CottageCore

(if:visits <= 1 or $leftRoom is false)[Shade by shade, the [[room]] is lightening. You shift slightly, careful not to disturb your partner. Soon, the sun will be up, and the day will start in earnest. For now, though, a moment of peace. [[Start your day|Living Space]](set: $teaCup to false)(set: $blanket to false)(set: $honey to false)(set: $flower to false)(set: $mint to false)(set: $tea to false)(set:$leftRoom to false)] (if:$leftRoom is true)[It's still early. You return to your partner, sitting up in bed beside them. They rouse, and smile at you. "You're up early," they say. "Of course," you reply, moving to lean against them. You settle together. (if:$blanket is true)["You brought me a blanket?" They say mischievously, snatching it from around your shoulders and wrapping it around themself.] (if: $tea is true and $honey is true)[Wordlessly, you pass them the mug with honey, mint and lavender spiraling around each other. "Mmm," they say. "Perfect."] (if: $tea is true and $honey is false)[Wordlessly, you pass them one of the mugs, mint and lavender spiraling around each other. "Mmm," they say. "Thank you."] You nuzzle closer to them. Both of you look out the windows, listening to the birds wake. Every so often, you look to one another, and neither of you can hid the blush spreading across your faces. You squeeze their hand(if: $tea is true)[and take a sip of your tea.](else:)[.] (after:10s)[[[What a lovely day.|Another realm]]] ]

The kitchen is more of a kitchenette, a small length of counter and a butcher block neatly arranged near the entryway. Just enough prep space for a meal. Herbs hang, drying, from one of the shelves. A pitcher of water sits on the counter. [(if:$teaCup is false)[[Reach for the pitcher]]] [[Outside|Garden]] [[Back to the living space|Living Space]] [(if:$honey is false)[[Reach for the shelf]]] [(if:$teaCup is true and $mint is true)[[Brew tea]]]

You pause before you step off the porch, looking over the wildflowers that are springing up in the meadow beyond. The early morning wind blows your hair across your face. You walk to the raised beds of the garden. [(if: $mint is false)[[Pick some mint]]] [(if:$flower is false)[[Pick some lavender]]] [[Check on the goats|Goat Pen]] [[Go back inside|Kitchen]]

The [[goats]] bleat as soon as they see you. You aren't their favorite, and it would be a miracle if they let you get past the gate of the pen. [[Pet them]] [[Go back inside|Kitchen]]

You slip out of bed. There's no door in the doorway between the bedroom and the rest of the [[cottage]]. Dawn casts a blue tint across the living room. Your eyes brush over the low table and [[cushions]]. Scraps of paper are folded neatly in a pile, with a (link:"folded crane")[folded crane (your students were doing paper crafts yesterday)] sitting atop the stack. (set: $leftRoom to true) [[Back to bed|Bedroom]] [[To the kitchen|Kitchen]]

The back room of the cottage is a small thing, but it is so very cozy. Gauzy, pale green curtains over the windows, a bed carved out of dark oak, two (link-reveal:"stools")[(too wobbly for sitting, but they make lovely beside stands)], and two chests, [[one]] shoved haphazardly in the corner, [[the other]] at the foot of the bed, perfectly centered. [[Back|Bedroom]]

Technically "your" chest. There's a lot of clothes in there, but mostly, you store things in the other chest. [[What else is in the chest?]] [[Back|room]]

A "shared" chest for you and your partner. It's full of soft, warm clothes and an extra set of (link:"sheets")[sheets, a gift from your friends when you first came to the cottage.] [[Back|room]]

Two goats, Juthre and Wilqun. They act surprisingly like their namesakes, one brash always looking to cause trouble, the other more subtle in her antics. Goat cheese always sells well at the market. [[What are Juthre and Wilqun up to now?]] [[Back|Goat Pen]]

Carefully, you stick your hand out towards them. Wilqun walks up to the edge of the pen, nuzzling your hand. Juthre follows, shoving him out of the way, sniffing your hand in search of treats. You'll have to let them out to graze the meadow later. [[Back|Goat Pen]]

You head over to the low table. You grab the balled up blanket sitting on the nearest cushion, wrapping it around your shoulders. (set: $blanket to true) [[Back|Living Space]]

A two room home. Small, simply a bedroom and a large space that has filled every other role. But it's //your// home. Cozy, and seemingly plucked out a dream you never would have dared spoken of. [[Back|Living Space]]

