won't let me leave. <<if $h is "Hamoza">>He<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>She<</if>> keeps babbling along, and despite being half asleep, I find myself quietly nodding along. But I think some of my thoughts are let out about some impossible scenarios because $h does give me some looks. <<else>> I groan and yawn tiredly, giving $h a smile, but, <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she<</if>> decided to completely ignore me and kept going on babbling, forcing me to come despite me openly struggling to keep my eyes open, but I wanted to go. So, I find myself walking along with <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> nodding talong but also adding in my own ideas, which are pretty ridiculous, allowing for some funny expressions on $h's face to form. <</if>> //That was the first time I actually hung out with $h and I think it was the start of our actual friendship...well it was sort of forced, but whatever. // <</if>> [[My mentor smacks me in the head with whatever it is, and I immediately snap back to reality. |21]

<<set $negative to true>> "... You know, you're really dark sometimes. Why would you say that?" $h responds, sighing and shaking <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> head, "Whatever, at least we're going home safe and sound." plastering on that dim smile on <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> face again. "Hey, I'm just being honest, here," I shrug <<if $stoic is true>>looking ahead. I was just saying what needed to be said. How can $h be so optimistic about this? <<if $h is "Hamoza">>He<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>She<</if>>'s the one that always hangs out with me, not the other way around. I guess I have gotten used to it by now. But, even I have to admit that $h was surprisingly ...trustworthy. I mean, <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she<</if>> literally threw that satchel and tried to help both of us. Maybe <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she<</if>>'s not that bad...<</if>><<if $emotional is true>>making a slight face. I mean, I said what I said. Being too optimistic is probably one of $h's greatest weaknesses. But still, a slight grin went on my face. One from $h's stupidity, the other reason being that <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>actually threw the satchel to help both of us and didn't just leave me. Maybe <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she<</if>>'s not all that bad and perhaps trustworthy. <</if>> "Hey...um, do you want to perhaps...like hang out?" $h asks rather hesitantly a contrast to <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>> usual self...because if it were just a normal day, I would just reject the idea immediately. But I hesitated today. After all, $h literally threw <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> stuff at, uh, our master(?)...maybe it really won't be so bad to give $h a chance after all... "...Fine. Since, you're always so insistent," I finally buckled, shaking my head and letting out a big sigh. "Yes! Sooo-... When do you want to do it? Like, today? Or later? ...." <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>chuckles punching a fist into the air like <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>just accomplished something in <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>life suddenly full of energy. <<if $habit1 is "Night Owl">> As, am I! The sun is starting to go down, but I'm starting to just wake up! <<if $stoic is true>> I nod back at <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>and $h stats babbling along of what we can do. I don't offer much, but there are a few comments here and there and some opinions on how we could possibly end up in a ditch somewhere if we do it. At the very least, we're both energetic and ready to do whatever. <<elseif>> I end up cracking a smile and amusing myself by commenting on all the downsides of <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>ideas with most of being us in a ditch. His reactions are priceless, and at some point he ends up just annoyed with me and mumbles as I laugh at <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>>. This is... actually pretty fun. And we've both got plenty of energy. <</if>> //That was the first time I actually hung out with $h and I think it was the start of our actual friendship. // <</if>><<if $habit1 is "Early Bird">> While I'm quite the opposite, the sun is starting to go down, and so am I. I'm ready to hit the hay. <<if $stoic is true>> I don't make a face at all and look away, tired, not wanting to do anything right now. But $h just won't let me leave. <<if $h is "Hamoza">>He <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>She <</if>>keeps babbling along, and despite being half asleep, I find myself quietly nodding along. But I think some of my thoughts slip out because $h keeps giving me looks like I actually told <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>that we're going to end up in a ditch if we go along with <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>> plans. <<elseif>> I groan and yawn tiredly, giving $h a look, but <<if $h is "Hamoza">>he <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>she <</if>>decided to completely ignore me and kept going on babbling, forcing me to come despite me openly tradging and not wanting to go. So, I still find myself walking along with <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>nodding to whatever is rolling my eyes and commenting on how we're going to end up in a ditch if we go along with <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his <</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her <</if>>plans. <</if>> //That was the first time I actually hung out with $h and I think it was the start of our actual friendship...well it was sort of forced, but whatever. // <</if>> [[My mentor smacks me in the head with whatever it is, and I immediately snap back to reality. |21]