Fresh mint would make a lovely tea. You bend (link-reveal:"slightly")[, considering your joints, the raised beds were a good idea], and examine the mint. You grab a few leaves from the base, sure to not disturb the roots, and pincing the stems at the base to keep as much flavor and scent in the leaves as possible. (set: $mint to true) [[Back|Garden]]

Lavender would be lovely to bring inside, and you can add some to the tea. You grab a shovel left in the bed, and use the sharp edge to free a few stems. (set: $flower to true) [[Back|Garden]]

You grab two mugs from the shelf. Slowly, you pour water into both. [[Tea]] would be a good idea. (set: $teaCup to true) [[Back|Kitchen]]

Tea would be lovely. You could use fresh herbs from the garden. [[Back|Kitchen]]

You grab some honey from the shelf. (set: $honey to true) [[Back|Kitchen]]

(if: $flower is true)[You add the herbs to the mug](else:)[You add the mint to the mug] Just a bit of (text-style:"smear")[hedge magic]-- you heat both mugs to just the right brewing temperature. (if:$honey is true)[You add a bit of honey to one of the mugs.] (set: $tea to true) [[Back|Kitchen]]

You dig around the chest for a moment. Winter boots and heavy cloaks, mostly. As you sort through it, your hand brushes against something metal. [[Metal?]]

Juthre and Wilqun. Members of your old adventuring party. The four of you against the world. [[Four?]] [[Those were your younger days.|goats]]

Shade by shade, the [[room|sRoom]] is lightening. You shift slightly, careful not to disturb your aching joints. Soon, your curtains will no longer be able to hold back the midday light, the day started in earnest.

Four. You, Juthre, William, and [[...|Another realm]]

Hesitant, you grasp the edge of the metal object. Clothes topple to the floor, revealing a shield. A medallion hangs down the front of it, making a soft clanging sound. [[Is that a symbol?|Another realm]] [[Put it away|room]]

There's dust collecting in the corners of the bedroom. It's just that, a room with a [[bed]], and worn [[chest]] sitting at the foot of it. (link-replace: "Heavy cloths cover the windows.")[Your cloak and a semi-rectangular scrap of woolen fabric each hang on a series of pegs above one of the small windows. [[You grab your cloak before you leave the room.|sLivingSpace]]]

The inside is far from full. A pair of boots, too worn to wear anymor. Mud is still caked to them. A leather pouch, empty save one gold coin and a bird feather. [[Back|sRoom]]

Much like the rest of the cottage, herbs are bundled and hanging from the rafters of the main room, sketches of plant life covering most of the walls. The room itself is always in a perpetual state of being lived in. There's a low wooden table, with cushions laying haphazardly around it. A small [[scarf]] lays forgotten by one of them. On the table, scattered scraps of fabric, half empty spools of thread. A small wooden case, still open, is holding sewing needles. [[Kitchen|sKitchen]]

It's a faded blue, but the wool weave is tight. The scarf belongs to Ansley. You'll have to make sure it gets back to her. Fall is already turning to winter, and if the kids want to keep running around in the woods, they'll need all the warmth they can get. [[Back|sLivingSpace]]

(if:(history: where its name contains "Grab your weapons")'s length < 1)[Underneath the bed, a thick layer of dust. Covered in grit, your (link-reveal:"scythe and shield. ")[ The weapon is surely long dulled by now. Without looking, you know an etched medallion hangs off the shield. The etching, an ornate circle surrounding an austere scale-- perfectly balanced. But there's no need to dwell.] [[Back|sRoom]]] (if:(history: where its name contains "Grab your weapons")'s length >= 1)[(set: $armed to true)Your hands tingle as you grab the scythe and shield beneath the bed. You're unsure if it's due to to the grit or something more divine. For a moment, you hold onto the medallion hanging off the shield. You trace the carving of the scale, like you would when you would pray. (if:(history: where its name contains "\"How can I help?\"")'s length >= 1)[[[Head back to town.->Town]]](else:)[ (if: $childrenLocation is "woods")[[[Go to the forest|Go straight to the forest.]]] (if: $childrenLocation is "cottage")[[[Fight.->Fight.]]] ] ]

A poor excuse for a kitchen. A long table, most likely used in a butler's pantry decades ago, is pushed up against the wall. Bundles of food are sitting in one corner, beside stacks of cups and bowls. And-- (after: 2s)[[[A knock at the door->A knock at the door]]]