<<if $diplomat is true>> "Greet me, apprentice." is the first thing I have to hear after being smacked on the head with a roll of paper. I struggle not to go at <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> right then and there. I wish I could just tell <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> off, but unfortunately, <<if $m is "Ravei">>he’s<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she’s<</if>> better at it than I am currently. "Greetings, Master Obehn," I manage to mutter without rolling my eyes at <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>>. "Let's get to it; come along. Today we're going to the trading center. A great way to practice those measley skills you’ve managed to develop", practically dragging me along, tossing me the sound amulet walking towards the trade center. It's more of an outside market that's just a little ways from the village, about a mile or two by foot. <<if $habit1 is "Early Bird">> I'm wide awake and ready to get to it. At least it’s not what <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> did to me last time.<</if>> <<if $habit1 is "Night Owl">> I’m half-dead and just want to go back to bed. It better not end up like what he did to me last time.<</if>> GANG FIGHT NEGOTIATOR?!? I knew my mentor had a loose screw, but... that was unexpected, to say the least. My heart almost popped out of my chest from the sheer tension in the room. I kept having to smile, though. Thankfully, I eavesdropped on the gang minions as an assignment before hand, despite that specific information being extra. “You have improved slightly over the past few years. I was better, though. But you sure make an entertaining apprentice; $firstname” is probably one of the more nice things that’s managed to come out of <<if $m is "Ravei">>his<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> mouth about me. <<if $positive is true>> I’m just hoping this doesn’t end up backfiring on me; it should be fine, right? My mentor isn’t THAT bad. Yeah… He isn't, if I convince myself he isn’t.<<else>> I’m just wondering in which pit I’m going to be buried. My mentor is going to be the reason why I’m dead, and he’ll just laugh it off. I’m sorry, $mn.<</if>> We enter the area where the trading ‘center’ is. //’In all honesty it’s not really a center rather than an place where a bunch of people are roaming around haggling and well, trade stuff. But, it’s more useful to get information, especially if you know the right places to go.’ // Before I can enter, that crimson-eyed demon suddenly pulls me off to the side, even though <<if $m is "Ravei">>he’s<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she’s<</if>> the one who was making me follow <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>>. My back suddenly straightens, and I swallow as I feel <<if $m is "Ravei">>him<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> judging me, or rather, my attire. <<if $m is "Ravei">>He<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She<</if>> does this all the time, yet it never feels pleasant. It always feels like <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> is scrutinizing me. I mean, <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> is. But not in the way that my mind always wanders. . My throat tightens, and it feels like I'm being disected alive. There are only a few thoughts running through my mind. . //'Please don’t notice, please don’t notice, please don’t notice…I feel dirty all over; I’m a half-blood. What will happen to me if they notice it? Will $mn be okay? Do I have to fight now? I’m not enough, am I? I won’t be able to convince them…I’m too inadequate. What will they call me-’// “$firstname! Back to attention. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but calm down. You know just the routine clothing check. Especially for you, what your clothing looks like matters. That is because…?” <<if $m is "Ravei">>His<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>Her<</if>> resonant voice snaps me out of it as I take a deep breath, and <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> crosses <<if $m is "Ravei">>his<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> arms, raising an eyebrow at me expectantly. I sigh and keep my eyes rolling for now, but I take a deep breath, ready to answer. I yawn slightly, too tired to even muster up the nerve to roll my eyes and take in a deep breath. Even if it’s boring, repetitive, and annoying, at least it’ll distract me from myself. “It can change someone’s perspective of you and represent an image. Such as wearing a noble’s or country's colors can either show support, loyalty, or humilation depending on the situation.” words just fall from my mouth rehearsed as <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> startles me with another question. <<if $false is true>> Agh, I guess <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> really is trying to test me. I’m sure I’ll do fine.