The sharp cry is followed by the clanging of warning bells. The children around you flinch, dropping their crowns. Six eyes look to you. (set: $armed to false) [[Send them to the cottage]] [[Send them into the woods]]

You send the children to the cottage. They don't hesitate, except for when they realize you aren't coming with them. You nod at Refu. He nods in return. You hear him talking to the younger kids. "Come on, we have to move." [[Run to town]] (set: $childrenLocation to "cottage")

"Go, hide in the woods until I get you, or one of the other adults." Refu, the eldest, looks to you. He searches your eyes for a moment. "Come on, let's go," he says to the kids, leading them towards the woods. [[Run to town]] (set: $childrenLocation to "woods")

The clanging of the bells rings louder and louder as you race into the square. Townspeople are gathered, holding a variety of weapons. Most ceremonial, others improvised. The alderwoman is talking to a large group of people, while a priest is laying blessings on some of the armed townspeople. (set: $blessing to false) [[Approach the alderwoman]] [[Approach the priest]]

The alderwoman narrows her eyes as you approach. You see the people around her frowning, but they part to let you through. "I heard the bells. What is going on?" "Raiders," she grounds out. "They'll be here shortly after sunset." "Dont worry," one of the townspeople says, "I'm sure you and your pack of orphans will be safe in that hut of yours." The alderwoman maintains eye contact with you. "They're coming in from the eastern road. We're evacuating people to boats near the fishing cove." You nod, pausing. There are heavy (link-replace:"stares around you.")[ stares around you. Do they think you so selfish that you wouldn't help the town? (live:2s)[Or do they know as well as you do that your days of heroism are long gone?] (live:4s)[And what about the kids?]] [["Good luck."]] [["I'll help."|"How can I help?"]]

"Savra," he says, glancing at you briefly. He continues working his way down the line of people, pausing only to hurry out a few words to you. "What are you doing here?" You don't know if his briskness is due to the gravity of the situation, or the regular discomfort he emits whenever you are near. But it doesn't matter. "I heard the bells. What's happening?" The priest studies you for a moment, then tilts his head, as though listening to something you can't hear. The motion is familiar to you. You used to do the same when the gods still deemed you worthy of conversation. You try to hide a bitter smile as he focuses on you once more. "Raiders are coming to town. We're readying for battle." He hesitates. "Would you like a (link-reveal:"blessing?\"")[(set: $blessing to true) He hovers his hands above you for a moment, murmuring to himself. You stand stiffly, waiting for him to finish.] [["Good luck."]] (link-reveal:"\"How can I help?\"")[ "Go speak to the [[alderwoman|Approach the alderwoman]]," he replies, nodding in her direction. ] (set: $delay to 1)

You frown. It's unlikely that the raiders would find your cottage, (if: $childrenLocation is "cottage")[ but it isn't worth the risk.] (if: $childrenLocation is "woods")[ but if the raiders set fire to the forest, they are in immediate danger.] You owe no responsibility to the town that has shunned you. But to the kids who consider you nothing but family, you owe everything. (if: $childrenLocation is "woods")[ [[Grab your weapons.]] [[Go straight to the forest.]] ](else:)[[[Go to the cottage->fromTownCottageWon'tHelp]]]

You can't let the raiders get to town. It's unlikely the town will be able to stop the raiders. It's also unlikely that the raiders have faced someone like you. If you're still the hero that you were. The alderwoman considers you for a moment. She seems to find what she's looking for in your eyes. "What can you offer?" (if: $childrenLocation is "woods")[[[Grab your weapons.->Grab your weapons.]]] (if: $childrenLocation is "cottage")[[[Grab your weapons.->fromTownCottageWillHelp]]] [[Help the others.]]

You rush to the forest. You need to find the kids, make sure that they are safe by the time the raiders come. (if: $delay >=2)[The sun is already low on the horizon.](if: $delay <2)[There's still some daylight left.] They know the woods as well as you do, and can fit into smaller hiding spots. [[Call out for them]] (if: $delay <2)[[[Look for their tracks|Tracks]]]

You rush back to the cottage, and try the handle. It doesn't budge. "Refu!" You call out. "Lex! Kier! Myx!" You hear the sound of scraping, and then the door opens slightly. It's Refu. Behind him, the rest of the kids are huddled. You step inside. They moved the low table to block the door. You release a breath. They can take of themselves, even though they shouldn't have to. "Raiders are coming to town." You pause. "You will be safe here." "I'm going to help defend the town. Stay here until the raiders are gone, alright?" Another deep breath. [[Prepare for battle|Grab your weapons.]]

You call out to the kids. "Rascals! We need to go to the cottage!" You frown. The rest of the forest is quiet, your voice ringing far too loud. There may be raiders nearby. You whistle, a short tune that you'd taught to them last winter. Minutes, though they feel like eons, later, the group creeps out of the forest, meeting you at the edge of the meadow. "Savra?" Kier asks. You look them over. All are unharmed. "Raiders. We need to get to the cottage." It's secluded enough for them to hide in. Suddenly, you hear a shout. Some of the raiders must have been scouting the forest. The air starts to fill with smoke. A large cracking sounds from the middle of the forest-- a tree must have split. "Run!" You yell to the kids. [[Follow them to the cottage.|fromWoodsCottage]] (if: $armed is true)[[Stand your ground.]]

You study the ground for signs of the kids. Within moments, you spot their trail. Trekking quietly, you make your way to the base of one of the old trees. "Rascals?" You say, trying to keep your tone light, but firm. "We have to go." You whistle softly. (after: 3s)[Refu crawls out of one of the root hollows. Myx follows, hesitant.] (after: 6s)[A rustle of leaves. Kier and Lex drop from one of the branches above, yellowing leaves stuck to their clothes. (after: 9s)["We need to get to the cottage. Raiders are coming." [[Lead the way to the cottage.|fromWoodsCottage]]] ]

(if:(history: where its name contains "fromWoodsCottage")'s length < 1)[You're holding Myx and Kier when hoofbeats sound nearby.] "There's something back here!" You hear. The children around you tense. Refu, Kier, and Lex (link-reveal:"jump to their feet.")[ (Your heart aches. They are far to young to think of battle.)] You stride past them towards the door. There's no time to grab your weapons. Perhaps the gods will grant you one last miracle. [[Fight.]] [[Pray.]]

(if: $blessing is true)[It is just that. Alright. You hear the raiders in the town, but the sounds are never too close. Once, there's the sound of hoofbeats just outside, and you almost leap to your feet. It's followed by a call of "Nothing here!" as though your cottage were invisible. The hoofbeats fade out once more.] (else:)[ (if:(history: where its name contains "Stand your ground.")'s length >= 1 or (history: where its name contains "time.alt")'s length >= 1)[You return, wiping off the worst of the blood before coming in, laying your weapons by the entryway.]] For hours, you hold Kier and Myx close, draping a quilt over them. You offer the children tea, but they don't want to let you to stand up. Refu and Lex lean on either side of you, silent. You'd sing to comfort the kids, but you don't want miss anything happening beyond the walls. Instead, you run your fingers through their hair, back completely straight. When tears run down Lex's face, you gently wipe them away. A small part of your heart beats against your ribcage. The part that once would have jumped into battle to protect the innocent. It aches knowing that there are townspeople fighting with no more experience than a cadet. Another part of your heart settles into your chest. It knows that your place is here, comforting the little ones the way you wished someone had comforted you long ago. When the shouts finally fade, and dawn breaks through the windows, you kiss each child on the forehead. Myx is fast asleep in your lap. The others get up slowly, fetching food and water from the kitchen. There will be rebuilding to do. But your family is whole, and that is more than enough. ''finis.''

(if:(history: where its name contains "bed")'s length >= 1)[It's been decades since you've battled. Perhaps the gods will grant you one last miracle. ]You pause at the door for just a moment, closing your eyes. After [[all you've done]], they owe you at least this. Your prayer is short. //Please.// (if: $armed is false)[[[You fling the door open.->You fling the door open.]]] (if: $armed is true)[[[You fling the door open.->You fling the door open.alt]]]

You pause at the door, laying your hands on oak. You close your eyes. After [[all you've done]], they owe you at least this. //Please.// You begin. You don't even know where to start. //Please don't take away this family I- we have built. (Not again.) Please protect us.// Be specific. Your teachers always told you to be specific. //Please let the raiders pass us by. Please let them be driven off. Please keep us safe. Please keep the kids safe. It is not their time.// You hear more hoofbeats, as though they are just on the porch. "What are you yelling about?" A voice says. "There's nothing here." You hear a grumbled apology, and the sound of horses taking off in the other direction. You swear you hear a voice whisper back, "It's not your [[time]] either."