<<else>> <<if $m is "Ravei">>He’s<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>She’s<</if>> going to torture me anyway. I bet my answer is going to get nitpicked at.<</if>> //’Oh, well. This is my training. There isn't much else to do… And, where did he get this?’ // My finder ran over the smooth gemstone-like shape entrapped in a thin silver metallic casing… A sound amulet is able to change your voice, raise it, or even hear other people’s voices from across the room. Of course, depending on how good it is and your skill level, it can produce even more impressive skills. And… IT’S SO EXPENSIVE?!?! LIKE at least 1 gold, which is 100 silver, which is 10,000 Takah. All for basically a random stone in a necklace. Sometimes they don’t even work and are scams, OR you’re just incompetent and incompatible with the item, and it doesn’t even work. I eye up my 'master’ rather suspicously, eyes narrowing, my steps lighter as if ready to run. “…I got it legally, and I own it. A hand-me-down, if you will. I am a very reputable person, you know. Don’t even try to run.” <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> rolls <<if $m is "Ravei">>his<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> eyes at me somehow, noticing (like always) when my mood shifts as we head straight into the tiger den. “…Whatever you say, Master, As long as we don’t get chased down again. What do you want from me today?” I don’t beat around the bush… It’s only Master, and I'd really rather not deal with a riddle right now. More important things to worry about, like getting home before sundown or $mn will get worried, and not going down any unsavory trap while in the trading center. I clutch my satchel closer to me and tie it shut harder…Can never be too careful, and I just got these today for $mn. “…Today is a collaborative exercise. Teamwork, no matter how…cheesy it may sound, is a key part of any path you take. You’ll find yourself needing the ability to work with different individuals no matter your personal feelings you may have against them.” For a moment, it seemed as though <<if $m is "Ravei">>he<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>she<</if>> had a faraway look in <<if $m is "Ravei">>his<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>her<</if>> eyes, as if…probably just reminiscing about old memories like the old <<if $m is "Ravei">>man he is.<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya">>lady she is.<</if>> “…Alright…” I nod my head before pausing and realizing something: “Wait, collaborative excerise? With Who-?…” My head tilted for a moment before I sigh and take a full stop in my steps… //’$h… It’s been a hot minute since I’ve seen <<if $h is "Hamoza">>him<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>>. Oh, no. We’re definitely failing; $h can’t keep <<if $h is "Hamoza">>his<</if>><<if $h is "Humaera">>her<</if>> mouth shut and is WAY too blunt…’// <<if $m is "Ravei" and $gender is "male">>I groan, and Master practically has to drag me by my collar into the plaza, probably with that stupid, amused grin on his face… <</if>><<if $m is "Ravei" and $gender is "female">>I groan and sigh as Master stares me down, narrowing his eyes at me. At some point, it makes me feel pressured enough that I drag my feet, trudging very slowly under his watchful eyes.<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya" and $gender is "male">>Master just giggles as she tugs on my sleeve, seeming both amused and proud of herself. She really does love seeing me suffer.<</if>><<if $m is "Reiya" and $gender is "female">>I pout and groan, attempting to back away, before that cursed Master of mine puts her hand on my shoulder forcibly and makes me walk over to the place.<</if>> <</if>>

<<set $habit1 to "Night Owl">> "Jee, I'm going to do them now, <<cycle "$mn" autoselect>> <<option "Mami.">><<set $mn to "Mami">> <<option "Amu.">><<set $mn to "Amu">> <<option "Ama.">><<set $mn to "Ama">> <</cycle>> calling out to her with the version of Mom my tongue settled on over the years, as I head out after putting on a shirt and cloak. "Ok, I'll be at work until night, $petname!" she calls out as I head to go into the village for my now weekly visit. "Jee, I'll be going then! I'll be back later!" I reply back one last time to her as I head out of the...//forest// looking back at the little shed thing that I came to call [['home'.|12]]

<<set $habit1 to "Early Bird">> "Jee, I'm going to do them now, <<cycle "$mn" autoselect>> <<option "Mami">><<set $mn to "Mami">> <<option "Amu">><<set $mn to "Amu">> <<option "Ama">><<set $mn to "Ama">> <</cycle>> ", calling out to her with the version of Mom my tongue settled on over the years, as I head out after putting on a shirt and cloak. "Ok, I'll be at work until night, $petname!" she calls out as I head to go into the village for my now weekly visit. "Jee, I'll be going then! I'll be back later!" I reply back one last time to her as I head out of the...//forest// looking back at the little shed thing that I came to call [['home'.|12]]