Outside your door, three men on horseback. One holds a torch, another a sword, the other a crossbow. You think back to the children, waiting in the cottage. You plead to the gods. //It's not their [[time.]]//

You open the door to a small gaggle of children. [[Rascals.]] The youngest smiles. "You promised you'd teach us how to make flower crowns in the meadow!" "No," another argues. "She told us she'd tell us stories!" One shakes her head. "I thought we were going berry picking." "Okay, okay." You look them over. "Let's go out to the meadow. We can make flower crowns //and// I can tell you stories. Lex, we'll go berry picking tomorrow, when I have everything ready to make jam." The kids nod, fake solemn. You smile as you step out onto the [[porch->meadow]].

You walk past your garden, which is little more than some piles of dirt with vegetables and herbs growing from them. You've been teaching the kids how to tend to it, and in a few weeks, will show them how to prepare the plants for frost. You walk past the goat pen, ruined as it is, and has been, for years. You always wanted to get goats. As it is, you know the kids like to play in it, building forts out of whatever they can find. Myx takes your hand, and tugs you forward. All of you settle in a circle, surrounded by daises and other wildflowers. Gently, you pluck three. "Making flower crowns is a bit like weaving..." You begin. The kids follow [[along]].

You return to kids, and spend your time comforting them. For hours, you hold Kier and Myx close, draping a quilt over them. You offer the children tea, but they don't want to let you to stand up. Refu and Lex lean on either side of you, silent. You'd sing to them, but you don't want miss anything happening beyond the walls. Never trust a miracle to happen twice. Instead, you run your fingers through their hair, back completely straight. When tears run down Lex's face, you gently wipe them away. A small part of your heart beats against your ribcage. The part that once would have jumped into battle to protect the innocent. It aches knowing that there are townspeople fighting with no more experience than a cadet. Another part of your heart settles into your chest. It knows that your place is here, comforting the little ones the way you wished someone had comforted you long ago. A smaller part, one that you once thought silenced, is assured by the fact that gods deem this your duty as well. When the shouts finally fade, and dawn breaks through the windows, you kiss each child on the forehead. Myx is fast asleep in your lap. The others get up slowly, fetching food and water from the kitchen. There will be rebuilding to do. But your family is whole, and that is more than enough. ''finis.''

For the first time in decades, divine power rushes through you, unfamiliar and familiar at once. The men must see it too. A flash of light shatters the distance between you. The //thwang// of an arrow being loosed. They fall off their horses just as pain explodes in your gut. On instinct, you hover your hand above where the arrow has embedded into you, reaching for healing magic. Just as quickly as it had come, the divine power is (link-append: "gone.")[ You stumble past the bodies, towards the forest. Hopefully the townspeople come looking for the kids and clear them out before they have to see the corpses. If not, the kids are strong, they'll survive the gore. Perhaps you're conceited, but you don't think they'd take as well to seeing your body on the porch. You were always taught that death comes for all. It's nothing to fear. So you settle yourself into the hollow of a massive oak that overlooks a clearing of wildflowers. You look up at the stars. //Thank you,// you murmur. It doesn't matter if the gods are listening this time. The children are safe. Dawn is approaching. And for now, that is enough. ''finis.'' ]

You raise your scythe and shield, readying for battle. You feel the weight of the gear pulling at old wounds. It's been a long time since you've fought. Perhaps the gods will grant you one last miracle. You close your eyes. After [[all you've done]], they owe you at least this. //Please.// Divine strength fills you. Three men on horseback approach. One holds a torch, another a sword, the other a crossbow. You swing your scythe with ease, the strain gone. It's an old partner, and the dance is long familiar. One man, bleeding on the ground. You're sure to stamp the torch out. Another, knocked off his horse when his sword slams into your shield. One swipe, and he doesn't get back up. (if: $blessing is true)[An arrow flies past you. You spin towards its source, and don't spare the man another glance as he falls. [[Go back to the cottage|alright]]] (if: $blessing is false)[You raise your weapon towards the last man standing. As you swing, the breath is knocked from your chest. Drawing off the strength you have been granted, you follow through on your attack, not sparing the man another glance as he falls. On instinct, you wave a hand over your wound, reaching for healing magic. But just as suddenly as it came, the divine power is gone. You look down at the arrow embedded in your (if:(history: where its name contains "time.alt")'s length >= 1)[[[gut->gut.alt]]](else:)[[[gut->gut]]]. ]

You stumble past the bodies, leaving your gear in the clearing. You were always taught that death comes for all. It's nothing to fear. The forest continues to burn. Maybe its too damp for it to spread all that far. Slowly, you make your way over to small creek, and settle yourself into the hollow of a massive oak that overlooks it. You stare up at the stars, listen to the water rushing by. //Thank you,// you murmur. It doesn't matter if the gods are listening this time. The children are safe. Dawn is approaching. And for now, that is enough. ''finis.''

Divine strength fills you. Your scythe and medallion glow. Three men on horseback approach. One holds a torch, another a sword, the other a crossbow. You swing your scythe with ease, the strain gone. It's an old partner, and the dance is long familiar. One man, bleeding on the ground. You're sure to stamp the torch out. Another, knocked off his horse when his sword slams into your shield. One swipe, and he doesn't get back up. (if: $blessing is true)[An arrow flies past you. You spin towards its source, and don't spare the man another glance as he falls. [[Go back inside|alright]]] (if: $blessing is false)[You raise your weapon towards the last man standing. As you swing, the breath is knocked from your chest. Drawing off the strength you have been granted, you follow through on your attack, not sparing the man another glance as he falls. On instinct, you wave a hand over your wound, reaching for healing magic. But just as suddenly as it came, the divine power is gone. You look down at the arrow embedded in your [[gut->gut.alt]]. ]

You stumble past the bodies, towards the forest. Hopefully the townspeople come looking for the kids and clear them out before they have to see the corpses. If not, the kids are strong, they'll survive the gore. Perhaps you're conceited, but you don't think they'd take as well to seeing your body on the porch. You were always taught that death comes for all. It's nothing to fear. So you settle yourself into the hollow of a massive oak that overlooks a clearing of wildflowers. You look up at the stars. //Thank you,// you murmur. It doesn't matter if the gods are listening this time. The children are safe. Dawn is approaching. And for now, that is enough. ''finis.''

(if:(history: where its name contains "fromWoodsCottage")'s length < 1)[You rush back to the cottage, heading straight for the bedroom.]You kneel beside the bed, and reach [[underneath->bed]]. (set: $delay to it + 1)

There's no time to grab your weapons, and even if you did, you're not sure if you remember how to wield them. Then again, melee combat is only part of what you did in your hero days. Perhaps the gods will grant you one last miracle. You close your eyes. After [[all you've done]], they owe you at least this. For the first time since you've come to this town, you pray. If the gods are whispering in your ear once more, maybe they'll listen to your pleas. //Please.// You don't even know where to start. //Please don't take away this family I- we have built. (Not again.) Please protect us.// Be specific. Your teachers always told you to be specific. //Please let the raiders pass us by. Please let them be driven off. Please keep us safe. Please keep the kids safe.// You look out over the townspeople, ready to fight to protect their homes. What has been //your// home. //Protect them all. It is not their [[time.->brawl]]//

You return to the town, sword and scythe in hand. You look out across the townspeople. A voice whispers in your ear. //It's not their time.// There's momentary satisfaction in knowing the gods deign you worthy of conversation once more. You go to the alderwoman. "Go to my cottage, or evacuate everyone to the fishing cove." The crowd around her is silent. Someone scoffs. "Want to play hero one last time? We're not risking the town so you can relive your glory days." You turn to her, keeping your voice level. "If you do not desire to die tonight, then I recommend you heed my advice." The alderwoman nods. "Let's get everyone out of here." In minutes, the town square has emptied. The sun is setting. It's been decades since you have last (link-replace: "battled.")[battled. Perhaps the gods will grant you one last miracle. You close your eyes. After [[all you've done]], they owe you at least this.] [[Pray.->pray.alt]] [[Ready for battle.]]

(set: $blessing to true)//Please.// You begin. You don't even know where to start. //Please don't take away this family I- we have built. (Not again.) Please protect us.// Be specific. Your teachers always told you to be specific. //Please let the raiders pass us by. Please let them be driven off. Please keep us safe. Please keep the kids safe. It is not their time.// [[Battle.->Ready for battle.]]

(if:(history: where its name contains "pray.alt")'s length < 1)[You close your eyes for a moment. //Please.//] Divine strength fills you. Your scythe and medallion glow. (after: 2s)[ A dozen or so men on horseback approach. Torches, crossbows, and swords. You swing your scythe with ease, the aches of past injuries gone. The weapon is an old partner, and the dance is long familiar. A man, bleeding on the ground. You are sure to stamp the torch out. Another, knocked off his horse when his sword slams into your shield. One swipe, and he doesn't get back up. You fall into macabre rhythym. Each time your scythe makes contact, a bright flash of light. You move like you did when you were nothing but a pawn of the gods. Fearless, graceful, powerful. A part of you notices that you did not miss it. (if: $blessing is true)[An arrow flies past you. You spin towards its source, and don't spare the man another glance as he falls. It is then that you notice you are standing [[alone]] in the town square. ] (if: $blessing is false)[You raise your weapon towards the last man standing. As you swing, the breath is knocked from your chest. Drawing off the strength you have been granted, you follow through on your attack, not sparing the man another glance as he falls. On instinct, you wave a hand over your wound, reaching for healing magic. But just as suddenly as it came, the divine power is gone. You look down at the arrow embedded in your [[gut->gut.town]] ]]

You take a deep breath, looking up at the stars. As gentle as the tide, the magic and adrenaline in your system begins to fade. //Thank you.// You pray. You do not know whose listening. Perhaps you do not care. What's most important now is to go home. To the family that you have made. To the family that you have protected. You need to hug the kids, and let them know that they are safe. You need to assure the townspeople, and ignore their sneers. Tomorrow, you can show Myx, Lex, Kier, and Refu how to make jam. And maybe the day after, how to dry rosemary. The day after that, something else new. That is enough. ''finis.''

You drop your gear, and stumble past the bodies, deeper into the square You were always taught that death comes for all. It's nothing to fear. You always thought you'd die in battle, anyways. Slowly, you make your way over to the small fountain, and settle yourself against the stone. You stare up at the stars, listen to the water, burbling softly. //Thank you,// you murmur. It doesn't matter if the gods are listening this time. The children are safe. The town is whole. Dawn is approaching. And for now, that is enough. ''finis.''

The irony of relying on the gods once more does not escape you. You've spent far too long fighting and welcoming fate by turns. You'd hoped that after you'd played their game, fought their war, that they'd let you rest. But even tonight, they seem destined to meddle once more. You're (link-reveal:"seven,")[ and a church takes you in after your village is destroyed in war.] You're (link-reveal:"fifteen,")[ and you're pledging yourself to a god and a cause that you believe in.] You're (link-reveal:"seventeen,")[ and you're told that you are the chosen champion of your god.] You're (link-reveal:"twenty,")[ and you're storming out of the church after arguing with your elders. You ride out of town with a small caravan of adventurers. You know their names by heart: Cori, Juthre, and Wilqun. When you settle next to Cori, you don't realize that you're sitting next to the future love of your life.] You're (link-reveal:"twenty-three,")[ and you and Cori are dreaming up a life together. A cottage, a garden, a few goats. Something cozy away from the adventuring life.] You're (link-reveal:"twenty-four,")[ and burying Cori. Lost, you make your way back to the church. It seems you will serve as a champion, regardless of your desires.] You're (link-reveal:"thirty-five,")[ and you're wishing your party members farewell after a grand celebration. You have all saved the world, but as your body aches with wounds you know will never heal, you wonder if finally, finally, the gods will let you rest.] You're (link-reveal:"thirty-seven,")[ and you've found a cottage on the outskirts of a coastal village. It overlooks a meadow. Sometimes when you look at it you swear you see Cori on the porch, a vision of a life you'd rather be living. Though it's worse for wear, you purchase the cottage. You're worse for wear as well.] You're (link-reveal:"you,")[ and you've built a life for yourself in this small town, far from adventure and destiny. As you sing and play with the band of orphans that always finds its way back to you, you can't deny that you've found a family.] And once more, you have something you love to protect. (if:(history: where its name contains "Fight.")'s length >= 1)[[[Back.->Fight.]]] (if:(history: where its name contains "Pray")'s length >= 1)[[[Back.->Pray.]]] (if:(history: where its name contains "Stand your ground")'s length >= 1)[[[Back.->Stand your ground.]]] (if:(history: where its name contains "Town")'s length >= 1)[[[Back.->Town]]] (if:(history: where its name contains "Help the others.")'s length >= 1)[[[Back.->Help the others.]]]

Divine power fills you. The townspeople around you must see something in your eyes. Their disbelief and distrust evaporating. Maybe they're wondering if the rumors they heard about you were (link-replace: "true.")[true. (Most of them were.)] You walk up to the strongest fighters. You murmur a few words, hands held over them. Their weapons start to glow. //Protect.// A voice says. You don't know if it's your own. An aura of light emanates from you, reaching across the square. You look over the crowd. "If you're injured, fall back into the light. I can heal you." Nods. Then the hoofbeats [[come->next]].

Battle is just as messy as you remember. You don't look away as the raiders clash with the townspeople. You cast blessings onto your allies, fling banes upon your enemies. When someone stumbles into the aura of light around you, you lay hands on them, and ignore their awe as their wounds heal instantaneously. There's always more to be done. Until there isn't. Until there is a cry of victory, that turns into a celebration. You drop the radiant barrier, and walk towards the battlefied. You survey the ground, ensuring that the only bodies are those of raiders. Then you hear it. The //thwang// of an arrow being loosed. (if: $blessing is true)[An arrow flies past you. You spin towards its source, a man with a crossbow had stumbled to his feet. An arc of light crosses the distance between you. You don't spare the man another glance as he falls. You glance over at the celebration. Everyone is [[whole->town.blessEnd]]. ] (if: $blessing is false)[The breath is knocked from your chest. You spin towards its source, a man with a crossbow had stumbled to his feet. An arc of light crosses the distance between you. You don't spare the man another glance as he falls. On instinct, you wave a hand over your wound, reaching for healing magic. But just as suddenly as it came, the divine power is gone. You look down at the arrow embedded in your [[gut->town.noBlessingEnd]].]

You take a deep breath, looking up at the stars. As gentle as the tide, the magic and adrenaline in your system begins to fade. //Thank you.// You pray. You do not know whose listening. Perhaps you do not care. What's most important now is to go home. To the family that you have made. To the family that you have protected. You need to hug the kids, and let them know that they are safe. Tomorrow, you can show Myx, Lex, Kier, and Refu how to dance as the musicians celebrate. And maybe the day after, you'll show them how to pick berries and make jam. The day after that, something else new. The town is safe. The kids are safe. Dawn is starting break. That is enough. ''finis.''

You stumble back. You were always taught that death comes for all. It's nothing to fear. You always thought you'd die in some sort of battle, anyways. It's not a big deal when your knees give out, leaving you on your back. You stare up at the stars, listen to the voices of the townspeople. //Thank you,// you murmur. It doesn't matter if the gods are listening this time. The children are safe. The town is whole. Dawn is approaching. And for now, that is enough. ''finis.''

Myx, Kier, Lex, and Refu. Wild things, too brash and untrusting to let a church or the town protect them. But they come to you every day, for food, for company. If the weather is really bad, they'll begrudgingly spend the night. You teach them what you can, and provide as best you know how. You were like them once, and all you can do is be kinder than those who came before. [[Back.->A knock at the door]]

"And that's when my friend, Chaz, stormed into the throne room, with nothing but his lute!" The kids look at you wide-eyed. "He told the king that if he played him the best ballad he'd ever heard, then the king would have to let all of us go." "What happened next?" Kier asks, flower crown laying forgotten. You smile conspiratorially. The five of you have been in the meadow for hours, chasing one another and weaving countless crowns in turn. "Well, he-" A [[shout]] sounds from near town.

(set: $childrenLocation to "cottage")You grab Myx in your arms, and hurry the rest of the group towards the cottage. You hear shouting in angry, unfamiliar tones. They sound too close for comfort. (if: $armed is false)[[[Prepare for battle|Grab your weapons.]]] (if: $armed is true)[[[Prepare for battle->Fight.]]] [[Wait for the noise to pass]]

You rush back to the cottage, and try the handle. It doesn't budge. "Refu!" You call out. "Lex! Kier! Myx!" You hear the sound of scraping, and then the door opens slightly. It's Refu. Behind him, the rest of the kids are huddled. You step inside. They moved the low table to block the door. You release a breath. They can take of themselves, even though they shouldn't have to. "Raiders are coming to town." You say. Another deep breath. (if: $blessing is true)["You'll be [[alright]]."] (if: $blessing is false)[(after: 7s)[You hear shouting in angry, unfamiliar tones. They sound too close for comfort. (if: $armed is false)[[[Prepare for battle|Grab your weapons.]]] [[Wait for the noise to pass]] ]]